Here are a few insider tips for Lisa’s favorite Geneva locations. Do you have some that you can send along? Maybe for Lausanne, Evian, Annecy, Montreux, Lyon, Nyon? Whatever you want to send in but at least 4 items of varying interest. Why not give some more on Geneva that are not included here! Just write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with some ideas!
One of Lisa's favorite Geneva restaurants:
Buvette des Bains
30, quai du Mont-Blanc
1201 Genève
022 738 16 16
In the evenings, you must try their cheese fondue made with sparkling wine. It’s deliciously creamy and only Fr. 22.-/person including a bowl of fresh fruit salad! In winter, don’t forget to wear layers as the windows are plastic (cold) or you might be next to a heater or fireplace (hot)! If you are up for it, you can try the steam baths next door, dip in the lake, and then come over to the restaurant to warm up. Place your order for the food at the counter and then carry your own drinks over to your table. Reservations highly recommended! Be forewarned that this place is not fancy and your conversation might be drowned out by the table next to yours singing Joyeux Anniversaire at the top of their lungs! The place closes around 21h30 so if you have room you can mosey over to the Kempinski's Floor Two for a coffee with a view!
One of Lisa’s favorite Geneva shopping experiences:
Marché aux puces/flea market
Plainpalais
Outdoor flea market every Wednesday and Saturday from about 9h-16h (or later depending on the weather) and the first Sunday of the month. Honestly, this is the best flea market I have ever been to; prices are right and there is a great variety. Don't be afraid to bargain but beware if your accent is so strong that this makes the price go up! There is something for everyone here if you just don't mind kneeling on the ground to dig around in some old boxes for treasure and rolling up your sleeves! There is a large play park for the kids in the middle as well as a brand-spanking-new skate park that is out-of-this-world. Try Les Tartes de la Caravane at the flea market (food stand). Daniel makes wonderful vegetarian savory tarts: red lentil with leek; zucchini, mint, and feta. And cakes: pumpkin-orange or zucchini/courgette cake! You can get a to-go coffee, hot chocolate, black tea, sweet mint, or chai, and sip as you browse. Picnic tables are near the playground.
One of Lisa’s favorite Geneva places to visit:
OLD TOWN
A great adventure zone... a must-do when reconnecting with Geneva:
Visit Geneva’s old town:
1 -- walk to top of the cathedral on a clear day for a 360° view for only a few francs, and maybe even dare to be there at noon to hear the bells ring first hand.
2 -- then walk on to the old cannons and admire the mosaics.
3 -- across the street, visit the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) on the road of the same name and climb up the unique spiraling ramp that was used by horses to access the upper floors.
4 -- cross over the street to have a hot chocolate or renversé at the Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville, or taste their moules during the season.
5 -- walk out the archway to visit the longest bench in the world (126m) at the Promenade de la Treille as well as have a spin on the old-fashioned merry-go-round that I used to go on when I was a kid! There is a horse chesnut tree in the same area that is historical: used to announce the first day of spring (officially)!
One of Lisa’s favorite Geneva sports activities:
Geneve Servette Hockey Club
Centre Sportive Les Vernets
4, ch. de la Gravière
1227 Les Acacias
022 338 30 00
Professional Ice Hockey team. For a good fun night out with friends or family, and to watch some great professional ice hockey, the best game in town is a Genève-Servette hockey match at Les Vernets ice rink. There are 25 home games during the regular season, so plenty of opportunity to team-up with family or friends for a great evening’s entertainment. They have special matches for supporting breast cancer where the team are dressed in pink outfits and another evening where the audience tosses stuffed animals on the rink when our team makes their first goal (it takes about 20 minutes before they all get taken off the ice, quite spectacular, they are then washed and given to the children’s hospital). Get there early and get a bite to eat at McSorley’s Steakhouse.
