Geneva

Travel Guide

Geneva
Geneva
Geneva
Geneva
Geneva
Admire the picturesqueLake Geneva andwalk sophisticated streets lined with international headquarters, excellentmuseums, and art galleries.

Geneva is Switzerland’s second largestcity and home to the headquarters of UN organizations, the Red Cross, anddozens of other international bodies. The city is built around the mouth of theRhone at the south-western end of Lake Geneva.

Grab your camera and head to the Old Town.You’ll see buildings from throughout the centuries including thebirthplace of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the CathédraleSt. Pierre. Climb the tower to get great views of the city. Back down on groundlevel, check out the Musée International de la Reforme to learnabout the reformation in France and Switzerland.

For more history, drop by Maison Tavel. The oldmanor has been modified and renovated several times over the centuries, andtoday houses a museum documenting the history of Geneva. For a look at the workof the Red Cross around the world, explore the International Red Cross and RedCrescent Museum.

Art lovers will want to move on to some of thecity’s excellent art museums. Start at the Muséed’Art et d’Histoire to admire paintings from as far back asthe Renaissance and artifacts from the ancient world. For more recent works,check out the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain. Visitthe Musée des Arts d’Extrême Orient to examineitems from the Far East. Fans of pottery and ceramics should take a look at theMusée Ariana.

Take a break and head down to Lake Geneva. Enjoythe view of the French Alps or sit down in a café and watch the Jetd’Eau spurt water over 450 feet (140 meters) into the air. In theevenings, head out to Victoria Hall or the Grand Théâtrede Genève for a show.

Where to stay in Geneva

Geneva showing heritage architecture

Geneva City Centre

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Geneva City Centre. Check out top attractions like Mont Blanc Bridge and Paquis Baths, and jump on the metro at Cornavin Tram Stop or Mole Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Geneva City Centre
Geneva showing heritage architecture

Downtown Geneva

4/5(111 area reviews)

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Geneva. Check out top attractions like Flower Clock and Rue du Rhône, and jump on the metro at Coutance Tram Stop or Cornavin Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown Geneva
Saint-Pierre Cathedral showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Geneva Old Town

5/5(7 area reviews)

Historical sites, lake views and shopping are just a few things travellers like about Geneva Old Town. Sights like Saint-Pierre Cathedral and Place du Bourg-de-Four are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Geneva area at Molard Tram Stop.

Geneva Old Town
Default Image

Cornavin

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

While you're in Cornavin, take in top sights like St. James Way and jump on the metro at Cornavin Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Cornavin
Jet d\'Eau Fountain which includes night scenes, a fountain and a lake or waterhole

Les Eaux-Vives

4/5(27 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and lake views, there's plenty to explore in Les Eaux-Vives. Top attractions like City Center Shopping Area and Palazzo Geneva are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Amandolier Tram Stop or Roches Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Les Eaux-Vives
Geneva showing heritage architecture

Rues Basses - Old Town

Shopping, lake views and restaurants highlight some notable features of Rues Basses - Old Town. Make a stop by Flower Clock or Rue du Rhône while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Molard Tram Stop or Rive Tram Stop to get around town.

Rues Basses - Old Town
Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva
Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva
4 out of 5
Rue du Rhône 46, Geneva
The price is €133 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
€133
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (862 reviews)
"Really cool hotel. Great location, nice vibe. Really liked the bar/restaurant in the evening. Breakfast was great. Winner for me was the rain shower. Really powerful, unlike most hotels. Thoroughly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2025

Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva
Hotel Suisse
Hotel Suisse
3 out of 5
10 Place Cornavin, Geneva, GE
The price is €177 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€177
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2025

Hotel Suisse
citizenM Geneva
citizenM Geneva
4 out of 5
31-33 Rue de la Rotisserie, Geneva
The price is €159 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
€159
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (784 reviews)
Weekend in Geneva
"Great location, very clean and tidy, good bar / restaurant services. Would happily stay again."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

citizenM Geneva
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Geneve Mont Blanc
Aparthotel Adagio Geneve Mont Blanc
3 out of 5
Rue Thalberg 4, Geneva, GE
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (565 reviews)
Sound proofing need to improve
"The soundproofing is not good. Can hear TV sounds from next room even when the room door and window closed."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Geneve Mont Blanc
Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva
Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva
4 out of 5
Route de Meyrin 125, 1219, Chatelaine, Vernier
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Vernier. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (180 reviews)
"Our check-in hostess was excellent!"

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva
Base Geneva
Base Geneva
4 out of 5
Rue du Jura 13, Geneva, Geneva
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Jet d'Eau Fountain ...
Base Geneva
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Geneva

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
130
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
87
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

There is plenty of walking to do and restaurants do not open until after 6pm

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city centre - very civilised, fantastic public transport

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Cute cuty

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

There wasn't much of interest to us there but we did visit the history museum which was quite good. We stopped for a couple of hours at Bern which was a sporadic decision on our travels and wish we had stayed there instead for the night.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Transport from the airport was free and the hotel provided a free travel card which was great. Food and drink was expensive though Old town was very picturesque especially as the sun was shining on the day we visited !

5/5 - Excellent

Gareth

Incredible food, warm and friendly people and the mountain views are phenomenal.