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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Geneva [2025]
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Lake Geneva
4.7
/5
557 reviews
8.3
Based on 7,757 reviews
40.2 km from downtown
Phone +41-800-3451020
Address: Lake Geneva
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.1 of Night Attractions in Geneva
Highlights:
5-yard floral clock & flowers
Lake views & swans & ducks
Saved by 156 users198 positive reviews
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Lake Geneva, which shares the same name as the city, is very vast, with a sapphire-like color and sparkling in the sun. From Geneva Airport, you can take a train to Nyon, a small town on the shore of Lake Geneva. The hotel rooms there are large, and the lake view rooms also have terraces to enjoy the lake view. The breakfast is very rich and cost-effective. From the dock in Nyon, you can take a boat to the French flower town opposite and experience the fun of crossing two countries in half an hour. The price of the flower town is lower than that of Switzerland, and it is very pleasant to enjoy authentic French food there.
I have visited lake Geneva in the Summer and it is one of the nicest spots to hangout and enjoy Switzerland summer vibes. strolling along the flower-lined promenades is a must as it becomes magical during the sunset.
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Palace of Nations
4.6
/5
264 reviews
7.0
Based on 1,598 reviews
3.1 km from downtown
Phone +41 22 917 12 34
Address: 8, Av. de la Paix 14, 1202 Genève, Switzerland
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Highlights:
Lake Geneva views & Alps
Majestic buildings by Lake Geneva
29% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) is located in the historic Palais des Nations, the second largest UN centre after the UN Headquarters in New York. The facility is an outstanding testimony to twentieth-century architecture and is situated in the beautiful Parc Ariane in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Palais des Nations is one of the largest diplomatic conference centres in the world. Around 8,000 meetings are organised every year. Most of the meeting rooms date back to the original building of the Palais des Nations in the 1930s.
The Palais des Nations, with its dignified architectural complex and unique historical status, has become a must-visit landscape in Geneva, Switzerland.
The League of Nations, founded in Geneva in 1920 after the First World War, presided over the construction of the Palais des Nations from 1931 to 1938. As the headquarters of the League of Nations, it is also known as the League of Nations Building.
In 1946 after the Second World War, the Palais des Nations was owned by the United Nations, and then served as the location of the United Nations Office in Geneva, also known as the United Nations European Headquarters.
When visiting the Palais des Nations, two eye-catching highlights are meaningful.
National flags fluttering. On the south side of the Palais des Nations, four rows of flagpoles are arranged in pairs, from the gate to the building; the national flags of more than 190 UN member states are hung high on the poles, fluttering in the wind... The world is harmonious, festive and peaceful.
Broken chairs are swaying. In the square of the Palais des Nations, the sculpture "Broken Leg Bench" stands alone, reminding the world never to forget the disasters brought to innocent people by mines in war. The 12-meter-high chair back reaches the sky; the three missing legs stick proudly to the ground...war trauma, humiliation and tragedy.
The colorful flags and broken chairs seem to be pondering: war and peace, the two major driving forces of human history, when will we usher in diversified peace and global development.
Patek Philippe Museum
4.3
/5
58 reviews
6.5
From £16.61
Based on 1,444 reviews
313m from downtown
Phone +41 22 707 30 10
Address: Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, 1205 Genève, Switzerland
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Patek Philippe watches & craftsmanship
Antique watches & top watchmaking
30% positive reviews
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The Patek Philippe Museum is also a very precious place. There are many varieties of watches. Many of the Patek Philippe watches are made by hand by master craftsmen. You can appreciate the cultural characteristics of many watches with a century-old history.
The Patek Philippe Museum is a watch exhibition hall. Patek Philippe is also an important world-class brand. This watch brand also has many specialty stores in China, where you can see many high-end watches.
No.
4
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The Geneva Water Fountain
4.5
/5
296 reviews
6.4
Based on 5,898 reviews
1.4 km from downtown
Phone +41 22 909 70 00
Address: Quai Gustave-Ador, 1207 Genève, Switzerland
Recommended sightseeing time: 15 minutes
Highlights:
Whale-like fountain visible afar
Whale-like fountain visible at night
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The Jet d'Eau is a large fountain in Geneva, Switzerland. It is one of the city's most famous landmarks, appearing on the official Geneva tourism website and used on the official logo for the 2008 European Football Championship group stage in Geneva.
