tours of geneva switzerland

Travel Home > Switzerland > Itineraries > 1 Day Geneva

Geneva in a Day Private Tour

Officially licensed guides, private driver-guided, flexible rescheduling, geneva full-day private tour.

Our full-day guided tour of Geneva has been designed to deliver the best of the city in one short day with your private guide and driver.

From a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Geneva to a visit to the United Nations headquarters or a stroll through the charming Carouge district with its artisan shops and local cuisine, with a private guide, you can explore the city at your own pace, learning about its history, culture, and current developments.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top attractions and experiences you can enjoy on a full-day guided tour of Geneva, giving you an insight into the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary life.

Destinations of our Geneva Guided Day Tour:

• Geneva Old Town
• Lake Geneva Cruise
• Walking Tour of The Carouge district
• United Nations HQ Tour
• CERN Guided Tour

Geneva Private Tour Itinerary

Geneva is a beautiful and historic city in the heart of Switzerland, with a rich cultural heritage and a wide range of attractions to explore. A private guided tour of Geneva is the perfect way to experience all the city has to offer, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler.

Geneva Old Town Walking Tour

The Old Town of Geneva is a charming neighborhood with winding streets, historic buildings, and exciting landmarks. A walking tour of this area is a great way to start your day in the city, and there is no better way to do it than with a private guide.

The Old Town of Geneva dates back to Roman times, and much of the architecture and infrastructure in the neighborhood still reflect this ancient history. As you walk through the narrow streets and alleys, you’ll see buildings made of stone and brick, with arched doorways and intricately carved facades. The area is filled with history and culture, with plenty of landmarks to explore and stories to learn.

Pierre Cathedral

One of the most iconic landmarks in the Old Town is the St. Pierre Cathedral, which dominates the skyline with its tall spire. This magnificent Gothic church has been a place of worship since the 12th century and is the seat of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland. Your private guide can take you inside the cathedral to see its stained-glass windows, impressive organ, and intricate stonework.

Reformation Wall

Another landmark in the Old Town is the Reformation Wall, a monument that pays tribute to some of the key figures of the Protestant Reformation, such as John Calvin and William Farel. The monument is carved into a large stone wall and features statues of the reformers and inscriptions in several languages. Your private guide can provide insights into the history and significance of this monument.

Place du Bourg-de-Four Square

The Place du Bourg-de-Four is one of the oldest public squares in Switzerland and a hub of activity in the Old Town. The square is surrounded by cafes, shops, and restaurants and is a great place to stop and people-watch. Your private guide can take you through the square and explain its history and cultural significance.

There are also several museums and art galleries in the Old Town, such as the Museum of Art and History, which houses a collection of Swiss and international art and artifacts, and the Patek Philippe Museum, which showcases the history of watchmaking in Geneva.

Lake Genva Cruise

A Lake Geneva cruise is a perfect way to experience the beauty and charm of this historic city from a unique perspective. The lake is a significant attraction in Geneva, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, making it one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland. With a private guide, you can explore the lake and its surroundings comfortably and intimately, with the added benefit of your guide’s knowledge and expertise.

As you board your boat, your private guide will introduce you to the stunning surroundings and landmarks along the shore. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Jet d’Eau fountain, which shoots a towering plume of water into the sky, visible from miles away. Your guide will provide information on the history and significance of this fountain, which has become an emblem of the city.

As you cruise around the lake, your guide will also point out the elegant Villa Diodati, where Lord Byron wrote part of “Frankenstein.” The Villa is a stunning example of the grandeur of Geneva, with its beautiful architecture and scenic location. Your guide will provide you with the fascinating history of this villa and its significance in the world of literature.

As you continue your cruise, the stunning view of the Alps will come into focus, providing a breathtaking backdrop to your journey. Your guide can point out the different peaks and provide information about their geological significance and the region’s history.

Guided Walking Tour of The Carouge district

The Carouge district is a must-visit destination in Geneva, offering a unique atmosphere and a plethora of sights and sounds. It is famous for its Italianate architecture, vibrant culture, and artisan shops. With a private guide, you can discover the best of this district, learn its history, and immerse yourself in the local life.

The Carouge Market is a vibrant hub of activity and a great place to start your tour. It is an outdoor market that sells everything from fresh produce to artisanal crafts. Your guide can show you around and introduce you to the vendors, allowing you to taste and sample some of the local delicacies.

