Geneva holidays

Holidays to Geneva are anything but conventional. Nearly synonymous with international diplomacy, Switzerland's second largest city has an identity all its own. Spend your getaway exploring its timeworn architecture, world-class performance venues and boho neighbourhoods packed with indie shops and restaurants. This city can also make you sweat, with easy access to hiking trails at Lake Geneva and skiing on the snow-capped slopes of Mont Blanc.

Geneva holiday highlights

Historical architecture

Even on a short break to Geneva, a small city with medieval charm, you’re sure to discover architectural history. Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town and spot fascinating buildings, like St Peter’s Cathedral, with Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Climb 157 steps up the tower and be wowed by the panoramic rooftop view. Step inside Maison Tavel, Geneva’s oldest house, and look for secret passageways that link the streets. 

Alpine touring base

Perfectly positioned as a gateway to the Alps, Geneva is a great base for touring both the city and the wider region. Visit vineyards in the hills for delicious wine tasting and leisurely walks. Head to Mont Blanc in the nearby Alps for skiing, snowboarding and hiking adventures or take a cable car up Mont Saleve for unbeatable views at the top.

Culinary specialities

Holidays in Geneva offer a melting pot of flavours, but cheese and chocolate top the bill! Cheese lovers can indulge in classic Swiss dishes like raclette and fondue. If you’re a chocolate fan, look for delicious Swiss truffles, plenty of confectionery and exquisite Swiss desserts made with top-quality chocolate. Even the grocery stores have full aisles of chocolate bars.

Geneva: Know before you go

Language

French

Currency

Swiss franc (CHF)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

July – August and February

Low season

October – November

Find the best time to go to Geneva

Weather in Geneva

March – May: Spring is pleasant but cool in the evenings, so you’ll want to pack layers. Take advantage of the city’s museums when the weather turns rainy.

June – August: Look forward to warm days and plenty of outdoor festivals during the summer months. Some rainfall is likely, especially in August, so be sure to pack an umbrella.

September – November: Mild days and crisp nights make this a great time for outdoor activities. Don’t miss the autumn leaves around Lake Geneva and the nearby Lavaux vineyards.

December – February: Winters bring icy winds from Lake Geneva, and temperatures dip below freezing. It’s the best time for skiing in the Swiss Alps.

Events in Geneva

Fête de la Tulipe (March to May): Less than 40 minutes from Geneva by train, the town of Morges celebrates spring with hundreds of varieties of tulips in the Parc de l'Indépendance.

Bol d'Or Mirabaud (June): On Lake Geneva, watch hundreds of boats battle it out at the world’s biggest inland lake regatta.

Montreux Jazz Festival (July): Founded in 1967, this music festival on the shores of Lake Geneva features jazz, rock, blues, hip-hop and pop concerts, as well as vocal competitions and workshops.

Fête de l'Escalade (December): Commemorating the city’s defence against a 17th-century attack, this popular festival includes parades, historical costumes and a ceremonial fire in front of Saint Pierre Cathedral.

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The best neighbourhoods in Geneva

Paquis-Nations

If you’re interested in the United Nations and the more than 30 international organisations headquartered nearby, Paquis-Nations is where to stay in Geneva. You’re also close to Geneva’s main train station in Cornavin, with convenient connections across Switzerland and Europe. Spend quiet time in the neighbourhood’s Conservatory and Botanical Garden, gaze out over Lake Geneva from Ariana Park or join swimmers and sunbathers at Bains des Paquis.

Good for: UN attractions, transportation, parks

Centre-Plainpalais-Acacias

Located in the heart of the city, close to the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the Centre-Plainpalais-Acacias area is the best neighbourhood to stay in Geneva for easy walking access to iconic sights. Enjoy the great mix of cafes, markets, boutiques and local stores, plus plenty of dining options for when your stomach starts rumbling.

Good for: Shopping, restaurants, nightlife

Grottes-Saint-Gervais

The district of Grottes Saint-Gervais has the feel of a village, with a strong sense of community and an arty ambience. Popular with expats, it’s the best area to stay in Geneva for families seeking a laid-back atmosphere and easy access to green spaces. Look out for the colourful, curved apartment buildings and fanciful murals.

