A complete guide to Geneva, Switzerland, covering the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain, the Old Town, world-class museums, the United Nations headquarters, and the stunning Lake Geneva waterfront. Includes practical tips for attractions, day trips to the Alps, and navigating one of Europe's most international cities.
Geneva's iconic water jet shoots 140 meters into the air and is visible from across the city. Walk out on the stone jetty from the left bank for a close-up view, but expect to get sprayed on windy days. The fountain operates year-round during daylight hours (and is lit at night in summer). Free to view from anywhere along the lake.
Walk the jetty for a close-up view
Photograph it from the Pont du Mont-Blanc bridge
Stroll along the Lake Geneva promenade
The lakefront paths on both banks offer views of the lake, the Jet d'Eau, and the Alps beyond. The Quai du Mont-Blanc (right bank) has parks, flower displays, and views of Mont Blanc on clear days. The Jardin Anglais (English Garden) on the left bank has the famous Flower Clock (L'Horloge Fleurie), made of 6,500 flowers and plants.
See the Flower Clock in Jardin Anglais
Walk the Quai du Mont-Blanc promenade
Take a boat cruise on Lake Geneva
CGN operates regular cruises and ferry services across the lake, from 1-hour mini-cruises to full-day excursions to Montreux, Lausanne, or Evian (France). A 1-hour cruise costs about CHF 18. Larger paddle steamers offer lunch and dinner cruises. The lake is especially beautiful in the late afternoon light with the Alps as a backdrop.
Swim at the Bains des Paquis
A beloved public bathing area and social hub on a jetty extending into the lake. Open year-round with access to the lake, a Turkish bath/sauna (winter), and a popular restaurant serving fondue in winter. Entry CHF 2. Locals swim here from June to September and use the sauna in winter. One of the best spots in Geneva to mix with locals.
Old Town (Vieille Ville)
Explore the Old Town streets
Geneva's hilltop Old Town has cobblestone streets, antique shops, art galleries, and cafes. The highest point of the city, it offers views over the rooftops and lake. The Place du Bourg-de-Four, Geneva's oldest square, is the social center with outdoor cafes. The narrow streets around the cathedral are the most atmospheric.
Visit St. Pierre's Cathedral
A 12th-century cathedral where John Calvin preached during the Reformation. Climb the 157 steps of the north tower (CHF 5) for a panoramic view of the city, lake, and Alps. The archaeological site beneath the cathedral (CHF 8) reveals Roman and early Christian ruins. Free entry to the cathedral itself.
Climb the tower for panoramic views
Visit the underground archaeological site
Visit the International Museum of the Reformation
Located next to the cathedral, this museum traces the Protestant Reformation from Geneva's perspective, with original documents, interactive displays, and Calvin's personal effects. Geneva was the epicenter of the Calvinist movement and this museum provides essential context. Admission CHF 13. Allow 1-2 hours.
See the Maison Tavel (oldest house in Geneva)
A medieval town house from the 12th century, now a free museum of Geneva's urban history. The highlight is a massive scale model of Geneva as it appeared in 1850, before the old fortifications were demolished. The building itself with its grey stone facade and turret is one of the most distinctive in the Old Town.
International Geneva
Visit the Palace of Nations (United Nations)
The European headquarters of the United Nations, set in Ariana Park overlooking the lake. Guided tours (CHF 15, 1 hour) visit the Assembly Hall, Council Chamber, and historic rooms decorated by member nations. Bring your passport for entry. Book online in advance. The Broken Chair sculpture outside is a powerful anti-landmine monument.
Book a guided tour of the UN headquarters
See the Broken Chair sculpture
Visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
A deeply moving museum covering humanitarian action from the founding of the Red Cross in Geneva in 1863 to present-day crises. Interactive exhibits on war, natural disasters, and migration are powerful without being overwhelming. Admission CHF 15. Allow 2 hours. One of Geneva's best museums and often overlooked by tourists.
See CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
The birthplace of the World Wide Web and home of the Large Hadron Collider. The Science Gateway visitor center (free, opened 2023) has interactive exhibitions on particle physics, the universe, and CERN's discoveries. Guided tours of the actual facilities are available but must be booked well in advance. Located on the French border, reachable by tram 18.
