Welcome to Geneva’s premier nightlife guide.
On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Geneva. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.
Enjoy!
Geneva is the second-most populous city in Switzerland (after Zürich) and the most populous city of Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Situated where the Rhône exits Lake Geneva, it is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva. The municipality has a population of more than 200,000.
The city is loaded with various nightclubs, restaurants and bars which will add value to your night out and the overall trip. Along with these exciting places, the city hosts numerous exciting festivals which will ensure a continuous flow of entertainment for you. These festivals are held in opera houses like Grand Théâtre de Genève which features opera and dance performances, recitals, concerts and, occasionally, theatre.
Liked the above exciting events? Don’t worry the cities has got many other attractions like this which will add further value to your trip. Here in this article we will be discussing the Best Bars, the Best Cocktail Bars, and the Best Restaurants and of course the Party Bars and Night Clubs of Geneva and these all are absolutely ready to boost your nightlife:
The Nightlife of Geneva
Geneva is known as a quiet and soft destination, rather uptight place and the nightlife is accordingly often said to be better alongside the road in Lausanne. That does not mean you will not have a good time over there, just expect to pay for it. Geneva is amazingly beautiful at night. Though it has always been astonishing, the view of Geneva during the day is different from the view offered at night. However, it is not only the views that are different at night, the activities that you can experiences and enjoy in the nightlife are also different, where you will be offered different kinds of entertainment. If you want to have the best and optimum experience of nightlife attractions in Geneva, here in this article we have gathered some of the best options available in Geneva which you can put on your nocturnal itinerary:
Theatre du Leman
Theatre du Leman is one of the most popular theaters in Geneva, this commercial theater offers various superb programs, including world-class ballet, opera, and comedy performances. Located on the upmarket right bank of Lake Geneva, this superb and unique venue attracts visitors who enjoy the aforementioned performances and those who want to gain some insight about the Swiss culture.
Victoria Hall
Exceptional music concerts in a magnificent concert hall, the beautiful concert hall with neo-Baroque decor is situated not far from the Music Conservatory and the Grand Theatre, the Victoria Hall is home to classical music, which makes this venue a must-visit for classical music lovers. Some of the world-renowned orchestras and performers, such as the Geneva Chamber Music Orchestra and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, are regular visitors of the Victoria Hall. However, if you happen to be one of those people who find classical music less appealing, we suggest that you still visit the Victoria Hall and spend some time to marvel at the architecture alone.
Geneva Arena
If you like to experience a high-profile concert in Geneva? Geneva Arena is indeed the best place you are looking for. Located close to the airport, this venue is a really enormous and wonderful one. International pop stars, rock operas, and commercial spectacles are brought to the Geneva Arena regularly. Prior reservation and related information are must-see upcoming events hosted at the Geneva Arena, it is best to start planning early as you don’t want to hear the bad news about tickets being sold out.
Bains des Pâquis
Poking out at La Rade and close enough to the Jet d’Eau to feel the spray, the Bains des Pâquis are public baths along a pier on the west shore of Lake Geneva. This is not just somewhere to exercise, as people meet up to socialize at Bains des Pâquis where cultural events are also taking place in summer. The outdoor pool is wildly famous when it is warm, and you can sunbathe on the pier and grab lunch at the restaurant terrace, whereas, in winter you are also free to bathe in the outdoor pool before warming up in the sauna and hammam.
Best Bars in Geneva
We can surely say that there is no shortage of pubs and bars in Geneva, from trendy rooftop hangouts to the student theme pubs and elegant post-work wine bars. However, finding a good quality cocktail at an honest price can be a trickier proposition especially for the newcomers at Geneva. At first glance, it may seem your only choice is to head for one of Geneva’s many five star hotels or flashy lakeside bars and resign yourself to emptying the contents of your wallet. But thankfully, there is an alternative as well. Cocktail society has crept up on the city in the past few years and if you look a little deeper and explore a little further, you will come across a clutch of Geneva bars offering artfully mixed cocktails in surroundings that are far more original and unusual than you might expect and for prices that, while not accurately cheap are, at least, fair. Here we have come up with some of the best and fabulous pubs/bars available in Geneva so you don’t find yourself in the hassle while thrusting for a liquor desire:
L’Atelier Cocktail Club
It is one of the best places for a cocktail in Geneva, the drinks in this small neighborhood bar are a cut above the over-priced, sickly creations in some of the city’s flashier city-center bars. Here, the cocktails are wonderfully creative, expertly mixed and will likely blow your head off – in a good way. The copious menu includes both classic cocktails and more inventive creations, Aperol, chilli-pepper, and kumquat are the top ones, and if you are picky enough to not find what you want on the list, the talented barmen will mix you up something original. Prices are reasonable too, so it is no surprise this place gets stupidly busy sometimes.
Yvette de Marseille
The name of this bar is actually a tribute to a mechanic who once the owner of this former garage, this jazzy bar tucked away in the residential Eaux-Vives district is hard to find but well worth seeking out. Laid-back and friendly, it is beloved by the locals for its retro atmosphere, great outdoor terrace and menu of Mediterranean-style tapas. It also boasts an extensive line-up of cocktails which, while not overly imaginative, are well presented and generously measured.
