Geneve People & Culture
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental – which has an excellent location on Lake Geneva but if we were paying for it ourselves we probably would have looked elsewhere. http://www.mandarinoriental.com/geneva/
Quai Turrettini 1, 1201 Geneva , Switzerland | T: +41 (22) 909 00 00
When we leave Geneva we are staying at: Hotel President Wilson which is really close to Botanical Gardens and the United Nations. It is also on the lake but could take a good 20 minutes to walk to the center of town. Mike Mills has stayed here when he has been in Geneva for work. I think it is a “starwood” hotel so if anyone has points, etc. it could be worth it. http://www.hotelpwilson.com/
Hotel President Wilson 47, Quai Wilson
Geneva , Switzerland
+41.22.906.66.66 We have heard good things about Hotel Les Armures it is in the heart of the Old Town which makes it an amazing location. If you don’t stay there, we highly recommend the restaurant – it is one of the best fondues in Geneva . http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/
1, rue Puits-St-Pierre
1204 Genève
Tél. +41.22.310.91.72 | Fax +41.22.310.98.46
We have also had friends stay at Swissotel Geneva Metropole . This hotel is on the same side of the Lake that Alexis and I live. The location is great. Walking distance to the old town, the flower clock and Park de Bastions. http://www.swissotel.com/geneva/
34 Quai Général Guisan, Geneva , Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 318 3200
Fax: +41 22 318 3300 The Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva just opened this past summer. It is in the location where the Hilton used to be – right on the lake and in a central location. Supposedly they have completely re-done and updated the inside. http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/home/index.htm
19, Quai du Mont - Blanc
CH - 1201 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9089081
Fax: +41 22 9089090 Geneva Restaurants we’d recommend:
Ku De Ta – Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) CH 1227 Carouge. +41.22.342.58.58 – this is one of our favorite restaurants. The Mussels are delicious and the entrecote is excellent. You’ll need a reservation but the hotel can make them for you. This restaurant is easy to get to on public transportation!! Demi Lune – reasonable for lunch in the Old Town . Plus they have a non-smoking room. www.demilune.ch – 3, rue Etienne Dumont, Vielle Ville Geneve. +41.22.312.12.90 SoupCon – 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, 1204 Geneve. You will need to make a reservation! In the old town. www.soupcon.ch +41.22.318.37.37
La Favola – you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash!
http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin , 1204 Genève Tél. +41.22.311.74.37
Hotel Les Armures – we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. It is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. Summer events that may make Hotel prices increase: Fete de Geneve is July 31 – August 10, 2008 - www.fetes-de-geneve.ch (The site will update with times, etc. as we get closer to summer) The last Saturday of the Fete there is a huge fireworks display. The Swiss pride themselves on it. Orange Cinema (a big deal in GVA) – it is basically a movie on the lake. You can check out the times on the website: http://www.orangecinema.ch/en/index.htm if it says “VO” it means “version original” aka English. It is an all evening event. You can have dinner on the lake and then the movie. Restaurants:
- You’ll need a reservation at most restaurants.
Chez Ma Cousine – For lunch or dinner there are many locations in Geneva , super casual. I suggest going to the one in Old Town . We call this ‘the chicken place’ it is probably the most reasonable restaurant in Geneva . For 16 CHF you get half a rotisserie chicken, potatoes and a salad.
6, Pl Du Bourg-de-Four. Tel – 022-310-96.96 http://www.chezmacousine.ch/index_fr.html Demi Lune Café – this is a big hangout for the expat community. Get there early if you don’t want to stand!! Or, if you want to eat make a reservation in the non-smoking room (although eating/lounging on the couches is more fun!). It is also located in the Old Town and is great for lunch or dinner. Go for dinner to mingle with locals and find out where the hot spots are for late night! 3, rue Etienne Dumont. Tel – 022.312.12.90. www.demilune.ch Le Pain Quotidien – (Lunch or breakfast) this is actually a chain, the first one was opened in Brussels and now they are all over Europe and a few in NYC LA. There are 3 locations in Geneva . I have been to all 3 the most convenient for visitors are Plainpalais or Rive.
Genève, Plainpalais - 32 Boulevard Georges Favon - Tel.: 022 781 81 90
Genève, Rive - 21 Boulevard Helvétique - Tel.: 022 736 36 90 http://www.lepainquotidien.com/ Pizzeria da Paolo – This is very casual dining in Geneva and one of the best Pizzeria’s! They don’t take reservations and most weekends there is a line out the door starting from 8:00PM . 3 rue du Lac. (Down the street from La Bodega) Tel – +41(0)22 736 30.49 La Bodega – (Lunch or dinner) This is a great Tapas bar and hang out in the heart of Geneva and close to the lake. They take reservations.
21, rue des Eaux Vives – Tel - +41.(0)22.786.58.46 Ku De Ta – (this is our favorite restaurant in Geneva !! We eat here at least once a month!!) This restaurant is in the area called Carouge. You can take the 12 tram to the Carouge stop. They have an extensive mussels menu, the ‘entrecote de paris’ is to die for and they usually have a fresh fish dish as well. Start with the ‘salad du jardin’ or the ‘tuna sashmi’ and you won’t be disappointed! Make a reservation. If they don’t answer, leave a message on the machine in English, they will get it.
Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) Carouge. Tel - +41.22.342.58.58 SoupCon –. If you are here for work, chances are you will be taken here. The menu is small but the steaks and fish are great (they even have a vegetarian option). You will need to make a reservation! In the Old Town (pop into demi lune before or after dinner for a cocktail). 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, +41.22.318.37.37 www.soupcon.ch
La Favola – (dinner only) you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash! La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin +41.22.311.74.37 http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm Hotel Les Armures – (Lunch or dinner) we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. The restaurant is in the heart of Old Town and is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. 1, rue Puits-St-Pierre - Tél. +41.22.310.34.42 http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/fr/restaurant-geneve.php U Bobba Restaurant – this restaurant is just outside of the ‘chess park’ or Parc de Bastions. They change their menu frequently and the food is good.
22, rue de la Corraterie. Tel (0) 22.310.53.40 www.ubobba.ch Asadal – Korean restaurant in Geneva . If you are French/Swiss food out this is great alternative. It is right downtown. 9, rue des Eaux-Vives Tel – 022.786.01.98 www.asadal.ch La Baguette d’Or – typical Chinese restaurant in Geneva . It is in the Plainpalais area (across from the winter circus at Plaine de Plainpalais). 15, av. Henri-Dunant. Tel-+41.22.328.13.61 THAI – This is a fun/funky restaurant right downtown! The food is excellent and most of the servers speak English. The location on Molard Square is great. There is an Artisanal Beer Bar called ‘Lord Nelson’s Pub’ in the square that serve excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
Restaurant Thaï - 3 rue Neuve-du-Molard - Tel : +41 (0)22 310 12 54 - http://www.thai-geneve.com/ Brasserie LIPP – this place gets good recommendations from friends, etc. After dinner hours check out “le cave” when the block gets hot for cocktails, etc. in the evening.
Confédération Centre, Rue de la Confédération 8 - Tél (022) 318 80 30 Cocktails/Bars Lady Godiva Pub – Yes, it’s an English Pub but it is the place to be in the evening! The food is good and they serve until 11PM . Be careful, if there is an ‘football’ match it might be hard to get in the door!
Lady Godiva English Pub - 53, Boulevard du Pont-d'Arve Plainpalais, - Tel: 022 328 2300 - http://www.ladyg.ch/ Soleil Rouge – Popular pre-dinner/after work cocktails. Not open on Saturday nights!!
