S'amuser et sortir North Rhine-Westphalia
143 Fun - Going out North Rhine-Westphalia
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Practical information : Going out North Rhine-Westphalia
Timetable
While bars generally close around 2am, clubs and discos in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn keep much later hours. Most keep the party going until the wee hours of the morning. Places to dance are generally open on weekends, although some establishments offer themed evenings in the middle of the week too. On Sundays and Mondays, you're likely to find a closed door. There's a wide variety of clubs and parties to choose from, so check out their social networks and websites beforehand.
Budget & Tips
Depending on whether you're going to a more upscale club or a more alternative one, the entrance fee can vary from 10 to 20 euros on average. Payment by credit card is possible most of the time, and tipping is desirable for the bar staff who serve your drinks. For concerts, it depends on the venue and the artist. A concert ticket can cost from 15 euros to almost 50 euros if the show takes place in a large venue.
To be booked
You don't need to book in advance to go to a nightclub, except in the case of a special event or concert. For concert halls, of course, you can pick up your tickets on the evening of the event. In the case of discotheques, you can do so at what the Germans call the "Abendkasse", or "evening box office". Finally, when it comes to opera and classical music, make sure you book early, as they're often sold out by the evening.
Night transport
Public transport is well thought out and organized, so you can get home safely after your party. From Friday evening to Sunday morning, streetcars and subway trains run non-stop. The rest of the week, transport stops at around 1am and resumes around 4.30am. Night bus services complement the streetcar lines to serve outlying districts. On the eve of public holidays, the service operates in the same way as at weekends.
Age restrictions
Entrance to nightclubs is restricted to persons aged 18 and over. In case of doubt, security staff may ask for proof of identity for verification. Minors may attend concerts only if accompanied by an adult.
What's very local
The night-time atmosphere in Germany is generally more relaxed than in France. Although it's becoming rare, some establishments didn't even have security staff until recently. Depending on the discotheque you go to and its standing, the"dresscode" will not be the same. You'll need to make an effort for a generalist or chic club, and adopt a relaxed dress code for the electro nights of alternative clubs. For classical concerts and operas, appropriate dress is expected.
Smokers
Like bars and restaurants, current legislation prohibits smoking in enclosed spaces such as nightclubs and concert halls.