On the edge of an icy lake surrounded by snow-topped mountains, the stunning Swiss city of Geneva is more than just a picture-perfect destination. It’s an epicenter of diplomacy and science, and a testament to humanitarian achievement. And it has its indulgent side, too: Geneva is home to some of the finest chocolate and cheese treats in the world, as well as some eye-wateringly expensive watches.
Some highlights? Visit CERN and let the potential of modern science and the infinite power of the universe blow your mind. Dine on fondue in Geneva’s fairytale old town. Admire the decorative works by artist Miquel Barceló in the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room at the Palais des Nations during a tour of the United Nations offices. Then follow our tips below to make the very most of a trip to this exciting and beautiful lakeside city.
Admire the famous “jet d’eau” from one of the most charming forms of public transit
The clear turquoise waters of Lake Geneva act as both mirror and magnet, reflecting mountains and sky while enticing locals and visitors to enjoy its natural tranquility. Perhaps the most famous feature is the “Jet d’eau,” a 460-foot fountain that soars above the flat lake under high pressure. This is no decorative water feature, however; the jet was first created in 1886 as an open-air outlet for over-pressurized water from manufacturing facilities around the lake. It soon became a tourist attraction and is now one of Geneva’s most distinctive landmarks.
A walkway from the shore brings visitors close enough to feel the jet’s fine spray, but perhaps the most fun way to experience it is from the water itself. Take one of Geneva’s historic water buses, known as “Mouettes,” and admire the jet from the center of the lake. These yellow shuttles are part of the city’s public transport system and have ferried passengers for over a century.
Explore three very different museums
First, learn about Geneva’s long association with the intricate craft of watchmaking at Patek Philippe Museum. The prestigious collection of timepieces spans five centuries of watchmaking history and is a must-visit for watch lovers.
Next, discover the joys and challenges of humanitarian work at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. Interactive displays and fascinating exhibits document humanitarian history and help visitors understand the nature of this important work.
Finally, go back in time at a faithfully reconstructed medieval house in the heart of Geneva’s beautiful old town. Maison Tavel is Geneva’s oldest private residence, built in the 12th century. Today, it has become a living museum full of fascinating displays. Climb several flights of stairs to discover a large-scale model of 19th-century Geneva, or marvel in horror at the guillotine exhibit, complete with a basket for catching severed heads.
Discover a monument to Geneva’s spiritual past in a park full of surprises
Geneva is blessed with beautiful parks where locals and tourists can relax and enjoy perfectly landscaped gardens. Perhaps the most interesting is the Parc des Bastions, thanks to some unique features. The Reformation Wall—a golden stone monument to the Protestant Reformation—runs along one side of the park, complete with giant statues of key figures involved in the historical event. Keep an eye out for Oliver Cromwell, John Knox, and John Calvin, a French lawyer who fled to Geneva and established a religious community and a branch of Protestantism called Calvinism.
A few steps away from this religious tribute is a series of giant chessboards with huge chess pieces, where people gather to play and watch. Just above the park is the breathtaking Treille Promenade, a peaceful walkway offering wonderful views over the city. It’s also home to Geneva’s extraordinarily enormous park bench, which is quite a feature.
Work up an appetite in Geneva’s beloved bathing center right on the lake
The best way to experience Lake Geneva is by swimming in its pure, clear—but admittedly icy—waters. At the glorious Bains des Pâquis, you can swim all year long. Perched along a jetty that stretches out into the lake, you can relax in a sauna with full-length windows offering views across the water toward the city. Or you might work up a sweat in the Hammam, where hot steam baths are an ideal retreat from Geneva’s chilly winters. There’s a sun deck for the summer months and a tall diving board for the brave. And if all that activity works up an appetite, just head to the on-site restaurant that serves some of the very best fondue in town.
Discover two very unusual artworks hiding in plain sight
Your eyes aren’t deceiving you: There’s a giant bronze statue of Frankenstein’s monster lumbering on the edge of a skate park in Geneva. Mary Shelley wrote “Frankenstein,” considered one of the earliest masterpieces of science fiction, while on a trip to the city. Geneva forms the backdrop for much of the story and is home to Victor Frankenstein, the monster’s creator. The statue is relatively recent, but has quite a striking presence (and a terrifying face).
The Jardin Anglais, or English garden, is one of Geneva’s top outdoor spaces, with manicured lawns, elegant fountains, and brightly colored plants to delight the senses. It also has a striking and unusual feature: a clock set into a flower bed, surrounded by colorful blooms. This large floral timepiece changes its appearance with the seasons and boasts the world’s longest second hand. A beautiful sight, it pays homage to Geneva’s skilled watchmakers.
