Explore Geneva

A spring weekend in Geneva

Come by train, plane or by the road. A weekend in Geneva is easy, relaxing and unforgettable !

Day 1

A walk through the heart of Carouge

Start your weekend in Geneva by discovering the City of Carouge’s charms and secrets. On Saturday morning, visit the colourful market in Carouge on the Place du Marché. Enjoy local products and meet the people of Geneva. They love this farmer’s market. On the Rue du Marché, taste a delicious homemade hot chocolate at Martel and indulge yourself with its homemade pralines. Carouge’s fashion designers open their doors and invite you to discover their bohemian creativity. Have a tasty break at the Boulangerie Wolfisberg, which has made its delicious bread and pastries with quality local products since 1961. The Boulangerie opens its doors and provides fascinating workshops. Mandatory registration.

> Take the Tram 12 to Bel-Air Cité. Walk up the Grand-Rue to the Old Town.

A journey to the heart of Old Geneva

Lose yourself in the small cobblestone streets of Switzerland’s largest historical city. The Old Town is dominated by St Peter’s Cathedral, the centre of the Reformation. Travel to the heart of medieval Geneva through small squares, historic buildings, museums and famous secret passages that are well-kept by the residents. Admire the Town Hall’s inner courtyards and walk up its cobbled spiral staircase to the upper floors. Enter the historic Maison Tavel, discover the Old Arsenal’s famous cannons and walk through the Place du Bourg-de-Four, a true meeting place for the people of Geneva. La Clémence is one of their favorite cafés. What a pleasure it is to share a delicious, authentic fondue at the Restaurant des Armures. You can also enjoy a drink at the Restaurant de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Père Glôzu’s famous brasserie.

> Head towards the Parc des Bastions. On your way, you will find the Banc de la Treille, the world’s longest wooden bench, with 120 metres long.

A relaxing moment in the Parc des Bastions

Relax in the Parc des Bastions, where nature is transported to the centre of the city. The people of Geneva love it to read in the grass or chat with their friends. The former bandstand which is now a restaurant offers you a break. On its side, chess players catch your attention. Admire the Reformation Wall, a monumental hommage to the leading figures of the Reformation. Jean Calvin, Guillaume Farel, Théodore de Bèze and John Knox watch over the Parc des Bastions. They are depicted in monumental statues and bas-reliefs. Geneva’s ‘Post Tenebras Lux’ motto is engraved in this wall.

> If you need a break, head to the Rue du Rhône, the most luxurious shopping street in Geneva. The Rooftop 42 and Hôtel Métropole Genève’s Rooftop offer you a breath-taking view of Geneva’s Lakefront.

A walk by the lake (Rive Gauche)

After this well-deserved break, walk along the famous Rive Gauche to the Jet d’Eau, Geneva’s landmark since 1891. It symbolises the international reputation, dynamism and ambition of a forward-looking city that protects its environment. The Jet d’Eau is 140 metres high and shoots out water at a speed of 200 km/h.

> Travel from the Rive Gauche to the Rive Droite with the Mouettes Genevoises. Pick up your Geneva Transport Card at your hotel check-in and enjoy a free travel on the lake!

"Unique attraction in Geneva, the Mouettes Genevoises are shuttle boats which run every 10 minutes, allowing for ease of travel"

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A tour of the International Quarters (Rive Droite)

Walk up the Avenue de France and visit international Geneva. For example, the Palais des Nations opens its doors daily and provides fascinating guided tours. Built in the Parc de l’Ariana, it has been housing the European headquarters of the United Nations since 1936. The International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent invites you to discover the humanitarian work of Henry Dunant.

Day 2

A spring day in Geneva

When it’s sunny, you can start the day with an unforgettable cruise on the lake. Set sail aboard one of the elegant steamboats, the Fleet Belle Époque du Léman’s landmarks. Explore the beautiful landscapes on the Swiss side of the lake as you cruise to Nyon or Montreux and back to Geneva. The cruises on the lake offer you a true moment of pleasure and breath-taking coastal landscapes. When you’re back in Geneva, walk along the lake and enjoy a little more its lovely panorama. The Pâquis Bath is the perfect place if you want to bask in the sun. It attracts all of Geneva throughout the year. Enjoy a tasty brunch or a delicious homemade dish of the day and relax by the water.

A rainy day in Geneva

When it rains, you can explore Geneva’s best museums: the Ariana Museum specialising in the arts of ceramics and glass, the International Museum of the Reformation dedicated to a major part of Geneva’s history, the giant Museum of Natural History… You can also choose to spend a relaxing, quiet day in one of the city’s most beautiful spas, the Bain-Bleu Hammam & Spa Genève-Plage. At the end of the day, have a rest and enjoy a drink in one of Geneva’s most lovely cafés: the well-known Café Remor. The Riverside Café offers you a breath-taking view of the Rhône.

Discover the best indoor activities here

A spring weekend in Geneva