Geneva
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Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
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
- Use the Geneva Transport Card: Hotels, hostels and campsites give guests a free card covering TPG buses, trams and the yellow Mouettes boats for their whole stay.
- Grab the free airport ticket: Machines in the baggage hall at Geneva Airport issue a free public transport ticket, valid for the train or bus into Cornavin.
- Cross the lake by Mouette: The little yellow Mouettes boats link the Paquis, Eaux-Vives and other lakeside stops and are covered by regular TPG tickets.
Security
- Watch for pickpockets: Keep your bag zipped at Cornavin station, on crowded trams and around the Jet d'Eau, where thieves target distracted visitors.
- Swim at official spots: The lake and especially the Rhone have strong currents, so swim at supervised places like Bains des Paquis and Genève-Plage.
- Plan for Sunday closures: Most supermarkets close on Sundays and early on Saturdays, but shops at Cornavin station and the airport stay open, so stock up in advance.
Saving
- Picnic from Migros or Coop: Supermarket sandwiches, cheese and fruit make cheap picnics by the lake, much less costly than restaurant meals.
- Visit free museums: The permanent collections of the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire and the Ariana ceramics museum are free, great for a rainy day in Geneva.
- Drink from fountains: Geneva's hundreds of public fountains, from the old town to the lakeside parks, provide clean drinking water, so carry a refillable bottle.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for warm summers: Summers are warm and sunny, ideal for lake swimming, but evenings near the water can be cool, so bring a light layer.
- Bundle up for the Bise: Winters are cold, and the icy Bise wind from the north can make it feel much colder, so pack a windproof coat, hat and gloves.
- Carry an umbrella: Rain can fall in any season in Geneva, especially in spring and autumn, so a compact umbrella or rain jacket is useful.
Cultural
- Greet with bonjour: Geneva is French-speaking, so start every shop or café visit with bonjour and finish with merci, au revoir; locals notice and appreciate the effort.
- Celebrate the Escalade: In December, Geneva celebrates the Escalade with costumes, parades and chocolate marmites filled with marzipan vegetables.
- Enjoy fondue in winter: Cheese fondue is a classic winter meal; try it at the lakeside buvette at Bains des Paquis or in an old town restaurant.
Local Hacks
- Visit CERN for free: CERN's Science Gateway offers free exhibitions and some guided tours about particle physics; book ahead for tours.
- Browse the Plainpalais market: The flea market at Plainpalais on Wednesdays and Saturdays is great for vintage finds and people watching.
- Hop over to Carouge: This Italian-style town next to Geneva has colourful houses, artisan shops and a relaxed café scene, reached easily by tram.
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