Follow Katie in Geneva
I planned a day in Geneva all based around the colours of the Swiss flag (that's red and white if your flag knowledge is as bad as mine). Was this approach too niche? Perhaps. But it bagged me the ultimate win for the season, so maybe you should give it a go when you visit Geneva!
Stop 1: Cottage Cafe
The Brunswick Monument outside the entrance to the Cottage Cafe
What: The Cottage Cafe
Where: Rue Adhémar-Fabri 7, 1201 Genève, Switzerland
Why: Impressive menu including Swiss classics include bircher muesli and smoked salmon. The Cottage Cafe also boasts view of the imposing Brunswick Monument crafted out of white marble, and even Mont Blanc in the distance. The Cottage Cafe is centrally located not far from the river, an easy walk to many of the city’s attractions and top hotels. The vibe is relaxed and the prices are manageable, which can be a tricky combination to find in Switzerland. This is definitely a top spot to start a big day out!
Place des Nations
Place des Nations is the physical and symbolic forum for citizens and diplomats the world over.
What: Place des Nations
Where: Pl. des Nations, 1202 Genève, Switzerland
Why: This iconic pocket of Geneva is the home of diplomacy in the modern world. Thoughtfully designed to guide people to the entrance of Palais des Nations (aka the HQ of the League of Nations and literally the UN), a stroll through here is a visual feast in its own right. Sculptures such as the 12ft ‘Broken Chair’ created to protest the use of land mines, as well as flags from around the globe lining the streets make this one of the most stunning and fascinating parts of Geneva.
International Museum of the Red Cross & Red Crescent
The International Museum of the Red Cross & Red Crescent is full of interactive experiences and displays
What: The International Museum of the Red Cross & Red Crescent
Where: Av. de la Paix 17, 1202 Genève, Switzerland
Why: To learn about the incredible historic and ongoing efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. This museum is beautifully curated, giving visitors an in-depth and fascinating education on the work of the world’s largest humanitarian movement. Naturally, there are a number of confronting exhibits in the museum and you will leave feeling emotional and humbled, but I highly recommend a visit to anyone going to Geneva.
On top of the amazing displays themselves, the entrance to the museum also makes a strong point of warmly welcoming all people regardless of race, gender, sexuality and religion. It is also highly accessible and makes every effort to make the experience enjoyable for all visitors. Basically, it is the safest space you could hope to visit and we love that!
Le Marcel Croques & Petanque
Le Marcel is a lovely cafe and bar situation within the grounds of Geneva’s largest park
What: Le Marcel Geneve
Where: Av. Alice-et-William-Favre 19, 1207 Genève, Switzerland
Why: This adorable cafe serves delicious croques (toasted sandwiches) and crisp beers, right within the grounds of Geneva’s biggest public park. Sit back and enjoy a relaxing lunch while watching the locals play a round of petanque, a popular bowls-style game that did have a moment in Australia a few years ago. After lunch, take a stroll around the beautiful flower beds and soak up the delicious alpine air.
NOTE: I mistakenly called this venue La Guinguette in our episode (this is actually the name for this type of summer tavern) - sometimes things get lost in translation!
Roseraie - Parc La Grange
Parc La Grange is Geneva’s largest public park
What: Parc La Grange
Where: Quai Gustave-Ador, 1207 Genève, Switzerland
Why: A concert hall, views of the lake, and over 200 varieties of roses? How could you resist a visit to this amazing park when in Geneva? Previously privately owned by the Favre family who gifted it to the city of Geneva in 1918, this is arguably the most serene spot in Geneva. Whether you’re simply walking off lunch, scratching some botanist itches, or creating an incredibly well produced and cinematically beautiful dance video *ahem*, make sure you spend some time here!
Chocolat Favarger
Enjoying a raspberry truffle from Chocolat Favarger
What: Chocolat Favarger
Where: Rue de Rive 11, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
Why: For the delicious handmade chocolate and delightful customer service. A shop like this could easily get away with aloof, possibly even rude, customer service. But no such thing was found when we visited Chocolat Favarger, despite there being only one person to serve us, the busload of tourists, and every other customer dropping by.
From the incredibly beautiful cabinet filled with every type of chocolate your heart could desire, to the shelves stacked with ornate, edible gifts, your sweet tooth can be satisfied on any budget. We did a pick and mix bag and paid by the weight, which is probably the cheapest way to try these beautiful sweets. Handcrafted with love in the Swiss tradition since 1826, its no wonder why they have stood the test of time!
Restaurant Les Armures
Decadent cheese and tomato fondue at Restaurant Les Armures
What: Restaurant Les Armures
Where: Rue du Soleil-Levant, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
Why: Swiss specialties in a beautiful location. This restaurant is part of the Hotel les Armures, named for the Old Arsenal across the way which still houses decommissioned canons and the like which you are free to peruse, and has been a travel house since the 12th century. It makes the bold claim of being Geneva’s oldest cafe, and is absolutely full of incredible artefacts of the city’s history (think 17th century water painted scrolls and underground dungeons).
Beyond this, the food was wonderful. From chilled tomato soup to cured local bacon (also served cold) for starters, tomato and cheese fondue for a main, and a complimentary chocolate truffle with our espresso to top the meal off, this was a real special occasion type of meal for us. I adored every bite, which was just as well given the price tag. But hey, what do you expect when you’re in Switzerland? If you’re looking for a nice meal out with a fitting price tag, I highly recommend this restaurant.
