This list of the best places to see in Geneva will help you make sure you don't miss anything important in one of Switzerland's must-see cities.
Situated at the outlet of the Rhone River into Lake Geneva and overlooking the great Alpine mountain range, Geneva is famous for, among many other things, the manufacture of precise Swiss watches, the seat of the UN and its delicious chocolate.
As well as strolling along the shores of Lake Geneva, you can't miss the viewpoint of the cathedral, wandering around the beautiful historic centre and the Carouge district, relaxing in one of its well-tended parks and having a drink in the Bains des Pâquis area, among many other things.
If you plan to stay the night and explore these incredible sights at your leisure, make sure to check out Hotel deals in Zurich at top-hotels-switzerland.com. They offer an array of options to suit every need and budget. Remember that if you're spending a night in Geneva, when you check in at your hotel you'll be given a free Geneva Transport Card, which includes public transport, and if you're flying directly into the city, before taking the train into the city, you can stop by the ticket machines and pick up a free ticket for up to 90 minutes.
Based on our experience of our time in the city during our Swiss train journey, we have compiled this list of what we think are the 10 must-see places to visit in Geneva. Let's get started!
1. St. Peter's Cathedral
St. Peter's Cathedral, built in different styles and with a spectacular neoclassical portico, is one of the most representative places to see in Geneva. Its construction began in the 12th century and it was the mother church adopted by John Calvin, one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation.
Inside, as well as seeing an ancient wooden chair used by the famous French theologian Calvin, you will find the largest collection of Romanesque and Gothic capitals in Switzerland and some incredible 14th century stained glass windows. You can complete your visit by going underground to see the remains of the first churches that were built on this site, which are a perfect complement to the cathedral tour.
Our favourite spot in the cathedral, however, is up the 157 steps of the towers, which lead to a viewing platform with panoramic views of the city, the lake and the Alps.
2. Jet d'Eau
The Jet d'Eau fountain, located on the Eaux Vives jetty and with jets that can reach a height of 140 metres, is one of the most famous sights to see in Geneva.
Originally used as a safety valve for a water power network in 1886, it was moved to its current location in 1891 to become another of the city's tourist attractions, which we are sure will not leave you indifferent.
This powerful jet of water, which comes out at a speed of 200 kilometres per hour, can be seen from many points in the city and is considered one of the largest water fountains in the world and, of course, one of the must-see sights in Geneva.
Jet d'Eau3. Carouge district
Less than 10 minutes by tram from the historic centre of Geneva is Carouge, our favourite neighbourhood and one of the most charming places to visit in Geneva.
Known as the Italian quarter, Carouge was centuries ago an independent town of Geneva, belonging to the House of the Dukes of Savoy. This powerful house hired the best Italian architects to design a Mediterranean town in the style of Nice, in order to compete in beauty with neighbouring Geneva.
Today, its lively streets full of charming corners, small restaurants and cafés with terraces, fashionable shops and art studios make it the perfect place for a stroll.
Among the must-see places in the neighbourhood are the Place du Marché, where every Wednesday there is a fresh fruit and vegetable market, the Rue St-Joseph with its famous umbrellas, and a bike ride or walk along the banks of the Arve River.
A tour of the neighbourhood can end with a taste of the local gastronomy at the charming Cafe du Marche and round off with a dessert at Mr & Mrs Renou's chocolate shop.
4. United Nations Headquarters
The Palais des Nations, the second largest UN headquarters after New York, is another must-see in Geneva.
This huge building, located in Ariana Park opposite the Place des Nations, is completely shielded and you can only see the flags of the 193 states that make up the UN and the palace from afar.
If you book in advance on this official website, you can take a guided tour inside to see rooms such as the Human Rights Hall, which is notable for its large dome decorated by Spanish artist Miquel Barceló.
In addition to this, in the Plaza de las Naciones, it is interesting to stop for a while in front of the Broken Chair monument, which vindicates the rejection of anti-personnel mines and cluster bombs and is one of the icons of this area of the city.
In this area full of government buildings, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is also worth a visit if you have some extra time in the city.
5. Maison Tavel, one of Geneva's must-see sights
The Maison Tavel, located in the historic centre, is the oldest private house in the city and one of the most interesting places to visit in Geneva.
This medieval house, destroyed by fire in 1334 and belonging to a powerful family of the city, has been a museum since 1986, showing the development of the city and daily life since the Middle Ages. Inside, in addition to the rooms decorated in detail with period objects and furniture, there is a large model of the whole city from 1850.
6. Parc des Bastions
The Parc des Bastions, located at the foot of the historic centre and just a few metres from the grand Place de Neuve, is another of the most important places to see in Geneva.
In this case, the highlight of the park is the Reformation or Reformers' Wall, which was built in the early 20th century in honour of the men who helped create and spread the Reformation and Protestantism such as Calvin, John Knox, Farel and Theodore de Beza.
As well as seeing the wall, the park is a good place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic in the shade of the trees or have a game on one of the large chess boards.
To access the park you will have to go through the Place de Neuve, which has several outstanding buildings such as the Conservatory of Music, the Rath Museum and the Grand Theatre.
7. La Jonction
A 20 minute walk along the banks of the Rhone or a 10 minute tram ride away is La Jonction, the point where the Arve and Rhone rivers meet. If you go up to the viaduct in front of La Jonction, you can see perfectly how the different coloured waters and currents of the two rivers mix.
As well as being able to see this natural phenomenon, this area has been transformed into an alternative space, equipped with deckchairs, wooden platforms and a series of beach bars that are ideal for sunbathing, swimming or picnicking on a sunny day.
8. Historic centre
A stroll through the historic centre, the Vielle Ville in French, situated around St Peter's Cathedral, is one of the best things to do in Geneva.
Lose yourself in the narrow cobbled streets such as Rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville and Grand-Rue, discover charming squares such as Place du Bourg-de-Four and Place du Molard, sit on the terraces of historic restaurants and cafés, pop into antique shops and art galleries or simply drink from the fountains, it's a real treat for the senses.
To recharge your batteries, we recommend a visit to one of the best restaurants in Geneva, such as Le Thermometre or Chez Ma Cousine.
9. English Garden
The Jardin Anglais, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, is one of Geneva's green spaces, perfect for relaxing and unwinding from the sometimes hectic city life.
The park's most famous landmark is the Flower Clock or Horloge Fleurie, a tribute to Switzerland's traditional watchmaking industry and one of the must-see sights in Geneva.
This five-metre-diameter clock is made up of plants and flowers of all kinds that change with the seasons and is also one of the most accurate clocks in the world, as it is connected to a satellite that adjusts the time.
Other highlights of the garden include the National Monument, two bronze statues depicting the reunification of Geneva with Switzerland, and the Quatre-Saisons fountain.
10. Bains des Pâquis
Bains des Pâquis, located on a quay a few metres from the Jet d'Eau Fountain, is one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Geneva.
Locals and tourists gather here to soak up the sun, enjoy great views of the city and Lake Geneva, take a dip in the pool in summer or in the sauna in winter, have a beer or eat a delicious fondue, said to be the best in town.