Düsseldorf

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Bars and Pubs

Sections

1. Popular Bars and Pubs in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is famous for its Altstadt (Old Town), often referred to as the "longest bar in the world" (längste Theke der Welt), due to its dense concentration of bars, pubs, and breweries. Here are some must-visit establishments:

Traditional Breweries (Brauereien)

  • Uerige

    • What to Expect: A quintessential Düsseldorf brewery serving the city’s iconic Altbier (a dark, top-fermented beer). Uerige is known for its rustic atmosphere and hearty German food like sausages, pork knuckles, and pretzels.
    • Location: Berger Str. 1, Altstadt.
    • Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to midnight.
    • Cost: Altbier costs around €2.50 for a 0.2L glass.
    • Cultural Tip: Waiters (called Köbesse) will keep refilling your glass until you place a coaster on top of it to signal you’re done.

  • Schumacher

    • What to Expect: Another historic brewery offering Altbier and traditional German dishes. It’s slightly less touristy than Uerige.
    • Location: Oststr. 123, near the Hauptbahnhof (main train station).
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to midnight; closed Sundays.
    • Cost: Similar to Uerige, with Altbier priced at around €2.50 per glass.

  • Füchschen

    • What to Expect: A cozy brewery with a family-friendly vibe, serving Altbier and hearty meals like schnitzel and roast pork.
    • Location: Ratinger Str. 28, Altstadt.
    • Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to midnight.
    • Cost: Altbier costs around €2.50 per glass.

Trendy Cocktail Bars

  • Bar Alexander

    • What to Expect: A stylish cocktail bar with a creative menu and skilled bartenders. Perfect for a more upscale experience.
    • Location: Kurze Str. 9, Altstadt.
    • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
    • Cost: Cocktails range from €10 to €15.
    • Cultural Tip: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill is common.

  • The Paris Club Bar

    • What to Expect: Located on the 20th floor of the 25hours Hotel, this bar offers stunning views of the city and a chic atmosphere.
    • Location: Louis-Pasteur-Platz 1, in the trendy district of Derendorf.
    • Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
    • Cost: Cocktails start at €12.

Lively Pubs

  • O’Reilly’s Irish Pub

    • What to Expect: A classic Irish pub with live sports, hearty pub food, and a wide selection of beers.
    • Location: Mutter-Ey-Str. 1, near the Altstadt.
    • Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to late.
    • Cost: Pints of beer cost around €5 to €6.

  • Kuhstall

    • What to Expect: A lively bar popular with younger crowds, offering affordable drinks and a party atmosphere.
    • Location: Bolkerstr. 35, Altstadt.
    • Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
    • Cost: Beers start at €3, cocktails at €7.

2. Drinks and Food

  • Altbier: Düsseldorf’s signature beer, a dark, malty brew served in small 0.2L glasses. It’s a must-try!
  • Killepitsch: A local herbal liqueur similar to Jägermeister, often enjoyed as a digestif. Try it at the Et Kabüffke bar in the Altstadt.
  • Pub Food: Many bars and pubs serve hearty German dishes like sausages (Bratwurst), pork knuckles (Schweinshaxe), and potato pancakes (Reibekuchen).
  • International Options: In addition to German cuisine, you’ll find plenty of international options, especially in cocktail bars and Irish pubs.

3. Average Costs

  • Beer (Altbier): €2.50–€3 for a 0.2L glass.
  • Cocktails: €8–€15, depending on the bar.
  • Food: Snacks like pretzels cost around €3–€5, while full meals range from €10–€20.

4. Opening Hours

  • Bars and pubs in Düsseldorf typically open around 4:00 PM and stay open until midnight or later. Breweries often open earlier, around 10:00 AM, and close by midnight.
  • On weekends, many establishments stay open until 2:00–3:00 AM.

5. Local Customs and Etiquette

  • Tipping: It’s customary to round up the bill or tip around 5–10%. For example, if your bill is €18.50, you can hand over €20 and say stimmt so (keep the change).
  • Refills: In traditional breweries, waiters will automatically bring you another Altbier unless you place a coaster on top of your glass.
  • Socializing: Germans are generally friendly but reserved. Don’t be surprised if locals stick to their groups. However, in the Altstadt, the atmosphere is more relaxed and social.
  • Noise Levels: While lively conversation is encouraged, excessive rowdiness is frowned upon, especially in quieter bars.

6. Payment Methods

  • Cash is King: Many bars and pubs in Düsseldorf prefer cash (Bargeld), so it’s a good idea to carry euros with you.
  • Cards: Some upscale bars and larger establishments accept credit or debit cards, but always check beforehand.
  • ATMs: There are plenty of ATMs (Geldautomaten) in the Altstadt if you need to withdraw cash.

7. Getting There

  • Public Transport: Düsseldorf’s public transport system (buses, trams, and U-Bahn) is efficient and reliable. The Altstadt is easily accessible via the Heinrich-Heine-Allee U-Bahn station.
  • Walking: The Altstadt is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to hop between bars.
  • Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are available but can be expensive. Apps like Free Now are commonly used.

8. Safety Tips

  • General Safety: Düsseldorf is a safe city, but as with any nightlife area, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded bars.
  • Drinking Responsibly: Public intoxication is frowned upon, so pace yourself and drink responsibly.
  • Late-Night Transport: Night buses and trains run on weekends, but check schedules in advance. Alternatively, consider a taxi if it’s late.

9. Düsseldorf-Specific Highlights

  • Altbier Culture: Düsseldorf’s Altbier is a point of pride for locals, and trying it at a traditional brewery is a cultural experience in itself.
  • Killepitsch: Don’t leave without sampling this local herbal liqueur. It’s a unique taste of Düsseldorf.
  • Carnival Season: If you’re visiting during Carnival (February/March), the Altstadt becomes a hub of festivities, with bars and pubs packed with costumed revelers.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy Düsseldorf’s bar and pub scene while respecting local customs and making the most of your visit. Prost! 🍻