This wine bar is non-smoking inside so don’t be alarmed by the mounds of people standing outside!! Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is great! The bar is in downtown Geneva . Boulevard Helvetique, 23 – TEL – (0)22.700.00.24
www.soleilrouge.ch La Cave Calvinus – wine bar in the Old Town . (It is next to Demi Lune). A good option when Demi Lune is packed! Buy a bottle of wine at the bar and sit on the couches drinking with friends! Rue Etienne-Dumont 3 – tel. 022.310.79.05 www.calvinuscave.ch Lord Nelson Pub - Artisanal Beer Bar. excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
9, Place du Molard Tel +41. (0)22. 311.11.00 Alhambar – we have grabbed drinks here a couple of times. The atmosphere is nice and you can grab a snack if you like. 10, rue de la Rôtisserie • entrée Parc Pélisserie
Tél. : 022 312 1313 - http://www.alhambar.com/index.html L’Ethno – it serves good cocktails and offers a nice selection of wines and on week-ends it features good Dj's It is near the Plainpalais area.
Rue Bovy-Lysberg 1, Tel: 022 310 25 21 http://www.ethnobar.ch Late night/Clubbing… La Sip – open from 10-4:30am . They have a couple bars and a ‘disco’ lounge. In the Plainpalais area. Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 8-10. http://www.lasip.ch/ Heaven Lounge – pretty new and non-smoking! Rue Philippe Plantamour 25, phone: +41 (0)22 732 10 22 Java – Late night club under the Kempinski Hotel. Very upscale and expensive! (from their website: Java Club is an all-in-one restaurant nightclub. Fine world cuisine, lavish sofas and good music: a place where you can relax, have dinner, dance and enjoy.) 19 Quai Du Mont Blanc - Tel: +41 22 908 9081 http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/bars/index.htm?item_id=24686
Shakers – I don’t think you are supposed to go here before 2:00AM !! Late night booty shakin’ Admission fee on the weekends! Rue Winkelried 4, Tel. +41 (0)22 310 55 98, http://www.shakers.ch/ Platinum Club – This is a new trendy spot in Geneva . Admission fee. You can make a reservation by visiting their website: http://www.platinum-club.ch/ 18 Quai du Seujet, 022.738.90.91
When we leave Geneva we are staying at: Hotel President Wilson which is really close to Botanical Gardens and the United Nations. It is also on the lake but could take a good 20 minutes to walk to the center of town. Mike Mills has stayed here when he has been in Geneva for work. I think it is a “starwood” hotel so if anyone has points, etc. it could be worth it. http://www.hotelpwilson.com/
Hotel President Wilson 47, Quai Wilson
Geneva , Switzerland
+41.22.906.66.66 We have heard good things about Hotel Les Armures it is in the heart of the Old Town which makes it an amazing location. If you don’t stay there, we highly recommend the restaurant – it is one of the best fondues in Geneva . http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/
1, rue Puits-St-Pierre
1204 Genève
Tél. +41.22.310.91.72 | Fax +41.22.310.98.46
We have also had friends stay at Swissotel Geneva Metropole . This hotel is on the same side of the Lake that Alexis and I live. The location is great. Walking distance to the old town, the flower clock and Park de Bastions. http://www.swissotel.com/geneva/
34 Quai Général Guisan, Geneva , Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 318 3200
Fax: +41 22 318 3300 The Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva just opened this past summer. It is in the location where the Hilton used to be – right on the lake and in a central location. Supposedly they have completely re-done and updated the inside. http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/home/index.htm
19, Quai du Mont - Blanc
CH - 1201 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9089081
Fax: +41 22 9089090 Geneva Restaurants we’d recommend:
Ku De Ta – Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) CH 1227 Carouge. +41.22.342.58.58 – this is one of our favorite restaurants. The Mussels are delicious and the entrecote is excellent. You’ll need a reservation but the hotel can make them for you. This restaurant is easy to get to on public transportation!! Demi Lune – reasonable for lunch in the Old Town . Plus they have a non-smoking room. www.demilune.ch – 3, rue Etienne Dumont, Vielle Ville Geneve. +41.22.312.12.90 SoupCon – 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, 1204 Geneve. You will need to make a reservation! In the old town. www.soupcon.ch +41.22.318.37.37
La Favola – you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash!
http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin , 1204 Genève Tél. +41.22.311.74.37
Hotel Les Armures – we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. It is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. Summer events that may make Hotel prices increase: Fete de Geneve is July 31 – August 10, 2008 - www.fetes-de-geneve.ch (The site will update with times, etc. as we get closer to summer) The last Saturday of the Fete there is a huge fireworks display. The Swiss pride themselves on it. Orange Cinema (a big deal in GVA) – it is basically a movie on the lake. You can check out the times on the website: http://www.orangecinema.ch/en/index.htm if it says “VO” it means “version original” aka English. It is an all evening event. You can have dinner on the lake and then the movie. Restaurants:
- You’ll need a reservation at most restaurants.
Chez Ma Cousine – For lunch or dinner there are many locations in Geneva , super casual. I suggest going to the one in Old Town . We call this ‘the chicken place’ it is probably the most reasonable restaurant in Geneva . For 16 CHF you get half a rotisserie chicken, potatoes and a salad.
6, Pl Du Bourg-de-Four. Tel – 022-310-96.96 http://www.chezmacousine.ch/index_fr.html Demi Lune Café – this is a big hangout for the expat community. Get there early if you don’t want to stand!! Or, if you want to eat make a reservation in the non-smoking room (although eating/lounging on the couches is more fun!). It is also located in the Old Town and is great for lunch or dinner. Go for dinner to mingle with locals and find out where the hot spots are for late night! 3, rue Etienne Dumont. Tel – 022.312.12.90. www.demilune.ch Le Pain Quotidien – (Lunch or breakfast) this is actually a chain, the first one was opened in Brussels and now they are all over Europe and a few in NYC LA. There are 3 locations in Geneva . I have been to all 3 the most convenient for visitors are Plainpalais or Rive.
Genève, Plainpalais - 32 Boulevard Georges Favon - Tel.: 022 781 81 90
Genève, Rive - 21 Boulevard Helvétique - Tel.: 022 736 36 90 http://www.lepainquotidien.com/ Pizzeria da Paolo – This is very casual dining in Geneva and one of the best Pizzeria’s! They don’t take reservations and most weekends there is a line out the door starting from 8:00PM . 3 rue du Lac. (Down the street from La Bodega) Tel – +41(0)22 736 30.49 La Bodega – (Lunch or dinner) This is a great Tapas bar and hang out in the heart of Geneva and close to the lake. They take reservations.
21, rue des Eaux Vives – Tel - +41.(0)22.786.58.46 Ku De Ta – (this is our favorite restaurant in Geneva !! We eat here at least once a month!!) This restaurant is in the area called Carouge. You can take the 12 tram to the Carouge stop. They have an extensive mussels menu, the ‘entrecote de paris’ is to die for and they usually have a fresh fish dish as well. Start with the ‘salad du jardin’ or the ‘tuna sashmi’ and you won’t be disappointed! Make a reservation. If they don’t answer, leave a message on the machine in English, they will get it.
Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) Carouge. Tel - +41.22.342.58.58 SoupCon –. If you are here for work, chances are you will be taken here. The menu is small but the steaks and fish are great (they even have a vegetarian option). You will need to make a reservation! In the Old Town (pop into demi lune before or after dinner for a cocktail). 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, +41.22.318.37.37 www.soupcon.ch
La Favola – (dinner only) you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash! La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin +41.22.311.74.37 http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm Hotel Les Armures – (Lunch or dinner) we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. The restaurant is in the heart of Old Town and is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. 1, rue Puits-St-Pierre - Tél. +41.22.310.34.42 http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/fr/restaurant-geneve.php U Bobba Restaurant – this restaurant is just outside of the ‘chess park’ or Parc de Bastions. They change their menu frequently and the food is good.
