Things to do in Geneva: the lake, the old town and the mountains
Geneva sits at the end of a lake, with the Alps to the east and France on three sides. The center is compact and easy on foot, and two or three days is enough. The one thing to know: it is expensive, and many museums and offices are closed on Mondays, so plan around that.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay near the lake and the old town. See the lakefront, the old town and one museum, then add a day trip.
- Where to stay
- Pâquis for value and the lake, Vieille-Ville for atmosphere, Plainpalais for a local feel.
- How many days
- Two days for the city, three if you add Lausanne or the mountains.
- Best time to go
- May to September for the lake and long days, December for the Christmas lights.
- Book ahead
- A table for fondue in winter, and any popular museum tour.
- From the airport
- The train runs to the main station in about 7 minutes.
Where to stay in Geneva, in brief
Pâquis
value and the lake
Beside the station and the water, with cafes, restaurants and the lakeside baths. It is livelier than the old town and cheaper.
Vieille-Ville
first-time visitors
The old town on the hill, with cobbled streets, small squares and the cathedral. Quiet at night, but fewer rooms and higher prices.
Plainpalais
a local feel
South of the old town, with a big open square, markets, students and cafes. A short walk or tram ride to the center.
Eaux-Vives
lake walks
On the left bank of the lake, with parks and a promenade. Calm, residential and well served by trams and boats.
Things to do in Geneva
Jet d'eau
The lake's tall fountain is visible from much of the shore. Walk out along the pier for the best view.
Vieille-Ville and Saint-Pierre Cathedral
Walk the old town's lanes up to the cathedral. Climb a tower for views over the roofs and the lake.
Place du Bourg-de-Four
The oldest square in the city, with cafes and a fountain. A good place to stop for a coffee.
Mur des Réformateurs
A monument in the Parc des Bastions to the leaders of the Reformation. The park has outdoor chess boards.
Palais des Nations
The United Nations' European office, with guided tours of the assembly halls. Bring photo ID.
Book a tour several days ahead, since security rules apply.
CERN
The particle physics laboratory just outside the city. Free exhibitions are open to visitors on set days.
Check the visit rules a few weeks ahead.
Lake Geneva boat
Public boats cross the lake and call at lakeside towns. A good way to see the shore and the Alps.
Bains des Pâquis
A public lake bath and park, with a cafe. Swim in summer or sit in the sauna in winter.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Geneva can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Geneva, and which to pick- A guided tour of the Palais des NationsA few days ahead
Access is controlled, and slots can run out in busy weeks.
- A table for fondue1 to 2 weeks ahead in winter
The well-known rooms fill in the colder months.
What to skip in Geneva
- Lakeside restaurants by the Jet d'eau
The view is the point, and you pay for it. Walk five minutes into Pâquis or Plainpalais for better value.
- Hiring a car for the city
Parking is dear and trams are quick. A day ticket covers everything you need.
- Planning a Monday around museums
Many museums close on Monday. Walk the lakefront and the old town instead.
Best time to visit Geneva
Geneva is at its best from May to September, when the lake is warm, boats run often and the days are long. July and August can be hot. The lake can be crowded on summer weekends.
December has Christmas lights and warm fondue rooms, but it is cold and the cloud can sit low. Expect temperatures around freezing. April and October are quieter, with lower hotel prices.
- From Geneva airportTrains run to the main station in about 7 minutes. Visitors staying in a hotel often receive a free public transport card on arrival.
- On footThe lakefront, the old town and Pâquis are all within a walk of 10 to 25 minutes.
- Trams, buses and boatsTrams and buses cover the rest of the city. The yellow cross-lake boats are part of the public network.
- By trainTrains run from the main station to Lausanne in about 40 minutes, and to Zurich and Bern.
Geneva in three days
- Day 1
Walk the lakefront to the Jet d'eau, then climb to the old town and the cathedral. Eat fondue in the evening.
- Day 2
Visit the Palais des Nations in the morning. Spend the afternoon at the Parc des Bastions and Plainpalais.
- Day 3
Take a boat or train to Lausanne, or head to the mountains for a day.
Day trips from Geneva
- LausanneAbout 40 minutes by train. A lakeside city with a cathedral and the Olympic Museum.
- Chamonix and Mont BlancAcross the border in France, about 90 minutes by bus or road. Cable cars climb toward the mountain in good weather.
- AnnecyA small French town on a lake, about an hour by road. Canals, an old town and a clear lake.
Geneva: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Geneva?
Two days covers the lake, the old town and a museum or the UN. Three lets you add Lausanne or the mountains.
Is Geneva worth visiting?
Yes, for a short city break. The lake is the main reason, with a pleasant old town and easy trips to the Alps.
Is Geneva expensive?
Yes, it is one of the dearest cities in Europe. Lunch menus, public transport and tap water keep the bill down.
What is the best time to visit Geneva?
May to September for the lake, and December for the lights. Spring and autumn are quieter and cheaper.
Where is the best area to stay in Geneva?
Pâquis for value and the lake, Vieille-Ville for atmosphere, and Plainpalais for a local feel.
Can you walk around Geneva?
Yes. The lakefront, the old town and Pâquis are all within a walk of the main station.