Welcome to Geneva Switzerland. You are in a small town full of history with ancient, cobbled streets and looking at the clear waters of Lake Geneva. Come along in the pursuit of the Internationalist that is constantly working all over the world and lives in the midst of beautiful mountains and cheerful people.
This is ‘One Day in Geneva’; the most effective way to utilize every second you are within this architectural beauty of a city for a day. Be it looking out at the Jet d’Eau or enjoying the best of what the Swiss cuisine has to offer, a day in Geneva is one filled with wonderful adventures. So, let’s embark on this remarkable voyage for budget Traveler
Best Season to Explore and Visit Geneva
The best travel period in Geneva is spring (March-May) or fall (September-November). In these months, the climate is moderate, and the population of the city is less than during the peak flow of tourists which is summer. Spring showcases a lot of trees and flowers in full blossom, while fall seasons golden leaves clothe the streets making a gorgeous contrast with the lake and the mountains.
If you wish to visit Geneva, then most probably you will land at the Geneva International Airport (GVA). Industrialized and well-laid, the airport is situated just 4 Kilometers (2 miles) from the center of the city. When you come in you can collect a free Transport Card from the airport. It allows using city public transportation as many times as you want during the stay period.
To quickly get to the city, you can take a train from under the airport which plies every twelve minutes at the cost of approximately three dollars with a total time of seven minutes to get to the downtown area.
You can walk around Geneva since it is relatively small. Still, a decent public transportation network including trams, buses and even boats (called Mouettes) exist all over the city and its suburbs. Unlimited travel can be made at a price of around 10USD for a day. The easiest would be to hire a bike (about 20 USD per day) and ride it along the lake or on the bicycle roads located in the city.
Explore The Best Things
Vieille ville
Exploring the curious narrow and sloping cobbled streets of Vieille Ville. The fascinating area is palpable with beautiful domes of picturesque churches, animated places, and many ancient buildings as Lincoln Park surround us. I think we will unwind from our strenuous activities by taking a brief walking tour in a few. Exactly in the heart of Vielle Ville is placed the Place du Bourg-de-Four, which is the oldest square in Geneva. It’s very beautiful and is bordered by several outdoor coffee cafes, water fountains, and legacies of buildings that are tremendously built.
The Confiserie Arn is also worth a good long visit, a unique place where it’s not just a café but a store that sells Swiss souvenirs and chocolate. A brief distance from the Place du Bourg-de-Four takes you to the stunning Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Genève. Formally erected in the 12th century, the cathedral was put up as a Catholic cathedral and however became a Protestant church in the 16th century after the stay of the purely Protestant reformer John Calvin in Geneva. This reformation led by Calvin left its footprints in Geneva.
There is also the International Museum of the Reformation, which would be the best option for people who want to know more about this period of Geneva’s history while being there. It tells about this period of history through numerous objects, books, manuscripts, paintings, engravings. The museum, located behind the cathedral, is open for business on Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, with the exception of Mondays. It accepts entry fees about 14 dollars, which also comes with an audio guide (it is free with the Geneva City Pass).
On the other hand, if it’s not on your agenda, do make time for the Reformation Wall. Located a stone’s throw away from the museum, this edifice which honors the Protestant Reformation, is a significant part of Geneva’s heritage. And just round the corner, about five minutes away, is the Promenade de la Treille.
This high path not only provides spectacular views over the lake and city, but also contains the rectangle known as the Banc de la Treille, one of the longest benches in the world. It is extremely relaxing, and lets you take in the colors of the sky as the sun goes down in what will be a well-deserved exclamation at the end of the busy day in Geneva
For a completely different experience, go down the archaeological site of the cathedral. Under the cathedral hides ancient relics and the remains of buildings from the Roman times. It is interesting to see how Geneva is built on several layers of history, and it is convenient to go exploring this treasure before climbing up to the Promenade de la Treille to watch the sunset.
