Category Archives: Shopping
Visit the European headquarters of UN at Geneva
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Your trip to Geneva would be surely incomplete if you happen to miss out a visit to the European Headquarters of the United Nations. The Palais and its buildings constitute the second-largest building complex in Europe after Versailles.
The sprawling complex is accessible only via guided tour, offering unique insight into the inner workings of the world’s most important international body. You are sure to get impressed by witnessing its 2,000 seat Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber decorated with gold murals depicting the human struggle for peace.
The building popularly known as The Palace of Nations was built between 1929 and 1936 to serve as the headquarters of the League of Nations. Since 1946 it holds the pride of being the official home to the United Nations Office at Geneva after the Secretary General of the UN signed a Headquarters Agreement with the Swiss authorities, although Switzerland did not become a member of the UN until 2002.
The Palais stands at the Ariana Park, which has an interesting history attached to it. The park was donated to the Geneva Government in 1890 by Gustave de Revilliod de la Rive. In return, Gustave wanted three promises from the Government which the Government maintains to date:
- The park always remains accessible to the public.
- Gustave was buried in the park.
- The peacocks are allowed to roam freely on its grounds.
Beneath the Palais des Nations’s foundation stone is a time capsule containing a document listing the names of the League of Nations member states, a copy of the Covenant of the League, and specimen coins of all the countries represented at the league’s Tenth Assembly. A medal showing the Palais des Nations with the Jura Mountains in the background was struck in silvered bronze.The building overlooks Lake Geneva and has a clear view of the French Alps.
The building is open between 10:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 16:00 Daily. 09:00 – 16:00 (July and August). Passport is required for admission.
The Rousseau island in Geneva
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The city of Geneva is dotted with various exotic tourist attractions each offering a unique face of nature. Among all these attractions, the Rousseau Island stands out due to its serenity offering a perfect romantic location. The island stands at the meeting point of the River Rhone and Lake Geneva. This small island was named after Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a Genevan philosopher and there is a statue of him on the island. The island is located near the right bank of Geneva’s shore and is connected to the des Bergues bridge and overlooks the Mont-Blanc bridge. It offers a 18th century style pavilion and an opportunity to dine at the little restaurant amidst the beauty of nature. The island is a heaven for those who are interested in sunning or relaxing.
Apart from the fascinating views of the city and lake which can be seen from the island, Rousseau Island also has a bird sanctuary, beautiful plants, trees and gardens.
However, looking at this beautiful island, one can never relate to this fact that it had a troubled past. But this is a truth. Surrounded by walls at the end of the 16th century, it served as a bastion to protect the city. In 1628 it became a shipyard and was known as the Island of the Boats. With the construction of the Bergues Bridge in 1832, which linked to the island by a footbridge, it was renamed after Genevan philosopher, Jean- Jacques Rousseau. It has since been transformed into a public garden, with a statue of this great man sculpted by the Genevan Pierre Pradier.
Parks And Gardens In Geneva
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Popularly known as the ‘City of Parks’, Geneva is a green city with one quarter of its area being covered with public parks which were earlier private properties later taken over by the Government. The location near the calm waters of the lake and the beauty of surrounding mountains add to the appeal of these parks. Here are some of the most popular parks of Geneva:
Parc La Grange
Quai Gustave Ador
This is Geneva’s largest park in area stretching to 12000 square meters along the lake. The park takes pride in owing the largest rose garden in the city and a horticultural center. Added attraction is the Verdure Theatre on site which hosts free concerts every Wednesday and Friday during the summer months.
English Garden
Quai Gustave-Ador
The park stands on the left bank near the Jet d’Eau. The garden is popular because of its flower clock, and many other famous statues like ‘Monument National,’ and a sculpted bronze fountain by Alexis Andre.
Eaux Vives Park
Quai Gustave Ador
This is a sloping hillside park which also happens to be the location of the headquarters of the Geneva Sports Association. It also has a restaurant at its top.
Bastions Park
Place Neuve
This place was the site of the first university in Geneva and is a popular hangout for students who love to go for a game at the set of life size chess boards at the north end of the park. The park is also known for the Reformation Wall built along the old rampart wall of the Old Town.
Batie Woods
Jonction
The park abounds in wildlife and has several hiking trails which are popular with joggers and hikers alike. A small zoo and several terrace restaurants are also located in the park.
