You don’t know what to do in the evening in Geneva?
Whether you like bars, pubs, concerts or any other lively place, what better way to feel the atmosphere of a neighborhood than to go out in Geneva?
Here is our selection of the best places to spend a good evening.
Table des matières
Best neighborhood to go out and party in Geneva : Plainpalais
If we had to choose only one area in Geneva to party, we would choose Plainpalais
South of the old town, this place has many bars and restaurants where you can drink and eat well, and at relatively affordable prices for a city that is not always affordable
What’s great about this place is the wide variety of cuisines on offer, so you can try a little bit of everything!
Plainpalais is home to the University of Geneva: who says faculty says student life… To appreciate the lively atmosphere of this district, we suggest you go to the rue de l’Ecole de Médecine: it is the most popular place to go out at night in Geneva!
We particularly liked Le Kraken and the elephant in the can
Website: https: //www.geneve.ch/fr/faire-geneve/decouvrir-geneve-quartiers/plainpalais-jonction
Best cocktail bars and trendy bars
Le Verre à Monique
Not far from the Rhone quay, the Verre à Monique is located in the artists’ district of Geneva. The subdued atmosphere, a bit 1920s style, is particularly successful: it adds to the elegant and refined side of the place!
The recipes of the cocktails served there are among the most original we have ever seen… and each drink has its own glass, which is also part of the atypical side of Verre à Monique!
Website: http: //www.verreamonique.ch/
Mr Pickwick Pub
Just a stone’s throw from Lake Geneva, here is an English pub that is worth a visit! The choice of beers at the Mr Pickwick is incomparable in Geneva, the staff is pleasant, and you also have the possibility to eat there
On Thursdays and Saturdays evenings, you can enjoy concerts on the small stage of the pub, and sometimes the pub even leaves its microphone open for excellent karaoke evenings with a rock sound. Good atmosphere guaranteed!
Website: http: //www.mrpickwick.ch/
Best rooftop and terrace bars
rooftop °42
This stylish bar offers its customers the services of DJs who play good music and concerts regularly. You can also eat different types of food here, including sushi and burgers. The same goes for the drinks, which are quite extensive!
But what we loved more than anything at the rooftop °42 is its terrace which offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Jet d’eau and Lake Geneva!
Website : http://www.rooftop42.com/
La Terrasse
This summer café-bar is quite busy during the summer season… and for good reason: the place is simply divine! First of all, the location of La Terrasse is great: on the shore of Lake Geneva, with a view on the Pâquis lighthouse and the marina
Given the location, one could expect an exorbitant menu, but surprisingly, the prices are rather reasonable. A tip when you’re there: try their ginger beer, it’s great!
Website: http: //laterrasse.ch/accueil.php
Best bars to listen to music
Chat Noir
Located in Carouge, another lively area of the city with a good nightlife, Chat Noir is a bar with a relaxed atmosphere that serves burgers, steaks, tapas and sharing dishes
For music, the basement is the place to be: its cellar serves as a concert hall where DJs, jazz musicians, rock bands and many others often perform
The food is good, the acoustics are great, the music is good, and the staff is nice: what more could you ask for?
Website : https://www.chatnoir.ch/
Le Bateau-Lavoir
Moored on a small island in front of the Mont-Blanc bridge, the Bateau-Lavoir is a bar-restaurant that serves very good quality dishes for not too much money (the Swiss fondue menu is very original!)
What makes this place special is the terrace of the boat which hosts mainly in summer concerts of local artists of all musical styles. In the evening, with the lights reflecting on the water, it is sublime..
Website: http: //www.bateaulavoir.ch/
Best nightclubs and bars to dance
Village du Soir
In a former industrial site near the Geneva stadium, this huge place which includes more than 3 rooms offers several atmospheres for several musical styles
The Village vibrates to the sound of DJ parties and concerts of local and foreign bands. There is even a place at the entrance where you can have a bite to eat before or after you have had fun! A tip if you don’t want to pay admission: go between 10 and 11 pm.
