Top 10 Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland

Fêtes de Genève

Fêtes de Genève is a grand festival held from June 1st to September 2nd. There is a Ferris wheel, carnival rides, and a grand firework display. The festival brings tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world to celebrate. Unfortunately, this year the Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation’s chief decided that the festival is costly and they do not have the sponsorships needed to fund the event. It is possible that the event may be discontinued in the future or downsized. They did not have all the festivities that usually take place during Fêtes de Genève this year, but they were able to maintain the grand fireworks display.

Day view of the festival.

Night view.

Grand Fireworks

Grand Fireworks is a breath-taking fireworks display. It takes place at the Fêtes de Genève on a Saturday night in mid-August. The 50-minute show displayed over Lake Geneva will have you in awe! It’s important to arrive early to ensure you get a good seat.

Below you can witness the beauty of it all, but I must advise that it is NOTHING compared to the in-person experience!

*Free of charge.

Broken Chair

“Broken Chair is a symbol of fragility and strength, precariousness, and stability, brutality, and dignity.” It is a continued symbol of the desperate cry of war-torn civilian population, and the reminder to the world’s nations to protect and aid these civilian victims. The Broken Chair stands directly across from the United Nations.

*Free of charge.

United Nations

The office of the United Nations in Geneva, called Palais des Nations, is the European headquarters of the UN. In front of the building is “The Allée des Nations”, with the flags of the member countries.

*Free of charge.

Conservalour El Jardin Botaniques

Conservalour El Jardin Botaniques is a beautiful flower conservatory with plants from around the world. You can find shrubs from the likes of Brazil to flowers from South East Asia,

*Free of charge.

Old Town Geneva

Old Town Geneva is the oldest area in Geneva. The ancient maze-like streets are filled with small shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and so much history. Once home to the Roman market place, Old Town Geneva is worth visiting. Three notable things to see while in Old Town Geneva are the Old Arsenal, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and Bourg-de-Four Square.

Old Arsenal

The Old Arsenal is a collection of cannons during. Behind the cannons, you can find the depiction of key periods in Geneva’s history in the frescoes pieces beautifully done by Alexandre Cingria.

St.Peter’s Cathedral

Water fountains are placed all over Geneva with each displaying a sign that the water is safe to drink. I decided to give the fountain a go. When in Rome…

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe. The lake lies between Switzerland and France. There are inexpensive ferry rides that can take you across the lake.

*Free of charge.

L'horloge Fleurie

With Switzerland being recognized for watch making, L'horloge Fleurie is a neat attraction to visit. The outdoor clock is made completely of flowers! The flowers/plants are different colors as the seasons change. L'horloge Fleurie is located on the western side of Jardin Anglais park in Geneva.

Jet d'Eau

Jet d'Eau, translates to water jet, and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It is a large water fountain in Geneva that sits in the middle of Lake Geneva. There is a pathway that leads  to an up close and personal view of the fountain as long as you don’t mind getting wet.

*Free of charge.

Qua Du Mount-Blanc (souvenirs)

Qua Du Mount-Blanc is a shopping center. This is a great area to grab souvenir.