The Best Places to See in Geneva

When the beauty of nature is added to Geneva, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the city offers a visual feast with its rich architecture and history. With its 4,000-year history, it preserves the history of Geneva as a whole in museums, monuments and architecture. While traveling to the past in the ancient Old Town of Geneva, you can rest in the parks and gardens when you get tired by visiting many museums in the city. The fact that the headquarters of many international organizations (CERN, World Health Organization, UEFA, FIFA, UN) are here makes Geneva a cultural city worldwide. Geneva is a route where you can experience the combination of culture, history and nature.

After enjoying the city center, Pierre Cathedral, Reform Monument and Reform Museum, English Garden and Flower Clock, Neuve Square, United Nations Building, CERN Laboratory, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, Broken Chair Monument, Adriana Museum You can visit the Natural History Museum, Art and History Museum, Patek Philippe Museum, The Old Town, Rousseau Island.

1. St. Pierre Cathedral

St. Pierre Cathedral is famous for being the oldest and most impressive structure that rises above the Old City. It has a romanesque and gothic architectural structure. It was built in the 16th century. The Cathedral has its own unique charm. On the lower floor there is an archaeological excavation site that tells the lives of people living in Switzerland and Geneva. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the tower of the Cathedral. Entrance to the cathedral is free. If you want to go up to the tower, you have to pay 4 CHF. The cathedral can be visited from Monday to Saturday from 10.30 to 17.00, and from Sunday to 12.30 to 17.30.

***For more information —>St. Pierre Cathedral Geneva Switzerland

2. Jet d ‘Eau

Jet d’Eau fountain, which became the symbol of Geneva, rises up to 140 meters. This fountain, which creates a perfect view, was built in 1891 not as an aesthetic appearance, but as a safety valve for the hydraulic water network located on the Rhone River. It was turned into a fountain when it was liked by people. Great photos come out when lit in the evening.

3. Reform Monument and Reform Museum

Although this monument in the garden of the University of Geneva looks like a decorative design, it was built in memory of those who lived in the Protestant Reform movements in 1909. The wall also had a more imposing appearance with the giant sculptures of William Farrel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza and John Knox. Information about that period was also presented in the Reform Museum near the wall. You can visit this museum, which tells about the history of the reform, from 10.00 to 17.00 on other days except Monday. Entrance fees are CHF 10 for adults and CHF 7 for students.

4. Jardin Anglais and Flower Clock

Jardin Anglais, one of the places you should definitely see, was first built in 1854 and is famous for being the first English-style park in Geneva. It contains countless beauties in it. The most special one is the Flower Clock, which has become the symbol of the city. The watch, which was made for the first time in 1955, was renewed by the Patek Philippe brand in recent years. It is an amazing beauty consisting of approximately 6,500 flowers and plants that show us the time with the solar energy changing according to the seasonal flowers.

5. Neuve Square

Neuve Square is the place considered as the art center of Geneva. It is in the middle of theater, concert halls and art education centers. There is a statue of General Guillaume Henri Dufour who lived in Neuve Square between 1787-1875. Henri Dufour, who was a professor of engineering in addition to his generality, gave the maps of the Swiss Mountains to their final shape.

There are 4 buildings in Neuvo Square that will draw your attention with its architectural structure and history between 1825-1893. These; The Grand Theater is the Geneva Music Conservatory, Raht Museum and Victoria Concert Hall.

6. United Nations Building

If you want to visit the United Nations Building. You should have your identity with you. You can visit the UN Building with a guide.
Visiting Days and Hours
From September to March, you can visit Monday to Friday between 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-16.00, between April-June, Monday to Saturday between 10.30-12.00 and 14.30-16.00, and between July and August between 10.00-16.00. 12 CHF for adults, 10 CHF for students, the elderly and the disabled, 10 CHF for groups of at least 20 people, 7 CHF for those under the age of 18. It’s free for kids.

7. CERN Laboratory

Founded in 1954 with the participation of 12 countries, CERN; it is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. Currently, there are 21 members and 2 candidates. You can visit CERN, which is on the France-Switzerland border, during your trip and get information about the basic structure of the universe.

8. International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Founded in 1863, ICRC has been helping victims and victims of violence in wars since its establishment. The museum consists of three sections. It also offers its visitors how it was established in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, what they have been doing since its establishment, their help with photos and documents. The museum is closed on Mondays. It can be visited from 10.00 to 18.00 from April to October and from 10.00 to 17.00 from November to March. The entrance fee is 7 CHF.

9. Broken Chair Monument

The 12-meter-long monument, weighing 5.5 tons, is located in Nations Square in 1997 by Daniel Berset. It was built in memory of victims of land mines, who lost their feet due to mines in the war.

10. Adriana Museum

It was built in 1877 by Gustave Revillioad. It is located in the Adriana Park. It is open to visitors every day of the week except Tuesday. Entrance is free. It includes the International Academy of Glass and Ceramics.

11. Natural History Museum

It is the museum that emphasizes the ecological history of Switzerland in Malagnou. The museum has a collection that includes every Swiss plant. Also, frozen animals brought from all over the world are on display. Moon stones, the gifts of NASA, are also exhibited in the museum. Inside the museum there is a special area for children and a laboratory for scientists. There is a cafe and a small shop where you can shop. You can visit free of charge between 10.00-17.00 every day except Monday.

12. Museum of Art and History

It was established in 1910. It is the biggest museum in Geneva. There are many exhibitions that show us the history of western civilizations from ancient times to today. You can obtain audio books describing the museum at the reception for a fee of 5 CHF. You can also get free handbooks describing the museum from reception. The museum entrances are free. You can visit the museum between 10.00-18.00 from Tuesday to Sunday. It has a playground and a restaurant.

13. Patek Philippe Museum

Patek Philippe Museum is a special museum that reveals all stages of watchmaking from the 16th century to the present day. It is home to a wonderful collection from the 16th century to today. In addition, weapons, music boxes and modern pieces from Patek Philippe’s collection are on display. Taking photos inside the museum is prohibited. You can visit the museum, which is closed on Sundays and Mondays, from Tuesday to Friday between 14.00-18.00 and Saturday between 10.00-18.00. The entrance fee is 10 CHF. Free for those under 18.

14. The Old Town

It is known as the oldest city of Geneva surrounded by old stone buildings. It reflects the traces of history intact. While enjoying the Old City You should see Pierre Cathedral. You can also visit the Tavel house, which displays the history of Geneva, built in the 12th century. On your way to the Old City, you should choose a comfortable shoe because you will have to climb a little. You can take a breath at Bourg-de-Four Square. You can visit souvenir shops and shop. You can easily reach the most preferred streets of Geneva, Rue du Rhône and Rue du Marché, which are located a few minutes away.

15. Rousseau Island

It is a small island that connects to the shore with the Bergues bridge in the middle of the Rhone River, right in the center of Geneva. It was named after the famous philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who has a statue on the island. While creating your travel route, you can set it as a resting point.