22, rue de la Corraterie. Tel (0) 22.310.53.40 www.ubobba.ch Asadal – Korean restaurant in Geneva . If you are French/Swiss food out this is great alternative. It is right downtown. 9, rue des Eaux-Vives Tel – 022.786.01.98 www.asadal.ch La Baguette d’Or – typical Chinese restaurant in Geneva . It is in the Plainpalais area (across from the winter circus at Plaine de Plainpalais). 15, av. Henri-Dunant. Tel-+41.22.328.13.61 THAI – This is a fun/funky restaurant right downtown! The food is excellent and most of the servers speak English. The location on Molard Square is great. There is an Artisanal Beer Bar called ‘Lord Nelson’s Pub’ in the square that serve excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
Restaurant Thaï - 3 rue Neuve-du-Molard - Tel : +41 (0)22 310 12 54 - http://www.thai-geneve.com/ Brasserie LIPP – this place gets good recommendations from friends, etc. After dinner hours check out “le cave” when the block gets hot for cocktails, etc. in the evening.
Confédération Centre, Rue de la Confédération 8 - Tél (022) 318 80 30 Cocktails/Bars Lady Godiva Pub – Yes, it’s an English Pub but it is the place to be in the evening! The food is good and they serve until 11PM . Be careful, if there is an ‘football’ match it might be hard to get in the door!
Lady Godiva English Pub - 53, Boulevard du Pont-d'Arve Plainpalais, - Tel: 022 328 2300 - http://www.ladyg.ch/ Soleil Rouge – Popular pre-dinner/after work cocktails. Not open on Saturday nights!!
This wine bar is non-smoking inside so don’t be alarmed by the mounds of people standing outside!! Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is great! The bar is in downtown Geneva . Boulevard Helvetique, 23 – TEL – (0)22.700.00.24
www.soleilrouge.ch La Cave Calvinus – wine bar in the Old Town . (It is next to Demi Lune). A good option when Demi Lune is packed! Buy a bottle of wine at the bar and sit on the couches drinking with friends! Rue Etienne-Dumont 3 – tel. 022.310.79.05 www.calvinuscave.ch Lord Nelson Pub - Artisanal Beer Bar. excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
9, Place du Molard Tel +41. (0)22. 311.11.00 Alhambar – we have grabbed drinks here a couple of times. The atmosphere is nice and you can grab a snack if you like. 10, rue de la Rôtisserie • entrée Parc Pélisserie
Tél. : 022 312 1313 - http://www.alhambar.com/index.html L’Ethno – it serves good cocktails and offers a nice selection of wines and on week-ends it features good Dj's It is near the Plainpalais area.
Rue Bovy-Lysberg 1, Tel: 022 310 25 21 http://www.ethnobar.ch Late night/Clubbing… La Sip – open from 10-4:30am . They have a couple bars and a ‘disco’ lounge. In the Plainpalais area. Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 8-10. http://www.lasip.ch/ Heaven Lounge – pretty new and non-smoking! Rue Philippe Plantamour 25, phone: +41 (0)22 732 10 22 Java – Late night club under the Kempinski Hotel. Very upscale and expensive! (from their website: Java Club is an all-in-one restaurant nightclub. Fine world cuisine, lavish sofas and good music: a place where you can relax, have dinner, dance and enjoy.) 19 Quai Du Mont Blanc - Tel: +41 22 908 9081 http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/bars/index.htm?item_id=24686
Shakers – I don’t think you are supposed to go here before 2:00AM !! Late night booty shakin’ Admission fee on the weekends! Rue Winkelried 4, Tel. +41 (0)22 310 55 98, http://www.shakers.ch/ Platinum Club – This is a new trendy spot in Geneva . Admission fee. You can make a reservation by visiting their website: http://www.platinum-club.ch/ 18 Quai du Seujet, 022.738.90.91
Good tip?
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
I like Geneva, but its people are usually VERY snob
Much more fun Lausanne, where the proportion of students is much higher
Much more fun Lausanne, where the proportion of students is much higher
Good tip?
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
Well the nice and tidy city Geneve lies by the beautiful lake of Geneve. The city is a mix of old and new as the swiss keep their buildings in a very good shape. And thats saying something considering the fact that many of the buildings are over 300 years old, some even older! The walkside around the lake shore are lovely and typical to Switzerland, having flourishing gardens and benches all about. Great spots to sit down, relax and enjoy a very unique intermezzo of natur and city. The swiss really know how to combine what is natural and what is needed. And for the people, well, let's say the french speaking swiss are fairly easy going.
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
geneve is a great place for relaxing and shopping!
It's agreat place for people who have health problems or need some privet time!eneryoneis kind there and the weather is sweet
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
The people here are SO friendly. Learn a little bit of French, and they'll show you how much English they know.
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental – which has an excellent location on Lake Geneva but if we were paying for it ourselves we probably would have looked elsewhere. http://www.mandarinoriental.com/geneva/
Quai Turrettini 1, 1201 Geneva , Switzerland | T: +41 (22) 909 00 00
When we leave Geneva we are staying at: Hotel President Wilson which is really close to Botanical Gardens and the United Nations. It is also on the lake but could take a good 20 minutes to walk to the center of town. Mike Mills has stayed here when he has been in Geneva for work. I think it is a “starwood” hotel so if anyone has points, etc. it could be worth it. http://www.hotelpwilson.com/
Hotel President Wilson 47, Quai Wilson
Geneva , Switzerland
+41.22.906.66.66 We have heard good things about Hotel Les Armures it is in the heart of the Old Town which makes it an amazing location. If you don’t stay there, we highly recommend the restaurant – it is one of the best fondues in Geneva . http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/
1, rue Puits-St-Pierre
1204 Genève
Tél. +41.22.310.91.72 | Fax +41.22.310.98.46
We have also had friends stay at Swissotel Geneva Metropole . This hotel is on the same side of the Lake that Alexis and I live. The location is great. Walking distance to the old town, the flower clock and Park de Bastions. http://www.swissotel.com/geneva/
34 Quai Général Guisan, Geneva , Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 318 3200
Fax: +41 22 318 3300 The Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva just opened this past summer. It is in the location where the Hilton used to be – right on the lake and in a central location. Supposedly they have completely re-done and updated the inside. http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/home/index.htm
19, Quai du Mont - Blanc
CH - 1201 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9089081
Fax: +41 22 9089090 Geneva Restaurants we’d recommend:
Ku De Ta – Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) CH 1227 Carouge. +41.22.342.58.58 – this is one of our favorite restaurants. The Mussels are delicious and the entrecote is excellent. You’ll need a reservation but the hotel can make them for you. This restaurant is easy to get to on public transportation!! Demi Lune – reasonable for lunch in the Old Town . Plus they have a non-smoking room. www.demilune.ch – 3, rue Etienne Dumont, Vielle Ville Geneve. +41.22.312.12.90 SoupCon – 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, 1204 Geneve. You will need to make a reservation! In the old town. www.soupcon.ch +41.22.318.37.37
La Favola – you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash!
http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin , 1204 Genève Tél. +41.22.311.74.37
Hotel Les Armures – we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. It is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. Summer events that may make Hotel prices increase: Fete de Geneve is July 31 – August 10, 2008 - www.fetes-de-geneve.ch (The site will update with times, etc. as we get closer to summer) The last Saturday of the Fete there is a huge fireworks display. The Swiss pride themselves on it. Orange Cinema (a big deal in GVA) – it is basically a movie on the lake. You can check out the times on the website: http://www.orangecinema.ch/en/index.htm if it says “VO” it means “version original” aka English. It is an all evening event. You can have dinner on the lake and then the movie. Restaurants:
- You’ll need a reservation at most restaurants.
Chez Ma Cousine – For lunch or dinner there are many locations in Geneva , super casual. I suggest going to the one in Old Town . We call this ‘the chicken place’ it is probably the most reasonable restaurant in Geneva . For 16 CHF you get half a rotisserie chicken, potatoes and a salad.
