Image by Sylvie Meynier

The first time I went to Le Chic I was a little put off as it is located in the basement of a dodgy pool bar (L’America) in Geneva’s Red district. However, once I had made it downstairs I knew I would be coming back on a regular basis.

Each time I go my ears get a real treat! From jazz to hip-hop and rock, the lounge has some fantastic bands playing live, every evening from Wednesday to Saturday. It reminds me of the best New York City jazz bars, hidden and mysterious from outside, warm and funky once inside.

Drinks are a little expensive but all the concerts are only 5 CHF so I go there quite often. I usually get a Corona but I hear the cocktails are decent. They also have jello shots for 2 CHF!

It’s a nice change from all the bars in Geneva that are either alternative or posh. Bridge Bria and her team know how to create a nice atmosphere and have always made me feel welcome while keeping it simple. It’s a very cozy little bar.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Chic | Bars, Music | Cover charge CHF 5
Rue de Fribourg 3 | Les Pâquis | +41227320430
Tue -Thu 18:00 – 01:00, Fri -Sat 18:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

If you miss the Shakespeare language and the pints of beers, head to the oldest and biggest English pub of Switzerland: Pickwick!

This pub, Pickwick, is located on the northeast end of the Paquis area; you’ll find it easily as it is on the main road (rue de Lausanne).

This pub is still appreciated by local football fans that meet occasionally for a Champions league or an international game. Pickwick is full of screens that allow you to watch various games in the same time.

Apart from football, Mr. Pickwick is well known for hosting live music and serves English classic food.

I almost forgot the most important… You’ll find a range of 11 different draft beers!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Pickwick | Bars, Restaurants (English) | 5dl draft beer CHF 9
Rue de Lausanne 80 | Les Pâquis | +41227316797
10:00 – 02:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

L’Aiglon, you love it or hate it!!! This bar is located in the heart of the red light district and has a mix of gay and straight people. Some days, the bar is quite calm… The day after, you can see people dressed up, dancing on the tables or on their knees on the floor!

At night, the music gets louder and louder as the time goes by… and the people get wilder and wilder…

I have not been often to l’Aiglon recently. Nevertheless I still like it at lunch time with the meal of the day for CHF 17.00 with appetizer and dessert, good value for Geneva!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
L’Aiglon | Bars, Music, Restaurants (French) | Meal of the day CHF 17
Rue Sismondi 16 | Les Pâquis | +41227329760
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

You like singing but you never dare to do it in public (unless you are drunk) as you have a poor voice… You want to escape from the Geneva atmosphere and spend a night in the heart of Asia?… You like underground bars and new adventure… Go to Philippine Assia!!!

This is place is unknown from most people in Geneva. You will plunge yourself into a really kitsch atmosphere, last time I went there were tens of little hearts sticked on the walls…

If you come during the week and early enough, you’ll have the place and the microphone for yourself. I have noticed that the place was becoming a bit more busy recently though. On the week-ends, a DJ plays from about midnight and the place turns to a disco. We go there a couple of times a year with different friends and always have a lot of fun!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Philippine Assia | Bars, Music
Square Pradier | Les Pâquis
Tue – Sat 20:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

What would be Geneva without Les Bains des Paquis?

Les Bains des Paquis is definitely my favorite place in Geneva, located right on the lake in front of the Jet d’eau!! I go to this place a couple of times a week! 

I soon as I get there I forget the stress of the city, especially when I swim in the lake  after a sauna-hammam session (CHF 20.-, or CHF 150 for 11 sessions, women only on Tuesday). Swimming naked in the middle of Geneva, what a great sensation!

After the sauna session, a really good fondue is waiting for you (CHF 22.-). It will be difficult to resist with its smell… The fondue is one of the best of Geneva, famous because it is made with Crémant instead of white wine (it is lighter!). 

The place is lovely in the morning too with a breakfast from 08:00 to 11:30 with a fresh juice and some Swiss specialities: bircher & Cenovis that you share with ducks and swans as the place is still not too crowded.

Ideal for lunch too: a colourful meal of the day from CHF 12.00 only, for sure the best value of Geneva.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bains des Paquis | Bars, Music, Relaxing, Restaurants (French) | Meal of the day CHF 12
Quai du Mont-Blanc 30 | Les Pâquis | +41227381616
08:00 – 21:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

Palais Mascotte was in 2008 the newest popular club in Geneva. 3 years after its reopening (it had been closed 9 years) the place is still a good alternative in the Paquis if you are with a group of friends, if you like 80′s music and do not expect to drink too much (as small beer costs now CHF 9.- !!). This club with a touch of cabaret is located in the center of the little red light district of Geneva on the “famous” Rue de Berne. The entrance is free from Monday to Wednesday, CHF 10.- on Thursday and CHF 15.- Friday and Saturday night.

