A Guide to Geneva: What to Do and Where to Stay

Geneva is at its best in the summer months when temperatures hover around 30 degrees, and the city's inhabitants take to the lake to enjoy the sunshine and cool off. Autumn is also a good time to stroll the golden leafed parks under blue skies, and sample the local wine harvest. Year round, explore luxury shops and take in this international city’s many cultural offerings.

The best places to visit in Geneva

The St. Pierre Cathedral dates back to the 12th Century

Old Town

The cobbled old town, with its narrow passages and hidden courtyards, is centred on a hill around the 12th century Cathedral Saint-Pierre and the pretty pedestrian square of Place du Bourg-de-Four. The perfect place to start your trip and one of the best things to do in Geneva, is to climb the 157 steps to the top of the cathedrals tower for panoramic views of the city. The square is the heart of the old town’s social scene with the cafes and bars terraces extending outside, around the square's fountain. Café de Bourg-de-Four has been open since 1874 and its walls display paintings of Geneva’s history.

After your climb, drop in for lunch with the locals and order rosti, shredded and fried potato, Switzerland’s unofficial national dish. Walk back along the tree lined Promenade de la Treille which overlooks the tree tops of Parc des Bastions. The promenade is also home to the World’s longest wooden bench, measuring 126 meters. In Parc des Bastions, stop for coffee at the pretty Café Restaurant du Parc des Bastions and watch the locals compete at giant chess.

Pâquis

The iconic Jet d'Eau on Lake Geneva

The Pâquis district is the location of the central train station and is a lively hub for fast food, restaurants and vibrant cafeterias. For spectacular lakeside views, stay at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva. Enjoy a walk along the wide promenade of Paquis, the Quai du Mont Blanc, which runs all the way from the Mont Blanc bridge towards the Bains des Paquis, a must visit whatever time of year, for the hammams, saunas and Turkish baths. Of the fun things to do, jumping in the lake is the most invigorating.

Enjoy a delicious lunch of delicious baked Figs stuffed with goat’s cheese at the Cottage Café among leafy trees in a small park behind the historic Brunswick Monument. Sit outside for views of the iconic Jet d'Eau, a fountain that shoots water 140 metres in the air will be seen from your table. Wondering where to go come nightfall? Head to FRED bar for experimental Nordic influenced cocktails.

Stay at the Hotel President Wilson situated on the shores of Lake Geneva with unrivalled views across the water including the iconic Jet d’Eau.

Carouge

Just beyond the city centre over river Arve, Carouge was built by the King of Sardinia in the late 1700s, hence its Italian style of stone archways, painted shutters and red roofs. By randomly wandering the histrionic streets you’ll find many antique shops, boutiques, galleries and art studios. Check out experimental art and cutting-edge performances at the contemporary art space at FLUX Laboratory.

The creative vibe continues into the night with a buzz of cafes, jazz bars and nightclubs, particularly around Rue Vautier. Have dinner at French themed Le Bistroquet who source all their ingredients locally, then dance to live music at the legendary Chat Noir Club.

Plainpalais

The United Nations is based in Geneva

Bustling with students, young locals and expats, Plainpalais is Geneva’s most diverse area and not to be missed. Plainpalais is one of the largest esplanades in Switzerland and famous for hosting the biggest flea market and farmer’s market in Geneva. The area around the plain is packed with bars, restaurants, and cafés. Head to the 1930s café and ice-cream parlour Remor to watch the world go by from its outdoor terrace.

In the nearby Bains district the most interesting thing to do is visit the Quartier des Bains contemporary art association, which gathers 18 cultural venues (galleries, institutions, art centers) and the Museum of modern art. A unique thing to do is to tour the Patek Phillippe watch museum, the highlight being an astronomical watch dating from the 1660s.

Nations

The United Nations is based in Geneva

Nations is home to many of the 200 international organisations based in Geneva, the most prominent being the European United Nations headquarters. Take a guided tour of the world renowned Palais des Nations, or visit the thought provoking Museum of the International Red Cross. For something alternative, wander the neighbouring park of La Perle du Lac, a pearl on the glittering lake shore.

Go deeper

The UNESCO listed Lavaux Vineyard is the perfect day trip from Geneva

For a day trip, tour the UNESCO listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces by foot or e-bike. Stretching along the south-facing northern shores of Lake Geneva from the Chateau de Chillon to the eastern outskirts of Lausanne in the Vaud region, the vineyard terraces cover the lower slopes of the mountainside between the villages and the lake. There’s some evidence that the vines were there in Roman times, but the present terraces date back to the 11th century. Admire the gothic chateaux homes of the super-rich, sample the divine Swiss wine from the barrel and take guided tours of the vineyards and grab lunch from a farm shop.

Published: October 07, 2024