Geneva is a luxurious city located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Switzerland's second-largest city is home to splendid hotels, independent boutiques, high-end jewelry stores, wonderful restaurants, and excellent chocolatiers.
This is a picturesque city with a multitude of galleries and museums awaiting you. This fascinating destination offers so many activities that we decided to put together a list of what to do in Geneva and places to visit in one day.
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1- Vieille ville de Genève
You'll gladly lose yourself in the cobblestone streets that hold the treasures and charms of the old city. Revealing the ancient face of Geneva, the old town is home to countless museums, galleries and fascinating historical sites to discover.
You can visit the iconic City Hall (the seat of Geneva's political authorities), enjoy the city's history by exploring Geneva's oldest house, the 12th century Maison Tavel, or admire the remarkable stained-glass windows of St. Peter's Cathedral.
Things to know before you go.
· The museum of art and history is free to enter.
· There are many antique stores and art galleries on the Grand-Rue in the old town.
The old town of Geneva is located on the left bank of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). Cars and other vehicles are not allowed in most of the old town, so plan to walk or bike around the area. Between May and October, you can rent bicycles.
When to get there
Many museums in Geneva are free on the first Sunday of the month, so it's a good time to visit the museums in the old town. Geneva is especially pleasant during the warmer months (May through October)
Recommended for: Couples - History- Photography- Economic
2- Lake Geneva and the Water Jet
The city of Geneva is located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Geneva, the largest alpine lake, which stretches across the breathtaking scenery of Swiss Alps. You'll be sure to take some wonderful photos.
Without a doubt, what will impress you the most in this landscape is the water jet, the highest fountain in the world, which plays an important role in Switzerland tourism.
Things to know before you go
· Lake Geneva is located in French-speaking Switzerland.
· Many boat and train tours are wheelchair accessible, but it is best to check with operators in advance.
Lake Geneva is located at the southwestern tip of Switzerland, with its southern shore located on French territory. Paddlewheelers and speed boats travel through Lake Geneva, stopping in lakeside towns.
When to get there
Lake Geneva is one of Switzerland's top vacation destinations, especially in the summer and at Christmas. While summer visitors vacation on the Swiss Riviera, hike in the Alps and enjoy boat cruises and water sports on the lake.
Recommended for: Couples - Photography- Economic
3- A whole world at the Palais des Nations
The prestigious Palais des Nations is located in the heart of Ariana Park, along the Avenue de la Paix. Home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, it is the second largest UN center in the world, after New York.
It is open daily for guided tours, where you can explore the grounds and the building, including the large Assembly Hall.
Things to know before you go
· You do not need a reservation to attend a tour if your group is less than 15 people.
· You will need a photo ID, such as a passport, to enter the building.
The Palais des Nations is in the north of the center of Geneva, Switzerland. To reach there, take tram 13 or 15 to the stop Palais des Nations, or bus 8, 28, F, V or Z to the stop Appia.
When to get there
Tour days vary depending on the season: from April to August, tours are held every day except Sunday; and from October to March, tours are held only on weekdays (Monday to Friday). There is usually one tour in the morning, one around noon and two in the afternoon..
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Recommended for: Couples - Photography- Economic-Family – Group
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (closed on Sunday)
4- Must-See: St Pierre Cathedral
Dominating a hill in the heart of Geneva's old town, St Pierre Cathedral is definitely worth the climb to get there. The building, an important Geneva tourist attraction, became a Protestant Reformed church and is famous for the preaching of French theologian and reformer John Calvin.
Today, you can still see his wooden chair inside, as well as the finely crafted decor and stained-glass windows.
Things to know before you go
· The cathedral is free to enter, but the little cost for climbing the north tower and visiting the archaeological site below ground level is well worth it.
· For history and architectural lovers, the Cathédrale de St-Pierre is a must-see.
The cathedral is situated in the Old Town (Vieille Ville) and is freely reachable by group excursions, tours, or a short trek. The cathedral is also reachable via public transportation.
When to get there
The cathedral is open to the public from June to September, with longer hours. It's a wonderful place to come at any time of year, while it's less busy during the week and busier over the holidays.
Recommended for: Couples - History- Photography- Economic
Opening hours: May to October: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. October to May: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
5-Impressive Maison Tavel (Maison Tavel)
The oldest example of domestic architecture that you must see in Geneva, the Maison Tavel (Travel House) traces its origins to the early 14th century. The cellar of Maison contains excellent examples of wood carving and ironwork through the centuries.
Things to know before you go
· Visitors may get a lot of history with a visit to the Maison Tavel.
· Visitors can enter the museum by ringing the doorbell.
Two blocks from the Cathédrale de St-Pierre, the Maison Tavel sits in the heart of Geneva's Old Town. From Geneva's Gare de Cornavin, you may either walk or take a tram
When to get there
From Tuesday through Sunday, the Maison Tavel is open every day. On Mondays, the museum is closed. Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days, so visit on a weekday to skip the weekend crowds
Recommended for: Couples - History- Photography
Opening hours : Tuesday to Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm Closed on Monday
6- Maison Cailler
It is impossible to visit Geneva without tasting its wonderful specialties. Switzerland is famous for its high-quality chocolate that you must try in Geneva.
