No one needs introduction to Victorinox. This Swiss company is the maker of the world famous Swiss army knife, and has since expanded to open stores all across the globe. Their flagship store in Geneva stocks some of the extensive collections of Victorinox products, which includes timepieces, travel gear, perfumes, cutlery and the Swiss knife of course, making it no less than a museum.
Along the famous Geneva shopping street is Franz Carl Weber, a three-floor store that is definitely a favorite among the young and the young at heart. From the bottom up, each floor holds different treasures. The lower ground floor of this vast toy store holds a large selection of construction toys, the ground floor plush toys, the mezzanine Barbies, and the top floor is filled with doll houses, clothing, children's computers, and toys for outdoor play. With such a big selection you are sure to fall in love with something that will make the trip here worth it.
Plaine de Plainpalais holds the one of the largest open-air market in Geneva four days a week, attracting large crowds of both residents and tourists. On Tuesday and Friday mornings the pretty park is full of discerning citizens selecting quality produce from the many fruit and vegetable traders. The variety and selection is quite impressive, as are the prices. The scene alters on Wednesday and Saturday when the area becomes an enormous flea market. Old books, decorative and practical household wares, clocks, furniture of varying ages, and ethnic clothing are sold. The drama begins at dawn on market days continuing as long as there are goods and the will remains strong. A typical Genevan scene for longer than anyone cares to remember, it is enjoyable to watch traders and buyers exchanging views on the value of goods. Negotiating skills are a real asset with many bargains waiting for the eagle-eyed and silver-tongued. An essential part of life in Geneva, the Plaine de Plainpalais open-air markets are popular with residents and tourists alike.
Old Town's Arn Confiserie is a haven for chocolate lovers. This delightful confectionery is nestled on the historic Place du Bourg-de-Four, considered to be the city's oldest square. Their list includes over 40 variants of pralines, truffles, champagne truffles, Pavés de Genève, nougat bars and black chocolate bars. They also sell florentins, petits fours and pastries. Taste some of their sweet delights on their terrace over a sip of hot chocolate and decide which ones to pick.
The huge supermarket Balexert with its bank, electrical goods shop, restaurant and photo shop is the epicenter of the center, but there is plenty more. There are approximately twenty clothes shops, plus shoe shops, toy shops and household appliance shops. You can book your next holiday at the travel agent, send a letter at the post office and eat in one of the several restaurants. When you have finished you can pop into Ciné Village for a good film! Please refer to the website or contact for business hours.
When one of Geneva's popular cuckoo-clock store closed its doors, Alptitude grabbed the opportunity to set base at this famous location. Basking in the fame of the previous store, Alptitude opened its doors in 2012. Keeping in tune with the previous store, Alptitude did not fail to impress the regular clientele as well as new customers. Housing a vast range of local handicrafts, that make for wonderful memorabilia for loved ones back home. Choose from well-designed cuckoo clocks, Swiss knives, t-shirts, watches, key chains, a traditional icon, Mumu Cow's merchandise and other products with a Swiss flair.
Tucked away a block from the Rhône River on a narrow street behind busy station-side hotels, Cumulus is a classic Swiss "BD" (Bande Dessinée, comic book) shop with as full a collection as its 50 square meters permits. They have a good collection of comic book newsletters, announcements on BD festivals, character models and posters. The store also has a very complete set of Hugo Pratt and Biggles.
In the loft of the old food market on Ile Rousseau, which in effect floats over the river Rhône, is a very different sort of bookshop/gallery: off-beat comic books, a coffee bar the size of a church organ, modern ("art nouveau") painting and print exhibitions and displays of original comic book plates, plus art books, colored writing paper and writing/artists materials, music CDs and posters. Cross the footbridge onto the island just off the bus terminal at Place Mollard, walk through the arcade towards the cafe at the prow, up the stairs and voilà, you've reached Papier Gras!
This is one of the best addresses in Geneva for coffee lovers. Carasso is a coffee roasting and distribution enterprise that was founded back in 1866 and remains a family business. The sales assistant is quite naturally a connoisseur and will readily advise you on your choice of pure varieties or blends. There is also a wide choice of coffee-making equipment on sale. Two other shops are in Carouge and Meyrin.
A 130-year-old tradition is more than enough to acquire both a faithful clientele and a ton of business acumen, and that is exactly what this exclusive retailer boasts of. While the ladies can go ga-ga over dainty rings, charm bracelets, necklaces, pendants and stunning wedding jewelry, the men can pretend to contain their excitement as they browse through an equally extensive range of accessories such as rings, chains, watches and more. Expect to emerge with a full shopping bag and an empty wallet at the end of the trip. Keep this in mind when you head to the bank!
A one-of-a-kind jewelry store, Luci Mendola thrills with its unique creations. Find some of the most precious jewels and rare stones studded in intriguing patterns in necklaces, rings and earrings. Whether its heavy and chunky, or sleek and svelte, all tastes are catered to here. The delicate pieces, studded with precious and semi-precious stones are sure to add to the charm of any evening dress or formal outfit. Accessorize your clothes with some swanky pieces of Luci Mendola where grace and elegance are at their best.
Geneva's Rue du Rhône is one of the most fashionable streets in the country. You will find the most luxurious and expensive brands on this lane. Among them is the iconic Loro Piana. Spread across 550 square meters (5920.15 square feet), it has a wide selection of fine cashmere, merino wool and exquisite textile. Men and women will be wowed by their knitwear, suits and jackets, sportswear, shoes, crocodile belts, accessories and bags. Some of them are available on bespoke as well. If you are looking to spruce up your home, then this stylish Italian house takes care of that too. They have in their inventory more than 600 different fabrics for curtains, furnishings and upholstery. From mountain getaways, countryside homes, to city residences and seaside dwellings, they have a range of interior collection that is meant for a particular environment. The Loro Piana family has been in this trade for six generations and is amidst the leading distinctive labels in the international high fashion markets.