If you arrive early (before midnight) you will be able to enjoy some shows. Then, tunes of the 80′s are played all night on two floors. 

You’ll also find a restaurant on the first floor of the palais that opens at 19:00.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Palais Mascotte | Bars, Music, Restaurants (French) | Small beer CHF 9
43, Rue de Berne | Les Pâquis | +41227413333
18:00 – 05:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by sylvie Meynier

This is one of the cheapest places I have found in Geneva for healthy and delicious soups. I love Vietnamese food and they make the best in town. My favorite dish is the Pho soup. Go for the small one as it’s already pretty big! Don’t forget to add the herbs they give you, it adds quite some taste.

If you are vegetarian, this is also a great place as they have many options. Their spring rolls and rice noodles are also quite good. The name stands for ‘House of Asia’ but they mainly have Vietnamese dishes so don’t expect anything else. 

The place is not very attractive, it’s not decorated and it looks old. The service is not great, as the waiters and the boss never smile, and barely understand what you are saying. But the food is really worth it!!!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Maison d’Asie | Restaurants (Vietnamese) | Pho soup CHF 15.00
Rue de Lausanne 27 | Les Pâquis | +41227380383
12:00 – 14:30 & 18:00 – 22:30 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Sylvie Meynier

There are not so many crepes places in Geneva and they are usually overpriced and not so good. But finally, last year, this one opened and it’s just perfect!

It reminds me of the crepes I used to eat when I would go on holiday in Brittany when I was a kid. They have a large selection of salty and sweet crepes.

The prices are okay for Geneva. It’s even a real bargain if you get a menu with two crepes.

As a drink I usually have the traditional cider that go with the crepes and I strongly recommend it!

The place itself is quite cozy and relaxed. It’s small but spacious and in warm weather they not only have a terrace in front but also a courtyard behind.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Crêperie des Pâquis | Restaurants (Crêpes) | Menu CHF 20.50
Rue de Zürich 6 | Les Pâquis | +41227312649
Lunch and dinner daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Delphine Rieder

Don’t miss this incredible spot if you have the opportunity to spend a few days in the city!

There are only a few tables but you’ll have the opportunity to see everything that is on the menu right in front of you, since every cake, quiche, etc, are on a large buffet. There are so many different choices that you will obviously find something that will fit your taste.

Despite being absolutely tasteful, it is at the same time cheap for what it is. Everything is home-made, from the fruit cake to the lorraine quiche and the apple crumble (so delicious!). There are also several different cheeses, so you can totally mix the sugar and the salt.

It is a great place to enjoy an artisanal café (the one with nuts is particularly original) and read a book or newspaper with a a sweet music at the back of your head.

The place is very colorful, the waitress is very nice and you will definitely spend a great time in this spot where you will feel yourself like in your grandmother’s kitchen. When you leave, you can buy an home-made jam pot or a bottle of olive oil, so you can have a taste of this place back with you.

During the week-end, it is an amazing place to spend some time to eat a brunch there with your friends. And why not have a walk in the lovely neighborhood of Les Grottes right after?

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Fleurs de Marie | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Coffee CHF 3.00
8 rue de la Faucille | Les Pâquis | +41227334730
Mon 16:00 – 20:00, Tue 11:00 – 15:00, Wed 11:00 – 17:00, Thu – Fri 11:00 – 15:00 & 18:30 – 20:30, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 19:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Delphine Rieder

Between the lake and the train station, in the middle of the Pâquis neighbourhood, this little but so delicious Lebanese restaurant is located. It is one of my favourite restaurants in Geneva, because of its atmosphere and of course, its food.

If you’re up to an original meal that you may not eat at home, please go there. You’ll have the possibility to order typical Lebanon meals, either cold or hot. Depending of your mood, you can chose different meals or if you’re really willing to taste everything, and that’s what happened the first time most of the time, you can try the meal where you’ll find a little of each one in your plate.

You should definitely try the mint tea (and if you close your eyes, I promise you’ll find yourself on the Lebanon mountains!) or the red Lebanon wine: succulent!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Caravane Passe | Restaurants (Lebanon) | Meal CHF 9.00
Rue Dr. Alfred Vincent 11 | Les Pâquis | +41227313431
Mon & Sat 18:00 – 00:00, Tue – Fri 11:30 – 14: 30 & 18:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva