Geneva

DESTINATIONS switzerland geneve

Geneva

Geneva, a sparkling jewel on the shores of Lac Léman, surrounded by the majestic Alps and Jura mountains with Mont Blanc as a backdrop, exudes beauty, elegance and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. A global hub for diplomacy and banking, the city teems with people from all corners of the world. Geneva boasts excellent restaurants, exclusive shops, beautiful parks and a vibrant cultural life. Thanks to its compact layout, you can easily see Geneva's highlights on foot. Its fast and efficient public transportation makes day trips from the city a delight, too.

The City

Geneva takes full advantage of its wonderful location on Lake Geneva and has surrounded it with parks, modern monuments and branded buildings. The city is just as small as it is large, with new exciting discoveries at every corner. It has about 200,000 inhabitants and is very easy to get around on foot. At the same time, this is a very lively place because of its international character. Geneva hosts the European headquarters of the United Nations as well as a myriad of diplomatic embassies. Foreigners constitute one-third of the population, and it feels like every language can be heard when following the flow of busy businessmen or strolling on the lake banks.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Geneva, with its enchanting blend of historical charm and modern allure, offers travellers a myriad of experiences. Explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, wander through the beautiful lakeside park, or indulge in exclusive shopping on the luxurious rue du Rhône. Thought-provoking visits to global institutions like the United Nations and the Red Cross add depth to the city's character. Geneva's museums showcase a rich spectrum, from classical to avant-garde art, while its architectural surprises and evolving neighbourhoods create an ever-changing urban landscape.

Jet d'Eau

The Jet d'Eau is one of the highest water fountains in the world and a famous landmark of Geneva, which you can see from almost everywhere in the centre and up to very far in the surroundings (even past the border). The fountain shoots 500 litres of water a second to a height of …

Place du Bourg-de-Four

In the heart of Geneva’s Old Town lies the charming Place du Bourg-de-Four, the city's oldest square. This vibrant area serves as a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike, its surroundings lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. On Thursdays and Saturdays, Place du Bourg-de-Four transforms into a lively market, where vendors showcase …

United Nations Headquarters - Palais des Nations

Housed in the historic Palais des Nations, a relic from the League of Nations era, the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva stands as an emblem of international diplomacy and cooperation. As one of the four major offices of the UN, this iconic complex hosts numerous international conferences, diplomatic meetings, and negotiations. The Assembly Hall, …

St Pierre Cathedral

Situated at the highest point of the Old Town, St Peter's Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is the most visited monument in Geneva, welcoming around 400,000 people every year. Its fame comes mostly from being the adopted home church of Protestant Reformation leader John Calvin as well as from housing, in its …

Lake Geneva

Sandwiched between Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva (called Lac Léman in French) is a stunning natural gem known for its picturesque landscapes and beauty. One of the largest lakes in Europe, it offers breathtaking views of the Alps and the Jura Mountains. The lake's shores are adorned with charming towns and cities, including Geneva, …

The Flower Clock

L’Horloge Fleurie is a super-size watch with a diameter of five metres, made of 6,500 flowering plants and shrubs, symbolising Switzerland’s world-famous watch industry. This symbol has been around since the 1950s, and the decorations and plants are changed in harmony with the …

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

You have most certainly heard of the Red Cross for its actions around the world. When in Geneva, you should seize the opportunity to visit the Red Cross Museum, a place for reflection and raising awareness. The museum features both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Its focus is to promote understanding of the history, current …

Conservatory & Botanical Garden

This fascinating park and 'living museum' hosts 16,000 plant varieties and the world’s largest herbarium. From its creation at the beginning of the 19th century, its beauty and its aim to spread knowledge have evolved continuously. The herbarium archive contains more than 6 million …

Patek Philippe Museum

If you are interested in watches, this museum hosts an important collection of timepieces from the 16th century onward and the finest creations of this Geneva-based watchmaker. Nowhere else is the Swiss passion for clocks, watches and the passing of time as obvious as …

CERN

CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory and has been behind numerous major discoveries. Here you can expand your scientific knowledge and explore the mysteries of the universe in an interactive Science …

The Smurfs Buildings

Situated in the vibrant Grottes district, Les Schtroumpfs, also known as the Smurfs buildings, is a fascinating architectural gem. Built between 1982 and 1984 by three visionary architects, this whimsical housing complex draws inspiration from Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and the iconic smurf houses from the comics. Featuring curved walls, irregular angles, and vibrant …

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCO)

