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Planning a trip to Geneva, Switzerland? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve explored the best of Geneva, from its rich history to its breathtaking natural landscapes. Now, we’re here to help you make the most of your visit with our guide to the top things to do. In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about the most exciting activities Geneva has to offer.
Whether you want to indulge in world-famous Swiss chocolate, visit the iconic United Nations headquarters, explore the charming Old City, or take a day trip to Mont Blanc, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to start planning an unforgettable Swiss adventure!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE experience in Geneva was this chocolate tour! We visited multiple artisan chocolate shops to sample delicious treats. The tour includes guaranteed skip-the-line entry, sightseeing, and even a boat ride across Lake Geneva.
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Geneva, Switzerland
- 1. See Geneva’s top sights, including the UN and the Old City on a private tour
- 2. Dive into the famous Swiss Chocolate scene on a tasting tour
- 3. Experience Geneva’s iconic fondue and wine in a tuk tuk
- 4. Take a private cruise on Lake Geneva
- 5. Visit the highest peak in the Alps – Mont Blanc
- 6. Taste cheese in Gruyere, Switzerland
- 7. Explore the Swiss countryside town of Montreux and see Chillon Castle
- 8. Eat your way around Geneva
- 9. Take a day trip to the charming French town of Annecy
- Where to Stay in Geneva, Switzerland
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Geneva, Switzerland
1. See Geneva’s top sights, including the UN and the Old City on a private tour
- Duration: 4 – 5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: Seeing multiple UN agencies, views of the Alps, shopping for chocolate and Swiss Army knives, Jet d’Eau, strolling through the Old City, Broken Chair Sculpture, Place de Neuve, Reformation Wall, Banc de la Treille, Place du Molard, Cathedrale Saint-Pierre, the Flower Clock, National Monument
- Inclusions: Local guide, private transport, bottled water, guided walk through the Old City
- Rating: 5 stars (check 55+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
For us, this private sightseeing tour was the perfect way to get to know Geneva. We were transported around in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with our knowledgeable guide, Augusto, who made us fall in love with the city.
We were fascinated to see so many United Nations buildings and monuments. The Broken Chair sculpture, which is a tribute to landmine victims, was especially moving. We were also fascinated to learn more about the UN and its history from Augusto.
One of the highlights of the tour was the stop in Chambésy, where we enjoyed a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps. Then, we visited Manor Genève to indulge in Swiss chocolate and shop for Swiss Army knives at Victorinox. If you’ve ever wanted a Swiss Army knife, this is THE place to purchase one.
We also found the Old City to be very impressive. We really enjoyed the guided walk through the area, from the Reformation Wall to the grand Saint-Pierre Cathedral. A surprise favorite stop of ours was the Banc de la Treille, which is the world’s longest wooden bench. Sitting on it and looking out at the Parc des Bastions was a simple but memorable moment!
We wrapped up the tour with a visit to the Flower Clock in Jardin Anglais Park. By the end of the experience, we felt like we knew Geneva a lot better, so it was 100% worth doing. We highly recommend booking this tour for your first day here!
You can book this tour here, with FREE cancellation!
2. Dive into the famous Swiss Chocolate scene on a tasting tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Departures between 9 am – 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Seeing famous sites like Lake Geneva and Jet d’Eau, scenic boat crossing, visiting five different artisan chocolate stops, sampling lots of sweet treats
- Inclusions: Professional guide, guided walking tour, boat crossing, skip-the-line entry to chocolate shops, over a dozen chocolate samples
- Rating: 5 stars (check 2,600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
I have a huge sweet tooth, so of course I had to indulge in this Swiss chocolate tour while I was in Geneva.
With over 2,500 five-star reviews (which you can read here), it’s one of the most popular experiences in the city, and for good reason! This means it sells out fast, so be sure to book in advance.
From the very first stop, I was blown away by the quality of Swiss chocolate. Our guide, Paul, was super knowledgeable and shared lots of fascinating info about Geneva’s chocolate-making history. He took us to five different chocolatiers as well as one pastry shop, where we got to sample over a dozen different treats. I’m talking about rich pralines, truffles, and even an award-winning chocolate cake – yum!
