Geneva. In this picturesque corner of Europe each traveler, regardless of age, will feel at home at any time of the year. Geneva is a quiet and prosperous city in the western part of Switzerland, where the spirit of antiquity is organically combined with the latest attributes of modern life, and the incredible sights are waiting for you there at every step.

If you want to spend your vacation in Geneva not only calmly, but also cheerfully, Geneva will suit you and your family as much as it’s possible. So, we have carefully prepared for you a list of Geneva’s spots that deserve special attention, especially if you travel with kids…

Maison Cailler

Maison Cailler is a chocolate factory, which was founded by Francois Louis Cailler in 1796, and since then Cailler has been the most famous and respected chocolate-maker in Switzerland. Cailler factory has developed the original recipe of chocolate, in which fresh alpine milk was used for the first time instead of milk powder. Continuous improvement of the recipes created by Francois-Louis Cailer imparts a unique taste and special softness to the chocolate.

The factory offers daily guided tours, which will be very interesting not only to small travelers, but also their parents. Of course, it’s impossible to ignore an opportunity to taste the best European chocolate and feel the atmosphere of the ‘factory where miracles are created’.

Address: Rue Jules Bellet 7

Operating hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-4pm

Admission: adults - 12 CHF/person, kids 10-16 - 9 CHF/person

Jardin Botanique

Jardin Botanique is a conservatory and a Botanical Garden of Geneva. So, all lovers of nature and those who like walks in the open air should definitely visit it. This Botanical Garden was founded in the 19th century and from the first years of its existence it became one of the most popular Geneva’s sights. Despite the abundance of tourists, the garden is always perfectly maintained and filled with an atmosphere of tranquility. Jardin Botanique is a place where everyone will find something great: the flora lovers will surely be interested in a garden with exotic plants and greenhouses, children won’t remain indifferent to peacocks and graceful royal deer living in their natural habitat, adults can visit the research institute in the garden, where modern equipment is presented as well as there’s a huge library.

Address: 1292 Chambésy-Genève

Operating hours: daily, November-March 8am-5pm, April-October 8am-7.30pm

Admission: free of charge

Geneva Art and History Museum

The Museum of Art and History of Geneva is perhaps the most visited cultural monument of the city. You can find there more than 7 thousand masterpieces of paintings, a huge collection of more than 60 thousand ancient Greek and Roman coins, as well as more than 20 thousand samples of porcelain and ceramics from different eras. The museum exists mainly thanks to the donations of the locals, which once again speaks of the respect and pride that the people of Switzerland feel for their country.

Address: Rue Charles-Galland 2

Operating hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-12pm, Sunday closed

Admission: temporary exhibitions between 5-20 CHF, depending on the specific exhibition; admission is free of charge free for under 18 visitors and each first Sunday of the month.

CERN Research Laboratory

What does the universe consist of? What contributed to the emergence of the universe? Answers to these and other questions CERN scientists have been searching for many years and will gladly share their knowledge with you. CERN is a grandiose multimedia exposure explaining the origin of the universe, and the phenomenon of the Big Bang. Since 1954, the laboratory staff has been using the most advanced equipment to study the fundamental aspects of life, and their achievements are of tremendous importance for the world development. By the way, CERN also is the birthplace of the World Wide Web– the most significant element of modern communications and progress.

Address: Route de Meyrin, 1217 Meyrin

Operating hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-5.45pm, Sunday closed

 Admission: free of charge, passport or identity card is required

Rousseau Island

Rousseau Island is a real jewel of Geneva situated in the estuary of the Rhone River. It’s like an island of relaxation and bliss that serves as a meeting point for loving couples throughout the year, and in summer it’s an oasis with lots of entertainment for children and adults providing stunning views of Geneva and Rhone.

Rousseau Island is an excellent spot to escape from busting city sitting on a comfortable stone 70-meters long bench. There’s also a cozy cafe, where you can order a cup of tea and listen to the twittering of birds, look at the water surface and just dream about something. Probably, philosophical thoughts usually come to mind in such places.

Address: Passerelle de Pont de Bergues

Operating hours: open 24 hours

 Admission: free of charge

Of course, this is not a complete list of Geneva’s sights that are worth your attention. However, we’ve tried to choose for you those ones that will give the same pleasure both to you and your kids. So, visit them to make your family trip interesting and fun. By the way, don’t forget to rent a car in Geneva to reach all these spots quickly and easily.