Cheap Hotels in Geneva

Cheap areas to stay in Geneva

Many of Geneva’s cheap hotels can be found in the downtown area, the city’s waterside heart. Boasting haunting views of the lake and Mont Blanc, Downtown’s star attraction is the Jet d’Eau – one of the world’s largest fountains. Rues Basses also offers cheaper digs, and is known for its boutique-packed main street, while nearby Old Town brims with colourful timber townhouses, as well as attractions like the idyllic Jardin Anglais and plenty of affordable places to stay.

Cheap hotels in Geneva

The Ibis Geneve Aeroport is in the municipality of Meyrin, a convenient 4-minute drive from Geneva International Airport. It features a restaurant, bar lounge and deli, and its WiFi-equipped guestrooms keep things comfy and simple. The Residence Studio Geneve Centre is right in the city centre, within walking distance of the picturesque Bourg-de-Four Square. Its rooms provide a basic home from home, with kitchenettes kitted out with microwaves and refrigerators. The Hotel Central, meanwhile, offers a great location at an affordable price tag, and guests are treated to free WiFi and free continental breakfast.

Where to find cheap food in Geneva

For a city with a bit of a reputation for fine dining and business lunches, you might think that Geneva isn’t the place for an inexpensive meal. However, the bustling city centre offers a handful of cheap eats to fill the stomachs of budget holidaymakers, from no frills food trucks and burger bars, to pubs, international chain name eateries and even a salad restaurant. The Rues Basses – Old Town area also has its fair share of thriftier dining spots, whether you’re hungry for contemporary street food, a sandwich, Asian flavours or something Swiss.

Cheap things to do in Geneva

Whilst Geneva is a city full of lux boutiques, gourmet restaurants and well-helled business folk, there’s still plenty to do without having to part with too much money. Some of the best bits are absolutely free, from strolling the lakeshore and admiring the sky-scraping spray of the Jet d’Eau, to hiking or biking your way up Mont Saleve. The city’s historical attractions provide plenty of eye-candy, too, with Old Town’s quaint and colourful streets, café crammed squares, and architectural marvels like the St. Pierre Cathedral with its Neo-Classical pillared façade. Spanning 300 feet, the Reformation Wall is also one of the district’s must-sees, with its detailed statues of important figures during the historical Christian Reformation. If you want a breather from the city bustle, head to Jardin Anglais. Draped in floral finery, the free waterside park features pavilions, a fountain and the famous Flower Clock.

Cheap ways to get around Geneva

Unsurprisingly for a Swiss city, the public transport in Geneva is especially efficient. Whilst the city centre and Old Town are easily navigable by foot, you may need to hop on a bus or tram to tick everything off your sightseeing list. Tickets to various zones can be purchased from ticket machines dotted about the city, and are valid for both buses and trams, as well as water taxis across Lake Geneva. With the exception of hilly Old Town, much of the city is flat and bicycle-friendly, making cycling a great way to get around.