Geneva Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide

Geneva , Switzerland

Geneva Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide

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About this experience

Geneva is not only a city of banks and financiers. The city is lively, cosmopolitan, open-minded and multicultural, with a rich history and amazing sightseeing opportunities. In this tour you will explore Geneva's Old Town, with its ancient maze of small streets and picturesque squares, filled with cozy cafes, restaurants, museums, historical sights and great architecture. Get your cameras ready for the Flower clock, the lakeshore, the Old Town with Place du Bourg-de-Four, St. Peter's Cathedral, Maison Tavel, Town Hall, Reformer's Wall and Place-de-Neuve.

You will see:
*Old Town
*Place du Bourg-de-Four
*St Peter's Cathedral
*Flower Clock
*Maison Tavel
*Town Hall
*Reformers Wall
*Place de Neuve

Available options

Geneva Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide

What's included

* Possible customizing on tour with your local guide on the spot

* Local Guide who will be with your group only

* Private guided Tour

Detailed itinerary

Welcome to beautiful Geneva and its amazing Old Town, easily accessible on foot. Here you will see the main monuments, landmarks of a rich historical past as well as the imprint left by Calvin on the mentality and the lifestyle of the inhabitants.

Explore the English Garden with the famous flower clock and a sculpted bronze water fountain. Then walk up the long stairway passage and end up behind Saint Peter's Cathedral, Geneva's best-known landmark. The Saint Peter's Cathedral stands tall on the site of an ancient Roman Temple from the 4th century and was the starting point of Calvinist protestantism in the 16th century. Saint Peter's Cathedral was originally built in a Romanesque style with some Gothic influence, but today the cathedral displays a fusion of different styles, continuing to charm visitors from all over the world.

After visiting the cathedral it’s time to explore the City Hall, with cannons that date from the 16th and 17th centuries. The building, which has a cobblestone ramp, has witnessed some of the city's most important diplomatic events.

Our next point of interest is Place du Bourg-de-Four, a place that was first a Roman Forum and later a medieval town square. The Palais de Justice was built here in 1707, but it has housed the court of law only since 1860.

From there you walk down to the Bastions Park where you will find the famous Reformation Wall memorial. The Monument was built in 1917 along a 16th-century rampart, beneath the walls of the Old Town on the Promenade des Bastions. The 91m long monument represents John Knox, Calvin, Théodore de Bèze, and Guillaume Farel -- the four Genevese reformers.

We will end our tour in Place de Neuve, another important landmark, known as the cultural heart of Geneva. Here you can see the impressive Grand Theatre, built in 1879 but renovated after a fire in 1951, the Conservatoire de Musique, and the Musée Rath.

What's not included

* Gratuities

* Entrance fees

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In front of the Flower Clock, in the English Garden Park, Rues-Basses Longemalle, 1204 Geneva - Switzerland

About Geneva

Geneva, nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps, is a picturesque city known for its international diplomacy, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. As the home of the United Nations and the Red Cross, it's a hub of global significance with a high quality of life and a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Jet d'Eau

A iconic water fountain on Lake Geneva, shooting water 140 meters into the air. A symbol of the city and a popular photo spot.

Nature 30 minutes Free

St. Peter's Cathedral

A beautiful Romanesque cathedral with a rich history and panoramic views from its tower. It's a significant religious and historical site in Geneva.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (tower climb CHF 5)

Palais des Nations

The headquarters of the United Nations in Europe. Offers guided tours to learn about the UN's work and history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (tours require advance booking)

Lake Geneva

A stunning lake surrounded by the Alps, offering various activities like cruises, swimming, and water sports.

Nature Half day or more Free to explore, cruises from CHF 20

Reformation Wall

A monumental wall honoring the Protestant Reformation and its leaders. An important historical site in Geneva.

Historical 30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fondue

Melted cheese served in a communal pot, enjoyed with bread. A classic Swiss dish.

Dinner Contains dairy, not suitable for vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance.

Raclette

Melted cheese scraped onto boiled potatoes and pickles. A hearty and comforting dish.

Dinner Contains dairy, not suitable for vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance.

Tartiflette

A rich and creamy dish made with potatoes, onions, bacon, and melted cheese.

Dinner Contains dairy and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance.

Geneva Salad

A fresh salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a variety of cheeses, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Lunch Can be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting certain cheeses.

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Mountain biking Paragliding Rock climbing Boat tours on Lake Geneva Spa and wellness treatments Picnicking in the parks

Best Time to Visit

June to August, December to January

Summer offers warm weather and outdoor activities, while winter brings festive holiday markets and winter sports. These are the busiest times with higher tourist volumes.

15-25°C (summer), -1-5°C (winter) 59-77°F (summer), 30-41°F (winter)

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, German, Italian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Geneva is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is relatively uncommon. However, it's always important to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid using them at night
• Only use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Geneva Airport • 4 km from city center

By train

Geneva railway station

By bus

Geneva Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and frequent trams and buses. Easy to use with a single ticket system.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Adagio

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Vieille Ville) Quartier des Grottes Paquis Eaux-Vives

Day trips

Chamonix, France

70 km from Geneva • Full day

A stunning mountain town at the foot of Mont Blanc, known for its outdoor activities and breathtaking views.

Lausanne, Switzerland

60 km from Geneva • Half day

A charming city on the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its Olympic Museum and beautiful views of the lake and Alps.

Annecy, France

45 km from Geneva • Full day

A picturesque town known as the 'Venice of the Alps' for its canals, colorful buildings, and stunning lake.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21 Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF) • Late August to early September Geneva Christmas Market • Late November to early January

Pro tips

Take advantage of the Geneva Transport Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions
Visit the Jet d'Eau early in the morning or late in the afternoon for fewer crowds and better photos
Explore the Old Town on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets
Take a lake cruise to enjoy the stunning views of the lake and Alps
Try local specialties, such as fondue, raclette, and Swiss chocolate