Mata Hari Bar

Imagine a place often called “the smallest and most beautiful living room” in the entire city. Mata Hari Bar is an iconic establishment tucked away among the charming half-timbered facades of Weißgerbergasse. Located in the historic heart of Nuremberg, this bar has become a true nightlife legend, offering guests more than just drinks—it provides exceptional coziness and soul.

Mata Hari Bar. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Despite its modest size, this corner of Germany, shown in its best unofficial light, houses an impressive collection of spirits. Here, you'll be offered over 40 types of exquisite cocktails, about 20 varieties of whisky, and 15 types of beer. The bar's interior resembles a good old lounge where there is no room for pretension, and instead of loud hip-hop, you'll hear guitar riffs and quality rock.

The popularity of Mata Hari Bar stems from its unique ability to bring all kinds of people together. People come here for professionally mixed gin and tonics, live musical performances, and that specific 90s atmosphere that has been carefully preserved and enhanced with modern service. This place is a must-visit for those who want to see the "authentic" and living city.

For more details or to book a table at this popular venue, you can use the bar's official contact information.

At Mata Hari Bar, the main activity is the art of tasting and slow conversation. The first thing you should do is check out the bar menu: it has evolved over many years and now features more than 40 cocktails. If you can't decide, trust the bartenders—they are true masters of their craft. Be sure to try their signature gin and tonic or choose one of the 20 varieties of single malt whisky to warm up after a walk around town.

Music lovers are in for a special treat—live music. Instead of the usual club beats, the bar often features live guitars, acoustic sets, and DJs who prefer rock and indie sounds. The intimate setting makes this place ideal for a romantic date or deep conversations with friends under the soft light of the lamps.

If you find yourself here on a weekend, don't miss the chance to head down to the small cellar (Gewölbekeller). This is where the legendary "after-hours" parties take place, allowing you to experience the old-school spirit of Nuremberg. During the warmer months, it's lovely to sit at a table right on the street, admiring the ancient architecture of Weißgerbergasse and watching the city come alive in the evening.

Finding Mata Hari Bar is easy, as it is located in the heart of the historic center on Weißgerbergasse 31. This street is considered one of the most picturesque in the city thanks to its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses. If you are already walking through the center, it's just a 5–10 minute stroll from the Market Square (Hauptmarkt).

For those preferring public transport, the most convenient way is to use the subway (U-Bahn). The nearest stations are Lorenzkirche (line U1) or the transport hubs around Hauptmarkt. The bar is just a 3–5 minute walk from the subway stations. Buses also run towards the center, stopping at the City Hall (Rathaus) or on Weißgerberstraße.

A taxi ride from anywhere in the central district will be quick and comfortable, though keep in mind the bar is located in a pedestrian zone. If you are traveling by car, remember that parking in the Old Town is very limited. It is recommended to leave your car at one of the Park & Ride lots on the outskirts and take the subway to the center to avoid any hassle.

The building that houses Mata Hari Bar today is a historical treasure in itself. House number 31 on Weißgerbergasse is one of the 22 half-timbered houses that miraculously survived the bombings of World War II. In the mid-20th century, it housed an ordinary shop and residential rooms, and its period facade was hidden under a layer of plaster.

The bar's history here began long before its current name. Until 1994, it was home to a popular local beer pub called Die Kneipe. The turning point came when a charismatic owner named Linda took over. It was at the suggestion of regular guests that the venue was named after the legendary spy Mata Hari, and the bar quickly gained cult status among alternative youth and fans of late-night cellar parties.

Since 2002, the bar has been run by Tom Höer and Lorenz Wagener, who were long-time fans of the place. They decided to preserve the intimate "living room" atmosphere but refreshed the concept, moving away from electronic music in favor of live guitar sounds and rock. Today, Mata Hari Bar is a registered trademark and a true symbol of the city's nightlife, preserving the spirit of Old Nuremberg.

To truly feel the atmosphere of the venue and enjoy a couple of signature drinks, 1–2 hours is usually enough. This is the perfect timeframe for an evening aperitif or to wrap up a walk through the historic center. The bar's small space helps you quickly immerse yourself in its cozy microworld.

However, if your visit coincides with a live music performance or if you plan to drop by the famous after-hours parties held in the cellar, time can fly by unnoticed. On Fridays and Saturdays, guests often stay until dawn, enjoying the company and high-quality music.

The doors of Mata Hari Bar are open to guests daily, making it a great option for a break any day of the week. The main opening hours are as follows:

• Monday — Thursday: from 15:00 to 02:00
• Friday — Saturday: from 15:00 to 05:00
• Sunday: from 15:00 to 02:00

Please note that on Fridays and Saturdays, the bar stays open until the early morning, turning into the epicenter of nightlife with after-hours sessions in the cellar.

After a cozy evening at the bar or before your visit, it's worth taking some time to explore the surroundings. Its location in the historic center makes it easy to combine cocktail tasting with sightseeing or active recreation.

Within walking distance and within a couple of kilometers of the bar, you can find both entertainment centers and spots for quiet walks. Below are some interesting locations nearby: