When you think of Geneva, phrases like "lakeside condominium", "Rolex"™, "ocean-going yacht", "fancy cheese" and "extraordinarily rich" spring to mind. However, even if you're on a tight budget, don't be put off a visit to this fascinating city. There's tons to see and do, much of it free of charge.
How to Get There
Geneva is located at the southwest end of Lake Geneva, in the French-speaking southwest corner of Switzerland. Lake Geneva is widely regarded as the most stunning in Europe, with its massive water fountain and spectacular views of the Alps. You can travel there by train, which would be a wonderful experience but, on a budget, the only sensible choice is a cheap flight. EasyJet departs from Stansted, Gatwick, Manchester, Liverpool and a few others across the UK. By booking ahead and perhaps making your trip midweek, you could be looking at less than £40 each way. The flight duration is around an hour and a half.
Geneva itself is just a couple of miles from the airport, a journey of about 15 minutes on the train. You can get a free ticket in the arrivals hall - it covers any journey for 80 minutes after you land. The city itself is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.
Where to Stay
Hotel prices are very expensive, so your best budget choice is to consult airbnb. You can find studio flats from around £25 each per night. Closer to the lake, a one-bed studio with balcony can work out at just £33 per person per night.
Food and Drink
For a budget breakfast, try a croissant on the move from one of the city's many bakeries while you explore the delightful cobbled streets. The recently-opened Birdie café does a great selection of fairly-priced coffees, sandwiches and salads to eat in or take away.
Many of Geneva's restaurants offer affordable lunch deals. The quirky Café du Bourg-du-Four bistro does a great rösti. Cottage Café is a kitsch little place on the waterfront, with a nice selection of budget tapas. Also by the lakeside is La Buvette des Bains - perfect for watching the world go by on a balmy summer day or, in winter-time, retiring to the fireside with a bargain-price fondue.
Just across the French border, a ten-minute bus ride away, lies the town of Ferney. Take a few euros along with you and check out the busy food markets, selling everything from spices and seafood to handmade pasta. Free samples are generously handed out by the sellers, so you can taste camembert, fruit tarts, macaroons and lots more "sans engagement".
When it comes to chocolate, the Swiss have it wrapped up. It's the ultimate confection, so don't come home without trying some. The chocolatier Favarger does factory tours and tastings for a relatively reasonable price and you can browse the Martel shops completely free of charge. If a particular chocolate takes your fancy, you can always make a mental note, then buy later at the supermarket for a fraction of the price.
In the evening, you'll find a good selection of beer at the nautical-themed Le Kraken.
Places to Visit
You can explore the lush Botanical Gardens free of charge, and track down the ornate Russian Orthodox church with its stunning gold roof. You can also see, for free, the permanent exhibitions at the impressive Musée d'Art et d'Histoire.
Surprisingly, Geneva's Christmas market is a bit... rubbish, so it's well worth taking the hour-long train journey (enjoying the wonderful views across the lake) to Montreux, where you'll find one of Switzerland's best Christmas markets, with fairy-lit market stalls lining the waterfront. The Swiss train service even offers market-goers discounted tickets, plus money off mulled wine and pretzels.
Back in Geneva, you can always window-shop at stores like Louis Vuitton and Prada and drool at their amazing festive displays.
In the centre of Geneva lies the beautiful Parc des Bastions, which features giant chess and draughts boards that you can play free of charge.
The Saturday and Wednesday flea market at Plainpalais is worth a rummage and you might discover a real treasure to take home for next to nothing.
Title Image Credit: Damian Zech (www.flickr.com) (Image Cropped)