Among Switzerland’s many destinations, Geneva stands out as a hub of science and diplomacy. Look to your left, and there’s the United Nations; look to your right, and you’ll see a museum counting down to the end of the world. Behind you, the iconic dome of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Yet, despite its bustling, high-powered energy, Geneva also offers a serene retreat by the glistening waters of Lake Geneva. Where else can you find such striking contrasts?
So let’s go on a little virtual trip to find out what to see in Geneva together.
I suggest to split Geneva’s attractions into 2 walks:
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Cost: Mostly free with an exception of ride in water tram
Length: 1-1.5 days
How to get there: Use public transport or a car to get to Geneva city center and then walk from there
What to See by Lake Geneva Promenade
You know what an oasis is, right?
You navigate through busy streets of Geneva—commuters in a hurry, business calls buzzing, the occasional honk of a car. A typical city scene. But then, just ahead, between buildings, a vast expanse of water appears—so wide it could be the sea. Here lies Geneva’s tranquil escape, a true oasis of peace amid the city’s pace.
Everyone raves about Lake Geneva’s crystal-clear blue waters, but in truth, they shift through countless shades, reflecting the mood of the sky. On bright days, the lake sparkles in transparent blues, revealing ripples on the sandy bottom. When clouds gather and mist envelops the distant mountains, the water of lake Geneva turns deep and mysterious.
If the budget allows for the perfect lakeside experience, you can enjoy a coffee at one of the cafés along the promenade, watching elegant white sailboats drift by. But even without the splurge, a leisurely walk along the waterfront is just as delightful.
Will Jet d’Eau Be On?
Yes, you heard that right—Geneva’s most famous attraction, the Jet d’Eau fountain, isn’t always running.
One evening, you might marvel at its majestic 140-meter spray piercing the sky, only to return the next day and find it absent due to weather conditions. Without it, Lake Geneva feels oddly incomplete. The fountain is an iconic landmark, visible from almost anywhere in the city—when it’s gone, something just doesn’t feel right.
But when it’s on, it’s truly breathtaking. As with all grand sights, it’s best admired from a distance. Up close, you might end up with a sore neck from looking straight up—or an unexpected shower if the wind shifts your way!
Geneva’s Beaches: Dip Your Toes in the Crystal-Clear Water
On a warm day, the lake’s crystal-clear waters are simply irresistible. The temptation to reach out and touch it—to see if it feels any different than the water from your tap—is real.
When the lake syringes are calling to you, Geneva offers several lakefront spots for a refreshing dip. The most popular is Bains des Paquis, famous not only for its swimming area but also for its café, where you can enjoy a delicious cheese fondue.
Alternatively, you can head to Plage des Eaux-Vives , a relaxing shoreline on the opposite bank. This Geneva attraction is conveniently located on the way to our next stop.
But a word of caution: Geneva’s beaches aren’t lined with soft sand, but rather with small stones—perfect for a natural “foot massage.” The exception is Baby Plage, a tiny sandy strip that tends to get crowded on warm summer days.
While it’s not the easiest spot to lay your picnic blanket, I have to admit, the thousands of little gray rocks along the shore suit Lake Geneva perfectly, blending beautifully with its natural color palette.
Returning in Style – A Ride on Geneva’s Water Tram
We’ve walked a considerable distance by Lake Geneva. But don’t worry, you won’t have to walk back the same way. Instead, we’ll be enjoying the city views from a fresh perspective.
On Lake Geneva, you have two types of boats to choose from – the large, luxurious cruise ships that offer scenic trips for an additional fee, and the smaller boats that are part of the city’s public transport system. The best part? You can use these small water trams with a public transportation day pass, valid for all zones.
So, let’s hop on one at the M3 pieturā and enjoy the ride across the lake, soaking in the views through the large windows.
What to See in Geneva Old Town?
A Countdown to… What?
As you wander through the streets of Geneva, you’ll eventually come across a grand building, adorned with striking sculptures. A digital clock, glowing in red, ticks down, second by second.
What is it counting down to?
The answer: the moment the Sun will explode.
If that doesn’t catch your attention, here’s another unsettling detail—inside the building, a small bomb is set to explode at precisely the same moment. Whaaat?