Good for: Families, parks, street art

Things to do in Geneva

Museum of Art and History

Family friendly things to do

With lots of kid-friendly museums, including the Geneva Skateboard Museum and International Museum of the Red Cross, you won’t run out of things to do with family in Geneva. When you need a break from crowds, pack a picnic and head to the lush Parc La Grange; children will love the playground and the wading pool.

Shopping

For the finest Swiss watches and high-end designer fashion, the Rue du Rhone is the street for shopping in Geneva. The Old Town is full of individual boutiques, arts stores and souvenir shops. Hunt for bargains at the Plainpalais Flea Market on Wednesdays, Saturdays and the first Sunday of every month.

Take in the culture

Museums in Geneva serve everyone. Art fan? Check out the Museum of Art and History, which has over 7,000 exhibits. Science geek? Visit CERN, where the World Wide Web was born and the Large Hadron Collider is housed. Watch enthusiast? Pop into the Patek Philippe Museum to clock five centuries of timepieces.

Nightlife

When the sun sets, nightlife in Geneva wakes up. Indulge in artisan cocktails at bars in the Paquis district or enjoy live music in the bohemian bars and clubs in the Plainpalais area. If glam and luxury is more your style, the upscale lounges and clubs near Rue du Rhone will offer a night to remember. Head to Carouge for jazz clubs with a more relaxed vibe.

Places to eat

The city’s global population is reflected in the wide range of restaurants in Geneva that cater for all tastes, including Italian, French, Indian and even Peruvian. Michelin-starred restaurants such as Le Jardinier offer classic fine dining. For a traditional taste of Switzerland, step back in time and try the menu at the historic Restaurant Les Armures.

Free things to do

You’ll find a treasure trove of free things to do in Geneva. Stroll along the wide promenade around Lake Geneva and see the Jet d’Eau fountain, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Take selfies at the Flower Clock. Play giant chess or checkers in the tree-lined Parc des Bastions and see the world-famous Reformation Wall. In summer, watch free movies outdoors at Parc de La Perle du Lac and platform divers at Geneve Beach.

Plan your holiday to Geneva

Budget

To plan a cheap holiday to Geneva, start by taking advantage of the city’s free parks and attractions. You should expect to pay around 30 Swiss francs (CHF) for a simple meal in a restaurant and less than CHF5 for a cup of coffee. Need a taxi? A short ride should cost under CHF20.

Day trips from Geneva

Cross the border into France for top skiing conditions in Chamonix, just over an hour’s drive away. Back in Switzerland and just 40 minutes by train from Geneva, Lausanne’s Old Town offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Cheese lover? Sample some of Switzerland’s best in Gruyères, a 90-minute drive away.

Getting around Geneva

The city is well served by efficient public transport. Look for the Geneva Transport Card, which is often included in hotel and hostel bookings. It offers free travel on buses, trams and boats during holidays in Geneva. Bike rentals are also available and free in certain places from May to October (deposit required).

FAQs about Geneva holidays

The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency. From tipping to small purchases, having a small amount of cash during your trip to Geneva will be useful.
January brings the coolest weather. Organise your Geneva trip then and you can expect lows of -5ºC (23ºF).
While on your city break in Geneva, you'll hear the locals talking mostly in French.
If you're travelling some distance to get here, consider booking a week or more. You'll be able to mix sightseeing with some leisure time. For a short trip to Geneva from somewhere close by, three to five days are usually enough to visit the main sights.
Geneva, like most of Switzerland, has a low level of crime, so it should be safe for individuals, couples and families. Take common-sense precautions, as you would in any city, to ensure you have a safe holiday in Geneva.
You'll never be far from exciting things to do in Geneva. From United Nations Office at Geneva to Broken Chair and more, this city is a crowd-pleaser for a reason.
July is the hottest month in Geneva, with temperatures reaching highs of 29ºC (84ºF).
Switzerland is often said to have a high cost of living, but it’s possible to have a cheap holiday in Geneva. Plan carefully and find accommodation that suits your price range. Make the most of the free things you can do in the city. Geneva is a great place for exploring the outdoors on foot or by bike.
With around 19 cm of rainfall, December is the wettest month. If you're going on your Geneva holiday then, it's a good idea to have a few indoor activities in mind. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, chill at a cosy cafe, or treat yourself to some retail therapy.
If you prefer sunny and warm weather, take your holiday to Geneva between June and August. For cooler weather and the chance of snow — ideal if you’re into winter sports like skiing and love snowy landscapes — visit in the winter months, between December and February.

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