Geneva tours and tickets
Geneva needs less booking than its reputation suggests, but two visits have rules. The Palais des Nations takes guided tours with ID and a security check, and CERN has set visit slots that fill weeks ahead. Lake boats, the Old Town and the baths can be done on the day. Chamonix and Lausanne make good day trips, and fondue in winter is worth reserving.
Book these first
- A guided tour of the Palais des Nations
- A few days ahead. Access is controlled, and slots can run out in busy weeks.
- A table for fondue
- 1 to 2 weeks ahead in winter. The well-known rooms fill in the colder months.
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Monuments and landmarks
Palais des Nations
The United Nations office in Geneva, in a park above the lake. Entry is by guided tour only, and visitors must bring a passport or ID and pass a security check. Tours last about an hour.
Which to pick. Book a tour a few days ahead, and bring your passport. Check the tour times, since they change with the meeting calendar.
Several days aheadVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorCERN
The particle physics lab on the border, with free guided visits and a permanent exhibition. Spaces for visits are limited and are released in batches, and children must be of a minimum age.
Which to pick. Check the visit rules a few weeks ahead and book the first date you can. The exhibition is open without booking and is a good fallback.
2 to 4 weeks aheadVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorJet d'eau
The giant fountain in the harbor, visible across the lake. It runs most of the day, with breaks in strong wind and in winter. Walking out on the jetty is free.
Which to pick. Walk to the end of the jetty at midday or in the evening. No booking is needed.
Not needed, entry is freeVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Museums and galleries
Patek Philippe Museum
A private museum with a large collection of watches, automata and enamel works, showing five centuries of watchmaking. Tickets are sold at the door, and audio guides are included.
Which to pick. Buy at the door, and go in the morning. It is a good choice if you enjoy craft or mechanics.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSaint-Pierre Cathedral
A cathedral in the old town where Calvin preached. Entry is free, and the tower climb and the archaeological site below have their own tickets. The view from the tower covers the lake.
Which to pick. Go inside for free, then climb the tower on a clear day. The archaeological site is worth an hour if you like history.
Not needed, entry is freeTours and tickets on Viator
On the water
Lake Geneva cruise
Lake boats run short cruises around the harbor and longer routes to Lausanne, Montreux and Yvoire. Some are historic paddle steamers, and meals are served on some routes.
Which to pick. Take a short cruise in the evening for the view, or a longer one if you have a day. Check the timetable, since service is seasonal.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBains des Pâquis
A public bathing spot on the harbor with a jetty, a sauna and a fondue lunch in winter. Entry is cheap or free, and the sauna and hammam have hours for men and women.
Which to pick. Go at lunchtime for a swim, or in winter for a sauna and fondue. Bring a towel, and expect a very local crowd.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Chamonix and Mont Blanc
A mountain town in France with a cable car to the Aiguille du Midi, about 90 minutes by road. Cable car slots sell out on clear days, so a booking matters. Buses and tours run from the city.
Which to pick. Book the Aiguille du Midi ticket early and check the forecast. Go in the morning when visibility is best.
3 to 7 days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorLausanne
A hillside city on the lake with a Gothic cathedral and the Olympic Museum, about 40 minutes by train. Boats also run from Geneva. The old town is steep and best on foot.
Which to pick. Take the train and spend a morning in the old town. Add the Olympic Museum if you have a day.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorAnnecy
A lake town in France with canals, an old town and a castle, about an hour away by road or train with a change. Tour buses run in summer.
Which to pick. Go by bus or train on a weekday. Walk along the lake and book a boat only in high summer.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Geneva
- Geneva PassA pass covering public transport, museums, boat trips and some tours for one to three days. It pays off with several paid visits. It does not cover CERN or the Palais des Nations, which are separate. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Geneva
Do I need my passport for the Palais des Nations?
Yes, or a government ID. Your name is checked against the booking at the gate. Book a tour in advance and arrive a little early for security.
Is CERN free?
Yes, the guided visits and the exhibition are free. The visits have limited places and are released in batches, so check the official site early and be flexible.
Is the Geneva Pass worth it?
It is if you plan a boat trip, several museums and public transport. For a short stay with only free sights, single tickets are enough. Check what is covered.
Can I swim in the lake?
Yes, at public baths such as Bains des Pâquis and at the lakeside beaches in summer. Watch the flags and wind. Water is cold until midsummer.
Do I need a booking for fondue?
In winter, yes. Traditional restaurants fill for dinner, so reserve a week or two ahead. In summer, it is easier, but the best spots still book up.
What can wait until I arrive?
The old town, the cathedral, the Jet d'eau, the lake boats and the baths can be done on the day. Book CERN, the Palais des Nations and Chamonix first.