Geneva is by no means a cheap destination, but like all destinations, there are plenty of free and inexpensive things to do. With these tips, your wallet will be able to reappear relatively unscathed.
Eat cheap
Geneva is a city where a kebab from a questionable-looking stall can be relatively expensive, and finding an affordable meal in the city center is certainly a challenge.
You have two options to eat cheaply in Geneva: hunting in the city, which will probably mean that you will probably end up eating ethnic food such as China and the Middle East (food that you can probably get cheaper and better in your own country) or to cross the border with France.
Eat across the border
Take tram number 12 from central Geneva to the end of the line and then cross the border into the French town of Gaillard. Here you will find restaurants that are much cheaper than in Geneva.
Inexpensive sit-down meals
Overall, the Plainpalais college area is a good bet for food on the less painful-to-extort end.
- La Buvette des Bains ; Quai du Mont-Blanc 30; Probably the best deal in town. Office workers in the area flock to this lakeside jetty restaurant for their daily lunch specials.
- Chez ma Cousine Lissignol ; Rue Lissignol 5; This place does one thing and it does it well: chicken and fries. The outdoor terrace is a great place to people-watch at this Old Town property.
- carosello ; Boulevard Georges-Favon 25; Enjoy good pizzas and the special of the day (pizza with salad).
- Manora , Rue de Cornavin 6; A self-service cafe on the top floor of the Manor department store, serves a wide variety of foods and offers a panoramic view of the city.
- Boky-FuShun , Rue des Alpes 21; Some praise its extensive Chinese menu, some say it’s disgusting, but one thing is indisputable: it’s hard to find a cheaper dinner in the city center than here.
- Parfums de Beyrouth, Rue de Berne 18; Considered a hole-in-the-wall type of place, but any of their assiette dishes are more than enough to feed two people and they’re quite tasty.
Free shipping
Leave your rental car behind. Geneva’s notorious river traffic means you’re better off without a car. Plus, it doesn’t cost a penny to travel in and around Geneva. In fact, you can move around Geneva for free.
Free public transit
Every person staying in a hotel, hostel or campsite in Geneva is entitled to a small and practical Geneva Transport Card, allowing them unlimited travel around the city and near the suburbs for the entire duration of their stay . Ask for it at your hotel or hostel and make sure you carry a passport with the card.
Free airport transfers
Before leaving the baggage claim area, look for a machine that says “free ticket” right next to the exit. This is not a scam. Just press the button and you will get a ticket valid for the next 80 minutes on trains, buses and trams, completely free, enough to take you to your hotel.
Free Bicycles
Renting a bike can cost you money, but there is a free alternative. Geneve Roule offers bikes for free during the summer months for four hours at a time.
Wi-Fi gratis
All over Geneva, there is free Wi-Fi, which is great news for those who are addicted to their phones. Look for a network called “((o)) ville-geneve.” Coverage is spotty, but it’s totally free. There are many hot spots scattered throughout the city.
The public library, with strong and free wireless signals, is located inside the Parc des Bastions. The reading room ( salle de lecture ) has workspace and electrical outlets for your laptop.
There is also free Wi-Fi at Geneva airport, but you need a mobile phone. Go online first and then follow the prompts to enter your phone number. A free access code will be sent to you as an SMS. Going online is completely free, but some mobile operators will charge you for receiving text messages abroad.
Many hotels, restaurants and cafes around Geneva also advertise free Wi-Fi, but some require an existing account with an internet provider. So make sure the establishment has its own free Wi-Fi network before you relax and order that coffee.
Free museums
Geneva has several wonderful museums that open their doors for free.
Free museums
- Museum of the History of Sciences of the Ville de Genève (Museum of the History of Science)
De la Rive and de Saussure, you’ve seen their names on the streets. Now discover your importance as scientists in this museum of astronomy, geology, meteorology and other disciplines. - Muséum d’histoire naturelle (Museum of Natural History) See the variety of dioramas and other specimens.
- Espace Lullin
Take a look at the rare 18th century manuscripts housed within the public library. - Institut et Musée Voltaire
The Enlightenment writer Voltaire spent some of his years in exile in Geneva. His heritage is now a museum dedicated to his work.
Museums with free permanent collections
These museums open their doors for free every day, excluding temporary exhibitions.
- Household artifacts and objects from Maison Tavel illustrate everyday life in Geneva from the 16th to the 19th century.
- Ariana Museum
Dedicated to the art of ceramics, the extensive museum features more than 25,000 pieces on display. - Musée d’Art et d’Histoire (Museum of Art and History)
This multidisciplinary museum is based on archeology and fine arts.
Its temporary exhibitions are also free, but only on the first Sunday of each month.
Free outdoor activities
Get out and explore the stunning nature of Geneva, for free of course.
Lake geneva
You are never too far from the picturesque water of Lake Geneva. There are 29 hotspots, the most popular being Bains des Paquis, where people-watching rivals swim as the sport of choice.
For the less aquatic, there are also public transport boats, which are free with your Geneva transport card.
The greenery of Geneva
Geneva is a green city, with approximately 20 percent of its total area dedicated to parks. In summer, the city even offers free lawn chairs. Some great parks include:
- Parc des Bastions: Play chess on a life-size board or listen to the students play their guitars; at Plainpalais / University.
- Parc des Cropettes: stretching just behind the train station, the park has a pond; in Quartier Les Grottes.
- Parc Beaulieu – Just across the street from Parc des Cropettes, this place is especially good for children; in Quartier Les Grottes.
- Jardin Anglais – is a popular gathering place with the famous flower clock; Right on the lake.
- Parc des Eaux-Vives: it has a hilly park with beautiful patches, along with its own beach and pier; in Eaux Vives.
Free outdoor cultural events
Every summer, Geneva hosts a series of outdoor cultural events.
Free Cinema Under the Stars: Out of the thousands of titles nominated by Geneva residents, a collection of films is selected and shown in the parks from July to August. Some newer movies charge entry fees.
Free concerts in the sun: In the city’s public parks, musicians from all over the world give free concerts from July and August.
Cheap shopping
If you want to splurge, Geneva has no shortage of options. But if you want to save on your memories, things get a little more complicated. Here are some inexpensive shopping options.
- Marché de Plainpalais: a man’s trash can be your treasure. You can find a lot of old Swiss things here. Plaine de Plainpalais.
- Manore: Skip the fancy chocolate shops they build for tourists in the old city. This mega department store has a solid selection of chocolate at surprisingly good prices. Rue de Cornavin 6.
- Boulevard Helvétique: Take a look at the outdoor farmers market for its delights of Swiss produce.
- Place de la Madeleine: buy clothes and books here.
