24 Hours in Geneva, Switzerland
When I first visited Geneva, many years ago, I stepped off the plane, into the airport and was inundated with advertisements for elegant watches and gourmet chocolate. It was no cliché, the Swiss are quite proud of the high quality and elegant products for which they have become known. Geneva itself is a beautiful city, with Lake Geneva at the center and the majestic Alps as a backdrop. As you meander through the city, many languages waft through the air as Switzerland not only speaks four languages but is home to a United Nations Office. Geneva is a smaller city, with a population of only about 200,000 people, which makes it easy to get around and see all the sites. Here is a quick list of what to do if you have 24 hours in Geneva.
Visit the Iconic Jet d’Eau
In 1891, the City of Geneva decided to promote the Jet d’eau (the Geneva Water Fountain) as a tourist attraction and installed it in the heart of the bay. The Jet d’eau has been spouting on a regular basis since 1930.
Explore the historic Old Town and Place du Bourg-de-Four
Just near St. Peter’s Cathedral, you will find the Place du Bourg-de-Four which is in the very center of Geneva’s Old Town. This town square has been an important market and part of the city since the 9th century. There are all kinds of cafes and restaurants to stop and enjoy and people watch.
Visit the Reformation Wall in Parc des Bastions
The Reformation Wall (Le Mur des Réformateurs) was built in 1909 to commemorate the 400th birthday of one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation, John Calvin. It was inaugurated in 1917. It features a stone wall in front of which stand the statues of four of the pioneers of the Reformation. The whole wall is one hundred meters long and includes a water feature in front. Catholics, Protestants and “none of the above” can appreciate the historical, monumental significance of the Reformation and how it altered the course of Western Civilization.
What and Where to Eat: Geneva’s Famous Cheese Fondue
There are many restaurant options but our hotel recommended this charming and historic “Brasserie-Restaurant de l’Hôtel de ville” in the heart of the Old Town of Geneva. They offer classic Genevese dishes, including, of course, the delicious, melty goodness that is cheese fondue. The staff was very friendly and they are very proud of their history as a veritable institution in the city.
Enjoy a Stroll along Lake Geneva at Sunset
The whole lake is surrounded by a wide, lovely boardwalk plus bike lanes. Taking a leisurely stroll or bikeride is really a delight. There are options to rent boats or charter boat rides. There are cafes and bars along the way and the giant Ferris Wheel will offer a different view of the city.
Explore the Patek Philippe Museum
Switzerland is still very known for and proud of it’s luxury watch making legacy. If you want to dive a bit further into the history of watch-making, the Patek Philippe museum is a great place to explore. Opened in 2001, the museum is home to one of the most important and prestigious horological collections in the world. With nearly 2,500 watches and other precious objects, the museum takes visitors on five centuries of watch making art, whether from Geneva, Switzerland or Europe in general. And the museum boasts a library with over 8,000 publications on time measurement!
Day Trips from Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is a great base if you want to explore the Alps or some French towns nearby:
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
- Annecy, France
- Dijon, France
- Lyon, France
Where to Stay – the Hotel d’Angleterre
There are many luxury options in Geneva, several of which are right along the boardwalk of Lake Geneva with fabulous views of the Jet d’Eau and the Alps. We were welcomed by the fabulous Hôtel d’Angleterre. Small, cozy and very luxurious, we had a wonderful stay. We were welcomed in our room by some sparking wine and various snacks. The European breakfast buffet was a treat, with more views of the Lake. The artwork and vintage maps in the rooms and around the hotel lend charm and sophistication to the property.
Here is my YouTube video review of the gorgeous Hôtel d’Angleterre with more photos and videos.
Where to Enjoy the Nightlife in Geneva?
The snazzy bar at the Angleterre, completely decked out in leopard print, wasn’t quite our speed, so we headed to the Ritz Bar, just a few doors down. The decor at the Ritz was fantastic and the crowd was sophisticated. There are several bars and nightclubs just along the boardwalk.
When to visit Geneva?
While much of other parts of Europe get quite hot in the summer, Geneva is more mild, due it’s location at the foot of the Alps. The Spring and Fall are great times to go as well, although there will be more rain, so pack accordingly. And of course, while it is chilly in the winter, it is a popular stop for skiers and snowboarders who are on their way to the slopes.
How to get to Geneva, Switzerland?
By plane: the Geneva International airport is a major hub, so there are many flight options from Europe and beyond.
By train: If you are traveling from another part of Europe, train might be the best, easiest and most relaxing option possible. On the train, you will be able to take in the gorgeous mountain views and have access to Wi-Fi. The main train station, Geneva Coravin Station, takes you right to the center of Geneva.
By car: This was our mode of transportation for this recent visit. Driving is no problem, although you will have to find parking which is difficult in the city center. Luckily, our hotel offered parking. We chose this option since we were traveling from Paris on down to Italy, with lots of stops, so driving a car was the best choice for this particular trip. I still recommend the train!
How to get around in Geneva?
Geneva is small enough that you can easily walk most places. Otherwise, as most European cities, there are plenty of public transportation options as well as bike rentals available.
Bring Europe Home
You can shop my Amazon shop with a selection of Europe inspired items.
If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy reading:
The 3 Must-See Towns along Italy’s Amalfi Coast
The Vienna Secession Building and Gustav Klimt’s “Beethoven Frieze”
The Beautiful Architecture of Prague
Passionate about Paris’ Fondation Louis Vuitton: a ‘Magnificent Vessel’
Le Mont-Saint-Michel: Natural and Man made Wonder
4 More Books to Bring Paris Home
5 Must Read Books for Your Trip to Paris
The Château de Chenonceau: the Ladies’ Château
Notre Dame de Paris: How a Building Can Break Our Heart
Ready to Book your Next Trip?
I hope you enjoyed this information on 24 Hours in Geneva. Ready to travel but need advice? You can book a free session with me here:
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
October 5, 2023 at 4:15 amI would love to visit Switzerland and spend some time exploring the places you’ve shared here; it looks like a wonderful time to have!