For decades, Berlin's clubs have made the city a place of longing - and a magnet for night owls from all over the world. Their history is closely linked to the major political changes in the city: Techno and club culture reflects the trends of the times like no other industry - which is why it has been UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Techno has become the soundtrack for the spirit of freedom after the fall of the Berlin Wall. At the same time, Berlin's clubs offer protected spaces for exchange and new ideas. We introduce you to 11 Berlin clubs as cultural venues.
At the same time, clubs in Berlin are far more than just places to party – they are vibrant cultural spaces that shape subcultures, support artists and help define new musical trends. Berlin’s clubs offer safe spaces for exchange and new ideas. We’d like to introduce you to 11 Berlin clubs as cultural venues.
Tip 1: Discover a new club culture at the Frachtkante on the site of the former Tegel Airport
Where aeroplanes used to be handled, a new space for Berlin’s club culture is emerging. The Frachtkante is developing into an interdisciplinary cultural venue on the TXL pilot site at the former Tegel Airport . Following several pilot projects – initially held outdoors with a view of the former runway – the venue is now operating on a permanent basis. Club nights and concerts are just as much a part of the concept here as theatre, readings, flea markets and workshops. Rehearsal spaces and community-based projects are also set to find a home here.
The venue sees itself as community- and public-interest-oriented and aims to provide a space for diverse cultural and social perspectives. It is precisely the combination of Berlin’s club scene and a site undergoing transformation that makes a visit here so exciting
When: depending on the event
Where: Frachtkante, TXL model site, west side of the former Tegel Airport; access via the ‘Urban Tech Republic’ stop, Tegel
Tip 2: Discuss until dawn at ://about blank
The ://about blank club at Ostkreuz is a prime example of Berlin’s club culture as a living cultural scene. Originally an illegal venue, the club has evolved from an unassuming former administrative building into a multifaceted space at the intersection of music, art and political debate. ://about blank sees itself as a collective that actively embodies queer-feminist and anti-racist values and community spirit.
Of course, there’s dancing too, with the music ranging from house to techno, though always open to cross-genre experimentation. In summer, the action often moves outdoors. Under the trees and around the campfire, people party and discuss things here until dawn.
When: depending on the event
Where: ://aboutblank, Markgrafendamm 24c, Friedrichshain
Tip 3: Experience the diversity of Berlin’s African diaspora at Maaya
Berlin is a melting pot of cultures – and with its unique concept, MAAYA brings an exciting platform for the art, music and way of life of the African diaspora to Berlin. Featuring a pool, sun deck, several bars, a gallery and a large garden, this club and event space is a vibrant hub where diversity is not only celebrated but actively shaped. Here, art, cuisine and music blend together to create an immersive experience. Feel the zest for life and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy and cultural depth of the African diaspora in Berlin. And of course, don’t forget your swimwear!
When: depending on the event
Where: Maaya, Alt-Stralau 70, Friedrichshain
Tip 4: Discover art, fashion and club culture at Sameheads
At Sameheads in Neukölln, it’s hard to tell where art ends and nightlife begins. This unconventional venue on Richardstraße combines a club and bar with a gallery, fashion and a platform for creative experimentation – and has been doing so for 20 years. Of course, music and DJ sets are a big part of it, but exhibitions and performances also take place. And there are always plenty of ideas for other unusual formats. It’s precisely this mix that makes Sameheads a wonderful example of how naturally different subcultures intertwine in Berlin. Let the current programme surprise you.
When: depending on the event
Where: Sameheads, Richardstraße 10, Neukölln
Tip 5: Get a taste of Berlin’s subculture & go roller skating at SO36
SO36 has its roots in the punk and squatter era. Today, the venue on Oranienstraße – named after the abbreviation of the former postcode for this Kreuzberg neighbourhood – sees itself as a creative melting pot for Berlin’s colourful and queer scene. From readings and poetry slams, through roller disco and night-time flea markets, to parties and concerts, you’ll find a diverse programme that’s sometimes political – but above all, it’s just great fun!
When: depending on the event
Where: SO36, Oranienstraße 190, Kreuzberg
Tip 6: Enjoy an excellent music and cultural programme at Gretchen
Within the historic walls of a former cavalry stable, the Gretchen blends avant-garde electronic music, jazz, hip-hop and global beats into a unique soundscape. With a particular focus on emerging artists, FLINTA* artists and marginalised communities, the Gretchen actively contributes to Berlin’s cultural landscape. Here you can experience Berlin’s culture in its most dynamic form. Having been awarded the APPLAUS Federal Culture Prize on several occasions, the club demonstrates – through its bold, cross-genre programme – how club venues can become platforms for innovation, dialogue and lived diversity.
