Beautiful Sightseeing Places to Visit in Geneva
Switzerland

17 Best Things to Do and See for Tourist in Geneva in 3 Days

Mustafa Natalwala 4200 Views

Geneva is situated in Romandy in Switzerland. It sits on the shores of Lake Geneva and on the banks of river Rhone. The city is situated in the southwestern part of the country close to the France-Switzerland border. The city is among the most important financial centers in the world as determined by Global Financial Centers Index.

Geneva is well known for being the headquarters of the United Nations, Red Cross, and several other international organizations, many of which are also popular places to visit in Geneva. It is also home to the Large Hadron Collider, one of the largest and most well-known science facilities in the world. The city’s observatory is also world renowned for the search for exoplanets. You can see the significance of the city in international politics, culture, history, finance, and science as you learn more about Geneva’s tourist attractions.

Geneva is a very beautiful city. The architecture, public art, and monuments please the eyes of the beholder. As you will see in the itinerary and top things to do in Geneva sections below, the city is an amazing blend of historical and modern. As you explore the old town area, you will see cobbled streets, historical buildings, classic architecture, traditional markets, quaint shops, and more. Geneva attractions also include numerous art galleries, historical artifacts collections, and museums to explore.

Even the surrounding landscape of the city is breathtaking. Lake Leman, also known as Lake Geneva, is a hub for leisure and outdoor activities in Geneva. You can enjoy river rafting, paragliding, swimming, kayaking, boat cruises, hiking, and many other adventures and outdoor activities in and around the city. Come winter, which is considered the best time to visit Geneva, you can also enjoy skiing and snowboarding here.

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Explore The Best Tourist Attractions of Geneva in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

This section helps you navigate Geneva sightseeing as per a 3-day trip. If you are looking to add more attractions or activities to your itinerary, you should check out the section below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of top things to do in Geneva and organized them by different categories such as history, entertainment, adventure, nature, shopping, beaches, and so on. All this is available after the itinerary section.

If you are planning to spend less than 3 days in Geneva, then here I have listed-out some of the top rated tours, day trips and things to do in Geneva. You can choose any of tours or activities from below list as per your interest.

Day 1

1. The Flower Clock (L’horloge fleurie)

Also known as L’horloge Fleurie, this monument has a garden developed as a clock face with operational clockwork mechanisms underneath the ground. It is an interesting attraction among things to see in Geneva and won’t take more than 20 minutes of your time.

The Flower Clock

2. The Old Town (La Vieille Ville)

The old town has 2000 years of history behind it. There are several Geneva attractions spread over this area and you can also explore old buildings on foot. You would need 3 to 4 hours to explore this entire area.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Old Town.

The Old Town

3. St. Pierre Cathedral

The history of this church goes all the way to the 4th century B.C. The current structure was first established in the 12th century. It is one of the most important historical and cultural places to visit in Geneva. You will need about an hour for this cathedral.

St. Pierre Cathedral

4. Place du Bourg-de-Four

This public square is considered to be the heart of the old town area of the city. The square is surrounded by places to see in Geneva. It is also a popular spot for hobnobbing and dining. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this square.

Place du Bourg-de-Four

5. The Reformation Wall (Mur des réformateurs)

This wall depicts the leaders and events of the reformist movement of Calvinism in the 16th century. It is an integral part of the nation’s history and culture. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes for the reformation wall during Geneva travel.

The Reformation Wall

6. Museum of Art and History (Musée d’Art et d’Histoire)

This is the largest art museum in the city and among the top Geneva tourist attractions. The museum displays paintings, art installations, applied art pieces, and so on from different time periods. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

Museum of Art and History

Day 2

1. Palace of Nations (Palais des Nations)

This building was created as the headquarters for the League of Nations and is now the headquarters of the United Nations. It is one of the most important places to go in Geneva as it is one of the most well-known establishments in the world. You will need about an hour for the Palace of Nations.

Palace of Nations

2. International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (Musée International de la Croix-Rouge)

Also known as Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, it is dedicated to the development of humanitarian efforts across the world. You will need about an hour to explore this museum when you visit Geneva.

