12 Best Nightlife in Germany

Buck and Breck

Mitte Fodor's choice
The entrance is so Berlin: an unmarked, nondescript door across from Weinsbergpark has a buzzer that reads "Bar." But once you're let inside this dark and moody speakeasy and perched at the long table in its main room, which only seats 12, you'll be treated to classic, well-executed cocktails and a hip and lively crowd.

Schumann's

Altstadt Fodor's choice
At Munich's most famous bar, the bartenders are busy shaking cocktails after the curtain comes down at the nearby opera house. On the ground floor is Schumann's Bar am Hofgarten; one floor up, Les Fleurs du Mal has one 27-foot-long table for guests to share and converse with the barman, who will whip up bespoke cocktails based on your preferences.

Victoria Bar

Tiergarten Fodor's choice

The elegant Victoria Bar is a stylish homage to 1960s and '70s jet-setters, and the cocktails are mixed with care. It typically attracts a middle-age, affluent, and artsy crowd.

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Bar Gabányi

Ludwigsvorstadt

Choose from a long list of creative craft cocktails at this dimly lit late-night haunt which also features live jazz.

Becketts Kopf

Prenzlauer Berg

The only indication anything exists behind this bar's curtained facade is a glowing photograph of the head of Samuel Beckett in the window. Press the buzzer and if there’s space, you’ll be ushered into the dimly lit, gentlemen’s club-like surroundings. Settle into a leather armchair and choose from sophisticated cocktails like the Lusitanian or the Widow’s Kiss, all crafted with artisanal spirits. Or, try a classic martini—one of the best in town. Reservations are recommended.

Dripbar

St. Pauli

The nondescript exterior of this extraordinary bar in St. Pauli leaves much to the imagination, but its perpetually closed curtains hide a bar with a unique concept. Drip is famous for its speakeasy vibe and unique spirits, which are infused using cold brew drippers (hence the name). Easily one of Hamburg's best cocktail bars, it is popular with both locals and tourists. As a bonus, its location offers a great view of the harbor.

Goldene Bar

Lehel

Everything glows golden at this aptly named bar and café within the Haus der Kunst. Among gilded wall paintings dating from 1937 and beneath a mod 1920s chandelier, hip locals sit on vintage furniture sipping classic cocktails with a modern twist.

Grace Bar

Charlottenburg
Fashionable locals flock to this swanky cocktail bar in the Hotel Zoo—both to its ground-floor, speakeasy-style space and in warmer weather, to the rooftop terrace. The drinks list leans toward the light and fruity, with signature cocktails that artfully fuse South American and Asian flavors. Dress to impress, especially on busy Friday and Saturday nights, when DJs spin house music.

Home

Maxvorstadt

Cushy leather seating, brick walls, and flickering candles lend a warm, clubby vibe to this trendy bar near the Pinakotheken (art museums) and the university. There's a long list of classic and signature cocktails.

The Chug Club

St. Pauli
Opened in 2015, this cocktail bar is considered one of the best in Germany and firmly rooted in St. Pauli’s nightlife. Tequila, in an infinite variety of aromas, flavors, and combinations, is the signature drink served in small glasses, the so-called chugs.

TiER

Neukölln

On a popular corner of Weserstrasse, the TiER cocktail bar's lively crowd often spills out into the street. It's often crowded and large groups aren't admitted to keep a more intimate atmosphere inside, but if you do get past the door, you'll find a cozy inside with top-quality cocktails. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the street.

Zephyr

City Center/Isarvorstadt

At this sleek bar, fresh produce, herbs, and spices elevate cocktails to an art form.