Frankfurt Nightlife
Nightlife in Frankfurt could never be described as dull.
Thanks to the fact that this city has a prominent student population as well as a strong expat community, travellers looking for a night on the tiles can always be guaranteed to find something to suit their tastes.
The large student community means that there are plenty of cheap bars and pubs which enjoy a youthful vibe. The city certainly has its fair share of trendy wine bars and hotspots which are favourites with the more affluent locals.
But for those looking to get away from the various bars and pubs which are desperately trying to be too cool and getting punters to pay a premium for the privilege of being there, Frankfurt does play host to a number of very friendly bars. An Sibin, for example, comes alive during the winter months, when it provides an ideal sanctuary for the many English-speaking expats and travellers in the city. Offering the chance for visitors to meet some friendly faces for a quiet drink and some English chat, this bar is perfect. It also offers live music on Wednesdays, as its downstairs is transformed into something resembling Liverpool's old Cavern club.
Perhaps one of Frankfurt's most surprising pubs is the Casablanca. As the name suggests, this bar prides itself on the famous film, covering its walls with memorabilia and other paraphernalia from the movie. While it might be thousands of miles from Casablanca, a visitor to this bar might be forgiven for expecting to see the likes of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman sipping on a drink!
However, for travellers looking to get a closer knowledge of Frankfurt and a better feel for the locals, a trip to a more traditional pub may be in order. Cafe Sonderbar is one such pub which fits the bill. Typically German, with a mainly local clientele, this bar lies across from the banks of the Main and offers traditional German pub food and drink. Despite its largely German clientele, this pub is not averse to strangers and it has an open, relaxed atmosphere.
Musically talented travellers might be tempted into the Balalaika club. Around once an hour, owner and New York jazz singer Anita walks out on stage to belt out some blues. But in between times, other local musicians take to the stage and anyone wishing to play something for the jazz-loving crowd are welcome to – provided it is good – in this incredibly relaxed club. Little wonder then that it has become a firm favourite among jazz fans in Frankfurt.
Lovers of live music should head to Batschkapp, which is the third largest professional venue for bands and live acts in the city. But it is perhaps the favourite among some of the top local acts, as well as some from further afield, due in no small measure to the close proximity of the stage to the dance floor. The intimate setting means that revellers often feel as though they are part of the show.
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Nightlife
