What it is: Southeast of Düsseldorf’s Altstadt, BrauArt is a beer shop and tasting room that offers more than 400 options. Owner Achim Helbig’s selection includes beers from around the world with a heavy focus on Europe. His 14 rotating taps might include a pale ale from Poland, an IPA from England, and a stout from Germany. There’s a mix of modern craft and world classics, a couple dozen ciders, some nonalcoholic drinks, and a small selection of spirits.
Why it’s great: At the bar, attentive tapsters field questions from the diverse crowd queuing up for service. The few spots around the standing table by the bar are the place to be if you’re interested in quick, lively conversation. BrauArt doesn’t ignore the local culture, either—Helbig has lived in Düsseldorf for more than 30 years and offers fresh, local altbier on draft, as well as packs of mixed bottles that let visitors try each brewery’s offering. He even offers customized guided tours to the breweries themselves. In nice weather, the garage door opens and transforms the space; the patio is popular with cyclists and walkers coming off the north end of the city’s largest park. Comfy couch-style chairs provide a place to sip and contemplate.
Hours: 4 p.m.–10 p.m. Wednesday; 2 p.m.–10 p.m. Thursday–Saturday; 2–9 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday & Tuesday
Address: Emmastraße 25, Düsseldorf
Website: brauart-duesseldorf.de
IG: @brauartduesseldorf