HOW TO EXPLORE GENEVA IN ONE DAY
If you plan to spend one day in Geneva, this post is for you. With this Geneva itinerary, you can find out about the best things to do in 1 day plus some travel tips for your Geneva trip.
Geneva, a global city nestled at the southern tip of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), is renowned for its breathtaking Alpine scenery and vibrant cultural scene. It’s the European headquarters of the United Nations and home to a multitude of international organizations, embodying a rich history of diplomacy and diversity.
Geneva is one of the most unique places to visit in Switzerland. It is completely different from the rest of the country – Geneva actually does not even feel like Switzerland at all.
Is this bad or good you might be wondering! Well, that depends. I often visit Geneva for a day or two and I am happy to share my tips for first-time visitors to Geneva.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR ONE DAY IN GENEVA
Before diving into the 1-day Geneva itinerary, here are some tips for your trip. If you’re not sure what to take with you on your Geneva trip, check out my packing list for Switzerland.
How to Get to Geneva
- PLANE: Geneva has an international airport – Geneva Airport – so you can arrive by plane from almost anywhere, though it is not as big as Zurich´s airport.
- CAR: One of my favorite ways to explore Geneva is part of a Switzerland road trip. Though Geneva is not centrally located – it is in the very southwest of Switzerland – it is great to include in a road trip.
- PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Alternatively, you can reach the city by train, bus, or boat. Switzerland’s public transportation is amazing and you can hop on a train and enjoy the ride from places like Zurich or Lucerne (or any other city in Switzerland).
How to Get Around
Most sights mentioned here are close to each other, so you can just walk. However, you might need public transportation in some cases. Public transportation in Geneva is good.
If you stay in a hotel, youth hostel, or at a campsite, you will get a personal and non-transferable Geneva Transport Card. This allows you to use the whole public transportation system of Geneva for the length of your stay for free. This includes buses, trams, trains, and yellow taxi-boats.
GENEVA PASS
You can get around Geneva with a Geneva Pass. This will give you access to free transportation for 24 hours while allowing you to visit over 50 attractions (and you’ll save some money while doing so).
➡️ Check out the prices for the Geneva Pass here.
SWISS TRAVEL PASS
If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, you can use public transportation in Geneva – including boats – for free. I highly recommend the Swiss Travel Pass, if you also visit other destinations and will use public transport more often throughout your Switzerland trip.
➡️ Check out prices for the amazing Swiss Travel Pass here.
Where to Stay
You can see a large portion of Geneva’s attractions in one day. But if you want a little more time to experience this stunning Swiss city, it might be worth extending your stay.
$$$ – Hotel Beau Rivage is located in the heart of the city, on the shores of Lake Geneva. ➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOTEL BEAU RIVAGE HERE
$$ – Hotel Manotel N’vY is located close to Lake Geneve, it is a colorful and stylish hotel that makes a perfect base for your trip to Geneva. ➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOTEL N’VY MANOTEL HERE
Tip: If you stay in an official hotel, hostel, or campsite you get a Transport Card that will allow you to use public transportation for free.
- For more general Switzerland travel tips, check out this post.
Language in Geneva
Geneva is located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, and French is the main language. However, there are four official languages in Switzerland, and people learn German in school.
I realized, like in France, that locals do not like talking in other languages, though. If needed, you will get around with German or English (especially because Geneva is a city of international organizations). Still, it might not be bad to learn a few French words.
MORE TIPS
If you visit Geneva in the winter, check out my winter guide. If you are in general wondering about the best time to visit Switzerland, check out my “When to visit Switzerland” post.
PLACES TO VISIT IN GENEVA IN ONE DAY
I am aware that not everyone loves Geneva. Geneva is different from the rest of Switzerland. It doesn’t feel Swiss – personally, I love Geneva. It is not my favorite Swiss city but still worth a trip.
Geneva is considered a global hub for diplomacy but there’s also plenty to do for tourists. One day in Geneva is enough time to see the most exciting attractions in this incredibly clean and well-maintained city.
Palais des Nations / United Nations Headquarters
Start your day at the United Nations Headquarters. The headquarters are not located directly in the city center of Geneva but north of it.
Switzerland is known for its neutrality, so it makes sense that the United Nations offices are located in Geneva. Throughout the year, thousands of meetings between global governments take place in conference rooms.
However, it’s also open for guided tours in an array of different languages. The tours usually last around an hour and the parts of the building you’ll see will depend on any meetings taking place.
One of the highlights of the tour is the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room. This room was decorated by Spanish artist Miquel Barcelò and is absolutely magnificent. Look up and be awestruck by the brightly painted ceiling.
You’ll also be able to see the largest room in the building, The Assembly Hall, and The Salles des Pas Perdus, the main concourse of the Palais.
If you’re lucky, the tour will take you to The Council Chamber where many paramount historical negotiations have occurred. In this room, you’ll also find gold and sepia murals created by Catalan painter, José Maria Sert.
Outside, you will find the Broken Chair which was made in 1997 – standing at a height of 12 meters. This work of art has been dominating the Place des Nations and it has a simple message: to remember the victims of landmines and to urge governments to promote a ban on landmines.
