Drink in some sweeping panoramic views over a cocktail or two at Germany’s highest lounge bar. This swanky saloon is located some 168m (551 ft) above the ground, on the observation deck of the Rheinturm tower. Thankfully the prices aren’t as breathtaking as the location. Different coloured stools, faux-bricked walls and an alluring menu of spirits and beers, should keep your head in the clouds for a few hours at least.

Opposite the popular beer hall, Uerige, is Et Kabüffke, a bar that prides itself on being the smallest in town. Space is certainly at a premium, especially during peak times, but this diminutive drinking den is the only place to try Düsseldorf's best-known speciality liqueur, Killepitsch, which is made up of a secret mix of some 90 fruits, herbs and spices. Locals will tell you not leave town without having tried it.

Another of Düsseldorf's central brewpubs, Im Füchschen has a sprawling interior and a large terrace. Both can get packed on a weekend evening. The kitchen turns out delicious but stomach-stretching portions of classic regional dishes, while the bar staff pour the house Altbier in an almost constant stream.

First opened way back in 1536, Im Goldenen Ring lays claim to being Düsseldorf's oldest brewery. Today the local beer, Altbier, flows as freely as ever in its airy beer hall and is best washed down with a hearty plate of food. The dishes served here are typical German and Düsseldorf fare, so you won't leave empty stomached. In summer, try and get a table on the cobbles outside where shade from the trees keeps the beers cooler for longer.

Located in the MedienHafen, this recently opened lounge bar enjoys stunning views. It's on the 16th floor of the new Innside Düsseldorf Hafen hotel, and looks out over the river and the rooftops of the Altstadt. The bar mixes sharp modern design with classy old fashioned touches and is already making a name for itself as the place to head for an aperitif or a cocktail.

Another of the city's famed brew pubs, Zum Schlüssel has a reputation for developing some of the finest Altbier in town. Often busy and always noisy, the bar is best enjoyed when the authentic beer hall band strikes up. The food, like hearty Düsseldorf pork knuckle and other regional favourites, is also good, but come prepared, as service rarely comes with a smile.

A night out in the Altstadt means a visit to one of its many brauereigaststätten, venerable beer halls which brew their own beer and serve weighty portions of food. The largest and most famous is Zum Uerige with its arched ceilings, wooden benches and stain-glassed windows. Be warned: the waiters here have a reputation for not letting you leave until you've drunk your fill of Altbier, the local tipple.

This popular lounge bar and club, in the heart of the Altstadt, serves up a range of exotic cocktails and knows how to put on a party. For those who like to dance as they drink, the resident DJ enjoys a reputation for playing some of the hottest tunes in town from Wednesday through until Sunday. Free shots have been known to make an appearance here too.

Easy to find, because the music is so loud. The club plays a mix of Metal & Rock. Listen to the metal sounds and drink beer in this dark and alternative bar from around noon until early morning.

Located at the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf exhibition hall, the Salon des Amateurs is open daily as a bar, and has DJs playing into the night at weekends. Known for its relaxed vibes, it's a favourite among students and anyone else of an artistic persuasion, and holds occasional readings, lectures, and live concerts.

Located in an industrial suburb, this wildly popular nightspot is also one of the largest dance clubs in town. Besides hosting regular DJs and themed music nights, there are also occasional live acts of various genres, from R & B to hardcore punk and even the occasional comedy acts (in German).

Still a little rough around the edges, Dä Spiegel Night Live has been one of the best venues for live music in central Düsseldorf since the late 1960s. It regularly hosts performances by local pop and rock bands. Most shows begin at around 2200 and entrance is usually free. Don't expect an early finish though, chucking out happens around 0400.

The main venue for classical music in Düsseldorf is the green-domed Tonhalle, just a few steps north of the Altstadt. This remarkable piece of landmark architecture, home of the Düsseldorf Symphoniker orchestra, seems to elevate the performances here. Aside from classical ensembles, the Tonhalle puts on shows by a wide range of national and international touring musicians.

Düsseldorf has a thriving performing arts scene and it's no more evidential than at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein opera house, which has put on regular grand opera and operetta performances since 1956, often at very reasonable prices. The company also shares its home theatre with the Ballett am Rhein classical dance troupe.

Tanzhaus Nrw is the spiritual home of contemporary, multicultural music and dance in Düsseldorf. Widely acclaimed as a major regional centre for the arts, the national premieres of a great many cutting-edge productions get their debut here. Housed in a former tram station, Tanzhaus has two stages and puts on around 200 events annually.