Geneva, south-west Switzerland · Switzerland
A cosmopolitan lakeside city of diplomacy, watchmaking and parks, with the world's tallest fountain jet and Mont Blanc on the skyline.
Photo: John Samuel · CC BY-SA 4.0
Geneva sits at the south-western tip of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône flows out toward France, and it is surrounded by French territory on three sides. It is the second-largest city in Switzerland, home to about 200,000 people, and one of the most international, with the European headquarters of the United Nations, the Red Cross, the World Health Organization and dozens of other organisations.
The city's landmark is the Jet d'Eau, a fountain in the harbour that shoots water about 140 metres into the air, visible from across the city. On the left bank, the old town climbs a hill to St. Peter's Cathedral, where John Calvin preached, and the Reformation Wall in Parc des Bastions celebrates the leaders of the Protestant movement. Along the lakeshore, promenades, parks and swimming spots run for kilometres, and on clear days Mont Blanc floats on the horizon.
Geneva is also a city of museums, watches and chocolate, and a base for exploring Lake Geneva, the Jura and Chamonix, an hour away in France. It is expensive, but rewarding, and two days is enough for the main sights.
Why visit
Geneva is a polished, international city on one of Europe's great lakes.
One of the world's tallest fountains.
Mont Blanc on clear days.
Calvin's city.
The UN and the Red Cross.
To the lake, Chamonix and the Alps.
Main attractions
The sights are compact, on both sides of the lake and river.
A fountain that shoots 500 litres of water per second to a height of about 140 metres, installed in 1891 and now the city's symbol.
Tip Walk out along the pier to feel the spray.
A lakeside walk from the Jet d'Eau to the Bains des Pâquis, with views to the Alps and swimming platforms.
Tip Swim at the Bains des Pâquis in summer.
The Protestant cathedral where John Calvin preached, with a tower climb for views and an archaeological site beneath.
Tip Climb the tower.
A 100-metre wall in Parc des Bastions with large statues of Calvin, Farel, Beza and Knox, and other reformers.
Tip Next to a giant chess set.
The UN's European headquarters, open for guided tours.
Tip Book and bring your passport.
A museum about humanitarian action and the movement founded in Geneva.
Tip Allow two hours.
Things to do
Geneva mixes lake time and museums.
A popular public bathing spot, with a sauna and fondue in winter.
Tip Go in summer.
Boats run to Lausanne and Montreux.
Tip Included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
Lanes, squares and antique shops.
Tip Start at Place du Bourg-de-Four.
The Patek Philippe Museum.
Tip Book ahead.
Visit Mont Blanc, an hour away in France.
Tip Bring your passport.
The particle physics laboratory near the city.
Tip Book tours in advance.
Local food
Geneva's food mixes French and Swiss traditions.
Melted cheese with bread.
Where to try it Old town restaurants.
A local pork sausage.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
Fried perch from the lake.
Where to try it Lakeside restaurants.
A Geneva winter dish.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
Fine chocolate shops.
Where to try it The old town.
Accommodation
Stay near the lake or the station.
Transport
Geneva has an international airport and rail links.
Trams, buses and boats cover the city.
When to go
Geneva has warm summers and cool, grey winters.
Blossom and mild weather.
Swimming and long evenings.
Clear days.
Grey, with Christmas markets.
Worth planning around: Foggy winter days.
Itinerary
The old town and the lake.
History.
Water and diplomacy.
Travel tips
A few tips help you enjoy Geneva.
FAQ
Two days.
Yes, one of the most expensive cities.
Usually, but it can stop in strong wind or frost.
French.
On clear days, yes.
Yes, about an hour by road or bus.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Geneva, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Vaud, Lake Geneva, Switzerland
A UNESCO-listed stretch of vineyard terraces on Lake Geneva, with hillside Lausanne, its cathedral and Ouchy waterfront, the Château de Chillon at Montreux and lake steamers.
Don't miss Walking the Lavaux terraces with a glass of chasselas, the lake shining below and the Alps across the water.
Explore Destination — Lausanne, Lavaux and MontreuxBern, western Switzerland, Switzerland
A relaxed capital with a UNESCO-listed old town, six kilometres of arcades, the Zytglogge clock tower, the Rosengarten viewpoint, the Bundeshaus, river swimming and Einstein's apartment.
Don't miss The old town's red roofs and the Aare's turquoise bend, seen from the Rosengarten.
Explore Destination — BernValais, south-west Switzerland, Switzerland
A car-free Alpine village at the foot of the Matterhorn, with the Gornergrat railway, Riffelsee reflections, hiking, year-round skiing and the highest cable car in Europe.
Don't miss The Matterhorn's reflection in the Riffelsee at dawn, from the Gornergrat railway.
Explore Destination — Zermatt and the MatterhornRead next
Planning
Most first European trips go wrong in the same three ways: too many cities, too little time in each, and a route shaped by a cheap flight rather than by geography. Here is how to avoid all three.
Transport
European rail is excellent and confusing — six national operators, three completely different pricing models, and a rail pass that is either a bargain or a waste depending on where you are going. Here is how to work out which.
Advertisement