6, Pl Du Bourg-de-Four. Tel – 022-310-96.96 http://www.chezmacousine.ch/index_fr.html Demi Lune Café – this is a big hangout for the expat community. Get there early if you don’t want to stand!! Or, if you want to eat make a reservation in the non-smoking room (although eating/lounging on the couches is more fun!). It is also located in the Old Town and is great for lunch or dinner. Go for dinner to mingle with locals and find out where the hot spots are for late night! 3, rue Etienne Dumont. Tel – 022.312.12.90. www.demilune.ch Le Pain Quotidien – (Lunch or breakfast) this is actually a chain, the first one was opened in Brussels and now they are all over Europe and a few in NYC LA. There are 3 locations in Geneva . I have been to all 3 the most convenient for visitors are Plainpalais or Rive.
Genève, Plainpalais - 32 Boulevard Georges Favon - Tel.: 022 781 81 90
Genève, Rive - 21 Boulevard Helvétique - Tel.: 022 736 36 90 http://www.lepainquotidien.com/ Pizzeria da Paolo – This is very casual dining in Geneva and one of the best Pizzeria’s! They don’t take reservations and most weekends there is a line out the door starting from 8:00PM . 3 rue du Lac. (Down the street from La Bodega) Tel – +41(0)22 736 30.49 La Bodega – (Lunch or dinner) This is a great Tapas bar and hang out in the heart of Geneva and close to the lake. They take reservations.
21, rue des Eaux Vives – Tel - +41.(0)22.786.58.46 Ku De Ta – (this is our favorite restaurant in Geneva !! We eat here at least once a month!!) This restaurant is in the area called Carouge. You can take the 12 tram to the Carouge stop. They have an extensive mussels menu, the ‘entrecote de paris’ is to die for and they usually have a fresh fish dish as well. Start with the ‘salad du jardin’ or the ‘tuna sashmi’ and you won’t be disappointed! Make a reservation. If they don’t answer, leave a message on the machine in English, they will get it.
Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) Carouge. Tel - +41.22.342.58.58 SoupCon –. If you are here for work, chances are you will be taken here. The menu is small but the steaks and fish are great (they even have a vegetarian option). You will need to make a reservation! In the Old Town (pop into demi lune before or after dinner for a cocktail). 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, +41.22.318.37.37 www.soupcon.ch
La Favola – (dinner only) you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash! La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin +41.22.311.74.37 http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm Hotel Les Armures – (Lunch or dinner) we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. The restaurant is in the heart of Old Town and is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. 1, rue Puits-St-Pierre - Tél. +41.22.310.34.42 http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/fr/restaurant-geneve.php U Bobba Restaurant – this restaurant is just outside of the ‘chess park’ or Parc de Bastions. They change their menu frequently and the food is good.
22, rue de la Corraterie. Tel (0) 22.310.53.40 www.ubobba.ch Asadal – Korean restaurant in Geneva . If you are French/Swiss food out this is great alternative. It is right downtown. 9, rue des Eaux-Vives Tel – 022.786.01.98 www.asadal.ch La Baguette d’Or – typical Chinese restaurant in Geneva . It is in the Plainpalais area (across from the winter circus at Plaine de Plainpalais). 15, av. Henri-Dunant. Tel-+41.22.328.13.61 THAI – This is a fun/funky restaurant right downtown! The food is excellent and most of the servers speak English. The location on Molard Square is great. There is an Artisanal Beer Bar called ‘Lord Nelson’s Pub’ in the square that serve excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
Restaurant Thaï - 3 rue Neuve-du-Molard - Tel : +41 (0)22 310 12 54 - http://www.thai-geneve.com/ Brasserie LIPP – this place gets good recommendations from friends, etc. After dinner hours check out “le cave” when the block gets hot for cocktails, etc. in the evening.
Confédération Centre, Rue de la Confédération 8 - Tél (022) 318 80 30 Cocktails/Bars Lady Godiva Pub – Yes, it’s an English Pub but it is the place to be in the evening! The food is good and they serve until 11PM . Be careful, if there is an ‘football’ match it might be hard to get in the door!
Lady Godiva English Pub - 53, Boulevard du Pont-d'Arve Plainpalais, - Tel: 022 328 2300 - http://www.ladyg.ch/ Soleil Rouge – Popular pre-dinner/after work cocktails. Not open on Saturday nights!!
This wine bar is non-smoking inside so don’t be alarmed by the mounds of people standing outside!! Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is great! The bar is in downtown Geneva . Boulevard Helvetique, 23 – TEL – (0)22.700.00.24
www.soleilrouge.ch La Cave Calvinus – wine bar in the Old Town . (It is next to Demi Lune). A good option when Demi Lune is packed! Buy a bottle of wine at the bar and sit on the couches drinking with friends! Rue Etienne-Dumont 3 – tel. 022.310.79.05 www.calvinuscave.ch Lord Nelson Pub - Artisanal Beer Bar. excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
9, Place du Molard Tel +41. (0)22. 311.11.00 Alhambar – we have grabbed drinks here a couple of times. The atmosphere is nice and you can grab a snack if you like. 10, rue de la Rôtisserie • entrée Parc Pélisserie
Tél. : 022 312 1313 - http://www.alhambar.com/index.html L’Ethno – it serves good cocktails and offers a nice selection of wines and on week-ends it features good Dj's It is near the Plainpalais area.
Rue Bovy-Lysberg 1, Tel: 022 310 25 21 http://www.ethnobar.ch Late night/Clubbing… La Sip – open from 10-4:30am . They have a couple bars and a ‘disco’ lounge. In the Plainpalais area. Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 8-10. http://www.lasip.ch/ Heaven Lounge – pretty new and non-smoking! Rue Philippe Plantamour 25, phone: +41 (0)22 732 10 22 Java – Late night club under the Kempinski Hotel. Very upscale and expensive! (from their website: Java Club is an all-in-one restaurant nightclub. Fine world cuisine, lavish sofas and good music: a place where you can relax, have dinner, dance and enjoy.) 19 Quai Du Mont Blanc - Tel: +41 22 908 9081 http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/bars/index.htm?item_id=24686
Shakers – I don’t think you are supposed to go here before 2:00AM !! Late night booty shakin’ Admission fee on the weekends! Rue Winkelried 4, Tel. +41 (0)22 310 55 98, http://www.shakers.ch/ Platinum Club – This is a new trendy spot in Geneva . Admission fee. You can make a reservation by visiting their website: http://www.platinum-club.ch/ 18 Quai du Seujet, 022.738.90.91
When we leave Geneva we are staying at: Hotel President Wilson which is really close to Botanical Gardens and the United Nations. It is also on the lake but could take a good 20 minutes to walk to the center of town. Mike Mills has stayed here when he has been in Geneva for work. I think it is a “starwood” hotel so if anyone has points, etc. it could be worth it. http://www.hotelpwilson.com/
Hotel President Wilson 47, Quai Wilson
Geneva , Switzerland
+41.22.906.66.66 We have heard good things about Hotel Les Armures it is in the heart of the Old Town which makes it an amazing location. If you don’t stay there, we highly recommend the restaurant – it is one of the best fondues in Geneva . http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/
1, rue Puits-St-Pierre
1204 Genève
Tél. +41.22.310.91.72 | Fax +41.22.310.98.46
We have also had friends stay at Swissotel Geneva Metropole . This hotel is on the same side of the Lake that Alexis and I live. The location is great. Walking distance to the old town, the flower clock and Park de Bastions. http://www.swissotel.com/geneva/
34 Quai Général Guisan, Geneva , Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 318 3200
Fax: +41 22 318 3300 The Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva just opened this past summer. It is in the location where the Hilton used to be – right on the lake and in a central location. Supposedly they have completely re-done and updated the inside. http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/home/index.htm
19, Quai du Mont - Blanc
CH - 1201 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9089081
Fax: +41 22 9089090 Geneva Restaurants we’d recommend:
Ku De Ta – Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) CH 1227 Carouge. +41.22.342.58.58 – this is one of our favorite restaurants. The Mussels are delicious and the entrecote is excellent. You’ll need a reservation but the hotel can make them for you. This restaurant is easy to get to on public transportation!! Demi Lune – reasonable for lunch in the Old Town . Plus they have a non-smoking room. www.demilune.ch – 3, rue Etienne Dumont, Vielle Ville Geneve. +41.22.312.12.90 SoupCon – 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, 1204 Geneve. You will need to make a reservation! In the old town. www.soupcon.ch +41.22.318.37.37
La Favola – you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash!
http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin , 1204 Genève Tél. +41.22.311.74.37
Hotel Les Armures – we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. It is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. Summer events that may make Hotel prices increase: Fete de Geneve is July 31 – August 10, 2008 - www.fetes-de-geneve.ch (The site will update with times, etc. as we get closer to summer) The last Saturday of the Fete there is a huge fireworks display. The Swiss pride themselves on it. Orange Cinema (a big deal in GVA) – it is basically a movie on the lake. You can check out the times on the website: http://www.orangecinema.ch/en/index.htm if it says “VO” it means “version original” aka English. It is an all evening event. You can have dinner on the lake and then the movie. Restaurants:
- You’ll need a reservation at most restaurants.
Chez Ma Cousine – For lunch or dinner there are many locations in Geneva , super casual. I suggest going to the one in Old Town . We call this ‘the chicken place’ it is probably the most reasonable restaurant in Geneva . For 16 CHF you get half a rotisserie chicken, potatoes and a salad.
6, Pl Du Bourg-de-Four. Tel – 022-310-96.96 http://www.chezmacousine.ch/index_fr.html Demi Lune Café – this is a big hangout for the expat community. Get there early if you don’t want to stand!! Or, if you want to eat make a reservation in the non-smoking room (although eating/lounging on the couches is more fun!). It is also located in the Old Town and is great for lunch or dinner. Go for dinner to mingle with locals and find out where the hot spots are for late night! 3, rue Etienne Dumont. Tel – 022.312.12.90. www.demilune.ch Le Pain Quotidien – (Lunch or breakfast) this is actually a chain, the first one was opened in Brussels and now they are all over Europe and a few in NYC LA. There are 3 locations in Geneva . I have been to all 3 the most convenient for visitors are Plainpalais or Rive.
Genève, Plainpalais - 32 Boulevard Georges Favon - Tel.: 022 781 81 90
Genève, Rive - 21 Boulevard Helvétique - Tel.: 022 736 36 90 http://www.lepainquotidien.com/ Pizzeria da Paolo – This is very casual dining in Geneva and one of the best Pizzeria’s! They don’t take reservations and most weekends there is a line out the door starting from 8:00PM . 3 rue du Lac. (Down the street from La Bodega) Tel – +41(0)22 736 30.49 La Bodega – (Lunch or dinner) This is a great Tapas bar and hang out in the heart of Geneva and close to the lake. They take reservations.
21, rue des Eaux Vives – Tel - +41.(0)22.786.58.46 Ku De Ta – (this is our favorite restaurant in Geneva !! We eat here at least once a month!!) This restaurant is in the area called Carouge. You can take the 12 tram to the Carouge stop. They have an extensive mussels menu, the ‘entrecote de paris’ is to die for and they usually have a fresh fish dish as well. Start with the ‘salad du jardin’ or the ‘tuna sashmi’ and you won’t be disappointed! Make a reservation. If they don’t answer, leave a message on the machine in English, they will get it.
Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) Carouge. Tel - +41.22.342.58.58 SoupCon –. If you are here for work, chances are you will be taken here. The menu is small but the steaks and fish are great (they even have a vegetarian option). You will need to make a reservation! In the Old Town (pop into demi lune before or after dinner for a cocktail). 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, +41.22.318.37.37 www.soupcon.ch
La Favola – (dinner only) you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash! La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin +41.22.311.74.37 http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm Hotel Les Armures – (Lunch or dinner) we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. The restaurant is in the heart of Old Town and is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. 1, rue Puits-St-Pierre - Tél. +41.22.310.34.42 http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/fr/restaurant-geneve.php U Bobba Restaurant – this restaurant is just outside of the ‘chess park’ or Parc de Bastions. They change their menu frequently and the food is good.
22, rue de la Corraterie. Tel (0) 22.310.53.40 www.ubobba.ch Asadal – Korean restaurant in Geneva . If you are French/Swiss food out this is great alternative. It is right downtown. 9, rue des Eaux-Vives Tel – 022.786.01.98 www.asadal.ch La Baguette d’Or – typical Chinese restaurant in Geneva . It is in the Plainpalais area (across from the winter circus at Plaine de Plainpalais). 15, av. Henri-Dunant. Tel-+41.22.328.13.61 THAI – This is a fun/funky restaurant right downtown! The food is excellent and most of the servers speak English. The location on Molard Square is great. There is an Artisanal Beer Bar called ‘Lord Nelson’s Pub’ in the square that serve excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
Restaurant Thaï - 3 rue Neuve-du-Molard - Tel : +41 (0)22 310 12 54 - http://www.thai-geneve.com/ Brasserie LIPP – this place gets good recommendations from friends, etc. After dinner hours check out “le cave” when the block gets hot for cocktails, etc. in the evening.
Confédération Centre, Rue de la Confédération 8 - Tél (022) 318 80 30 Cocktails/Bars Lady Godiva Pub – Yes, it’s an English Pub but it is the place to be in the evening! The food is good and they serve until 11PM . Be careful, if there is an ‘football’ match it might be hard to get in the door!
Lady Godiva English Pub - 53, Boulevard du Pont-d'Arve Plainpalais, - Tel: 022 328 2300 - http://www.ladyg.ch/ Soleil Rouge – Popular pre-dinner/after work cocktails. Not open on Saturday nights!!
This wine bar is non-smoking inside so don’t be alarmed by the mounds of people standing outside!! Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is great! The bar is in downtown Geneva . Boulevard Helvetique, 23 – TEL – (0)22.700.00.24
www.soleilrouge.ch La Cave Calvinus – wine bar in the Old Town . (It is next to Demi Lune). A good option when Demi Lune is packed! Buy a bottle of wine at the bar and sit on the couches drinking with friends! Rue Etienne-Dumont 3 – tel. 022.310.79.05 www.calvinuscave.ch Lord Nelson Pub - Artisanal Beer Bar. excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
9, Place du Molard Tel +41. (0)22. 311.11.00 Alhambar – we have grabbed drinks here a couple of times. The atmosphere is nice and you can grab a snack if you like. 10, rue de la Rôtisserie • entrée Parc Pélisserie
Tél. : 022 312 1313 - http://www.alhambar.com/index.html L’Ethno – it serves good cocktails and offers a nice selection of wines and on week-ends it features good Dj's It is near the Plainpalais area.
Rue Bovy-Lysberg 1, Tel: 022 310 25 21 http://www.ethnobar.ch Late night/Clubbing… La Sip – open from 10-4:30am . They have a couple bars and a ‘disco’ lounge. In the Plainpalais area. Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 8-10. http://www.lasip.ch/ Heaven Lounge – pretty new and non-smoking! Rue Philippe Plantamour 25, phone: +41 (0)22 732 10 22 Java – Late night club under the Kempinski Hotel. Very upscale and expensive! (from their website: Java Club is an all-in-one restaurant nightclub. Fine world cuisine, lavish sofas and good music: a place where you can relax, have dinner, dance and enjoy.) 19 Quai Du Mont Blanc - Tel: +41 22 908 9081 http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/bars/index.htm?item_id=24686
Shakers – I don’t think you are supposed to go here before 2:00AM !! Late night booty shakin’ Admission fee on the weekends! Rue Winkelried 4, Tel. +41 (0)22 310 55 98, http://www.shakers.ch/ Platinum Club – This is a new trendy spot in Geneva . Admission fee. You can make a reservation by visiting their website: http://www.platinum-club.ch/ 18 Quai du Seujet, 022.738.90.91
Good tip?
