Looking to plan the BEST DAY EVER in Geneva?! I've spent hours planning the ultimate itinerary for you that is jam-packed with all of Geneva's classic, best-of-the-best sights with the most efficient route.
It's an AWESOME day, without costing a fortune. (No small feat in Geneva, let me tell you! 😉)
Prepare for a full day, but if you start early enough you should be able to do it all. 💪
All you need to do is SAVE this itinerary, arrive in Geneva, then GO!
In this itinerary you'll find:
⛲️ Classic Sights
🏛️ Hidden Gems
🚤Unique attractions
🍽️ Restaurant Recommendations
👍 Local insights
🏨 My top Geneva Hotel Picks
---and more!---
✨If you found this guide to be helpful, I'd appreciate it if you could SAVE it, REVIEW it or consider leaving me a tip at the bottom of the itinerary.✨
And, if you'd like me to create a CUSTOM itinerary like this just for you -- learn more here ⬇️ https://www.thatch.co/guide/n2fwtacunc4w/view
Switzerland's second-largest city is found in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, along the country’s westernmost edge. While it’s well-known as the hub of international diplomacy, Geneva’s also a vibrant travel destination with many gems to discover.
At first glance, it’s clear… Geneva’s gorgeous. The sparkling aquamarine lake and rugged mountains provide an epic natural beauty. The vielle ville Old Town is like stepping back in time. Watchmakers and artisan workshops are alongside the many charming shops, cafes and historic sites waiting for you to visit.
You’re going to love discovering this dazzling city up close. Let's get into the itinerary! 👇
How to use this guide
This itinerary is meant to be a complete step-by-step itinerary. Start at the top and work your way down for one hand-curated day in Geneva. (But for those with more time, you can of course split these activities up over multiple days.)
Click on each of the place details to see my personal written notes for each spot and very often you'll find some video content there, too.
Two of the places have voice notes from me as well, where you'll hear a little more detail about the places for you in my own voice.
MORNING
Start your morning around 8 am at the Bains des Paquis, the long peninsula you'll see jutting out into the lake across from the Jet d'Eau. This is my favorite place for a scenic and inexpensive breakfast, that will surely get your day in Geneva off to a stellar start.
For 12 CHF, you can enjoy one of my favorite breakfasts in Geneva. The menu is simple: 2 tartines with your choice of spread, 1 fresh-squeezed fruit juice, 1 bircher or fruit salad, and 1 hot drink. Enjoy your breakfast with one of the prettiest views of Geneva.
Pro Tip: Get the mixture of all juices (carrot, orange, apple and ginger) -- it's zippy and delicious!
This is also a fab spot for lunch or dinner, with affordable Plat du Jours, salads and some of the best fondue in town.
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After breakfast, it's time to start sightseeing! And the best way to do that is by getting out ON the water. It's time to...
For this itinerary-- you'll want to take the M3 route, which leaves every the half hour from the Paquis dock station. Note that if you're staying at a hotel, rides on these are FREE with your transport card. Otherwise, they're very inexpensive.
After taking the M3 mouette route across the lake, get off at the Plage des Eaux-Vives.
The Plage des Eaux-Vives is on Geneva's Rive Gauche (left bank) -- once you hop off the mouette, take your time strolling along the water, admiring the beach and nature areas along the way.
Ready for some sun and splash in Geneva? Head over to Plage des Eaux-Vives! Once a simple lakeside spot, it's now transformed into a beachy haven right on the lake.
Soft sand, refreshing waters, and a scenic backdrop of the Alps? Check! Whether you're up for a swim or just wanna kick back with a view, this place is a must-visit.
It's Geneva's beach day done right! 🌊🏖️🌞
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Side note: The big green space you'll soon see off to your left is the Parc de la Grange -- this is one of the most spectacular parks in Geneva and is definitely worth a leisurely visit on another day if you have the time.
