Berlin nightlife: Where to party in Berlin

Get to know Berlin's nightlife. From tips and unwritten rules of partying in Berlin to the best party districts and clubs in town.

Shreya

7 minute read

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Updated on 17 Sep 2024

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Living

Of all the reasons that internationals move to Berlin, the nightlife in Berlin is one of the most popular. Berlin is known for its incredibly diverse nightlife and party lifestyle. Whether you prefer a chilled cocktail bar with your close friends or a hardcore rave with like-minded strangers, Berlin has something for everyone. Let’s explore Berlin nightlife and highlight some of the best places to party in Berlin. By the end of this article, you’ll be excited to explore homes in Berlin and immerse yourself in the culture.

Berlin has one of the most unique nightlife scenes in the world. Not only is it very diverse, but the venues are some of the most unique you’ll ever encounter. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, many abandoned buildings were transformed into nightclubs and bars with a distinct Berlin vibe.

Today, you'll find more than 4,500 bars and clubs in Berlin where you can experience the city's world-famous pulsating nightlife.

With so many choices, Berlin's got something for you no matter how you like to party! Whether you want to party the night away at a club or prefer a low-key meet-up with a couple of friends, you’ll find “your spot” in Berlin. And since Berlin doesn't have a closing time, you'll have uninterrupted access to Berlin nightclubs for days on end if you wish.

Ordinarily, a busy nightlife would make a city feel less safe, but Berlin is special in that respect, too! Partygoers look out for one another in Berlin, particularly when you head to raves or hardcore music events. On top of that, Berlin is super safe at night as it has a visible police presence and plenty of public transport links that run through the night. Still, there’re some areas in Berlin that you should avoid to be extra cautious.

Whether you’re planning to move to Berlin or are just visiting, you'll enjoy the world’s best nightlife scene in a safe and welcoming environment.

Berlin has a few districts that are well-known for their party scenes. The Mitte neighbourhood in the centre has something for all partygoers.

The trendy Prenzlauer Berg neighbourhood in East Belin has the Eberswalder Strasse and the Schönhaused Allee. Here, you can find some clubs, plenty of bars on Kastanienalle, and the oldest beer garden in Berlin- Prater Biergarten.

Wrangelstrasse is another lively district that hosts many clubs and bars, such as Watergate, right by the river Spree. Near Treptower, you'll find the expat-friendly club Renate. In Friedrichshain, you'll find alternative clubs with an industrial feel. The world-famous nightclub Berghain is located here.

Kreuzberg in West Berlin is a trendy, urban, multicultural neighbourhood famous for its clubs, low-key bar culture, and great dining options. Some famous clubs in this area include Tresor, So36, Club der Visionaere, and KitKat. You'll also find plenty of restaurants and bars in Oranienstrasse.

Berlin's strict door policy is no secret. Are you wondering how to increase your chances of entering a popular club in Berlin? Then make sure to follow some basic rules:

1. The less elaborate you dress, the better. Often, wearing all black helps to match the techno scene. Overall, you should go for a laid-back look.
2. Do not go in big groups. Within your group, try to have a mix of genders.
3. Do not be drunk, do not be too loud when talking or laughing, and do not look at your phone!
4. Prepare to hand over your switched-off phone so they can cover your camera when entering the club.
5. Do your research to answer the bouncers confidently. Know what DJ is playing and dress the part.
6. Try to speak German, but only do it if you know the language. Being humble and honest always helps.

Apart from the rules, also remember these tips to have a good night out in Berlin:

1. Don't go to clubs before 1 AM. Most clubs start getting crowded around 2 AM
2. Carry cash! Many places in Berlin don't accept cards.
3. Don't worry too much about getting home. The city's public transport runs all night to bring you home safely.

As a newbie to a city with over 4,000 clubs and bars, deciding where to go can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve gathered some of our top recommendations for clubbing in Berlin.

1.Berghain & Panorama Bar

Berghain & Panorama bar is the most famous club in Berlin and arguably one of the best clubs in the world. It’s the successor of the infamous gay club Ostgut, housed in a once-abandoned power plant. The clubbing experience in Berghain is so popular that people flock to this gem from other countries just for the weekend. Even those who don't like clubbing or techno music are bound to be drawn to this infamous and secretive club, just to say they’ve been (or tried to get in).

Thanks to its strict entrance policy, getting to party here is like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Once you enter (if you're lucky), you'll step into a whole different universe.

