Geneva Switzerland – Things To Do

Geneva can offer an amazing variety of things to explore! Geneva is Switzerland’s second-largest city and arguably one of its most luxurious.

Geneva serves many of the world’s largest organizations such as the UN. Geneva’s renowned international reputation has enabled Geneva to become one of the world’s most influential cities. It has the most international organizations on the planet.

Geneva’s truly international city easily rivaled its European peers in global status and hosts around 200 international organizations. But the city is surrounded by a fun and vibrant culture that can be seen underneath its professional exterior – a rich variety of luxurious accommodation, high-end restaurants, and upmarket stores.

Here is the list of 17 Amazing Things to do in Geneva Switzerland!

1. Table of Contents

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   Visit The International city

   

Location: International District, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

The European Headquarters of the United Nations is located in Geneva. The hotel is located on the Place des Nations, in the International District. Hundreds of flags from throughout the world, as well as the iconic Broken Chair, may be seen on the Place des Nations.

The nearby park of La Perle du Lac is exactly what its name implies: a gem on the dazzling lake coast. The World Trade Organisation headquarters, as well as, The International Red Cross, founded in 1863, is a global organization committed to healthcare.

The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is a well-known museum that is regarded as one of the best Geneva has to offer in terms of humanitarian efforts for tourists are located here.

2. Tour The Palais des Nations

   

Location: 14, Avenue de la Paix, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

The Palace of Nations The United Nations Office in Geneva was built in the 1930s and was previously the headquarters of the League of Nations. Peace and growth are symbolized by the flags of several countries flying on the flagpoles on the large lawn.

The palace has 34 conference rooms and around 2,800 workplaces. It’s a sprawling campus with elegant administrative buildings placed in a park-like environment. The World Trade Organization’s headquarters is located here. To represent resistance to landmines and cluster bombs, a chair with a broken leg is designed and is a popular tourist spot.

The Palais des Nations offers guided tours of the Hall of Human Rights, the Assembly Hall, and the Council Chamber. The tour concludes with a video highlighting the United Nations’ actions and goals.

3. Lake Geneva

   

Location: Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Lake Geneva is a water body of superlatives: it has the mildest climate, the largest lake, and the most water in Central Europe. Lake Geneva is one of the biggest alpine lakes in Western Europe, as well as the largest lake on the Rhône River’s path in Switzerland.

The lake, which was mentioned in Ancient Roman writings, has become a popular site for water sports like sailing and swimming. The lake is ideal for swimming and many water-related activities throughout the summer. It is highly appreciated for its extraordinary biodiversity and plants.

The majority of Lake Geneva is located in Switzerland, while the remainder is located in France. This crescent-shaped lake has a maximum length of 73km and a maximum width of 13.5km and is located at a height of 372m.

A boat trip on Lake Geneva is practically mandatory on a clear day or a pleasant evening. Geneva sits on Lake Geneva’s southwest shore at its intersection with the Rhone River. The town has an ancient basin that is covered by mountains and borders the Jura in the north and the Alpen in the south.

4. Patek Philippe Museum

Location: 7, rue de Vieux Grenadiers, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Since 2001, the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva has welcomed visitors to its site in the heart of the Plainpalais neighborhood. The museum features one of the world’s most important and distinguished horological collections.

From the 1500s until the 1900s, numerous different types of watches were made, the majority of which were constructed in Geneva and Switzerland. Many hundred-year-old timepieces have cultural traits that might be appreciated. Reconstructions of workbenches with all of the instruments required to create a watch may be found on the bottom floor.

The first floor depicts the history of clocks since the 15th century, while the second floor depicts the history of Patek Philippe manufacturing. The cinema theatre in the museum’s basement shows short films about the history of watchmaking.

5. Catch the Jet d’Eau

   

Location: Near the Lake, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

On Geneva Lake, the Jet d’Eau, which translates to “water jet,” is the world’s tallest Fountain. Installed in 1886 to regulate the discharge of water from a neighboring power station. The Jet d’Eau propels 500 liters of water per second to a height of 140 meters.

It is visible from practically every portion of the lakeshore and is lighted with various colored lights during the spring and fall evenings.

Originally, it was a release valve meant to relieve pressure from a hydraulic pumping station that spouted water up to 30 meters. The present fountain, which has become a symbol of Geneva, has been in place since 1951.

6. Visit The St. Pierre Cathedral

   

Location: Cour de Saint-Pierre 6, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 9:30 am To 6:00 pm

The Cathedral of Saint Pierre is positioned on the crest of the hill that houses the Old Town; 157 steps lead to the top of the north tower, which offers excellent views over the city and the lake. It is the city’s principal church and dates back roughly 850 years.

This renowned cathedral is well known for being the place where John Calvin delivered his inspired sermons in the mid-16th century. It was built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style during a nearly 100-year span.

