en
See & Do
Geneva's neighbourhood shopping tours
by CEKELENO
Discover 6 great shopping tours through Geneva's neighbourhoods. Let yourself be charmed by the local scene, where every shop tells a story.
These tours were created as part of Cekelenô, an awareness campaign aimed at promoting Geneva’s local shops and talents. The goal: to inspire you to step into Geneva’s stores and experience their unique energy.
Geneva's Old Town
Geneva’s Old Town is much more than just a commercial area. It’s a real living history book, where every street corner has a new story to tell of the city’s rich and varied past. The Old Town combines trendy shops and historic charm, providing a memorable shopping experience.
Go up through the cobbled lanes to find unique shops: Swiss brands, ornaments, local designers and independent bookshops. And you can also hunt for great pieces in high-end second-hand shops.
Eaux-Vives district
It’s good to stroll through Eaux-Vives, between parks and the lake on the left bank, just behind the Jet d’Eau. It’s the ultimate water-district, its name echoing the many springs and streams that ran through it years ago.
The La Grange and Eaux-Vives parks are places to relax for strolls under the centuries-old trees. The charm of this neighbourhood is embodied in the excellent range of designer, fashion and secondhand shops here. You will also find delicatessens sustaining culinary traditions and offering a wide range of local products.
Plainpalais district
A lively, diverse neighbourhood. At Pointe de la Jonction, you will enjoy seeing the colours at the meeting point of the Arve and the Rhône, while the Plaine de Plainpalais, the vibrant heart of the neighbourhood, has flea and antiques markets.
The Plaine de Plainpalais, originally marshland, was drained at the end of the 19th century and developed as a site for a range of public events. With local fashion boutiques, concept stores and craft shops, shopping here reflects the many diverse faces of the neighbourhood. Next to Plainpalais, you will find the Quartier des Bains, with galleries and inspirational museums.
Carouge district
Located only 10 minutes from the centre, Carouge is Geneva’s Sardinian town. Did you know that the town was designed by Italian architects, who gave it its unique Mediterranean charm? Carouge is open to the world, tolerant and multicultural. It has been a centre for trade since the 18th century, developing around the savoir-faire of the craftspersons who installed their workshops in the courtyards. Jewellers, leatherworkers, opticians, ceramicists and florists enliven the tree-lined streets, alongside art galleries, busy terraces, and fashion and designer boutiques. The ambiance is lively and authentic.
Saint-Gervais district
Saint-Gervais was the cradle of watchmaking as early as the 16th century. The narrow cobbled streets still retain the stamp of the cabinotiers, artisan watchmakers who worked in attic workshops identifiable by their distinctive small windows.
Over the centuries, Saint-Gervais has been able to preserve its authenticity, while opening up to diversity. The warm and welcoming shops of Saint-Gervais are a clever mix of tradition and modernity, with authentic local creations sitting alongside contemporary design.
Pâquis district
Les Pâquis have always been a place for entertainment and indulgence, and it is still one of Geneva’s most attractive places for nightlife, showcasing the city’s multicultural identity. Surprisingly, the name “Pâquis” derives from the French word for “pasture”. It’s hard to imagine that this neighbourhood, fizzing with its wealth of cultures and cuisines, was once fields and meadows. The eclectic range of shops reflects the ways the district is changing: you will find specialist bookshops, delicatessens, and shops from every corner of the world.
Discover the 6 itineraries
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