A Day Trip to Geneva
There are many tours around the city that let you discover Geneva's points of interest. Museums, art galleries, excursions, and cultural events: you definitely won't get bored.
Iconic Places to Visit in Geneva
- The Jet d'Eau: one of the city's most famous landmarks, this giant fountain on Lake Geneva is a very popular attraction for visitors;
- The Palace of Nations: headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, this grand building is a must-see for history and international politics enthusiasts;
- The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum: this museum shares the history of these two famous humanitarian organizations and all the amazing work they do worldwide;
- Bastions Park: right in the city center, this park boasts amazing mountain views. It's a fantastic place for a stroll or a picnic;
- The English Garden: you can get to this charming garden via the Mont-Blanc bridge. It has a beautiful flower clock that changes its look with the seasons. The city is super proud of keeping its hands, which are some of the biggest in the world, perfectly maintained, showing off the amazing precision of Swiss watchmakers;
- St. Pierre Cathedral: this Gothic cathedral, standing tall over Geneva, is a real architectural treasure! You'll love its facade covered in sculptures and its super fancy interior;
- The Bains district: this cool, famous part of Geneva is packed with museums, like MAMCO (the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art). You can check out the Patek Philippe Museum to learn all about watchmaking history, or pop into the Geneva Museum of Ethnography. Plus, a quick walk around here lets you soak in all the awesome street art decorating the walls!
Tip:
Don't forget to grab a Geneva City Pass! It'll get you discounts on tours and excursions, plus unlimited access to city transport and free entry to tons of museums and cool spots like St. Pierre Cathedral.
So many things to do in Geneva!
You can't visit Geneva without soaking up the vibe of its shopping streets, especially Rue de Rive! You can grab a bite of local food at one of the many restaurants along Lake Geneva.
Treat yourself to some delicious Gruyère cheese at Fromagerie Bruand on Boulevard Helvétique. Love chocolate? Join a guided tour at Favarger, a historic chocolate factory that still uses traditional, artisanal methods. After the tour, you even get to make your own chocolate creation!
Grab a drink at Place Bourg-de-Four, Geneva's oldest square right in the heart of the old town. It's a great way to step back into the city's medieval past.
If you're short on time, you can zip around Geneva on a Segway or electric scooter.
Looking for a more unique and active way to explore the city? Head out on a kayak or paddleboard adventure on Lake Geneva. There are also daily boat trips if you prefer a more chill cruise on the lake's waters.
Unwind at Bains des Pâquis: a public bath complex right on Lake Geneva. It's the perfect spot to relax and recharge in the thermal waters.