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There are great many things to do in Italy, and so are in Geneva.
Geneva dances between the mountains and the lake, its vibrant city life making harmony with nature’s serenity.
From indulging in rich Swiss chocolates to exploring the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain, the city has something for every taste.
Whether you’re an art lover or a history buff, a foodie or a nature enthusiast, Geneva welcomes you with open arms.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Geneva:
1. Jet d’Eau
Jet d’Eau is a famous fountain located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the Jet d’Eau from afar or get closer to it on a boat ride around Lake Geneva.
The fountain shoots water up to 140 meters high, and the view of its misty spray against the backdrop of the Alps is truly stunning.
Don’t miss: The Jet d’Eau is particularly beautiful at night when it is illuminated with colorful lights against the dark sky.
Insider travel tips: To get the best view of the Jet d’Eau, take a stroll along the Promenade du Lac from the Jardin Anglais to the Parc de la Perle du Lac.
The sound of the water rushing can also be heard from quite a distance, so you can find it easily. Also, be aware that during high winds, the fountain may not operate, so check the forecast before planning your visit.
2. Old Town (Vieille Ville)
Old Town (Vieille Ville) is a charming historic neighborhood in the heart of Geneva, renowned for its picturesque cobblestone streets, fascinating architecture, and cultural significance.
What to see or do: – Stroll along the charming Rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre, one of the most beautiful streets in the Old Town.
Don’t miss: – The Reformation Wall, a large and impressive monument to the Protestant Reformation that stands in the Parc des Bastions.
Insider travel tips: – The Old Town is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb some hills.
3. Palace of Nations
The Palace of Nations is the European headquarters of the United Nations and one of the main centers of international diplomacy in the world.
What to see or do: The palace houses numerous international organizations, including the UN Office at Geneva, the UN Human Rights Council, and the International Labour Organization.
Guided tours are available for visitors to explore the building’s historic halls, art collections, and landscaped gardens.
Don’t miss: Visitors should not miss the spectacular Assembly Hall with its impressive glass dome and large mural painted by Spanish artist Miquel Barceló.
The Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, which features a stunning ceiling fresco depicting the struggle for human rights, is also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to book the guided tours in advance since they are very popular and tend to sell out quickly.
4. Reformation Wall
A famous monument in Geneva, Switzerland.
What to see or do: The monument features statues of prominent figures from the Protestant Reformation, including John Calvin, William Farel, Theodore Beza, and John Knox.
Visitors can also enjoy views of nearby attractions such as the Palace of Nations and Jet d’Eau.
Don’t miss: The intricate details of the statues and the impressive size of the monument itself.
Insider travel tips: The Reformation Wall is located in a public park and is free to visit. Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy in the surrounding gardens.
Be aware of pickpockets in the area and keep valuables secure.
5. Saint Peter’s Cathedral
Saint Peter’s Cathedral is a historic Reformation monument and one of the most famous landmarks of Geneva.
What to see or do: Inside the cathedral, visitors can see the stained glass windows and beautiful interior design.
They can also climb a steep staircase to reach the north tower’s viewing platform, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Geneva and its surroundings.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the archaeological site located beneath the cathedral, which presents the history of religious buildings from the 4th century. Also, take note not to take any photos inside the church as this might offend the worshippers.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for the climb up to the tower, and also be aware that entrance to the cathedral is free, but there is a fee to enter the archaeological site.
It’s best to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Additionally, keep in mind that the cathedral is a functioning place of worship, so be respectful of any ongoing religious services.
6. Patek Philippe Museum
The Patek Philippe Museum is a watch museum located in Geneva, Switzerland, showcasing the history and precision of Swiss watchmaking.
What to see or do: The museum features an impressive collection of nearly 2,000 timepieces, including watches, pocket watches, and clocks dating back to the 16th century.
Visitors can explore the evolution of timekeeping and watchmaking techniques through the museum’s extensive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and interactive displays.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the collection of Patek Philippe timepieces, including rare and unique watches such as the Calibre 89, the most complicated mechanical watch ever made.
Don’t miss the watchmaking workshop where you can observe skilled craftspeople assembling intricate watch movements by hand.
Insider travel tips: – Book your tickets in advance as the museum can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
7. Jardin Anglais
Jardin Anglais is a public park located in the heart of Geneva, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Take a stroll along the promenade lined with beautiful sculptures, including the famous Flower Clock. Admire the stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Jet d’Eau fountain.
Visit the English Garden’s rose garden, which boasts an array of fragrant and colorful roses.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a selfie with the Flower Clock, a landmark of Geneva that features a different design each season.
Enjoy an ice cream cone while savoring the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the early morning or evening hours to avoid the crowds. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a meal on the grassy area overlooking the lake.
Take a boat tour around Lake Geneva for a unique perspective of the park and the city. The park is easy to reach via public transportation and is free to enter.
8. Museum of Art and History
The Museum of Art and History in Geneva is one of the biggest art museums in Switzerland with a collection of around 7,000 works of art from all over the world.
