Pâquis District

Alluring district for some affordable shopping
Talk of the town: The word 'Pâquis' comes from the Latin 'pascuum', meaning pasture. The district was once a vast spread of fields where cows used to graze.

Not everything in Geneva comes at a high price, as this lively, affordable alternative to the well-heeled shopping streets on the city's Left Bank proves. The Pâquis quarter is one of Geneva's most colourful, particularly its main drag Rue de Pâquis where you'll find an attractive array of boho boutiques, bistros, ethnic eateries, and nightclubs.
If you want to return laden with the usual Swiss paraphernalia of penknives, watches and chocolate (given their quality it's not surprising many do), you'll find them sold here. You'll also, however, come across interesting clothing and music that go beyond the standard Swiss cliches.