The Church of Sainte-Croix is another significant landmark in Carouge, known for its impressive baroque architecture and beautiful frescoes. Your guide can take you inside the church, giving you insights into its history and significance.

The Maison Tavel museum is another must-visit destination in Carouge, offering a glimpse into the city’s history. The museum is housed in a historic mansion and showcases a range of artifacts, artwork, and exhibits that offer a window into the city’s past. Your guide can provide information about the exhibits and help you understand their significance.

The Carouge district is known for its artisan shops, providing a unique shopping experience. Your guide can take you to the best shops in the district, allowing you to discover unique and handmade products.

United Nations Headquarters Tour

Visiting the United Nations headquarters in Geneva is an unforgettable experience that provides a unique insight into the workings of this important international organization. With a private guide, you can explore the Palais des Nations, which houses the European headquarters of the United Nations.

Your private guide can provide a wealth of information about the UN’s history, work, and mission, helping you understand the organization’s significance in the world. You can learn about the UN’s different departments and their work and gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s role in promoting peace and human rights around the world.

During the tour, you can visit some of the UN’s most important rooms and chambers, such as the Council Chamber, the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, and the Assembly Hall. Your guide can provide you with detailed information about each room, its significance, and the decisions that have been made there.

CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research Tour

A tour of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is an excellent way to cap off your day in Geneva. With a private guide, you can explore the facilities and learn about some of the most advanced scientific research being conducted in the world today.

Your guide can take you through the different departments of CERN, providing insights into the groundbreaking work in areas such as particle physics and nuclear research. For example, you can learn about the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, and see some impressive machinery and equipment used in scientific experiments.

Your guide can also provide you with information about the history and mission of CERN and its role in advancing our understanding of the universe. With a private guide, you can have a unique and personalized experience tailored to your interests and providing you with a deeper understanding of the world of science and research.

Let us know your questions!

Call our team

+1 (424) 766-5955

WhatsApp us

We're here to help!

Fill out the form below with your tour information & details

Your personal tour planner will be in touch within 24 hours with your quote

Pay securely online & meet your private guide at a pre-arranged meeting point

Contact Us About A Private Geneva Tour

Whether you want to take a relaxing cruise on Lake Geneva, explore the Carouge district and its artisan shops, visit the United Nations, or see some of the world’s most cutting-edge scientific research at CERN, a private guided tour can help you make the most of your time in Geneva.

If you’re planning a trip to Geneva, contact Switzerland by Luxe for a complimentary bespoke tour itinerary. Our team of experts can help you plan a personalized and unforgettable trip to this beautiful city tailored to your interests and preferences. Contact us today to start planning your dream trip to Geneva!

Rated 5-Star on Google & TripAdvisor

Qualified Guides. Certified Excellence.

Explore more luxe private tours in switzerland.

Take a look at some of the example tour itineraries below for inspiration before  getting in touch with our experts to start planning your own trip!

10-Day Switzerland Itinerary

Lucerne in a Day Private Tour

Switzerland & Italy in 2 Weeks Itinerary

7 Days in Switzerland

14 Days In Switzerland Itinerary

Zurich in a Day Itinerary

21-Day Ultimate Tour of Switzerland Itinerary

5 Days in Switzerland Itinerary

Most popular tour destinations

Search Luxe Tours, Experiences, and Destinations

Or start planning your perfect tour itinerary today.

Or contact our team directly today at +1 (424) 766-5955

Contact The Luxe Team

Destinations, popular itineraries, switzerland tours, luxe destinations, contact our team.

Let our European travel experts plan your trip

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• 3rd Party Cookies
• Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

More information about our Cookie Policy

Best Walking Tours In Geneva (Discover The City’s Charm)

Geneva is a fascinating Swiss city to visit with impressive places such as the United Nation’s headquarters and the International Red Cross. Its namesake lake is one of Europe’s largest freshwater lakes and you’ll find fascinating landmarks like the Jet d’Eau , the Reformation Wall, and the Broken Chair around town.

With that said, walking tours are perhaps the best way to experience Geneva. Group tours in Geneva are affordable, safe, and convenient. The tour guides are usually locals who are very knowledgeable about their city.

Choose your tours from our list of the best walking tours in Geneva.

Table of Contents

Geneva Highlights City Tour

This tour is an excellent introduction to Geneva. Schedule it for your first day to get acquainted with the city. After meeting your group at Place Dorcière , you will hop on an air-conditioned coach and cruise through the city while a guide provides commentary on the highlights of the city and its political and diplomatic importance.

