25 Best Bars in Germany

Frequented by students and hipsters, this lively two-story bar near the main train station is famous for its cheap drinks and kitschy atmosphere.

Belly up to the wood bar of this pint-sized Altstadt institution and ask for an ice-cold shot of Dusseldorf’s famous ruby-red liqueur, Killepitsch. Or do as the locals do and order one through the tiny bar window, then sip it al fresco standing around the high outdoor tables.

As befits its name, this minuscule bar has just a handful of tables and stools, but it’s big on atmosphere, with wood-lined walls decorated with vintage posters, an antique cash register, and an old piano wedged in the corner.

For a smooth cocktail, cool lounge music, and jaw-droppingly good views over the city and harbor, try this bar, which is one of the most popular nightspots in town. It's best to book ahead, particularly on weekends.

This bar has a black-on-black design, good looks all over, great service, and endless drink options. It's also within one of the hottest hotels in town.

The candlelit, rough-wood tables, water-stained walls, and frequent appearances by local musicians just dropping by for a few tunes give this cozy cocktail bar an artsy, old-world feel. Lovingly nicknamed "the Gramophone Bar" for the old gramophone that sits in its window, Bellmann is a place to linger and chat over a glass of wine or a whiskey from the outstanding collection.

College students and a mostly young crowd raise their glasses and voices above the din at Café Bar Belushi.

Like the rest of the Marriott Hotel, this sports bar is designed to make Americans feel at home. The walls are lined with team jerseys, autographed helmets, and photographs of professional athletes. The 23 TVs can be tuned to the American Forces Network, which carries the full range of American sports. Food leans toward buffalo wings, hamburgers, and brownies.

Aachen's most popular bar is a good place to mingle with locals of all ages at old wooden tables, enjoying an impressive selection of Belgian beers in a historic building from 1658. There are free concerts every Monday, apart from a short break in summer.

A grown-up crowd focused on conversation and appreciating outstanding cocktails heads to Green Door, a Schöneberg classic (note that smoking is allowed). The decor is retro 1960s style, with gingham walls and floor lamps.

The stylish decor and the energetic crowd at Hafen make it a popular singles hangout.

For a New York City–style corner-bar experience, check out Holy Home, in the heart of the trendy Gärtnerplatz district. A hip local crowd frequents this hole-in-the-wall that books great low-key DJs.

This posh bar in Mitte has been around for ages. Helmut Newton's larger-than-life photos of nude women decorate the walls.

Opened in 1967, the Ochsengarten is Munich's men-only bar for lovers of leather and rubber.

This classic, kitschy, roaring twenties–style Altstadt Biersalon plays oldies from Piaf to Porter.

The name ironically refers to the planned socialist economic system; it attracts an alternative crowd.

Modeled after a Tokyo jazz bar, this cozy hangout features classic cocktails, natural wines, and a small selection of snacks; rare for Berlin, they don’t allow smoking inside. Rhinoçéros also holds regular “listening parties” where jazz records are played for a silent audience, followed by drinks and chats.

If you don't find any eye candy at tiny Roses there are always the furry red walls and kitschy paraphernalia to admire. It opens at 9:30 pm and keeps going until very late (and is usually very smoky).

This cozy and crowded Italian restaurant and bar features the occasional live jazz night and also screens live football games from time to time.

Facing stiff competition from a number of newly opened and similarly loftily perched cocktail joints, the Tower Bar may have aged a tad since its opening in 1987, but its service, reasonably priced drinks, and views over the harbor and city all remain good reasons to reserve a window table for a sundowner or two.

The Türkenhof is a solid local pub that serves Augustiner and good, affordable food.

This bar attracts with creative cocktail creations, modern decor, and friendly service. The venue is quite small and fills up quickly. Open from 4:30 pm to 12 am.

This Irish pub has Murphy's Stout on tap, and on most nights there's live music starting at 8:30. 

Named after a 1962 surrealist film by Luis Buñuel (known as The Exterminating Angel in English), this classy joint offers an elaborate cocktail menu in a well-designed space off Kottbusser Tor. The bar's loyal fans spill out onto the streets on busy nights, and an evening tapas menu comes from the neighboring restaurant, Gorgonzola Club.