geneva tourist office

Visit Geneva: Top 23 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in geneva.

Geneva , a cosmopolitan and international city in Switzerland, is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, close to the French border. Known worldwide for its wealth, it is one of the 5 richest cities in the world. It also has quite much to offer to tourists!

To help you organize your stay in the city, I have made a list of the 23 best things to do in Geneva.

In addition to the must-see attractions, I will also give you my best tips and advices as well as recommended itineraries to visit Geneva and its surroundings in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days or more.

As you know it, Geneva is one of the most expensive city in the world, so I have prepared for you a selection of the hotels that offers the best bang for your buck at the end of the article.

Let’s plan your trip to Geneva!

1. The Jet d’Eau of Geneva

2. geneva old town, 3. geneva saint peter’s cathedral, 4. treille promenade, 5. bastions park – parc des bastions, 6. the jardin anglais and the flower clock, 7. parc de la grange and parc des eaux-vives, 8. bains des pâquis, 9. visit the united nations office, 10. broken chair sculpture, 11. geneva botanical garden, 12. geneva museums, 13. do a cruise on lake geneva, 14. attend a concert at geneva victoria hall, 15. going to geneva international motor show, the geneva pass, 16. mont salève, 18. visit lavaux vineyard terraces and its typical villages, 20. chamonix and the mont blanc, 21. gruyères medieval town, 22. swiss riviera, 23. glacier 3000, geneva: what to do in 1 day, 2 days in geneva, 3 days in geneva, where to stay in geneva, where to eat in geneva, how to go to geneva, geneva tourist map.

Geneva’s Jet d’Eau fountain (litteraly “water jet”) is the symbol of the city since the creation of its decorative version in 1891. You may not know it, but its first intent wasn’t to be aesthetic.

It was in fact a solution to a technical problem! The first version, 30m high, acted as a safety valve for a water facility located in the city.

The current version, dating from the 1950s, is 140m high . Every second, more than 500 litres of water are expelled at a speed of 200 km/h. In every moment, 7 tons of water form this magnificent water jet!

Located on the Jetée des Eaux Vives (Eaux Vives jetty), the water jet is nowadays a must-see tourist attraction in Geneva.

Geneva Old Town, the largest historic centre in Switzerland, is where you will find some of the most emblematic places to see during your visit to Geneva. It’s very easy to visit on foot !

Here are the old town highlights:

• Geneva Saint Peter’s Cathedral and the Chapel of the Maccabees
• Calvin College (“Collège Calvin” in French), which dates from the 16th century and is the oldest in the city
• The Bastion Park
• The Reformation Wall
• Place du Bourg-de-Four , a square with fountains and numerous cafes and restaurants. The facade of the Museum of Art and History is superb. From there, the famous secret passage “Degrés de poules” leads to the cathedral.
• Treille Promenade
• The Tavel House (Maison Tavel), the oldest private house in Geneva, now converted into a museum
• The Molard Tower : Well, it’s not exactly in the old town, but just at the exit, on Molard Square . It was built in 1591, has a clock and is decorated with arms linked to the history of The Reformation and Geneva.

During your visit to Geneva Old Town, you should also pay attention to the streets names : rue du Purgatoire (Purgatory) and rue d’Enfer (Hell) are next to rue de la Croix d’Or (Golden cross) and rue de Toutes Âmes (Every Souls)!

Some of these tourist attractions definitely deserve a dedicated paragraph, so I will give you more information about them a bit further in this guide.

If you want to learn everything about Geneva , you can opt for a guided vist.

During a 2-hour sightseeing tour, you will discover Geneva’s top attractions such as the Jet D’eau fountain, St. Pierre’s Cathedral, the Flower Clock as well as the international section of the city, including the United Nations Office.

To book your guided visit, you just have to click the button below:

And if you are looking for something really fun , I strongly recommend you to book this Segway tour! In a small group with an experienced guide, you will discover the best tourist attractions of Geneva Old Town.

At the heart of the old town, you can find the is the St. Peter’s Cathedral of Geneva (“Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève”). Built for the Catholic rite, it then became a Protestant place of worship in 1535.

If you have never seen a Protestant church, you may be surprised once inside : according to Calvinist spiritual codes, the interior is extremely simple: all the ornaments and signs of opulence have been removed.

Things to see during your visit:

• Climb the 157 steps leading up to the towers , which will give you a nice view of Geneva
• The chapel of the Maccabees , whose decoration contrasts with the austerity of the cathedral. That’s what I liked best during the visit!
• Visit the archaeological site in the basement , where you can see the foundations of the old cathedral.

In addition to this, the visit to Geneva St. Peter’s Cathedral is an opportunity to learn more about the history of Protestantism. The International Museum of the Reformation is located right next door, in the Mallet House (“Maison Mallet”).

Another important place in the history of Protestantism, the Auditoire de Calvin (Calvin’s Auditorium) is also close to the Cathedral.

The Treille Promenade (“Promenade de la Treille”) is located on the outskirts of the old town , not far from the town hall. In addition to being the oldest in Geneva, it is especially known for its 2 curiosities:

You can find the longest wooden bench in the world on this promenade: 120m!

This is also where “Geneva official chestnut tree” (le “marronnier officiel” in french) is located. Each year, Its first leaf announce the arrival of spring in Geneva .

You’re going to Geneva?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Geneva on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Geneva.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Geneva, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Geneva!

Located at the foot of the old town, under the Treille Promenade, the Parc des Bastions is particularly appreciated by students, because of its proximity to the university.

There are 2 main attractions to see in this park:

• The 100m-long Reformation Wall was erected in honour of the men who worked for the Reformation and the creation of Protestantism. In the middle of the wall, you can admire the 5m tall statues of 4 great preachers: Jean Calvin, Guillaume Farel, Théodore de Bèze and John Knox
• The Giant chess games: The Bastions Park has a playground with 6 giant chess games. This is the opportunity to play (or watch) a game in an original setting during your visit to Geneva!

Every year, the music festival (fête de la musique) takes place in this park.

Thanks to its proximity to Lake Geneva and its many shaded areas, the Jardin Anglais (“English Garden” literally) is a popular public garden for tourists and locals. Whether you want to rest for a few minutes or take a short stroll by the lake, it is a must-see when you visit Geneva.

In this garden, you can also find the famous Flower Clock (“Horloge Fleurie”). It’s Geveva’s classic selfie spot, being, with the Jet d’Eau, one of the most photographed places in Geneva! It commemorates in an original way the watchmaking tradition of the city.

In the Jardin Anglais , you will also find the National Monument (“Monument National”), which commemorates Geneva’s attachment to Switzerland in 1814. At the north-western end of the park, you can cross the Mont-Blanc bridge , which crosses Lake Geneva.

If you’re in town during summer, in the evening, you may have the chance to attend a free concert in the old music kiosk.

These two parks are located on the banks of Lake Geneva , on the Quai Gustave-Ador (left bank), less than 10 minutes walk from the Jet d’Eau.

For me, these are the 2 most beautiful public gardens in Geneva . Another big advantage: even in the middle of summer, they are never crowded!

The Parc de la Grange , the largest in the city, has some very nice attractions:

• Its rose garden , the largest in Geneva, is open access.
• The Théâtre de l’ Orangerie and Théâtre de Verdure
• The ruins of an ancient Roman villa
• In summer, you can even find sheeps in the park!

Another good point: it’s possible to picnic and even have barbecues on the specially designed barbecue area. There is also a children’s playground and a paddling pool. Perfect for a family stay in Geneva!

The Parc des Eaux Vives , where the excellent restaurant hotel des Eaux-Vives is located, is also worth a visit. It’s very well laid out, has a large lawn and many large conifers for you to rest in the shades.

The flower beds are very well maintained and there is even a place with a waterfall! Special mention for the small wooden bridges, they are super aesthetic. Geneva is a rich city, and it shows.

Voyage Tips Advice In summer, you can enjoy free concerts at the Théâtre de Verdure in Parc de La Grange , also known as the Ella Fitzgerald stage.

The Bains des Pâquis (Pâquis Bath) is a very important place in Geneva city life. In addition of being the ideal swimming spot in the heart of the city, it’s also very pleasant for its friendly and joyful atmosphere . Everyone, at every age, is coming here! Very far from the bling-bling Geneva we are used to see!

Admission costs 2 francs and it’s also possible to eat there. It’s simple, tastes good, and the prices are also very reasonable for Geneva.

The site offers other services, such as nautical activities, massages etc… There is enough things to do to spend a whole day there in the summer.

And in winter, it’s Sauna, steam bath and Turkish bath!

All information on services, schedules and prices are available on the Bains des Pâquis official website (in French)

Voyage Tips Advice In the evening, they serve a Swiss fondue with fantastic Crémant. It’s not too expensive, so it’s really a good deal! However, I recommend you to make a reservation.

The Palace of Nations (“Palais des Nations”), a superb building from the beginning of the 20th century, is the United Nations headquarters in Geneva.

Considered one of the world’s most important diplomatic centres, it is also home to many international political, economic and scientific institutions.

If I tell you about it in this list of the best things to do in Geneva , it’s because many guided tours are organized there . You will have the choice between the following visits:

• Palais des Nations visit : Ideal if you would like to learn more about UN activities
• The history of the Palais des Nations : art and architecture oriented, this guided tour allows you to discover the history of this emblematic building.
• UN History: In addition to visiting the Palais des Nations, you will also visit the League of Nations Museum , which exhibits the history of the UN through archival documents.
• Guided tour of the Ariana Park : Find out more about the history and management of the 45-hectares park surrounding the Palais des Nations. Visit possible from April to September.

The Broken Chair sculpture , a giant 12-metre-high wooden chair with a torn foot, stands next to the United Nations headquarters in Nations Square.

Sponsored by Handicap International, it was placed in front of the Geneva Palais des Nation in 1997 and symbolizes the fight against the use of anti-personnel mines.

The Botanical Garden of Geneva is located between the Palais des Nations and Lake Geneva . Little known to tourists, it is an oasis of greenery that is worth a look after the visit to the United Nations headquarters.

It is very well laid out, has several greenhouses reproducing various climates (tropical, temperate etc…), a small Japanese garden and much more! And you know what? Admission is free.

In addition to the ones I mentioned in the previous paragraphs, here are a few other museums that I found interesting in Geneva . They’re all free when you have the Geneva Pass , which I’ll tell you more about a bit later in the article.

• CERN Particle Universe: An excellent exhibition about the origin of the universe and particle physics, and no need to be a physics engineer to appreciate! It is outside Geneva city centre, but easily accessible by bus number 18. Plus, it’s free for everyone.
• CERN Microcosm: While you’re at CERN, have a look at the second permanent exhibition! Also free.
• La Cité du Temps (The City of Time): A small museum, an exhibition space and a restaurant, including a collection of Swatch watches that showcases the design evolution over 30 years. Situated in the middle of the Rhone, it’s accessed via the Machine Bridge.
• Patek Philippe Museum: As you know, Geneva is one of the most important places in luxury watchmaking and this museum is a fine tribute to the know-how of Swiss watchmakers.
• Art and History Museum: Located in the heart of the old town, close to Place Bourg-de-Four, it is the largest museum in Geneva. The permanent exhibition is free for everyone.
• Ariana Museum: It’s the museum of ceramics and glass, it may not seem so exciting at first sight, but the interior architecture alone deserves a look. It’s close to the Palais des Nations.
• Russian Church of Geneva: This Orthodox church is not strictly speaking a museum, but it is well worth to be included in this list, if only for its remarkable and unorthodox architecture (Ahahahahaha😋) here.

Whether it’s to see the city and the Jet d’Eau from a new angle or to visit the surroundings of Geneva , there are many themed cruises on Lake Geneva. Here are a few of them:

• “Geneva Tour” Cruise , to visit the Geneva shores in 1 hour
• Evening cruise: a good meal and a stroll on Lake Geneva. What else could you ask for?
• Numerous cruises to visit Geneva’s surroundings , such as Nyon, Yvoire, Lausanne or the vineyards on the lake shore
• Cruise on the Rhone: From Geneva, it is also possible to make a mini cruise on the Rhone, up to Verbois.

It’s also possible to rent private boats (including a pilot) for a family or romantic escapade on Lake Geneva.

All information about the Geneva cruises is available on this website .

Built between 1891 and 1894 as a tribute to Queen Victoria, Geneva Victoria Hall is the most beautiful concert hall in the city, renowned worldwide for its excellent acoustics.

Unfortunately it can’t be visited, but it is really worth to attend a classical concert music , if only to admire its grandiose interior architecture!

It should be noted that the Victoria Hall is not the main concert hall in Geneva. It’s the Grand Theatre, but it is not of great architectural interest.

You can find the Victoria Hall programme on Geneva official website .

Every year in March, the Geneva Motor Show (“Salon de l’Automobile de Genève”in french) , one of the world’s most important car shows, takes place at the Palexpo in Geneva.

If it has such a good reputation, it’s not so much for its exhibition area or the number of visitors (there are bigger car shows in the world), but for its high-end and exclusive positioning.

For the big manufacturers, this is really a not-to-be missed event, a great place to present their most beautiful concept cars. Go have a look if you enjoy exclusive cars!

