Festival

International Motor Show

Being one of the largest international shows to be organized in all of Europe, and undoubtedly the most prominent of the motor shows held around the globe, the Geneva Motor Show offers glitz and glamour when it comes to the world of automobiles. Whether they are classic, contemporary, or post-modern, cars from a wide variety of designers and manufacturers are up for display in a spacious showroom.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Location: Palexpo Exhibition Center Dates: 3-11 March Contact: www.salon-auto.ch

More festivals in Geneva

Keep exploring Geneva.

Explore all

geneva

Fete De La Musique

Activity

This is the largest chain of music festivals held in Geneva, featuring over a hundred performances at more than thirty outdoor locations in the city. Ranging from classical to jazz to hip-hop and trance, the music festival caters to the tastes of every music lover. And outdoor locations mean there is no restriction on food and drinks, so the audience may very well benefit from the large number of food stalls scattered throughout the performing area. The concerts and performances are usually free of charge for everyone, but, obviously, the food is not!

geneva

L'Escalade

Activity

This historic festival commemorates the anniversary of the successful defense of the city against an invasion by the Duke of Savoy in 1602, when the citizens of Geneva went up in arms in order to repel the Duke and his band of ravaging mercenaries. The celebrations start on a Sunday, and last for a week, which is marked by history-related presentations, exhibitions, musical performances, and shows that celebrate the various aspects of Geneva's most glorious triumph.

geneva

Rolex Bol d'Or (Lake Sailing Regatta)

Activity

Hosted every year by the Societe Nautique de Geneve, the Rolex Bol d'Or is the most prominent sailing regatta in all of Europe, where more than 500 boats participate annually. A sure treat for lovers of adventure and stylish boats.

geneva

American Independence Day

Activity

This is a National Day celebration organized by the American International Club of Geneva, and features the largest display of 4th of July fireworks outside of the US. There are numerous patriotic functions arranged throughout the day, including live concerts and a food festival, and special shows for children, at the Centre Sportif du Bout du Monde.

geneva

Montreux Jazz Festival

Activity

The Montreaux Jazz Festival has been a characteristic festival in Geneva ever since it was founded in 1967. It attracts a large number of music artists from around the world to perform in the series of concerts which lasts more than a fortnight along the shores of the lake. As is customary, most of the concerts and jam sessions are free of charge for the common public to attend and enjoy. Some of the elite clubs where paid artists perform also offer an unforgettable experience to the audience of getting up close and personal with some of the world's greatest musicians.

geneva

Fetes De Geneve

Activity

The main festival organized during the summer season, attracting more than 2 million visitors every year. Food stalls, live music, parades, performances, and rides for children as well as adults, provide a uniquely captivating experience for the crowd each day along the Lake Geneva. As evening nears, a splendid display of fireworks lights up the horizon. Each night a different firework company sponsors the firework display, and each display is more magnificent than the previous. The festival ends with a dramatic and breathtaking Techno Parade consisting of highly decorated floats on wheels, with costumed dancers and music bands.

geneva

Festival De La Batie

Activity

Organized particularly for artists, painters, graphic designers, and multimedia enthusiasts, this outdoor festival is aimed at bringing together like-minded, artistically creative and talented people from all of France and Switzerland. The main highlights of the event include musical performances, art exhibitions, theatrical shows, and presentations on the various aspects of art. There are also workshops and seminars which target the general audience to raise awareness about the important role of art in society.

geneva

Christmas Festival

Activity

If you find all the other festivals in the city too monotonous in nature, in terms of music, dance, food, and artistic performances, this festival is sure to bring a smile to your face. This is the time when the people of Geneva truly display their Christmas spirit. Apart from the traditional Christmas celebrations, unique events and attractions like the Christmas Swimming Cup and the Open Air Skating Rink offer a pleasant escape from the monotony of the year-round festivals.

geneva

Geneva Winter Carnival

Activity

This festival is celebrated to bid farewell to the winter season, according to an old tradition. It attracts a large amount of children as well as childish adults. Activities range from an array of masquerade sessions to food festivals, drinking, singing, and dances. The main event, marking the final departure of winter and the arrival of spring, is a merry procession through the city streets, starting at the Bridge of Bergues at midday, and, continuing throughout the city, ending at midnight, when the citizens give a massive roar of goodbye to the winter season.

geneva

International Exhibition of Inventions

Activity

This is the largest such exhibition to be held anywhere in the world. Geneva's International Exhibition of Inventions has on display over a thousand new inventions and innovative products from around the globe. It offers a platform for thinkers, visualizers, and dreamers to bring their fantasies to life, in every aspect of modern science and technology, ranging from computing to toys to accessories and items of daily use. It also offers an insight to the public and private sector consumers as well as investors into the future of technology, and the importance and involvement of hi-tech products in our lives.

More places in Geneva

Keep exploring Geneva.

