SO36

Named after its postcode (and neighbourhood shorthand) this legendary punk club dates back to Kreuzberg’s now-distant past as centre to West Berlin’s anarchist squat scene. The wild-child artist Martin Kippenberger took over management in 1979, attracting experimental musicians such as Throbbing Gristle and Suicide. Still going strong, and with no sign of betraying its highly-politicized origins, SO36 is suitably scummy inside, with decades of sweat, beer and blood ingrained into the woodwork. While plenty of touring punk and hardcore bands grace their black stage, they embrace all forms of alternative lifestyle, hosting the long-running gay and lesbian Turkish night, Gayhane, which plays its own distinctive blend of middle-eastern dance pop and electronic classics.
Oranienstrasse 190, Kreuzberg (tickets 6110 1313, 6140 1306, www.so36.de).