What are you supposed to say when you get a spontaneous text about £50 return flights to Geneva? Yes, obviously.
A combo of chocolate, cheese, lakeside walks, and the promise of Eurovision 2025 (albeit, the wrong city)—it was always going to be a fun one. That said, most travel blogs seemed to suggest leaving Geneva for day trips to Annecy or Chamonix, but we decided to lean in and see what the city had to offer.
And honestly? With sunshine on our side, it made for the perfect boujee-but-easy weekend.
Where to Stay in Geneva
Hotel Royal Geneva
We stayed at Hotel Royal Geneva (~£124/night + 7 CHF tourist tax) after booking last minute. Options were limited, and even hostels weren’t cheap—but this hotel turned out to be a win.
- Location: Central, safe, and super walkable
- Room: Small but had everything we needed (comfy bed, TV, bright lighting, and a bathtub with luxe toiletries)
- Bonus: Free access to the hotel spa and hammam
⚠️ Don’t expect luxury—small space, and the hammam smelled a bit damp—but it was still a lovely post-run treat with mountain views.
Overall: Clean, convenient, and good value for Geneva.
Accessibility: Most rooms have step-free access from the lobby and there’s a lift to all floors — a plus if you’re travelling with mobility needs
Where to Eat in Geneva
Cottage Café – Lake Views & Tartines
The first stop after landing (and a very questionable airport lounge breakfast) was Cottage Café, a casual spot just off the lake.
We were starving, mildly disoriented, and trying to decide whether to chance the French menu or just ask. After 20 minutes of translating one word at a time, the waitress took pity on me and handed over an English version. Hero.
We ordered the tartines—salmon & cream cheese for me, serrano & gruyère for Nathan—with two lattes. It came to 26 CHF, which felt like our official “welcome to Switzerland” moment. Pricey, yes. But the food was lovely, the service was kind, and the lake view was unmatched.
Tip: Ask for the English menu early on (my Year 7 French didn’t cut it). And sit by the fire pit when it’s cold!
Cafe du Soleil – Fondue of Dreams
This one had been on my list for ages. It’s said to be one of the best places for traditional Swiss fondue in Geneva, and it honestly lived up to the hype… at least at first.
We shared one portion of fondue between us (which was more than enough), and it was absolutely delicious—melty, garlicky, and rich in all the best ways. But then came the wait. We’d also ordered steaks, which turned up nearly an hour later. By that point, I was mostly just fantasising about my hotel bed.
If I went again, I’d just stick to fondue and wine. The mains weren’t bad, but they didn’t justify the wait. And in Geneva, when you’re paying a premium for every course, you kind of expect perfection. Not lukewarm chips and déjà vu from Wetherspoons.
Verdict: Go for the fondue only and skip the rest if you’re tight on time (or patience).
McDonalds
Part of our tradition is we MUST try a Mcdonald’s in every country we visit. Purely for the exciting new things you can’t find in the UK. In Switzerland, they have various unique menu items – paprika chicken, steakhouse, shrimp bites, McFlurry Ovomaltine, and more. However, trust me when I say they come with a price – 35CHFs for the 2 of us for 2 meals and 2 desserts! Again, they weren’t anything particularly special, and I was left disappointed in both burgers.
Things to Do in Geneva
Bain Bleu: Geneva’s Gem
This was the highlight of our trip. We aimed for relaxation, and Bain Bleu delivered. Spread across three floors:
- Ground Floor: Features a pool with waterfalls, jacuzzi bubbles, and cozy hideaways. The ‘Hammam Experience’ (book in advance) was our favorite. Note: it’s a swimsuit-free zone, but towels are provided. The variety of steam rooms, scrubs, baths, and relaxation pods made it impossible not to unwind.
- Second Floor: Hosts additional steam rooms and saunas, accessible even without the hammam package. We didn’t spend much time here, being a bit sauna’ed out.
- Rooftop: The main attraction. A café serving food and drinks, leading directly to the rooftop pool with stunning mountain views. It gets busy, but there’s ample space to relax.
Bonus: The spa is easily accessible via Geneva’s public transport.
Accessibility: The spa has elevators to every level and wide doorways to the pools, but double-check their changing-room layouts if you need grab-rails or extra space
Chocolate Tour
We had planned to do a self-guided chocolate tour (thanks ChatGPT!), but learned the hard way: most chocolate shops in Geneva are closed on Sundays.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re a chocolate lover, book a guided tour through GetYourGuide or similar. Pricey, but from what we tasted at the airport, very worth it.
Lake Geneva
Hard to miss, but essential to experience. The city surrounds the lake, offering breathtaking views. I made a point to go for a sunrise run around it—photos don’t do it justice.
Jet D’eau
One of Geneva’s most iconic sights. It was under renovation on our first day, but we were thrilled to see it in action on a sunny day. Be warned: a gust of wind might leave you a bit damp!
Explore Old Town
One of my favorite travel activities is aimless wandering, and Geneva’s Old Town is perfect for this. Centered around Place Bourg-de-Four, you’ll find museums, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s a charming area to explore, people-watch, and perhaps indulge in an almond croissant or two
Accessibility: Old Town’s cobblestones are charming but can be bumpy under wheels—comfy shoes (or a sturdy wheelchair) are a must. The Jet d’Eau promenade is smooth and step-free, though it can get crowded.
Reformation Wall
Just a short walk from both the lake and the old town, and situated in the Parcs des Bastions is the Reformation Wall. The wall itself 100m long and features statues of the major figures involved in the Protestant reformation including John Calvin, William Farel, Théodore de Bèze and John Knox. Truly a sight to see.
Parcs des Bastions itself was also gorgeous to sit and people-watch with a glass of wine. In the glorious Genevan sunshine, we were surrounded by kids chasing bubbles and playing giant chess, sunbathers, dog-walkers, and tourists alike, all uniting to enjoy the beautiful greenery.
There’s also a stunning restaurant, although I do believe it’s reservations only. At this point, we were only after a couple of drinks and were directed to the kiosk outside.
Other Interesting Things to Do in Geneva:
- L’Horloge Fleurie (Under renovation when I was there)
- United Nations
- St Pierre Cathedral
- Bains de Paquis
- Botanical Gardens
Getting Around Geneva
Geneva’s public transport is incredibly tourist-friendly. We were provided with complimentary passes valid on trams, buses, ferries, and trains. It’s efficient, easy to navigate, and a great way to explore the city.
Accessibility: Geneva’s trams and buses are low-floor and wheelchair–friendly, and our complimentary transport pass worked on every accessible route we tried.
Final Thoughts: Geneva on a Whim
For a spontaneous, unresearched trip, Geneva exceeded expectations. While it’s known for being pricey, for a short getaway, it’s manageable. I’d love to return and use it as a base for exploring nearby areas like Chamonix.
What to Expect in Geneva
Climate: We enjoyed a sunny spring, but winters can be colder and wetter than the UK, offering a festive atmosphere.
Language: French is predominant, but English is widely understood.
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). We had no issues using Revolut cards.
Accessibility Tips:
Old Town & Parks have some cobblestones and gradients — worth knowing if you have mobility needs.
Public Transport is very user-friendly and accessible for most travelers.
Popular Attractions like Bain Bleu, Jet d’Eau, and museums are generally wheelchair accessible, though crowds may be tricky at peak times.
Follow me at @bethmaybzlosesweight on Instagram and @bethmaybury on TikTok for more boujee & accessible travel or read more about our recent adventures here