Admire shimmering Lake Geneva and the famous Jet d’Eau landmark before disembarking and riding a mini-train. The tour will make photo stops at St. Pierre Cathedral, Nation’s Square, and the big Broken Chair statue at the entrance of the United Nations. The mini-train will stop for you to take a walking tour around Geneva’s Old Town.

Food tour with EAT and CHILL TOUR Geneva & Lausanne

This very cool tour for foodies lets you sample the local flavors of Geneva with a guide and like-minded tourists. Choose from a morning or afternoon walking tour and experience gourmet delights all around the city. You’ll stop by Geneva’s local covered market to sample Swiss delicacies such as carmelized pork, ham on the bone, truffles paste, and a huge selection of cheeses and chocolate. The tour also includes wine tastings.

Choose from two meeting places: The Flower Clock or Place de la Palud .

Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva

This 3-hour walking tour is a deliciously sweet way to get to know Geneva. You’ll visit the city’s best artisanal chocolatiers and experience the flavors of Swiss chocolate in a variety of forms and fashions from truffles to chocolate pralines, pastry, and more.

In between the sweet munching, you’ll learn the history of Swiss chocolate, the origins of manufacturing it, and the tradition of breaking the chocolate “marmite.” The tour ends with a boat ride across Lake Geneva.

RELATED POST: BEST CHOCOLATE TOURS IN AND AROUND GENEVA

Geneva Instagram Worthy Highlights Walking Tour

There’s no better way to discover Geneva’s hidden gems and picturesque places than with a local insider tour guide. Your Instagram feed will impress your friends and followers with stunning pics of Geneva’s unique places from the Smurfs Buildings to the quaintest spots in the Old Town.

As you stroll to the city’s most Instagrammable spots, your tour guide will also give you some great tips for getting the best out of your smartphone camera.

Meet this tour group in front of the monumental theatre building on the Place des Volontaires .

Best Intro Walking Tour of Geneva with A Local

This intro walk with an informed local host will help you brush up on your own personal travel itinerary for visiting Geneva. Get all the insider information on where to go and the best way to spend your time in the city. You’ll also learn some very interesting facts about Geneva’s culture and its storied past.

Meet your group in front of the National Monument in Jardin Anglais and set out to discover beautiful hidden gems in the Old Town, the Parc Des Bastions, and more.

Want To Save This For Later?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Exclusive Private History Tour of Geneva with A Local

This exclusive 2-hour walking tour is limited to 6 people for an intimate experience of learning the history behind Geneva’s most impressive buildings. You’ll explore the city’s various architectural styles with a knowledgeable guide to answer your questions. It’s a walking history lesson as you’ll learn the time periods the buildings represent.

This excursion begins at the foot of the wooden pier that leads out to the Jet’d’Eau. You’ll stroll past churches, the United Nations building, the Flower Clock, and more to hear their stories. And if you have a special interest, your tour guide will address it.

Express Walk of Geneva with a Local

This 60-minute walk with a local is a lesson on the history and culture of Geneva in a nutshell. Even though the tour only lasts an hour, you’ll get an overview of 82 buildings or places listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance. Here all about them from a guide with the perspective of a local as you gaze out at Lake Geneva and the Jet d’Eau Fountain.

In addition to soaking up the city’s history, you’ll receive tips on the best places to go in Geneva from restaurants to night spots. You’ll meet your group in front of the National Monument in the Jardin Anglais .

Enchanting Geneva: Unveiling Hidden Charms

Tailored especially for first-timers in Geneva, this tour takes you on an enchanting walk through the city to unlock the secrets behind sites like the Brunswick Mausoleum, the Reformation Wall, St. Pierre Cathedral, the Flower Clock, and more. Your tour guide will unravel all the stories behind Geneva’s most interesting places.

The tour begins in front of the National Monument and ends near the Jet d’Eau.

Carouge Tour with a Local

Explore one of Geneva’s most intriguing neighborhoods and its history on this 60-minute walking tour . Carouge is a colorful and lively neighborhood not to be missed by those who want to delve deeper into the culture of Geneva. In addition to learning about the local culture and history of Carouge, you’ll learn more about the history of Geneva and Switzerland from your knowledgeable local guide.

Meet your group in front of the Dosenbach clothing store.

Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise

Experience Geneva on foot and by coach, tram, and boat on this inclusive tour . The tour guide provides intriguing commentary on the city’s history and includes all the major landmarks. You’ll stroll the Old Town and cruise Lake Geneva by boat.

This tour is perfect for experiencing all Geneva has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is geneva walkable.

Most of Geneva is very walkable, especially by the lake and through the Old Town. 

How many days should I spend in Geneva?

Spending 2-3 days in Geneva should give you enough time to properly experience the city.

Is a walking tour in Geneva worth it? 

Walking tours in Geneva are worth the price because they are a convenient way to experience the city in a short time.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Our Free Swiss Tips Guide

Popular destinations, important pages, on social media, travel planning, certified swiss travel expert.

Navigate to myswitzerland.com

Destinations

Your swiss holiday time.

Holiday destinations

• Summer holiday destinations
• Winter sports & ski resorts
• Family destinations

Attractions

• Top attractions
• UNESCO World Heritage sites / biospheres
• Travel by train, bus or boat
• Top museums
• Swiss Parks
• Scenic nature

Experiences

Additional content about subnavigation experiences.

• Family excursions
• Food & Wine
• Group excursions
• Guided tours
• LGBTQ Travel in Switzerland

Summer & Autumn

• Bicycle & Mountain bike
• Adventure & Sports Summer
• Zoo & animal experiences
• Ski and snowboard
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoe and winter hiking
• Tobogganing
• Winter excursions
• Christmas in Switzerland

Cities & culture

• Parks, Gardens and Squares
• Architecture

Experience Tour

• Car, motorcycle - Grand Tour
• Train, bus, boat – Grand Train Tour
• Mountain excursions

Accommodation

• Typically Swiss Hotels
• Wellness & Spa
• Family Hotels
• Bike Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Inspiring Meeting Hotels
• Swiss Historic Hotels
• Luxury hotels
• Winter sports hotels

Other types of accommodation

• On the farm
• Bed and Breakfast
• Mountains huts
• Group accommodation

Transport & Stay

• Travel to Switzerland
• Barrier-free travel
• Tickets public transport
• Service & support
• Money and shopping

About Switzerland

• General facts
• Custom and tradition
• History of Switzerland
• The Swiss Art and Culture Scene
• Health Travel
• Sustainability

Weather & Climate

• Climate in Switzerland
• Snow Report
• Water and pool temperatures
• City offers
• Touring offers
• Wellness offers
• Nature and outdoor offers
• Offers for families
• Oenotouristic offers

Where are you from?

• België (Nederlands)
• Belgique (Français)
• Deutschland
• Netherlands
• Russia (Россия)
• Schweiz (Deutsch)
• Suisse (Français)
• Svizzera (Italiano)
• Switzerland (English)
• United Kingdom
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• China 中文简体
• China 中文繁体
• Gulf countries العربية
• Japan 日本
• Korea 한국어
• United Arab Emirates
• New Zealand
• International

Language, region and important links

Service navigation.

• Help & Contact

Geneva City Tour

Geneva Tourism Place de Cornavin 7 1er étage 1211 Genève Phone  +41 (0)22 909 70 00 geneve.com

Discover Geneva on this bus tour as you visit "International Geneva", Geneva’s main tourist attractions and the Old Town.

Discover Geneva in all its aspects on this bus tour. In "International Geneva" you will be introduced to the organisations working for world peace before visiting such major tourist attractions as the famous Jet d'Eau and the beautiful Flower Clock. Finally, go back in time aboard the mini-train Tramway Tour of the Old Town and accompany your guide for a close up visit to the alleys of the Old Town. City Tour

General information

Group & pricing information.

Geneva Tourism Place de Cornavin 7 1er étage 1211  Genève Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)22 909 70 00 Fax +41 (0)22 909 70 11 [email protected] geneve.com Facebook Twitter Show Route

Geneva Tourism Place de Cornavin 7 1er étage 1211 Genève Phone  +41 (0)22 909 70 00 geneve.com Show Route

Advertisement

Travel information: geneva, destination.

Geneva Tourism Place de Cornavin 7 1er étage 1211  Genève +41 (0)22 909 70 00 +41 (0)22 909 70 11 [email protected] Website

• Hotel booking
• Holiday rentals
• Group houses groups.swiss
• Swiss Hostels
• Bed and breakfast
• Railway timetable

Local Information

• Restaurants
• Parks and Squares
• Request brochures
• Lakesides / Swimmingpools
• Climatic data
• Swisstravelcenter Hiking Maps
• Swisstravelcenter Mountainbike Maps
• Swisstopo Hiking Maps

Current Offers

Hotel beau-rivage sa geneve, geneva grand tour of switzerland - genf.

holiday apartment valid: 06.10.2024 - 31.10.2024

Geneva Wines & Boat

Geneva the scroll of eternity, hôtel bristol genève, geneva grand tour of switzerland - genf.

