Exploring Geneva in 3 Days

Our First Stop

Geneva is located on the shores of Lake Geneva and is surrounded by the Alps. It has a rich history and a cosmopolitan vibe.

Our Switzerland itinerary involved a round-trip flight through Geneva.  The stay included two days at the beginning of our trip and one day at the end. This provided the perfect bookend for our Swiss adventure.

We started in Geneva, which was closest to Montreux. If we had left it until the end of the trip, the Montreux Jazz Festival would have started. Undoubtedly, it would have been a great experience, but the hotels were sold out.

Accommodations

We stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues. The breakfast buffet was a delicious way to start our day. We even spotted Kelly Ripa one morning at breakfast! The location was perfect for walking to Old Town. Easy access to modern trams allow you to visit other areas in the city.

Places to see

• Plainpalais: Known for its flea and farmer’s markets.
• Carouge: Geneva’s hipster neighborhood has local restaurants, cafes, and bars.
• Rue St. Joseph: Antique shops, clothing stores, and boutiques.
• Rue Du Rhône- The street is well-known for luxury brands, including Hermes, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and more.
• Flower Clock – a symbol of Geneva’s watchmaking industry. This iconic landmark is located in the English Garden.
• Jet d’Eau Fountain – One of the tallest water fountains in the world, the Jet d’Eau Fountain is a must-see. Its impressive jet of water reaches up to 459 feet.
• St. Pierre Cathedral- Located in the heart of Old Town.
• Carrousel de la Madeleine – near St. Pierre Cathedral
• Parc des Bastions entrance. The park is famous for public functions. The University of Geneva makes its home in the park.
• Brunswick Monument – This mausoleum, built in 1879 to commemorate the life of Charles II, Duke of Brunswick, is located in the Jardin des Alpes.

   

 

Restaurants

• White Rabbit: Serves brunch every day. We had avocado, salmon toast, eggs, foie gras, salads, and traditional brunch fare.
• Le Flacon Restaurant: Located in Carouge, the menu changes according to local fresh and seasonal produce.
• Il Lago: Michelin-starred restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel offering Northern Italian fare and exceptional wines.
• Auberge de Savièse: Located in the Pâquis district, it offers some of the best fondue and raclette

Shopping

Geneva is known for its shopping, specifically luxury watches. The city offers high-end boutiques and luxury brands. Additionally, you will find charming local markets and mid-range stores like Zara and H&M. My daughters and I love international shopping. Typically, European styles that are not in the US yet.

Of course, chocolate is sold everywhere. Don’t miss out on local chocolate shops where you can find uniquely crafted designs.

Water Fountains Galore

Throughout Geneva, you will find decorative fountains. But they are more than that. The fountains provide refreshing free cold water. All you need is an empty bottle. Keep an eye open for the many fountains that distribute this water.

Geneva’s blend of natural beauty and cultural richness makes it a worthwhile destination for travelers. We loved walking along the promenade on Lake Geneva, discovering the local neighborhoods, and indulging in Swiss cuisine.

Read about our stays in Montreux,  Interlocken, and Zurich. This trip was one of our most amazing  Swiss Mother-Daughter Adventures.