Plan your weekend in Geneva

Discovering Geneva: a jewel on the shores of Lake Geneva

On the shores of Lake Geneva, Geneva is one of Switzerland's jewels. The world-renowned French-speaking city, which blends history, culture, nature and architecture, is remarkably beautiful and attracts numerous visitors each year, whether for tourism, culture or business. A cosmopolitan city at the heart of international diplomacy, hosting organizations such as the United Nations and the Red Cross, Geneva is also an international center of finance and science. Although not Switzerland's capital, contrary to popular belief, to quote the famous words of former Swiss diplomat Edouard Brunner: "For the whole world, Switzerland is Geneva!"
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, also sometimes called Lake Léman, this city opens onto one of Europe's largest lakes, offering a spectacular panorama with the Alps in the background. Walks along the lake are as popular with Geneva residents as with visitors, providing a peaceful escape in the heart of a bustling city, as well as breathtaking views.
The Jet d'Eau of Lake Geneva is one of the city's most famous symbols. Propelling water 140 meters high, its spectacle is particularly captivating with nighttime illuminations. Not far from there, the flower clock in the English Garden, composed of thousands of flowers and plants, pays tribute to the Swiss watchmaking industry.
Geneva's historic center is a maze of cobblestone streets, lined with medieval buildings. The Protestant Cathedral of Saint-Pierre in Geneva features remarkable architecture and offers a spectacular view of the city to those who manage to climb the 157 steps leading to the top.
In addition to its architectural heritage, Geneva is home to a flourishing culture. The city is filled with museums, such as the Museum of Art and History and the Natural History Museum, as well as numerous art galleries. Cultural events, like the Bâtie Festival, bring the city to life throughout the year, attracting artists and spectators from around the world.
Gastronomy is also important in Geneva, a blend of world cuisines in a cosmopolitan city and local specialties (fondue and Swiss chocolate...) that remain must-tries for all who visit the city.

Recommended itinerary for a weekend in Geneva

There are so many things to do in the city of Geneva and its surroundings that we're offering you a balanced sample program that you can adjust according to your wishes and the needs of your stay with us.

Day 1: Immersion in history and culture

The history and culture of Geneva are deeply rooted in its status as an international city and center of diplomacy, but they also plunge their roots into a rich and varied medieval and Renaissance past. Geneva was first a Roman oppidum that evolved over the centuries to become an important city of the Roman Empire due to its strategic position. After the fall of the Empire, the city underwent numerous influences, including from the Burgundians and the Franks. In the Middle Ages, Geneva became an independent bishopric, which strengthened its regional importance. The walls of the old town still bear witness today to this era of fortification and defense.
In the 16th century, Geneva played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation. Under the influence of figures such as John Calvin, the city became a refuge for persecuted Protestants in Europe, earning it the nickname "Protestant Rome." The Palais de l'Île, Maison Tavel and Saint-Pierre Cathedral bear witness to this tumultuous period.
It was in the 19th century that Geneva took off on the international stage, a role whose culmination would be the choice of this city to host the headquarters of the League of Nations (LON) after World War I, conferring upon Geneva a status as capital of peace and diplomacy.
Geneva is also famous for its cultural attractiveness. The Grand Théâtre de Genève, dating from 1879, is the largest artistic production center in French-speaking Switzerland, staging operas, ballets and theater. The Museum of Art and History is another cultural pillar of the city of Geneva, housing collections of art, archaeology and applied history.
Respect for traditions and the celebration of contemporary festivals are at the heart of Geneva's cultural life. Thus, the Escalade festival, which commemorates Geneva's victory over Savoyard troops in 1602, is one of the city's most emblematic events, with parades in historical costumes, foot races, and the consumption of chocolate cauldrons, whose role is to represent the cauldrons that Geneva women reportedly used to pour boiling oil on the assailants. It's a great moment of local pride and festivities.
Finally, Geneva has always been a refuge for numerous intellectuals and writers, attracting personalities as diverse as Madame de Staël, Voltaire, Rousseau, Albert Cohen, Joël Dicker...

