Its location at the foot of Lake Geneva, between the Alps and the Jura, makes its setting magical. With several centuries of history and culture, it holds the promise of rich discoveries for all travelers. Museums, exhibitions, curiosities and nature activities are all to do in Geneva.
Ready to discover this exotic program?
Admire the water jet
Situated in the heart of the harbor, in the Eaux-Vives district, its height of 140 meters is the emblem of the Genevans. Inaugurated in 1891, the water jet becomes over time, the main attraction of the city. If you visit it in a strong wind or cold temperature, you might not see it because its pressure is turned off to avoid certain risks. Throughout the events, it is adorned with multiple dazzling colors. Enjoy stroll along the quays and enjoy the tranquility of Lake Geneva, before reaching the center.
The Geneva water jet
Explore the old town
Its historic center is the largest in Switzerland. It brings together many monuments like the Rath museum, renowned for its exhibitions, or the Tavel house, which is the oldest house in the city. A large number of museums are scattered around and still need to be done in Geneva. Go through Calvin College and the park of Bastions where is the sumptuous wall of the reformers and giant chess sets. It is the preferred place for students, due to its proximity to the university. At lunch time, wander around Place du Bourg-de-Four et taste the specialties in one of its many restaurants. Finally, go in search of the famous covered passage of the "chicken degrees", leading to the cathedral. Its particularity is to cross a house in the old center.
Bourg de Four square
Discover the Saint-Pierre cathedral
This Protestant religious monument, located in the heart of the old town, is the oldest in the city of Geneva. For enjoy the incredible 360 ° panorama over the city, the lake and the fountain, you have to climb 157 steps that lead to the top of the towers. This gigantic building hides an archaeological site that it is possible to visit. You can see in the basement, the foundations of the old cathedral and the riches of antiquity.
Saint-Pierre cathedral in Geneva
Enter the Palace of Nations
It is a set of monuments, located in Ariana Park and that serves as a seat for the United Nations since 1946. Rediscover the history of our civilization by visiting the Human Rights Room. Back in the park, take a walk to the beautiful "armillary sphere", symbolizing our knowledge of astronomy. Before you go, admire the famous work "Broken Chair" and its monumental size of 12 meters.
The Palace of Nations
Escape to the Bains des Pâquis
It is the essential and popular institution to do in Geneva. These public baths, built in 1872, are located near the harbor, with a view of the water jet. Refreshment bar, sauna, hammam, swimming and massages, are available to you to recharge your batteries. Cultural activities are scheduled, such as jazz evenings or reading moments with an author. On the spot, enjoy the restaurant for taste the famous half-and-half fondue. Economical and tasty, remember to book before going there. Far from the superfluous and rich in encounters, an address not to be missed!
Pâquis bath
Browse the English garden
This garden near Lake Geneva has a curiosity which is one of the most photographed by tourists: her flower clock. True star of this green space, it is made up of 6500 plants and flowers. Come and discover it before taking it further in the park, the Mont-Blanc bridge which crosses Lake Geneva and can take you to the public baths. The city of Geneva offers many parks and gardens, such as the Grange park or the Eaux-vives park, which are a true haven of peace in this cosmopolitan city.
The clock in the English garden of Geneva
Stroll through the conservatory and botanical garden
This 28 hectare retreat of tranquility sits in the middle of town. It has a multitude of plant species from 5 continents. A veritable living museum to explore, this immense space offers several places of interest to do in Geneva. It includes an animal area, an arboretum and greenhouses reproducing different climates. Guided tours are available. Enrich your knowledge thanks to the library of the Conservatory du Jardin, open to the public.
The botanical garden
Stroll in the Carouge district
Very popular with tourists and locals, it is also called the “bohemian quarter”. Let yourself be guided through the small shops, antiques and craftsmen you meet. Passionate artists regularly demonstrate all their talent for the pleasure and curiosity of young and old. Take a rest in the many bars that dot the streets and contemplate the time of a parenthesis, all the charm of this place. Think about the surprising sites you still have to do in Geneva!
The Carouge district
Visit CERN
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research is utmost physics laboratory in the world. Many researchers work there daily in order to deepen the laws of the Universe, using complex scientific instruments. The place is a little outside of the city, but a bus can take you there easily. Take advantage of numerous exhibitions, like the one on particles. If you have the soul of a physicist and the hope of unraveling the mysteries of the Universe, this is the place for you.
CERN Geneva
Take a steamboat ride
Lake Geneva is a huge natural lake of 580 km2 which is among the largest in Europe. It separates France from Switzerland. There are many cruises to do in Geneva. Themed excursions allow you to discover and contemplate the Geneva region From another angle. It is also possible to reach by boat, cities like Lausanne or Evian-les-Bains, in France. Admire the houses that benefit from extraordinary view of the peaks and the lake. It is a real discovery, made in natural and majestic settings.
A steamboat in Geneva
Taste the culinary specialties of Geneva
- La longeole is a sausage-based dish, made with pork and fennel, which gives it its anise flavor. This specialty dates from the 17th century and benefits from the IGP label (Protected Geographical Identification). If you wish, you can buy it from regional producers to cook it yourself;
- Le pear rissole is a dessert that looks like apple turnover. It is a specialty that is also found in Savoy;
- Le cardoon gratin, flagship vegetable of the region which belongs to the artichoke family;
- The perch fillets with meunière sauce and féra à la Genevoise which are fish from Lake Geneva. They are on the menu of all restaurants in French-speaking Switzerland;
- La Half and half fondue and cheese crust are among the most famous and popular dishes in Switzerland.
The famous Swiss fondue
Climb to Mont Salève
This belvedere is nicknamed the “balcony of Geneva”. Located in the Prealps, in Haute-Savoie, it rises to 1100 meters. The starting point is in France, in Etrembières, near the border. This site is a high point of admiration on the lake Léman and the entire Geneva basin. In good weather, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the city. It is the perfect place to start an excursion about Swiss Alps. On site, there is a restaurant ready to indulge your appetite. To attack the summit, enjoy the cable car. It is the most surprising, original and fast way. It only takes 5 minutes to get to Mt. Guaranteed sensations!
The Mont Salève cable car
The essentials to do in Geneva… and after?
Geneva is recognized for his quality of life and asks only to be conquered. Many activities remain to be done in Geneva. Festivities, exhibitions or conferences are to be discovered and planned every day of the year.
Your Geneva citytrip ends and you have want to venture further into Switzerland ? Walk along the most beautiful coastal landscapes of the Riviera and admire the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue a little further, to visit Lausanne, Montreux or even Gruyères.
