A Few Hours in Geneva
 

I've got an upcoming trip to visit a college buddy in Warsaw in February (see the Itineraries page for details) and I've gotten myself a 9 hour layover in Geneva. Figuring roughly 2 hours to clear customs and get downtown, plus another 2 hours or so to get back to the airport and through security, etc., I should have 4-5 hours (between 10AM and 2PM) to roam the city.

I've never been before. In fact, I've never been to Continental Europe before. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to kill a few hours in the city? The one thing I have decided on so far is to visit Cafe de Paris near the main train station downtown for I've heard is their killer entrecote. Is there anything else in that area, or convenient to it by public transport, that's a "must see"?

Also, where's the most convenient place to swap US$ for Swiss Francs?

Thanks.

Hoya first of all clearing customs and getting into town should be about 30 minutes or so by taxi or bus. So you will have lots of time. It is best to use an ATM at the airport or in town to get Swiss Francs. But you can also change cash at the airport. I find wandering the halls at the UN is quite interesting. Try lunch in one of the main cafeterias there. However off and on they limit access to the public. It is worth a try. Then go up to the old town and check out one of the Cathedrals that has a very ancient burial chamber in the basement. It's pretty interesting.

Buses and taxis are plentiful so it is easy to get around.

I'd take the train into town - it's all of six minutes. Taxis and buses will take much longer.

Trains run just about every 15 mins to from the airport directly to Gare de Cornavin ( main train station ) when you leave the station head downhill on Rue de Mont Blanc toward the lake (Lac Leman) it is about four short blocks.
For the old city and most interesting sigt for a short visit head right crossing the bridge where the Rhone meets the edge of the lake, view the flower clock then head right uphill (past lots of upscale shops) towards the cathedral. I believe you can still climb the over 150 steps to the tower.
Also of interest in the general vicinity is an arcaded armoury.

If you love pork and especially pigs feet near the summit of Rue del Fountain there is a great little restaurant named "au pied de cochon"

mike

Enjoy a wonderful meal at Les Armures ( http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/resto_e/index.html ) which is in the old city. After your meal, just meander in the old city. It's just lovely. Stop into Manor and meander around such a large and wonderful store. They've got the best prices on chocolates. Walk over the bridges where the Rhone begins. The views of the Jet d'eau are wonderful. Perhaps walk in the many parks on Lac Leman. The bus system is fantastic in Geneva. Just buy a one-day pass and you can go on and off the fabulous network of buses Geneva calls its own.

My husband and I took the #10 bus from the airport to Cornavin (which is in the center of every bus route in the main part of town) and it took maybe 20 minutes. I love the buses.

Regarding transportation, you'll want the new 7CHF 9am-12am day pass, or the 10CHF 24-hour version if you arrive earlier.

Both cover every means of public transportation in and around Geneva: trains, trams, busses, and even the shuttle boat in season.

If taking the train to the central Cornavin station, be warned that the train station does not advertise them, and will sell you a more expensive, train-only ticket.

Buy the pass at the bus stop upstairs; the machine only takes coins, and does not give change back, IIRC.


Taxis are overpriced, with a 10 minute ride costing as much as a pretty good meal (~30CHF).

What a shame that your first chance to experience continental Europe is a few hours in Geneva, rather than almost any other European city of similar size. Geneva offers very little in the way of really great tourist sites, though I'd still go into town just for the ambience if I were in a similar situation. And as others suggest, it's also worth the trip in for the food, which can be quite good.

Paradoxically, if you had a few days rather than a few hours, Geneva would be a great place to land, because it's excellently situated for a weekend getaway to some of Europe's most spectacular locations. I've often said that Geneva is sort of the opposite of what people used to say about New York City: it's a place you wouldn't want to visit, but would love to live there.

Wow, feeling sorry for the OP for having free time in Geneva??? What's that saying....one man's feast is another man's garbage? Something like that. Anyway, I wish I were spending another day in Geneva. :)

You'll breeze thru Customs
 

I've been there 3 times for work, and each time I've just walked thru in less than 5 seconds. The line for immigration has been less than 5 minutes. The train from the airport to downtown is fairly new, and highly recommended. I'd say the highlight of the town is the lake and the surrounding area. Definitely worth a stroll. Can the public still get in to the UN? Security procedures have changed there. tls

I fly frequently to Tokyo during the peak travel times to visit family. I guess I'm just used to ridiculously long lines at immigration, etc. Five minutes, eh? I should talk mom and dad into moving to Europe. :)

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback. So far, almost nothing I've heard here has been mentioned in a guidebook, which is great. The last thing I want is to be surrounded by throngs of tourists -- I assume there will be tourists, even in February.

(Hey, check it out: my 100th post! Woohoo!)

Congrats on the 100 posts. Pretty soon it will be 1000!

As for throngs of tourists, you just don't see that in Geneva. It is a diplomatic town so there are lots of people from other places, but they are all there to work. I have been there at all different times of the year and I can't ever remember seeing a lot of tourists. Throngs of demonstraters around the UN somtimes, yes. Tourists, no.

I just remembered a great way to kill an hour or so. Across from the UN are the world headquarters of the Red Cross. They have a great museum covering the history of the Red Cross. It's pretty interesting.

If you're into fine timepieces (fancy watches), there are tons of stores on either sides of the bridge along Rue de Mont Blanc. I spent 1/2 day oogling over $100K watches.

Walk around the Old Town, where you can see parts of the old city wall, and cute little shops. Wear comfortable shoes, cause it's hilly and cobblestone roads.

Check out the lake and the giant fountain (is it still running full blast in the winter?)

Enjoy

Bump. Heading off for this layover in a few days, wanted to know if there were any more suggestions. Mostly, I just want to wander and take in the city's highlights and ambience.

The one thing I'd really like to know, come to think of it, is if there is a nice inexpensive place for lunch that wouldn't intimidate a non-French speaker.

Many thanks.

The Museum of Art & History is a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours. Modest collection of classics, interesting displays of armor from the past, and no admission fee.