The best bars and cafés Switzerland

To define Arthur's Rive gauche in three words would be luxury, champagne and voluptuousness. When strolling through the chic Rue du Rhône, Arthur's Rive Gauche attracts passers-by who often have the reflex to look through the large bay windows. A universe that is unpretentious, "beautiful and chic". An eye-catching and glamorous decor, a posh clientele and a boyish service. A place with an elegant baroque atmosphere, and above all one of the most prized lounges in Geneva.

In the very chic setting of Montreux's most beautiful palace, this bar offers an incredible line-up of traditional homemade and exclusive cocktails to accompany live music evenings (except on Sundays). It is the place to land for a musical and festive atmosphere, whether you are a native or just passing through. The decor and the choice of materials are faithful to the universe of Claude Nobs, founder of the festival. Simple and festive gastronomy late into the night.

Right next to the station, this cultural space is teeming with creativity. By merging with Nouveau Monde in 2023, the café has become a multi-disciplinary venue where you can enjoy concerts and exhibitions while continuing to enjoy the restaurant. There's a wide choice of dishes, including daily specials and Sunday brunches. Seasonal produce, homemade lemonade, a good selection of local and other beers, a concern for ecology and fair trade. More than enough reasons to come and enjoy a convivial, happy and cultural time. A very good address.

You won't want to miss it: it's right across from the station, and at weekends, its clientele take to the sidewalks, making for a lively atmosphere! This brewery produces its own craft beers and flammekueche! The atmosphere is warm and friendly in this huge bar, where revelers from all over the world, young students, travelers and barflies gather to enjoy a good beer. The vats are visible, and the blond, white or amber nectar flows freely, louse Brewery menu, the famous flammekueche sauerkrautfish and chips, burgers, steaks, etc

Le Pointu is a trendy bar with a beautifully wooded decor. Open almost any time of the day, you can go there for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We also recommend that you try the delicious Sunday brunch. But we especially like to have a good drink with friends. A real bar for regulars, the good atmosphere is communicative and we will soon find ourselves talking with everyone. The reception of the servers is very pleasant and always with a smile. Feel free to visit the Facebook page to find out about upcoming events.

We fell in love with this old pint dating from 1895, saved by two journalists and a dietician from Fribourg. These three former travelling companions and long-time friends have completely restored it with taste: the linoleum has given way to a beautiful parquet floor, the neon lights have been replaced by warmer hanging lamps. Nice for a glass of homemade beer in the evening or for a four-hour meal (with lemonade, toast and sweets), in a welcoming setting and with attentive service. Terrace in a very quiet street, very pleasant in summer.

Set up by a group of friends, Le Bout du Monde is both a beer bar and a cellar for often free concerts (French chanson, rock, jazz), theater, readings, improv evenings and blind tests... Young and old gather here in a warm atmosphere. It's the kind of café where you're welcomed with open arms. Good energies overflow with creativity to delight a willing audience. You can also eat in this bistro at any time of day, or offer a "suspendu". Ask for it on the spot.

Summer is here! Geneva is undergoing a metamorphosis, and it's almost as if we were on a permanent vacation, with our feet in the water by the lake, and the appearance of ephemeral bars on the quaysides has a lot to do with it! We've set up a number of straw huts, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a tasty salad in the shade. Unique view of the jet d'eau and Mont Blanc. The site is well worth a stop for everyone. We've even thought of sandboxes for the kids. Not to be missed at sunset for an aperitif. Ask about possible concerts.

A place full of color, you'll quickly spot the bar by its emblem, the bicycle, which baptized the bar, the little queen. The lively Grottes district is home to a veritable kingdom of bars and fun places. The drinks on offer, mostly from independent producers, are proof of this. You can sip Club-Mate, a non-alcoholic carbonated tea, and local craft beers on the pretty, sunny terrace in summer. As for atmosphere, the bar regularly hosts exhibitions and a variety of concerts.

