Entertainment in Germany
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A
Moviemento
Berlin’s oldest cinema, this three-screen independent place (with a maximum capacity of just over 100) shows a good range of nonblockbuster mainstream foreign and German movies.
reviewed
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B
Baden-Baden Casino
Inside the palatial Kurhaus - besides lavish festival halls used for balls, conventions, concerts, dance competitions and weddings - is the opulent Baden-Baden Casino, opened in 1838 and reminiscent of the 19th century or a 1970s James Bond film, depending on your proclivities.
Its décor, which seeks to emulate - indeed, outdo - the splendour of France's famed chateaux, such as Versailles, led Marlene Dietrich to call it 'the most beautiful casino in the world'. After observing the action here, Dostoevsky was inspired to write The Gambler.
You need your passport or European national ID card to enter, and cell phones must be switched off. Games include French and American…
reviewed
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C
Cinema Café
Dark, cramped and unpretentious, this movie-themed pub is the last alternative refuge in the slick Hackescher Markt area. Candlelight and intense talk give it an almost existentialist vibe reminiscent of Paris in the ’50s, but there’s outdoor seating in the courtyard if things get too packed at night (and they usually do).
reviewed
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D
KitKatClub
This kitty is naughty, sexy and decadent, listens to techno and house, and fancies leather and lace, vinyl and whips. Berlin’s most (in)famous erotic nightclub hides out at Sage Club with its multiple dance floors, themed 'play rooms' and action-packed balcony. On weekends, the party continues through midmorning Monday.
reviewed
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E
Substanz
About as alternative as things get in Munich, this low-key, beery lair gets feet moving with house to indie to soul, tickles your funny bones during the English Comedy Club (first Sunday of the month) and brings out edgy wordsmiths for the SRO (standing-room-only) Poetry Slam (second Sunday).
reviewed
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F
Laeiszhalle
The premier address for classical concerts is this splendid neobaroque edifice, home to the State Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. Along with the opera house, it’s artistically directed by Australian Simone Young who has announced she's moving on in 2015.
reviewed
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G
Yorckschlösschen
Cosy and knick-knack-laden, Olaf Dähmlows's institution has been open since 1885 and plied an all-ages, all-comers crowd of jazz and blues lovers with tunes and booze for over 30 years. Toe-tapping bands invade several times weekly, but there's also a pool table, a garden for chilling, cold beer on tap and German comfort food served till 1am.
reviewed
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H
Zum Uerige
This cavernous beer hall is the best place to soak it all up. The suds flow so quickly from giant copper vats that the waiters – called Köbes – simply carry huge trays of brew and plonk down a glass whenever they spy an empty. Even on a cold day, there are groups all over the street outside.
reviewed
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I
Melody Bar
After 10pm you may have to shoehorn your way into this jewel of a cocktail bar that’s an island of sophistication amid the boisterous Altstadt thirst parlours. The drinks are excellent, the owner couple gracious, the crowd mixed and the house dog a cute pooch.
reviewed
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J
Kino, Mond & Sterne
The repertory at this heavenly al fresco amphitheatre runs mostly towards Hollywood classics, including several in English. Take the U6 to 'Westpark'. Come early to stake out a good spot and bring pillows, blankets and snacks.
reviewed
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K
Päffgen
Busy, loud and boisterous, Päffgen has been pouring Kölsch since 1883 and hasn’t lost a step since. In summer you can enjoy the refreshing brew and local specialities beneath starry skies in the beer garden. Potato pancakes are served on Fridays.
reviewed
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L
Früh am Dom
This warren of a beer hall near the Dom epitomises Cologne earthiness. Sit inside amid loads of knick-knacks or on the flower-filled terrace next to a fountain. It’s also known for great breakfasts.
reviewed
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M
Tonhalle
The imposing domed Tonhalle, in a converted 1920s planetarium, is the home base of the Düsseldorfer Symphoniker (Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra).
reviewed
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N
Centrum
This club gets a young crowd for dance music, live bands and occasional film screenings.
reviewed
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O
Tresor
The techno pioneer is back in the dark industrial maze of a former power station.