The cathedral is situated opposite the courthouse, with a huge square in front of it. The church has been affiliated with the Protestant Reformed Church since the 16th century. The remnants of former churches are hidden beneath Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Archaeologists initially studied the region underneath the cathedral in 1976; research reveals that three independent cathedrals were erected on the site presently occupied by St Pierre during the early Christian period. The luxury Apartment in Central Geneva features a balcony and a kettle and is less than 1 mile from St. Pierre Cathedral, a great place to stay for tourists.

7. Chocolate Flavours Tours Geneva

Location: Quai des Bergues 23, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm

Switzerland is obsessed with chocolate. Discovering how it’s created, purchasing some for yourself, and, of course, enjoying enough chocolate are one of the most must-do activities in Geneva. With so many chocolate stores to select from across the city, finding a genuine shop on your own might be difficult.

Fortunately, during this trip, you won’t have to make any judgments or navigate. On this group tour, sample Geneva’s best chocolate masterpieces. Teuscher which offers excellent champagne truffles is a must, while Laduree serves chocolate macarons and hot cocoa.

8. Visit Cern

Location: Route de Meyrin 385, Meyrin, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

The European Organization for Nuclear Research offices is located west of Geneva, in the town of Meyrin. It is the world’s biggest physics facility, housing the Large Hadron Collider, the birthplace of the World Wide Web, and the location of the discovery of the Higgs boson particle.

It’s still fascinating to see the Large Hadron Collider’s home. At the world’s biggest particle physics laboratory, historic scientific experiments are being carried out. In addition, there are two museum displays on the facility and its research.

Cern is a must-see for everyone interested in science, particularly physics. The displays are extensive, and our guide was a competent physicist who could answer all of our group’s science-related inquiries.

9. Jardin Anglais

   

Location: Lakefront in front of the Jet d’eau, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 12:00 am To 11:59 pm

In Geneva, all roads seem to lead to the Jardin Anglais. This English garden is a little but lovely lakefront garden in the heart of Geneva.

When the riverfront was being renovated in 1854, an English-style garden was planned on reclaimed land north of the Old Town. The Jardin Anglais is a tiny park on the shores of Lake Geneva, right below the Mont Blanc bridge.

The Flower clock and the National Monument marking Geneva’s accession to the Helvetic Confederation are the main attractions. There’s also a small stage for summer outdoor performances, as well as plenty of chairs along the lake.

Inside, you may see the Flowers Clock, the National Monument, and the Four Seasons Fountain. The garden, which covers around 25,000 square feet, also has exquisite flower displays that vary with the seasons.

10. Natural History Museum

Location: Muséum d’histoire naturelle 120, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

The National History Museum in Geneva is the largest of its kind in Switzerland. The National History Museum opened in 1966, just a few years after it was erected, with further exhibits added in the years thereafter.

A direct dive into 1960s architecture and interior design while embarking on a trip through the evolution of mankind. It includes a large collection of taxidermied animals and bug species, but they are displayed in interesting and educational ways.

There are several hands-on activities for both children and adults, as well as a museum store, a café, and picnic spaces on the grounds.

Its collections, which are spread across four levels, depict the wonderful world of animals and minerals. The museum’s mission is to maintain, display, and conserve its collections, which are true records of biodiversity.

The museum also disseminates information and raises public awareness of the need for natural heritage preservation.

11. See a Performance at Theatre du Leman

Location: Quai du Mont-Blanc 19, Geneva Switzerland

The appropriately titled Theatre du Léman is a performing arts theatre in the city, with a fantastic position in the city center. It is one of the city’s most stunning concerts, with plenty of room for both the crowd and the stage. The stage hosts a wide range of activities, including concerts, dance, movies, stand-up comedy, opera, and many more.

Theatre Du Leman is just the location for art enthusiasts. You will not only get to watch numerous shows here, but it is also a venue created with complex patterns and carvings that will leave you speechless.

You will undoubtedly have a great time here. The Grand Hotel Kempinsky, a magnificent edifice overlooking the lake, houses the theatre, which seats 1,300 people and has excellent acoustics. A great contrast to some of the more touristic activities available here.

12. Catch L’Escalade

Location: Geneva City Centre

The Escalade is Geneva’s most popular event, held in the city center every December to commemorate and celebrate Genevans’ valiant defense against the Duke of Savoy’s troops. The “Escalade,” according to tradition, occurred on the night of December 11-12, around 02:00, when the duke’s elite warriors attempted to scale the walls and slip into the city.

On Friday evenings, members of each family gather, and the eldest and youngest members of the group smashed the chocolate pot together while exclaiming, “Ainsi périrent les ennemis de la République!” The exclamation refers to a legend in which a woman poured hot soup over intruding soldiers climbing the city walls.

There are several family-friendly events to participate in, such as a lantern procession for youngsters, a voyage via a secret tunnel, combat reenactments, and much more. The festivities conclude on Sunday evening with a massive bonfire in front of St Peter’s Cathedral.

