Things to see in Geneva

For somewhere so central to Geneva’s religious life, St Peter's Cathedral - built between 1160 and 1289 – is surprisingly small. Even more surprising is its combination of Romanesque, gothic, and neoclassical styles. The austerity of the main body of the church seems wholly appropriate for a building in which John Calvin preached (1536-1564), while by contrast the 15th-century Chapel of the Maccabees, restored in 1875, is a riot of gilded embellishment against blue and red backgrounds. The neoclassical facade was added in 1750. Under the cathedral are some interesting 14th-century mosaics, while the top of the north tower offers fine views over the Old Town and lake.

Geneva's world-renowned Botanical Gardens were created by the botanist A P de Candolle, in the Parc des Bastions in 1817. Relocated to their present site in 1904, the 28-hectare (69-acre) gardens have greenhouses with tropical plants from six continents, a pond brimming with aquatic plants, thousands of flowers, a garden of the senses, an aviary and a park of rare animals, as well as a research laboratory, herbarium collection (open by appointment) and an extensive library. In total, the gardens consist of around 16,000 different plant species from around the globe.

Open since 1994 and occupying the site of a former factory, this Geneva museum extends over four floors. The industrial architecture of the previous tenants greatly adds to the mood of the venue, which focuses broadly on conceptual art from the last 50 years. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum stages a number of temporary exhibitions, often involving international artists. One of the permanent displays is 'L'Appartement', a faithful reproduction of a Parisian collector's flat, for which he has loaned his own furniture, paintings and sculptures.

With a powerful combination of audiovisuals, sculpture, computers and documentation, this extraordinary museum tells the story of the founding of the Red Cross by Henry Dunant, as well as its present humanitarian actions. The photographic displays of the organisation’s work in war-torn zones are extremely affecting, even more so for the non-judgmental way in which they’re presented. It’s highly contemporary too, meaning visitors are likely to gain insight into current situations ongoing around the globe. It is Geneva's most impressive and original museum. The Café Dunant, also on site, is a multimedia area with interactive features.