When I first planned a trip to Geneva, I honestly wasn’t expecting much beyond a few clichés—chocolate, banks, and the United Nations. But wow, was I wrong. Geneva turned out to be one of those cities that leaves a lasting impression. It’s polished and international, sure, but at the same time, it feels relaxed, friendly, and surprisingly full of charm.
What struck me most is how underrated it is compared to other Swiss cities. Everyone talks about Zurich or Lucerne, but Geneva? It doesn’t get the same hype, and that’s exactly why I loved it. Geneva is a city of contrasts: one moment you’re strolling the lakeside promenade, watching the Jet d’Eau fountain soar 140 meters into the air, and the next you’re savoring world-class Swiss chocolate. Then, just a short tram ride away, you can find yourself at CERN, the world’s leading physics lab. It’s not only home to the largest particle accelerator on Earth but also the birthplace of the World Wide Web in 1989.
If you’re a first-time visitor, you’re in for a real treat.
Getting Around Geneva
One of the biggest surprises for me was how easy it is to get around Geneva without a car. The public transport system is amazing—trams, buses, and even little yellow taxi boats that shuttle you across the lake (which are fun in their own right). During my stay, I got the Geneva City Pass, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. Not only did it cover all my transport, but it also gave me free or discounted access to loads of attractions and museums.
Where to Stay in Geneva – Hotel Bristol
We stayed at the Hotel Bristol, a 4-star hotel that turned out to be absolutely perfect for us. The rooms were surprisingly spacious, which was ideal since I was traveling with my partner and our 7-year-old son. After a long day of walking around, it was such a relief to come back to a room where we could all spread out and relax.
What really made the stay, though, was the staff and atmosphere. They were genuinely warm and welcoming, always happy to help with recommendations. Breakfast was another highlight: fresh pastries, fruit, and enough local specialties to keep us excited every morning. The spa and fitness room were a nice touch too. If you’re looking for a base that mixes comfort, convenience, and great service, Hotel Bristol is a gem.
The Perfect 3-Day Geneva Itinerary
When I first arrived in Geneva, I thought I’d spend most of my time wandering around the Old Town and the lakeside. I realized that to really experience the city, you have to look a little further. Whether that’s cruising across Lake Geneva, stepping inside world-class museums, or even taking a day trip into the mountains. Geneva rewards curiosity.
What helped me make the most of those three days was the Geneva City Pass. Instead of stressing about tickets or calculating transport costs, I just used the pass everywhere: On trams, buses, boats, and even for museums and attractions. It gave me the freedom to just go with the flow.
And because no trip to Switzerland is complete without chocolate, I couldn’t resist trying the Geneva Chocolate Pass. Honestly, this might have been my favorite part. It’s like a treasure map of the city’s best chocolatiers—you walk, explore, and then “collect” chocolates along the way. My 7-year-old and I thought it was the coolest scavenger hunt ever.
So if you’re visiting Geneva for the first time, my advice is: don’t just stay in the city center, and don’t skip the passes. They’re not just practical—they actually make the whole experience richer (and sweeter).
Day 1 in Geneva
1. Arrival from Belgium by Train
We arrived in Geneva from Belgium by train, which was surprisingly comfortable and only took about 7 hours. Pulling into Geneva Cornavin station, we were excited to start our three-day adventure. After checking in at our hotel and dropping off our bags, we were ready to explore the city.
2. Exploring Geneva by Bike with Welo
Instead of walking, we joined a guided bike tour with Welo to see the city from a local’s perspective. Cycling along the lakefront, with the Jet d’Eau fountain shooting high into the sky, was an amazing way to get our bearings. The guide pointed out hidden gems and shared stories about Geneva’s history, which made the ride both fun and informative. Stopping at picturesque spots for photos and taking in the lakeside breeze made it a perfect introduction to the city.
3. Chocolate Workshop at La Bonbonnière
No first day in Switzerland is complete without chocolate, right? In the afternoon, we joined a hands-on chocolate workshop at La Bonbonnière called Make Your Own Swiss Chocolate. It was an absolute delight. My 7-year-old couldn’t stop grinning as we crafted our own little chocolate animals, and I was secretly enjoying the tasting part just as much. The aroma, the chocolate itself, and the playful, creative atmosphere made this an unforgettable experience.
4. Dinner at L’Artichaut
After an afternoon of cycling and chocolate-making, we were ready for a relaxed dinner. L’Artichaut is special because it offers revisited French cuisine crafted from the freshest seasonal ingredients. The chefs have a real talent for turning simple, high-quality produce into dishes that feel both comforting and sophisticated. They also go out of their way to make every guest feel welcome, tailoring flavors and portions to satisfy your taste buds. The cozy atmosphere, attentive staff, and beautifully presented dishes made it the perfect way to unwind after a full first day in Geneva.
