While blessed with some of the best alpine landscapes in the world, Switzerland is also known as one of the most expensive places to visit. Thus, we scoured the web in search of the best deals so anyone can visit Geneva — even on a budget!
We’re back with another VTL guide, but this time we’re headed away from the usual skyscrapers to somewhere a little more serene — Switzerland. When I think about Switzerland, snow-capped mountains, luscious blue lakes, savoury fondue, chocolate-covered strawberries, and castles, come to mind. It’s almost as if the nation is synonymous with luxury, a huge deterrence for any traveller on a budget. But, with a little bit of planning and the right tips and tricks, it’s totally possible for you to explore, and even enjoy, the country via VTL Switzerland this year.
Geneva, more specifically, is often associated with peace ground because it happens to be the home of Palais des Nations (aka the United Nations’ office) — but there is so much more that this city has to offer! It has also a comparatively cheaper standard of living when compared to other Swiss cities like Zurich. If you’re looking for a change of pace, Geneva’s the perfect blend of cosy town life and the great Swiss outdoors.
Keep scrolling for all you need to know when exploring Switzerland on a budget!
VTL Switzerland: Travel Expenditure Checklist
In case you’ve missed it, we’ve been publishing a bunch of articles following the return of travel. There’s a cost guide that looked at tests, flights and travel insurance, a piece dedicated to VTL flight and hotel promos, plus other VTL itineraries to South Korea, the UK, France, and more! If you’re interested in finding out with the latest VTL travel news, we’ve also been updating it all here.
Disclaimer: We’ll be using the dates of 2-9 January to gauge the average cost of post-pandemic travel via VTL Switzerland.
| Super Cheap | Budget | If You Feel Like Ballin’ | |
| Accommodation | From S$58/night | From S$110/night | From S$130/night |
| Dining | About S$13.50 on average | About S$16.80 on average | About S$35.50 on average |
| Attractions | Free | Free | Free |
| Sim Card | From S$27.50 | From S$27.50 | From S$27.50 |
| Transport | Free | Free | Free |
VTL Switzerland: Accommodations
Psst! Get an extra 7% off your bookings when you make full use of YouTrip Perks and check out with your YouTrip card. We’ve made sure to only include options that provide free cancellations!
(A) Super Cheap
Geneva Hostel
Image credits: Hostelsclub.com
Distance from the Old Town: 2.6 km; 25 minutes via public transport
Price: From S$58 per night
Rating: 8.2/10
No. of reviews: 5,423
Hotel St Gervais
Image credits: Geneve.com
Distance from the Old Town: 1.8 km; 10 minutes via public transport
Price: From S$96 per night
Rating: 7.8/10
No. of reviews: 27
(B) Budget
Nash Pratik
Image credits: Booking.com
Distance from the Old Town: 6 km; 30 minutes via public transport
Price: From S$110 per night
Rating: 8.7/10
No. of reviews: 4,153
Hotel des Tourelles
Image credits: Trip Advisor
Distance from the Old Town: 1.4 km; 15 minutes walk or 12 minutes via public transport
Price: From S$117 per night
Rating: 8.1/10
No. of reviews: 1,711
(C) If You Feel Like Ballin’
Hotel International and Terminus
Image credits: Agoda
Distance from Old Town: 1.4 km; 15 minutes via public transport
Price: From S$130 per night
Rating: 8.1/10
No. of reviews: 2,208
Hotel Suisse
Image credits: Hotel Suisse Geneva
Distance from Old Town: 2.4 km
Price: From S$130 per night
Rating: 8.6/10
No. of reviews: 1,486
VTL Switzerland: Dining
Admittedly, dining in Swiss restaurants may not be the easiest on the wallet — but what’s a holiday without a little gastronomical indulgence? More than just fondue and chocolates, Geneva is actually known to offer a wide variety of international flavours. Here are some of the places you can check out around the city if you’re sick of packing your own sandwiches all the time (we promise to keep as cheap as we can).
(A) As Cheap As Possible
Parfums de Beyrouth
Image credits: TripAdvisor
Where: Rue de Berne 18, Geneva 1201 Switzerland
What: Hearty Lebanese and Mediterranean food — Halal and vegetarian options available.
Price: From 9 CHF (~S$13.50)
No. of reviews: 1,053
Score: 4.5/5
Read more reviews here.
ArtyGlaces
Image credits: Trip Advisor
Where: Rue du Velodrome 4, Geneva 1205 Switzerland
What: Silky smooth sorbet
Price: From 9 CHF (S$13.50)
No. of reviews: 177
Score: 5/5
Read more reviews here.
(B) Bit Of A Stretch
La Buvette des Bains
Image credits: Trip Advisor
Where: Quai du Mont-Blanc 30, Geneva 1201 Switzerland
What: For quick bites with a view — there’s fondue here too!