The Geneva Pass allows you to enjoy free admission and discounts on 50 attractions and activities in Geneva for 24, 48 or 72 hours. For example:

• Admission to all museums and sites mentioned in this guide is free of charge
• Several guided city tours by train, bus and on foot
• Several cruises on Lake Geneva
• 1 hour of canoeing or half an hour of pedal boat
• Discounts on numerous activities and tours , such as Segway city sightseeing, Rafting on the Arve river and several escapades around Geneva

The Geneva Pass also offers free public transport for the duration of its validity.

You can click on the button below to purchase the pass:

Once you will have purchased your pass, you will have to exchange the vouchers at Geneva Tourist Information Center , located at 18 rue du Mont-Blanc, 1211 Genève.

Things to do around Geneva

As I have lived next to Lake Geneva for 4 years, here are my 3 favorite things to do around Geneva.

Sometimes called “the balcony of Geneva”, Mount Salève is the best place to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city and Lake Geneva , all the way to to the Jura. This is a great day trip from Geneva.

You can go there by car, by cable car or even on foot , for the bravest amongst you!

If you wish to do so, you will find the detailed itinerary, as well as a short family walk starting at the top of the cable car in this PDF document . Quick tip: save it on your smartphone, it may be useful the day of your visit!

Once you reach the top of the cable car (1100m above sea level), you will be able to do various activities in addition to a nice walk:

• Paragliding
• Biking , bikes are available for rent on Saturday and Sunday
• And in winter, sledding and initiation to skiing!

Rates of the Mont Salève cable car:

Full price: 11,30€. Details of special rates can be found on their website .

Cable car schedule:

Open every day, from 9:30am to 7pm. Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 11pm.

Take a look at their website before you go, it will give you the latest information you need for your visit.

The magnificent medieval village of Yvoire , one of the most beautiful villages in France, is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, about 45 minutes by car or bus from Geneva.

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Lac Leman”, this ancient fishing village is today a famous tourist attraction of Lake Geneva region . This is the perfect destination if you want to escape from Geneva for an afternoon.

What you shouldn’t miss in Yvoire:

• Yvoire castle
• The garden of Five Senses , recognized as a “remarkable garden” by the Ministry of Culture
• Small craft shops
• “Les Galets” ice cream shop/creperie , which is excellent!

Another superb day trip from Geneva, Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its typical villages. You don’t need to be a wine lover to enjoy the place, the reasons people go there is first and foremost for the magnificent landscapes.

With the terraced vineyards that seem to descend into the lake and the Alps in the background, the Lavaux vineyards simply offers the most beautiful views of Lake Geneva coast.

Here are the 5 typical villages to see during your day:

• Saint Saphorin

During your trip, you can also make a stop in Montreux, a nice city, well known for its Casino.

If you don’t have a car, you can visit Lavaux vineyard terraces with a private tour.

They will come pick you up at your hotel and you will spend the day in Lavaux to discover the vineyard, the best viewpoints and do some tastings!

As it’s a private tour, it can of course be 100% personalized. The price is per group – The more people you are, the cheaper it is per person.

To book this tour to Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, you just have to click the button below:

You can also choose a cheaper, not private tour that also pass by Lavaux Vineyard, as well as other places in the Swiss Riviera (I give you more details at the #22 of this article).

You can book it there:

Voyage Tips Advice Here is a place not very well known to tourists , that you shouldn’t miss if you visit Lavaux Vineyards:

go down the “chemin de la dame” , to enjoy a plunging view on the vineyards, the village of Rivaz, the lake and the Alps in the background. It is one of the most beautiful views of the region!

Nicknamed “ The Venice of the Alps” , Annecy is a beautiful town to visit near Geneva.

You will for sure enjoy to stroll on the lake shore while contemplating the turquoise waters surrounded by the mountains! The old town is also worth a look, with its paved stone alleys and canals.

From Geneva , if you don’t have a car, the best is to book an organized day trip to Annecy . Transportation is included as well as a guided visit on foot + some free time to enjoy the town at your own pace.

To book this tour to Annecy from Geneva , you need to click on the button below:

To know everything about the best things to do in Annecy, you should read my travel guide: Visit Annecy: The definitive guide

From Geneva, you can also go on a day trip to Chamonix and the Mont Blanc.

During this organized day trip, you will be lucky to go throught the beautiful Arve Valley , between Geneva and Chamonix, before reaching the foot of the highest summit of the Alps.

You will then take the Aiguille du Midi cable car and will be able to enjoy the incredible view over the Mont Blanc from the panoramic terrace.

Then, you will take the famous “Mer De Glace train” (the “Sea of Ice Train” in English) to visit t he largest French glacier.

Everything is included in the price: The transportation, the Ticket for Aiguille du Midi cable car and the Ticket for the Mer De Glace train

It’s the most impressive day trip you can do from Geneva!

To book it, simply click the button below:

Another great day trip to do from Geneva is the visit of Gruyères medieval town.

This village regroups the 2 most famou food specialities of Switzerland: chocolate and Gruyère cheese!

During this organized day trip, you will visit a chocolate factory and a cheese factory.

In addition, you will also enjoy the most traditionnal swiss dish for lunch: the cheese fondue!

You will also have some free time to visit Gruyères medieval town . At the end of the day, you will come back to Geneva with the Golden Express train , offering a magnificent view over lake Geneva.

To book this day trip to Gruyères, click the button below:

The Swiss Riviera, in the canton of Vaud, is another nice place to visit near Geneva. The famous towns are for sure Vevey and Montreux , located on the shore of the lake!

If you don’t have a car, your best option is to do a guided day trip from Geneva . It includes:

• Transportation (minibus)
• Passing by the magnificent Lavaux Vineyards
• Glass of wine
• Visit to Vevey town and the Charlie Chaplin museum
• A cruise on the lake in an authentic steamboat
• The visit to Chillon Castle , an 11th century castle – the most visited monument in Switzerland
• Visit to Montreux

It’s simple, during this tour, you will really visit all the best places of the Swiss Riviera!

This tour needs to be booked by clicking the button below:

If you want to mix a visit to the Swiss Riviera with a trip to the Swiss mountains , this day trip is made for you!

Here is the plan for the day:

• Take the cable car to reach the Glacier 3000 .
• Enjoy a ride on a Snow-bus over the perpetual ice up to the Quille du Diable (the Devil’s Keel in English)
• Taste local products while enjoying panoramic views at an amazing mountain-top restaurant.
• Stop by Montreux town for a guided visit on your way back to Geneva.
• Ride the famous Alpine Coaster, Europe’s highest tracked toboggan run
• Cross over the Peak Walk, the world’s first suspension bridge connecting two peaks,

It’s fore sure the most complete tour you can do from Geneva to visit this beautiful part of Switzerland!

To book it, simply click on the button below:

If you are planning to visit Geneva in one day , the best is to focus on the Old Town and the left bank, with a quick nautical activity on Lake Geneva at the end of the day. You don’t have a lot of time, so let’s see how to optimize your itinerary!

• Start your visit in the old town, at Place Bourg-de-four.
• Continue on the Treille Promenade
• From there, you can go down to Parc des bastions to see the Reformation Wall.
• Return to the old town and end the morning with a visit to Geneva Cathedral or the Tavel House according to your preferences.
• Lunch break in the old town
• Time to head to Lake Geneva and the Jardin Anglais . You can make a mini detour to see the Molard Tower .
• don’t forget to take a picture in front of the Flower Clock!
• We continue along the lake with the Jet d’Eau , symbol of Geneva and the Parc de La Grange and Parc des Eaux-Vives.
• If you are motivated, you can finish your day with a cruise on Lake Geneva (departure across the lake, on the Quai du Mont Blanc), or a short pedal boat ride! (close to the Jet d’Eau, better choice if you stay in Geneva for more than a day).

In 2 days in Geneva , you will have time to discover the must-see attractions on the right bank of the lake. In addition to the previous schedule, I recommend you:

• Start your day in style with a breakfast on Lake Geneva at Bains des Pâquis
• It’s also an opportunity to go swim a bit during summer!
• Going now to Geneva botanical garden , about 30 minutes walk: Walk up the Quai Wilson on foot and then in the magnificent Parc de la Perle du Lac , which, as its name suggests, is at the water’s edge.
• It’s now time for lunch! For a gastronomic break, I recommend “Le Vieux Bois” restaurant , behind the Palais des Nations . I will tell you more about it in the “Where to eat” section of this article.
• Then, for your afternoon, you can visit the Ariana Museum , see the Broken Chair and visit the Palais des Nations , in the order that will suit you best depending on where you had your lunch.
• If you didn’t do it on the first day, take the bus to reach the Quai du Mont Blanc and take a boat trip on Lake Geneva!

If you have 3 days in Geneva , in addition to the itineraries of the previous days, I recommend you one of the 5 excursions around Geneva that I mention in this article, namely:

• The Mont Salève , perfect if you have taken the Geneva Pass and would like to make a short excursion with your family.
• The medieval village of Yvoire , a good choice for a quiet day, without running everywhere. Best to see off-season, or at least during the week.
• Lavaux Vineyard Terraces , the place that offers the most beautiful views of Lake Geneva . There is plenty to see, so it’s easy to avoid tourists there!
• Visit Annecy with this superb organized day trip .
• Go to Chamonix and the Mont Blanc with the best day trip from Geneva.
• Visit Gruyères Medieval village + the chocolate and cheese factories
• Discover the Swiss Riviera: Vevey, Montreux and Chillon Castle
• Spend the day at Glacier 3000 , do unique activities and visit Montreux

And if you are lucky enough to spend 4-5 days in Geneva or even a week, you will have the time to do everything I mentioned in this guide!

In order to allow you to move around in Geneva easily, your hotel will provide you with the Geneva Transport Card free of charge . This card allows you to benefit from free public transport during your stay. It is 100% free and offered by all hotels.

• Geneva Hostel : Youth hostel located in the “Les pâquis” district, at 250 meters from Lake Geneva. Bed in dormitory from 30€ per night, breakfast included. The pluses: the view on the lake from the terrace, quiet, private parking and a good breakfast. Without a doubt, you will not find cheaper in Geneva!
• Jade Manotel : 5 minutes walk from Lake Geneva and 10 minutes from Geneva train station. A huge room with a meticulous decoration and furnished according to the principles of Feng Shui from 156€ per night, breakfast for an extra 16€. The plus: the geographical location, the serenity of the rooms. It’s our favorite for being the best value for money in Geneva!
• Hotel Rotary Geneva MGallery by Sofitel : Located in the centre of Geneva, right next to the lake. Classic and elegant room from 230€ per night with breakfast at 30€. The pluses: near the lake, the comfort of the rooms, the friendliness of the staff, breakfast “à la carte”. And all the little additional things that makes a luxury hotel!
• Hôtel de la Cigogne : 5 stars hotel located in the city centre, close to the Geneva lake. Belle Époque style room starting at 470€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the amazing restaurant and the very helpful staff. It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Geneva!
• Restaurant des Bains des Pâquis : I told you about it in the article, and it’s really a super place to eat well and relatively cheap in Geneva. Great also for a breakfast by the lake!
• Le Vieux Bois : If you are looking for a gastronomic restaurant, in a magnificent setting, this is my favourite in Geneva! Located in Ariana park behind the Palais des Nations , it’s Geneva Hotel School’s students restaurant. The setting is beautiful and the food delicious! You have to make a reservation.

Unless you live nearby, the best way to get to Geneva is by plane . There are a lot of low cost flights going there, especially with Easy Jet.

Geneva Airport is also a small but excellent international airport , from which you can take cheap flights to many destinations!

Once there, you will have to take the train (5 minutes) to reach Cornavin Station , in Geneva city centre.

When you arrive at the airport, next to the baggage pickups carousel, you will find a free public transport tickets dispenser . They are valid for 80 minutes and this includes the train to Geneva station!

To help you plan your visit of the city, I have made a tourist map of Geneva, with all the must-see attractions I talk about in this article. You can display the map legend by clicking on the button with a small arrow, in the the top left corner.

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 4 comments.

Hi, I would like to visit Geneva by staying at french border near Lyon. I would like to know about the border restrictions because i planned to visit Geneva by walking from French border.

Hello Taara,

Geneva is very far from Lyon, about 150km, almost 2 hours by car, so you will need to take the bus. There isn’t really any border control when you go to Switzerland, especially if you take the bus or cross when walking.

Enjoy your trip to France and Switzerland!

Driving by car from Nimes, staying Lyon first, then Geneva, need an hotel with car parking, around the old town of Geneva, please. From there up to Interlaken, same car parking and an hotel too. After that onwards to Grindelwald, staying with family in Apartments CARVE. Many thanks.

Hello Cherry,

In order for me to help you find a hotel for your stay in Geneva and another one in Interlaken, can you please give me the following information: – The dates of your stay in each city – Your budget per night

Of course, you can also have a look at the hotels I recommend in my article, to see if they might be of interest to you.

Have a nice day!

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The Top 15 Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland

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The second-largest city in Switzerland after Zurich , Geneva has an enviable position on the southwestern end of Lake Geneva, in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. With the Jura Mountains to the north and the French Alps to the south, the city offers stunning scenery on all sides. As the European headquarters of the United Nations and the home of the International Red Cross, it's the diplomatic center of Switzerland and all of Europe. Geneva is also known as a wealthy and cosmopolitan city and a destination for luxury shopping and lavish 5-star hotels. Historically, Geneva was the center of the Swiss Reformation and played a significant role in the formation of modern Switzerland.

