Guidebook for Geneva
Food Scene
Excellent Italian restaurant, tasty food, large portions, beautiful outdoor seating
24 Einheimische empfehlen
Les Tilleuls
2 Av. des TilleulsExcellent Italian restaurant, tasty food, large portions, beautiful outdoor seating
Great Thai food. Tasteful indoor seating. Outdoor seating in a stunning, Thai style garden.
23 Einheimische empfehlen
Na Village
57 Rue de Saint-JeanGreat Thai food. Tasteful indoor seating. Outdoor seating in a stunning, Thai style garden.
Fabulous home-cooked Oriental food. The owner takes excellent care of her guests. Relaxed, totally unpretentious and slightly improvised little restaurant with a wonderful family feel to it.
Le Figuier Sàrl
32 Av. De-LusernaFabulous home-cooked Oriental food. The owner takes excellent care of her guests. Relaxed, totally unpretentious and slightly improvised little restaurant with a wonderful family feel to it.
Self-service restaurant with super fresh salads, home-made cakes, one tasty plat du jour at lunch and dinner time, fair pricing, wonderful outdoor seating overlooking the harbor and Geneva old town
365 Einheimische empfehlen
Bains des Pâquis
30 Quai du Mont-BlancSelf-service restaurant with super fresh salads, home-made cakes, one tasty plat du jour at lunch and dinner time, fair pricing, wonderful outdoor seating overlooking the harbor and Geneva old town
Café, wine & tapas bar in an old cottage full of character, situated in a lovely park. Outdoor seating, do book ahead.
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Cottage Café
7 Rue Adhémar-FabriCafé, wine & tapas bar in an old cottage full of character, situated in a lovely park. Outdoor seating, do book ahead.
Fabulous wine bar right on the river Rhône. Excellent wines, tasty tapas, cheese platters, etc. Highly recommended but do book ahead!
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Le Rouge & Le Blanc Genève
82 Quai des BerguesFabulous wine bar right on the river Rhône. Excellent wines, tasty tapas, cheese platters, etc. Highly recommended but do book ahead!
French bistrot in the lively Pâquis neighborhood. Friendly services, good food.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Restaurant Entrecôte Couronnée
5 Rue des PâquisFrench bistrot in the lively Pâquis neighborhood. Friendly services, good food.
Wonderful, tiny Italian restaurant (18 seats). Pricy, but incredible burata, vitello tonnato, and yummy hot dishes.
6 Einheimische empfehlen
La Favola
15 Rue Jean-CalvinWonderful, tiny Italian restaurant (18 seats). Pricy, but incredible burata, vitello tonnato, and yummy hot dishes.
Mikado
9 Rue de l'Ancien-PortLovely sushi, sashimi etc to take away
Funky but unpretentious after-work drinks bar, wildly mixed together group of customers, great local beer from Geneva, Pimm's, home-made gulches and empanadas
25 Einheimische empfehlen
La Petite Reine
15 Pl. de MontbrillantFunky but unpretentious after-work drinks bar, wildly mixed together group of customers, great local beer from Geneva, Pimm's, home-made gulches and empanadas
Yummy fondue in a great atmosphere in the winter, cute outdoor seating in the garden in the summer.
40 Einheimische empfehlen
Café du Soleil
6 Pl. du Petit-SaconnexYummy fondue in a great atmosphere in the winter, cute outdoor seating in the garden in the summer.
Stylish restaurant with wonderful food, in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Geneva - Carouge.
13 Einheimische empfehlen
Café du Marché
4 Pl. du MarchéStylish restaurant with wonderful food, in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Geneva - Carouge.
Great place for a cup of coffee in the afternoon, and a drink in the evening
21 Einheimische empfehlen
Cheval Blanc
15 Pl. de l'OctroiGreat place for a cup of coffee in the afternoon, and a drink in the evening
Some say Mortimer's has the best chocolate cake in town. Whether that's true or not: it is indeed delicious! Nice outdoor seating.
