Geneva
Geneva wraps around the tip of Lake Geneva, with a hilltop old town, the Jet d'Eau fountain and the international quarter of the United Nations.
(opens the tour on Viator in a new tab)The city on foot
Geneva is a French-speaking Swiss city at the south-western end of Lake Geneva, home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross.
The old town on its hill, the lakefront promenades and the Jet d'Eau are all within a short walk of each other.
What makes Geneva distinctive
- The Jet d'Eau fountain
- St Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Wall
- Lakefront promenades
- Swiss chocolate shops
Walking tours in Geneva
Hand-picked guided walks in Geneva, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.
Advertising disclosure: tour links go to Viator. If you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not affect the price you pay or which tours we choose.
Geneva Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (opens Viator in a new tab)
A private walk through Geneva's highlights and hidden corners with a local guide. Tour details: Geneva Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Guided in English, German, French, Spanish
See dates & bookBooked securely on Viator
Award-Winning Geneva Chocolate &Old Town Tour (3h) (opens Viator in a new tab)
A three-hour walk through Geneva's old town with chocolate tastings along the way. Tour details: Award-Winning Geneva Chocolate &Old Town Tour (3h)
Guided in English
See dates & bookBooked securely on Viator
Exclusive Geneva Tour UN Old Town and Hidden Gems (opens Viator in a new tab)
A private four-hour walk through Geneva's old town and the international quarter around the UN. Tour details: Exclusive Geneva Tour UN Old Town and Hidden Gems
Guided in English, Spanish
See dates & bookBooked securely on Viator
Geneva Chocolate & Sweet Delights Walking Tour by Do Eat Better (opens Viator in a new tab)
A two-hour walk tasting Geneva's chocolate and pastries. Tour details: Geneva Chocolate & Sweet Delights Walking Tour by Do Eat Better
Guided in English, French
See dates & bookBooked securely on Viator
Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better (opens Viator in a new tab)
A food walk through Geneva's old town tasting Swiss specialities. Tour details: Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better
Guided in English, French
See dates & bookBooked securely on Viator
By theme: Food tours in Geneva · History walks in Geneva
Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks
More walking tours on GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide sells many of the same walks and some that Viator doesn't. Their list for Geneva is chosen and ranked by GetYourGuide, not by us.
Search Geneva on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
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Main sights
- St Pierre Cathedral
A cathedral where Calvin preached, with towers you can climb.
Tickets and tours on GetYourGuide for St Pierre Cathedral (opens in a new tab) - Reformation Wall
A long monument to the leaders of the Reformation in Parc des Bastions.
Tickets and tours on GetYourGuide for Reformation Wall (opens in a new tab) - Jet d'Eau
A fountain that shoots water about 140 m into the air.
Tickets and tours on GetYourGuide for Jet d'Eau (opens in a new tab) - Place du Bourg-de-Four
The old town's oldest square, lined with cafés.
Tickets and tours on GetYourGuide for Place du Bourg-de-Four (opens in a new tab) - Palais des Nations
The UN's European headquarters, with the Broken Chair sculpture outside.
Tickets and tours on GetYourGuide for Palais des Nations (opens in a new tab)
Ticket links are affiliate links: if you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Neighbourhoods worth wandering
- Old Town (Vieille Ville)
Cobbled lanes on the hill.
- Pâquis
A lively, multicultural district by the lake.
- Carouge
A Sardinian-built town with an Italian feel.
Lake to old town
A free self-guided walk in Geneva, from the Jet d'Eau through the Jardin Anglais and up to the cathedral and Parc des Bastions.
See the walkBest areas to explore on foot
- Lakefront
From the Jardin Anglais to the Bains des Pâquis.
- Old Town
Up the lanes to the cathedral.
- Parc des Bastions
Under the Reformation Wall.
Practical walking notes
- Terrain
The old town sits on a hill; the lakefront is flat.
- Costs
Geneva is expensive; many museums are free.
- Transport card
Hotel guests get a free public transport card.
When to visit
- Summer
Warm, with swimming in the lake.
- Spring and autumn
Mild and quieter.
- Winter
Cold, with the bise wind off the lake.
Getting there and getting around
Arriving
- By air
Geneva Airport is seven minutes from the centre by train.
- By rail
Trains run to Lausanne, Bern, Zurich and Lyon.
Local transport
- Trams and buses
Cover the city.
- Mouettes
Little yellow boats cross the lake.
Questions travellers ask about Geneva
How many days do I need?
Two days for the city and the lake.
Is Geneva walkable?
Yes; the main sights are close together.
Can I visit the UN?
Guided tours of the Palais des Nations run on most weekdays; bring photo ID.
Other cities in Switzerland
Zurich
A lakeside old town of guild houses and chocolate
Discover the city
Lucerne
Wooden bridges below the Alps
Discover the city
Basel
Art and the Rhine
Discover the city
Bern
Arcades and a clock tower
Discover the citySwitzerland
Lakeside old towns and chocolate shops
Explore destinationsSources and review date
- Geneva, Wikipedia (accessed 2026-10-28)
- Geneva, Wikivoyage (accessed 2026-10-28)