Visitors to Geneva will find an expensive, clean and elegant city, with an enticing mix of museums, monuments, and outdoor activities. Here are 15 of the best things to do in Geneva.

Catch the Spray From the Jet d'Eau

TripSavvy / Angelina Pilarinos

The Geneva Water Fountain

Installed in 1886 to control the outflow of water from a nearby power plant, the Jet d'Eau (water jet) soon became a symbol of the city of Geneva. It shoots water nearly 460 feet (140 meters) into the air and is the tallest fountain in the world. Unless winds are too strong, the Jet d'Eau runs every day and is illuminated at night. It's visible from almost every part of the lakefront, but the promenade in front of the Jardin Anglais is one of the best spots for seeing it day or night. If you get close enough, or if it's a windy day, you'll get hit with a refreshing (or cold!) spray from the jet.

Tour the Palais des Nations (UN Headquarters)

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Palais des Nations

Constructed in the 1930s as the headquarters of the short-lived League of Nations, the Palais des Nations (Palace of Nations) is the second-largest UN headquarters outside of New York City. It's a vast campus of grand administrative buildings amid a parklike setting. Visitors are free to wander the grounds or may jump in on an hour-long guided tour of several of the buildings and assembly halls. Highlights of the tour include the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, the main Assembly Hall, and the Council Chamber.

Go Up and Down at St. Pierre Cathedral

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St Pierre Cathedral

There's been a church of some form on this site since the 4th century CE, and the present church, mostly from the 15th century, is an architectural wonder. But St. Pierre Cathedral's history is most famously linked to the Protestant Reformation. The church was the seat of tireless Reformist John Calvin from 1541 until his death in 1564. Today, it's possible to tour the extensive archaeological site underneath the church, hear the massive pipe organ, visit the elaborate Chapel of the Maccabees, and climb 157 steps to the cathedral roof for sweeping views of the city and lake.

Salute Heroes at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

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International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

Adjacent to the park surrounding the Palais des Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum traces the more than 150-year history of the international humanitarian movement, which was founded in Geneva. Exhibits offer a mix of historical data and artifacts, as well as poignant and thought-provoking installations that confront the causes and effects of human conflict.

Take a Break at the Jardin Anglais & the Flower Clock

Jardin anglais.

All roads in Geneva seems to lead to the Jardin Anglais—the English Garden—the small, prettily planted lakefront garden in the center of Geneva. Crowds flock here for the flower clock (the horloge fleurie ), an oversized timepiece planted with seasonal flowers. Plenty of sitting areas, mature shade trees, and a monumental central fountain make this a relaxing place to take a break from sightseeing.

Stroll the Lakefront and Riverside

The Jardin Anglais is just one of several places to admire the lake and the Jet d'Eau. The entire lakefront is strollable, thanks to wide promenades and quays made for walking. Geneva and its close-in bedroom communities wrap around the whole southwestern tip of Lake Geneva, and there are 6 miles of pedestrian-only walking and bike paths along the entire lakefront. Where the lake empties into the mighty Rhone River, the city is built up on both sides. Sidewalks on both sides of the river allow for pleasant walking. Swans paddle by during the day, and at night, the riverfront and surrounding buildings are romantically lit.

Wander Through Vielle Ville (Old Town)

Set in a defensive position high above the lake, the Vielle Ville, or Old Town, is where Geneva was founded by Gallic tribes in the 2nd century BCE or earlier. The Romans later took the settlement, and it then fell into the hands of the Franks and the Burgundians. Its center was Ville Ville, and today, most of Geneva's most important historical sites are located along these narrow, stone-clad streets and alleys. Here you'll find St. Pierre Cathedral, Place du Bourg-de-Four, and the Museum of the Reformation, as well as art galleries, gift shops, and restaurants. Nearby, Rue du Marche (also called Rue de la Croix-d'Or or Rue de Rive) is Geneva's busiest shopping street.

Pause in an Outdoor Cafe at Place du Bourg-de-Four

Place du bourg-de-four.

Place du Bourg-de-Four probably began life as a 9th-century cattle market, and today remains the oldest and most historic square in the Old Town. It's lined with sidewalk cafes, and in good weather, it's one of the prettiest places in Geneva to take a break and enjoy a coffee or a cocktail. The fountain in the middle of the square is from the 1700s.

Unravel Mysteries of the Universe at CERN

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is the world's largest physics lab—home to the Large Hadron Collider, the birthplace of the World Wide Web, and the site where the Higgs boson particle was identified. Parts of the vast campus are open to the public for free tours, include the massive Globe of Science and Innovation, with exhibits that explain the heady work of CERN, testing facilities, and simulators. CERN is about 5 miles outside Geneva in the suburb of Meyrin.

Take a Dip at Bains des Paquis

Bains des pâquis.

As in every city in Switzerland that has a lake or river, Genevans take advantage of warm sunny weather by jumping in the water. There are swimming across the lakefront, but the Bains des Pâquis, on the western shore of Lake Geneva, are among the largest and most popular. A bain , or public bath, in Switzerland is as much a social center as it is a place to take a dip. At Bains des Pâquis, there is a sandy beach and a concrete pier for sunbathing, lake swimming, and four protected pools into which lake water flows. There's also a snack bar, spa services, and a sauna and steam rooms. In the summertime, concerts, fairs, and other special events take place here. In the winter, the courageous can take a dip in the lake-pool before (or after) warming up in the sauna.

Stop and Smell the Roses at the Botanical Garden

Conservatory and botanical garden geneva.

On 18.5 acres within the larger Parc de l'Ariana near UN headquarters, Geneva's Conservatory and Botanical Garden contain more than 14,000 plant specimens from around the world. There are endless, colorful flowerbeds, mature shade trees, ponds, and 19th-century greenhouses, as well as a playground, a bookstore, and a restaurant. A small zoo is home to woodland fauna.

Get Down to Earth at the Natural History Museum

Muséum d'histoire naturelle.

Geneva's stunning, modern National History Museum is the largest of its kind in Switzerland. It has a vast collection of taxidermied animals and insect specimens, but they are presented in engaging and informative displays. Exhibits also explore the origins of human life and the history and future of the natural sciences. There are plenty of hands-on activities for kids and adults, as well as a museum shop, a cafeteria, and grounds with picnicking areas.

Retrace History at Maison Tavel

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Tavel House

The oldest private home in Geneva, Maison Tavel is now a museum tracing centuries of daily urban life in the city. Set across six floors of an Old Town building dating to the 13th and 14th centuries and filled with antiques, the museum recreates historic household rooms and objects related to everyday life. A highlight is the detailed scale diorama of medieval Geneva.

Tour Lake Geneva via Mouette or Steamer

On a clear day or a balmy evening, a boat ride on Lake Geneva is a nearly-obligatory activity. If you just want to get from A to B, or take to the lake like a local, catch a mouette —one of the cheerful yellow shuttle boats that transport commuters from one side of the lake to the other. For a cruise that takes in other parts of the lake and includes narration, and the options of lunch, dinner, or a sunset cocktail cruise, try CGN , whose fleet of historic steamships ply the length of the lake.

Have a Seat on the World's Longest Bench

Promenade de la treille.

You'll likely always find room on the Treille Bench—at 393 feet, it's the world's longest bench. Called the Marronnier de la Treille in French, the bench was first built in 1767 and has been hosting tired walkers ever since. Set near Old Town, the bench offers lovely views over the rooftops of Geneva and to the distant Alps.

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15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Geneva

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The city of Geneva may seem more French than Swiss, not surprising, since this corner of Switzerland is almost completely surrounded by France . While it may be surprising that a center for world banking and diplomacy would have so many attractions for tourists, you'll find plenty of things to do in Geneva.

Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) gives the city a waterfront, complete with a promenade, places to swim, access to lake tours, and even a water shuttle connecting different parts of the city. The lakefront, along which you'll find many of Geneva's attractions, is lined with elegant parks and gardens.

Behind this, the old town rises above the Rhone River, and its picturesque old streets and flights of steps are dominated by the cathedral. Geneva's international and commercial life provide some places to visit, as well, with the impressive Palais des Nations, a museum of the Red Cross, and the Patek Philippe Museum of watches and watchmaking.

You can be sure of finding the best places to go with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Geneva.

1. See Lake Geneva by Boat

2. jet d'eau (water jet), 3. temple de saint-pierre, 4. stroll through the jardin anglais (english garden) and parc de la grange, 5. place du bourg-de-four, 6. jardin botanique (botanical gardens), 7. palais des nations, 8. day trip to chamonix and mont blanc, 9. explore the past at the musée d'art et d'histoire (art and history museum), 10. monument de la réformation and parc des bastions, 11. patek philippe museum, 12. international red cross and red crescent museum, 13. ariana museum, 14. day trip to evian-les-bains, 15. quai du mont-blanc, where to stay in geneva for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to geneva, map of attractions & things to do in geneva, geneva, switzerland - climate chart.

The lake is unquestionably the star of Geneva's show. It is the background for many of the loveliest city views and itself has the unmatched backdrop of snow-covered Alps.

You can get from one part of the city to another on its Mouettes Genevoises , motor-launches that have shuttled between lakeside quays since 1897.

Or you can explore the lake on one of the regular boats that connect Geneva with Lausanne, Montreux, and other lakeside towns, some of the most popular places to visit near Geneva . For a taste of lake travel of long ago, opt for a cruise on one of the historic paddle steamers , one of the most romantic things to do for couples. To get even closer to the lake, you can rent a paddleboard and take to the water.

Beside the Jetée des Eaux-Vives, the breakwater enclosing Geneva's harbor, a mighty jet of water soars straight up from the lake surface in a 145-meter plume. This water jet has become the symbol of Geneva and is its most famous landmark. A powerful pump propels the water at a rate of about 500 liters a second, which accounts for the height it reaches.

A good viewpoint is from the Bains des Pâquis , a favorite spot for locals to swim, enjoy a sauna, or have a bite in a café.

Dating back to 1150 as the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, the Romanesque church at the highest point of Geneva's old town features some Gothic elements. During the Protestant Reformation, in which Geneva played an important role, the name was changed to Temple de Saint-Pierre and it became a protestant church.

John Calvin preached sermons here from 1536 to 1564, and his followers stripped out the altars, paintings, and statuary, leaving only the carved capitals and the stained glass from its original decoration.

The two principal towers, dating from the 13th century, were never completed. You can climb to the top for beautiful views of the lake and town, and a corridor connecting the two towers makes it possible to ascend both without having to return to ground level.

The metal spire over the crossing was built in 1895, replacing a tower destroyed by fire in the 15th century. The original west front and doorway were replaced in 1749-56 by a portico of six Corinthian columns, which is not at all harmonious with the building's architecture but doesn't detract from the unity of the somewhat austere interior.

The galleried nave, with the aisles separated by massive clustered piers, ends in the 12th-century choir and semi-circular apse; the transepts are short and narrow. Be sure to notice the late Romanesque and early Gothic capitals in the nave, aisles, choir, and transepts for their workmanship and the variety of their themes.

The stained glass windows are copies of the 15th-century originals, now in the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire. Against the aisle walls, the fifth bay holds late Gothic choir stalls with delicate carving from the destroyed Chapelle des Florentins. In front of the last pillar of the north aisle is a triangular chair said to have been used by John Calvin.

Adjoining the southwest corner is the Chapelle des Macchabées , from 1406, a superb example of High Gothic religious architecture, with beautiful window traceries. Archaeological excavations below the church reveal an extensive underground labyrinth from the early Christian settlement on the hill, including Roman mosaics and two 4th-century Christian sanctuaries.

Address: Cours St-Pierre 6, Geneva

On the south side of the lake, known as the Rive Gauche, the Promenade du Lac runs east from the Pont du Mont-Blanc, flanked by the Jardin Anglais, where you'll see the large flower clock, almost as emblematic of the city as the Jet d'Eau.

The clock, set on a slight slope for easier viewing, changes with the seasonal blooming plants that form its colorful face. Also in the park is the Monument National, with allegorical figures of Helvetia and Geneva, commemorating Geneva's entry into the Swiss Confederation in 1814.

Along the south lakeshore are the landscaped Parc de la Grange, with a beautiful rose-garden, and the Parc des Eaux-Vives , with stately trees and flower-beds.

In the heart of Geneva's Old Town, near the Temple de Saint-Pierre, you'll find the popular Place du Bourg-de-Four. Possibly the oldest square in the city, and certainly its most charming and atmospheric, it is on the site of the Roman forum and held an important market from the ninth century onward. In the 16th century, exiled Protestants found shelter and refuge here.

Today, tourists and locals find refuge in its cafés and restaurants, many of which spill out onto the pavement in good weather. Along with an 18th-century fountain, a statue, Clementine by Heinz Schwarz, stands in the square. The Palais de Justice, which has housed the law courts since 1860 was built as a convent in the early 1700s.

Southeast of the Ariana, between the Avenue de la Paix and the Chemin de l'Impératrice, you'll find Geneva's botanic garden, established in 1902 to replace a smaller one in the Parc des Bastions. Its greenhouses, gardens, and conservatory cover about 28 hectares and feature more than 12,000 species of plants and trees.

An Alpine Garden shows plants from Switzerland's high elevations, and the herbarium is one of the largest in the world, with six million examples. A small animal area includes fallow deer and other wildlife, a popular place to visit for families.