Such a tiny bar with such a warm atmosphere, it's like magic! Behind this French name hides a magnificent old-fashioned wooded room where the many mirrors still give an impression of space. Here you will be served a glass of wine for a "French aperitif" of course. The Philosopher is one of the most original bars in Zurich and is definitely worth a visit. Good to know: this bar is attached to the restaurant Mère Catherine. A very nice and friendly address dedicated to French cuisine.

You can dive into the heart of the Dadaist movement with a drink at the Cabaret Voltaire. Art lovers, students and curious tourists appreciate this unique bar. A Dada library is available to introduce you to the offbeat and original thinking of the movement. The room is of course decorated with Dadaist art objects. This multi-purpose place opens up all your minds. A restaurant and bar, a library, exhibitions, concerts, workshops, guided tours and themed evenings await you...

Do you like alternative? You will be pleasantly served at the El Lokal bar with its phosphorescent skeleton that watches over the zinc and the heterogeneous and bushy decoration that covers the walls. There is always something to discover in this bar and the view on the Sihl river alone is worth a visit on the terrace. Some evenings it's really crowded, the price of a well-deserved success for the beautiful team that runs this magical place. On the spot, you will find the restaurant with tapas in the evening and menus at lunchtime.

A superb setting, in the heart of the park, with an atmosphere that quite simply makes Geneva unique in summer. What more could you ask for, sitting on a deckchair facing the lake after a swim? A bohemian cachet for this caravan. Visitors to the Science Museum can enjoy drinks and local delicacies during an aperitif break. In summer, there's nothing like dancing under the stars to Latin rhythms, or sipping a good beer with your bare feet tickled in the rich grass, on a deckchair with friends or with a good book!

Set sail for Bora Bora or another Pacific atoll, and forget about the Geneva weather, for the colorful tropical atmosphere of the tropics! Don't tikis make for good energy? Just a few steps down from the American Dream Diner restaurant and you're ready to escape for an evening. Your destination will be "Hawaii", in a decorfifties conducive to the tasting of Hawaiian cocktails. There's nothing like dreaming of the splendors of the Pacific while sipping a blue lagoon, a tiki punch or a blue hawaian and savoring a hawaian quesadilla.

Better than the all-in-one shampoo, the 23rd Place allows you to have a coffee break with a blow-dry and a make-up aperitif before continuing your evening in the trendy bars of the Eaux-Vives district. Le 23e Lieu offers an atypical and vintage atmosphere. On the one hand, you can go to the salon for a touch-up and then relax in the boutique with its vintage furniture. A design and decoration boutique café where Paco (born on the 23rd!) sets the tone, scissors in hand to satisfy his customers. Full of ideas, he offers a "hair botox bar" package with a refreshing drink.

La Datcha is a cultural café, a very urban agora to exchange on artistic currents. In short, a place where artists mingle with the public and vice versa. Under the rooftops in the Flon district, in the heart of the city but also on the edge of the forest, the atmosphere is never the same. Conferences, concerts and exhibitions follow one another to give rhythm to your evenings and above all to enrich them, in this raw place, with its refined decoration but with a warm atmosphere. A proximity with artists from all over the world which augurs well for beautiful encounters.

Al dente and always full of creativity. It's Crans-Montana's trendy place to enjoy a drink, pizza or contemporary Italian dishes. Chic yet relaxed, we let ourselves be guided through the 24 gins and homemade bitters (a blend of aromatic herbs and macerated spices) that Miguel or Lorenzo recommend for a cocktail concocted to suit our tastes. Evenings end at 10.30pm, but the trendy lounge atmosphere lasts all day long. Don't miss the DJ's and other themed events such as fashion shows.

At the end of a small cul-de-sac, our curiosity led us to visit the Spanish-influenced wine café-bar La Chicchera di Jesus. A very cozy room with bistro-style tables reminiscent of old cafés. Perfect for sipping a Spanish wine from the owner's selection, who will take the time to advise you, or enjoying a wonderful cappuccino outside on the small terrace set into the cobblestones of the street. A stopover full of flavour and sunshine!

