Geneva, Switzerland is a nature lovers paradise with access to the Alps mountains, picturesque lakeside villages and some tasty Swiss treats like hot chocolate, and cheesy potatoes. As a travel hotspot, most backpackers will find themselves passing through Geneva at some point.
However, Geneva is no budget-friendly paradise. Accommodation can get pricey and if you’re not careful your budget might evaporate overnight or you’ll have to sell a kidney to afford a place to stay. Okay, maybe not that extreme but you get the point.
That’s where I come in, I’ve explored this city and put together this guide on the best Hostels in Geneva to make your life a lot easier and save you some dolla, thank me later.
So, let’s dive straight in.
Photo: @amandaadraper
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Geneva
- Best Overall Hostel in Geneva – MEININGER Geneve Centre
- Best Hostel in Geneva for Solo Travelers – City Hostel Geneva
- Best Cheap Hostel in Geneva – Geneva Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Geneva – Nyon Hostel
The 4 Best Hostels in Geneva
1. MEININGER Geneve Centre – Best Overall Hostel in Geneva
- Dorm (mixed): From $51
- Private Room: From $130
- Address: 118 rue de Lyon, Geneva, Switzerland
Okay so this is more of a hotel than a hostel but that’s good news for you because you get the luxurious comforts of a hotel without breaking the bank. You’re located in the Charmilles district on the right bank of the river Rhône with easy access to public transport so exploring all of the must-see sites is a breeze.
There isn’t much of a social atmosphere so don’t expect crazy parties but a clean, comfy place to get some rest after exploring one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. The dorm rooms are mixed with extremely comfy bunk beds and two single beds next to each other, with an ensuite bathroom, personal locker and daily cleaning.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Hotel comfort at hostel prices
- Shared kitchen
- Delicious bakery two minutes away
They have an onsite bar and game zone perfect for mingling with other travellers and If you want to save some cash they’ve got a shared kitchen ideal for making a few meals at home as restaurants in Geneva can be a little pricey. If you do want to eat out there are some tasty restaurants within walking distance and a delicious bakery two minutes away which I highly recommend.
The staff are super friendly and more than happy to help arrange any transport or assist with anything during your stay. Overall more of a hotel than a hostel without the crazy price tag making it a solid budget-friendly option for backpackers in Geneva.
2. City Hostel Geneva – Best Hostel in Geneva for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $47
- Private Room: From $97
- Address: Rue Ferrier 2, Paquis, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
If you’re backpacking Switzerland for a cheap hostel in Geneva, buckle up. One of the biggest draws about City Hostel Geneva is actually the fact that guests staying here get a FREE transport travel card for breezing around Geneva, that sounds pretty good to me.
The dorm rooms are cosy with comfy bunk beds and a personal locker, they also have some snazzy private rooms available but be warned they aren’t cheap. They have a shared kitchen and a spacious lounge ideal for meeting some new travel buddies.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- FREE transport travel card
- Shared kitchen
- Everything you need within walking distance
And on top of that, it’s in a great spot, which is also only 8 minutes from the main train station, which definitely helps make it the best hostel in Geneva 2024. Nice and quiet cozy hostel in general – the only downside is the average price, which is a tad more expensive than the other Geneva hostels, but it’s all about location, right? Oh, and the staff give some killer restaurant recommendations, too.
3. Geneva Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Geneva
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $58
- Private Room: From $225
- Address: Rue Rothschild 30, Geneva, Switzerland
It’s no secret that Switzerland isn’t cheap and If you’re looking for a hostel in the city centre for an absolute steal of a price, you my friend are in for a treat. Just minutes from Lake Geneva and walking distance from shops, restaurants and cafes you couldn’t be in a better location to explore.
Now, the words that make every budget backpacker do a little dance, FREE breakfast! Start your day with a FREE buffet breakfast, sign me up. There’s an onsite restaurant as well as a fully equipped kitchen if you want to whip up the finest eggs on toast and save a few quid.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- FREE buffet breakfast
- FREE travel card
- Central location
The hostel is modern with mixed and female-only dorms with comfy beds and the option of a private room if you need some space. Not much of a social atmosphere as the only common room is reception. They will also sort you out with a FREE travel card meaning it’s cheap and easy to get out and explore, no excuses. It’s not only one of the best hostels in Geneva but one of the best hostels in Switzerland.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Nyon Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Geneva
- Dorm (mixed): From $53
- Private Room: From $178
- Address: Chemin des Plantaz 47, Nyon, Geneva, Switzerland
So, this cheap hostel in Geneva, isn’t exactly in Geneva. In fact, It’s tucked away in a charming little town called Nyon, just outside of Geneva with a beautiful lake and a historic old town. You’ll be in the centre of Geneva in 15 minutes by train and it’s super easy to explore with great access to public transport.
Nyon hostel has mixed dorms available with spacious, comfy beds with reading lights and a privacy curtain, if you’re feeling fancy why not treat yourself to a private room but be warned, they don’t come cheap.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- FREE breakfast (Yep, you read that right)
- A Co-working space
- Peaceful garden terrace.
Now let’s be honest, the real highlight is the FREE breakfast. If you’re a budget backpacker like me those words are music to your ears. If you’re a digital nomad and need to get some work done they’ve got a snazzy co-working space, plus a comfortable chill-out room with a big TV ideal for watching The Office instead of working. If you fancy some home-cooked meals good news, there’s a fully equipped kitchen and peaceful garden to enjoy it on.
The staff are super friendly, and Nyon is a calm and chilled place. You’re staying just outside the city surrounded by nature, so if you enjoy the peaceful outdoors over the hustle and bustle of the city centre this cheap hostel is ideal for you.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Budget Stays in Geneva
So whilst there’s not heaps of Hostels in Geneva, I’ve done you a solid and found more budget Stays to help you keep the costs down. Hopefully, this helps you narrow down where to stay in Geneva.
