Geneva: A Posh Experience

Geneva in Switzerland is probably the poshest destinations I have ever been. The three impressions I got from my day trip to Geneva were expensive cigars, fancy chocolate, and stylish watches. Geneva is also known as the Capital of Peace and Freedom - no wonder why I felt like I was in a utopian world.

As I arrived in Geneva from Lyon by train, I immediately felt greatly peaceful as if I was meditating. Maybe that was because I knew Geneva was home to the headquarters of Europe's United Nations and the Red Cross. I still remember some random locals smiled at me and looked as if they were totally satisfied with their life. I felt very welcome as an Asian tourist (sometimes this is not the case in a few European cities). While this impression may not have been representative of the whole population of Geneva, I could tell that Geneva is generally a very happy city.

Geneva was in fact a lot more fun than what I had expected. Firstly, I was greeted by a beautiful view of the Jet D'Eau, the iconic fountain on the Geneva Lake, which somehow seemed a bit futuristic. Then I made my way to the old part of the city by walking through the bridge called Pont du Mont-Blanc. Another thing that I really liked about Geneva was that it was walkable. Although I did not manage to visit the Palace of Nations or the Conservatory and Botanical Garden, I still greatly enjoyed my walk in the the city center.

My first stop was the cigar store Davidoff, which had sophisticated design and excellent service - I was looking for some gifts for my dad. Just a few steps away was the famous chocolate shop Auer Chocolatier, which was famous for their high-quality chocolate-covered almonds. Do you know that Switzerland has one of the best chocolates in the world? Once in Geneva, do not miss the world class chocolatiers. To complete a posh experience of Geneva, my last stop was the Patek Philippe Museum. There I saw some of the most intricate, artistic, and expensive antique watches in the world. It was interesting to learn about the history of the watch. The museum looked like a 5-star hotel, and photography was not allowed so I do not have any photos to share with you. I highly recommend visiting the Patek Philippe Museum even if you are not a watch lover.

A bonus tip: While visiting Geneva, you might want to dress a little bit classier than usual.

Patek Philippe Museum

Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, 1205 Genève, Suisse

Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva

Jardin Botanique, 1202 Genève, Suisse

Natural History Museum of Geneva

Route de Malagnou 1, 1208 Genève, Suisse

Lake Geneva - Lac Léman

CFXM+4H Saint-Prex, Switzerland

Saint Pierre Cathedral

Place du Bourg-de-Four 24, 1204 Genève, Suisse

Jet d'Eau

Quai Gustave-Ador, 1207 Genève, Suisse

Place du Bourg-de-Four

Place du Bourg-de-Four, 1204 Genève, Suisse

Palace of Nations

Palais des Nations, 1202 Genève, Suisse

Auer Chocolatier, Geneva

Rue de Rive 4, 1204 Genève, Switzerland