Geneva in 48 Hours: A Guide to Switzerland's Westernmost City for the Hurried Traveler

Unfortunately, travelers often find themselves in a difficult situation: they're in an amazing city with so little time that seeing anything seems unlikely or impossible. Luckily, though, if you have 2 days or 48 hours, you have enough time to do a quick and enjoyable tour of Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva is an interesting place because it's a small city nestled in between mountains and private banks, with a beautiful, large blue lake.

The first thing that anyone who is planning to visit Geneva should know is that though Switzerland has four national languages, the language that is most used in Geneva is French. If you're traveling from Zurich or Basel, you will notice the transition from Swiss German to French on the train or airplane.

Day 1: Lake Geneva, St. Peter's Cathedral, Old Town, Flower Clock

No matter where you stay in the city, you absolutely must visit the stunning Lake Geneva. Spend the first morning in town taking a walk around the lake, or if it's warm enough, a dip in the Bains de Paquis. Have lunch at one of the restaurants or kiosks around the lake.

Geneva is notoriously easy to navigate; one of the advantages to this is that you can see the Old Town perched on the hill from Lake Geneva. Specifically, you'll see the spire of St. Peter's Cathedral, which is worth a visit in itself. Climb to the top of the church for the most incredible view of the city below, the lake and Geneva's famous geyser.

At dusk, enjoy dinner in the Old Town area, and take in some people watching and the beautiful cobblestone streets in the area. In addition, pay a visit to the world-famous Geneva Flower Clock, located on the edge of the English Garden. The flowers are changed depending on the season, so it's worth multiple visits to see how the clock looks at different times of the year.

Day 2: United Nations, International Red Cross, Shopping on the Rue de Rive

The United Nations building, also called the Palais des Nations, was constructed between 1929 and 1936 in it's current location (which was donated by the City of Geneva). Guided tours are available, but check far in advance to ensure availability. Take photos in front of the sculpture at the front of the building as well as the multitude of flags. After visiting the UN, stop in to the Red Cross Museum, which is very close by.

Relax in the afternoon by spending some time on some of Geneva's most famous and luxurious shopping boulevards: the Rue de Rive and the Rue du Rhone. Have a late lunch or dinner at one of the many cafes at the Place du Molard of Place de la Fusterie.

If time permits, visit one of the best chocolate shops in Geneva, Mont-Blanc. Conveniently located on rue du Mont Blanc, the proprietor will likely insist that you try the local specialty which is well-worth the calories. Save some room in your suitcase to bring a few boxes home to enjoy!

Day 3 and Beyond:

Plainpalais Flea Market: Visit Geneva's oldest outdoor flea market for exceptional bargain-hunter finds. The market is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 8am to 5pm, rain or shine.

Carouge - This is a city that visitors to Nice, France will find familiar. Bohemian in feeling, this quaint area offers a simple view of life in Switzerland: fun jazz clubs, and artisans at work.

Depending on the season, a multitude of other activities are available. Fall, winter and spring yield excellent skiing in the area, and summer months provide excellent alpine hikes. Rafting is available, as is mountain biking and horseback riding. Wine enthusiasts should visit the local wineries.

Related Suggested Reading:

Berlin in 48 Hours

Paris in 48 Hours

Resources:

http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000168&lang=_eng

http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000153

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