Geneva
Travel Guide
Welcome to our Geneva travel guide, exploring Switzerland’s second-largest city and the home of some of the largest European and international organisations. While Geneva is well-known for being a thriving cosmopolitan city, and rightly so, there is much to experience in this unique Swiss city.
While glamour and luxury are certainly still superior in Geneva, Switzerland’s most famous city has a far deeper culture and vibrant scene than first meets the eye. With a beautiful mix of Swiss and French culture, Geneva is noticeably different from other Swiss cities. Whether it’s the diversity of languages and people, the Swiss-French cuisine or the energy that buzzes from the backstreets, Geneva is different, in the best way possible.
Geneva Travel Guide Contents
Check out our other Switzerland Travel Guides:
Basel Travel Guide | Bern Travel Guide | Lucerne Travel Guide | Zurich Travel Guide
Geneva Travel Guide
How to get to Geneva
Geneva airport (GVA) is the closest airport to Geneva at just 4km northwest of Geneva city centre. The airport has 2 terminals, with terminal 1 being the most used and terminal 2 for seasonal flights. Many domestic and European flights depart from the airport as well as a selection of international flights to and from North America, China and the Middle East. There are also many connecting flights to Geneva from Zurich Airport. Many visitors to Geneva also arrive at Geneva train station from other cities in Switzerland or Europe. The train station is located in the city centre and is convenient for arriving straight into the heart of Geneva. From the train station, you can travel onwards to your accommodation by foot, tram or bus. Here are the best tips on how to get to Geneva from the airport:
Train – Geneva airport is located in Zone 10 of Geneva’s public transport system which is the main zone area that includes the city centre. A ticket for getting to the city centre from the airport by train will cost 3 CHF ($3) per person and will be valid for 60 minutes. If you’re arriving at Geneva airport, you can pick up a free train ticket in the baggage reclaim area. Direct trains from the airport run regularly and take 7 minutes to reach Geneva train station. You can also purchase train tickets in advance at Trainline and save some time.
Bus- Line 10 buses depart from the airport to Geneva city centre every 10 minutes with a 19 minute journey time. Ticket prices are the same as for the train, 3 CHF ($3), or you can also use the free ticket from the baggage area for the bus
Taxi – A taxi from Geneva airport to Geneva city centre is a convenient option but considerably more expensive so should be avoided. The journey to the city centre in a taxi will cost around 35-45 CHF ($36-$46) and will take 10 minutes. If you use Uber then this journey price can be reduced to around 30 CHF ($31)
Areas to stay in Geneva
Geneva is a reasonably large city and, while each area has its own unique charm, some can be quite spread out from the main city centre, so it’s worth looking into which area to stay in to get the most out of your trip. Here is a quick guide to the best areas to stay in Geneva:
Old Town – This is where we would recommend first-time visitors to Geneva should stay or anyone wanting to be close to the main sights, transport links and lots of dining options. The Old Town is full of beautiful buildings, small streets and squares and is home to some of Geneva’s best attractions
Paquis – Another central and convenient area of Geneva city centre, Paquis is great for those needing to be close to the train station and wanting the best of Geneva nightlife. There are countless dining and bar options in Paquis, but it is also, in parts, the red light district of Geneva, so can be slightly seedy at times. The lake is also just a short distance from here too
Plainpalais – A quieter district just outside of the Old Town, Plainpalais is a great area to stay for those looking for something a little more friendly, walkable and more focused on independent shops and restaurants. The area is well-known for its markets but is also just a 20-minute walk from Geneva Old Town and well connected to the rest of the city by tram
Carouge – One of the coolest areas in Geneva, Carouge is great for returning visitors to Geneva. The area consists of small, older buildings and streets full of boutique shops and eateries. If you don’t stay here, it’s still well worth going for half a day to explore the area
Eaux-Vives – Great for families, Eaux-Vives is primarily a residential area but has lots of open space, is close to Lake Geneva and is home to lots of friendly cafes
Accommodation in Geneva
While Geneva has tonnes of fantastic luxury hotels, it also has so many budget and mid-range accommodation options to choose from, making visiting Geneva more achievable for most travellers. Here are our top picks of where to stay in Geneva to suit any budget:
Budget Hostel | City Hostel Geneva – Located in the Paquis area of Geneva city centre, City Hostel Geneva is a solid budget option offering a variety of room choices, a spacious lounge area, a shared kitchen and laundry facilities
Mid-Range Hotel | Hotel Bernina Geneva – With the train station on Hotel Bernina’s doorstep, this hotel is in a great location to explore Geneva and the surrounding area. Simple, contemporary and well-equipped rooms provide a comfortable stay for a reasonable price
Mid-Range Hotel | CitizenM – Excellently located in Geneva’s Old Town, the CitizenM chain provides yet another reliable accommodation option in Geneva with good service, clean, well-equipped rooms and a restaurant
High-End Hotel | Hotel Metropole – Located between Geneva Old Town and Lake Geneva, Hotel Metropole offers guests sweeping views across the lake from its rooftop terrace. Alongside this, there are beautifully decorated rooms, a free fitness centre and all the services you’d expect from a 5-star hotel
Luxury Hotel | Hotel d’Angleterre – If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it at the Hotel d’Angleterre. Located in the Paquis area, overlooking Lake Geneva, the 5-star hotel has elegantly decorated rooms as well as top-notch service and an excellent restaurant and bar
How to get around Geneva
Geneva, like every other Swiss city, has an excellent public transport network that gets visitors and residents around the city efficiently and for a reasonable price. If you’re staying at a hotel in Geneva, you will receive a Geneva Transport Card which will give you free public transport during your stay at that hotel. Here is a quick guide for how to get around Geneva:
Bus & Tram – The public transport in Geneva is priced in zones. Nearly all the major destinations in the city centre, including Geneva airport are in zone 10. A single 60 minute ticket for zone 10, which allows you to take any public transport, costs 3 CHF ($3) per person, a day ticket costs 8-10 CHF ($8-$10), depending on what the you purchase it and a single small trip of 3 stops or less, costs 2 CHF ($2). The bus and tram systems in Geneva city centre can get you to almost any part of the city quickly, comfortably and with ease. There are 6 tram lines in total and many bus routes which connect with train stations to provide transport across the city. The tram and bus systems generally operate daily from 06:00 to 00:00 with a night bus called Noctambus operating on Friday and Saturday nights from 00:00 to 05:00. Tickets for trams and buses can be bought at the machines outside each stop. Depending on which ticket you buy, you will need to validate it prior to getting on
Train – The main train station in Geneva is Geneva Cornavin train station. There are a few smaller train stations throughout the wider Geneva area that can be useful for day trips out of the city centre but within Geneva main city centre, the bus and tram provide more useful connections. For longer train journeys from Geneva train stations, we recommend purchasing tickets for these journeys in advance via Trainline, which will generally save money and time.
Taxi – Taxies are readily available throughout Geneva but can be an expensive option for getting around. The base price for taxi’s in Geneva is 6.30 CHF ($7) with a 3.20 CHF ($3.25) charge for every kilometre thereafter. Uber operates in Geneva and can provide visitors with a slightly more reasonably priced taxi service
Things to do in Geneva
Geneva is a world-famous city and, as a result, there is lots to see and do to keep even the most restless traveller entertained. Whether it’s wandering its beautiful old streets, visiting one of its many museums or exploring some of its parks, there really is something for everyone. Here is a compact list, chosen by us, of the top 5 things to do in Geneva:
St.Pierre Cathedral – Towering above Geneva Old Town, St.Pierre Cathedral was built in the 12th century and is free to go inside. Visitors can also climb the cathedral tower for 7 CHF ($7) per person and get excellent views across Geneva
Lake Geneva – As the largest lake in Switzerland, straddling Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva is a must-see for anyone visiting Geneva. You can walk around areas of the lake, do water sports, take boat rides or take in the sight of the impressive Jet d’Eau fountain which can go up to 140 metres high!