Lake Swim and Spa at Bains des Pâquis
Lake swim takes you for a nice swim away from the city into an oasis of culture, the Bains des Pâquis located on the Jetée des Pâquis. Here you will be free to take a dip in the chilly waters of Lake Geneva and to imagine very little about what comes next. But that’s not the end of it – the structure contains a range of wellness facilities including steam rooms and sauna, and a variety of massage therapies for those keen on relaxation further.
At the height of summer season in particular when water of the lake is above 20 C, spending a day at Bains des Pâquis is one of the best ideas. It’s all relaxing and good fun, which is why I suggest you include this place in your plans while in Geneva. You only pay $2 US dollars to enter the baths. If you feel one of those days is meant to be spoiled, ends up, one has to pay, entering the hammam is 11 dollars, having both hammam, sauna and turkish bath will cost you 22 dollars.
Transportation is easy; you take bus number 3 that can be picked from just outside Café du Soleil and get off at Coutance, from where it is a few minutes walk to the waters. When you have finished swimming or after a spa treatment, you will be pleased to know that hot drinks and snacks can be purchased from the cafe whilst enjoying the beautiful view of the lake. It is one of the best places for the locals to unwind and enjoy the scenic views of Geneva.
Lake Geneva Cruise
The beautiful views of Geneva from the perspective of water, a good option is to board the cruise boat for a wonderful ride over the crystal clear waters of Lac Léman. Such a trip itself guarantees a great view including the distant Mont Blanc on clear days as well as a close view of the Jet d’Eau, the famous fountain of Geneva which rises to a height of 140 meters (459 feet).
There are visitors who only have a limited time, a day at most, and for such a person the best option would be the 1-Hour Lake Geneva Cruise. For an approximate estimated budget of around $19 USD, one does not have to think twice since it is a great deal in Switzerland which is known for it’s expensive prices. This guide provides information on this cruise in about ten hours not less than about eleven to twelve narrows everything about the beauty of the lake.
These cruises are usually held starting from the Genève Mont-Blanc pier, and since they are quite convenient as there are several sails at different times of the day. I would recommend that you plan for about one o clock in the afternoon or two thirty to enjoy the mid-day sun and the colored lake. Regarding the pier, it was just take bus number 3 from outside Café du Soleil at Petit-Saconnex and get down at Coutance.
To enhance the overall experience, it is better to try and take up a seat on the upper deck of the boat. This is a good place for photographers and sightseers, providing a great view of the area and a nice wind ideal for some selfies and pictures!
Pâquis-Nations/Palais des Nations
A number of international organizations, including the United Nations, have their European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and the following extending the geographic scope: the central office is located in the active Pâquis-Nations area and is open to the general public.
Through its guided experiences, please do not be surprised when Palais des Nations takes visitors inside Assembly Hall, Council Chamber, Library, and Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations room. As you walk past the Alley of Flags, willing flags attached outside welcome members and all to a central cause. A timely and emotionally moving feature is the Broken Chair that rises straight to the sky in the plaza and demonstrates solidarity with the wars in landmines and cluster bombs.
Tours are conducted in French as well as in English either for persons or conducting them for groups. They are conducted at different intervals within the day starting from 10:30am, except on Mondays where the first tour is gives at around 12:30pm. Pricing for one member in a single tourist excursion has an average of $17USD. The work of the United Nations house at New York interacts with the work of other UN offices by week days from 8:30am to 5pm.
Floral Clock/Jardin Anglais
Geneva’s beautiful Vieille Ville (Old Town), be sure to have a look at the Floral Clock(L’horloge fleurie) that is located and placed at the edge of Jardin Anglais. Developed in this year of 1955, it is an expression of Geneva’s expertise in watch making and love for floral decoration. It is interesting and ensures that at any time of the year, a person is in the right frame with respect to the Vieille Ville visit in Geneva.
When such time permits, a walk around the Jardin Anglais should be taken in your stride. This is a lovely, designed garden with plants, flowers, fountains and monuments from which you get good views of Lake Geneva.
