Ultimate 3-Day Geneva Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See
A cosmopolitan lakeside city where Swiss precision meets natural beauty, Geneva dazzles with its cultural treasures, world-class cuisine, and stunning Alpine panoramas.
Day 1: Historic Old Town & Lake Geneva
Morning
Start your Geneva adventure at the St Pierre Cathedral. Climb the towers for panoramic city views and explore the archaeological site beneath this 12th-century masterpiece at the heart of Geneva’s Old Town.
St Pierre Cathedral
Stroll over to the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in Geneva, for a morning coffee at a charming terrace café and to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Place du Bourg-de-Four
Afternoon
Head down to the lakeshore to marvel at the iconic Jet d'Eau, Geneva’s famous 140-meter water fountain, and enjoy a lakeside stroll along the Quai du Mont-Blanc.
Jet d'Eau
Enjoy lunch at La Buvette des Bains, a laid-back eatery on the Bains des Pâquis pier, known for its local specialties and unbeatable views of the lake.
La Buvette des Bains
Evening
Dine at the stylish Restaurant Les Armures, famous for its classic Swiss fondue and rustic, historic setting in the Old Town.
Restaurant Les Armures
Cap off your evening with a cocktail at Le Verre à Monique, a beloved speakeasy-style bar known for its creative drinks and vintage charm.
Le Verre à Monique
Day 2: International Geneva & Parks
Morning
Begin at the world-renowned Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. Take a guided tour to learn about international diplomacy and admire the grand Assembly Hall and Council Chamber.
Palais des Nations
Next, visit the moving Broken Chair sculpture, an iconic symbol of the fight against landmines, just outside the UN entrance.
Broken Chair
Afternoon
Lunch awaits at Cottage Café, a hidden gem in a fairytale-like cottage surrounded by lush gardens, serving fresh and seasonal cuisine near the lake.
Cottage Café
After lunch, unwind in the tranquil oasis of Parc des Bastions, home to giant chess boards and the impressive Reformation Wall.
Parc des Bastions
Evening
Dine at the acclaimed Le Chat Botté, a Michelin-starred restaurant blending French elegance with Swiss ingredients, located in the iconic Beau-Rivage Hotel.
Le Chat Botté
For a relaxed nightcap, visit Rooftop 51, a chic bar with sweeping Alpine and city views, perfect for sunset cocktails.
Rooftop 51
Day 3: Art, Science & Bohemian Geneva
Morning
Start at the fascinating Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, Geneva’s premier art museum, housing everything from ancient treasures to modern masterpieces.
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire
Then, hop on a tram to visit the groundbreaking CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), home to the Large Hadron Collider. Explore the interactive exhibitions at the Globe of Science and Innovation.
CERN
Afternoon
For lunch, discover the creative ambiance of Le Cercle des Bains, a trendy bistro in the contemporary art hub Quartier des Bains.
Le Cercle des Bains
Afterwards, explore the contemporary exhibitions at the MAMCO (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art), Switzerland’s leading modern art museum located in a converted factory.
MAMCO
Evening
Dinner in the bohemian district of Carouge at Le Flacon, a stylish Michelin-starred bistro praised for its inventive cuisine and artistic flair.
Le Flacon
End your Geneva journey with a drink at Le Chat Noir, a legendary live music venue and bar, for a taste of the city’s lively nightlife.
Le Chat Noir
Customize Your Geneva Experience
Quick suggestions