Teachers’ Free Time Guide

CERN Science Gateway – The easiest place to begin. It has three exhibitions, science shows, hands-on activities, guided visits, a shop and the Big Bang Café. The building itself was designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Some activities have limited capacity or age restrictions. You can find what’s happening on that day here:  visit.cern

Where the World Wide Web was born – CERN is the birthplace of the World Wide Web. A commemorative plaque marks the offices where its fundamental technologies were developed. Please note that there are offices next to the plaque, so make sure you are quiet and respectful to the people working there. History of the Web at CERN

Square van Hove – A garden that features several large components of old CERN experiments. The most notable features are the Big European Bubble Chamber (BEBC), the famous Gargamelle bubble chamber, and the RF Cavity of the Large Electron-Positron Collider (LEP).

The Globe of Science and Innovation – The wooden Globe next to Science Gateway is one of CERN’s most recognisable landmarks and often hosts exhibitions or special events. The exterior is always worth seeing; entry depends on the event programme.  CERN events

Other CERN landmarks – Interesting stops on the Meyrin site include the Swiss French border stone, the Booster (both on the Route Rutherford), the Animal Shelter (in front of Building 31) and the CERN Library. Use CERN Maps or CERN Pocket Campus for directions and ask the Teacher Programmes team which stops are suitable during the programme.  CERN Pocket Campus

CERN has plenty of interesting shops, where you can find your new favourite souvenirs, postcards, stickers, and educational material. However, these shops are small, so we kindly ask you to not go there in big groups. Additionally, availability is small and cannot be guaranteed.

• CERN shop (Science Gateway) – The main place for official CERN books, clothing, stationery and souvenirs. It can be visited together with the Science Gateway exhibitions. Check the opening hours before going. Read more…
• CERN Bookshop (Building 52) – You can find cool books and take a photo with the Nobel prize! Read more…
• ATLAS Shop (40/4-D01) – ATLAS-branded clothing, accessories and small gifts. Great place to visit if your lectures are already in Building 40. Indicative weekday opening hours are 08:30-12:30 and 13:30-17:30, but this can change throughout the year. Read more …
• CMS Shop (40/5-B01) – CMS-branded clothing, accessories and small gifts. Great place to visit if your lectures are already in Building 40. Indicative weekday opening hours are 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00, but this can change throughout the year. Read more …
• ALICE Shop (301/R-029) – ALICE-branded clothing, accessories and small gifts. Great place to visit if your lectures are already in Building 40. Indicative weekday opening hours are 08:30-12:00 and 13:30-16:00, but this can change throughout the year. Read more …
• LHCb Shop (2/1-024) – LHCb-branded clothing, accessories and small gifts. Great place to visit if your lectures are already in Building 40. Indicative weekday opening hours are 08:30-12:30 and 13:30-17:30, but this can change throughout the year. Read more …

• Going to Geneva: Tram 18 is the usual connection between CERN and central Geneva. Check the current destination and the late-evening timetable before travelling.
• Going to France: Plan the complete journey in the TPG or SBB app. Cross-border bus routes and service patterns can change. Carry valid identification document whenever crossing the Swiss-French border, including on a local bus. A Geneva public-transport ticket does not necessarily cover French zones or long-distance trains. Buy the correct ticket before boarding.
• Exploring Switzerland: Switzerland is known for its great public transport, especially the train network. You can book all public transport tickets for travels within Switzerland on SBB or SBB App.
• The general European emergency number is 112. In Switzerland, police is 117, fire 118 and ambulance 144. While at CERN, follow CERN emergency procedures.

• Lakefront and Jet d Eau – A classic first walk from Pont du Mont Blanc through Jardin Anglais and along the promenade. The Jet d’Eau may be switched off in strong wind or for maintenance.  Geneva Tourism
• Bains des Pâquis – A local favourite for swimming, sauna, simple meals and sunset views across the lake. Its waterfront buvette is also well known for fondue, especially in the colder months. Activities and water access vary by season.  Official website
• Old Town and St Pierre Cathedral – A compact historic walk with viewpoints, museums and cafés. The tower and archaeological site may have separate opening hours or admission charges.
• International Geneva – The Broken Chair, Place des Nations and the Ariana Museum make a useful half-day itinerary. Visits to the United Nations require advance planning and valid identification.  UN Geneva visits
• Museums – The Museum of Art and History, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the MEG ethnography museum are all worthwhile choices. Note: Many museums close on Mondays.
• Markets – Plainpalais is known for its flea market, while Carouge has attractive food and local markets. Days and hours may change around holidays and public events.

Local food – Fondue, raclette, rösti and filets de perche are the best-known regional dishes. Remember to ask whether water, bread or service is charged, and remember that fondue portions are normally intended as a main dish for sharing.

Restaurant neighbourhoods in Geneva

• Meyrin is a small village that offers the closest simple options for pizza, bakeries, Asian food and casual Swiss restaurants. Look around Meyrin Village and Meyrin Centre.
• The Carouge neighbourhood is a very popular choice for a pleasant evening, with small squares, independent restaurants and wine bars.
• You might also want to find something at the Geneva Old Town with its historic streets, Place du Bourg-de-Four and several restaurants serving Swiss specialities. Expect higher prices and a short uphill walk from the lake or city-centre stops.
• The Eaux-Vives neighbourhood is a lively area with a wide range of restaurants close to Parc La Grange and the lake. A good place to combine dinner with an evening walk.
• The Pâquis neighbourhood is international, informal and often more affordable than the Old Town. The Bains des Pâquis area is especially enjoyable by the water. Note: The streets near the station remain busy late in the evening; use normal city awareness.

There are plenty of great places to do all sorts of sports around Geneva. Please, make sure to not overexert yourself and to only do sports that you feel comfortable and confident performing. Also, please do not feel obliged to do sports during your time at CERN. We are not responsible for any accidents that occur during any of the below-mentioned activities.

• Fitness
  • Hotel fitness room: The CERN Hotel has a small fitness room in Building 39. You can ask at the reception for the directions.
  • Fitness trail: an outdoor exercise trail on the Meyrin site with stations for a short self-guided workout.
• Running
  • Close to CERN: the CERN Running Club publishes suggested routes around the Meyrin site and nearby countryside that you can follow independently. Check the route length and surface before leaving, carry identification for any cross-border route and remain on public paths.  Running routes
  • Next to the lake: If you start at Pont du Mont Blanc, you can enjoy a flat and scenic run either towards Parc la Grange, towards Jonction, or towards Perle du Lac.
  • Bois de la Bâtie: A greener and slightly hillier option near Jonction, with woodland paths and river views. Note: the paths become muddy after rain.
  • Fitness trail: an outdoor exercise trail on the Meyrin site with stations for a short self-guided workout.
• Swimming
  • In the lake: There are several beaches next to the Lac Leman (Geneva lake). The most famous ones are Bains des Pâquis (small fee over summer), Plage des Eaux-Vives, and Plage du Rhône (careful, the stream can be quite strong here).
  • In the pools (this is not an endorsement): The closest pools are at the Maisonnex Sports Complex (entry fees applicable, open mid May – mid September), the Centre sportive des Vergers in Meyrin (entry fees applicable, open mid May – mid September) and the Aquatic Center Au Fil De L’O in Saint Genis Pouilly (outdoor and indoor pools, open throughout the year).
• Cycling
  • Participants in CERN Teacher Programmes cannot rent CERN bikes. However, you can find several rent-a-bike shops in the nearby village of Meyrin.
  • Big Bang Passport cycling route is a self-guided cycling itinerary around Meyrin and nearby France that connects science-themed stops in the wider CERN neighbourhood.

Swiss prices can be a bit expensive, so you might be tempted to go to France for some snacks. Here, Saint Genis Pouilly, Ferney Voltaire and the Val Thoiry area have larger supermarkets and retail parks. Prices and product ranges differ from Switzerland, but travellers remain responsible for customs limits and travel documents.

Remember: Carry a passport or accepted national identity card. Before returning to Switzerland with food, alcohol, tobacco or higher-value purchases, check the current customs allowances. Swiss customs information

• History of Science Museum Geneva – A small and distinctive museum in Villa Bartholoni, in Parc de la Perle du Lac. Its collections include historic instruments used in astronomy, microscopy, electricity, meteorology and other fields. Admission and opening arrangements should be checked before visiting. The lakeside setting makes it easy to combine with a walk.  Museum information
• Natural History Museum Geneva (temporarily closed) – Geneva’s main museum for zoology, biodiversity, geology and the natural sciences. It is particularly suitable for teachers and families. The museum has been affected by major renovation work, so confirm which galleries or temporary locations are open before travelling.  Current visitor information
• Geneva Botanical Garden – A beautiful garden with many different botanical species. Seasonal tours to the garden and the conservatory’s flower and plant collections can sometimes be booked. Botanical garden information
• Musée Bolo at EPFL (Lausanne) – A museum devoted to the history of computers and digital technology, with machines and objects connected to the development of computing in Switzerland. Located on the EPFL campus in Lausanne. Public opening is limited and exhibitions may require advance checking.  EPFL museums and exhibitions
• Espace des inventions Lausanne – An interactive science and technology centre designed mainly for children, families and school-age visitors. The themes and age recommendations change with each exhibition. It is a good option for teachers interested in informal science education.  Official website

Geneva is home to many faith communities. The places below are active houses of worship rather than tourist attractions. Visitors should check service times, contact the community when appropriate and respect local rules concerning clothing, photography, seating, head coverings and footwear.

• Roman Catholic:
  • Church of Saint Julien Meyrin – One of the closest Catholic parish churches to CERN and a practical option for participants staying in Meyrin. Service times vary by language and season. Catholic Church in Geneva
  • Basilica of Notre Dame Geneva – A central Catholic church opposite the Cornavin railway-station area, convenient when spending an evening in the city. Check the parish website or posted timetable for Mass and confession times.
• Protestant:
  • Saint Pierre Cathedral Reformed – Geneva’s historic cathedral and an important site in the history of the Reformation. It remains an active church as well as a major heritage site. Worship, concerts, tower access and archaeological visits have different schedules.  Cathedral website
• Anglican:
  • Holy Trinity Church – An English-speaking Anglican church close to Cornavin station with an international congregation. Church website
  • Emmanuel Episcopal Church – An English-speaking Episcopal parish in central Geneva with regular worship and an international community. Church website
• Russian Orthodox:
  • Russian Orthodox Cathedral – The Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is an active Russian Orthodox church known for its nineteenth-century architecture and gilded domes. Services may be mainly in Church Slavonic or Russian. Confirm visitor access and avoid photography during worship.
• International Orthodox:
  • Orthodox Centre of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Chambésy – Saint Paul’s Church and the Orthodox Centre serve an international Orthodox community and support ecumenical dialogue. Chambésy is reached by regional train from Geneva. Orthodox Centre
• Islam:
  • Geneva Mosque and Islamic Cultural Foundation – The mosque in Petit Saconnex is Geneva’s principal Islamic cultural centre and an active place of prayer. Visitors should contact the centre in advance outside prayer purposes. Dress modestly, remove shoes where indicated and avoid visiting during crowded Friday prayers unless attending worship.  Islamic Cultural Foundation
• Jewish:
  • Beth Yaakov Great Synagogue – Geneva’s historic Ashkenazi synagogue near Place Neuve, recognised for its Neo-Moorish and Byzantine-inspired architecture. Access is controlled and public visits are limited. Contact the community in advance, carry identification if requested and do not arrive unannounced for sightseeing.  Visitor information
• Sikh:
  • Gurudwara Sahib Genève – A Sikh place of worship and community gathering near the city centre. Sikh gurdwaras traditionally welcome visitors of all backgrounds. Cover the head, remove shoes, wash hands and follow the guidance of the community. Contact the gurdwara before a first visit or before joining the communal meal.  Community information

• Lake Geneva boat trips – CGN operates short cruises from Geneva as well as scheduled boats linking lakeside towns, offering an easy way to see the city, vineyards and Alpine scenery from the water. Routes and frequency are seasonal. Check the departure pier, timetable and last return before travelling.  CGN timetables and tickets
• Salève – The nearest mountain viewpoint over Geneva, the lake and the Jura. It works as a half-day cable-car trip or a longer hike. The cable car is in France. Check the weather, operating days and the time of the last descent. Hiking routes can be steep, so please make sure you are wearing proper equipment.  Salève cable car
• Nyon – A compact lakeside town with a castle, Roman history and an attractive old centre. There are frequent regional trains from Geneva.
• Yvoire – A medieval village on the French shore of Lake Geneva. In season, it combines well with a CGN boat from Nyon. Check the return sailing.  CGN timetables
• Lausanne – The Olympic Museum, the old town and the Ouchy waterfront make a varied full-day visit. The city is steep, but the metro connects the railway station, centre and lake.
• Annecy – Canals, an old town, lake and mountain scenery make this one of the most popular day trips from Geneva. Public transport varies by day and road traffic can be heavy on summer weekends.
• Montreaux – Lovely city at the other side of the Lac Leman (Lake Geneva). Famous for the statue of Freddie Mercury and the Queen recording studio. It can be reached by the CGN boat tours.
• Lavaux vineyards – Terraced vineyards above Lake Geneva with signed walks between villages and good railway access. Respect working vineyards and stay on marked paths.  Route information
• Bern – Administrative capital of Switzerland. Very Swiss city, with lovely houses, and the Einstein house. You can also find several places where you can take a photo with the Einstein statues.
• Gruyères – A medieval Swiss town with a castle, known for its cheese production. You can also choose to try out some of the Gruyere cheese in their cheese museum. On SBB, you can also find a scenic train taking you to Gruyères.
• Chamonix and the Mont Blanc massif – The most accessible way to experience the Mont Blanc landscape. Non-climbers can explore Chamonix, take the Montenvers train towards the Mer de Glace or use the Aiguille du Midi cable car when it is operating. Book early in busy periods. Check weather and lift status and take warm layers and sun protection, even when Geneva is hot.  Official lift and railway information

For mountain trips, check weather, route or lift status, daylight and the last return connection. Tell someone where you are going.

• Chamonix and the Mont Blanc massif – The most accessible way to experience the Mont Blanc landscape. Non-climbers can explore Chamonix, take the Montenvers train towards the Mer de Glace or use the Aiguille du Midi cable car when it is operating. Book early in busy periods. Check weather and lift status and take warm layers and sun protection, even when Geneva is hot.  Official lift and railway information
• Jura mountains – La Dôle, Col de la Faucille and Crêt de la Neige offer broad views and are closer than the Alps. Public transport can be limited. Check route grading, snow and local notices and carry an offline map.
• Rochers de Naye – A scenic mountain railway above Montreux. Advance and group fares can reduce the cost of mountain railways and museums.