Geneva 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Geneva’s Old Town

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Jet d’Eau, a large water fountain that shoots water high into the air. (Free admission)
  • 9:00 AM: Head to the nearby St. Pierre Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic church with stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. (Free admission, but donations welcome)
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the adjacent Reformation Wall and learn about Geneva’s rich history as a Protestant city.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at La Coupole, a cozy bistro serving delicious Swiss cuisine. Try their famous fondue or raclette dishes! (Budget around 20-30 CHF per meal)
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the charming streets of Old Town, lined with historic buildings, quaint shops, and picturesque squares.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Chat Botté, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite French cuisine. (Budget around 50-70 CHF per meal)

Day 2: Geneva’s Waterfront and Parks

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens, a peaceful oasis with over 14,000 plant species. (Free admission)
  • 11:00 AM: Head to the scenic Geneva Lakefront, where you can stroll along the lake, take in the views of the surrounding mountains, and enjoy the street performers and live music.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Le Bistrot du Lac, a cozy restaurant serving seasonal cuisine with stunning lake views. (Budget around 20-30 CHF per meal)
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the nearby Palace of Nations (or United Nations Office), an impressive building with beautiful gardens and a fascinating history.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Grenouille, a popular restaurant serving classic French cuisine. (Budget around 20-30 CHF per meal)

Day 3: Museums and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the world-renowned Palais des Nations, an impressive building with stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a fascinating history.
  • 11:00 AM: Head to the nearby Museum of Art and History (Musée d’Art et d’Histoire), which features a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world. (Budget around 10-15 CHF per person)
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Café des Négociants, a cozy café serving delicious sandwiches and salads. (Budget around 10-20 CHF per meal)
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the nearby Rue du Rhône, one of Geneva’s premier shopping streets, lined with luxury boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Bistrot de la Place, a cozy restaurant serving classic French cuisine in the heart of Old Town. (Budget around 20-30 CHF per meal)

Day 4: Geneva’s International Organizations

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), home to the Large Hadron Collider and one of the world’s leading scientific research centers. (Free admission)
  • 11:00 AM: Head to the nearby International Committee of the Red Cross, a historic building with stunning architecture and a fascinating history.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Café des Droits de l’Homme, a cozy café serving delicious sandwiches and salads. (Budget around 10-20 CHF per meal)
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the nearby Palace of the International Labor Organization (ILO), an impressive building with beautiful gardens and a fascinating history.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Restaurant de la Place, a popular restaurant serving classic French cuisine in the heart of Old Town. (Budget around 20-30 CHF per meal)

Where to Stay:

Geneva has plenty of options for accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some recommendations:

  • Budget: Ibis Geneve Centre or Hotel ibis Geneva Gare
  • Mid-range: Hotel Les Armures or Hotel Bristol
  • Luxury: Hotel Beau-Rivage or Hotel President Wilson

Getting Around:

Geneva has a well-organized public transportation system, with buses and trams connecting the city’s neighborhoods. You can also use the Geneva Transport Card, which offers unlimited travel on public transportation for one day (budget around 8 CHF) or several days (budget around 24 CHF).

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds in Old Town and popular attractions during peak season.
  • Try to avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as the prices can be steep. Instead, opt for cozy bistro-style eateries or cafes serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • Don’t forget to try some of Geneva’s famous cheese fondue or raclette dishes!
  • If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss the stunning Christmas Market (usually held from mid-November to mid-December).
  • Consider purchasing a Geneva Pass, which offers free admission to many attractions and public transportation for several days.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Visit the beautiful Jardin Anglais, a peaceful oasis with stunning views of Lake Geneva.
  • Explore the historic Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre, which features an impressive collection of stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of Old Town, lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and picturesque squares.

I hope you enjoy your visit to Geneva!