Geneva
Save39 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Iconic 140 m fountain rising from Lake Geneva.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Walk the pier for a close view
- It may be turned off in strong wind or freezing weather
- Spectacular lit at night
📷 Photos
- 2
Calvin's church with a tower for city and lake views.
3 tips
- Climb the towers for views
- Visit the archaeological site below
- Open daily
📷 Photos
- 3
Famous floral clock in the Jardin Anglais, replanted each season.
3 tips
- Best viewed in summer
- Free
- Close to the lake promenade
📷 Photos
- 4
Oldest square in Geneva, with fountains and cafes.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Great for a coffee break
- Gateway to the Old Town
- Lively evenings
📷 Photos
- 5
Monumental sculpted wall honouring Calvin, Knox and other reformers.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Free, in Parc des Bastions
- Giant chessboards nearby
📷 Photos
- 6
UN's European headquarters; tours of the assembly halls.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Bring a passport for tours
- Closed on some UN events
📷 Photos
- 7
Giant three-legged chair sculpture opposite the UN.
3 tips
- Free
- Nice for a quick photo
- Right by the Palais des Nations
📷 Photos
- 8
Lakeside public baths with a pier and a lighthouse.
3 tips
- Swim in summer
- Fondue is a winter tradition
- Cheap café meals
📷 Photos
- 9
Central park beside the University and the Reformation Wall.
3 tips
- Free
- Giant chess boards
- Pleasant for a picnic
📷 Photos
- 10
Wooden globe exhibition at the particle physics lab.
3 tips
- Take tram 18
- Check guided tour availability
- Free entry to the Globe
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Geneva tips
Transportation
- Get the Geneva Transport Card: Hotels and hostels give guests a free card for buses, trams and boats during their stay.
- Grab a free airport ticket: Machines in the airport baggage hall issue a free ticket for public transport into town.
- Ride the Mouettes: The small yellow boats cross the lake and are covered by the public transport network.
Security
- Watch for pickpockets: Keep belongings close at Cornavin station and on crowded trams.
- Swim with care: Lake and Rhône currents can be strong; swim at official spots like Bains des Pâquis.
- Know the rules: Jaywalking and littering can be fined, so follow local rules.
Saving
- Picnic by the lake: Buy food at Coop or Migros and eat at the lakeside parks.
- Visit free museums: Many Geneva museums have free permanent collections.
- Drink from fountains: Public fountains offer clean drinking water.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack layers: Summers are warm, but evenings near the lake can be cool.
- Bring a warm coat in winter: Winters are cold and the Bise wind can be biting.
- Carry an umbrella: Rain is possible in any season.
Cultural
- Be punctual: Swiss value punctuality, so arrive on time.
- Try fondue: Cheese fondue is a classic Swiss meal in colder months.
- Speak French: Geneva is French speaking, so a bonjour goes a long way.
Local Hacks
- See the Jet d'Eau: The famous fountain is best viewed from the lakeside promenade.
- Visit the UN: Guided tours of the Palais des Nations require ID and advance booking.
- Hop to France: Nearby French towns and Mont Salève offer cheaper meals and views.
1-day itineraries in Geneva
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 3
Reformation Wall and around
🕘 9:30–16:00📍 5 stops
- 1Reformation Wall
- 2Parc des Bastions
- 3Place du Bourg-de-Four
- 4St. Pierre Cathedral
- 5Flower Clock
Day 2 of 3
Bains des Paquis and around
🕘 9:30–15:00📍 5 stops
- 1Ile Rousseau
- 2Pont du Mont-Blanc
- 3Bains des Paquis
- 4Jet d'Eau
- 5Parc La Grange
Day 3 of 3
Broken Chair and around
🕘 9:30–15:45📍 4 stops
- 1Ariana Museum
- 2Broken Chair
- 3Palais des Nations
- 4International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum