Compare Geneva city breaks

When to go to Geneva

Being a major business city, Geneva’s best travel times differ slightly to other European holiday destinations. Because hotel rates are most expensive during the week, weekends are good times to find a cheap city break to Geneva.

As it is outside conference season, summer considered is off peak, which may come as something of a surprise. Temperatures at this time of the year can swing from 13C to 26C, and there’s a real party feel, with lots of swimming in the lake and outdoor celebrations and festivals. In short, it’s a great time to travel to Geneva.

The city is particularly busy in autumn and spring, with lots of conferences booking out the hotels. The ski season and winter markets and parties make Christmas and New Year the priciest period.

Where to stay in Geneva

For families

The lakeside neighbourhood of Eaux-Vives – home of the Jet d’Eau fountain – is a good area for families as it’s close to the old town but still pleasant and quiet.

With the largest park in the city, Parc de la Grange, on your doorstep, you can take in a show at its open-air theatre or spend a summer evening around one of its barbecue pits. There are plenty of restaurants, too, so there’s no need to travel far for dinner.

For travellers on a budget

Close to the university, Plainpalais is the place for budget hotels. Its student population also makes it a good spot to eat and drink on the cheap, and its flea market is the largest in Geneva.

You could also try a hostel or cheaper hotel in Pâquis, on the lake shore and near the railway station. An up-and-coming hipster district, Pâquis has eclectic cafes and restaurants, the Bain des Pâquis – a lido built on the jetty in the 1870s – and the lush Perle du Lac park.

For food and drink

Pâquis is a great neighbourhood for food, being the most multicultural area of Geneva – here you’ll find Mexican, Thai, burgers, pizza and more.

For cheaper restaurants – Geneva is an expensive place to eat – head to Plainpalais. Stop by its cool wine bars or pick up rotisserie chicken, canelés (caramelised pastries with a rum and custard filling), paninis or crêpes at the farmers market (open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday). Pretty Carouge is another good neighbourhood for charming restaurants and bars.

For nightlife

Geneva nightlife is relatively quiet. Most bars and nightclubs are around Plainpalais, where the students live. Head to Rue de l'École-de-Médecin for a bar crawl that won’t break the bank – but tables tend to fill up quickly on weekend evenings.

Carouge has plenty of bars to visit, too, mostly on Rue Vautier and Place du Marché. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are when most people go out in Geneva.

For culture

Geneva’s old town is great for history and culture. It’s easy to walk around and is home to the city’s oldest square, Place du Bourg de Four, Cathédrale St-Pierre and the Musée International de la Réforme. Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, the city’s largest museum, is also nearby.

Another handy place to stay is close to the Palais des Nations, the UN offices – just a few tram stops from the old town. Here you can get to the International Museum of the Red Cross and the botanical gardens very easily.