The second biggest city in Switzerland should be your first choice to visit.
Geneva is in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, so be sure to brush up on both languages if you’re arriving by train from the German-speaking Zürich.
When your train pulls into Gare de Genève and you see Lake Geneva flanked by the Alps, the city’s beauty will stop you in your tracks. But should you need a reason to get moving, we’ve got your plan for what to do in Geneva.
Image Credit: Getty Images, bluejayphoto. Image Location: Jet d'Eau, Geneva, Switzerland
What is there to do in Geneva, Switzerland?
When you think of Geneva, does the United Nations or the Red Cross come to mind? Then you’re well on your way to building an itinerary. The International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, as well as the Palais des Nations are yours to tour.
Geneva wraps around Lake Geneva on three sides, and with three main train terminals following suit, you can explore the city from Genève-Eaux-Vives through Gare de Genève Cornavin to Genève-Sécheron with ease—including the Museum of Natural History, Brunswick Monument, and the Geneva Conservatory and Botanical Garden, all close to their respective stations.
What to see and do in Geneva, Switzerland for the first time?
You’re a tourist in a European city for the first time—let’s face it, you’re probably headed to the Old Town first. We’d do the same. The Tavel House is a unique way to learn about Swiss life while the 12th-century St. Pierre Cathedral and Reformation Wall will likely make their way into your camera roll.
When you leave the Old Town, a boat tour is a way to rest your feet without wasting time. Depending on your budget, make reservations for fine French-Swiss dining like the Michelin-starred L’Aparte or Bistrot du Boeuf Rouge so you can taste a mix of French culinary style with Swiss ingredients.
Image Credit: Getty Images, OlgaCanals. Image Location: Geneva, Switzerland
What to do in Lake Geneva, Switzerland no matter the season?
Lake Geneva isn’t a small pond; Lac Léman, as it’s also known, is the largest lake in Switzerland with some of it spilling over into French territory. Nearly any time of the year, you can take a trip around the lake to the Disney-like castle in Montreux, see the water from Lausanne, or even cast a line in France.
In summer, hit the beach with the locals for a swim in the Bains des Pâquis, right on the pier next to an ice cream shop. In spring, stroll the lakeside Jardin Anglais and see how the Flower Clock wears its new colors. In autumn, take a Lake Geneva boat cruise and admire the fall foliage for a few hours. In winter, head back to Bains des Pâquis where the saunas are open to warm you up.
What to do in Geneva, Switzerland for a day?
One day in Geneva isn’t ideal, but you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll see and do. Wake up with a Nespresso, which is based nearby in Lausanne so technically you’re drinking local. Cross through the Place du Bourg-de-Four on your way to the city’s largest museum, Musée d'Art et d'Histoire.
Head to the Rhône and see if there’s a free walking tour starting on the Bel-Air Bridge. Pick a park, any lakeside park, to cut through on your way to the UN for an obligatory photo of the Broken Chair and Alley of the Flags.
As night falls, the Grand Théâtre Geneva will give you a culture fix; but if there’s nothing on stage, the show must go on, so head to the Java Club to end your night on the dance floor.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Filippo Maria Bianchi. Image Location: Old Town, Geneva, Switzerland
🇨🇭 What to do in Geneva, Switzerland, if you love Swiss stuff
It sounds kind of corny to geek out over the goods we use at home, but the Swiss know a thing or two about perfecting a product. Here’s what to do in Geneva, Switzerland, if you like…
🧀 Swiss Cheese
There’s no such thing as too much cheese at Auberge de Savièse, so try all seven of their fondues, raclette, malakoffs, and croûte while you sip on a little wine borrowed from Geneva’s vineyards.
⌚ Swiss Timepieces
Enjoy every precious second of a Geneva Watch Tour that takes you through the history of watchmaking in the city and includes a stop at the Patek Philippe Museum.
🍫 Swiss Chocolate
Take a gourmet chocolate workshop at Du Rhône, a haute chocolaterie that’s been satiating Geneva’s sweet tooth since 1875.
🏔️ Swiss Scenery
Come on, who hasn’t seen a Swiss postcard and fallen completely in love with the landscape? Download the Trainline app and see which cheap day trips by train you can take from Geneva to soak up that Swiss splendor.
Like clockwork
Switzerland's train network is renowned for its punctuality. Book with Trainline and get to Geneva on time, so you have more time to explore the sites. Looking for accommodation? From a boat hotel on Lake Geneva to five-star luxury hotels, see our guide to the best hotels in Geneva.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, sam74100. Image Location: Geneva, Switzerland