20 interesting places to see in Geneva

Jet d'Eau Fountain

Geneva attracts visitors with its unusual landmarks and interesting places. One of them is the famous Jet d'Eau Fountain. Who would have thought that it once served merely to maintain the city's hydraulic system? Today, crowds of tourists flock to the center of Geneva at Quai Gustave-Ador to marvel at the 140-meter-high jets of the fountain, which can take on different shapes. In the evening, the water giant is illuminated with various colors.

Visiting the fountain is free of charge.

St. Peter's Basilica

Probably the most popular religious landmark in Geneva, St. Peter's Cathedral primarily amazes with how seamlessly it blends architectural styles from different eras. Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism — a true architectural encyclopedia in stone, and this not only doesn't spoil but adds to the cathedral's unique, austere grandeur.

While inside, be sure to see the stunningly beautiful chapel and climb the observation deck — the view of Geneva is simply breathtaking!

Entrance is free. Photography is allowed inside.

Musée d'Art et d'Histoire

To diversify your stay in Geneva, we recommend not missing the opportunity to visit the Museum of Art and History. In its rich collection, you'll find paintings by world-renowned artists, sculptures, ancient artifacts, and even musical instruments.

Musée Ariana

We recommend including it in your list of interesting places to see in Geneva. Here, you will learn about the history of glass, ceramics, and porcelain, and admire exquisite handmade statuettes and mosaics. You can end your tour by relaxing in the museum's garden or enjoying a cup of coffee on the terrace with a view of the city.

Visiting the permanent exhibition is free of charge.

Barbier-Mueller Museum

This museum will be interesting to visit for all lovers of curiosities. It houses a collection of primitive art from around the world! For example, there are masks, jewelry, ritual objects, and even weapons from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The museum's collection consists of seven thousand exhibits — plenty to explore.

Ticket Price: 8 Swiss francs, for children under 12 years old — 5 Swiss francs.

Voltaire Institute and Museum

The name Voltaire is familiar to all of us from school days, and you can visit the house where the great writer lived in Geneva, in the eponymous museum. Here, you will find an impressive collection of volumes of his works and learn about his life and creativity.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva

This is one of the rare gardens with a worldwide reputation, so be sure to allocate time (preferably a whole day) to visit this green oasis in Geneva. In addition to numerous plants and flowers, there is a specially equipped relaxation area and a children's playground, so pack a picnic and enjoy!

Entry to the botanical garden is free, as are all tours.

Basilica Notre-Dame

Another architectural gem worth seeing in Geneva. Compared to St. Peter's Cathedral, the basilica boasts much richer interior decoration, making it appear more majestic and lavish. Although it is younger than its "brother" — Notre-Dame was built in the 19th century, while St. Peter's Cathedral was built in the 13th.

Be sure to see the stained glass windows and sculptures decorating the church's interior, as well as its treasure — the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Entry is free (just adhere to the dress code and avoid overly revealing clothing).

Place du Bourg-de-Four

If you want to start your acquaintance with the city from its historical part, head to Bourg-de-Four Square in Geneva. Historians assert that it existed as far back as Ancient Rome, and later, it was a livestock market. Today, Bourg-de-Four is a favorite meeting place for Geneva residents and equally popular among tourists.

From the square, you can access historical landmarks such as the Tavel House, the Town Hall, the former Palace of Justice, and many others.

Flower Clock

Who doesn't know this popular Geneva landmark? A huge clock face made of various flowers located in the English Garden captivates the imagination — its diameter is over 5 meters!

But the main feature of the clock is not just this — the time is shown not only by the hands but also by the flowers themselves! The plants are arranged in a specific order according to their biological clocks and bloom sequentially. So, it's worth spending a few hours here to see time flow before your eyes.

Viewing the clock is free — just come and see.

Tavel House

If you want to immerse yourself in the life of past centuries' Geneva residents, you must visit Tavel House — a museum dedicated to the city's history and its inhabitants.

In the museum's halls (which were previously residential), you will find household items, clothing, old toys, paintings, and much more, telling the story of the townspeople's lives in past centuries. You can get a closer look at old Geneva through a model of the city located on the top floor of the museum.

Visiting the museum is free.

Broken Chair Sculpture

Geneva is known not only for its museums but also for unusual monuments and sculptures adorning the city's streets. One such "wonder" is the giant broken chair on Place des Nations, opposite the UN building.

The 12-meter wooden figure stands here for a reason — it was installed as a protest against the use of anti-personnel mines and in memory of those affected by them, which is why the chair has three legs instead of four. For the powerful, it serves as a reminder, and for ordinary tourists, it is another attraction.

Les Grottes

One of Geneva's "curiosities" is the neighborhood at 23-29 rue Louis Favre. It attracts tourists with its whimsical architecture in the style of Gaudi and Hundertwasser. Soft lines, bright colors, and unexpected shapes make you feel as if you are in another dimension.

Patek Philippe Museum

If you are in the city, be sure to find time to visit this Geneva museum named after one of the world's most famous watch companies (founded in 1839). Here, you will not only learn about the history of watchmaking but also see its creations — both modern and ancient.

Ticket Price: 10 Swiss francs (adult).

Museum of Far Eastern Art

A small but interesting museum in Geneva dedicated to Far Eastern art. The exhibition features art objects from Japan and China: paintings, ceramics, embroidery, and much more.

Geneva Molard Tower

On Place du Molard stands another popular Geneva landmark — Molard Tower. Come here to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages in the heart of the modern city. And, of course, admire the bas-relief on the tower wall with the allegorical figure of Geneva.

The tower was built in the 16th century as part of the fortress wall that stood here two centuries earlier.

Jardin Anglais

If you get tired of wandering around the city in search of another museum, we recommend you visit the English Garden — to rest and admire nature after the noisy city streets. The park is located next to Lake Geneva and the Jet d'Eau fountain, so beautiful views are guaranteed. Bring something to snack on and enjoy an unforgettable time in nature. And you won't lose track of time thanks to the famous Flower Clock located here.

Retro Tram

To feel like you're in Geneva in the early 20th century, take a ride on the retro tram. It departs from Carouge stop and in 1.5 hours will take you through Gare Cornavin, Palais des Nations, Eaux-Vives station, and back.

Ticket Price: 8 Swiss francs.

Street Chess

In Geneva, you can play a game of chess right on the street, not with seasoned chess players on a bench. In Geneva's Parc des Bastions (near the University of Geneva), there is a giant "floor" chessboard with huge pieces.

Many people are eager to try their hand as grandmasters, and you will have a great time even if you are just a spectator.

Favarger Chocolate Factory

Switzerland is traditionally famous for its watches, cheeses, banks, and — of course, chocolate. For the latter, head to Geneva's Favarger Chocolate Museum.

Here, you will not only learn the secrets of making real Swiss treats but also taste the quality yourself. A box of chocolates from the museum shop makes a great souvenir.