I am going to be honest with you, it’s been a few years that I was involved in the nightlife scene of Berlin. “Back in my day we used to walk 100 miles in the snow for the monthly shindig.” Joking of course, I used to hail a horse-drawn carriage instead. Kidding again but imagine how fire it would be to pull up to Berghain in a Cinderella-esque carriage. Bibbidi, bobbidi, boo!
Jokes aside, clubbing in Berlin is no laughing matter.
Though I now prefer going to bed early and waking up feeling refreshed and full power there was a time where I wouldn’t make any plans with people on the weekend because I was serious about my clubbing. I wanted the option of staying at a club until 10am the following day dancing my ass off if I so desired. I didn’t want the pressure to have to wake up for brunch. HOW LAME.
I love brunch now. Invite me for a pancake and I’ll schedule it on my calendar weeks in advance. A few years ago though, and I would have laughed at the absurdity.
In my nine years of living in this weird kooky magical place however, I have been to my fair amount of clubs, illegal raves, festivals, fetish parties and after hours and therefore have a few timeless tips that will help you embark on your own nightlife journey regardless of which club or party you are trying to enter. I’ll also share the personalities of two of the most popular and widely loved clubs in Berlin to help you understand what is expected of you.
If you aren’t interested in the two clubs I mention below, one tip is to check Resident Advisor often. Berliners love Resident Advisor and use it religiously. Once you find a club that seems interesting, make sure to check the lineup on the night and time you plan to arrive, and stalk the DJs’ soundcloud accounts to get a feel for the type of music you’re likely to hear. The worst is when you go through the trouble of queueing for a club, get in and then realize it’s 90s trance night but you were more in the mood to shake your little groove thing to house music.
Do your research people, this is serious business!
Another tip is to try to make friends who have lived and partied in the city a few years already. They’ll likely be more than eager to give you some tips (if they’re not sick in bed recovering from last weekend’s bender).
Enough jibber jabber, let’s get into the nitty gritty of Berlin nightlife.
How to Get Into a Club
Whether or not you get into a club will depend highly on which club you want to get into because each club has its own personality. It’s also important to pay attention to the party that is being hosted there on the night you want to attend, because some parties adhere to a strict dress code. For example, Wilden Renate often throws themed fetish parties which require attendees to dress as a mysterious forest nymph for example. Anyone will pretty much be guaranteed entry if they make a concerted effort on their costume. If you just slap on some reindeer antlers and wear street clothes though, you won’t get in. Sorry not sorry. Below is a brief outline of the personality of two of the most popular and widely loved clubs in Berlin to help you get a feel for what’s expected of you.
Berghain
I’ll start with the big one because this is the most notorious club in Berlin. Once you tell people back home you live in Berlin their first question they will likely ask you is “do you speak German?”. The second question they’ll likely ask you is “have you ever been to Berghain?” Getting rejected from Berghain is as much of a rite of passage as getting in is, so don’t feel silly if you get rejected, just move on to another club and try again another day. Just don’t do what a friend and I did years ago and attempt to switch up your outfit in the alley and try again a few minutes later. I literally just put on my beanie and walked back to the queue. Getting rejected once is humiliating. Getting rejected twice within 20 minutes makes you want to crawl into a hole and never come out. Luckily Kater Blau isn’t too far and happily let us in.
Getting in:
Your best bet is to go alone (I don’t know why this works but it does). Try to go on off peak hours (this will depend on the party and lineup so ask a regular Berghainer to give you the inside scoop) Going during off peak hours will ensure that the line is shorter and your likelihood of getting in will be higher (the bouncers will be less discerning). Dress simply and comfortably, but add one piece of freaky flair. I usually wear trainers, black gym attire and a colorful 90s silk jacket with shoulder pads that my grandma gave me. I don’t wear makeup and I naturally have a resting bitch face, which gives me a mysterious, I don’t give a f$%k appearance which I think helps. Remember the bouncers aren’t just being assholes, they are literally assessing if you are going to have a good time inside. If you are dressed like Malibu Barbie, they assume you are just there to gawk at all the freaks instead of letting your own freak flag fly. Berlin nightlife is special because it’s where all the freaks from around the world can congregate freely and not be gawked at. Respect the culture.
Sisyphos
Sisyphos is a big playground for adults. Instead of the more somber and serious Berghain, Sisyphos is a colorful playful place with a lighthearted festival atmosphere. Though it’s a bit harder to reach because of its location and poor public transportation connection, it’s definitely worth going especially in the warmer months (since a lot of the cool chill out areas are outside). I recommend biking there or sharing a taxi from the Ostkreuz S-bahn station.
Getting in:
Avoid going with a big group. If you are a lot of people, consider splitting up into groups of three or four. You are encouraged to be a bit more playful with your outfit; think feather boas, glitter, and colorful mismatched prints. If you need some inspiration, ask your parents for a picture of your grandma in the early 80s. Copy her aesthetic and Voila! Guaranteed entry!
