Are you a night owl who loves dancing until dawn, looking for a safe place that never sleeps? You need to experience Berlin’s world-famous nightlife. This city is the ultimate destination for clubbing, and for good reason. Berlin is famous for its eclectic and non-stop party scene, with a diverse mix of clubs, bars, and events to fit every taste.
Berlin: the city that never sleeps🌇
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the once-abandoned buildings were turned into nightclubs and bars. Today, you can find more than 4,500 clubs and bars where you can dive into the city’s legendary nightlife.
Let’s explore together the best clubs and areas to party in Berlin, and… how to get into the exclusive Berghain
Get ready to free your inner party animal! 👇👇👇
What area of Berlin is best for nightlife?
Berlin has several areas that are well-known for their progressive party scenes and buzzing nightlife. The 5 absolute best nightlife spots in Berlin:
📍 Berlin-Mitte
In the 90s, Mitte was a wild area, but today it offers a bit of everything. Numerous rooftop bars and clubs provide breathtaking views of Berlin. An ideal starting point to explore Mitte is the MEININGER Hotel Berlin Mitte Humboldthaus!
📍 Prenzlauer Berg
In trendy Prenzlauer Berg, you’ll find clubs, many bars, and Berlin’s oldest beer garden, the Prater. Our MEININGER Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz is a great option to experience the nightlife in this district!
📍 Friedrichshain
In Friedrichshain, Soviet architecture meets industrial atmosphere and alternative clubs. Stroll along Simon-Dach-Straße and discover countless pubs, cozy clubs, and bars. This is also where the world-famous Berghain is located. All close to our MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery!
📍 Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg in western Berlin is an urban, multicultural district known for its mix of clubs, relaxed bar culture, street art, and great food options. You’ll also find some of the city’s most famous clubs here.
📍 Neukölln
If you’re looking for alternative offerings and the underground scene, Neukölln is your go-to – live music, small bars, clubs, gay clubs, and street art can be found here.
The best clubs in Berlin
Located directly on the Spree with breathtaking views and a fantastic sound system. Dance to house and techno on two floors with an outdoor area – a true experience on the water!
Berlin’s first techno club with ultimate industrial flair. In a former power plant, dance to acid, electronic, and industrial music in a post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
🖤OXI
In Friedrichshain, OXI offers a unique clubbing experience with indoor and outdoor areas, industrial aesthetics, and top DJs spinning house and techno.
LGBTQI+ club with multiple dance floors and a large courtyard. Enjoy Berlin minimal techno, vocal house, nu-disco, and speed garage here. For a comprehensive guide to Berlin’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, check out our article LGBTIQ+-Guide für Berlin and discover the best spots and activities the city has to offer.
Perfect for summer, located on the Flutgraben. With a cozy dance floor and outdoor seating, it’s ideal for starting or ending a night.
Relaxed and entertaining with multiple dance floors, a beach area, pizza stand, and mini-golf course. A place that’s love at first sight.
Inviting with various rooms and music ranging from tech-house to funky beats.
Famous for wild parties in a former theater. With a dress code that includes latex, leather, and fetish wear, it offers multiple dance floors and a pool.
🖤 OHM
Lively club in Mitte, known for electronic music and art installations. In a former power plant, OHM offers an intimate, dynamic atmosphere with techno, house, and experimental events. Perfect for alternative clubbing.
What is the most famous club of the Berlin nightlife?
The answer is simple: Berghain.
This iconic club, located in a former power plant, is a legend in the electronic music world, and its reputation has spread far beyond Berlin’s borders. Jaw-dropping sound system, hedonistic atmosphere, mysterious aura, absence of lights, no-photo policy, world-famous DJs and live acts, steel elements, super strict door policy. Celebrities also like to party there, even Lady Gaga is said to have visited it, although the club is far from glamorous. If you crave an authentic Berlin clubbing experience, this is the place for you.
However, getting into Berghain is not easy. But you are welcome to try multiple times, especially if you are staying in our MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery!
What is the hardest club to get into in Berlin?
Berghain is the ultimate challenge for club-goers in Berlin. The door policy is notoriously strict and selective, with no standard dress code and zero guarantees of getting in, even if you’re a local.
