Discover the complete mosaic of Geneva's neighborhoods

Acacias Bâtie

Located on the left bank of the Arve River, Acacias Bâtie is emerging as the new heart of Geneva. Initially dedicated to agriculture, the district evolved towards craft, industrial and tertiary activities in the 20th century. The PAV project plans a major transformation, aiming to create a central district combining high-quality employment and residential areas. This ambitious plan, shared with Carouge and Lancy, aims to meet the housing needs of the conurbation. Anchored in Geneva’s industrial history, the district retains traces of its past, with automotive and watchmaking industries – including the Rolex headquarters – and renovated spaces such as the Pavillon Sicli. Culturally rich, it is home to festivals such as Antigel and La Bâtie-Festival de Genève, as well as iconic venues such as the Théâtre du Loup and nightlife venues such as La Gravière and La Parfumerie. Acacias Bâtie is also distinguished by its commitment to the environment, with the Bois-de-la-Bâtie offering 12 hectares of natural forest, a wildlife park, and local initiatives including Geneva’s only mushroom farm.

Champel

Champel, Geneva’s elegant residential district, is undergoing increasing urbanization with its seven distinct sectors, home to around 31,808 inhabitants. With its mix of luxury buildings, villas and low-cost housing dating from the 50s to 70s, Champel offers a bourgeois reputation, combining tranquillity with high-quality green spaces, notably the famous Parc Bertrand at the heart of the district. The arrival of the Léman Express is redefining the local dynamic, offering easy access to the HUG and the Champel plateau. The district is distinguished by its medical institutions, educational establishments such as Collège Émilie-Gourd, and its many amenities. Attractions include the Parc Bertrand, popular with city dwellers, with its 110,823 m² of tree-covered grounds featuring a variety of artistic installations and events. The Geneva’s Museum of Natural History in Malagnou attracts families and the curious with its exhibitions and 15 million specimens. The Sport Center of the Bout-du-Monde, with its 14 sports activities, contributes to the liveliness of the neighborhood. Champel boasts a booming gastronomic scene, with addresses recommended by the Gault et Millau guide, including  Osteria Zaza or Indigo Restaurant – Pizzeria for Italian flavors and Tea-Room de l’Athénée for when you want to enjoy a charming setting along with a delightful coffee and vienoiserie.

Eaux-Vives

The Eaux-Vives, a highly sought-after district just a few minutes’ walk from the Bel-Air Square, offers a relaxed lifestyle and trendy atmosphere on the shores of Lake Geneva. A harmonious blend of residential traditions, lively tourism and modernity characterizes this area. Here you’ll find the Clarté building, Le Corbusier‘s one and only achievement in Geneva. The new public beach, open from June 22 to September 29, adds a refreshing touch. The “La Grange” park, a 12,000 m² green expanse, offers concerts, theater and a natural rose garden, creating a symbiosis between nature and culture. Cinemas, such as Les Scala and Le City, and renowned theaters, such as Théâtre de l’Espérance and Théâtre Am Stram Gram, enrich the cultural landscape. Gastronomic addresses such as “Mi Food, Mi-Raisin” and the Peruvian fusion restaurant “Alma” make Eaux-Vives a culinary epicenter. In the evening, the trendy bars of the “Rue de la soif”, Yvette de Marseille, Little Barrel, Atelier Cocktail Club, and Maison Balkii and its dance parties complete this vibrant experience.

Grottes Saint-Gervais

Grottes Saint-Gervais reveals an authentic atmosphere rich in history, with its eight varied sectors. Resisting urban transformation, this neighborhood has retained its intense, creative character since the late 19th century. Committed residents have preserved the Grottes’ identity in the face of development projects. The architecture, often unconventional, includes the famous Smurfs buildings, colorful and whimsical. The district maintains a village atmosphere in the heart of the city, with small shops and the friendly “Marché des Grottes”. The Cornavin train station has played a key role in the neighborhood’s evolution, transforming its former bourgeois status. The neighborhood offers a variety of places to eat and drink, such as Nomades for the best couscous, Reaun Thai for an experience in the land of Siam, and the Kozan for upscale Japanese food. Casual options for a drink include La Petite Reine, or the highly recommended bar at the famous St-Gervais ‘s Theater: La Réplique.

Pâquis Sécheron

Pâquis Sécheron is a dynamic melting pot of colors and contrasts. Between its lively nightlife, magnificent parks, Lake Geneva and its Jet d’Eau, historic boats and century-old baths, the district offers a rich sensory experience. Les Pâquis, once pastureland, bears witness to its history through a varied topography and commemorative monuments, including the tragic story of Empress Sissi’s assassination in 1898. The district’s international vocation is reflected in its renowned organizations and monuments dedicated to peace. Beyond this cosmopolitan façade, the district retains its popular identity, notably at the Bains des Pâquis, an emblematic site inaugurated in 1872, offering bathing, relaxation and gastronomy. In juxtaposition to the dynamic heart of Pâquis, the Sécheron district boasts parks, international companies and cultural monuments, including the greenhouses of the Botanical Gardens and the Ariana Museum.