A unique place with a thousand pleasures. In the historic heart of the city, not far from the hustle and bustle of the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the Slatkine café offers a relaxing and cultural stopover! The bookshop founded in 1918 by Mendel Slatkine has been located here for many years. The books of the Geneva Slatkine publishing house are never far away and sit enthroned in the bar waiting to be leafed through or bought. It is pleasant to settle into this literary atmosphere and have breakfast while reading the local periodicals.

Plug into 220 volts early in the morning for an energetic, dynamic day! Breakfast at Café Willi's is definitely the place to get back on track: live music, pepsy and arty decor, bright and modern furniture. It's ideal for a no-fuss meal or a good salad at lunchtime. We especially recommend it for its bar and breakfast options. A simple, pleasant place, with attentive, meticulous service, a stone's throw from the station and close to the tourist office.

A trendy bar, very decorative! Street art, a bit crazy, pop art and colored walls define the very trendy atmosphere of this bar known for its conviviality and the good tapas served in the evening. If your day did not go very well, well here, between the staff and the decoration, your morale will be boosted to spend an excellent moment. For more intimacy, a small room at the back allows you to taste quietly the good home-made dishes of the chef and especially the home-made desserts to fall on the ground! In the evening, it is relaxation and good atmosphere.

Switzerland is world-renowned for the unrivalled quality of its chocolates, a reputation that owes much to the Sprüngli confectionery in Zürich, founded in 1836. Even today, Sprüngli specialties such as Luxemburgerlis (macaroons), truffles, chocolate bars and other sweets are made according to traditional recipes. Their hot chocolate is also delicious. It's also one of Zurich's favorite places for breakfast, Sunday brunch or lunch.

We love this warm café with its jazzy atmosphere, located under the Einstein hotel (well indicated). Successful mix of bistro chairs and more design elements, cosy corner with sofa, play area for children, soft light, large windows, candles, books and magazines, charm of the old, old carpet, design counter; hot drinks like cappuccino always served with a glass of water. The owner speaks very good French. The Stickerei is also a very good address for aperitif time!

A lounge concept, a crazy atmosphere as soon as the DJ makes an appearance, a decor that travels between the armchairs of the fifties and the 1980's faceted ball, with a continuous projection of black and white films on the wall and a colourful clientele of students from all faculties. We love the relaxed atmosphere, the vintage furniture, the artwork style washrooms, the Sunday brunch and the pink and green walls. And if there's one culinary specialty here, it's burgers, whose meat comes from the famous Molard butcher shop.

On the first floor of the Maison des Arts du Grütli, a cultural center, the café offers a pleasant break after a good film or concert at nearby Victoria Hal. In summer, you can lunch or dine on the pleasant terrace, and in winter, the restaurant's two-storey room is well worth a visit, as it serves as an exhibition space for current artists. You can see their works on the wall or hanging from the ceiling. The menu features highly creative vegan and vegetarian world cuisine, as well as traditional dishes. Good and original dishes to try.

Founded in 1921, the Remor is recognizable by its retro Belle Époque façade adorned with 1930s Art Deco. An almost "mythical" café, the Remor is a true Geneva institution, and a meeting place for many prominent personalities. The establishment attracts the whole of Geneva. On the menu, you can choose from daily specials inspired by Western and Asian gastronomy, as well as hamburgers, pizzas, hot pies, soups and salads. The atmosphere is authentic. Reservations recommended.

