"Smurfs" Buildings

Geneva

DESTINATIONS switzerland geneve Do & See "Smurfs" Buildings

"Smurfs" Buildings

If you are interested in architecture you should pay a visit to the Schtroumpf Buildings (Smurfs buildings). These very peculiar buildings can only be admired from the outside, but are a real architectural pleasure and a fun thing to look for when walking around the area.

Useful Information

Address: Rue Louis Favre 23-29, Geneva

More Do & See

Jet d´Eau is one of the highest water fountains in the world and a famous landmark of Geneva, which you can see from almost everywhere in the centre and up to very far in the surroundings (even past the border!). The fountain shoots 500 litres of water a second to a height of 140 metres.

UN Headquarters - Palais des Nations

The United Nation’s European headquarters is located in a stately marble building surrounded by green parks. This is a must-see in Geneva, and it would really be a shame to miss it for it is such an important part in the identity of the city. For a closer look you can book a scheduled tour.

Botanical Garden / Jardin Botanique

This fascinating park and ”living museum” hosts 16,000 plant varieties and the world’s largest herbarium. From its creation at the beginning of the 19th century, its beauty and its aim to spread knowledge have evolved continuously. The herbarium archive contains more than 6 million plants.

Place du Bourg-de-Four

In the heart of the Old Town you will find this old and charming square decorated with an 18th-century fountain. This is the ultimate place for people to meet and have a coffee or drink before going for some intense shopping in the neighbouring streets.

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

You have most certainly heard of the Red Cross for its actions around the world. When in Geneva you should seize the opportunity to visit the Red Cross Museum, a place for reflection and raising awareness. Onsite you can visit both the permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Flower Clock / L´Horloge Fleurie

L’Horloge Fleurie is a super-size watch with a diameter of five meters, made of 6,500 flowers, symbolising Switzerland’s world-famous watch industry. This symbol has been around since the 1950’s, and the decorations and plants are changed in harmony with the season.

Patek Philippe Museum

If you are interested in watches, this museum hosts an important collection of timepieces from the 16th century on-wards, and the finest creations of this Geneva-based watchmaker. Nowhere else is the Swiss passion for clocks, watches and the passing of time as obvious as here.

The CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory and has been behind numerous major discoveries. Here you can expand your scientific knowledge and explore the mysteries of the universe in an interactive Science Centre.

Lake Geneva (called Lac Léman in French) is located right in the middle of the city and is one of the largest lakes in Europe. The public transport pass gives you access to the boat system and we can only recommend you go on a boat trip on this beautiful lake.

Museum of Natural History

This large museum is located in Parc Malagnou at the entrance of the city and it truly is the perfect place to bring your family for a good day of fun and learning. It traces evolution back in time with a great deal of impressive temporary and interactive exhibitions.

Cathedrale de St-Pierre

The Cathedrale de St-Pierre is a famous cathedral and one of Geneva city's icons. It is a landmark of the religious past of the Swiss town. This cathedral has a very long and important history, in part because it is where John Calvin held his sermons.

Far away from its country of origin, this Orthodox Russian Church is nonetheless very typical, and its golden spires and splendid architecture are sure to take your breathe away. It is highly photogenic and will transport you to another time and another place in an instant.

"Smurfs" Buildings

If you are interested in architecture you should pay a visit to the Schtroumpf Buildings (Smurfs buildings). These very peculiar buildings can only be admired from the outside, but are a real architectural pleasure and a fun thing to look for when walking around the area.

Bain des Paquis

Because of Geneva’s ideal location by the lake, you can enjoy true city beach life at the Bain des Paquis, a mini beach where you can swim with the local ducks and swans. This beach is very crowded during summer and offers all-seasons activities like sauna, massages and a hammam.

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

This contemporary art museum opened in 1994 and hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions. If you appreciate the artists of our period and are always up for some cultural discovery, this museum is the place for you and will definitely capture your interest!