Geneva's 10 Best-Kept Secrets

When you think of Geneva, you might think of the enormous fountain that is its iconic Jet d’eau, or perhaps CERN, or the UN. Yet while these landmarks are certainly worth ticking off your tourist check list, there are a number of hidden treasures throughout this fascinating city known only to locals; ones that have the power to really enrich your cultural experience of the town. From wine bars to hidden churches, let’s take a look at Geneva’s best-kept secrets.

Parc Alfred Bertrand

Market

A charming green space far from the overly-visited Jardin à l’anglaise in the peaceful quarter of Champel, Parc Alfred Bertrand has been welcoming locals and visitors since 1940. The lovely trees dotted around this idyllic pocket of greenery are especially beautiful during autumn, as they shed their red and golden leaves and add to the aesthetic of this already very pretty spot. It is also worth visiting on a Thursday to take advantage of the quaint local market that is just next door.

The Russian Church of Geneva

As beautiful as the Cathedral St Pierre may be, the Russian Church of Geneva is a hidden gem of stunning ecclesiastical architecture, with its gleaming golden domes, offering intriguing insight into the lesser-known Russian community of Geneva. Built in 1859 in the lovely district of Eaux-Vives, it is steeped in history; it is located on the site of an ancient Benedictine priory and is where Dostoyevsky’s daughter, Sofiya, was baptised.

Pointe de la Jonction

Bar

While the main water feature of Geneva may indeed be the famous Jet d’eau, the Pointe de la Jonction is a tranquil, lovely green spot where locals flock during the summer. There are deck chairs and a bar to make this the perfect space away from the crowds of tourists, while the spot is also a fascinating landmark, sat right where the two rivers of Geneva, the Rhône and the Arve, converge, creating a hypnotic natural phenomenon of a two-toned river. On the left of the pointe there is even the possibility of bathing, with showers provided, making it a great place to cool off during the warmer summer months.

Qu'Importe

Embrace the local custom of having an apéro (an early evening drink) before dinner at the lovely wine bar that is Qu’importe. Situated in the heart of the lively, Italian-influenced quarter of Carouge, Qu’Importe boasts an extensive range of French, Italian and local wines, as well as a good number of interesting cocktails and beers. The drinks are complemented by meticulously presented tapas and a warm ambiance, while the pleasant outdoor seating area and leather armchairs by the fireplace are perfect for summer and winter enjoyment respectively.

Le Grand Magasin

In the tranquil quarter of Plainpalais you can find the perfect shop to suit all your retro and vintage desires in Le Grand Magasin. This boutique offers a range of new European brands that specialise in evoking a retro feel. From 40s silk tea dresses to 60s tunics, vintage jewellery, and their own brand of bags, this store makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into the past!

Le Chat Noir

Bar, Restaurant

A bar, live music club and restaurant all rolled into one, Le Chat Noir, in the quarter of Carouge, offers a brilliant way to spend an evening. Its bar upstairs has a wide variety of excellent cocktails and drinks, and the restaurant serves tapas and sharing platters to accompany the drinks as well as steaks and burgers if you’re looking for something more filling. Downstairs, the music club caters for a large range of music tastes, with jazz, soul, rock, and hip hop acts taking place throughout the weekend.

Les Enfants Terribles

Bar, Wine Bar

Hidden deep in the Plainpalais quarter, Les Enfants Terribles is no ordinary café. As well as being a wine bar, it is also a workshop, an interior design store, a hair salon and is even sometimes used for concerts and fashion shows! No wonder it offers such a wide range of services given its eclectic, bright, and quirky style that transports visitors into another world. As for the café itself, it offers a range of delicious, organic fruit juices to complement their home-made quiches, burgers, cakes and pastries. Café Les Enfants Terribles | © Mark and Allegra Jaroski-Biava/Flickr

Pulp 68

As an interesting, alternative change to your average museum, Pulp 68 offers a fascinating insight into the history of skateboarding, going back sixty years. It also lets you enjoy an interesting experience of the 80s with an impressive collection of arcade games and other cultural artifacts. This is therefore not just a place for skateboard lovers but a portal into a world of nostalgia and the days when people occupied themselves with more than just the internet!

Café du Remor

Cafe, Coffee, Snacks

For a buzzing café with a traditional feel, Café du Remor is a great spot to be enjoyed right throughout the year. With its warm, cozy interior, it is perfect for enjoying a hot drink on a cold winter day, while its terrace is lovely during the summer for a refreshing cocktail or an ice cream. They also serve lunches, including a variety of delicious home-made quiches and some original salads. Yet perhaps the main reason to experience this quaint little café is the local clientèle; chatty and friendly and perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in real Genevan culture.

Institut La Fleur d'Oranger

Beauty Salon, Spa

If all that sightseeing and cultural exploration has left you feeling rather worn out, the Institut La Fleur d’Oranger is a great way to relax. As well as a nail and beauty salon, this bright, welcoming establishment offers a range of massages that will soothe any sore muscles and leave travellers feeling bright and refreshed. With staff who really know what they’re doing, this little spot boasts thorough, personalised spa treatments.

About the author

Colette Lewis

A student of Philosophy and French at Oxford University, Colette has always been curious about the world around her and has written a range of different blogs and articles over the years. She adores the European Enlightenment, when people lived and breathed philosophy, and is an avid fan of Voltaire and Sartre. Having spend the last year studying in Lyon, she has fallen in love with the city and all things french. She can usually be found either soaking up the sunshine while immersing herself in eighteenth-century literature, or drinking beer and head banging enthusiastically at a metal gig.