The tour was about more than just chocolate, though. It was also a fantastic way to explore Geneva. We got to walk through the charming Old Town and took a quick, scenic boat ride to cross Lake Geneva.
For me, the highlight of the tour was participating in the local tradition of smashing a chocolate cauldron full of Marmite. It was so much fun, and I loved learning about how this quirky custom came to be.
You really can’t go to Geneva without stuffing your face full of delicious Swiss chocolate, so this tour is an absolute must-do as far as I’m concerned. I loved it!
Book this tour here with FREE cancellation, before it sells out!
3. Experience Geneva’s iconic fondue and wine in a tuk tuk
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Tours available between 11 am – 9 pm
- Highlights: Touring Geneva in an electric tuk tuk, enjoying a glass of wine and Gruyere fondue along the way, live commentary, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks, private experience
- Inclusions: Tuk tuk transport, private guide, glass of wine, Gruyere fondue, customizable experience
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 65+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Geneva on this tuk tuk tour while indulging in wine and Swiss fondue is a sightseeing experience we’ll never forget! This private tour was a delicious and novel way to see the city’s highlights while enjoying one of Switzerland’s most iconic dishes.
Our electric tuk tuk glided through the charming streets of Geneva, and we were able to customize the itinerary to ensure we got to see the sights we were most interested in. We cruised past Lake Geneva, stopped at the Broken Chair sculpture, and saw the Old City while our guide, Carlos, shared fascinating insights about the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
Of course, the best part was savoring warm, gooey Gruyere fondue right there in the tuk tuk. The fondue was rich and creamy, not to mention perfectly paired with our welcome glass of Swiss wine. We had the option to purchase a full bottle on the day which we ended up doing because, well, why not?
This tour combines sightseeing with local flavors, and it ended up being a really romantic experience for us. Geneva is a stunning city, and we think that this tour is the ultimate way to take it all in.
Check availability and book this tour here!
4. Take a private cruise on Lake Geneva
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 12 pm, 4 pm, or 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Open boat, 360-degree views of Lake Geneva, seeing the Alps on the horizon, chance to swim in the lake, music and aperitif on board
- Inclusions: Boat ride, aperitif, friendly crew, snacks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Hands down the best way to experience Lake Geneva is to sail across it on this open boat tour! We loved the 360-degree views of the lake and its surroundings, and we had so much fun admiring the facades of Geneva’s luxury hotels, as well as the Alps in the distance.
As we cruised along, our guide, Julien, offered insightful commentary about Geneva’s history and landmarks. We also enjoyed an aperitif and some snacks along the way. Julien actually contacted us the day before the tour to ask us about our drinks preferences, which added a personal touch.
During the summer months, the water in Lake Geneva can be warm enough to go swimming in, although it’s not exactly like bathwater! We decided to stay on the boat and just enjoy the views, but wear your bathing suit if you’d like to take the plunge.
There was also music on board, which created a fun atmosphere. Plus, it’s a private tour, so we really felt like VIPs as we glided over the surface of the lake.
For us, this is the ideal way to spend an afternoon or evening in Geneva, whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or your partner. It sells out fast during the summer months, though, so don’t wait too long to book this cruise! There’s free 24-hour cancellation, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
Check availability and reserve your spot here!
5. Visit the highest peak in the Alps – Mont Blanc
- Duration: 8 – 9 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Panoramic views from the Aiguille du Midi peak, exploring Chamonix, visiting the largest glacier in France, scenic cable car and mountain train rides
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned transport, cable car ride (if selected), mountain train tickets (if selected), local guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 140+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Visiting the French Alps from Geneva is a must, and this full-day guided tour makes it so easy. The mountain scenery was just breathtaking, and our guide, Nils, was a fountain of knowledge about the area.
Just FYI, when booking this tour, the full-day guided option is the way to go. It ensures that you get the full Alps experience without the hassle of organizing separate tickets or navigating logistics.
We absolutely loved riding the cable car to Aiguille du Midi. The views of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Grand Jorasses were absolutely spectacular. We felt like we were on top of the world! Then, we had some free time to explore the charming Alpine town of Chamonix, and ended up grabbing lunch at a cute local restaurant.