Places to visit in Geneva
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Geneva one of the most beautiful places on earth attracts a large number of tourists. As is obvious there are several places that must be visited in this city. This article aims to present a brief summary of the most important among them.
The most famous of these places is the spectacular lake of Geneva. Not only does it provide a pleasant sight for the eyes but it also offers a wide number of activities to keep the tourists entertained. Various landmarks are present on this lakefront which serves to enhance its attraction. Along the left and right banks of the lake are present the Promenades. These are filled with a wide range of cafes, parks, street markets and other diversions from lake cruises to amusement rides to water skiing. Protruding from the ground up to an astonishing height of 140 metres is the Jet d’eau. It symbolizes Geneva’s heritage as a leader in the field of hydraulic power. Likewise there are other structures on the eastern and western bank too. You can also find many good hotels for accommodation in this area.
The next major area that is a must visit is the old town of Geneva with its sloping cobblestone streets and alleyways. The pavements are filled with cafes, boutiques and historical landmarks at every turn. Its ancient feel is increased by the ever present old buildings. The Hotel De Ville located along Rue de l’Hotel-de-Ville was built in the 15th century and continues to fulfill its role as a seat of government in Geneva. It is also the site of many political milestones including the first convening of the Geneva Convention in 1864 and the founding of the League of Nations in 1920. The oldest public square, Bourg-de-Four is also present here. Filled with a wide range of bistros, terraces, bars and other popular meeting spots, it continues to attract tourists as well as locals. The south side has the Treille Promenade which features the towns last remaining rampart wall. Atop this wall you can see the entire city. The Old Arsenal, a former battery now features a mosaic by Alexandre Cingria depicting Caesar’s arrival in the city 58 BC.
A number of other places like the Reformation wall located in Bastions Park, Place Neuve featuring the Conservatory of Music, the Grand Opera Theater, the Rath Museum and also the Victory Concert Hall and the Schtrumpfs building which gave rise to the name of the famous cartoon character ‘smurfs’. There are several other places too.
Hotel International & Terminus, Geneva Hotels near Train Station
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Hotel International & Terminus, Geneva Hotels near Train Station
Overview of the Hotel: Located 88 yards from Geneva’s main train station Cornavin (terminus for airport train), Hotel International & Terminus is in its cozy traditional atmosphere. It was completely refurbished in 2010. From the International & Terminus Hotel you can easily reach the exhibition halls and all other important points in the city, as the main city bus lines all leave from the train station. It takes you only a 5 minute walk to get to Lake Geneva, 15 minutes to the center of the city and a 10-12 minute bus ride to the UN and other international organizations. Geneva Lake is a body of freshwater in southeastern Wisconsin in Walworth county. On its shores are the city of Lake Geneva, and the villages of Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake, and Williams Bay. Lakeshore attractions include Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva Yacht Club, Chuck’s Tavern, Aurora University, George Williams campus, and the Yerkes Observatory. The recently renovated historic building houses the inviting La Veranda restaurant with its summer terrace. You can choose from a wide variety of reasonably priced menu dishes and 3-course set meals reflecting different regional culinary traditions.
Wireless internet is available in all guest rooms of the Hotel International free of charge.
Amenities at the Hotel: The facilities include Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Safe, Baggage Storage, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking. Other services include Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Ironing Service, Currency Exchange, Shoe Shine and Fax/Photocopying. Internet Connection is available for free. Wi-fi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge. Parking Space is Not available.
Hotel Rules: The Check-in time for the hotel is 15:00 – 00:00 hours and the check out time is 07:00 – 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 2 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots. Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed/cot or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Pets are not allowed. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, and Maestro. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Single Room: CHF 215
Included in room price: 3.60 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
Not included in room price: CHF 2.95 city tax per person per night.
9 square metres Double or Twin Room: CHF 245
Included in room price: 3.60 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
Not included in room price: CHF 2.95 city tax per person per night.
9 square metres Triple Room: CHF 265
Included in room price: 3.60 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
Not included in room price: CHF 2.95 city tax per person per night.
What and where to shop in Geneva?
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With respect to shopping experience in Geneva, though, it is not as much as vast and elaborate like shopping centers of London and Paris, yet it has many a good number of spot and places to cheer about and cheer around when a person is going for a shopping spree on his tour to Switzerland and Geneva.
