The travellers guide
Berlin is one of the world’s great nightlife cities, and it has a very particular club culture that can be both incredible to experience but also a little daunting. One thing that is important to remember is that Berlin has traditionally been a ‘safe space’ for marginalised communities, and many clubs have a history that is tied to this… the infamous bouncers and door policies have not been created to be exclusive, but to make sure that the party is inclusive.
Below we have put together a list of some of our favourite (and the most famous) clubs in the city. One thing that we want you to remember is that it is more important you find the club that fits you, rather than the one with the name that everyone has heard of. It will make for a better night, reduce the chance of rejection at the door, and will give you a Berlin club story that is authentically yours!
A key thing to remember is that clubs are where people go to let loose and so, in general cameras are not welcome and that what you might find inside can be quite different to what you are used to in clubs at home. Don’t turn up too drunk, argue with the bouncers or go in a big group.
Instead, be respectful and tolerant of others, be confident and bring good vibes and you’ll be sure to have a great night. After all, this is Berlin, and there is a place here for everyone. The best place to start your planning (beyond our tips) is to check out Resident Advisor, where you’ll find listings for almost every event in the city on any given night and information about entry policies and dress codes. Sometimes you can even buy tickets in advance, but beware: even a pre-purchased ticket is not always a guarantee of entry at some venues, so it’s good to have a back-up plan.
If you are interested in Berlin’s club culture, don’t miss our regular Insider Club Guide events exclusive for Circus guests. Join us a crash course on the city’s clubbing history, from its underground origins to its global fame. Our guide will share the scoop on dress codes, door policies, and dish out top-notch recommendations for the hottest parties in town. Stick around for a chat and quench your curiosity about all things nightlife in Berlin. Check out our events page for the full schedule of what’s going on at The Circus.
These are the ones you might have heard of, which often means big queues on a Friday and Saturday night and more selective door policies.
The most famous club in the world, and the one most likely to turn you away at the door. Panorama Bar opens on Fridays; the full Berghain Klubnacht runs Saturday to Monday. Our tip (but no guarantee!): go Sunday morning, and go alone.
A techno institution, housed in the basement of the old Kraftwerk power station. Raw, relentless and essential. On some nights, the Globus floor upstairs offers something a little more expansive.
Famous for parties that begin on Friday and end on Monday morning, with multiple floors, an outdoor area, a teahouse and a pizza stand. You could, in theory, spend an entire weekend without leaving.
Three floors and countless rooms in a former residential building that makes this place something between a club and a house party labyrinth, with a garden that opens for the summer season.
These places are often easier to get into and yet might just be the place for your perfect night out in Berlin.
A single dancefloor directly next to Tresor, with a varied programme ranging from experimental to drum and bass.
Part of the Revier Südost cultural complex, with a programme that spans techno, queer nights and day-party festivals. Worth checking what’s on before you go.
A hidden gem under the Jannowitzbrücke railway arches with live music, underground club nights and a genuine slice of local Berlin.
House, disco and techno across two floors, with a garden for the summer. Most events pre-sell tickets and the atmosphere is reliably easy-going.
A club on a boat, moored on the Spree. Minimal techno and an unmistakably Berlin sense of the unexpected.
For when you want to dance without the door anxiety…
A well-regarded cocktail bar with a basement dancefloor and a programme that ranges from live jazz to proper club nights.
A bar with two dancefloors overlooking Kottbusser Tor. Known to be accessible, fun and reliably open.
Extravagantly decorated bar upstairs (they call it a Bar on Acid) with a small dancefloor below and an eclectic music policy to match.
Open Fridays to Sundays, known for its Sunday downtempo sessions, but also hosts dancing workshops and open choir nights through the week.
Open daily, with a dancing bar format that asks nothing more of you than showing up.
After all, Berlin has a lot more to offer than one genre.
A programme that spans punk, 80s and 90s nights, roller disco, reggaeton and the long-running queer oriental party Gayhane. One of the most diverse venues in the city.
Primarily a concert venue, but also home to emo, goth, post-punk, indie and 80s nights that are worth a look.
Multiple floors of salsa, bachata, reggaeton and Latin pop, with dance classes an hour before the party starts most nights.
Afrobeats and reggae sounds, a beach area and a food court with Caribbean and African dishes. A genuinely unique atmosphere.
If you want even more tips and ideas for your visit to Berlin, check out the rest of our Experience Berlin blog or follow us on Instagram.
We also have special deals for those who book their trip to Berlin early or want to stay longer. Check out our special offers page for more details.
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