The 25 top things to do in Geneva

Visible from the air as you fly into Geneva airport, Geneva’s Jet d’Eau is an enormous water fountain on Lake Geneva that spouts its froth 140m into the air – and probably the most recognisable landmark in Geneva. The best spots for a snap are the Pont du Mont-Blanc and the Promenade du Lac alongside the lake’s left bank, but you can get closer still by riding a boat on the lake – jump on a Mouette taxi-boat for a short hop from right bank to left bank or take your snap from a CGN ferry as part of a day trip to any number of destinations around the lake.

Switzerland is known for two things: cheese and chocolate. Surprisingly, there are not many boutique chocolate shops around Switzerland (locals like Lindt and commercial brands because they eat close to 10kg per person per year) but in Geneva, there are some special independent boutique chocolate shops that will give you a properly special, memorable experience. There’s Guillaume Bichet, Favarger and La Maison du Rhône. The best way to enjoy all this chocolate is to grab a Choco Pass, which takes you on a chocolate walk around the city tasting the best chocolate in the city (which is, in my view, the best chocolate in the country. You heard me).

The most traditionally scenic part of the city is Geneva’s Old Town, Switzerland’s largest historical city that dates back more than 2000 years. Clustered on a hill around the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and the pretty pedestrian Place du Bourg-de-Four, it’s well worth a stroll for its independent boutiques including The L Store, Nath and Jul and Caillou for stationary, fashion accessories and decorative vases. When you need a break from shopping, pop into a nearby cafe like Birdie Food and Coffee. Delve into Geneva’s history with a visit to the archaeological remains beneath the cathedral, before wandering along the promenade for lovely views of the Bastions park below and the Jura mountain range in the distance.

Here’s another thing that Geneva is remarkable for: a 27-mile ring of superconducting magnets that’s accelerating particles at the speed of light. It seems incredible that a world-renowned physics laboratory attempting to solve the secrets of the universe should be open to the likes of us mere mortals, but it is. A tram ride out of town in the district of Meyrin, CERN recently opened up to the public and now is more interactive, immersive and fun with pop-up exhibitions, lab workshops and also science classes (but not as you know it).

The Swiss love a good terrace. A ton of very nice rooftop bars have popped up in Geneva recently, and locals are loving it. Try Le 105 for breathtaking views of the Jura mountains and Mont Saleve (this is where locals dance the night away – you’ll see). Try Izumi for Nikkei cuisine and strong cocktails, and the oldest rooftop bar in the city, Rooftop 42. If you have a fear of heights, stay on lake level and enjoy a sip, shot or dram of an expertly made whiskey cocktail at the coolest bar on the lake at Bar 37.

Did you know that Geneva is surrounded by vineyards? The third largest wine producer in Switzerland, many of these winemakers actually ship their wine internationally but if you want to taste, sip and drink your way through some award-winning wines before picking your favorite, you really must lose yourself in Geneva’s secret winemaking regions, Satigny and Dardagny. Some of the ones worth checking out include Domaine de Champvigny and Domaine des Bosson, both of which are in Satigny.

On Saturday mornings there’s no better place to be than the Plaine de Plainpalais, which hosts one of Switzerland’s biggest and best flea markets. From bric-a-brac to vintage clothes, second-hand toys to ethnic jewellery, plus larger pieces of furniture, a regular rummage among the hundreds of stalls could rustle you up a real one-off. When you’ve worn yourself out, prolong the vintage vibe by heading to 1930s café and ice-cream parlour Remor to watch the world go by from its outdoor terrace.

Did you know Geneva’s watchmaking history started when someone called  Jean Calvin banned ornamental watches and made locals make watches instead? Watchmaking is still considered a fine art in Geneva and you can learn the intricacies at Initium. If you’ve got a shaky hand, why not try making Switzerland’s equally iconic 849 pen at Caran D’ache – or have a go at making a mug, vase or saucer at Noon. 

Just a short tram ride from the centre of Geneva it feels as though you’ve stepped into a different country – and you kind of have. This area was developed by Italians from Turin in the 18th century, and as such is architecturally Italian in style, all stone archways, painted shutters and red roofs. Its outsider status attracts artisans and bohemians in droves, and a wander around its streets will throw up second-hand bookshops, markets, antique restorers, glass blowers, watchmakers and indie clothes designers. Check out local designers like HA • NA for one-of-a-kind items and hunt out vintage designer items at Purple and Gold. Finish off a lovely day browsing the streets and enjoy dinner at one of the cool young eateries like  L'Artichaut, Mama for Italian food and Le Dix Vins for late-night drinks with locals.

If there’s one thing Geneva does well, it’s cocktails – and not in the way you might imagine. Yes, you can pretend you’re royalty and sip a martini in the bar of one of the city’s most exclusive waterfront hotels – but there are also more imaginative ways to go about it. Try delving into the less tourist-centric neighbourhoods of Eaux-Vives, Carouge and Plainpalais and you’ll turn up a few surprises, from the wonderfully eccentric creations at the speakeasy-styled Bambou, to weirdly cool A L’Ancienne and super friendly, Black Sheep Geneva.