Shopping In Switzerland At Geneva's Best Markets

Geneva is notoriously expensive, yet if you know where to look, you can find a bargain in the many markets dotted throughout its streets. Whether you’re in search of fresh, local produce or vintage treasures, or even if you just enjoy soaking up the lively atmosphere of a buzzing marketplace, there’s always a great, fun alternative to a regular shopping trip here.

Plainpalais

Plainpalais has evolved into one of Switzerland’s biggest flea markets. Though slightly out of the way of the center, it is well worth the short trip as you find yourself immersed in an authentic, local atmosphere. Stalls selling second-hand clothes, jewelry, candles, antiques and books fill the square. On other days of the week, this square also plays host to a wonderful food market, with a range of fruit, vegetables, cheese, and spices. There are also snack stalls selling waffles, churros, crêpes and panini, making it a great place for a casual lunch.

This market is situated in the heart of the trendy, Italian-influenced Carouge, just a few minutes’ tram ride from the center of Geneva, in a lovely square overlooked by the beautiful Eglise Sainte-Croix. Here you will be able to find local regional produce, changing with the seasons, three times a week. If you prefer to do your shopping in the evening, try the Thursday evening market; it makes for a perfect pre-dinner wander, especially as Carouge is full of so many lively restaurants and alternative bars.

Place de la Navigation

Right in the center of Geneva, just a few hundred meters from the train station and a couple of paces from the enormous lake, you will find this bustling market located in the pretty 19th century district of Les Pâquis. Along with the usual fruit and vegetable stands there are also lovely, vibrant flower stalls and even roast chicken on offer.

Place de la Fusterie

When it comes to markets, the Place de la Fusterie is one of the most diverse and lively squares in Geneva. On Wednesdays and Saturdays you can enjoy an array of snacks as you wander through the organic fruit, vegetable, cheese and spice stalls. On Thursdays, marvel at the talent of the local craftsmen and women as you browse through the carefully handmade objects, including candles, lights, dolls, games and clothes. For bibliophiles, the market is transformed on Tuesdays and Fridays into a shrine to all things printed, with engraving and comic book stalls as well as a countless number of books. Finally, if you happen to be in Geneva in December, this square hosts a wonderfully buzzing daily market in the days leading up to Christmas – the perfect place to find unique, last-minute festive gifts.

Boulevard Helvétique Market & Halle de Rive

The biggest food market in Geneva – so big that the road is actually closed during market hours to allow space for it – this market has a great lively ambiance and floods your senses with wonderful smells as you wander through its stretches. As well as the standard stalls of ripe, locally grown organic fruit and vegetables, you’ll also find some more unusual products, such as local honey and specialties from the Swiss canton of Valais. Alternatively try the permanent indoor Halle de Rive on the same road, which is open six days a week and boasts a range of gourmet bistros as well as a variety of delicious, local food stalls.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.