Geneva Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Geneva, Switzerland)



Photo showing the sightseeing 'Happy Train'There is so much to do in the bustling city of Geneva, that many people wish they had longer to properly sightsee and enjoy all of the many tourist attractions available within this part of Switzerland. During the summer months, tourists often head to the endless attractions around the waterfront of Lake Geneva, which include everything from beaches and water sports, to boat trips and restaurants with a view.

Meandering its way throughout the very heart of the city, dividing central Geneva and eventually joining the lake, River Rhône in lined with tourist attractions, shops, hotels and eateries. Try to leave enough time for a leisurely boat trip along the River Rhône on a sunny afternoon, or perhaps enjoy one of the many evening gourmet cruises, which are also available on the River Rhône.


Further picture of the 'Happy Train'

Miniature Train Rides

Address: 36 Boulevard St. George, Geneva, CH-205, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 022 781 0404
A number of mini train rides allow you to sightsee in relative comfort, being especially suitable for those with aching feet. These fun land trains depart from the Place Neuve and pass many of the attractions within the Old Town. Mini trains are also available to transport passengers to Lake Geneva, the Quai de Mont Blanc, the Quai Gustave Ador and the Botanical Gardens, lasting approximately 40 minutes in total.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Photo of the Aquaparc pool and slides

Aquaparc

Address: Route de la Plage, Port Valais, CH-1897, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 024 482 0011
One of Europe's biggest water parks, the Aquaparc comprises different themed zones, including a land of pirates, large pools and plenty of fast water slides for all ages to enjoy. On a summers day, the beach area really comes into its own and many people choose to come here to soak up the Swiss sunshine, while for others, the further attractions of saunas, Turkish baths and restaurants are also equally enticing. Aquapark resides next to Lake Geneva and the Bay of Bouveret.
Open hours: daily - from 10:30, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts for children, families and students, children six years old and under are free

View showing the lakefront beach

Geneva Beach

Address: 2 Rue des Barques, Quai de Cologny, Geneva, CH-207, Switzerland, CH
Located on the westerly banks of Lake Geneva and in the Cologny area, the city's popular beach is just ten minutes away from the city centre and offers a great way to relax, away from downtown. The beach is situated at the far end of the lake's Gustave Ador Quay and boasts a number of swimming and paddling pools, a diving board into the lake, floating rafts, volleyball courts, and a range of water sports.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Image of the Batiment des Forces Motrices

Bâtiment des Forces Motrices

Address: 2 Place des Volontaires, Geneva, CH-1204, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 022 322 1220
Almost appearing to float on the water itself, the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices is a highly regarded local opera house which was formerly a hydroelectric plant dating back to 1886 and abandoned fairly recently, in the late 1980s. Today, many theatrical attractions take place here, in front of audiences of up to 1,000. Expect to see regular ballets, musicals and of course, powerful operatics. Try to spot the remaining turbines, which offer an indication of the buildings past life.
Open hours: daily, hours vary
Admission: charge

Picture of the River Rhone

Croisière sur le Rhône (River Cruises)

Address: Quai des Moulins, Geneva, CH-1200, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 022 732 2944
Many leading attractions in the city are based around its winding River Rhône, which flows westwards and into Lake Geneva itself. During the summer months, many different boat trips make full use of the excellent views offered by the River Rhône and often depart from the Pont de l'Ile Quai des Moulins, the Quai du Mont-Blanc or the Quai Gustave Ador. Lasting up to three hours, river cruises and rides on small ferries (mouettes) are a relaxing way to sightsee and enjoy some of the city's beautiful natural scenery and wildlife. The main cruise operators include Mouettes Genevoises and Swiss Boat Tourist Cruises, both of which are extremely reliable and come highly recommended.
Open hours: April to October, daily, hours vary
Admission: charge

Vivarium Elapsoidea

Address: 32a Rue Cardinal Journet, Geneva, CH-1217, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 022 785 6060
Something for those with an interest in reptiles, the Vivarium Elapsoidea features a large reptile house containing many large and venomous snakes from around the world. Founded in 1978, the Vivarium Elapsoidea has gained much popularity over the years and is extremely proud of its successful breeding programme. Attractions include over 50 different insect specimens, many amphibians, lizards, crocodiles and even some tortoises.
Open hours: Wednesday - 14:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00, open throughout the week during school holidays
Admission: charge, discounts for children