The towering pieces make every move feel a bit more dramatic, a bit more strategic, as you pace across the giant checkered board. It's easy to join in—just approach someone in the park and ask for a game, as I did. (Spoiler: I won.) And for my non-chess-playing friends, being surrounded by the serene park setting and the stunning view of Lake Geneva was enough to make the visit feel like a win regardless
Trying Fondue with Chornicons
During my three days in Geneva, I had fondue three times—once for each day. This was between May and June, which, according to my local Swiss friends, is “too hot or too summery” for fondue. But let’s be honest—can anyone really visit Switzerland without trying fondue? I’d vote no.
There are countless spots across the city serving fondue, but the real connoisseurs know where to go. My personal favorite? Auberge de Savièse, where you can savor a variety of cheeses—classic Gruyère, Emmental, or more adventurous blends infused with black truffles, Prosecco, or even bacon. You can customize your own fondue blend and pair it with a delicious spread of cornichons, mushrooms, potatoes, and vegetables
Other fondue spots I tried and thoroughly enjoyed were Restaurant Les Armures—a cozy, historic venue in Old Town—and the laid-back, lakeside Bains des Pâquis, where you can dip bread into cheese with views of Lake Geneva. A fondue a day? No regrets.
While telling myself Cheese is 45% Water
UN Complex and Pink Swan Pedal Boats. In the 19th century, Geneva emerged as a global hub for humanitarianism with the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and later, the adoption of the Geneva Conventions. After World War I, the city became the headquarters of the League of Nations, and following World War II, it welcomed the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and a host of specialized UN agencies. A guided tour of the Palais des Nations lets you explore this layered history—taking you through the Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber
But there’s a lesser-known gem the official tours often skip: the UN’s private beach on Lake Geneva
Picture this—alpine views, crystal-clear waters, and pink swan pedal boats gliding across the lake, usually steered by enthusiastic UN interns locked in friendly races. It’s like stumbling onto a laid-back 25-year-old’s pool party… only it’s hosted by the United Nations
Lakside. There’s Carouge—a charming neighborhood with cobbled streets, indie boutiques, laid-back cafés. Also the the Jet d’Eau up close as it shoots water 140 meters into the sky. From either side—or pretty much anywhere along the lakefront—you can spot the towering Mont Blanc in the distance, a constant, snow-capped reminder that nature’s always nearby, even in the heart of the city
There are countless ways to tell time in the city that invented modern watchmaking—Geneva
Start with the iconic Flower Clock, a large timepiece nestled in the English Garden (Jardin Anglais). Entirely made of seasonal flowers, the clock not only dazzles with its beauty but also functions with precision, thanks to hidden, meticulously maintained Swiss machinery—just like everything else in Switzerland?
For a deeper dive into horological history, visit the Patek Philippe Museum, home to watches crafted over 500 years ago that still keep impeccable time. The museum beautifully illustrates the brand’s famous motto: “You don’t buy a Patek Philippe, you merely take care of it for the next generation.”
If you want to get hands-on, Geneva offers some watchmaking workshops where you can “make time” for yourself by learning the art and craft behind these timepieces
L'Horloge Fleurie
Geneva is like a perfectly polished gem. In Geneva, things happen exactly when they’re supposed to—never a minute later
Whether you’re hopping on a tram or taking a boat across Lake Geneva (Fun fact is that some people take the boat from Geneva into the French side to buy groceries because its cheaper!)
Public transport runs like clockwork. Offices close promptly around 5 PM, and as the workday winds down, the city empties out and falls into a peaceful quiet. I distinctly remember trying to get dinner at 9 PM and realizing the hotel restaurants had already stopped serving.
From its seamless infrastructure and elegant architecture to its precise governance, Geneva feels like a well-oiled machine. For someone like me, who grew up in India surrounded by hustle, bustle, and unpredictability, Geneva was the perfect escape—a breath of calm and order, or perhaps too perfect
Note to self: Return to see the Lindt Chocolate Factory a bit away from the city