International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

3. Swiss Museum of Ceramics and Glass (Musée Ariana)

This is a museum of glassware and ceramics. There are several thousand pieces on display originating from different eras. The museum broadly covers 1300 years of history of kilncraft. It is among lesser-known Geneva points of interest and will require half an hour of your time to explore.

Swiss Museum of Ceramics and Glass

4. The Geneva Water Fountain (Jet d’Eau)

This fountain is among the most well-known Geneva tourist places. The fountain shoots a stream up to 121 meters high and it is quite a spectacle to behold. You would need a couple of minutes for this famous fountain.

The Geneva Water Fountain

5. Lake Geneva

Also known as Lake Leman, this crescent-shaped lake is the largest waterbody in the country. The lake is shared between France and Switzerland. The lake is also the venue for several fun activities in Geneva. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this lake or at its shore.

I suggest you should try a Cruise Tour in Lake Geneva.

Lake Geneva

6. Natural History Museum of Geneva (Muséum d’histoire naturelle de Genève)

This museum exhibits various aspects of the natural and ecological history of the country. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

Natural History Museum of Geneva

Day 3

1. Museum of Far Eastern Art / Fondation Baur

This museum features a collection of art, artifacts, and historical objects collected from the Orient and the Far East. There are more than 9000 pieces in this museum and it is among the most interesting places to visit in Geneva. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

Museum of Far Eastern Art

2. Russian Church (Cathédrale de l’Exaltation de la Sainte Croix)

This Russian Orthodox church is among the most beautiful things to see in Geneva and is well known for its architecture and interior decor. The Byzantine Muscovite architecture of this church along with white and gold decor lends it an almost mystical appeal. You will need about an hour for this church.

Russian Church

3. Tavel House (Maison Tavel)

This 14th-century house is the oldest house in the city and holds the cultural history museum of the country. The museum is spread over 5 floors and the building complex itself is a historical monument. You will need about an hour to explore it.

Tavel House

4. Barbier-Mueller Museum (Musée Barbier-Mueller)

This museum is dedicated to tribal art pieces and handicraft items from around the world. This is the largest collection of tribal art pieces in the world featuring more than 7000 items. You will need an hour for this museum.

5. Patek Philippe Museum

This museum focuses on the watchmaking history of the country as well as that of the legendary watchmaker Patek Phillipe. There are several timepieces on display in the museum dating between the 16th and 19th centuries. It is among the most interesting places to see in Geneva and will require 2 hours of time to explore.

Things to do in Geneva

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Geneva

  1. St. Pierre Cathedral
  2. Palais des Nations
  3. Musee de Arte et d’Histoire
  4. International Museum of of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
  5. Musee Ariana
  6. Reformation Wall
  7. Patek Philippe Museum
  8. Centre d’Art Contemporain
  9. Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville
  10. Museum of Natural History
  11. MEG Museum of Diverse Cultures
  12. Museo Barbier Mueller
  13. Tavel House
  14. MAMCO Geneva
  15. International Museum of Reformation
  16. Brunswick Monument
  17. Musee Rath
  18. Place du Bourg de Four
  19. Broken Chair Structure
  20. Musee d’histoire des Sciences de la Ville
  21. Centre de la Photographie
  22. Museum of Far Eastern Art
  23. Russian Orthodox Church
  24. Voltaire Institute and Museum
  25. Cemetery of Kings
  26. Bascilica Notre Dame
  27. Cabinet d’Arts Graphiques
  28. Villa la Grange
  29. Martin Bodmer Fountain
  30. Library of Geneva
  31. National Monument
  32. Palais de l’Anthenee
  33. Place des Nations
  34. House of Rousseau and Literature
  35. Mediatheque du Fonds d’art Contemporain de la Ville de Geneva
  36. Phare des Maquis Lighthouse
  37. Musee de Courage
  38. L’Exploracentre
  39. Quartier Libre SIG
  40. Palais Wilson
  41. L’ancient Arsenal
  42. Port Noir
  43. Beth Yaakov Synagogue
  44. Institut et Musee des Suisses dans le monde
  45. Bodmer Museum
  46. Villa Bernasconi Centre d’Art
  47. Villa Diodati

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Geneva

  1. Batie Woods
  2. Centre Nature de la Pointe a la Bise
  3. Mount Saleve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Geneva

