Best Twilight Views
Solar Stresemannstrasse 76 (Go to Page)
Best for Tunnel Vision
Künstliche BEATmung Simon-Dach-Strasse 20 (Go to Page)
Best High-Rise Party
Weekend Alexanderplatz 5 (Go to Page)
Best Swim & Bop
Badeschiff Eichenstrasse 4 (Go to Page)
Best Beer Garden
Prater Kastanienalee 7-9. (Go to Page)
Best Sports Bar
Oscar Wilde Pub Friedrichstrasse 112a (Go to Page)
Best Caipirinha on the Beach
Strandgut Mühlenstrasse 61 (Go to Page)
Best Blues Bar
Speiches Blueskneipe Raumerstrasse 39 (Go to Page)
Best Rum Cocktail
Rum Trader Fasanenstrasse 40 (Go to Page)
Best Chic Hotel Bar
Bebel Bar Behrenstrasse 37 (Go to Page)
Best Ballroom Dancing
Clärchens Ballhaus Auguststrasse 24 (Go to Page)
Best Techno Club
Berghain Panorama Bar Am Wriezener Bahnhof (Go to Page)
Best Mixology Magic
The Liberate Klein Präsidentenstrasse 4 (Go to Page)
Best Kitschy Gay Bar
Himmelreich Simon-Dach-Strasse 36 (Go to Page)
Best Post-Clubbing Breakfast
Schwarzes Café Kantstrasse 148 (Go to Page)
Best Loft Party
Dachkammer Simon-Dach-Strasse 39 (Go to Page)
Best See-and-Be-Seen Lounge
Trust Neue Promenade 10 (Go to Page)
Best GDR-Themed Club
Klub der Republik Pappelallee 81 (Go to Page)
Best Club Night
Cookies Friedrichstrasse 158 (Go to Page)
Best for Jazz
Victoria Bar Potsdamer Strasse 102 (Go to Page)
Best for Couples
Green Door Winterfeldstrasse 50 (Go to Page)
Bars & Lounge Bars
Astro Bar FRIEDRICHSHAIN Calling all Hitchhiker fans! With its black walls, sci-fi kitsch, and threadbare sofas, this cosmic bar is student lounge meets Star Wars. Play Attack from Mars pinball, ogle the asteroids, and enjoy drinks at prices that are, mercifully, not astronomical. Simon-Dach-Strasse 40. No phone. U-Bahn: Frankfurter Tor. Map.
Bebel Bar MITTE Housed in the former 19th-century Dresdner Bank, now the ever-so-classy Hotel de Rome, the high-ceilinged, subtly lit Bebel Bar is a cocoon of sophistication. Well-to-do Berliners converse over expertly mixed cocktails, mellow music, and views of Bebelplatz. Behrenstrasse 37. 
030-460-60-90. U-Bahn: Französische Strasse. Map.
Dachkammer FRIEDRICHSHAIN The relaxed downstairs bar, with its exposed brickwork, is ideal for quaffing and conversing with young trendies. Upstairs, embrace the 1940s with crimson velvet sofas, gold-striped walls, smooth jazz, and a tiny balcony. Simon-Dach-Strasse 39. 030-296-16-73. www.dachkammer.com. U-Bahn: Frankfurter Tor. Map.
Künstliche BEATmung FRIEDRICHSHAIN This psychedelic-styled bar centers on a tunnel sculpted like a windpipe (the name translates as “artificial breathing”). Drink mojitos as DJs spin house, electro, minimal, and garage to a mixed bunch. Simon-Dach-Strasse 20. 030-70-22-04-72. www.kuenstlichebeatmung.de. U-Bahn: Frankfurter Tor. Map.
The Liberate MITTE With its glittering chandeliers, tufted banquettes and black-and-gold wallpaper, this over-the-top cocktail bar in the hot new Monbijou Park area evokes Hollywood glamor in the 1950s, and coincidentally serves great cocktails. Kleine Präsidentenstrasse 4. 030-88-67-77-78. www.theliberate.com. Open Wed–Sun. S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt. Map.
Newton MITTE A place of quiet sophistication, dressed with leather club chairs, polished oak, and Helmut Newton’s risqué shots of nude supermodels. Try a cocktail special like Absolut Newton (vodka, cane sugar, and bitter lemon) at the crescent-shaped bar. Charlottenstrasse 57. 030-202-95-40. www.newton-bar.de. U-Bahn: Stadtmitte. Map.
