The Akademie der Künste was founded by Prince Friedrich III in 1696, and is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Berlin. By 1938, however, the Nazis had forced virtually...

Until it was closed in 1998, the Arcanoa was best known for celebrating art in many eccentric manifestations. Now relocated just around the corner, this venerably quirky venue...

Inside a converted bus garage, Arena Berlin presents A-list artists such as Bob Dylan and Björk. A movable stage means it can also put on smaller acts. The surrounding...

A small bohemian basement staging free jazz, avant-folk and live electronica as well as films and art installations. Be aware that shows usually begin an hour later than the...

Maintaining a large piano bar feel, B-Flat pulls in a decent local hero once in a while, but its strongest nights tend to feature singers. Free Wednesday night jam sessions...

Don't expect to hear anything ordinary at this Kreuzberg cultural centre. A varied assortment of western and oriental music is on the menu, with drinks and snacks in the café...

Located smack bang in touristy Hackescher Markt and decorated with enormous photo prints of 1960s and '70s icons, Bang Bang is small yet inviting. The bleacher seats around the...

With its clutter of mirror balls, salvaged airplane and car seats, this bar, alternative art gallery and indie-rock venue embodies some of the most fun aspects of Berlin...

A move from Hackescher Markt to new premises in Schönhauser Allee and a more diverse music programme has done wonders for Bassy's reputation. These days the venue is a champion...

Berlin's cathedral holds some recommendable concerts, usually of the organ or choral variety.

Although it's part of the squatted Tacheles complex, Café Zapata stands on its own, booking top-flight folk and indie artists like Joanna Newsom, local hero Bruno Adams and...

Once you get past its old-fashioned box office, this former US Forces cinema is a little characterless. It showcases mid-size acts of every genre, from John Cale to Roni Size....

A roomy venue with a reputation for the best sound in town, Columbiahalle promotes larger acts that haven't made it to stadium status, such as Babyshambles, the White Stripes...

With roots dating back to 1912, the Deutsche Oper built its present 1,900-seat hall in 1961, just in time to carry the operatic torch for West Berlin during the Wall years....