Address: 1 Chemin de l'Impératrice, Geneva

The large complex of marble buildings that make up the Palais des Nations is the European headquarters of the United Nations, a position it assumed after the demise of the League of Nations, whose world headquarters was here.

As such it has become a center of world diplomacy, the largest UN center after New York, with upwards of 25,000 delegates passing through annually. On a guided tour, you can learn about the work carried on here and see the artworks and interiors donated by countries all over the world.

The Assembly Hall, seating more than 2,000, is used for meetings of the United Nations and its associated organizations. From its lobby is a beautiful view of the Alps. The two heavily gilded bronze doors at the ends were brought back from Italy by Napoleon, and presented to the League of Nations by Clemenceau.

The wall and ceiling painting in sepia on gold by J. M. Sert in the smaller Council Chamber was a gift from Spain, completed in 1936, showing themes of technical, social, and medical progress and world peace. In the ante-chamber are three bas-reliefs by Eric Gill inspired by Michelangelo. The library contains more than a million print items as well as electronic journals and books.

Between the main wings is the Cour d'Honneur, a spacious terrace merging into the park, with a magnificent view of the lake and the Alps. In the middle is a bronze armillary sphere with gilded signs of the Zodiac by American sculptor Paul Manship.

Address: Avenue de la Paix 14, Geneva

You can add another country to your travels on a day trip to the Alpine resort of Chamonix and Europe's tallest peak, Mont Blanc. Chamonix is best known as a chic French ski resort , but the rest of the year, it's also a center for climbers and hikers, as well as tourists.

Sightseeing opportunities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc abound, whether you want to do a little climbing or walk on more gentle trails across Alpine pastures. You can ride one of several gondola lifts for even higher views, or ride the tramway to the Nid d'Aigle at 2,372 meters. A walking path leads from here to the Bionnassay glacier.

A historic red cog railway will take you from Chamonix to Montenvers, where you can see the famous Mer de Glace glacier.

While you can drive from Geneva to Chamonix, an easier option is the Chamonix and Mont Blanc Day Trip , traveling by air-conditioned coach through the scenic Arve Valley on a full-day adventure. Optional add-ons include lunch and various mountain rides.

Read More: From Geneva to Mont Blanc: Best Ways to Get There

One of Switzerland's three largest museums, Geneva's Musée d'Art et d'Histoire owes its exceptional collections to the merger of several regional museums, with added donations from private collectors. The result covers the fields of applied and fine art and archaeology, with a collection of weapons, Greek and Roman art treasures, Middle Eastern and Eastern Mediterranean antiquities, Roman and Etruscan pottery, and Egyptian funerary art.

Archaeological finds and antiquities from Geneva and the surrounding area date back to the Paleolithic and the Iron Ages, extending through Roman and Gallo-Roman times to the Middle Ages. Various arts from Gothic and Renaissance periods are also displayed.

The fine art galleries include Italian, Flemish, and Swabian old masters and works by Flemish, Dutch, and French artists of the 16th to 18th centuries. Paintings by Geneva artists of the 18th and 19th centuries complete the collections.

Address: Rue Charles-Galland 2, Geneva

Through a pillared gateway southwest of Geneva's Hôtel de Ville, the Promenade de la Treille is lined with chestnut trees and offers views of Mont Salève and the Jura. Against the wall under the promenade, in the beautiful Parc des Bastions, stands the Reformation Monument, erected in 1917 in recognition of Geneva's leadership in the Protestant Reformation.

In the middle are figures of John Calvin, Guillaume Farel, Théodore de Bèze, and John Knox, prominent leaders of that movement. These are flanked by those of the statesmen who promoted the cause of reforming the church, along with bas-relief scenes from the history of the Calvinist movement. At the ends are memorials to Luther and Zwingli.

Address: Parc des Bastions, Geneva

There's more to the Patek Philippe Museum than watches and watchmaking by this prestigious Geneva firm. Along with example than watches and watchmaking by this prestigious Geneva firm. Along with examples of the company's timepieces since its founding in 1839, the museum displays Swiss and other watches, automated musical devices, and portrait miniatures from the 16th to the 19th century.

The earliest watches here date from the 1500s, and those shown include enameled and technical watches, as well as those from China and Turkey dating from as early as 1600. Besides watches there is an outstanding collection of portrait miniatures from the 17th through 19th-centuries.

Address: Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, Geneva

Although you'll find historic documents and artifacts displayed here, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is designed to bring visitors into the contemporary work and mission of the world's primary humanitarian aid organization. Through its well-designed and interactive exhibits, visitors discover not only the works of the Red Cross in the two World Wars and other conflicts, but how they are immersed in the contemporary crises the world faces today.

Three separate areas, under the title "The Humanitarian Adventure," explore three major challenges in today's world: Defending Human Dignity, Restoring Family Links, and Reducing Natural Risks. The exhibits are immersive, raising visitors' awareness by simulating the emotional experience of being part of a humanitarian crisis. A large interactive globe shows the latest developments from the field.

Address: Avenue de la Paix 17, Geneva

Near the Palais des Nations is this museum devoted entirely to ceramics and glass production with a collection of 25,000 examples from Switzerland, elsewhere in Europe, and the Middle and Far East. The objects shown illustrate the history of ceramic arts from the early Middle Ages through the 20th century, tracing both the ceramic formation and glazing processes.

The building in which these are displayed was built between 1877 and 1884 to house the private collections of its founder, Gustave Revilliod. He commissioned it to combine the Neoclassical and New Baroque architectural styles, and the result is an impressive gallery with a vaulted ceiling and colonnades. The museum is also the seat of the International Academy of Ceramics.

Address: Avenue de la Paix 10, CH-1202 Geneva

On the French southern shore of Lake Geneva, 25 miles from Geneva, Evian-les-Bains became a popular health resort because of its mineral-rich thermal springs and its beautiful setting backed by Alpine slopes.

Although its history reaches back to the Middle Ages — the church of Notre Dame de l'Assomption was built in the 13th century — Evian-les-Bains reached its height of popularity in the Belle Epoque.

The town retains its Art Nouveau buildings, including the historic Pump House with its tiled dome, stained glass, and ornate clock tower. The elegant Palais Lumière , built as a spa, hosts art exhibits and cultural events. The equally lavish Antoine Riboud Theater hosts the summer Estivales Théâtrales , and in July, the town hosts a classical music festival.

Along the north bank of the lake, the Rive Droite, the Quai du Mont-Blanc extends northeast from the bridge with a view of the Mont-Blanc mountain chain, a beautiful sight especially in the late afternoon of a clear day. At the landing stage in front of the Hôtel Beau Rivage, the Empress Elisabeth of Austria was assassinated by an Italian anarchist in 1898; she is remembered here by a monument.

Beyond the Quai du Mont-Blanc is the imposing Brunswick Monument, a mausoleum modeled on the Scaligeri tombs in Verona, built for Duke Karl II of Brunswick, who left his money to Geneva. Quai Wilson runs north past the large Palais Wilson in which the League of Nations met from 1925 until 1936.

Expect hotels to be expensive in Geneva, especially those along the lake, close to the old town tourist attractions. The area around the main rail station, while handy for airport and train arrivals and not far from the old town, is a nightlife district with a lot of street life. It's safe, but look elsewhere for a quiet family-oriented neighborhood. Geneva hotels provide guests with transport cards for free public transport, including to the airport. Here are some highly-rated hotels in Geneva:

Luxury Hotels :

• Balconies in the spacious Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva rooms overlook the lake and the Jet d'eau, while the hotel is steps from smart old town shops and attractions. It has a pool, spa, and two restaurants.
• Along with the lake and the Jet d'eau, the luxurious individually decorated rooms and restaurant at Hotel d'Angleterre have views of snow-capped Mont Blanc.
• Close to the old town, lake, and restaurants, the exceptionally maintained Hotel Bristol offers free Wi-Fi and a fitness center with a steam room and sauna.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Less than a 10-minute walk from the lake, near the United Nations and Botanic Gardens, Hotel N'vY offers luxury in a smart, contemporary setting.
• Close to CICG conference center and the United Nations, ibis Geneve Centre Nations 300 is a 15-minute walk to the lake and 10 minutes from the station.
• Hotel Kipling - Manotel Geneva is a five-minute walk from the train station and handy to restaurants.

Budget Hotels:

• Opposite the train station and 10 minutes from the lake, Suisse Hotel includes breakfast. Some rooms have views of the cathedral, and the hotel is a five-minute walk from a wide choice of restaurants.
• In the heart of the old town, not far from the cathedral and lakeside gardens, Hotel Central is in a commercial building amid shopping and restaurants.
• In an older building just across the river from the old town, Des Tourelles offers modest rooms with great river views and free continental breakfast.

Sightseeing on Two Wheels:

• Spend three hours visiting the city's highlights on the Explore Geneva in Style with an E-Bike tour . With a group of no more than six people, you'll pedal an electric bike to the tourist attractions, including the Jet d'Eau, United Nations building, and Cathedrale de St-Pierre, as you get an insider's view of Geneva with a local guide. Electric bicycles give you all the fun and freedom of a cycling tour without the effort.

Lausanne, Montreux, and Château de Chillon Day Trip :

• Since distances are relatively short in Switzerland, you can easily add other picturesque Swiss cities to your itinerary with the Day Trip to Lausanne, Montreux and Château de Chillon . After driving through the beautiful countryside, this full-day tour gives you free time to explore the cities of Lausanne and Montreux, as well as a guided tour of the lakeside Château de Chillon and a paddleboat cruise on Lake Geneva (except November).

Gruyères Day Trip:

• To soak up some charming Swiss towns and traditions, consider the Day Trip to Gruyères including Panoramic Train Ride . This full-day tour begins with a visit to the charming village of Broc for a chocolate tasting. Then you travel to the mountaintop town of Gruyères to sample its famous namesake cheese at a local dairy and enjoy a ride on a panoramic train. Chocolate and cheese tastings and a refreshment are all included in the tour.

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Where to Go near Geneva: Along with the many easy day trips from Geneva , several nearby cities and regions are worth exploring. Lausanne , with its excellent museums and historic sites, is a short boat or train ride away, and the Swiss capital of Bern and the mountain paradise around Interlaken are short train rides east. In this Jungfrau region , the villages of Mürren and Wengen are among the most charming towns in Europe .

Places to Visit in France: Because Geneva sits right on the border with France , it is easy to reach several French cities, as well. Lyon is only two hours by train. Dijon , to the north in Burgundy , is only a little farther. Geneva is within easy reach of some of the best ski resorts in France . The French Alps are also filled with year-round attractions.

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Home » Travel Guides » Switzerland » 25 Best Things to Do in Geneva (Switzerland)

25 Best Things to Do in Geneva (Switzerland)

You’ve probably heard all the stereotypes about Geneva. But it’s only when you come that they can be challenged. Yes there’s wealth, fondue, chocolate and watchmaking. But Geneva is also charged with diversity and creativity, in neighbourhoods like Les Grottes or the Italian-flavoured Carouge.

Lake Geneva and its iconic plume of water will draw your eye on promenades and lush waterside parks, while Mont Salève is a slice of the Alps in the background. Geneva is still a beacon of diplomacy, where organisations like the United Nations and the Red Cross convene. Experts of a different kind come together to answer the great scientific questions of our time at CERN. And hundreds of years ago the course of European history was changed in Geneva during the Protestant Reformation.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Geneva :

1. Lake Geneva

The largest lake in Central Europe brings the drama and awe-inspiring natural splendour of the Alps to the centre of the city.

Nobody could blame you for wanting to get out and experience it, and the easiest way to do that is to catch a boat from the quay at Genève-Mt-Blanc.

These shoot off to a host of places on the shores of the lake: You could keep it local on a “mouette”, shuttling to the other side of the city, or go long distance and cruise to Lausanne in three hours.

The lake’s beauty has affected the design of the city itself, as a promenade was built around the shore in the mid-19th century.

Next to the water are tree-lined promenades with palatial townhouses or serene parks like Eaux-Vives, Jardin Anglais, Perle du Lac or Mon Repos.

2. Jet d’Eau

At the city centre, where the Rhône continues on its course into France is La Rade (The Roadstead). Here, at the end of a long jetty, is a much-imitated monument known the world over.

The Jet d’Eau is five hundred litres of water per second propelled to a height of 140 metres.

If you do want to get a closer look, take care as the plume is susceptible to the wind and you may get wet.

The jet has been at its present spot since 1951, and originally had an important practical use: It started in 1886 as a safety valve for the hydraulic power plant, and became a permanent monument as the city loved the way it looked.

3. St Pierre Cathedral

Geneva Cathedral is one of those religious buildings that needs as much time as you can afford.

Beyond the recent Neoclassical facade things are much older, with architecture that dates to the 12th century.

From 1541 it was the home church of John Calvin, and his personal chair looks like he just got up from it.

The cathedral was constructed on top of much older buildings , among which is a basilica from the 4th century.

This and a variety of ancient vestiges can be explored underground at the archaeological site.

You can also go up the cathedral’s towers to view the Alps, Jura and Geneva against its lake: The south’s viewing platform is open-air, while the north is in a closed room and might be more suitable in winter.

4. Vielle Ville

Allow a couple of hours to satisfy your curiosity in the largest historic centre in Switzerland.

The Vielle Ville twists around the hill capped by the cathedral and was once enveloped by defensive walls.