Along the walkway as you head back towards downtown, you'll see buvettes and often you will see some local installations from the city with seasonal things to do, like public hammocks in summer or even an outdoor sauna in winter!
Soon, you'll be right next to Geneva's most famous landmark...
All this exploring has probably made you hungry! So let's go to one of my favorite hidden foodie gems in the city... Here you can grab all you need for a quick and easy picnic lunch.
A hidden gourmet market in the heart of downtown Geneva? Yes, please! 🙌
The historic Halle de Rive is one of Geneva’s best kept secrets— and a must-do for any visitor (or local!) in Geneva.
23 different stalls have any kind of food you can imagine -- ready made piandinas at Casa Mozzarella, Lebanese mezze from Le Levantin, vegan plat-du-jours and juices from Green Go... and sooo many delicious cheeses at Fromagerie Bruand!
Many reasonable deals can be found here-- I'd budget 15-20 CHF for a lunch of a sandwich/salad + a side.
Besides the petit bistro, there's no place to sit and eat inside the Halle, so it's the perfect place to grab your food and head out on a picnic at the Jardin Anglais.
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After picking up your lunch, head over to the pretty Jardin Anglais and find a nice bench by the fountain or along the water to eat.
The Jardin Anglais is one of the prettiest parks in Geneva, and lucky for us, it's right in the heart of the city! It has a beautiful fountain, hundred-year-old trees and the famous "horloge fleurie" flower clock.
I love to pick up lunch from the Halle de Rive and bring it here to enjoy an easy and scenic picnic, and recommend you do, too!
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE FLOWER CLOCK:
The horloge fleurie is the most famous clock in Geneva and has been here in the Jardin Anglais since 1955. Today, it has clock hands gifted by Patek Philippe and the second hand is a whopping 2.5 meters long, probably the biggest one you'll find anywhere!
The time is set electronically via satellite, and the pesticide-free flowers are maintained by a team of city gardeners who swap out the flowers and change designs 4 times a year.
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I hope you've saved room for dessert, because the next stop is one of my favorite places to indulge my sweet tooth in Geneva...
Geneva is for CHOCOLATE lovers and there are a few ways to experience the city’s chocolate scene.
A budget-friendly favorite of mine is to pay a visit to one of the iconic Geneva chocolatiers, La Bonbonniere. Grab a seat at their tea room near the Rive tram stop and order the Instant Choco. For 10.50 CHF you’ll get a tasting plate of 4 chocolates and one gourmet hot chocolate off their extensive hot chocolate menu... SWEET! 🍫
Pro Tip: I do NOT recommend upgrading to the "Tea Time" menu for 18 CHF. I tried it and most of the sweets that came with it were just so-so. The Instant Choco is MUCH better.
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Ok, we're done eating for awhile. Now, it's all about sightseeing til dinner. Shopaholics, this next stop is for you!
Rue Verdaine might just be the cutest little street for indie shopping in Geneva.
It’s small but packed with shops specializing in fashion, art, housewares and some culinary delights, too.
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Continue walking up to Old Town. You can't miss our next stop:
I always suggest walking up to Old Town through the Place du Bourg-de -Four. This is the heart of Vielle Ville -- a scenic hub with lots of restaurants with outdoor dining and shops.
Tip: Ferdinand coffee shop, Helia and La Clemence are popular spots here.
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Continue along til you get to Geneva's cathedral. Go in and explore, but the real reason you're here is to climb up to the top... and see what's UNDER the cathedral, too. (Make sure to read the place notes below for all the details!)
7 CHF gives access to climb the steps up to the two towers at Geneva's cathedral. The views from both are spectacular and well worth the climb.
Pro Tip: For an extra 5 CHF, upgrade your ticket to include the archaeological museum underneath -- it's a cool stop, too.
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By now, you've gotten a good lay of the land of Geneva. Head right around the corner to the free Maison Tavel museum to step back in time to discover highlights from Geneva's incredible past.
