Bonjour! Today, we are off to the French speaking part of Switzerland for the day. I love how Switzerland is heavily influenced by its neighboring countries: Germany, Italy and France. The closer you get to these countries from Central Switzerland, the more impact you can start seeing. Language is just the tip of the iceberg. So much so that French dominates over other Swiss languages in all information signs and advertisements here in this city. Geneva reminds me of a fancy Parisian or South of France neighborhood but with even higher prices. I had first heard of Geneva when I had started reading about international diplomacy and how this city was the epicenter for it with Red Cross, World Health Organization, International Labor Organization and former United Nations headquarters calling this city their home. I was very excited to see all these buildings and revisit my Social Science classes from middle school.

How long to stay

Since I had a Swiss Pass that allowed me unlimited travel through Switzerland’s rail system for a week, I used it to make a day trip from Zurich to Geneva. However, if I were to visit Geneva again, I would say 2 days is good enough to see a lot of the city and you can even find time to check out the Chateau de Chillon in Montreux next door.

Getting here and getting around

If you are coming in from abroad, chances are you will be landing in Geneva airport which serves as the gateway for Swiss Alps. Since I didn’t fly in or out of Geneva airport, I can’t say much about the experience there or to get to the city from the airport. Based on my research though, it looks like you can get a free public transportation ticket from a ticket machine located in the baggage claim area which is valid for 80 minutes in Geneva, making it the best way to reach city center. Make sure to carry your boarding pass with you since the free ticket is only valid with a boarding pass.

For those taking trains like me, there are connections available to every major Swiss city from Geneva that leave every 30 minutes or hour. I was able to take a train from Zurich that worked for my schedule by making use of the Swiss rail pass.

Geneva is a public transportation heaven. You have the buffet of bus, trains, boats and trams at your disposal. And now the best part – public transportation is free for those staying in hostels or hotels since the recent law passed by the government allows a free daily travel pass on the local TPG to all the visitors. Make sure to collect this from your hotel or hostels before leaving for the day. If you want, you can easily cover the attractions in old town in Geneva by foot. I remember just walking all over the place and soaking in all the French ambience all around.

Where to stay

Unfortunately, I don’t have any idea about where to stay since I made a day trip here. From what I read online, prices for hotels are crazier than what you will find in Zurich. Your best best will be finding a cheap Airbnb in the old town or nearby neighborhoods.

What to buy

Again, I didn’t find anything that is specifically made in Geneva that you must buy (unless you are into high end luxury watches). If you want to buy traditional Swiss Souvenirs, refer to my Zurich blog post covering them in detail.

What to see or do

Jet d’Eau

This has become the symbol of Geneva and was so much hyped up by my Airbnb host when I told her I was visiting Geneva for a day. It is nothing but a fountain of water pumped 140 m into the air. You should check it out both during the day and night. I find it looking more beautiful when it all lit at night. If you are not afraid of getting wet, you can get up close and personal with it for free too. To get the best view of Jet d’Eau, head over to English Gardens.

English Gardens

This small garden near the lake is visited by the tourists for its famous flower clock and a sculptured bronze water fountain and by the locals for a great lunch break escape. There is no entry fee for this garden so feel free to walk around and enjoy the little greenspace in the city center.

Museum of the international committee of the Red Cross

Since you are in the hometown of Red Cross organization, it would make sense to visit this museum which is not like any other museum you have been to. It showcases striking and affecting photographic and physical evidence of Red Cross’s service to humanity during wars and countless natural disasters. I loved how even the display covering wars avoided taking any sides.

Musee Ariana

This museum offers a huge collection of ceramics from around Europe and far east. The permanent exhibition is free to visit.

Palais Des Nations

Okay, I had the most disappointing experience visiting this. I did my research online and it looked like you can visit it from inside. But the day I went in, the reality was totally different. It wasn’t open to public and I had to see it from outside only. If you are lucky enough to get in, I am told that the Assembly hall, library and landscaped gardens are not to be missed. A passport, DL or ID card is required for entry though so make sure you carry that.

Geneva also houses some of the best museums in the country. Since I only had a day, I didn’t get to visit all of them but here are some that are free:

• Museum of Natural History
• Museum of Art and History

Chateau de Chillon – Montreux

Yes, I know, that Chateau de Chillon is not in Geneva but in Montreux. But since the most effective way to get to Montreux is through Geneva, I wanted to cover it here in this post itself. Also, I am not sure what else to see in Montreux apart from this castle. I had seen Chateau de Chillon in all the postcards from Switzerland so I knew had to check it out in person. Hence, I did try making a quick escape (Thanks to Swiss Pass) to see the chateau when returning from Geneva. But sometimes things don’t go as planned. I missed my train by a minute (The only time I wish the Swiss trains were not super-efficient) and ended up at the Chateau 5 mins after the last entry time. I did cry and felt really bad that despite planning everything to the last minute, I missed my opportunity to see it from inside. I was leaving from Zurich the next day so I couldn’t come back. I guess maybe this will be a good excuse to return to Switzerland.

If you are ever planning to visit this historic castle, be sure to check out the opening times and last entry times. Unlike some other countries, Switzerland is super punctual and here the closing time and last entry times of attractions differ by a lot.

What to eat

There is nothing really special or local to Geneva that you won’t find in any other Swiss cities. If you are looking for Swiss food to eat, refer to my Zurich’s blog post. For those planning to buy groceries and cook their own food, it might be worth visiting the French grocery stores where you can get things for super cheap compared to what you will find in Geneva. Also, make sure to try a lot of Swiss wine. They say the reason Swiss wine is not that well known internationally is because the Swiss drink all of it and never leave anything to travel abroad. I couldn’t agree more.

 

Have you been to Geneva? What did you think? Are there any other things that you recommend to see or do in Geneva? How were you able to save money in this super expensive city in an already expensive country? Also, did you manage to check out the Chateau de Chillon in Montreux?