Getting around on these steep cobblestone streets and stairways is tiring but worthwhile: The old centre is densely packed with intriguing little corners, fountains, terraces with lookouts, as well as places of real historic value.

The 18th-century polymath Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born here, while Bourg-de-Four has a row of evocative historic houses on a friendly square where cattle markets traded in medieval times.

West of the centre of Geneva, in the suburb of Meyrin, you’ll come to the headquarters for the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Needless to say, this is where historic scientific experiments are being conducted at the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.

The visitor centre offers tours of parts of the facility explaining the mind-bending science in more digestible terms.

There are also two museum exhibitions about the facility and its research.

One explains the current practical applications of CERN’s work, in the field of medical imaging for instance.

And the other goes into detail on the particle accelerator and the hunt for the Higgs boson.

6. Patek Philippe Museum

An early 20th-century factory is the stage for a museum delving into five centuries of watchmaking.

The star is the amazing exhibition of musical automata, watches and portrait miniatures from the 1500s to the 1900s, mostly assembled in Geneva and Switzerland.

But you can also track the origins of Patek Philippe, set up in 1845 by a partnership between the watchmakers Antoni Patek from Poland and Frenchman Adrien Philippe.

On the ground floor are reconstructions of workbenches with all of the instruments needed to make a timepiece, and you can even see a watch-maker on the job in a workshop.

7. Palais des Nations

After New York, Geneva has the second most important United Nations office.

The Palais des Nations dates to the 1930s and was the headquarters for the League of Nations, the UN’s predecessor.

The complex is in constant use, hosting thousands of intergovernmental meetings each year, but is open for hour-long guided tours in 15 different languages.

Your level of access is contingent on the meeting schedule, but typically will involve the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, the immense Assembly Hall, the Salle des Pas Perdus and the Council Chamber, where epoch-making negotiations have taken place between nations.

8. Bains des Pâquis

Poking out into La Rade and close enough to the Jet d’Eau to feel the spray, the Bains des Pâquis are public baths along a pier on the west shore of Lake Geneva.

This isn’t just somewhere to exercise, as people meet up to socialise at Bains des Pâquis and cultural events take place in summer.

The outdoor pool is wildly popular when it’s warm, and you can sunbathe on the pier and grab lunch at the restaurant terrace.

In this season there are free poetry and classical music recitals at the baths first thing in the morning.

In winter you’re also free to bathe in the outdoor pool before warming up in the sauna and hammam.

9. Mont Salève

When it’s overcast in Geneva there might be blue skies and sunshine at this mountain peak on the edge of the city.

A big wall of rock on the horizon, Salève is billed as the “balcony of Geneva” and rises to just shy of 1,400 metres.

If that sounds daunting there’s a cable-car that will whisk you to near the summit in just five minutes.

This has been operating in some form since 1932 and replaced the world’s first electric rack railway, completed in 1892. If you’re a hardy walker you’re also free to take the hiking trail to the top.

At the summit are cafes, constant knockout views of Geneva, the lake and Mont Blanc in the distance.

From the peak you could follow a trail into alpine meadows where cattle wear cowbells.

10. Conservatory and Botanical Garden

Geneva’s botanical garden is on the western lakeshore across the railway tracks from the United Nations Office.

Keen gardeners will be spellbound, in a park that contains 14,000 plant species gathered from all over the world.

The gardens’ herbarium catalogues more than six million specimens.

While outside you can lose yourself in flowerbeds, an arboretum, ponds and the graceful metal and glass greenhouse that holds the winter garden.

One themed garden features plants that evoke our senses of smell and touch, while the rose garden is sensory overload in June and July.

The park also has a zoo for conservation, housing deer and waterfowl.

11. International Museum of the Reformation

As the home of John Calvin Geneva is in a unique position to tell the story of the Reformation.

It’s a defining chapter in the city’s past, and is retold at this museum next to the Cathedral of St Pierre.

The exhibitions are given real historical weight thanks to the rich archives of documents that were already in Geneva: There are manuscripts, engravings, paintings and early printed materials to study, as well as a modern 15-minute film outlining the driving forces.

The location is significant too, as the museum is on the site of the Cloître de Saint-Pierre where the vote to approve the reformation of Geneva was taken in 1536.

12. Art and History Museum

At Les Tranchées in the centre of the city, this attraction has vast exhibitions of fine arts, applied arts and archaeology.

The museum’s forte is Swiss and Genevan art, and you can immerse yourself in the work of the portraitist Jean-Étienne Liotard or caricaturist Rodolphe Töpffe.

The work that must not be missed is the 15th-century Miraculous Draft of Fishes by Konrad Witz.

This was on an altarpiece at St Pierre Cathedral and is credited as being the first ever faithful depiction of a landscape in European art.

Byzantine icons, textiles, silverware and musical instruments are in the applied arts section, while the archaeology collection stands out for its 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy.

13. Natural History Museum

The largest Swiss museum in its field opened in a modern building in the 1960s.

In the collections are insect specimens collected by the 18th and 19th century entomologist Louis Jurine.

But what catches most people’s attention is the army of taxidermies on the ground floor.

The museum also has living animals, and you have to meet Janus, the spur-thighed tortoise with two heads which was born in incubators at the museum in 1997. The first three floors is dedicated to the animal kingdom, while the top two cover everything from geology to astronomy.

At the top you can check out moon rocks and a bronze statue of an Australopithecus fossil (an ancestor of early man, dating back 3.2 million years).

14. Musée Ariana

In a Neo-Baroque palace near the UN’s Palais des Nations is a museum all about ceramics and glassware.

Musée Ariana was set up in the 1880s by the art collector Gustave Revilliod, and named after his mother.

There are 20,000 pieces of ceramics and glassware in the galleries, covering 12 centuries and extending to all corners of the globe.

All forms of ceramics are here, from earthenware to stoneware, china, porcelain and pottery.

Perhaps most interesting is the exhibition of Japanese and Chinese porcelain from the 1500s to thee 1700s, crafted for export and shedding light on trade and the relationship between cultures in that period.

15. Parc de la Grange

The largest of Geneva’s city parks is possibly the most beautiful, on the shore of the lake at Quai Gustave-Ador.

Parc de la Grange is laid out over terraces, with stairways that have been cut from the bedrock.

This space has been settled by wealthy residents for 2,000 years, as the ruins of a Roman villa sit behind the 18th-century villa there now.

In 1918 the villa’s last resident bequeathed the park to the city.

There are two theatres in Parc de la Grange, both staging several productions from May to September.

But the star in summer is the rose garden, which grows more than 10,000 bushes from 200 varieties.

16. Maison Tavel

A branch of the Art and History Museum, Maison Tavel is a historic house on Rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre in the middle of the Old Town.

This is the oldest private home in Geneva, dating mostly to the 14th century after it was rebuilt in the wake of a fire that devastated the city in 1334. Each room tells you something about the history of Geneva.

On the top floor there’s a video projected onto a relief model of Geneva’s natural landscape to show the city’s growth.

Spaces in the house like the cellars, kitchen and apartments are decorated in styles from different epochs, all with period furniture, paintings and everyday utensils in place.

17. Jardin Anglais

In 1854, when the waterfront was being spruced up, an English-style garden was plotted on reclaimed land north of the Old Town.

This took the place of an old wooden harbour and was enhanced a few years later when the Pont du Mont du Mont-Blanc was completed on the west side in 1862. The centrepiece is the fountain, cast at a foundry in Val d’Osne in France in 1862. The park’s curving paths radiate off this monument, out to the promenade where you can get a photo of the Jet d’Eau and contemplate the lake.

Look for the Horloge Fleurie, an outdoor homage to Geneva’s watchmakers from 1955, in the form of a working clock with a flowerbed for its face.

18. International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

This museum for this international humanitarian network goes back to 1988. At the start of the 2010s it was given a complete overhaul and reopened in 2013 with the innovative “Humanitarian Adventure” exhibition.

There are three main areas, each representing one of the organisation’s remits: Defending Human Dignity, Reconstructing Family Links and Reducing Natural Risks.

Each of these sections was drawn up by a world-leading exhibition designer.

They communicate information in unconventional ways, intended to elicit more emotion than if you were looking at plain artefacts and statistics.

19. Parc des Bastions

This park got its name because it was wedged between the 16th-century fortifications and those that followed a century later.

Next to Place de Neuve it is also home to the oldest university building, erected in 1873. On June 21 the Parc des Bastions puts on concerts as part of the international Fête de la Musique.

Life-sized chessboards are available to all passersby, and there are also ping-pong tables and then a skating rink in winter.

You have to spare a moment for the Monument international de la Réformation, erected along the 16th-century defences in 1909. Against a long wall stand the figures of John Calvin, John Knox, Theodore Beza and William Farel, all of whom were instrumental in the Reformation.

20. Quartier des Grottes

One tenth of all Genevans live in this neighbourhood near the centre.

Les Grottes might clash with your notions of Geneva as a posh and ordered city, as this quarter is chaotic, young and bohemian.

From the 1960s it was the home of anarchist communes and squats, and although Les Grottes has been gentrified in recent years it is still a very affordable place to live considering the centre is so close.

Explore this area for cafes, theatres, cinemas, left-field independent shops, but also to see Les Schtroumpfs.

These are housing blocks from the 1980s with sinuous colourful facades that look like they could have been designed by Gaudí.

21. Carouge

Before 1816, this quarter just south of the Vielle Ville was a separate town.

As we see it now Carouge is the product of a wave of construction initiated by the King of Sardinia in 1786. The townscape was modelled on Nice, then also Italian, and the Italian accent endures in its palazzos, the Baroque Holy Cross Church and rows of painted townhouses with wooden shutters.

No shock that Carouge is often called “La Cité Sarde”, the Sardinian City.

In a leisurely ambience Carouge abounds with handicraft shops, vintage boutiques, antiques dealers and a market at Place de Marchéon Wednesdays and Saturdays.

22. Plainpalais Market

Geneva’s main flea and famers’ market trades on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as well as the first Sunday of the month.

If you’re out hunting for a bargain there are scores of stalls selling antiques, furniture, handicrafts, books, jewellery, homeware and clothing.

As with any market your chances of making a discovery hinge on luck and patience, as well as when you visit: On Saturdays for example the traders tend to be more upscale.

But if nothing catches your eye can always console yourself with international street-food from Peru to Morocco.

23. Museum of Far Eastern Art

Switzerland’s biggest hoard of oriental art is in store at a sumptuous turn-of-the-century townhouse.

Many of these Japanese and Chinese items were curated by one man: Born in 1861, Alfred Baur was employed by a trading company and posted in Sri Lanka.

Over the course of his travels he nurtured a love for oriental art, and he proved to have a discerning eye.

When he returned to Switzerland he brought back invaluable Chinese jade, porcelain and ornate snuff bottles dating from the 700s.

In Japan he picked up miniature sculptures (netsuke), swords, woodprints, lacquerware and fine sword fittings.

The exhibition has expanded to more than 9,000 pieces after donations over the last hundred years.

Call it a cliché, but if you find yourself in Geneva in winter there’s no excuse not to go for fondue.

Not just a Swiss creation, fondue was born in the western French-speaking regions.

So there’s no better city in Switzerland to order this steaming pot of melted gruyère combined with wine, garlic and seasoning.

The dish may have rustic associations, but gruyère has never been cheap and so towns like Geneva are where fondue would have first been served.

For somewhere unpretentious and reasonably priced you can’t go wrong at La Buvette in the Bains des Pâquis.

Also good for families are Café du Soleil at Place du Petit-Saconnex in the west, and le Gruyèrien on Chemin de la Bessonnette to the east of the centre.

25. L’Escalade

The big annual event in Geneva happens in December to commemorate the defence of the city in the face of an attack by the Duke of Savoy’s army in 1602. According to legend the “Escalade” took place on the night of December 11-12 at 02:00 when the duke’s crack troops attempted to scale the walls and sneak into the city.

They were seen by humble cook Catherine Cheynel, who dumped a pot of hot soup on them, alerting Geneva’s guards and preventing catastrophe.

The celebrations all go down on the closest weekend to 11 December, with parades in period costume.

The best bit for kids is when they get a “marmite”, a pot made from chocolate and filled with marzipan vegetables as a nod to the Catherine Cheynel’s soup pot.

25 Best Things to Do in Geneva (Switzerland):

• Lake Geneva
• St Pierre Cathedral
• Vielle Ville
• Patek Philippe Museum
• Palais des Nations
• Bains des Pâquis
• Mont Salève
• Conservatory and Botanical Garden
• International Museum of the Reformation
• Art and History Museum
• Natural History Museum
• Musée Ariana
• Parc de la Grange
• Maison Tavel
• Jardin Anglais
• International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
• Parc des Bastions
• Quartier des Grottes
• Plainpalais Market
• Museum of Far Eastern Art

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15 Top Tourist Attractions in Geneva

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 22, 2024

An affluent place that is home to many international organizations and embassies – as well as the United Nations – Geneva is the second largest city in the country and is well worth visiting for its plethora of amazing sights. Full of lovely old buildings, museums, parks and more, it is a fantastic place to wander around, with loads to see and do.

On top of all the historic and cultural tourist attractions in Geneva, the River Rhone runs through the city, which also lies on the shores of Lake Geneva. As such, there is lots of nature for visitors to enjoy and beautiful mountains form a stunning backdrop to Geneva. With so much tourist attractions on offer, you’ll have your work cut out trying to fit everything into your trip to this wonderful city.

