Things to do in  Lake Geneva

Soaring up the rocky peak of Aiguille du Midi at 12,605 feet (3,842 meters), the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car is one of the highest in Europe. Setting out from Chamonix, the cable car has two stages, culminating in an elevator ride to the summit with spectacular views over Mont Blanc and the surrounding French and Swiss Alps.

Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York has the Empire State Building, and Geneva has the Water Fountains (Jet d’Eau)—a stunning feature in Lake Geneva launching water 460 feet (140 meters) into the air. Enjoy views and snap a souvenir photo from the waterfront, where the River Rhône meets Lake Geneva.

Fringed by mountains and framed by lakeside towns, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) is a big, beautiful body of water that’s one of Central Europe’s largest lakes. While much of it sits in Switzerland, a shorter stretch of its southern shores is located in France, bordered by the spa town of Évian-les-Bains. The lake’s more popular tourist bases are Geneva, Montreux, and Lausanne, which serve as launchpads for sightseeing, hiking, and lazy days of cruising or swimming on the lake.

The United Nations has its European headquarters in Geneva, in the Palace of United Nations (Palais des Nations Unis). Guided tours of the offices offer a behind-the-scenes look at rooms like the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, which was decorated by famous artist Miquel Barcelò, and the Assembly Hall.

A snow-coated wonderland perched high in the Vaud Alps of Western Switzerland, the Glacier 3000 resort is a one-stop destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Just an hour from Montreux, it offers spectacular mountain views, ample opportunities for hiking and skiing, and a huge range of adrenaline-fueled activities.

The Old Town of Geneva may reflect centuries of history in its buildings and cobblestoned streets, but no structure is more steeped in history than the Cathédrale de St-Pierre. Visitors can admire the cathedral's varied architecture, stained glass, and religious artifacts, as well as climb the 157-step tower for some of the best city views.

All visitors to Geneva should spend some time exploring the Old Town (Vieille Ville) area. It’s full of fascinating museums, churches, and atmospheric cafés, plus most of the streets are pedestrian-only, so you can wander aimlessly without a care.

Chillon Castle (Chateau de Chillon), a medieval castle on the banks of Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland’s most visited attractions. Travelers come to find out more about its fascinating history—it was used as a defensive outpost, a summer home for the dukes of Savoy, and a state-run prison.

The Flower Clock in Geneva is hard to miss. It's adorned with seasonal flowers, and known as the largest flower clock in the world, making this centrally-located attraction a tourist hot spot. Located in Geneva's lakefront English Garden (Jardin Anglais), the horticultural timepiece is one of the most photographed sights in the city.

Switzerland is famous for its high-quality chocolate, so a visit to the oldest chocolate manufacturer in the country should be on your itinerary. The Maison Cailler—a renowned chocolaterie—offers informative and interactive guided tours that are fun for the whole family, even members without much of a sweet tooth.

If Geneva is rich in history, then Maison Tavel is its time capsule. The museum captures what life was like from the 14th century onward in precise detail. As the earliest example of Genevan domestic design, visitors find ancient stone walls, iron detailing, and antique furnishings. Be sure to visit for a look at Geneva's storied past.

Brunswick Monument in Geneva’s Jardin des Alpes was built in 1879 to commemorate Charles II, the Duke of Brunswick. This neo-Gothic mausoleum is a historical replica of the 14th-century Scaligeri tomb, located in Verona. Despite such roundabout origins, the monument is a notable landmark and photography spot on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Exploring the 16th-century Protestant Reformation in Europe that sparked religious reforms around the world, Geneva’s International Museum of the Reformation is a gem for anyone interested in this area of history. Books and artifacts abound, tracing the work of significant Reformation pioneers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, through to the modern day.

The town of Montreux, in eastern Switzerland, boasts a 10-foot-tall statue of Freddie Mercury that commemorates the singer’s years living here and his lasting musical influence. The memorial is a popular tourist attraction, and many Queen fans make a pilgrimage to the spot to leave flowers and other tributes.

Montreux, on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva, has been a popular hangout among artistic types since the 19th century. The Old Town of Montreux (Vieille-Ville de Montreux) is an often overlooked part of the city, due to its location on a steep hill high above the town, but the views and relaxed atmosphere are worth the climb.