Geneva guide | Geneva attractions and things to do
February: Christmas Ice Rink - What would winter in Geneva be without a fantastic ice rink? After all the land the city sits on was carved out by glaciers in the last ice age! Place du Rhone has the best open air rink in town that not only provides skating but other winter activities like ice hockey and an ice sculpture parade. Admission varies to event.
March: Apassionata, Grand Voyage - Each year incredibly talented and gorgeous horses take over the world during their Grand Voyage. Their journey makes a stop at Geneva's Arena each March. Sets include Arabian Nights and Sparkling Diamonds which pays homage to the world's oldest and possibly most handsome breed, the Arabian. The infamous Lipizzaner stallions of Spain also show of their traditional costume and dance, while other horses show of their equestrian skills throughout this amazing trip. Shows are from 3:00pm and 8:00pm.
April: International Exhibition of Inventions - Researchers, companies, industries and associations - private and otherwise - come from the world over to present their newest creations to the public. Nearly 1,000 of the latest and greatest inventions are shown annually from children's toys to environmental issues and beyond. The Palexpo Exhibition Centre's doors open at 10:00 am - 7:00pm. Admission is SFr14 and concessions SFr9.
May: Europ'art Fair - This forum provides access and inspiration to artists, agents and buyers from across the globe. Nearly 50,000 come here to enjoy the galleries as well as the special exhibits that Geneva's best museums put on display here. The event runs parallel to the Geneva Book Fair which is by far one of the largest in the world. The expo runs from April into May at the Palexpo from 9:30am - 7:00pm. Admission is SFr12, concessions SRf5.
June: Bol d'Or Race - Hundreds of boats and yachts invade Lake Geneva each June in a quest for the Golden Cup. Participants set sail at 9:00am sharp to battle it out as the best boat. Admission is free for spectators.
July: American Independence Day in Geneva - Crowds of 35,000 come to Stade du Bout du Monde for the biggest 4th of July party outside of the United States. In staying with its international air, Geneva pays homage to the U.S. with an open-air party filled with drinks, music, entertainment and a massive fireworks display. Admission is free.
August: Swiss National Day - The first of August each year marks the celebration of Swiss pride. Communities pull together to throw parties, parades and speeches by day. Come night fall folks light huge bonfires and children carry paper lanterns and set off fireworks into the wee hours of the morning. Admission is free.
September: Festival of the Vine - In the scenic downtown area of the city, 75,000 guests gather to celebrate the autumn harvest season with wine tasting, wine seminars, music, a flower market, classic car show, carriage rides and other forms of family friendly entertainment. Festival of the Vine is open on Friday and Saturday from 10:00am - 9:00pm and Sunday from 11:0am - 6:00pm. Admission is free.
October: Swiss Classic British Car Show - The quite village of Morges comes alive with the squeal of tires and the hum of engines as the best British vintage and classic cars rumble into town. The show also brings together the past with the present since some of the most striking Bentleys, Jaguars and Triumps the world has ever seen also come here to show off their chrome. The show attracts an upwards of 10,000 oglers. The show is open from 10:00am - 5:00pm. The date changes yearly but admission stays free.
November: Floralies - The citizens of Geneva are known for the pride that they take in their floral gardens. That pride swells to its peak during Floralies at the Palexpo Exhibition Centre when florists from Geneva, as well around the world, join up to show off their creative side and inspire others. This is one of the few expos where you can find nearly every flower under the sun in the same building. Floralies runs from Monday through Friday 10:00am - 10:00pm, Saturday 9:00am - 10:00pm and Sunday 9:00am - 8:00pm. Admission is Sfr 15 for adults, free for 10 and under and SFr 11 for concessions.
December: Coupe de Noel - Each year swimmers from all over the world come to battle it out in the annual Christmas Cup swimming competition. Swimmers take a daring plunge into the fridge waters of Lake Geneva to test their swimming skills as well as their mental perseverance in this chilling challenge. It should be noted that the lake's temperature is a low 4-5 degrees Celsius and the air temperature is usually around 0 degrees Celsius on average. Talk about a cold one! Swimmers gather at the Jardin Anglais and dive in anytime between 9:00am - 12:00pm. It is SFr25 to swim if you dare free to watch.
