Geneva 2 Day Itinerary

Two-Day Itinerary for Exploring Geneva

Day 1:

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Le Bistrot d’Antan, a charming café located in the Old Town (Vieille Ville).

  • Head to the Jardin Anglais and visit the iconic Floral Clock, a symbol of Geneva, and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.

  • Take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. Guided tours are available.

Afternoon:

  • Hop on the Mouette, a charming water taxi, and cross Lake Geneva to visit the Jet d’Eau, the city’s famous fountain.

  • Explore the Quartier International (International District) and admire its architectural diversity. Don’t miss the Broken Chair sculpture, a symbol of opposition to landmines.

  • Have lunch at Le Chalet de l’Horloge, offering Swiss specialties with panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Old Town.

Evening:

  • Visit the St. Pierre Cathedral, the main protestant temple in Geneva, and walk around the historic Old Town.

  • For dinner, head to Racine, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Swiss cuisine.

Day 2:

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at your accommodation or grab a quick bite from local bakeries like Baumann.

  • Take the tram (Lines 12, 15) to the Pâquis neighborhood and visit the Museum of Ethnography, showcasing diverse cultures from around the world.

  • Explore the Botanical Garden and its greenhouses, home to over 12,000 plant species.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, where you can learn about the world of particle physics. Book a tour in advance.

  • Have lunch at Restaurant le Balcon de CERN, offering panoramic views of the campus and the Alps.

Evening:

  • Take the tram back to the city center and visit the Geneva Art and History Museum (MAH), located in the stunning Maison Tavel.

  • For dinner, try Le Rucher, a cozy restaurant offering traditional Swiss cuisine.

Things to Know:

  • Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Budget accordingly.
  • Trams and buses are the primary mode of public transportation, operated by Transports Publics Genevois (TPG). Purchase a travelcard for unlimited travel during your stay.
  • The official language is French, but English is widely spoken.
  • Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.
  • For more information, visit Geneva Tourism or download their mobile app for offline maps and travel tips.

Tips:

  • Pack layers as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
  • Take a boat tour on Lake Geneva to enjoy the stunning views.
  • Try Swiss chocolate and cheese, especially Gruyère and Swiss dark chocolate.
  • Don’t forget to take a picture with the Boy and the Wolf statue in St. Pierre Cathedral.