Are you visiting Geneva and not sure what you should do? I am here to tell you all about what to do in Geneva for a day.
I recently spent a day in Geneva, just ten hours, because of a long layover on my flight to Europe. So, it wasn’t exactly a bucket list item for me to check off my list. I planned on using the miles I had collected to purchase my ticket; and when I saw that I could have a long layover in Geneva, I thought why not! This was my first time visiting Switzerland. I was excited to practice my French again. I had a different set of expectations, from friends who had been to Zurich, and some old acquaintances who lived in Geneva. I had always imagined it to be a European D.C., and spoil alert I was kind of right. So let me take you through what to do in Geneva for a day.
If you are spending time during a layover, I hope you get some sleep on your flight to Geneva. P.S. I didn’t get any sleep, which slowed me down a bit. But either way, you can do this! I also have to say that my day could have been far more enjoyable if it didn’t rain the entire time.
This blog post is all about what to do in Geneva for a day during a long layover. I hope this helps you on your next trip!
ABOUT GENEVA
Geneva is home to more than 200,000 people. It is situated in the western part of Switzerland, the Romandy. This is the French speaking part of Switzerland. Swiss Franc (CHF or SFr.) is the currency, although you could make transactions in Euros as well. Switzerland is not part of the European Union. However, on a global scale, it is home to many international organizations, including headquarters of the United Nations. So, it feels like the capital of many things.
ARRIVAL & LUGGAGE LOCKER
The airport in Geneva is pretty small and the lines can be long especially if two or more flights arrive at the same time. I spent about an hour standing in line to go through passport control. I knew I could leave my laptop in a luggage locker but wasn’t sure where that would be. The information desk at the airport was very helpful. Once you are past passport control and make it to the baggage claim area, walk out and make a left. If you keep going all the way, you will see the train station. It is probably the first section on your left-hand side inside the train station. You will see a sign with a luggage and key. The steps are easy to follow. You select the locker you want to use based on size, then put your stuff in and shut the door. This will activate the kiosk with how much time you have and how much you owe. Very easy. Keep your receipt as it contains the QR code you need to scan to reclaim your items. I paid 8 SFr.
Left: Notice the luggage and key sign. Right: Lockers and kiosk.
GETTING TO DT GENEVA
The airport is only about 30 mins away from the city center. I pay the fee, get my ticket, and leave the train station to catch my bus to center city. This was very easy to navigate.
#1 RUE DE MARCHÉ
I mean who am I kidding. Of course, I wanted to explore the shopping scene in Geneva and yes it was the first thing I did. I started off in Rue de Marché to check out Massimo Dutti (when will they ever come back to NYC?!), COS, Longchamp, and some other European stores.
#2 GRAB A BITE
I walked by Place du Molard which is a pedestrian only street between Rue de Marché and Rue de Rhône. Or less precisely between Rue de Marché and the lake. It is a very picturesque street, where you will find Cafè du Centre, a very popular people watching spot in the summer, as they have tables out in the front. I got a table inside as it was raining, and ordered some food and coffee. I can tell you in all honesty, I didn’t have the best appetite as I was pretty tired. But having eaten there, I would comfortably order anything off of their menu. It really is an excellent cafe/ restaurant and the waiters really know the food that is being served. I was impressed by the quality and service. I paid a little less than 30 SFr.
#3 RUE DE RHÔNE
Walk on Rue de Rhône, for some more shopping at big fashion houses. The usual suspects here, Chanel, Celine, Prada, Gucci, Church’s, Salvatore Ferragamo and whatever else you like to see. Added another stop at Cartier, because we’re spending a day in Geneva and we have to see what those watches are all about.
Left: Celine Store. Right: Prada.
#4 THE FLOWER CLOCK & JARDIN ANGLAIS
The Jardin Anglais is a small park that features the Flower Clock, and the ferris wheel amongst other attractions. Entrance is free as it is public space.
Geneva will surely leave you wanting an expensive watch, you never thought you needed. Everywhere you look, a watch being advertised. I am now quite influenced and on the hunt for a nice watch.
#5 LAKE GENEVA & THE GENEVA WATER FOUNTAIN
Then I walked by the lake for a little while. You will also see the water fountain on the east side of the river. Entrance is free as it is public space.
#6 CATHÉDRALE SAINT-PIERRE GENÈVE
It takes no more than ten minutes to walk from the lake to the cathedral. This is a magnificent cathedral with gothic architecture. I’m sure experts of cathedrals will have more to say. Entrance is free.
#7 PATEK PHILIPPE MUSEUM
It takes another 15 mins to walk to the Patek Philippe Museum from the Cathedral. Public transport is also very easy to take, as you can pay for your ticket on the spot and take the bus. But since my stay was so short and I wanted to see the city as much as possible I chose to walk. The museum is full of historic pieces used by watchmakers. Probably every piece made by Patek Philippe is showcased here, from pocket watches to desk clocks, including some of watches of famous historical figures and gifts made to presidents. It was interesting to say the least. Entrance is 10 SFr, busy place but no reservation is needed. Make sure to note that it opens at 2 pm.
#8 CHOCO PASS CHOCOLATE MAKERS
You can get the Choco pass in Geneva, which will allow you to sample chocolate from different participating stores for 30 SFr per person. I skipped this. But it’s something fun to do with friends or family (or even solo) if you have the time.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Geneva is a beautiful city. I put this together to give you ideas on what to do.
However, I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to make plans to see Geneva. It felt a little boring and expensive, lacked culture and didn’t provide a good balance of sightseeing, shopping and food – which are things I look for when I visit a place. I have to say that locals are extremely nice, that really stood out to me. So, if you are ok finding yourself in a place like any small cosmopolitan city with decent (mostly French and Swiss) food, with no real cultural activities, then sure, go for it. Otherwise, a long layover will suffice.
This blog post is all about what to do in Geneva for a day during a long layover. I hope this helps you on your next trip!
As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. Click here if you’d like to see & follow my Instagram page @girlontheues.
See you next week,
Girl on the Upper East Side
Xx
If this interests you, you might enjoy reading my London Itinerary, Paris Itinerary or French Riviera.
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