Monna Isa Restaurant
8 Pl. du Bourg-de-FourSome say Mortimer's has the best chocolate cake in town. Whether that's true or not: it is indeed delicious! Nice outdoor seating.
Molino is a chain of Italian restaurants. Food is always fresh, tasty, and of a rather high level. Nice outdoor seating on the lively pedestrian square Place du Molard.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Pizzeria Ristorante Molino Molard
7 Pl. du MolardMolino is a chain of Italian restaurants. Food is always fresh, tasty, and of a rather high level. Nice outdoor seating on the lively pedestrian square Place du Molard.
Absolutely wonderful restaurant, delightful seating on the roof-top terrace (do book and ask for a table with lake view), delicious, high-class filets de perch and other dishes, friendly service.
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Restaurant les Jardins du Léman
30 Grande RueAbsolutely wonderful restaurant, delightful seating on the roof-top terrace (do book and ask for a table with lake view), delicious, high-class filets de perch and other dishes, friendly service.
I have yet to visit the Lemon Café personally, but I have heard so many wonderful things about it that I cannot wait to go. Also, it's super close to my home. Bit pricey, though.
Lemon Café
4 Rue du VidolletI have yet to visit the Lemon Café personally, but I have heard so many wonderful things about it that I cannot wait to go. Also, it's super close to my home. Bit pricey, though.
Have not yet been here myself, but have heard so many people rave about Le Léxique! Small menu, but everything is fresh and prepared with lots of love and pride. Apparently, it is small, so book ahead
Le Lexique
14 Rue de la FaucilleHave not yet been here myself, but have heard so many people rave about Le Léxique! Small menu, but everything is fresh and prepared with lots of love and pride. Apparently, it is small, so book ahead
A warm, cosy place with armchairs, candles, a great chandelier and artwork - and, of course, very yummy crêpes! Drink a glass of apple cider with them, if you want to as the French do :o)
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Entre Homard&Côte
6 Rue de ZurichA warm, cosy place with armchairs, candles, a great chandelier and artwork - and, of course, very yummy crêpes! Drink a glass of apple cider with them, if you want to as the French do :o)
Fancy Japanese? Uchino has it, and on a really high level (hence the hefty price tag). They prepare most dishes fresh right in front of you. It is tiny, though, so make a reservation.
Uchino
45 Rue de ZurichFancy Japanese? Uchino has it, and on a really high level (hence the hefty price tag). They prepare most dishes fresh right in front of you. It is tiny, though, so make a reservation.
Another place I have yet to discover in person - however, everyone, including Swiss TV, agrees that they currently have the best burgers in town!
43 Einheimische empfehlen
Inglewood Plainpalais
44 Bd du Pont-d'ArveAnother place I have yet to discover in person - however, everyone, including Swiss TV, agrees that they currently have the best burgers in town!
Straight forward, honest burgers: plain, cheese, or cheese and bacon. They are good, and the place is always lively. Also, superb desserts. Try out the bar next door for pre- or post-dinner drinks.
49 Einheimische empfehlen
The Hamburger Foundation - Paquis
37 Rue Philippe-PlantamourStraight forward, honest burgers: plain, cheese, or cheese and bacon. They are good, and the place is always lively. Also, superb desserts. Try out the bar next door for pre- or post-dinner drinks.
Really tasty Indian food in the Pâquis neighborhood, one of the liveliest in the city.
18 Einheimische empfehlen
Little India
20 Rue du PrieuréReally tasty Indian food in the Pâquis neighborhood, one of the liveliest in the city.
Fabulous dim sums! And a giant selection of special teas. Hundreds of little tea pots as decor, transports you right to China. I absolutely love it here. DO book in advance, the place is tiny.
18 Einheimische empfehlen
Le Thé
65 Rue des BainsFabulous dim sums! And a giant selection of special teas. Hundreds of little tea pots as decor, transports you right to China. I absolutely love it here. DO book in advance, the place is tiny.
