Nightlife in Berlin for Tourists: A 101 Tutorial to Party in the City
So this is the 101 tutorial of nightlife in Berlin for tourists. First thing you have to know: this is not a “I’ll put in the calendar the name of the club and I’ll go there that night and party and have fun”. No, partying here is the exception to German programmation. Berlin is about experiencing very different things in one night.ç
Underground bars and high-tech, sophisticated drink clubs, Berghain included, “afters” as hardcore as Ibiza parties… And that’s just one night. Berlin has this reputation of being the capital of the worldwide capital of techno and electronic music. and it’s true, but how it manages to keep its crown is a great story.
Marathon mode on
So you’re in Berlin for just a few days, there’s many things you have to take in consideration because this city is a hardcore party town. In Berlin, the first extraordinary thing is that you don’t go out, you just book for a marathon of parties. You can measure a party not in hours, but in days. And there are actually clubs that open nonstop from Thursday night till Monday in the morning. You can keep on going until your body says stop.
Music Variety in Berlin’s Nightlife Scene for Visitors
And another thing that is usually unexpected is that in Berlin there’s not just techno. It is true that techno rules, but there are a lot of other genres even inside the same venue. You can find hip hop, international hips, German hits, even live music, indie, anything alternative, punk, pop, rock, reggaeton, Latin nights… Everything can be found in Berlin in different places, but also in the same venue.
The atmosphere of traditional Kneipe bars in Berlin
But back to these Kneipes, these are places with low light, very dark wood, mirrors on the wall and small windows. And the bar has a lot of character, everyone has little talks with the bartenders, which usually are old people that have been there their whole life. Kneipes have this strong personality where everything feels natural and honest. There you can also go there during the day to have a quick beer and read something or, or to get in touch with friends after work. It is for every occasion.
Door Policy Tips for Nightlife in Berlin for Tourists
Something every tourist should know is about the door policy. It is a myth and it is true. There are long lines and strict filters to choose who gets in and who doesn’t. So have in mind a plan B and don’t make a drama about it. The rules are not easy to explain, mainly what the people at the door are looking for are just original party people that want to have a nice time and have a good attitude.
What to Wear
Another thing to have in mind is what to wear. More than an expensive outfit, a nice attitude, very respectful and relaxed air is what the bouncers looks for. This will probably get you inside and also provide you the best experience possible during the party.
Best Areas to Explore Nightlife in Berlin for Tourists
Let’s talk a little bit about the neighborhood for partying in Berlin. There are many, it is like many cities in one. Friedrichshain is the first name that comes to mind. Kreuzberg, you’ll find out where this cosmopolitan multicultural hub is and a Neuköln are the heavyweights of partying, so note all those names down, and if you have more than one night in Berlin, we recommend you to try all of them. In summer, you can even find clubs that are open air, and also nice biergartens.
Spätis and After-Parties: A Unique Side of Nightlife in Berlin for Tourists
Something that is peculiar about the German party culture is to go after the party to a spätti, which are part of the ritual. They are stores that are open 24-7, meeting points for improv, chat, and it’s kind of the talking rooms of the actual clubs, and it’s pure DNA of the Berliners “kies”’s.
Transport and Safety for Enjoying Berlin Nightlife as a Tourist
Let’s rehearse some of the tips to move around without hassles in Berlin. Berlin is super safe, you can walk all over wherever you want, but if you live far away, you can take the S-Bahn, the U-Bahn, the tram, the bus, even ferries all day, all night, any day of the week, even on weekends.
So don’t worry about that, you’ll find a way to get home, just ask Google, but plan a little bit before hitting the party. And if you’re planning on coming back with an Uber or with any other app transport, that’s a great option, although it is pretty safe to go on public transport.
Spätis and After-Parties: A Unique Side of Nightlife in Berlin for Tourists
Something that is peculiar about the German party culture is to go after the party to a spätti, which are part of the ritual. They are stores that are open 24-7, meeting points for improv, chat, and it’s kind of the talking rooms of the actual clubs, and it’s pure DNA of the Berliners “kies”’s.
Transport and Safety for Enjoying Berlin Nightlife as a Tourist
Let’s rehearse some of the tips to move around without hassles in Berlin. Berlin is super safe, you can walk all over wherever you want, but if you live far away, you can take the S-Bahn, the U-Bahn, the tram, the bus, even ferries all day, all night, any day of the week, even on weekends.
So don’t worry about that, you’ll find a way to get home, just ask Google, but plan a little bit before hitting the party. And if you’re planning on coming back with an Uber or with any other app transport, that’s a great option, although it is pretty safe to go on public transport.
The Cultural Essence Behind Nightlife in Berlin for Tourists
Something you will see at the end of your party tour is that the club scene here is part of the deep and traditional culture, it’s not something new and something that changes a lot, it has been this way since the 80s. Berlin just has it as part of their own essence. You will also find places that are unique, that are called sex positive, which means people here are uninhibited, which is always something unexpected, very liberal, and also very consensual, but very Berlinish.