Famed for its diplomacy, Geneva has a lot more to offer tourists. There’s a lot to see, do, and discover in Switzerland’s second-populous city. So much so that you need to bring a travel companion with you. The beautiful natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture are great experiences to share with someone else.
If you’re wondering what we’re on about, stay put as we guide you through Geneva’s attractions. You and your travel companion are sure to have a memorable experience.
10 Reasons to Visit Geneva With a Travel Companion
1. Jet D’Eau and Other Iconic Attractions
Geneva is home to many natural and man-made attractions. They’re located in different parts of the city and provide perfect spots for instagrammable photos. You can start with the Jet d’Eau; a massive water jet landmark on Lake Geneva. It shoots out 500 litres of water at 200km/h and rises to as high as 140 metres (460 ft).
Next is the spectacular joining of the Arve and Rhone rivers—Viaduc de la Jonction. The colour contrast of the two rivers when they come into contact is a sight to behold.
The Ferris wheel is another must-see attraction, followed by unique and gorgeous architectural structures like the Schtroumph buildings, the Hans-Wilsdorf Bridge, and the United Nations Headquarters.
2. Learn the History and Technology of Timepieces
Geneva is synonymous with watchmaking artistry and technology. Therefore, if you want to learn know and learn more about horology, drop by the city and go to Patek Philippe Museum. Therein lies 500 years of watch history. You’ll find antique collections dating as far back as the 1500s.
Some companies, like Initium Watches, conduct workshops where a master watchmaker shows the audience how to disassemble and reassemble watch mechanisms.
3. Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is the heart and soul of Geneva. Its crystal clear turquoise water and the surrounding landscape are reason enough to visit the city. Actually, you can focus your entire visit on the lake, and it won’t be enough to exhaust the exciting activities and panoramic views. Here’s what to expect when you go to the lake.
- Pristine swimming spots.
- Water sports like scuba diving and water skiing.
- Évian mineral water straight from the source.
- Access to charming medieval towns like Yvoire on the French side.
- Beautiful beaches where you can sunbathe during the summer.
- Boat rides that take you around the picturesque shores.
- A barbeque area and enough space for picnics.
4. Visit the Old Town
Cobblestone streets, beautiful medieval architecture, interesting antique shops, and a nostalgic atmosphere are some of the allures of the old town. The place has a totally different experience. It’s like walking into Geneva’s past.
Here, you’ll find the Maison Tavel (the oldest house in Geneva), the 800-year-old Saint Peter’s Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, the Chapel of Maccabees, and many more historical sites.
If you and your travel companion enjoy history, the old town has lots of it. A tour of the area will lead to interesting factual discoveries about ancient Geneva, first-hand.
5. Shopping
Geneva has made a name for itself as the cradle of prestigious boutiques and shops. It’s home to big-name brands like Rolex, Cartier, and Mont Blanc. Therefore, feel free to visit if you want to enjoy a luxurious shopping experience. There’s an endless supply of quality, high-end products.
6. Experience Diverse Cultures
The cosmopolitan appeal of Geneva is another good reason to visit the city. Thanks to the many international organizations headquartered in the city, you’ll be exposed to people from multiple cultures. Also, Geneva’s close proximity to France, Germany, and Italy factors into the cultural blend.
You’re likely to hear different languages while walking around and encounter bold menus with diverse cuisines in restaurants during your tour. These make Geneva a welcoming place for almost everybody.
7. Chocolate
It’s almost impossible to mention Geneva and not talk about their world-famous chocolates. A visit to the city means you can sample and learn about different chocolate flavours and creations from various chocolatiers.
8. Lots of Classic Wine
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or drink a glass or two occasionally, Geneva is where you should go to sample exquisite wines—most of which aren’t available outside Switzerland. Your taste buds will thank you for the treat.
Where to start? Book a guided tour to a vineyard and winery on an electric tuk-tuk. The ride to the countryside passes extensive tracts of beautiful vineyards. Your guide will take you to a couple of the 80 wineries around Geneva, where you’ll learn a lot about winemaking before tasting some of their exclusive productions.
9. Museums
If you love museums, you have more than 35 reasons to visit Geneva. There’s a museum for almost everything; be it archaeology, natural history, sports, or contemporary art. Check out some of the notable ones below.
- International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
- CERN
- Modern Art Museum
- International Museum of Reformation
- Marionette Museum
- Ariana Museum
- Olympic Museum
- Art and History Museum
- Carouge Museum
10. Your Gateway to the Swiss and French Alps
Lastly, Geneva can be a good starting point for a tour headed towards the Swiss and French alps. It only takes a few minutes to drive and cross over to the french side. In fact, if you’re running on a tight budget, you can get affordable accommodation on the french side and only travel to Geneva to visit the attractions listed above.
