How to spend 2 days in Geneva: A guide to tourist attractions and things to do

Geneva is a city that has something for everyone. From its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this amazing place. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventures, you'll find plenty of exciting things to do during your 48-hour trip to Geneva.

In this blog post, we'll provide a 48-hour travel guide to help you make the most of your time in our beautiful city. We'll highlight some of the must-see attractions and offer tips on transportation, dining, and other practical tips to enhance your stay. So pack some comfortable shoes and get ready to explore all that Geneva has to offer!

Getting from the airport to Geneva

One of the most convenient ways to get from Geneva Airport to the city centre is by train. Upon arriving at the airport, you can collect a free ticket from the baggage claim area prior to exiting the airport, which will allow you to take the train without incurring the cost of a taxi fare.

The train from the airport operates at frequent intervals, with departures every 10-20 minutes. The journey to Genève-Cornavin station in the city centre takes 6 minutes. From there, you can walk to Fraser Suites Geneva under 10 minutes and start getting a feel of the city. 

Must-see destinations for your visit to Geneva

Day one:

Explore Old Town: Start your day by exploring the Old Town (Vieille Ville) where we are located. It is home to many of the city's historic landmarks and cultural attractions. After having a hearty breakfast at the hotel, take a leisurely walk through the winding streets and discover hidden squares and charming boutiques.

Head to the Cathedrale St. Pierre: A gothic cathedral that dates back to the 12th century offering panoramic views of the city from its bell tower.

Visit the Maison Tavel: A 13th-century house that is now a museum showcasing the history and culture of the city. The admission is free and is well worth the visit.

Explore the Place du Bourg-de-Four: A small square in the heart of the Old Town that is surrounded by historic buildings and charming boutiques including the Wall of the Reformation. It is a tribute to the leaders of the Protestant Reformation, who played a key role in shaping the city's history and cultural identity. 

Reformation Museum: In addition to the Wall of the Reformation and the St Pierre Cathedral, there is the Reformation Museum (Musée de la Réforme). This museum is worth visiting if you're interested in learning more about the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

One of our favourite hideaways and travel tips: Head towards the world's longest wooden bench (120 metres) for a well-earned rest.  Located at the end of Grand Rue and below the Town Hall, the Promenade de la Treille is a charming promenade that offers panoramic views of the parks and monuments in the Old Town.

l'Horloge Fleurie: In the afternoon, head towards l'Horloge Fleurie, or the Flower Clock, a popular and highly recommended tourist attraction located in the Jardin Anglais (English Garden) in our city. The clock has a diameter of five meters and is made up of over 6,500 flowers, which are carefully arranged to create the numbers on the clock face. The clock is a symbol of Switzerland's world-famous watch industry and has been a part of the city's landscape since the 1950s. The flowers at L'Horloge Fleurie are changed in harmony with the seasons to ensure that the clock is always in bloom. The exact timing of the flower changes may vary from year to year, depending on the weather and other factors.

The Jardin Anglais: A beautiful park that is home to a variety of plants and flowers, and a great place to spend an afternoon.

Visit the iconic Jet d'Eau: A fountain located on Lake Geneva that shoots water up to 140 meters (460 feet) into the air making it one of the tallest fountains in Europe.  This is one of the most iconic symbols of the city and a must-see for any visitor.

For dinner, try some traditional Swiss cuisine at a local restaurant: Some popular dishes to try include fondue and Rösti  – You could try the Café Bon Vin which is a local, authentic and extremely convivial restaurant or Café du Soleil one of the oldest bistro in Geneva – this place will not disappoint. 

Day 2:

Start your day by visiting the emblematic broken chair: A large wooden three leg structure symbolising the campaign against landmines. Take a guided tour of the Palais des Nations. Don’t forget to book in advance and bring your passport with you.

Head to the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory: Explore over 12000 species in 28 hectares. Admission is free, including temporary exhibitions – opening hours in Winter are from: now until 26 march 2023: 8h–17h and Summer from 27 march – 30 October 2023: 8h–19h30.

In the afternoon, visit the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Museum of Art and History): A popular museum housing a collection of art and artefacts from ancient times to the present day. You can also visit the Musée International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge (International Red Cross Museum and Red Crescent Museum), which tells the story of the Red Cross and its humanitarian efforts around the world. The exhibitions are very modern rather than traditional which makes for a very unique experience.

In the evening, take a stroll through the picturesque neighbourhood of Carouge: Known for its colourful houses, lively atmosphere and its boho atmosphere, you will find plenty of local restaurants, bars, cafes and antiques and clothes shops here.

Stay longer, and experience more of Geneva

Take a 1 hour cruise: See Lake Geneva from a different perspective and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Mont Blanc.

Explore the Parc des Bastions: A beautiful park that is home to many sculptures and historical landmarks including giant chess boards.

Attend a concert at The Victoria Hall: A historic concert venue located in Geneva, Switzerland. Built at the end of the 19th century, the Victoria Hall is renowned for its excellent acoustics and its monumental organ, which is considered one of the most famous in Europe. It is home to a variety of concerts and performances, including classical music, jazz, and other genres. It is a popular venue for both local and international artists, and it attracts music lovers from around the world. Book your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment here.

More great things to do in Geneva  

Taste your way through the city with the Choco Pass: Ready, set, indulge! Your Choco Pass is activated the minute you step foot into any of Geneva’s amazing chocolate shops. With each visit comes a unique tasting plate that'll tantalize and tease your taste buds - Stettler's famous Geneva pavé anyone? Sweetzerland has got truffles to die for. The kids will not be disappointed with their very own special ‘Choco Pass Kids’- they will receive an extra surprise too!

Learn about Swiss Watch making at Initium: Get ready to delve into a fascinating journey of Swiss watchmaking. You'll not only gain an appreciation for watches, but also assemble one yourself! There are different workshops to choose from including one where the watch is included.

Take to the water and cruise away: With so many options for cruising on Lac Geneva or Le Rhone, the only hard part is deciding which one to choose! From hourly adventures to day-long excursions and dinner cruises - you can find something perfect for your perfect day. Discover more here.

Explore Bains des Pâquis: It's open all year round. After swimming in the lake or sunbathing at the beach, be sure to relax with a massage, a yoga lesson and Hammam/Turkish bath for an additional cost. The entry fee is 50CHF at the time of writing this blog post.  

Discover Geneva’s Winegrowers: With an incredible 1,500 hectares of vineyards it's now the third biggest wine-producing region in Switzerland - time for a fantastic wine-tasting tour!

Go Paragliding: Take to the sky in France and land in Switzerland. Get ready for an experience of a lifetime! Paraglide in tandem over Geneva and its stunning lake. Take in all that nature has to offer with breath-taking views of the Alps, making this adventure one to cherish for many years to come. Don’t forget to bring your passport as you will start your journey in France.

Geneva is an incredible destination for a stopover in Switzerland! The Geneva Pass and free Transport Card help make it super budget-friendly, so you can be sure to get the most from your trip. Your transport card will be emailed to you prior to your arrival at Fraser Suites Geneva.

For more things to do, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide of Geneva.