With respect to shopping experience in Geneva, though, it is not as much as vast and elaborate like shopping centers of London and Paris, yet it has many a good number of spot and places to cheer about and cheer around when a person is going for a shopping spree on his tour to Switzerland and Geneva.
Shopping for clothing and accessories is not as exciting as one may expect it to being. Most of the clothing accessories there are rather expensive or uninteresting; however, among offerings floor length purple fur coat with the rhinestone trim is yet quite interesting. Geneva is yet place to many a good number of watch manufacturers, and there exists many jewelers and horologers that yet can help in wearing out in right kind of accessories and goods. Yet for a tourists pleasure there are many boutiques in the city center that helps to buy Plainpalais or the Paquis for second hand retro wear.
Apart from clothing if you are anyway interested in sending home some Swiss souvenirs there are many shop selling them out there along the main streets leading down to the lake from Gare Cornavin. Some other interesting spot there to sale out souvenirs are at the end of the Mont Blanc Bridge. That is one side of the picture, yet, Geneva has a rather specialization in other finer things of the life and still is a place for world class window shopping. Most of the retails stores in Geneva remains open throughout the day. Many service shops there remains close for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00 during the week. Most of the shops does not open past 19:00 and remain closed on Sundays.
• Watches: Geneva is also known for its watch industry that dates back to 16th century and she still is a world leader in top branded watches situated in the city including Patek Phillipe, Frank Muller, Swatch, Omega and Piaget. Some of the popular shops for watches in Geneva are Expace Temps, Bucherer, Franck Muller, Patek Phillippe, Swatch, Piaget, Gallopin, Orfeo by Christ, Zbinden.
• Chocolate: Another important and popular item to be sold around in Geneva is Chocolate that is loved by all. There are many specialty shops in Geneva for chocolate a lover that is their paradise. For the best shopping experience you should check out for many decorative specialty shops that features everything from truffles to chocolate stuffed pastries and fruits. The popular one shop is Auer, Christian Constant, Arn Chocolatierie, Cartier Patisserie Confiserie Chocolaterie and Rohr. Some other popular Souvenir Shops there are Bucherer,Cadhor, Badec S.A, Consul.
• Tobacco: In a different tradition to Europe smoking is quite popular in Geneva as common smoking items like Geneva. Havana cigars, unique lighters, antique pipes and other accessories can be found in tobacco shops and places throughout the Geneva city.
• Antiques and Art: Antique dealers in Geneva can be found at cross road that connects Europe with special attention to pieces as found around 19th century France. The Plaine de Plainpalais flea market there indeed has some great deals and the Old Geneva Town is filled with top examples of European craftsmanship.
Shopping Streets and Areas in Geneva
As far as shopping streets in Geneva are concerned they are well spread around the city and some of the most common and popular ones are the following ones:
• City Center: Spreading from the banking district to Eaux Vives, the parallel streets of Rue du Rhone and Rue du Marche creates Geneva’s most famous shopping district. There are situated many Designer retail stores and world famous watchmakers line which are streets packed with window shoppers. They often resemble a fashion runway and the entire area is also a great spot for people watching.
• Rue du Mont Blanc: There on the sections of the street one can have large selection of clothing and jewelry on display along Rue du Mont Blanc and its surrounding streets. It is also a great area to pick up souvenirs like Swiss pocket knives, chocolates and other Swiss knick-knacks.
• The Old Town: This Street is popular for old art souvenirs. In old town The Grand Rue is the primary shopping street. In old town there too are many antique shops and museums are situated that are filled with relics dating back to Geneva’s medieval and older days.
• Rue des Paquis: This shopping street is popular for the trendy vintage clothing stores and interesting ethnic boutiques. One car bargain here for rather reasonable price. The most common shops here are for bookstores, jewelry, kitchenware, antiques and oriental rugs.
Outdoor Markets
Geneva’s outdoor markets are great opportunity and alternative high priced world of retail as well as opportunity to mix up with locals. There Bargaining is yet available and provided for non food items with a bit persuasion. Below is provided a list of some outdoor markets in Geneva. They are being like as:
• Plaine de Plainpalais: It is the largest outdoor flea market in Geneva where locals go to sell out their old and often valuable ‘junk’, be it paintings, records, dish sets, antiques or vintage clothing.
• Boulevard Helvetique: It is a farmers market selling out the fresh fruit and vegetables from local farmers.
• Place de la Fusterie: It is a regional handicrafts market for goods from throughout Switzerland and France.
• Place de la Madeleine: It is a clothes and book market that opens during spring and summer.
• Rue des Grottes: It is a popular farmers market.
• Halles de Rive: This is a famous food market showing up gourmet Swiss, French and Italian specialties.
• Place du Marche: It is a Friendly local market in Carouge’s largest public square. Wednesdays and Saturdays only.