Tourist attractions Geneva

Switzerland’s second-largest city, Geneva is a cosmopolitan city on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known for its importance as a centre of global diplomacy, Geneva is home to the headquarters of countless organisations including the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, the Red Cross and the United Nations. 

A city built on international relations, luxury hotels, jewellers, watchmakers and chocolatiers, travel to Geneva to experience a peaceful city with a big cultural appeal. With the energy of a large city but the tranquillity of a small lakeside town, Geneva sits at the foot of the Swiss Alps.

With world-class restaurants, museums and first-rate shopping, a city break to Geneva is an eternally popular choice. Whether you want to explore the immaculate natural environment or prefer a cultural trip, taking in the delights of more than thirty museums and galleries, Geneva has it all.

Trams, buses and boats make sightseeing in Geneva a breeze, and the Geneva Pass is a great idea as it includes all the top sights and free use of public transport for 24, 48 or 72 hours. With warm summers and cold winters, Geneva is a year-round destination. Although the city is largely French-speaking, you’ll hear all languages spoken in this international city if you take a trip to Geneva.

Things to see in Geneva

With a plethora of museums, galleries, shopping streets and natural sights, there are countless things to see in Geneva. The Red Cross Museum is said to be one of the top museums in the city. Opened in 1988, the museum hosts thought-provoking exhibitions exploring humanitarianism through the centuries. These modern, interactive exhibits are designed to evoke emotions and guide you through the foundations of the Red Cross’ mission.

Whether you’re a science buff or not, visiting the CERN Museum is one of the best things to do in Geneva. Located 8-kilometers west of the city, CERN is the European Organization for Nuclear Research and is known throughout the world for its Large Hadron Collider. This gigantic machine collides particles at high speeds to create new matter. At the forefront of particle physics, the exhibits here explain all the fascinating details of the research that takes place at CERN.

Of all the places to visit in Geneva, the Palais des Nations is one of the most important buildings to include on a tour of Geneva. Home of the United Nations, you can enjoy a guided tour of the palace to learn all about the important work that goes on here and Switzerland’s history as a meeting place for the nationals of the world. The world flags lined up outside the entrance are particularly eye-catching.

When it comes to landmarks, Geneva’s Jet d’Eau is the most iconic. This lakeside fountain spouts a 140-metre-tall tower of water, seen from almost anywhere in the city. Sometimes uplit with different coloured lights, you can’t miss out on a photo in front of the Jet d’Eau if you travel to Geneva. 

Finally, one of the best historic buildings to visit in Geneva is the Cathedral St. Pierre. This Gothic cathedral has an imposing Neo-Classical facade and is famously the place where Protestant John Calvin spread preached his words of reformation during the 16th-century. Climb the southern tower for great views across the city.