Plainpalais Jonction

Plainpalais Jonction embodies a unique blend of histories, evolving from its military origins to its current dense, festive and mixed-race state. Formerly known as La Coulouvrenière, it owes its current name to its geographical location at the confluence of the Rhône and Arve rivers. Over the centuries, it has transformed its farmland into a key industrial zone, home to such iconic sites as the Usine à Gaz and the Usine Genevoise de Dégrossissage d’Or. The industrial era marked a turning point, turning La Coulouvrenière into an industrial hub, and l’Usine became a stronghold of the alternative culture of the 90s and 2000s. The Bâtiment des forces motrices, once a water supplier, is now a concert hall. The banks of the Rhône symbolize summer, with activities such as the Rhône descent, and the Pointe de la Jonction has become a festive spot. The extended district boasts cultural spaces such as the MAMCO and the MEG, directed by Boris Wastiau. Artistic personalities such as Sylvie Fleury – whose works adorn the rooftops of the Plaine de Plainpalais – John Armleder and Maï-Thu Perret enrich the cultural scene. As for Tram Line 12, it connects key points in the district.

Servette Petit-Saconnex

Servette Petit-Saconnex offer a captivating mix of buildings, century-old trees and varied architecture. With over 40,000 inhabitants, it is one of Geneva’s eight main districts. La Servette, a remarkable urban transformation, blends social, religious and architectural diversity. Petit-Saconnex, balancing rural charm and urban convenience, is home to a cosmopolitan dimension reinforced by the presence of international organizations. Green spaces such as Parc Beaulieu and Jardin de la Paix offer peaceful refuges, highlighting the botanical wealth of the district. From Beaulieu to Trembley, Vermont and Trembley parks add sporting and recreational dimensions, while Varembé offers comprehensive sports facilities. On the gastronomic side, addresses such as Le Figuier, Le Bistro and Café du Soleil – one of Geneva’s oldest bistros – offer a wide variety of culinary delights, reflecting the district’s open-mindedness.

Saint-Jean Charmilles

Saint-Jean Charmilles, nestled between the right bank of the Rhône and Les Grottes, has a unique blend of urban dynamism and nature. Comprising nine sectors, including Saint-Jean, Charmilles and Concorde, the district is home to around 33,700 residents. Historically marked by the division caused by the railroad in 1857, the district has developed with a working-class population offering a characteristic mix. Historic remains, such as the Chemin forestier des Falaises, bear witness to its “wild” past. The philosopher Voltaire lived in Saint-Jean, where streets dedicated to the Enlightenment remain. The Stade des Charmilles, once the home of Servette F.C., founded in 1890, has given way to development, symbolizing the neighborhood’s evolution. Saint-Jean Charmilles is distinguished by its varied urban planning, combining buildings from the 70s, villas and rental properties such as the Complexe de l’Europe. The district is home to the HEAD, marking a historic turning point. Maurice Braillard’s Maison Ronde, a listed masterpiece, remains emblematic despite future developments. Green spaces, including Parc Geisendorf and Parc des Franchises, add a natural touch. The best local restaurants, such as Na Village, La Cocina Argentina and Les Tilleuls, offer a varied gastronomic experience.

Ville-de-Genève

The heart of downtown Geneva offers a rich blend of past and present. The Rues Basses and Rue de Rhône are a mix of prestigious stores and modern boutiques, illuminated during the festivities. For fine dining, Chez Philippe Steak House, Brasserie Lipp and Kytaly pizzeria are a must. The Alhambra, an emblematic building constructed between 1918 and 1920 by architect Paul Perrin, is a jewel classified as a historic monument in 1996, and transformed into a music venue in 2012. The Place de Neuve, steeped in history since 1564, has been home to the Rath Museum since 1826, Switzerland’s first fine arts museum. The Grand Théâtre, founded in 1879, enchants with its architecture inspired by the Garnier opera house. As for the Promenade des Bastions, the largest historic park in the city center, it is home to the Université des Lettres, as well as the Monument international de la Réformation since 1917. As for the 7th art, Ciné17 guarantees the ultimate cinematic experience, with its cocktails and exceptional leather seats. With its charming medieval streets, the Old Town is an invitation to cultural visits. Top of the list are the sumptuous Saint-Pierre Cathedral, built in the 12th century, and the Place du Bourg-de-Four, which dates back to the 11th century. The Maison Tavel, an urban history museum since 1986, and the Musée Barbier-Mueller (1977), home to the world’s largest private collection, complete a plethora of attractions that never cease to delight tourists and locals alike.

Pascal Viscardi