Weimar
The circular Kasseturm took on a new identity in 1962, when students of the Bauhaus University converted this stout survivor of Weimar's 16th-century…
Must-see nightlife in Central Germany
Thuringian Forest & the Saale Valley
The network of historic wine cellars of this iconic club, resurrected by students in the 1960s, now echo to DJs, live acts, readings and other cultural…
Weimar
Stylish and welcoming, with a veritable cornucopia of Thuringian, German and international wines to keep adventurous oenophiles occupied, this is a lovely…
Erfurt
This classy, art-bedizened wine shop and bar offers a fantastic introduction to local drops, including some hard-to-get bottles from the nearby Saale…
Erfurt
Good times are pretty much guaranteed at this student-focused 'Kulturzentrum' (cultural centre), whether you hunker down for beer and a chat in the…
Thuringian Forest & the Saale Valley
Jena's students and bohos are naturally drawn to Grünowksi's uberchilled vibe and the soul-warming food that issues from its kitchen. Inside it's full of…
Fairy-Tale Road
This absinthe bar on the cusp of Marburg's Oberstadt serves much more than green fairies – while the wormwood-laced tipple is naturally there for the…
Fairy-Tale Road
This sprawling, low-ceilinged Irish bar, lined with 'authentic' Hibernian timber, leather and books, is popular with locals and travellers alike. It's a…
Fairy-Tale Road
The same family has been tending to tea-takers in this Konditorei (cake shop) and cafe for four generations. Enjoy the house-special chocolate-cream cake…
Fairy-Tale Road
This versatile, ubercool space, a self-proclaimed 'socio-cultural centre', hosts semi-regular parties, DJs, art shows, installations, live music, cinema…
Thuringian Forest & the Saale Valley
Open only in the summer months, this riverside beer garden, bar and club-in-the-park is the place to hang out. Besides being a lovely setting, there's…
Fairy-Tale Road
Somehow they manage to squeeze the occasional live act into this tiny neighbourhood hangout, with its horseshoe bar, classic European film posters and…
Erfurt
Everything the macho scribe loved is here in abundance, from dead animals to cigar humidors with personal drawers and a ridiculous variety of rum and…
Central Germany
Hang out with a crowd ranging from tattooed hipsters and pretty young things to a slightly more reserved middle-aged set, in this trendy cafe-bar…
Central Germany
A sleek and fashionable spot with an extraordinary selection of teas, breakfasts and the occasional snack. It can, however, get a little smoky in the main…
Weimar
Past an austere stone facade awaits a green-walled, timber-floored bar with an unpretentious, all-ages crowd, great cocktails and a rotating cast of local…
Central Germany
This popular bar is fresh from a facelift and stands out from the crowd among the several other interesting bar/eateries you'll find along…
Central Germany
Magdeburg's 'it' venue features two levels of lounges and a compact dance floor. Dress to impress and show your best moves.
Erfurt
This cocktail bar has been shaking up Erfurt with its flights of libatory fancy, offering an impressive range of more than 200 mixed drinks and 400…
Fairy-Tale Road
The best reason to visit this sleek, modern chain restaurant, with its crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex menu, is to sip a cocktail and enjoy the wonderful views…
Erfurt
On weekends it seems as though everybody’s popping by to knock back pints of Kilkenny or Guinness at this boisterous 'Irish' tipple-house. Smokers can sit…
Erfurt
A former gathering spot for media types, this club is now a glittery cocktail lounge and dance venue. Nights range from 'Salsavanza' (celebrating the…
Fairy-Tale Road
Spread over several levels, this former bank just outside Göttingen’s Innerstadt (inner city) changes its spots each night. Wednesday night is student…
Fairy-Tale Road
Come for a Cuba Libra, a beer or a wine, if only to sit on the wonderful terrace with its unbeatable views of the palace. Decent tapas, Flammkuchen …
Central Germany
This hip bar-slash-literary salon recreates the early 1900s with antique velvet sofas, flocked wallpaper and Persian carpets. There are comedy shows,…
Fairy-Tale Road
Delirium is upstairs, Frazzkeller is downstairs, and both of these student hang-outs scream 1970s and have great views over the Unterstadt (yes, even from…
Central Germany
This old student club in the Moritzburg has DJs pressing out the latest sounds and hosts various events, including poetry slams some Sundays; check the…
Harz Mountains
This sprawling, multilevel pub has a dance floor upstairs on Saturday nights. The Sky sports bar on the 2nd floor is a popular haunt for watching local…
Central Germany
This sleek, modern cafe-bar offers a contrast to the historic aspects of Eisleben. As well as serving wine and cocktails (in broad daylight), it does…
Fairy-Tale Road
Monthly drink specials, craft beers, vivid purple walls and a fondness for heavy music distinguish this friendly little cafe-bar.
Central Germany
Catch live bands, croon karaoke or hit the floor for a party in the town’s grooviest venue.
Erfurt
This popular bar just southwest of the Michaelisstrasse nightlife hub does cheap cocktails and DJ nights for Erfurt's young alternative music crowd.
Thuringian Forest & the Saale Valley
Internet (per minute €0.04, wi-fi per 30 minutes €1.50), coffee and cheap bagels in a pleasant atmosphere.
Weimar
A smoky little cafe-bar with a couple of internet terminals (per 30 minutes €1), wi-fi and good coffee.
