Best Things To Do in Geneva

Geneva is a city famous for its culture and renowned buildings, where you can enjoy unforgettable plans. Delight yourself with the atmosphere that surrounds the Saint-Pierre Cathedral or take a cruise on Lake Geneva. You will love its proximity to the Swiss Alps, and if you plan to stay several days you can organize a getaway.

Let yourself be carried away by its exquisite gastronomy and enjoy a good bubbling fondue or the famous Toblerone chocolate. If you would like to discover why it is considered the City of Peace, take a look at the European headquarters of the UN, here is a guide with the must-sees!

If I were you, I'd start with the historic center to cross out the most iconic locations. Here you will find Jet d'Eau, Geneva's famous fountain, which rises above the lake at 140 meters high and can be seen from different angles. You can also stroll through the city's oldest square and explore the mysteries that surround every corner.

Imagine becoming a warrior and taking refuge in the tunnels and subway paths, used centuries ago to escape attacks in the Middle Ages. And you can also pass in front of the Palais des Nations, to explore the diplomatic side of Geneva.

If you are looking for a more relaxing experience, you can book a guided tour of Geneva. These types of activities usually take you through the highlights and merge walking, bus, streetcar and boat tours. This way, you will see the city in a short time and get into the context of each tourist attraction.

Interesting details

• Price: the guided experience costs around 66€.
• Schedule: if you sign up for a guided tour you should know that they usually offer schedules between 9:00 and 13:00.
• How to get there: it is advisable to take advantage of this area on foot, although there are different public transport options.

When visiting the historic center you will surely see the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, but it is worth a visit inside. In the 12th century this building became a symbol of the Protestant Reformation, which led to changes in its facade and decoration. Inside it is possible to see archaeological sites hidden in the basement from Roman times.

If that sounds a bit spooky to you, you might as well climb the tower and enjoy the panoramic views of Geneva. Consider that it is 157 steps up to the observation deck, as there is no elevator.

Another thing you should know is that the oldest mosaic in Europe is hidden here, with different biblical scenes. If you plan to book a bike tour you can take advantage of the fact that the cathedral is usually one of the places to visit.

Interesting details

• Price: entrance to the cathedral is free, but the price for the site and the tower is 8 € per person.
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 18:30, Saturdays from 9:30 to 17:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 18:30.
• How to get there: you can take advantage of the different options of public transport in Geneva.

In Geneva there is nothing like sitting down to enjoy a good Swiss fondue. In the restaurants and street food stalls you will be greeted by an atmosphere infused with cheese, nutmeg, garlic and hints of wine.

Fondue is made with different types of cheese and it is customary to dip crusty bread into a hot pot, which is great fun because it comes out covered with strands of cheese! It is usually served during dinner and is known for its creamy texture and mix of sweet and salty flavors.

You choose where to try it, as there are options near Lake Geneva, in the old town and in the most exclusive areas. It is considered a winter tradition, both for its taste and for being the magnet that brings together Swiss and tourists in the gastronomic points of interest. Something quite curious is that in its beginnings it was prepared with artisan cheeses and leftover stale bread.

A very popular activity is to book a fondue tour in a tuk tuk. I find it an original way to enjoy the gastronomy and explore the city at the same time. Generally, they take you to the best Gruyere cheese fondue restaurant, a different proposal whose flavor resembles that of walnuts. As you will be aboard an electric vehicle, you can take the opportunity to see the Bourg du Four gate and the Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Details of interest

• Price: you can try a good fondue from 19 €, although there are also experiences that guide you through the best places to try it. There are tours such as fondue tuk tuk tours from 160 € per person, as well as walking tours and cooking classes.
• Hours: it is a typical dinner meal, but many places and tours offer this experience between 12:00 and 21:00.

The Palais des Nations is one of Geneva's most popular attractions. This is where UN diplomats meet to discuss international social issues. It is the largest headquarters after New York and can only be visited with an official guide.

Inside you can understand the purpose of the organization and see the library, the Council Chamber and the Assembly Hall. It is also famous for its artwork and exhibits in the United Nations Museum. The tour lasts approximately one hour and also explores the palace's surroundings, such as Ariana Park. To access the experience you must bring your passport and arrive 30 minutes early.

Although this is a very interesting topic, if you are one of those who prefer outdoor activities, when you book a bike tour of Geneva you will also pass through the exterior of the palace and the guide can tell you part of its history.

Details of interest

• Price: you can get to know the inside of the building through a guided tour that costs around 24 € per person, if you bring the kids there are special discounts for them. Or if you prefer to see it from the outside, there are bike tours that merge the most popular attractions from 116 €.
• Hours: the palace is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• How to get there: I suggest you use bus lines 8, 20, 60 and get off at Appia station.

Vacations are that time we all look forward to. Sure you want to enjoy Geneva's attractions to the fullest, but it is also important to take some time to relax and unwind. Sailing on Lake Geneva can be a good option to continue exploring the city, but at a more leisurely pace. As the boat moves along you will be able to see the Jet d'Eau fountain and the Chillon castle.

But it is not limited to skirting the city, by booking a cruise on Lake Geneva you are likely to explore its connection with Lake Geneva, which divides Switzerland and France.

