Geneva, an urban area with a rich history, is the second largest city in Switzerland. It is located in the southwestern part of the country (along with the banks of Lake Geneva) with an area of 15.93 km² and a population of more than 200,000 people. It is also considered as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with its lakes, museums, and top-rated restaurants attracting plenty of visitors from all over the world.
The city is the home to a number of governmental and non-governmental organizations, like the United Nations and the International Red Cross. Its history dates back to more than 4000 years, which goes to carry on in the development of modern Geneva. This cultural centre features Jet d'Eau, the world’s tallest fountain, 30 museums and art galleries, and waterfront parks. There is also the famed Market Street, perfect for those who want to shop or just look around.
Geneva’s red light district is not as famous as Amsterdam’s, but it is a unique one. It reveals the other side of the city, featuring girls from Italy, Greece, England and Spain, among many others. It is located in the centre of Pâquis, which is not distant from the lake, Gare Cornavin, and Gare Routiere.
The journey begins on the street of Rue de Berne (the setting of Paolo Coelho’s 11 Minutes), which transforms into the vibrant and lively area at night, with a number of restaurants and cafes. The adventure continues to Rue de Monthoux, featuring girls in tights and heels, with bodyguards on looking from a distance. The surrounding streets have girls in red- and purple-lit windows showing themselves to potential clients.
The area is filled with nightclubs, cabarets, as well as sex and pornographic shops. It is also good to know that the entire area of Pâquis provides a number of multicultural ethnic dining places such as Thai, Indian, Turkish, Moroccan, and Mexican. The red light district is also close to a railway station, with some hotels in the surrounding area.
History of the RLD
The district of Les Pâquis was built in 1855. In the early 20th century, the northern part of Pâquis saw an increase in the number of establishments such as dance and music halls, cabarets, and pubs. These venues are located near expensive hotels and there is a casino on the Quai du Mont-Blanc, currently located at Hotel Kempinski.
Big and luxurious buildings extended the neighbourhood of the Rue de Lausanne to the city’s Lake. The area then became a red light district, attracting prostitutes. Prostitution became prominent when the area became a home to immigrants without the regular jobs. It also attracted local gangs, which is why the police are frequently present in the area.
Pâquis is now a cosmopolitan area, featuring different nationalities, colours, and cuisines from different parts of the world. There are also plenty of venues to go clubbing, party, or just dine.
How to Reach the RLD
The red light district is one of Geneva’s most cosmopolitan area. It is located in the heart of Pâquis. The city’s Central Railway Station (Gare Cornavin), located in the centre of Geneva, is close to Pâquis. The station is reachable in just 10 minutes of walking through Rue des Alpes or Rue du Mont-Blanc. Travelers can also take a taxi-service or the local bus and tram system to get around the district.
Safety Information
Geneva is a safe city, but petty crimes like pick-pocketing occur in buses, airport, train stations, and places where there are tourists. Taking safety precautions is advisable. In the red light district, however, it is common for some to feel unsafe walking alone at night, especially women. This is why finding a company is advisable.
It is also good to know that the authorities in the city installed 23 CCTV cameras in the district. These cover different streets and are connected to a monitoring station. Police officers watch over the images and operate the CCTVs remotely.
The city is known for vibrant nightlife venues and sex clubs, many of which are located in the centre of Geneva. Most of these clubs offer shows that start at 9 p.m., with girls providing some adult services. Clients can also hire Swiss escorts or check out popular venues like Mille et une Nuits and Crazy Paradise. Nightclubs also exist, where clients can dance and enjoy the company of a charming courtesan.
There are also women working in seedy bars and streets of Pâquis. Clients can also avail the services of girls working in neon windows, strip clubs, and brothels. Workers in these establishments came from France, Spain, and Eastern Europe. The operation of these venues is allowed, as prostitution in Switzerland is legal.
Adult Cinemas
Cinema Splendid in Geneva has been showing adult films for years. It opened in 1974 and has a small screen in the former balcony and a large one in the former orchestra. It is located in Place Grenus 3, Geneva.
