I’ve just got back from a 10 day trip to Switzerland and I’m kicking off the blog series with my first destination of the trip – Geneva. Unfortunately, I can’t talk about my trip to Geneva without a sense of frustration because British Airways lost my suitcase, and with it my medication (which they refused to let me keep in my hand luggage), all of my makeup, 3 pairs of nice shoes, 5 dresses, 10 t-shirts, my electric toothbrush, my books, and worst of all, my knickers. In total I think the contents were worth about £1,000 – none of which BA will compensate me for.
My bag was deemed lost rather than delayed, meaning for a 10 day trip I needed to buy 10 days of clothes. In Switzerland. The cheapest t-shirt I could find was about £30. So, to replace toiletries and clothes cost me about £500, which BA limited to £100 of refund. I was so furious as that was LESS than the differential in ticket price I paid to have checked baggage. A joke.
So my already expensive trip was costing me £1,400 more than planned before I even started it. Thanks to British Airways who, after now losing my bags and delaying every flight I’ve been on in 2023, will no longer be my airline of choice. I’d rather fly Ryanair. Which tells you how bad they are.
So, to Geneva. With a bitter taste in my mouth but an acknowledgement that much worse things have happened in the world than a lost suitcase, I resolved to enjoy it anyway. The city is clean and beautiful, the lake is breathtaking and the people polite and friendly. Its downside…it’s extortionate. I can’t write a blog post about it without acknowledging that. Be prepared to pay £30 for a main course in any sit down restaurant, and even Starbucks paninis and a drink cost us a combined £45 for 2. I was finished off with two white Magnums for a grand total of £31. Ludicrous.
Can you visit Geneva on a budget? Yes, but not easily, and not with meals out. If you’re on a budget, I’d pick somewhere else and if you are visiting, be prepared to pay high prices throughout. If you do visit though, it is a beautiful city with plenty worth seeing so let’s go!
Contents
- Contents
- Lake Geneva walks (Bains des Pâquis)
- Geneva Old Town
- United Nations
- Flower Clock and Jardin Anglais
- Red Cross and Crescent Museum
- Eat Fondue
- Botanical Gardens
- Jet D’eau
- CGN Lake Cruises
- Reformation Wall and Bastions Park
- Geneva St Peter’s Cathedral and International Museum of the Reformation
- Day Trips Galore
Lake Geneva walks (Bains des Pâquis)
Let’s start with the lake itself, which is truly beautiful. Walking alongside the lake between the Botanical Gardens and Bains des Paquis through the parks and promenades is one of the most picturesque things to do in Geneva. With stunning views everywhere it was one of the best things I did in the city. And thankfully it’s also totally free.
Geneva Old Town
Geneva old town is the largest historical area in Switzerland and it really is beautiful. Strolling around, having a coffee and browsing the shops is a perfect way to spend a morning.
United Nations
Geneva is most famous for being home to the United Nations. There are a number of tours offered around the building (we chose the third one being the history geeks that we are).
- Palais des Nations visit: Focused on the UN and its operations
- The history of the Palais des Nations: art and architecture oriented, this guided tour allows you to discover the history of the building itself
- UN History: In addition to visiting the Palais des Nations, you will also visit the League of Nations Museum, which exhibits the history of the UN through archival documents.
- Guided tour of the Ariana Park: Find out more about the history and management of the park surrounding the Palais des Nations.
Flower Clock and Jardin Anglais
Jardin Anglais, The English Garden, is a small but beautiful park area right alongside Lake Geneva. It’s also home to the ‘flower clock’, a famous site in Geneva which pays tribute to the country’s rich watch making history.
Red Cross and Crescent Museum
A really interesting museum to visit in Geneva is the Red Cross and Crescent Museum, telling the story of the Red Cross’ work across the globe. With 3 core themes – 1) Supporting during conflicts, 2) Protecting human rights and 3) Helping to prevent and following natural disasters – you can learn about the organisation’s work since its formation in 1863 in Geneva.
Eat Fondue
Fondue is Switzerland’s most famous dish – a communal pot of melted cheese and wine which you dip bread and normally have with wine. It’s a must try if you’re in Geneva as there are many great fondue restaurants. We chose Auberge de Savièse, and it was delicious.
Botanical Gardens
I love a good botanical garden and Geneva is no different. With a selection of lovely greenhouses and lots of garden to explore, it’s an easy way to spend a few hours. We actually ended up staying here for 4 hours as we found a nice seating area, ordered some drinks and sat reading our books – lovely!
Jet D’eau
Another symbol of Geneva is the Jet D’eau, a massive water fountain out on a pier past the Jardin Anglais. Built in the 1950s, it is 140m high, and every second, more than 500 litres of water are expelled at a speed of 200 km/h. In every moment, 7 tons of water form this magnificent water jet!
CGN Lake Cruises
Taking to the lake itself is a must do when in Geneva, and CGN are the main and best provider of boat transports on the Lake. All boat travel is included in the Swiss Travel Pass (along with rail travel and museums) which make getting around the lake easy.
There are a few options for boat travel. You could take a boat trip in and of itself, such as lunch on the lake (we had this booked, but it was cancelled due to a technical issue on the boat). Alternatively you could enjoy a boat cruise between destinations – leisurely taking a boat in one direction and a speedy train in the other. Most of the destinations mentioned in (12) below can be reached by CGN boats.
Reformation Wall and Bastions Park
Switzerland was a hub for the reformation in Europe. The reformation was when Protestantism became prominent and many converted from Catholicism, leading to huge religious persecution on both sides. Switzerland became a safe haven for the Huguenots (French protestants fleeing persecution in France) and was home to John Calvin, one of the most renowned reformers of all time.
Within Bastions Park is a huge wall paying tribute to key figures in the Reformation. Oliver Cromwell is prominent (he is from Ely, a city 30 minutes from where I live and his statue is prominent in my town square), as are William Farel and John Knox. I quite liked it.
Geneva St Peter’s Cathedral and International Museum of the Reformation
If you have never seen a Protestant church, you may be surprised once inside at how simple the interior is. This was the basis of the Reformation, to remove the Catholic icons and grandeur, and according to Calvinist spiritual codes, keep the interior simple.
Aside from seeing the Cathedral itself, you can also climb the 157 steps up the tower, giving panoramic views out over Geneva. Also next door you can visit the Reformation Museum which tells the story of the history of the Protestant faith in more detail.
Day Trips Galore
Geneva is situated perfectly for a number of incredible day trips across Switzerland and France, given it lies right on the border. We did a few of these, though not all as day trips from Geneva as we later stayed in Lausanne, but I’ve included a good list below to suit your interests:
Nyon
A 14 minute train ride for the Swiss National Museum, beautiful old castles, and a lovely lake front town.
Lausanne
A 45 minute train ride to visit the Olympic Museum, stunning old town, Ouchy waterfront.
Chamonix and Mont Blanc
It’s just a 1hr drive to Chamonix and Mont Blanc, where you can mountain train to the Glacier, Cable Car ride over the Chamonix Valley or spend the day hiking if you really want an adventure.
Montreux, Vevey and Castle Chillon
Just a 1hr 15 min train journey round the lake takes you to the picturesque town of Montreux, where you can take lakeside walks amongst vineyards, go wine tasting, or even visit Switzerland’s most famous and beautiful castle.
Annecy
Taking a 1hr30 train ride will reward you with one of the most beautiful villages in France.
So what are your thoughts of Geneva? Would you like to visit? I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour – stay safe and happy travelling!
Saasdia Travel Gid
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