The presence of many well known international organisations such as the headquarters of the Red Cross has quite kindly contributed to placing Geneva on the map, but don’t that this unfairly overshadow much of the charm that belongs to this interesting city. Switzerland, despite the small size of the country, Geneva is in fact the second most populated city there, after Zurich. It picturesque surroundings in the form of beautiful mountain ranges only contribute to the environment provided from the all year round cold weather. As such, it provides the perfect atmosphere for ski fanatics alike. Geneva, whilst neither packed with tourists nor undiscovered, the city still manages to strike the right balance, and those wanting to get away from it all while still being near to popular amenities, are also well catered for. Its strong corporate and governmental presence has resulted in a surge in the quantity and quality of restaurants and bars catering for the city’s affluent residents and guests. Furthermore, the influx of foreign residents has added a little colour and culture to this modern global city. Geneva ranks very highly among European cities in terms of quality of life. Despite hosting the headquarters of the UN, it keeps a relatively low profile and manages to be a well known city yet little publicized one at the same time. It is possibly no surprise that a few of the hidden attractions tend to be discovered on foot during day trips, as opposed to carefully pre-arranged itineraries of must see places and things to do. In the quaint market stalls, you will find a diverse range of local delights and gifts, ranging from antiques to food and flowers. Situated on the cobbled streets of the Old Town, it contrasts nicely with the imposing corporate buildings which make modern Geneva such an important stage for world politics. In addition, the wonderful archectecture of the Cathdral de St Pierre is not to be missed, nor is the Jet d’ Eau (Water Fountain) with its photogenic high spray of water. Anyone considering a city break in Geneva will quickly discover that its prime location nestled between the Alps and the Jura mountains have made it a hugely popular destination for skiers and snowboarding fanatics alike from all over Europe. However, skiing is not the only main highlight of Geneva; during the summer season the Geneva Festival manages to attract large numbers to the shore of Lake Geneva. Taking place here is a range of concerts, food, and arts and crafts from around the world. Showcasing a varied range of music from techno to classical, the festival offers a variety of non-stop entertainment. And if course, no festival is complete without having the grand finale of a thrilling fireworks display. It is perhaps a common mistake to perceive Geneva to be a city strongly influenced and surrounded by politics and corporate hospitality, however, its array of attractions prove otherwise. If anything, look beyond the political news bulletins and you will discover the heart of this city proves very rewarding.
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