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Things to do in
Geneva

Explore this cosmopolitan lakeside city home to a host of international organizations and mountain views.

Our most recommended things to do in Geneva

Geneva: 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise

1. Geneva: 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise

Explore Geneva and its stunning lake on a unique a sightseeing cruise. Admire the beauty of the Mont-Blanc mountain, the surrounding Swiss Alps, and other landmarks while learning about the area from your audio guide. Download the cruise app CGN Tours with all relevant information on the spot. Hear about every landmark you pass by and learn key facts about them from the audioguide. Begin your tour from the Pierres du Niton, cruising towards the Pointe à la Bise. Peer at the famous Jet d’Eau fountain in the city, famous for Mont-Blanc mountain, the surrounding Swiss Alps, and famous buildings, such as the UN. Pass by elegantly manicured gardens that line the shores of the lake, as well as the stunning surrounding flora and fauna, before heading back to the dock from which you departed.

Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat

2. Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat

The Swiss Travel Pass is a must-have for any traveler to Switzerland. You can enjoy unlimited access by public train, bus, and boat to over 90 cities and towns and benefit from free entrance to 500+ museums, discounted city tours, and access to private and scenic trains with a pre-requisite seat reservation. There are two broad types of Swiss Travel Pass: Continuous and Flexi, with an option to choose from 3, 4, 8, and 15 days. Apart from it being an ‘all-in-one’ pass which allows a traveler to access all modes of public transportation within the country, it also offers numerous other benefits on the mountain excursions. Trips up to Stoos, Brunni, Klewenalp, Stanserhorn and Rigi are included in the Pass. A 50% reduction is offered on most other mountain and cableways (Gornergrat, Titlis, etc). Enjoy free entrance to museums like the the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, the National History Museum of Bern, the Paul Klee Center in Bern, and the Natural history museum in Geneva. Explore with access to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Château de Chillon, and the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum. So be it the adventurous, the avid or the leisure traveler, you will have the chance to make the most of your Switzerland Travel Pass.

Geneva: Scenic Lake Cruise with Snacks and Wine

3. Geneva: Scenic Lake Cruise with Snacks and Wine

Discover the city of Geneva from a new perspective with a scenic cruise. Drift across Lake Geneva and immerse yourself in this world of Swiss beauty with breathtaking views of the Alps and Mont Blanc. Make your way to the Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva and meet your friendly crew and group for the day just outside. Climb on board your boat and get settled in as you push off from the shore onto Lake Geneva. Relax with a glass of wine in hand as you take in the picturesque scenery. Pass by the United Nations Office and the Bain des Paquis before staring up in awe at the mighty outline of Mont Blanc and the Alps.

From Geneva: Guided Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc

4. From Geneva: Guided Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc

Visit the site of the first Winter Olympics. In Chamonix, experience majestic scenery on a drive through the Arve Valley and from the 12,605-foot viewing platform on Europe’s highest mountain. This day tour begins in Geneva with a drive across the French border through the glacier-fed Arve Valley. At Chamonix, marvel at the splendid backdrop of the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges. You’ll take the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, which was the world’s highest cable car ride when it was launched in 1955. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of this Alpine wonderland, with views into France, Switzerland, and Italy. Lunch will be at your leisure. You will also have the chance to ride the astonishing Montenvers rack railway to the Mer de Glace glacier. The journey on this electric train covers 3 miles of beautiful mountainous scenery before arriving at the longest glacier in France. Spend the day as you please. Wander by foot to discover the town’s many delights, such as Parc Loisir, Musée Alpin, Lac Gaillands or Atelier Les Racines. Chamonix is the world capital for outdoor activities: mountaineering, alpinism, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, trail running, and skiing.

From Geneva: Day Trip to Chamonix with Cable Car and Train

5. From Geneva: Day Trip to Chamonix with Cable Car and Train

Board a bus from Geneva to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and in 90 minutes, arrive at this Alpine village to discover the beauty of the mountains. In the morning, ride up the cable car to the summit. At more than 3842 meters, be impressed by the Majestic Mont-Blanc and all the peaks around you. If you are feeling adventurous, take a breathtaking step into the void. Three glass walls, the glass floor, and glass ceiling panels give you a unique experience enhanced by 1000 meters of free air directly under your feet, in total safety! Look around and admire the highest peaks in Western Europe, and view the Bossons Glacier, with the greatest descent in Europe, from a dramatic perspective.  Snap some incredible landscapes from one of the numerous panoramic terraces, or warm your hands around a coffee from the shop. Head back to the village, and take a freetime to put your sensations back together before you take the Mountain train Montenvers to discover the Ice Sea. This is the largest glacier of France, featured in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. If it's open ( not garanteed) Take the steps down to visit the Ice Caves. Enjoy the museum and the view from the panoramic terrace, before you head back.

From Geneva: Annecy Half-Day Trip

6. From Geneva: Annecy Half-Day Trip

Annecy, located just 45-minutes from Geneva, is a town that has been awarded France’s prestigious Art and History designation. When you arrive in Annecy you’ll have a guided orientation walk and then plenty of free time to explore Annecy on your own. Please note that if you select the afternoon tour, then this will be self-guided.  As you walk through the streets of this charming town on the River Thiou you’ll come across numerous food and flea markets and historic monuments and landmarks. Browse the shops and stop to try a traditional dish at one of the many restaurants or cafés.

