Geneva is rich in history and culture. Two days in Geneva is hardly enough time to see it all, but this Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Geneva offers a few highlights.
Founded on the shores of Lake Leman in Switzerland, Geneva ranks among one of the most influential cities in the world. The United Nations Office is there as is the International Red Cross’ headquarters, and the city has almost 100 banks and 400 commodity trading companies, making it a dominant financial power. It is also home to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).
I loved walking the streets of Old Town in Geneva. Photo by Teresa Bitler
But that’s not why I came—and probably not why you’re considering it either. Geneva is rich in history and culture. Churches that played a role in the Reformation line the narrow streets of Old Town. Museums occupy beautiful homes up to 500 years old. Restaurants prepare the cuisines of the world, not to mention traditional cheese fondue. Two days in Geneva is hardly enough time to see it all, but these highlights offer a good sample.
- A vibrant mid-size city bordered on three sides by France and on the expansive and beautiful Lake Geneva. This is truly an international city with the United Nations and numerous other organizations located here. Geneva is an active hub of commerce, science, world peace and health. Come here to experience a sophisticated locale with breathtaking scenery.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Cultural Sights in Geneva
From public art to scientific innovation, Geneva overflows with the culture. You won’t be able to absorb it all in two days, but these attractions should give you a taste of what the city has to offer.
The Globe of Science and Innovation (CERN)
Founded in 1954, the European Organization for Nuclear Research boasts the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider. You can learn about it and the other accelerators at the campus’ Globe of Science and Innovation, where exhibits explore particles and CERN’s experiments with them. CERN also offers tours of the facility’s first accelerator or ATLAS control room subject to availability.
The Globe of Science and Innovation (CERN) has the world’s largest particle accelerator. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
Barbier-Mueller Museum
The small Barbier-Mueller Museum in Old Town maintains the largest private collection of African, Oceanic, and Asian artifacts in the world. Even so, it probably won’t take you more than a half-hour to explore. That’s because “the largest private collection” is still small compared to what’s displayed in most art museums. Beware that there’s little, if any, English signage. However, if you appreciate carved masks and African art, it’s worth the stop.
Barbier-Mueller Museum contains a large collection of African, Oceanic, and Asian artifacts. Photo by Teresa Bitler
Ariana Museum
Located across the street from the Red Cross Museum, the Ariana Museum houses more than 27,000 cups, plates, and other ceramic and glass art pieces from Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. You can read about most displays in English although some, like the one on the process of making ceramics, are only in French. In total, I spent about 45 minutes in the museum learning how ceramics evolved through the centuries.
Ariana Museum showcases the history of ceramics. Photo by Teresa Bitler
Public Art to See During Your 2 Days in Geneva
Geneva has some exceptionally interesting pieces of art. Across the street from the United Nations, the 40-foot-high Broken Chair by Swiss sculptor Daniel Berset sits on a concrete square against a backdrop of choreographed water fountains. It commemorates the victims of anti-personnel mines by depicting the chair with one leg broken in half.
Broken Chair by Swiss sculptor Daniel Berset. Photo by Teresa Bitler
In the English Garden near the lake, the Geneva Flower Clock honors the Swiss tradition of watchmaking. The clock—made of 12,000 manicured plants and flowers—accurately tells time.
The Geneva Flower Clock accurately keeps time. Photo by Teresa Bitler
Near the University of Geneva, the Reformation Wall depicts key figures in the Protestant Reformation, including John Calvin and John Knox.
The International Monument to the Reformation or Reformation Wall in Geneva. Photo by Rostislavv via iStock by Getty Images
Historical Sights to Visit During 2 Days in Geneva
From its days as a Roman settlement to its role in the Reformation and the establishment of the Geneva Convention, Geneva has changed the world. Dedicate a good portion of your trip to exploring the city’s past, even if you’re usually not into history. These attractions are fascinating and well worth your time.
St. Peter’s Cathedral
This historic St. Peter’s Cathedral tops my list of best things to do in Geneva. You can step inside for free and view the chair John Calvin occupied when he preached here as well as the ornate and brightly painted Maccabee Chapel.
St. Peter’s Cathedral in Geneva. Photo by Manuel Nogales via iStock by Getty Images
With a paid admission fee, you can climb into the towers for panoramic views of the city. (Note that the steps up are steep and narrow. And there’s no place to turn around. If you are not prepared to walk several twisting flights of stairs, skip this.)
While at the cathedral, take the self-guided underground tour to see the remains of the previous churches the current one was built on top of. The tour starts at the bottom of the staircase on the right side of the church. Between visiting the church, touring underneath it, and climbing the tour, plan to spend approximately two hours.
Part of a previous church’s floor underneath St. Peter’s Cathedral. Photo by Teresa Bitler
International Museum of the Reformation
Located inside the 18th-century Maison Mallet, just steps from the St. Peter’s Cathedral, the International Museum of the Reformation details the history of the Protestant Reformation through artwork, historic writings, and artifacts. Highlights include the film “The Reformation in…7 Minutes” and the Music Room where you can listen to the Psalms, chorales, and modern hymns.