Located at the confluence of Lake Geneva and the Rhone River, the Jet d'Eau is visible from the whole city and even from the air, even when flying at an altitude of ten kilometers (33,000 feet) over Geneva. It is spectacular.
On summer or festive nights, it is illuminated in color.
I recently visited the Jet d'Eau in Geneva and was absolutely captivated by this iconic landmark. The fountain, soaring up to 140 meters, is a stunning sight against the backdrop of the serene Lake Geneva and the majestic Alps. It’s not just a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of the city's elegance and charm.
The surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering picturesque views from every angle. I was particularly impressed by the way the fountain lights up at night, creating a magical ambiance that’s perfect for photography. The nearby parks and cafes provide a great spot to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.
No.
5
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Museum Ariana
4.3
/5
48 reviews
5.8
Based on 300 reviews
3 km from downtown
Phone +41 22 418 54 50
Address: Av. de la Paix 10, 1202 Genève, Switzerland
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
Highlights:
Lake Geneva view from museum
12th-century pottery & 7th-century glasswork
26% positive reviews
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Twelve centuries of ceramic art, the art of fire at the Swiss Museum of Ceramics and Glass. At first glance, the Ariane Museum is a magnificent architectural wonder. The vaulted ceilings are filled with stars, and the hall’s bold colonnades surprise visitors with the luxurious palace built in the late 19th century. The Ariane Museum, which houses 27,000 pieces from Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East and the Far East, witnesss 12 centuries of ceramic art from the Middle Ages to the modern era and is one of Europe’s greatest museums of art on fire.
The Ariana Museum is also a very interesting building. The entire museum includes many good things to visit. This museum is also a place worth visiting. Many areas are simple.
No.
6
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English Garden
4.3
/5
77 reviews
5.5
Based on 572 reviews
974m from downtown
Phone +41-22-9097000
Address: Quai du Général-Guisan 34, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Lake Geneva & Alps panoramic view
Rococo style & picturesque landscape
33% positive reviews
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The English Garden is located by the lake, facing the big fountain, with famous flower clocks, huge fountains and century-old trees, making it one of the most spectacular green spaces in the UK.
When you come to Geneva, Switzerland, everyone knows about the famous flower clock; but few people know about the English Garden where the flower clock is located.
The English Garden, covering an area of 25,000 square meters, is the largest of the series of urban parks on the shores of Lake Geneva in downtown Geneva.
In 1854, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Geneva's joining the Swiss Confederation, the English Garden was built on the shores of Lake Geneva on the north side of the old city.
Another hundred years later - in 1955, the world's first flower clock was built on the southwest edge of the garden. The flower clock, with a dial diameter of 5 meters and composed of more than 6,500 bright flowers, has been ranked first in the world for decades and is deeply loved by citizens and tourists.
Gradually, the flower clock has become a landmark of Geneva, while the name of the English Garden has been quietly forgotten.
After getting up close with the big flower clock, we walked into the English Garden, where lush and towering ancient trees, spacious and lush green lawns, fountains with overflowing water, and quaint and elegant pavilions complement each other with the clear blue lake and couples walking hand in hand... It feels romantic and fresh, it's really great.
No.
7
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The Flower Clock
4.1
/5
206 reviews
5.5
Based on 2,013 reviews
929m from downtown
Phone +41 22 418 50 00
Address: Quai du Général-Guisan 28, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 hour
Highlights:
World's first floral giant clock
5-yard floral clock changes
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The Geneva Flower Bell is carefully maintained by mosaic planting experts from the Geneva City Greenlands Department and is composed of more than 3,000 plants. It is also equipped with a watering system to ensure that the flowers remain bright. The current pointer is elegantly designed, similar to the original pointer, made by Patek Philippe and generously donated to the city of Geneva. The second hand is2.5 meters long, and is undoubtedly the world's largest second hand. The clock is equipped with an electronic satellite time setting function. The clock will adjust the pattern according to the season or major event, which coincides with the Women's World Cup in Geneva, and the current flower clock shape is lifelike.
