While on your Solo Trip to Switzerland, don’t forget to stop over at Geneva!
Home of the United Nations, Swiss-made Watches, Winter Sports, Fondues, and breathtaking lake and mountain views… Geneva is a haven for Muslimah Solo Travelers while in Switzerland!
Without further ado, here are some Muslim-friendly Things To Do Alone in Geneva, including Halal Food, Where To Pray, Where to Stay, and so much more!
Before you go to Geneva, Switzerland..
Boat Cruise on Lake Geneva
You can’t explore Geneva without spending time at its infamous Lake!
One of the best Lake Geneva things to do, besides chilling by the lake and admiring the swans, is to go on the boat cruise!
From this boat cruise, you’ll get to:
- Immerse in the ethereal views of Geneva and Mont-Blanc mountain,
- Take in the fresh lake air and peer into manicured gardens by the lake’s shores
- Learn more about the city’s famous buildings like the UN, history, and much more!
Tour the Palais des Nations of the United Nations
If you’re interested in international peace, social progress, and better living standards, make your way to the United Nations!
Visiting the European headquarters of the UN is a must on your Things To Do Alone in Geneva because there are only a few United Nations HQs in the world!
Come early in the morning so you can take a photo of this place without so many visitors! Be sure to take a picture with Broken Chair, the symbol of Geneva’s dedication to peace and freedom.
MST Tip: Book three months in advance and bring your passports if you want to go on a guided tour here.
- Address: Palais des Nations, 1211 Genève, Switzerland (directions)
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; 2:00 – 4:00 pm (Mon-Fri)
Visit the Flower Clock & Garden (Jardin Anglais)
Known for precision, you’ll be able to see clocks everywhere in Geneva! But if there’s one spot that pays tribute to Geneva’s history in watchmaking, it is the Flower Clock!
Known as L’horloge fleurie in French and created in 1955, the city’s iconic attraction blooms with various kinds of flowers at different times of the year!
You can chill here, take a pleasant stroll, go on the Ferris wheel, and much more. In summer, it can get pretty crowded.
Of course, just a walk away from this garden, you’ll see high-end watch shops like Rolex, Tissot, and whatnot.
MST Tip: Did you know you can buy typically Geneve-made souvenirs here? Stuff like postcards and keychains are available.
- Address: Quai du Général-Guisan 28, 1204 Genève, Switzerland (directions)
- Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Go on a Chocolate Hunt!
Besides hunting for Swiss Army Knives, your time in Geneva is incomplete without hunting for some chocolates!
This can mean trying out chocolate fondue, indulging in a chocolate cauldron filled with marzipan, or bringing home some chocolate from confectionaries!
When you walk around Geneva, you’ll see chocolatiers displaying the old-fashioned chocolate cauldrons (called ‘marmite’) on days leading up to the l’Escalade Chocolate Pot festival.
Where to indulge in chocolate in Geneva:
- Arn: One of the city’s oldest manufacturers (at Place du Bourg-de-Four in Old Town)
- Du Rhône: Top-of-the-range Swiss chocolates that have been around since 1875
- Sweetzerland: Geneva-based company that excels in Grand Cru cocoa and local raw materials sourced ethically.
Shop for Geneve-made watches at Rue du Rhône
Of course, what’s more memorable than immortalizing your solo trip to Geneva if not by gifting yourself some watching sold in the motherland of watches.
You can find either high-end watch brands like Omega and Rolex, or affordable ones like Swatch at the shops around Rue du Rhone!
Besides watches, the window displays here are full of jewelry, chocolate and so much more that will certainly tempt you!
- Address: Rue du Rhône (directions)
MST Tip: Get yourself a pocket map in Geneva! Some of them have directories for different brand watches and where you can find them!
Go on a guided tour at Patek Phillippe Museum
Want to deepen your appreciation for all things precision and high-end watches?
Then plan your visit to Patek Phillippe Museum!
As one of the Muslim-friendly things to do alone in Geneva, the museum has a couple of immersive programs that lets you discover and learn more about the ancestral expertise in watchmaking.
You can even see all kinds of antique watches you won’t see in the market today!
- Address: Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, 1205 Genève, Switzerland
- Opening hours: 2:00 – 6:00 pm (Tue – Fri); 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sat)
- Information on Public Guided Tours
Take a “Geneva shot” at Pont et Tour de l’Ile
Another city icon is this towering clock located near Bel-Air, a little island on the Rhone.
Besides just how iconic this tower is, this used to be the checkpoint that links northern and southern Europe, because of the bridge spanning the two river banks!
The tower’s also a great place to catch a break while you’re busy exploring the best of Geneva solo!
MST Tip: Do be careful of the tramways around when you’re taking a photo here!
- Address: Rue de la Tour-de-l’Ile 1, 1204 Genève, Switzerland (directions)
Chill and enjoy the Pier scenery at Phare des Pâquis
You’ll find so many Geneva things to see at the pier of Phare des Paquis. This lighthouse on the pier will give you a different view of Geneva’s natural spots.
With the swans, fountains, and Mont Blanc on the other background — be prepared to be taken away by its beauty and tranquility!
During summer, you may find exhibitions here. The nearby Bains (Bath) turns into an outdoor public bath, and sometimes, there’s a lively cultural performance here!
- Address: 1201 Geneva, Switzerland (directions)
See the meeting of two rivers at Pointe de la Jonction
While this is a bit further away from the city center, we feel it’s a must-visit on your Muslim-friendly Things To Do Alone in Geneva.
Switzerland’s known for its clean, bluish-turquoise watercolor, which you can see at Geneva Lake.
But the water here is unlike anything you’ve seen!
This is the meeting point of two major rivers, Rohné and Arvé, which cross each other at Jonction point, but it’s never mixed!
MST Tip: How about some time kayaking here?
- Address: Sent. des Saules 3, 1205 Genève, Switzerland
- Opening hours: 24 hours daily
- Nearby Halal food: Lahore Food (directions) & El Baraka (directions). You’ll find lots of Halal food around El Baraka.
Shop at Plaine de Plainpalais
Since Geneva is known for precision, luxury, and high-end goods, you may wonder, “where can I find flea markets here?”
The answer’s at Plaine de Plainpalais.
This flea market sells all kinds of stuff, knick-knacks from all around the world.
- Market is 8:00 am – 5:00 pm on Wednesday, and Saturday
- Address: Bd Georges-Favon 46, 1204 Genève, Switzerland (directions)
Worship at Geneva Mosque
Geneva has a couple of mosques that you should visit.
But if you can, you should visit the largest mosque within the neighborhood of Le Petit-Saconnex.
This mosque is also known as the Geneva Islamic Cultural Foundation.
- Address: Chem. Colladon 34, 1209 Genève, Switzerland (directions)
- Opening hours: Open during prayer times, so come early if you want to pray here!
Take in the view of Geneva Water Fountain (Jet D’Eau)
Basically, anywhere you go in Geneva, you’ll be able to see a water fountain from 260 degrees with a view of Mont Blanc and the iconic Swiss skyline in the background.
Known as one of the tallest fountains in the world, the fountain is iconic to this Swiss city skyline.
Some spots that you can see this clearly are from:
- Bel Air Bridge (a stroll here is fantastic!)
- Jardin Anglais (Garden where Flower Clock is at)
- Quay du Mont Blanc (this one gives you a view of Mont Blanc in the background!)
Fountain Timings: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
See people play Chess at Parc des Bastions
Ever seen those videos where people are playing on large chess boards?
You’ll find them here at Parc des Bastions!
This is a large green park near the Old Town in Geneva. You can even join the chess players who are already there, or stroll all the way to the Reformation Wall!
In wintertime, this park looks even more magical!
- Address: Les Bastions, 1204 Genève, Switzerland (directions)
- Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Explore Historic Geneva at Old Town Geneva
What should a Muslimah Solo Traveler see in Geneva in One Day? Exploring Old Town, of course!
This is the essence of true Geneva. Some stops you must make around Old Town:
- L’Ancien Arsenal: Open-air museum with vintage cannon and battle-themed mosaic
- Tavel House (Maison Tavel): Classic Medieval Swiss house that shares the history of Geneva
Winter Sports at Chamonix, Mont Blanc
One of the best things to do in Geneva in Wintertime is none other than dabbling in sports like skiing or going on sleigh rides at Chamonix Mont Blanc!
Chamonix is an alpine village located at the base of Mont Blanc (the highest summit of the Alps) and is famous for skiing all year round that is renowned as the mountaineering capital of the world!