Nevertheless, keep your spirits up. Despite the long line (get ready for waits of more than an hour) and its infamous bouncer, Sven, there are ways to increase your chances of getting in. First and foremost, be yourself. Additionally, be confident, respectful, and quiet while in line. Moreover, you can never go wrong with a black outfit. Finally, make sure to know who the DJ is on the night you’re visiting.
Why is Berghain so exclusive?
There are many theories about why Berghain is so exclusive. Some say it’s to keep the club’s unique vibe and prevent it from becoming too mainstream. Others guess that it’s a deliberate marketing strategy to create hype and curiosity around the club. Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure: getting into Berghain is like a badge of honor for any club enthusiast in Berlin.
Berlin nightlife: Is it hard to get into clubs in Berlin?
While Berghain is the most challenging club to get into, many other clubs in Berlin have relatively relaxed door policies. Generally speaking, it always depends on the club and the specific event. Some clubs have a more relaxed door policy while others are kind of hard to get into.
Berlin is famous for its edgy fashion, but you don’t have to dress like a total raver to fit in! The most important thing is to be comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Anything goes, from sneakers and tracksuits to glitter and latex, so wear what makes you feel your best. Some clubs, though, have strict dress codes, so check in advance before you go.
Where can I eat late-night food in Berlin?
Club-hopping in Berlin is never complete without a late-night food adventure, after all that dancing-until-sunrise. Here are some of our favorite food places:
Curry 36: this walk-up Indian food kiosk is one of Berlin’s most popular spots; plus, it’s open until 5 AM! Grab 2 sausages with fries for just €5 or try the best Currywurst in the city. Find it in Kreuzberg close to famous bars, clubs and public transportation.
Imren Grill: there are 6 locations in the city that serve delicious lentil soup, döner options and freshly baked pitas with spinach, and more. Open until late-night hours.
Burgermeister: in 2006, the first Burgermeister opened at Schlesisches Tor underground station in Kreuzberg, in a former… public toilet! The now famous spot has caught everyone’s eye, ever since then, and has gained cult status among locals as well as visitors. It’s one of the best places to eat a juicy burger in Berlin, day or night.
Extra tips 🔥
Berlin’s nightlife scene is huge and constantly evolving, so it’s better to take your time and explore different areas and venues. Regardless of where you’ll end up, we’ve got some tips for you to live your best club life in Berlin!
- Public transportation is your best friend. Buses, trams, and trains run all night.
- Pace yourself. Berlin’s nightlife can be intense, so make sure you take breaks and listen to your body.
- Get ready to queue, especially on weekends. So, have a warm jacket with you.
- Bring cash. Some clubs don’t accept credit cards.
- Be respectful. Respect the club’s rules and other partygoers, and the rest will be smooth sailing.
After a night out enjoying the vibrant nightlife, unwind in some of Berlin’s best parks; check out our detailed article on the top green spaces for relaxation and recreation.
Ultimate Guide to Berlin's Nightlife: FAQs
What area of Berlin is best for nightlife?
Berlin has several areas known for their progressive party scene and vibrant nightlife, each with its own unique flair and character:
- Berlin-Mitte: Mitte now offers a bit of everything, with numerous rooftop bars and clubs providing breathtaking views of the city. An ideal starting point is the MEININGER Hotel Berlin Mitte Humboldthaus.
- Prenzlauer Berg: In trendy Prenzlauer Berg, you'll find clubs, many bars, and Berlin's oldest beer garden, the Prater. A great option for nightlife is the MEININGER Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz.
- Friedrichshain: Here, Soviet architecture meets industrial vibes and alternative clubs. Stroll along Simon-Dach-Straße and discover numerous pubs, clubs, and bars. The world-famous Berghain is also here, all close to the MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery.
- Kreuzberg: Kreuzberg is known for its mix of clubs, laid-back bar culture, street art, and great food options. Some of the city's most famous clubs are located here.
- Neukölln: For alternative offerings and the underground scene, Neukölln is the place to be. You'll find live music, small bars, clubs, gay clubs, and street art here.
What club should I go to in Berlin?
#1 Watergate: Watergate is known for its fantastic sound system and diverse music selection, including house, techno. The club has 2 floors, a spacious outdoor area, and hosts various events throughout the week. Here, you’ll feel like you’re dancing on water!
