World City Guide

Nightlife

The majority of nightlife venues suit a cross section of Geneva’s society. Gentlemen with curled white moustaches and wearing smart suits enjoy the same bars as the young professionals and students. And all generations enjoy soaking up the evening sun during the long, summer nights. The only disadvantage in this apparently conflict-free society is that it does lack edge – it is hard to be truly wild in Geneva. Many restaurants double up as bars later in the evening and clubs also often have a restaurant area. Clubs and bars centre on a number of English-style pubs on either side of the river, especially in the suburb of Carouge (a 20-minute ride on tram 12, across the River Arve).

Opening hours vary, some bars open daily from mid-morning, others open early evening and close at 0600. Beers cost around SFr3-5 or more for imported bottled beers, while spirits are generally double that price. The minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 18 years and dress is generally smart.

Weekly guides, available from the tourist office, are Geneva Agenda and What's On in Geneva. Online information is also available (website: www.geneva-guide.ch).

Bars: The Old Town is a good starting point for a night out. La Clémence, Place du Bourg-de-Four 20, is extremely popular, particularly in the summer when crowds of all ages enjoy the large terrace. The bar-restaurant at the gilded Bohème, Boulevard Helvétique 36, is a good place to move on to – the mix of Arab and techno music is popular and the atmosphere is relatively relaxed, although trainers are not allowed. The most alternative bars in the city are scattered around Place des Volontaires, including L’Interdit disco, on the nearby Quai du Seujet 18. Le Deuxième Bureau, Rue du Stand, near the vast performance space of l’Usine, is large, very hip and serves excellent cocktails – as does Le Cactus Club, Rue Chaponnière, off Rue de Mont-Blanc, near Cornavin train station.

Casinos: The Casino de Genève, Quai du Mont-Blanc 19, is located under the prestigious Noga Hilton Hotel and is well equipped with over 100 slot machines. Opening hours are 1200 to 0400 daily and smart dress is appropriate. The minimum age is 18 years and a passport or ID is required for admission.

Clubs: Geneva is not particularly known for its clubs and many people prefer to go to Lausanne. Nevertheless, the intimate Club 58, Rue des Glacis de Rive 15, has a bar, restaurant, dance floor and chic clientele. At the other extreme is Arthur’s Club, the largest discotheque in Switzerland, with a capacity of 3000. Situated at Route du Pré-Bois 20, close to the airport, this club attracts a cosmopolitan crowd and plays anything from funk to house, groove to mambo on its three dancefloors. Arthur’s is open Friday and Saturday only (Saturday entrance is SFr25 and includes a complimentary drink). Smart dress is required – jeans and trainers are not allowed.

Live music: The ‘in’ bar, restaurant and disco, Le Baroque Café, Place de la Fusterie 12, draws an international clientele of all ages. Live bands play jazz on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, while for the rest of the week, DJs are featured. At La Maison Blanche, Confédération Centre 8, a DJ alternates with live piano music to create a mellow atmosphere. L’Usine, Place des Volontaires 4, has a bar, large dancefloor, cinema and regular live performances. In spite of its alternative reputation, the occasional middle-aged mother will still accompany her daughter to live concerts. The Au Chat Noir, Rue Vautier 13, is a more dignified live music venue. French singers and jazz musicians perform early on, until the DJs take over, playing salsa on Friday and Saturday and funk on Tuesday. Rhythm and Blues is featured at Griffin’s, Boulevarde Helvétique 36, on weeknights and at Temi’s Bar-Disco, Rue Winkelried 4 (website: www.temis.ch). Salsa is favoured at L’Abag, Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 10, in the courtyard of MAMCO, while La Pirogue, Ruelle des Templiers 4 (website: www.pirogue.ch), features reggae and African sounds.