15 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MAY IN THE CANTON OF GENEVA

May brings fresh energy to the canton—the days are longer, and the region comes alive with outdoor activities, cultural events, and scenic spots to enjoy. There are plenty of ways to get outside and explore for free. Here are 15 ideas to make the most of the month without spending a centime.

1. Go to an outdoor eventMay is packed with fun and fascinating events across the canton, from local festivals to community gatherings. Check out our article about events and other festivities happening throughout the month.

2. Visit CERNExplore the fascinating world of particle physics at CERN, located in Meyrin. Their exhibitions and visitor areas offer a glimpse into cutting-edge science, making it both an educational and unique outing.

3. Discover Dardagny and its vineyardsThis charming village, listed as one the the most beautiful villages in Switzerland by the Committee of the Association, is surrounded by vineyards and countryside views. Wander through its streets, admire the historic Dardagny castle, and enjoy the peaceful rural landscape just outside the city.

4. See the Millennium HourglassKnown as the Sablier du Millénium in French, this 5.7-metre monument—the largest hourglass in Europe—was created to mark the new millennium and raise awareness about landmine victims. Now located at the Domaine de Penthes in Pregny-Chambésy, it symbolizes Geneva’s commitment to peace and humanitarian causes.

5. Climb the observation tower at Centre Nature de la Pointe à la BiseSet within a protected lakeside reserve in Collonge-Bellerive, this site features one of the last natural reed beds on the Petit Lac, rich in wildlife. Climb the observation tower for birdwatching, and follow the nature trail to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

6. Have a cultural experience at Boléro GalleryThis local cultural space in Versoix hosts regularly changing exhibitions. Currently, you can see #MaChaiseMaPlace by Sura Madatova (until 15 May 2026), which explores themes of identity, belonging, and personal space through the symbolic use of chairs as markers of presence and place. From 21 May to 2 August 2026, a new exhibition on international mountaineering will take over the gallery.

7. Relax at Plage de la SavonnièreFormerly a place where the local residents washed their laundry, this popular beach in Collonge-Bellerive is perfect for relaxing by the lake. If the weather is warm, bring a book, enjoy the view, or dip your feet in the water. It’s open daily with free access most of the year and on weekdays, while small entry fees apply on summer weekends and public holidays.

8. Go to a local marketLocal markets are a great way to experience community life, browse stalls, enjoy the atmosphere, and discover regional products. Les Marchés du Monde (Markets of the World) in Onex is a vibrant Sunday morning market (until 2pm), offering international foods, spices, teas, coffees, oils, fresh street food, baked goods, and artisanal products. It’s an ideal place to explore global flavours in a lively, welcoming setting.

9. Get immersive at Les Berges de VessySet along the Arve river in Vessy, this unique site combines nature, heritage, and environmental education. The current exhibition, “CLOCK – Les horloges du vivant” (May–November 2026), explores the biological rhythms that govern life through interactive and immersive displays. Alongside it, you can also discover the permanent exhibition on the site’s industrial and natural history.

10. Walk along the Rhône RiverA walk along the Rhône River offers beautiful views and peaceful surroundings, ideal for anything from a short stroll to a longer riverside walk. Particularly scenic stretches can be found around Onex, Bernex, Vernier, Aire-la-Ville, and Cartigny.

11. Visit Borne Frontière (Border Marker) No. 1Located in the Fargout woods in Chancy, this historic border marker, which dates back to 1816, marks the westernmost point of Switzerland. As the first of 6,638 border markers defining the Swiss frontier, it offers a small but fascinating glimpse into the country’s boundary history.

12. Picnic in Parc de l’ImpératriceThis elegant park in Pregny-Chambésy is perfect for a picnic. With open lawns, lake views and the charm of the Château de Penthes on its grounds, it’s a relaxing spot to enjoy a meal outdoors. Joséphine de Beauharnais, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, stayed in Geneva during the period when the city was under French rule. Don’t forget your picnic blanket!

13. Relax on the Pontoons of ColognySeemingly floating above Lake Geneva, this striking circular platform (40 metres in diameter) offers a peaceful place for relaxing, sunbathing, or enjoying the view. Access to the pontoon is easy from the lakeside or directly from the water via ladders. On one side, a long pontoon on stilts helps separate swimming and boating areas.

14. Try outdoor sports and gamesGet active with sports and games such as pétanque, disc golf, mölkky (Finnish skittles) or even beach volleyball. Many sports centres around the canton offer the use of free equipment via Box Up, a self-service system that lets you borrow sports gear on-site using a mobile app, making it easy to enjoy fun, social activities outdoors.

15. Take in the view from Signal de BernexThis hilltop viewpoint in Bernex is one of the highest points in the canton, rising to around 506 metres. Offering panoramic views over the Geneva basin, the Jura, and the Salève, it’s a great spot for a short walk, a picnic, or simply enjoying the scenery, especially on a clear day.

Your May in Geneva...for freeFrom lakeside relaxation to countryside exploration and cultural discoveries, Geneva offers plenty of free activities. So this May, whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or a local event, there are most certainly many things to do—without spending anything.

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Article date: 4 May 2026