Underground Bars in Berlin
Let’s talk about the underground side of Berlin, the bars edition. On the opposite side of the luxury and nice neighborhoods, there’s attitude. Berlin has a big (and natural) offer for underground partying. Basements, backyards, discreet doors, speakeasies, neon signs that turn in and out… The underground scene is scattered around in many neighborhoods, not just one hotspot, and it’s time to explore them!
Different Neighborhoods, different Alles
Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Neukölln are in the same list but they don’ t have much more in common. They have very different identities and all of them host underground places with big differences. One is more alternative, the other is like open-air clubs, and Neukölln is raw, creative, and very “Berlinish”. This diversity of areas is what makes underground bars in Berlin so special and actually a real culture within the city.
Underground Beyond Techno
So first of all, let’s define underground. It is not another word for techno. You can find punk, indie, jazz, quirky music, German anthems. The best music systems, unexpected dance floors, as most sets, but everything with a lot of class. Alles Klasse. And that’s the reason why many people come to have an underground party in Berlin. It’s about variety and quality, not just one genre.
Finding the Underground Bars in Berlin
You should ask your friends or someone in the party if they know places because they are not that much talked about on the internet. And that’s what makes them underground. Try looking for a minimum sign in the facade if you want to search them indoors.
How do you know if it’s that kind of party? Just you will feel it. You will see some chairs in the street, beers without a super special brand, the very dim light. in Kreuzberg and the people there just are enjoying their time, they are not on a tourist trip.
Underground heritage
In many of them you can find live music, a mixed space that works as bar, dance floor and a small concert hall. So that’s how you identify one. Some of the jewels are the heritage of the punk legacy…
Names like SO36 or 8MM, they are still going on since decades ago, so that’s the constant spirit of the city, and the reason why you should check these places out.
A few rules
Diversity is something that defines this scene. It’s very open, weird, hybrid, everyone is invited. Something important is not trying to fit in, but litting your energy to the fullest (without messing with the others). Respect is not an option, it is mandatory, as in any German town. It’s a hardcore party with a lot of limits, with a very clear conscience and sense of safety, so that’s a great thing about Berlin.
Drinking Culture of Underground Bars in Berlin
And you can party here without alcohol. It’s also very German to leave everyone to their own decisions. So you can drink mocktails and alcohol-free beer, water, whatever you want. It is well seen. In Berlin, something weird is that you can still find places where you are allowed to smoke inside. That’s not the rule, but you still find them.
Safety tips before hitting the bars
And the last thing to say is that being underground doesn’t mean no consequences. You have to follow the rules and if you go to a bar hopping plan, don’t be that noisy on the street, don’t make it a circus. Always move minding your own business. That being said, Berlin is an amazing place to visit on that underground level.