Top 5 unusual places in Geneva

Discover Geneva differently

Geneva is a cosmopolitan city on the shores of Lake Geneva, with the Alps in the background. At its heart lie a number of international organisations. But beyond its institutions and historic monuments, Geneva has many hidden treasures and unusual places that are sure to surprise you...

Discover 5 unusual places to visit during your holiday in Geneva and the surrounding area!

The Smurfs' House

A building like no other

Located at 23-29 rue Louis-Favre in the Grottes district of Geneva, the Maison des Schtroumpfs stands out for its unique and colourful architecture.

It is a real eye-catcher, with its facade and balconies in relief, wrought-iron balustrades, mouldings and other fanciful features. You can admire the three buildings with their rounded shapes and bright colours, reminiscent of the world of the Smurfs.

Today, the Maison des Schtroumpfs has become one of the symbols of contemporary Geneva architecture, and it's an unusual visit not to be missed! 

A magical place to fall back into childhood and take an original selfie! 

Practical information

📍 Address: 23-29 Rue Louis-Favre, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
🚊 How to get there: Tram 12, "Grottes" stop
🕐 Visit: The building is accessible to the public, but it is important to respect the privacy of residents.

The Kings' Cemetery

Perched on Plainpalais hill in the heart of Geneva, the Cimetière des rois covers 28,000 square metres and is home to the graves of numerous personalities who have marked the history of the city and the Republic of Geneva. It is also home to a number of prominent foreigners.

Among them are

• Jean Calvin, Protestant reformer and founder of Calvinism
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau, philosopher and writer
• Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross
• Jorge Luis Borges, Argentinian writer
• Sérgio Vieira de Mello, Brazilian diplomat and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Hans Wilsdorf, founder of the Rolex watch brand

It's a peaceful place for a historical and literary stroll.

Practical information

📍 Address: Rue des Rois, 1202 Genève, Switzerland
🚊 How to get there: Tram 12, "Plainpalais" stop
🕐 Times: Open every day from 8am to 6pm

The Tour de l'Île

Built in the 13th century, this medieval tower offers a breathtaking view of the city and Lake Geneva. This historic and symbolic monument of the city is the only vestige of a fortified castle that controlled the passage over the Rhône and protected Geneva from invasion.

Accessible via a stone bridge, it now houses a history and archaeology museum.

Practical information

📍 Address: 1204 Genève, Switzerland
🚊 Access: Tram 12, "Île" stop
🕐 Times: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm

The Jardin Anglais

A green oasis in the heart of the city

Situated on the edge of the lake and extending over 4 hectares, this verdant park is a haven of peace in the heart of the city, offering you a relaxing and bucolic setting.

Must-sees in the Jardin Anglais :

• The Flower Clock: a monumental clock made up of thousands of flowers and plants, a true symbol of Geneva.
• The Brunswick Monument: a commemorative monument dedicated to Duke Charles II of Brunswick, who died in Geneva in 1873.
• The Jet d'Eau: a monumental fountain 140 metres high, visible from many points in the city.
• The Botanical Garden: a botanical garden containing thousands of plants from all over the world.

Dotted with sculptures and monuments, it's the ideal place to relax and enjoy a family picnic.

Practical information

📍 Address: Quai Gustave-Ador, 1207 Genève, Switzerland
🚊 Access: Tram 12, "Jardin Anglais" stop
🕐 Times: Open every day from 7am to 10pm

The Saint-Genis caves

Located just a few kilometres from the city centre, these caves offer a fascinating journey to the heart of the region's geology. They were formed over 20 million years ago by the erosion of water and offer a fascinating journey to the heart of geology.

A visit to the Grottes de Saint-Genis takes around 45 minutes and is accessible to all.
There is an educational trail to help you discover the geological formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, that adorn these natural cavities.

Practical information

📍 Address: Route de la Combe 23, 1272 Saint-Genis-Pouilly, Switzerland
🚊 How to get there: Bus T81, stop "Saint-Genis-Pouilly, Village".
🕐 Opening times: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm