Things to do in Geneva! Our selection of must-see attractions!

A must-see: the water jet

Everyone will tell you this, and you simply can’t visit Geneva without seeing the Jet d’Eau! This iconic landmark of the city of Geneva, built in 1891, reaches a height of 140 metres and is a tourist attraction not to be missed. Be aware, however, that the Jet d’Eau may sometimes be turned off depending on the weather, for example if it’s too windy.

Our tip: to get to the Jet d’Eau pier, take a stroll through the English Garden. There you’ll find the floral clock, a few souvenir stalls and some bars where you can enjoy a drink whilst taking in the view of the lake.

On Lake Geneva, from Geneva, you can also go on a boat trip, hire a small boat or a pedalo. Make the most of the calm waters and go for a swim in the lake.

Ideas for those on a tight budget

It is possible to spend a few days in Geneva without breaking the bank! Here are the activities we recommend if you’re on a tight budget.

Les Bains des Pâquis

Les Bains des Pâquis, located on the right bank of the lake. Here you can go for a swim, enjoy a drink or even have a fondue, in summer or winter.

The descent of the Rhône

Floating down the Rhône on a rubber ring is the highlight of the summer; all you need is a rubber ring or an inflatable boat, which you can also hire on site. Let the current of the Rhône carry you along and enjoy the natural surroundings and the peace and quiet. The journey starts at La Jonction, and there are several stopping points along the way. Do make sure, however, to check the routes in advance.

The Geneva Botanical Garden

At the Geneva Conservatory and Botanical Garden, with its magnificent greenhouses and extensive green spaces, you’ll find a peaceful spot for a family stroll.

Challandes Park

Challandes Wildlife Park offers free tours, where you can see lynx, monkeys and a wide variety of birds.

Discover the rich history of watchmaking in Geneva

As Geneva is the capital of luxury watchmaking, why not take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of the watch industry? In the city centre, you can admire true gems of Swiss watchmaking in the many shop windows. Take a look at watches from Rolex, Piguet, Omega, Longines, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Tissot and many others.

The Patek Philippe Museum invites you to delve into the history of watchmaking. For an adult admission fee of CHF 10.00, you can explore major collections of watches from Geneva, Switzerland and across Europe.

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie occasionally organises introductory workshops on watchmaking. Similarly, Initium offers a range of courses at different prices, allowing you to step into the shoes of an apprentice watchmaker for a short while.

Visit the Franck Muller factory; tours are available on request – simply fill in the contact form on their website. You’ll enjoy a guided tour that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Swiss watchmaking.

Between history and science

At the foot of Geneva’s Old Town, take a stroll through the Parc des Bastions, where you’ll find the Wall of the Reformers and some giant chess pieces. If you then head up into the Old Town, you can admire St Pierre’s Cathedral and wander through the narrow streets.

There are plenty of museums to visit, including the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Art and History, the Geneva Museum of Ethnography and many others.

Good to know: most of the city’s museums are free on the first Sunday of the month.

Make the most of your stay in Geneva to visit CERN; on the guided tour, discover the technological developments from the first particle accelerator to the LHC, which is now the largest and most powerful particle accelerator in the world.

Geneva is a city that offers a wide range of activities, from cultural and scientific to culinary… We hope that the list we have put together will help you plan your visit and that you will enjoy our recommendations.

Please feel free to share your favourite spots in Geneva in the comments!