Paule’s Metal Eck FRIEDRICHSHAIN Goths and vamps head to this down-to-earth pub for solid rock and thrash metal, cheap drinks, and pool. In trendy Friedrichshain, Paule’s breaks the mold with dungeon walls decked out with skulls and dragons. Krossener Strasse 15. 030-291-16-24. U-Bahn: Frankfurter Tor. Map.
Puro Skylounge CHARLOTTENBURG While the atmosphere is self-consciously cool, Puro has a captivating panorama of Berlin by night. On the top floor of the Europa Center (take the elevator from the side entrance), you’ll find a dance floor, champagne bar, and an area for lounging. Europa Center, Tauentzienstrasse 11. 030-26-36-78-75. www.puroberlin.de. U-Bahn: Kurfürstendamm. Map.
Reingold Lounge MITTE This smart bar for grown-ups evokes the decadent 1930s with gold light panels and caramel leather stools. Hobnob over cocktails, as the music moves from retro to jazz and ambient tunes. Novalisstrasse 11. 030-28-38-76-76.www.reingold.de. U-Bahn: Oranienburger Tor. Map.
Solar MITTE Arguably the best view of Berlin by night is to be had from this sleek, glass-walled lounge on the 17th floor of a nondescript high-rise. Kick back with a drink as the city’s landmarks twinkle below. Map.
Speiches Blueskneipe PRENZLAUER BERG Local blues hero Jörg Speiche runs this joint. With grizzled characters, guitars on the walls, and creaking floorboards, it oozes real-life charm. Play pool, guzzle beer, and catch one of the regular bands playing blues, rock, or swing. Raumerstrasse 39. 030-444-56-24. U-Bahn: Eberswalder Strasse. Map.
Trust MITTE This hotspot lounge-bar is hidden behind an unmarked door beneath a railway bridge. It’s a stylishly urbane affair of exposed cement and gold surfaces that attracts well-dressed grownups and Berlin’s cocktail-sipping glitterati. Neue Promenade 10. 030-27-59-32-95. www.trust-berlin.com. S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt. Map.
Every Sunday around 3pm, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Jackson, and Britney Spears wannabes descend on the Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg for Bearpit Karaoke. Where the Death Strip once stood during the GDR, today Berliners and all-comers gather for a gigantic sing-along with Joe Hatchiban, charismatic Irish entertainer and event founder. Some 2,000 people flock to the small amphitheater, where the music and good vibes just keep flowing. Whether pitch perfect or tone deaf, those who choose to sing (and often dance) drive the crowd wild. From spring to summer, this is one of Berlin’s most fun afternoons out. For details, visit www.bearpitkaraoke.com.
Würgeengel KREUZBERG Scarlet walls and chandeliers shape this smoldering beauty, named after the 1962 movie classic The Exterminating Angel. Join arty locals here to nurse a Pisco sour or a Manhattan and nibble a selection of tapas. Dresdner Strasse 122. 030-615-55-60. www.wuergeengel.de. U-Bahn: Kottbusser Tor. Map.
Beach & Canalside Bars
Badeschiff KREUZBERG This Spree-side hangout is the place to sway in a hammock, daiquiri in hand, or bop to techno on the beach. The cargo ship pool is perfect for an after-party dip. In winter, it morphs into a floating sauna. Eichenstrasse 4. 030-533-20-30. www.badeschiff.de. Admission 5€. S-Bahn: Ostbahnhof. Map.
Club der Visionäre KREUZBERG This relaxed and effortlessly cool canal-side shack is packed to the rafters on balmy summer evenings. Young hipsters laze on the deck area, gulp cold beer, and drift away to chill-out music. Am Flutgraben 1. 030-69-51-89-44. www.clubdervisionaere.com. U-Bahn: Schlesisches Tor. Map.
Freischwimmer KREUZBERG It isn’t unusual to see locals paddling up to this waterfront bar. When the Berlin Wall stood, there was nothing here but garden allotments; nowadays bright young things spill out onto the deck for drinks with friends. Vor dem Schlesischen Tor 2a. 030-61-07-43-09. www.freischwimmer-berlin.com. U-Bahn: Schlesisches Tor. Map.
Strandgut FRIEDRICHSHAIN In the summer months this urban beach behind the former Berlin Wall offers music, a ship for sunbathing, and zingy caipirinhas. A young, hip crowd flocks here to socialize and lounge on white leather sofas under palm trees. Check website before heading out. Mühlenstrasse 61. 030-70-08-55-66. www.strandgut-berlin.de. S-Bahn: Ostbahnhof. Map.
