“Free things to do in Geneva?”
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I understand your disbelief.
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Ranked in 2023 as the fourth most expensive city in the world to live in, Geneva is likely low on the list for budget travellers.
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However, you can see this city without slashing your travel funds.
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I was here to housesit (read more on that here), so my accommodation was free. But I was budgeting to keep spending costs as low as possible. I discovered that even in this notoriously expensive city, there are still some free things to do in Geneva.
5 Free Things to Do in Geneva
1. Swim or hike at Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Switzerland (so large it crosses into France). At the most Southern point, you’ll find Geneva City.
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The crystal clear turquoise lake is home to swans and other birds, and the shore is a busy hangout spot. You can swim year-round, and lakeside beaches open up in June-August. It was cold in April when I visited, but several shivering people braved the icy water.
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Not visiting in summer and don’t fancy catching hypothermia?
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Walk or cycle around the lake on the shore path. You can hike the circular trail in around 8-10 hours (not including stops). But it’s easy to explore parts at your own pace if you don’t have a full day.
2. Take a free shower in Jet d'Eau
You can’t miss Jet d’Eau, a towering fountain emerging from the lake. At 460 ft, the gigantic sprinkler is Geneva’s most prominent landmark and can be spotted from the plane when flying into the city.
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To get the full effect, walk the jetty by the harbour and pass under the enormous cascade. Just prepare to get sprayed!
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Or, treat yourself to a boat tour around the jet. Obviously not free, but you can grab a deal with this zero-emission sightseeing cruise by Viator. Wine and aperitifs included!
3. Visit the Botanical Gardens
As someone who owns over 40 house plants, I love botanical gardens. But even if you’re not plant-obsessed, this is a beautiful place to spend an hour or two.
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Unlike many, the Geneva Botanical Garden is free and houses over 16,000 plant species. Wander the colourful grounds and trail the treetop walkways in tropical bursting greenhouses.Â
4. Explore the old town
Geneva is ideal to walk around, and the old town is the quaintest area. Explore hidden alleys, cobbled squares, and underground passages.
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Stop at Place du Bourg-de-Four, Geneva’s oldest market square, for a drink on one of the many cafe patios. It’s a great people-watching spot!
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Just around the corner is St. Pierre Cathedral, an impressive Gothic cathedral. Make sure you visit the ornately beautiful chapel hidden at the back.
5. Browse the Museum of Art and History
For your gallery fix, The Museum of Art and History exhibits fine art, Greek sculptures, Egyptian relics, and other artefacts in a building of stunning marble staircases and stained-glass windows. Admission is free, but there is a pay what you feel policy if you can donate.
Day Trips From Geneva
Lauvaux
Once you’ve experienced all the free things to do in Geneva, there are many areas to explore nearby. For art and nightlife, catch the train to Lausanne, then just past here is the Lavaux District wine region.
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Imagine vineyard terraces, lakeside villages, and snow-capped rolling mountains. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site almost doesn’t feel real.
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I took the train to Villette, roughly in the middle of the Lavaux District, but you could hike the whole area from Rivaz to Lausanne in a few hours. From the train station, it’s a steep incline up into the vineyards, then wander through the grapevines to Grandvaux and back to Lutry beach.
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A visit to a winery is a must here. I went on a Sunday and didn’t realise many were closed, but I stumbled upon
J&M Dizerens for a glass of wine on their vine-covered patio. They also served Sunday brunch that looked amazing!
France
If you have more time, it’s worth crossing the border to France, and it’s even easy to visit the Alps!
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This day trip takes you from Geneva to Chamonix and Mont Blanc to explore the alpine terrain. You can also add a mountain gondola ride to see the Matterhorn and the iconic Montenvers Mer de Glace train ride.
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For a shorter half-day trip, I’d recommend Annecy, a picturesque, historic town known as ‘the Venice of the Alps.’ Follow the canal path lined with pastel houses, visit Château d’Annecy, and sunbathe by Annecy Lake.
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