Map of Geneva

15. Reformation Wall

Located in the fantastic Parc Des Bastions, the Reformation Wall is a must-see when you are in Geneva; the monument depicts an important moment that changed Europe’s history forever.

Built to honor the main individuals who influenced the movement, the Reformation Wall documents the Protestant Reformation and the schism that took place in Western Christianity in the 16th century.

Beautiful to behold, there are numerous statues and bas-reliefs of such influential figures as John Calvin, Oliver Cromwell, and William Farel. Really well done, the wall is definitely worth checking out and it is not far from a lot of the other main attractions in Geneva.

14. Jardin Anglais

Created in 1855, this wonderful little park lies alongside the waterfront not far from the iconic Jet d’Eau. It is a lovely spot at which to sit back, relax and enjoy the sun. Very English in style and look, it is modeled after country manor house gardens and is delightfully landscaped, with little winding paths passing by statues of prominent Genevans and well-tended flowerbeds.

At the center of the park is a beautiful fountain, although the highlight is undoubtedly the Horloge Fleurie – a working clock that ticks its way around its flowerbed face. Intended as an homage to the country’s famous watchmakers, it is the cherry on top of what Jardin Anglais has to offer.

13. International Red Cross Museum

Opened in 1988, this thought-provoking museum is well worth a visit when you’re in Geneva. It was here that the organization was founded all the way back in 1863. As the aim of the ICRC is to protect human life and alleviate suffering, the exhibitions focus on topics pertaining to life-saving, with the three mains parts looking at how to defend human dignity, reconstruct families and reduce natural risks.

The ‘Humanitarian Adventure’ exhibition is very interesting to wander around and is both educational and entertaining in equal measure.

12. Museum of Art and History

Full of interesting old items and artifacts, the Museum of Art and History is a fantastic place to visit and its extensive galleries will keep you entertained for hours. Located in a lovely building in the center of the city, it is the largest art museum in Switzerland; the fine arts and archaeology sections are among its many highlights.

With a huge range of art on show, perusing the exhibitions is mesmerizing; there is even a 3000-year-old Egyptian mummy for you to gaze upon. Genevan artists figure prominently in the collection and there are even works by such renowned names as Rembrandt and Rodin for you to enjoy.

11. Parc Des Bastions

Located right next to Place Neuve, the park is a delightful haven of peace and quiet and is a lovely spot if you want to relax after a day sightseeing around the city. A leafy place that is home to expansive lawns, a restaurant, and a children’s playground, Parc Des Bastions is best known for the beautiful Reformation Wall that is located within its confines.

Throughout the year, various cultural events and festivals take place here. It is a popular park with locals, who come here to escape the busy city streets.

10. Patek Philippe Museum

Famous around the world for its watches, Switzerland – and Geneva in particular – is home to the wonderful Patek Philippe Museum, which will introduce you to the art and history of watchmaking. Spanning over 500 years of history, the museum is a fascinating place to visit and is actually home to the oldest watch in the world, with its antique collection being quite stunning to gaze upon.

With over 2000 exhibits on show, there are loads of lovely watches for you to peruse. The galleries take you through the whole process and evolution of making watches and you can even watch professional watch-makers as they work.

9. Palais des Nations

Built in 1938, the Palais des Nations complex hosts thousands upon thousands of intergovernmental meetings every year; it is one of the most influential places on Earth. It is the second most important United Nations office after the headquarters in New York and there is a fascinating guided tour on offer that takes you around all the main landmarks on show.

Whether it is the stunning Assembly Hall or the impressive Council Chamber, the Palais des Nations will wow you with all that there is to see.

8. Jardin Botanique

Lying on the western lakeshore, the botanical gardens are delightful to wander around and, remarkably, contain over 14,000 different plant species from around the globe. Beautifully landscaped, nature lovers will adore all of its amazing attractions.

There an almost endless array of flowerbeds, ponds and rose gardens for you to explore, with the herbarium housing over six million specimens. With a zoo also on site, the Jardin Botanique is a great place to visit with loads to see and do.

7. Bains des Paquis

Located on the western shore of Lake Geneva, the Bains des Paquis is a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike; it is just a stone’s throw away from the Jet d’Eau. The public baths are lovely to wallow in and many people come here to exercise or relax on the pier or beach.

While it is mostly frequented during the summer, hardy swimmers can still enjoy the baths in winter as there is a sauna and hammam on hand. It is during the summer, however, when Bains des Paquis really comes alive and the area is thronged with people enjoying the sun. Numerous cultural events – such as classic musical recitals and local festivals – only add to the intoxicating atmosphere and feel.

6. Natural History Museum

Opened in 1966, the Natural History Museum houses a fine collection that covers everything from taxidermy and insect specimens to moon rocks, fossils and the evolution of man. A great place for all the family to visit, the exhibitions are very well laid out and lots of display panels explain exactly what it is you’re looking at; young ones will particularly enjoy stopping by the floors devoted to the animal kingdom.

In total, there are over 200 taxidermies on show, as well as countless moon rocks and fossils. One of the most interesting and impressive things to see at the museum is actually a living tortoise called Janus that has two heads who has defied biological norms to live for over 20 years.

5. Mont Saleve

Lying on the edge of the city, Mont Saleve appears before you like an impenetrable wall of rock, which at its zenith reaches a height of 1379 meters. The views from up high are spectacular, with Geneva lying below you and the Jura Mountains and Mont Blanc off in the distance.

While you can hike, bike or drive to its summit, another option is the cable car which will take you to the top in no time at all. With loads of outdoor activities on offer, Mont Saleve is the perfect spot to go rock climbing, mountain biking or paragliding – you can even go skiing at Col de la Corisette if you feel like it.

While ambling through the alpine meadows is delightful, the highlight is undoubtedly the stunning view; it is not without reason that Mont Saleve has been nicknamed the ‘balcony of Geneva’.

4. Cathedrale St-Pierre

St Peter’s Cathedral, as it is known in English is a lovely building in the center of the old town. Its huge North and South Towers loom above the rest of the city. Built between 1160 and 1252, the architecture is largely Gothic in style, although a delightful Neo-Classical facade was added around the 18th century.

Constructed on top of a 4th century basilica, the cathedral is the most important religious building in Geneva, and views from the top of it are absolutely stunning; you can see the Alps off in the distance.

The interior is unassuming and undecorated in comparison with many other cathedrals and churches. As such, it is mainly the lovely architecture on show that people come to see.

3. Vieille Ville

Full of beautiful old buildings, Geneva’s Vieille Ville is the historic center of the city and is well worth walking around for its picturesque squares and winding, cobbled lanes. A veritable labyrinth of a place, wandering around is a delightful experience; historic buildings line the roads and atmospheric cafes are interspersed amongst galleries, museums and more.

Dripping in history, the Vieille Ville is a must-see when in Geneva. Highlights include the stunning St Peter’s Cathedral and the fantastic Bourg-de-Four square, which used to be a Roman marketplace.

The headquarters of the European Organization for Nuclear Research is a fascinating place, where loads of cutting-edge scientific experiments are conducted every single day. It actually hosts the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. Visitors can take a tour around parts of CERN to see what exactly goes on there, with the particle accelerator being particularly interesting to check out.

In addition to the tour, there is a museum on particle physics and the history of the organization, including what it has achieved and what it is working on. The Globe of Science and Innovation somehow manages to break down complex ideas and scientific theories into accessible terms and this serves to make CERN both an entertaining and educational place to visit.

1. Jet d’Eau

This iconic landmark is known around the world and is one of the main attractions that people just have to see when visiting Geneva. Seemingly spurting out from the center of the lake, the Jet d’Eau towers to a height of 140 meters and is actually accessible from a small stone jetty.

If you get too near, however, you are almost certain to get wet, as over 500 liters of water are pumped out every second. Located at the spot where Lake Geneva joins the Rhone, the Jet d’Eau is a wonderful fountain and is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike.

Best Time to Visit Geneva

Almost completely surrounded by France, Geneva lies at the southern end of the large lake of the same name, amidst the snowy Alps and Jura Mountains. As the weather is warmest in summer, July and August are the most popular months to visit.

With temperatures averaging 24 to 25°C (75 to 77°F), many hike in the nearby mountains or cool off in the lake. Although this is one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year, fun events like the Lake Parade also take place.

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn also attract lots of people to Geneva. While April to June and September and October are slightly cooler, more affordable accommodation and fewer crowds more than make up for it. You can still enjoy the great outdoors or attend Fete de la Musique and the Bol d’Or Mirabaud – the world’s largest inland regatta!

November to March is the low season as worsening weather puts most people off. Some winter sports enthusiasts do however head to the city in December and January to go skiing in the nearby mountains.

As each month has 12 to 16 days with at least some rain, pack a coat whenever you visit!

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26 Best Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland in 2024

Written By: The Planet D

Switzerland

Updated On: June 11, 2024

Of all the  beautiful places in Switzerland , Geneva is still rated as one of the top. Only a few cities are as beautifully situated as Geneva. The city is within day trip distance of Mont Blanc, has a gorgeous rose garden, and sits on the shores of Lake Geneva. It is also the base of the United Nations Headquarters, and you can find many fun facts before visiting Geneva  here . So, besides Geneva’s beautiful setting and natural scenery, what else is there to love? That’s where the best things to do in Geneva come in.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland

Whether you want Geneva museums or Swiss food, these best things to do in Geneva will keep you entertained and enjoy any visit to Switzerland . This guide covers everything from the Patek Philippe Museum to the Palais des Nations and the Parc de la Grange. Get ready for some serious variety.

Planning Your Trip To Geneva Right Now?

Below are some of the top tours in Geneva, Switzerland . Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting Switzerland!

Top Activities and Tours in Geneva:

• Geneva: 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise (Most Popular in Geneva)
• Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva (Our Favorite)
• Geneva: City Pass with 60 Activities (Likely to Sell Out)
• Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat (Best Deal)

1. Vallorbe Caves

The Vallorbe Caves, aka the Grottes de Vallorbe, are some of the prettiest caves you can visit. This cave system has underground waterfalls, halls, and a subterranean river. If you fancy an outdoorsy attraction, you’ll remember forever, the Vallorbe Caves are the one for you.

The low lighting and miles of underground paths make for the perfect 3-4 hours of entertainment, and just 2 hours away by public transport or 1 hour and 20 minutes away by car. The Vallorbe Caves are convenient and really have that wow factor. If you haven’t visited a cave system before, you need to experience this once. Going caving is quite bizarre to be featured first on a city break list. Still, there you have it – the perfect example of how incredible Geneva is as a city.

2. Broken Chair Sculpture

A giant red chair in the middle of a city center is anything but standard. This sculpture stands a dramatic 12 meters above street level and, as if this wasn’t striking enough, is notably broken. One leg is severed dramatically, showing splintered wood and leaving the chair seemingly precariously balanced on its remaining three legs. So, what exactly is the message behind this contemporary art? The Broken Chair sculpture symbolizes the protest of cluster bombs and land mines. As the European United Nations Headquarters seat, Geneva takes an active stance on humanitarian issues. And the Broken Chair is a much-loved artistic reminder of Geneva’s firm stance.

The Broken Chair is situated next to a pretty fountain. It is well-combined with a visit to its nearby United Nations building. Don’t get us wrong, this is an attraction you should spend at most 30 minutes admiring (and probably more like 10 minutes). However, it is a significant place to visit and understand Geneva’s underlying political and humanitarian values. And besides, who doesn’t love novel sculptures like broken chairs?

3. Musee Rath

Musee Rath is a beautiful art and history museum in a striking building that resembles an Ancient Greek temple. It doesn’t get more stereotypically cultural than Musee Rath; even its exterior is visit-worthy. The museum building dates back to the 19th century, and even if you snap pictures of its beautiful columned entrance, we suggest weaving it into your itinerary. And if you have an hour or two, even better, because that is long enough to wander around inside. There’s a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, including a recent exhibition on silence. The combination of history and art blends seamlessly, and the fact that it is quite a small collection is perfect for juggling a packed itinerary.

Reaching Musee Rath is a piece of cake. The art and history museum is located in the city center and just a short walk from Place de Neuve station. We’d recommend ending your day with some serene culture, as the museum stays open until 6 p.m. on weekends and 7 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday. Wander through Musee Rath and head to one of the best restaurants nearby.

4. Promenade de la Treille

Promenade de la Trielle is a beautiful walkway in the old town. It holds the surprising title of being home to one of the longest benches in the world. Still, more importantly, it has stunning views of the city below and Geneva’s waterfront. Open 24 hours a day, it is ideal for a sunrise or sunset walk – especially if you can grab a takeout café from somewhere nearby. It is also a stunning midday spot thanks to its shady trees and friendly crowds.

Exploring a city on foot is one of the best ways to experience its unique atmosphere and community, and Promenade de la Trielle is one of the best ways to experience Geneva. Allow an hour or two to enjoy this stunning section of the walkway, and consider combining it with some of its nearby Geneva museums like Tavel House or the Museum of International Reformation. It is easily reached if you are staying centrally. You can catch public transport to Palais Eynard.

