Geneva is another one of those cities many people see as expensive. And when you’re looking at various pictures, it’s not hard to believe it. However, you can still visit Geneva without spending all the money in your bank account. Here are some of the things you can do:

1. Get the Geneva Pass: If you know how many days you’ll be in Geneva, and if you have a vague idea of what you might like to do, then you can save up a lot of money by simply buying a Geneva Pass. With this pass you have free entry to a large number of attractions, but also discounts for various tours and restaurants. There are three types of cards available: twenty four, forty eight, and seventy two-hour passes. So, you can get which card you need depending on how much time you spend in the city. Also, if you aren’t completely sure which places to visit, you can look at some of the special tours and see which one sounds the most appealing.

2. The Geneva Water Fountain: This fountain is seen as the landmark of Geneva, and it is a must see for everyone who is visiting. The fountain shoots water 140 meters into the sky, which makes for a spectacular sight. You can easily take pictures or make a short video to remind you of your visit.

3. Old Town: Geneva’s Old Town is filled with historic buildings, so even a simple afternoon or evening stroll will do. However, there are several landmarks you should check out, such as Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the highest point of the area. There is an archaeological site which you can visit, but you can also climb the steps of the north tower to admire the view of the city and the lake.

4. Bastions Park: This is one of Geneva’s most famous parks, and you don’t need an admission fee to visit it. The park used to be a botanical garden, but it is now a meeting place for people of all ages. Chess enthusiasts rush to show off their skills in the north side of the park, where you can see several life-sized chess boards. The park also houses the famous Reformation Wall, a tribute to the founders of the Reformation.

5. English Garden: Located close to The Geneva Water Fountain, the English Garden is the home of the famous Flower Clock. The clock was made over fifty years ago and its flower arrangements change according to the season. However, one thing is certain: this clock will always tell you what time it is.

6. Bench and Treille Promontory: If you haven’t had enough of Geneva’s Old Town, you might as well sit down on the world’s longest bench and enjoy a snack or read a book. The bench is over well over 100 meters, and it is situated close to Geneva’s Town Hall and the famous tree of La Treille, whose buds mark the arrival of spring.

7. Bains District: If you have a free afternoon, you can easily go and explore the Bains District, which is known across Europe as a home for contemporary art. The Museum for Contemporary Art is naturally located here, so you can drop by for a short visit. If you have time, you can also check out smaller art galleries and local cafes in the area.

If you’re travelling to Geneva, there’s no need to worry that your budget will prevent you from sightseeing. With a bit of research and a fixed schedule, you can visit some of the most important landmarks.

photo credit: kBandara cc