Stuttgart has beer on the brain. Local lagers include tangy, medium-bodied Dinkelacker, smooth Schwaben Bräu and pale gold Stuttgarter Hofbräu. Party till late in lively Charlottenplatz and arty Friedrichstrasse, or seek out the best live music and clubs in Hauptstätter Strasse and Calwer Strasse.

Late-night partying: Mash
Minimalist and trendy Mash (Forststrasse7) rocks by night, with top DJs spinning tunes, Mash beer and 70 cocktails to choose from. Make your own Flammkuchen (Alsatian pizza) in the restaurant, chill on the terrace, or catch the latest Latino grooves in the lounge.

Tasty homebrews: Sophie's Brauhaus As Swabian as they come, this friendly brewpub in central Stuttgart (Marienstrasse 28) has a laid-back vibe. It serves homebrews such as dry Blonde Sophie and dark SchwarzBier, with tasty Wurstsalat (sausage salad) and Weißwürste (white sausages).

Very British pub: Old Ascot England fans will feel right at home in this cosy wood-beamed pub (Königstrasse 5), with a true British feel. One of Stuttgart's oldest pubs, it' a great spot to enjoy local beers, golden oldies and bar snacks. The terrace comes alive in summer.