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| City Guide - Geneva - Nightlife | ||
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Nightlife The majority of venues suit a cross-section of Geneva's society. Gentlemen with curled white moustaches wearing smart suits enjoy the same bars as young professionals and students; 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 often have a restaurant area. 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. Dress is generally smart. Bars: The Old Town is a good starting point for a night out. Le Café Clémence, Place du Bourg-de-Four 20, is extremely popular, particularly in the summer when crowds of all ages enjoy the terrace. The bar-restaurant at the gilded Bohème, Boulevard Helvétique 36, is a good place to move on to. Techno 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 on the nearby Quai du Seujet. 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. Clubs: 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, the club attracts a cosmopolitan crowd and plays anything from funk to house, groove to mambo. Smart dress is required; jeans and trainers are not allowed. Live music: The 'in' bar, Le Baroque Café, Place de la Fusterie 12, draws an international clientele of all ages. Live bands play jazz on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For the rest of the week, DJs are invited. 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 dance floor, 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 with the DJs later playing salsa on Friday and Saturday, and funk on Tuesday. |
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