It’s a chilling thought. Maybe it’s best to keep moving to the next Geneva attraction.
Giant Flags and Storybook Streets of Geneva Old Town
How do you know you’ve arrived in Geneva’s Old Town? Look for its charming historical fountains, ancient buildings, and winding cobblestone streets.
One highlight of Geneva Old Town is the Street of Giant Flags—an avenue lined with massive Swiss and Geneva flags that billow grandly overhead. Their size gives the street a striking, photogenic quality.
Geneva’s Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
On one of the façades, right beneath three fluttering flags, you notice a set of gates that open to reveal a charming courtyard. Everything about the scene suggests this is a public space—so let’s step inside and take a closer look.
The courtyard is framed by elegant, light-colored buildings, their majestic colonnades and arches stretching across several levels. At the very heart of the courtyard stands a stone goblet. The architecture here is truly breathtaking… But do you know where we’ve ended up?
It turns out we’ve wandered into the inner courtyard of the Geneva Town Hall—a site not only visually stunning but also historically significant. It was here, in one of the building’s rooms, that the first Geneva Convention was adopted in 1864.
The Atmosphere of Geneva Old Town is Enriched by the Cannons of the Arsenal
The charm of the Old Town is further heightened by the cannons of the Geneva Arsenal.
If the ancient buildings alone don’t transport you through time, add to that a few historic cannons, tucked away in the shadows behind the columns of the Geneva old Arsenal.
Be sure to also notice the mosaics on the rear wall—each one depicting significant moments in Geneva’s history. Are your history skills sharp enough to decipher the hidden stories in these images? I have no idea what’s happening here.
The Shortcut to Geneva Catedral – Passage des degres de poules
Look for a small archway in one of the walls, leading to a narrow, dimly lit alley with stairs climbing upward. This is the Passage des Degrés de Poules, dating back to the 16th century.
Stairs like these often gain fame thanks to the notable figures who’ve climbed them, and this one is no exception. John Calvin himself once walked these steps from the cathedral to the college. And, since this was also the quickest route from the courthouse to the prison, many prisoners ascended these stairs after their trials, adding a slightly darker aura to the place.
Once we reach the top, before heading to the cathedral, take a moment to pause at the nearby viewpoint beneath the ancient trees. From here, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the city’s rooftops.
St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva
The sharp, greenish tower of St Pierre cathedral, much like the Jet d’Eau, is visible from afar. So, even if the fountain isn’t running, you’ve got at least one more landmark to guide you through Geneva streets.
But it’s only when you get up close that the true grandeur of the cathedral becomes apparent. It almost looks as though it were assembled from different Lego sets—each section slightly different from the next.
Take a moment to admire the towering columns, the massive wooden doors, and the delicate carvings on the windows. Did you notice that the section of the roof near the doors is painted blue? Let’s speculate for a moment—could it have something to do with the sky?
Today we are not exploring the inside, but if you purchase a ticket, you’ll have the chance to check out the church’s interior and even climb the tower, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the city.
Let’s play some chess in Parc des Bastions?
Since we’re already exploring religious architecture, let’s head over to Parc des Bastions, home to the Wall of the Reformation. As the name suggests, the wall features sculptures depicting key figures and events of the Reformation.
For those less familiar with the topic, don’t worry—Parc des Bastions offers something for everyone. You can have some fun with the giant chess or checkers pieces. Look, one of the kings has already been knocked over! Checkmate.
What Else to See in Geneva?
Although I don’t have time to visit it again during this trip to Geneva, if you have more time and energy, I definitely want to mention one more must-see Geneva attraction: the Broken chair, located opposite the United Nations headquarters.
Why? Because the Broken Chair (which, by the way, is massive) sends a powerful message of protest against landmines.
The UN headquarters (which, unless you’re on a guided tour, you can only see through the fence) is one of those buildings that’s worth checking out too, if only to say you’ve seen such an important institution with your own eyes. Then again, the same could be said for many of Geneva’s iconic buildings…
And that wraps up our Geneva trip itinerary! I hope you get a chance to experience the tranquility of Lake Geneva and soak in the charm of the Geneva Old Town. May this list of things to see in Geneva inspire you to plan your own unforgettable trip to Geneva, Switzerland!
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