Maison Cailler, a renowned chocolate factory, offers informative and interactive tours that are fun for the whole family, even members without a sweet tooth.
Things to know before you go
· Children under 16 get free admission when accompanied by an adult.
· It takes 60 to 90 minutes to visit the chocolate factory
· Interactive guides are available in a lot of languages, including English.
The chocolate factory is located in Broc. Drivers can take the Bulle Highway exit and follow the H189 towards Charmey-Jaun. Free parking is available and a train service also runs between Montreaux and Broc.
When to get there
Waiting times to enter the chocolate factory can be two hours or more on holidays and weekends, when the weather is bad and during midsummer. It is best to come on weekdays to avoid crowds and minimize the wait.
Recommended for: Family- Gastronomy
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 Last ticket sale 17:00 7/7 except 01.01 & 25.12
7- Parc des Bastion
Located in the heart of Geneva, the Parc des Bastions is a multi-purpose place of relaxation very much appreciated by the Genevans. At the entrance of the park, a giant chess set is next to a former bandstand where a restaurant is now located. In summer, deck chairs are available to the public.
From an inclusive aspect, this park, inspired by the Escalade concept, is partially accessible to children with limited mobility. The park includes following games:
· towers
· rope bridges
· climbing equipment
· slide
· Memory game
· sandbox
· swings
· chess games
· ping-pong tables
Things to know before you go
· The park is a lovely place to explore all year, with historic sites, food stalls, and well-kept lawns and paths.
Bastions Park's main entry gate is located on the Promenade des Bastions. There is Rath Museum and Music Conservatory across the street.
Although you can easily walk to the park, you may also take public transportation. To get to Place de Neuve Station, take the 3, 5, or 36 bus or the 12, 14, or 18 tram.
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When to get there
Bastions Park can be visited at any time. Flower displays are spectacular in the spring, and there are plenty of grassy lawns for sunbathing in the summer. Families may enjoy the children's play areas and enjoy free ice skating throughout the winter.
Recommended for: Family- Couples - Photography
Opening Hours : Monday to Saturday: 10 am- 12am -Sunday 10 am-19 pm
8- Horloge Fleurie
The Geneva Flower Clock (Horloge Fleurie) is one of the city's most striking landmarks, having over 6,500 plants and flowers.
Located in the picturesque Jardin Anglais (English Garden), the iconic timepiece was built in 1955 in honor of the city's world-renowned watchmaking industry and is now one of Geneva's most photographed landmarks.
Things to Know Before You Go
· Gardeners must visit the clock anytime between early spring and October, when the flowers are in bloom.
The Flower Clock is located at the foot of the Mont Blanc Bridge on the Quai du Général-Guisan. It's a short walk from a local retail district on Rue de la Croix-d'Or. You can always take public transportation if you don't want to walk.
When to Get There
When the flowers are in blossom, the Flower Clock is a lovely place to visit. The clock changes its color throughout the year since it is made up of several different flower kinds. If you want to see the blooms, go between early spring and late fall.
Recommended for: Family- Couples – Photography
9- Monument de Brunswick
The Brunswick Monument, one of the Geneva most popular place in Switzerland, is a mausoleum for Charles II, the Duke of Brunswick.
To truly enjoy the Brunswick Monument, you must first learn about its peculiar past.
A guide provides interesting insight into the landmark's remarkable history on several walks.
Things to know before you go
· The outside of the monument is open to the public.
· The modern cafe behind the monument is famous with both residents and visitors.
The Brunswick Monument is a 10-minute walk down Rue des Alpes from Geneva Station. The monument is located near city ferry ports that link to neighboring municipalities on Lake Geneva.
When to get there
The outdoor memorial is best visited on a warm, sunny afternoon, when you may bring a picnic or enjoy an alfresco meal at a neighboring cafe.
Recommended for: Family- Couples - Photography
10- Vineyard terraces of Lavaux
Vineyard terraces of Lavaux across the Swiss canton of Vaud is one of the world's most remarkable examples of human interaction with a natural landscape. Winemakers in Lavaux welcome wine tourists with unique tasting rooms, gorgeous hotels, and terroir dinners.
The south-facing terraces, which maintain a mild climate in a country known for its spectacular winters, are renowned for producing the Chasselas grape.
Things to Know Before You Go
· Wear comfortable shoes and suitable dress
· Photographers will also want to capture the unique views of the terraced vineyards, lake, and high Alpine peaks.
The Lavaux is located on the beaches of Lake Geneva in the Canton of Vaud, just east of Lausanne. Because there is no public transit in the region, you must drive along Highway A9.
When to Get There
Visit the Lavaux in the spring and autumn, when the terraced vineyards are at their most beautiful. The landscape is also beautiful in the fall, when the grapes turn gold and orange.
Recommended for: Family- Couples - Photography
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