How to Spend 2 Great Days in Geneva

Everyone knows that I love France… and everyone knows that I love Switzerland…

… and Geneva, is quite the cross between the two.

A gorgeous view of Geneva from St. Pierre’s Cathedral in January 2018

 Located on the border, Geneva is a small, quaint French-Swiss town. 

The city itself is quite compact, but somehow still impressive and charming with the Swiss mountains incessantly surrounding you in the distance. 

The list of things to do isn’t high in quantity, but it is high in quality.

 Wondering what to do while you’re in Geneva?

 Let me break down my two-day itinerary to you…

Day 1:

 I arrived in Geneva early morning from Barcelona. 

 After some mishaps with baggage claim (P.S. – be prepared for easyJet to rip you off, if you need to check in a bag, last minute…), I made it to my hotel and then was off to the city center for the day.

I first made my way to the United Nations Palace, which I thought was too cool – all of the flags of the world were waving together at once.

The United Nations Palace in Geneva; January 2018

I walked by the International Red Cross Museum, and then made my way back towards the city center to Reformation Wall.

Reformation Wall in Geneva; January 2018

It was January, and freezing – so by this point I sat in a Starbucks (It was New Year’s Day, nothing else was open – so don’t judge me, this time!) for a warm drink, and then made my way back to my hotel.

Geneva, Switzerland; January 2018

Day 2:

Despite the fact that it was winter and that it wasn’t in the most vivacious state, I went to the Botanical Gardens.

 I knew it would’ve been prettier in the warmer months, but I still managed to capture a few mental (and digital) images.

Botanical Gardens in Geneva; January 2018

I sat on a bench and did what I do best when I’m in Switzerland: took a break from the thrill of the hustle & bustle in all the cities I had been, cleared my mind, and paused to remember all the things that are important life.

When in Switzerland, one of the best things you to do is journal due to its therapeutic nature - even if you’re not a writer.

 Okay… back to what you actually want to read about: what to do when you’re here.

I eventually got up and started to walk towards the city center. You’ll see signs at for France at times because it’s that close to the border.

I passed by a pharmacy and decided to walk in, as I was in need of conditioner.

I found myself in a non-English speaking territory, and played charades with a French women; pretending to comb my hair with conditioner in the shower in contrast to pretending to shampoo.

Remember: Geneva is in the French part of Switzerland – meaning they speak French there.

Preface your questions with,

 “Bonjour… parle vous anglais?”

 Afterwards, I started to walk towards the old town. 

As the sun started to come out, I reached into my backpack for my sunglasses… only to find that my sunglasses were broken.

I walked into the train station to, reluctantly, buy a new pair. I was, to my pleasant surprise, successful – and then I made my way to St. Pierre’s Cathedral.

 Now this… is the best thing you can (and should) do while you’re in Geneva. 

 It’s still one of my favorite “all the way up at the top” views of a city I have ever seen. 

The view from St. Pierre’s Cathedral in Geneva; January 2018

The climb up is your stereotypical “narrow European castle”, so beware – but I think it’s well worth the hike up.

I then went to see the Jet d’Eau up close after crossing through Parc de la Grange.

Jet d’Eau in Geneva; January 2018

I picked a bench and did some more sitting while (simultaneously) reflecting.

I frequently tell people that I meet that Switzerland isn’t a country where you come to do things… you come to see, be at peace, and reconnect with yourself.

I made my way to another coffee shop for another warm drink after a long day of being out and about in the frigid weather.

On my way back to my hotel, I came across some wintry-infused magic…

Europe during the winter time is magical with all the lights and Christmas trees that they leave up throughout the month of January.

… and Lake Léman lighting up at night. 

Lake Léman at night; January 2018

My final thoughts on Geneva?

It’s a small French-Swiss town with classic European charm and, of course – everything overpriced.

There isn’t a whole lot to do there.

But like I said, you don’t come to Switzerland to do things.... you come to see things – and that’s precisely what I did while I was there.

If you’re looking for other things to do in Switzerland, click here.