Where to stay in Geneva: the best areas for your trip

In short: to be near the station and the lake, stay in Pâquis; for charm, in the Old Town; for families or couples, in Eaux-Vives, near the Jet d’Eau; for local life and a little-Italian-town feel, in Plainpalais and Carouge. Geneva is easy to explore on foot, by tram or by boat on the lake.

Understanding Geneva in two minutes

Geneva spreads around the tip of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône begins. On the right bank are Cornavin station, Pâquis and, further north, the international district (UN, Red Cross). On the left bank, the Old Town sits on its hill around St Pierre Cathedral, followed by Eaux-Vives and the Jet d’Eau. To the south lie Plainpalais and the town of Carouge. Trams, buses and the mouettes (small boats) link the districts.

The right area for your trip

Station, lake and budget: Pâquis

Right by Cornavin station and the lake, a lively, cosmopolitan area with restaurants from all over the world and often more affordable accommodation. In summer, people swim at the Bains des Pâquis.

Charm: the Old Town

Cobbled lanes around St Pierre Cathedral, shady squares and antique shops, quiet in the evening and a stone’s throw from the lakeshore. Ideal for couples or a first visit.

Families and the lake: Eaux-Vives

On the left bank, near the Jet d’Eau, the English Garden and the lakeside parks, with cafés, shops and the Eaux-Vives beach. Pleasant for families and couples alike.

Local life: Plainpalais and Carouge

Plainpalais, with its large open plain, markets and student life, and Carouge, with its little-Italian-town feel, workshops and terraces. Ideal solo or for a more authentic stay.

Getting to Geneva

The airport has its own station: trains reach Cornavin in 6 to 7 minutes. In the baggage reclaim area, a machine issues a free ticket valid for 80 minutes on Geneva public transport. From Paris, the TGV Lyria reaches Geneva in just over 3 hours.

Our booking tips

1. During major trade fairs and conferences, hotels fill up fast: compare dates.
2. Ask for the transport card that hotels often give their guests.
3. Look at the total price: tourist tax is sometimes added to the displayed rate.
4. Check your mobile plan: Switzerland is not in the European Union, so roaming may be charged.
5. Choose free cancellation when it is offered.

Once you’re there

Admire the Jet d’Eau from the quays, climb the towers of St Pierre Cathedral, and visit the Palais des Nations and the Red Cross Museum. The currency is the Swiss franc. For the rest of your trip (Lucerne, Zurich, the Alps), see our guide Travel in Switzerland. To plan your days, see our guide Things to do in Geneva. The areas and useful services are on our Geneva page.