Website: http: //www.villagedusoir.com/
Le Baroque
A club that welcomes you in a subdued and rather chic atmosphere, but without being too stuffy either because the staff and the place make you feel quickly at ease
The decoration is really classy, and the DJs who perform there play good music. One of its major assets is its absence of entrance fees: in a city like Geneva, we appreciate it!
Website : http://www.lebaroque.com/club
Mambo Club
Reggae, latino, hip-hop, RnB but also deep house: this is the kind of music you can find at the Mambo Club
The place has two floors, the lower one becoming a dance floor after 11pm and the upper one a cocktail bar where you can recover your energy and enjoy occasional concerts. For a lively night out, we warmly recommend Mambo Club!
Website: http: //www.mambo.ch/
Best restaurants
Arthur’s Rive Gauche
We recommend this restaurant because it offers quality food in a sober and elegant setting, and its menu is varied, refined and original
We particularly liked the fact that the waiters at Arthur’s Rive Gauche listen to our desires and advise us on the dishes from the menu that best suit us. And also of course the restaurant’s terrace which allows us to contemplate a beautiful sunset on the lake of Geneva!
Website : http://www.arthurs.ch/restaurants/arthurs-rivegauche/
Bateau Geneva
Believe us, few terraces are as dreamy as the one of the Bateau Genève…. Permanently moored on the quay near the Jet d’Eau, this fabulous 1900’s paddle steamer is today one of the busiest lounge bars in the city in summer
For an evening aperitif, Le Bateau is ideal: their cheese and charcuterie boards are exquisite! For vegetarians, there are also options. For the food and the view, go with your eyes closed!
Website: https: //www.bateaugeneve.ch/
La Clémence
A warm welcome is presented to you as soon as you walk through the door of this café-restaurant: it feels good! Located in the heart of the old town, this place has a great location
The service is top notch, the staff is super friendly, and they have a nice small food menu. Its terrace is also a great place to enjoy a cold beer, a sophisticated cocktail or a croque-monsieur to accompany your drink.
Website: http: //www.laclemence.ch/
Other things to do in Geneva at night
Victoria Hall
Built at the end of the 19th century as a tribute to the Queen of England, the Victoria Hall is world famous for its great acoustics and neo-baroque interior. Symphonies, concerts and special Sunday performances are scheduled throughout the year
For classical music lovers, we highly recommend it! If classical music is not your passion, we still suggest you visit Victoria Hall and take the time to marvel at its architecture.
Website : http://www.ville-ge.ch/vh/
The Grand Théâtre of Geneva
In a sumptuous 19th century setting, you will have the chance to attend a theatrical performance, a recital, a dance show, an opera, a concert… There is something for everyone!
The fact that the price of tickets is not excessive is appreciated. To find out about the artistic program of the Grand Théâtre de Genève during your stay, we have indicated its website below.
Website: https: //www.gtg.ch/
The Bâtiment des Forces Motrices
A funny name for a theater, isn’t it? This place was once used to pump drinking water for Geneva. Today, the one nicknamed the BFM offers entertainment such as tragic comedies, concerts and ballets
We really liked the acoustics of the hall, which we didn’t think were as good as in the theater or the opera!
Website: https: //www.bfm.ch/fr/
The Factory
For something different from the fancy and overpriced places in Geneva, you will certainly find it here!
A former gold refinery, this listed building is now an alternative arts venue with a theater, cinema and several concert halls featuring an eclectic mix of music including electro, punk, ska, rock, reggae, disco and metal. Artists range from local bands to international DJs, and the audience is just as diverse!
Website: https: //www.usine.ch/
Walk on the quays of Lake Geneva
There is no better way to end the day than by taking a leisurely stroll on the beautiful Lake Geneva! The quays have been laid out for walkers to admire the scenery with the Alps in the background, and there are parks dotted along the shores of Lake Geneva to enjoy the moment
Take the time to admire the sumptuous villas built along the promenade. For an original view of Geneva from Lake Geneva, we suggest that you take a boat in the early evening and admire the lights of the city reflected on the water!
Website : https://www.myswitzerland.com/fr-fr/decouvrir/bord-du-lac-geneve/