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Neighbourhoods · City of Geneva — left bank

Living in City centre and Old Town

On the left bank, the Old Town (la Cité) sits on the hill of the former fortified city, around St Peter's Cathedral. Below it, the Rues-Basses and Rive area gathers shops, banks and offices, a short walk from the Jardin anglais and the Jet d'eau.

Housing is mostly in older buildings, sometimes large period apartments, and rentals are scarce.

Higher rents

Who it suits

Professionals working downtown, people who want to do everything on foot, lovers of heritage and culture.

What we like

  • Heritage: St Peter's Cathedral, the Town Hall, Maison Tavel, Place du Bourg-de-Four and its terraces.
  • Promenade de la Treille, Parc des Bastions, Jardin anglais and the lakeside.
  • Shops, restaurants, theatres and museums within walking distance.
  • Bel-Air and Rive tram hubs; Genève-Eaux-Vives Léman Express station nearby.

Getting around

  • Bel-Air and Rive tram stops, where many lines meet.
  • Cornavin station on foot across the bridges; Genève-Eaux-Vives Léman Express station a few minutes away.

Urban projects

  • Uni Bastions — The University's main building is being renovated from 2022 to 2027.
  • Rive — The Clé-de-Rive underground car park was rejected by voters in March 2021; the surface redesign planned with it is on hold.

Good to know

  • Tourist crowds and evening activity.
  • Among the highest rents in the city, with very few vacancies.

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Sources

Information checked in October 2026. Rent level: qualitative GE-Loue guide, not an official statistic.