L’Apothicaire Cocktail Club
The younger sister of L’Atelier Cocktail Club in Eaux-Vives, this bar is easier to find, occupying a prime spot on the bar-heavy main road to Plainpalais. As such, it is often pretty busy, but don’t let that put you off – it is worth waiting to sample its 25-strong menu of creative cocktails. Flavors are fresh and inventive – with a particular bias towards Japanese whiskeys – and the presentation is a work of art. If you don’t see anything you fancy on the list, the friendly bar staff will happily mix you a one-off.
It is an intimate venue placed right in the heart of the Old Town, Le New Navy Bar has charming, cozy decor with wooden cubicles that ensure patrons can have a quiet drink in peace. There is a good choice of quality wine as well as local draught beer, either to be drunk in the ship-like interior or outside in the pleasant terrace. This bar is perfect for a pre-dinner apéritif, especially since it is ideally situated next to the sumptuous Italian restaurant Le Syracuse – run by the same folk.
L’Omnibus Café
Café L’Omnibusis situated on the edge of the Old Town, right next to the Rhône, is the unusual and quirky Omnibus Café. Be careful not to miss it, given its understated exterior, for this bar’s fun decor and warm atmosphere make it a pleasant and intimate setting for a quiet drink. There are plenty of wines on offer along with occasional live music shows, while the terrace is right on the bank of the Rhône; breezy and delightful on a summer’s day.
Les Salons de ThéophileSàrl
This convenient and cozy bar with its stylish decor offers a pleasant spot to spend a beautiful evening. It has a decent choice of beers and prettily presented cocktails. Meanwhile, its already convivial ambiance is made even more inviting by the live music which is often playing. The refined bar snacks that are provided simply add to the welcoming feel of the place; a warm, intimate joint with an authentic local vibe.
Best Bar Restaurants in Geneva
Geneva has a plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants that have won many prestigious Gault & Millau awards too for the quality and imagination of their gastronomy. Indulge your mind, body, and soul at some of the best restaurants in the city. Geneva’s food scene actually varies from executive restaurants and extravagant hotel dining to the delightful traditional cafés tucked away in corners, serving reasonable and enthusiastic meals in rustic settings. From fancy establishments with lakeside views to unimposing café-bar hangouts, these few restaurants are amongst the best of Geneva’s restaurants :
Le Demi-Lune Café
Le Demi-Lune Café
This café is not that much far from the place du Bourg-de-Four, Le Demi-Lune Café is in an ideal spot, while it is interesting too, exotic decor gives it a bit of charm that sets it apart from many other bars in the area. The menu has a good range of cocktails, beers, and wines as well as lovely tapas dishes for those feeling a little hungry. Sophisticated yet affordable, this intimate bar is a very pleasant way to spend an evening in the heart of the Geneva Old Town.
Globus Geneva
Globus Geneva
Globus is both a high-end department store and home to the best food court in Geneva. They have got you every desire catered for: whether you are in the mood for gourmet burgers, Italian antipasti, sweet and savory crepes or Thai cuisine. There is even a wine bar too, in short, there is great food for a reasonable price by Geneva standards.
Restaurant Les Armures
The luxuriously Italian inspired renovated, historic Hôtel Les Armures and The Restaurant is situated in the heart of Geneva’s Old Town. The associated Restaurant Les Armures has retained all of its rustic attraction, with a simple terrace in the shadow of ancient archways, nostalgic interior furnishings, and a mosaic-tiled bar. The food and atmosphere maintain traditional suggestions whilst providing a sophisticated gourmet experience. The long menu boasts many Swiss specialties, including raclette and fondue options, alongside soups, pastas, meat and fish dishes.
Chez ma Cousine
Situated conveniently in the gorgeous part of the Old Town, Chez ma Cousine is famous for its chicken. The must-try feature at this restaurant, which will only cost you about 15.90 CHF (15.90 USD), is the half grilled chicken served with Provencal potatoes, salad and tasty gravy. The restaurant may get crowded during peak time, so it is best to avoid the restaurant during these hours, as you cannot reserve a table.
Domaine de Châteauvieux
Situated at the west of central Geneva, the menu of this restaurant is extravagant, with a price tag to match, but it’s thanks to the chef’s creativity and insistence on selecting the best seasonal products that Domaine de Châteauvieux remains at the top of its game. The ambiance created by the original beams and paneling, cobbled walls, an old-fashioned fireplace, and solid wood furniture invokes an atmosphere of calm and tranquility; the perfect setting to enjoy gourmet dining at its very best. Immerse yourself in 16th-century architecture in the main dining room.
La Bottega
If you are craving some Italian food? Then come to one of the best Italian restaurants in Geneva, La Bottega. This Michelin starred restaurant is comparatively new and opened in 2015. It adopts a contemporary approach to its delicious meals and flavors and offers a menu that changes on a daily basis, depending on the fresh ingredients of the local market. The menu also includes some permanent features, such as the beef carpaccio, with artichokes and hazelnuts. Located in the heart of Geneva, the restaurant will wow you not only for its exquisite meals but also for its simple, minimalist, yet beautiful design.
