Lykkers, have you ever looked at a city from above and felt completely speechless? Geneva gives us that feeling. With its sparkling lake, peaceful Old Town, the Jet d'Eau fountain, and the distant Alpine peaks—it's a city made for panoramic views.
Whether we're photographers, dreamers, or just want to breathe in something beautiful, Geneva has the perfect spots. Let's discover where to go, how to get there, what to pay, and when to visit for the best experience.
1. Saint Peter's Cathedral Tower — Old Town Views + History
One of the easiest and most rewarding viewpoints in Geneva is at the top of St. Peter's Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre). After climbing 157 narrow spiral steps, we reach two towers offering a 360° view of Geneva: Lake Geneva, the Jet d'Eau, Mont Blanc, and red-roofed Old Town houses below.
Opening hours:
April–October: Mon–Sat 10 AM–5:30 PM, Sun 12 PM–5:30 PM
November–March: Mon–Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun 12 PM–5 PM
- Ticket price: Around $6 USD for adults (CHF 5); free for children under 6
- Location: Old Town (nearest tram stop: "Bel-Air" via tram 12 or 18)
- Recommended visit time: Morning for fewer people; late afternoon for golden-hour views
- Tip: Bring water and wear comfortable shoes—the stairs are steep but worth it!
2. Mont Salève — Geneva from the Mountains (in France!)
Want to see Geneva from the outside looking in? Just 20 minutes from the city, Mont Salève rises above Geneva and offers a sweeping view over the lake, city, and even the Jura Mountains. Though it's located just across the border in France, we can easily reach it by bus and cable car.
Cable car opening hours:
April–October: 10 AM–6 PM weekdays, 9:30 AM–7 PM weekends
November–March: Weekends only (check ahead due to weather)
- Ticket price: Around $14 USD round trip (CHF 12.50)
How to get there:
Take Bus 8 from Geneva's city center to "Veyrier Douane"
Walk 5 minutes to the Téléphérique du Salève (cable car station)
Bring a valid ID/passport to cross the border
- Best visit time: Clear days between May and October
- Tip: Pack a picnic! There are scenic trails and grassy areas to relax at the top.
3. Bains des Pâquis — Sunset by the Water
Though not high up, the Bains des Pâquis pier gives us a close-up panoramic view across the lake and toward the city, especially at sunset. Locals gather here for peaceful walks, sunrise dips, and to watch boats glide past the Jet d'Eau.
- Opening hours: Open year-round, 24/7 for walking access
- Entry fee: Free for walking; swimming/sauna area: approx. $2 USD (CHF 2)
- How to get there: 10–15 min walk from Cornavin Station or take tram 15 to "Butini", then walk 5 minutes
- Best time to go: Sunset (especially in summer)
- Tip: Bring a sandwich or snack—this is a favorite picnic spot among locals!
4. Parc de La Perle du Lac — The Hidden Gem Viewpoint
Located just north of the main lakefront, this peaceful park is often missed by tourists. But if we walk through the gardens to the small hilltop, we'll find stunning views of the lake, boats, and Mont Blanc in the distance.
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
- Ticket price: Free
- How to get there: Tram 15 to "Sécheron" + 5 min walk
- Best visit time: Mid-morning or early evening for soft lighting
- Tip: This is a great place to bring a book or relax on the grass under a tree.
When's the Best Time to Catch Geneva's Views?
- May to October is ideal for clear skies and vibrant colors
- Golden hour (around 6–8 PM in summer) offers warm lighting and dramatic lake reflections
- Avoid cloudy or foggy days, especially if you plan to go to Mont Salève—visibility drops quickly
Geneva Transport Tips
- Public transport day pass: Around $10 USD (CHF 8), but free if we stay at a hotel (Geneva Transport Card)
- Geneva Pass: If we plan to visit museums and attractions, this pass offers free tower entry, cable car discounts, and more. Starts at $30 USD/day
- Walking: Geneva is very walkable—most scenic spots are less than 20 minutes apart
- Boat taxis (Mouettes): Included in transport card; perfect for crossing the lake while enjoying city views
We Leave, But the View Stays in Our Heart
As we stand above Geneva—whether on a tower, a mountain, or lakeside—we realize something special: this city isn't just beautiful, it's peaceful, thoughtful, and full of quiet charm. The way the mountains frame the lake, the calm rhythm of the trams, and the timeless buildings all come together in one unforgettable view.
So, Lykkers, when are we heading up that tower? Or catching that cable car? Geneva's best angles are waiting—and now we know exactly where to find them.
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Video by Before You Go
