Hello all. I could use some insight on an upcoming trip to Geneva. Initially I was going with a friend who was working there that week so accomodations were free. The work trip was cancelled but my plane tickets are non refundable so I'm still going. Initially I was just going to explore GVA for the week (as that is where the hotel was) but with the change I can now stay whereever. I've read a few posts that it's better to stay in Montreux or even Vevey (90 min train ride away). So suggestions: stay in GVA for the week or go to Montreux? It's just me and I'm open and flexible as far as activities and itienraries. I will be in GVA 3/9 - 3/15 (arriving around 5 pm on 3/9). Not certain yet of train schedule or even passes to get - would it be better to stay arrival night in GVA or head straight to Montreux? Any insights would be much appreciated.
Posted by
Green Bay
21413 posts
There are 3 direct trains from GVA to Montreux every hour, so I would say head to Montreux after you get your luggage. Many things to do and excursions to take from Montreux. Being off-season, hotels rooms should be available for reasonable prices (for Switzerland).
Posted by
New York, NY
4074 posts
Rick Steves (and many here) hate Geneva. This has never made any sense to me. I’ve always enjoyed Geneva & it’s a great base for day trips whether it’s to Annecy, Lyon, Gstaad, Montreux, (many Lake Geneva cities), Gruyères or Bern.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
698 posts
If you have 5 days you don't have to stay in that area at all if you don't want. Pick wherever in Switzerland you want for a few days and then end with a couple nights in Montreux. Montreux, Geneva, etc. are very "French" Swiss, so if you want to experience more traditional Switzerland, I recommend going up into the mountains for a couple days. Or if you really want to stay in one place the full time and stay close to Geneva, then Montreux, Vevey or St-Prex would be nice. Geneva is fine if your plan is to do day trips the whole time, but it's just a big international cosmopolitan city.
Posted by
274 posts
We recently had five days in Montreux following by a night in Geneva.
I think that split of time worked perfectly. We certainly didn't hate Geneva, but we feel we gave it enough time.
We caught the train from Montreux early in the mornning, had the whole day, the night and the next day until around 4pm when we left for the airport.
Montreux was perfect for relaxing and lots of day trip options too.