Geneva Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Geneva
Geneva
Geneva
Geneva
Geneva
Lying on the southwestern shore of Lake Geneva with views towards Mont Blanc, sophisticated Geneva combines old-world charm with an international flavor. On your holiday in Geneva, you’ll enjoy absorbing attractions, pavement cafes, lakeside promenades and grand old hotels.

Polished and pretty, Geneva is one of Switzerland’s most attractive holiday destinations. Its getaway appeal is in its leafy squares, elegant architecture and cosmopolitan dining scene. It’s also in its role as a global peace capital, with humanitarian organisations like the Red Cross, the World Health Organization and the UN calling it home.

Spend some time discovering Geneva’s many cultural institutions, which include museums on watchmaking, ethnography, marionette construction and particle physics. Or visit more mainstream Geneva highlights like the Mailbuisson Passage, with its mechanical clock and bells the delightful botanical gardens and conservatory near the Palais des Nations, or the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices, a theatre housed in a striking former hydroelectric-power station near the point where the River Rhône flows westwards out of the lake towards Lyon.

If people-watching and exploring different neighbourhoods is more your style, spend some time in laid-back Carouge across the River Arve. Technically a separate city, this Mediterranean-influenced district expresses its Sardinian heritage, and it is often referred to as the ‘Greenwich Village of Geneva’ for its Bohemian atmosphere and fashionable nightlife scene.

Geneva is a fabulous holiday spot if you’re into sport and nature, whatever the season. The mountains are easily accessible by both car and public transport, so take a trip to the high-altitude village of Chamonix in France for the cable-car ride to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, or hire a bicycle and tour around the lake, where marked trails lead through five different regions across two countries. Alternatively, take a relaxing cruise to the Medieval lakeside settlement of Yvoire, said to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Many people choose to holiday in Geneva’s lakeside towns of Vevey, Montreaux and Lausanne, but you might prefer to stay in the city and visit them on day trips. Use Expedia to search for holiday hotels beside the lake or in the city centre.

Where to stay in Geneva

Geneva showing heritage architecture

Geneva City Centre

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Geneva City Centre. Check out top attractions like Mont Blanc Bridge and Paquis Baths, and jump on the metro at Cornavin Tram Stop or Mole Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Geneva City Centre
Geneva showing heritage architecture

Downtown Geneva

4/5(111 area reviews)

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Geneva. Check out top attractions like Shopping Area Geneve and Flower Clock, and jump on the metro at Coutance Tram Stop or Cornavin Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown Geneva
Saint-Pierre Cathedral showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Geneva Old Town

5/5(7 area reviews)

Historical sites, lake views and shopping are just a few things travellers like about Geneva Old Town. Sights like Saint-Pierre Cathedral and Place du Bourg-de-Four are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Geneva area at Molard Tram Stop.

Geneva Old Town
Default Image

Cornavin

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

While you're in Cornavin, take in top sights like St. James Way and jump on the metro at Cornavin Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Cornavin
Geneva showing heritage architecture

Rues Basses - Old Town

Shopping, lake views and restaurants highlight some notable features of Rues Basses - Old Town. Make a stop by Shopping Area Geneve or Flower Clock while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Molard Tram Stop or Rive Tram Stop to get around town.

Rues Basses - Old Town
Geneva showing a monument and a garden

Les Pâquis

Noted for its lake views and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Les Pâquis. Top attractions like Paquis Baths and Sisi Monument are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Butini Tram Stop or Mole Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Les Pâquis
Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva

Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva

4 out of 5
Rue du Rhône 46, Geneva
The price is £121 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£121
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
"I recommend."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva
Hotel Suisse

Hotel Suisse

3 out of 5
10 Place Cornavin, Geneva, GE
The price is £133 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£133
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Hotel Suisse
citizenM Geneva

citizenM Geneva

4 out of 5
31-33 Rue de la Rotisserie, Geneva
The price is £150 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£150
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (879 reviews)
"Very contemporary and shirked. Small rooms, but that is to be expected with super contemporary design in urban areas. Location is fantastic. You can walk to all the sites and restaurants in the old town."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

citizenM Geneva
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva

Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva

4 out of 5
Route de Meyrin 125, 1219, Chatelaine, Vernier
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Vernier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (208 reviews)
"Iman checked us in and was phenomenal. The front desk staff were all so welcoming and friendly! The rooms have super high ceilings and are modern with air conditioning and a large bathroom. There were a few hairs around our room and we were surprised to hear that we couldn’t leave to get gas and ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva
Aparthotel Adagio Geneve Mont Blanc

Aparthotel Adagio Geneve Mont Blanc

3 out of 5
Rue Thalberg 4, Geneva, GE
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Geneva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (586 reviews)
"Big apartment for family good location in the center"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Geneve Mont Blanc
Base Geneva

Base Geneva

4 out of 5
Rue du Jura 13, Geneva, Geneva
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Geneva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Jet d'Eau Fountain ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
New aparthotel very well located.
"New hotel in great location. Short walk to main station and the old town and all the sights. Quiet street and comfortable room with kitchenette. All brand new so clean and bright. Super friendly and helpful front desk staff."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Base Geneva
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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