Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Geneva

Accommodation

$35-80 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared facilities, basic amenities

Food & Dining

$25-50 per day

Self-catering from supermarkets, university cafeterias, takeaway stands, simple local eateries

Transportation

$8-20 per day

Public buses and trams, walking, occasional regional trains, day passes for public transport

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, lake activities, occasional museum visits, self-guided exploration

Shop at major supermarket chains instead of convenience stores for 40-60% savings on groceries and snacks

Purchase multi-day public transport passes instead of single tickets for typically 25-35% savings

Eat lunch at university cafeterias or employee canteens which are typically 50-70% cheaper than tourist restaurants

Visit museums on free admission days or purchase city tourist cards that bundle attractions for 20-40% savings

Stay slightly outside the city center and commute in - accommodation can be 30-50% cheaper

Take advantage of happy hour pricing at restaurants, typically offering 20-30% discounts on meals

Use public water fountains throughout the city instead of buying bottled water, saving $3-8 per day

Eating all meals in the Old Town tourist area instead of local neighborhoods - typically 100-150% markup on food costs

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using excellent public transport system - can cost 4-6 times more per trip

Not accounting for Switzerland's high cost of living - Geneva is typically 80-120% more expensive than average European cities

Buying souvenirs at airport or main tourist sites instead of local markets - usually 200-300% markup on similar items