Unfortunately, the museum was closed for renovations when I visited, but for history buffs who want to learn more about the impact the Reformation had around the world, this 14-room museum is a must when it reopens.
The Reformation Wall in Geneva. Photo courtesy of TomTyler via Pixabay
Maison Tavel
Built in the late 13th century, Maison Tavel is the oldest home in Geneva. Don’t miss it, especially if you are already at nearby Saint Peter’s Cathedral Geneva. Inside, you’ll see the artwork, weapons, architectural elements, and historic items relating to the city’s earliest days. The second floor recreates what the home might have looked like inside during the 18th to 19th centuries, complete with a kitchen, bedroom, and sitting areas.
The Maison Tavel, the oldest home in Geneva, is now a museum. Photo by Teresa Bitler
Plan to spend up to an hour at this free museum. Staff can provide you with a visitor’s guide in English that provides context and many of the signs have English translations. After your visit, cross the street to the Hôtel Les Armures restaurant for lunch or a coffee. Or check out the cannons to the right of the hotel.
The International Red Cross Museum
This must-see museum tells the story of the International Red Cross, from its inception by businessman Henry Dunant in 1859 to the present day. Many of the displays are interactive, and free audio guides provide extra information about specific pieces. If you choose to skip the audio commentary, you can follow the signs in English and still appreciate the museum. However, one of my favorite parts of my visit was listening to the stories behind items made by prisoners and presented to Red Cross staff.
I also found it fascinating to learn how Red Cross staff kept tabs on prisoners of war during World War I. The audio guide provided step-by-step instructions for how to find the named soldier in the books, locate his card in the files, and learn his fate. I recommend planning to spend about an hour and a half in the museum. Add time to go across the street to the Ariana Museum or to walk past the United Nations building.
International Red Cross founder Henry Dunant at his desk in the museum. Photo by Teresa Bitler
Guided Tours Offered by Geneva
The city offers several general and themed tours. For a first-time visit, consider a 30-minute TaxiBike tour that passes highlights such as the Geneva Flower Clock and Reformation Wall. Or go on an open-air, sunset tour of the city. If you have a specific interest, such as watchmaking or the Reformation, you can book a private tour for up to eight people for CHF 280 (about $290).
Since I was visiting for more than two days, I opted to take a day trip to Annecy, France, one of several day trips offered through the city. (I later learned Geneva city busses will take you to Annecy for much less than the cost of the tour.) I loved the trip. Annecy, the so-called “Venice of the Alps,” is beautiful, and the trip showcased how much you can do in the region. Other guided day trips included visits to Chamonix, Carouge, and Glacier 3000 near Montreux.
The city of Geneva offers tours to nearby Annecy, France. Photo by Teresa Bitler
How to Explore Geneva
You can fly directly to Geneva or into Zürich and travel three hours by train to the city. Either way, Geneva is easy to explore without renting a car. The entire country of Switzerland has one of the best public transportation systems I’ve ever used. Not only are its buses, trams, boats, and trains on time and clean, but they come frequently. I never waited more than a few minutes for public transportation.
If you stay near the Cornavin train station, Geneva’s main train station, or in Old Town, you can walk to many of the attractions mentioned above.
- Discover the lakeside beauty of Geneva with ease with the help of this genuinely pocket-sized, pop-up map. Small in size yet big on detail, this compact, dependable, Geneva city map will ensure you dont miss a thing. * Includes 2 PopOut maps – a detailed street map of central Geneva and a street map of the greater city area * Additional maps of Lake Geneva and a Transit Map.* Handy, self-folding, tourist map is small enough to fit in your pocket yet offers extensive coverage of the city in an easy-to-use format * Thorough street index is also featured and cross-referenced to the map so you can easily find your destination * Hotels, restaurants, stores and attractions are all included on the maps Ideal to pop in a pocket or bag for quick reference while exploring the city.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
But when you do need to take public transportation, you’ll likely ride for free. Many, if not all, hotels give guests passes to ride public transportation for free for the duration of their stay.
A cannon on display in Old Town. Photo by Teresa Bitler
Before you go, consider purchasing a Geneva City pass, giving you access to more than 50 attractions for free. (It also provides discounts on some of the city’s tours.) You can purchase a 24-, 48- or 72-hour pass, which may or may not be worth it. For example, a 24-hour pass costs CHF 30. If you plan only to visit St. Peter’s Cathedral (free), climb the towers (CHF 8) and visit the archaeological site underneath it (CHF 8), you’d lose money on the pass. If you plan a busy couple of days in Geneva, it will totally be worth it to invest in the Geneva City pass.
More Adventures in Switzerland
You don’t have to end your adventures after exhausting the options provided in our ultimate guide to two days in Geneva. We recommend that you add in a few days to visit Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, or visit the nearby city of Lausanne. Looking for more two-day itineraries? Check out our 2 Days Ultimate Guides.
.
Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Geneva