Things to do in Geneva

15 activities, venues and outings in Geneva, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Bois de la Bâtie
Just over the river Arve from Jonction. Most of this woodsy bluff has been left in a more-or-less natural state, though there are walking trails around the edges. The trails connect eventually with a sidewalk which crosses a railroad bridge to the St. Jean neighborhood. There is also a small (free) zoo at the western edge of the woods. If you don't like to walk up the trail from the river you can take the bus up to Claire Vue.
Do
Genève Plage
There are many smaller places where to swim in either the rivers or the lake, but the largest one is Genève Plage (literally "Geneva Beach") at the eastern bank of the lake. It's a nice place to swim, enjoy the sun, play, barbecue, or just hang out.
May-September
Do
Jardin Anglais
A small park where people like to spend their lunch break. Located at the bank of Lake Geneva, just as you've crossed over the Mont Blanc bridge to the southern half of the city. In the summer there are many small concerts and funfairs held in the park, especially around at the time of the "city party" Fête de Gèneve. Don't miss the flower decorated clock at the southwestern edge of the park.
Do
La Perle du Lac
Translates to the "Pearl of the Lake" and is the largest park on the western bank of Lake Geneva. It hosts the splendid eponymous restaurant and a free science museum, but it also a great place for a picnic.
Do
Parc de la Grange
Just along the south side of the Lake Geneva promenade, Parc de la Grange is a large park which contains a rose garden, a historic mansion and a tree-lined path leading to the nearby Parc des Eaux Vives.
Do
Parc des Bastions
This lovely tree lined park, which is home to the liberal arts campus of the University of Geneva features giant chessboards and even larger statues of Geneva's Calvinist founding fathers, and it's directly between the old town and Plain de Plainpalais, so it makes a good transitional area for exploring.
Do
Parc des Eaux Vives
This park offers promenades and views over the lake of the UN campus and the Palais des Nations. Geneva beach is at the end furthest from the city, on the lakefront.
Do
Salève cable car
Téléphérique du Salève
Just over the French border, this high alpine ridge has a stunning view of Mt. Blanc and the Lake Geneva area and miles of walking trails. A cute little corner shop in Pas de l'Échelle Village (France) sells about 100 varieties of French cheeses and is open on Sundays. Don't forget your passport.
Do Not mapped
Association Genevoise des Amis du Salève
AGAS
Organizes free hikes around Geneva every Sunday. Start at 10:00 (sharp) at terminus (End station) of bus number 8 at Veyrier-Douane.
Do Not mapped
Caves Ouvertes
Free annual event. Sample wine at Geneva's wineries while exploring the canton's rural side.
Do Not mapped
Fête de la Musique
For three days in June, the whole City of Geneva is a stage. Actually, there are on the order of 40 of them. The musical offerings include children's choirs, punk rock, chamber orchestras, jam bands, avant-guard jazz, klezmer, and drum and bass DJs. The venues are as diverse as the music, with stages inside and out of l'Usine, Parc des Bastions, and even Cathédral St. Pierre. There is also a wide assortment of international food and drink for sale, which can be a bit pricey, but highly worth it. The easiest way to get information is to just head to one of the parks listed above and find one of the free newspaper-style festival guides. It includes time-tables and maps. Additionally, be sure to wander around, as the festival is full of many excellent unofficial performances, including drums, juggling, and dance.
Free
Do Not mapped
Fêtes de la Batie
A 16-day arts festival (usually starts the last weekend of July and through most of August) with installations and live shows in over 20 venues across the city. Very similar in feel to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 2025 is operating from 28 Aug to 14 Sep.
Do Not mapped
Bol d'Or
Yacht Race (biggest in Europe).
Do Not mapped
International Geneva Motor Show
in the Palexpo centre next to the airport
Do Not mapped
L'Escalade
Running and walking competitions open to everybody.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Geneva (CC BY-SA 4.0).