As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Geneva has a lot to offer. Its historic old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over two thousand years.
The city is also known for its huge parks, including the English Garden and Bastion Park. The latter is right next to the old town and has beautiful gardens, lounge chairs, and playgrounds.
Tavel House
Located on 6 rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre in Geneva’s Old Town, Tavel House is one of the city’s most significant medieval buildings. It was built in the 12th century by the Maison family, an influential family in the city during the Middle Ages.
A fire in 1334 destroyed two-thirds of the Old Town, but this historic building survived and was restored to its former glory as a palatial residence. Today, it’s home to the Museum of Urban History and Daily Life, which presents engravings, paintings, maps, models, furniture and miscellaneous items that evoke the city’s past.
The top floor of the museum features a model of Geneva from 1850 that helps visitors understand what the city looked like before it was fortified, and how the city has changed since then. The ground floor offers a series of exhibitions that discuss political developments in the city. Whether you’re interested in the city’s long and complex history or just enjoy learning about different eras, you’ll be sure to appreciate the collection.
St. Pierre’s Cathedral
One of the most recognizable attractions in Geneva is St. Pierre’s Cathedral, a former Roman Catholic church that was converted to a Protestant church during the Reformation.
If you love history and archaeology, this cathedral is a must-see. Under the cathedral is a fascinating excavation of early Christian Geneva that explores ancient Celtic roots and shifts in societal values.
You can climb up 157 steps to the bell tower for a 360-degree view of the city and Lake Geneva. A daily free carillon and organ concert is also offered during June to September.
Museum of Art and History
Geneva is a city known for being the heart of diplomacy and global finance, but it’s also a top destination for museum lovers. Its museums are a great way to learn about the history of the city and the world around us.
The Museum of Art and History is an extensive and modern building that focuses on capturing the history of western civilization from ancient times to present day. It has over 1 million exposition pieces and is a good place to spend some time.
It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in archaeology or fine art, and it has an impressive collection of works by renowned artists like Rembrandt and Konrad Witz. There’s also an assemblage of Byzantine art and archaeological findings from European prehistory, Egypt and more.
The museum is free to enter, but there are also paid temporary exhibits which require a ticket. The opening hours and pricing can be found here.
Lake Geneva
The city of Geneva is known for its luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and storied past. But it also has a variety of things to see and to do!
For those who love to get out and explore, the Geneva Lakeshore Path is a 20-mile stretch of pedestrian-friendly shoreline. It's a great place to go for a walk and enjoy the views of the beautiful homes and gardens along the way.
If you want to experience a unique way of seeing the area, book a hot air balloon ride with Geneva Balloons. They have a fantastic safety record and offer a one-hour flight that ends with a champagne toast.
Wisconsin loves its fish, so it's no surprise that ice fishing is one of the most popular things to do in Lake Geneva. Outfitters like Geneva Lake Bait & Tackle offer guided fishing excursions (and equipment rentals) all year round, including in the winter when area lakes turn to frozen sheets of ice.
