15 Best Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is a beautiful city surrounded by Switzerland’s Alps. Whether visiting in the winter or summer, there is something for everyone in the “city of peace.” 

The outdoor enthusiast will enjoy biking the city streets, strolling in the numerous parks, or relaxing near Lake Geneva. At the same time, history and art buffs can explore countless museums, such as the Red Cross Museum, the Art and History, or one of the historical castles. It is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

This guide on the top things to do in Geneva will help visitors plan their next vacation to Geneva, Switzerland. 

Getting to Geneva

Although flights to Geneva can be expensive, you can easily fly to Zurich and take the train to Geneva or take a European road trip and take your time seeing all of Switzerland.

Get on the Waters of Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Central Europe and offers beautiful sights with crystal blue water and the Swiss Alps as the backdrop. Visitors can take boat tours, rent paddleboards and kayaks, or even obtain a fishing permit and try to catch some marine life. Around Lake Geneva, visitors will find historical castles, like Château Chillon, public baths, and many restaurants. 

Visit Château Chillon

While at Lake Geneva, do not miss visiting Château Chillon, also called Chillon Castle. This palace is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Château Chillon sits right on the shores of Lake Geneva, and visitors can visit daily. Explore the grand rooms, admire the beautiful gardens, or sip some of Château Chillon’s wine from the castle’s very own vineyard. During the holidays, Chillon Castle becomes a magical oasis with grand décor and beautiful displays that tourists surely do not want to miss. 

Visit St. Pierre Cathedral

St. Pierre Cathedral may not look that old from the exterior’s 19th-century Neoclassical façade, but parts of this religious spot date back to the 4th century. Most of the interior was created in the 12th century and has a Gothic style. Visitors can go underground at the archaeological site to view different ancient ruins or climb to the top of the towers to see a breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps. Guests can easily spend an hour or two visiting St. Pierre Cathedral. 

Enjoy Cheese Fondue

Fondue originated in Switzerland, so while in Geneva, you must find a restaurant serving this delicious, cheesy dish, especially in the winter. Le Gruyerien in the Plainpalais neighborhood and the more sophisticated Les Armures serve some amazing cheese fondue. 

Stroll the Cobblestone Streets of Viele Ville

Viele Ville is a historic neighborhood in Geneva with shops, cafes, and a ton of history. Visitors can take their time walking around the winding streets, stepping in and out of small local shops, or sitting outside of a small café while people-watching. There are many notable stops to make within this neighborhood.

One of those stops should be Maison Tavel, which is the oldest house in Geneva, dating back to 1334. Today, the house is a museum where guests can explore some of Geneva’s history. St. Peter’s Cathedral, or St. Pierre Cathedral, is another historical sight that should be stopped at while in the neighborhood. Make sure to bring your walking shoes, though, because the neighborhood is a few hundred feet above Lake Geneva, which means it’s a bit of an upright hike getting to the neighborhood.

Discover Science at CERN

Science lovers will enjoy visiting CERN, which is the headquarters of the European Organization for Nuclear Research. This uniquely designed building is home to some of the most important research in the world. The facility is open Monday through Saturday, and admission is free. Visitors can explore exhibits like the Universe of Particles or take a tour of the facility by booking in advance. Make sure to reserve your tour in advance.

Explore the Patek Philippe Museum

Patek Philippe has a passion for horology, or watchmaking, and has one of the largest watch collections in the world. The Patek Philippe Museum is divided into two parts: The Antique Collection and the Patek Philippe Collection. The Antique Collection displays watches as old as the 16th century from many different watchmakers, whereas the Patek Philippe Collection shows off a collection of watches that Philippe designed and created himself. This is the perfect museum for those who appreciate fashion, art, and design.

Walk around Palais des Nations

Palais des Nations is one of the most important United Nations offices and hosts over 5,000 meetings yearly. The establishment was built in the 1930s, and it used to be the headquarters of the League of Nations. Visitors can reserve guided tours of the Palais des Nations, where they will learn about the organization’s goals and activities that foster international relations. Guests will also be able to visit many meeting rooms like the Assembly room or the Salle des Pas Perdus and the Council Chambers. Make sure to reserve tours in advance.

Catch some Sun at Baines des Paquis

During the warmer summer months, Baines des Paquis is one of the best places to go to beat the heat. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the public pools near the pier of the west shore of Lake Geneva or viewing the Jet d’Eau. During the winter, guests can still enjoy a hop in the pool before relaxing in the sauna and hammam. 

Take in the View of Geneva from the Top of Mont Salève

Mont Salève is a rock mountain on the edge of Geneva. Experienced hikers can walk to the mountain peak, almost 1,400 meters or slightly more than 4,500 feet high. If you want to catch the amazing view but don’t want to take the trek, cable cars will take you up to the top in less than five minutes. On the other hand, if you are feeling extra adventurous, there is parasailing that takes off from the top of Mont Salève. The summit of Mont Salève not only has some fantastic views of the city but also lovely cafes where you can grab some lunch and relax.  

Enjoy the Greenery at Geneva’s Conservatory and Botanical Garden

Geneva’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is open daily and offers visitors a tranquil oasis from the hustle and bustle of life. Guests can walk around the twenty-eight hectares of land and discover over 12,000 species of plants. Visitors should ensure they check out the herbarium, one of the world’s largest and home to six million samples. Be prepared to spend a few hours walking around the beautiful gardens and relaxing in nature.

The Garden is beautiful at any time of year, from peak flower season in the summer to pine trees and decorations at Christmas.

Admire Artwork at Art and History Museum 

The Art and History Museum in Geneva is home to over one million pieces of art and historical artifacts. Visitors should expect to spend a few hours roaming the museum and admiring everything from historical ancient Egyptian relics to medieval steel armor to paintings from Rembrandt, Vallotton, Pissaro, and many more. Visitors can take a break at the café on the ground floor, and kids can enjoy time at the secured playground. Parents can even leave their children at the supervised playground while they explore the museum themselves. 

Stroll through Plainpalais Market

The Plainpalis Market is a giant flea and farmer’s market. The market is bustling with vendors and marketgoers every Wednesday and Saturday. Visitors can find fresh fruit, cheese, jams, nuts, and other goodies from the farmers and old antiques, books, clothes, and knickknacks from the flea vendors. The Plainpalais Market is the perfect place to pick up an affordable souvenir to bring back home. 

Visit the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

The Red Cross Museum is a uniquely modern museum that has guests think about how humanitarian actions concern everyone around the globe. Guests will learn about the history of the Red Cross and how the Red Cross helps humanity today. The museum is a thought-provoking experience that strives to leave every guest wondering what they can do to help their own society and those worldwide.

Enjoy some Swiss Chocolate at Maison Cailler

Maison Cailler is the oldest chocolate producer in Switzerland. They have been around for centuries, and today visitors can enjoy a factory tour and try some of their most popular delights. The tour will teach visitors how to make chocolate and give a rundown of the history of chocolate making. Make sure to stop in Maison Cailler’s gift shop to pick up some chocolate to bring back home. 

Geneva Is Sure to Enchant You

If the chocolate alone doesn’t make you happy, the spectacular surroundings will for sure. Whether you love the outdoors or learning about history and art, you will love spending time in Geneva, Switzerland.