Geneva: Which are the best neighbourhoods?
Are you planning to spend a few days in Geneva on a holiday or a business trip? Or are you about to move there for several years to work or continue your studies?
• Geneva is made up of 8 main districts, each with its own identity, ranging from quiet residential areas to dynamic economic hubs.
• Acacias-Bâtie, the city's economic heart, is undergoing a major urban transformation through the PAV project.
• Champel appeals with its leafy, residential setting, though property prices there are high (over CHF 16,500/m² on average).
It’s worth noting that Switzerland’s second most populous city, located between Haute-Savoie, the Ain department (on the French side) and Lake Geneva, is one of the most liveable cities in the world, but also one of the most expensive! Offering the chance to enjoy the lakes and water sports in summer, and the ski resorts and mountains in winter, Geneva is divided into 8 main districts, which we present to you in this article!
Find out which neighbourhoods of Geneva you could move to in order to make the most of life in Geneva.
The Acacias Bâtie neighbourhood
This district of Geneva comprises the following areas:
- Acacias;
- Bâtie;
- Saint-Georges;
- Vernets;
- Queue d’Arve;
- Gravière.
The economic powerhouse of the city of Geneva, Acacias Bâtie is an industrial and commercial district, the only one situated on the left bank of the Arve.
Once limited to agricultural activities, it has gradually transformed into industrial, craft and service-sector zones, and is set to undergo major changes in the 2020s: the Praille Acacias Vernets (PAV) urban redevelopment project aims to turn it into a central district of Geneva.
For nature lovers, the area is home to one of Geneva’s green lungs, the Bois-de-la-Bâtie (12 hectares of natural woodland), while for leisure activities there’s the Théâtre du Loup, which puts on 10 to 15 shows a year.
The Champel district
This district of Geneva comprises the following areas:
- Champel;
- Florissant;
- Malagnou;
- Roseraie;
- Hôpital;
- La Colline;
- Le Bout-du-Monde.
A residential neighbourhood surrounded by greenery, Champel is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Although it has few shops and restaurants, it remains a key stop thanks to the Cornavin-Eaux-Vives-Annemasse (CEVA) line, which connects Cornavin station to Annemasse in France.
Not-to-be-missed sights include the famous Champel Tower and Bertrand Park.
As for property prices, they are relatively high for Geneva, with an average of CHF 16,551 per square metre for a flat and CHF 17,625 for a house.
The Eaux-Vives Cité neighbourhood
This district of Geneva comprises the following areas:
- Eaux-Vives;
- Cité;
- Centre;
- Rive;
- Villereuse;
- Vollandes;
- Montchoisy;
- Frontenex;
- Tulipiers.
The city centre of greater Geneva! A firm favourite with most Geneva residents, Eaux-Vives Cité is home to the city’s most-visited historic monuments and its most modern buildings, as well as most of the bars where young people go out to party.
Here you’ll find the famous Saint-Pierre Cathedral, surrounded by large green spaces including Parc des Bastions, Promenade de la Treille and Parc de l’Observatoire. Geneva’s busiest shopping streets are also within easy reach, notably Rue de la Confédération, Rue du Marché and Rue du Rhône.
The choice of accommodation here is the widest in all of Geneva (hotels, rooms with locals, flats, houses, boat rentals along the shores of Lake Geneva…), but, unsurprisingly, property prices are also the highest: expect up to CHF 3,500 in monthly rent, an average of CHF 19,797 per square metre for a flat and CHF 10,737 for a house.
The Grottes Saint-Gervais neighbourhood
This district of Geneva comprises the following areas:
- Grottes;
- Saint-Gervais;
- Chantepoulet;
- Cornavin;
- Délices;
- Cropettes;
- Seujet;
- Les Bergues.
Holding a special place in the hearts of Geneva residents, Grottes Saint-Gervais is a neighbourhood with a genuine village atmosphere right in the middle of the city. The architecture here is particularly original, as shown by the buildings surrounding Place des Grottes and the famous “Smurf” buildings, which stand out for their pastel colours and extravagant shapes.
For good addresses, head to the famous Marché des Grottes, held every Thursday from 4pm to 8pm and offering a wide range of local produce, or to the neighbourhood’s best restaurants: “Nomades” for Middle Eastern cuisine, or “Kozan” for Japanese cuisine!
The Pâquis Sécheron neighbourhood
This district of Geneva comprises the following areas:
- Pâquis;
- Sécheron;
- Navigation;
- Wilson;
- Prieuré;
- Nations;
- Rigot.
For lovers of city centres, Pâquis Sécheron is the cosmopolitan, trendy neighbourhood that’s just as lively by day as it is by night. With numerous bars, restaurants and cabarets, it is also the Geneva neighbourhood home to most of the city’s (very many) international organisations.
Do be careful, though: some streets in this neighbourhood can attract a rough crowd, especially at night.
As for housing, it’s the cheapest neighbourhood in Geneva! Although property prices can vary considerably, expect between CHF 800 a month for a simple studio and up to CHF 3,000 a month for a three- or four-room flat.
The Plainpalais Jonction district
This district of Geneva comprises the following areas:
- Plainpalais;
- Cluse;
- Philosophes;
- Jonction;
- Village suisse;
- Ansermet;
- Dancet;
- Minoteries;
- Augustins.
Particularly well suited to families, Plainpalais Jonction is a district built on the former marshland of Palais, between the Arve and the Rhône. With its flea market offering local produce, and its quays and boulevards perfect for a stroll, it offers a much-appreciated sense of calm, just a few minutes from Geneva’s city centre.
In terms of property, this district offers numerous flats to rent and buy, although prices are relatively high: around CHF 14,355 per square metre on average.
The Saint-Jean Charmilles neighbourhood
This district of Geneva comprises the following areas:
- Saint-Jean;
- Charmilles;
- Châtelaine;
- Cité Vieusseux;
- Liotard;
- Poterie;
- Geisendorf;
- Les Franchises;
- Concorde.
Situated between the right bank of the Rhône and Les Grottes, Saint-Jean Charmilles is a district apart in Geneva. Known for its unusual style, halfway between nature and dynamic urban development, it features 1970s apartment blocks and offers a more village-like feel when visiting old Saint-Jean.
If you’re a student, note that many prestigious schools are located here, including the Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD), which built its campus in Parc Gustave & Léonard Hentsch. However, this may not be the best neighbourhood for a lively student life: Saint-Jean Charmilles has very few bars and isn’t known for its nightlife, although it does have some very good restaurants!
Finally, you can admire the famous Maison Ronde, whose distinctive style suits the neighbourhood perfectly.
The Servette Petit-Saconnex neighbourhood
This district of Geneva comprises the following areas:
- Servette;
- Petit-Saconnex;
- Bouchet;
- Moillebeau;
- Grand-Pré;
- Vermont;
- Beaulieu;
- Varembé.
One of Geneva’s most densely populated and popular neighbourhoods, Servette Petit-Saconnex is home to nearly 15% of Geneva’s population. While Servette is particularly well suited to city dwellers who want everything they need without having to use a car, and who enjoy a lively, multicultural setting, Petit-Saconnex has retained many rural characteristics and is more geared towards those who love peace and nature.
In this neighbourhood, you’ll find magnificent parks, including the Botanical Garden and Parc Mon Repos, and can enjoy the Promenade des Crêts.
As for housing, property prices here are moderately high for Geneva, at an average of CHF 12,000 per square metre for a house and CHF 14,249 for a flat.
You now know the specific features of Geneva’s various neighbourhoods, so you can choose the one that best matches your expectations and profile in order to settle there!
