Information for tourists and people passing through Geneva

Un couple et son très jeune enfant se baladent sur le Salève et admirent la vue sur Genève.

Breathtaking scenery

While the Jet d’Eau fountain, soaring 140 metres into the air, remains the emblem of Geneva, the views and circuits in the city are as magical as they are varied. There is, of course, Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Western Europe but the city also boasts numerous parks, monuments and attractions as well as the old town, all of which can be explored on foot or by bike.

Guided visits of selected monuments and sites

Here is a selection of monuments and sites close to the city centre (except the CERN) – just a part of the rich heritage of the City of Geneva.

Les parcs de la Ville de Genève

The stunning public parks in Geneva contribute to its reputation, its beauty and its quality of life. Throughout its history, the City has benefited from generous donations totalling almost 310 hectares of parkland, making it the “City of Parks”.

Une personne se promène dans le parc des Eaux-Vives

Walks and bike rides

Discover Geneva on foot or by bike thanks to a series of themed circuits.

The birthplace of luxury watchmaking

Geneva is also known around the world as the symbol of luxury watchmaking. If this long-standing tradition continues to fascinate people passing through and perpetuates this exceptional image, it is primarily because it still calls on a wide range of specialist professions in which precision is absolutely essential. This know-how can be appreciated simply by taking a look at the boutique windows or visiting the specialist museums.

Fascinating culture

Visitors won’t have time to get bored in Geneva! The cultural calendar includes concerts, festivals, theatre, dance and many other events. Furthermore, some sixty art galleries and forty museums offer visitors the chance to discover original exhibitions and rare collections.

Diary: all upcoming cultural events

Museums in Geneva

Geneva is home to numerous public and private museums, art centres and galleries, all striving to outdo each other not only in the sophistication of their displays but also in the acquisition, conservation, and researching of their outstanding exhibits. English-speakers will have no difficulties in enjoying this rich variety of presentations.

Contemporary art in Geneva

Contemporary art in Geneva enjoys a highly-dynamic scene. The City participates through several actions, in particular the work carried out by the FMAC and the cultural institutions which complement the range of art venues and centres.

Theatre in Geneva

The numerous venues in Geneva guarantee a vibrant theatre scene. Old or new, intimate or imposing – the wide range of theatres host a variety of productions to suit every taste.

Offre culturelle pour jeunes et familles

Music, shows, dance, exhibitions, festivals: in Geneva, there is a wide-ranging cultural offer and numerous programmes specifically devoted to young people. The City of Geneva proposes a series of measures facilitating access to culture for a young audience.

Dance in Geneva

Geneva boasts a particularly dynamic choreographic scene thanks to the presence of internationally renowned local dance troupes and to the efforts of the Association pour la danse contemporaine (ADC), which undeniably plays a leading role in this field.

La foule est à l'écoute d'un concert donné sur la scène Ella Fitzgerald

Geneva, city of culture

The City of Geneva boasts an outstandingly rich range of leisure activities. Regardless of whether you are a history buff, nature lover or budding musician, you are sure to be in your element in Geneva. For the City, providing its citizens with this high-quality offering is an absolute priority.

Capital of peace

Geneva hosts the European headquarters of the United Nations and is home to more than 200 international organisations, most of which can be found around the Place des Nations, the site of the impressive “Broken Chair”, a wooden sculpture standing 12 metres high reminding everyone who sees it of the important fight against anti-personnel mines.

Broken Chair

Symbole de l'engagement de Genève dans la lutte contre les mines anti-personnel, Broken Chair - célèbre chaise en bois reposant sur trois pieds - est installée en 1997 sur la Place des Nations.

place avec jets d'eau et au loin grande chaise en bois

Place des Nations

The Place des Nations is the heart of international Geneva. It is the site of the Broken Chair, created by the Geneva-based artist Daniel Berset and a symbol of the fight against anti-personnel mines.

Palais des Nations

A symbol of international Geneva, the Palais de Nations was built between 1929 and 1936 in the Parc de l'Ariana. Since 1966, the Palais has housed the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). It is the most important centre of the organisation after the headquarters in New York.

