đšđ Geneva Old Town Stroll | A Day of Wandering with Locals
âš Spent an afternoon exploring Genevaâs Old Town with French friends and localsâsmall but brimming with charm, this city is best discovered on footïŒ Hereâs my go-to guide to spots, eats, and stays that made my dayïŒ đïž Must-Visit Spots in the Old Town đ CathĂ©drale Saint-Pierre (Geneva Cathedral) A Protestant gem with a minimalist vibe (no flashy gold leaf here!). Inside, grab free multilingual pamphlets (thereâs even a Chinese one!) to dive into Calvinist history. Sober, serene, and full of quiet storiesâperfect for reflection. đ Maison Tavel (Local History Museum) Housed in a centuries-old building, this free (donation-based!) museum is a treasure trove of Genevaâs past. Think old maps, artifacts, and tales of the cityâs evolution. Great for history buffsïŒ đ Parc des Bastions A green oasis with a giant chessboard (yes, 12x12 feet!) where locals play like itâs their backyardđ€Ł. Snap pics with the elders battling, or check out the striking Reformation monumentâhistory meets leisureïŒ đ Banc de la Treille (Worldâs Longest Bench) Stretching 120 meters against a mountain, this bench is made for resting weary feet. We even spotted a few rappers filming a music video hereâvibes only Geneva can deliverïŒ đ Charming Streets for Strolling Skip big mallsâwander these lanes instead: âą Grand-Rue: Quaint boutiques with handmade jewelry and retro clothes. âą Rue Verdaine: Cozy bookshops (grab a Swiss novel!) and vintage stores. âą Rue de la Fontaine: Cute cafĂ©s with outdoor seatingâideal for people-watching over a latteïŒ đŠ Food & Drink: Local Favorites đ Gelatomania (Ice Cream Shop) Creamy, fragrant, and never a letdownïŒ I tried 4 flavors (pistachio, rose grapefruit, honey lavender, and peach)âall unique and delicious. Pro tip: Ask for a âsurprise scoopâ if youâre feeling adventurousïŒ đ Pasta People (Italian Eatery) Even Robert De Niroâs been hereïŒ Casual spot with generous portions of perfectly al dente pasta. Tried the spicy shrimp tomato pasta (bold!) and the creamy chicken pasta (rich and comforting). Cash onlyâbring small billsïŒ đš Where to Stay: Mercure Airport Hotel Quiet rooms with mountain views (yes, snow-capped peaks from your bedïŒ), priced around âŹ150/night. A 2-3 minute walk from Genevaâs central train stationâsuper convenient. Bonus: Free airport shuttle service (hallelujah for stress-free travelïŒ). âš âšGenevaâs Old Town isnât about grand landmarksâitâs about the little things: the scent of fresh croissants, the clink of chess pieces, and the warmth of a localâs smile. Wander, taste, and let the cityâs charm wrap around you. Switzerland, youâve done it again. đ #OverseasLife #SwitzerlandTravel #Geneva #EuropeanTravel #Wanderlust #CityExploration #LocalVibes