What to see or do: Visitors can discover art pieces from ancient times to the present day, including paintings, sculptures, furniture and even weapons.
The museum’s main collections are focused on Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and 17th and 18th centuries.
Don’t miss: The museum’s Egyptian and pre-Columbian collections are considered some of the best in Europe. The Natural History section is also a gem, with impressive displays of insects, minerals, fossils and taxidermy animals.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
9. International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is a museum located in the city of Geneva, Switzerland. It is dedicated to the history and work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
What to see or do: The museum houses a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of the Red Cross and the role it has played in providing humanitarian aid in times of conflict and disaster.
Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, view historical artifacts, and learn about the work of the Red Cross in providing assistance to those in need around the world.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the virtual reality experience that recreates a refugee camp and allows visitors to experience what life is like for refugees.
The experience is both eye-opening and emotional, and provides a unique way to understand the challenges faced by those who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at the museum in order to fully explore the exhibits and learn about the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
10. Bains des Paquis
A popular outdoor swimming spot on Lake Geneva, in the heart of Geneva city.
What to see or do: Swim in the clear waters of the lake, take a sauna, or enjoy a massage. There is also a restaurant, bar and live music events.
Don’t miss: Tasting the famous “filets de perches,” a traditional Swiss dish of fried perch fillets, at the restaurant.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to experience a peaceful swim before the crowds arrive. Don’t forget to bring a towel and bathing suit, as there are no rentals available.
And, check the schedule for live music events, where you can enjoy local musicians while watching the sunset over the lake.
11. Place Bourg du Four
Place Bourg du Four is a historic square located in the heart of Geneva, Switzerland.
What to see or do: The square itself is beautiful and perfect for a relaxing stroll, with plenty of outdoor seating and several small cafes and restaurants.
Visitors can also enjoy the historic buildings that surround the square, such as the Maison Tavel, Geneva’s oldest private house, or the Hôtel de Ville, the city’s former town hall.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Place Bourg du Four is the famous fountain, which dates back to the 17th century and features a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in history, be sure to visit the Maison Tavel, which now houses the Museum of Urban History and Daily Life.
The museum is free to visit and provides a fascinating glimpse into what life was like in Geneva hundreds of years ago.
Additionally, the square is a great spot for people-watching and soaking up the local culture, especially during the summer months when it’s filled with musicians and street performers.
12. Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva
The Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva is a public park and botanic garden located in Geneva, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various greenhouses and gardens featuring a vast collection of plants from around the world, including medicinal plants, tropical and subtropical flora, and alpine plants.
The garden also provides an educational program for visitors of all ages to learn about botany, ecology, and conservation.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the impressive collection of cacti and succulents located in a dry-heat greenhouse, or the stunning rose garden featuring over 250 varieties of roses.
The Japanese garden, with its peaceful ponds and traditional landscaping, is also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: – The garden is free to visit and open year-round, so visitors can enjoy the changing seasons.
13. Place du Molard
Place du Molard is a historic public square located in the heart of Geneva, Switzerland.
What to see or do: The square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, luxury shops and restaurants, and is the perfect spot for people watching.
It is also a great starting point for exploring the old town of Geneva and the nearby landmarks such as the Jet d’Eau, the St.
Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Wall.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of Switzerland’s finest chocolate at one of the nearby chocolate shops. And be sure to check out the many unique and beautiful fountains scattered throughout the square.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the summer months, be sure to stop by the outdoor market which offers a variety of fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and souvenirs.
And for a special treat, enjoy a drink or a meal at the historic Café Papon, which has been serving guests since 1808.
14. Barbier-Mueller Museum
The Barbier-Mueller Museum is a private museum in Geneva, Switzerland, housing over 7,000 tribal and classical artworks from around the world.
What to see or do: The museum offers an extensive collection of artifacts from Africa, Oceania, Asia, and the Americas. The displays include masks, textiles, sculptures, weapons, and musical instruments.
Visitors can spend hours exploring the galleries and admiring the intricate artworks.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the collection of pre-Columbian art from Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. The intricate gold and silver figurines are a must-see.
Insider travel tips: For an in-depth experience, book a guided tour with one of the museum’s experts.
Don’t forget to take a break and grab a coffee or snack at the museum café, which offers sweeping views of Lake Geneva.
15. United Nations Office at Geneva
The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) is one of the four main offices of the United Nations and serves as the European headquarters of the organization.
What to see or do: The UNOG offers guided tours of the Palais des Nations, where visitors can learn about the history and work of the United Nations.
The Palais also houses various exhibitions, including art displays and cultural events.
Don’t miss: The Assembly Hall, which is the largest room in the Palais des Nations and hosts many high-level meetings and conferences. Visitors can also see the famous “Broken Chair” sculpture in front of the Palais, which symbolizes the campaign against landmines.
Insider travel tips: Book your guided tour in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly. Security is strict at the Palais so make sure to arrive early and have proper identification.
The UNOG is located near the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, which is also worth a visit.