In addition, you'll delight in views of the Alps and the Jura Mountains, as well as picturesque villages such as Montreux and Vevey, famous for the Vevey fork which is a huge sculpture stuck in the middle of the water.

Details of interest

• Price: you can find cruises on Lake Geneva from 23 € per person, which usually include audio guide.
• Schedule: they usually start at 16:00, but you should check when booking. In addition, they are more pleasant in summer and spring, although in autumn the gradient of colors of nature is impressive and in winter it is possible to see light snowfalls.

In some of the streets of Geneva the air smells of chocolate, especially when you pass near its most emblematic chocolate shops. Swiss chocolates are famous for their incomparable flavor that blends the best cocoa beans from different countries, using a technique that has been perfected over generations.

If I were you, I wouldn't hesitate to book a chocolate tour to visit the most famous chocolate shops and delight in tastings of their chocolate variations. In addition, you will be able to taste Swiss desserts where chocolate is the protagonist.

Some people travel to Switzerland with the mission to taste the best chocolate or to visit the same chocolate shops that famous people like Grace Kelly have visited. If this is your case, take advantage of this experience and delight yourself with the most famous chocolate brands in Geneva such as Chocolats Rohr and Auer Chocolatier. Also, you can't miss the opportunity to taste:

• Toblerone: famous for its honey and almond pieces, as well as its triangular shape.
• Chocolate fondue: a steaming pot where you can dip fruits, marshmallows or pastries.
• Swiss chocolate cake: the preparation is dense, smooth and melts in the mouth, as it has a lot of chocolate.

Details of interest

• Price: there are Swiss chocolate bars from 2 €, but the price varies according to brand, size and type. In addition, pieces of Swiss chocolate cake are available from 5 €. If you want to relax and take advantage of 12 chocolate tastings, you will find experiences for around 109 € per person.

Swiss gastronomy is a crossroads of different flavors and cultures, with recipes and culinary traditions dating back centuries. The best way to discover its typical dishes is to book a gastronomic tour in Geneva. This experience takes you through Swiss food and wine, with tastings guided by an expert.

You will discover fun facts and the best places to eat in the historic center. Delight in the flavors of Geneva salami, fondue, pâté vaudois (meat pie) and rösti (crispy potato omelette).

Interesting details

• Price: you can find Swiss dishes from 25 €, although there are alternatives in the street stalls. If you prefer a full tasting, nothing better than a gastronomic tour with options from 320 €.

Geneva is known as the City of Clocks because it has the largest production since the sixteenth century. Therefore, it is possible to see the Flower Clock exhibition in the Jardin Anglais, which changes according to the season. There is also a museum dedicated to clocks and impressive clock and clockworks on the shores of the lake.

In fact, here you can visit Vacheron Constantin, one of the oldest watchmakers in the world, or see the headquarters of the incomparable Rolex brand. Alternatively, Pâquis is a multicultural neighborhood where you can delight in the culture, gastronomy and traditions of different parts of the world. In addition, you can buy handcrafted watches and visit workshops. It is located near the lake and in winter is a popular place to enjoy a sauna bath or eat fondue in front of Lake Geneva.

During your vacation in Geneva you can take the opportunity to visit the oldest private house in the city. It is MaisonTavel, which functions as a museum and is the only place where you can see what the local architecture was like before the demolitions of 1850.

You will find furniture and objects that have been part of Geneva's history through the generations.

Details of interest

• Price: entrance fee starts at 5 € per person.
• Hours: open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00.
• How to get there: it is in the old town and is easy to reach on foot or by public transport.

If you have enough time I suggest including getaways in your itinerary. These plans are ideal to enjoy the scenic landscape that characterizes Geneva and its surroundings. Its strategic location makes it easy to get to know wonders within walking distance and without complications. Here are some options that will surely become your favorite destinations.

Excursion to Annecy from Geneva

Booking an excursion to Annecy takes you one hour from Geneva to see the famous Venice of the Alps. You will appreciate its canals, the Swiss countryside, the Island Palace and the Castle of Annecy.

Excursion to Montreux, Chaplin's World Museum and Chillon Castle

On the shores of Lake Geneva are some of Switzerland's most popular destinations. Booking an excursion to Montreux, Chaplin's World Museum and Chilló Castle gives you the opportunity to board an authentic "Belle Epoque" steamboat. In this way, you will see an important medieval fortress and enjoy the surrounding vineyards.

Excursion to Riviera Col du Pillon

Fancy seeing one of the most famous destinations in the Swiss Alps? I suggest you book an excursion to the Col du Pillon Riviera. This way, you can enjoy a ride on the cable car and venture to the popular Glacier 3000, where you will be 3,000 meters above sea level.

Excursion to Interlaken

If you are looking to explore the most secret places in the Swiss Alps, you can book an excursion to Interlaken. The views are wonderful and you can appreciate the peak of JungfrauPark Interlaken and Lake Thunersee. In addition, it is ideal to enjoy extreme sports and see the longest railroad station in Europe.

Chamonix and Mont Blanc Excursion

If you want to see the Swiss Alps and take advantage of the views of the French and Italian Alps, you can sign up for an excursion to Chamonix and Mont Blanc. Take advantage of a full day of fun, ride the cable car and enjoy the scenic scenery from the cog railway to Montenvers.