From gastronomy to culture, passing through luxury watchmaking, chocolate, half-day excursions and wellness: find the recommendations of a local who is passionate about her city to spend 48 perfect hours in Geneva! Discover a vibrant city surrounded by lake and mountains that offers all year-round a wide variety of activities and experiences.

Day1

10 am: Enjoy a top chocolate tour

Discover a food tour different from all the others! In addition to tasting delicious award-winning chocolates created by exceptional chocolate makers, you will have the privilege of discovering historical anecdotes about Geneva along a walk in the Old Town and by the lake.

All along this 3-hour guided city tour, you will be immersed in the heart of the secrets of the city, while tasting chocolate delights and even enjoying a short boat trip!

This is an ideal all-in-one tour combining a sightseeing city tour and a delightful experience for your taste buds at the same time!

Our tip: By booking this tour at the very beginning of your stay, you will have the chance to receive tips from a local about the activities to do in Geneva as well as the restaurants where you can enjoy delicacies

1:30 pm: Time for lunch in the Old Town

Geneva’s Old Town is the largest historical city in Switzerland and it’s the ideal spot to taste a delicious meal while admiring cobbled, historic and picturesque streets. Surrounded by lovely terraces and typical restaurants along the alleys this is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing lunch.

Among the most characteristic restaurants, you could be tempted by Les Armures or the Restaurant de l’Hôtel-de-Ville. A generous local cuisine awaits you in a distinctive Geneva setting. With “”moitié-moitié”” cheese fondue, dried meat or fish from Lake Geneva, the culinary journey is guaranteed.

Our tip: To dine surrounded by old armors, book your table inside. If you prefer to admire cannons, you can reserve on the terrace.

Photo credit: Hotel Les Armures

3 pm: Taste local wines vs discovering fascinating culture

There are two options for your afternoon: you can either enjoy the Geneva Wine Trail or visit the unique Patek Philippe Museum.

The Geneva Wine Trail includes 3 itineraries around wine growing, nature and local products. While going through historic and picturesque villages like Satigny or Hermance, the Geneva grape varieties will be in the spotlight along these countryside walks. You will experience the rich heritage of the Geneva countryside and taste the diversity of local delicacies.

If you are more interested in a cultural afternoon around fine watchmaking, the Patek Philippe Museum, a unique place in the world, will take you on a journey back in time. You will have the privilege to admire a collection of prestigious watches from the 16th to the 19th century.

Our tip: numerous typical bistros are located along the wine trails, to allow you to refresh with a nice glass of Pinot Blanc.

Photo credit: Yan Song

8 pm: Your dinner with a view in the centre of Geneva

With an ideal location by the lake, the restaurant Le Floris, located in Anières, is a place a bit far from the centre that is for certain worth a stop. The gastronomic cuisine proposed is seasonal, contemporary, inventive and generously served. The panorama, from the inside or from the terrace, is simply breathtaking.

If you prefer to spend the evening in the centre, the Bayview by Michel Roth restaurant offers gourmet cuisine and a sophisticated menu that is sublimated by a selection of the best wines. As its name suggests, the restaurant at the President Wilson Hotel offers an incredible panoramic view of the lake.

Our tip: The two restaurants are perfect if you want to organize a romantic and cozy dinner for your loved one.

Photo credit: Le Floris

Day2

9 am: Let’s go to scenic Annecy

Annecy, also known as the Venice of the Alps, is less than an hour away from Geneva. Its lake, its paved pedestrian streets or its canals provide pure authenticity to the Old Town.

During half a day you will have the pleasure of visiting a city rich in cultural activities thanks to its museums or its castles. Brocantes, designers, flowery terraces or typical shops complete this enchanting landscape.

Before leaving for Geneva, do not forget to taste the delicious French cuisine served by the numerous restaurants along the small Thiou River, in the heart of the Old City.

Our tip: On Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 7 am to 1 pm, take advantage of the market in Old Town to discover and maybe buy local products.

Photo Courtesy of Janet van Vliet

3 pm: Indulge yourself with a SPA

Switzerland is known worldwide for its well-being, so why not enjoying a perfect wellness moment? Le Bain Bleu Hammam & Spa grants a magical experience on the shores of Lake Geneva in a building with a stunning architectural style.

With its indoor and outdoor bathing areas, its hammam, its various massages and quality treatments, the Spa is a place of relaxation providing visitors with a magnificent view of the lake that no other place can match.

Take time for yourself and recharge your batteries in a unique, intimate and warm ambience, with softened lights.

Our tip: To make sure they have availability for a massage, do not forget to book in advance.

Photo credit: Bain Bleu

7:30 pm: Taste haute-cuisine

Visiting Geneva without eating in one of its many starred restaurants is a bit like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower.

The haute-cuisine is an integral part of the city and the know-how of the greatest chefs enchants the taste buds of visitors and locals every season.

From French to Italian cuisine, passing through Indian and Chinese specialities, the only thing you have to do is choosing the Michelin starred or Gault & Millau classified restaurant that better suits you.

Bon appetit!

Our tip: To appreciate even more the menus served by these restaurants, we suggest you to follow the wine pairing recommended by the sommelier.

Photo credit: Il Lago, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva