Gelsenkirchen is just a stone's throw from Dortmund's famous breweries. Rolling out the barrel for the World Cup, hop-thirsty fans can put on their beer goggles and test out the local brews in the city centre and the Buer district. For starters, try a refreshing Pilsner, dark Alt beer or Kölsch lager.

Best local brews: Brauhaus Hibernia
Drink beside gleaming copper barrels at this popular brewpub (Bahnhofsvorplatz 2) in the centre of town. Try one of their own brews, such as light-flavoured Grubengold or full-bodied Ruhr Pott - available by the glass or in 10-litre barrels.

Pre-game beer: Der Schalker
Right next to the stadium, this football-crazy bar and bistro (Kurt-Schumacher-Strasse 284a) is a winner. Enjoy a draught beer or two before or after the game in the spacious beer garden. If you're hungry, lunch here is good value.

Party place: Alte Hütte
Dance the night away at Gelsenkirchen's liveliest club (Middelicher Strasse 187), where DJs spin tunes till dawn and drinks are cheap. Beer lovers should order a laufende Meter - 16 glasses of beer stretching a metre long.