Explore Geneva Old Town – Geneva’s Old Town is a pleasure to walk around, with many historical buildings, small cobbled streets and bustling squares. The Old Town is the largest historical centre in Switzerland
Palais de Nations – Completed in 1936, the Palais des Nations is an icon for Geneva and houses the European headquarters for the United Nations. You can see the impressive flagged entrance from outside the gates or there are also guided tours available
Patek Philippe Museum – This interesting museum displays the best creations from the Patek Philippe brand’s watchmaking history as well as an insight into the watchmaking process. Tickets cost 7 CHF ($7) per person
What to eat in Geneva
Being the large, diverse city that it is, Geneva has a large selection of restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from ranging in cuisine from Swiss to French, Italian, Asian and everything in between. There are over 1300 establishments across the city to enjoy. Geneva’s proximity to France is apparent with the vast selection of Swiss-French food on offer across the city. Here are our top picks of what to eat in Geneva, Switzerland while you’re visiting:
Charbonnade – A speciality of Geneva, Charbonnade is a dish of thin slices of beef that are cooked at the table over hot coals. Commonly served with fries and salad
Entrecote – A premium cut of beef from the bone that is used for steaks
Cheese Fondue –One of the most famous dishes in Switzerland, cheese fondue is melted Swiss cheese in a pot in which bread is dipped and sometimes potatoes and pickles too. It is usually served as one pot for a few to share
Cordon Bleu –A dish consisting of meat, usually pork or veal, that is breadcrumbed and wrapped around cheese and sometimes ham as well, and deep-fried. Best served with fries
Zopf –A plaited Swiss bread made with white flour, milk, eggs, butter and yeast. It is delicious and has a beautiful buttery taste
Money - Geneva Travel Costs
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF or Fr). Credit & Debit cards are widely accepted throughout Switzerland, including in Geneva, and there are plenty of ATMs that accept foreign cards. While a service charge is rarely added to the bill in Geneva and is not expected, leaving a tip of 5-20% is common. Geneva is expensive, as is most of Switzerland, so you will need to budget accordingly for your trip. While you can reduce some costs such as accommodation and transport by booking ahead, food and drinks are harder to reduce. However, we did find that it was slightly easier to find budget and generally better value food and drinks in Geneva than in many other Swiss cities. Here’s a guide to what you can expect to pay (per person) in Geneva for:
A local draught beer – CHF 5 – CHF 8 ($5.50-$8.50)
A coffee – CHF 4 – CHF 6.50 ($4.50-$7)
A pastry – CHF 3 – CHF 7 ($3.25-$7.50)
Budget restaurant meal – CHF 18 – CHF 30 ($19.50-$32.50)
Mid-range restaurant meal – CHF 35 – CHF 70 ($38-$75)
High-end restaurant meal – CHF 80+ ($85+)
When to go to Geneva and for how long
Switzerland has a lot to offer different types of visitors. Those wanting to ski and enjoy winter sports will want to visit between December and February, however for the best conditions for sightseeing visit Switzerland between April and October. The peak summer season in Switzerland is from June to August, this is also when the weather is warmest, making for great conditions to explore the country. Unsurprisingly, accommodation in Geneva is at its most expensive in the summer so for more reasonable prices, aim to visit in April or May. While Switzerland and Geneva are year-round destinations, some outdoor attractions close from November to March, due to poor weather conditions, so if you’re planning to spend time outdoors then it’s probably best to avoid the winter. We would recommend visiting Geneva for 3 days to explore the city properly, however, most of the sights can be seen in 2 days at a push. If you’re planning to do day trips outside of the city then a stay of 4-5 days would be enough.
Local language and phrases
Geneva is on the Swiss-French side of Switzerland and therefore the main spoken language is French. Some useful French and Swiss-French phrases to use while you are visiting Geneva are:
Hello – Bonjour
Bye – Adieu
Thanks – Merci
Please – S’il vous plait
Yes – Oui
No – Non
Where is the WC? – où sont les toilettes
Geneva travel tips
– Geneva is a very safe city to visit and is safe for lone travellers, including lone females
– There are a range of places to eat including those specialising in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets
Geneva travel guide written in May 2022
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Geneva Travel Articles
Geneva Walking Tour Videos And Maps
Check out our Youtube Channel for more Geneva walking tours, and tours for other destinations too.
Geneva City Walking Tour Route
A walking tour video highlighting the sights and sounds of Geneva city centre with an accompanying map showing the route walked
Lake Geneva Walking Tour Route
A walking tour video highlighting the sights and sounds of the stunning Lake Geneva with an accompanying map showing the route walked
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