Price: From 14 CHF (~S$21.00)
No. of reviews: 757
Score: 4/5
Make a reservation here.
Le Radar de Poche
Image credits: Le Radar de Poche
Where: Rue des chaudronniers 8, Geneva 1204 Switzerland
What: Italian nosh with vegetarian and vegan options
Price: From 12 CHF (~S$18.00)
No. of reviews: 188
Score: 4.5/5
Visit their website here.
Chez Ma Cousine Vieille-Ville
Image credits: Trip Advisor
Where: Place Bourg-de-Four, Geneva 1204 Switzerland
What: French home-cooking
Price: From 15 CHF (~S$22.50)
No. of reviews: 2,292
Score: 4/5
Read more reviews and learn more here.
Muller’s Factory Plainpalai
Image credits: Balexert
Where: Place de la Taconnerie 6 Geneve Cite, Geneva 1204 Switzerland
What: French crepes and desserts
Price: Between 7-20 CHF (~S$10.50-30)
No. of reviews: 176
Score: 4.5/5
Find out more here.
(C) If You Feel Like Ballin’
Cafe du Soleil
Image credits: Geneve pas cher
Where: Place du Petit-Saconnex 6, Geneva 1209 Switzerland
What: Serves pretty good black pepper steak — Traveller’s Choice 2021
Price: From 20 CHF (~S$30.00)
No. of reviews: 1,592
Score: 4.5/5
Read more reviews and check out their menu here.
Restaurant Les Armurers
Image credits: Taste Atlas
Where: Rue du Puits-Saint Pierre 1, Geneva 1204 Switzerland
What: For authentic Swiss cuisine — there’s also cheese fromage and raclette served here
Price: From 22 CHF (~S$33.00)
No. of reviews: 1,672
Score: 4/5
Read more reviews and check out their menu here.
Tartares & Co
Image credits: My Concierge Japan
Where: Boulevard James-Fazy 10, Geneva 1201 Switzerland
What: For date night — great tartare and wine-pairings
Price: From 29 CHF (~S$43.50)
No. of reviews: 394
Score: 4/5
Read more reviews and check out their menu here.
VTL Switzerland: Activities
(A) Places To Visit In The City
Geneva’s Old Town
Image credits: gpsmycity
Go back in time to ancient Geneva and explore Geneva’s Old Town, also known as the Vieille Ville. The buildings and architecture are littered across a hill, all surrounding the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre. Apart from the cathedral itself, you can visit the Bourg-de-Four Square, the oldest place in the whole of Geneva, or the Maison Tavel, Geneva’s History Museum. There are also quaint cafes and restaurants around town for you to sit down and people-watch if you get tired of walking around.
Cost: 3 CHF (~S$4.40) for admission to Maison Tavel
Cost-saving tip: Getting the Geneva City Pass at 20.80 CHF (~S$29.50) will allow you to visit over 50 different attractions either for free or at a discounted price.
International Red Cross and Red Cresent Museum
Image credits: Tripadvisor
Just down the road from the Palais des Nations is the International Red Cross and Red Cresent Museum. Allow history to come alive through the interactive tools and exhibits while learning more about the efforts of the Red Cross, the intricacies of current humanitarian issues, and testimonials from beneficiaries.
Cost: Adults – 15 CHF (~S$22.15), Children – free
Cost-saving tip: The Geneva City Pass also allows you to enter this museum for free.
Plainpalais Flea Market/Plainpalais Farmers’ Market
Image credits: Timeout
Following tradition, the Plainpalais Flea Market has opened every Wednesday and Saturday like clockwork since the 70s. You’ll be able to find almost anything and everything from pre-loved clothes, to books, accessories, paintings, tools and even antique furniture here. On Sundays, the area becomes a farmers’ market where farmers bring the freshest fruits, vegetables, cheeses and other fresh produce. Here’s where you find the freshest goods at the cheapest prices!
Cost: free
Cost-saving tip: The market can get quite busy, so try to go earlier to snag up the best deals!
(B) Hiking The Great Outdoors
Hiking is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and get away from the bustling city life for free! Of course, hiking in winter might be trickier, but it’s not impossible. Just make sure there’s enough sunlight and that you’re adequately prepared for the conditions. Here are some easy to moderate trails that come with some of the most breathtaking views.
Vessy – L’Areve – Sierne
Image credits: Alltrails
This route is a 3.7km loop that takes you along open fields and along the Arve River. The whole journey is relatively flat and easy to conquer. A great hiking trail for the whole family!
Distance: 3.7km
Time: About 1h 5m
Level of difficulty: Easy
Find out more here.