The adventure didn’t stop there, though. In the afternoon, we took the historic cogwheel train up to Mer de Glace, which is the largest glacier in France. We even got to explore the famous ice caves here, which is a surreal experience that you just cannot miss!
This tour is an amazing (and effortless) way to discover the incredible scenery of the French Alps. We had so much fun, and would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t have time for an overnight stay in the area.
Secure your spot on this tour here with the option to buy now, pay later!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Taste cheese in Gruyere, Switzerland
- Duration: 8 – 9 hours
- Time: 9 am – 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Sightseeing tour of Gruyere, tasting fine cheese and chocolate, visiting Gruyere Castle, tasty lunch at the House of Gruyere
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, audio headset, admission to the cheese and chocolate factories, admission to Gruyere Castle
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Fine cheese, rich chocolate, and breathtaking Swiss landscapes – what’s not to love about this full-day tour to Gruyere? This tour was a true delight for the senses, and we had a blast!
We traveled from Geneva to Gruyere in a comfortable SUV, so we were able to sit back and just enjoy the picturesque Swiss countryside. The first stop of the day was La Maison du Gruyere, where we learned about the cheesemaking process and sampled different ages of Gruyere cheese. I swear, each one was more delicious than the last!
Next up, we explored the medieval town itself, which was straight out of a fairytale. We visited the Gruyere Castle, which is set on a hilltop and offers incredible views of the Alps. We also had a chance to enjoy an authentic Swiss lunch at the House of Gruyere. This was on our own account, but we got to indulge in fondue, raclette, and rösti, so it was totally worth it!
Of course, no trip to Gruyeres would be complete without a visit to Maison Cailler, Switzerland’s legendary chocolate factory. We took an interactive tour as we learned more about Cailler, which has been in business since 1825. Best of all, we got to enjoy unlimited chocolate tastings – how cool is that?
Eating cheese and chocolate is one of the best reasons to travel to Switzerland, so make sure you don’t miss out on this tour. We were in heaven!
Book this tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
7. Explore the Swiss countryside town of Montreux and see Chillon Castle
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Steamboat cruise, seeing the International Olympic Committee HQ, exploring Chaplin’s World, visiting Lavaux, tasting local cheese and wine, guided tour of Vevey, visiting Nestlé headquarters, steamer boat ride across Lake Geneva (summer only), visiting Château de Chillon, exploring Montreux
- Inclusions: Bus transport, Lake Geneva cruise (summer only), local guide, entry fees, bottled water
- Rating: 4.3 stars (check 165+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We couldn’t pass up the chance to explore the Swiss countryside while we were in Geneva. And since we booked this tour, we also got to go to Chaplin’s World and visit the beautiful Chillon Castle. It was the perfect combination of history and scenery!
In the morning, we boarded a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan and journeyed through the Swiss countryside towards Lausanne. We even paused at the Olympic headquarters and learned about how Lausanne became the home of the International Olympic Committee.
Our first major stop was Chaplin’s World in Vevey. It’s dedicated to the life and legacy of Charlie Chaplin, and we learned so much about his life and influential career. Then, we ventured into the Lavaux vineyards, where we took a break to enjoy some local wine and cheese. It was so yummy, and the views were breathtaking!
Afterward, we boarded an old steamboat for a cruise across Lake Geneva. This experience is only available between June-September, so if you’re visiting during that time then we highly recommend upgrading to the 1st class steamboat ride. It added some extra luxury to our experience!
The cruise brought us to Chillon Castle, where we had a guided tour through the opulent chambers, learning about its fascinating history. It was so beautiful! Then, we had time to explore Montreux and shop before heading back to Geneva. Honestly, this tour is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the Swiss Riviera in all its glory!
Check prices and book this tour here!
8. Eat your way around Geneva
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: Guided walking tour, trying local flavors and artisan favorites, discovering hidden foodie gems, visiting quirky city sights and viewpoints, seeing Geneva’s oldest house, sipping local wine
- Inclusions: Local guide, all food tastings, wine tasting
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 65+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
We loved this Geneva food tour because it was the ideal blend of gastronomy and sightseeing. It really helped us to get off the beaten tourist track and see the city through the eyes of a local, which is always something that we appreciate. Just be sure to book the Geneva option!
