Itineraries for Your Trip to Geneva
2 Days in Geneva for First Timers
When I first traveled to Geneva en route to the Swiss Alps, I remember my excitement—not just from the sight of the snowy mountains, but from the buzz of hearing different languages spoken in the airport, and the cosmopolitan feel from the French food, the Swiss cleanliness, and the knowledge that nature is nearby. I still travel through this multicultural little city every so often, and the feeling doesn’t fade. If you’re lucky enough to have two days to spend in Geneva, it’s an ideal amount of time in the city. Read on for my tips to maximize your time.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a hike up nearby Mt. Salève for views that sweep the city, lake, and mountains.
The city shines year-round, but it’s wise to pack layers whenever you visit; the lake often feels windy, and nearby peaks can be cold even in summer.
Kick off your time in Geneva by orienting yourself around top landmarks, such as the Geneva Water Fountains (Jet d’Eau), and discovering its Reformation history and roots around Geneva Old Town (Vieille Ville). You can explore by foot, but tours with transport offer a simple way to reach attractions that are further afield, such as the Palais des Nations.
After a busy morning, it’s time to treat yourself to lunch. And, there’s no more traditional dish to eat in Switzerland than a pot of fondue. Restaurant Les Armures is an Old Town fondue institution for locals and visitors alike (its fondue moitié-moitié is recommended), or you can even continue exploring as you eat, with a fondue-themed tuk-tuk ride around town.
When the streets start to clear from the day trip crowds, it’s time to get out onto the water of Lake Geneva. Many cruises start around late afternoon, and last just under two hours for a perfect pre-dinner activity, passing beaches such as the popular swimming spot of Bains des Paquis, and, of course, the Jet d’Eau. Look for private options with an aperitif for a special occasion.
Make your second day in Geneva all about the lake and mountains. Mt. Salève is a popular nearby jaunt, but if you don’t have a car with you, look for a guided day trip instead. A good family option is Glacier 3000, which marks the highest point of the Vaudois Alps above the ski towns of Gstaad and Les Diabrelets. It boasts lookout points, cable cars, alpine coasters, and more.
Many Glacier 3000 excursions team the mountain fun with a visit to the lake town of Montreux. After time spent at altitude, this jazz town by the lake offers plenty for a relaxed wind-down before the hour-long journey back to Geneva. Relax with a glass of Lavaux wine, pose for photos by the Freddie Mercury Statue, or use your time to snap photos of Montreux’s lake-and-mountain backdrop.
Round off your time in Geneva by discovering the cheese and wine that are produced in the local region. Look out for dégustation advertised on chalkboards outside Old Town wine bars, or book a tasting online. Serious Swiss wine, such as chasselas, gamay, and Swiss pinot noir, along with the pungent Vacherin Fribourgeois cheese often feature on sample menus.