Clubs
Berghain-Panorama Bar FRIEDRICHSHAIN Once a power station, Berghain is now turbo-charged with hardcore revelers who come for the ear-splitting techno, world-class DJs, and hipster vibe. The club is notorious for its selective and random door policy. Am Wriezener Bahnhof. www.berghain.de. Cover 10€–12€. S-Bahn: Ostbahnhof. Map.
Chalet KREUZBERG Berlin’s oldest (and only) remaining tollhouse was converted in 2012 from a popular neighborhood beer garden to a trendy cocktail scene lounge with a downstairs dance chamber. Be prepared for the selective bouncer. Vor dem Schlesischen Tor 3. 030-695-36-290. www.chaletberlin.de.
Clärchens Ballhaus MITTE Embrace the glamor of yesteryear in this 19th-century dance hall, complete with bow-tied waiters and silver tinsel. There’s salsa, swing, waltz, and tango every night and you can brush up your footwork at one of the regular dance classes; see the website for details. Auguststrasse 24. 030-282-92-95. www.ballhaus.de. No cover-6€. S-Bahn: Oranienburger Strasse. Map.
Cookies MITTE One of Berlin’s hottest club nights occurs at Cookies every Tuesday and Thursday. Below the restaurant (Go to Page), DJs spin techno, house, and hip-hop to a young crowd. Look your best to stand a chance of getting in. Friedrichstrasse 158. 030-442-70-60. www.cookies.ch. Cover varies. U-Bahn: Friedrichstrasse. Map.
Kaffee Burger PRENZLAUER BERG A laid-back, arty den where evenings begin with readings, films, or theater, and move swiftly on to DJs pumping out electro, indie, and Balkan beats. The adjacent burger bar is handy for late-night munchies. Torstrasse 60. 030-28-04-64-95. www.kaffeeburger.de. No cover. U-Bahn: Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. Map.
Klub der Republik PANKOW This retro club with a GDR theme was a lot grittier before it moved to its new digs in Pankow, but it’s still a good spot to meet and mix with local and club-hopping Berliners who come for cheap drinks and DJs cranking out a mix of house, electro, soul, and Sixties grooves. Berliner Strasse 80-81. No phone. No cover. S-Bahn: Pankow. Map.
Sage KREUZBERG Dress to the nines to slip past the doormen at this über-cool club where the four dance floors offer up drum and bass, techno, and indie. The orient-inspired decor is eye-catching and the rooftop pool ideal for chilling. Köpenicker Strasse 76. 030-278-98-30. www.sage-club.de. No cover–8€. U-Bahn: Heinrich-Heine-Strasse. Map.
Watergate KREUZBERG If you can persuade the surly bouncers to let you in, you’ll find pulsating drum and bass anthems, a, glammed-up crowd, and amazing views of the Spree through floor-to-ceiling glass walls in this strikingly lit club. Falckensteinstrasse 49a. 030-61-28-03-96. www.water-gate.de. Cover 8€–12€. U-Bahn: Schlesisches Tor. Map.
Weekend KREUZBERG Climb up to the 12th, 15th, and roof-terrace floors of a Soviet-era skyscraper to reach this club. Attracting more tourists than Berliners, it’s worth it for the mind-blowing views and top-notch techno. Alexanderplatz 5. 030-24-63-16-76. www.week-end-berlin.de. Cover varies. U-Bahn: Alexanderplatz. Map.
Cocktail Bars
Bar Nou KREUZBERG Backlit red and gold, this minimalist lounge bar fizzes with fashionable Kreuzbergers. The bartenders mix a great cocktail—including signatures like spicy Islay Honey (malt whiskey, ginger, lime, and agave syrup). Bergmannstrasse 104. 030-74-07-30-50. www.bar-nou.de. U-Bahn: Mehringdamm. Map.
Beckett’s Kopf Bar PRENZLAUER BERG There’s magic in the mixology at this ever-popular bar. Jazzy tunes create a backdrop for imaginative cocktails like Monkey Gland (gin, grenadine, fresh orange juice, and absinthe). Pappelallee 64. www.becketts-kopf.de. U-Bahn: Eberswalder Strasse. Map.
Green Door CHARLOTTENBURG Ring the bell on the eponymous green door to be buzzed into this tiny retro cocktail lounge, where Berliners test out “the power of positive drinking.” Try the taste-bud-awakening blend of pisco, mint, lemon, cane sugar, and champagne. Winterfeldstrasse 50. 030-215-25-15. www.greendoor.de. U-Bahn: Nollendorfplatz. Map.
