Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in Geneva for first-timers (I will put the link to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Geneva for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Geneva for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Geneva and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels in Geneva for visitors with various budgets.
Geneva is one of the major cities in Switzerland, located on the western tip of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). It is known for being a major international city and a hub for diplomacy, hosting various international organizations, including the United Nations and the International Red Cross.
In addition to its role in international affairs, Geneva is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and cultural attractions. The city is home to many museums, including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Art and History.
The official languages of Geneva are French, German, and Italian, reflecting the country’s multilingual character. The city is often ranked high in global quality of life indices. It offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
One of the most iconic attractions in Geneva is the Jet d’Eau, a huge fountain located on Lake Geneva. It shoots water 140 meters into the air and is an iconic symbol of the city.
Is Geneva a good place to visit with family?
Yes, Geneva is a great place to visit with family. Your family can enjoy leisurely walks along the lake, take boat cruises, visit various museums and cultural sites, or explore the nearby mountains. Parc La Bâtie and Parc La Perle du Lac are great places to have a picnic and relax.
Switzerland is famous for its chocolate and delicious cuisine. Exploring local chocolate shops and trying Swiss specialties is a delightful experience for the whole family.
Where to stay in Geneva for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Geneva for families with kids are Old Town, Quai du Mont-Blanc, and Carouge. These areas are centrally located and well-connected, making them great locations for families to explore on foot and by public transportation.
Old Town is the best area in Geneva for families who want central location and easy access to major historical sights and the lake. This area is home to the St. Peter’s Cathedral, Maison Tavel (the oldest house in Geneva), and the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire.
Quai du Mont-Blanc is a beautiful lakeside location, with stunning views of the lake and mountains. It is conveniently located close to the main train station and the old town.
Carouge is a quaint and picturesque district, known for its Italian architecture, vibrant markets, and family-friendly atmosphere. It is slightly removed from the city center, but it is also well-connected by tram for easy exploration.
During my trip to Geneva, I traveled as a couple and stayed at citizenM Geneva. The hotel has a prime location in the city center of Geneva, easy distance from shops, restaurants, historical landmarks, and the lark. Staff were friendly and breakfast was superb.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Geneva for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Geneva, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Geneva have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
3 Best areas to stay in Geneva with family:
1. Old Town
Old Town is one of the best areas to stay in Geneva with kids who want to stay in the historic heart of the city of Geneva. It is a charming and picturesque area that retains much of its medieval character and features a mix of narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and notable landmarks.
Popular points of interest in Old town are the St. Peter’s Cathedral, Maison Tavel, Place du Bourg-de-Four, Museum of Art and History, and Parc des Bastions.
You can climb to the top of the towel at the 12th century iconic St. Peter’s Cathedral for panoramic views of the city and Lake Geneva. The central square, Place du Bourg-de-Four, is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Parc des Bastions is a pleasant green space with statues, a giant chessboard, and the Reformation Wall. The Reformation Wall commemorates the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. It includes statues of notable figures such as William Farel and John Calvin.
You can take a leisure stroll on Rousseau Island (Île Rousseau). It is a small island in the Rhône River named after the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who spent some time in Geneva.
Best places to stay in Geneva Old Town with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Hôtel de la Cigogne, 5-star family-friendly beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of Geneva city center, right on the pedestrian Longemalle square next to the Old Town, Lake Geneva, and English Garden. Easy explore the city on foot and by public transportation. They have a 24-hour front desk, comfortable family rooms, a fitness center, and parking.
Mid-range ($$): Hôtel Longemalle, 4-star family-friendly hotel located in the pedestrian area in central Geneva, close to everything, easy access to major sights, bus stops, train station, shops, and restaurants. The rooms are clean and comfortable.
Mid-range ($$): Fraser Suites Geneva – Serviced Apartments, good value for money self-catering accommodation in Rue Du Marché District in central Geneva. Close to the St. Pierre Cathedral, Jet d’Eau, and Gare de Cornavin Train Station. They have a 24-hour front desk, family rooms, and laundry services.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OLD TOWN2. Quai du Mont-Blanc
Quai du Mont-Blanc is an excellent choice for your family if you value lakeside experience with beautiful views and proximity to some of the city’s key attractions. This is also a central location with easy access to the old town and the train station.
Quai du Mont-Blanc is located along the shores of Lake Geneva, providing stunning views of the lake, the Jet d’Eau fountain, and the surrounding mountains.
The lakeside promenade and parks along Quai du Mont-Blanc offer a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities along the waterfront.
Best places to stay in Quai du Mont-Blanc with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Beau-Rivage Genève, 5-star child-friendly beautiful hotel located on Quai du Mont-Blanc, Paquis, close to UN’s Palais des Nations, and Cornavin Train Station. The hotel offers paid airport limousine transfer, wonderful breakfast, an outdoor terrace, and private parking.
Luxury ($$$): The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva, 5-star historic and prestigious hotel located on the shore of Lake Geneva, close to everything. Close to the pedestrian bridge leading to the historic center. Within walking distance from the Cornavin Train Station, and the main city attractions.
Luxury ($$$): Swiss Luxury Apartments, family-friendly good value for money accommodation conveniently located close to the Main Train Station and the Old Town. It has free on-site laundry service, exceptional breakfast, 24-hour front desk, and paid airport shuttle services. One-Bedroom Apartment is a great base for families of 4, while Two-Bedroom Apartment is a great option for families of 5 and 6.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Bristol, 4-star popular hotel located in Saint-Gervais / des Grottes, in central location, close to Mont Blanc Square, the lake and the main train station. The hotel offers a free pass for public transport in the city including airport trains. Free public parking can be found nearby. The rooms are spacious and clean with comfortable beds.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN GENEVA3. Carouge
Carouge is an excellent base for families seeking a more relaxed and local experience with a unique cultural atmosphere. This area is known for its picturesque streets, vibrant markets, and Italian-influenced architecture.
The area is home to numerous cafés and restaurants, offering a mix of local and international cuisine. It is slightly removed from the city center, so you may need to rely on public transportation or a car for commuting to central Geneva and major attractions.
Best places to stay in Geneva in Carouge with family:
Budget ($): ibis Styles Genève Carouge, 3-star family-friendly accommodation located in a nice part of Geneva, on Route De Saint Julien, 10 mins walk from Stade de Genève. Trams stop immediately outside the hotel, for easy access to the old town and the train station. The Rooms are in good size and the bathroom has a modern design.
Budget ($): Auberge Communale de Carouge, 2-star family-friendly hotel located in Carouge district, outside of the old town, but easily reachable within 15 mins by tram (stop right outside the hotel). Lots of cafés and restaurants nearby. They have family rooms for families of 4.
Budget ($): Chez Maman Hotel & Restaurant, 3-star modern boutique hotel, featuring Two-Bedroom Apartment which is a good option for families of 4. It is in a quiet area in the Jonction area, a bit out of the city center, but easily get around by the tram nearby. Be mindful that it can be quite loud in the restaurant at night.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN GENEVAIn conclusion, Old Town, Quai du Mont-Blanc, and Carouge are the best places to stay in Geneva for families with kids. These are safe, central, and well-connected areas, making them great bases to explore the city.
You can continue reading about Geneva in these articles:
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Geneva. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.