The top 5 bars in Geneva
Discover the best addresses for your evenings out
Geneva may be a refined city but it still offers places that are perfect for unwinding at the end of a long week. Here are a few of our favourites…
LE VERRE À MONIQUE
Of the many streetside terrace bars you could choose from this is the one we recommend. Inside, original flooring and a curved copper bar beautifully compliment the vintage décor and vast cocktail menu (with 40+ to choose from). Here your options are sorted by flavour profile: salt and brine, citrus forward, fresh green, fruity and floral, or even spices, nuts and butter. Choose a classic or something completely contemporary, such as beeswax!
Rue des Savoises 19
022 320 23 07
Open Tues-Weds 17:30-midnight, Thurs 17:30-1:00, Fri 17:30-2:00, Sat 19:00-2:00, closed Sun-Mon.
verreamonique.ch
À L’ANCIENNE
No need for rose-tinted glasses: at À L’Ancienne, everything is pink! From the benches and chairs to the walls, the lighting, the small decorative bike that gets you nowhere fast, and even some drinks. But there’s nothing childish about À L’Ancienne. Located in the Saint-Gervais neighbourhood, not far from the Rhône, the bar serves wine by the glass, Asahi on tap, and great cocktails, paired with the occasional open mic or DJ night.
Place De-Grenus 4
022 313 62 69
Open Tues 17:00-23:00, Weds 17:00-midnight, Thurs 17:00-1:00, Fri 17:00-2:00, Sat 21:00-2:00, closed Sun-Mon.
alancienne.ch
LITTLE EMINENTE BARREL
There’s more than the Jet D’Eau flowing in the Eaux-Vives district. Just steps from the jetty, Little Eminente Barrel partners with a delightful Cuban rum brand but also serves rums from all over the world: Bermuda, Barbados, Jamaica and even Costa Rica. It’s the perfect excuse for a well-crafted cocktail, best enjoyed on the terrace on a sunny day, or while lounging in the neo-retro tropical interior, amongst photos of the Pearl of the Caribbean.
Rue du Lac 15
022 700 73 40
Open Tues-Fri 17:00-1:00, Sat 18:00- 2:00, closed Sun-Mon.
littlebarrel.ch
SOULWINES
Goodbye cocktails, hello vino! Discreetly located in the old part of Geneva, this epicurean bar-boutique’s offering focuses on organic, biodynamic and/or natural Swiss wines, served with cheese and cured meat platters from the Swiss terroir, and an assortment of artisanal spirits and beverages. Even the bread is organic. Set tastings of 3 or 6 wines will get you started. And if you find something you like, buy a bottle (or two) to take home.
Grand-Rue 24
021 888 39 09
Open Tues-Sat 17:00-23:00, closed Sun-Mon.
soulwines.ch
JOY SECRET BAR
The name says it all: secret. Inspired by the American speakeasies of the Prohibition Era, the Joy is hidden deep in the Petit-Saconnex district beneath Jules-Édouard’s Peruvian restaurant. A staircase takes you underground and after passing through a curtain of plants, you’re in! Soak in the rattan peacock chairs, skull coffee tables, pineapple light fixtures, and the high energy music of whoever is on the turntables… and be ready to dance!
Rue du Grand-Pré 2
022 734 20 98
Open Weds 18:00-midnight, Thurs-Sat 18:00-2:00, closed Sun-Tues.
jules-edouard.ch