Switzerland has been deemed as one of the safest and most beautiful countries across the world, time and time again. If you are planning on a holiday to this wonderful place, then you must visit Geneva.
Geneva is an incredible city surrounded by Lake Geneva and the beautiful alps. But its beauty is not all that it has to offer to people who visit it. Geneva offers you thrill and excitement with its pedaling and paddleboarding and brings you comfort with strolls around the market, as well as brunching.
Below is a list of the things that you should do when on a trip to Geneva.
- Take in the Views from Mont- Salève
Once you lay your eyes on the alpine backdrop of Geneva, you will itch to head for the views that can only be granted when you get to a great height. Mont- Salève has been dubbed as the Balcony of Geneva and is a trip that you must take during the day. If you have the chance to visit on a cloudy day, the panoramic views that await you will be phenomenal. You will not be able to take your eyes off the Jura Mountains, Lake Geneva, and Mont Blanc massif.
Moreover, you can indulge in various activities all year round. During summers, you have the option of hiking, climbing, tandem paragliding, as well as mountain biking. In the winter season, you can choose to either go sledding or cross-country skiing, the choice is yours!
As of now, the cable car is being revamped. It hauls visitors up to no less than 3,600 ft. It will reopen in style in the year 2022 with a climbing wall, botanical garden, 360-degree viewpoint, museum, and a new panoramic restaurant.
- Explore Plainpalais
On Saturdays and Wednesdays, especially, the Plainpalais square is brimming with activity. Locals haggle and browse around the flea market or marché aux puces. You can buy numerous secondhand items from here, such as jewelry, clothes, knock-off antiques, furniture, books, records, and much more.
You will find locals making a day out of visiting the Plainpalais and there is no reason why you cannot do the same. Take some time to have brunch at a local café and visit the skate park.
- Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Primarily due to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the city of Geneva is somewhere at the top of the global contemporary scene. The museum sits inside a 1950s factory, which was converted to display a mix of temporary and permanent exhibitions.
On your visit to this place, see if you can find the time to visit the Centre d’Art Contemporain, which is a part of the complex and gives a platform to the work of emerging and young artistic talent. You can also go for a guided tour of the place on Sundays in the afternoon.
- Swim in Bains de Pâquis
This well-known lakefront bathing spot is a hip-and-happening attraction, located in the district of Pâquis. You can easily find this place by keeping an eye on the lighthouse that marks it. Pier lines across the lake, where people come to swim, sunbathe, have a picnic, or get a relaxing massage. The place is not only popular in summers, but winters as well when the hammam and sauna fill up with people looking for warmth. The nearby waterfront gardens also have some restaurants that will allow you to get a taste of the delicious food of Geneva.
- Go to the Neighborhood of Carouge
This quaint neighborhood sits on the fringes of the city and is a small bubble of bohemia. The sidewalk terraces, pastel-colored houses, as well as gelaterias, have a Mediterranean look about them. This is mainly due to the fact that Carouge was once part of the grand Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia.
You can get on a tram from here and spend your day shopping at boutiques or visiting vintage shops and galleries. You can also taste all that the many chocolatiers here have to offer and even rent a bike to go around along the banks of the River Arve. Once the sun sets, enjoy the night scene and visit the popular local club, Le Chat Nor, for gigs, DJ sets, and cocktails!
- Create your own Timepiece
Various luxury brands, such as Patek Philippe and Rolex, are headquartered in Geneva. If you are looking to create a timepiece of your own, you can take on courses that are run by Initium. It will help you learn the secrets that come with watchmaking and will offer you the opportunity to build a mechanical masterpiece of your own. The classes can be either three-hour-long or take up to a full day.
- Have your Heart Stolen by Lake Geneva
The French name for Lake Geneva is Lac Léman and will steal your heart, as soon as you lay your eyes on it. The place is surrounded by snow-capped French Alps and botanical gardens. The many bright-yellow mouette shuttle boats in the area will also take your breath away. However, the centerpiece of the attraction is the unmissable Jet d’Eau fountain. It makes a splash, both literally and figuratively.
Feel free to cycle or stroll around the lake. You can also make your way towards Genève Plage, the city beach. Go for a swim or take up stand-up paddleboarding. Maybe even windsurf. The options are endless!
Moreover, if you want a full view of the castles, villages, and vineyards that the lake has to offer, you can also get on a ferry trip or a cruise. You will not be disappointed by all the sites that you will see, even if it is from afar.
It is no secret that Switzerland is a gorgeous country. But this city has the potential to make your breath hitch because of its breathtaking views and beauty. Do not waste a single second and add Geneva to your travel itinerary today!
