The 10 Best Nightclubs in Dusseldorf

Café, bar, lounge, nightclub, creative space. Three graduates from the Art Academy in Düsseldorf founded the venue in 2004 to create a forum for young and lesser known artists. Wood panel walls, a checkered carpet, leather seats and minimalist furniture create a 70s vibe. During the day, the venue serves as a quiet café and offers cakes, snacks and teas and coffees. The events in the evening range from DJ-sets, unusual concerts and films nights to lectures, panel discussion and plays – all far from mainstream. The Salon has quickly become one of Düsseldorf’s most popular venues and draws a hip and artsy crowd.

One of Düsseldorf’s most popular nightclubs recently reopened with an overhauled concept and a new look. On Fridays the downstairs area becomes a chill-out lounge with fantastic cocktails and ambient music, perfect if you want to ease into the weekend. Upstairs, the smaller floor plays house, electro and hip hop for those wanting to stay out late. On Saturdays, the Nachtresidenz continues with its legendary party nights in the spectacular upstairs domed hall.

Once a film and recording studio, the venue is now one of the city’s hottest nightlife locations and live music venues, which is only in part owed to the excellent acoustics. Popular party series such as the ‘Candy Shop’, ‘Lollipop’ and ‘Afterwork-Party’ happen here on a regular basis. Make sure to dress up – sneakers and jeans won’t get you in. If you do, two floors with humming club and electro sounds, stylish party-goers and electrifying atmosphere await you.

The Château Rikx is known for drawing a mixed crowd and excessive party nights. The small club in Düsseldorf’s Oberkassel districton the left bank of the Rhine is a pub/bar/café/club with a certain rebellious vibe to it. The venue banks on crashing party sounds, moderate prices for drinks and a casual dress code and fills a niche in the city’s predominantly chic party scene.

This club is part of the Schlösser Quartier Bohème complex which combines a restaurant, bar, club and a space for cultural events. The crowd are a wild mix of students and professionals, young and old, singles, cliques and families. On club nights, renowned DJs and other top acts deliver groove, funk and house sounds along with party classics. The dress code is not too strict, but a stylish and trendy look is welcomed.

This club on the world famous high-end shopping street, Königsallee, has changed hands several times in the 27 years of its existence. Once known as ‘Sam’s’ the club was a popular hangout for celebrities and hit international headlines. Now, the Düsseldorf in-crowd queues outside Jackie O to enjoy dance and electronic music in the chic basement venue. This locale is for those who appreciate first-class service, a discreet atmosphere and champagne. Needless to say, there’s a strict dress code in place.

Here, the name doesn’t say it all. The Schickimicki Club is anything but a fancy-schmancy in-crowd club but more of a 700-sq ft living room for the alternative party scene. Thursdays to Fridays, students and young party lovers flock to this small venue in the old town and sway to rocky guitar sounds, electronic beats and hip hop. Jägermeister and beer are the beverages of choice and an open-minded attitude is more important than your outfit.

This large hallis home to flea markets, concerts, club nights and other events. The music and people change with each event ranging from the gay party night ‘Mandanzz’ to 80s and 90s parties. Guests dress casually. The outside area has been transformed into the ‘Treibgut’ beach club with sun chairs, pool, for-rent BBQs and a 10,700-sq ft sandy ‘beach’ which is open all summer.

The trendy cocktail lounge and nightclub is known for a chilled atmosphere and guests in their twenties come here for soul and funk beats. In a small alley off the buzzing old town centre guests step down into the vaulted basement of the Mauer-Club which has been decorated with attention to detail. Those who don’t want to hit the dance floor, retreat to the alcove seats and sip on a cocktail. Drinks are affordable and the dress code is casual.

The Tube used to be a punk rock location but the range of music played during live gigs and nights out has broadened but is still dedicated to guitar-heavy sounds. What hasn’t changed is the welcoming door policy and the underground vibe. Band posters and stickers still cover the walls and the venue remains as a popular, if not the spot for easy-listening lovers.