Visit the Science Gateway exhibition
Book a guided facility tour in advance
Museums and Culture
Visit the Museum of Art and History (MAH)
Geneva's largest museum, covering fine arts, applied arts, and archaeology in a grand building near the Old Town. The collection includes works by Rembrandt, Monet, and the largest collection of Konrad Witz paintings. Free permanent collection. Located on Rue Charles-Galland, a short walk from the Old Town.
Explore the Patek Philippe Museum
A museum dedicated to five centuries of watchmaking, housed on four floors in a former watchmaking factory. The collection includes historic timepieces from the 16th century and Patek Philippe's own creations. Admission CHF 10. Even non-watch enthusiasts appreciate the incredible craftsmanship. Located in Plainpalais, about 15 minutes walk from the center.
Walk through the Carouge neighborhood
Geneva's bohemian quarter, originally designed as a Sardinian royal town in the 18th century. The grid-pattern streets are filled with artisan shops, vintage stores, galleries, and some of Geneva's best restaurants at more reasonable prices than the city center. The Wednesday and Saturday morning markets on Place du Marche are excellent.
Visit the Reformation Wall
A 100-meter wall in the Parc des Bastions featuring 5-meter-tall statues of the leaders of the Calvinist Reformation: Calvin, Farel, Beze, and Knox. Free to visit at any time. The park also has giant outdoor chess boards and a pleasant cafe. The wall provides a striking visual introduction to Geneva's pivotal role in Protestant history.
Day Trips and Nature
Day trip to Chamonix and Mont Blanc
The French Alpine town of Chamonix is just 80 minutes from Geneva by bus or car. The Aiguille du Midi cable car (EUR 66 round trip) takes you to 3,842 meters with views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. Even without the cable car, the town itself has excellent hiking, restaurants, and mountain scenery. Buses run several times daily from Geneva bus station.
Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car
Walk the Mer de Glace glacier trail
Day trip to Lausanne or Montreux
Both lakeside cities are reachable in 30-60 minutes by train along the scenic Lake Geneva shore. Lausanne has the Olympic Museum and a medieval Old Town. Montreux offers the Chateau de Chillon (a dramatic medieval castle on the lake), the Freddie Mercury statue, and the famous Jazz Festival in July. Train tickets cost CHF 20-30.
Cross into Annecy, France
This picture-perfect French town with canals, a medieval castle, and a pristine lake is just 45 minutes from Geneva by car or bus. The Old Town is often called the Venice of the Alps. The lake is one of the cleanest in Europe and perfect for swimming in summer. A popular half-day or full-day trip from Geneva.
Hike in the Saleve mountain
Known as Geneva's backyard mountain, Saleve (actually in France) is reachable by a cable car from the southern suburb of Veyrier. The summit offers panoramic views of Geneva, the lake, and the Alps. Hiking, paragliding, and rock climbing are popular. The cable car costs EUR 13 round trip. Take bus 8 from Geneva to the base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Geneva?
Two to three days covers the main city attractions, including the Old Town, lakefront, museums, and international quarter. Add a day for Chamonix/Mont Blanc or Lausanne/Montreux. Geneva itself is compact and walkable, so you can see the highlights efficiently. It also works well as a one-night stop on a broader Switzerland or Alpine trip.
How expensive is Geneva?
Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Budget CHF 25-50 for a restaurant meal, CHF 3.50 for a transit ticket, and CHF 200-350 for a mid-range hotel. Save money with the Geneva City Pass (free public transport + museum discounts), eating lunch menus (plat du jour for CHF 18-25), and shopping at Migros or Coop supermarkets for snacks.
Do I get a free transport card in Geneva?
Yes. Hotels in Geneva provide guests with a free Geneva Transport Card for the duration of their stay, covering unlimited use of buses, trams, trains (within the canton), and even the lake shuttle boats. This is automatically provided at check-in and can save significant money. The card also offers discounts at some museums.
When is the best time to visit Geneva?
June through September offers warm weather (20-28°C), long days, and outdoor activities including lake swimming. May and October are pleasant with fewer tourists. Winter is cold (0-5°C) but nearby ski resorts are easily accessible. December brings Christmas markets at Carouge and the lakefront. The city is lively year-round thanks to its international community.