3 reviewed party hostels · from €38.86/night · Hostelworld rated
Geneva’s nightlife doesn’t scream party capital, but it knows how to deliver a good time if you know where to look. The action centres on **Pâquis**, a waterfront neighbourhood where beach clubs and late-night bars line the shores of Lake Geneva. The Jet d’Eau lights up the skyline, and by midnight, places like **Le Verre à Monique** or **L’Usine** are packed with a mix of locals and travellers.
Hostels here are more about location than wild dorm parties. **City Hostel Geneva** sits in the middle of it all, a 10-minute walk from Pâquis and the main train station. It’s clean, quiet, and comes with a free transport card: essential for saving francs on trams and buses. Don’t expect organised pub crawls or shot deals; Geneva’s scene is low-key, but that doesn’t mean it’s dull. Just bring your own energy and a willingness to chat with strangers over a beer that’ll cost you 8 CHF.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
MEININGER Hotel Geneve Centre Charmilles, located in Geneva's vibrant Charmilles district, is the perfect spot for party-goers. This hostel is just a short hop from the city centre and near lively bars and restaurants. With amenities like a bustling bar and a game zone, it's a prime setting for making new friends and enjoying Geneva's nightlife.
Geneva Hostel, nestled amidst upscale hotels and a stone's throw from Lake Geneva, exudes an air of excitement and anticipation. With its historic charm and central location, it serves as a magnetic hub for nocturnal revellers. Offering free Wi-Fi, Swiss cuisine delights, and easy access to the city's vibrant nightlife, it's the epicentre of party vibes in Geneva!
Nyon Hostel is your gateway to party paradise in the quaint town of Nyon, a short distance from Geneva and Lausanne. By day, soak up the local charm; by night, dive into the vibrant energy of the region's nightlife. Enjoy free breakfast, kitchen access, and Wi-Fi. With a lively terrace, garden, and chill-out room, the party never stops at Nyon Hostel!
Organised nights out with a local guide
A bar crawl that visits 4–5 venues in Pâquis and Plainpalais. The tour includes a welcome shot at each stop and discounts on drinks: bring 40 CHF for your own spending. It starts at 21:00 and runs until around 01:00. Venues change weekly, but expect a mix of bars and clubs like **Le Verre à Monique** and **Java Club**.
How Geneva's nightlife zones break down
A waterfront neighbourhood where Geneva’s nightlife happens. The streets around Rue de Berne are lined with bars, kebab shops, and late-night cafés. The Jet d’Eau is at one end, and the main train station is at the other: perfect for stumbling back to your hostel. It’s also the red-light district, so expect a mix of crowds after dark.
A bohemian suburb with a village feel, just south of the city centre. The streets are narrow, the buildings are pastel-coloured, and the cafés spill onto pavements. It’s quieter than Pâquis but has its own nightlife, like **Moulin à Danses**. Trams 12 and 15 run here until midnight.
A student-heavy area with cheap eats and dive bars. The **Plaine de Plainpalais** market runs during the day, selling everything from fresh fruit to vintage clothes. At night, places like **Le Ferblanter** draw a young crowd. It’s a 10-minute walk from Cornavin station or a 5-minute tram ride on line 15.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
A tiny, no-frills bar in Pâquis where locals outnumber tourists. The jukebox plays everything from French chanson to 90s hip-hop, and the beer is cheap by Geneva standards: 6 CHF for a pint. It gets busy after 22:00, so arrive early to grab a stool. No table service; order at the bar.
A sprawling cultural centre with a club, live music venue, and café. The club plays techno and house, with entry around 15 CHF. It’s grungy, loud, and open until 05:00 on weekends. Check their website for gigs: local and international bands play here regularly. Bring cash; the ATM inside charges 3 CHF per withdrawal.
A cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe, hidden behind an unmarked door in Plainpalais. Happy hour runs from 17:00 to 19:00, with two-for-one cocktails. The menu changes weekly, but the mojitos are always 12 CHF. It’s small, so book ahead on weekends. Expect a 20-something crowd sipping drinks on mismatched sofas.
Geneva’s only dedicated drum and bass club, tucked under a railway arch. Entry is 10–20 CHF, depending on the night. The sound system is loud, the crowd is friendly, and the DJs spin until 04:00. It’s a 15-minute walk from Cornavin station: bring a jacket, as the arches get cold in winter.
A summer-only spot on the lakefront, with sand, sunbeds, and DJs. Day passes cost 15 CHF and include a welcome drink. After 18:00, it turns into a bar with 10 CHF beers and occasional live music. It’s a 20-minute walk from Pâquis or a 10-minute tram ride on line 14.
A converted windmill hosting everything from salsa nights to indie gigs. Entry is 10–15 CHF, and the dance floor is packed by midnight. The bar serves cheap beer: 5 CHF during happy hour: and the outdoor terrace is perfect for a smoke break. It’s in Carouge, a 15-minute tram ride from the city centre on line 12.