TOURS/ACTIVITIES
International Committee of the Red Cross
From there, you can walk to the International Museum of the Red Cross. The International Committee of the Red Cross houses an incredible museum that is largely considered one of the best in Geneva.
The permanent exhibition takes you on a moving journey through the experiences of people throughout history. It documents some of the important work done by the Red Cross over the past 150 years.
In the museum, you’ll explore three major challenges facing the world, including Defending Human Dignity, Restoring Family Links, and Reducing Natural Risks. The Red Crescent Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase current humanitarian efforts
A trip to the Red Cross is a worthwhile experience that’ll show you the best and worst of mankind. Parts of the exhibition are quite shocking, so it might not be ideal for young kids or sensitive viewers.
Lake Geneva (and the Jet d’Eau)
From there, take public transportation or your car and get to Lake Geneva (it is about 4 kilometers).
One of my favorite activities is strolling Lake Geneva. Not only is this the largest lake in Central Europe but it’s also one of the most beautiful. Amateur and professional photographers will be captivated by the sparkling waters.
The lake’s most impressive feature is the enormous fountain that spouts water 140 meters (460 feet) into the air, the Jet d’Eau. It’s one of the city’s most famous landmarks and is one of the tallest fountains in the world.
Make sure you go all the way to Mont Blanc Bridge. The watercolor is extremely beautiful there, and you often have some local swans you can say hello to.
The best way to experience the lake and the awe-inspiring landscape of Geneva is from the water. With an hour-long boat tour of Lake Geneva, you’ll be able to see everything up close, including the Jet d’Eau.
If you have more than one day, you could do longer boat tours (I have a ridiculous thing for boat trips, so I have done the long tours which take hours) and cruise the whole lake. You can buy single tickets or take advantage of your Swiss Travel Pass, where boat cruises on Lake Geneva are included.
Tip: It might be time for lunch, so I recommend looking for a nice spot where you can have lunch with a Lake Geneva view.
TOURS/ACTIVITIES
Then it is time to explore the old town of Geneva.
A trip to Geneva would be incomplete without visiting the Old Town. This part of the city is filled with interesting buildings and squares that’ll lure you in. Along the maze of small streets, you’ll find some boutique stores and cozy restaurants.
The Old Town (or Vieille Ville) is filled with places to visit, including the Maison Tavel, a museum that commemorates Geneva’s history. You’ll also be able to see the luxurious Hotel de Ville and the Old Arsenal, five interesting cannons that were used up until the 19th century.
Within Geneva’s Old Town, you’ll also find St. Pierre’s Cathedral. Founded in the 4th century, this stunning historical site took over a century to build and is worth a visit.
You will also find many cafes and restaurants and could have your dinner here. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or avid shopper, Geneva’s Old Town will keep you busy.
Tip: Make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes to walk in, as the Old Town has many cobbled streets and uphill roads.
Or take an Old Town Segway tour which will save you a little time (and blisters) while allowing you to experience a lot more.
Reformation Wall
Next to the St. Pierre Cathedral, you will find one of Geneva’s most famous landmarks: The International Monument to the Reformation, more commonly known as the Reformation Wall is one of the top places to visit in Geneva. However, you need to do a slight downhill walk and if you are short on time, you might want to skip it.
Geneva was one of the key places during the Reformation that took Europe by storm in the 1500s.
This gigantic wall features some of Geneva’s most famous reformers, namely John Calvin, Theodore Beza, John Knox, and William Farel. These four figures played an integral role in the revolution. It’s conveniently located close to Old Town and is perfect for a quick stop – especially because it is in a park area – perfect for some time to relax.
Near the Reformation Wall, you’ll also find The International Museum of the Reformation. This is a great place to learn more about the history of Geneva. It’s also an incredible photo opportunity.
To end the day, I recommend heading back to Lake Geneva and watching the sunset there.
Sunsets as Lake Geneva
Sitting by the lake, and watching the sunset is a wonderful activity to end your day and relax. Depending on the weather, get a drink and some snacks and enjoy it on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN GENEVA
If you happen to stay 2 days in Geneva, I recommend doing some day trips. You could either hop on a train or on a boat and visit beautiful places at Lake Geneva.
➡️ Montreux is a perfect day trip as is the little town of Yvoire – which lies in France and can be best reached by boat.
➡️ You can also do a day trip to stunning Annecy – which is probably one of the most beautiful towns in France and quite close to Geneva.
➡️ A day trip to Chamonix and Mont Blanc is a great option – it is still on my own bucket list though.
➡️ Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva – learn and taste the delicious Swiss chocolate.
➡️ Full-Day Trip to Riviera Col du Pillon & Glacier 3000
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST GENEVA 1-DAY ITINERARY
Geneva is an interesting and fun city to visit in Switzerland – though it surely is not THE top place to see in the country, it has many beautiful places. Especially for those who are into politics, and history – or watches – Geneva is a must-visit.
So, with one day in Geneva, you will have enough time to check out the main attractions, and if you can add a day and stay 2 days, even better.
Stay safe and enjoy!