10 Best Things to Do in Geneva
What is Geneva Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Geneva include exploring extravagant hotels, independent boutiques and high-end jewelers, not to mention the superb restaurants and mouth-wateringly good chocolatiers. Located on the banks of the lake the city shares its name with, Geneva is Switzerland’s second-largest city and one of its most luxurious.
Geneva is the base for some of the world’s largest organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Bank and, of course, the United Nations. That said, there’s a quaint and historical side to the city too, with its picturesque Old Town and many galleries and museums to explore. With so much to see and do in this fascinating city, we thought we’d help you tick off some of the main attractions with this list of 10 things to do in Geneva in a day.
What are the best things to do in Geneva?
1. Geneva Old Town
Step back in time as you explore the quaint cobbled streets
Good for: Couples, History, Photo, Budget
Lose yourself in a maze of intertwining cobbled streets as you discover the treasures and charms of Geneva’s Old Town. Showcasing ancient Geneva and all that the city stands for, the Old Town is home to countless museums, galleries and fascinating historical sights for you to explore.
Visit the iconic Hôtel de Ville (Geneva’s government headquarters); delve into the city’s past at the oldest house in Geneva, the 12th century Maison Tavel; and see the remarkable stained-glass windows inside the Cathedrale de St-Pierre.
Geneva Old Town
2. Lake Geneva and Jet d’Eau
Europe’s largest Alpine lake
Good for: Couples, Photo, Budget
The city of Geneva is situated on the banks of the glistening Lake Geneva, the largest alpine lake in Europe. It’s set to the breathtaking background of the snow-dusted Swiss Alps. Have your camera at the ready as you stroll along lakeside promenades, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere as you go.
Without a doubt, the thing that’ll stand out most on the landscape is the impressive Jet d’Eau – the tallest fountain in the world, shooting water 140 meters into the sky.
Location: Jet d’Eau, Quai Gustave-Ador, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland
Lake Geneva and Jet d’Eau
3. Bains des Pâquis
Geneva’s popular beach and outdoor baths
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Just a short walk from the Pâquis District are the hugely popular public baths and beach of Bains des Pâquis. The public baths are built on a man-made peninsula on the western promenade of Lake Geneva, surrounded by a lively beach where locals and tourists alike can bask in the sun on warm, summer days.
Boasting incredible views of the lake and Jet d’Eau, there’s no better place to take to the water for an afternoon of relaxation. But don’t worry if you’re visiting in winter as the baths are turned into saunas throughout the colder months, so there’s no need to catch a chill.
Location: Bains des Pâquis, Quai du Mont-Blanc 30, 1201 Genève, Switzerland
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 8 pm, weather permitting
Bains des Pâquis
4. Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève
Visit the church where John Calvin once preached
Good for: Couples, History, Photo, Budget
Dominating a hill in the heart of Geneva’s Old Town, the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève is well worth the climb to experience it. The cathedral was built between 1160 and 1252 as a Roman Catholic church, but became a Reformed Protestant Church and was made famous when French theologist and reformer John Calvin preached there in the mid-16th century.
Today, you can still see his wooden chair inside, as well as the beautifully ornate décor and stained-glass windows. Make your visit extra-special by climbing the tower steps and taking in the views from the top.
Location: Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève, Place du Bourg-de-Four 24, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Open: May–October: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 6.30 pm, Sundays from 12 pm to 6.30 pm. October–May: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5.30 pm, Sundays from 12 pm to 5.30 pm
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève
5. Musée d’Art et d’Histoire
Geneva’s largest art museum
Good for: Couples, Families, History
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is a 4-storey art museum in central Geneva. With over 1 million pieces displayed in an exhibition space of 7,000 square meters, it’s the largest art gallery in the city. The building also hosts an art restoration studio, research laboratories, and a library with 400,000 books on art and archeology.
Alongside a collection of works by Swiss portraitist Jean-Etienne Liotard, Musée d’Art et d’Histoire displays masterpieces from renowned artists such as Edgar Degas, Rembrandt, Camille Pissarro, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. There’s also a section dedicated to Middle Ages artifacts, including swords, halberds, cannons, and steel armours.
Location: Rue Charles-Galland 2, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +41 (0)22 418 26 00
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire
6. Palais des Nations
Home of the United Nations Office at Geneva
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo, Group
Situated in the heart of the Parc de l’Ariana, along the Avenue de la Paix, is the prestigious Palais des Nations. Housing the European headquarters of the United Nations, it’s the second largest UN center in the world, behind New York.
Open daily for guided tours, you can explore the grounds and building, visiting the large Assembly Hall and the impressive Council Chamber with its stunning ceiling murals.
Location: Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm (closed on Sundays)
Palais des Nations
7. Mont Salève
The Balcony of Geneva
Good for: Couples, Photo, Adventure
Known as the ‘Balcony of Geneva’, Mont Salève is part of the French Prealps mountain range and boasts spectacular views across Lake Geneva and the city. Located just 20 km from the center of Geneva, it’s easily accessible by car or public transportation and makes for a great outdoor adventure for the energetic ones among you.
There are several hiking trails up the 1,379-meter peak, but you don’t have to be an intrepid trekker to enjoy the views. There’s a cable car that’ll save your legs and fast-track you to the top as well.
Mont Salève
8. Place du Bourg-de-Four
In the heart of Geneva’s Old Town
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Not just the main focal point of the Old Town, but one of the oldest crowning jewels of the city itself, Place du Bourg-de-Four is a quaint but lively spot. This split-level square is lined with laid-back cafés and bistros; perfect for grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat and watching the world go by, as you fuel yourself for the day.
You can explore much of the city using Place du Bourg-de-Four as your starting point, beginning with the square’s beautiful 18th century fountain, adorned with colorful flowers.
Location: Place du Bourg-de-Four, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Place du Bourg-de-Four
9. Patek Philippe Museum
An insight into the history of watchmaking
Good for: History
In a beautifully restored Art Deco building in the Plainpalais area of the city is the Patek Philippe Museum. The Swiss are the world leaders in watchmaking and this fascinating museum takes you on a journey through time, from the earliest creations in the 16th century to the modern-day watches that the luxurious brand manufactures today. Plan ahead and book a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.
Location: Patek Philippe Museum, Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
Open: Tuesday–Friday from 9.30 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Patek Philippe Museum
10. Pâquis District
Geneva’s nightlife hub
Good for: Food, Nightlife
This relatively small area of Geneva certainly has a large reputation when it comes to atmosphere and nightlife. On the city’s western banks of Lake Geneva, the Pâquis District is bursting with vibrant bars, lively clubs and a whole host of South Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants and fast-food options.
Somewhat seedy and pristine in equal measure, the area is home to the city’s red-light district, as well as up-market hotels and chic cocktail bars. Start your evening with a carafe of wine in the easy-going Les Cinq Portres before heading out into the night.
Pâquis District
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