For more than 100 years, we have been perpetuating our know-how with respect for tradition and quality. Next to the Place de la Navigation, La Vouivre is an unusual and original address that is worth the detour whatever the time of the day. Come to the scene and immerse yourself from the place to the dreamlike and theatrical atmosphere. The sung classical music or bedroom accompanies you throughout your tasting. Veils, chandeliers, mirrors gallery and antique furniture are aesthetics with the inspiration of the owner. We would like to see you in the heart of Vienna with gilt, baroque decor, comfortable seating chairs, old chandeliers, wooden tables, antique dishes. Early in the morning, a crowd of people who are used to it press for the famous black chocolate or milk bread, even from the left bank to search for it! Homemade bakery and homemade confectionery are more flavourful than others! The merit of a real pastry and artisan chocolate is to be seen when we open up many hot spots… If there is still, not to miss the delicious cereal bread, the cookie ginger or thé tea, the almond-crispy bird nests and the onctueuses ice. Beautiful variety of well-stocked shrimp and avocat sandwiches. Several varieties of bread are on sale: cereals, dried tomatoes, olives, corn…. But the charm of the place is also this beautiful mix of clients: all generations, social classes and nationalities are represented. It is an indispensable address, full of flavours with a soul to visit in Geneva.

Relaxed but far from being "Olé Olé" and rather well kept with a trendy mixed clientele. It's a very pleasant place for groups of friends who come to relax in an afterwork atmosphere. In a loft-style space with high ceilings that reveal the ventilation ducts, the atmosphere is relaxed and conducive to tapas. The speciality is therefore to share copious plates with the flavours of the world. In the summer, in front of the restaurant's three glass arches, you can enjoy a mojito.

The Britannia is one of the first pubs to have seen the light of day in Geneva, established in the city since 1972. A pub in pure British style. Beers from all over the world, 50 bottled beers and a choice of 11 draught beers. The pub also offers a catering service to accompany the good match evenings. The long bar and upholstered seating will appeal to UK fans. 60 inch screens are placed all over the walls of the pub to follow in the crazy atmosphere, the matches and sport in general.

An unusual place on the river. La Barje is the quintessence of alternative Geneva: eco, socio, ethical. A caravan on the water's edge, an enchanting setting, local products and waste recycling, ethical drinks and concerts several nights a week. All this on deckchairs for a dreamlike flight in the middle of the city. A bit offbeat for an escape from the urban frenzy. There is the same concept, La Chaloupe à Vapeur, in front of the Museum of Sciences and the Garden of Nations.

An unusual place for a nice cold beer under a bridge. It's the Grandes Roches terrace. Open all summer long, this ephemeral guinguette-style terrace bar, located under the west arch of the Bessières bridge, is a resounding success. A few palm trees, garlands of multicolored light bulbs, a pool table, a table soccer table, eclectic garden furniture and the new relaxed setting is set. We'd have stayed until the end of the night, but on Fridays and Saturdays, an aftershow is offered at the café-théâtre, a few meters away.

The Marchand de Sable is well known for its atmosphere, especially on weekends. It has become a trendy bistro and offers themed evenings such as "Foie Gras Tasting and Craft Beers" or "Aperitif Tasting and Hunting in the Merchant Style". Trendy animations, and modern menu ideal for an aperitif dinner. It's a place to go with friends after a hard day's work. You'll get a feel for the local atmosphere and the joie de vivre of the people of Carouge. Take the opportunity to taste a local beer.

One of Geneva's top spots for creative cocktails. L'Apothicaire Cocktail Club in Les Eaux-Vives promises drinks that are spicy, sweet, smooth and, above all, colorful. Quentin Beurgaud and his team are passionate about delighting cocktail lovers with their artfully prepared cocktails. They'll suggest the cocktail that best suits your palate. Delicious gin with cardamom..

One of Lausanne's favourite bars, for its six beers produced on site, in the microbrewery, as well as for its very good pizzas that you can enjoy until closing time. Built on two levels, the Brasserie du Château has a relatively quiet ground floor, while the first floor is always crowded and lively. If you want a table, you will first have to be patient with a beer at the bar: La Rousse is always a great success! A few concerts are organised from time to time.

A slightly offbeat place that looks like a garage renovated with retro furniture. At Yvette de Marseille, there is a real air of the south with this terrace shaded in the summer and the bar with a nice choice of pastis, a decoration with old frames and furnished with old benches, chairs and bistro tables. It is one of the fashionable places in Geneva where you can meet in the evening with friends for a drink around a small menu of 8 tapas and 2 desserts (tarte tatin). You can taste hummus with Lebanese bread, nachos with guacamole or shrimp skewers. Warm welcome, only the southern accent and cicadas are missing on sunny days. An address full of life in good weather.