(0)
Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
You'll see alternative concerts if you go to "L'Usine de Genève" which is situated at La Place des Volontaires. Quite Rock'nroll!!!
Good tip?
(0)
Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
The Lake Parade
The sun is shining, the wind wipes your sweat, everyone's in a good mood so far and it doesn't smell like pee yet. It's a cool place to be. The music isn't great, but people dress up funny (or just weird, which is funny) and dance to the music, rythm or not.
Then it gets cloudy. You're wet from sweat and now you get wet and sticky from the rain aswell. You have your sunglasses, but where the hell did you leave your umbrella? I'm just asking. We already saw this coming. Didn't we? This always happens during a festival. Bring a fan AND an umbrella.
The rain stops, you're walking around. People are in a party mood, have had enough to drink and you're getting there. Then you see people gathering around some dude doing silly tricks on the streets and you can win money. All you have to do is find the ball under one of the three matchboxes and it doesn't seem too hard. Before you looose 50 euros. You didn't even wanna join in the first place. It wasn't even you who gave the money. It was your hand, yes, but you must have been hypnotized or something. Right? Anyway, you lost 50 euros. So what?! Sure, you could have done alot for 50 euros, but you don't let it get to you - it won't ruin your night.
It ruined your night and you don't want to party anymore.. A little later you see two big, angry guys going crazy, terminating the little street casino and you feel better already. Great party night. Crowded. Silly music, but everyone's dancing. It smells like pee. It smells like beer. Your shoes are sticky and there's something under there, but you don't dare to check. Ignoring the heat, the rain, the 50 euros, the stank, the sticky shoes - it was cool. Just remember to do something about it next year..
The sun is shining, the wind wipes your sweat, everyone's in a good mood so far and it doesn't smell like pee yet. It's a cool place to be. The music isn't great, but people dress up funny (or just weird, which is funny) and dance to the music, rythm or not.
Then it gets cloudy. You're wet from sweat and now you get wet and sticky from the rain aswell. You have your sunglasses, but where the hell did you leave your umbrella? I'm just asking. We already saw this coming. Didn't we? This always happens during a festival. Bring a fan AND an umbrella.
The rain stops, you're walking around. People are in a party mood, have had enough to drink and you're getting there. Then you see people gathering around some dude doing silly tricks on the streets and you can win money. All you have to do is find the ball under one of the three matchboxes and it doesn't seem too hard. Before you looose 50 euros. You didn't even wanna join in the first place. It wasn't even you who gave the money. It was your hand, yes, but you must have been hypnotized or something. Right? Anyway, you lost 50 euros. So what?! Sure, you could have done alot for 50 euros, but you don't let it get to you - it won't ruin your night.
It ruined your night and you don't want to party anymore.. A little later you see two big, angry guys going crazy, terminating the little street casino and you feel better already. Great party night. Crowded. Silly music, but everyone's dancing. It smells like pee. It smells like beer. Your shoes are sticky and there's something under there, but you don't dare to check. Ignoring the heat, the rain, the 50 euros, the stank, the sticky shoes - it was cool. Just remember to do something about it next year..
Good tip?
(0)
Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental – which has an excellent location on Lake Geneva but if we were paying for it ourselves we probably would have looked elsewhere. http://www.mandarinoriental.com/geneva/
Quai Turrettini 1, 1201 Geneva , Switzerland | T: +41 (22) 909 00 00
When we leave Geneva we are staying at: Hotel President Wilson which is really close to Botanical Gardens and the United Nations. It is also on the lake but could take a good 20 minutes to walk to the center of town. Mike Mills has stayed here when he has been in Geneva for work. I think it is a “starwood” hotel so if anyone has points, etc. it could be worth it. http://www.hotelpwilson.com/
Hotel President Wilson 47, Quai Wilson
Geneva , Switzerland
+41.22.906.66.66 We have heard good things about Hotel Les Armures it is in the heart of the Old Town which makes it an amazing location. If you don’t stay there, we highly recommend the restaurant – it is one of the best fondues in Geneva . http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/
1, rue Puits-St-Pierre
1204 Genève
Tél. +41.22.310.91.72 | Fax +41.22.310.98.46
We have also had friends stay at Swissotel Geneva Metropole . This hotel is on the same side of the Lake that Alexis and I live. The location is great. Walking distance to the old town, the flower clock and Park de Bastions. http://www.swissotel.com/geneva/
34 Quai Général Guisan, Geneva , Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 318 3200
Fax: +41 22 318 3300 The Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva just opened this past summer. It is in the location where the Hilton used to be – right on the lake and in a central location. Supposedly they have completely re-done and updated the inside. http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/home/index.htm
19, Quai du Mont - Blanc
CH - 1201 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9089081
Fax: +41 22 9089090 Geneva Restaurants we’d recommend:
Ku De Ta – Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) CH 1227 Carouge. +41.22.342.58.58 – this is one of our favorite restaurants. The Mussels are delicious and the entrecote is excellent. You’ll need a reservation but the hotel can make them for you. This restaurant is easy to get to on public transportation!! Demi Lune – reasonable for lunch in the Old Town . Plus they have a non-smoking room. www.demilune.ch – 3, rue Etienne Dumont, Vielle Ville Geneve. +41.22.312.12.90 SoupCon – 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, 1204 Geneve. You will need to make a reservation! In the old town. www.soupcon.ch +41.22.318.37.37
La Favola – you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash!
http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin , 1204 Genève Tél. +41.22.311.74.37
Hotel Les Armures – we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. It is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. Summer events that may make Hotel prices increase: Fete de Geneve is July 31 – August 10, 2008 - www.fetes-de-geneve.ch (The site will update with times, etc. as we get closer to summer) The last Saturday of the Fete there is a huge fireworks display. The Swiss pride themselves on it. Orange Cinema (a big deal in GVA) – it is basically a movie on the lake. You can check out the times on the website: http://www.orangecinema.ch/en/index.htm if it says “VO” it means “version original” aka English. It is an all evening event. You can have dinner on the lake and then the movie. Restaurants:
- You’ll need a reservation at most restaurants.
Chez Ma Cousine – For lunch or dinner there are many locations in Geneva , super casual. I suggest going to the one in Old Town . We call this ‘the chicken place’ it is probably the most reasonable restaurant in Geneva . For 16 CHF you get half a rotisserie chicken, potatoes and a salad.
6, Pl Du Bourg-de-Four. Tel – 022-310-96.96 http://www.chezmacousine.ch/index_fr.html Demi Lune Café – this is a big hangout for the expat community. Get there early if you don’t want to stand!! Or, if you want to eat make a reservation in the non-smoking room (although eating/lounging on the couches is more fun!). It is also located in the Old Town and is great for lunch or dinner. Go for dinner to mingle with locals and find out where the hot spots are for late night! 3, rue Etienne Dumont. Tel – 022.312.12.90. www.demilune.ch Le Pain Quotidien – (Lunch or breakfast) this is actually a chain, the first one was opened in Brussels and now they are all over Europe and a few in NYC LA. There are 3 locations in Geneva . I have been to all 3 the most convenient for visitors are Plainpalais or Rive.
Genève, Plainpalais - 32 Boulevard Georges Favon - Tel.: 022 781 81 90
Genève, Rive - 21 Boulevard Helvétique - Tel.: 022 736 36 90 http://www.lepainquotidien.com/ Pizzeria da Paolo – This is very casual dining in Geneva and one of the best Pizzeria’s! They don’t take reservations and most weekends there is a line out the door starting from 8:00PM . 3 rue du Lac. (Down the street from La Bodega) Tel – +41(0)22 736 30.49 La Bodega – (Lunch or dinner) This is a great Tapas bar and hang out in the heart of Geneva and close to the lake. They take reservations.
