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 take pleasure in 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.

Opening hours vary; some bars open daily from mid-morning, others open early evening and close at 0600. The minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 18 years and dress is generally smart.

There is a weekly listings guide, available from the tourist office, called Geneva Agenda (website: www.le-guide.ch). Online information is also available at www.geneve-tourisme.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. Worth mentioning are Alhambar, Rue de la Rôtisserie 10, which has theme nights, and Barrio’s Latino, Rue Henri Dunant 6, for its safari décor.

Clubs: Geneva is not particularly known for its clubs and many people prefer to go to Lausanne. Nevertheless, the intimate White’n Silver (formerly Club 58), Rue des Glacis de Rive 15 (website: www.whitensilver.ch), has a bar, dance floor and chic clientele, while smart Platinum, Quai du Seujet 18 (website: www.platinum-club.ch), attracts a trendy clientele with its resident DJ and guest performers and themed nights. The club is open seven days a week. Or try the B Club, Place de la Fusterie 12 (see Le Baroque Café below) for a similarly hip atmosphere. The biggest club in Geneva is the new Java Club at the Grand Hotel Kempinski, Quai du Mont-Blanc 19 (website: www.javaclub.ch). LA SIP, Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 10, is a cool, gay friendly venue located in an old factory, and Le Scandale, Rue de Lausanne 24 (website: www.lescandale.ch), is a trendy place to dance the night away.

Live Music: The ’in’ bar, restaurant and disco, Le Baroque Café, Place de la Fusterie 12 (website: www.lebaroque.com), draws an international clientele of all ages. DJs are featured most nights, with the occasional live jazz band too. L’Usine, Place des Volontaires 4 (website: www.usine.ch), has a bar, large dancefloor, cinema and regular live performances. Au Chat Noir, Rue Vautier 13 in Carouge (website: www.chatnoir.ch), 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 Club Lounge, Boulevard Helvétique 36, on weeknights and at Shaker’s Club, Rue Arnold Winkelried 4 (website: www.shakers.ch).

© 2006 Columbus Travel Publishing Ltd. Disclaimer

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