Experience Geneva through the lens of activism, feminism, and human rights. On this 2.5–3-hour LGBTQ+ walking tour, an LGBTQ+ or queer-friendly guide will lead you from the Plainpalais protest square, through the Old Town, to the banks of the Rhône. You'll delve into queer feminist history, learn how international organizations are shaping LGBTQ+ rights, and get up-to-date tips on bars, events, and community venues. The route is about 1.9–2.5 miles long and easy to walk; optionally, a short section to the International Quarter can be covered by public transport.
The walking tour starts at Plainpalais, Parc du 14-Juin: a place for protests, festivals, and community. As you walk through the Old Town, you'll learn about religion, morality and historical persecution – how norms were established and how they were broken. In the Bastions Park, you will discuss freedom of conscience, education, and rights before discovering feminist and queer spaces in the Old Town that have facilitated culture, media, and networking. On the banks of the Rhône, the focus shifts to migration and the diaspora: journeys to Geneva, arrival, staying, and visibility in public spaces. Optionally, the route continues into the International Quarter, where diplomacy and civil society converge and LGBTQ+ rights are negotiated on a global scale. To wrap things up, you'll head to a queer-friendly café: a space for questions, discussion, and personal tips for your next stops.
The tour ends at the centrally located café. From here, you can get to other trendy spots, the Old Town, or the lakeside promenade on foot or by tram. If you like, you can then plan an apéritif or sample local specialties such as raclette, longeole, or products from the Geneva pâtisserie “Carac” [recommendation, not part of the tour].
The rights to the images provided are held by Switzerland Tourism.
