Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva
4.5
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A scenic mountain lake situated alongside the city of Geneva, it empties into the Rhone River.
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Top ways to experience Lake Geneva
The area
How to get there
- Geneve • 9 min walk
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Restaurants
1,934 within 3 miles
Attractions
290 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Ruthba A19 contributionsStunning LakeThe views were phenomenal. You have the lake which has beautiful clear water. The jet d’Eau can be seen from every part of the lake it is so high (140m) We did the mini train tour around the lake which was worth it . Took around half an hour but saved us walking and the tour was explained in French and English. It went past so many of the sites we wanted to see anyways. Kids really enjoyed it too. Standing at the lake you must turn away from the lake and take in the views of all the surrounding mountains. It feels like you’re in the centre of a valley and the mountains are all around you.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 10, 2023
- AnnaSingapore, Singapore9 contributionsHave a great timeHave a great time. We saw Lake Geneva from different angles and visited the park around the lake. Don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch! What a wonderful way to spend a sunny day on Lake Geneva!Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten January 6, 2024
- Kamal PByron Bay, Australia8,758 contributionsLake of astonishing beautyLake Geneva on Montreux was mind blowing. The massive lake with its calm water and grand background with rolling land made a picturesque sight. Montreux promenade with manmade features and eye-catching landscape was very attractive. A walk along the promenade was so soothing and relaxing. Most importantly the air was so fresh and exhilarating. The 19th century peddle steamers added extra attraction with their vintage appearance taking us back in time. All the large lakes make magnificent pictures but Lake Geneva stretching to Montreux was extraordinarily beautiful.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 27, 2024
- bcheongShanghai, China48,551 contributionsLake geneva or lemanFamous lake of course and in english, predominantly known as such. In french it’s lake leman. It’s split 60% swiss territory and 40% french. Do they draw an imaginary line, or divide with fishing nets, who knows. Pretty clean lake, you can see the fish from the shoreVisited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 20, 2024
- Allison K48 contributionsLake Geneva is as beautiful as they say!We took a ferry that was one hour from Geneva to Mont Blanc and back. The water is gorgeous, clean and so clear. It's fun seeing all of the French and Swiss towns along the lake and mountains in the background. It was a really relaxing and peaceful experience.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2024
- Soumya NayakDubai, United Arab Emirates672 contributionsStunning LandscapeLake Geneva is quite vast & we can view it from different locations. We saw it from near the Olympic Museum. The area has a row of trees with benches to relax. It's a perfect setting for a quiet evening during pleasant weather. Later we also viewed it from the Lavaux Gardens. The lake is equally beautiful from every location though.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 29, 2024
- sandhukpsNew Delhi, India2 contributionsBreathtaking beauty at Lake GenevaFantastic place to visit with sights all around it. The water jet firing 180 m up in the air, a pier with hundreds of boats, the famed flower clock, all are here and if one is a bit fit, then one can walk around the lake to see the various sights. Beautiful sights and lots of ducks, and other birds floating around the lake. Must visit if you are in GenevaVisited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 5, 2024
- Pawel TSlovakia6 contributionsPeace of mindThe place is a peace of mind. Very good for couplse relax and family. Funny thing is you can feed the fishes and swans and other birds coming your way. For 30 euro you can take a boat and enjoy you ride. Very lucky to have visit this place, i recomand it.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 22, 2024
- Saurabh DhingraMilton Keynes, United Kingdom396 contributionsBeautiful lake!!Such a beautiful and huge lake with amazing views all around. We took a cruise ride, which took us near Jet d'Eau (large water fountain). Visited attractions like Flower clock, ferris wheel.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 2, 2024
- brmusicmanChicago, Illinois3,118 contributionsJust jump in!We visited Geneva in August 2024 and our hotel was located right along the shore of Lake Geneva. What a beautiful body of water!, with views of mountains and city behind it, plus the famous geyser in the middle. One of our favorite parts of the lake was just jumping it to cool off on a very hot day in Geneva. Lots of locals were doing the same thing, and the pathway along the lake had multiple access points with ramps that made it easy to guide yourself into the water (or just leap in)! A very festive and summery scene. There are four public transit lines that run on the water, with frequent service. Those were fun to use as well — far above average views for public transit!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 3, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
7,739 reviews
Excellent
5,172
Very good
2,144
Average
360
Poor
45
Terrible
18
Steve Wilson
11 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Went on the 2 hour Lake Geneva Grand Tour cruise and paid extra for what we were told would be drinks and snacks. When onboard I was given the only option of wine tasting (which was fine) but no snacks. Somebody else later was offered food but no drinks with the same ticket.
There were 2 staff running the bar. The young lady did her very best to avoid serving anyone even when a queue formed and when the other staff member left the bar to collect food from downstairs and deliver it to people.
Our cruise was the one prior to a 4 hour evening cruise and the young lady was more interested in making sure the glasses and cutlery were clean for that trip than serve the customers stood in front of her.
I probably spent over 30 minutes of a two hour trip queuing with my back to the scenery.
The cruise was OK...just don't bother paying extra
There were 2 staff running the bar. The young lady did her very best to avoid serving anyone even when a queue formed and when the other staff member left the bar to collect food from downstairs and deliver it to people.
Our cruise was the one prior to a 4 hour evening cruise and the young lady was more interested in making sure the glasses and cutlery were clean for that trip than serve the customers stood in front of her.
I probably spent over 30 minutes of a two hour trip queuing with my back to the scenery.
The cruise was OK...just don't bother paying extra
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nutty1966
Redcar, UK34 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Booked the trip around the lake which took about hour, wrap up warm it's chilly. We stayed inside but you can sit up on the deck, better in the summer I guess. Drinks and toilets available on board
Written March 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maulin Parekh
Mumbai, India1,763 contributions
Jun 2019
Jun 20: While walking to the Olympic museum from the station, one can spend time looking at the beautiful Lake Geneva. The lake is huge and the largest lake spanning from Geneva in the west to Montreaux in the east. Since Geneva was not on our travel list, we took in the views from Loussane. The lake is so peaceful and calm with the amazing mountains in the background and the calim blue water in the foreground.
Written May 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ymt888
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia1,817 contributions
Aug 2019
We stayed at a hotel near Lake Geneva and my hotel's balcony actually overlooks the lake. It was beautiful to stroll along the lake. Fun fact - this lake is shared between Switzerland and France.
Written May 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NAQ8
Kuwait City, Kuwait2,809 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Any visitor to Geneva must stop and take a good time to enjoy the magnificent lake . A river taxi can be hired to cross this historical monument( Ticket both available by the boats)
Of course Geneva fountain can be seen from everywhere . A welcoming city to be visited. Recommend . NK
Of course Geneva fountain can be seen from everywhere . A welcoming city to be visited. Recommend . NK
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damicro
23 contributions
Dec 2019 • Business
The path is good for walks and running and the view is good .
You can take free boats (if you stay in a hotel you get a pass for transportation ) or buy at the dock .
The path has maps and information stands , cafes and different local activites .
You can take free boats (if you stay in a hotel you get a pass for transportation ) or buy at the dock .
The path has maps and information stands , cafes and different local activites .
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeslieG_8
Tennessee315 contributions
Sep 2021
Spent two days here as part of a tour. When weather is good it is a great place to walk around the lake or take a boat ride on the lake. Lots of restaurants and cafes and high end shops.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria Camila G
Madrid, Spain53 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Have a rest in front of the lake, contemplate the whole landscape... enjoy the Alpes views and eat a bar of Swiss chocolate. Couldn’t be any happier? During the winter is as wet as it’s supposed to,l but the sunset is spectacular. Children enjoy the small beach, the park and playing with goose. However, the bar is as busy as a bee.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ezajo
Canton of Geneva, Switzerland93 contributions
Aug 2021
We love the lake Geneva for the diversity of sports, beaches, promenades, boat trips it offers and its beauty. The playgrounds and the restaurants, the merry-go round and seasonally the Luna parks makes it a great hit with families. You have two little tourist trains going around on both sides, we take it many times. And I recommend to do the 1-hour boat trip. Also visit the Botanic Garden, the Jet d eau and if you want to you can rent boats, watercycles, do stand up paddling or learn how to sail.
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hooray H
London, UK2,165 contributions
Aug 2020
Playground of the rich; even more so now with this ridiculous exchange rate.
It really is beautiful & being on the lake is a must.
The Bavettes are a great way to explore the lake in Geneva otherwise there are the lovely old paddle boats.
The local government was allowing free rides this summer if you were staying in a Hotel! What a bargain.
It really is beautiful & being on the lake is a must.
The Bavettes are a great way to explore the lake in Geneva otherwise there are the lovely old paddle boats.
The local government was allowing free rides this summer if you were staying in a Hotel! What a bargain.
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen H
Summit, New Jersey
Can you tell me more about the train ride on Lake Geneva? Guessing it was separate from your trip in from France? Where is the station located to start the trip?
Written December 7, 2021
It's not an official "train ride on Lake Geneva" (unlike the Bernina Express, which is meant to be a scenic train in the Alps), but the train that runs from Geneva's Cornavin station to St-Maurice will give you a fairly nice view of the lake from end to end, at least until you get to Villeneuve, which is at the eastern end of the lake. Villeneuve isn't exactly a tourist's paradise, so you're best getting off in Montreux and enjoying that lakeside city. From there, you can take a funicular all the way up to the Rocher de Naye, a peak from which you will have a truly awesome 360-degree view. And of course, on the way to Montreux from Geneva, you'll pass through the Lavaux region, which is a very scenic wine-growing region that blankets the hillsides overlooking the lake. Hope this helps the asker and anyone else looking for a nice day out.
