How and Where to Spend Your Night Out in Aachen
A Guide to Bars, Clubs, and Late-Night Eats
The nightlife scene of Aachen offers a variety of opportunities for socializing well beyond midnight. The city brings together old-world character and a lively student scene, making it an ideal place to discover live music, meet new people, or enjoy a laid-back evening with friends.
Ponttor & Pontviertel – The Centre of Nightlife
The area surrounding Ponttor is the core of Aachen nightlife. Pontviertel, often called the student district of Aachen, runs the length of Pontstraße and is packed with bars, clubs, and places to grab food late into the night. Students from both RWTH and FH Aachen fill the area, bringing vibrant energy almost every evening.
Where to Go
- Molkerei, informal with wide drink menu, open till 3 am weekends
- essBar, bar, restaurant & live music venue, open till 5 am Fri–Sat
- Apollo Kino & Bar, arthouse films by day, nightclub by night
- Domkeller, classic German pub, vintage interiors, live music till 2–3 am
Artsy and Alternative Hangouts
- Südoase, arts-focused event location in Südviertel, open Thurs–Fri till 2 am, cultural nights, open stage
- Dein Hotel Europa, hybrid club & event hall, concerts and parties till 5 am weekends
- Musikbunker Aachen, concerts and club nights in a WWII bunker
- Kuckucksnest & The bar Cantona, relaxed creative venues for live music
Cocktails, Late Nights & Social Spots
- Grotesque Absinthe Bar, cocktails & rare absinthes till 1 am weekends
- Nikas Bar and The Gin Library, craft cocktails, open late Fri–Sat
- NOX, late-night dance club, themed parties till 6 am Sat–Sun
- Last Exit & Tijuana, student haunts for drinks and music
Practical Tips for a Night Out in Aachen
Public Transport and Getting Home Safely
- Night bus lines (Nachtexpress) operate weekends and holidays from central spots like Elisenbrunnen and Aachen Bushof; lines prefixed “N” cover Ponttor and the Pontviertel.
- Use movA or DB Navigator for real-time schedules and fastest routes.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps available when buses stop.
Late-Night Food Options
On Pontstraße
- AKL, Lebanese takeaway open until 11 pm
Pizzerias
- Vabene! Pizzeria & Aperitivo, till 11 pm (Theaterstraße)
- 60 seconds to napoli aachen, till midnight (Markt)
- La Bella Sera, till 2 am (Elsasspl.)
- Pizza Nanino Aachen, till 12:30 am (Rochusstraße)
- Pizzeria Veneto Aachen, till 3:30 am (Stolberger Str.)
Döner Kebabs
- Meister Döner & Ağa Gemüsekebab, till 11 pm
- Usta Kebap, till 11 pm Mon–Sat
- Haus des Döners Aachen, till 1 am Sun–Thu, 3 am weekends
- Deniz Kebap Haus, till 1 am Mon–Wed, 3–6 am Thu–Sun
- Fatih’s Kebap, till 4–5 am Fri–Sat
Fast Food and Snacks
- Louisiana Aachen, midnight Sun–Thu, 1 am Fri–Sat
- HOMEBURGERS, 11:30 pm Sun–Thu, midnight Fri–Sat
- Food Station Aachen, 11 pm Sun–Thu, 3 am Fri–Sat
- Burger King Aachen, 1 am Sun–Thu, 2 am Fri–Sat
Safety Considerations
Aachen is generally safe at night, but:
- Avoid poorly lit or quiet areas and stay with friends
- Secure your belongings and be careful with drinks
- Carry only essential cash/cards and ID
- Seek help or contact authorities promptly if uncomfortable
University support services like the RWTH Aachen Equal Opportunities Office provide confidential help in emergencies.
Practical Advice
Many nightlife spots accept contactless payments, but some are cash-only—carry cash just in case.
Useful Resources
The local nightlife options offer something for nearly every taste and mood. Have fun, stay aware of your surroundings, and enjoy a great night out!