Where to stay in Geneva?

Staying in Geneva's Old Town: the Cité-Centre

You'll immediately appreciate the charm of Geneva's Old Town. To stay here is to experience a journey back to medieval times. Wander through the old cobbled streets and you'll be amazed to discover the famous secret passages between the streets.

Just a 15-minute drive from Geneva airport, the center is nestled in the heart of the medieval city, at the mouth of the Rhône River. The University of Geneva to the west is just around the corner, and many historic sites are concentrated here. To stay in the Cité-Centre is to experience Geneva at its most authentic, charming and cultural.

Among the places to stay we have identified in this area, we recommend the following list:

• Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: An exceptional panorama awaits you from the cathedral, which dominates the entire Old Town.
• Maison Tavel: This heritage museum houses a collection of public artworks from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
• Mueller Barber Museum: This century-old establishment houses the world's largest private art collection.
• Musée international de la Réforme: Located in the Maison Tavel, the "MIR" traces the history of the Protestant Reformation signed in 1536.
• La fête de l'Escalade et la Tradition de la Marmite: an annual festival held in December, where you can experience the gastronomic and historical culture of the Swiss city.
• L'Horloge fleurie: Like Geneva's watchmaking expertise, the Horloge fleurie has become the city's emblem.

We have selected a number of mid-range and top-of-the-range hotels in this area:

Living in the Pâquis district

Further north, on the other side of the Rhône, lies Geneva's most popular district, Pâquis. It's here that you'll discover multiculturalism and its varied colors through restaurants serving Lebanese, Indian, Japanese, Italian and North African cuisine. Staying here is facilitated by the presence of numerous hotels, giving you a unique experience of the city's lively face.

From the Rue de Lausanne, which runs alongside Lake Geneva, to the Grand Pont du Mont Blanc and the Bains-Pâquis, the area offers undeniable assets for accommodation and a pleasant stay rich in discoveries.

If you're staying in this area, we recommend you visit these places:

• Bains Pâquis: A place created near Lake Geneva with a 500m beach, hammams, saunas and Turkish baths.
• Monument Brunswick: Facing Mont Blanc, this Gothic-style mausoleum is a listed historic monument
• Rotonde du Mont Blanc: From here, you'll have an ideal view of the lake's great jet d'eau.

The north of Geneva has the most hotels and will please even the most demanding guests.

Staying in the Eaux-Vives area

To the east of the Old Town lies the Eaux-Vives district, which offers many advantages for a stay in Geneva. This administrative district is home to the former town hall, which today celebrates civil marriages. Culturally, this area offers interesting attractions such as theaters, museums and concert halls.

Eaux-Vives' verdant surroundings make it a wise choice for travelers looking for accommodation close to green spaces. The parks of La Grange and Eaux-Vives act as a breath of fresh air in the urban landscape. It's also ideal to stroll along the riverbank before staying in one of the hotels located mainly around Parc Malagnou.

Our selection of places to do if you want to stay in this area:

• Museum of Natural History: Switzerland's largest natural history museum, with a focus on scientific research.
• Parc Malagnou, Parc Eaux_Vives, Parc La Grange (Villa la Grange): The area's surroundings boast a number of parks for relaxing and rejuvenating strolls.

The area also boasts a number of hotels, notably to the west and around Parc La Grange.

Accommodation in the Grottes-Saint-Gervais district

The area known as Les Grottes-Saint-Gervais is a must-see if you're staying in beautiful Geneva. It's a popular spot for its quirky architecture, reminiscent of Gaudi's, for example. Curved and colorful, it's a real attraction that has earned it the nickname "Les Schtroumpfs", in the image of the dwellings of the famous little cartoon characters.

A village spirit reigns in this space, which promotes artistic initiatives, making it an alternative venue on Geneva's cultural scene. Popular because of its history, it is now densely populated by its committed inhabitants. The area's lush green setting and many parks make it an ideal place to stay and enjoy the calm, restful urban life.

Come and stay and discover the area's must-see attractions:

• Théâtre de Saint-Gervais: a contemporary theater offering eclectic local and international programming
• Le Centre pour l'image contemporaine: The 1st center for contemporary art in French-speaking Switzerland
• Les Halles de l'Île: Cultural center housing a well-known local brasserie

This area offers a few accommodations, mostly concentrated to the south, near Notre Dame Basilica, just across the river.

Staying in Plainpalais, close to the center

Plainpalais is part of the Centre-Plainpalais-Acacias area to the south of the Old Town. It has the advantage of a huge esplanade that has been specially laid out to accommodate numerous events and gatherings. It's also a popular spot for young people, with playgrounds, a large skate park and picnic areas.

Today, it's the area's industrial past that is its strength. Many of its former factory sites have been transformed into concert halls, artists' studios and nightclubs. It's an ideal place to discover the cultural scene and stay for your stay in the city. Put your suitcases down here and enjoy staying for its proximity to the center and its strong artistic cultural orientation. Just 15 minutes from the Cornavin train station, it's an ideal location for discovering Geneva.

We've selected a list of places to see if you're staying in this area:

• L'esplanade Plaine de Plainpalais: Skatepark, playgrounds and gathering place for local events.
• Musée d'art moderne et contemporain (MAMCO) : Exhibitions and contemporary gallery on art since the 60s.
• Plainpalais Market: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
• Flea and second-hand market: Wednesdays, Saturdays and every 1st Sunday of the month
• Musée Philippe Patek: Dedicated to the famous watchmaker

There are a number of hotels in the area where you can stay and enjoy this cultural environment.

Staying in Carouge, south of Geneva

Carouge has been part of the canton of Geneva since the 19th century. Before that, it was a royal Sardinian city created to compete with Geneva. At the time, it prided itself on its Italian charm and typically Mediterranean architecture. If you'd like to stay here, you'll be won over by the fact that it's a smaller, more human-sized town, offering a relaxing environment where life is good.

Old Carouge is the commune with the most charm, thanks to its historic past. You'll find many of the craftsmen and women who are an integral part of this traditional region: sculptors, jewellers, watchmakers, cabinetmakers, glass-blowers... It's clearly the city of craftsmen and the arts.

The town, which borders Geneva, has a well-developed streetcar network, making it easy to get around. Choose to stay here and reach this little corner of paradise in 25 minutes from Geneva airport and 15 minutes from the main Cornavin train station. Situated south of the Arve river and the commune of Geneva, it also benefits from ideal proximity to freeways and is close to the Geneva stadium.

Here are a few places not to be missed if you're staying in Carouge:

• "Greenwich Village", as the neighborhood is known, where you'll find vintage decor, designer boutiques and antiques
• Switzerland's largest carillon (36 bells): Located in the Eglise Saint Croix, you can discover this impressive carillon by climbing the stairs to the top of the belfry.
• Restaurants and sunny terraces: A real paradise for gourmets, discover the markets offering typical local produce.

Carouge offers little in the way of accommodation, except for a few that are well worth the detour.