5. Evening Stroll at Carouge Market
To end the day, we wandered through Carouge Market, just a short tram ride from the city center. This neighborhood has a completely different feel from central Geneva: Bohemian, Mediterranean, and full of charm. The market was lively yet relaxed, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. It was the perfect way to soak in local life and close out our first day in the city.
Day 2 in Geneva
1. CERN
Our second day started with a visit to CERN, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our trip. Getting there is easy, you can reach it directly by tram 18, which makes it super convenient even with kids in tow. Best of all, admission is free for everyone, so you can explore without worrying about tickets.
There’s so much to marvel at here:
- The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – Walking near the world’s largest particle accelerator, the engineering and scale are mind-blowing.
- The Birthplace of the World Wide Web – My 7-year-old was fascinated to learn that the internet as we know it was invented right here in 1989.
- Interactive Exhibits – From particle detectors to hands-on science displays, there’s plenty to keep kids (and adults!) engaged.
Even though we only had a few hours, my little one was captivated the whole time. We’re already planning to come back for a full guided tour, because there’s so much more to see and learn.
2. Lunch at Le Kiosque des Bastions
After exploring CERN, we headed back into the city for lunch at Le Kiosque des Bastions, a modern brasserie right in the heart of Geneva. The menu is varied, with carefully selected products and authentic dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. The interior is a leafy, art-deco-inspired “urban jungle,” which makes it feel lively and cozy at the same time. It’s the kind of place where you can linger and enjoy a relaxed meal at any time of the day.
3. Geneva Boat Tour Cruise – Departure Genève Mont-Blanc
In the afternoon, we hopped on a Geneva Tour cruise for a one-hour ride along Lake Geneva(we used our city passes). Seeing the city from the water is an entirely different experience. We cruised past the Pierres du Niton, admired the Jet d’Eau, and caught views of Mont Blanc, the UN, and the elegant lakeside villas and gardens. It’s a perfect way to take in the beauty of Geneva’s shores without feeling rushed.
4. Dinner at La Potinière
To wrap up the day, we enjoyed dinner at La Potinière, a charming lakeside café and bar. The outdoor setting is perfect for enjoying a relaxed evening by the water. If you are meat lover, this place is for you!They serve extremely delicious burgers and veal dishes! Finger-licking-good!
Day 3 in Geneva
1. Tuktuk Tour in the Geneva Countryside & Wine Tasting
On our final day, we decided to explore Geneva’s countryside in a fun and unique way: By tuktuk! This was such a memorable experience, zipping through the vineyards and rolling hills while taking in the stunning scenery. Did you know that the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site? Geneva is famous for its wine, and visiting the local wineries was a real treat. We learned an interesting fact along the way: grapes actually originate from the Caucasus, and the Romans brought them to Switzerland and spread viticulture across Europe.
2. Lunch at La Rôtisserie de La Ferme
For lunch, we stopped at La Rôtisserie de La Ferme, a beautifully renovated old farmhouse that keeps traditional Swiss cooking alive. The food here is generous, full of flavor, and made from seasonal local ingredients. We tried the Jussy pork roasted on the spit, along with a few other family-style dishes, and it was all amazing. The café also has a great indoor playground, which was perfect for letting our little one burn off some energy while we relaxed and enjoyed our meal. The cozy, authentic setting makes it ideal for families or anyone looking to savor the Geneva terroir in a welcoming atmosphere.
3. Exploring Old Town & Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
Back in Geneva, we wandered through the Old Town, soaking up the charm of narrow cobblestone streets and historic squares. We visited the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, and thanks to our City Pass, we were able to climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and Lake Geneva. It was a spectacular way to see the city from above and get a sense of its history and scale.
4. Chocolate Pass Adventure
Of course, no day in Geneva would be complete without chocolate! With the Chocolate Pass, we visited 5 different chocolate shops, tasting exquisite creations and even collecting a few gifts along the way. It was a fun, interactive way to explore the city’s culinary side, and my little one was thrilled to be part of the chocolate hunt.
My three of my absolute favorites stood out: Martel, Canonica, and Switzerland Chocolate.
5. Dinner at Les Armures
We finished our three-day adventure with dinner at Les Armures, one of Geneva’s oldest period rooms. Stepping inside felt like traveling back in time, with warm, historic surroundings that made the experience feel extra special. For our first Swiss fondue, we tried a classic two-cheese combination with Vacherin and Gruyère, accompanied by a platter of local cold cuts. It was rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious — a perfect way to end our trip on a high note. I definitely recommend to reserve the table because this place is always full!
