When you are planning a holiday, most of us will choose between a relaxing sun-kissed vacation and a winter wonderland of snow and activities. Whether it will be an urban exploration or being surrounded by nature, few places can accommodate both, and the historic city of Geneva just happens to be one.
Credit: Genève Tourisme
Nestled between an idyllic alpine lake and the grand imagery of the Alps and Jura mountain range. Geneva offers an abundance of culture, gastronomy, and luxury.
From its lavish shopping district and historic lineage with celebrations like ‘Fête de l’Escalade’, the city has something for everyone.
Winter Bliss
Geneva is the ideal location for a getaway to the Alps and a great starting point to places like the Megève ski resort and Verbier village.
The city boasts activities unique to the winter season. At the ‘Bains des Pâquis’ spa, you can enjoy a relaxing swim and sauna experience. There are many wellness spas scattered throughout the city for you to enjoy.
Credit: Genève Tourisme, Loris von Siebenthal
While in Geneva, make the most of the impressive chocolatiers that can be found all around the city. The ‘La Bonbonnière’ chocolaterie offers a chocolate-making workshop; by the end of the experience, you will feel like a professional.
The Choco Pass is a delicious way to explore the city while also getting to sample the local chocolate. It includes 10 chocolate shops that are partnered with Geneva Tourism.
Vibrant Christmas ambience
Hailed as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, the heart of Geneva’s Winter Wonderland is located overlooking the alpine lake.
Credit: Genève Tourisme
In clear view of the iconic Jet d’Eau, which has significant ties to the city’s historic watchmaking heritage.
The market has many food stalls and pubs for people to enjoy while soaking up the Christmas atmosphere. Along with arts and crafts stalls that each offer unique trinkets and gifts for yourself or loved ones over the holidays.
Credit: Genève Tourisme
Fondue at the Chalet is an outstanding experience. Hosted in a wooden hall that transports you to a cozy setting. With attentive servers and delicious food, it is a must-see while visiting.
Travel in Geneva
Geneva prides itself on using public transport. Locals and visitors alike can purchase the Geneva Transport Card. However, visitors who stay in approved hotels can get this transport pass for free. The official Geneva Tourism website has a page dedicated to the Travel Pass, including an FAQ and a guide explaining how to receive your card.
Credit: GenèveTourisme
Getting to the city center from Geneva Airport is relatively easy, with a 7-minute train ride that departs from the airport. So there is no need to scramble to find the nearest train station.
Geneva International Airport is unique in its location, allowing it to be a hub for travel across Europe. 570 trains depart daily, including connections that can quickly get you to Paris and Milan. Making Geneva the perfect location for multi-country holidays.
Credit: Genève Tourisme
Activities
Geneva offers the City Pass, which allows you to enjoy activities for free or at discounted prices. With a total of 60 activities included in the pass.
Other activities to do in the city include exploring the various museums, kayaking down the Rhône river, and taking the Geneva Grand Tour cruise.
Credit: Genève Tourisme
There is an abundance of tours that you can take to explore different aspects of the city. From watchmaking and park tours to excursions to the nearby vineyards.
A Gourmet Gastronomy Experience
Geneva is a hub of world-call restaurants, street food festivals and chic venues. Ranked third in the world for diverse gastronomy, Geneva offers delicious food from around the world.
The city offers many mouth-watering local specialties, such as luscious chocolates, fresh fish from the lake and cheese fondue.
Geneva offers unique experiences with dining. The restaurant Monsieur Ador is adorned with James Bond decor that creates a setting 007 himself would dine in. The brasserie offers a seasonal menu that takes inspiration from classic French cuisine with Mediterranean elements.
‘Balila’ is a Lebanese restaurant that is reworked to include Western cuisine elements. It is a spectacular experience that is unique in Geneva.
59 award-winning restaurants can be found in the city, along with 30 master chocolatiers. One of which includes Favarge, which is Switzerland’s oldest chocolate manufacturer that dates back to 1826.
Culture
Geneva prides itself on its culture and often celebrates it.
One such celebration is the ‘Fête de l’Escalade’ that recognises a historic victory for the city against an ambush in 1602. It is a source of great pride and joy for Geneva as the festival has different attractions throughout the city.
Credit: Genève Tourisme, Bryan Schaub
Stalls, marches and theatrical sword fights are but a few of the activities.
There are numerous museums, music festivals, performing arts and music halls throughout the city.
There is a tour dedicated to graffiti art that displays the city’s vibrant underground scene.
The Le Grand Théâtre de Genève Opera House is a stunning feat of architecture inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris. It features world-renowned ballet and opera programmes.
Credit: Genève Tourisme
Nature
Even though Geneva is an urban exploration haven, it is surrounded by nature. With parks scattered throughout the city, the Rhône river, mountains and the largest lake in western Europe.
The city even has swimming areas and beaches that are ripe with water activities.
Credit: Genève Tourisme
Rolling vineyards and countryside surround the city, dotted with picturesque villages. As previously mentioned, there are tours you can take to travel to the vineyards. Wine is a major industry in Geneva. Many local wines are not even exported, so they can only be enjoyed in Geneva.
Luxury
There are many high-end exclusive boutiques and 5-star hotels in Geneva.
The Rue du Rhône is a luxury shopper’s delight, with over 80 international designer boutiques to be found. As well as high-end local gems like La Muse Geneva and Boutique Noa.
Credit: Gauvin@lapetoule.com
Bongénie Grieder is Geneva’s historic luxury shop. It includes only the most sophisticated brands. Whatever your style is, Bongénie caters to all with handpicked new collections from luxury designers. You can also enjoy a personal stylist to help guide you through the collections.
An icon of Geneva’s luxury origins lies with their high-end watchmaking. With workshops available and tours of the Patek Philippe Museum.
Credit: Genève Tourisme
Geneva is home to many 5-star luxury hotels like The Mandarin Oriental Geneva, Hotel d’Angleterre Geneva, and the Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva. There are 14 5 star hotels in total that offer luxury accommodations and experiences.
Accommodation
We were hosted by The Mandarin Hotel Geneva while exploring the city.
Situated on the bank of the River Rhône with breathtaking views of Geneva’s Old Town and the mountain range.
There are many different rooms available, so whether you are traveling solo, with a family, or on a romantic trip, The Mandarin can accommodate you.
The in-house restaurant, Sachi, offers refined dining while overlooking the River Rhône.
Fact Box
Return flights from London Gatwick to Geneva start from £44.
Mandarin Oriental rates start from £659.
Website: Luxury 5 Star Hotel | Rhone River | Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
Call: +41 (0)22 909 00 00
Address: Quai Turrettini 1, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland.
Geneva Transport Card: Free Geneva Transport Card | Geneva Tourism
Choco Pass: https://www.geneve.com/en/attractions/detail/choco-pass-geneva#/
