How to cut costs while in gorgeous Geneva
Try visiting free museums, cycling, renting an apartment if you’re visiting on a budget
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND— Don’t let Geneva’s reputation as one of the world’s most expensive destinations deter you from visiting this historic and scenic city on Europe’s largest lake. With a bit of care, you can enjoy Switzerland’s second-largest metropolis without leaving a hole in your wallet.
Indeed, there are a lot of freebies and ways to cut down on costs without cutting down on fun. From walking among the popular outdoor cafés in the old town and the stunning cathedral where John Calvin helped kick-start the Reformation, to cruising around one of the world’s tallest water fountain on swimmable Lake Geneva, there is a lot to do with nothing to pay.
There is no reason to stay in the five-star hotels favoured by visiting celebrities and government officials doing business with the two dozen UN and other international organizations headquartered in Geneva. Several of these international bodies, such as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, operate renowned museums well worth a visit. Meanwhile, all Swiss hotels are clean, regardless of the price, and bargains are readily available.
Or consider a vacation apartment rental. That way, you can prepare meals at home, cutting down on restaurant costs.
However, while dining out can seem expensive, remember that those posted prices include both tax and tip.
That means, when comparing prices to home, your actual eating expense is 25 per cent to 30 per cent less than that listed on the menu.
There are, as well, moderately priced eating options. Multicultural restaurants are a relative bargain or, for lunch, you can join the locals on the fourth floor of the Manor department store near the train station. This expansive self-serve restaurant features a variety of cuisines with locally sourced produce, as well as Movenpick’s signature ice creams. Take your tray to the enclosed outdoor eating area and enjoy a spectacular view of the city, lake and Alpine foothills.
Manor, a national chain, not only has a supermarket to stock up on food for picnics or cook-at-home meals, but features a wide variety of Swiss chocolates at considerable savings, compared to the chocolatiers around town. Wines, especially Swiss wines, are a real bargain and highly rated.
For its part, the Migros supermarket chain produces reasonably priced quality chocolates under the Frey brand that beat out rivals to become the official chocolate of Swiss Airlines.
While on the subject of food, remember that Geneva is the heart of French-speaking Switzerland. As such, the pastry shops and bakeries are magnifique. For high-quality pastries at bargain prices, try one of the eight McDonald’s throughout the city.
Getting around on Geneva’s superefficient public transport system can be either free or nearly so. It all starts at the airport, where, if you look for the kiosks, you can get a free train ticket to the central station. Hotel guests get a free municipal transport pass for their stay, while others can take advantage of the 24-, 48- or 72hour Geneva pass that includes free municipal transportation among other goodies.
While many of Geneva’s 30-plus museums are free, the Geneva Pass gets you into the others at no cost. Make sure to visit the Patek Philippe Museum, four levels of stunning watchmaking samples from the ornate 16th-century mechanical birds to the digital present. Also included with the Geneva Pass are free walking tours, including of the old city, city bus tours and lake ferries.
Cycling, especially along the extensive waterfront, is an ideal way to see the city.
Between mid-April and mid-October, cyclists can ride four hours for free. You can pick from a wide selection of bikes at one of nine locations and drop off at another.
Locals are proud of their water quality, which undergoes rigorous and constant testing. They claim it is purer than the bottled variety — and it’s certainly cheaper. Water fountains exist throughout the city and visitors should have no hesitation drinking from the tap or filling their own bottles.
The Grand Tour Snack Box, a new national Swiss tourism promotion that has yet to reach Geneva but can be accessed in nearby Nyon, just a 15-minute train ride away, is another bargain for travellers. The red tin box itself costs 25 Swiss francs while another 20 francs gets you a nutritious picnic for two featuring regional specialties. At the Nyon tourism office, they offer Gruyère cheese, cured meats, dried and fresh fruit, along with pressed apple juice and artisanal chocolate. There are now 45 locations throughout the country where you can fill up your Snack Box, yet another way North Americans can find reasonable prices when visiting a country known for its relatively high cost of living. Michael Benedict was partially hosted by Geneva Tourism, which didn’t review or approve this story.