Old Town

Geneva`s Old Town, in French called Vieille Ville, is an ancient maze of small streets and charming squares, filled with quaint cafés, restaurants, galleries, museums and historical sites, lined by historical buildings decorated with beautiful masonry facades. Situated in the heart of Geneva`s Old Town is Bourg-de-Four Square, once where the Roman marketplace was held, it is now the gateway to the picturesque maze of the streets of old town. The square is also a shopping area with various souvenir shops, newspaper stands, an ice cream parlor, coffee shops and popular restaurants with outside seating. This area is always filled with people for its unique historic and authentic atmosphere.

Apart from famous St. Peter`s Cathedral, the must see places are Maison Tavel and the Old Arsenal located in front, Place du Bourg-de-Four and The Treille Promenade.

Les Pâquis

The Pâquis district is an active hub for foreign cuisine and nightlife. Some highlights in the Pâquis area are the Bains des Paquis, an artificial peninsula and beach; Paquis Lake Promenade; Square des Alpes, a small park of greenery bordering the fancy Beau Rivage hotel and the beautiful Square de la Navigation. You`ll also find a range of hotels in Pâquis from inexpensive to first class lake side hotels with views of the Jet d`Eau. There are many restaurants to choose from here offering up all types of cuisines, along with many clubs, pubs and bars.

The area offers an active atmosphere and in the summer time with lots of young people hanging outside enjoying the grassy lake promenade. The Paquis area is fairly safe at night, but you do want to stay aware of your surroundings while walking in this area, especially in the Red Light District. This district does have a reputation for prostitution and drugs, so be aware that Geneva, however safe it is, has its dark side as well.