reviewed
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P
Floating Lounge
The best time for a cold one at this retro lounge on the Eastern Comfort Hostelboat is at sunset when the sun paints the Oberbaumbrücke (bridge) a fiery red. Very romantic, very Berlin. On Wednesday nights, the Floating Lounge hosts the Boat Party, which brings together an easy-going, all-ages, international crowd keen on practicing their English skills with a merry band of English-speaking expats and visitors. It’s a fun way to meet locals and visitors over a beer and bratwurst. The party attracts lots of regulars, but don’t be shy – people are eager to welcome newcomers. Admission is €1, which is added to your first drink. Also check MC Charles’ website,…
reviewed
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Q
Kuschlowski
When fierce winter winds blow in from the east, it's the perfect time to hole up by the crackling fireplace in this ex-bordello amid retro furniture and home-made lamps. The polyethnic crowd is united by a penchant for stiff drinks, especially the many Russian vodka varieties.
reviewed
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Insomnia
reviewed
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R
Bayerische Staatsoper
Considered one of the best opera companies in the world, the Bavarian State Opera puts the emphasis on Mozart, Strauss and Wagner but doesn't shy away from early baroque pieces by Monteverdi and others of the period. In summer it hosts the prestigious Opernfestspiele. Performances are at the Nationaltheater in the Residenz and often sell out. The opera's house band is the Bayerisches Staatsorchester, in business since 1523 and thus Munich's oldest orchestra. It's currently under the capable helm of Kent Nagano, who occasionally shakes up the tried-and-true repertory with contemporary and avant-garde works.
reviewed
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S
Lago Bay
Lago Bay is wedged between Hamburg del Mar (which looks like a pirates' cove with its famous St Pauli skull-and-crossbones flags) and Hamburg City Beach Club (with its Moroccan lounge). Refreshingly, you can actually swim at this chic retreat. Sun-loungers are arranged around the outdoor pool, while free exercise classes will help you keep fit, er, between cocktails.
S-Bahn Königstrasse will get you here, or catch bus 112 to Hafentreppe/Fischmarkt and walk for five minutes straight ahead or west from Hafentreppe; downhill from Fischmarkt to the riverbank and then right or west.
reviewed
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Stubu Dancehouse
This long-term Bremen institution has spread its wings and now offers five different spaces over three floors, from the traditional 'music club' in the basement to the new Skyline area, with house, funk and chart hits. Stubu is on a street of wall-to-wall clubs, including the huge, ex-multiplex La Viva (cnr Rembertiring & Auf der Brake). Many Bremers, however, dismiss this area as largely for 'teenies'.
Clubbing in Bremen is relatively cheap; expect to pay around €4 to around €8 at the door for regular nights, although special events may cost more.
reviewed
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U
Berghain/Panoramabar
It’s the best club in the world, according to Britain’s well-regarded DJ Mag, and we have no problem seconding the hype. Only vinyl masters such as André Galluzzi and Ricardo Villalobos heat up this hedonistic bass junkie hellhole inside a labyrinthine ex-power plant. The upper floor (Panoramabar, aka ‘Pannebar’) is all about house; the gay-leaning big factory hall below (Berghain) pounds with minimal techno beats. Strict door and no cameras. In summer there’s a beer garden for daytime chilling.
reviewed
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V
Atelier
Central art-house cinema in a backyard.
reviewed
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W
Mathäser Filmpalast
Modern 14-screen multiplex in a former beer hall. For show information check any of the listings publications. Admission usually ranges from around €7.50 to around €9.50 though one day a week, usually Monday or Tuesday, is Kinotag (cinema day) with reduced prices. Movies presented in their original language are denoted in listings by the acronym 'OF' (Originalfassung) or 'OV' (Originalversion); those with German subtitles are marked 'OmU' (Original mit Untertiteln).
reviewed
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X
Atlantis
Shows English-lanuage movies.
For show information check any of the listings publications. Admission usually ranges from around €7.50 to around €9.50 though one day a week, usually Monday or Tuesday, is Kinotag (cinema day) with reduced prices. Movies presented in their original language are denoted in listings by the acronym 'OF' (Originalfassung) or 'OV' (Originalversion); those with German subtitles are marked 'OmU' (Original mit Untertiteln).
reviewed