A Winter Weekend in Geneva, Switzerland
FIVE IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT TO THE cosmopolitan swiss city
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Ever wanted to plan a weekend getaway but weren’t sure where to go? That’s exactly the position we were in January 2022. So, I turned to Google to search for available flights out of Barcelona for our desired dates.
Et voilà! Geneva, Switzerland, emerged at the top of the list.
I dove into research the Swiss city. Aside from being a major financial center and diplomatic hub - it’s home to the United Nations headquarters - the city boasts iconic landmarks, such as the Jet d'Eau, the Flower Clock, and the historic Old Town
With this overview in mind, I sifted through advice to answer the questions:
Where to stay in Geneva?
Day trips from Geneva?
Best things to do in Geneva?
All of the recommendations I collected helped answer the main question: Is Geneva Switzerland worth visiting?
Obviously my conclusion was “yes!” because we took the trip.
Below I’ll share five of the experiences I would recommend to anyone else considering the same question, particularly those looking to visit Geneva during the winter season.
Where to Stay
Great location + sleek design
*We actually stayed at a hotel nearby, but if I were going back to Geneva, I would choose to stay at Hotel Longemalle.
1. SNOWSHOE & FONDUE
Originally I was looking into day trips to the famous ski resort of Chamonix and Mont-Blanc. As much as I wanted to make the excursion work, it felt a bit rushed for our weekend.
If you have a bit more time to explore the area around the city, here is an option to look into: From Geneva: Full-Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc
I was still interested in some kind of mountain excursion that was accessible from Geneva for the day. After hours combing the internet, I ran across this offer: Snowshoe and Fondue in St. Cergue. It is an hour outside of the city and cost 35 Swiss Francs a person.
I couldn’t find a ton of information about the experience aside from a write up in one or two blogs, so it felt a bit like rolling the dice. But! I will be the third blog to tell you: I was a very cool experience!
St. Cergue is accessible from Geneva via train. (*Note that from the city center you will have to chance trains once.) Once you arrive in St. Cergue, it’s a short walk to the tourist office to pick up your gear and maps. For there, you take the tram up the mountain, which is a scenic experience in and of itself.
As for the actual snowshoeing, it was very much like walking in a winter wonderland! As someone who is used to skiing, I loved how lightweight the gear was, too.
After our trek through the snow, we stopped into Refuge-Restaurant La Trélasse for our fondue by the fire. (There are 4-5 participating fondue spots you can choose from, depending on what route you choose to walk) It was incredibly cozy!
*Note: Be mindful of the tram and train schedules. The afternoon availability for a return trip seemed much fewer than our options on the way in. We were also needing to get back to Geneva for a dinner reservation…
2. Dinner at OSTERIA DELLA BOTTEGA
Is it too dramatic to say I would go back to Geneva just to eat at this cozy, superb Italian restaurant? No, no it is not! We had an exceptional experience here and I would highly recommend it. Plus, this recommendation is season agnostic! Though it is extra special if you are enjoying a birthday meal, which it just so happened to be for me :) Cue Tiramisu with candle!
3. Café Remor COFFEE + Plaine de Plainpalais Flea Market
Saturday morning when Rich set out on his run, I made my way over to the historic Café Remor (opened in 1921!) for a cappuccino and croissant. Though I was sufficiently caffeinated, I don’t think any warm beverage could have prepared me for the cold. I was super jazzed about the flea market - I had read great things! - so I braved the weather. That being said, I suspect the browsing is much more enjoyable in a more moderate season.
4. VISIT CAROUGE
After the chilly flea market, we hopped on a tram out to Carouge, a district just outside Geneva, known for its bohemian vibe and unique Mediterranean-inspired architecture.
Often referred to as Geneva’s "little sister," Carouge has a lively arts scene, with numerous galleries, boutiques, and artisan shops lining its streets. The area is filled with picturesque squares, cozy cafés, and vibrant markets, making it a great place to explore on foot. The weekly market at Place du Marché is a highlight, offering fresh produce and local products.
After we wandered in bookshops, hat shops, and boutiques, we settled for a lovely lunch at Cafe du Marche Carouge.
5. OLD TOWN + Place du Bourg-de-Four
Old Town Geneva, or "Vieille Ville," is a charming an area filled with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere. The area is rich in history, featuring landmarks like St. Pierre Cathedral, where you can climb to the tower for stunning views of the city and Lake Geneva.
Place du Bourg-de-Four is the heart of Old Town and serves as a lively gathering spot. Surrounded by cafes and shops, it’s a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere. The square is often bustling with locals and tourists alike, making it a perfect spot for people-watching or enjoying a coffee while you admire the surrounding architecture.
Specifically, Saturday night we posted up at the window table at La Pomme D'or for cocktails. Since we already had a big lunch, we were looking for something simple and casual and we wondered into the rotisserie chicken joint, Chez Ma in Pl. du Bourg-de-Four. We had chicken, fries, salad and beer and it hit the spot! (Apparently is a “quality fast food” with a few locations in the area.)
Sunday morning my coffee crawl took me from La Clemence to Helia.
6. Stroll the Gardens on the lake + brunch at MARCEL
Jardin de Anglais is a beautiful park located along the shores of Lake Geneva, offering stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors, with well-manicured gardens, walking paths, and plenty of green space to relax.
One of its most iconic features is the L'Horloge Fleurie, or Flower Clock, a stunning floral display that symbolizes Geneva's watchmaking tradition. The park also has a charming carousel, benches for picnicking, and sculptures that add to its appeal.
We walked over to nearby Marcel for brunch. This cozy café combines a warm atmosphere with a menu that features a mix of classic brunch favorites and creative dishes.
After the meal, we took a leisurely stroll to and through La Grange garden, one of Geneva's most beautiful parks, known for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere.
A NOTE ON CHOCOLATE!
We had some delicious hot chocolate, no doubt! But if I were going back again, I might consider this:
Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva.
CONCLUSION
I wanted “winter vibes” for my January birthday weekend and I was not disappointed. The snowshoe and fondue excursion lended some balance to a weekend that was mostly geared toward darting into cafes and restaurants for warm drinks and cozy meals.