Presinge – L’Abbaye – Neyden Wood
Image credits: Alltrails
Taking you along the Manson Stream and through Neyden and Jussy woods, this loop allows you to catch a glimpse of both vast open canola fields and beautiful wildflowers and birds in the woods.
Distance: 8.4km
Time: About 3h
Level of difficulty: Easy
Find out more here.
Sauverny – La Batie – Versoix
Image credits: Alltrails
If you haven’t already realised, water bodies are a common feature when touring Geneva. This route will take you along the La Versiox river and into the thick of it through a nature reserve. This route is better suited for you if you enjoy walking through greenery and going off the beaten track.
Distance: 10.6km
Time: About 3h
Level of difficulty: Moderate (May be slippery in wet weather)
Find out more here.
(C) Day Trips
Annecy
An hour’s drive away from Geneva is Annecy, also known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’. Just like the Italian city, this entire medieval town is connected by a network of canals. Walk down the same cobblestone streets as the Counts of Geneva once did back in the early 1200s and take a photo or two with the colourful buildings that line the walkway. You may also choose to visit the Palais de I’Isle, a fortress built in the 12th century, or, my personal favourite, the Chateau d’Annecy, a grand fairytale-like castle all against the backdrop of the snow-capped Alps.
Cost: Opt to go by bus for €6 (~S$9.40) round trip, or join a half-day guided tour of Annecy for about S$76.40 per person.
Chamonix and Mont Blanc
Image credits: Viator
What’s a trip to Switzerland without seeing the Alps? Take a trip to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, and go up to the summit of Aiguille du Midi by cable car. You’ll get a panoramic view of Mont Blanc, the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. For the skiers, there are plenty of slopes of all difficulty levels in the area, so you can choose to go for a day of skiing in the area. Otherwise, there is also the lovely town of Chamonix which is actually located across the border in France. Known for its close proximity to the Alps, the town itself is a great place to explore and spend the day.
Cost: A round trip to Chamonix costs €10 (~S$15.60) per person. Otherwise, you can choose to go on a half-day guided tour of Mont Blanc and Chamonix at about S$165.90 per person.
Montreux
“If you want peace of mind, come to Montreux,” the late Freddie Mercury famously said. The lead singer of the British band Queen spent a lot of his time in this lakeside city and recorded six albums in the Mountain Studio. Montreux was also home to Charlie Chaplin — fans can catch a glimpse into his life at the Chaplin Museum. The town has a Belle Epoque beauty and vibe to it, and there are plenty of sights to enjoy such as the Chateau de Chillon and the Montreux lakeside promenade that have spectacular views of the town and Lake Geneva.
Cost: A round trip ticket by train from Geneva to Montreux and back costs about €19 (~S$29.70) per person.
VTL Switzerland: Travel Sim Cards
| 30 Days Plan | |
| Switzerland Travel Sim Card | €25 for 12GB (~S$39.10) |
| Europe Sim Card (ideal if you’re planning to travel to other European countries) | €25 for 12GB (~S$39.10) |
| Sunrise Prepaid Unlimited | 50 CHF for unlimited roaming (~S$75.00) |
| Xplori Europe Sim Card (Available for delivery in SG) | S$27.50 for 5GB (20 days validity) |
VTL Switzerland: Transport
(A) Subway
Image credits: Geneva-info
Geneva’s Public Transport network is UNIRESO, which is a network of trams, buses, mouettes (transport boats) and trains. The whole network operates under the same ticketing system.
Pro-tip: If you’re staying in a hotel, youth hostel or a campsite, you are entitled to a free Geneva Transport Card which will allow you to use public transportation for free! There is also a free 80-minute ticket given to tourists to get to your place of stay once you arrive at the airport.
(B) Taxis
While ride-sharing apps like Uber are currently banned in Geneva, there are multiple taxi companies that operate in Geneva. However, it might not be easy to hail a taxi off the street. There are only four designated taxi spots in town, so it’s best if you book a taxi online or via a phone call.
(C) Bicycles
If you’re looking to explore the city and burn off some of that cheese fondue weight, you can consider cycling instead of taking the bus. The city is mainly flat and there are bike paths all throughout the city. There are also bicycles that can be rented for free behind Gare Cornavin — all you have to do is put down a refundable deposit and you’re good to go!
Journey To Geneva Via VTL Switzerland!
The misty mountains of Switzerland are calling out to you, so what are you waiting for? With this guide, you’ll be ready to embark on an exciting journey to Geneva without completely breaking the bank. To help you along your VTL Switzerland journey, be sure to use your YouTrip card to skip out on those pesky bank fees with our wholesale exchange rates.
If you don’t have a YouTrip card yet, use <BLOG5> during your sign-up to enjoy a free S$5 in your account!
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Stay safe, and happy travels!
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