13. Visit Annecy’s Castle

    

Location: 3 Rue de Charmoisy Annecy, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 10:30 am To 6:00 pm

Annecy, sometimes known as “the Venice of the Alps,” is a town to the south of the city. The Palais de L’isle lies on a triangular islet in the center of the Canal du Thioux, which runs through the heart of Annecy. This canal is one of the reasons Annecy has earned the moniker “Venice of the Alps.”

The magnificent Annecy Castle in Haute-Savoie is majestically situated on one of the final promontories of the Semnoz mountain overlooking the lake, with Annecy’s ancient town nestling at its foot.

A stronghold used to stand on the hill above Annecy in the 8th century. This charming medieval village, which dates back to the 14th century, is an easy day excursion from Geneva. With its cobbled streets, It’s utterly charming to walk here. Many people visit Annecy to spend their vacations, and the castles of Annecy are on their list of things to do in the town.

14. Old Town

    

Location: Left bank of Lake, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 10:00 am To 11:00 pm

The Old Town of Geneva is the city’s historical district, stretching back over 2000 years. It is one of Europe’s largest historic towns, and strolling through its streets on a bright afternoon is a genuine threat.

You won’t want to miss out on one of Geneva’s trendiest historic spots, which goes back to the 11th century! Geneva was built in the 2nd century BCE or earlier by Gallic tribes in the Vielle Ville, or Old Town. Its heart was Ville Ville, and today, the majority of Geneva’s most important historical attractions can be found along these small, stone-clad streets and lanes.

Any tourist to Switzerland will appreciate a stroll through this ancient district. The neighborhood is home to a beautiful church, several art galleries and museums, boutique boutiques, and, of course, some of the greatest places to dine in Geneva.

15. Shop at Rue Du Rhone

    

Location: 1204 Geneve Switzerland

Opening Hours: 10:00 To 6:30 pm

The rue du Rhône brings together the world’s finest brands, allowing luxury shoppers to discover their heart’s desire – watches, couture, jewelry, and sweet treats in the stores of Geneva’s master chocolatiers. Fashionistas will discover the famous brands that have contributed to Geneva’s position as a shopping mecca.

The Rue du Rhône will fulfill all of your shopping fantasies! The big stores in this area are geared to satisfying all of your desires for luxury. This is the street for you if you enjoy high fashion and huge brands. As the name implies, it runs along the Rhone River and has only the most prestigious brands of watches, jewelry, apparel, and accessories.

This is a retail boulevard with several well-known companies on both sides. The antique buildings and moving trams create a nostalgic atmosphere. This roadway was formerly a gathering area for horse dealers and fodder depots. It progressively evolved into its current form in the 18th century, and in the middle of the 19th century, it was expanded further east from the riverfront.

16. Visit Mont Salève

    

Location: Mont Salève, Geneva Switzerland

Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm

This 12km circle trek in France is about 20 minutes from Geneva. With a height of 700 meters, the routes are quite steep, narrow, and treacherous at times. The views from the summit are breathtaking, and it’s one of Geneva’s greatest spots for photographers.

The neighboring Mont Salève, sometimes known as “The Balcony of Geneva,” provides breathtaking views of the city and the lake beyond. The Alps themselves, as well as the Mont Blanc Massif, may be seen from the southeast side of Mont Salève.

A day excursion to the mountains is an excellent opportunity to get away from the bustle of Geneva. The mountain may be reached by automobile, train, cable car, or foot. Several well-marked hiking paths go to the summit of Mont Salève. There is a cafe on the roof for foodies and hungry individuals.

Art and culture of Geneva Switzerland

Geneva is one of its leading cultural centers with a huge array of exceptional museums and galleries charting the Reforms at the Musée international de la Réforme, the modern art at Musée d’Art Modern & Contemporary, or even time at the Palace of Versailles.

Musical and theatre play prominent roles in Genève’s cultural offerings as well, with opera performances at the Grand Théâtre Gevève, a classical concert in the Victoria Hall to world music in Alhambra, and performances in the Bâtiment des Forces Motricien.

How is the weather in Geneva Switzerland?

The local temperature has been moderated with the presence of the lake, while the Jura has created a barrier that reduces rainfall.

The average temperature is around 0oC in January and around 60 degrees F at the start of the summer in Geneva (about 17 °C). Geneva is thus neither hot nor cold in winter and often faces the fierce northwind known as bise. The average annual rainfall is about 38 inches.

In winter Geneva is within an hour of 288 resorts, including Saint-Sorgue and Les Brasses. It boasts a large number of park and garden facilities, including Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques which contains more than 11,000 plants in the world, and whose history is abundantly preserved in monuments such as the Cathédrale de Saint Pierre.

Conclusion

It’s tough locating bad locations in Geneva Switzerland. There’s no point ignoring such a wonderful town. And even though cities can certainly seem cheaper than smaller cities in Europe, they are certainly worth mentioning. The city lies in the center of a natural basin, surrounded by mountains, the Jura to the north and the Alps to the south.

That wraps the for The Best Things to do in Geneva Switzerland!