With no less than twelve starred establishments, Geneva has turned into a true destination for haute cuisine and features exceptional restaurants, whose fame has now spread beyond our borders. Come and meet uniquely talented chefs and let yourself be surprised by their ever more innovative cuisine. Enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience during your stay in Geneva!

A season of magic, warmth, and tranquility, winter envelops Geneva, transforming the city into a fairytale landscape. Streets and parks glow with festive lights, while snow-dusted peaks line the horizon, beautifully contrasting with the calm waters of the lake.

Attractions

Top 10 things to do

Staying in Geneva for a few days and hoping to discover the places that breathe soul and history into the city? Follow our guide to Geneva's greatest landmarks!

1. The Jet d'Eau – a water fountain born by chance

The 140-metre tall Jet d'Eau has become one of Geneva's best-known symbols over the years, but Geneva's famous landmark was almost born out of coincidence.

In 1886, the waterworks that distributed the motive power of the Rhône to Geneva's craftspeople and watchmakers was forced to create an open outlet for the water when the workshops closed at night. That outlet became the famous water fountain, arousing the enthusiasm of locals and visitors alike.

2. Geneva, the birthplace of watchmaking

The first major Swiss watchmakers emerged in the 16th century, turning Geneva into the cradle of watchmaking. At the time, following the reform of John Calvin, the people of Geneva had to follow a strict dress code and dress as simply as possible. Nevertheless, they refused to get rid of all their finery and kept buying watches. To meet this demand, jewellers thus turned to watchmaking.

This is how the art of watchmaking was born in Geneva. Blending tradition and precision, the city has since become the symbol of fine watchmaking.

3. The Reformation Wall

A must-see stopover in the heart of history! In the middle of Parc des Bastions, the giant statues of the key figures of the Reformation – Jean Calvin, Guillaume Farel, Théodore de Bèze and John Knox – await. The Reformation Wall also bears Geneva’s motto, Post Tenebras Lux.

Erected between 1909 and 1917, the monument commemorates the main events and personalities who, in the 16th and 17th centuries, encouraged the spread of the Calvinist Reformation in Geneva and around the world. At the time, Geneva was the meeting point for all followers of the Reformation.

4. The Old Town

Discover the medieval charm of this small historical jewel! The largest historic city in Switzerland, the Old Town is dominated by St. Peter's Cathedral, the centre of the Reformation. Climb the 157 steps to the top of the tower for a unique panorama of the city. The view is well worth the effort!

After the cathedral, take a stroll through the town’s maze of narrow, paved streets. Each picturesque street hosts one of Geneva’s many historical treasures. Here’s a little tip: many secret passageways link up the streets of the Old Town, don’t hesitate to find and follow them!

5. Museums: the joy of learning

A cultural Mecca, Geneva boasts a multitude of unique discoveries. The International Museum of the Reformation takes you through the history of religions and life in Geneva, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum transports you to the heart of international Geneva, while the Patek Philippe Museum gives you the time with precision to the rhythm of watchmaking expertise. And that's not all, many museums and exhibitions await your visit.

6. Carouge: the Bohemian lifestyle

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? The narrow, picturesque streets, charming boutiques, and welcoming atmosphere of Carouge are almost dreamlike!

The neighbourhood, which lies a stone’s throw from Geneva’s downtown, stands out with its vibrant local life and its many events that take place throughout the year. Featuring lovely architecture, similar to a small Italian village, small cafés and restaurants, Carouge is the perfect place to meet up for a drink or a good meal!

7. CERN: The European Organisation for Nuclear Research

ERN, located on the Swiss-French border, is a global hub for cutting-edge science. Its crown jewel, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), revealed the existence of the Higgs boson in 2012, enhancing our understanding of the universe. CERN's relentless pursuit of knowledge drives constant LHC upgrades and future collider plans, promising new revelations.

Explore the captivating LHC experiments that probe particle properties in extreme conditions, the unique Antimatter Factory and the Data Centre, the place where the World Wide Web was born. CERN welcomes all to engage with science through resources, tours, and interactive exhibitions.

Whether you're a scientist or a curious traveler, CERN offers a unique opportunity to witness humanity's quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Come and be part of this scientific odyssey!

8. Palais des Nations - International Geneva

A feeling of peace and freedom pervades Geneva as the international city hosts a large number of summit meetings every year.

Built between 1929 and 1936, the Palais des Nations is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and is, after New York, the largest UN centre. More than 25,000 delegates are welcomed here each year and many works of art are on display. The Palais des Nations opens its doors daily for exciting guided tours!

9. The Bains district

Enjoy the art of living in the Quartier des Bains! This vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood is home to a large of art galleries and exhibitions. Featuring the MAMCO, the Centre d'Art Contemporain, and numerous high-end galleries, Les Bains has become a European platform for modern art. The neighbourhood’s trendy bars and bistros contribute to the night-time buzz!

Don’t miss: the “Nuits des Bains” events, organised four times per year, during which the art galleries and museums open their doors for a large-scale, free exhibition of artworks from all over the world.

10. Le Salève - Hike to the top!

Enjoy a peaceful haven, a few minutes’ drive from Geneva, with stunning panoramic views of Geneva and the surrounding mountains.

Come winter or summer, go rock climbing, hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, or cross-country skiing on the gorgeous slopes of Geneva’s most well-known mountain!