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I’m always a little nervous to exit the airport to explore a city and be able to be back in time for my continuing flight but I had a 10-hour layover in Geneva, Switzerland so I knew I had to seize the opportunity to step outside and experience the culture.

Luckily, Geneva makes it incredibly easy for visitors to explore their lovely city without any hassle. Here is my experience and some helpful tips for making the most of your time exploring this charming French-speaking city for about 6 hours, and I can honestly say it was a breeze.

GETTING THROUGH CUSTOMS AND PASSPORT CONTROL

If you have a non-Schengen passport like me, you will most likely have to wait in line to go through customs upon your arrival. When I arrived in Geneva around 7:30 AM, there was indeed a line, but fortunately, it moved along pretty quickly. It only took about 20 minutes standing in line while my passport was checked and processed. Once I was through, it was probably another 10-minute walk to reach the airport exit.

WHERE TO STORE YOUR LUGGAGE AT GENEVA AIRPORT

Geneva airport has a convenient location right by the railway station to store your luggage within automatic lockers. There are different sizes you can choose from ranging from small to extra large and the prices vary. I chose the XL locker size to store my carry-on suitcase and backpack. It was about $14 USD (CHF 12) for the first 6 hours and then I paid an extra $7 USD (CHF 6) for going over.

HOW TO GET TO GENEVA CITY CENTER

There are several kiosks by the railway station and all you have to do is type Genève and there will be a bunch of options that pop up. Select one of those and it will get you to the city center. It’s only one stop over so it’s a quick 5-minute train ride.

6–7 HOUR ITINERARY IN GENEVA

Jet d'Eau fountain

The first thing I wanted to see was Geneva’s most famous landmark, the Jet d'Eau fountain. From the Geneva Cornavin railway station, it was a quick 5-minute walk to Lake Geneva. As I approached, I was immediately captivated by the impressive tall water stream that shoots up an astonishing 140 meters into the sky, creating a magnificent sight that draws visitors from all around the world.

The interesting story behind the Jet d’Eau is that it was originally created by accident. The impressive water stream was the result of a technical problem with a hydraulic pressure relief valve. Once the technical issue was finally resolved, the residents of Geneva found themselves missing the sight of the magnificent water stream. This unexpected fondness led them to embrace the phenomenon, ultimately resulting in the decision to transform it into a popular tourist attraction that now draws visitors from around the world.

The Flower Clock

Another popular attraction that draws visitors is the beautifully designed Flower Clock. As you stroll along the path towards the ferris wheel, where the clock is located, you'll be able to gaze at the magnificent Jet d'Eau shooting water high into the air while crossing the picturesque Pont du Mont-Blanc (Mont Blanc Bridge). This scenic route is approximately a 5 to 10 minute walk and you’ll be able to soak in the beautiful surroundings.

The clock was originally created for the first time in 1955 and features approximately 12,000 flowers and various plants in its design. The vibrant floral arrangements change in accordance with the seasons. During my visit in August, the clock was adorned with an array of colorful flowers in shades of red, yellow, and pink. They put a lot of detailed work into this clock!

Walk Towards Old Town

Next, head towards Old Town. Along the way, you may want to stop for some coffee or a snack somewhere. I happened to see this cute kiosk selling coffee and light desserts called 1000 Bulles so I stopped by to order of some coffee and a chocolate chip biscuit/cookie. I sat in the nice seating area for a bit to relax and just to take in the surroundings.

As you walk for another 5–10 minutes, you'll reach Old Town, or Vieille Ville in French. This historic area has small streets and charming squares with cozy cafés, restaurants, galleries, museums, and landmarks, all surrounded by old buildings with lovely stonework.

It feels like stepping back a thousand years into ancient Geneva. In the heart of Old Town is Bourg-de-Four Square, the oldest part of Geneva, once a Roman marketplace. Now, it’s a popular spot for shopping and enjoying a cup of coffee.

Maison Tavel

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Geneva, Maison Tavel stands out as a small but informative museum that offers detailed insights into the development of this city. The museum features a variety of artifacts and artwork that reflect Geneva’s cultural heritage. Additionally, it is worth noting that the museum does not charge an entry fee, but rather welcomes donations to help support its ongoing educational efforts and preservation of local history.

The Maison Tavel is a rare example of medieval architecture in Switzerland. After being destroyed by fire in 1334, it was rebuilt by the Tavels, a noble family in Geneva, giving it the look of an urban palace. Over the years, it changed ownership among influential families until the City of Geneva purchased it in 1963 and restored it well. It became a museum in 1986, showcasing six levels that highlight the city's growth and daily life of its former residents.

Old Arsenal

Across from Maison Tavel is the Old Arsenal, a former military site that stored weapons and gunpowder. Here, you can see cannons similar to those that defended the city. The stone wall features three colorful mosaics depicting important moments in local history: Julius Caesar's arrival in 58 BC, the Fairs of the Middle Ages, and the reception of Huguenot refugees after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes.

Hotel de Ville (Geneva Town Hall)

Next to the Old Arsenal is the famous Hotel de Ville, Geneva’s Town Hall. For over 500 years, this historic site has seen many important events. The 16th-century building features three stories of neoclassical design, a large courtyard, and a notable cobbled spiral ramp built between 1555 and 1578.

This unique staircase, located in a square tower, once allowed horse access to the upper floors. Today, visitors can only walk up it but you can take some nice pictures here.

Restaurant Les Armures

If you’re starting to get hungry, you’re in luck because Restaurant Les Armures is located right in this area. This restaurant is known for its delicious cheese fondue and is a very popular place. I wasn’t sure if I would be in the mood for hot cheese since it was rather hot outside in the high 80s, but once I got my cheese and bread, I could not stop eating. I truly understood why this place gets so much praise because this cheese fondue was amazing.

Saint Pierre Cathedral

Right behind the restaurant is Saint Pierre Cathedral. Originally built in Romanesque style with Gothic influences, it now features a mix of styles, including a Neoclassical facade.

If you want to get a panoramic view of Geneva, you can climb up 157 steps to get the incredible view of the city and lake. There is also an archaeological site below the Cathedral that includes many important artifacts including a 1st-century BC tomb of an ancient Allobrogian chieftain.

ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS IN GENEVA

If time allows, you can also explore another museum like Patek Phillippe Museum, enjoy some shopping, ride the ferris wheel, visit the United Nations Office, or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Geneva. There are many options when it comes to boat cruises on the lake but if you would like to book something in advance, here are several to choose from:

Scenic Lake Cruise with Snacks and Wine

Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise

Geneva Private Cruise

GETTING BACK TO GENEVA AIRPORT

Getting back to the Geneva airport was just as easy as getting to the city center. If you are starting your walk from Old Town, it will be about a 20-minute walk back to the Cornavin station CFF. You will see a huge digital board in front of the ticketing kiosks that gives you all the times of the upcoming train rides.

At the kiosk, type in Geneve Airport and choose one of the trains. Honestly, even if you don’t get on the train with the specified time you purchased, you can ride any train that heads to the airport. The cost is typically 2–3 CHF (~$3.50 USD).

Also wanted to note that even though I had some cash in Swiss Francs, I did not need to use it once. I only used my cash once I got to the airport so that I could be rid of it. Everywhere else, I was able to use my credit card.

Hope this guide helped you out and if you have any questions or additional tips, please let me know in the comments below. Looking forward to hearing from you!

♥ Crystal

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