Some say every single nationality on the planet is represented in Geneva by at least one inhabitant. Given that Geneva is home to one of the UN’s headquarters, the OMC and so many other multilateral institutions, this observation is probably true. And you can easily feel the pluralism in the local community for yourself as you walk around Geneva’s streets, the promenade around the lake… Read more »
Local: Geneva
Located in chic and elegant Cologny the Genève Plage is a lakeside oasis ideal for summertime entertainment. It offers many water sports, swimming pools, beach-volley, the typical petanques (a lawn game similar to boules) and a large green area, amongst other things. Ideal for those who enjoy doing as the Swiss do and mingling with locals, you can spend the day doing the many activities… Read more »
Board the charming CGN`s Belle Epoque steamboat, embark by the lake across from Jet d’Eau, and cruise magnificent Lake Geneva. The scenic trip will pass by and make stops at lovely small towns, where you can see locals practicing water sports, and after approximately one hour you will reach enchanting Yvoire, in France. Do take your passports, photo IDs may be required. Enjoy strolling around… Read more »
This is what we like the most about Geneva, people really enjoy the lake not only for strolls on the promenade, but also for some water acitivities. We suggest here some activities, which we think are enjoyable and worth your time and effort. Try kayaking, especially if you get further into the lake and away from city center, or Stand Up Paddling. Both are great… Read more »
Rent a bike and explore the many parks in the city as well as the area around Lake Geneva. It is a great and fun way to visit Geneva and see its beauties and attractions from a different perspective, whilst diversifying a bit from the pleasant strolls. The city offers free rentals for up to 4 hours, after which there is a nominal charge of… Read more »
If you want to do it like the locals do it, visit Bains des Paquis. Locals love this paid venue where you can bathe in the lake on a private “beach”. Take your swimsuit, go for a refreshing swim, enjoy the scenic waterfront views of Jet d´Eau and entertain yourself: not only swimming, but you can also find hammams, saunas, massages, and tai-chi courses .… Read more »
“The” place to go in Geneva nowadays, a see-and-be-seen venue with a young clientele and a lively scene, the perfect background for some amazing food and probably the best cocktails in town. Decorated in wood, with white and sea blue tones, the restaurant serves Peruvian dishes (a worldwide vogue), as well as some minor appetizers from other Latin countries. Guacamole with crispy chips, ceviches and… Read more »
Situated in Carouge, a beloved neighborhood in Italian influenced Geneva, Le Flacon has obtained a well-deserved Michelin star. The service is very attentive and the food meticulously prepared. Our table was outside, which was quite pleasing as we enjoyed a warm summers day, but the ambiance in the inner rooms looked quite charming as well. A delightful thin crispy toast with seeds was served right… Read more »
Lying in a small square near Lake Geneva and the upscale shopping area, this café is well demanded both at lunch and dinnertime (check the opening hours, but it usually is one of the restaurants that closes the latest in the city). It is a perfect spot for relaxing, enjoying delightful food and people watching between strolls around town. We had some pork ribs cooked… Read more »
This concept store is also present in other cities in Switzerland (we have also been to the branch in Zürich) and is a good venue to eat, shop and chat with locals at communal tables. The one in Geneva is centrally located in a square in the city center and has a coffee house, a seafood bar, a buffet restaurant and a burger place. If… Read more »
The Tiffany is located in Quartier des Bains, “Geneva’s Soho”, the arts district that was once a watchmaker and industrial neighborhood. The area now experiences the flourishing of art galleries and cozy cafés, especially after the inauguration of many modern and contemporary art museums in the region. It is still very close to Lake Geneva´s promenade and Vieille Ville (Old Town), ideal for people looking… Read more »
The Eastwest is a trendy hotel with an alluring and sleek décor, just a few blocks from Lake Geneva and its attractions, as well as the elegant shopping area at Rue de Rhône and Vieille Ville (old town). The hotel is both discrete and elegant, with an intimate atmosphere, giving guests a feeling of a stay at a private house. The overall décor is reminiscent… Read more »
One of our preferred hotels in town, particularly for those seeking quaint and charming Swiss hospitality. We enjoyed the location, which could not be better, only two blocks away from the river and the lake with its many attractions, such as the Jet D’Eau and the lake’s promenade (we took some energizing early morning exercise amidst this iconic scenario, a truly enjoyable experience). The hotel… Read more »
The hotel is housed in a building that used to be the Rolex offices and has recently been renovated into a very modern hotel. It is in the heart of downtown, only two blocks from the river and walking distance to the lake and its attractions. The promenade with many restaurants and cafés is a three-minute walk, as well as the shopping areas at Rue… Read more »
We find this hotel to be one of the most charming options for a stay in Geneva, and, in fact, it has become a top rated choice in our preferred list. Les Armures is ideally located within blocks from Lake Geneva and River Rhône, as well as the elegant shopping area in town. It is at the heart of Vieille Ville (Old Town), which brings… Read more »
A stay at lakeside Hotel Beau Rivage will be full of grandeur. This historical and refined palace hotel is one of the few in the country still owned by a traditional family who has proudly been running it for five generations. Old style luxury defines its classic décor, with abundantly glamorous details with hints of Rococo. Marble columns, stained glass, crystal chandeliers, high quality carpets… Read more »
