A day in Geneva
(Want to download the full guide to your Smartphone? Download it from GuidePal City Guides.)See & Do
Leisure Time Lake Geneva
The castle of Chillon sits dramatically between the shores of Lake Geneva and the Alps
Making the most of the lake
Noteworthy for: The shores of Lake Geneva have attracted writers, artists, poets and musicians since the 18th century and many settled here including Charlie Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn and Freddie Mercury.
Yes, yes, yes we know it's a beautiful lake with pretty views at every turn, but it's not just for staring at in a trance-like and dreamy state. So why not splice the mainbrace and cut across the water on a sail boat? When the wind whips up the conditions are also perfect for other active pursuits including windsurfing and kite surfing.If you prefer a more leisurely pace on the water embark on a boat cruise and relax on deck as the city and alpine scenery pass by. There are numerous options at your disposal from standard one hour cruises to gourmet dinner cruises and whole day trips around the lake. But if even that sounds like a little too much effort you can perfect your beach bum look on some of the sandy shores during the summer months.
Price sample: Daily card: Adult: CHF 60, Child (6-16): CHF 30
Check webpage for cruise times/prices
Address: Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman
Quai du Mont Blanc, 1201 Geneva
Phone: +41 848 811 848
CGN Cruises' webpage
See & Do
Patek Philippe Museum
A fascinating history of watchmaking
Noteworthy for: There is a public guided tour of the museum every Saturday. The tour in French starts at 2pm and the tour in English starts at 2.30pm.
If it wasn't for Queen Victoria this museum might not exist. The revered English monarch was so tickled by watchmaking company Patek Philippe's innovative keyless watches that she treated herself to one. Royal approval was about the best advert for your business and the company's profits soared as their watches also became firm favorites of other crowned heads of state and of scientists, writers and explorers.You can see what all the fuss was about as the Patek Philippe Museum houses one of the most exquisite and exceptional collections of timepieces in existence with items from the 16th century to the present day. Many were made by the company, and in a city famous for its watchmaking it's well worth taking some time out to explore what's on offer here.
Fee: Adult: CHF 10, Senior/Student (18-25) with valid ID: CHF 7, Child (0-18): Free
Free admission every Saturday during 2011
Open Hours: Tue-Fri: 2pm - 6pm
Sat: 10am - 6pm
Address: Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7
Phone: +41 22 807 09 10
Patek Philippe Museum's webpage
See & Do
Ski day trip to the Alps
Slope off to the Alps for some top class skiing
Word to the wise: The Gare Routiere Bus Station provides daily round trips to many resorts including Chamonix. Prices include lift tickets.
Within two hours of landing in Geneva you can have the wind whipping round your feet as you snake down Alpine slopes at one of the 200 plus ski resorts that are within 100km of the city. Small wonder that Geneva is sometimes referred to as the greatest skiing hub on the planet.Chamonix has some of the best skiing opportunities worldwide. Although the terrain is quite tough, especially for off-piste, the variety of slopes offers something for every taste and level of experience. The best runs are Les Grands Montets and Le Brévent. Megeve has easy slopes for beginners and intermediates, but advanced skiers will not really be challenged, though there is some good off-piste. Gstaad is a favorite of the international jet set, and the more than 400km of slopes at Verbier are frequented by Geneva’s cosmopolitan community.
Address: Gare Routière de Genève, Place Dorcière
Phone: +41 22 732 02 30
Gare Routière's webpage
Shopping
Old Town Antique Galleries
Treasure hunting in Geneva's Old Town
Noteworthy for: The Librairie Ancienne is a wonderful antique book store that sells rare and unusual books.
Money can't buy you love but it can get you some bounty to fawn over. Dig up valuable treasures from the city’s past in the Old Town's galleries and antique stores. You may even find some old relics that date back to medieval times.Even if you don’t want to part with any money a wander through the narrow labyrinthine streets to window shop and soak up the area’s rich architecture is time well spent.
Address: Place du Bourg-de-Four (the center of the Old Town)
Shopping
Rues Basses
Delight in the luxury of Geneva's main shopping district
Word to the wise: If you are planning your shopping expedition for the weekend remember that many shops are closed on Sundays.
The Rues Basses is Geneva’s most famous shopping district, where the best clothing, jewelry and occasionally bargains can be found. You know you're worth it so dive deep into your wallets and purses and fill up your bags with goodies from the area's two main streets: Rue du Marché and Rue du Rhône.The Rue du Rhône is full-on, in-your-face luxury. Many world famous designers have boutiques here, including Dior, Gucci, Valentino and Louis Vuitton. For more affordable prices, head to the Rue du Marché, the main shopping street, which is entirely pedestrianized.