The floral concept, consisting of more than 3,000 plants, is carefully maintained by mosaic culture specialists from the Geneva city green space department. A watering system is also attached to the installation, which is essential for the plant's survival and exposure to abundant sunlight. The current pointer design is elegant, close to the original version, manufactured by Patek Philippe and generously provided to the city government. The length of the time-second hand is 2.5 meters, which is undoubtedly the world's largest. The clock is set electronically via satellite. In addition, the flower clock will change four times a year with the change of season.
No.
8
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Broken Chair
4.1
/5
84 reviews
5.4
Based on 1,072 reviews
2.7 km from downtown
Address: 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Recommended sightseeing time: 5-10 minutes
Highlights:
Giant wooden chair amazes visually
Geneva's iconic photo spot
32% positive reviews
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The giant "broken chair" is a wooden artwork that symbolizes the movement against landmines. The broken chair has only three legs. It is one of the most symbolic art works of the 21st century. The broken chair is the work of the sculptor. It was made for the NGO International Disability Assistance in 1997. Made from 5.5 tons of wood, 12 meters high, this impressive artwork has dominated UN Plaza since 1997. Its message is simple: remember the victims of landmines and urge your government to push for a ban. Before continuing to the international area, consider staying here.
Broken But Not BrokenIn a city where the skies are fair,Stands a symbol, a broken chair,Not of weakness, but a tale of might,A beacon for those in the fight.Across the lands, we venture far,Guided by this guiding star,Traveling roads both rough and fair,Finding strength in what's laid bare.Though the leg is shattered, split,It carries tales where warriors sit,Of journeys marked by hope and grace,Resilience found in every place.Exploring realms, both old and new,With hearts so strong, and spirits true,We face the storms, the winds, the air,With courage like that broken chair.For in our quests, we often find,The broken pieces heal the mind,And through the trials, we declare,We're broken, but we're not despaired.So let us travel, near and far,Underneath the same bright star,With stories woven, in the air,Of journeys bold, like that chair.And though we stumble, though we break,It's in the mending, paths we make,Through lands of peace, and ones in care,We rise anew, from the broken chair.
No.
9
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St Pierre Cathedral
4.4
/5
105 reviews
5.3
Based on 3,008 reviews
Geneva Old Town | 567m from downtown
Phone +41 22 311 75 75
Address: Cr de Saint-Pierre, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
360° Geneva view from tower
Greek, Roman & Gothic architecture
27% positive reviews
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The building of St. Pierre's Cathedral has undergone more than one transformation in its history. The first phase of its construction dates back to 1160 and lasted nearly a century. During the Reformation, it became a Protestant place of worship from 1535. Climb 157 steps to the top of the tower and you will get an amazing 360° panoramic view of the city and lake. It also boasts Switzerland's largest collection of Gothic and Romanesque pillars. Don't miss the archaeological sites below the cathedral, where you will find treasures dating back to ancient times.
St. Peter's Basilica Church, also known as St. Peter's Basilica, is a Catholic religious temple built between 1506 and 1626. It is one of the important symbols of the Catholic Church.
The church covers an area of 23,000 square meters. In the center of the church is a dome with a diameter of 42 meters and a top height of about 138 meters. The church is regarded as the most sacred place in the Catholic Church. The church preserves murals and sculptures by many artists of the European Renaissance, such as Michelangelo and Raphael.
According to the Catholic Church's holy tradition, St. Peter's Basilica is the burial place of St. Peter, the chief apostle, and most of the successive popes are also buried here.
No.
10
Old Town Barbershop
4.4
/5
80 reviews
5.1
Geneva Old Town | 537m from downtown
Address: Pl. du Bourg-de-Four 22, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Well-preserved medieval architecture
St. Pierre Cathedral's panoramic view
31% positive reviews
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The Old City of Geneva is Switzerland’s largest historical city, and its main attraction is the Reformation Center St. Peter’s Basilica. The cobbled alleys tell the story of the city through small squares, historic buildings, fascinating museums and mysterious secret passages.
The old town still has its own flavor. The old streets, leisurely people, and busy business elites are all mixed together. There is no sense of disobedience in the same space. The feeling of Europe is really good. It is worth a visit.
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