The summer season is upon us, with temperatures rising in the Gulf region travelling to Europe is undoubtedly an appealing idea. Pleasant weather, beautiful landscapes, myriad offerings for all family members and shopping opportunities are some of the key reasons to visit Geneva. In 2018, the beautiful Swiss city registered 252,885 overnight stays by GCC travellers indicating the popularity of the destination. Numbers are expected to increase in 2019 owing to a calendar packed with new openings and events across Geneva.
Geneva is ranked among the ‘World’s Top 10 Most Livable Cities’ several times. This is achieved mainly due to its natural environment, public services, safety, socio-cultural environment and tourist attractions. Geneva’s international flair makes it a warm, welcoming destination for all travellers, offering something for everyone. Halal food, Arabic restaurants, and Arabic-speaking staff are just few elements that cater for travellers from this region. Geneva is an all-in-one destination perfectly located in the heart of Europe, which makes the city an ideal starting point for excursions to world- famous sites. Geneva is a combination of both a city break and mountain adventure. A drive to one of the mountains close to the city is filled with picturesque scenery and spectacular views.
Geneva’s old town is rich with culture, history and thousands of stories to tell its visitors. The Vieille-Ville, as it is called in French, is the largest historic town in Switzerland, and is dominated by St. Peter’s Cathedral, a symbolic location of the Reformation. Climb the 157 steps to the top of the tower for a unique panorama of the city; then take a stroll in the charming alleys and passageways, each telling its own story about Geneva’s history.
Lake Geneva is another hub for loads of summer activities. Organise a picnic during the afternoon or at sunset and enjoy a magical moment on the lake with your loved ones. Book a one-hour cruise and discover the beautiful shores of the city while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Unparalleled views of Mont-Blanc, the Jet d’Eau, monuments, famous villas, as well as the parks/gardens will make the excursion memorable. Another way to enjoy the lake is by the pedal boat, which is an exciting activity for all families. What’s more, if guests are in Geneva on August 10th, they’ll get to enjoy The Grand Fireworks, an annual pyrotechnics extravaganza that runs for a solid 45 minutes. Taking place in the heart of the harbour, the free show will be visible through 360º and play on reflections of the lake, as well as through the Jet d’Eau.
When it comes to performances throughout the summer, all the way through to 15th September, Geneva will play host to concerts, movie screenings, plays and magic shows, through L’Estivale 2019. While gastronomy will overtake the city, with pop-up restaurants on the lakeside, offering a range of local and international cuisine, as well as artisan dishes to be enjoyed while entertained by musicians and performers.
Geneva is rich in edutainment for young ones; with a visit to CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research and the home of the Large Hadron Collider, or the United Nations at the Palais des Nations, whereby humanitarian and global support actions are carried out. The city also plays host to several workshops for little ones including chocolate making, while watchmakers have opened their doors to allow visitors to see the secrets behind some of the world’s finest timepieces.
Any description of Geneva is incomplete without highlighting its shopping experiences. The city is considered as the capital of horology as it is home to prestigious international watch brands such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet, IWC and Bovet Fleurier. A trip to the Patek Philippe museum is unmissable. Fashion lovers will find their haven on Rue du Rhône, bursting with boutiques of popular luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Piaget, Cartier, Versace among several others.
Shopping in Geneva is not only about buying a renowned brand but it’s also about the complete experience, so that visitors can truly get an insight into their purchases. With less crowded streets, Arabic speaking staff and magnificent mountain views from the city centre, a traveller’s shopping experience will be unmatchable to that of other cities.
Also, Geneva’s bespoke services not only cover leisure activities, but also extend to their world-class medical offerings. Travellers can take advantage of their time in Geneva to check on their health in a destination ranked high for its impeccable healthcare systems. Many clinics and hospitals in the city have their own international patients’ centre to ease the process of communication. Arabic speaking doctors, nurses and translators are available to ensure the patients receive complete care.
When it comes to getting around the city it’s incredibly safe and clean; Geneva Public Transport’s network is named UNIRESO and is an interconnected system of trams, buses (TPG), mouettes (yellow transport boats) and trains (CFF) which can all be used on the same tickets and to suit your requirements.