Switzerland is a wonderful country to visit. We had been there already in 2016 (in the cities of Zürich and Lucerne), and now we were back to visit the famous Geneva. Yet, it’s expensive to stay there, so we decided to stay in Lyon, very close, and go on a day trip by bus.

Léman Lake

Geneva is right in the boundary of the country and is an amazing city. As we had just one day, we visited only the central area, where there are a lot of things to be seen.

As soon as we arrived, we went to Lake Geneva, called bains des pâquis, a kind of a beach in the lake (we relaxed and a enjoyed it for a while). There was a gatehouse when we entered, but they didn’t charge, as it was really early, but when we left, we saw that the access costs 2 euros (9 Reais) per person.

Jardin Anglais

We visited Jardin Anglais, the park in front of the lake, where there are a lot of benches and shades of trees, and you can see the boats sailing. There are also fountains and a Ferris Wheel to enjoy.

There’s a giant clock made of flowers that has a 5-meter diameter. It was created to honor the manufacturers of clocks in the city and the nature, and it was the biggest clock in the world for a while.

Jet d’Eau

Jet D’Eau is 140-meter high and hits 200 kilometers per hour. It’s possible to see it from all the sides of the center, located in the lake, very beautiful to see close (there’s a footbridge for access). Depending on the wind, you’ll absolutely take a shower there, pay attention LOL.

Next to it, there are options to rent paddle boats and go around the lake, or go on a boat ride, and sunbathe.

Bridge Mont Blanc

It’s an aside landscape. It has a beautiful view of the city and the other side of the lake. That’s also where Lake Geneva finishes and River Rhône starts running. Curious, isn’t it? The bridge was built in 1903 by the brand Mont Blanc.

After the bridge, there’s soon the center of Geneva, a lively and very luxurious place full of tourists and expensive restaurants (really expensive!). But, of course, there are cheaper options. You can just have a snack, buy something at the supermarket, eat at the squares, which get crowded at lunchtime.

But that doesn’t take away the magic of being in that inspiring city, organized streets and stores, an outdoor mall, stores such as Chanel, Gucci, Mont Blanc, Bulgari, Louis Vitton and many others, walking through the narrow streets, seeing the museums, going to the squares, drinking water of the fountains, etc. It’s very fun, and you can do it in one day.

Marti Marine

It’s a nice place to drink at the pubs in front of Marti Marine, and enjoy the boats, the movement of the lake and the streets. It has a privileged view of the lake, great to take photos and enjoy the day.

The architecture of the buildings around the lake catch our eye too. The originality of the past is still kept, mainly in the other side of the lake. It’s mind-boggling!

Kind of currency

Geneva local currency is the Swiss Franc, and the June / 2019 dollar exchange rate is at Chf1.00 to $ 1.00. We recommend changing currency in a safe place such as an airport or an Exchange, city bank. It’s good to always have local currency.

We’re biased to talk about Switzerland, we were there before and now we were back to visit Geneva. Yeah, it’s an expensive country, where luxury is everywhere, so we loved to be there. Geneva is just what people say, organized, beautiful, lively, inspiring, and very expensive, LOL!

But it was fun, as it was possible to visit it in one day, as it’s a small city and it’s easy to move about there. And by drawing up some strategies, you can spend little and visit everything. It’s very worthwhile.