Geneva, Switzerland

If you are looking for urban grit and grime – you might want to bypass Geneva, but what a mistake that would be. Nice, but never ever boring, it is a place where diamonds and bohemia mix quite peacefully. In neutral Switzerland many mistake Geneva for the capital, it isn’t but it certainly feels it. This is home to the United Nations, World Health Organization, International Red Cross and a good couple of hundred others; all the big world organizations are here. It is this international centre that makes Geneva the cosmopolitan hub that it is, with 184 nationalities making up 45% of its population.

This well-heeled Swiss city boasts some of the world’s most luxury watch labels, chocolate shops and banks. There is a whiff of class and distinction in the air. In yesteryear – as today, Geneva has attracted some wonderful writers and artists. Famously, English poets Lord Byron and Percy Shelley spent time here, breathing in crisp mountain air whilst strolling around the big lake with their lovers.

Perhaps it’s the sense of wealth from all the heart-achingly expensive shops, or the majesty of the Jura Mountains forming the backdrop, but Geneva makes you feel clean. It is not often one can walk around a city and feel they are breathing in fresh air. Tranquillity and picture postcard perfect, if you’ve yet to pay this city a visit, what are you waiting for?