We’ve put together an overview of all the gigs in Berlin for you in our tips on gig tripping:
When: depending on the event
Where: Gretchen, Obentrautstraße 19–21, Kreuzberg
Gig Tripping
Tip 7: Experience music in a completely different way at migas
There’s no dancing at migas. Here, you listen. The Listening Bar in Wedding draws on the tradition of Japanese jazz kissa , where music is listened to mindfully and collectively on high-quality sound systems. Instead of typical club music, you’ll find musical gems from different countries and eras, as well as the latest releases.
The listening sessions on Wednesdays are particularly exciting: they focus on selected albums, sounds or musical stories. Thanks to the well-designed acoustics, music and conversation can coexist harmoniously.
When: depending on the event
Where: Migas, Lindower Straße 19, Wedding
Tip 8: Techno history and industrial culture at Tresor
A true Berlin legend: you can see the door of the club – founded in 1991 in the vault of a former department store – at the Berlin Global exhibition in the Humboldt Forum. The original sound has also remained – a sound that has its roots in Detroit’s techno scene and, after German reunification, brought young people from both parts of the city together on the dance floor.
To this day, the Tresor Berlin club and the label of the same name remain closely linked to the scene in Detroit. Incidentally, at Tresor you won’t just hear top international acts. The raw industrial setting of the former combined heat and power station in Berlin Mitte often provides the backdrop for art exhibitions and performances.
Right next door, you’ll find OHM, one of the more intimate venues on Berlin’s club scene. Event series such as KOOKOO bring electronic music together with visual art and performance; on other nights, live acts, installations or live painting take to the dancefloor.
Tip: We spoke to Dimitri Hegemann, co-founder of Tresor, for the visitBerlin podcast ‘Berlin Unboxed’ about new creative spaces and club culture in Berlin.
When: depending on the event
Where: Tresor and OHM, Köpenicker Straße 70, Kreuzberg
Tip 9: Discover the Panke – a blend of club, art and garden
Start with a coffee, listen to music later and sit by the Panke in between: Panke in Wedding combines a bar, club, gallery and garden all under one roof. The centrepiece is the front room. This is where the community gathers to enjoy vegan and vegetarian food. Exchange ideas, listen to VJ sets and acoustic performances, or get involved yourself in workshops. The fact that the art and design of the space have gradually been created by the Panke team themselves fits in with the venue’s open character: the bar remains a ‘work in progress’ in terms of design.
For larger events, guests head to the club, which spans over 100 square metres, whilst outside, the garden right by the River Panke offers space for open-air events, food and cool drinks. Do-it-yourself is also part of the concept: workshops range from tape art to building your own synthesiser. You can find out which events are currently taking place in the Panke programme.
When: Bistro Wednesday to Sunday, from 12 noon until late
Where: Panke, Wedding
Tip 10: ACUD MACHT NEU – An entire building dedicated to art, culture, cinema and concerts
Why limit yourself to a single club when an entire building invites you on a journey of cultural discovery? ACUD MACHT NEU utilises the ACUD Kunsthaus’s club, studio and gallery, creating a space for experimental art, music and social interaction. Club nights sit alongside concerts, performances, exhibitions, talks and screenings.
What’s particularly exciting is that many of the events deliberately blur the boundaries between the various disciplines. This independent arts centre has been around since 1991. And to this day, you can experience just how vibrant a cultural institution can be when it constantly reinvents itself.
When: depending on the event
Where: ACUD, Veteranenstraße 21, Mitte
Tip 11: Celebrate intercultural club culture at the Bulbul
Right in the heart of Kreuzberg, the Bulbul brings together people and musical influences from different parts of the world . This small club is situated in the former premises of the ‘Farbfernseher’ and sees itself not only as a place to dance, but also as an intercultural meeting place for artists and cultural practitioners. There’s a particular focus on North African and West Asian influences; at the same time, the programme extends far beyond that. Various collectives shape the nights and ensure that new sounds and perspectives are constantly coming together.
Its intimate size helps to ensure that the dance floor, bar and social space are closely intertwined, and that different scenes naturally come together during a night out in Kreuzberg .
When: depending on the event
Where: Skalitzer Straße 114, Kreuzberg
When: depending on the event
Where: Skalitzer Straße 114, Kreuzberg
