A good starting point for those keen to experience Stuttgart's bar culture is Ackermanns on Bebelstraße in the west end of the city centre. Here you'll find a good range of beers and wines – plus of course coffee and soft drinks if required. A range of hot and cold snacks and light meals is also offered.

There's seemingly no escaping the Irish-themed bar wherever one goes in Europe, and Stuttgart has its fair share of them. O'Reilly's is one of the newer additions to the fold, offering the expected fare of stout, Irish breakfasts and TV sport, with live music on a regular basis.

Sophie's Brauhaus is a pub-restaurant with an on-site micro-brewery. The venue has a comfortable, traditional feel and visitors have the chance to try a selection of locally produced beers. The food is hearty and the menu provides an opportunity to try a number of Swabian specialities, including a Schwabenpfaennle, which is a pan containing a little of each of the region's delicacies.

Muttermilch, known locally as Mumi, has a slightly retro 70s feel but is ultimately a chic and modern lounge club. Popular for chatting over cocktails, the club has an area which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists and photographers. DJs choose the music, which ranges from house to soul and funk

Close to the New Palace, the Waranga Bar is a fine place to sit outside on the patio and enjoy views of Stuttgart during the day. On Saturday nights, the Waranga Club on the first floor is a classy place to sip a cocktail or enjoy a long drink. The surroundings are pleasant and the crowd tends to be quite young and affluent.

Zwoelfzehn is a centrally located club and open most nights of the week. The musical style varies according to the night, so check the club's website or listings for details. DJs spin their music and this is also a venue for live gigs by both German and international artistes.

BIX Jazzclub has established itself as one of Stuttgart’s leading live music venues over the past few years. The stylish bar has a roomy yet modern and comfortable feel. The style of jazz performed depends upon the night. This is a good spot to enjoy music while eating and enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail.

Kiste is a small live music venue in the centre of the city. With a bar-like feel, Kiste is friendly and a good place to drop into for a beer or cocktail. Live music is performed six nights a week, with the emphasis being on jazz but extending beyond that form of music.

For blues, soul and world music performed by German as well as international artists, the Laboratorium is a well-established venue with regular events.