Looking for the best things to do in Geneva that are actually worth your time? Whether you’re here for a quick city break or visiting friends, Geneva has a special way of mixing peaceful lake vibes with international city energy.
We’ve spent a lot of time here thanks to Tiago’s family and always end up discovering new spots. This guide is full of practical tips, insider info, and local hacks so you can skip the tourist traps and make the most of your stay.
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Insider Tips Before You Start Exploring Geneva
Transport Tip: If you’re staying in a hotel or hostel, ask for a free public transport card at check-in. It gives you unlimited access to buses, trams, boats (Mouettes!), and even the train to/from the airport.
Timing Tip: Geneva is chill, but on Sundays, almost everything is closed. Plan outdoor stuff like lake walks or day trips that day.
Money Tip: Geneva is expensive. Eat your main meal at lunch when restaurants offer cheaper “formule midi” (set menus). For budget eats, check out Manor food court, or grab a sandwich from Coop/Migros.
Cross-Border Bonus: Some of the best views and hikes are just across the French border. Don’t forget your passport if you’re doing those!
Now, let’s dive into the most memorable things to do in Geneva, from iconic must-sees to hidden local spots we genuinely love.
Wander the Old Town (Vieille Ville)
This is the heart of historic Geneva, and even if you’re not usually into “old towns,” this one hits different. It’s charming but not overcrowded, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a quiet medieval movie set. Cobblestone streets, pastel shutters, and the occasional hidden courtyard make this area perfect for slow wandering.
Don’t Miss:
- St. Pierre Cathedral – climb the towers for amazing views
- Maison Tavel – Geneva’s oldest house turned into a small free museum
Practical Info:
📍 Start at Place du Bourg-de-Four
🕰️ Cathedral open Mon-Sat 10am – 5.30pm (closes earlier in winter)
🎟️ Tower climb: ~ 5 CHF
Local Tip: Go around sunset for golden light and fewer crowds. For coffee, stop by Boréal Coffee nearby – it’s cozy and has outdoor seating in good weather.
Jet d’Eau – Geneva’s Giant Fountain
It’s Geneva’s most famous landmark – and for good reason. Shooting 140 meters into the air, the Jet d’Eau is not just the tallest fountain in Europe, it’s also one of the tallest in the world.
You’ll spot it from all over the city, and it’s even more impressive when you see it up close. Whether you’re walking by, taking a boat across the lake, or snapping pics from afar, the Jet d’Eau is the one sight that truly says you’ve arrived in Geneva.
Practical Info:
📍 Quai Gustave-Ador (you can walk the pier)
💨 Be careful – the wind can shift and drench you!
🕰️ Usually runs daily until around 11pm in summer, 10am–4pm in winter (weather dependent)
Photo Tip: The best shots are from the Pont du Mont-Blanc bridge or the Bains des Pâquis side at sunset.
Relax at Bains des Pâquis
This spot feels like a hidden gem even though it’s right in the city. Locals come here year-round to swim in the lake (yes, even in winter), eat lunch on the terrace, or sweat it out in the saunas. It’s one of the few places that feels really “local” and relaxed – no luxury vibes, just lake energy and good food.
Practical Info:
📍 Quai du Mont-Blanc 30
🎟️ Entry: ~ 2 CHF (summer), ~ 10 CHF with sauna
🕰️ Open daily from early morning till night
Visit the United Nations + Broken Chair Monument
This area gives you a feel for Geneva’s international soul. The giant chair with a missing leg is a memorial for victims of landmines, and the UN building behind it is one of the four main global headquarters. Whether you do a full guided tour or just admire the flags out front, it’s a powerful, thought-provoking place.
Practical Info:
📍 Place des Nations
🚌 Take tram 15 or bus 8 to “Nations”
🎟️ UN tours: ~22 CHF, book ahead, passport needed, and last ~1 hour
🕰️ Mon–Fri only
🌳 Bonus: Stroll Ariana Park behind for peacocks + views
Chill in Parc des Bastions & Play Chess
This central park feels more like a live postcard. It’s calm, full of students and families, and gives off a very “Sunday in the city” kind of energy. You can easily spend an hour just watching people play giant chess or relaxing under the trees with a snack.
Practical Info:
📍 Next to Place Neuve
🎟️ Free entry
🕰️ Open 24/7
🎭 Nearby: Grand Théâtre for opera/theatre lovers
🥐 Grab a snack from nearby Coop for a mini picnic
Explore Carouge – Geneva’s Artsy Side
If Geneva’s Old Town is medieval, Carouge is its sunny, creative cousin. This former Sardinian village has Italian-style architecture, art studios, concept stores, and small cafés on every corner. We love coming here when we want to take it slow, sip something good, and people-watch.
Practical Info:
📍 Tram 12 to “Marché”
🛍️ Best on Saturday mornings for the market
🍷 Great for aperitivo or a relaxed dinner
🥐 Café pick: Valmandin (amazing pastries!)
Take the Cable Car up Mont Salève
This one’s a bit of a cheat – it’s actually just across the border in France – but definitely one of the top things to do in Geneva if you love a good view and some nature.
This cable car whisks you up to Mont Salève in under 5 minutes, and once you’re at the top, it feels like you’re miles away from the city. There are walking trails, paragliders launching off the cliffs, and views over Geneva that are just chef’s kiss.
Practical Info:
📍 Bus 8 to “Veyrier Douane” + 10-min walk
🎟️ Round trip: ~18 CHF (Tickets HERE)
🕰️ Open Wed–Sun, check online for seasonal breaks
🥾 Bring good shoes if you plan to explore at the top
Geneva’s Best Chocolate & Budget Bites
Let’s be real – no trip to Switzerland is complete without chocolate. Geneva has some amazing local spots that are perfect for gifts or a cheeky self-treat. And if you’re on a budget (welcome to Switzerland), don’t worry – there are solid food options too that won’t empty your wallet.
Best Chocolate Spots:
Budget Eats:
- Chez Ma Cousine – local food with affordable prices (amazing roasted chicken + potatoes)
- Manor Food Court – lots of variety, quick + tasty
- Migros/Coop takeaway – sandwiches + salads by the lake
Walk Through the Botanical Gardens
These gardens are like Geneva’s secret chill zone. Not super famous, but perfect if you need a green break. You’ll find themed plant areas, little ponds, and even a few animals wandering around. Great for a slow morning or a break after visiting the UN.
Practical Info:
📍 Near UN/Nations
🎟️ Free entry
🕰️ 8am–7pm (shorter hours in winter)
🦚 You might spot deer, birds, or even peacocks!
End Your Day at Perle du Lac or Parc La Grange
These are the spots we always go to when we want to relax with a view. Locals walk their dogs here, teens play music on speakers, and the sunsets? Unreal.
Practical Info:
📍 Perle du Lac – near “Mon Repos”
📍 Parc La Grange – tram 12 to “Parc La Grange”
🧺 Perfect for picnics, sunset strolls, or just sitting and doing nothing
🎶 In summer, La Grange often has open-air concerts
Final Words
We hope this guide gave you all the ideas (and secrets!) you need for the best things to do in Geneva. This city may be small, but it has so many layers – lakeside calm, international flavor, cozy streets, and epic nature just a bus ride away.
Let us know which of these you’ve tried – or if we missed any gems!