Best Things To Do in Geneva

Geneva is a city famous for its culture and renowned buildings, where you can enjoy unforgettable plans. Delight in the atmosphere of 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 organise a getaway.

Indulge yourself in its exquisite gastronomy and enjoy a good bubbling fondue or the famous Toblerone chocolate. If you'd like to discover why it's considered the City of Peace, take a look at the European headquarters of the UN- here's a guide to the must-see sights!

If I were you, I'd start in the historic centre to tick off the most iconic locations. Here you'll find Jet d'Eau, Geneva's famous fountain, which rises 140 metres above the lake and can be seen from different angles. You can also stroll around the city's oldest square and explore the mysteries around every corner.

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

If you're 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, tram and boat tours. This way, you'll see the city in a short time and get to know the context of each tourist attraction.

Interesting details

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

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

If that sounds a bit spooky, you may want to climb the tower and enjoy the panoramic views of Geneva. Bear in mind that there are 157 steps to the observation deck, as there is no lift.

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: Admission to the cathedral is free, but the price for the site and the tower is €8 per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 6.30pm, Saturdays from 9.30am to 5pm and Sundays from 12pm to 6.30pm.
• How to get there: you can take advantage of Geneva's various public transport options.

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

Fondue is made from 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 in strands of cheese! It is usually served during dinner and is known for its creamy texture and mix of sweet and savoury flavours.

You choose where to try it, as there are options near Lake Geneva, in the old town and in the more exclusive areas. It is considered a winter tradition, both for its flavour and for being the magnet that brings Swiss and tourists together in the gastronomic hotspots. Curiously enough, it was originally made with artisanal 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 proposition whose taste 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.

Interesting details

• Price: You can try a good fondue from €19, although there are also fondue experiences that guide you through the best places to try it. There are fondue tuk tuk tours from €160 per person, as well as walking tours and cooking classes.
• Hours: It's 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 UN headquarters after New York and can only be visited with an official guide.

Inside you can understand the purpose of the organisation 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 surrounding area of the palace, 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 prefer outdoor activities, when you book a bike tour of Geneva you will also pass outside the palace and the guide can tell you some of its history.

Interesting details

• Price: you can see the inside of the building on a guided tour for around €24 per person, with special discounts for the kids if you bring them. Or if you prefer to see it from the outside, there are bike tours that combine the most popular attractions from €116.
• Opening hours: The palace is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm.
• How to get there: I suggest you use bus lines 8, 20, 60 and get off at Appia station.

Holidays are that time we all look forward to. You want to make the most of Geneva's attractions, but it's also important to take some time to relax and unwind. Sailing on Lake Geneva can be a good way to continue exploring the city, but at a more leisurely pace. As the boat moves along, you'll be able to see the Jet d'Eau fountain and the Chillon castle.

But it's not just about skirting the city - by booking a cruise on Lake Geneva you're likely to explore its connection to Lake Geneva, which divides Switzerland and France.

You'll also be treated to 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 Lake Geneva cruises from €23 per person, which usually include an audio guide.
• Time: They usually run from 16:00, but you should check when booking. Also, they are most pleasant in summer and spring, although in autumn the colour gradient of nature is impressive and in winter it is possible to see light snowfall.

In some of Geneva's streets, the air smells of chocolate, especially when you pass by its most emblematic chocolate shops. Swiss chocolates are famous for their incomparable taste 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 indulge in tastings of their chocolate variations. You'll also be able to taste Swiss desserts where chocolate is the main ingredient.

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

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

Interesting details

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

Swiss gastronomy is a crossroads of different flavours 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 city centre. Delight in the flavours 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 at street stalls. If you prefer a full tasting, there's 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 16th century. It is therefore 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 neighbourhood where you can delight in the culture, gastronomy and traditions of different parts of the world. You can also buy handcrafted watches and visit workshops. It is close to the lake and in winter is a popular place to enjoy a sauna bath or fondue in front of Lake Geneva.

During your holiday 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.

Interesting details

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

If you have enough time, I suggest including some short breaks in your itinerary. These plans are ideal to enjoy the scenic landscape that characterises Geneva and its surroundings. Its strategic location makes it easy to discover wonders within walking distance and without complications. Here are a few options that are sure to become your favourite destinations.

Excursion to Annecy from Geneva

Booking an excursion to Annecy takes you an hour from Geneva to see the famous Venice of the Alps. You will be able to 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 Chateau de Chilló gives you the opportunity to board an authentic Belle Epoque steamboat. This way, you will see an important medieval fortress and enjoy the surrounding vineyards.

Excursion to the 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 at an altitude of 3,000 metres.

Excursion to Interlaken

If you're looking to explore the most secret spots in the Swiss Alps, you could book a trip to Interlaken. The views are breathtaking and you can see the peak of JungfrauPark Interlaken and Lake Thunersee. It's also a great place to enjoy extreme sports and see Europe's longest railway station.

Excursion to Chamonix and Mont Blanc

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 a trip to Chamonix and Mont Blanc. Take advantage of a full day of fun, ride the cable car and enjoy the scenic views from the rack railway to Montenvers.