Your essential guide to Geneva

The beautiful Lake Geneva is the heart and lungs of Geneva, so make the most of the central location of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva by taking a stroll along the lakeshore. Cross the river Rhône to the Jardin Anglais, stop for a photo by the city’s symbol, the jet d’eau, then walk on towards the tranquil Parc de la Grange with its stunning landscaped rosebeds. You’ll finish up at Geneva-Plage, a dedicated bathing spot and watersports centre where you can swim in the Olympic-sized pool or hone your wakeboarding skills on the lake.

The art scene in Geneva may not be as internationally known as Swiss rival Basel, but it deserves to be. Clustered in the hip Quartier des Bains district are numerous private galleries and public museums, including modern art museum ography museum was recently overhauled by Zurich architects Graber Pulver and won European Museum of the Year in 2017. Further away but well worth the short tram ride is the International Red Cross Museum. Its permanent exhibition takes visitors through the remarkable work of this humanitarian organisation over the past 150 years and will leave you truly moved. 

The luxury watch and jewellery shops and designer clothes stores of Rue du Rhône are a short walk from the hotel. From here, head up into the winding streets of the Old Town for antiques, books and art. Or make the effort to get out to Carouge (a 15-minute tram ride from the hotel). Within the area’s beautiful Italianate architecture you’ll find artisan workshops and independent stores offering children’s toys, clothing, jewellery, shoes and unique gifts.

For one of the best views of the city, take the 157 steps to the top of the Romanesque-Gothic St Pierre Cathedral in the Old Town. Or get higher still by making the short trip out of the city to the Salève, known as Geneva’s ‘home’ mountain (even though it’s actually over the border in France), where a cable car will whisk you up nearly 1,000 metres for a literal overview of the city, the lake and the mountains beyond.

Geneva has a thriving cocktail scene, meaning quality is high. Enjoy a mojito on the terrace of MO Bar, sample the inventive creations of the mixologists at the speakeasy-style Le Verre à Monique in Quartier des Bains, or head to the stylish Rooftop 42 on Rue du Rhône for a drink with a view.

For a seasonal Swiss lunch and a glass of local wine try Café Papon in the Old Town, set within an historic vaulted building and sporting a large terrace overlooking the pretty Parc des Bastions. Top Genevan chef Philippe Chevrier has a popular grillhouse,Chez Philippe, on Rue du Rhône, while his two Michelin-starred flagship restaurant, Domaine de Châteauvieux, just outside the city in the vineyards, showcases his haute cuisine. For those seeking laid-back vibes paired with the finest fresh seafood ceviche, Yakumanka is a traditional cevicheria inspired by the popular local restaurants of Peru, and headed up by Chef César Bellido, Gaston Acurio's right-hand man.