Red light district
Exploring Geneva's Quarter Rouge
A Beginning on the Rue de Bern
The main street to start your journey through the neighborhood is Rue de Bern .
At night, it becomes very busy and lively, lined with exotic restaurants and cafes.
It's common to see people smoking outdoors and socializing in the vibrant atmosphere.
Neighboring Streets and Nighttime Atmosphere
To the left of Rue de Bern are Rue Pellegrino-Rossi and Rue Charles-Cusin .
The cross streets Rue Sismondi and Rue Docteur-Alfred-Vincent complete the heart of Geneva's famous Quartier Rouge .
At night, you can see women in shop windows lit by red and lilac neon lights, as well as several sex shops and nightclubs , which create a unique and intense atmosphere in the region.
A Mosaic of Cultures
The women working in the district come primarily from Spain, Italy, Greece, and England , with a strong Latin American presence.
Despite their sensual and provocative appearance, they are not usually considered the most beautiful compared to other red-light districts—which can make it easier to negotiate lower prices.
Lively Nightlife
The region is full of:
Erotic product stores
Cabarets
Nightclubs that are open until 5am
Additionally, the Paquis neighborhood, where the Quarter Rouge is located, offers a variety of multicultural restaurants —Indian, Thai, Mexican, Moroccan, and Turkish—as well as fast food outlets like falafel, tacos, burgers, and sandwiches on almost every corner.
Safety and Care
For many immigrants living around the red-light district and without steady employment, this area has become "home."
There's a tacit agreement of respect for tourists , as they don't want to scare away visitors and lose their source of income.
Even so, tourists visiting at night may feel unsafe .
Therefore, it is recommended that women only visit if accompanied .
Far Beyond Nightlife
Even if you're not interested in nightlife, it's worth checking out the area to eat well, dance at a Mexican or Thai nightclub , or simply experience an alternative, lesser-known side of Geneva.
