Palais des Nations

It’s worth playing the tourist and joining the sometimes long queues to visit this huge 1930s building which houses the European headquarters of the United Nations – the largest UN centre after New York. Over 100,000 people a year take an hour-long guided tour of the place (available in 15 languages, natch) which, depending on availability, provides a glimpse of the Assembly Hall, the Council Chamber and the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilisations Room with its incredible ceiling painted by Spanish artist Miguel Barcelò. Combine your visit with a trip to the Red Cross Museum, just up the road.