Geneva is the second most expensive city in Switzerland, right after Zurich. But it has surprisingly many things you can do that cost nothing, and I’ve compiled a list of my favorite things to do in Geneva for free.
From tours of the old town and its stunning streets to the best museums in Geneva – you can have loads of fun in the city without spending a dime. Many Geneva museums offer free entrance, as do the churches and public parks. Public transport is free in the city for tourists, and you can even ride the trains to nearby towns and villages to explore more of the region.
So, let’s get into all the best ways to have fun in Geneva for free!
Old Town Geneva
Geneva has a beautiful and polished old town with wide streets and gorgeous architecture. A tour of the historic city center doesn’t have to cost a cent, and it’s the best way to get acquainted with Geneva.
Walk through Rue du Rive and Rue du Marche, and do some window shopping on Rue du Rhone. You’ll notice quite a few historic buildings and landmarks, especially near the various city squares.
It’s worth noting that, if you get the Geneva city card, you can join a guided tour for free. However, even when the tour is free of charge, tips are expected because that’s how the guides make their money. So avoid doing a guided tour if you’re trying to spend as little money as possible while you’re in Geneva.
Ride The Trains
When you book a hotel in Geneva, you should receive a free public transport pass via email. The city offers free rides on all modes of public transport in the Unireso Zone 10, which covers pretty much the entire Geneva Canton. An airport transfer is also included.
This is awesome because you can explore the entire city by trains, trams, and buses without spending a penny on the rides. So, keep this in mind when checking out attractions and landmarks that are situated a bit away from central Geneva.
Lake Geneva
One of the best things about staying in Geneva is that you get endless views of Lac Leman. It is the largest lake in Switzerland, and there are plenty of ways to discover this stunning natural landmark.
The best way to have fun on Lake Geneva is to do a boat cruise, but those aren’t usually free. A complimentary boat cruise is included in the Geneva City Pass (which is absolutely worth the money), so consider buying one if you want to do a couple of free tours and visit museums that normally charge an entrance fee.
Walking and hiking tours are another way to discover the sights along the lake shore. They won’t cost you a thing, and you’ll uncover some fascinating natural landmarks along the way. Finally, you can always ride the trains for free and visit other towns along the shore.
Jet d’Eau
Jet d’Eau is one of the most famous landmarks in Geneva, and walking right up to the towering fountain doesn’t cost a cent. I wouldn’t recommend getting too close to Jet d’Eau; the spray is real, and you will be soaked if you get too close.
But walk down the pier and get close enough that you get a good look at it without being drenched. It’s an iconic Geneva landmark, and it is particularly impressive at night when it’s illuminated in bright colors.
Geneva Botanical Gardens
Situated within a vast public park, the Geneva Conservatory and Botanical Garden is one of my favorite free things to do in the city. The immaculately landscaped gardens offer a chance to see some wonderful plants and trees. Head to the greenhouse to see the rarest plants, most of which don’t belong in the harsh Swiss climate.
A Zen Garden is also part of this complex, and it’s modeled after a traditional Chinese garden. It reminds me a little of the Chinese Garden in Zurich, although the latter is much more expansive and stunning.
The botanical garden in Geneva also houses an animal park with flamingos, peacocks, deer, and other animals. If you’re traveling with kids in Geneva, this might just be the best place for them.
Bains des Pâquis
Bains des Pâquis is a public bath on Lake Geneva. It’s very popular in the summer because it’s a great spot for swimming in the lake, but it can get very crowded in the peak season.
From mid-May to mid-September, Bains des Pâquis has an entrance fee of 2 CHF. But the place is free to visit the rest of the year, so if you’re in Geneva in the off-season, you can walk around the public bath without spending a cent. Bains des Pâquis also has sauna and hammam facilities in the winter, but entrance to those is charged.
One thing to note is that there are plenty of other beaches along the shore of Lake Geneva where you can swim for free. So, if you’re in the city in the summer and want to have some fun in the water without spending money, just head to a different spot. Baby-Plage in the eastern area of the city is a good alternative.
Parc de La Grange
Parc de La Grange is another impressive public park in Geneva. Featuring a villa, landscaped gardens, and a sandy beach, it’s one of the best places to visit if you want to escape the busy city streets.
The lakeside park is in the eastern part of the city, accessible from the center by walks and public transport. It’s best known for open-air concerts in the summer, and it’s a popular spot with the younger crowds in Geneva.
Additionally, Parc de La Grange also boasts sculptures, ponds, and walking paths. Villa La Grange is rarely open for tours, so the chances that you’ll get to see its mesmerizing interior are very slim. But keep an eye out for announcements of free guided tours, which are organized every now and then. If you’re lucky, your trip to Geneva might just coincide with the next batch of tours.
Jardin Anglais
Jardin Anglais is a lakefront public park famous for its stunning flower beds. It’s best known for the flower clock, which is an actual working clock set up on a bed of flowers.
There’s no entrance fee for Jardin Anglais, which is honestly a little shocking considering we’re talking about Geneva, one of the most expensive cities in Switzerland. This gorgeous green space can be visited by anyone for free, making it an attraction you shouldn’t miss during your time in the Swiss city.
In addition to the Flower Clock, be sure to see Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons. The fountain dates back to the 1860s, and it’s adorned with stunning sculptures. There’s also the Rustic Pavillion, the National Monument, and the uninterrupted view of Lac Leman.
Carouge
Carouge is a suburb of Geneva, easily accessible by public transport. It is particularly popular with artists with its many art galleries and theaters. It’s also a good place for shopping; stalls are set up at Marche du Carouge, the main public square in the town.
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Shopping obviously isn’t free, but if you’re going to buy anything in Genève, you’ll find better deals in Carouge than at the shops along Rue du Rhone. I recommended splurging on some delicious local cheeses because that’s the best souvenir you could bring home from Switzerland.
