Shopping in Geneva – Best Geneva shops – Time Out Switzerland (2025)

FAQs

What is the famous shopping street in Geneva? ›

City Center – Extending from the banking district to Eaux Vives, the parallel streets of Rue du Rhone and Rue du Marche (becoming Rue du Rive further east) make up Geneva's most famous shopping district. Designer retail stores and world famous watchmakers line the streets packed with window shoppers.

These stores and many more are mostly centered around Place du Molard, the Rue de Rhône and the Rue de Marché. Swiss army knives and chocolate are the two things that immediately spring to mind when one thinks of Switzerland and the best chocolateries are Coop City, Arn Chocolaterie and Rohr.

Clothes are expensive in Geneva, but H&M or C&E are good places where you can find some deals. Also, there are two Vet'shop locations around. One is right by the college on your way to rue des Vollandes and is a quite small one, and the other is right across the tracks at the Plainpalais stop.

Important information: Stores in Geneva are generally open from 8 am until 7 pm, Monday through Friday and until 6 pm on Saturday. They are closed on Sunday and on any bank holiday!

Geneva ranks among one of the most expensive cities in the world. There is no such thing as a cheap hotel or meal in this city.

It's good to have a basic raincoat (a cheap plastic one will do) and a lightweight umbrella as well. Geneva is a slightly more smartly dressed city than some, but for general tourism certainly wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.

The most commonly accepted payment options are cash, credit cards and debit cards. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. The most common are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Maestro. It is advisable to check in advance...

Geneva and New York City, tied at third place

If you find yourself in either of these two cities, a cup of cappuccino will likely set you back by about the same price—CHF4. 79 (US$5.49) in the Swiss city and US$5.48 in the Big Apple.

What can't you do on Sunday in Switzerland? ›

No noisy activities

You aren't allowed to mow the grass, you can't hang laundry, and you cannot recycle your trash. Switzerland is known for its recycling laws, but not on Sundays. If you are caught sending out the trash to the recycle centers close to you, you will be fined.

Work/life balance, essentially. Relatively small shops, which maybe just one or a few employees, close in such a way that they can relax and enjoy lunch, as well as making it home to have dinner with the family.

In general, most stores are open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Many stores are closed on Sundays. However, stores are open at train stations, airports and gas stations.

The road of Rue Du Rhone is most famous and expensive road in Switzerland.

The principal shopping area is the Rues Basses (The City Center), which encompasses several streets, including Rue du Rhône and Rue de la Confédération. This is the place to come for the very best shopping that Geneva has to offer.

In the very center of Geneva's Old Town is Bourg-de-Four Square, a must-visit square, the oldest place in Geneva, where the Roman marketplace used to trade its wares.