Berlin Club Guide: Part 1

18. February 2008 by Emmett.

Since I’ve been living in Berlin, I’ve been contacted by a lot of people in Canada who are interested in coming over here and seeing if the city’s reputation for debauchery holds up.

I thought I would put together a short, far-from-complete list of the key nightspots…this is kind of necessary in Berlin, as nothing cool has a big sign.

Weekend

Located on the 12th floor of an office building at Alexanderplatz, the club’s visibility makes it a big draw for tourists and locals. Chic, dark, and expensive (cover is at least €10). They open the 15th floor and the roof for special events.

Expect: trendy minimal techno, hot people, empty wallets. Grade: B

Berghain/Panorama Bar

An old power plant in a sketchy part of town, with lots of the original equipment left as “decor.” Capacity of around 1500, which is certainly reached on saturday nights- pure madness across 3 floors and 6 bars, with unbelievable peak-time lineups. Very gay-friendly, open atmosphere, with no cameras allowed. Top-notch music as well (Laurent Garnier! Carl Craig!)

Expect: to stay a while. Grade: A

Maria am Ostbahnhof

What looks like an abandoned building on the east part of the river, on the border of the old wall, actually houses one of the better-known clubs in the city. Diverse musical selection, from hip hop and drum n bass to hard techno. Art on the walls gets changed fairly often, and the sound system is banging. Lineups don’t get too crazy. Definitely worth checking out for a special event.

Expect: a mix of young people, good dancefloor, sore eardrums. Grade: B+

Rodeo Club (Auguststraße 5a)

The trendiest place I’ve graced with my presence up til now, somehow squeezed into the back part of a museum. Snooty entrance policies and long lines set the tone as you come in. The main bar is stunning, with a ridiculously high domed ceiling, but the lack of a decent sound system, and so-cool-it-hurts staff and patrons really suck the fun out of it.

Expect: to roll your eyes a lot. Grade: D+

Click here for part two.

pics taken from residentadvisor.net

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