Geneva is a stunning city, but some parts of it are prettier than others. If you’re wondering where to go in the Swiss city to experience a beautiful view, you’ve come to the right place! This detailed guide to the 10 best Geneva viewpoints takes you to all the most panoramic areas.
They’re all excellent spots for photographs, too. From quaint alleys in Geneva’s old town to iconic landmarks on the waterfront – here are all the best viewpoints in the city of Geneva.
Table of Contents
Jet d’Eau
Jet d’Eau is an iconic landmark in Geneva. The first water fountain was installed back in 1886, and the present-day landmark was installed in 1951. You can see the stream from the lakeside promenade, but for the best view head to Jetée des Eaux Vives.
The pier leading up to the water fountain offers an up-close look at the historic landmark. Get as close as you can, just watch your step because the spray makes the pier slippery. Jet d’Eau always looks amazing; walk up to it on a hot summer day and the spray will provide some relief from the hot sun.
Come back in the evening to see the water fountain illuminated with bright colors. Jet d’Eau shines in colors every night from spring to autumn, for extra special views. Also, the pier offers a beautiful view of Geneva’s waterfront buildings, but that view is best experienced during the day.
St. Pierre Cathedral
St. Pierre Cathedral is famous for a few different reasons. For one, it’s the adopted home of John Calvin, best known for his role in the Protestant Reformation and the founding of Calvinism. The church is also known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, particularly for the Greco-Roman and the dome, which are reminiscent of the Pantheon.
The interior of the church is also stunning and worth seeing. But in terms of panoramic views and viewpoints, the cathedral towers are much more interesting. Climb to the top of one of the towers for an epic view of Geneva’s skyline. Of course, you can see the water fountain and the rooftops of all the buildings leading up to the lake.
This is one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Geneva, especially for skyline views because the city doesn’t have that many tall buildings.
Jardin Anglais
Jardin Anglais is the waterfront public park in Geneva Old Town. The park is home to beautiful landmarks, the most famous of which is the Flower Clock. But the place also offers some incredibly scenic views, especially from the lakeside promenade.
So, explore Jardin Anglais and then head towards the water for an epic view of Lake Geneva and Jet d’Eau in the distance. It’s the best view you can experience in the public park for free.
Come to Geneva in late July or early August, and you’ll have the opportunity to experience an even better view. The Ferris Wheel in Jardin Anglais is set up prior to the Geneva Festival, and it’s one of the best things about the annual celebration.
Book a panoramic ride and you’ll get a view of Geneva Harbor from a height of 45 meters. It’s one of the best panoramic views in Geneva, reserved only for travelers who come to the city at just the right time.
La Perle du Lac
La Perle du Lac is a sprawling public park known for panoramic lake views and landscaped walking paths. It’s on the left bank of Lake Geneva, so offers a nice view of all the waterfront buildings of the Old Town.
But even the park landscaping is stunning to look at. It really doesn’t look like you’re 5 minutes away from the heart of a buzzing metropolis when you’re standing among the tall trees. If you travel to Geneva in the spring or summer, you must come here for beautiful nature views.
In addition to panoramic lake views, La Perle du Lac also boasts a small science museum, statues, a restaurant, and beautiful landscaping.
Bains des Pâquis
Bains des Pâquis is a public bath on Lake Geneva. Accessible from the northwestern part of the city, close to Port Wilson, the public bath and its amenities are a popular destination year-round. Offering swimming in the summer and saunas in the winter, Bains des Pâquis is packed with visitors throughout the year.
Want To Save This For Later?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Even if you have no interest in the bathhouses or saunas, come here for the beautiful views. The piers offer pretty views of Geneva’s waterfront, which is interrupted only by the iconic water fountain and the occasional boat that might pass through the canal.
La Jonction
Head to La Jonction Bridge for the best view of a natural landmark that has nothing to do with water fountains and rooftops. La Jonction is the place where rivers Rhone and Arve meet and merge into one. Both rivers have different colors of water, and their merging creates a rather unique natural phenomenon.
The Junction Bridge is just 40 meters from the point where the rivers meet. Stand at this bridge to get a good look at this phenomenon, which is without a doubt one of the best sights in Geneva.
This is one of the lesser-known attractions in Geneva and it’s not in the old town, so chances are there won’t be crowds in the area. You might encounter a few other people who are there to see the same thing, but you’ll almost always have a nice spot on the bridge to yourself to enjoy this wonderful view.
Mont Salève
Mont Salève is by far the best destination for scenic views of Lake Geneva. But it’s also one of the trickiest destinations to reach because you need at least 3-4 hours for the excursion. It’s absolutely worth the hassle because the mountain’s viewpoints offer uninterrupted views of the city, lake, and the Jura Mountains in the background.
Mont Salève is in France, accessible by roads, public transport, cable car, and hiking trails. The good news is that cable car is free with the Geneva City Pass, which just so happens to be one of the best-value city cards to buy in Switzerland. A local bus can take you from Geneva to Etrembières, where the cable car awaits to take you to the top of the mountain.
The view of Lake Geneva is striking even from the cable car. Once you’re at the top of Mount Saleve, you can explore hiking trails, dine at mountaintop restaurants, or even go paragliding. There’s plenty to do at the summit, and it’s one of the best destinations for outdoor adventures near Geneva.
Rue Etienne Dumon
Rue Etienne Dumon is a narrow alley in Geneva’s old town. It’s lined with shops and restaurants on either side, and the most special thing about it is the view. The street borders Place du Bourg-de-Four and offers the perfect view of the historic city square.
Come to this old part of Geneva early in the morning for a glimpse of the city’s most famous public square without crowds. Even more shops and restaurants await at the plaza, with outdoor tables at the center of Place du Bourg-de-Four. Sit down for a coffee at least, and take in the sights, before you head to the next fabulous viewpoint in Geneva.
Parc des Bastions
Parc des Bastions is a sprawling public park at the University of Geneva, offering pretty views of historic statues and buildings in Geneva. The Reformation Wall is the best-known landmark in the park, and just above it is a panoramic terrace with sweeping views of treetops and rooftops.
This isn’t a very well-known attraction in Geneva, so it’s never crowded. It’s also a big terrace and there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the view, even in the middle of high season. Benches are available on the terrace, where you can sit down for a little break or just take in the vista.
Before you leave Parc Des Bastions, walk around the grounds a little bit. It’s a lovely place with many sculptures scattered around, and even the University of Geneva building is an interesting sight. Parc Des Bastions is best experienced in the winter months, especially around the Christmas holidays.
Pâquis Lighthouse
Pâquis Lighthouse is at the end of the pier that extends from Bains des Pâquis. It’s visible from the public bath, and for even more pretty views you can walk right up to the lighthouse. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public and you can’t go inside to experience the view from the top floor.
But you can enjoy the sight of Geneva’s harbors and popular landmarks from this viewpoint. The lighthouse looks particularly nice in the evening when it’s lit up with bright colors. Enjoy a night-time view of Jet d’Eau from here, followed by a casual stroll back to dry land. And make sure your phone is fully charged because it can be quite dark here, despite the bright lights of Pharos.
