Top 9 Must-Do Fun Activities in Geneva for Everyone

When was the last time you went skiing, paddleboarding, scoured history, or indulged in chocolate tasting? You can do all this and more in one place—Geneva. Located in the westernmost part of Switzerland, Geneva is the second largest city after Zurich. And if you are visiting or planning to live here, be ready to have the best time.

Things to do in Geneva

Here are some of the things that can make your visit in Geneva worthwhile:

1. Start your adventure at Jet d’Eau

Why Jet d’Eau? It’s very tall, shooting water up to 140 meters high—you can picture it as putting 35 giraffes on top of each other. Jet d’Eau also sits on Lake Geneva, and that means getting a chance to see stunning reflections and misty rainbows from the fountain.

You’d definitely want to take some photos while there. The best spots are the Pont du Mont-Blanc and the Promenade du Lac alongside the lake’s left bank. Bains des Paquis and Parc des Bastions also offer great views. In case you want closer snapshots, you are free to jump on a taxi boat or just ride a CGN ferry.

2. Head to the old town

Geneva’s old town has interesting cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, and hidden courtyards. You can start scouting the town from Place du Bourg-de-Four (the oldest square). It’s lined up with some boutique shops selling unique decorative vases, stationery, and fashion accessories. Grabbing a cup of coffee from one of the available café’s is also a good option.

The town is home to St. Pierre Cathedral, and it’s a great place to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. There’s a catch, though. You have to climb 157 steps to reach the top of the tower, which is a small price to pay. Before you leave the old town, check out the secret Passage de Monetier!

Note: The passage is open only once yearly.

3. Interact with history at Parc des Bastions

The park is just a short walk away from the Old Town. The popular Reformation Wall, which features the giant statues of key Reformation figures, is located here. So, it’s a nice place to learn a part of Geneva’s history.

You can also relax here under century-old trees, play a game of giant chess, or stop by a café in Place de Neuve to get a snack before you move to the next destination.

Important note: The Plainpalais flea market is just nearby. You may want to stroll here and buy the antiques, vintage treasures, and local crafts on sale.

4. Explore watchmaking at the Patek Philippe Museum

How do you feel about learning about Geneva’s watchmaking history? The Patek Philippe Museum is the place to be. It features a range of timepieces from the 16th century, including an interesting collection of Father Philippe’s masterpieces.

You can admire the elaborate craftsmanship up close and get guided tours to help you understand the legacy of different brands. If you are more of a watchmaking enthusiast, there’s a library with an exclusive collection of books and documents detailing the artistry and science behind watchmaking worth checking.

Want a more interactive experience? There are some watchmaking workshops located outside the museum to help you with that.

Tip: Check with the museum first to confirm the exact opening hours before you visit.

5. Indulge in a chocolate tour

In for a treat? A chocolate tour would be ideal. Take your time to savor some Swiss chocolate! They are some of the best in the world. The region has several chocolate shops, like Favarger, La Maison du Rhone, and Auer. Many provide worthwhile tasting experiences to help you learn the art of chocolate-making and sample the finest creations.

For a more exciting experience, consider a Choco pass and visit various chocolate shops around the city. Who knows, you may end up leaving with a bag (or two) of delicious souvenirs!

6. Get a glimpse of global affairs at the UN Headquarters

Geneva is home to the European UN headquarters; you’d want to stop by to get a dose of global diplomacy. Check out the grand conference rooms, understand the role Geneva plays in international peacekeeping, and if you are lucky, you may catch a live session! Your visit won’t be complete if you didn’t stop by the gift shop.

You can get yourself some souvenirs—limited edition stamps, handmade jewelry, flags with the UN emblem, you name it. Ariana Park is just around the corner and offers a great view of the city, so visiting it is worth it. You’ll also enjoy the beauty of the peacocks that roam around the park freely.

7. Explore science at CERN

A little more knowledge, this time on physics at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research), won’t hurt. Situated in Geneva, on the Swiss-French border, the place is an international hub for advanced science. While here, you can explore exhibits on particle physics and attend lab workshops and science classes.

In case you are wondering, you don’t need a physics background to enjoy your visit; the experience is designed to be accessible and engaging to everyone. Complex topics are broken into simple, visual, and hands-on experiences.

Booking a guided tour also comes highly recommended to help you get the most out of the visit. Some tours even give you a glimpse of underground facilities and control rooms. Don’t waste the opportunity to see what it takes for scientists to unveil some of the mysteries in our universe!

8. Glide across Lake Geneva on a paddleboard

You should try paddleboarding on Lake Geneva. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an advanced paddler; the experience is sure to be magical and unforgettable. You just stand on a long surfboard and paddle yourself across the water. And the best part? You enjoy breathtaking views of Mont Blac, Jet d’ Eau, and Geneva’s charming skyline. Don’t worry about falling in from time to time. It’s part of the fun! A guided tour or lessons are also available if you need them.

Tip: Try paddleboarding at sunrise or sunset, when the lake reflects the golden hues of the sky. You will love it!

9. Ski the Swiss Alps

Want to put your mind off things? Go to the Alps. It’s a short trip from the city, and you can spend a whole day here. There are many ski resorts you can book into. Also, you are sure to find slopes that match your level, along with spectacular alpine scenery. Need ski lessons or a cozy chalet to warm up after a lively day in the snow? That’s possible. If you aren’t into downhill skiing, you can try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing for a more relaxed experience.

Own a piece of Geneva

Geneva is a great place to be, and deciding to own property here is a smart move. Suisse Immobilien Group, a dependable real estate in Lugano, will help you identify the ideal choice. With our expertise in the industry, a hassle-free buying experience is guaranteed. We’ll also guide you through each step.