A weekend exploring Geneva
Geneva was one of the European cities we had never had the opportunity to discover before. Then one day, when we compared the prices of flights departing from Nice, we found EasyJet tickets for about 50 € round trip per person.
It took not much more than that to make us decide! On a whim, we booked our tickets and organized a Weekend in Geneva, Without really knowing what to expect.
At the time, I must admit, I had certain preconceptions about the city. Geneva mostly evoked for me banks, finance, the United Nations, international diplomacy, and the Red Cross.
But that said, you should never trust clichés!
Behind this very institutional image, we discovered a particularly pleasant, elegant and lively city, with a magnificent Old Town, museums, parks, historical monuments, the banks of the Lake Léman and, of course, the famous Jet d’Eau.
And this weekend especially made me want to come back to explore the region more.
Geneva in 2 days: the information to remember
📍 Destination: Geneva, Switzerland
⏱️ Duration: 2 days / approximately 36 hours
✈️ Departure: Nice
🚆 From the airport: Geneva-Cornavin is easily accessible by train
🚶♀️ On site: a large part of the center can be explored on foot
🚋 Transportation: Travelers staying in an eligible accommodation can benefit from the Geneva Transport Card, which allows them to use public transport free of charge during their stay.
❤️ My must-haves: the Jet d’Eau, the Old Town, the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, the banks of Lake Geneva, the Grange park and the Genevan Mouettes.
Why visit Geneva?
Geneva is a destination that I find particularly interesting for a Short stay in Europe.
The city is compact enough to see a lot in just two days, while offering a great variety of experiences.
You can start the day by strolling along Lake Geneva, get lost in the streets of the Old Town, visit a museum, have lunch with some good Swiss fondue and end the day facing the Jet d’Eau.
And if you like trips where you can easily mix things up culture, gastronomy, heritage and nature, Geneva really ticks a lot of boxes.
Even today, much of the must-see attractions of the city center can be explored on foot, while transportation and boats make it easy to complete the visit.
Our arrival in Geneva
We had chosen to take the first flight from Nice in order to make the most of our short stay.
We arrived in Geneva around 8:15 and we planned to leave the next evening 21:40.
In other words: about 36 hours on site.
And to optimize our time, we obviously didn’t want to spend our stay in transport.
A pleasant surprise upon our arrival: the connection between the airport and the city center was very straightforward. Today, travelers staying in an eligible accommodation can use their Geneva Transport Card to reach their accommodation from the airport by public transport.
So we are quickly at Geneva-Cornavin, in the heart of the city.
Where to sleep in Geneva?
For this short stay, we were lucky enough to be invited to Warwick Geneva, Located right opposite the Geneva-Cornavin train station.
For a stay of only two days, it was really an ideal location.
No need to waste time on travel: we could reach the hotel very easily after our arrival and leave quickly for the airport on the day of departure.
Upon our arrival, Nicolas, then the hotel’s marketing manager, even came to greet us at the train station to accompany us to the property.
We discovered a very beautiful room located on the top floor, with a large terrace offering panoramic views of Geneva, Lake Léman, the Jet d’Eau and, in the distance, the Alps.
Let me just say that the view was quite nice!
Discovering Geneva by Segway
As often happens during our city trips, we wanted to discover the city in a slightly different way.
After testing the Segway at Barcelona, Prague and Nice, Therefore, this time we chose to travel around Geneva by gyroplane.
We participated in a Two-hour Segway Tour with CityWheels.
And for a first stay that was also short, it was an excellent way to quickly get our bearings.
The walk allowed us to discover the Old Town, to stroll along the banks of Lake Geneva and to learn more about Geneva and the life of its inhabitants.
What I particularly liked was the mix between the guided tour and the playful side of the experience.
You learn a lot while simply enjoying the walk.
Today, there are still many ways to discover Geneva on foot, by bike or from the lake. The city offers, among other things, various activities and tours that allow you to discover its main neighborhoods and its panoramic views.
The Jet d’Eau: the emblem of Geneva
It is impossible to visit Geneva without going to see the famous Jet d’Eau.
This is probably the image that is most spontaneously associated with the city.
And its history is quite amazing.
The first Jet d’Eau was not intended to become a tourist attraction. In 1886, it was used to evacuate the excess pressure in a hydraulic installation that provided the driving force for the artisans and watchmakers of Geneva.
Due to the enthusiasm of the local residents, it eventually became a real attraction before being moved to its current location in 1891.
Today, the Jet d’Eau reaches 140 meters high and projects approximately 500 liters of water per second.
Just take a walk along the quay to enjoy different perspectives of the monument.
And with Lake Léman and the mountains in the background, it’s hard not to pull out your camera!
