No matter where you look in Switzerland, you’ll be in amazed by its beauty. It has towering mountains that are covered in snow no matter what season, crystal-clear lakes, quaint little villages, crystal clear lakes, and rolling hills. Plus a whole lot of chocolate !
You could easily spend months exploring the country. Highlights include Lucerne, Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Grindelwald, Gruyeres and St. Moritz.
The best way to see this incredible country is by purchasing The Swiss Travel Pass which allows you to travel around by train !
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Switzerland is in April to June and September to October. You can enjoy fewer crowds, mild weather, and lower prices.
In fact, the mountain resort towns are almost completely dead. Tourists descend into Switzerland in the summer months to soak up the sunshine and wildflowers that are blooming in the countryside. The snow also typically thaws so you’ll have the chance to hike trails that are often covered. Most mountain resorts open up again but bookings will come at higher prices.
What To Expect
Language: There are four national languages in Switzerland, all found in specific regions of the country. The most widely spoken language is Swiss German, spoken by over 60% of the population. In the western part of the country, Swiss French is spoken, and in the southern part of the country, Swiss Italian is spoken. The smallest national language is Romansh.
Currency: The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). 1 GBP is equivalent to 1.19 CHF. Many shops, hotels, and train stations will also accept euros.
Plugs: The power plugs in Switzerland are type J, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Safety: Switzerland is in the top 10 of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare but petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft of vehicles does occasionally happen.
Geneva
With endless amounts of chocolate, an incredibly rich history, and one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, Geneva is the perfect place to begin your adventure in Switzerland. While there’s so much to see and do when visiting, there are a few highlights that are must-see’s.
Getting to Geneva
The easiest way to get from Geneva Airport into the city is with the train. You can pick up your free ticket from the baggage reclaim hall and avoid the expensive taxi fare.
The train departs the airport every 10-20 minutes, and the journey takes six minutes to reach the Genève-Cornavin station in Geneva’s city center. Once you arrive, you can catch a local bus or the tram to your accommodation.
Getting Around Geneva
One of the best ways to get around in Geneva is with a bicycle. You can get four hours of free rental with Genève Roule between April and October.
Another option is to use your free Geneva Transport Card to explore the city. Every visitor to the city receives it upon check-in at their hotel or hostel. It’s valid for the entire duration of your stay and includes the city’s buses, tramways, boats, and trains.
If you’re passing through Geneva, you can also buy a one-day pass for the city’s public transportation system at any station or Tourist Information Desk.
Where to Stay in Geneva
Hotel Les Arcades
If you’re traveling to Geneva on a budget, Hotel Les Arcades is an excellent option. It’s only a 20-minute walk from the city center and has all the basics you’ll need.
Tiffany Hotel
Located in Geneva’s art district, the Tiffany Hotel is just a 10-minute walk to Lake Geneva. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a boutique hotel that’s close enough to attractions and anything else you might need.
Mandarin Oriental Geneva
Situated right on the Rhone River, it’s only 5-minutes away from Old Town and the cultural and touristic districts. The 189 modern rooms feature plenty of art and some beautiful views of the river. There’s also an on-site Michelin star Indian restaurant !
Where To Eat In Geneva
Breakfast at Cafe Restaurant du Parc Des Bastions
The late 19th-century pavilion offers some of the best breakfast in the city and is the perfect spot to kick off your short time in Geneva. There is a great indoor seating area or a beautiful outdoor terrace if you’re looking to soak up some sun.
Have a Picnic
If you want to cut down on costs while in Geneva, you can opt for a picnic by Bains des Paquis. Head to Migros, a local grocery store, and stock up on all your favorites. Make sure you grab some local chocolate and cheese !
Get Fondue at Cafe du Soleil
Don’t miss out on trying from fondue in Geneva. I went to Cafe du Soleil for an afternoon snack and I highly recommend it !
What To Do In Geneva
Tour the Palais Des Nations
Head over to the Palace of Nations which houses the United Nations Office. The best way to see it is to take a guided tour. Proof of identity is needed for the tour so bring your passport !
Explore Bains des Paquis
Bains is an artificial peninsula that’s surrounded by a beach. It’s the perfect spot to spend the afternoon, and the entrance fee is only CHF 50.
You’ll get access to the saunas, the La Bouvette des Bains restaurant, the beach and you can book a massage for CHF 60. It’s also one of the best places in Geneva to grab a cocktail and watch the sunset !
Explore the Carouge Neighborhood
Carouge is considered Geneva’s bohemian neighborhood. You’ll find lots of beautiful restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it the perfect place to wind down after a day at the lake.
Explore Old Town
Head to Old Town Geneva for the morning. It offers everything from a stunning cathedral to a number of unusual art galleries. Some of my favorite highlights include Cathedral St. Pierre and La Place du Bourg-de-Four.
Fish on Lake Geneva
No trip to Geneva would be complete without spending a few hours exploring Lake Geneva. You can go kayaking or buy a fishing permit for only 10 CHF.
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