Explore all

geneva

The Conservatoire de Musique

Building

The Conservatory of Music is a relic from the Byzantine Empire. Decorated with muses of civilizations long gone by, the Conservatory hosts a modern academy of music consisting of several classrooms, in addition to a spacious hall for concerts and performances.

geneva

What to do with Children in Tow

Activity

Geneva is a city for the young and the old alike, and it offers unlimited hours of fun for children aged 1 to 101, or a little underage or a little overage. Some of the major attractions for children of all ages include:

geneva

The Treille Promenade

Sight

The Treille Promenade, near the southern part of the Old Town, offers scenic views of the city from a breathtaking height.

geneva

Tavel House

House

This is an old residential building in Geneva that was destroyed by a massive fire in the early 14th century, but has been restored and converted into a cultural museum. It has on display articles of daily use in Geneva, dating back from the Middle Ages to the late 19th century. The attic has a miniature model of an ancient Geneva when the rampart walls were still in place around the city.

geneva

The Grand Theatre

Theatre

This theatre is very similar to the Garnier Opera House located in Paris. It was constructed in 1879, but later had to be restored in 1961 after a fire damaged the theater. The theater provides a varying yet pleasing mix of classic, opera, and chamber music featuring works of some of the most prominent composers of the past as well as contemporary times.

geneva

Saint Peter's Cathedral

Churches

Located right in the center of the city, and dominating the buildings of the old town, the Cathedral is Geneva's oldest and most marvelous architectural heritage. Construction began around 1160, and took over four centuries to complete. Climbing the 157 steps of the north tower gives you breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city. The basement contains an Archaeological Museum that contains artifacts dating back to the 4th century AD.

geneva

The Jet d'eau

Sight

The Jet d'eau in Lake Geneva spouting 140 meters into the air is regarded as the world's tallest water fountain, symbolizing Geneva's position as a leader in harnessing hydraulic power.

geneva

Rath Museum

Museum

The Rath Museum is the first ever museum to be dedicated wholly to the fine arts in Geneva, in 1826. The building on its own is a masterpiece of architecture. It is located near the city's only remaining ancient rampart walls. The museum contains classical examples from Swiss art and design. Recent ongoing exhibitions from around Europe are also held here.

geneva

Parc La Grange

Park

This is the largest park in Geneva. It has a total land area of about 12000 square meters, and is situated alongside the Lake. The park houses the biggest and most splendid rose garden in all of Geneva. A theater inside the park, the Verdure Theatre, has free concerts and performances every Wednesday and Friday night during summers.

geneva

United Nations

Building

The Palais des Nations was built between 1929 and 1938 to act as headquarters for the League of Nations. The design is a collaboration of five contest winners. It is built in the Neoclassical style. In 1946, the Palais des Nations became the European headquarters for the newly minted United Nations. Over the next thirty years, the palace expanded to its present shape.

More restaurants in Geneva

Keep exploring Geneva.

Explore all

geneva

Cafe des Bains (French)

This modern cafe is located near Plaine des Plainpalais, and the French food menu here is regularly updated with innovative cuisines that never grow old and boring.

geneva

Relais de L'Entrecote (French)

Relais de l'Entrecote is a perfect choice for steak lovers. The starter meals include lettuce or walnut salad, and the main course comprises of entrecote smeared with mouthwatering sauces, and a bowl of crispy French fries. Desserts include French specialties like chocolate profiteroles or creme brulee. The service is superb, and the restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike.

geneva

Jeck's Place (Thai/Asian)

Small and quiet, this place is a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The meals are quite affordable, with lunch at around CHF 15, and dinner at CHF 25-30. The cuisine is largely Thai, including green curry and roasted duck, and a large variety of equally tempting desserts. Some dishes are influenced by Singaporean, Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian tastes. The service is quick and polite.

geneva

Le Relais de L'Entrecote (French/Steakhouse)

Full of smoke, but also full of style. Perfect if you love red meat and steak. Full meals can be a little expensive.

geneva

Manana (Mexican)

The first Mexican restaurant to be established in Geneva and still quite popular as the best in Mexican food. Its cocktails, served by the Cactus Club in the basement, are worth a try.

geneva

Cafe Gallay (French/Italian)

Lively atmosphere, young and intellectual crowd, polite service, a constantly changing menu with new modifications according to the seasons, and a truly amazing wine collection. Prices, too good to be true. What more can you want?

geneva

Restaurant Les Armures (Swiss, Austrian & German)

Ranked as a five-star hotel, Restaurant Les Armures is located quite close to Saint Peter's Cathedral in the Old Town, and at just a few minutes' walk from the city centre. It is the best traditional Swiss experience you could get anywhere, including the setting, the decor, the food, and the hospitable waiters and staff. Restaurant Les Armures serves tantalizing Swiss cuisines, including the ever-popular fondues and raclette, as well as international dishes from Austria and Germany. The dining at this restaurant is truly fit for a king - or president, rather. Former American president Jimmy Carter and the Clintons have paid notable visits to this restaurant. Single meals at around CHF 30.

geneva

Sam Lor (Thai)

Thai food lovers are sure to be delighted by what this restaurant has to offer. Specialties include favorites like Duck or Red Coquelet smeared in a sauce of coconut milk. The prices can be termed as a little above reasonable sometimes. The service, however, is exceptionally efficient as well as jovial. Being reputed as being the most authentic Thai restaurant in Geneva, Sam Lor always spills out customers who are truly satisfied.

geneva

Le Bearn (French)

Classic French dishes are the highlight at this restaurant, with the truffles deserving a special mention. For those who visit in the winter season, the menu would be largely based on truffles of different types, including the dessert. The setting and ambience is lavish and extremely elegant, inspired by imperial themes, which give a look of formality to the interior. Not at all recommended if you are short on money - basic meals start at CHF 50, but most meals are well into the three-digit range.

geneva

Les Continents (Continental)

The interior is dominated by elegant Victorian-styled furnishings and decor, including chandeliers and table linens. Les Continents provides, as the name suggests, a wealth of international dishes from all around the globe, but a clear influence of Asian cuisine is noticeable. Specialties on the menu include items such as langoustines and pineapple soufflé. There is no doubt as to the quality of meals served here; they are simply par excellence. The service, too, is quite pleasant.