Have not yet been myself, but the new "in" restaurant for Japanese food in Geneva. Need to book.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Pakùpakù
43 Rue VautierHave not yet been myself, but the new "in" restaurant for Japanese food in Geneva. Need to book.
Wonderfully relaxed spot for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, especially in good weather. Beautiful, shaded terrace. Great baked goods, try the croissant aux amandes (almond croissant) - to die for!
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Boulangerie pâtisserie Eric Emery
2 Chem. Docteur-Adolphe-PasteurWonderfully relaxed spot for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, especially in good weather. Beautiful, shaded terrace. Great baked goods, try the croissant aux amandes (almond croissant) - to die for!
Lovely, buttery croissants and other baked goods, some tables inside and outside to enjoy a nice breakfast. Also great chocolates. Closed on the weekend.
Rue de Vermont 37
37 Rue de VermontLovely, buttery croissants and other baked goods, some tables inside and outside to enjoy a nice breakfast. Also great chocolates. Closed on the weekend.
Rue des Grottes 18
18 Rue des GrottesRather nice couscous, tajines and other Morroccan specialities.
Simple salad and wraps of really high quality. Open only Monday to Friday, 11:30-17:00. They also have a food truck, location changes daily. Check it out on http://www.elsalad.com/foodtruck-en/
Rue des Etuves
Rue des EtuvesSimple salad and wraps of really high quality. Open only Monday to Friday, 11:30-17:00. They also have a food truck, location changes daily. Check it out on http://www.elsalad.com/foodtruck-en/
Lovely spot for a coffee and a sandwich (rather high-end, as run by the 5* hotel just opposite), surrounded by water. Just watch the world go by....
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Ile Rousseau
Lovely spot for a coffee and a sandwich (rather high-end, as run by the 5* hotel just opposite), surrounded by water. Just watch the world go by....
Shopping
Small Portuguese bakery with good baked goods and a little café. Lovely "quartier" feel to it.
O Bom Gosto
4 Rue des AstersSmall Portuguese bakery with good baked goods and a little café. Lovely "quartier" feel to it.
THE best, authentic Italian ice cream in town - do not miss it!
10 Einheimische empfehlen
Gelato Mania Sàrl
25 Rue des PâquisTHE best, authentic Italian ice cream in town - do not miss it!
My favourite grocery store close to home. Lots of fresh vegetables and high-quality products.
25 Einheimische empfehlen
Coop Supermarché Genève Servette
81 Rue de la ServetteMy favourite grocery store close to home. Lots of fresh vegetables and high-quality products.
Manor Genève
6 Rue de CornavinOne of the main department stores in Geneva.
The largest department shopping centre in Geneva, also has a big cinema complex. Catch tram 14 or 18 from Servette, 5 minutes.
70 Einheimische empfehlen
Balexert
27 Av. Louis-CasaïThe largest department shopping centre in Geneva, also has a big cinema complex. Catch tram 14 or 18 from Servette, 5 minutes.
Chocolats Rohr
3 Pl. du MolardLovely hand-made chocolates. Expensive, but worth it.
Geneva station
7 Pl. de CornavinBest bakery in Geneva. 10' walk from home
Sightseeing
THE place to be! Enjoy some sunbathing, swimming, simple but yummy food. Or a visit to the sauna followed by a cheese fondue in the wintertime. Live concerts in the summer every morning at 6am.
365 Einheimische empfehlen
Bains des Pâquis
30 Quai du Mont-BlancTHE place to be! Enjoy some sunbathing, swimming, simple but yummy food. Or a visit to the sauna followed by a cheese fondue in the wintertime. Live concerts in the summer every morning at 6am.
Looking for nature and an a peaceful few hours? Go on a wonderful boat trip down the river Rhône (2 departures per day in the summer, return 2,5 hours). You can walk back to GVA in 4 hours - fabulous!
