When you visit a city, sometimes the sun isn’t shining and there is nothing you can do about it. In Geneva, when the weather is gloomy and the rain is falling, it’s not an excuse to do nothing… in fact, it’s quite the opposite! Discover all the different activities you can enjoy when you spend a day or a weekend in Geneva and the weather is not ideal.

Museums for all tastes

Did you know that in Geneva you could visit museums unique in the world? If you are a passionate lover of luxury watchmaking, you can discover the famous Patek Philippe Museum, a fascinating place that will bring to life the history of watchmaking from the 16th to the 19th century. You will also have the chance to admire prestigious watches throughout your visit.

Geneva is a humanitarian city. Were you aware that the Red Cross was founded in 1863 by a businessman called Henry Dunant? In order to tell this fascinating history, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum welcomes you to live an exciting experience, full of emotions.

If you are into science, you could explore the secrets of the CERN by meeting the scientists who work there and become a true specialist of the world of particles. For sure, you won’t find anything like that anywhere else!

Have you ever visited an awarded museum? The Ethnography Museum of Geneva, also known as MEG, offers you a total immersion in the heart of an exhibition dedicated to the archives of human diversity.

Our tip: The MEG was voted Museum of the Year in 2017. Its human size and interactive exhibition will provide you fascinating insights about the diversity of our world.

Photo credit: Red Cross Museum

Create your own personal watch

Being the capital of luxury watchmaking, Geneva offers unique activities related to this theme. Who never dreamed of creating his own watch and being able to take it home with great pride? During this workshop organized by Initum, you will learn the well-kept secrets of Swiss horology and will be able to go home with a unique souvenir and many stars in your eyes.

Our tip: located in the Grand-Rue, in the heart of the Old Town, the workshop benefits from a prime location in Geneva’s historic area. Take the opportunity to stroll through the enchanting cobbled streets or relax while enjoying a Latte Macchiato on one of the many terraces that are open even in winter!

Photo credit: Initium

Treat yourself with a sweet Chocolate Tour

When you taste chocolate, your body releases endorphins that make you feeling happy no matter how bad the weather is outside. The Chocolate Flavours Tour is thus the perfect activity in case of rainy days in Geneva.

Throughout this 3-hour gourmet guided tour, you can taste prize-winning chocolate creations while discovering secrets and anecdotes about the Old Town and the city’s most popular monuments. A friendly atmosphere and the tasty discoveries are the key words of this unique food tour.

Our practical tip: Think about taking your umbrella and your walking shoes to make sure you can appreciate this sweet and delicious walking tour in case of rain.

Relax in a spa with a stunning design and a scenic view

Le Bain Bleu Hammam & Spa is more than just a spa. It means time for yourself, a few moments of calm to recharge your batteries. It also benefits from a spectacular view over Lake Geneva and a stunning architecture that makes you feel like you’re in a protective and sweet cocoon. Indeed, the relaxing blue colours, the pleasant sound of the dripping water and the soft light effects make it an exceptional place that you won’t want to leave.

The hammam, the quality massages and the indoor and outdoor thermal baths offer you a pure moment of relaxation. Enjoy this soothing and stress-free experience where you will understand the idea and the meaning of pure hapiness.

Le Bain Bleu grants a magical experience on the shores of Lake Geneva that no other place can match.

Our tip: Indulge yourself with their incredibly qualitative hot stone massage. It’s a pure delight for the body and the mind.

Photo credit: Bain Bleu Hammam & Spa

Do some Geneva-style shopping

In Geneva, there are of course famous shopping streets such as the Rue du Rhône or the Rues Basses. However, there are also small boutiques that are a little more in the background, but that are well known to the locals who love to shop there.

The Eaux-Vives district, located not far from Lake Geneva and the famous Jet d’eau, is a bustling area in the centre of the city. Restaurants, trendy pubs and small designer shops are clustered in this fashionable neighbourhood. Do you want to find a small pair of boots that no one else will have on their feet this fall? Then you should go visit the shops in the Eaux-Vives neighbourhood!

After some serious shopping, you could take a moment to enjoy a delicious cocktail at the Atelier Cocktail ! Firendly atmosphere guaranteed, even on rainy days.

Our tip: If you are a coffee lover, you will for sure fall in love for the Coup de Girafe. This cozy café welcomes you in a warm decor to make you taste its delicacies.

Photo credit: Wunderchic

Meet the ambassadors of Geneva’s terroir

When you enter the indoor market of Les Halles de Rive, delightful smells will invade your nostrils, awakeing your sense of smell. Then, as you slowly walk through the main aisle, your eyes will be amazed by the quality food, the colours, the presentations and the ambassadors who are passionate about their products.

This must-see place in Geneva’s gastronomy reflects the delicacy and variety of local cuisine. Meet the 23 shopkeepers in the halls and enjoy the pleasure of cheese, meat, wine or seasonal fruits and vegetables.

All your senses will be stimulated!

Our tip: In the heart of the Halles, you could make a stop for lunch and enjoy the tasty local meals served in the Bistrot des Halles.

Photo Courtesy of Halle de Rive

Enjoy a getaway to thermal baths in the mountains

When the weather is gloomy, at only two hours by train or by car from Geneva, there is a famous thermal bath station named Leukerbad, nestled in the paradisiacal mountains of the sunny Valais region. This is the ultimate location for a revitalizing getaway.

This village is a well-known wellness location and offers natural thermal baths open all year round that will allow you to recharge your batteries both physically and spiritually. Thanks to the warm outdoor baths with massage jets that offer a breathtaking 180-degree view on the mountains, your escapade will be unique and unforgettable.

The cherry on top is that Leukerbad is a picturesque place where the chalets are flowered at all seasons and where the time seems to have stopped. You’ll only wish one thing: Not leaving this comforting place!

Our tip: Some of the thermal baths are exclusively for adults in order to rest as much as possible while others are family friendly!

Photo credit: Girlfriend Guide Zurich

Watch the rain from the top of a mountain

What could be more soothing than a panoramic mountain restaurant to admire the rain falling gently and slowly dripping down on the windows?

The L’Observatoire restaurant at the top of Mont Salève, a mountain located in France and a few minutes away by bus from the city centre, welcomes its visitors in a spectacular location. After reaching this magical place by cable car, you will have to take a short walk and then all you have to do is settle in and enjoy your meal with a breathtaking view of Geneva and its surrounding region.

Our tip: On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the cable car remains open until 11pm! You can therefore enjoy a dinner while enjoying a panoramic view of Geneva by night.

Photo credit: L’Obsevatoire

Taste local delicacies

After a day of visits and discoveries, it’s time to think about your stomach craving to taste Swiss food!

In a spirit of sharing and culinary generosity, cheese fondue is the queen of all dishes! In order for you to enjoy cheese meals and typical Swiss cuisine, we invite you to experience the restaurant Le Gruyèrien. The wooded decoration and warm hospitality provided to customers make it one of the most popular places for locals during rainy days or during the fall and winter seasons.

The regional specialities on the menu will delight your taste buds, but they will also warm your heart. It is a delicious moment to spend with family, friends or just your loved ones.

Our tip: At the end of your dinner, we highly recommend you to try the meringues with double cream from the Gruyère region – the king of Swiss desserts.

Photo credit: Leon