Jul 29, 2025

Les Mouettes genevoises Geneva

Sunny day in Geneva

"Hop on Geneva’s yellow-roofed boats from Paquis for stunning lake views, a Jet d’eau sighting, and a peaceful 30-min escape — all on a bus ticket."

Imagine this — you land in Geneva and have a few hours to kill on a sunny day before your onward journey. The only thing I will recommend you do is go on a criss-cross trip across Lac Leman in Geneva.

The yellow-roofed boats are part of the public transport network of the city and are thus covered by the same ticket as the buses. Take the train to the city centre and walk down towards the lake. At Paquis boat station, board one of the lines (whichever you fancy) and strap in. The boat will take you to one of the ports on the other side of the lake in a short trip.

In my opinion, the best views of the Jet d'eau is from the boat, in the middle of the course towards Port Noir. You can turn back and arrive at Paquis in the same boat. The entire ride takes about 30 minutes. You can also choose Eaux-vives (To one of the beaches) or Molard (To Geneva Old Town) as a destination from Paquis.

As a local, I love taking these boat trips as they offer a respite from the city's traffic but also give me a lot of opportunity to take amazing pictures of the skies, the water, the promenade and the pretty buildings.

Tip: If you pick the line Paquis to Eaux-vives, try to sit in the outdoor seating area, on the left side. You can thank me later.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Pâquis Navigation

CHF

no-price

Find your way with 105 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Geneva guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Geneva

Martel tearoom

Kaffee und kuchen

Since 1818, Martel is where locals go for pastries, sandwiches, chocolates, and hommade hot chocolate. Martel is my pick for a cozy Sunday morning treat.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Megha

Kaveri

Jul 29, 2025

Plage du Vengeron

Secluded beach in Geneva

Near Chambesy, Plage du Vengeron is perfect escape for those who enjoy quiet, rocky shores, clear waters, and a peaceful break from Geneva’s summer crowds.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Megha

Kaveri

Jul 29, 2025

Spoon Food Hall

The cutest food hall in Geneva

If you're indecisive about food, head to Spoon Food Hall in Geneva — global dishes, quick bites, and even Krispy Kreme donuts await!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Megha

Kaveri

Jul 29, 2025

Corde Coffee

A coffee community in Geneva

Corde Coffee in Geneva is a top spot for serious coffee lovers, with great brews, famous cakes, vegan options, and cool workshops in a warm community space.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Megha

Kaveri

Jul 29, 2025

Bongo Joe

Vinyl records, with a view

Bongo Joe is Geneva’s go-to for vinyl lovers — browse records, sip drinks by the Rhône, and soak in the cool, hip vibe on a lively little island.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Megha

Kaveri

Jul 29, 2025

Tom Beers

Best beer place in Geneva

Tom Beers in Geneva offers 30 beers on tap, a massive bottle selection, charcuterie, and a vibe locals fiercely protect. A treasure in a wine country!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Megha

Kaveri

Jul 29, 2025

Jardin de Penthes

A spot to de-stress

Tucked away in Geneva’s Pregny district, Jardin de Penthes is a peaceful escape with lake view, open lawns, and shadowy paths to wander and unwind.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Megha

Kaveri

Jul 29, 2025

Chou

A local favourite in Geneva's Eaux-vives

Brunch and beach? Chou is your spot. My favourites here are the eclairs with fresh goat cheese, the vanilla choux, and the capuccino praline.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Megha

Kaveri

Jul 29, 2025

Favarger

Artisanal chocolate

It’s practically blasphemy to leave Switzerland without chocolate. Start with Favarger in Geneva for iconic pavés, bouchées, and a cup of hot chocolate!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Megha

Kaveri

Jul 29, 2025

Athénée Quatre

A bar for the arts

"Athénée Quatre" in Geneva is a place that celebrates the performing arts. It's a jazz, cocktail bar, theater and workshop all in one. Check out the events

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Claire

Hobden

Jul 22, 2025
UN Beach Club Geneva

UN Beach Club

Hang out with UN staff in Geneva

Geneva is a melting pot of UN bodies and country representatives - come meet them at "UN Beach Club". Easy-to-find invitation from UN staff required!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Rahul

Jha

Jul 17, 2025
Perle du Lac Geneva

Perle du Lac

Pearl of the lake - literally!

"Perle du Lac" in Geneva is indeed Lac Léman's pearl. It's full of activities, but its beauty lies in the huge numbers of birds that call it home...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Rahul

Jha

Jul 17, 2025

Heading to Geneva?

105 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

105 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Geneva

Our team loves Geneva

Get to know our other Spotters from Geneva

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
24
Made with the 💚 of 494 Spotters.
Filters