Geneva attractions at a glance
The city lies at the western end of the lake. The famous fountain is its landmark, the old town holds the cathedral of Saint-Pierre, and the international district is home to the United Nations. Most sights can be linked on foot or with local transport, so a day in Geneva can be planned around three areas: the lakefront, the old town and the international district.
Because several attractions have closing periods in late 2026, check the dates below before you build a plan. The fountain, the Mont Salève cable car and parts of the museum schedule all change in November and December.
Our picks: Geneva walks and city tour
The city tour by coach covers the UN district and the old town. The two walks are for tasting: one is private with a tower visit, the other a chocolate route led in English.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in Swiss francs (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Geneva old town walk with tower and chocolate tasting
- Private expert local guide
- Tower entrance at St. Peter's Cathedral
- Chocolate tasting
A private two-hour walk through the old town. It has only one review so far.
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Geneva chocolate tasting walk in English
- Hot chocolate
- English-speaking local guide
- Chocolate tastings in at least 4 stops
A two-hour walk with several tasting stops, led in English by a local guide.
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Geneva city tour: UN district and old town
- Professional guide
- Coach through the International district
- Photo stop at United Nations
Photo stops at the United Nations and the Broken Chair, then the old town by mini-train or on foot, depending on weather and season. There is no tour inside the UN, and entry fees are extra.
Check availability →Geneva tours and city walks
Guided city tours, a private walk with a tasting and a chocolate walk, with live prices and availability.
Jet d'Eau
The Jet d'Eau is the landmark of the city, and the present fountain dates from 1891. In 2026 it follows a seasonal calendar. From 4 May to 13 September it runs from 09:00 to 23:15, and from 4 to 31 December it runs from 10:00 to 16:00. From 2 November to 3 December 2026 it is in maintenance and switched off. Special lighting can change the hours, and the operator can shut the fountain down in strong wind, so the fountain may be off on the day you visit.
If your visit falls in the maintenance weeks, plan the day around the old town, the museums or a cruise instead.
Geneva old town
The old town is a place for slow walking, with narrow streets, small squares and the cathedral of Saint-Pierre at its centre. Geneva became an independent reformed republic in 1536, and the old town is where much of that history played out. Check the cathedral's opening times and tower prices with the operator on the day.
On a guided tour the route changes with the weather and the season. One tour covers the international district by coach with a photo stop at the United Nations and the Broken Chair, then the old town by mini-train or on foot. It does not include a visit inside the United Nations, and entry fees are extra. A private walk with a guide adds the tower entry at the cathedral and a chocolate tasting, and a separate walk through the city comes with hot chocolate and at least four stops. If chocolate is your main interest, our chocolate tours page gives more.
Palais des Nations
The Palais des Nations is the seat of the United Nations in Geneva. Adults from 18 years pay CHF 25 for the guided visit, which lasts about one hour, and you should arrive 30 minutes before the start. Tickets are in limited supply because of renovation work. The single slots for the following month are released on the 20th of each month.
After you buy the ticket you must register separately for the access badge, and you need a valid passport or an accepted identity card on the day. Online platform fees can add to the price.
Red Cross Museum
The Red Cross Museum is a stop for anyone interested in the story of the Red Cross. The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded in Geneva in 1863. Admission costs CHF 15 and CHF 10 with a reduction, children under 12 enter free, and the Swiss Travel Pass gives free entry. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays and on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
Mont Salève cable car
The Mont Salève cable car is a mountain excursion near the city, and its prices are in euros. Under the tariff valid until 1 November 2026, a return ticket for adults from 20 years costs EUR 18. The cable car is in maintenance from 2 to 26 November 2026, and the operator has announced the reopening for 27 November at 09:00. Check the operator's site before you go, because a reopening date is only an announcement.
Geneva Transport Card and cruises
Guests whose accommodation qualifies receive the Geneva Transport Card free of charge. It is personal, it covers public transport in zone 10, including the TPG network, SBB trains and the Mouettes boats, and the accommodation can send a digital link up to 3 days before arrival. It does not cover the CGN lake cruises. For cruises, tickets and day passes, read our boat tours page, and for the other towns on the shore, see our Lausanne page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Jet d'Eau running in November 2026?
It is in maintenance from 2 November to 3 December 2026. From 4 to 31 December it runs from 10:00 to 16:00, and it can be switched off in strong wind.
Does the city tour include a visit inside the United Nations?
No. The tour includes a photo stop at the United Nations and the Broken Chair. For the guided visit of the Palais des Nations, you buy a separate ticket.
Does the Geneva Transport Card cover the lake cruises?
No. It covers public transport in zone 10 but not the CGN cruises.
Is the Salève cable car open in November 2026?
The operator announced a maintenance break from 2 to 26 November 2026 and the reopening for 27 November at 09:00.