Genève Fall
Hiking, shopping and city sightseeing in the capital of diplomacy.
I have always found it difficult to figure out how much time to spend in different cities, and often find myself having too much or too little time wherever I go. A traveller Goldielocks if you will.
In the fall I had 3 1/2 days in Genèva and suffice to say it was too little for my long itinerary of shopping, sightseeing and hiking.
I took off on an early midday in the late fall - on the most beautiful blue sky day. I’m sure I’m not the only person obsessed with looking at clouds from above. Here are just a few on my 50 airplane videos and pictures. Put me at the window please. It never gets old!
Arriving at the airport I took the train to the city center. I don’t speak a word of French, so ChatGPT’s vision was a lifesaver in the 1 min I had to decide what train to take. Well to be fair, I do know how to ask for red wine in French, which is accidentally also the most important thing to know. In any language if I may say so.
My hotel was just across from the train station Cornavin - like JUST ACROSS which was a genius choice given the short time I had to transport myself to and from places.
Find Hotel Suisse here
https://www.hotel-suisse.ch
Pl. de Cornavin 10, 1201 Genève, Switzerland
The city is centered around the beautiful Rhône canal and lake Geneva, both of which work perfectly as a guide for those with bad way finder instincts.
On day two I took the train on a merry go a-round lake Genève with my hiking shoes, bag full of high cal dense, but very compact snack raide of the nearest well assorted 7/11. My stop was Rochers-de-Naye and a four hour solo hike up the Alps. I took a gazillion pictures and videos because the view was insane. But also again with the clouds and what can I do!
If you also like to challenge yourself to always take the more difficult road, then brace yourself for some tough roads, very steep slopes, and the mild risk of losing your life tripping on some loose rocks in places with no rail. The rush was exhilarating!
Hiking in the alps is in general the best for hiking lovers. So hike, alps, views, blue sky and complete stillness. The perfect antidote to our dopamine lifes.
Back in city I had a much needed shower before I headed out for dinner. Before traveling I found a Genève food instagrammer, and dug through her recs. Susuru Ramen turned out to be amazing, the mood cozy and the staff friendly and attentive. Big recommendation from me as well. I went with a vegan tofu option, but they have food for any type of foodie.
Find Susuru Ramen here
https://www.susuru-ramen.ch
Rue du Stand 35, 1204 Genève, Schweiz
I had a breakfast and matcha (that was supposed to be the best in Genève) the next morning at Barista Lab and it did not live up to the hype. After around 30 minutes I had to remind them that I hadn’t gotten my food yet, and the wait and the meh-matcha made the food forgettable.
Find the Barista Lab here
https://thebaristalab.com
Bvd de Saint-Georges 8, 1205 Genève, Schweiz
After breakfast I went to the contemporary art museum MAMCO to see the “MAMCO, From Memory” exhibitions with some pretty insane installations that still sit with me.
Find MAMCO here
https://www.mamco.ch
Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 10, 1205 Genève, Switzerland
Later I strolled along the Rhône canal to the nearby city of Carouge which is full of really charming artisan stores, and storeowners who all know each other and will help you find just what you need. I was heading for the Tea Repertoire to find some good matcha and I had to hold myself back from not loading up on everything from this cute store because alas my hiking gear took up every bit of room and weight in my luggage. But one tin of Claire de lune matcha did find its way into my bag.
Find Tea Repertoire here
https://tearepertoire.com
Rue Saint-Joseph 13, 1227 Carouge, Switzerland
My last day I dedicated for some light shopping in the neighborhoods around the canal, and some window browsing in the high luxury street of Rue du Rhône, which is any shopping addicts wet dream.
During the days I also wandered to and past a few sightseeing must-sees, but I must say, I often find myself a little indifferent to them, and much prefer café life, museums, and getting lost in small streets and local places.
Last night I had dinner at vegan restaurant Gives A Fork and holy cow the breadcrumbed king mushrooms gave me the chills. I don’t know how they packaged that much flavour into such a thing. I also had the tacos and the portions are healthy to say the least, so I had to leave half of it to avoid busting my pants and risk overeating before flying back home later that night. I have never regretted leaving food on a plate that much.
The interior and the whole visual concept of Gives A Fork is completely bonkers! I don’t think I have ever seen such horrible tasteless interior, but weirdly still very on brand, and the food was good enough to get on a plane for.
Find Gives A Fork here
https://www.givesafork.com
Rue David-Dufour 8, 1205 Genève, Schweiz
Final verdicts - I could have used another 3-4 days in Genève, and would then have included 2 hikes more, and some more city exploring. For a relatively small city, there’s lots to do and see - and fall was a wonderful time to go there with fewer crowds and mild weather.
Where should I go next?
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