#2 Tresor: a true Berlin classic with ultimate industrial vibes, legendary Tresor was the city’s first techno club and has been around since the early 90s.
#3 OXI: it blends indoor and outdoor spaces with a raw industrial vibe, offering house and techno beats for a diverse crowd of hipsters and young professionals.
#4 Wilde Renate: this LGBTQI+ club has several dance floors and a main courtyard with a firepit and food stalls (the pizza there is yummy!). Dance to Berlin-style minimal techno in one room, to vocal house upstairs or to nu-disco and speed garage in a separate room.
#5 Club der Visionaere: one of the top summer clubs right on a small canal, the Flutgraben, between the Landwehrkanal and the Spree. Find outdoor seating and a cozy dance floor with no official closing time there. It’s the perfect place to start or finish your night out.
#6 Sisyphos: one of the most relaxed and fun spots in the city. With multiple dance floors, a beach area, a pizza stand, and even a mini golf course, Sisyphos is love at first sight.
#7 Kater Blau: a friendly and welcoming place with different rooms waiting for you to discover them. Here, you’ll hear everything, from tech house to funky beats.
#8 KitKat Club: known for its wild parties and fun vibes, this club is in a former theater and offers you a one-of-a-kind clubbing experience with a dress code including latex, leather, and fetish wear. It has multiple dance floors and… a pool.
#9 OHM: in Berlin-Mitte, combines electronic music with art installations in an intimate setting, housed in a former power station.
What is Berlin’s most famous club?
The answer is simple: Berghain
This iconic club, located in a former power plant, is a legend in the electronic music world, and its reputation has spread far beyond Berlin’s borders. Jaw-dropping sound system, hedonistic atmosphere, mysterious aura, absence of lights, no-photo policy, world-famous DJs and live acts, steel elements, super strict door policy. Celebrities also like to party there, even Lady Gaga is said to have visited it, although the club is far from glamorous. If you crave an authentic Berlin clubbing experience, this is the place for you.
What is the hardest club to get into in Berlin?
Berghain is the ultimate challenge for club-goers in Berlin. The door policy is notoriously strict and selective with no standard dress code and 0 guarantees of getting in, even if you’re a local.
But keep your spirits up, despite the long line (get ready for waits of more than 1 hour) and its infamous bouncer, Sven! There are some ways to increase your chances of getting in. The key to success? Be yourself, be confident, be respectful and quiet while in line. Also, you can never go wrong with a black outfit. Oh, and make sure to know who’s the DJ on the night you’re visiting.
Why is Berghain so exclusive?
There are many theories about why Berghain is so exclusive.
Some say it’s to keep the club’s unique vibe and prevent it from becoming too mainstream. Others guess that it’s a deliberate marketing strategy to create hype and curiosity around the club. Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure: getting into Berghain is like a badge of honor for any club enthusiast in Berlin.
Is it hard to get into clubs in Berlin?
While Berghain is the most challenging club to get into, many other clubs in Berlin have relatively relaxed door policies. Generally speaking, it always depends on the club and the specific event. Some clubs have a more relaxed door policy while others are kind of hard to get into.
Berlin is famous for its edgy fashion, but you don’t have to dress like a total raver to fit in! The most important thing is to be comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Anything goes, from sneakers and tracksuits to glitter and latex, so wear what makes you feel your best. Some clubs, though, have strict dress codes, so check in advance before you go.
🛎️ The Best Crash Pads for Your Berlin Party Adventure
Looking for the perfect place to crash before and after you visit the best clubs in Berlin?
Relax in the budget-friendly MEININGER Hotels in the heart of the city next door to many famous clubs!
Stay with us and explore Berlin’s intriguing party scene hassle-free!
🎶🪩👯♂️
MEININGER Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz: Schönhauser Allee 19, 10435 Berlin
MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery: Am Postbahnhof 4, 10243 Berlin
MEININGER Hotel Berlin Mitte Humboldthaus: Oranienburger Str. 67-68, 10117 Berlin
MEININGER Hotel Berlin Tiergarten: Turmstraße 25, 10559 Berlin
MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof: Ella-Trebe-Straße 9, 10557 Berlin
MEININGER Hotel Berlin Airport: Alexander-Meißner-Straße 1, 12526 Berlin