Fondue and raclette for our first evening
After spending the day exploring Geneva, we had an important mission: to eat Swiss food!
We were very eager to try the local specialties based on cheese. After all, we weren’t in Switzerland every day!
The concierge at Warwick had recommended a small address right next to the hotel: The Little Chalet.
Thibault had chosen a fondue while I let myself be tempted by a raclette.
And above all, we were pleasantly surprised by the price, which was reasonable for Geneva.
A perfect Swiss evening!
A break on the banks of Lake Léman
After dinner, we went for a short digestive walk by the lake.
Unfortunately, a downpour forced us to shorten our walk.
Upon returning to Warwick, we were surprised to discover a small treat waiting for us in our room, accompanied by a half-bottle of champagne.
We took the opportunity to take a little rest and… work on the blog.
Yes, even on weekends!
That’s also the privilege of a well-located hotel: being able to easily get home and rest without feeling like you’re missing an hour in transport.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant
In the evening, we had dinner at the restaurant Thessyos, Located at Warwick Geneva.
We really enjoyed the elegant and contemporary setting, as well as the particularly attentive service.
The menu was varied and the cuisine was fine.
A good way to end this well-filled first day.
What to do in Geneva the next day?
After a well-deserved night's rest, we decided to start our second day quietly.
We even chose to have our breakfast delivered to our room.
After waking up at 5 a.m. the day before, we really needed this little break!
But our plane wouldn't wait for us forever...
So we resumed our exploration of Geneva with a walk along the Lake Léman.
Taking a Genevan seagull
It is an experience that I really recommend.
Les Geneva seagulls They are shuttle boats that allow you to cross the harbor and go from one bank to the other.
And good news: they are part of the Geneva public transport network and can be used free of charge with the Geneva Transport Card during your stay.
It is both practical and pleasant, since one enjoys a beautiful view of Geneva from the lake.
The Parc de la Grange
We then headed towards the Park of the Grange, one of the great green spaces of Geneva.
After the bustle of the city, it’s a perfect place to take a leisurely walk and enjoy some greenery.
Geneva is indeed a city where it is very easy to alternate between urban heritage and green spaces.
The Old Town of Geneva
We then joined the Old Town, This time, we took the time to explore it in more detail.
This is clearly one of the neighborhoods I preferred.
With its cobbled streets, historic buildings, small squares and staircases, you really get the impression that you are changing eras.
The Cathedral of Saint Peter
It is impossible to go through the Old City without discovering the Cathedral of Saint Peter, one of the emblematic monuments of Geneva.
It holds an important place in the history of the city and the Reformation.
The Maison Tavel
We have also discovered the House Tavel, an old historical residence transformed into a museum.
It is an interesting visit to better understand the history and development of Geneva over the centuries.
The promenade of the Treille
Another arrest: the Treille Promenade, located on the old fortifications of the city.
It offers a beautiful view of Geneva and houses the famous Treille bench.
But most importantly, as in many historic cities, my advice remains the same: Get lost in the small streets.
It’s often by going off the usual route that one makes the most beautiful discoveries.
The English Garden and the Flowering Clock
By descending towards the lake, you can also reach the English Garden and his indispensable Flowery clock.
The latter obviously refers to the watchmaking expertise of Geneva and is one of the symbols of the city.
It is also a good starting point to continue the walk along the lake.
An English Tea Time in Geneva
At 3 p.m., we had an appointment at the’Hotel d’Angleterre for an English Tea Time.
So yes, we were in Geneva and not in London… but this experience really appealed to us.
The setting was beautiful, the tableware exquisite, the pastries delicious, and above all, the view of Lake Geneva was incredible.
Quite an original experience for a stay in Geneva, but it remains one of my favorite memories of this weekend.
Geneva with children: is it a good idea?
Even though this trip dates back several years and we did it as a couple, Geneva is very suitable today for a Family trip.
The city is relatively compact and many attractions can be visited on foot.
To vary the pleasures with the children, you can, for example, alternate:
- walk along the lake; ;
- crossing in the Genevois mouette; ;
- parks and green spaces; ;
- museums; ;
- discovery of the Old City; ;
- activities on the lake.
The boat trip is, among other things, a fun way to get around while enjoying the scenery.
My tips for visiting Geneva in 2 days
Plan to wear comfortable shoes
Although Geneva has an excellent transport network, much of the city center can be explored on foot.
And the small streets of the Old City are particularly pleasant to walk through on foot.
Take advantage of the Geneva Transport Card
If you are staying in an eligible accommodation, be sure to ask for it. Geneva Transport Card.
It currently allows the free and unlimited use of the Geneva public transport system throughout the duration of the stay: buses, trams, trains and the Geneva Mouettes.
