Located in the French part of Switzerland, Geneva is the headquarters of the European United Nations and the Red Cross. Tourists are more likely to visit to enjoy the huge Lake and views of Mont Blanc and the Alps though!
With everything going on in Geneva, it can be tricky to know the best place to stay. Plus, Geneva (and the rest of Switzerland) can be super costly, so why not look into hostels? Don’t worry, you can get something much nicer than a grubby backpackers’ dorm!
To help you out, we’ve scoured the best hostels in Geneva and put together this list to help you plan according to your personality, and more importantly, your budget.
There’s plenty to choose from, with some friendly travellers’ hostels and some budget hotels that will give you a taste of Alpine luxury! So, let’s jump in and see the best hostels that Geneva has to offer!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Geneva
#1 Best overall hostel in Geneva: City Hostel Geneva
#2 Best hostel for solo travellers in Geneva: Nyon Hostel
#3 Best hostel near Geneva Airport: Geneva Airport Bed and Breakfast
#4 Best hostel near Genève – Cornavin Railway Station: Hotel Moderne
#5 Best high-end hostel in Geneva: La Cour des Augustins – Boutique Gallery Design Hotel
#6 Best budget hostel in Geneva: Geneva Hostel
#7 Best hostel with private rooms in Geneva: Hostel St-Gervais
#1 – City Hostel Geneva
Best overall hostel in Geneva
City Hostel Geneva is the best overall hostel in Geneva
City Hostel Geneva is the best overall hostel in Geneva
City Hostel Geneva is the best overall hostel in Geneva- Cost – $$
- Location – 2 rue Ferrier,, 1202 Geneva,
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like City Hostel Geneva…
One of a handful of hostels in Geneva, this clean and friendly place offers comfortable shared lodgings so it’s the best hostel in Geneva! It’s a great way to save yourself some money, as you get a free Geneva travel card (very useful), money off local museums, and there’s also free Wi-Fi and English language movies available in the hotel!
City Hostel Geneva is perfect for…
If you’re looking to stay in a comfortable, clean, and friendly hostel in the centre of Geneva then look no further than City Hostel Geneva. There’s a selection of dorms and private rooms so if you want the social side of a hostel but your own private space, then this place is perfect!
#2 – Nyon Hostel
Best hostel for solo travellers in Geneva
Nyon Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Geneva
Nyon Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Geneva
Nyon Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Geneva- Cost – $$$
- Location – Chemin des Plantaz 47, Nyon
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Nyon Hostel…
This cool, sustainable, and eco-friendly hostel is actually situated in the town of Nyon, 22km from Geneva. It’s on the shores of Lake Geneva though, and the great common spaces make it the best hostel for solo travellers near Geneva! You can relax in the large garden or out on the terrace and take in the beautiful views of the Alps!
Nyon Hostel is perfect for…
This is a great place for meeting fellow travellers and experiencing traditional Swiss small-town life at the same time. Not only are there the garden and terrace mentioned above, but there’s also a large common room with a TV which is great for chilling out and a big, modern kitchen if you want to prepare meals together with your new friends!
We are obsessed with backpacks – we’ve tried them all! And our favourite carry on backpack in the WORLD is the Nomatic Travel Backpack. This backpack has revolutionized the backpack industry and will change the way you travel forever :) Check it out here!
#3 – Geneva Airport Bed and Breakfast
Best hostel near Geneva Airport
Why we like Geneva Airport Bed and Breakfast…
As you may have guessed from the name, this charming, quaint, and quiet bed and breakfast is right near the Airport, so it’s easily the best place to stay near Geneva Airport! The house is close to the train station too, so don’t worry about getting into Geneva – it’s really easy!
Geneva Airport Bed and Breakfast is perfect for…
If you’ve got an early morning flight or late-night flight and you’re stressed about getting to the airport, staying at Geneva Airport Bed and Breakfast will take that stress away! There’s plenty more to like about the B & B too, including 24-hour free tea and coffee, a communal TV, shared kitchen, and lovely garden!
#4 – Hotel Moderne
Best hostel near Genève – Cornavin Railway Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1, Rue de Berne
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hotel Moderne…
This budget hotel is just 200m from the city’s main railway station, so it’s easily the best place to stay near Genève – Cornavin Railway Station. It’s the perfect place to base yourself if you want to enjoy Geneva’s pretty old town, see the main sights, and take some leisurely strolls around the city!
