Geneva is a beautiful city surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Whether you visit in winter or summer, there's something for everyone in the "City of Peace".
Outdoor enthusiasts will love cycling through the city streets, strolling through the many parks or relaxing by Lake Geneva. At the same time, history and art buffs can explore countless museums, such as the Red Cross Museum or one of the old castles. It really is one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
Part of your preparation for visiting this European gem should involve securing suitable accommodation. With some of the best luxury hotels awaiting your patronage, you can easily snag amazing Hotel deals in Switzerland at top-hotels-switzerland.com. Or perhaps you are inclined to browse multiple options; then you can navigate to tophotels.com for a wide selection of top-notch lodgings.
Although flights to Geneva can be expensive, you can simply fly into Zurich and take the train to Geneva or take a European road trip and take your time visiting all of Switzerland. This guide to the best things to do in Geneva will help you plan your ultimate holiday in Geneva, Switzerland.
15 Things to do in Geneva
1. Take to the waters of Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is the largest lake in central Europe and offers beautiful views with crystal clear water and the Swiss Alps as a backdrop. Visitors can take boat trips, hire paddleboards and kayaks, or even get a fishing licence and try their luck at catching a trout or bass.
Around Lac Léman, visitors will find historic sites such as Château Chillon, public baths and numerous restaurants.
2. Visit Château Chillon
When visiting Lake Geneva, don't miss Château Chillon. This palace is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Château Chillon is located on the shores of Lake Geneva and is open to visitors every day. Explore the grand rooms, admire the magnificent gardens or sip Chillon wine from the castle's own vineyard.
During the holidays, Chillon Castle becomes a magical oasis with a grandiose setting and beautiful exhibitions that tourists are sure not to want to miss.
3. Visit Saint-Pierre Cathedral
St Peter's Cathedral may not look that old from its 19th-century neoclassical exterior, but parts of this religious site date back to the 4th century. Most of the interior was created in the 12th century and is in a distinctive Gothic style.
Visitors can go underground at the archaeological site to see various ancient ruins, or climb to the top of the towers for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Guests can easily spend an hour or two visiting St Peter's Cathedral.
4. Enjoy a cheese fondue
Fondue originated in Switzerland, so in Geneva you need to find a restaurant serving this delicious cheese dish, especially in winter. Le Gruyerien in the Plainpalais district and the more sophisticated Les Armures serve an incredible cheese fondue.
5. Stroll the cobbled streets of Viele Ville
Viele Ville is a historic area of Geneva with shops, cafés and a ton of history. Visitors can take their time wandering the winding streets, in and out of small local shops or sit outside a small café while watching people go by. There are many notable stops to make in this area.
The Maison Tavel, Geneva's oldest house, dating back to 1334, is a museum where guests can discover some of Geneva's history. Saint-Pierre Cathedral, or Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, is another historic site to discover in the district.
Be sure to bring walking shoes as the neighbourhood is a few hundred metres above Lake Geneva, making it a bit of a hike.
6. Discover science at CERN
Science fans will enjoy visiting CERN, the headquarters of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, home to some of the world's most important research. The facility is open from Monday to Saturday and admission is free. Visitors can explore exhibitions such as the world of particles or tour the facility.
7. Explore the Patek Philippe Museum
Patek Philippe has a passion for watchmaking, or horology, and has one of the largest collections of watches in the world. The Patek Philippe Museum is divided into the Antique Collection and the Patek Philippe Collection.
The Antique Collection features watches as old as the 16th century by various watchmakers, while the Patek Philippe Collection features watches that Philippe designed and created himself. It is perfect for those who appreciate fashion, art and design.
8. Walk around the Palais des Nations
The Palais des Nations is one of the most important offices of the United Nations and hosts over 5,000 meetings a year. The building was constructed in the 1930s and was once the headquarters of the League of Nations.
Visitors can book guided tours of the Palais des Nations, where they will learn about the aims of the organisation and the events it hosts that promote international relations. Guests can also visit a number of meeting rooms such as the Assembly Hall, the Salle des Pas Perdus and the Council Chamber. Be sure to book visits in advance.
9. Soak up the sun at Baines Des Paquis
Baines des Paquis is one of the best places to beat the heat during the warmer summer months. Visitors can swim in the public pools near the jetty on the western shore of Lake Geneva or enjoy the inspiring water jet.
In winter, you can always take a dip in the pool before relaxing in the sauna and hammam.
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ten. Admire the view of Geneva from the top of Mont Salève
Mont Salève is a rocky mountain on the edge of Geneva. Experienced hikers can walk to the top of the mountain, at almost 1,400 metres or just over 4,500 feet high. If you want to enjoy the fantastic views but don't want to hike, cable cars will take you to the top in less than five minutes.
Alternatively, if you're feeling more adventurous, there's parasailing from the top of Mont Salève. The summit of Mont Salève not only offers fantastic views over the town but also charming cafés for lunch and relaxation.
11. Enjoy the greenery at the Geneva Conservatory and Botanical Garden
The Geneva Conservatory and Botanical Garden is open every day and offers visitors an oasis of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of life. You can wander around the twenty-eight hectares of grounds and discover more than 12,000 species of plant.
Visitors should be sure to visit the herbarium, one of the largest in the world and home to six million samples. Be prepared to spend a few hours wandering around the beautiful gardens and relaxing in nature.
12. Admire the works of art at the Museum of Art and History
Geneva's Musée d'art et d'histoire is home to over a million works of art and historical artefacts. Visitors can expect to spend a few hours wandering around the museum, admiring everything from historical relics from ancient Egypt to medieval steel armour and paintings by Rembrandt, Vallotton, Pissaro and many others.
Visitors can take a break in the café on the ground floor, and children can enjoy time in the secure play area. Parents can even leave their children in the supervised play area while they explore the museum themselves.
13. Stroll through the Plainpalais market
The Plainpalis market is a giant flea market and farmers' market. The market is packed with vendors and passers-by every Wednesday and Saturday. Visitors can find fresh fruit, cheese, jams, nuts and other treats from farmers and old antiques, books, clothes and knick-knacks from flea market vendors.
The Plainpalais market is also the ideal place to buy a cheap souvenir to take home.
Read more: 8 best flea markets in the United States
14. Visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
The Red Cross Museum is a unique modern museum that invites visitors to reflect on the impact of humanitarian efforts on everyone. Guests will discover the history of the Red Cross and how the Red Cross helps humanity today.
A visit to the museum is a stimulating experience that strives to leave each guest wondering what they can do to help their society and those around the world.
15. Enjoy Swiss chocolate at Maison Cailler
Maison Cailler is the oldest chocolate factory in Switzerland. They have been around for centuries and can enjoy a factory tour. The tour will teach visitors how to make chocolate and give an insight into the history of chocolate making.
Be sure to stop by the Maison Cailler gift shop to buy some chocolate to take home. Who wouldn't want a delicious Swiss chocolate as a souvenir?
An unforgettable trip to Geneva
Geneva is sure to enchant you. If chocolate alone doesn't make you happy, the spectacular setting is sure to. Whether you love the outdoors or discovering history and art, you'll love spending time in Geneva, Switzerland.