Munich
Munich's premier orchestra regularly performs at the Gasteig Cultural Centre. Book tickets early, as performances usually sell out.
Must-see entertainment in Germany
Hamburg
They're making beautiful music in this former factory that's an iconic Altona venue, where the music ranges from classical to club and the program spans…
Frankfurt am Main
Continental Europe’s largest English-language theatre company stages first-rate plays and musicals, with top actors hired after casting calls in London…
Trier
Housed in a former Tuchfabrik (towel factory), this vibrant cultural events venue hosts cabaret, live music of all sorts, theatre and dance performances.
Dresden
An old-school musical theatre reinventing itself in the ultramodern premises of the converted Kraftwerk Mitte powerplant.
Nuremberg
This small indie picture house, part of the large Cultural Quarter complex, shows foreign-language movies, plus reruns of cult German flicks and films for…
Nuremberg
This bar with live music and DJ nights is a Nuremberg institution. After 9pm it's usually standing room only and the party goes on well into the early…
Munich
Cult cinema with wacky interior and screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (11.10pm Friday and Saturday nights). Shows English-language movies.
Munich
At the Münchner Theater für Kinder budding thespians can enjoy fairy tales and children's classics à la Max & Moritz and Pinocchio.
Augsburg
The celebrated puppet theatre holds performances of modern and classic fairy tales that even non–German speakers will enjoy. Advance bookings essential.
St Pauli & Reeperbahn
One of the more respectable clubs today on the Grosse Freiheit, this second venue for the Beatles survives in a much-altered form with regular live acts.
Munich
Spruced up to southern German standards for its 150th birthday in November 2015, this grand theatre specialises in light opera, musicals and dance.
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf has an opera tradition going back to 1875. Its ensemble presents both opera and ballet here and in the sister venue in nearby Duisburg.
St Pauli & Reeperbahn
In addition to excellent live music gigs and experimental DJ sets, this former slaughterhouse hosts anything from acoustic raves to spoken word.
Bonn
This chamber music hall is part of the Beethoven House complex. Buy tickets online at www.bonnticket.de.
Stuttgart
Suave chocolate-gold tones and soft lighting set the scene for first-rate jazz acts at Bix, swinging from big bands to soul and blues.
St Pauli & Reeperbahn
A dynamic program of high-quality, sometimes-offbeat theatre is the hallmark here. If you speak German, it can be a great night out.
Munich
The Bayerische Staatsoper performs here. Buy tickets at regular outlets or at the box office.
Bremen City
Ethnic and world-music concerts, jazz, theatre, cabaret and variety are all complemented here by parties, art exhibitions and a bar.
Frankfurt am Main
Cool jazz permeates this tiny, 1972-opened jazz-club/pub. Live concerts take place most nights – check the calendar for details.
Dresden
Cool cats of all ages come out to this legendary Dresden jazz joint for good music from local and international talent.
Wiesbaden
The Hessian State Theatre puts on operas, operettas, ballet, classical music, musicals, plays and events for children.
Hanover
This alternative gay and lesbian centre, refitted in 2015, regularly hosts concerts, theatre, karaoke and club nights.
Baden-Baden
The revered Philharmonie Baden-Baden frequently performs in the Kurhaus.
Heidelberg
Right on the Hauptstrasse, this cute little cinema with just 131 seats shows art-house films, some in English.
St Pauli & Reeperbahn
Favourite local football team FC St Pauli plays at home in the multi-use Millerntor stadium.
Stuttgart
This dynamic theatre stages live rock, jazz and other music genres, plus theatre and comedy performances.
Dresden
This large venue inside a redeveloped 19th-century powerplant holds weekly raves and live concerts.
Wiesbaden
Live music and top-name DJs make this venue a huge draw for music lovers, with events most nights.
Hanover
Stages excellent performances of contemporary theatre and cabaret. Performances are in German.
Mainz
The state theatre stages plays, opera and ballet. Students get significant discounts.
Munich
Hosts a real jumble of acts and shows, from magicians to light comedies to musicals.
Northern Germany
The state theatre offers a varied range of concerts and theatrical performances.
City West & Charlottenburg
Feel like a member of the Prussian court during this series of candlelit classical concerts, where musicians dressed in powdered wigs and historical…