Berlin Club Etiquette
Ok so you’ve successfully managed to get into the club. Score! Now it’s time to party. Not so fast, however. Berlin is not like other cities in the world. There are few things you should be aware of before you run to the bar, order shots, and start pumping your fists like an ape. If you want to feel like a true Berliner, and not get kicked out as soon as you get in, here are some tips:
Never take pictures.
It’s customary that every club in Berlin will make you put a sticker on your phone’s camera (both the front one and back one) to remind you to not take photos. Of course you could just take them off once inside, but you’d run the risk of being kicked out or just shamed by everyone around you. Stay present and enjoy the ride.
Face the DJ while dancing.
Berghain is called “church” because Sundays are the absolute best time to go and often when the biggest DJs are playing. To honor the revelations you will have on the dance floor it is customary to face the DJ while dancing. This goes for all clubs in Berlin. Sure maybe you want to be a little silly goose and dance with your kooky friends in a circle, but don’t let it carry on for too long, some of us are there to worship and want to get lost in the music, not listen to you jabber loudly about how awesome this place is.
Use the garderobe.
Berlin is cold 80% of the year. No one expects you to queue in 0 degrees in your “clubbing” outfit especially if you are going to KitKat where less is more. Once you finally arrive inside, take advantage of the garderobe (or wardrobe) and pay to have your coat, extra layers, and belongings safely stored. Don’t be a noob and wear a backpack on the dancefloor or worse, designate a corner where you can pile all your stuff. You run the risk of it getting stolen, stepped on, or covered in sticky substances. You’ve been warned.
Don’t get boozed beyond measure.
One thing I noticed when I first moved to Berlin was how modest Berliners were when it came to drinking. No one seemed to be obliterated drunk like I’d often see in the US. If you think about it though, pacing yourself is the only way you’re going to last at a club for 12 hours or more. That means getting smashed at your friend’s house beforehand is not recommended. Not only will you be less likely to get in to begin with (remember, bouncers are assessing whether or not you are going to stay for a while) but if you do get in you’re going to be sloppy on the dance floor causing other partygoers to get annoyed.
Proceed with caution if partaking in drugs.
I am by no means advocating drug use (or the opposite, because YOLO), although it would be hard to write an article about clubs in Berlin without mentioning the k-holed elephant in the room. While drugs are very much a part of club culture, please proceed with caution if you choose to participate. A lot can go wrong including overdoses, impurities, and legal repercussions. I’ve known a few fellow Berliners over the years who have gotten “lost” with drugs and ended up with serious health complications, homelessness, or mental health issues due to the city’s accepted drug use and party culture. I don’t want to damper your mood, but I do think it’s worth noting the risks if you choose to partake in this lifestyle. I am a big believer in harm reduction (reducing the harm associated with risky behavior) so if you are going to use drugs you can get them anonymously checked for impurities for free at three locations around town. Bravo to Berlin for implementing this important harm reduction service!
Take breaks.
Because most of the clubs are open 24/7 the entire weekend, many clubs will let you leave and come back without having to queue in the main line again. They will often stamp your hand and when you come back you can skip the line and feel like a VIP. Some clubs might charge you a minor re-entry fee (~5 euro) but it’s definitely worth it. You can leave and nourish your body with a greasy kebab, take a nap in a nearby park, take your dog for a walk, meet your friends for brunch (HA), take a shower, meditate, and then head back to the club for more! If you don’t leave though, many clubs have food available on their premise. So please, even if you don’t actually leave the club, don’t do like me and stomp in the same place for hours at a time without resting. Once I clocked over 40,000 steps!! The muusssiiiiic was just soooooo gooooood.
Conclusion
There you have it, we’ve safely navigated Berlin’s eclectic and vibrant club scene. From the legendary Berghain to the playful playground of Sisyphos, we’ve delved into the unique personalities that shape some of the more renowned clubs.
In this city where freaks from around the world find refuge, getting into a club becomes an art – a delicate dance with dress codes and bouncers. Berghain’s rejection is a badge of honor, and Sisyphos invites you to channel your inner ’80s grandma for guaranteed entry. But remember, it’s not just about getting in; it’s about respecting the sanctity of the dance floor.
Berlin’s nightlife etiquette, an unspoken code, guides revelers through the labyrinth of beats and lights. No pictures, face the DJ like it’s a sacred ritual, and embrace the garderobe to shield yourself from the city’s chilly nights. Moderate your libations, tread cautiously in the realm of substances, and take breaks – for in the perpetual rhythm of Berlin’s clubs, the dance never truly stops.
As the sun rises over the Spree, casting its glow on the techno temples, remember that Berlin’s nightlife is more than just a hedonistic escape; it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and a testament to the city’s resilience and freedom. If you don’t get into the club of your choice, don’t fret however, it just wasn’t your night. Instead go with the flow of the evening and explore one of the many bars (especially the local kneipes/dive bars located on every corner in every kiez) or stop by a späti and chill by the canal with friends as the sun rises. While Berlin may lack sun and decent Mexican food, it definitely doesn’t lack cool places to escape the realities of adulting.
What are some of your favorite clubs in Berlin? Where do you head if you get rejected from a club?
