Palais des Nations

Geneva’s international role becomes tangible at the Palais des Nations. Built in the 1930s for the League of Nations and now home to the United Nations Office at Geneva, it is a vast complex of stone and marble set in the Ariana Park, where peacocks wander among the trees and views open across the lake to the Alps. Thousands of meetings are held here every year, on human rights, disarmament, trade and humanitarian crises, and the guided tour lets you step inside. Led by a UN guide, it lasts about an hour and covers around two kilometres on foot. Depending on meetings, it can include the Assembly Hall, the largest room in the Palais, the Council Chamber with its murals, and the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, whose dome is covered by Miquel Barceló’s dripping, multicoloured ceiling. Guides explain how the UN works and what happens in Geneva, and the tour is available in many languages. Outside, on the Place des Nations, the giant three-legged Broken Chair sculpture stands as a reminder of the campaign against landmines. Because of an ongoing renovation, tours run in limited capacity and some rooms may be closed without notice.

Booking and security: individual tour slots sell out quickly. New dates are released on the booking platform on the 20th of each month for the following month, so put that day in your calendar if your dates are fixed. Adult tickets cost a little over 20 Swiss francs, with reductions for students, seniors, young people and children. Every visitor needs a valid passport from a UN Member or Observer State, or a Schengen-area identity card, which is checked at the gate. Arrive at least 30 minutes early, or earlier if your confirmation says so, for airport-style security screening.

Getting there: the visitor entrance is the Pregny Gate at 14 Avenue de la Paix, a short walk uphill from the Place des Nations. Trams 15 and buses from Cornavin station reach the Nations stop in a few minutes, covered by the Geneva Transport Card.

Making the most of it: the tour involves a lot of walking and some stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. Rooms depend on the meeting schedule and the renovation, so treat the itinerary as flexible. Afterwards, see the Broken Chair, then visit the Ariana Museum of ceramics next door or the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum across the road.