Nightlife in Geneva

Nightlife in Geneva

1. Drink

   Alhambar

   A swanky cocktail bar above the Alhambra Theater. Pretty people in a pretty room, usually with a DJ. A small tapas menu early in the evening and a nice brunch on weekends until 14:00.

   Mon 12:00-14:00, Tue-Fri 12:00-14:00 and 18:00-02:00, Sat 17:00-02:00, Sun 11:00-00:00

2. Drink

   Bypass

   One of the most modern clubs in Geneva, the Bypass is, for lack of a better word, bling-bling. The dance floor swarms with young professionals and, on occasion, corporate parties and the rooms pound with clean house music, hip-hop and R'n'B. This club is not near the city centre, but still just a short taxi ride from it.

3. Eat

   Espresso Club

   A tiny bar and three tables means this little local spot is usually packed with a very international crowd of people who know where to get the best pizza, salads, and pasta dishes in town, with many vegetarian selections. Espresso club keeps the ovens going late for late working customers and it's a nice spot for a café and newspaper afternoon as well. Unfortunately the quality of its customer service does not mirror that of its pizzas.

   Mon-Fri until 02:00·Fr. 1-20

4. Eat

   La Cuccagna

   Cosy Italian restaurant in Carouge with a wide variety of well known and lesser known Italian dishes and even occasionally live music. The service is a bit slow but the ambience so you won't probably mind sitting there for a little bit longer.

   open also on Sundays·mains Fr. 15-30

5. Drink

   Les Enfants Terribles

   A café bar bicycle-workshop hair salon and wine shop, with a nice lunch tapas buffet and Thursday night jazz in a beautiful post-industrial space with atrium roofs and an olive tree. What is there not to like?

6. Drink

   Pickwicks

   One of the half-dozen or so British pubs, Pickwicks claims to be the largest pub in Switzerland. Usually full of football watching expats eating fish and chips while sipping Guinness. Friday and Saturday night usually features live music. A laid-back, friendly spot. One of the best in Geneva for burgers and a dozen draft beers!

   Wed-Sat until 02:00, Sun-Tue until 00:00

7. Drink

   Shakers

   This club is known for the wild nights within, thanks to its very strong cocktails served in shaker glasses. The dance floor is imposing, but once on it, well known for romantic encounters. Very popular with English speakers.

8. Do Not mapped

   Fête de la Musique

   For three days in June, the whole City of Geneva is a stage. Actually, there are on the order of 40 of them. The musical offerings include children's choirs, punk rock, chamber orchestras, jam bands, avant-guard jazz, klezmer, and drum and bass DJs. The venues are as diverse as the music, with stages inside and out of l'Usine, Parc des Bastions, and even Cathédral St. Pierre. There is also a wide assortment of international food and drink for sale, which can be a bit pricey, but highly worth it. The easiest way to get information is to just head to one of the parks listed above and find one of the free newspaper-style festival guides. It includes time-tables and maps. Additionally, be sure to wander around, as the festival is full of many excellent unofficial performances, including drums, juggling, and dance.

   Free

9. Eat Not mapped

   Restaurant La Romana

   Restaurant, pizzeria, bar, karaoké, cocktail and private party.

10. Drink

    Java Club

    Inside the Grand Hotel Kempinski

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Geneva (CC BY-SA 4.0).