7 things to do in Geneva

Even on a tight budget, you can have a great stay in Switzerland. We have selected 7 activities that will make you love Geneva without emptying your wallet. Follow the guide !

>> Book a train ticket to Geneva

• Sail on lake Léman for less than 2€
• Enjoy a panoramic view thanks to a secret rooftop
• Warm up in the tropics at the botanical garden without paying anything
• Fall in love with the baby animals of Bois-de-la-Bâtie park
• Travel for free through time at Maison Tavel
• Enjoy free entry at the Museum of art and history
• Eat at an affordable price at the Buvette des Bains des Pâquis

It is a must-see in the city, the link between France and Switzerland. To discover the largest alpine and subalpine lake in Europe in a different way, take a seat aboard the small yellow and red boats of the company Les Mouettes genevoises which sail around the port of Lake Geneva and offer a unique panorama of Geneva.

Thanks to its four lines, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the emblematic monuments of the Swiss city and its famous water jet.

If you want to gain height, there is a secret spot that offers you a magnificent panorama of the city. To take advantage of this good plan, go to 20, quai du Seujet, on the banks of the Rhône. From there, you can take a glass elevator (and free) which leads to two terraces located on the 5th and 6th floors.

Once at the top, you can enjoy a bird's eye view of Geneva: the Rhône, the old town, the tip of the water jet, Mont Salève and, in the distance ... if the weather is clear, you can even make out the mont blanc.

In Geneva, exoticism is within reach. A stone's throw from Lake Geneva, the tropical greenhouses of the botanical garden offer you a very exotic outing.

In this unique place where it is hot and humid all year round, you will marvel at the largest water lily in the world, breathe the bewitching scent of orchids, stroll between lianas and palm trees ... Ideal when it is cold and the 'we want to warm up!

In the Bois-de-la-Bâtie animal park, come and meet the Swiss regional fauna. Wild boars, ibex, roe deer and other marmots await you in a 2.5 hectare wooded area. Created in 1945, this animal park was originally intended to accommodate injured animals.

Today, it is home to nearly 450 animals and allows the public to discover local fauna as well as several endangered Swiss species, such as the peacock goat, woolly pigs or the Hinterwald cow. A 100% free nature outing for the whole family!

Do you want to be amazed? See you at Maison Tavel, in the old town. This medieval building which houses the Museum of Urban History and Daily Life houses a real treasure: the Magnin relief, a gigantic model representing the city of Geneva in 1850 and which required 18 years of work.

With an area of 32 m2, this historic relief map is the largest in Switzerland.

For a fabulous journey into the history of art, don't miss the Museum of Art and History (MAH). Bringing together more than 10,000 works, it is one of the largest museums in Switzerland. You will be able to admire great artists such as Picasso, Véronèse, Giacometti, Holder ... and an incredible masterpiece: La Pêche miraculeuse by Konrad Witz (1444), which represents the first painted landscape in the history of art European.

It is also here that rests Lady Tjesmoutpert, the most famous mummy in the city. After having been exhibited to the public for a long time, it was finally replaced in its sarcophagus for more serenity.

Open summer and winter from 7 am, the Buvette des Bains offers simple catering at very reasonable prices throughout the day. In the evening, you can even let yourself be tempted by a delicious fondue with crémant (by telephone reservation). The setting is very pleasant and most relaxing with a breathtaking view of the harbor of Lake Geneva and the water jet.

In summer, eat on a beautiful terrace and in winter, stay warm in a heated cabin with a very warm atmosphere. As the venue is very popular, reservations are recommended.