Sometimes it is nice to have some flexibility in your holiday. Geneva can be a great place to do this. Whether you enjoy taking your time walking around the lake, exploring the old town or having a relaxing time in one of the cafes, there are lots of things to do in Geneva.

If you’re considering a Switzerland tour package from Dubai, Geneva is a good place to begin. Al Shamsi Travels includes Genève on their list of holiday package destinations; it’s a starting point for planning your Swiss break.

Plan a Geneva holiday around the places you want to visit, with plenty of time to enjoy each one.

Why Choose Geneva for Your Switzerland Holiday?

Geneva (or Genève) is a French-speaking city in Switzerland. It offers a variety of things to do, including waterfront views, beautiful old town streets and plenty of opportunities to explore local towns. As it is a tourist hotspot, you can easily fit in some sightseeing in the morning and some relaxation with a boat ride or waterside meal in the afternoon.

Staying in Geneva for a few nights can be a great idea if it is your first visit. You can get to know the city and you can have an extra day out without having to pack/unpack every day.

Geneva offers something for everyone. Whether you are travelling with a partner or family, you can have relaxed days exploring around the lake or balance some time outdoors with quick sightseeing trips.

Places to Visit in Geneva

Lake Geneva and the Jet d’Eau

Start your holiday with some relaxing time by the water. Walking around the lake is an easy way to start your trip.

The Jet d’Eau is Geneva’s most popular attraction. This is a fountain that shoots water high up above the lake. Take your time to enjoy the view from the waterfront. Conditions can affect this attraction and it may not always be running due to high winds or cold temperatures.

If you are thinking of doing a sightseeing cruise, make sure to check the route and times of year it runs.

Geneva’s Old Town

Allocate some time in the morning to explore the old town. There are plenty of things to do around the St Pierre Cathedral.

Wear comfortable shoes and take your time. There isn’t too much to do here so pick a couple of places you would like to visit and leave some time for a coffee or lunch.

The Flower Clock

Another popular place to visit in Geneva is the Flower Clock. This is an easy place to include into your city sightseeing.

This is perfect to include in your first afternoon.

Carouge

If you have some extra time to spare, Carouge is a popular place to visit. This is included on Geneva Tourism’s list of must-do things to do, alongside Old Town, CERN and Jet d’Eau.

Ensure you have a couple of hours spare to explore.

Nearby Holiday Destinations to Explore

Geneva can be a great place to base yourself. However, you can do a one or two day trip around the lake. Switzerland Tourism recommend Nyon, Lausanne and Montreux as places to do a day trip from Geneva.

Lausanne

If you would like to do another city, Lausanne is a great place to visit. Allocate a full day so you can explore without rushing back.

Montreux

Montreux is a great place to spend more time around the lake. This can be done as a day trip or an overnight stay if you want to take your time.

Nyon

Nyon is another place to consider. Choose whichever place you feel suits you best.

Before booking any day trips, make sure to check the transport links, opening times and how much time you will be spending travelling.

A Suggested Five-Day Geneva Itinerary

Below is a suggested itinerary to help you plan your holiday.

Day

Suggested plan

Day 1

Check in and if you have time take a relaxing walk by the waterfront.

Day 2

Explore the Old Town and St Pierre Cathedral area. Have a relaxed lunch.

Day 3

Visit the Flower Clock and some lakeside attractions. Consider doing a boat trip.

Day 4

Do a day trip to Lausanne, Montreux or Nyon.

Day 5

Have a relaxed breakfast and any last-minute sightseeing. Transfer to the airport.

This is just an example to help you plan. Depending on your arrival and departure times and what you do, you can fit everything in.

If you are doing a short break, focus on Geneva. If you have more nights to spare you can include a day trip.

When Should You Visit Geneva?

Depending on the type of holiday you would like to do.

If you enjoy warmer weather and outdoor activities summer is the best time to visit. In spring and autumn, the scenery will be different. In the winter you will need to be more flexible with your itinerary. Conditions can vary across Switzerland and you shouldn’t assume there will be snow in low-lying areas such as Geneva.

If you want to do some snow activities, speak to us about the best mountain day trip for you. A city break in Geneva will be different to a mountain resort.

Pack warm layers, comfortable shoes and waterproofs. Check the forecast a few days before you go.

Getting to Geneva and Around the City

When looking at flights from Dubai, don’t just look at the price. Make sure to check baggage allowances, arrival times, connections and changeable conditions. Sometimes cheaper flights can mean less holiday time.

Al Shamsi Travels’ air ticketing service is a place to enquire about options for your preferred dates.

To get around Geneva, ask your accommodation if you qualify for a Geneva Transport Card. If you do, you can use public transport in zone 10. This includes the journey from the airport to Geneva-Cornavin. Ask them how you can get the card.

Don’t assume this will cover any day trips outside of Geneva. Ask if they offer separate tickets.

What to Check Before Booking Your Package

A Switzerland tour package from Dubai should give you a clear idea of what you are getting. Before paying for your holiday, ask for a detailed breakdown of:

  • Flights, baggage allowance and airport transfers.
  • Name of hotel, location, type of room and meals included.
  • Sightseeing included and optional day trips.
  • Tickets for transport and any booking fees.
  • Local taxes and any extra costs.
  • Cancellation and amending policies.

When choosing your hotel, make sure to think about the location. It is a good idea to choose somewhere that is easy to get to all the places you want to visit. This can be especially helpful if you are travelling with children. Speak to us about your preferences through Al Shamsi Travels’ hotel booking service.

Visa requirements will depend on your passport and circumstances. Just because you live in the UAE doesn’t mean you qualify. Check the official Swiss entry requirements. Generally, UAE Nationals are exempt from visas for short tourist visits.

Plan Your Geneva Holiday with Al Shamsi Travels

You don’t need to do too much in Geneva to have a great holiday. Choose a comfortable hotel, a couple of exciting places to visit and relax by the lake.

Contact Al Shamsi Travels to tell us your dates, how many people are travelling and your approximate budget to discuss a Switzerland tour package from Dubai focusing on Geneva.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I spend in Geneva?

To complete the itinerary above, 4-5 days is perfect. This gives you time to do some city sightseeing and a local day trip. If you like to take your time in the mornings or want to do more day trips, add more nights.

How much does a Geneva holiday from Dubai cost?

The cost will depend on the time of year you are travelling, flights, hotel choice, how many people are in your room and what you want to do. Ask for a personal quote. Look for packages that include all the same things.

Is Geneva a good place for a family holiday?

Geneva can be a great place for families. If you enjoy waterside walks and city sightseeing. Make sure you don’t have too much to do each day. Make sure you know what rooms you will be in, what meals you will need and transport.