Around the cathedral stretches the old town in a circular medieval plan, although most of the buildings have been rebuilt since then. Not far from the cathedral, Place du Bourg-de-Four, emblematic of Geneva's old town, was long the square where markets and fairs were held. Today it's very popular with Genevans and tourists who want to have a refreshment, linger at shop windows, or sit down at a table. This hourglass-shaped square is dominated by the Courthouse to the north, while the southern slope leads to City Hall. A beautiful fountain decorates its center.
9Hotel Pâquis Near Downtown Geneva
The 9Hotel Pâquis is located very close to downtown Geneva, which our guests can reach either on foot, by taxi, or by public transportation. Indeed, the establishment is a 5-minute walk from Geneva-Cornavin train station, which gives it a prime location for any type of stay. After a good night's sleep in one of the very comfortable rooms at our star-rated hotel, enjoy a healthy and hearty breakfast and head out to explore the beautiful city of Geneva!
At 9Hotel Pâquis, you can also relax in our pool, work out in our fitness room, or grab a drink at our bar before enjoying the comfort of our rooms.
Our Rooms & Suites
Downtown is Accessible from Geneva-Cornavin Station
Located on the right bank of the Rhône, Cornavin Station is one of the main train stations in the city of Geneva and the arrival station for most trains coming from France. It's very easy to reach downtown and St. Pierre Cathedral from Cornavin Station, either on foot or by public transportation.
Visiting Downtown Geneva
Shopping in Geneva
The location of 9Hotel Pâquis offers you many opportunities to shop in the city of Geneva. The Rues Basses, which are the commercial heart of the city, are located on the other side of the Rhône, just a few minutes' walk from 9Hotel Pâquis and Geneva-Cornavin Station. This neighborhood brings together several shopping streets, including Rue de la Confédération and Rue du Rhône, whose high-end boutiques, vintage stores, and restaurants will satisfy the most discerning tastes.
Between these two streets that form the main arteries of the shopping district on the left bank of the Rhône is Place de la Fusterie, which is particularly popular with strollers and Genevans looking to shop. Major brands have stores there, and on Tuesdays and Fridays the square hosts a colorful market where booksellers, gift vendors, art and craft sellers, and local food specialties compete to brighten up strollers and attract customers. The architectural charm of the square also adds to the pleasure of shopping and strolling.
Place du Molard is another premier shopping destination in Geneva. It's located in roughly the same neighborhood and has the advantage of being one of the oldest commercial areas in the city. As far back as the 16th century, this square was home to currency exchange offices, customs offices, craft shops, and more. Today, many major brands are established there, but you'll also find smaller stores as well as fine restaurants and hotels.
Discovering Historical Monuments and Art Galleries
Visiting St. Pierre Cathedral
From our hotel, it's very easy to get to downtown Geneva to discover its beauties and mysteries. This iconic city of Switzerland also has the largest historic district, whose medieval remains bear witness to its wealth and importance. Established since ancient times at the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva, on both banks of the Rhône and surrounded by mountains that are on French territory, it was conquered by Rome in 121 BC, which didn't stop it from fighting against Caesar in 58 BC, just as it would later fight against the Savoyards and then against Napoleon. Conquered several times but never truly subdued throughout its long history, except by the reforming spirit of John Calvin, as evidenced by St. Pierre Cathedral.
Of primary historical and cultural importance for Europe, it was inscribed in 2009 on the European Heritage Label list. Indeed, the archaic cathedral dates from the 4th century and was for nearly a thousand years the church of the Geneva episcopate. Rebuilt between the 12th and 15th centuries with the addition of a portal in the 18th century, it bears the traces of its long history, which is that of the people of Geneva. It has been since 1535 the main Protestant church in Switzerland and owes its name of Saint-Pierre-ès-liens to the basilica in Rome.
Discovering Place du Bourg-de-Four
Exploring the Secret Passages of the Old Town
The medieval old town of Geneva contains many secret passages whose mystery remains complete. Secret tunnels, underground passages probably designed to allow residents to flee in case of war, siege, or invasion in an unstable era—most are now inaccessible, but the Monetier passage, which is located at 19 Rue Perron, recognizable by the Geneva coat of arms decorating its gate, is open to the public once a year during the Escalade Festival.
Geneva's Must-See Museums and Art Galleries
Among the most important museums in the city of Geneva is the Ariana Museum, which is the Swiss museum of ceramics and glass. It's located at 10 Avenue de la Paix, just steps from the Palais des Nations where the UN is headquartered. The impressive architecture of the building and its collections of ceramics, glass, and porcelain make it one of the leading museums in the city of Geneva.
Those who prefer to explore natural history will turn more toward the Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the city or the Natural History Museum and the Ethnography Museum of the city of Geneva. There's also a Museum of Art and History to visit, as well as private museums such as the Patek Philippe Museum (collection of antique watches), the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, and numerous private galleries.
