Shopping
A shopping spree in Geneva is one like no other with Swiss
jewellery, watches, wine and chocolate being the most popular
tourist buys. But among all the shopping malls and boutique-lined
streets there are wonderful flea markets to discover, such as the
Kane Country Flea Market, which is held on the first weekend of
each month. The clothes and book market on the Place de la
Madeleine is also great for bargain hunting.
The main shopping drag in Geneva is the Rues Basses, which is made
up of Rue du Rhône, Rue de la Confédération and
Rue du Marché, where all the best clothing and jewellery can
be found. Head down to the Place du Mulard and enjoy browsing in
some of the city's most glamorous and expensive shops or, for
antique lovers, head to the old town, the best area to shop for
antiques and art.
A shopping trip in Geneva wouldn't be complete without the
obligatory purchase of the world-renowned chocolates which can be
bought from one of the many confectioneries all across the city,
but for a real Swiss chocolate decadence head to La Chocolaterie
Rohr on Rue du Rhone and Place du Molard.
Most shops in Geneva open on Monday to Wednesday from 9am to 6.30pm
while on Thursday shops close at 9pm. On Friday stores are open
from 9am to 7.30pm. Shops open at 9am and close at 6pm on Saturdays
and are closed on Sundays. The VAT in Geneva is 7.6% and can be
reclaimed by non-Swiss visitors for single items purchased for a
minimum of CHF400, as long as the goods are exported within 30
days.