26 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 Düsseldorf’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.

One part Italian restaurant, one part cocktail lounge: Masi combines the best of two worlds. While you are sipping on your favorite wine or long drink, you can order traditional Italian or international dishes such as Angus burgers while you watch Munich's high society perusing the Maximilianstrasse. The place becomes even more Italian in summer, when the courtyard and terrace are open.  

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. 

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.

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.

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

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 perennially popular Irish pub in the heart of the Old Town has a vast selection of whiskies and spirits. It also, somewhat surprisingly, does one of the city's best schnitzels. It's open from lunchtime until late.

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. It's open from 4:30 pm to 12 am Tuesday through Saturday.

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.