Geneva walking tour & city guide
A giant fountain, a lakeside promenade and world diplomacy.
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Geneva sits at the tip of Lake Geneva, surrounded by the Alps and the Jura mountains, and is one of the world's great international cities. It is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross, and combines a historic old town with an elegant lakeside full of parks.
The lake and the Jet d'Eau
The Jet d'Eau, a fountain that shoots water 140 meters into the air, is the symbol of Geneva and can be seen from all over the city. You can walk out along the jetty to it, but be ready to get wet if the wind changes.
The lakeside promenades, the Quai du Mont-Blanc and the Quai Gustave-Ador, are lined with grand hotels, parks and the Flower Clock in the Jardin Anglais. In summer, the Bains des Pâquis, a public bathing area on a pier, is a favorite place to swim and sunbathe.
The old town and international Geneva
The old town climbs a hill on the south bank. At the top, St Pierre Cathedral, where John Calvin preached, has towers you can climb for a view over the lake. The Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in the city, is surrounded by cafés, and the Reformation Wall in the Parc des Bastions honors the leaders of the Protestant Reformation.
On the north side, the Palais des Nations, the UN's European headquarters, can be visited on guided tours. In front of it, the Broken Chair sculpture reminds visitors of the victims of landmines.
Visiting tips
Hotel guests receive a free public transport card. The yellow water taxis, called Mouettes, cross the lake. CERN, the famous particle physics laboratory, is on the edge of the city and has free exhibitions.
Top sights in Geneva
- 1
Jet d'Eau
A 140-meter fountain on the lake.
- 2
St Pierre Cathedral
A cathedral with tower views over the old town.
- 3
Place du Bourg-de-Four
The oldest square in Geneva.
- 4
Reformation Wall
A monument to the leaders of the Reformation.
- 5
Palais des Nations
The UN's European headquarters.
- 6
Flower Clock
A clock made of flowers in the Jardin Anglais.
Food markets & where to eat in Geneva
Carouge
A charming Italian-style district with cafés and markets.
Bains des Pâquis
A public bathing pier famous for its fondue in winter.
Place du Bourg-de-Four
Café terraces in the old town.
Plainpalais market
Food and flea markets on a large square.
Food to try in Geneva
Cheese fondue
Melted cheese with bread, a Swiss classic.
Perch fillets
Lake fish, pan-fried and served with fries.
Longeole
A Geneva pork sausage with fennel.
Marmite de l'Escalade
Chocolate pots made for the December Escalade festival.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Geneva
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in GenevaCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Geneva.
- eSIM for SwitzerlandStay online from the moment you land.
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