Possibly as French as you can get without being in France, Geneva is a fun little city surrounding Lake Geneva. Whether you admire the Jet d’Eau from up close or far away, there is something for everybody in Geneva. If you have time and are able to, feel free to walk all the way around Lake Geneva to see everything Geneva has to offer. If not, no worries! Geneva’s tram and bus systems are highly reliable, just take your time to study the route maps before heading out. Read on to see the 12 things I did in Geneva!
As always, scroll to the bottom of the page for links to visit each of the 12 things to do in Geneva.
1. Jet d’Eau
Jet d’Eau literally means ‘water jet’ and is a jet of water in Geneva Lake. The Jet was originally installed in 1886 to control and release hydraulic pressure from a plant at La Coulouvrenière. Today, it has become a symbol of Geneva and a symbol of strength. The jet’s pump forces 500 liters of water per second to a height of 140 meters. Because of this height, water from the jet is visible from almost any point around Geneva and has become a focal point in the city. If you can only see 1 thing out of these 12 in Geneva, it should be the jet!
I would highly recommend strolling around the lake and relaxing at one of the numerous cafes and ice cream parlors. In fact, why not enjoy a couple of beers AND some ice cream while watching the jet do its thing!
2. The Flower Clock and Monument National
Jardin Anglais is home to both the Flower Clock and the National Monument along Lake Geneva. The Flower Clock was first planted in 1955 to pay tribute to the world renown watches made in Geneva. Fun fact, the Flower Clock is made with different flowers throughout the year, just like watches are made differently.
Less than 100 meters from the Flower Clock is the National Monument. The monument was inaugurated in 1869 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of Geneva into the Swiss Confederation. The statute depicts two women with their arms around each other’s waist to signify a united Switzerland. The women are holding a sword and shield and gaze resolutely toward the lake and Switzerland.
You’ll find plenty of other sculptures and fountains in Jardin Anglais. Feel free to roam the garden and don’t forget to check out the views of the Jet!
3. Parc de la Grange
View of Lake Geneva from the Lullin Manor
It wasn’t until the 18th century did this park receive its name of La Grange. The owners of the land, the Lullin family, built a manor around 1770 and laid out a traditional French garden. The estate, in addition to the park, was bequeathed to the City of Geneva in 1917. It has since been taken care of by the city and is a wonderful spot to relax and take in the sun and Lake Geneva.
Lullin Family Villa
The park was full of activity and people when I was there. Feel free to stroll through its curvy paths and covered walkways. Enjoy a nice picnic or sport while you’re there, like these kids playing some fútbol (aka soccer)!
4. Genève-Plage
A great way to take in Lake Geneva and the jet d’Eau, Geneve-Plage is a paid beach in Geneva. Entrance is 7 CHF for adults and 3.5 CHF for children, but is included in the Geneva City Pass. Geneve-Plage has pools, beaches, volleyball nets, playgrounds, you name it! If you have a day to relax and hang out on the beach in Geneva, Geneve-Plage is the place to be!
5. Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
Originally built in the 12th century, Saint Pierre Cathedral became a place of Protestant worship in 1535. The Cathedral has a paid tower (7 CHF) that has great panoramic views of Geneva and the lake. Furthermore, there’s an archeological site below the Cathedral with sites dating back to Antiquity.
6. Bains des Pâquis
Of one of the many jetties around Lake Geneva, there’s one that requires payment to enter (2 CHF). Don’t be scared away though, Baines des Paquis allows you to walk far out into Lake Geneva. I would go as far to say this jetty provides some of the best views in Geneva.
View of Geneva from Baines des Paquis
7. Broken Chair
Heading away from Lake Geneva, we visit the Place des Nations and its main attraction, the Broken Chair. The Broken Chair was made in 1997 for the NGO Handicap International and is made of 5.5 tons of wood. The significance of the three legs is to draw attention to the impact of landmines around the world. Furthermore, the Broken Chair, and the Place des Nations, sits in front of the United Nations.
8. United Nations
Possibly the most iconic attraction in Geneva, the United Nations is home to the world’s intergovernmental organization. Founded in 1945 after World War II, the UN seeks to maintain international peace and security and to develop friendly relations among nations. The European Headquarters of the UN is located in Geneva and is highly recommended to swing by if you’re in the city! Tours are offered in a multitude of languages and start at 10 CHF per person.
9. International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
Another mark in the international range of Geneva, the Red Cross calls the city home. To further their mission, they’ve established a museum that asks the question how does humanitarian action concern us all? The museum not only demonstrates the work of the Red Cross, but also to remember those who’ve supported their mission throughout the generations. There is an entrance fee and it is 15 CHF for adults and 10 CHF for those under 22.
10. CERN
The European Organization for Nuclear Research is home to the largest particle physics lab in the world. Established in 1954, CERN sits a little outside of Geneva on the Switzerland-France border. Don’t worry though, there is a tram line that goes directly from Geneva and terminates at CERN. In fact, most CERN employees live in France given the cheaper cost of living and ease of border crossings! CERN offers free tours of their facility but don’t freight, they won’t get too technical with their descriptions. In fact, most of CERN lies deep underground and is not accessible to everybody, but is one of the most important scientific research facilities in the world.
12. Stade de Genève
Love fútbol (aka soccer)? Then why not check out a match while in Geneva! It’s no English Premier League or La Liga, but still boosted a lively atmosphere in the supporters section. You might even see a thriller like I did, a 3-2 victory with a stoppage time winner over rivals Zürich. In any regards, visiting Geneva Stadium was a fun experience! If visiting 12 things in Geneva is too much or Servette FC isn’t home, you can easily skip this. Geneva Stadium is also easily accessible via tram and bus and is centrally located in Geneva next to the main train station. Go Servette FC!
List of Must See Places in Geneva: