Get to Know the Real Nightlife of Berlin

Welcome to Europe’s nightlife capital. Hands down, Berlin takes the trophy. With its international reputation for its major techno clubs and anything goes attitude, the energy is electric. The bars are hip, the drinks are cheap and the dancefloor is wild. When night falls in Berlin, everything is possible. Dress codes are almost universally casual here, in the spirit of the city’s liberal attitude. Nightclubs usually don’t open until after midnight, with the earliest being 23:00 pm. So go along with the local party goers. Start the evening in one of the many bars and let the night flow on from there, dancing until the morning. Public transport makes this a lot easier too, operating the metro throughout the weekend nights. Or take one of the first metros after drinking your morning coffee, whilst the sun rises over the city. There’s something for everyone in Berlin, and this guide will highlight some great spots to start.   

Geist im Glas

Some of the best cocktails in Berlin can be found here, at prices that won’t empty your wallet. The interior design is beautiful and carefully curated. This makes it a versatile spot for a slower evening or getting the party started. The waiting staff are super friendly too, making a great kick off to the night. They say history repeats itself, and this is so true here. In the morning they open up again at 10:00 am for an amazing brunch. You’ll be really missing a trick if you don’t come back around again to cure your hangover. Find it in the Kreuzberg district.

Dschungel

Ever the innovative, pushing the boundaries of what is considered normal can be found in Berlin. A fantastic example of this is Dschungle (Jungle) Bar. In the heart of the Neukölln district is this enclosed wilderness. The interior is made up of many plants, providing decoration and the Tarzan style theme of this bar. They also provide habitat to the many live frogs that inhabit the bar. Cat cafes eat this place’s dust.

Mein Haus am See

Of the top bars in the ever popular Mitte district, Mein Haus is ranking up there. The locals love it too, meaning it is one of the last bars to close in the not so small morning hours. It has also become highly attractive to tourists, thanks to its location on the Rosenthaler Platz. Furthermore, it is probably the cheapest bar you can find in Mitte. The biggest hidden surprise, however, is in the basement. A rotating dance floor which will really get you started for a night at the clubs.  

Most clubs in Berlin are fairly easy to get into. They only require a fairly decent standard of behaviour and patience, waiting in the queue. These can get fairly long, especially at peak times. Most clubs have a fee, but this is likely to be between €8-€15. Knowing the DJ or someone in the club will also be helpful in gaining entrance.

OHM

Running monthly Wednesday night events at OMH nightclub, Trade brings future-forward beats throughout the night. Also organising events at other venues as well, the best touring DJs are paired with local talent. Simon Kaiser, Low Vision and Laurel Halo are a small number of names on their line up. Techno and electronic is the rage here, with boundary-pushing beats. You will definitely be on the edge of the scene at one of their nights. OHM is located close to the centre of town on Köpenicker street.  

Berghain and Panorama Bar

The legendary Berghain is known as the place to go for heavy Berlin nightlife. It is where people party to the max and the party goes from wild to amplified. As the strict, no camera policy shows, ‘what happens in Berghain stays in Berghain’. Located in a dusty old building, on the border of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. it is set out over three packed floors, with the techno music dark room being the middle floor. Leisure System takes the helm on a quarterly basis, pumping out an XXL sound. With music in the realms of techno, house and occasional dance tracks, you will be dancing all night long. That being said, it is known to be notoriously difficult to get into Berghain. It really is that popular. And, if you do manage to get in, you are certain to have a great time. Many notable celebrities have been spotted at Berghain. The upper floor is the Panorama Bar, an upstairs bar with a dancefloor. The emphasis of music here is on the house. There are also amazing views overlooking the river.

House of Weekend

On the upper floors of an old office building, The Weekend is one of the best clubs in town. With hip vibes and an amazing panoramic view of the city, the atmosphere is really special. A bar and furniture are in an island at the centre for a more relaxed feel. Located in Alexanderplatz, it is right in the centre of town and perfect to watch the sunrise. In the summer months, the roof is also open for partying and barbeques.

Underground Clubs

Known for its many superclubs and such high demand, you can expect to see queues of free-spirited individuals outside the clubs throughout the night. If you want to take things more underground, there are plenty of bars and clubs which take advantage of flexible squatting laws, particularly on the Rigaer Strasse. The underground clubs, they take the party vibe to a whole new level. The best way to find is by knowing a local in the loop. Sometimes, they are advertised outside nightclubs by flyer guys. You may be in luck, and your hostel staff might know about one happening. They do tend to close down as quickly as they spring up though, so if they are your thing, take the chance. Throughout the night in Berlin, always be ready to dance. Otherwise, you can look forward to more savoury options, like the huge festivals that are frequently organised city-wide throughout the year. It is truly here in Berlin that you’ll learn to never sit still for long. The best way to find is by knowing a local in the loop. Sometimes, they are advertised outside nightclubs by flyer guys. You may be in luck, and your hostel staff might know about one happening. They do tend to close down as quickly as they spring up though, so if they are your thing, take the chance. Throughout the night in Berlin, always be ready to dance.