5. Chateau de Nyon

Chateau de Nyon is something straight out of a fairytale. The turrets and white exterior are bound to relight your childhood imagination, and it goes without saying that if you visit Geneva with children, Chateau de Nyon is a must. The 12th-century fort was once home to real-life knights, but now its job is to keep that middle-age magic alive. You can wander its historic walkways and halls and admire armor, porcelain antiques, and lingering grandeur. Chateau de Nyon is located just 20 minutes out of Geneva by train and is the ideal day trip to expand your Swiss experience outside the city limits.

This attraction is in Nyon, a tiny, walkable little town along the shores of Lake Geneva. While visiting Chateau de Nyon, allow some time to walk around and see the town’s other attractions. It is home to Musee du Leman and some beautiful gardens.

6. Jura Mountains

The Jura Mountains are the best for outdoor activity and that’s for locals and tourists alike. If you want a day trip out in fresh air, the Jura Mountains are perfect for hiking and mountain biking in spring to late fall and skiing over winter. The mountain range spans the French and Swiss border and is home to the iconic Fort de Joux – a colossal castle dating back to the 13th century. The range is stunning, with sub-alpine peaks and even opportunities for wildlife spotting with a rumored 80 wolves.

It is best to visit the Jura Mountains by car, so be prepared to rent a car in Genev a. Depending on where you go, the mountain range is around 2 hours away from the city center by car. You’ll be driving almost the entire length of Lake Geneva and heading up to the shores of Lake de Neuchatel, a smaller lake northeast of Geneva. The good news is it’s a beautiful drive.

7. Mont Saleve Cable Car

Mont Saleve Cable Car is a hot topic. This attraction has been closed for years to undergo serious renovations. Still, excitingly, it reopened in 2023 and offers stunning rides to visiting tourists once more. The cable car reaches an altitude of 1,100 meters, and the journey only takes 5 minutes, so prepare to make the most of a fleeting experience. It is definitely worth it, though, and Mont Saleve is ideal for enjoying beautiful views of the Mont-Blanc massif. And, if you fancy adding to the adventure, you can enjoy skiing in winter and paragliding, climbing, hiking, and mountain biking throughout the rest of the year.

The’ meeting point’ for the Mont Saleve Cable Car is just 40 minutes from Geneva’s city center by bus. You just catch the number 8 bus from the Mont Blanc bus stop by the lakefront. Alternatively, you can drive or catch a 20-minute Uber.

8. Parc des Eaux Vives

Parc des Eaux-Vives is a beautiful, manicured park outside Geneva city center. The park has been passed down through successive owners and is the ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon. The manor house was built in 1750, and the park was later jazzed up by a designer in 1865 and an engineer in the late 19th century. The grounds are stunning, with acres upon acres of expansive, open lawns with the beautiful backdrop of the Parc des Eaux-Vives mansion. The mansion now houses a fine dining restaurant – so you can always treat yourself to a luxurious meal out if you want the whole Parc des Eaux-Vives experience.

Parc des Eaux-Vives is just a 15-minute drive or bus ride from the city center on the number 2 or 6 bus. It is easy to slot into a busy Geneva itinerary and perfect if you visit in summer or late spring, warmer months ideal for enjoying the city’s green space.

9. Reformation Wall

The Reformation Wall is one of the most poignant attractions in Geneva. Whatever your religion, there’s no denying the impact of religious history on the socio-politics of the world. The Reformation Wall is a massive monument commemorating the Protestant Reformation and the movement’s founders, including the famous John Calvin. While only around 100 meters in length, it really packs a punch, with stunning carvings and historical scenes carved into the wall. The wall is free to visit and is in Geneva’s city center. Drop by for a quick 15-30-minute admire of the carvings and learn more about the Protestant Reformation.

The Reformation Wall is easily reached from anywhere in the city center. It is also well combined with visits to the Musee Rath, Tavel House, and Place du Bourg-de-Four. Get ready for some insightful architecture.

10. International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

The Red Cross Museum is one of the most fascinating humanitarian museums you can ever visit – and the fact a humanitarian museum is already such a niche category proves its importance. The Red Cross is one of the oldest charities in the world, and its international efforts to support communities in need are astounding. The museum has permanent exhibitions and works with artists to encapsulate the charity’s values and meanings through profound artwork and informative exhibits.

The Red Crescent Museum is heavily symbolic and conjures some really heavy emotions. We recommend researching the history of the Red Cross and what the charity does before visiting. This way, you’ll get as much out of the visit as possible and have all the necessary background information to understand the more complex exhibits. Overall, though, for charity lovers, Red Cross fans, and creatives, this museum is a wonderfully thought-provoking attraction in Geneva. It is just a 20-minute ride on the 20 bus from the Geneva city center. It is well-combined with its neighboring botanical garden.

11. Place du Bourg de Four

Place du Bourg-de-Four is the oldest square in the city and an absolute must when it comes to choosing the best things to do in Geneva. The square is centered around a single fountain. It has upscale shops and cafes around the edge, with pedestrians constantly bustling around for luxe purchases and quick refreshments. Place du Bourg-de-Four has a lively yet historical atmosphere, and it is one of the best places to experience inner-city, old-town Geneva and the city’s history.

Place du Bourg-de-Four isn’t precisely a standalone attraction. You’ll need to combine it with something else to make it worthwhile. Otherwise, you can just appreciate it in under 5 minutes. We suggest going shopping or sitting al fresco for food or drink in one of its restaurants and cafes. And after, you can take advantage of the square’s brilliant location to explore more of the old town’s attractions and the city centre.

12. Jet d’Eau

Jet d’Eau is another one of these fleeting attractions. This iconic water fountain is right in the middle of Lake Geneva. It pumps water up in a 140-meter arc, impressively pumping out half a cubic meter of water per second. This is a mighty water fountain; even more impressively, it lights up at night. It is Geneva’s skyline attraction – its answer to how London has Westminster and the London Eye and Paris has the Eiffel Tower. It represents Swiss identity and is a massive symbol of pride.

So, how do you see this beautiful fountain? The best way to visit Jet d’Eau is to walk the walkway that juts out into Lake Geneva. You can also take a lake cruise if you’d prefer to experience Jet d’Eau from the water. The fountain is just a 20-minute walk from Geneva city center, so it is easy to add to your itinerary. Remember that sometimes the fountain is turned off due to weather conditions, but you should get lucky as this is rare.

13. Go Chocolate Shop Hopping

When you visit Switzerland , you have to try the chocolate. Geneva is packed with dozens of different chocolate shops, most of which are independently run and have been running since the early 19th century. The country’s dairy links make chocolate a huge deal. And many of these chocolate shops have recipes passed down over generations. It is a definite artisanal process, and just walking into the shops, you’ll soon see how beautiful and artistic chocolate-making is. You don’t have to have a sweet tooth to enjoy this Geneva activity. However, it certainly helps when it comes to the inevitable chocolate tastings.

You can chocolate shop hop by foot with ease, as the leading chocolate shops are scattered at high density through the Geneva Old Town. Pace yourself and pick the best beforehand. You can visit independently, book a chocolate tour , or experience at a specific store.

14. Parc des Bastions

Parc des Bastions is a stunning historical park in the middle of Geneva city centre. It is located right next to Geneva University. So it attracts a regular young crowd of socializers and has a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. There are even giant chess boards – Parc des Bastions has some brilliant vibes for a sunny day out. If you want to enjoy greenspace as a solo traveler, Parc des Bastions is an ideal choice in daylight hours. It is also the city’s largest park within the city center limits. You can always find a quiet spot somewhere, even at peak times.

Parc des Bastions is easily accessed on foot if you are staying in the city center. Alternatively, you can visit using public transport and stop at Place de Neuve station.

15. Saint Pierre Cathedral

Saint Pierre Cathedral is a stunning piece of architecture and one of Geneva’s most revered city landmarks. You can admire the cathedral outside or head inside to embrace ornate architecture, furnishings, and bright stained-glass windows. With high-vaulted ceilings and elaborate décor, it is a beautiful place to stop by and just have a quiet moment of appreciation – whether you are religious or not. Everyone is welcome at Saint Pierre Cathedral, and tickets are moderately priced. You can even head to the top levels for expansive views over Geneva.

Of course, the fact that Saint Pierre Cathedral is so beautiful justifies a visit. However, some history also makes it even more attractive to visitors. It was the adopted home church of the leader of the Protestant Reformation, John Calvin, who we mentioned earlier when discussing the Reformation Wall. It is one of the best things to do in Geneva – an essential location for religious history and a considerable part of Geneva’s history.

16. Palais des Nations

If you know just a few things about Geneva already, you will know its importance to the United Nations. The United Nations is a global organization that was founded after WW2 as a way to transcend national borders, ensure humanitarian standards, and protect the safety and best interests of humanity. Palais des Nations is the United Nations Headquarters and where all the international meetings occur. There are 193 countries in the organization, and country representatives travel regularly to partake in meetings that shape how we run the globe. There are over 10,000 meetings here annually – so the United Nations puts the work in.

As you can see, the UN is important, and if you visit Geneva, it definitely warrants a visit. You can actually go inside to visit the United Nations Office and Palais des Nations. Tickets are reasonably priced at around $16, and you can take a guided walking tour of the complex, exhibits, and most essential rooms. A guided tour is the best way to experience Palais des Nations and easily one of the most impressive and the best things to do in Geneva.

17. The Flower Clock in Jardins Anglais

Visiting the famous flower clock is one of the best things to do in Geneva, and you won’t change our minds. The ‘clock’ was designed in 1955 and has been in bloom ever since. The beautiful design uses bright flowers in ever-changing patterns to create the clock face, and it has clock hands made as permanent sculptures. The clock is in the Jardin Anglais, a beautiful park along the Lake Geneva waterfront. You can visit the clock, snap a few pictures, and then wander the trails through the park for an hour or two.

The Geneva Flower Clock is easy to reach from the city center, and it is just a 10-minute walk – which we’d recommend taking as an Uber or driving actually takes longer with traffic. This is the perfect attraction to introduce you to Geneva city life.

18. Geneva Botanical Garden

The Conservatory and Botanical Garden Geneva is this wonderful city’s most beautiful part-indoor, part-outdoor attraction. It is one of the prettiest things to do in Geneva, especially in spring, when flowers bloom. You can admire tons of exhibits, including a stunning rose garden. Even better, entering and taking advantage of seasonal guided tours is free. The Geneva Botanical Garden is the perfect solution if the weather is unpredictable. The conservatory is a beautiful place to shelter from any blustery showers.

You’ll use public transport when traveling to the Conservatory and Botanical Garden Geneva. The botanical gardens are a 40-minute walk away, which we don’t recommend. Instead, hop on the train or tram; you’ll arrive in under 10 minutes.

19. Walk the Footpaths Along Quai du Mont Blanc

Quai du Mont-Blanc is an iconic lakefront street outside Geneva’s city center in the nightlife-famous Paquis. The street is lined by beautiful footpaths overlooking Lake Geneva with lovely views. It is also where you can find meeting points for many boat tours – where you can head out to get closer to the famed Lake Geneva fountain and experience Geneva from a different perspective. We’d suggest walking the entire length of the footpaths from Mont Blanc station to Parc Mon Repos. You’ll get an excellent insight into the best Quai du Mont-Blanc views and a quieter experience of Geneva. Pick up a takeout coffee to enjoy as you walk if you can. It only takes 20 minutes or so to complete this walk one way, and it is accessible for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.

You can take the ferry, bus, or drive to get to Mont Blanc Station. All options take around 10 minutes, obviously dependent on the whereabouts in Geneva where you are staying.

20. International Museum of the Reformation

The International Museum of the Reformation links into the Protestant Reformation that we’ve already discussed. Visiting is one of the most informative things to do in Geneva, and if you are visiting Geneva, learning about its religious history is a really insightful activity to prioritize. The museum is set in an 18th-century mansion – get ready for some serious wow factor. Instead of just looking at artwork like the Reformation Wall, you’ll get engaging exhibits and everything from paintings and artifacts that tell a fuller story of what happened in the Reformation.

Getting to the International Museum of the Reformation is just a 10-minute walk from Geneva city center, so it is an absolute breeze. It is also easily combined with visits to other reformation-related attractions, including St. Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Wall.

21. Nyon Roman Museum

We’ve already mentioned Nyon, but the Nyon Roman Museum is so impressive that it deserves a whole section. This museum houses a widely revered archaeological site. Transport yourself back to the Roman era and embrace lingering Italian heritage by walking through Nyon Roman Museum’s collection of ancient ruins. The vast columns and remains are magical to walk through. For any history lovers, this is the most engaging museum you can visit near Geneva. The outside ruins are a charming addition to the indoor section of the museum, which houses artifacts like pottery that were uncovered in the archaeological dig. It is one of the most engaging history museums in Switzerland.

The Nyon Roman Museum is just 20 minutes from central Geneva if you catch public transport. This is half the time it takes to drive to the museum, so choose the quicker and more environmentally friendly option. This is one of the easiest and most rewarding Geneva day trip options.

22. Travel House

Travel House is a leading museum in Geneva and a personal favorite. The house is a time capsule of medieval Swiss life. It is set over 6 floors with engaging social history exhibits on each one. The house was once the property of a wealthy Geneva resident. Still, now, it has a full-time job educating visitors to Geneva. You can enjoy a mix of temporary and permanent exhibits and immerse yourself in a historical side of Geneva that most modern visitors miss out on.