Address: Rue du Rhône
Restaurants
Domaine de Châteauvieux
Old world charm in a Michelin-starred restaurant
Word to the wise: Domaine de Châteauvieux is also a hotel, but staying there doesn't guarantee a table at the restaurant so you must still make a reservation.
Paradise comes in many forms and this little slice of Heaven is surrounded by vineyards, flowers and glorious Swiss countryside. The old stone manor is only a few kilometers from the airport yet is a world away from modern Geneva with a wooden beamed dining room that exudes an old fashioned charm.Nibble on delicate French cuisine that has bagged two Michelin stars for chef Philippe Chevrier and during the summer, take your meal on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.
Price sample: Main course: CHF 98-150
Lunch menu: CHF 96
Open Hours: Tue-Sat: 12noon - 1.30pm, 7pm - 9.30pm
Address: 16, Chemin de Châteauvieux, Peney-Dessus
1242, Satigny
Phone: +41 22 753 15 11
Domaine de Chateauvieux's webpage
Restaurants
Arabesque
Lebanese dining to lick your lips at
Noteworthy for: All the meat served at this restaurant is certified halal.
With its beautiful and stylish mosaics and atmospheric lighting this elegantly laid out restaurant promises more than a hint of oriental magic. Located in the prestigious five star Hotel President Wilson, directly on the lake shores, Arabesque is a superior Lebanese restaurant with delicious mezze, grilled meat and fish.There are so many house specialities to choose from including the charcoal grilled skewered lamb, fried sea bream fillets, and an array of Lebanese desserts including Lebanese pancakes with cream or stuffed with walnuts.
Price sample: Main course: CHF 36-48
Open Hours: Daily: 12noon - 2.30pm, 7.30pm - 11.30pm
Address: Quai Wilson 47
Phone: +41 22 906 67 63
Hotel President Wilson's webpage
Restaurants
Miyako
Sushi and sashimi in the heart of Geneva
Word to the wise: If you are pressed for time, but still hanker for some Japanese food, the restaurant has a take away service.
Your search for authentic Japanese cuisine ends here. Miyako serves fresh and delicious sushi and all types of quality fare that a Japanese kitchen has to offer. You can't ask for much better than that.Sit at the bar and watch the chef prepare your sashimi and sushi or take a place at a traditional Teppan-Yaki table and have your dishes prepared in front of you by one of the talented cooks.
Price sample: Sashimi a la carte: CHF 23-31
Lunch set menu: CHF 25-36
Open Hours: Mon-Sat: 12noon - 2pm, 7pm - 10.30pm
Address: 11, Rue de Chantepoulet
Phone: +41 22 738 01 20
Miyako's webpage
Bars & Nightlife
Le Rouge et le Blanc
Superb wine list and scrumptious cheeses
Noteworthy for: Le Rouge is famed for its vintage wines and selection of fine cheeses.
By day it’s a restaurant serving seasonal cuisine but once the clock strikes five, Le Rouge transforms itself into one of the city’s most popular wine bars. The wine selection is extensive, the food delicious and the atmosphere lively; what more could you want from a night out?With a view of the famous water jet of Geneva and a terrace adjoining the banks of the Rhone Le Rouge benefits from a truly privileged location.
Price sample: Tapas package (tapas, unlimited wine, cheese): CHF 70-90
Open Hours: Wine bar: 5pm - late
Address: 27, Quai des Bergues
Phone: +41 22 731 15 50
Le Rouge et le Blanc's webpage
Bars & Nightlife
Floor Two
Swanky bar with outstanding views
Popular plate: A good selection of bar snacks are on offer including the club sandwich with chicken and French fries.
Kick back and take a long sip of something chilled and exotic whilst watching the water of the backlit Jet d’Eau tumble back down to the lake at night. Situated in the upscale Kempinski hotel this swanky bar has it all – a refined atmosphere, delicious drinks and floor-to-ceiling windows with some of the best views of the city and the French Alps you’ll ever see.Resident DJs are on hand to provide suitable musical backing to your evening, and the hand-crafted cocktails and comprehensive wine list are well worth exploring.
Price sample: Club sandwich: CHF 36
Wine, glass: CHF 10-20
Beer: CHF 12
Open Hours: Daily: 5pm - 1am
Address: Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva, Quai du Mont-Blanc 19
Phone: +41 22 908 92 26
Kempinksi hotel's webpage
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