Established in 1994, the MAMCO is Switzerland's largest museum of contemporary art boasting an impressive collection of 4,000 items along with temporary …

Russian Orthodox Church

Far away from its country of origin, this Russian Orthodox Church is nonetheless very typical, and its golden spires and splendid architecture are sure to take your breath away. It is highly photogenic and will transport you to another time and another place in an …

Bains des Pâquis (Outdoor Bath)

Due to Geneva’s ideal location by the lake, you can enjoy true city beach life at Bains des Pâquis, public bath houses on a pier in Lake Geneva, where you can swim with the local ducks and swans. This beach is very crowded during summer and offers all-season activities like a sauna, massages and …

Dining

Geneva has a strongly built reputation as a gourmet town, and it certainly lives up to the acclaim. The cuisine here is, of course, Swiss as well as highly influenced by France and Italy. Travellers can savour local fish delicacies from Lake Geneva, such as ‘filet de perches’ and ‘filet de féras’, as well as traditional Swiss dishes, such as cheese fondue and raclette, all accompanied by a curated selection of Swiss and French wines.

Le Lyrique

Right in the middle of the music district next to the Grand Théâtre, its luxurious Parisian ambience, complete with gilded walls adorned with portraits of music maestros set the stage for an exquisite dining experience. Offering fine French cuisine paired with a selection of wines and cocktails, Le Lyrique creates a perfect blend of …

Brasserie Lipp

Brasserie Lipp, a sibling of the renowned Parisian establishment, offers an elevated dining experience in Geneva. The brasserie specialises in refined French cuisine, complemented by a curated selection of fine wines to be enjoyed in an elegant and warm …

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte is a French restaurant specialising in beef tenderloin served with its well-known sauce whose ingredients are a closely kept secret. This restaurant can also be found in many locations around Paris, where it built its reputation even before it came to …

Domaine de Châteauvieux

Nestled in Satigny, a little bit outside of Geneva, Domaine de Châteauvieux is a culinary gem that delights patrons with a harmonious blend of exquisite cuisine and a charming setting. This Michelin-starred restaurant, located within a beautiful estate, offers a refined menu that showcases artfully plated and inventive dishes using the finest local and …

Le Chat-Botté

This Michelin-starred restaurant located in the luxurious Beau-Rivage Hotel serves beautifully presented dishes prepared with local products. Le Chat-Botté is claimed to be the finest gourmet restaurant in town and benefits from an amazing terrace overlooking the …

Bistrot du Bœuf Rouge

Indulge in the culinary delights from the French neighbouring city of Lyon at the beloved Bistrot du Bœuf Rouge. Try some specialities like the namesake filet of beef or the mouthwatering sirloin steak with blue cheese dressing, perfectly paired with an exceptional selection of …

Les Curiades

Located inside a beautiful 19th-century village house, Les Curiades is a restaurant with a rustic and warm ambience offering a refined gastronomic experience. Its menu changes every two months, showcasing the freshest regional products and maintaining a commitment to quality. Situated just outside Geneva, Les Curiades enjoys a picturesque setting amidst vineyards, providing a …

Café des Banques

Nestled in the heart of Geneva, Café des Banques offers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience with its open kitchen, inviting patrons to witness the preparation of beautifully plated, modern Swiss fare. The elegant dishes are matched by the stylish, white interior adorned with contemporary art. During summer, the large shaded terrace becomes an ideal spot …

Chez Ma Cousine

Located in the Old Town, with excellent outdoor seating, Chez Ma Cousine is a great place for stopping by any time of day. This restaurant specialises in chicken, with the roasted chicken accompanied by crispy potato wedges being a standout favourite. It is also very affordable in comparison to Geneva's usual …

Inglewood

Gaya

For those seeking a break from classic Swiss fare or a taste of Korean delights, Gaya is a popular choice. This restaurant offers a diverse selection of Korean dishes, with the spotlight on their renowned BBQ …

La Gondola

La Gondola offers a delectable culinary experience with dishes inspired by Italian cuisine. Indulge in a diverse array of mouth-watering options, including pizzas, pastas and antipasti, hailing from the picturesque Italian island of …

Brasserie de Hôtel-de-Ville

Come here for honest Swiss food, warm service, and delicious fondues. Located close to the old town, this restaurant smells of cheese and authenticity. Once you have treated yourself to such a meal, make sure to have a look at the surrounding …

Cafés

In Geneva, you'll discover a plethora of cute and stylish cafés that cater to every coffee lover's taste. As a thriving business centre, the city embraces the art of coffee, with locals dashing from one meeting to another, savouring a delightful cup of Joe on the go. These coffee shops transcend mere caffeine stops; they are havens for relaxation and serve as natural meeting points for colleagues, family, and friends to catch up. They are the fuel of city life and always buzzing on Sunday afternoons.

