When you think of going to a city, you probably picture a short trip with lots of sightseeing. Most of the time, you don’t think about relaxing in the sun or having fun outside. Geneva is a great place to go on vacation in the summer because it has a lot of different things to do. During the height of summer, the average high temperature is between 77 and 78 F (25 and 26 C), which is perfect for a more laid-back vacation.
- Things to do in the water
Geneva is on the edge of Lake Geneva, which is also called Lac Leman. The water in this lake is turquoise and clear, like the water you might see at an exotic beach. Geneva is on the Rhone river, so this is the perfect vacation spot for people who like to be near water. Sailboats, paddle boards, and kayaks are all great ways to enjoy the lake.
A little farther away, you can go rafting on the Arve, which has waterfalls, rapids, and places to swim. If you’d rather do something more relaxed, you can take one of the many cruises on the lake that let you get close to the Jet d’Eau and see more of the lake.
2. Yes, there are beaches as well…
Geneva has been building places for tourists and locals to relax by the beautiful lake, and there are now several beaches and waterside terraces to enjoy the lake. With a temperature of 23°C, the lake may be a little cool for some, but at the main Geneva Plage, there is also an outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool for those who don’t like the cold. It also has small pools, slides, and high dives for older kids.
- Spas
Switzerland has long been known as the place to go for health and spas. One of the best places to stay in Geneva itself is the Bain Bleu, which is right next to Geneva Plage. The building has its own entrance to Geneva Plage, so you can visit both places on the same trip. The spa itself has a beautiful hydrotherapy pool on the roof that is heated to a cozy 36c. Here, you can use the large pool’s different water therapy stations or relax by the pool with a drink from the bar. The beautiful view of the lake and mountains from the terrace will add to your relaxation. There are 3,000 m2 of water baths inside and outside to enjoy.
On cloudy days, there is also the Hamman experience and the Mystical pool, which is a hydrotherapy pool with a cascading shower and hidden spots. There are also many treatments available at Bain Bleu.
- Vineyards
It’s a bit of a secret that a beautiful wine-making area is only about 30 minutes away from Geneva. But, unlike many other wine regions, it hasn’t been ruined by tourists. As you head toward the Chasselas region, you’ll pass through villages that look like they belong in a fairy tale and fields full of sunflowers. Most vineyards don’t sell their wine outside of Switzerland, so take advantage of the chance to try these wines, which are often made with Swiss grapes like Gamaret.
A Tuk-Tuk is a fun way to see the vineyards. The company can also set up dinner or drinks for you while you ride around in the Tuk Tuk. Domaine Les Perrières is a great place to start if you want to visit a vineyard. Because the wineries here are small, you often need to make an appointment to taste. Domaine Des Perriers, on the other hand, is open and you can just walk in six days a week. It is a family business that has been making wine since 1794. The 8th generation of the Rochaix family runs it now.
They also make a wide variety of wines, so not only will there be something for everyone, but there will also be more to try! Wines are made from a variety of grapes, from the local Gameret to a fruity Sauvignon blanc or sparkling wine.
- The place, the place, the place
There are many places close to Geneva that you can visit for a day or two. If you want to see Geneva from a different angle, you can go to Mont Salève. The bus ride from the city to the cable car base is short. It is also a great place to hike, paraglide, climb, or ride a mountain bike. A bit further away are the cities of Lausanne and Montreux, which are on the other side of Lake Geneva. Montreux is famous for its jazz festival, but this beautiful town is also a great place to relax and see new things. Its grand buildings from the Belle Époque era and beautiful plants from its microclimate make it a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Or, you can take a tour of the beautiful countryside nearby, which includes the Lavaux wine region. Take the Golden Pass Railway from Montreux to Zweisimmen to see beautiful mountain scenery. You could also take the train to towns like Verbier in the Alps, which are better known for their ski resorts. But the summer is also a beautiful time to visit the Alpine countryside.
Who to stay with
Geneva has top hotels from well-known high-end brands like Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and Fairmont for people who like luxury. The Hotel Metropole has been around since 1854, so it has a lot of history. However, the rooms were recently completely remodeled to look more modern. It is in the middle of everything because it is right next to the Jardins Anglais. Even if you don’t stay there, you have to go to their Met Rooftop lounge. Along with the beautiful views of the lake, you can choose from a variety of tapas dishes and cocktails with interesting gin pairings.
If you are on a tighter budget or want to travel outside of Geneva, the Hilton Geneva Hotel and Conference Centre is a good choice. It has a large swimming pool, a central terrace, easy access to the airport, and trains to Montreux and other places.
How to get there and where to go
From the airport, it only takes 20 minutes by taxi, or a little longer by train or bus, to get to Geneva city. You can get a free public transportation card and a Geneva Resort Pass, which gives you discounts or free entry to 100 activities, until the end of August 2022. Your Resort Pass and your free Geneva Transport Card will be sent to you by email the day before you arrive. You can also get the same benefits by buying a Geneva City Pass at other times of the year.