Hotel Moderne is perfect for…
Travellers who want to be close to not only the main railway station but also the old town and main tourist attractions will find that Hotel Moderne suits them perfectly. There’s a free continental breakfast, which is perfect for fuelling up before a long day of seeing the sights, and the restaurants serve great Italian and Japanese food to come back to!
Editor’s note: Save a bit of cash in Zurich with our guide to budget hostels in Zurich!
#5 – La Cour des Augustins – Boutique Gallery Design Hotel
Best high-end hostel in Geneva
- Cost – $$
- Location – Rue Jean-Violette 15
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like La Cour des Augustins – Boutique Gallery Design Hotel…
Hidden away in the city’s Latin Quarter, this boutique hotel offers travellers a slice of luxury in the city with a modern urban style and contemporary interior design. It’s just 100m away from the Pont d’Arve tram stop so it’s really easy to get into the city centre from here!
La Cour des Augustins – Boutique Gallery Design Hotel is perfect for…
If you don’t mind splashing out a little extra to relax in some opulence, comfort, and real luxury in Geneva, then La Cour des Augustins should be high up on your list. There’s even a spa and fitness facilities on site, perfect for pampering yourself or getting fit after eating a little too much fondue!
Editor’s Note – No matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance. We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and can say without a doubt that World Nomads is the absolute best (and most affordable!). Fill out this form to get a quote for your trip to Geneva!
#6 – Geneva Hostel
Best budget hostel in Geneva
- Cost – $$
- Location – Rue Rothschild 30
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Geneva Hostel…
This hostel, set in an idyllic location with fabulous views of Mont Blanc, offers some of the best-priced beds in the whole of the city, so it’s definitely the best budget hostel in Geneva. Certainly, it’s cheaper than the 5 – star hotels that surround it! You’ll save even more money with the free facilities on offer – including a transport card, WiFi, and a TV room!
Geneva Hostel is perfect for…
Guests looking to save a pretty penny in one of Europe’s most expensive cities will be relieved that they’ve stumbled across somewhere like Geneva Hostel. The free breakfast and other stuff on offer will mean that your pocket doesn’t take too bad a hit, and you’ll be able to head to your next destination with some euros in your pocket!
Will you also visit Basel? Check out where we like to stay in Basel!
#7 – Hostel St-Gervais
Best hostel with private rooms in Geneva
- Cost – $$
- Location – 20 Rue des Corps-Saints
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hostel St-Gervais…
This convenient and comfortable budget hotel offers both single and double rooms that you don’t have to share with strangers, so it’s the best place to stay in Geneva with private rooms. We like that all rooms come with a TV and a washbasin. You do have to be prepared to share bathrooms though!
Hostel St-Gervais is perfect for…
Solo travellers or couples will be delighted with Hostel St-Gervais, especially if you’re looking for a break from sharing a room with strangers, or simply just want some privacy and alone time. It’s in a great area for exploring the Old Town and city centre attractions!
Check this out – If you are headed to Zurich check out our guide to Zurich’s best areas to stay!
Other best hostels in Geneva
#8 – Hotel des Horlogers
- Cost – $$
- Location – Route de Saint-Julien 135, Plan-les-Ouates, 1228 Geneva
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Hotel des Horlogers…
This budget hotel is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Geneva to learn more about watchmaking or are just interested in the craft. It’s just 3 minutes away on foot from many of the city’s famous watchmakers and there is a collection of historic watchmakers’ tools in the hotel itself!
Hotel des Horlogers is perfect for…
If you’re interested in the history of watchmaking and want to stay in a historic and comfortable budget hotel, then hotel des Horlogers is a great option. The breakfast is delicious and there’s plenty of choice too! If that’s not enough, the hotel is also close to several charming cafes!
If you are traveling you should ALWAYS have emergency cash hidden on you! Security belts are great because they are affordable and can fit a ton of stuff in them (great for peace of mind!). Check out our favorite travel belt!