Street Prostitution
Several prostitutes also offer services in some streets in Pâquis. Women come from different parts of Europe and usually seen in tights and high heels. It is important to note that bodyguards monitor some sex workers from a distance, especially in Rue De Monthoux.
Window Prostitution
In streets like Rue Sismondi and Rue Docteur-Alfred-Vincent, clients can see women in red-lit and purple-lit windows. Prostitutes show themselves off to passers-by to attract a company. There are also some sex workers standing on the corners in the evening. There are also charming Eastern European workers in glass windows, performing acts like blowing kisses to potential clients in the street.
Clients who prefer a wild night can visit strip clubs. Most have charming girls offering erotic performances and other sexy shows for men.
Brothels and Sex Clubs
As prostitution is legal in Switzerland, there are several brothels and sex clubs in Geneva. Many of the girls working in the establishments are from Eastern Europe. In traditional brothels, clients can select a girl of their choice and enjoy a range of sexual experiences.
Swinger Clubs
Les Bains De L Est is a popular gay sauna place and a swinger meeting joint. It is where clients can meet new friends and engage in different types of erotic plays. It is located in 3 Rue de l'Est
Geneva, Switzerland. Clients who want to know more about the swinger parties can contact +4122 786 33 00.
Prostitution is legal in the country, but sex workers need to register with city and health authorities. Prostitutes, furthermore, are required to get regular health checks. There are also regulations, one of which is using condoms for oral services. Pimping is illegal and most prostitutes work in massage parlours while some operate in small studios.
Human trafficking is punishable by law. Offenders can face up to 20 years of prison sentence, while those who coerce an individual into prostitution can face 10 years of imprisonment. As the country has been criticised for allowing prostitution at the age of 16, the government proposed changes that make it a crime to hire or sell services of a sex worker younger than 18 years old.
Specific Laws for Gays
Both heterosexual and homosexual (cohabiting) couples are treated the same way as married ones in the dealings with the state. The exception, however, occurs in social security benefits or taxation. Same-sex legal activity is legal, but same-sex marriage is not. Gays and lesbians are also allowed to serve in the army, but stepchild or joint adoption by same-sex couples is not allowed. Lesbians, furthermore, have no access to IVF.
Geneva has more nightlife venues than any other city in the country. There is a wide range of entertainment for different types of people, such as bars, clubs, pubs, and rooftop hangouts. It has also some of the best clubs and music venues in the country. It is common for these venues to get alive and packed during Thursday and Friday nights.
Here are some of the notable nightlife venues to visit.
Compared to Lausanne or Zurich, Geneva has a smaller gay scene. It is, however, possible to see some men walking hand-in-hand near the main train station in the International Quarter. The gay bars in the city are small and intimate, and mostly located around the main train station, and scattered around Dialogai area. Travelers can visit SwissGay.ch or GayMap.ch to know more about the gay listings in the city.
Other helpful resources include:
General Attitude Towards Gays
While couples of the same gender can have a civil partnership, gay marriage is illegal in the country. Homosexuality is legal and is widely tolerated in the society, but some incidents of homophobic discrimination and crime are reported.
The attitude towards the LGBT community is vaguely positive. There is little violence, and the religious communities have a relaxed attitude towards homosexuality. The majority of the churches, of course, is against homosexuality, but some people are showing changing perspectives.
The gay scene in the city is mostly intimate and small. Gays party at gay venues located around the central station and in bars and clubs in the area of Dialogai.
Sex Clubs for Gays
There are also several sex clubs and saunas in the city. Most have modern facilities like Jacuzzi, private rooms, and dry saunas. These venues are a great place to meet new friends and experience fun and pleasure, especially in gay nights and parties.
Dance Clubs for Gays
While the gay scene in Geneva is small, there are plenty of gay venues to visit. Most gay bars and clubs feature live music events and drag cabaret shows. There are also those that serve a range of cocktail options and host dance nights.
Gay and Transsexual Prostitution
There is no information for gay and transsexual prostitution in Geneva. Most of those who offer these services advertise online.
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