21, rue des Eaux Vives – Tel - +41.(0)22.786.58.46 Ku De Ta – (this is our favorite restaurant in Geneva !! We eat here at least once a month!!) This restaurant is in the area called Carouge. You can take the 12 tram to the Carouge stop. They have an extensive mussels menu, the ‘entrecote de paris’ is to die for and they usually have a fresh fish dish as well. Start with the ‘salad du jardin’ or the ‘tuna sashmi’ and you won’t be disappointed! Make a reservation. If they don’t answer, leave a message on the machine in English, they will get it.
Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) Carouge. Tel - +41.22.342.58.58 SoupCon –. If you are here for work, chances are you will be taken here. The menu is small but the steaks and fish are great (they even have a vegetarian option). You will need to make a reservation! In the Old Town (pop into demi lune before or after dinner for a cocktail). 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, +41.22.318.37.37 www.soupcon.ch
La Favola – (dinner only) you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash! La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin +41.22.311.74.37 http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm Hotel Les Armures – (Lunch or dinner) we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. The restaurant is in the heart of Old Town and is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. 1, rue Puits-St-Pierre - Tél. +41.22.310.34.42 http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/fr/restaurant-geneve.php U Bobba Restaurant – this restaurant is just outside of the ‘chess park’ or Parc de Bastions. They change their menu frequently and the food is good.
22, rue de la Corraterie. Tel (0) 22.310.53.40 www.ubobba.ch Asadal – Korean restaurant in Geneva . If you are French/Swiss food out this is great alternative. It is right downtown. 9, rue des Eaux-Vives Tel – 022.786.01.98 www.asadal.ch La Baguette d’Or – typical Chinese restaurant in Geneva . It is in the Plainpalais area (across from the winter circus at Plaine de Plainpalais). 15, av. Henri-Dunant. Tel-+41.22.328.13.61 THAI – This is a fun/funky restaurant right downtown! The food is excellent and most of the servers speak English. The location on Molard Square is great. There is an Artisanal Beer Bar called ‘Lord Nelson’s Pub’ in the square that serve excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
Restaurant Thaï - 3 rue Neuve-du-Molard - Tel : +41 (0)22 310 12 54 - http://www.thai-geneve.com/ Brasserie LIPP – this place gets good recommendations from friends, etc. After dinner hours check out “le cave” when the block gets hot for cocktails, etc. in the evening.
Confédération Centre, Rue de la Confédération 8 - Tél (022) 318 80 30 Cocktails/Bars Lady Godiva Pub – Yes, it’s an English Pub but it is the place to be in the evening! The food is good and they serve until 11PM . Be careful, if there is an ‘football’ match it might be hard to get in the door!
Lady Godiva English Pub - 53, Boulevard du Pont-d'Arve Plainpalais, - Tel: 022 328 2300 - http://www.ladyg.ch/ Soleil Rouge – Popular pre-dinner/after work cocktails. Not open on Saturday nights!!
This wine bar is non-smoking inside so don’t be alarmed by the mounds of people standing outside!! Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is great! The bar is in downtown Geneva . Boulevard Helvetique, 23 – TEL – (0)22.700.00.24
www.soleilrouge.ch La Cave Calvinus – wine bar in the Old Town . (It is next to Demi Lune). A good option when Demi Lune is packed! Buy a bottle of wine at the bar and sit on the couches drinking with friends! Rue Etienne-Dumont 3 – tel. 022.310.79.05 www.calvinuscave.ch Lord Nelson Pub - Artisanal Beer Bar. excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
9, Place du Molard Tel +41. (0)22. 311.11.00 Alhambar – we have grabbed drinks here a couple of times. The atmosphere is nice and you can grab a snack if you like. 10, rue de la Rôtisserie • entrée Parc Pélisserie
Tél. : 022 312 1313 - http://www.alhambar.com/index.html L’Ethno – it serves good cocktails and offers a nice selection of wines and on week-ends it features good Dj's It is near the Plainpalais area.
Rue Bovy-Lysberg 1, Tel: 022 310 25 21 http://www.ethnobar.ch Late night/Clubbing… La Sip – open from 10-4:30am . They have a couple bars and a ‘disco’ lounge. In the Plainpalais area. Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 8-10. http://www.lasip.ch/ Heaven Lounge – pretty new and non-smoking! Rue Philippe Plantamour 25, phone: +41 (0)22 732 10 22 Java – Late night club under the Kempinski Hotel. Very upscale and expensive! (from their website: Java Club is an all-in-one restaurant nightclub. Fine world cuisine, lavish sofas and good music: a place where you can relax, have dinner, dance and enjoy.) 19 Quai Du Mont Blanc - Tel: +41 22 908 9081 http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/bars/index.htm?item_id=24686
Shakers – I don’t think you are supposed to go here before 2:00AM !! Late night booty shakin’ Admission fee on the weekends! Rue Winkelried 4, Tel. +41 (0)22 310 55 98, http://www.shakers.ch/ Platinum Club – This is a new trendy spot in Geneva . Admission fee. You can make a reservation by visiting their website: http://www.platinum-club.ch/ 18 Quai du Seujet, 022.738.90.91
When we leave Geneva we are staying at: Hotel President Wilson which is really close to Botanical Gardens and the United Nations. It is also on the lake but could take a good 20 minutes to walk to the center of town. Mike Mills has stayed here when he has been in Geneva for work. I think it is a “starwood” hotel so if anyone has points, etc. it could be worth it. http://www.hotelpwilson.com/
Hotel President Wilson 47, Quai Wilson
Geneva , Switzerland
+41.22.906.66.66 We have heard good things about Hotel Les Armures it is in the heart of the Old Town which makes it an amazing location. If you don’t stay there, we highly recommend the restaurant – it is one of the best fondues in Geneva . http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/
1, rue Puits-St-Pierre
1204 Genève
Tél. +41.22.310.91.72 | Fax +41.22.310.98.46
We have also had friends stay at Swissotel Geneva Metropole . This hotel is on the same side of the Lake that Alexis and I live. The location is great. Walking distance to the old town, the flower clock and Park de Bastions. http://www.swissotel.com/geneva/
34 Quai Général Guisan, Geneva , Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 318 3200
Fax: +41 22 318 3300 The Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva just opened this past summer. It is in the location where the Hilton used to be – right on the lake and in a central location. Supposedly they have completely re-done and updated the inside. http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/home/index.htm
19, Quai du Mont - Blanc
CH - 1201 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9089081
Fax: +41 22 9089090 Geneva Restaurants we’d recommend:
Ku De Ta – Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) CH 1227 Carouge. +41.22.342.58.58 – this is one of our favorite restaurants. The Mussels are delicious and the entrecote is excellent. You’ll need a reservation but the hotel can make them for you. This restaurant is easy to get to on public transportation!! Demi Lune – reasonable for lunch in the Old Town . Plus they have a non-smoking room. www.demilune.ch – 3, rue Etienne Dumont, Vielle Ville Geneve. +41.22.312.12.90 SoupCon – 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, 1204 Geneve. You will need to make a reservation! In the old town. www.soupcon.ch +41.22.318.37.37
La Favola – you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash!
http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin , 1204 Genève Tél. +41.22.311.74.37
Hotel Les Armures – we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. It is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. Summer events that may make Hotel prices increase: Fete de Geneve is July 31 – August 10, 2008 - www.fetes-de-geneve.ch (The site will update with times, etc. as we get closer to summer) The last Saturday of the Fete there is a huge fireworks display. The Swiss pride themselves on it. Orange Cinema (a big deal in GVA) – it is basically a movie on the lake. You can check out the times on the website: http://www.orangecinema.ch/en/index.htm if it says “VO” it means “version original” aka English. It is an all evening event. You can have dinner on the lake and then the movie. Restaurants:
- You’ll need a reservation at most restaurants.
Chez Ma Cousine – For lunch or dinner there are many locations in Geneva , super casual. I suggest going to the one in Old Town . We call this ‘the chicken place’ it is probably the most reasonable restaurant in Geneva . For 16 CHF you get half a rotisserie chicken, potatoes and a salad.