Travel House has a super exclusive feel, which is hard not to love. It feels like a private museum rather than one of Geneva’s most popular museums, and that is half of its allure. We’ll also add that it is very convenient to visit and is within walking distance of all the major attractions in the Geneva Old Town.

23. Patek Philippe Museum

Patek Philippe Museum is easily one of the most interesting museums in Geneva, which is a huge statement considering its incredible museum scene. The museum houses exhibits telling the story of Patek Philippe – a successful watchmaker who shaped the city’s watch industry. This incredible talent and vocation is one of the most famous industries in Switzerland, and the Patek Philippe Museum showcases one of the significant personalities the city saw, as well as general watchmaking from the 16th century onwards.

The museum is centrally located in the middle of Geneva’s Old Town, so you won’t have any issues visiting, even with a busy schedule. Tickets are really reasonable, too, considering that Geneva is seen as really expensive, costing around $10 per person when you can easily enjoy the Patek Philippe Museum for two hours.

24. Parc de la Grange

Parc de la Grange is one of the fanciest parks in Geneva and a firm favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. The park is next to Lake Geneva and is home to a vast outdoor theatre that comes to life during summer for raging concerts and a brilliant sense of community. If you love music and good views, Parc de la Grange is incredible in summer – just check out the schedule online and see what events coincide with your visit. Even outside of summer, Parc de la Grange is beautiful. You can enjoy a large rose garden and peaceful trails that snake around the park with Lake Geneva views.

Getting to Parc de la Grange is just a 30-minute walk from the city center or a 20-minute bus ride on the number 2 bus from Bel-Air station.

25. Musee de Carouge

Musee de Carouge is a tiny addition to Geneva’s beautiful art galleries. It is the perfect solution if you want a slightly off-the-beaten-track attraction in Geneva. The small art gallery hosts temporary exhibitions reflecting unique perspectives and spotlighting lesser-known and local artists. Musee de Carouge does a fantastic job providing a voice to more artists, and the passion behind the project is evident. It is tiny, so you’ll need less than an hour to visit this museum. However, it is well worth a detour from the city center, especially if you are staying in trendy Carouge anyway.

If you are staying in central Geneva, Musee de Carouge is just a 15-minute ride away on public transport or a 30-minute walk. Easy peasy.

26. Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is always a constant presence in Geneva. But if you want to maximize your visit, take the time to explore Lake Geneva from the water. You can rent a paddleboard, pedal boat, or even try windsurfing or wakeboarding – Geneva is as much a water sporting destination as it is a stereotypical city break. Enjoying watersports on Lake Geneva is the perfect way to get your dose of adrenaline and also have the freedom to explore the lake that makes the Swiss capital as iconic as it is.

Tropical Corner, Wake Up, and Les Corsaires are all brilliant places to arrange watersports activities and equipment rentals. Most of these are just a 15-minute ride away from the city center on public transport.

Visiting Geneva

Visiting Geneva is super exciting, and if you tick off even just one of these attractions and activities, you’ll have a fantastic time. Geneva’s fast-paced city center is a total contrast to its beautiful, slow-paced areas of natural beauty. We love its balance and how varied Geneva itineraries are. Before you go, though, check out these FAQs.

How to Get to Geneva

Geneva Airport is the usual answer when it comes to the question of how to get to Geneva. You can fly directly into Geneva from all over the world. However, you can also take the train if you are visiting from somewhere in Europe. If this is the case, we recommend spending a little bit longer and traveling by rail for environmental reasons – plus you’ll get more of an adventure anyway. You can catch connections from major cities like Paris, and there are even fancy overnight trains with little hotel room-style cabins onboard. Traveling to Geneva by train is the best way if you are already based in Europe, while those overseas can fly directly to its international airport.

If you are planning on traveling around Switzerland we do recommend the Swiss Travel Pass , which covers all of this:

• Unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat
• Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply)
• Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities
• Free admission to more than  500 museums.
• Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos
• Up to 50% discount on many other mountain excursions
• Up to 30% discount on  SBB RailAway offers . Available at all ticket counters within Switzerland

Where to Stay in Geneva

Anywhere you stay in Geneva will let you enjoy the best of the city’s attractions, and Switzerland has a notoriously high level of hospitality quality. Overall, though, the Old Town is where to stay for a traditional vibe, Paquis is where to stay for nightlife, Carogue is where to stay for a trendy vibe, and the area around Geneve Aeroport is where to stay on a budget. As for hotel choices, these are our top recommendations per budget level:

• $:  Ibis Styles Geneve Palexpo Aeroport
• $$:  Auberge Communale de Carouge
• $$$:  Les Armures

Where to Eat in Geneva

Swiss food has an outstanding reputation as one of the world’s tastiest cuisines. Switzerland is famed for its dairy products, chocolate, and strong connection to locally sourced ingredients and farmers. You  have  to try traditional Swiss food when staying in Geneva. You should mainly keep an eye out for cheese fondue, rosti, and – of course – Swiss chocolate. Aside from these top dishes, though, these are the places you should eat at when visiting Geneva:

• Vieux Carogue : A beautiful Swiss restaurant with famous cheese fondue and homely vibes.
• Le Thermometre : An inner-city family-run restaurant with traditional Swiss cuisine with a distinct French influence.
• Cafe du Soleil : A beautiful cafe with a leafy terrace for warm days.

Best Time to Visit Geneva

Geneva is beautiful all year round, but it depends on your desired experiences and what things to do in Geneva have caught your eye. Winter months like December are the best if you want snow and cozy fires with dipping cheese. You’ll have Christmas markets and a beautiful vibe at this time of year, especially in the old town.

However, if you want to enjoy watersports and hiking, May or September are ideal. These two months are shoulder months, meaning fewer crowds and perfect temperatures. In short, for a cozy winter wonderland, December is busy but worth the trade-off for its atmosphere. May and September are top choices if you want a quieter experience and more free-rein weather (and crowd).

FAQ’s About Things to Do In Geneva

Is 2 days enough for geneva.

Two days isn’t quite enough to see Geneva. However, if you are on a time limit, two days is enough for 4-5 attractions or 2-3 attractions and a single-day trip.

Is Geneva, Switzerland, worth going to?

Geneva is 100% worth going to. This capital is full of amazing things to do and see, and you can enjoy things like Lake Geneva and access by day trip to mountains like Mont Blanc.

Is Geneva more fun than Zurich?

Geneva can be more fun than Zurich . Geneva is surrounded by outdoor activities and adrenaline experiences. You can also easily go on a day trip to France.

What is Geneva, Switzerland, best known for?

Geneva is best known for its nature and its food scene. It is a beautiful old town yet is also full of green space.

Is Geneva, Switzerland, a walkable city?

Geneva’s old town and city center are very walkable. The rest of the city is accessible by public transport.

Is Geneva better than Zurich for tourists?

Geneva is surrounded by day trip opportunities, ideal for combining a trip to Switzerland with France. Zurich is also a great city more geared towards the urban tourist than Geneva is.

Geneva is such an exciting place to visit in Switzerland. The beautiful city is just a dream, with its shimmering Lake Geneva, mountainous surrounds, and an array of day trip opportunities. Whether you decide to indulge in watersports on Lake Geneva or even things like paragliding or just wandering Geneva’s stunning natural history museum, you’ll have a wonderful time in this city. We hope you are feeling inspired and ready for your Geneva trip. You can save a lot on these attractions if you purchase the Geneva Pass , which acts like a tourist membership card, giving you access to many attractions and benefits in exchange for a single one-off payment. 

If you are still looking for inspiration on visiting Switzerland, check out these guides on the  ultimate Switzerland road trip  and  things to do in Zurich . Don’t forget to learn about  visiting Geneva on a budget  – we all know how expensive Switzerland is.

Plan Your Next Trip to Switzerland With These Resources

• 24 Incredible and Fun Facts About Switzerland
• The Best Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland
• Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland – Complete 4-Day Itinerary
• The Ultimate Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary
• 23 Incredible Things to do in Zermatt, Switzerland

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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Geneva Pass: Everything You Need To Know

Not sure if the Geneva Pass is worth the money? Then you’re in the right place because this detailed guide will help you figure out if it makes sense for you to buy the Geneva Pass!

The Geneva Pass is just like any other city pass that gets you special discounts and free tickets to the city’s top attractions. It doesn’t make sense for everyone, but if you know which museums you want to visit and they’re included with the pass, you can save a lot of money with the Geneva city pass. So, read on to see what the pass includes and decide whether it’s worth it for you.

Table of Contents

Geneva Pass Overview

Geneva Pass is a city pass that offers free entrance to certain city attractions, discounts for others, and free public transport during the pass’ validity period. It’s generally a good way to save some money in Switzerland’s lakeside city, especially if you plan on visiting multiple tourist attractions in a short period.

One thing I will tell you right now is that this pass is a much better deal than I was expecting, especially compared to some other city passes I’ve looked into previously. They’re usually a bit of a tourist trap and make it quite difficult to get your money’s worth, but that is not the case with the Geneva Pass!

Related Reading

14 unmissable things to do in geneva: history, culture, food, and more, what does the geneva pass include.

The Geneva Pass includes free public transportation, free entry to select museums, and discounts on certain tourist attractions and shops.

The following is a list of all tourist attractions that have free entry with the Geneva Pass, with regular ticket prices listed on the right:

• Center for Contemporary Art (5 CHF)
• Museum of Natural History (10 CHF)
• Baur Foundation – Museum of Far Eastern Art (15 CHF)
• Swiss National Museum – Château de Prangins (10 CHF)
• Archaeological Site of St Peter’s Cathedral (8 CHF)
• Towers of St Peter’s Cathedral (7 CHF)
• Barbier-Mueller Museum (8 CHF)
• Fondation Martin Bodmer (15 CHF)
• Maison Rousseau et Littérature (MRL) (7 CHF)
• Exhibition at the Musée Rath (10 CHF)
• La Maison du Salève (7.2 CHF)
• Château de Voltaire (8 CHF)
• MAMCO – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (15 CHF)
• International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum (15 CHF)
• Ethnography Museum Geneva – MEG (12 CHF)
• Patek Philippe Museum (10 CHF)
• Lake Geneva Beach (7 CHF)

That’s 170 CHF of tickets you can get for free.

The city pass also includes a free guided walking tour, train tours, a boat cruise, unlimited free public transport, sport and leisure activities, and entrance to a few other museums that are free for everyone. As you can see, you can already get your money’s worth if you just visit MAMCO and the Patek Philippe Museum in one day!

My advice is to check out all these museums and see just how many you would like to visit. Then calculate how much the tickets for each museum would cost, and add 10 CHF per day for a public transport pass. I’m pretty sure that you’ll see that the city pass is more than worth the money, especially if you’re interested in more than just a couple of museums.

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Also, don’t forget that the Geneva City Pass will get you additional discounts for other museums and shops. You can get 10 CHF off any motor boat rentals, a 20% discount for various TukTuk and Velo Taxi tours, and even a 10% discount if you decide to visit Glacier 3000 at Montreux. Click here to see a comprehensive list of all the different attractions that are discounted (or free) with the Geneva City Pass.

How Much Does A Geneva Pass Cost?

When booking Geneva City Pass, you can choose from three periods of validity – 24, 48, or 72 hours. Each of these passes is priced differently, and obviously the longer the validity period, the more expensive the pass.

The 24-hour Geneva Pass regularly costs 30 CHF, the 48-hour pass is 40 CHF, and the 72-hour pass is 50 CHF.

One thing to note is that there’s a 20% discount on the Geneva Pass during the winter season, between 23 November to 28 February. The prices during this period for the 24, 48, and 72-hour passes are 24 CHF, 32 CHF, and 40 CHF respectively.

Where Can You Buy A Geneva Pass?

You can buy the Geneva pass online at this link or at the airport terminal once you land in the city. I would recommend buying the pass online because it’s usually cheaper, although I’m not sure what the prices are if you’re buying it on the spot.

Additionally, I must point out that you can also buy the pass from various other resellers, but those tend to be a bit more expensive than Geneve.com. There are also many scams out there, and you can avoid any risk if you just stick to the official retailer of the Geneva City Pass.

What Are the Benefits of Using A Geneva Pass?

The main benefit of using the Geneva Pass is that you can save a lot of money if you actually plan on visiting the museums and going on city tours. The free access to public transport is also super beneficial, especially because it includes access to all the trains that run in the unireso zone 10.

You can travel to the French border for free with the city pass, as well as to the airport. If you plan on visiting the areas that are outside the city center, or if you simply don’t want to walk everywhere in Geneva, the city pass is absolutely worth it.

Is Geneva Pass Worth It?

I’m of the opinion that it’s definitely worth the money, especially if you want to visit multiple museums in the city. Save money on museum tickets, and public transport tickets, and get a free city tour of Geneva – that’s absolute gold!

Also, it helps that most tourist attractions in Geneva are pretty expensive, so it’s super easy to get your money’s worth out of the pass. It’s enough to visit the MAMCO and the Red Cross museum to get your money’s worth of the 24-hour pass, and that’s if you just forget about the free public transport and if you don’t take advantage of any of the free tours the pass includes.

Even the 72-hour pass is great value for money despite the expensive cost. Yes, 50 francs is a lot of money, but that’s just tickets to the MAMCO, St. Peter’s Cathedral (towers and archeological site), Patek Philippe Museum, and the Museum of Natural History, plus free transport and everything else.

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