The student population keeps Strasbourg's nightlife vibrant. Many of the regular hotspots are clustered around the cathedral and along rue des Juifs, however, it is worth considering other options - such as an evening tour on a bateau-mouche (pleasure boat) or the son et lumière (lights show) performances at the cathedral in the summer.

Bars stay open until at least 2330 and often until 0400. The legal age to purchase alcohol in France is 16. Dress code and admission requirements are not an issue in Strasbourg.

Bars

The relaxing Académie de la Bière, 17 rue Adolphe Seyboth, is open daily until 0400, serving over 70 varieties of beer (including beer cocktails) in gorgeous, wooded interiors. The Quai des Bières, at the pont du Corbeau, also offers a large choice of beers and cocktails. 

Another must is Les Frères Berthom, 18 rue de Tonneliers, with attractive décor, friendly staff, a good variety of beer and excellent cocktails - small wonder it is so popular. Murphy's House, 9 rue des Frères, is an ever-popular Irish pub, although not the only one in the city. It comes complete with Irish beers, Celtic music and British television. Irish Times, 19 rue St Barbe, also has live music, foreign beers on tap and English-speaking staff. They have quiz nights on Wednesdays. 

Pub Nelson, 20 rue des Couples, is another anglophile hangout, with a wide choice of beers. The popular Tapas Café, 16 rue de Bain Finkwiller, is an ideal place to sink a jug of Sangria with friends. La Perestroika, 2 rue Thiergarten, is a trendy vodka bar attracting a very mixed crowd. Perennial favourites include the 1950s-style Les Aviateurs, 12 rue des Soeurs, and La Java, 6 rue du Faisans.

Clubs

Le Divan, 6 impasse de l'Ecrevisse (website: www.le-divan.com), with striking décor and on two floors with different ambience, plays Latin music, R 'n B, soul, house, groove and salsa. A mixed crowd dance the night away at Le Chalet, 376 route de la Wantzenau (website: www.strasbourg-by-night.com), with two dance floors, plus karaoke, restaurants and bars in a huge complex. Le Retro, 24 place des Halles (website: www.leretro.com), is a dressy, trendy disco for over-25s only. For a low-budget student vibe try Le Caveau (or K'vo), 1 place de l'Université. Situated under a university canteen, this is about as studenty as it gets.

Live Music

La Salamandre, 3 rue Paul-Janet (website: www.lasalamandre-strasbourg.fr), is a popular venue that hosts around 40 major concerts and shows every year. International stars that have graced the stage include The Stranglers, Les Négresses Vertes, Pulp and Tri Yann. With space for just 500 people and reasonable prices, early booking is essential. In the absence of major performances, check out a wide variety of theme nights, for example salsa, 60s, 80s, student, heavy rock and reggae. Another top venue for live performance, with cabaret, world music and blues is La Laiterie (13 rue du Hohwald; website: www.laiterie.artefact.org).