Things to do in Geneva: the must-sees and our tips

In short: Geneva is explored on foot, by tram or by boat on the lake. Admire the Jet d’Eau, climb the towers of St Pierre Cathedral, visit the Palais des Nations and the Red Cross museum, swim at the Bains des Pâquis in summer, and wander through Carouge. The currency is the Swiss franc.

The Jet d’Eau and the harbour

The city’s symbol, the Jet d’Eau, shoots up over Lake Geneva. Admire it from the quays, then walk along the harbour to the English Garden and its flower clock.

The Old Town

On its hill, the Old Town lines up cobbled lanes, squares and antique shops. The towers of St Pierre Cathedral offer views over the lake and the Alps; the Reformation Wall stands in the Parc des Bastions.

International Geneva

The Palais des Nations, the UN’s European headquarters, is visited with a guide (ID required). On the square in front stands the Broken Chair; nearby is the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.

By the water

The Bains des Pâquis let you swim in the lake in summer. The little yellow boats, the “mouettes”, cross the harbour, and cruises sail around the lake.

Carouge, CERN and the museums

Carouge, with its little-Italian-town feel, charms with its workshops and terraces. Watch lovers will visit the Patek Philippe Museum; the curious, CERN and its Science Gateway discovery centre.

Day trips from Geneva

• Annecy (France), its lake and old town.
• Lausanne, Montreux and Chillon Castle, on Lake Geneva.
• The Salève, by cable car on the French side, for views over Geneva.
• Chamonix and Mont Blanc.

Getting around

• Trams, buses and mouettes cover the city.
• From the airport, trains reach Cornavin station in 6 to 7 minutes, and a machine in the baggage hall issues a free public transport ticket valid for 80 minutes.
• Your hotel often provides a transport card: ask for it on arrival.

All our tips for the country: Travel in Switzerland.

Where to stay in Geneva?

The areas and our booking tips are covered in our guide Where to stay in Geneva.