Shopping for clothing and accessories is not as exciting as one may expect it to being. Most of the clothing accessories there are rather expensive or uninteresting; however, among offerings floor length purple fur coat with the rhinestone trim is yet quite interesting. Geneva is yet place to many a good number of watch manufacturers, and there exists many jewelers and horologers that yet can help in wearing out in right kind of accessories and goods. Yet for a tourists pleasure there are many boutiques in the city center that helps to buy Plainpalais or the Paquis for second hand retro wear.
Apart from clothing if you are anyway interested in sending home some Swiss souvenirs there are many shop selling them out there along the main streets leading down to the lake from Gare Cornavin. Some other interesting spot there to sale out souvenirs are at the end of the Mont Blanc Bridge. That is one side of the picture, yet, Geneva has a rather specialization in other finer things of the life and still is a place for world class window shopping. Most of the retails stores in Geneva remains open throughout the day. Many service shops there remains close for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00 during the week. Most of the shops does not open past 19:00 and remain closed on Sundays.
• Watches: Geneva is also known for its watch industry that dates back to 16th century and she still is a world leader in top branded watches situated in the city including Patek Phillipe, Frank Muller, Swatch, Omega and Piaget. Some of the popular shops for watches in Geneva are Expace Temps, Bucherer, Franck Muller, Patek Phillippe, Swatch, Piaget, Gallopin, Orfeo by Christ, Zbinden.
• Chocolate: Another important and popular item to be sold around in Geneva is Chocolate that is loved by all. There are many specialty shops in Geneva for chocolate a lover that is their paradise. For the best shopping experience you should check out for many decorative specialty shops that features everything from truffles to chocolate stuffed pastries and fruits. The popular one shop is Auer, Christian Constant, Arn Chocolatierie, Cartier Patisserie Confiserie Chocolaterie and Rohr. Some other popular Souvenir Shops there are Bucherer,Cadhor, Badec S.A, Consul.
• Tobacco: In a different tradition to Europe smoking is quite popular in Geneva as common smoking items like Geneva. Havana cigars, unique lighters, antique pipes and other accessories can be found in tobacco shops and places throughout the Geneva city.
• Antiques and Art: Antique dealers in Geneva can be found at cross road that connects Europe with special attention to pieces as found around 19th century France. The Plaine de Plainpalais flea market there indeed has some great deals and the Old Geneva Town is filled with top examples of European craftsmanship.
Shopping Streets and Areas in Geneva
As far as shopping streets in Geneva are concerned they are well spread around the city and some of the most common and popular ones are the following ones:
• City Center: Spreading from the banking district to Eaux Vives, the parallel streets of Rue du Rhone and Rue du Marche creates Geneva’s most famous shopping district. There are situated many Designer retail stores and world famous watchmakers line which are streets packed with window shoppers. They often resemble a fashion runway and the entire area is also a great spot for people watching.
• Rue du Mont Blanc: There on the sections of the street one can have large selection of clothing and jewelry on display along Rue du Mont Blanc and its surrounding streets. It is also a great area to pick up souvenirs like Swiss pocket knives, chocolates and other Swiss knick-knacks.
• The Old Town: This Street is popular for old art souvenirs. In old town The Grand Rue is the primary shopping street. In old town there too are many antique shops and museums are situated that are filled with relics dating back to Geneva’s medieval and older days.
• Rue des Paquis: This shopping street is popular for the trendy vintage clothing stores and interesting ethnic boutiques. One car bargain here for rather reasonable price. The most common shops here are for bookstores, jewelry, kitchenware, antiques and oriental rugs.
Outdoor Markets
Geneva’s outdoor markets are great opportunity and alternative high priced world of retail as well as opportunity to mix up with locals. There Bargaining is yet available and provided for non food items with a bit persuasion. Below is provided a list of some outdoor markets in Geneva. They are being like as:
• Plaine de Plainpalais: It is the largest outdoor flea market in Geneva where locals go to sell out their old and often valuable ‘junk’, be it paintings, records, dish sets, antiques or vintage clothing.
• Boulevard Helvetique: It is a farmers market selling out the fresh fruit and vegetables from local farmers.
• Place de la Fusterie: It is a regional handicrafts market for goods from throughout Switzerland and France.
• Place de la Madeleine: It is a clothes and book market that opens during spring and summer.
• Rue des Grottes: It is a popular farmers market.
• Halles de Rive: This is a famous food market showing up gourmet Swiss, French and Italian specialties.
• Place du Marche: It is a Friendly local market in Carouge’s largest public square. Wednesdays and Saturdays only.