5. Hotel ibis budget Genève Palexpo Aéroport
- Private Room: From $130
- Address: Route François-Peyrot 28, 1218 Geneva, Switzerland
The rooms at the not very catchily named Hotel ibis budget Genève Palexpo Aéroport (wow) are what I’d call cosy, but the rooms in this obviously budget hotel in Geneva are nevertheless modern with the nice minimalist decor.
The location, well, it depends what you’re after: being near the airport is convenient (it’s actually within walking distance), but that means you’re not IN the centre of Geneva. That said, it’s not too far into central Geneva which is easily accessible via the train station. We reckon this one’s great for couples on a budget, but for that location, well, it’s probably the best budget hotel close to the airport in Geneva.
6. Edelweiss Manotel – Best Mid-range Hotel in Geneva
- Private Room: From $186
- Address: Place de la Navigation 2, Paquis, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
Being in the heart of Geneva for at a very, very nice mid-range hotel is a great shout. It’s like staying in a rustic mountain-style Swiss chalet – naturally it’s a lot of pine (maybe it’s another kind of wood, but I’m not a wood expert, ok?) and homely touches – like flowers in your room and floral carpets and stuff – that make this a really cool place to stay in Geneva.
What’s more is that Edelweiss Manotel is actually situated pretty near one of the beaches of Lake Geneva, making this a prime spot for summer fun. In fact the location is spot-on in general, I’d say. The on-site restaurant is also V tasty.
7. Hotel Rotary Geneva MGallery by Sofitel – Best Splurge Hotel in Geneva
- Private Room: From $317
- Address: 18-20, rue du Cendrier, Saint-Gervais / des Grottes, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
Hotel Rotary Geneva MGallery by Sofitel (when a hotel chain is more upmarket it’s always ‘by XXXX’ isn’t it?) – this hotel is pretty much the best splurge hotel in Geneva. Unless you opt for the Four Seasons, which is just another level and we’re not even gonna talk about how much THAT place is. But as far as a splurge goes, well, this is an affordable splurge – a contradiction, sorta, but it is.
The building is beautiful and the location is prime if you like exploring the Old Towns of the world, you’ll love this place. It also features fine-dining Mediterranean-style on-site, plus an elegant bar so you can get your cocktail on.
8. Nash Airport Hotel
- Private Room: From $114
- Address: chemin de la Violette 11, 1216 Geneva, Switzerland
What would you say to a boutique-style airport hotel that’s got a cute little garden outdoor terrace and a sauna among its plus points? The rooms are modern if a little small, and the lobby and breakfast rooms are all polished stone and luxury.
For a mid-range sorta price, which is nice; then again, this is quite far from a budget hostel in Geneva. As for location, there’s a free shuttle bus to the airport (10 mins) and you can get into Geneva itself thanks to a bus stop that’s only a 5 min walk away. Free breakfast AND dinner for a lil’ extra $.
9. Auberge Communale de Carouge
- Private Room: From $124
- Address: Rue Ancienne, 39, 1227 Geneva, Switzerland
The nice thing about Auberge Communal de Carouge is that it isn’t exactly a hotel in Geneva; it’s more like a bed-and-breakfast. There’s a warm, homely feel at this recommended hotel in Geneva – the friendly vibe here would really suit solo travellers, too. Whilst possibly closer to a hostel than a hotel, it’s also completely… not a hostel.
The decor is modern, tasteful and boutique-like, with hardwood floors and classic/modern furnishings, and there’s a bistro downstairs with a bar. And you can tram into Geneva and its happening nightlife in 15 mins via the tram stop that’s literally right outside.
10. Primadom Aparthotel
- Private Room: From $129
- Address: 5, rue Dancet, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
On the cheaper side of mid-range, Primadom Aparthotel is in Geneva’s Plainpalais district, a decent place to be with historic hotspots within walking distance. For the price, which is quite a bargain compared to many hotels in Geneva, you can’t really argue.
Whilst it’s not free, the continental breakfast features very good coffee. And if you’re missing a Geneva backpackers hostel that much, some of the bathrooms here are shared for that sharing-and-caring-hostel feel.
11. Crowne Plaza Geneva
- Private Room: From $217
- Address: Avenue Louis Casai 75-77, 1216 Geneva, Switzerland
The whole free public transport card thing is a great move when you actually need a bus to get into town to see some of Geneva’s top attractions. Wish more places would do that! But anyway – this hotel also offers a free shuttle bus to the airport, making it great if you’re flying to Geneva. There are two on-site restaurants, plus a bar as well.
Some rooms are suites with balconies, but obviously this is more expensive. The base option at this hotel though is pretty mid-range, so for a budget hotel in Geneva, this is also a good bet. And as a little bonus, the WiFi is consistently excellent – if you’ll be laptopping it here, that’s good for you, eh?
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Geneva
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Geneva.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ about Hostels in Geneva
Here are some questions backpackers ask about Geneva Hostels.
What to Pack for your Geneva Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Geneva?
The average price for a hostel dorm in Geneva is $42 USD. Private rooms start from $50 USD.
What are the best hostels in Geneva for couples?
Geneva Hostel is an ideal budget hostel for couples in Geneva. It’s modern and in a great location.
What is the best hostel in Geneva near the airport?
Check out these budget hotels near Geneva International Airport:
Nash Airport Hotel
Hotel ibis budget Genève Palexpo Aéroport
Final Thoughts on Geneva’s Hostels
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Geneva has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! If you’re still unsure my top pick is MEININGER Geneve Centre
Now it’s over to you to get out there and explore, enjoy Amigo.
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Switzerland for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Geneva covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Geneva before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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