Morning: Visit to the city center and its hidden treasures

The richness of Geneva's museums offers a glimpse of its artistic and historical heritage. The Patek Philippe Museum explores the history of Swiss watchmaking, a craft that has made Geneva world-famous.

The Mamco

The Mamco, museum of modern and contemporary art, presents artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries, reflecting the evolution of artistic movements and their reception in the city. Geneva's city center is also full of hidden treasures worth exploring.

The Promenade des Bastions

The Promenade des Bastions is a true haven of peace in the heart of the city. This park with the famous Reformation Wall is a perfect place for a peaceful stroll. It also features a giant chessboard where visitors enjoy challenging each other.

Rousseau Island

Rousseau Island is a small island located in the middle of the Rhône, a peaceful place that offers a pleasant view of the lake and the Bergues Bridge, an excellent spot to escape the city's hustle and bustle, often unknown even to residents.

The Grottes District

Near Cornavin station, the Grottes district is famous for its unusually shaped buildings, nicknamed the "Smurfs." It's an alternative neighborhood that shows a more bohemian and artistic aspect of Geneva.

The Barbier-Mueller Museum

This private museum, located in the historic center, houses an impressive collection of tribal art, antiquities and cultural objects from civilizations around the world, often overlooked in favor of the city's larger museums.

The Covered Passages

The covered passages of old Geneva, like Passage Malbuisson, offer a charming perspective on traditional Genevan commerce. They are highly recommended for a quiet stroll, sheltered from rain or sun, while discovering unique shops and welcoming cafés.

The Geneva Observatory

Although located slightly outside the city center, the Observatory is a fascinating place to discover astronomy. Tours are organized there, allowing you to see Geneva from another angle, both literally and figuratively.

Place du Bourg-de-Four

Afternoon: Exploration of Geneva's iconic museums

After discovering the intimate and hidden Geneva, take advantage of the afternoon to visit one or another of the city's iconic museums.

The Museum of Art and History: A journey through time

The International Red Cross Museum: discover humanitarian history

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is dedicated to the history and humanitarian activities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Founded in 1988 and renovated in 2013, this museum is a modern and interactive space that offers a deep look at humanitarian efforts deployed around the world.

Evening: Tasting Swiss local specialties

After a beautiful day of visits and walks, you'll enjoy tasting Swiss local specialties with delight. Geneva being at the crossroads of several cultures in Europe offers a varied culinary palette that reflects both local and international influences.
Discover the longeole, this traditional Genevan sausage made with pork, tarragon and fennel, often served with potatoes and vegetables.
Try a fondue if you're in the mood for cheese. This typically Swiss dish consists mainly of melted cheeses, such as Gruyère and Emmental, in which pieces of bread are dipped using long forks. Raclette, another cheese-based dish, is also very popular on this side of the Alps.
On the fish side, perch fillets from Lake Geneva are a highly appreciated specialty. They are generally served fried or sautéed, accompanied by tartar sauce and fries or vegetables. The Genevan cardoon is a vegetable similar to artichoke, typical of the region and often prepared as gratin. It is particularly popular during the year-end holidays. Malakoffs are crispy cheese fritters, originating from the Nyon region, near Geneva. They are composed of cheese, garlic and white wine, coated in batter and fried until golden.
Finally, Geneva is renowned for its high-quality chocolate, from classic truffles to modern creations.

Day 2: Adventure and relaxation in the heart of nature

Because Geneva is an urban setting nestled in the heart of majestic nature, we suggest you enjoy the beauty of the lake, mountains and parks in the city's surroundings, on this second day of your visit.

Morning: Walk in the Bastions Park and visit to the Reformation Wall

An iconic place in Geneva, Bastions Park is a green oasis of peace in the heart of the city. Entering through the main entrance located at the end of Place Neuve, you can admire the majestic statue of the famous General Guillaume-Henri Dufour.
Strolling along the tree-lined paths, you'll discover carefully landscaped spaces, with benches where you can sit and observe nature or read in complete tranquility. The park is home to numerous tree species, some of which are centuries old, as well as flower beds whose colors add to the beauty of the place.
The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the Reformation Wall, an impressive monument dedicated to Protestant reformers, notably John Calvin and Guillaume Farel. The wall, adorned with imposing statues and bas-reliefs, tells the story of the Reformation and its effects on Geneva and the entire world. This monumental artwork is located in the eastern part of the park and cannot fail to catch the eye.

