Where’s the AC, Geneva?! – An Expat’s Hot Girl Summer Adventure (Literally)

Let me tell you about the summer I learned Geneva was not built for heat. 🫠

As an expat from Asia (where air-conditioning is practically our love language), moving to Switzerland seemed like a dreamy Alpine fantasy: fondue, chocolate, pristine lakes, and a calm sense of order. I imagined sipping rosé on balconies while a gentle breeze flirted with my curtains.

But that was before the heatwave hit. And when I say heatwave, I mean “how can I make room in the fridge so I can sleep in it” kind of heatwave. 😩

You know how in Hong Kong or Singapore or Manila, you can step into a mall, cafe, transportation (ahem, looking at tram 12 as it is a hotbox on wheels) or even a public restroom and feel that crisp, delicious, artificially-engineered breeze of an AC unit? Yeah. Geneva didn’t get the memo.

So, where’s the AC?

Short answer: Not everywhere. 😅
Long answer: It’s a treasure hunt. But don’t worry— we gotchu, sis.

Here are some spots we’ve discovered that offer glorious, blessed air-conditioning, or at least cold enough vibes to trick your brain:

💻 1. Libraries – Geneva’s Best-Kept Secret

Library Uni Mail Yes, it’s part of the university but it’s cool, quiet, and filled with students & locals finding a cooling place to study but mostly just melting like the rest of us. There’s Wi-Fi, calm energy, and yes—AC (or at least very efficient fans and ventilation). I spent a whole day there “reading” and by reading I mean scrolling Instagram with zero sweat beads on my forehead.

Bonus: No one judges you for bringing an iced coffee and zoning out for hours.

☕ 2. Cafés With AC (They Exists!)

Not all cafés are created equal. Here are my air-conditioned angels:

Starbucks: Yes, it’s basic. But it’s cold. And sometimes you just need that familiar, globally-chilled experience with your overpriced frappuccino.
Le Brise Glace: So cool, it’s in the name. Located in Paquis, this modern hangout is the perfect spot for board game lovers. Or if you just need a cold drink and some cold air. It’s well-ventilated, chilled, and perfect for pretending you’re doing something productive while just staying vertical and not sweating through your outfit.

Hot tip: Always walk in first before committing to a table. If your skin tingles from the fresh A/C, it’s a winner. If your glasses fog up from the inside when you enter, turn and run.

🏢 3. Museums = Culture AND Cold

Wanna pretend you’re doing something intellectual while secretly just chasing AC? Welcome to:

Patek Philippe Museum – Timepieces and time to cool down. Double win.

MEG (Musée d’ethnographie de Genève): Cultural treasures and a climate-controlled building that might literally save your life. The exhibits are great—especially when viewed at a pleasant 22°C.

🛍️ 4. Malls & Department Stores (aka Oasis Zones)

Manor Geneva – Three floors of glorious, commercial-grade cooling. I once spent 45 minutes “deciding” between two shampoos just to stay cool. Zero regrets or shame.
Globus – My personal Geneva glam fridge. Walk in for groceries, walk out with a bag of overpriced snacks and your core temp reduced by five degrees. The food hall downstairs? Peak chill vibes.
Bongénie – It’s designer heaven and deliciously air-conditioned. Pretend you’re there to try on Gucci loafers while secretly just standing under the vent. A very classy survival strategy.
Balexert Shopping Centre – A bit out of the city center but 100% worth the tram ride when your back is sticking to your tank top. Plus, cinema. Sounds like a winner winner chicken dinner for me!

🎬 5. Cinemas = Two Hours of Cold, Dark Happiness

French or subtitled films, depending on your vibe and language skills. But mostly—go for the AC. Perfect for a mid-day escape. Bonus: It’s dark, you’re seated, and you can cry at Pixar trailers.

🛒 5. SUPERMARKETS = Everyday AC Angels

Let’s shout out the everyday heroes—supermarkets—because sometimes the coldest love is found between frozen peas and yogurt aisles.

LIDL (Our personal fave): Budget-friendly, not overcrowded, and YES, she’s got air-conditioning. Shopping for 2CHF pasta never felt so luxurious.
COOP & Migros: They don’t blast the AC like they’re chilling sushi, but they definitely cool you down. Head straight to the refrigerated cheese section for maximum relief and minimal judgment.
Uchitomi – Geneva’s Japanese grocery goddess. Mochi + cold soba + chilled air? Triple win. I linger by the frozen gyoza section like it’s a spa treatment.

Supermarket Survival Tip: Grab something “perishable” so you can loiter in the cold section guilt-free. “I have to be here, my milk will spoil.” 😌

🛏️ 5. IKEA – The Swedish Sauna Escape

IKEA Vernier is basically an air-conditioned playground for adults (and kids). Go for the meatballs, stay for the climate-controlled bliss. I “tested a sofa” for 40 minutes once. My excuse? “I’m meditating on minimalist living.” My truth? “I’m cooling off in aisle 23.”

Bonus: Buy a fan while you’re there. Or seven.

💦 5. When All Else Fails – Just Jump In a Lake

Lake Geneva (Lac Léman, if we’re being bougie) is cold year-round, and I’ve fully embraced my lake nymph era. Pack a swimsuit, head to Bain des Pâquis, and pretend you’re on a Mediterranean vacation with cooler water and less humidity.

PS: Don’t forget your SPF. We’re cooling off, not frying.

Hot Tip: Bring some coins / cash (& some cold rosé 🍷✨) as there’s a 2CHF fee at the entrance during the summer.

Final Thoughts from a Heatwave-Humbled Asian Girl in Europe

So no, Geneva isn’t built for 35°C summers. But you learn to adapt. You find your cool corners. You flirt with the freezer section at Coop. You sit in Globus like you’re interviewing for a job in the AC section. You survive. And maybe you even thrive.

Because let’s be honest: we’re resilient, creative, slightly dramatic creatures. And if anyone can turn a heatwave into a fashionably sweaty lifestyle blog, it’s us.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to loiter in Manor’s fridge section for the next hour. Call it self-care. 🧊💅

P.S. Got a cool spot I missed? Comment below, sis. Sharing is caring and I am not above bribery for AC tips. ❤️

expat life, Geneva, health, summer