My Geneva trip began with the arrival and a short ride into the city. Everything felt clean, quiet and well organised, from the public transport to the pedestrian crossings. After settling in, I headed straight to the water, because you cannot really understand Geneva without seeing Lake Geneva.

I followed the lakeside promenade for a long, easy walk. In November the air was cold and clear, the crowds were thin, and the light over the water was soft and beautiful. Along the way I saw the famous Jet d’Eau, the tall fountain that has become the symbol of the city, and crossed the Pont du Mont-Blanc for wide views over the lake and the rooftops.

In the Jardin Anglais, I stopped at the Flower Clock, a small and charming reminder of Geneva’s watchmaking tradition. It was a simple stop, but it set the tone for the trip: neat, thoughtful and a little bit playful.

Geneva does not shout for your attention. It rewards you for walking slowly.

As the evening arrived, the lights came on along the lake and the city turned warm and cosy. For dinner, I did what felt right on a cold Swiss evening: a proper cheese fondue. After a full day on my feet, it was exactly the comfort I needed before an early night.

The second day was all about Geneva’s Old Town. After breakfast, I climbed the hill into the historic centre, where narrow cobbled streets, old stone buildings and small squares make the city feel much older and more intimate than the lakefront suggests.

My first major stop was St. Pierre Cathedral, a landmark closely tied to the Protestant Reformation. The interior is simple and quiet, and I enjoyed climbing the tower for views across the rooftops, the lake and, on a clear day, the distant mountains.

From there I wandered through Place du Bourg-de-Four, one of the oldest squares in the city, with its fountain, cafés and calm atmosphere. It is the kind of place where it is easy to sit for a while and simply watch daily life go by.

Next I walked to the Parc des Bastions to see the Reformation Wall, a long monument carved with the figures who shaped Geneva’s religious and intellectual history. Standing in front of it gave me a better sense of why this small city has had such a large influence on the world.

In the afternoon I explored the shops and cafés around the Old Town and, of course, tried some Swiss chocolate. A hot chocolate on a cold day is one of the best small pleasures Geneva has to offer. I finished the day with a slow evening walk before heading back to rest.

On my final day, I explored the side of Geneva that makes it known around the world: International Geneva. I started at the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. In front of it stands the huge Broken Chair sculpture, a powerful symbol of the human cost of landmines and a reminder of why this city matters.

Not far away, I visited the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. It is a moving and thoughtful museum about humanitarian work, and it gave me a very different perspective from the beautiful lakeside scenery of the first day.

To finish on a gentler note, I walked through the Botanical Garden, which was calm and quiet in the autumn light. It was a peaceful way to say goodbye, with the city, the lake and the mountains all within reach.

By the end of the third day, it was time to pack my things and head to the airport. On the way, I thought about how much I had seen in just three days: the lake, the Jet d’Eau, the cobbled Old Town, the Reformation Wall, the Broken Chair and a very good plate of fondue.

Geneva turned out to be a city of contrasts. It is small but international, calm but important, and elegant without being showy. I left with a camera full of photos and a strong wish to come back in summer.

• Dress in layers. November mornings by the lake are cold and can be foggy, so bring a warm coat, a scarf and gloves.
• Use public transport. Trams and buses are reliable, and many hotels and hostels offer a free transport card to guests.
• Plan for Swiss prices. Geneva is expensive, so a lunch special or a bakery meal can save money without losing the experience.
• Book the Palais des Nations ahead. Visits usually need advance booking and a valid ID, so check the current rules before you go.