Visit the Maison Tavel- the oldest private residence in Geneva that’s now a museum showcasing fascinating artifacts from the city’s history… with lots of mysterious treasures to discover!
Don't miss the Magnin Relief, a huge 3D map of Geneva on the top floor that shows what Geneva looked like in 1850 in meticulous detail.
Oh, and admission to this Geneva gem is FREE!
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Side Note: If you're in need of a little afternoon caffeine boost, check out my favorite cafe and English bookstore, Pages and Sips.
If warm scones + and cozy bookstore nooks are like your ideal morning… read on! 🫖
Pages & Sips opened in Fall 2022 and has taken Old Town Geneva by storm as one of the most popular cafes in the city. It's an English bookstore and café specializing in modern + classic books, proper English scones… and nearly 30 different kinds of tea (served by the pot!)
Coffee lovers, you're covered, too-- and there's plenty of tables to sit and linger.
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While you're in Old Town, don't miss this last stop before dinner:
While you're in Old Town, definitely pop over to the Promenade de la Treille. It not only boasts a beautiful view of the city and the mountains, but it also has the world's longest park bench... or so it's been said 😉
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EVENING
You can't come to Geneva without Fondue. There, I said it. While I'd happily recommend the fondue at the Buvette des Bains or Cafe Soleil, tonight we're staying close with dinner at a Geneva institution.
Have a delicious fondue dinner at Les Armures, in Old Town. It isn't a budget meal, per se, but after a cost-efficient day, it's well-worth the splurge.
Don't miss trying the Moitié-Moitié fondue— a mix of Gruyère and Vacherin cheeses. Drink it with a crisp white Chasselas wine that's local to the region.
(Reservations are a must.)
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End the night with drinks and a view at the MET Rooftop atop the Hotel Metropole.
With panoramic views of the Jet d’Eau and the Jardin Anglais, it’s a lovely place to end the day and cheers to a picture-perfect day in Geneva.
It's free to enter, but the handcrafted cocktails are a little pricey at over 20 CHF/ each...
If you're looking to drink on the cheap, try a locally-brewed Calvinus beer. A much more affordable option.
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My top affordable hotel pick: Geneva's Hotel Central is a casual retreat nestled in the heart of the city that's perfectly suited to solo travelers, couples or families. With its prime location between the base of Old Town and the waterfront near the Bel Air bus stop, this hotel offers rooms and multi-room apartments-- some even with beautiful terraces and kitchens!
This is a bit of a no-frills property -- no breakfast room or gym, but it's clean and I can personally recommend it...
My family and I stayed here in an 2 bedroom apartment for 2 weeks upon moving to Geneva. It was a fantastic home base for getting to know Geneva.
I LOVE Geneva's Ritz Carlton. It is a gorgeous, centrally-located hotel with lots of art in the common spaces and an awesome hotel bar (Fiskebar by Fred) that I've visited even as a local!
This is where my mother in law has stayed -- twice-- during visits to Geneva and she liked it enough to return. She had positive things to say about the breakfast and the rooms, and the location is great -- I think this is a solid choice!
Hi👋 I'm Chris, a travel content creator living in Geneva, Switzerland 🇨🇭
I'm relentless in my pursuit of crafting the perfect itinerary -- from the hottest spots in town, iconic landmarks and natural treasures, to the hidden gems that go under the radar. I’ve found that the best itineraries include a mix of it all.
I started my travel creator journey while working at the Travel Channel, and began blogging in 2008. In the years since then, I've had itineraries published in places like the Huffington Post, TravelChannel.com, Edible DC Magazine, Trip Advisor Insights and Go Girl Guides. And now share my travel tips daily on Instagram and TikTok (@packdsuitcase) to an audience over 40K strong.
Please enjoy my guides and follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @packdsuitcase for lots more travel tips, places to go and inspiration.
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Looking forward to helping you plan the happiest travels,
Chris✨