Le plongeoir des Bains des Pâquis plein de monde.

Summer activities

With the arrival of summer, Geneva showcases its very best assets. Visitors can relax in its magnificent parks, take a dip and enjoy free concerts and festivals at the heart of the city or by the lake shore.

Un couple au coucher du soleil sur un muret vers la plage des Eaux-Vives

Summer in Geneva

With the arrival of the fine weather, snack bars, barbecue areas and deck chairs spring up in the city’s parks. From the different bathing sites to the summer events programme, find all the information you need to enjoy summer in Geneva to the full.

Where to go swimming in Geneva?

Find all the useful information and safety measures for going swimming in Geneva, be it in swimming pools, paddling pools, Lake Geneva or one of the local rivers.

Terrasse de la buvette "Le Cormoran" sur le quai du Mont-Blanc

Summer refreshments bars in Geneva

With the arrival of the fine weather, numerous refreshment stands open their doors in Geneva’s parks. The public can enjoy drinks, snacks, music and entertainment.

Le Pont du Mont-Blanc et l'Ile Rousseau avec les illuminations de Genevalux

Winter activities

In winter, the city can be seen in its very best light thanks to the Geneva Lux Festival which presents original creations from a number of different artists. The disco on ice evenings and the numerous temporary skating rinks that pop up around town, in particular in the Parc des Bastions, add a touch of magic to those relaxing moments. In December, traditions take pride of place with the Escalade Festival and its historic processions. To round the day off in an idyllic setting, savour a delicious fondue aboard a boat.

Winter in Geneva: discover the suggestions of the Geneva Tourist Office

Geneva Lux

Launched in 2014, the Geneva Lux festival presents works of art made of light, created and staged specifically for Geneva by artists from Switzerland and abroad. These luminous creations are presented in the city centre. From 27 January to 5 February 2023.

Des personnes font du patin à glace sur les rives gelées du lac de Genève

Winter in Geneva

From the Geneva Lux festival to the Fête de l’Escalade and the end-of-year festivities, Geneva dons its best suit of lights and is always in festive mood, despite the cold. Discover a selection of indoor and outdoor activities, unusual events or convivial festivals organised throughout the winter in the City of Geneva.

marmite de l'escalade avec légumes en massepain autour

Fête de l'Escalade, a living tradition

A sort of carnival in Geneva, the Fête de l'Escalade is a mixture of tradition, humour and official commemoration. Costumes, chocolate pots and renditions of the Cé qu'è lainô are all part of this festival that brings the different generations together.

Disco sur glace

Chaque hiver, la Ville de Genève vous invite à danser sur la glace de la patinoire des Vernets.

Ice rinks in Geneva

If you’re itching to get your skates on, the Canton of Geneva boasts several indoor and open-air facilities where you can go skating or play ice hockey.

From Geneva with love

Do you really know the places that surround you? More than just postcards, this series of videos sheds a special or unusual light on places that are part of the daily lives of the people of Geneva.

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Heading for autumn!

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Other activities

Information for tourists and people passing through Geneva

Tourists

More events and activities:

Geneva's heritage and monuments

Breathtaking scenery

Bloc aperçu

Guided visits of selected monuments and sites

Les parcs de la Ville de Genève

Walks and bike rides

The birthplace of luxury watchmaking

Fascinating culture

Bloc aperçu

Museums in Geneva

Contemporary art in Geneva

Theatre in Geneva

Offre culturelle pour jeunes et familles

Dance in Geneva

Geneva, city of culture

Capital of peace

Bloc aperçu

Broken Chair

Place des Nations

Palais des Nations

Summer activities

Bloc aperçu

Summer in Geneva

Where to go swimming in Geneva?

Summer refreshments bars in Geneva

Winter activities

Bloc aperçu

Geneva Lux

Winter in Geneva

Fête de l'Escalade, a living tradition

Disco sur glace

Ice rinks in Geneva

From Geneva with love

Useful links

Maps of Geneva

Information desks

Transport

Other information

Useful contacts

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