Haifischbar KREUZBERG Sharks (Haifisch) guard the door to this Kreuzberg haunt. The jazzy bar serves a winning combination of cocktails—try a ginger martini or a pisco-laced Mariachi—and appetizing Spanish tapas. Happy hour is from 7 to 9pm daily. Arndtstrasse 25. 030-691-13-52. www.haifischbar-berlin.de. U-Bahn: Gneisenaustrasse. Map.
Rum Trader CHARLOTTENBURG Ring the bell to enter this microscopic cocktail bar patronized by a well-heeled Berlin set who are on first-name terms with the bartender. Rum-based cocktails are the specialty here—the Mai Tai is superb. Fasanenstrasse 40. 030-881-14-28. U-Bahn: Spichernstrasse. Map.
Victoria Bar MITTE From the walnut paneling to olive leather sofas, this chi-chi lounge has been designed with a razor-sharp eye for detail. The bartender expertly mixes cocktails, so you can sip a Singapore Sling as smooth jazz plays. Potsdamer Strasse 102. 030-25-75-99-77. www.viktoriabar.de. U-Bahn: Kurfürstenstrasse. Map.
Gay & Lesbian Bars/Clubs
Himmelreich FRIEDRICHSHAIN Golden cherubs and glitter balls, gilded mirrors and mulberry walls—everything about Himmelreich is campily beautiful. It screams shabby chic with a boho vibe and Motown rhythms. Drinks are 2-for-1 on Wednesdays. Simon-Dach-Strasse 36. 030-707-28-306. U-Bahn: Frankfurter Tor. Map.
Schwuz KREUZBERG An industrial-style basement club with thrashing sounds and a young (mostly gay) crowd. DJs dominate the decks with everything from funky R&B beats to Seventies disco and retro hits! Mehringdamm 61. 030-629-08-80. www.schwuz.de. Cover 5€–7€. U-Bahn: Mehringdamm. Map.
SO36 KREUZBERG This mixed gay-lesbian-straight club presents a varied musical line-up from Asian house to techno, punk, and funk. It also stages regular concerts and campy themed events. Oranienstrasse 190. 030-61-40-13-06. www.so36.de. Cover 10€–24€. U-Bahn: Kottbusser Tor. Map.
Late-Night Cafes
Atlantic KREUZBERG Unwind with a cold beer on Atlantic’s heated terrace, strategically placed for absorbing the action on Bergmannstrasse. Don’t miss the quirky flourishes inside, from Betty Boop creations to coffee-bean tables. Bergmannstrasse 100. 030-691-92-92. U-Bahn: Mehringdamm. Map.
Laub & Frey PRENZLAUER BERG Sparkly disco balls and low-level seating set the scene at this cafe-bar. Come here for inexpensive drinks on the terrace, or shake your booty as DJs play electro and house to a boho crowd. Kastanienallee 79. www.laubundfrey.de. 030-60-93-05-29. U-Bahn: Eberswalder Strasse. Map.
Morgenrot PRENZLAUER BERG Alternative and deliberately down-at-heel, this collective cafe embraces folk from all walks of life. Rub shoulders with local artists and sample vegan cocktails, play chess, or catch one of the ad-hoc concerts. It’s usually jam-packed. Kastanienallee 85. 030-44-31-78-44. U-Bahn: Eberswalder Strasse. Map.
Schwarzes Café CHARLOTTENBURG This 24-hour cafe is a Kantstrasse institution. The jazzy soundtrack creates a relaxed setting to sip coffee with a pre- and post-clubbing crowd, chat with the chirpy staff, or devour a round-the-clock breakfast. Kantstrasse 148. 030-313-80-38. www.schwarzescafe-berlin.de. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.
Pubs & Beer Gardens
Golgatha KREUZBERG Kreuzbergers make for Viktoriapark on summer evenings. Golgatha has a laid-back crowd, self-service snacks, and boogying from dusk till dawn. www.golgotha-berlin.de. Map.
Oscar Wilde Pub MITTE An Irish watering hole with big-screen sports that Oscar would have quipped about. The pub satisfies expat cravings for banter, bacon sandwiches, and Guinness on tap. There’s free live music and karaoke or DJ nights at 10pm every Friday and Saturday. Friedrichstrasse 112a. 030-282-81-66. www.oscar-wilde-irish-pub.de. U-Bahn: Oranienburger Tor. Map.
Prater PRENZLAUER BERG With a brewing tradition dating back to 1837, this is the granddaddy of Berlin’s beer gardens. Sit under the chestnut trees, enjoy Prater pils, and drink in the atmosphere of a vibrant neighborhood. Map. 
