Wanna go out and own the night? Here are five nightlife institutions in Berlin that define cool in different but superbly epic ways.

 

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With the legendary reputation as the most famous club in the world, Berghain is on everyone’s Berlin bucket list. Is there anything cooler than partying in an old, ominous powerhouse with out-of-this-world house music?

Yet, not everyone will get the golden opportunity to experience the club’s heavenly sound system and amazing industrial space. Everybody knows about the infamous, menacing bouncers – especially hardcore tattooed hottie Sven – are extremely selective at the door. What many don’t know is that Berghain has roots as an LGBTQ+ club. Thus the bouncers are often trying to maintain the club as a safe space for many queer and non-conforming individuals. It’s the best kind of exclusivity that’s not based on how much money you have or who you know.

As local Berliners advise: the best time to go to Berghain is Sunday afternoon, don’t talk in line at the door unless you know German and don’t dress fancy or act up in line.

Art and music come together at DSTRKT Club Berlin—formerly Anomalie Art Club—home to some of Berlin’s most spectacular visual designs. Located in a former car repair shop in Prenzlauer Berg, the club is renowned for its techno raves, attracting both local and international audiences. Beyond its nightlife, it also hosts film screenings, art exhibitions, and a variety of cultural events, creating a space where creativity, emotion, and community converge.

KitKatClub is a one-of-a-kind club that could only exist in Berlin. Founded by an Austrian pornographer in the 90s, KitKat is a fetish nightclub. It’s a unique space where people can act on their sexual inclinations while partying to dope electronic music. For those who are into the fetish scene and are comfortable letting out your kinky side in public, KitKatClub is a dream come true!

Entering any sort of BDSM space requires an open mind and tons of respect for others’ lifestyles and identities. This applies to the dress code which favors latex, leather, fetish attire and a general “no skin no in” policy. Testimonials say that KitKat is an accepting space so check it out if you’re curious and down for interesting experiences.

Get off the U-Bahn at Warschauer Strasse, next to the tracks you’ll find a series of grungy shacks and warehouses. When you don’t know where to go or what music to listen to, you’ll find a party here for sure. Whether it’s a dancehall, hip-hop, reggae or electro-gypsy swing night; there’s something for everyone with eclectic tastes. The covers are quite cheap and it’s easy to hop from one party to the next. The plethora of food vendors right by the train entrance is also a huge draw. That delicious currywurst or pretzel will be waiting for you when you get out of the club at sunrise!

It’s already no secret that Kreuzberg is Berlin’s trendiest neighborhood. If you’re not feeling a manic night out, Kreuzberg’s got you with its super cool and hip bars. You’ll find just about any style of bar from hipster, punk, metal, divey to vintage. My personal favorites include Mano, a super cozy café bar with a treehouse-like area where you can climb and sit in. And Silver Future — which is kind of in Kreuzberg — because of its ultra chill, queer clientele. There are definitely trendier bars than these so feel free to cruise around on any given night and find your faves!