When I arrived in Geneva, I immediately felt why it is considered one of the most international cities in the world. Walking through its streets, you realize this is the beating heart of global diplomacy. Passing by iconic places like the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the International Committee of the Red Cross made me feel connected to the bigger picture of our world. It gives the city a cosmopolitan and multicultural soul that you can truly breathe as you explore.
For me, the soul of the city is Lake Geneva. It is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, and its wide, calm waters surround everything with an elegant, luminous aura. One of my favorite moments was simply strolling along the shore and sitting by the water. Having the lake constantly in sight brought me a continuous feeling of serenity and open space that stayed with me throughout the day.
Right there, springing from the lake, is the iconic Jet d’Eau. Watching this massive water jet shoot over a hundred meters into the sky is mesmerizing. I found myself stopping to gaze at it, completely captivated by the way the sunlight danced through the spray.
To get around and really take everything in, I decided to take a hop-on hop-off tour, and it turned out to be one of my best decisions. It gave me a great sense of the city’s layout and took me beyond the central streets to places I might have otherwise missed. Out of everything I saw, the giant Broken Chair sculpture in front of the United Nations hit me the deepest. Standing before this massive tribute to war victims and opposition to landmines was a powerful, deeply moving experience that brought Geneva’s humanitarian spirit straight to my heart.
Beyond its diplomatic identity, I fell in love with Geneva’s rich French flair. Hearing French spoken all around and indulging in delicious macarons and delicate pastries felt like stepping into France without ever leaving Switzerland. The whole atmosphere felt refined and elegant. For me, Geneva is far more than just a destination on a Swiss itinerary; it is a city you do not just visit, but one you genuinely feel and carry with you.