Afternoon: Relaxation and family activities at Evaux Park

Evaux Park, Geneva's largest urban park, is an ideal place for relaxation and family activities. Walks are delightful along the park's winding paths, lined with majestic trees and vast lawns. The ducks that populate the ponds are a constant delight for children. But the park also has sports fields and places to picnic or lie in the grass, in the shade of the foliage.

Activities on the shores of Lake Geneva: cruises and more

The shores of Lake Geneva offer a multitude of activities for everyone, from water sports to peaceful moments of relaxation. Sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are possible. Sailing and surfing schools also offer lessons for all levels.
Lake Geneva has several public beaches where you can swim and enjoy the sun. Beaches like the Bains des Pâquis in Geneva are popular for their atmosphere and the amenities they offer: changing rooms, showers, cafés.
Finally, numerous cruises depart from Geneva and other cities bordering the lake, allowing you to discover Lake Geneva in complete relaxation. These cruises can be short trips or full-day excursions, including visits to local vineyards and historic castles along the lake.

Evening: Enjoy a breathtaking view of Geneva from Salève

Mount Salève, often nicknamed Geneva's "balcony," offers one of the most spectacular views of Geneva and the vast panorama of Lake Geneva, with the impressive Alpine chain in the background, dominated by Mont Blanc. Located right on the border between France and Switzerland, this impressive massif is easily accessible by car or by the Salève cable car, which will quickly take you to the summit. Take advantage of your evening to go up there because, if the weather is clear, the view extends well beyond Geneva, embracing the surrounding lakes, mountains and cities. The contrast between the bustling metropolis and the tranquility of the Alpine peaks is striking.

Practical tips for your weekend in Geneva

To ensure your stay in Geneva is a real success and that you enjoy it fully without worrying about practical details, here are some tips.

Getting around easily in Geneva

Getting around Geneva is relatively easy thanks to a well-developed public transportation network. The Geneva Public Transport network includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses that cover the city and its surroundings. There are also boats, known as "Mouettes Genevoises," which transport passengers from one side of the lake to the other, offering a picturesque alternative to land routes. Ticket purchases are simplified by automatic distributors available at each stop and station, which accept payment by card and cash. Visitors can also purchase daily or weekly cards that offer unlimited access to the entire network for the chosen period. Moreover, by staying at the 9Hotel Pâquis in Geneva, you can receive a "Geneva Transport Card" that allows you to use all public transport for free during your stay.
Geneva also encourages environmentally friendly modes of transportation. You can rent bikes or electric scooters through various sharing services available in the city. Bike paths and greenways are well maintained and secure, allowing easy and safe travel.
If you prefer driving, car rentals are available at the airport and at several locations in the city. Taxis are also a convenient option, although more expensive. There are also ridesharing and on-demand taxi services like Uber.
Finally, Geneva is also a pleasant city to explore on foot, especially in the city center where distances from one neighborhood to another are not long. Neighborhoods like the Old Town are particularly charming and well-suited for walks.

Book your weekend at 9Hotel Pâquis for an unforgettable experience

To make your weekend in Geneva an unforgettable memory, book your room at 9Hotel Pâquis now and experience something extraordinary!

Why choose 9Hotel Pâquis?

A superior 3-star design hotel, the 9Hotel Pâquis in the heart of Geneva is a chic place created in association with the Portuguese architectural firm Saraiva. Suitable for any type of stay, it offers a true urban refuge in the heart of Geneva. Much more than just a place to pass through, it's also a place of exchange, conviviality and exhibitions.
The welcoming warmth of its rooms, the gentleness of its wellness area (spa, indoor pool, sauna and fitness room), the chic and friendly atmosphere of its bar, make it a privileged holiday destination for spending a delightful weekend in Geneva.

Our rooms for a Weekend in Geneva