University of Geneva

The second largest university in Switzerland, founded by John Calvin.

The University of Geneva, founded in 1559 by John Calvin, is one of Europe’s leading centers for research and higher education. Spread across several campuses in the heart of the city, it brings together a diverse international community of students and scholars. Known for its excellence in fields such as international relations, science, and humanitarian studies, the university maintains strong ties with global institutions like the United Nations. Its historic buildings and lively academic atmosphere make it a key pillar of Geneva’s intellectual and cultural life.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Geneva
St Pierre Cathedral
St. Pierre's Cathedral is a historic church in Geneva that was central to the Protestant Reformation and closely associated with prominent reformer John Calvin.
Reformation Wall
The Reformation Wall is a famous memorial in Geneva's Old Town depicting the main Reformation leaders associated with Geneva, including John Calvin & John Knox.
Old Town
Geneva's Old Town or "Vielle Ville" is one of Europe's most picturesque old city centres, complete with historic buildings, cobbled alleys and hidden cafés.
Geneva Opera House
A beautiful building steeped in history and grandeur that still hosts performances to this day.
Maison Tavel
Geneva’s oldest house, now a museum showcasing the city’s medieval history, period rooms, and a famous scale model of old Geneva.
Bel-Air District
A central Geneva district filled with shops, cafés, and busy transport links, offering a lively urban atmosphere close to the Old Town.

Related Tours

Geneva in a Day: Private Tour from Old Town to the UN District

Geneva offers a tantalising mix of urban sophistication, natural beauty, and international flair. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, food, or global affairs, this exquisite Swiss city has something for everyone. Our private full-day tour is a great way to make the most of your time in Geneva, taking you from the Old Town to the International Quarter and hearing the stories that define the city from a passionate local guide.

On this full-day private tour, you will:

  • Spend a full day exploring Geneva with a private local guide;
  • Enjoy scenic views of Lake Geneva and iconic landmarks like the Flower Clock and the Jet d’Eau;
  • Embark on a walking tour of the key sights of the Old Town, from St. Pierre’s Cathedral to the Hôtel de Ville;
  • Delve into the art of Swiss chocolate-making and stop for a tasting at a local chocolatier;
  • Learn all about Geneva’s long history, from the founding of the city in Roman Times to the emergence of the cosmopolitan modern metropolis;
  • Explore Geneva’s International District and hear about how it became home to the European Headquarters of the United Nations;
  • See the famous Broken Chair sculpture and uncover the meaning behind it;
  • Admire the Palais des Nations and discover all the different UN bodies and other international organisations that are based in Geneva;
  • Make your way to the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and find out about the remarkable legacy of the organisation, founded in Geneva in 1863.

Spend a day discovering the very best of Geneva with a private local guide who brings the city’s rich history, culture, and global significance to life. This full-day tour combines the charm of the Old Town, the indulgence of Swiss chocolate, and the powerful stories of Geneva’s world-renowned international district.

Your day begins in the Jardin Anglais, where the elegant Flower Clock and sweeping views of Lake Geneva set the tone for a city shaped by pristine nature, centuries-old traditions and a broad-minded international outlook. From the lakeside promenade, your guide leads you on a leisurely walk into the historic heart of Geneva, sharing the city’s evolution from a Roman settlement to a cosmopolitan hub known for its ideas, culture, and humanitarian values. As you explore the medieval streets of the Old Town, you’ll visit landmarks such as St. Pierre’s Cathedral, where the Reformation reshaped the faith and identity of the region, and the Hôtel de Ville (town hall), where groundbreaking diplomatic achievements helped define Geneva’s global role.

Along the way, you’ll visit a chocolatier to learn the secrets behind Switzerland’s most iconic sweet while you savour some exquisite Swiss chocolate. The tour will also include a pause for lunch (at your own expense), where your guide can recommend an authentic local restaurant to sample more of Geneva’s rich and diverse cuisine. 

After your break, you'll join your guide on a scenic tram ride to the city’s renowned international district. This dynamic area reveals a different side of Geneva, modern, forward-looking, and deeply connected to world affairs. As you arrive, you’ll encounter the famous Broken Chair sculpture, a striking symbol of humanitarian advocacy, before continuing past the sweeping grounds of the Palais des Nations, home to the European headquarters of the United Nations. Here, your guide will explain how Geneva became a centre for global diplomacy and introduce you to the many international organisations that shape discussions on peace, human rights, science, health, and many more important issues facing the world today.

Your journey will conclude at the entrance to the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Following an introduction from your guide, who will reveal how this remarkable organisation was founded right here in Geneva. You’ll receive your entry tickets and explore the museum at your own pace. Its thoughtful interactive exhibits trace the origins of the Red Cross and highlight the extraordinary humanitarian work carried out around the world.

By the end of this full-day experience, you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for Geneva’s unique personality: a city where ancient streets meet modern institutions, where ideas have shaped nations, and where tradition and global engagement coexist in a setting of exceptional beauty. This is the ultimate way to understand Geneva at your own pace with a wealth of insights shared by your local guide.

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