For decades, Berlin's clubs have made the city a place of longing - and a magnet for night owls from all over the world. Their history is closely linked to the major political changes in the city: Techno and club culture reflects the trends of the times like no other industry - which is why it has been UNESCO cultural heritage. Techno has become the soundtrack for the spirit of freedom after the fall of the Berlin Wall. At the same time, Berlin's clubs offer protected spaces for exchange and new ideas. We introduce you to 11 Berlin clubs as cultural venues.
Tip 1: Club culture at Berghain: beats, trends & live music
Berghain has made a name for itself as the club with the toughest door in the world. Doorman Sven Marquardt, who also takes great photos, has become something of a celebrity in Berlin's nightlife and techno scene. Once inside, steel, concrete and techno await you - and a world in which you can dive in and dance until Monday morning. With Panorama Bar, Kantine and Säule, Berghain also has space for concerts and not-so-hard sounds. Every year in May, the beer garden on the grounds of the former combined heat and power plant opens.
When: depending on the event
Where: At the Wrienz railway station
Tip 2: Dance tango at KitKat
The parties at the KitKat Club are legendary, as are the outfits of the guests. At KitKat you can live out your fantasies freely in a protected atmosphere. Changing theme parties invite you to a lusty club and party experience: from hot symbiotic nights to a chilled-out after-party on Sunday morning and much more. Tango Rouge also invites you to KitKat for sensual tango nights.
By the way: KitKat and Sage club share premises - on Thursdays you can listen to rock and metal at Sage, at the weekend the KitKat team takes over.
When: depending on the party
Where: Köpenicker Straße 76, Mitte
Tip 3: Tresor - light and performance art in front of rough concrete in the vault
A real Berlin legend: You can see the door of the club founded in 1991 in the vault of a former department stores' in the Berlin Global exhibition at the Humboldt Forum. The original sound has also remained - which finds its roots in the techno scene in Detroit. To this day, the Tresor Berlin Club and the label of the same name are closely linked to the scene there. At Tresor, by the way, you don't just hear top international acts. The raw industrial spaces of the former cogeneration plant in Berlin Mitte often provide the backdrop for art exhibitions and performances.
Tip: You can currently see "We felt a star dying" here, a multi-sensory installation in which French artist and filmmaker Laure Prouvost combines art with quantum science and invites you to rethink the boundaries of perception and technology in a poetic world of experience.
When: depending on the event
Where: Köpenicker Straße 70, Kreuzberg
Tip 4: Roller skate and listen to readings at SO36
SO36 has its roots in the punk and squatter era. Today, the event hall on Oranienstraße, named after the abbreviation of the former postal delivery code of this Kreuzberg neighbourhood, sees itself as a creative melting pot for Berlin's colourful and queer scene. From the reading stage for system-relevant humour to the roller disco (from 4 p.m. for kids, from 6 p.m. for adults) and the night flea market to parties and concerts, you'll find a diverse programme that's just really fun!
When: depending on the event
Where: Oranienstraße 190, Kreuzberg
Tip 5: Experience the diversity of the African diaspora in Berlin at Maaya
Berlin is a melting pot of cultures - and with its unique concept, MAAYA brings an exciting platform for art, music and lifestyle of the African diaspora to Berlin. Including a pool, sun deck, several bars, a gallery and a large garden, this club and event space is a lively centre where diversity is not only celebrated, but actively shaped. Here, art, cuisine and music merge into an immersive experience. Feel the joie de vivre and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy and cultural depth of the African diaspora in Berlin. And of course, don't forget your swimsuit!
When: depending on the event
Where: Alt-Stralau 70, Friedrichshain
Tip 6: Excellent music and cultural programme at the Gretchen
Within the historic walls of a former cavalry stable, electronic avant-garde, jazz, hip-hop and global beats merge into a unique soundscape at Gretchen. With a special focus on newcomers, FLINTA* artists and marginalised communities, Gretchen actively contributes to Berlin's cultural landscape. Here you can experience Berlin culture in its most dynamic form. Winner of the APPLAUS Federal Culture Award several times, the club's bold, genre-spanning programme shows how club spaces can become platforms for innovation, dialogue and diversity. We have put together an overview of all concerts in Berlin for you in our tips for gig tripping:
When: depending on the event
Where: Obentrautstraße 19-21, Kreuzberg
Tip 7: Learn new rhythms at percussion workshops at Yaam
Yaam has been a meeting place and event location since 1994. Behind the club on the Schillingbrücke with direct access to the Spree is a non-profit association. In addition to parties and concerts with reggae, hip hop, dub, afrobeat and soul, the association also organises sports and percussion workshops, as well as occasional cultural events from comedy to magic shows. Relax at the beach bar to the sounds of reggae and enjoy a day on Berlin's Spree beach with the whole family. There's an extra children's corner for kids. And Yaam has already won awards for its multicultural youth work.
When: depending on the event
Where: An der Schillingbrücke 3, Friedrichshain
YAAM
Tip 8: Test your soccer knowledge at Astra Kulturhaus
In GDR times, the Astra on the former Reichsbahn RAW site in Friedrichshain was a real cultural centre. Today, it mainly hosts concerts and club parties, but there are also readings and other cultural events. The 11Freunde pub quiz is legendary. Here you can impress the two editors of the soccer magazine 11Freunde, Tim Jürgens and Uli Hesse, withyour soccer knowledge. And what, if not football, is real pop culture in German lands.
By the way: The Astra has several bars and a large beer garden and is completely accessible!
When: depending on the event
Where: Revaler Straße 99, Friedrichshain
Tip 9: Have fun with stand-up comedy at Ritter Butzke
Of course, the old factory hall on Moritzplatz is a great place to dance to techno beats. But regularly you can also have a good laugh here under chandeliers and disco balls. Ritter Butzke invites you to stand-up comedy at irregular intervals. Next up is the "Ice-Cream Stand Up Show" presented by Till Reiners & Falk Pyrczek.
When: depending on the event
Where: Ritterstraße 24 - 27, Kreuzberg
Tip 10: Enjoy free admission to queer cultural events at SchwuZ
The SchwuZ is not only the oldest queer club in Germany, but also one of the biggest. There is something going on here almost 365 days a year. The halls of the former KINDL brewery offer space for up to 1000 people on three floors. In addition to the exuberant dance parties, there is an extensive programme of events including drag shows, talent competitions, karaoke, but also readings and discussions in the Pepsi Boston Bar. Admission to these is free during the week and until 10.30pm on weekends.
When: Wednesday, Thursday 7pm - 1am, Friday 7pm - Saturday 7am, Saturday 10am - Sunday 8am.
Where: Rollbergstraße 26, Neukölln
Tip 11: KulturBrauerei brews up a nice mix of clubbing, culture and more
As the name suggests, you will find a good mix of culture, parties and leisure activities at the KulturBrauerei. In addition to clubs and restaurants, the site of the former brewery is also home to a museum, the RambaZamba Theatre, the House of Poetry, a cinema, a dance school, a branch of New York University and many other cultural providers and associations. In summer, the inner courtyard attracts visitors with festivals and performances.
When: depending on the event
Where: Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg
