GENEVA TRAVEL GUIDE
50 Things to do in Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is Switzerland's second largest city and most international. It is one of Europe's priciest cities. Switzerland uses Swiss Franc. Stores and bus /train ticket machines accept all major credit cards. French is the predominant language in Geneva. Other languages spoken are English, German and Italian. With regards to the weather and when to go, May to October are the warmer months ranging from 55 °F to 68 °F (11 °C to 20 °C).
PLACES TO SEE IN GENEVA
JET D'EAU
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Jet d'Eau is a fountain that is 140m tall and shoots water up into the sky at 200km/h. The water jet sits in Lake Geneva and surrounded by top attractions such as Jardin Anglais and Lake Geneva itself. Visiting this area is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Geneva. For more information on Jet D’Eau, visit the article we wrote on how to view Jet D’Eau from all angles.
BOAT HARBORS ON LAKE GENEVA
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As you stroll on the shores of Lake Geneva you will see beautiful boats parked on small harbors. Some of these boats are tour boats if you are interested in cruises on the lake just pop in the small shops near where the boats are parked and buy your tickets. Evening cruises with dinner are popular because when it is dark you are able to see the illuminated city while enjoying dinner.
LAKE GENEVA (LAC LEMAN)
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Lake Geneva is a lake on the north side of the Alps, shared between Switzerland and France. It is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe. Arguably, the lake is the most picturesque attraction in Geneva. Many other attractions stem from Lake Geneva. It is truly spectacular. The beauty of the lake is complemented with white ducks floating in the shallow waters.
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE & THE BROKEN CHAIR
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Geneva is known as the city that attracts big international non-governmental organizations. In addition to the interesting building and its people and affairs, there is a huge chair statue sitting opposite the United Nations Office right where the train stops. The United Nations Office is located at Palais des Nations, 1211 Genève.
CATHEDRALE ST. PIERRE
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Cathedrale St Pierre is the church that started in the 12 century that attracts people from all over the world because of its gothic comparable architecture. Entrance is free but you pay to climb up the tower. While there, ensure you visit the archeological site possessing interesting ruins. During summer you can attend free organ and carillon concerts.
JARDIN ANGLAIS (ENGLISH GARDEN)
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Jardin Anglais (English Garden) is a flowery waterfront garden that was landscaped in 1854. It is an urban park in the heart of Geneva and located where the ancient harbor is. Admission is free. Visiting this garden is one of the most popular things to do in Geneva; be sure to plan your visit well to avoid encountering so many other tourists lingering. The address is Quai du Général-Guisan, Geneva.
L’HORLOGE FLEURIE (FLOWER CLOCK)
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L'horloge Fleurie is a beautiful flower clock located on the west side of Jardin Anglais park. The flower clock has 6500 plants and is the most photographed clock in Geneva; it has been ticking since 1955. At around 2.5 yards, the second hand of the clock is the longest in the world.
QUAI DU MONT-BLANC
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Quai du Mont-Blanc is a waterfront with flowers, statues, art exhibitions. On a clear day, you can see Mont Blanc from this far. Mont Blanc means "White Mountain"; it is the highest mountain in the Alps. This beautiful mountain boasts as one of the most sought-after mountains for skiing in Europe.
GENÈVE MT. BLANC (LAC) FERRY TERMINAL
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There are a few places to board a ferry in Geneva but Genève-Mt-Blanc is one of the prettiest and surrounded by many other attractions, as well as restaurants and bars.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE IN GENEVA
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Monuments, Gardens & Parks
Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva
Parc des Bastions
Reformation Wall
Brunswick Monument
Bains des Pâquis (public bath houses / saunas)
Parc de La Grange (lakeside park in Geneva)
L'Usine (cultural center in Geneva)
The Passage des Degrés-de-Poules
Museums
International Museum of the Reformation
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire
Tavel House
Musée Ariana
Patek Philippe Museum
Natural History Museum of Geneva
Patek Philippe Museum
House of Rousseau and Literature (MRL)
Museum of Far Eastern Art
Musée d'ethnographie de Genève
WHERE TO SHOP IN GENEVA
SHOPPING DISTRICTS
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Rue du Rhone Street
Rue de Rive Street
Rue du Marché Street
Rue du Mont Blanc (perfect for souvenirs).
Place du Bourg-de-Four (a city square located in the Old Town of Geneva).
Grand Rue Street (Old Town).
Rue des Paquis (for bargains and vintage clothing stores).
DEPARTMENT STORES & MALLS
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Centre Balexert: This is a very large mall full of designer outlets. There is also a movie theater where the mall is located.
Manor Geneve: If you must visit a department store, this is it. All sorts of goods are sold in here including clothing items and home goods. There is also a food market. The store is located here.
Globus Department Store: Located here, this shopping center is brimming with designer shops.
Confederation Centre Shopping Mall (this mall is under refurbishment, due to reopen in 2020).
MARKETS FOR HANDMADE ITEMS & CLOTHES
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Plaine de Plainpalais Flea Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm).
Place de la Fusterie (Thursdays).
Place de la Madeleine (Open daily in spring and summer).
Place du Marche (Wednesdays and Saturdays).
FARMERS MARKETS
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Boulevard Helvetique (Wednesday and Saturday mornings).
Plainplais Vegetable Market.
Rue des Grottes (Thursdays from 2pm to 8pm).
Halles de Rive (local food market).
GenevaPlace du Molard (flower market open daily).
WHERE TO STAY IN GENEVA
There are many beautiful places to stay in Geneva but to find a nice hotel that is reasonably priced is not always easy. Geneva is pricey, if you are on a budget you are advised to plan in advance and secure your stay as early as possible. We stayed at the 5 star President Wilson Hotel; the hotel is very clean and the food is gourmet.
5 Star: President Wilson Hotel
4 Star: Novotel Geneve Centre
3 Star: Hotel Kipling - Manotel Geneva
RESTAURANTS SERVING TRADITIONAL FOOD IN GENEVA
Photo: Restaurant Edelweiss
RESTAURANTS TO VISIT
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Bistrot du Boeuf Rouge: This restaurant has the highest positive reviews on Tripadvisor and it is vegetarian-friendly. The address is Rue Docteur-Alfred-Vincent 17, 1201 Genève.
Restaurant Edelweiss: This local cuisine restaurant is located inside Hotel Edelweiss. The address is Place de la Navigation 2, 1201 Genève.
La Buvette des Bains des Paquis: For those looking for cheap eats with traditional touches, this is the place. The address is Quai du Mont-Blanc 30, 1201 Genève.
TRADITIONAL FOOD TO TRY
Raclette Cheese melted on warm foods such as Macaroni.
Rösti: A hot, flat potato cake. The potatoes are grated and fried in fat or butter.
Roasted flour soup: This soup is made from flour, beef stock, onion, butter, and topped with Gruyere.
Swiss Chocolate: You will never experience the real Geneva without eating their chocolate.