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Genève
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Genève is the most famous church in the city. Dating back to the 16th century, the cathedral is most famous as the adopted home of John Clavin, the leader of the Protestant Reformation. Visitors to the church can see one of the wooden chairs used by Calvin, as well as beautiful stained glass windows, and ornate decorations on the ceiling,
An important thing to note is that only the interior of the cathedral can be viewed for free. Tickets must be bought for visits to the clock tower and the archeological site beneath Cathédrale Saint-Pierre. It’s 12 CHF total to climb the tour and tour the underground, or it’s free if you have the Geneva City Pass.
The Tavel House
Maison Tavel – or Tavel House – is a free museum owned by the city of Geneva. It’s one of the best destinations in the city for travelers who wish to learn more about the history and culture of the locals in Geneva.
This is the oldest private residence in the city and it houses the Museum of Urban History and Daily Life. Learn about the lives of the locals from the Middle Ages until the 19th century through an exhibit composed of miniature replicas, period furnishings, and old artworks.
The Tavel House is open every day except Monday, from 11 AM until 6 PM. Reservations are not necessary, and you can just show up and tour the place on your own, free of charge.
Brunswick Monument
Brunswick Monument is an iconic Gothic mausoleum in Genève. It was constructed in honor of Charles II, the Duke of Brunswick who left all of his wealth to the city of Geneva, asking in return for a monument to be built in his honor.
The Duke wanted the mausoleum to be a replica of Verona’s Scaliger Tombs, and to feature the statues of his father and grandfather. The city honored his request and unveiled this spectacular Gothic monument in the late 19th century.
Access to the Brunswick Monument in Jardin des Alpes is free. It’s the centerpiece of the small park, and a staple city landmark included in all Geneva tours.
Mount Salève
Mount Salève is a summit in France that offers spectacular views of Geneva and Lac Leman. It’s considered Geneva’s local mountain even though it’s in a different country. The summit is accessible by various hiking and cycling trains, as well as a cable car from Etrembières.
Travel by public transport to Veyrier, on the border of Switzerland and France. You’ll be 10-15 minutes away from the bottom cable car station, which can take up the mountain. But you’d have to buy the cable car tickets, which are surprisingly affordable at just 10-11 Euros for a return trip.
The free alternative is to hike up Mount Saleve. A few different trails to the top of the summit are available. Some are easier and suited for newbies to hiking, while others are a bit more difficult and offer the challenge experienced hikers seek. No matter what you decide, a trip to Mount Saleve is a great idea for the stunning panoramic views that stretch from the top.
Museum of Natural History
The Geneva Museum of Natural History is situated a little outside the city center but it’s easily accessible by public transport. It’s one of the best museums in the city, with a vast exhibit on the flora and fauna of the region.
This museum also has a collection that explores the history of the Earth and showcases exhibits like dinosaur skeletons and skulls. It’s truly a fascinating museum in Genève, and I’m astounded that anyone can visit it free of charge.
Travel to the Museum of Natural History by either tram or bus. Both stations are within walking distance of the museum building and included in the Unireso Zone 10 where tourists have access to free public transport.
Pointe de la Jonction
Pointe de la Jonction is a public park in the western part of Geneva. It’s a special place in Geneva because it’s the junction of rivers Rhone and Aare, where you can clearly see the difference in color between the two.
This is one of the best spots in Geneva for stunning landscape photographs. Walk to an observation platform that extends into the water, and look down to see the exact spot where the two rivers merge. You’ll also have an interrupted view of the Junction Viaduct, which has been carrying two railway tracks since 1945.
Additionally, a small beach on the River Rhone is also found in this area. With a green space that offers shade from the harsh sun and a more exposed concrete beach with metal stairs that descend into the water, it’s one of the top free places for a swim in Geneva. It’s also rarely super crowded and tends to be more serene than the beaches with a more central city location.
Place du Bourg-de-Four
Place du Bourg-de-Four is the oldest city square in Geneva, close to the St Pierre Cathedral. The historic plaza is lined with old buildings, and it’s one of the most special places in the city. It’s included in every tour in Geneva, and it often serves as the meeting spot or starting point for guided tours.
This is one of my favorite places for people-watching in Geneva. I like to sit on the outdoor terrace of a cafe and sip on a cappuccino while tourists and locals walk past. Grab a spot on one of the benches on the square, the experience a slice of my routine without spending a dime.
Place du Bourg-de-Four is accessible for free, and features fountains and several interesting statues. It’s not the most exciting part of Geneva, but it’s a gem if you love experiencing the historic core of a city and enjoy seeing old architectural styles.
CERN
CERN is the famous science center in Geneva, easily accessible by (free) public transport. Tours of the CERN Science Gateway are free of charge and available to anyone who visits the center.
This is honestly one of the best things to do in Geneva for science enthusiasts and nerds. And I mean that in the best possible way because I myself am a bit of a nerd. CERN is also a good place to visit with kids, especially if your little ones are interested in science and the workings of a laboratory.
The center encourages children to visit and has several exhibits that are specifically designed for the youngest visitors.
When you show up at CERN, you can apply for the Science Gateway pass. It’s given out for free, and you just need to fill out an online form and tell them a little bit about yourself. The pass grants you access to various activities in the center and is valid for three days.
Map of Geneva Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are museums in Geneva free?
Yes, many museums in Geneva are free. Museums owned by the City of Geneva offer free admission to their permanent exhibits. But privately owned museums charge an entrance fee.
What are the free things to do in Geneva at night?
Many parks and public spaces offer free things to do at night in Geneva. In the summer season, there are often open-air concerts and live performances anyone can attend for free. And in the winter, Christmas markets are set up at the city’s busiest squares.