Plan to spend some time by the lake
Even during a short stay, don’t make the mistake of devoting all your time to cultural visits.
The banks of Lake Léman are truly part of the Geneva experience.
And when the sky is clear, the view of the mountains is superb.
Try the Swiss specialties
Fondue, raclette, chocolate…
A stay in Geneva is, of course, an opportunity to indulge in some luxury!
Can you visit Geneva in one weekend?
Yes, absolutely.
Our stay of about 36 hours allowed us to discover a large part of the must-see attractions of the city.
Of course, two days aren’t enough to see everything, especially if you want to visit several museums or take the time to explore the surroundings.
But for a first discovery, it’s an ideal duration.
Even today, Geneva Tourism offers itineraries that allow you to discover the city’s main attractions in one day, including Lake Léman, the Jet d’Eau, the English Garden, the Flower Clock and the Old Town.
And what if you stayed longer?
That is exactly what we had said to ourselves when we left Geneva.
This first discovery had given us the desire to return, but this time to explore. the surroundings of Lake Léman.
Lausanne, Montreux, the villages on the lake, the vineyards of Lavaux or the surrounding mountains easily make it possible to imagine a much longer stay.
Geneva can therefore be a destination in itself for a city break, but also an excellent starting point for a road trip in Switzerland or around the Lake Léman.
My opinion on Geneva
Before this trip, I really didn’t know what to expect.
And finally, Geneva pleasantly surprised us.
I loved its elegance, its heritage, its historic streets, its lake, and especially its ability to bring people together in one single destination. city, culture and nature.
This weekend reminded me especially that you should never trust clichés.
Behind the very serious image of the Geneva International Fair lies a charming city, perfect for a few-day getaway.
And if I had to go back today, I would without hesitation take a few more days off to explore the shores of Lake Geneva.
Also read my other city trips in Europe
If you like city trips and European getaways, You can also find my other travel diaries on the blog. After Geneva, Barcelona, Prague and many other destinations, they allowed me to discover Europe in a different way, always with the same desire to try original experiences and to go beyond the usual itineraries.
My tips for preparing your trip
Before leaving, also consider consulting my promo codes and travel deals to find my discounts and partner benefits.
FAQ – Visiting Geneva in 2 days
What to see in Geneva in 2 days?
For a first visit, I recommend you discover Jet d’Eau, the banks of Lake Geneva, the English Garden, the Flower Clock, the Old Town, Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Treille Promenade.
Is it possible to visit Geneva on foot?
Yes. The center of Geneva is very easy to discover on foot. Public transportation then allows you to complete the visit when distances are longer.
Are the transports in Geneva free?
Visitors staying in an eligible accommodation can benefit from free access to Geneva Transport Card, This allows you to use the Geneva public transport system without restrictions during your stay.
Can I take the boat on Lake Geneva using the transport card?
Yes. The Geneva seagulls They are part of the public transport network and are accessible free of charge with the Geneva Transport Card.
How long does it take to visit Geneva?
Two days are enough to discover the main must-see attractions in Geneva. If you want to visit several museums and explore the surroundings of Lake Geneva, I recommend planning for 3 to 4 days.
Is Geneva suitable for a family trip?
Yes. Between the walks by the lake, the boats, the parks, the museums and the Old Town, Geneva offers enough activities to make a pleasant stay with children.
🎟️ Book your activities in Geneva
To prepare for your stay in Geneva, you can also book your Visits, excursions and activities online before your departure. This is particularly convenient for a short stay of 2 days, as it saves time on the spot and makes it easy to book the experiences you are interested in: guided tours of the Old Town, cruises on Lake Geneva, excursions in the surrounding area, or original activities to do as a family.
I regularly book my activities with GetYourGuide, which offers a wide selection of experiences in many destinations. You can Discover the activities and excursions available in Geneva on GetYourGuide and benefit from % 5% off with my TRAVELMEHAPPY5 promo code. A small amount of money is always a good idea to make the most of your stay in Switzerland! 🇨🇭
🇨🇭 Discover also my other articles about Switzerland
Want to continue your exploration of Switzerland after Geneva? Find it on Travel Me Happy my other travel notebooks and tips for preparing your stay: my guide to discovering Lausanne and Montreux on the banks of Lake Geneva, My 10 must-see and do things in Basel, my trip to Switzerland by train with the Swiss Travel Pass or also my article about the benefits of renting a car privately for a road trip in Switzerland. You can also find all my articles about Switzerland to discover other travel ideas, road trips and getaways in the country. 🇨🇭
Solène - I love traveling
8 March 2015
It’s cool, isn’t it? Like a city? Come back soon and this time we’ll see you!!! Hugs