Local Guide

With Swissôtel Métropole so perfectly situated in the centre of Geneva you can admire the city from our panoramic terrace, or discover the old town and its galleries just steps away from the hotel and enjoy some shopping on the luxurious Rue du Rhône.
Popular sights, such as Saint-Pierre Cathedral where Jean Calvin helped launch the Reformation, are within walking distance, and the imposing United Nations complex is just a few stops away by public transport.
The lake also offers you a variety of activities – including swimming and sailing – and don’t forget that the closest Alpine resorts are less than an hour from Geneva.

Local Events

Old Town and Museums

All Year

The cradle of the Reformation, Geneva’s old town, is Switzerland’s largest historic city. Geneva also hosts many museums, such as the International Red Cross Museum, the UN Palace of Nations, the Patek Philippe watch museum or the MAMCO, the Musée d'art moderne et contemporain.
All year around

SIHH - International Fine Watchmaking Exhibition

21 Jan

23rd edition. A private event for trade visitors only, its showcases unveil the latest innovations in technical and precious Haute Horlogerie.
21 - 25 Jan 2013

83rd International Motor Show

7 Mar

The International Geneva Motor Show is an annual auto show held in March in Geneva and is considered an important major international auto show.
First held in 1905, the Salon has hosted almost all major internal combustion engined models in the history of the automobile.
7 - 17 Mar 2013

Montgolfiades International Hot Air Balloon Festival

19 Apr

Every spring, the whole town turns its eyes to the sky to admire some 30 hot air balloons taking off from the main public parks for five exceptional flights above the city. A free show for both young and old. Don’t forget to take your camera along!
19 - 21 Apr 2013

Bol d'Or Mirabaud

14 Jun

Since 1939, the Bol d’Or has become the most important World regatta on an inland lake and one of the great classics of the international regatta agenda.  Each year, champions from all over Europe meet on the starting line, in the company of nearly six hundred sailboats.
14 - 16 Jun 2013

Geneva's Festival

18 Jul

The Geneva Festival is the largest annual fairground event in Switzerland and is held along Lake Geneva's promenade with more than 250 free concerts, rides, food stalls and sport activities, not to mention one of the largest musical fireworks in the world – the highlight of the event!
18 Jul - 11 Aug 2013

Les Automnales

8 Nov

A great festive and friendly event. Numerous entertainments, tasting, and in the evening: bars, lounges, music, dance....Your autumn fair in Geneva!
8 - 17 Nov 2013

Concours Hippique International de Genève

12 Dec

Combining the best riders and horses of the moment, the only Swiss stage of the World cup in the biggest indoor equestrian arena of the world. An exceptional show!
12 - 15 Dec 2013

Escalade

13 Dec

L'Escalade, or Fête de l'Escalade (from escalade, the act of scaling defensive walls) is an annual festival held in December in Geneva, celebrating the defeat of the surprise attack by troops sent by Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy during the night of 11–12 December 1602.
13 - 15 Dec 2013