Living in Geneva : top neighbourhoods and the local arts scene

Geneva is Western Switzerland’s biggest city and lies on the French border at the south-western tip of Lake Geneva. It is well known for its stunning lakefront populated by the homes of the rich and famous, its “jet d’eau” and cosmopolitan vibe. It is also home to the European headquarters of the United Nations. Its pristine environment holds tremendous appeal as it is surrounded by nature, with the Alpine peaks forming a spectacular backdrop. Visitors and residents alike enjoy its bustling old town, the pedestrian streets full of life, fantastic shopping experience and the different feel of its various districts. Geneva is a great place to live, work and study, with its elite university founded by John Calvin in the 16th century.

Top sights and attractions

The lakefront with its luxury hotels, cafés and promenade is one of Geneva’s leading attractions. It’s an ideal place from which to view and admire its landmark “jet d'eau”. The water jet rises 140 m above the lake and can be seen from far away. Geneva has a number of parks where you can rest and relax. St Pierre’s Cathedral, the Palais des Nations and the UN district, the Reformation Wall and the Russian Orthodox Church are other sights you should not miss. If you’re in Geneva for the first time, these landmarks will help you find your way around. The city also has a compelling array of must-visit museums, including :

• the Natural History Museum of Geneva, the International Museum of the Reformation,
• the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum,
• the Museum of Art and History,
• the Patek Philippe Museum.

To find out more about Geneva’s museums.

Geneva is a great destination for the arts, with many cinemas and theatres. You can always find something interesting to do there, as the city hosts countless festivals, concerts, exhibitions and fairs.

Diverse and lively districts

Geneva has a real buzz, as exemplified by its main districts, such as the old town, Les Pâquis and the Eaux-Vives district. Local residents and tourists alike can take a stroll in order to appreciate the different vibes of this highly cosmopolitan city, with 50% of its population hailing from outside Switzerland. If you decide to move to Geneva, you can look forward to a hip and cosmopolitan lifestyle.

In the past, Geneva’s old town was fortified by walls and ramparts. Today, it charms tourists and locals alike, with its picture-postcard streets, its stores and its beautifully restored historic dwellings. The district is home to the Cathedral, the Reformation Wall and the City Hall. Its unique appeal also stems from its winding streets and alleys linking bustling squares, such as Le Bourg-de-Four, which hosted Geneva’s fairs in the Middle Ages.

The Mon Repos and Barton parks are also well worth a visit. They are the perfect place in which to relax and enjoy nature. Three interconnecting parks have been created on Lake Geneva’s shoreline. Parc Barton, the most famous of them, is known for its giant sequoia trees. And the Alpine peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop. Among the other districts of Geneva that are definitely worth exploring are Acacias Bâtie, Champel, Eaux-Vives, Pâquis, Grottes - Saint-Gervais, Plainpalais, Charmilles and Servette. We present some of these below.

Where should you live in Geneva ?

We have reviewed Geneva’s top sights and attractions for you, and now it’s time to look at the best places to live. Your budget will largely dictate where you are able to live, but the locations you consider will also vary according to where you work or where you study. Even though Geneva extends over a large area, you can reach every part of the city and indeed surrounding areas using the public transport system.

Servette-Petit Saconnex is one of the city’s largest districts by population, with 15% of Geneva’s residents living there. Servette is a bustling and lively multi-cultural place, popular with those who like city life and want to be able to get around easily without a car. Everything is reachable on foot. Petit Saconnex has a greater focus on the outdoors and sits on the border between city and countryside, giving it a unique charm. For a 2-3-room apartment, you should reckon with a monthly rent of between CHF 1,800 and CHF 2,000.

If you prefer to live in a more central location, you should consider Le Pâquis, a cosmopolitan and hip area with countless bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. As well as housing most of the international organisations, Le Pâquis is the artists’ district. Rents vary tremendously, depending on the property’s standing. Expect to pay rent of around CHF 800 for a bedsit or small studio and up to CHF 3,000 for a 3–4-room apartment. Those looking for a quieter life should consider Champel, a lush and green residential district of the city. Conversely, Acacias Bâtie is an industrial and commercial area, the city’s business hub. Grottes - Saint Gervais and Plainpalais are the most popular areas.

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