6, Pl Du Bourg-de-Four. Tel – 022-310-96.96 http://www.chezmacousine.ch/index_fr.html Demi Lune Café – this is a big hangout for the expat community. Get there early if you don’t want to stand!! Or, if you want to eat make a reservation in the non-smoking room (although eating/lounging on the couches is more fun!). It is also located in the Old Town and is great for lunch or dinner. Go for dinner to mingle with locals and find out where the hot spots are for late night! 3, rue Etienne Dumont. Tel – 022.312.12.90. www.demilune.ch Le Pain Quotidien – (Lunch or breakfast) this is actually a chain, the first one was opened in Brussels and now they are all over Europe and a few in NYC LA. There are 3 locations in Geneva . I have been to all 3 the most convenient for visitors are Plainpalais or Rive.
Genève, Plainpalais - 32 Boulevard Georges Favon - Tel.: 022 781 81 90
Genève, Rive - 21 Boulevard Helvétique - Tel.: 022 736 36 90 http://www.lepainquotidien.com/ Pizzeria da Paolo – This is very casual dining in Geneva and one of the best Pizzeria’s! They don’t take reservations and most weekends there is a line out the door starting from 8:00PM . 3 rue du Lac. (Down the street from La Bodega) Tel – +41(0)22 736 30.49 La Bodega – (Lunch or dinner) This is a great Tapas bar and hang out in the heart of Geneva and close to the lake. They take reservations.
21, rue des Eaux Vives – Tel - +41.(0)22.786.58.46 Ku De Ta – (this is our favorite restaurant in Geneva !! We eat here at least once a month!!) This restaurant is in the area called Carouge. You can take the 12 tram to the Carouge stop. They have an extensive mussels menu, the ‘entrecote de paris’ is to die for and they usually have a fresh fish dish as well. Start with the ‘salad du jardin’ or the ‘tuna sashmi’ and you won’t be disappointed! Make a reservation. If they don’t answer, leave a message on the machine in English, they will get it.
Route de Drize 1 (Place du Rondeau) Carouge. Tel - +41.22.342.58.58 SoupCon –. If you are here for work, chances are you will be taken here. The menu is small but the steaks and fish are great (they even have a vegetarian option). You will need to make a reservation! In the Old Town (pop into demi lune before or after dinner for a cocktail). 8, Place du Bourg-de-Four, +41.22.318.37.37 www.soupcon.ch
La Favola – (dinner only) you need a reservation or you won’t get in! This is a cute restaurant in the heart of Old Town . The food is fabulous (and expensive) and they only take cash! La Favola ristorante , 15, rue Jean-Calvin +41.22.311.74.37 http://www.lafavola.com/home.htm Hotel Les Armures – (Lunch or dinner) we call this “the bill Clinton restaurant” because he ate there once and there is a plaque. The food is reasonably priced for Geneva and the food is excellent. If you want to take a fondue this is a great place to do it. The restaurant is in the heart of Old Town and is not “touristy” at all. You will need a reservation. 1, rue Puits-St-Pierre - Tél. +41.22.310.34.42 http://www.hotel-les-armures.ch/fr/restaurant-geneve.php U Bobba Restaurant – this restaurant is just outside of the ‘chess park’ or Parc de Bastions. They change their menu frequently and the food is good.
22, rue de la Corraterie. Tel (0) 22.310.53.40 www.ubobba.ch Asadal – Korean restaurant in Geneva . If you are French/Swiss food out this is great alternative. It is right downtown. 9, rue des Eaux-Vives Tel – 022.786.01.98 www.asadal.ch La Baguette d’Or – typical Chinese restaurant in Geneva . It is in the Plainpalais area (across from the winter circus at Plaine de Plainpalais). 15, av. Henri-Dunant. Tel-+41.22.328.13.61 THAI – This is a fun/funky restaurant right downtown! The food is excellent and most of the servers speak English. The location on Molard Square is great. There is an Artisanal Beer Bar called ‘Lord Nelson’s Pub’ in the square that serve excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
Restaurant Thaï - 3 rue Neuve-du-Molard - Tel : +41 (0)22 310 12 54 - http://www.thai-geneve.com/ Brasserie LIPP – this place gets good recommendations from friends, etc. After dinner hours check out “le cave” when the block gets hot for cocktails, etc. in the evening.
Confédération Centre, Rue de la Confédération 8 - Tél (022) 318 80 30 Cocktails/Bars Lady Godiva Pub – Yes, it’s an English Pub but it is the place to be in the evening! The food is good and they serve until 11PM . Be careful, if there is an ‘football’ match it might be hard to get in the door!
Lady Godiva English Pub - 53, Boulevard du Pont-d'Arve Plainpalais, - Tel: 022 328 2300 - http://www.ladyg.ch/ Soleil Rouge – Popular pre-dinner/after work cocktails. Not open on Saturday nights!!
This wine bar is non-smoking inside so don’t be alarmed by the mounds of people standing outside!! Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is great! The bar is in downtown Geneva . Boulevard Helvetique, 23 – TEL – (0)22.700.00.24
www.soleilrouge.ch La Cave Calvinus – wine bar in the Old Town . (It is next to Demi Lune). A good option when Demi Lune is packed! Buy a bottle of wine at the bar and sit on the couches drinking with friends! Rue Etienne-Dumont 3 – tel. 022.310.79.05 www.calvinuscave.ch Lord Nelson Pub - Artisanal Beer Bar. excellent hand-crafted beers. It is a great place to stop in before or after dinner!
9, Place du Molard Tel +41. (0)22. 311.11.00 Alhambar – we have grabbed drinks here a couple of times. The atmosphere is nice and you can grab a snack if you like. 10, rue de la Rôtisserie • entrée Parc Pélisserie
Tél. : 022 312 1313 - http://www.alhambar.com/index.html L’Ethno – it serves good cocktails and offers a nice selection of wines and on week-ends it features good Dj's It is near the Plainpalais area.
Rue Bovy-Lysberg 1, Tel: 022 310 25 21 http://www.ethnobar.ch Late night/Clubbing… La Sip – open from 10-4:30am . They have a couple bars and a ‘disco’ lounge. In the Plainpalais area. Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 8-10. http://www.lasip.ch/ Heaven Lounge – pretty new and non-smoking! Rue Philippe Plantamour 25, phone: +41 (0)22 732 10 22 Java – Late night club under the Kempinski Hotel. Very upscale and expensive! (from their website: Java Club is an all-in-one restaurant nightclub. Fine world cuisine, lavish sofas and good music: a place where you can relax, have dinner, dance and enjoy.) 19 Quai Du Mont Blanc - Tel: +41 22 908 9081 http://www.kempinski-geneva.com/en/bars/index.htm?item_id=24686
Shakers – I don’t think you are supposed to go here before 2:00AM !! Late night booty shakin’ Admission fee on the weekends! Rue Winkelried 4, Tel. +41 (0)22 310 55 98, http://www.shakers.ch/ Platinum Club – This is a new trendy spot in Geneva . Admission fee. You can make a reservation by visiting their website: http://www.platinum-club.ch/ 18 Quai du Seujet, 022.738.90.91
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
You're in Geneva, you're a bit bored, you can't find anywhere to have a good time.... Head to Mr. Pickwick's Pub on Rue de Lausanne. A great starting point to enjoy your time there.
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
Swiss international airlines is switzerland's flag carrier that operates 110 destinations in 90 countries.....
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
Headquarter of the International Committee of the Red Cross
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
Be prepared to pay a few dollars if you miss out on the few hostels in the city. Nice spot for a day or two but not much more. One of Europes more expensive cities
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Geneve, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
There is a restaurant that only serves roast chicken and chips (salad for vegetarians ) in a great bohemian atmosphere. Also probably the cheapest meal youll have in a proper restaurant.
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