The people who come to Berghain are liberal, free-spirited, bold, curious, and eccentric. The club's world-class music system is one of its best features. Techno beats reverberate across the main dancefloor's 18-meter ceiling, and the experience is described as intoxicating. The more time you spend there, the more you'll understand why regulars often refer to Berghain as "the church" for techno lovers.

It’s split into two parts; Berghain and Panorama Bar (though most people call the whole venue Berghain). Berghain is a techno paradise, with world-class DJs filling the venue every Friday to Monday. Panorama Bar has a more relaxed vibe, where you can catch your breath and have a drink or two before returning to the dancefloor of Berghain.

Berghain is located in Friedrichshain, close to the Berlin Ostbahnhof railway station.

2. Tresor

Tresor is another techno nightclub in an abandoned power plant in Berlin, offering yet another otherworldly nightclub experience. Once you get inside, you’ll be surrounded by music in its long, concrete corridors. Head upstairs to Globus or +4bar for a change of music if you prefer house or EDM.

If you want to experience Tresor as a local would, the best time to visit is 3 AM. Make sure you’re wearing something comfortable enough to dance the night away.

Tresor is situated in Kreuzberg. You can party here on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday every week.

3. Sisyphos

Even though it’s a bit out of the typical Berlin nightlife zones, Sisyphos is an adventure in itself, so you won’t need to club hop. Located in an abandoned dog food factory, partying in Sisyphos can feel like you’re on vacation or in a carnival! This club has vast indoor and outdoor areas, including a lake (we’re not kidding), an empty bus and numerous dance floors with different types of music playing on any given night. If you get hungry, you can grab some food or a coffee. You can see how people lose track of time while partying in Sisyphos. Another perk of Sisyphos is that their entrance policies are slightly more relaxed than those of other clubs like Berghain.

Though it’s a bit further from the action of areas like Mitte or Kreuzberg, Sisyphos is worth the journey out of the centre of Berlin. It’s also located beside the Gustav-Holzmann-Str tram stop, so you can use public transport to and from there. Sisyphos is usually open from Friday to Monday.

4. Watergate

Watergate is a riverside club with 2 floors and an incredible music system. From techno to R&B, the variety of music playing here means there’s something for everyone. Their revolutionary LED light system makes partying here a unique affair. Of course, one of the biggest appeals to partying in Watergate is the incredible scenes of its location. You’ll have a gorgeous panoramic view over the river Spree, and the floating deck terrace allows you to enjoy a sunset (or sunrise) here.

Watergate is located in Falckensteinstrasse and is open on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

5. KitKat Club

Last but certainly not least is KitKat Club, which is certainly the most bizarre option on this list, but it might be the one for you. KitKat is a techno-sex club, not everyone’s cup of tea— yet a popular Berlin club. KitKat is known for its accepting and liberating attitude towards sex and fetishes. It’s a place to try out your desires or fetishes without judgement. And like most Berlin clubs, no photography is allowed here, so you can be yourself without judgement or fear.

Inside the club, you'll find numerous dance floors, a swimming pool, a mock operating room, a massage room, and a lounge area. The dress code is almost always fetish or leather. But that doesn't mean you can leave your clothes at the door. You'll still have to dress up to impress.

KitKat Club is in Friedrichshain, so it's easily accessible by public transport. It’s open every day.

No night out is complete without a late-night food adventure, especially not in Berlin. After all the energy you'll lose dancing till the morning, you'll need food before heading to bed. Here're some of our recommendations.

1. Schwarzes Café

Located in Charlottenburg and complete with a courtyard terrace, this 24-hour eatery is ideal for when your night of partying is over. It opened in the 70s and is an absolute favourite amongst the expats and artists in the city. Schwarzes Cafe has a diverse menu, serving organic meat and an all-day/all-night breakfast, perfect after a night of dancing. They are also known for their strudels, homemade cakes, and milkshakes.

2. Imren Grill

With numerous locations throughout the city, you are only a few steps or a short ride from some of the best kebabs or Turkish falafel in Berlin. You can also enjoy baked pitas and lentil soup, plus a free cup of Turkish tea while you wait for your order.

3. Curry 36

This Indian staple is one of Berlin’s most famous walk-up food kiosks, and it’s open until 5 AM for your nightly convenience. The food is also perfect for a student's budget. Two sausages with fries will only set you back €5-€7, and it’s known for the best Currywurst in the city. Located in Kreuzberg, it’s close to several popular nightlife spots and public transportation.

Now that you know some of the best nightclubs to visit in Berlin and how to get into them, it's time to go out and experience them yourself. And if the city really resonates with you, why not explore homes for rent in Berlin to easily experience the nightlife whenever you want?