Berlin is famous for some of the best clubs in Germany, first and foremost the (in)famous Berghain. But the German capital is home to many more refuges for night owls and techno aficionados. Even international musicians, movie stars and other famous people have already visited Berlin’s night scene. If you don’t know where to start these clubs are a safe bet. If you get in.
Sky High: Solar
If you like it dignified, we recommend a sky-high rejoicing place: “Solar” – at the Anhalter Bahnhof in Kreuzberg. It’s nothing new in club heaven, but still suitable for a successful evening. Crossing the yard of an auto repair shop leads to the entrance of the former Saskatchewan skyscraper (so called for a canadian restaurant by the same name in the building), where a bouncer and a hostess watch over the entrance. However, no one is rowdy here. After all, there is also a restaurant. This is on the 16th floor and can be reached with a glass elevator. There’s more than enough glamour here, right? Fun fact: Some say the CIA used the building as a listening post during the Cold War due to it’s height and proximity to the Inner German Border.
The fantastic view of the city alone is worth a visit to the “Solar”. The restaurant itself is also fine in culinary terms. And the prices are not as staggering as the altitude. If you like, you should take the spiral staircase to the 17th floor after the meal. Here, you can relax and drink a sundowner or digestif, beguile the view of the television tower and also swim across the dance floor.
👉 This way to the website of Solar.
Legends Never Die: The Tresor
The “Tresor” (“safe” or “vault”) is an absolute veteran of Berlin’s techno scene. Wild parties have been celebrated in the vault of a former department store since 1991, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. So the name is no coincidence. It didn’t take long for the club to become the ultimate destination for techno and club culture – and it still is today. Even though the premises changed in 2007 and “Tresor” moved to a former heating plant in Kreuzberg (not far from “KitKat”, by the way), the name and standing remain the same. But if you’re curious about a bit of history between partying and dancing, just head to the Humboldt Forum. That’s where the original door of “Tresor” is on display today.
Walk On The Wild Side: Renate
“Renate” lives in Friedrichshain. And not in a gentrified corner but instead tucked away. A night out here can be interpreted as a kind of flat share party that got a little out of control. There is a fireplace, a garden house, a love arbor and several dance floors. It is the adventure playground for night owls. There is dancing here at the weekend and culture during the week. Some say that the “Salon zur Wilden Renate” is one of the best clubs in the world. Of course, it’s always worth stopping by there. And be sure to make friends. Because, people here will probably be violently flirty, the old-fashioned way, without Tinder and Co.
Important: Due to a rising rent the Renate will have to close in it’s current location by the end of 2025. Be sure to make visit before that. It is not clear as of now if the club will continue at another location. But we certainly hope so.
👉 This way to the website of Renate.
Get Kinky: KitKatClub
Let’s get kinky – maybe that’s the epitome of funky… but let’s put it this way, those who go to “KitKatClub” should dress lightly. And very easily. Allegedly, Kate Moss was turned away at the door because she was wearing too much fabric. It should be noted that “KitKat” also means sex. We don’t have to beat around the bush on that. It’s not about picking someone up and then maybe going home together, but instead, to experiment sexually on the spot. But don’t just go grabbing whatever you see because here, you will be asked for permission beforehand. But you should also know that sexual practices here are primarily gay. Straight people are always welcome, of course, but they’re usually shy. In the basement, you can visit the club’s very own dominatrix dungeon and everyone grooves on ecstasy there. Oh yeah, Kate Moss also reportedly decided to take off her top. She then buckled her belt around her breasts and was allowed to go in for pleasure. “Gegen Berlin” (Against Berlin) is the name of the party of parties – it takes place there once a month.
The Big One: Berghain
“Berghain” in Berlin is known not only for its strict door policy. Probably the most famous club in the German capital enjoys an almost legendary reputation throughout the world. Not least because of the strict ban on cell phones, photos, and videos at “Berghain” (cameras are taped over at the door), which further contributes to the mystique of the club. And as in other clubs in Berlin, the same rule applies here: don’t be afraid to get involved (consensually!). At “Berghain”, personal freedom is lived to the full, and that includes sexual freedom.
The main event is the club night, which takes place every week from Saturday at 11:59 p.m. until Monday at noon. It’s worth queuing for hours in the infamous line in front of the club. International stars such as Lady Gaga, Eva Padberg, and most recently Drake have also visited the club. However, admission is not guaranteed, as Macklemore and Elon Musk have already discovered. There are pages and pages of text on the internet about what outfit and behavior are best for getting into “Berghain”. But the most important rule seems to be: don’t be “normal”!
And finally – a short video – the best tips on how to get into Berghain.
