Geneva, located in the western part of Switzerland, is a city known for its cosmopolitan flair, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. With its pristine lakeside location and vibrant city center, Geneva is a must-see destination for any traveler seeking to explore the best that Switzerland has to offer. If you’re traveling in Europe for a few weeks, it’s easy to get here from any location.
Here are some of the best places to see and things to do in Geneva.
1. The Jet d’Eau
The Jet d’Eau is a must-see attraction in Geneva, and it’s probably one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This impressive fountain shoots water up to a height of 140 meters, making it the tallest fountain in Europe. You can catch a glimpse of the Jet d’Eau from most parts of the city, but for the best views, head to the nearby pier or take a boat tour of Lake Geneva.
Watch this video to see more:
2. Old Town Geneva
Located in the heart of Geneva, the Old Town is a charming district filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and cozy cafes. The Old Town is a great place to wander around and get lost in the winding streets, discovering hidden courtyards and historical landmarks like St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Place du Bourg-de-Four.
Watch this to get a glimpse:
3. Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is one of the most picturesque spots in Switzerland, and it’s easy to see why. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and its clear blue waters make it a popular spot for swimming, boating, and other water sports. You can take a stroll along the lake’s promenade or rent a paddleboat to explore the lake on your own.
Since there are so many things to do in Lake Geneva, we stayed there for 2 nights. We were lucky because we got a free flight on a private jet (!) from London to Geneva, which was awesome! After having some interesting discussions with the crew on board – I actually learned that private jet cost is not that high if you organize as a big group. In some cases, it can actually be more cost-effective than regular flights.
Here are some amazing things to do in Lake Geneva:
4. Palace of Nations
The Palace of Nations is home to the United Nations Office in Geneva, and it’s a must-see attraction for anyone interested in international politics and diplomacy. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is open for guided tours, where you can learn more about the history and function of the United Nations.
Watch this to get a glimpse:
5. The Museum of Art and History
The Museum of Art and History is one of the largest museums in Switzerland and is home to an impressive collection of artwork and historical artifacts. The museum’s exhibits cover everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art, and it’s a great place to learn more about Swiss history and culture.
Watch this:
6. CERN
Located just outside Geneva, CERN is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory and is responsible for some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in the field of physics. Visitors can take a guided tour of the facility and learn more about the Large Hadron Collider and other cutting-edge research projects.
Check out this visit to CERN:
7. The Geneva Botanical Gardens
The Geneva Botanical Gardens are home to over 12,000 plant species from around the world and are a must-see attraction for anyone interested in botany and horticulture. The gardens are located on the shores of Lake Geneva and are a great place to relax and unwind while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Check out this tour or the gardens:
8. Carouge
Carouge is a charming district located just outside of Geneva’s city center, and it’s known for its bohemian vibe and colorful architecture. The area is home to a variety of cafes, restaurants, and independent shops, making it a great place to explore and discover something new.
Watch this stroll through Carouge:
9. The Patek Philippe Museum
The Patek Philippe Museum is a must-see attraction for watch enthusiasts and is home to an impressive collection of watches and clocks from throughout history. The museum is located in the heart of Geneva and is open for guided tours, where you can learn more about the art of watchmaking.
Watch this to get a glimpse:
10. The Geneva International Motor Show
The Geneva International Motor Show is one of the largest auto shows in the world and is a must-see attraction for car enthusiasts. The show takes place every March and features the latest in automotive technology and design. If you’re a car-lover – you shouldn’t miss this.
Well, I hope these tips will help you enjoy your visit to Geneva!