#9 – Hostellerie de la Vendee
- Cost – $$
- Location – Chemin de la Vendée, 28, 1213 Geneva
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Hostellerie de la Vendee…
This multilingual hostel is in a quiet location around 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Geneva, offering picturesque views of the city and the surrounding mountains. We love that every room comes with a Nespresso coffee machine! Don’t worry about being out of the centre – you’ll be provided with a free public transport pass!
Hostellerie de la Vendee is perfect for…
If you want a hotel with a scenic view, then this budget offering on the hill of Petit Lancy is a fantastic option for your trip. It’s close to the airport and Palexpo fairgrounds so there’s certainly no shortage of things to do away from the city centre!
#10 – Studio Vieille-Ville Geneve
- Cost – $$
- Location – 6 Rue Jean-Calvin – 1er étage – sans ascenseur, 1204 Geneva
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Studio Vieille-Ville Geneve…
This charming and homely bed and breakfast is located in an area often regarded as a tourist favourite in Geneva – Cité. We love that there’s a communal dining area and kitchen, which comes complete with a dishwasher. There’s also a TV, so plenty of spots to chat to other guests!
Studio Vieille-Ville Geneve is perfect for…
If you want to stay in a traditional Swiss bed and breakfast in one of the most popular areas of Geneva, then Studio Vieille-Ville Geneve is the perfect option! Everything is within walking distance from here, and there’s free coffee and tea included so you can chill out with a hot drink after a long day on your feet!
#11 – Hotel Churchill
- Cost – $$
- Location – Rue du Simplon, 15, Eaux-Vives, 1207 Geneva
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Hotel Churchill…
This beautifully furnished hotel offers a comfortable and affordable stay in the main shopping district of Geneva, where you’ll find numerous restaurants and banks. There’s a lift as well – great if you’re on the top floor and struggling to get your suitcase or backpack up narrow winding stairs!
Hotel Churchill is perfect for…
Travellers who want to be right in the heart of Geneva’s shopping district should have Hotel Churchill right up at the top of their list. Each room comes equipped with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and its own bathroom, so you’re sure to be comfortable. You might even be able to see the famous Jet d’Eau from your window if you’re lucky!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Geneva?
Dorm rooms are typically in the $30 per night range, while private rooms are often around $100. Geneva is definitely a pricier city, but you'll also get to experience Switzerland is real style!
What are Hostels in Geneva Like?
A great blend of modern style and historic charm. Geneva is known for its beautiful mountain landscapes and the impressive Lake Geneva, and most hostels will help you to arrange tours and travel plans around the city and in Switzerland.
How Safe are Hostels in Geneva?
Typically hostels are very safe in Geneva! Switzerland is considered a very safe place, even for solo travelers and hostels generally have great security features to make sure no issues come up.
How to Find Hostels in Geneva?
Look at the options on HostelWorld or other online platforms to see all the options. If you're traveling around Switzerland, you can also see if your current hotel or hostel has a recommendation.
|
Best overall hostel in Geneva
City Hostel Geneva
|
Check for Best Price |
|
Best hostel for solo travellers in Geneva
Nyon Hostel
|
Check for Best Price |
|
Best hostel near Geneva Airport
Geneva Airport Bed and Breakfast
|
Check for Best Price |
|
Best hostel near Genève – Cornavin Railway
Station Hotel Moderne
|
Check for Best Price |
 |
Best high-end hostel in Geneva
La Cour des Augustins – Boutique Gallery Design Hotel
|
Check for Best Price |
|
Best budget hostel in Geneva
Geneva Hostel
|
Check for Best Price |
|
Best hostel with private rooms in Geneva
Hostel St-Gervais
|
Check for Best Price |
Conclusion
So, that’s all from us. We’ve taken a detailed look at the best hostels in Geneva and we’re sure that there’ll be something on our list that will suit you and your travel style (and wallet).
It would be such a shame to miss out on one of the most interesting cities in Switzerland, right?
Hostels are a great way to travel, especially in a city as expensive as Geneva. We hope that with the money you’ll save by staying in one of these cool hostels, you’ll have a little left over to explore the rest of Switzerland!
And don’t forget our overall top hostel in Geneva – City Hostel Geneva. We hope that wherever you end up staying, you have a great holiday!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