La Clémence

La Clémence is a charming and trendy café with a sprawling outdoor terrace, perfect for summertime, where you can enjoy aperitifs, cocktails and light meals in a convivial atmosphere in the heart of the …

Demi Lune Café

Nestled in the charming old town of Geneva, Demi Lune Café beckons as a comfy meeting place known for its delightful tapas, sandwiches, and light meals, complemented by a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. Whether indulging in breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the café's culinary offerings consistently captivate, making it an ideal haven to …

Boréal Coffee Shop

Boréal Coffee Shop is a haven for coffee aficionados, offering a range of organic specialty coffees freshly roasted in the city. This laid-back hangout caters to the diverse preferences of coffee lovers, providing not only exceptional coffee but also a selection of teas, delectable cakes, and savory …

Birdie Food & Coffee

Muller's Factory

Muller's Factory, a local crêperie in Geneva since 1962, stands as a beloved classic in the city. Renowned for its delicious homemade crêpes, which you can enjoy sweet and savoury all day long, as well as its fluffy waffles (even better when covered in Swiss chocolate). The menu extends beyond crêpes to include ice …

Just Bubble

Just Bubble is a fantastic coffee shop in Geneva that has brought the delightful experience of bubble tea to the city. If you haven't had the pleasure of trying bubble tea, the staff at Just Bubble is more than happy to guide you through the process and offer recommendations. What sets them apart is …

Bars & Nightlife

Although Geneva is a relatively small city, there is a wide and varied range of entertainment — probably because of its international mix of people. Many start the evening with an aperitif at one of the hundreds of bars in town and then go on to some hot nightspot. Geneva’s nightlife is unexpectedly colourful with people and music from all corners of the world. The dance floors are full of all sorts of people, Geneva jet set, smartly dressed diplomats, rockers in black leather, and trendy people just enjoying some time off.

The Leopard Room Bar & Lounge

Situated within the prestigious Hotel d'Angleterre and graced with a prime lakefront location on Lake Geneva, this chic bar offers an impressive drinks selection, including a prestigious wine list, inventive and classic cocktails, as well as an extensive whisky menu. Indulge in delectable fare from its substantial menu while socialising in an intimate setting …

Mr Pickwick Pub

Established in 1969, Mr Pickwick Pub stands as Switzerland's oldest English pub, exuding an authentic Victorian charm with wooden furniture, brick walls, and old-period reproductions. It is celebrated for its extensive draft beer selection and delectable offerings, including tasty burgers, fish and chips, and shepherd's pie. Mr Pickwick is also a go-to spot for …

Arthur’s Rivegauche

Arthur’s Rivegauche, a hip bar-lounge-restaurant situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, captivates visitors with its smashing and elegant design adorned with art on the walls. The venue offers a refined culinary experience complemented by an extensive selection of wines and cocktails. The festive ambience, accompanied by the tunes of a resident DJ, …

Chat Noir Club

Live music bar, with a terrace, in the charming Carouge district, not far from the city centre. The Chat Noir Club offers live bands and DJs along with an assortment of drinks and homemade bar …

Lady Godiva Pub

Embrace the authentic British pub experience at Lady Godiva, renowned for hosting the largest selection of draft beers in Switzerland. Indulge in hearty pub grub while soaking up the warm and friendly atmosphere. From fun trivia nights to live music and sports on TV, Lady Godiva captures the essence of a true British-style …

Le Baroque Club

If you are searching for an exclusive club in Geneva, you have found it. Le Baroque is the living and standing picture of luxury and is definitely worth a visit as it still maintains its position as one of the most legendary clubs in the …

Shopping

If Switzerland is the country of luxury, then Geneva is surely the jewel on this crown. The main shopping area lies between Rue du Rhône and Rue de Rive, with uncountable chic and high-brand boutiques. Geneva is the perfect city to renew your wardrobe but make sure you come with the necessary funds, because in this city quality certainly comes at a cost. You might also find yourself falling in love with the perfect watch: watchmaking is a serious matter and a true art here. If you are looking for more tourist purchases, worry not, you will also find typical Swiss things like clocks, chocolate and cheeses, all of top quality.