Things to do
Are you planning a trip to Geneva but you do not know what to visit?
Be inspired by my favourite Geneva´s attractions!
Jet d'Eau
It is one of the most famous fountains in the world. Five hundred litres of water per second are jetted to an altitude of 140 metres.
Pay attention to the working hours, it varies according to the month (ex, Jan-Mar till 4 PM, Mar-May till sunset, etc.). The shutdown of the Jet d'Eau for maintenance work is usually in November. Inform you on the official website before your visit!
Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)
Lake Geneva is the largest freshwater lake in western Europe and it is shared between Switzerland and France. Its water is incredibly clear.
You can enjoy also a cheap boat ride on the lake with the Geneva public transport! "Mouettes" are yellow shuttle boats which are crossing the lake every 10 or 30 minutes. You have to just buy the regular public transport ticket before you board. This is really an incredible experience!
Baby plage
Baby plage is a lovely free beach with its combination of sand, grass and shady trees. The beach is located near to the harbour and the Jet and is also easily reachable by public transports.
During the summer weekends, the beach is a little bit overcrowded, but it's worth going there. You will feel like being on a beach by the sea!
Jardin Anglais
The park is located near to the harbour and the Jet.
You can find here the famous Flower clock and National monument.
Food festivals are usually organized in this park.
Brunswick Monument, Quai du Mont-Blanc and Bains des Pâquis
After you admire the Brunswick Monument, continue to walk along the banks Quai du Mont-Blanc and Quai Wilson. You will have a spectacular view of the Mont-Blanc mountain chain.
At the end of the Quai du Mont-Blanc, you will find the popular swimming spot Bains des Pâquis.
Jonction
Jonction is a place where rivers Rhône and Arve are joining each other and it creates a beautiful and unique natural phenomenon.
Both rivers have different colors of water and when joining, their waters are mixing together into one river, Rhône.
The best view is from the near bridge – Viaduc de la Jonction.
Île Rousseau, Pont des Bergues and Pont de la Machine
The Île Rousseau is an island situated in the middle of the Rhone and connected to the shore by Pont des Bergues. It is a perfect place for a short break. From there, you can also admire the Pont du Mont-Blanc and Pont de la Machine where a small public terrasse is situated.
Place de la Fusterie and shopping streets
The parallel streets that run around the Place de la Fusterie are home to the most famous and luxurious shops in Geneva.
On the street Rue de la Confederation/du Marché you can find shops like Foot locker, C&A, H&M or Mango, otherwise, on the street Rue du Rhone you can admire the most famous luxury shops like Dior, Louis Vitton, Bulgari, Tiffany and many others.
St. Pierre Cathedral and the Old town
St. Pierre Cathedral, located in the Old town area, was built as a Roman Catholic cathedral, but became a Reformed Protestant Church of Geneva church during the Reformation.
John Calvin frequented this church and you can find there a wooden chair used by him.
The Old town is a very picturesque quartier and you will have a beautiful view of the lake from there. Visit also Place du Bourg-de-Four. But be prepared to climb a little :-)
Plainpalais
The Plaine de Plainpalais is a huge open space in the shape of a diamond. The place is often used for events such as flea markets, fairs and carousels or circuses. The square is also home to one of the largest skate parks in Europe.
If you are a book lover, be sure to visit the statue of Frankenstein. The famous Gothic novel, Frankenstein, was written by Mary Shelley near the shore of Lake Geneva.
Parc des Bastions and Place de Neuve
Place de Neuve is one of my favourite places in Geneva.
Here you can admire not only beautiful buildings such as the Musée Rath or the Grand Théâtre, but you can also see the whole Old town on the hill surrounded by high walls. In the park, you will be amazed by the enormous Reformation Wall or old-time ice-rink.
Russian Orthodox Church
This Orthodox church built in the 19th century is another of my favourite places in Geneva.
The church is located on the hill of the Tranchées quarter. When there is good weather, the golden domes shine for miles around.
United Nations quarter
Geneva is the city that hosts the highest number of international organizations in the world! There are so many organizations that they have an entire quarter just for them, which is called Nations and it is home to about 20 big international organizations and hundreds of NGOs and embassies.
The giant red 'Broken Chair', a work of art in wood, symbolises the campaign against landmines.
CERN
The European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN (derived from the name Conseil européen pour la recherche nucléaire), is a European research organization that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world.
There are interesting exhibitions, which are free of charge.
Carouge
Carouge is a picturesque small town in the southern part of the Canton of Geneva.
Sometimes, it's called Little Italy because of its Mediterranean style and also because a lot of Italians live there.
It is easily reachable by public transports.
Weekend trips
Do you have more time or do you already know Geneva and want to discover also its surroundings? Check my tips for weekend trips!
Mont Salève (FR)
Mont Salève, is a mountain of the French Prealps located in the department of Haute-Savoie in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It is also called the "Balcony of Geneva" as you will find a spectacular view of Geneva and the lake. To get on the top, you can use the cable car or you can arrive there also in your car.
My favourite view is from Tour du Grand Piton (Geneva view) and from La Croisette (Mont-Blanc view).
Annecy (FR)
Annecy is a beautiful medieval town located just 35 km south of Geneva and called "Venice of the Savoie" or "Pearl of French Alps".
The lake Annecy is one of the most popular natural sights of the region. The town is famous also for its water canals and historical centre.
Évian-les-Bains (FR)
The spa town is famous for its mineral water and it is a perfect example of the French Belle Epoque.
There is also a beautiful promenade near the lake and in the historic centre you will find Espace Evian – a shop dedicated to the world-famous bottled water.
Nyon (CH)
This wonderful city in the canton of Vaud is not only home to the UEFA, but it is also a beautiful historical town.
I recommend you to visit the castle (Chateau de Nyon) from where you will have an amazing view of the city, Lake Geneva and the mountains!
And if you buy one ticket for the castle (8 francs for adults), you will have free admission also to two other museums in Nyon – Musée Romain and Musée du Léman.
Lausanne (CH)
Lausanne is the capital city of the Canton of Vaud and is situated in the northeast of Geneva.
The two cities are connected by a motorway, so it takes only about 50 minutes to get there.
I love the Cathedral and the Old Town on the hill, and also the port and the lakeside.
Montreux (CH)
Montreux is known for its Jazz festival which is held annually in early July. A lot of tourists come here to see the Freddie Mercury statue and to visit the Queen Studio Experience museum which is located in the former Mountain studios where Queen made famous recordings.
Château de Chillon (CH)
Chillon Castle is an island castle located on Lake Geneva near Montreux and it is one of the most visited medieval castles in Switzerland.
The place is very romantic and the view of the castle, lake and mountains is just breathtaking.
Saint-Cergue (CH)
Saint-Cergue is a popular hiking and skiing and sledging area. It takes only 30-40 minutes from Geneva by car. During weekends, it is a little bit overcrowded and it is difficult to find a free parking place.