I visited an underrated city just one hour from the UK that feels a world away | Europe | Travel

Geneva might be best known for its luxury watches, international reputation and eye-wateringly expensive lifestyle, but there’s much more to this Swiss city than meets the eye. Sitting on the shores of Lake Geneva, with the Alps providing a spectacular backdrop, it offers a mix of historic streets, independent chocolate shops and beautiful waterfront walks.

Compared with Zurich, Geneva feels quieter and more relaxed, making it an appealing choice for a city break without the hustle and bustle of a bigger destination. It’s also surprisingly easy to explore over a weekend, with many of its main attractions within walking distance of one another. I visited to discover what makes Geneva worth a trip and found a city that combines understated charm with some seriously impressive sights, and a stay at one of the most iconic hotels. It also took just over an hour to fly from London to Geneva, making it super easy and quick to get to.

After visiting Zurich last year and falling in love with Switzerland as a whole, I made it my mission to explore some of the lesser-visited locations.

This brought me to Geneva, which turned out to have an atmosphere very different from the one I had in mind. While it has a reputation for luxury and business, it doesn’t feel overwhelmingly busy, and there’s a more laid-back pace to exploring its streets and lakeside promenades.

The city sits at a point where the Rhône flows out of Lake Geneva, with the famous Jet d’Eau fountain rising dramatically from the water. It’s one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, shooting a tall plume of water into the sky and providing a striking backdrop for photographs.

Walking along the waterfront is one of the easiest ways to take in the scenery, with boats crossing the lake and views stretching towards the mountains on a clear day.

What makes this city so appealing is that you don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy it. You can spend time wandering the lake, stopping for coffee, browsing shops and taking in the architecture without feeling as though you have to rush from one attraction to another.

Old town

A visit to Geneva wouldn’t feel complete without exploring its Old Town, known locally as La Vieille Ville. Set on a hill above the city centre, this historic neighbourhood is filled with cobbled streets, picturesque squares, independent shops and cafes tucked into older buildings.

It’s a lovely area to explore on foot, particularly if you enjoy discovering narrow lanes and independent shops.

One of the main landmarks is St Pierre Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and stands prominently overlooking the Old Town. Visitors can explore the cathedral and, where access is available, climb the towers for panoramic views across the rooftops and towards the lake.

It’s also home to the world’s longest wooden bench, sitting at 120 metres. Built in 1767, it’s not a sight to miss.

Another landmark worth seeking out is Geneva’s famous Flower Clock, which sits at the entrance to the Jardin Anglais beside the lake. Created in 1955 as a tribute to the city’s renowned watchmaking industry, the clock combines Swiss precision with horticultural artistry, using thousands of plants and flowers to create its colourful face.

Chocolate shops

Switzerland and chocolate go hand in hand, so naturally, trying some local chocolate was high on my list when visiting Geneva. The city has a long chocolate-making tradition, with established chocolatiers and independent boutiques selling everything from bars to truffles to pralines.

Some well-known names include Favanger, as well as other specialist chocolate shops dotted around the city. Each offers a slightly different experience, whether you’re looking for traditional Swiss chocolate, more elaborate handmade treats or something special to take home. The Lindt shop sitting in the city centre is also worth a visit.

Cheese fondue

Chocolate aside, fondue is another Swiss classic worth making time for. Traditionally made with melted cheese served in a communal pot, it’s a comforting, social dish that feels very warming after a cold day exploring.

I opted to dine at Restaurant Les Armures in the heart of the Old Town and enjoyed a traditional fondue alongside crunchy bread and potatoes.

Menus and recipes vary, but the dish is often made with a mixture of cheeses, white wine, and seasonings.

Hotels

Geneva has no shortage of luxury hotels, but the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues is one of the city’s most recognisable addresses. Dating back to 1834, it has a long history overlooking Lake Geneva and combines the grandeur of a historic hotel with the facilities and service expected of a modern five-star stay.

The hotel occupies a prime position in the city centre, making it a convenient base for exploring Geneva on foot. The lakefront is just outside, while the Old Town and high-end shopping streets are within easy reach. It’s the sort of location that allows you to spend the day sightseeing before returning somewhere that feels removed from the pace of the city.

The hotel was one of the most impressive I’ve stayed at, from its elegant surroundings to the overall experience. It added another dimension to my trip and gave me the chance to see Geneva’s most luxurious side first-hand. Rather than feeling like somewhere to simply sleep between days out, it felt like a destination in its own right.

The interiors balance classic grandeur with more contemporary touches, creating an atmosphere that feels refined without losing the character of the historic building. Its guest rooms and suites feature distinctive design details and views of the city, courtyard, and lake. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and Spa Mont Blanc, offering plenty of ways to unwind after a day exploring.

While the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are renowned for their luxury, it’s not actually the most expensive hotel in Geneva.

The most expensive hotel in Geneva is the Hotel President Wilson, a Luxury Collection Hotel, famous for housing the world’s most expensive hotel suite. It’s a well-known luxury destination for diplomats, heads of state and international travellers.

Restaurants

Unlike sprawling food hubs like Paris, London or Tokyo, Geneva is relatively small, which can make finding restaurants hard. Luckily, the Four Seasons is home to several restaurants and bars, giving guests options without having to venture outside the hotel every evening. It’s also incredibly popular with passers-by, too.

Among its dining options are II Lago, which focuses on Italian cuisine, and Izumi, which offers Japanese-inspired cuisine. The hotel’s range of restaurants and bars adds to its appeal for travellers who want their accommodation to be part of the overall experience, rather than simply a place to return to at night.

Of course, the Four Seasons sits firmly at the luxury end of the market, so it won’t suit every budget. But for a special occasion like when I visited, or a trip where the hotel is intended to be a highlight in its own right, it’s an impressive option to consider.

Nearby destinations

One of the unexpected highlights of my trip was taking a day trip to Annecy, a picturesque town just across the French border. I travelled there by FlixBus from Geneva, making it a straightforward way to explore somewhere different without having to hire a car.

Known for its winding canals, colourful old buildings, and a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, Annecy felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

With pretty streets to wander, independent shops to browse and plenty of places to stop for a crêpe or coffee, it was a lovely contrast to Geneva and well worth setting aside a day for.