Geneva, the bustling city of Switzerland, with its swanky hotels, billboards of luxury watch brands and yet also, go deep into its old town protestant history. Find out about this lovely city by walking through the streets and immerse in what it has to offer.
Geneve is the 2nd most populated city after Zurich in Switzerland. The infamous Mount Mont Blanc , a very iconic mountain, can be seen from Geneva and merely just an hour drive from the city centre.
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Top places to visit in Geneva:
The Right or Wrong Bank of Geneva
‘Bank’ in Geneva – most of us would only familiar with their world renown/ trusted Swiss financial banks. However, the ‘bank’ we are talking here is the 2 banks separated by the Geneva Lake – right and left bank.
The left bankcomprises of 4 districts, and while the ‘rich’ bank on the other side is where the stunning gorgeous hotels are perched, neatly side by side along the riverbank. Being always naturally inclined to check out the standard of hotels given my job hazard, I had the chance to stroll along the street and enter a few of them, being blown away by their stunning deco and rich designs. Tons of business trading are done here so it does attract the wealthier travellers to its grounds.
Crystal clear waters of Jean Jacques Rousseau Island
Jacques Rousseau Island is just located in the middle of Geneva Lake , or otherwise known as Lemon Lake. I like the latter name better;) As shard by our very friendly and chatty private city tour guide kindly provided by Geneva Tourism Board, Geneva Lake is the biggest lake in Western Europe at almost 70km, and the water is indeed very clean and crystal.
A little discovery about the origins of Evian. It is link to the lake nearer to Lusanne, and the water is absolutely refreshing and pure from that region.
Having stayed in Geneva for 3 days, I have to admit even the tap water taste absolutely delicious – unbelievably refreshing and ‘sweet’.
Step into Carogue-Marche – 18th Century Quaint Town
Just a bit out of the main city area is a lovely little town called Carogue. Or also known as ‘The Street of Artists and Artisans’. This 18th century town is lovely for relaxing walks and checking out their little craft shops or boutique shops. My 3 friends with me bought some chocolate truffles, hand stitched handbags and little trinkets here and there.
Some recommendations – We stopped by along the way for some really nice coffee at Torréfaction de Café -Specialty Coffee Shop, though there is also another one that many people raze about which is blue balloon.
Checking out the colourful streets/ pop art along the way, we came by quite a few of these child friendly games on the ground, which brought out the child like side of us.
Swiss Comfort Food – Cheese Fondue and Ham
In the cold wintry period in Switzerland ( their winds are crazy cold here), the best way to warm up is to have a lovely nice hot..Cheese Fondue! This rich and tasty indulgence accompanied by a glass of white wine is the perfect combination for a cold Christmasy day in Geneva.
A lovely place to recommend to have absolutely yummy cheese fondue is at Restaurant Au Vieux Carouge, in Carouge!
There were others as well, and they were all so packed, so you need to plan ahead and make reservations at these restaurants if you are going on a Friday/ Saturday and Sunday, or near festive periods, like Christmas season when we were there.
Feasting and getting very full on our cheese fondue! We ordered a pot for 2 of the traditional 2 cheese as well as a pot for 1 of the mushroom infused one. We loved the mushrooms one a lot better as it has a unique taste and didn’t felt so..heavy, if you aren’t a big cheese fan.
WORD of warning, if you are not accustom to eating so much cheese, don’t get overexcited ordering too much!
Luxury Swiss Watches sold in Geneva
Swiss has a stunning array of luxury watch shops. I can imagine a lot of guy friends who might find the variety, intricacy and range here..extremely stimulating. But for me, it was..lets just say even though it was brilliant handiwork, not my favourite;)
However though, our visit to Patek Philippe Museum, as part of the Geneva Day Pass,was rather impressive. The level of details and intricate fine work put into making these Patek Philippe watches for royalty or just for retail..is unbelievable.
The Geneve Day Pass we had allowed for us visit a whole range of amazing museums, so do consider getting hold of one if you would like a hassle free all inclusive attraction pass.
Hence concludes the main areas we checked out in our 1 day tour of Geneva. Christmas season is a really pretty period to go as they have all the lovely christmas decoration up.
What else to see and do around Geneve:
Skiing at the Swiss/ French Alps
If youdo visit Switzerland during dec period onwards, smack in the centre of winter, that’s probably one of the best winter activity to do in this part of Europe, given the Swiss and French Alps are known to house the best slopes/ routes of Europe. Some recommendations of amazing ski resorts would be located at Verbier and Crans-Montana , just 2 hours away if you drive.
Chamonix, The Christmas Town
Alternatively, swing over to Chamonix, a very pretty little christmasy village in the heart of the mountains. Spend at least 2 days there and check out their Christmas markets and activities.
Hence conclude my post on Geneve. Check out the other stops in our trip like Lisbon and Siurana in Spain.
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