Swissboat Joël Charrière
4 Quai du Mont-BlancLooking for nature and an a peaceful few hours? Go on a wonderful boat trip down the river Rhône (2 departures per day in the summer, return 2,5 hours). You can walk back to GVA in 4 hours - fabulous!
An utterly charming Medievial town in France. From Geneva, easy to reach by boat in about 1,5 hours. Go for a stroll or stop for the famous filets de perch (fish speciality in Lake Geneva area)
365 Einheimische empfehlen
Yvoire
An utterly charming Medievial town in France. From Geneva, easy to reach by boat in about 1,5 hours. Go for a stroll or stop for the famous filets de perch (fish speciality in Lake Geneva area)
Carouge is a must experience while you are in Geneva. Lovely village-style neighbourhood with old houses, cafés, bakeries, shops, art galeries. Just stroll around and enjoy the moment. Trams 12 & 18
81 Einheimische empfehlen
Carouge
Carouge is a must experience while you are in Geneva. Lovely village-style neighbourhood with old houses, cafés, bakeries, shops, art galeries. Just stroll around and enjoy the moment. Trams 12 & 18
Climb up into the cathedral's tower (tickets inside), to enjoy a beautiful view over Geneva. Stroll around the old town. Stop at Mortimers for chocolate cake. Have a drink at la Clémence.
260 Einheimische empfehlen
Kathedrale St. Peter (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Genève)
Cour de Saint-PierreClimb up into the cathedral's tower (tickets inside), to enjoy a beautiful view over Geneva. Stroll around the old town. Stop at Mortimers for chocolate cake. Have a drink at la Clémence.
Go see the giant "3-legged chair" (a symbol against landmines) and the beautiful mural for peace on the UN builing, done by famous Swiss artist Hans Erni, passed away in March 2015 at 106 years old
165 Einheimische empfehlen
United Nations Office at Geneva
Palais des NationsGo see the giant "3-legged chair" (a symbol against landmines) and the beautiful mural for peace on the UN builing, done by famous Swiss artist Hans Erni, passed away in March 2015 at 106 years old
Wonderfully peaceful for a stroll, lots of different trees, flowers, art works. Nice self-service outdoor café. Connects to lake promenade via a tunnel. Bus 11 from my place
84 Einheimische empfehlen
Jardin botanique de Genève
1 Chem. de l'ImpératriceWonderfully peaceful for a stroll, lots of different trees, flowers, art works. Nice self-service outdoor café. Connects to lake promenade via a tunnel. Bus 11 from my place
Don't want to go far but feel like being outdoors? Lovely Parc Beaulieu is just across the street.
Beaulieu-Park
8 Rue Elisabeth-BaulacreDon't want to go far but feel like being outdoors? Lovely Parc Beaulieu is just across the street.
Another fabulous park - yes, Geneva is full of them. Again, just stroll around and have a drink at elegant Restaurant du Parc des Eaux-Vives, or the more simple "buvette"
77 Einheimische empfehlen
Parc des Eaux-Vives
Another fabulous park - yes, Geneva is full of them. Again, just stroll around and have a drink at elegant Restaurant du Parc des Eaux-Vives, or the more simple "buvette"
Often the easiest - and clearly the most fun! - way to cross the lake. Several itineraries.
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Mouettes Genevoises
8 Quai du Mont-BlancOften the easiest - and clearly the most fun! - way to cross the lake. Several itineraries.
It's the big, whale-shaped mountain you see from my balcony. Catch bus #8 downstairs, to to the terminal. Walk across the border to the cable car, which takes you up. Great walks/views over lake & GVA
47 Einheimische empfehlen
Salève
It's the big, whale-shaped mountain you see from my balcony. Catch bus #8 downstairs, to to the terminal. Walk across the border to the cable car, which takes you up. Great walks/views over lake & GVA
Drinks & Nightlife
Want to see and be seen? This is the place for you. Tiny pub but very vast outdoor seating up in the old town. Bankers, tourists, artists, youngsters - eclectic, fun crowd.
55 Einheimische empfehlen
Café La Clémence
20 Pl. du Bourg-de-FourWant to see and be seen? This is the place for you. Tiny pub but very vast outdoor seating up in the old town. Bankers, tourists, artists, youngsters - eclectic, fun crowd.
Simple bar (inside a circus style caravan), alternative scene. But super relaxed and fabulous location on the banks of River Rhône.
Café les Volontaires
26 Rue de la CoulouvrenièreSimple bar (inside a circus style caravan), alternative scene. But super relaxed and fabulous location on the banks of River Rhône.
Top floor of Swissôtel, rather high-end, great views over the city, for a leisurely lunch or pre-dinner drinks
Le 5 Lounge Bar Restaurant
34 Quai du Général-GuisanTop floor of Swissôtel, rather high-end, great views over the city, for a leisurely lunch or pre-dinner drinks
Everything Else
Your feet are tired from all the sightseeing? Treat yourself to an authentic Thai foot massage at an affordable price at Mao (booking ahead recommended)
Mao Massages
10 Rue de CoutanceYour feet are tired from all the sightseeing? Treat yourself to an authentic Thai foot massage at an affordable price at Mao (booking ahead recommended)
Arts & Culture
Looking for a truly lively neighbourhood? Pâquis it is! Don't be put off by the red light district, which occupies a small part. Lots of bars, cafés, restaurants. Near my favourite Bains des Pâquis
PC Pâquis-Centre
11 Rue du MôleLooking for a truly lively neighbourhood? Pâquis it is! Don't be put off by the red light district, which occupies a small part. Lots of bars, cafés, restaurants. Near my favourite Bains des Pâquis
Funky pool in the shape of a Swiss cross, smack in the middle of down-town. Using water from the River Rhône. Open from June-September, 10h-20h
Pont de la Machine
Pont de la MachineFunky pool in the shape of a Swiss cross, smack in the middle of down-town. Using water from the River Rhône. Open from June-September, 10h-20h
Only for good swimmers, as you need to be careful to get out before you float down too far. But a lovely, relaxed vibe, great, clean water, and some wooden pontons to sunbathe. Also, a small bar
Ponte Sous-Terre
Pont de Sous-TerreOnly for good swimmers, as you need to be careful to get out before you float down too far. But a lovely, relaxed vibe, great, clean water, and some wooden pontons to sunbathe. Also, a small bar
Varembé has both a large indoor as well as a great outdoor pool. Sadly, most of the ground outside is concrete. Still, very convenient as so close to home.
Varembé
Varembé has both a large indoor as well as a great outdoor pool. Sadly, most of the ground outside is concrete. Still, very convenient as so close to home.
Nice place for swimming in the lake, grass, little nautical centre, toilets, bar and outdoor restaurant. 30' walk or bus number 11, get off at Jardins Botaniques and walk the rest of the way (10')
Route de Lausanne 222
222 Route de LausanneNice place for swimming in the lake, grass, little nautical centre, toilets, bar and outdoor restaurant. 30' walk or bus number 11, get off at Jardins Botaniques and walk the rest of the way (10')
Essentials
Small farmer's market with a lovely, lively, relaxed atmosphere. Locals meet there for "apéro" (after work drinks). From 16:30-19:30 in the winter, until 20:30 in the summer.
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Place des Grottes
Place des GrottesSmall farmer's market with a lovely, lively, relaxed atmosphere. Locals meet there for "apéro" (after work drinks). From 16:30-19:30 in the winter, until 20:30 in the summer.
Another lovely Farmers' Market, located in an old farm. Opening hours:
•Tuesday 9h à 18h
•Friday 9h à 18h
•Saturday 9h à 16h
Chemin Moïse-Duboule 2
2 Chemin Moïse-DubouleAnother lovely Farmers' Market, located in an old farm. Opening hours:
•Tuesday 9h à 18h
•Friday 9h à 18h
•Saturday 9h à 16h