The beautiful city of Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland. Close to the French border in southwest Switzerland and next to Europe’s largest lake, Geneva’s unique history spans over four thousand years.
What’s the best neighbourhood or location to stay for Tourists?
When choosing the best place to stay in Geneva it’s worth considering the individual characteristics of the various areas of the city before making your final choice.
Geneva is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Switzerland and offers a vibrant experience throughout the year. Various annual fetes and festivals add to the experience and the large firework displays that accompany them attract worldwide attention to Switzerland.
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Lake Geneva – Where to Stay for Sightseeing
If it’s your first visit to Geneva and you’re visiting the main attractions then a stay in the lakeside area may be a good choice. The Jet d’Eau Fountain and Lake Geneva itself are visible from most places in the city but the stunning views from a hotel or B&B close to the lake will make a lasting and memorable impression.
Lakeside accommodation will also provide the best central base to fully explore many other attractions, although a stay in one of these hotels will be more expensive.
Geneva Airport is only four kilometres from the central station Gare Cornavin, and there are plenty of buses or taxis to take you into the city. Cars can be rented from rental companies based at the airport. The city’s network of buses and trams all use the same ticket and cover all areas of the city. A bus to Gare Cornavin will take about ten minutes.
City Centre – Where to Stay in Geneva for Shopping
Geneva is a very cosmopolitan city and the Rue du Rhone and Rue du Marche form a popular attraction for shopping in the city centre, a short walk away is the Confédération Centre which is the city’s most fashionable shopping mall.
A stay in one of the hotels in this neighbourhood will put you at the hub of Geneva’s biggest and best shops, boutiques, cinemas and restaurants.
Late night opening isn’t common for shops in Geneva but the Confédération Centre is open until 8 pm on Thursdays.
For Families
If you’ve visited Geneva before and seen the main attractions, you may find the areas away from the city centre are a quieter location to enjoy.
Consider the areas around the Old Town district, the archaeological dig under the Cathedral is interesting and the view from the top of the cathedral is stunning, both of which have guided tours.
Try a stay in a neighbourhood away from the city centre, it may have the bonus of being less expensive yet still having all the amenities you need.
Food and Restaurants
Fondue is a traditional food in Switzerland and in Geneva, it’s served in many of the restaurants around the city.
There are many notable cafes and restaurants close to the Quai du Mont-Blanc in the harbour area, most of which serve a variety of local fish dishes and traditional favourites like fondue or raclette.
The Cafe du Soleil is one of the furthest from the lake but is reasonably priced and is highly recommended. Accommodation in this area close to the lake will mean you’re never more than a short walk from another great meal.
Best Area to Stay for Nightlife
The Geneva Festival is an annual event held in the harbour area in August. This always provides an extra boost to a usually active and lively night scene.
Accommodation in the harbour area will be expensive during the Geneva Festival but at other times of the year there still plenty of Geneva’s best fashionable bars and clubs to choose from.
