Guide to a Week-end in Geneva

I’ve lived and studied in Geneva, I’ve summarized everything I love about this city, this is the ultimate guide to spending a week-end in Geneva.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Transport

Public transport in Geneva works really well! You can catch a tram, a bus or a mouette.
A mouette, is a yellow little boat, that crosses the lack from “rive gauche” to “rive droite”. Taking a ride on a mouette is something you definetly need to do! The ride won’t be long it’s only a few minutes, it won’t be expensive either and it’s really fun to do!

Language

Geneva is in the french speaking part of Switzerland and the language spoken is french.
However, since Geneva is so international, most people will speak and understand english, and other languages as well.

Currency

In Switzerland the local currency is Swiss francs (CHF).
Most shops will accept euros, as well, but the exchange rate, might not be in your favor.

Prices

Switzerland is notorios for being expensive, and Geneva makes no exception, however, you can spend a week-end in Geneva without breaking the bank.

Safety

Switzerland is considered to be a very safe country and honestly it is, however, that being said Geneva is a big city, and like every big city you need to be careful and smart with your personnal belongings.

FOOD AND DRINKS

BREAKFAST

Budget friendly

Mid-range

Fine dining

Boulangerie Pouly
Coop / Migros / Denner (Swiss supermarkets)

Boreal Café
Pain quotidien
Manor

Président Wilson
Kempinsky hotel

LUNCH

Budget friendly

Mid-range

Fine dining

Halle de Rive
Manor
Coop / Migros / Denner (supermarkets)
Thaï Boki

Wasabi
Globus
Feuille de Banane
Thaï Genève
Black Tap
Molino

Al Dar
Roberto
Café du centre
Pachacamac

DINNER

Budget friendly

Mid-range

Fine dining

Crêperie du Bourg de Four
Wasabi
Chez ma cousine
Ingelwood

Au petit châlet
Feuille de Banane
Al Dar
Little ethiopian café
Na village

Président Wilson
Pachacamac
Miyako
Bayview

Popular bars that I really enjoy in Geneva are :

L’Eléphant dans la canette
Le Kraken
Café de la pointe

SIGHTSEEING

N01 – The flower clock and the English gardens

The flower clock in Geneva is an outdoor clock decorated with flowers. The flowers are seasonly changed.

The flower clock is not far from the jet d’eau and is located on the west end of the english gardens just after the mont blanc bridge.

The English gardens are located close to the lake and is the perfect place to hang out in summer and enjoy the view of the jet d’eau.

N02 – The jet d’eau

The jet d’eau is one of the most known symbols of Geneva, if not THE symbol of the Geneva. It’s a must see for everyone visiting Geneva.

The jet d’eau is often lit up at night, which offers a spectacular view.

You can get up close and personnal with the jet d’eau and walk close to it, however I wouldn’t really recommend it unless you want to get wet.

N03 – Île Rousseau

Île Rousseau or Rousseau’s Island is a small “Island” in the middle of Geneva.

In summer there is a small café that is open where you can enjoy coffee or drinks.

Personnally, I love grabing take away sushi and eating them on île Rousseau during summer. On sunny days you will be able to appeciate the true beauty of lac leman (not lake geneva, lake geneva does not exist it’s a common mistake tourists make ).

N04 – The botanical gardens

The botanical gardens in Geneva are completely free to visit and are open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

You can check the map of the gardens directly on the website of the botanical gardens through this link : Botanical Garden map .

The gardens are definetly worth a visit and are very easily accessible in public transport.

N05 – The united nations (and the broken chair)

Not far from the botanical gardens you’ll find the united nations, as well, as the broken chair which is a very well known symbol of Geneva.

The broken chair is a symbole for the campaign against landmines.

RAINY DAY OPTIONS

N01 – The natural history museum

This museum is one of my favorites in Geneva! It’s really nice, free and even has dinosoaurs. It’s the perfect activity to do on a rainy day with children.