The Floral Clock as from Genève Pâquis is easily accessible by foot with only a 15-minute walk across the famous Pont du Mont-Blanc. One option for the other option to experience the local scene is to find a mouette (water taxi) at Genève Pâquis and get off at Genève Molard because it is quite beautiful and pleasant to do so since you will be able to see the waterfront While on this delightful boat ride for approximately about $ 2 USD.
International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
The European headquarters of the United Nations is also located in Geneva, which is also home to the Headquarters of Red Cross. The International Red Cross Museum demonstrates the importance of the humanitarian movement. Surrounded with those descriptive texts, examining the childhood collections that recount both victories and defeats is not only difficult but thoroughly educational, making it ideal for those who are interested in altruism.
The museum would accept patrons from 10 AM to 6 PM and the working days are from April 1st to October 31st covering all Tuesdays to Sundays and not open on Mondays. Out of season, the museums winter hours, running from November 1st to March 31st, are slightly altered and open for patrons from 10 AM till 5 PM. The general prices are about $16 USD which allows one to have access to both the regular and new displays while providing an audio guide.
If they are interested only in the temporary exhibitions, that costs $ 10 USD. You can go there for free if you have a Geneva City Pass. Within a very short period from the Palais des Nations, you can visit one attraction more in less than one afternoon.
Place du Molard
Dotted with the alluring Place du Bourg-de-Four, between the lovesome Vieille Ville (Old Town) and the charming banks of a lake, is a city gauge of Geneva. This exciting square has a variety of cafeterias, restaurants and shops. When the dusk falls, the center square is transformed as if it is out of a fairy tale; the troubled stones are illuminated softly all over as if there are stars in a clear night sky while one is out walking.
The rough edges of every stone have an inscription in one or another language signifying something that pertains to Geneva as an international city. It is quite interesting to walk around and look down on them, as they are lighted and have words on them. If you would rather have a rich dinner or only settle for a glass of cold wine, there are suitable places around where you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Jet d’Eau
One of the must-do in Geneva is the Jet d’Eau, the overbearing fountain on the shores of the lake that it is almost certain you will cross paths with. This fountain (French: jet d’eau, ‘water jet’), is one of the highest such in the world, serving up to the sky 500 liters of water per second.
As far as the attractions go is around the Jet d Eaur, while it remains pleasant throughout the day, come back after dusk for a different perspective lighting wise. After dusk, the Saltwater fountain is surrounded by quite a number of bright lights, giving more of a fantasy than realism and making the water display stand out against backdrop of the dark blue post dusk sky.
To capture the best images of Jet d Eau at night, it is advisable to locate yourself anywhere along the Promenade du Lac. This làkeside walk away from the fountain is the ideal counterpoint in that, it avoids running the risk of getting too close to the fountain and its glorious evening display. Finally – walk the Promenade Lac, buy some beautiful fresh cheese from the market – and have a small Swiss picnic dinner by the lake. Picturesque dining spots with the Geneva Lake in the backdrop especially in summer monthsĂ? At this spot you are guaranteed adequate comfort with a serene view thus great for dinner time.
Conclusion
A vacation in Geneva is full of different possibilities which perfectly portray the fusion of culture, nature, history and everything in between. While in Geneva, one can also enjoy a walk around the Vieille Ville, cool off with a splash in the lake and a spa bath at Bains des Pâquis as well as take a boat ride on Lake Geneva. Important sites as the Palais des Nations and International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum help one understand how Geneva is tempocentric working with the economy and culture of the world.
Other sites within Genève include the fabulous Floral Clock at Jardin Anglais, and of course, the famous mechanical fountain Jet d’eau, which are enriching the artistic outlook of the city as well. Geneva, in conjunction with the liveliness of Place du Molard, is one location where everyone can find something interesting to do and is a full 360 degree Swiss culture and scenery for the pragmatic and aesthetic enthusiasts alike.