Written September 3, 2023
Hi guys.
We are going to Geneva in mid august and looking for a hotel on the lakeside with possible lake access and pool as well. Not necessarily Geneva!
Any good recommendations on where to stay at?
Cheers
Written July 15, 2021
Lohnt sich es den Genfer See auch in Genf zu sehen oder sollte man lieber nach Montreux weil viele davon erzählen ?
Gibt es da große Unterschiede ?
Written April 27, 2019
Nous avons visité Montreux en septembre 2014 et Genève en septembre 2018 et les deux villes ont leurs attraits. Si vous êtes plutôt de type urbain, je vous dirais de choisir Genève car il y a plusieurs beaux quartiers avec chacun leurs particularités (voir mes récents avis sur Genève). Mais si vous êtes plutôt le type paysage/villégiature, vous adorerez Montreux pour sa belle promenade au bord du lac (il y en a une aussi à Genève mais celle de Montreux-Vevey est magnifiquement fleurie et aménagée (rappel de l’importance de la musique à Montreux)). Le château de Chillon et le vignoble en terrasse de Lavaux (village de Saint-Saphorin) ajoutent à l’intérêt de privilégier Montreux à Genève dans votre choix. Mais quel que soit votre choix, optez pour une ballade sur le lac Léman pour mieux admirer les montagnes depuis le large. Visiter la Suisse, c’est l’adopter. Il faut faire comme nous, il faut y retourner.
Wir haben Montreux im September 2014 und Genf im September 2018 besucht, und beide Städte haben ihre Attraktionen. Wenn Sie eher städtischer Art sind, würde ich sagen, dass Sie sich für Genf entscheiden sollten, da es einige schöne Viertel gibt, die jeweils ihre Besonderheiten aufweisen (siehe meine letzten Bewertungen von Genf). Wenn Sie eher wie die Landschaft / das Resort sind, werden Sie Montreux für seinen schönen Spaziergang am See lieben (es gibt auch einen in Genf, aber Montreux-Vevey ist wunderschön geblüht und angeordnet (Erinnerung an die Bedeutung von Musik in Montreux)). Das Schloss von Chillon und der terrassierte Weinberg von Lavaux (Dorf Saint-Saphorin) tragen zu Ihrem Interesse bei, Montreux in Genf zu bevorzugen. Was auch immer Sie sich entscheiden, entscheiden Sie sich für einen Spaziergang am Genfersee, um die Berge vom offenen Meer aus besser zu bewundern. Die Schweiz zu besuchen heißt, sie anzunehmen. Wir müssen das tun, wir müssen
Written April 27, 2019
Hi, please can you advise best way to go from Geneva lake to Chamoix for Mont Blanc and best place to buy tickets for cable car to first part.
I believe 2nd part is closed.
Any other must see something nearby?
Look for more romantic options
Thanks in advance
Written December 10, 2018
I am visiting Geneva for a day trip from London in Dec. I want to do train trip up mountain in morning & Christmas market in afternoon.
Can you tell me best route from airport & which train?? Thank you.
Written November 2, 2018
Hi! I dont actually know, I had a car when I was over so we just drove everywhere! Sorry
Written November 9, 2018
We are going beginning of December as my husband wants to visit CERN. However I am not really interested in doing that tour, and am hoping that the Christmas Markets will keep me occupied for a few hours. Can anybody recommend other must see activities/sightseeing as we are there for three nights. Thanks!
Written October 9, 2018
The lake is beautiful to walk, old town and most of the small shops are good in old town, Christmas market is nice in Annecy, Bain de Paquis is nice to visit have a drink if the weather is not cold
Written October 13, 2018
Hola, cuanto sale almorzar aproximadamente por persona frente al lago? Gracias
Written July 16, 2018
I am having 2 days in Geneva, interested in seeing a scenic train trip and snow point . Kindly guide me
Written April 16, 2018
Walk around Lake Geneva. Take a boat cruise. Go to UN European HQ. There are other museums nearby.
Written April 17, 2018
Hello! I am going to Geneva this summer and was wanting to do the boat tour on Lake Geneva to go to various cities like Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux, etc. How much is a normal ticket? I am trying to determine if it will be beneficial for me to get a Swiss Travel Pass. Also, do you know what times the boat tours are and when they end? I haven't been able to find much information about this so any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Written April 9, 2018
Go to
Patek Philippe Museum
Also, Old town
Written October 9, 2018
Hi Myself and my wife are just looking for a really nice campsite on the lake either on the French or the Swiss side preferably with decent amenities and if possible walking distance to a local town/village, travelling at the end of May any advice would be very much appreciated . Regards Mike H.
Written March 13, 2018
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