Geneva Things To Do

Sightseeing
A leisurely walking tour is the best way of taking in the top sights in Geneva. Stroll around the Old Town. The most popular Geneva sights include the 19th century Victoria Concert Hall and the impressive Grand Theatre opened in 1874. The Jet D’eau in the Jardin Anglais is one of Europe’s highest fountains and is beautifully lit at night. St. Peter’s Cathedral features an intriguing mix of architectural styles and offers excellent city views. Don’t miss the imposing Town Hall and the Monument de la Reformation. The best Geneva museums include the Museum of the Red Cross, Musée Ariana for ceramics, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Natural History Museum. The Art & History Museum includes Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir. Geneva’s renowned parks include the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and the Parc des Bastions in the Old Town. Rousseau Island in the River Rhone is another quiet spot.

Shopping
Shopping city breaks in Geneva have a worldwide reputation. Many of Geneva’s exclusive shops can be found around Rues Basses. Geneva has an incredible number of watch and jewellery shops, plus major department stores. The Old Town is good for antiques, art galleries and chocolate. Interesting book and clothes market on Place de la Madeleine, and flowers on Place du Molard. A Saturday street market is held at Plaine de Plainpalais. Try Rue du Rhône for watches and jewellery, Grand Rue and Les Rues Basses for antiques, and Rue de Mont-Blanc for souvenirs. The pleasant Carouge suburb has plenty of fashionable boutiques and antique shops.

Lake Cruise
No Geneva city break is complete without a trip on the River Rhone and Lake Geneva. The lake offers magnificent views of Geneva and the surrounding mountains. The most economical way to travel on Lake Geneva is les mouettes, the public ferries operating on the lake shore and the River Rhone. These public ferries are included in the day travel pass for public transport. There are dozens of longer excursions to choose from. Popular Geneva cruises include Lausanne, Montreux, and the French towns of Thonon-les-Bains, Yvoire and Evian-les-Bains. Evening lake cruises may include quality dining and dancing.

Excursions
With such dramatic Alpine scenery close at hand, longer Geneva city breaks could include one of many excursions and day trips from Geneva. Popular destinations include Lausanne and Montreux. Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, is a spectacular 90 minute drive. A hire car would enable you to visit the charming small towns and villages around Lake Geneva.

Sporting activities
Long weekend breaks in Geneva could take advantage of Geneva’s many sporting attractions. Skiing is the obvious choice in the winter. The vast, world-renowned Chamonix ski resort is just over an hour from Geneva by car. Summer city breaks in Geneva offers fantastic walking and hiking along the lakeside and further afield around Mont Blanc. Lake Geneva offers excellent sailing, and cycling along the shore. Geneva is also known for its outstanding golf courses.

Geneva City Breaks  Getting Around Geneva

Things To Do In Geneva  Geneva Weather