  1. Geneva Water Fountain
  2. Bains des Paquis
  3. Jardin Anglais
  4. Parc de la Grange
  5. L’horloge fleurie
  6. Parc de la Perle du Lac
  7. Parc des Eaux Vives
  8. Parc de l’Ariana
  9. L’Usine
  10. Mon Repos Park
  11. Yatouland Waterpark
  12. Parc aux animaux du Bois de la Batie
  13. Trip Trap Escape
  14. Oak Villa
  15. Parc de Francises
  16. Trembley Park
  17. Alpin de Meyrin Garden
  18. Geneva Adventure Park
  19. La Gavotte
  20. La Clusaz Ski Resort
  21. Bioparc Geneva
  22. Le Praz de Lys Skiing
  23. Les Carroz

Shopping in Geneva

  1. Rue du Rhone
  2. Balexert Shopping Center
  3. Rue du Marche
  4. Rue du Mont Blanc

Beaches & Islands in Geneva

  1. Ile Rousseau
  2. Geneva Plage
  3. Baby Plage
  4. Pointe de la Jonction
  5. Plage de Eaux Vives

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Geneva

  1. Hiking
  2. River Rafting
  3. Watersports
  4. Skiing

Sightseeing in Geneva

  1. United Nations Office
  2. Pont du Mont Blanc
  3. Promenade de la Treille
  4. Les Schtroumphs
  5. Palexpo
  6. Quai du Mont Blanc
  7. Ponte des Bergues

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Geneva

  1. Chez ma Cousine
  2. Il Lago
  3. La Bottega
  4. Domaine de Chateauvieux
  5. Boco
  6. EastWest Hotel
  7. Cafe Papon
  8. Gusto
  9. La Buvette des Bains
  10. Izumi
  11. Cafe du Soleil
  12. Les Armures
  13. Cafe des Bains

Where to Stay in Geneva?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Geneva. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Geneva.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva.
  2. Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva
  3. Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
  4. Hotel d’Angleterre
  5. Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
  6. Hotel President Wilson, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Geneva
  7. Hotel Beau-Rivage Geneve
  8. La Reserve Geneve-Hotel, Spa and Villas
  9. Hotel Les Armures
  10. Movenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva
  11. Hotel N’vY
  12. Hotel D Geneva

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. 9HOTEL PAQUIS
  2. ibis Geneve Centre Lac
  3. Hotel Des Horlogers
  4. Home Swiss Hotel
  5. Mon Repos Hotel
  6. Eastwest Hotel
  7. Ibis Geneve Centre Nations
  8. Hotel Les Nations
  9. City Hostel Geneva
  10. ibis Geneve Centre Gare
  11. NH Geneva City
  12. Hotel Cristal Design

Budget Hotels

  1. Hotel Les Arcades
  2. Hotel Bernina Geneve
  3. Hôtel Central
  4. Nash Suites Hotel
  5. Hotel St-Gervais
  6. Hotel de Geneve
  7. MEININGER Hotel Geneve Centre Charmilles
  8. ibis budget Geneve Palexpo Aeroport
  9. NH Geneva Airport
  10. ibis Styles Geneve Palexpo Aeroport Hotel

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Geneva

How to Reach Geneva?

By Air

The fastest way for Geneva travel is via the city’s international airport. You can get direct flights from several major cities around the world like Brussels, Barcelona, Zurich, Malaga, Vienna, Porto, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Toronto, Istanbul, Lisbon, Beirut, Madrid, Amsterdam, London, Munich, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Moscow, Athens, New York, Montreal, Washington DC, Warsaw and many more. You can use the bus, train or cabs to get around to places to visit in Geneva from the airport. You can get a free ticket to use public transport from the airport itself which is valid 80 minutes from the time of your arrival.

By Road

There are several international trains from cities in Europe that connect to Geneva. You can get trains from Bern, Basel, Zurich, Nice, Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome, Paris and so on. The bus network is far more widespread but the journey can be tedious. If you are planning to take a car for Geneva sightseeing, you should head for routes A40, A41 or E62 to reach the city.

By Water

You can get boats and ferries to visit Geneva from several ports on the coast of Lac Leman also known as Lake Geneva.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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