Demi-Lune
This restaurant and bar is like a place you can go for one drink and end up staying for dinner, nibbling tapas over several glasses of wine or lingering into the small hours with a cocktail on the outdoor terrace because of great ambiance and options available there. Cozy and inviting, the decor nods to the Mediterranean with warm, earthy tones, palm trees and ornate souk-style lanterns. The large, eclectic menu covers everything from burgers and salads to Moroccan tagines and tapas, and it’s generally palate pleasing and generously sized, if not exactly gourmet. While the food may not have you rushing back, the atmosphere and the central Old Town location probably will.
Best Nightclub in Geneva
Although Geneva is a comparatively small city, there is a wide and varied range of entertainment, probably because of its International mix of people. Many start the evening with an aperitif at one of the hundreds of bars available in the town and then go on to some hot venue to enjoy an energetic nightlife experience till late hours. Geneva’s nightlife is unexpectedly colorful with people, booze and music from all corners of the world. The dance floors are full of all sorts of people, Geneva jet set, smartly-dressed diplomats, and rockers in black leather and trendy people just enjoying some time off. These unique nightclubs in this fairly small city will get your foot tapping till the dawn, to make your night memorable. We have compiled a list in this regard to refer recommendations so that you can and keep the festivities and activities going on at the best night club in Geneva:
Mambo Club
Reggae, Latino music, hip-hop, RnB: you name it and Mambo Club likely plays it. This club covers two floors, with the bottom level becoming a dance floor after 11 pm and the top a dedicated cocktail bar, where you can recover your energy and enjoy live music on occasion. Mambo Club is in the heart of Paquis, Geneva’s red-light district, so expect things to be lively there.
Java Club
This ultra-modern club is tucked below the Grand Hotel Kempinski, and if you want to experience and enjoy the high-life of Geneva’s privileged classes then obviously there is no better place other than JAVA. So, don’t expect a cheap night at the Java Club at all. If you prefer to keep your distance and save your cash, you can put some trendy house music on and take the virtual 3-D tour. The club indeed has elegant and contemporary decor, luxury materials in generously proportioned spaces with large velvet sofas, all the tables overlook the club where you can sway to some of the best beats of the moment until dawn.
L’ Usine
Thankfully, Geneva’s clubs are not all strict with a specific dress code. If you are up for a more alternative affair, then L’ Usine may be the place for you. Housed in an old factory, it is dark and grungy. Club nights are mixed with live shows, featuring artists that span almost every genre of music imaginable, from punk rock to techno. L’ Usine is certainly not for everyone and it’s best if you leave your heels and suit jackets at home. There are few rules here, or not ones that are followed anyway.
Le Chat Noir
The off-beat district of Carouge is home to Le Chat Noir, a chilled out bar with a cellar that doubles as a club and live music venue. The club regularly hosts DJs, jazz musicians, rock bands and many others. Here, you can easily escape from all the glitz and high-end fashion of the ‘posh’ clubs and concentrate on the basics – having a good time.
Le Baroque
Le Baroque announces itself not as a club but as a “universe” and a “signature”, telling you everything you need to know about this fashionable venue for the young and wealthy of Geneva. Its saving grace is the lack of a cover charge at the door – you will realize why when you get in and pay for your first drink – and the decent and eclectic mix of music.
Bypass Club
Located in the middle of Geneva, the Bypass Club is a unique place, distributed in 3 different spaces and internationally known as one of the biggest hot spot of Switzerland’s nightlife since 2002. The Bypass Club is the kingdom of the high technology, equipped by one of the best quality sound system, light show & videos in Europe.
Conclusion
Let us conclude the topic, here we had a brief introduction of the city along with elaborating some of its prominent norms, culture and nightlife activities. We also went through different activities, and options available there to enjoy the nightlife in Geneva, Musical venues, Bars, Restaurants and Nightclubs as well. Such activities provide a great source of entertainment for tourists and locals.
As already elaborated the city has a very unique and exclusive cultural background, and the nightlife activities are fairly scattered all over the city rather than on a central strip or a specific and dedicated area. City’s best bars are located everywhere in the town and satisfying the desire of thirsty visitors where you can experience the best booze with the mesmerizing architectural beauty of state of the art bars and their decors.
You don’t feel any hunger during your trip to Geneva that is why we also suggested some of the finest restaurants in the city that offers exotic and delicious food along with your favorite cocktails. You will truly enjoy the taste of good food along with some great drinks.
And lastly, we went through comprehensive options of Nightclubs that offers great music with some delightfully exotic choices for drinks and cocktail that will polish your overall experience of a great night out.
All of the aforementioned options/experiences will work together to make your journey indeed remarkable. A perfect and balanced blend of the above-identified activities can truly boost your experience and make your trip exceptionally unforgettable for you.
