If you took French in high school to fulfill a language requirement, you're in luck! Geneva is right on the border between France and Switzerland, so the main language is French (and English, let's be honest). Home to a variety of incredible international organizations like the UN and the Red Cross, Geneva is a great city for learning more about diplomacy or just european culture in general. Here are some of the best things to do:
1. St. Pierre Cathedral
The Saint Pierre cathedral is one of the best viewpoints in Geneva if you're willing to put in a little effort to get up there. The cathedral itself is also worth checking out if you're into architecture or instagram.
2. Lake Geneva
Walk around, go for a swim (there are places where you can pay to take a dip in the actual lake or in turkish style baths on the lake), look uncomfortably at shirtless men, check out the swans, or get up close and personal with the jet d'eau (the large ass fountain).
3. UN
The UN is cool even if you aren't an international relations nerd/aggressive model UN participant. I was though, so it was very exciting. You can check out the rooms where major international events happened and even see some diplomats. Pretty damn inspiring.
4. Red Cross Museum
The red cross was founded to help the wounded on all sides of international conflicts. Within their Geneva headquarters, they have a museum so you can check out more of their history.
5. Swiss Shopping!!
You wouldn't be reading be reading this if you weren't a tourist, so I assume you'll be looking for some touristy gifts for your friends (but let's be honest they're for yourself). Make sure you check out the swiss army knives and watches, but more importantly, gourmet Laderach chocolate.
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