Geneva: Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour

7. Geneva: Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour

Get to know the city of Geneva on an open-top bus tour. See the stunning Lake Geneva and the famous flower clock in Jardin Anglais park. Stop at the United Nations to snap some photos.  Board your bus and take a seat to enjoy a bus tour through Geneva. During your ride understand the city's international importance as you go to the buildings dedicated to organizations that work for the betterment of safety and equality in the world.  See the United Nations offices and make a photo stop to capture what makes Geneva the capital of peace. Afterward, head to the left bank and see Lake Geneva with its striking water fountain. Make your way to Jardin Anglais park and see the colorful flower clock.  Drive by Parc de La Grange with its gorgeous gardens and visit Parc des Eaux-Vives with its historic mansion before concluding your tour.  Please note that the tour is in two parts. You must stay on the bus to do both part and do the complete tour.

From Geneva: Full-Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc

8. From Geneva: Full-Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc

How does it feel to be at the foot of the highest mountain in Europe? Find out, with reliable transport from Geneva to Chamonix Mont Blanc. Board a bus and enjoy the 75-minute drive by motor-coach through the picturesque Arve Valley to the typical Alpine village at the foot of the remarkable and majestic Mont-Blanc. Enjoy your day as you stroll in the little streets full of charms of Chamonix. Enter in a local shop to discover the local flavors as Mountain Honey, cheese or charcuterie. Try a fondue or a raclette in once of the numerous restaurants of this well-known ski resort. Discover where the first Olympic Games of winter started in 1924. Situated at the border between France and Italy, this town is famous for its tunnel under the mountain, which joins the 2 countries. Enjoy the activities available in this little town before you head back to Geneva. If you choose the cable car option you can enjoy the ride up to the Aiguille du Midi and be amazed by the view. In the afternoon, take advantage of the mountain train and discover the Ice Sea.

Full-Day Trip to Riviera Col du Pillon & Glacier 3000

9. Full-Day Trip to Riviera Col du Pillon & Glacier 3000

Discover the picturesque area of Les Diablerets (little devils) in the heart of the Alps Vaudoises at Col du Pillon. Made up of chalets, this village has an amazingly preserved heritage. Don't miss the majestic 3000–meter high glacier. Dominate the snowy peaks and take on the Peak Walk, the world's first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. At 108 meters long, discover more than 24 peaks over 4000 meters on the walkway. Take advantage of the fun park where sleds are waiting for you. In summer, try a descent in the Alpine Coaster, Europe's highest tracked toboggan run.  If you prefer to stay in the village of Diablerets, take a stroll along the river and explore the beautiful landscape. Around 3:00 PM, head back to the bus to return to Montreux, and enjoy some free time to explore this artistic city before returning to Geneva.

Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva

10. Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva

Join this delicious guided chocolate tour of Geneva to experience one-of-a-kind, award-winning chocolate creations. Visit some of the city’s best artisanal chocolateries – from traditional to modern. You’ll experience chocolate in all shapes and forms: from chocolate pralines to truffles, ganaches, drinking chocolate, and pastry. During the tour, learn the secrets of the origins and manufacturing of chocolate, as well as the history of Swiss chocolate. The tour includes a visit to the old town, and you will hear anecdotes and stories about Geneva, and experience Geneva’s most important tradition – breaking the chocolate “marmite” (cauldron). There is also a fun boat ride on the tour. The best way to discover a city is through its flavors, its local artisans and its stories, so have fun with this exciting, sweet, and exhilarating sensorial experience.

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Frequently asked questions about Geneva

What top attractions are a must-see in Geneva?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Geneva?

The best day trips and excursions from Geneva are:

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Other Sightseeing Options in Geneva

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What people are saying about Geneva

Overall rating

4.3
(1,921 reviews)

Every aspect of the trip was great. Neils is the best tour guide ever. His timing is perfect, ensuring that we arrived at the chocolate factory before it got crowded and at the cheese factory in time to watch them pouring the curds into the molds in real life rather than watching a video. Special bonuses were chocolate tasting and a private wine and cheese tasting. Neils went out of his way to ensure every person in the group was happy and enjoying themselves. Thanks for a great day!

The tour was great. The only thing I would improve upon is the meeting place. I got there with google maps but the address wasn’t clear on the building. I was right by the bus station so I felt I was in the right place but I needed to go into a place of business to meet up. I went into a tour guide place and felt lucky to find where to meet people. I think the meeting place needs to be better explained in the itinerary.

Lilly was great, very energetic, charismatic and providing lots of fun facts, history, advice for places to go like restaurants and much more. She is also a chocolate expert, talking about flavours, history and much more. We had a very nice time and I definitely recommend the tour with her.

So convenient to just board the train or the boat and go wherever you want. No need to line up to buy tickets. Enjoyed the ride to Lauterbrunnen, then up to Wengen. Likewise, Mt Rigi excursion was fantastic, included also in the pass.

The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Annecy was beautiful.