A good English-speaking base to rediscover the atmosphere of pubs over a good beer and a burger in a public made up of students, trendy thirtysomethings, families or Englishmen like George, the boss of the establishment. During the day, it's a pleasant place to work on a computer, soak up the sun on the terrace in fine weather, or start the evening with a cocktail at the afterworks from 6pm. From Thursday to Saturday evenings, from 10pm onwards, the atmosphere heats up during the evening thanks to the good care of the DJ.

Cocktails of all colors, from all corners of the world, like caipirinhas, mojitos, served as they are or revisited; with or without alcohol, based on fruits and vegetables, the alcoholic ones guaranteed without hairache the next day - it's proven that it's not bullshit, the alcohol is quality. Some answer to the venerable name of "monkey balls": quite a program. To soak it all up, the bar - also a restaurant - offers a wide range of meat, fish or vegetarian burgers. Theme nights.

A lot of people are wondering about this pink elephant that manages to fit inside a can. Is it a delusion or simply a link with Délirium beer? It's up to you to find out. This student bar is always busy. Young people come here to find a relaxed atmosphere where a few dishes are also served, such as meats on the slate and tartars (beef and horse) at modest prices. The house specialty is the zekilla, exclusive to this bar.

Le Scandale is a real loft with floors revisited industrial pop. This bar-restaurant is very popular for lunches, dinners and above all, wild aperitifs. The red and white checked tablecloths give an atypical and trendy atmosphere to the place. You will find a young and stylish population in a festive and relaxed atmosphere. In the basement, a dance-floor welcomes you. Pizza, pasta and tapas make you want to eat, as does the choice of wine. In the evening, electro music enlivens the room dedicated to the dance floor.

Contrary to popular belief, the Swiss don't all go to bed like chickens, and there's plenty for night owls in Montreux as well as Lausanne! You can warm up the engines at the Riva Bar, whose atmosphere becomes increasingly electric as the hours go by. The establishment serves excellent cocktails. The prices won't blow your budget. Professional service and an excellent atmosphere. Simply put, this is one of the best bars around.

"Good beer, good atmosphere, good food" is the house slogan. La Bossette has made a specialty of bringing together young artists and fans of alternative music for regular concerts. The atmosphere is always lively, the spirit convivial, and you'll get to know your table-mates very well. It's also possible to dine in. You'll find a wide choice of wines, but above all beers (over forty) from microbreweries in French-speaking Switzerland and around the world, with a short description for each one.

200 m from the Tunnel Square, a space dedicated to Himalayan culture: sale of crafts, exhibition and tea salon, with comfortable wicker armchairs and a wide choice of flavours. The World Roof also supports several associations defending the Tibetan cause.

This gourmet chocolate maker, located under the bear of the Bear, invites us to drink tea, coffee or hot chocolate, accompanied by a small assortment of chocolates, all in large and welcoming armchairs. Sale of chocolate and bookstore with beautiful books on chocolate, tea and coffee.

The vine is an essential part of the life of the commune, which supports about fifteen families. The Caveau des vignerons de Chardonne thus offers all the subtleties of the terroir of this pretty village for tasting. It opens its doors for events. For example, for jazz evenings on a few Saturdays in summer, the cellars are open in November. Every weekend, from May to September, the Caveau des Vignerons allows guests and informed oenophiles to taste, in a warm setting, all the wines of the Chardonne appellation.

"Big" is the understatement of the year for this huge pub, which plunges visitors straight into the good old English atmosphere of a pub in the heart of England, at a time when many of them are closing their doors on the other side of the Channel. All the more reason to appreciate the true English pub atmosphere. Concerts are organized, and on the days of major sporting events, matches are broadcast live on giant screens. On the menu, a wide choice of beers, fish and chips, pizzas, burgers, hot dogs... The real thing!