City trip: a summer weekend in Geneva

We don’t like to think back to our last visit to Geneva. It ended with an involuntary shower under the jet d’eau and a broken camera. But the city is not to blame for my own negligence in dealing with water fountains. So it’s high time to make peace. That’s why we were happy to have the opportunity to explore Geneva together with international bloggers during a weekend.

Since I unfortunately had to attend to other obligations this weekend, I sent the friend (aka Nick) off alone with his camera. In addition to the beautiful morning atmosphere on Lake Geneva, he brought us great tips for a guaranteed varied city trip to Geneva.

Getting to Geneva by train

It is convenient and convenient to travel by train from Zurich to Geneva. So the journey with the phenomenal view of Lake Geneva and the vineyards of the Lavaux area is already the first highlight of a long summer weekend. The second surprise awaits train passengers at the exit of Cornavin station. An eye-catching door designed by Geneva artist Carmen Perrin.

Slept

Eastwest Hotel | Rue des Pâquis 6

During his stay in Geneva, Nick was able to enjoy the hospitality of the centrally located Hotel Eastwest. This beautiful boutique hotel is located within walking distance of the train station and the lake. Ideally located to get out of bed just before dawn, walk the few meters to the lakeshore and enjoy the unique spectacle of colors of the sunrise early in the morning. Afterwards, the delicious breakfast buffet is just the thing to start your day of sightseeing.

Done – Top Attractions in Geneva

Water fountain at the touch of a button | Quai du Général-Guisan

In summer, the large fountain system in Lake Geneva is put into operation punctually at 09:00 in the morning. A good start to a weekend in Geneva. The Jet d’Eau with its 140 m high water fountain, which can be seen from everywhere, is, after all, the landmark of Geneva. But keep your distance, otherwise you will have the same mishap as we did two years ago.

Bird’s eye view | St. Peter’s Cathedral

For only 5 francs, you can get a great overview of the city from the two towers of St. Peter’s Cathedral. It should be ensured that the Jet d’Eau is set to have the most beautiful view.

Ausgetickt | Rue du Rhône 45

At the traditional Bucherer store, everyone can admire the result of the highest watchmaking art. However, the opportunity to be instructed in the art of watchmaking is reserved for only a few. We had the opportunity to look over the shoulders of the watchmakers and then lend a hand ourselves. The task was to take apart a simple watch and then put it back together again. This requires tact. Amazingly, these 90 minutes went by very quickly and thanks to my pictures of the different stages of construction – as a reminder – the watch worked perfectly again after my assembly.

Art & Culture | Quartier des Bains

In the Quartier des Bain you will find various galleries and great museums. In addition, this neighborhood reminds me a bit of the French Quarter in New Orleans. A journalist from the New York Times even dubbed it Little Soho. No matter which nickname you choose, there’s a lot to discover here. For example, the Mamco Musée d’art moderne et contemporain. I don’t understand the meaning of all the art objects shown in the exhibition, but the Colorful Rooms are undoubtedly inspiring.

Another work of art on the edge of the quarter is the Pont Hans-Wilsdorf, which was completed in 2012.

Sportlicher Wasserplausch | Quai de Cologny 5

Summer days in Geneva can get hot. Cool off at the Bains des Pâquis, among others. A wonderful afternoon can be spent with a refreshing swim in Lake Geneva and then relaxing on the sunbathing lawn. If you appreciate a sporting challenge, try stand-up paddling in the Tropical Corner. It’s worth noting that it’s not quite as easy as it looks.

Out into the countryside | Meyrin

When the beautiful blue sky beckons you out into the countryside, it’s time to explore the Geneva countryside. We pedaled through the vineyards around Geneva on rented e-bikes and discovered some pretty corners and secluded spots. However, the wine region around Geneva definitely cannot compete with the famous vineyard terraces of Lavaux.

In addition, this offers the opportunity to taste Geneva wines directly on site in the wine region during the e-bike tours. These wines are hardly exported and are mainly served in the restaurants of Geneva.

Architektour | Les Grottes district

For architecture fans and urban planning freaks, it is worth taking a detour behind the main station to the Les Grottes district. The buildings, with their imaginative and curvy shapes, are reminiscent of the Spanish artist Gaudi. The houses are often called “The Smurfs”. If that’s not a reason to visit!

Party Time | Les Voiles, Busstop: Genève-Plage

The French-speaking people know how to party through balmy summer nights. Located directly on the lake, Les Voiles is a good starting point for a night of partying that lasts until dawn.

You can find more sights in Geneva in my new article.

Where to eat in Geneva

Brunch @ Les Halles de l’Ile | Place de l’Ile 1

For the late riser among you, I can recommend the Sunday brunch at the Brasserie des Halles de L’île. From 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. you can enjoy the buffet and fill your stomach.

Bagel o‘clock | The Bagel House Rue du marché 3

The name says it all – Bagel House serves bagel sandwiches. The sandwiches including a small salad are super delicious but not cheap. Around CHF 15 must be included for this. The bagels can be taken away as a take-away. Even though the sun is clearly luring you outside, be sure to take a quick look at the beautifully designed upper floor.

For the longer lunch break | Cottage Café Rue Adhémar-Fabri 7

If you want to spend your lunch break relaxing, the Cottage Café is the right place for you. Between 12.00 and 14.00 you can choose from a choice of 3 starters, 4 main courses and 3 salads.

Coffee break at Birdie Food & Coffee | Rue des Bains 40

Of course, the coffee break is not to be missed in summer. This trendy café serves only fresh, home-made drinks and snacks. My choice for a hot summer day: iced coffee!

Still hungry? Here I have some extra foodie tips:

• Chillige Location zum Burgeressen: Tropical Corner (Quai de Cologny 5)
• Exklusiver Picknickplausch im Parc des Eaux-Vives: Picknickkorb vom Hotel Restaurant du Parc des Eaux Vives (Quai Gustave-Ador 82)
• Trendy bar for a late drink: N’vY Bar (Rue de Richemont 18)

I was invited to this stay by Geneva Tourism. Thank you very much for this! – As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm.