Alicia Johnson, a destination editor based in Nashville, shares a snapshot of her recent trip to Geneva, Switzerland, highlighting the best things to do, experience, and eat.
I usually start the day in Geneva with…
A piece of chocolate. OK, hear me out. Maybe chocolate isn’t everyone’s go-to breakfast snack, but Swiss chocolate is incredible and, thanks to the 30-40 chocolate shops dotting the city, always within reach. I’m a sucker for milk chocolate, but I definitely indulged in white and dark chocolate too. And don’t get me started with all the hazelnuts, caramel, and fruit fillings.
A few of my favorite Geneva chocolate shops include Phillippe Pasoet (try the natural “ruby” chocolate), Pierre & Jean (grab the chocolate pastry), and MANOR (for affordable treats). Chocolate tours that delve into the history of the sweet treat are available.
In Geneva, you must try…
A watchmaking class. Gain a deeper understanding of Switzerland’s connection to timepieces through Initium’s watchmaking class. The intimate course allows participants to assemble their own custom-made watch, with a presentation on the history of watchmaking in Geneva included in every session. This class is the perfect rainy day activity.
The top spot for fondue in Geneva is…
Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville. Perhaps it was the rainy, gloomy day, but sitting in this cozy cafe sipping white wine and enjoying cheese fondue was a highlight of the trip. There are several places offering fondue, but this venue comes highly recommended, and I have to agree after an evening of heavenly gooey cheese paired with chunks of bread.
In Geneva, I got off the beaten track by…
Going whitewater rafting. Thanks to heavy rains, some class 4 rapids awaited us on the Arve River in late September. We were one of the last rafting excursions of the season. When I wasn’t getting water splashed on my face, I enjoyed Geneva’s dynamic scenery, featuring tall, beautiful trees along the banks mixed with residential buildings and city streets. My guide informed me that most locals don’t know they can raft so close to the city.
The one item you should bring back from Geneva is…
A bottle of wine. About one percent of Switzerland’s wine is exported internationally, meaning if you want a glass of Swiss wine, you’ll have to travel for it. The country boasts six wine regions and over 250 types of grapes.
Although I’m not typically a wine drinker, I particularly enjoyed the variety of wines I sampled during my trip, especially the Chasselas. Be sure to pack a wine sleeve to bring a few bottles back with you.
The one item I recommend bringing to Geneva is…
A reusable water bottle. When admiring the beautiful water fountains throughout the city, look for the small blue “Eau Potable” sign. This means you can safely drink from the fountain. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also stay hydrated and help the planet at the same time.
