Water Ring Geneva
Fountain of knowledge
Hidden in plain sight on the Place de la Madeleine, between the city center's bustling Rues Basses and the old town lies my favorite fountain in Geneva, the Water Ring. It is not pretty, it does not stand out (literally, it's flat), it's not even made out of noble materials. Viewed from close by, you realize that's not the point anyways.
Its waters flow in a north to south direction. Engraved right next to the stream, is every single watercourse and body of water one would cross if one were to walk in a straight line away from the fountain, around the world and back to it.
When I take someone around Geneva for a tour, it is always one of my stops. If they enjoy useless trivia like I do, we stay a bit while they try and find their country on the list, if not, we just walk right by.
Its location, at the center of Geneva, which is itself at the center of the international and political world, welcoming residents and travelers from all around the world, is what makes this fountain a special place and a favorite of mine.
About this spot
Place de la Madeleine
- 24 hours daily
CHF
no-price
Find your way with 95 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Geneva
Mount Saleve
Bird's-eye view of Geneva!
Going to "Mount Saleve" in Geneva is something locals do on a Sunday morning - go to the top by cable car or hike and you can paraglide down!
by
Rahul
Jha
Le Dhaba
Indian restaurant with a twist
"Le Dhaba" in Geneva is an Indian restaurant that is styled after an authentic highway-side truck driver cafe! You should try their thali...
by
Rahul
Jha
Oh My Gin
Geneva's own G&T bar
"Oh My Gin" in Geneva in riding the wave of the revival of G&T's! The ambience is amazing, too. I recommend you try their Monkey 47...
by
Rahul
Jha
Qafe Guidoline
Hipster bar
"Qafe Guidoline" in Geneva is one of those rare places that have great beer on top of amazing coffee. It's my hip, go-to place for a Friday night...
by
Rahul
Jha
Le Saïgonais Restaurant
Plant-based Vietnamese
"Le Saïgonais Restaurant" is my favorite restaurant in Geneva purely on the basis of food. They're Asian/Vietnamese and plant-based - need I say more?
by
Rahul
Jha
DFC Sports
Boxing gym
"DFC Sports" in Geneva is a boxing gym that's ideal for meeting people & intensely working out while traveling! Kind of ironic in this peaceful city!
by
Rahul
Jha
ALIVE
100% plant-based gastronomy
"ALIVE" in Geneva isn't your typical vegan restaurant that only offers lazy burgers & wraps - it's so much more! Try the Brunch Menu on weekends...
by
Rahul
Jha
Gives a Fork
Casual hipster dining vibe
"Gives a Fork" in Geneva, with its U-shaped table and small dining area, makes for a very intimate vibe - a great restaurant to dine with friends!
by
Rahul
Jha
Galpon Theatre
Performing arts at its best
Geneva's theatre scene would just not be the same without "Galpon Theatre"! 20 years later, it's still managed by its founder. It's so cosy & familiar!
by
Irene
Melega
World's Longest Bench
A promenade with a view
The "World's Longest Bench" is a spot I'd highly recommend for its promenade with a view that depicts all the charms of Geneva in a single sitting.
by
Claire
Hobden
Heading to Geneva?
95 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
✓ 95 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Geneva
Get to know our other Spotters from Geneva
As featured on:
