It was a fine Saturday morning of March when I woke up in the beautiful Geneva.
This was it! After nine years of traveling and countless visits in Zurich, I finally had the chance to explore Geneva!
If you're planning to visit the city or you're just passing-by, then you should definitely check out this post. Because if you happen to be at Geneva airport and have 4 hours on ground, in-between your flights (or less, if you're a risky person, a visit to the city centre is a great option to spend your hours of waiting.
And as a matter of fact, I'll time my stroll to show you it's risky-free.
Time: 11:00
My wanderlust began at the airport.
I got my free pass for all public transportation from the hotel and I was ready to Hop On the Bus Number 10 - that's the one going from the airport to the city centre. It departs every 10 minutes and in less than 20 minutes you'll be downtown. Awesome, isn't it?
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Time: 11:20
My HOP OFF was at Place Bel'Air, right at the heart of the city.
I had two options; Either walk from the Old City towards the river or the other way around. I chose the latter, since it was such a beautiful spring day, I wouldn't wanna miss the chance to enjoy the incredible scenery by the river.
I walked through picturesque bridges with the Alps all around me - and right before the Mont-Blanc bridge, made a stop to take a few mind-blowing photos!
Check out my view before the traffic light turns green.
I checked I was on the right way and continued towards Jardin Anglais.
Half way through though, I was so mesmerized by the view of the lake, I stopped for a while to enjoy a few moments of beauty. Is it possible I was missing out on Geneva for so long? Is it even possible for a city to be this beautiful? It's so peaceful, picturesque, clean, quiet, regal.
Half way through though, I was so mesmerized by the view of the lake, I stopped for a while to enjoy a few moments of beauty. Is it possible I was missing out on Geneva for so long? Is it even possible for a city to be this beautiful? It's so peaceful, picturesque, clean, quiet, regal.
It's mostly regal actually.
So, I stood there, watching the lake and Jet d'Eau.
A moment was enough to remind me of me my motto; Traveling is one heck of a thing!
I was planning to walk lakeside all the way until I reach the garden.
I even saw an all-red train parked nearby that reminded me of the tram of Istanbul - the one at Istiklal. I really intended walking all the way to the garden, but as I looked back I saw the National Monument of Geneva; two women hugging - a symbol of the Geneva - Switzerland union.
So the road lead me somewhere else at last.
Time: 12:05
I was in front of the Flower Clock of Geneva, right behind the National Monument.
The flower-embroidered dial showed 12:05. I started walking towards to the Old Town, while snapping every corner of my way!
The flower-embroidered dial showed 12:05. I started walking towards to the Old Town, while snapping every corner of my way!
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Time 12:30
After an interesting wanderlust here and there, I have finally made it to the Old Town.
First stop; Place de la Madeleine and the Terrace Agrippa d'Aubigne with a wonderful view to the lake.
First stop; Place de la Madeleine and the Terrace Agrippa d'Aubigne with a wonderful view to the lake.
I kept walking till I reached the Place du Bourg-de-Four where I sipped a cup of hot tea - perfect to enjoy under that spring sun. Time to get lost inside the Old City again!
Non-stop wandering!
Time: 13:30
I arrived at the Saint-Pierre Cathedral.
I arrived at the Saint-Pierre Cathedral.
I could hear the wonderful melodies coming from inside the cathedral - lucky me. My feelings were so strong when I entered. It was not about religion or beliefs. It was all about the cathedral - how well-preserved it was - a fascinating 8th century building.
Αs I'm slowly leaving the Old City behind, I'm snapping everything I meet on my way; doors, windows, alleys and trains!
Oh I'm so deeply in love with those old cities!
Time: 14:30
Ok, now I guess you're wondering if I walked throughout the whole city without having a bite to eat.
So, take a look at what I bumped into while walking in Place Bel-Air! How could I resist?
So, take a look at what I bumped into while walking in Place Bel-Air! How could I resist?
I've had enough of Switzerland's food and my pockets knows that too well. This time, I was into a Fast - Street Food Queen mood and with a burger on hand I kept wandering in the city.
A little before 3, my stroll at Geneva was over.
I don't quite like museums and I won't make a big, fancy list with must-see sites. Everything I saw at Geneva was whilst walking at its streets, squares and alleys. And that's how I love spending my time during traveling; simply and spontaneously. Without worries and endless lists. Choose to listen to a local rather than a map.
I don't quite like museums and I won't make a big, fancy list with must-see sites. Everything I saw at Geneva was whilst walking at its streets, squares and alleys. And that's how I love spending my time during traveling; simply and spontaneously. Without worries and endless lists. Choose to listen to a local rather than a map.
It's about time you hop on Bus Number 10 and return to the airport cause as I promised this would be a 4-hours long stroll. I'll stop for some Skinny Mocha and a few Cartes-Postales writing.
Old habits die hard. Thankfully.
Have you ever visited Geneva?
Give me your tips!
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