7. CERN
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 as an international physics research centre. In 1989, CERN was the birthplace of the World Wide Web.
Today scientifically curious visitors head to the site to gain insights to a place where 2500 scientists seek answers to fundamental questions about the universe.
To see a host of the city's modern and old world attractions, book a guided tour of Geneva's international quarters and Old Town, or combine a city tour with a boat cruise.
Travelling with kids? A self-guided scavenger hunt and city tour might just keep the whole family entertained.
Which areas should you visit in Geneva?
Genevois orient the city centre around the Rhône, which flows west into France from the Rade. The narrow lake harbour is flanked by grand facades.
The Rive Gauche, on the south bank, takes in a grid of waterfront streets which comprise the main shopping district (Les Rues-Basses) and the adjacent high ground of the Old Town. Just south is the university, spilling over into Plainpalais.
Beyond this is lively Carouge, characterized by artisans’ workshops.
Six bridges, including the main Pont du Mont-Blanc, link the Rive Gauche to the Rive Droite waterfront, where most of Geneva’s grand hotels sit.
Behind them lies the Gare de Cornavin, the main train station, alongside the cosmopolitan and occasionally rough Les Pâquis district.
The international area, 1.5km north and centred on Place des Nations, is home to the European headquarters of the UN, set amid a clutch of world bodies – not least the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Best places to stay in Geneva
At first sight, Geneva’s accommodation scene can appear to consist solely of grandiose palace hotels catering to diplomats and the international glitterati.
That said, more affordable accommodation is available if you know where to look, though booking ahead is essential, since all affordable rooms can easily get snapped up by delegates to the continuous round of conferences and international events.
Vacant rooms in Geneva’s two hostels are likewise at a premium, though thankfully both are comparatively large, sleeping hundreds of people between them.