If you’re flying into Geneva, but heading somewhere else, don’t miss the chance to spend the day in Geneva. With history, culture and beauty, Geneva deserves a spot on your itinerary. We stopped in Geneva on our way to Chamonix and had a wonderful day. Here are a few things to do if you have one day in Geneva.
Palais des Nations: United Nations and Broken Chair
Our first stop was the United Nations. Unfortunately, they were still not open for tours of the United Nations after COVID closures. The Palais des Nations is an open park area just across the street, which is the perfect spot to view the walkway lined with the flags of all of the UN nations. I would have loved the opportunity to talk among them, but the chance to see them was still very meaningful.
There is a parking garage just across from the Palais des Nations, which has reasonable rates and was the perfect starting point for our day. Geneva requires a special parking beacon on your dashboard to park in any street spots, so it’s important to find a garage if you have your own car. Geneva, like the rest of Switzerland, has an amazing train line, so you can easily train from the airport to the UN area as well.
Also in the Palais des Nations is a 39-foot tall statue of a broken chair. Symbolizing fragility and strength, imbalance and stability, violence, and dignity, the Broken Chair Statue was created to call for a ban on landmines. It was originally planned to be there for a few months, but it is still standing 25 years later.
Conservatory and Botanical Garden of Geneva
Free and open to the public year round, the Conservatory and Botanical Garden of Geneva was a perfect way to spend our morning. As we were entering spring, there were beautiful bulbs and flowers beginning to bloom throughout the gardens. There are outdoor gardens, rock gardens, greenhouses, and playgrounds throughout 28 hectares (nearly 70 acres) right in the middle of Geneva.
We especially loved the Flora of the Alps rock garden and the garden of scents and touch. The Arboretum and Japanese garden are amazing too. The boys loved spending time at the playground too.
Lake Geneva
The Botanical Garden wraps right around to the shore of Lake Geneva. We enjoyed walking along the shore towards the Jet d’Eau, a large fountain near the point of the lake. It was a beautiful day to watch the swans float by and enjoy the view of the lake.
We spent about 2 hours walking through Geneva from the Palais des Nations to Lake Geneva. It was a perfect way to get outside and experience Geneva.
Have you been to Geneva? What are your favorite things to do?