Price per double room valid: 06.10.2024 - 27.10.2024

Marriott Geneva Hotel, Geneva Marriott Promotion "Step Beyond"

valid: 06.10.2024 - 31.12.2024

Hôtel Bristol Genève, Geneva City break

Double room valid: 06.10.2024 - 30.11.2024

Geneva Geneva Pass

Geneva heritage and wine in geneva, beau-rivage genève, geneva grand tour of switzerland - genf.

Grand-lit room valid: 06.10.2024 - 31.10.2024

Discover Geneva

• Professional

1. From autumn colours to cultural treasures

2. from fondue to michelin stars, 3. from day trips to nights out.

Welcome to Geneva! As the official guide to Geneva, we warmly welcome you to our city. With its one-of-a-kind blend of vibrant urbanity and peaceful natural beauty, Geneva will undoubtedly capture your heart. Discover the city's rich history, cultural gems, vibrant dining scene and warm hospitality. Start your Geneva adventure now!

Geneva is home to some truly unique museums that will delight those who love to discover new things.

Vineyards & the Countryside

Geneva, renowned for its cosmopolitan flair and scenic beauty, is home to a treasure trove of pastoral landscapes and vineyards that are just waiting to be explored. For travellers yearning to stray...

Exhibitions

Theater Festival

Show/Theater

16 - 29 Oct

La clemenza di tito by wolfgang amadeus mozart.

Until > 13 Oct

Playing with the gods - a visual, sound, cultural experience.

31 Oct > 17 Nov

Gphg - exhibition of the 90 timepieces pre-selected by the academy.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Geneva, where eating and drinking transcend into an art form! Geneva restaurants offer an exquisite array of gourmet options, from traditional Swiss dishes to innovative international cuisine.

Warm & cozy places

Geneva Food Guide

Discover Geneva's culinary richness with the Geneva Food Guide . Explore 60 handpicked addresses by culinary expert and consultant Sébastien Ripari, from fine dining restaurants to neighbourhood...

Switzerland Tours from Geneva

• Choose from 8 Switzerland tours
• 15 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

8 best Switzerland tour packages from Geneva

Compiled by

Melissa Switzerland travel expert at TourRadar

​First Discovery

Swiss delight (9 days), switzerland in a nutshell - small group, switzerland in a nutshell - 2025, switzerland – geneva to zurich highlights, customized luxury swiss circle tour with daily departure, glorious switzerland (classic, 8 days), glorious switzerland (small groups, 8 days).

“The transport, accomodation and places we visited exceeded Our expectations. The scenery was so different from back home.” Ian, traveled in September 2024

• Christmas & New Year
• Explore Geneva's rich history and culture
• Visit Lauterbrunnen and see Trummelbach Falls
• Tour Gruyère's cheese and Cailler's chocolate factories

“I like the tour. The director Stephanie was great and professional.” Jeanine, traveled in March 2023

• In-depth Cultural
• Explore Geneva's lakeside charm and traditions
• Ride the Golden Pass Line to glamorous Gstaad
• Stroll through medieval Gruyères and taste its cheese

• Sightseeing
• Explore Aareschlucht gorge and Waterfalls Valley
• Tour Bern and taste Gruyere cheese and chocolate
• Take a steamboat trip on Lake Geneva

• Explore Trümmelbach Falls inside a mountain
• Taste Gruyère cheese at La Maison du Gruyère
• Relax in Les Bains de Lavey's thermal waters

• Explore Geneva's old town and landmarks
• Hike through Lavaux's vineyards
• Paraglide over Interlaken's scenic lakes

• Explore Geneva's iconic landmarks by car
• Ride the cogwheel train to Gornergrat summit
• Travel through the Alps on the Glacier Express

“Glacial lakes, stunning mountains and beautiful scenery everywhere you look!” John, traveled in August 2018

• Admire the pristine scenery surrounding Lake Geneva
• Visit the enchantingly beautiful isolated Chillon Castle
• Gaze at the majestic peak of the Matterhorn in Zermatt

• Coach / Bus
• Enjoy Swiss cheese fondue in Geneva
• Tour Chillon Castle with a local guide
• Ride Europe's highest cable car in Zermatt

More about Switzerland

Discover TourRadar