The tour was full of delicious surprises. We tasted an array of local cheeses, as well as honey, tapenade, and fresh pastries. At each spot we visited, we also got to chat with the owners and hear the stories behind their artisanal creations. Best of all, we got to sample some local wines, which was a real treat!
Beyond the food, we also got to climb to the top of Saint Pierre Cathedral to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Geneva. Our guide, Val, also took us to lots of local spots and showed us some lesser-known historical sites that we might have missed otherwise. She even gave us some fantastic recommendations for restaurants to visit during the rest of our time in Geneva, and they proved to be spot-on.
We highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to explore beyond the touristy highlights. It’s the ideal way to taste local flavors and see an authentic side of the city.
Hungry? Grab your spot on this food tour here!
9. Take a day trip to the charming French town of Annecy
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Guided tour of the “Venice of the Alps”, exploring the cobbled streets and colorful houses, visiting Palais de l’Isle and Château Annecy, strolling along Lake Annecy, free time to explore at your leisure
- Inclusions: Return coach transport, guide, guided walking tour of Annecy
- Rating: 4.3 stars (check 300+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Did you know that Annecy is known as “the Venice of the Alps”? We booked this day trip wanting to know more, and sure enough, this stunning little city is teeming with postcard-perfect scenes.
We kicked off the visit with a walking tour through the Old Town, where we explored landmarks like Palais de l’Isle, a medieval castle perched on a tiny island within the lake. It looks like it belongs in a fairytale, although we were interested to learn that it has also been a prison and a courthouse during its 800-year existence.
We then ventured up to the Château d’Annecy, a hilltop castle that offers sweeping views of the town and Lake Annecy. We learned about the region’s history from the museum inside, and then we strolled along the lake’s edge. The blue waters and surrounding snow-capped Alps made us feel like we were dreaming!
Finally, we had free time to explore the colorful streets and enjoy some delicious French food. I highly recommend visiting some local markets and cafes. Annecy has so much to offer!
Whether you love history, beautiful scenery, or just enjoying a relaxing day in an Alpine town, this tour is perfect. We found that it was a great blend of guided exploration and free time to enjoy Annecy at our own pace.
Book this tour here with FREE cancellation!
Where to Stay in Geneva, Switzerland
Now that you’ve planned out your Geneva itinerary, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel with stunning lake views, a mid-range stay in the city center, or a budget-friendly option, I’ve got you covered. To help make your decision easier, here are my top picks for every budget!
Luxury – $$$
Hotel de la Cigogne is a luxurious stay in the heart of Geneva, offering an elegant escape just steps from the city’s top attractions. This 5-star boutique hotel features beautifully decorated rooms with antique furnishings and modern comforts. Guests can enjoy an on-site gourmet restaurant, exceptional service, and an unbeatable location near the famous Jet d’Eau and the shopping streets of Rue du Rhône.
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually start around €500 per night. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Ruby Claire Hotel is a stylish and modern mid-range option in the heart of the city. This boutique hotel offers sleek, minimalist rooms with smart technology and cozy touches, perfect for a comfortable stay. Guests can unwind at the hotel’s trendy rooftop terrace or grab a drink at the bar, all while being within walking distance of Geneva’s top attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Prices usually range between €160 – €300 per night and you can book your stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Geneva Hostel is a fantastic budget-friendly stay set in a historic 19th-century building in a central location, just a short walk from Lake Geneva. It offers both private rooms and dorms, plus great amenities like free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and an on-site restaurant serving Swiss cuisine in the evenings. A great choice for travelers looking for comfort and convenience without breaking the bank!
Private rooms usually start at around €140 per night and dorm beds are around €50. You can reserve your room here on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Geneva here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
That concludes our guide to the best things to do in Geneva! We were so glad we added this city to our European travels and I hope that you have an amazing time exploring it too. From chocolate to cheese to historic sights, there’s something around every corner here!
For more travel guides and tips, check out our full blog here or our Europe section. I’ve also picked out a few blogs below for nearby destinations you may want to visit after Geneva!
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