The 17 best clubs in Berlin

If you’re talking about Berlin and clubs, obviously Berghain has to be at the top of your list. It’s the most infamous club in Berlin, and possibly the world, too. Once you’ve been there in person, you’ll know why. The venue was formerly a power station for East Berlin, but it’s now a magical place full of wild characters, dark rooms, and a distinct feeling of freedom. Berghain gets a lot of shtick for its door policy, in which security can let you in or turn you away seemingly ad-hoc, but the atmosphere inside is more welcoming than you might expect. Guests at Berghain are free to party as they please, safe from judgment, cameras and the outside world. It’s a club like no other – but preparing a Plan B wouldn’t be the worst idea.

Come for the clubbing, and stay for the art: Anomalie Art Club is home to some of the most spectacular visual designs on Berlin’s club scene. Over the past few years, this place has played host to techno DJs from around the world, alongside artists working in sound, light, and installation. Anomalie also hosts film screenings, art exhibitions, pop-ups and open-air raves, so be sure to check what’s on before planning your next night out.

In recent years, TRAUMA BAR UND KINO has emerged as one of the most exciting new destinations in Berlin’s club circuit. Tucked away in a quieter corner of Berlin near the city’s central station, it’s easy to miss but an absolute must-visit. The space itself lends itself to a wide range of events and projects: In addition to the capacious dancefloor, there’s a screening room, a maze and rotating art installations, meaning that no two nights out are ever the same. Both the curation and door policy at TRAUMA are inclusive and expansive: Come ready with good vibes and your best behaviour, and you’ll fit right in.

You don’t make the trek out to Sisyphos just for a snoop and a couple of beers. It’s an ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’ sort of place, where the party begins on Friday and trundles on non-stop until Monday. Vast indoor and outdoor spaces at this former dog biscuit factory help create a Burning Man-esque festival atmosphere that’s particularly enjoyable on longer sunny days. Music ranges from pumping techno inside to house tunes out by the ‘lake’ – more of a scummy pond, really. Crowd-wise, expect it all; fresh-faced student revellers and aging former club kids are among the regulars.

This legendary sex and techno club for all is a labyrinthine complex of half a dozen dancefloors, a dubious swimming pool and plenty of swings. For pure polysexual hedonism, look out for cult party Gegen, which splits its time between KitKat and RSO. Outside of that, kinksters and those looking to explore their sexuality are always welcome; some nights are racier than others, so it’s well worth checking the dress code before planning your night on the tiles. Many nights have a fetish dress code (except Electric Mondays) so if you arrive wearing jeans and a t-shirt, be prepared for a literal dressing down by the door staff.

If you want to get lost in the music, arts and culture in Berlin, look no further than Salon zur Wilden Renate Friedrichshain, located in an unrenovated and abandoned residential building, The colourful house party that is a night here feels like partying in a literal maze, complete with winding corridors, confusing flights of stairs, and hidden corners that are perfect for meeting strangers, and sharing shots of minty-Luft or life stories. The music is particularly diverse here, with a mix of techno, house and disco across the three floors. Need a break? Thre is a garden courtyard for that. Like many other Berlin clubs, Salon zur Wilden Renate is a photo-free zone.

There’s something for everyone at Fitzroy, one of Berlin’s newest nightlife contenders. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix-and-match of live sessions and club nights showcasing everything from experimental pop to trance. Fitzroy’s booking philosophy is forward-thinking and a little more diverse than most of Berlin’s techno-heavy clubs. Look out for pre-sale tickets online before you head out, but don’t worry if you missed your chance to secure a spot at an event: There are usually a handful of tickets available at the door, so prepare to come early and stay late.

Kater Blau is the X-rated part of the family-friendly Holzmarkt development. Sitting on the banks of the River Spree, this space makes the most of its alfresco location, with a moored boat, a roaring fire at night and hammocks. Meanwhile, a fine roster of electronic DJs spins away unendingly – sometimes for four days straight. The vibe is more rough-and-ready than chic, and increasingly so as the weekend unravels. In the summer, it captures that festival feeling from its roost in the heart of the city. If you have the stamina (and courage) to last well into Monday afternoon, expect to encounter some of Berlin’s strangest creatures.

Yet another victim of Berlin’s Mediaspree development, YAAM was forcibly evicted from its previous home – but you can’t keep a good club down. It quickly found another riverside spot, so it’s business as usual for this legendary beach bar and cultural centre. By day, you’ll see people enjoying jerk chicken and kids playing a laid-back game of volleyball; by night, the space hosts leisurely concerts and parties to the tune of hip-hop, dancehall and Afrobeats.

This canalside venue emerged from the ashes of a devastating fire in 2019, and is today one of the city’s most popular spaces for open-air drinking and dancing. There’s a small indoor dance floor and a rickety open-air wood-deck terrace with a large jetty stretching out across the water. You can drop into Club der Visionaere during the week for a beer, but the place comes to life at the weekend, filling up with an after-hours crowd, happy to chill, drink and dance the day away. For a waterfront party in the colder months, head to the nearby Hoppetosse boat at Arena Berlin.