La Barje des Sciences Geneva
Summer hangout place
I love this spot because this is next to a very touristy spot of Perle Du Lac but just tucked away at some elevation next to the Musee Des Sciences from where we can see a better view of the lake as well as enjoy a beer or two.
If it's summer, it's even better, because the place is transformed into a dance stage and every day there are different dance forms organized. For instance, Wednesdays is a Salsa Day and people who like dancing salsa come here to dance with fellow dancers. You may come across some people who are a bit of a salsa snob i.e. if you don't dance well yourself, they wouldn't dance with you - but do not let that dishearten you, because most people are very friendly and will dance.
It is run by an association called La Barje which provides employment to marginalized people in makeshift bars around touristic spots. One of my best friends, Diego, told me that he wants these places to flourish because of the innate kindness in their operations and hence he always makes it a point to buy something from the bars instead of sneaking in cans of beers, which is what most people do.
For drinks, you have to pay a refundable deport of 1 CHF, and if you are hungry, there is a lady selling Empanadas at the side of the bar during summers.
Find your way with 95 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Geneva
Mount Saleve
Bird's-eye view of Geneva!
Going to "Mount Saleve" in Geneva is something locals do on a Sunday morning - go to the top by cable car or hike and you can paraglide down!
by
Rahul
Jha
Le Dhaba
Indian restaurant with a twist
"Le Dhaba" in Geneva is an Indian restaurant that is styled after an authentic highway-side truck driver cafe! You should try their thali...
by
Rahul
Jha
Oh My Gin
Geneva's own G&T bar
"Oh My Gin" in Geneva in riding the wave of the revival of G&T's! The ambience is amazing, too. I recommend you try their Monkey 47...
by
Rahul
Jha
Qafe Guidoline
Hipster bar
"Qafe Guidoline" in Geneva is one of those rare places that have great beer on top of amazing coffee. It's my hip, go-to place for a Friday night...
by
Rahul
Jha
Le Saïgonais Restaurant
Plant-based Vietnamese
"Le Saïgonais Restaurant" is my favorite restaurant in Geneva purely on the basis of food. They're Asian/Vietnamese and plant-based - need I say more?
by
Rahul
Jha
DFC Sports
Boxing gym
"DFC Sports" in Geneva is a boxing gym that's ideal for meeting people & intensely working out while traveling! Kind of ironic in this peaceful city!
by
Rahul
Jha
ALIVE
100% plant-based gastronomy
"ALIVE" in Geneva isn't your typical vegan restaurant that only offers lazy burgers & wraps - it's so much more! Try the Brunch Menu on weekends...
by
Rahul
Jha
Gives a Fork
Casual hipster dining vibe
"Gives a Fork" in Geneva, with its U-shaped table and small dining area, makes for a very intimate vibe - a great restaurant to dine with friends!
by
Rahul
Jha
Galpon Theatre
Performing arts at its best
Geneva's theatre scene would just not be the same without "Galpon Theatre"! 20 years later, it's still managed by its founder. It's so cosy & familiar!
by
Irene
Melega
World's Longest Bench
A promenade with a view
The "World's Longest Bench" is a spot I'd highly recommend for its promenade with a view that depicts all the charms of Geneva in a single sitting.
by
Claire
Hobden
Heading to Geneva?
95 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 95 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Geneva
Get to know our other Spotters from Geneva
As featured on:
