tourist attractions geneva switzerland

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.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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.

More on Switzerland

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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Must-see attractions in Geneva

Jet d'Eau

When landing by plane, this lakeside fountain is your first dramatic glimpse of Geneva. The 140m-tall structure shoots up water with incredible force –…

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Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques

Geneva's premier botanical park – renowned for its Botanical Conservatory – boasts over 12,000 species of plants from around the world, meticulously…

Musée d'Ethnographie de Genève

Admission is free to the permanent collection of this excellent hands-on museum, which examines the similarities and differences of our planet's myriad of…

Vieille Ville

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Cathédrale St-Pierre

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Palais des Nations

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Quai du Mont-Blanc

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Musée International de la Réforme

This modern museum in an 18th-century mansion zooms in on the Reformation. State-of-the-art exhibits and audiovisuals bring to life everything from the…

Musée International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge

Compelling multimedia exhibits at Geneva's fascinating International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum trawl through atrocities perpetuated by humanity…

Musée d’Art et d’Histoire

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Jardin Anglais

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Eaux-Vives Plage Publique

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Horloge Fleurie

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Patek Philippe Museum

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Terrasse Agrippa d'Aubigné

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Parc des Bastions

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Site Archéologique de la Cathédrale St-Pierre

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Cité du Temps

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Musée d’Histoire Naturelle

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15 Top Tourist Attractions in Geneva

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on November 15, 2023

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 Tourist Attractions in 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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