Of course, the view of Mont Blanc from here is splendid!
If your main mission is to test your skiing skills, then Chamonix Full-Day Ski Trip would be a great solo activity that will give you the following:
?️ Views of the famous Swiss Alps of Mont Blanc
? The varying degree of slopes: beginner, intermediate, challenging, and difficult!
✅ This ski tour will handle everything from the ski rentals, lift tickets, and skiing clothes, so you don’t have to worry about extras! It’s even beginner-friendly!
? If you don’t want to ski but just want to experience the alpine village, a cable car ride, etc, this Full-Day Cable Car and Train Tour from Geneva would be perfect!
Sit at the longest bench in Switzerland at Promenade de la Treille
Besides the view of the fountain, check out the view of the parc underneath at this elevated promenade nearby Old town!
As the seasons change, you’ll see the leaves turn their color, making it a gorgeous place to chill and have your quick meal in Geneva.
This is also a very popular place to sit during sunset.
- Address: Rpe de la Treille, 1204 Genève, Switzerland (directions)
Eat Halal Food at Paquis area!
Before you figure out How to Spend A Day in Geneva, make sure your tummy is full of some delicious Halal food!
You can find lots of Halal establishments in Geneva, considering how multicultural the city is.
Most of the Halal shops in Geneva are located around Rue de Lausanne, Rue de Berne, and Rue du Prieuré in Paquis area.
Some Halal shops that you can consider are:
- Ali Haydar: Turkish food like Kebab and Shawarma (directions)
- Parfums de Beyrouth: Lebanese cuisine (directions)
- Bombay Restaurant Indien: Indian food (directions)
Where to Stay in Geneva as a Muslimah Solo Traveler?
Switzerland is notorious for being known as an expensive destination. But that doesn’t mean there are no affordable places to stay around.
- ($) Association Genevoise Des Auberges de Jeunesse
- ($$) Bernina Hotel, Hôtel International & Terminus Genève
- ($$$) Warwick Hotel, Four Seasons or Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva
- Near Geneva Airport: Holiday Inn Express Hotel
? Book your Geneva, Switzerland stays from:
Tips for Muslimah Solo Travelers visiting Geneva, Switzerland:
Geneva is a harmonious and international place, considering that it is the home to the United Nations in Europe.
You won’t find it hard to walk around and explore comfortably as a Hijabi Muslimah. There’s plenty of Hijabis here too.
However, like any places, do exercise caution in dark alleys and most particularly, avoid Rue de Berne at late night as it turns into a Red Light District. But in the early evening, in sha Allah the area should be okay.
And when it comes to budget, Switzerland is known to be a premium destination in Europe so even the littlest thing like a meal can have a premium price here. So just be ready to accomodate to this.
How Many Days Is Enough in Geneva?
Ideally, you have to spend at least two days in Geneva to experience what it offers on your solo trip to Switzerland.
But you can do a One Day in Geneva Solo Trip, if you’re pressed for time, or maybe you’re staying in nearby Swiss Cities like Zurich, or you’re from France’s Lyon.
Day Trip Beyond Geneva
If you want to make day trips beyond Geneva, France’s Annecy should be great to explore on a day trip.
Nicknamed Venice of the Alps, this picturesque town is surrounded by Chamonix Mont Blanc Valley and gorgeous snow-capped peaks!
Other than France, you can take the train to Spain, or up north to Germany.
Is there Luggage Storage in Geneva?
If you’re coming to Geneva on a solo one-day trip, you can store your luggage at Geneva station (Gare de Genève)
The price varies according to hours of storage and the size of locker you’re choosing.
Where can I get more information on tourism in Geneva?
Visit the Geneva Tourist Information Office (Genève Tourisme & Congrès) at Quai du Mont-Blanc. Click here for opening hours and exact directions.
? Geneva Pass: For Ease of Navigating Solo in Geneva!
Wrap-Up – Muslim -Friendly Things To Do Alone in Geneva, Switzerland
We hope this article has inspired you to visit Geneva on your #MuslimSoloTravel adventures to Switzerland!
If you need to do more to supplement your research, drop by our #MuslimahSoloTravelers Community Group where you can seek solo travel advice from like-minded ladies!
Beyond Geneva, Zurich, or Lyon are great Solo Travel Destinations in Europe that you should check out!
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