Global electronic music, encompassing genres such as techno, house, or trance, underwent a significant transformation influenced by Berlin's music scene, especially during the vibrant era of the 1990s. Presently, the city continues to host a plethora of electronic music events, festivals, and clubs. If you are an electronic music artist seeking the ideal venue to showcase your music, this article compiles information on 18 of the finest nightclubs in Berlin.
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Salon zur wilden Renate
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Location: Alt-Stralau 70, 10245 Berlin
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Established in 2007, Salon zur wilden Renate, also known as 'Wilde Renate,' is a techno club in Friedrichshain. Divided into three rooms on multiple floors, each area caters to specific electronic music genres. The club's avant-garde decoration and vibrant atmosphere have earned it a reputation as one of Berlin's most beautiful and creatively extravagant venues.
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The door policy at Wilde Renate is relatively relaxed, allowing for experimentation with clothing. However, large groups, especially men, may not be welcomed. Politeness towards the bouncers and knowledge of the performing DJ are recommended.
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Sisyphos
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Location: Hauptstraße 15, 10317 Berlin
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Sisyphos, situated in Friedrichshain, is renowned for hosting extended and energetic parties that can last from Friday to Monday without interruption. The club, although slightly smaller in size, boasts two rooms and an outdoor area adorned with abandoned cars, creating a unique party village ambiance.
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The club's door policy is considered strict and somewhat intimidating, akin to the renowned Berghain. Timing your visit outside peak hours, being aware of the playing DJ, and being prepared for a significant walk from the nearest station might increase your chances of experiencing the best parties at Sisyphos.
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The club draws inspiration from the Greek myth of Sisyphus, organizing parties that seemingly never end.
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Location: Markgrafendamm 24c, 10245 Berlin
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Located in Friedrichshain near Ostkreuz S-Bahnhof, ://about blank is a techno-focused club operating since 2010. The venue, known for its powerful and gritty atmosphere, features two main dance floors and an outdoor garden, open in both summer and winter.
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://about blank is reputed to have a lax door policy, with attire tailored to match the specific party theme. While reaching the doorman, expect questions about the event, the DJ, and the club rules, emphasizing the 'No photo' policy.
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The Matrix
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Location: Warschauer Pl. 18, 10245 Berlin
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Established in 1996 and occupying ten basement vaults at Warschauer Straße railway station, The Matrix is one of Berlin's oldest and largest nightclubs. Initially focused on electronic music, it expanded its program to include various genres like reggae, hip-hop, and R&B.
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The club operates 365 nights a year, offering diverse music experiences. However, it tends to attract German tourists, especially on weekends, leading to a potentially crowded environment.
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Watergate
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Location: Falckensteinstraße 49, 10997 Berlin
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Watergate, founded in 2002 in Kreuzberg, primarily focuses on EDM. The club is known for its panoramic view of the Spree river, globally acclaimed DJs, and its record label, Watergate Records.
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Watergate's LED ceiling lights illuminate the top dance floor, creating a visually captivating experience. However, the club's relatively small size might lead to overcrowding, and visitors may be turned away if they are not aware of the performing DJ.
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Berghain
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Location: Am Wriezener bhf, 10243 Berlin
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Berghain, established in 2004 in a former heating plant, is internationally recognized as the 'world capital of techno' and 'church of techno.' The club comprises three stages, each focusing on techno and house, with additional dark rooms and a basement area called 'Lab.Oratory.'
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Berghain's strict and exclusive door policy is infamous, leading to long queues and occasional rejections. The club's parties are known for their extended durations, often lasting well into the next day.
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A 'no-photo policy' is strictly enforced, and visitors are advised to cover their smartphone cameras.
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Tips for increasing the chance of entry include blending in, avoiding peak hours, knowing the playing DJ, speaking German, and being relatively sober.
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Tresor Club
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Location: Köpenicker Str. 70, 10179 Berlin
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Tresor, established in 1991, is an underground techno club and music label. Initially located at Leipziger Strasse, Tresor moved to Köpenicker Straße in 2007. The club, often compared to Berghain but with a friendlier door policy, features a labyrinthine layout with vault rooms.
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The door policy at Tresor is more relaxed than Berghain. Attire should lean towards simple and comfortable, avoiding extravagance. Larger groups may face entry restrictions.
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Golden Gate Club
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Location: Dircksenstraße 77-78, 10179 Berlin
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Despite its small size, Golden Gate is considered one of the most energetic and lively clubs in Berlin. Operating with impressively long hours, the club hosts parties that extend from Thursday to Friday afternoon and then continue from Friday midnight into Monday morning.
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The club's energetic vibes make it a great choice for those seeking an intimate setting with Berlin-based DJs playing upfront tech house music.
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Suicide Circus
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Location: Warschauer Brücke, Revaler Straße 99
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Suicide Circus, an alternative and edgy techno club, features a main dance floor, an open-air area, and an outdoor terrace/beer garden. The club's interior adopts an industrial style with mystical lighting and a robust sound system.
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Known for supporting the local LGBTQ+ community, the club hosts parties like 'Chantals House of Shame.' Suicide Circus maintains a relatively lax door policy, making it more accessible to visitors.
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Kater Blau
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Location: Holzmarktstraße 25, 10243 Berlin, Holzmarkt 25
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Kater Blau, established in 2014, is situated in Holzmarkt, on a boat on the river Spree. The club, a successor to Kater Holzig, offers multiple indoor and outdoor areas with different music styles.
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Kater Blau's door policy may be challenging at times. Politeness, knowledge of the ongoing party, and confidence in attire are emphasized. Creativity in clothing is welcomed, but a simple black outfit is generally suitable.
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OXI
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Location: Wiesenweg 1-4, 10365 Berlin
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OXI, actively operating since 2013, is situated in Victoriastadt, not far from Berghain. The club features two indoor dance floors and an open-air area named 'OXI Garten.'
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OXI's door policy is relatively relaxed, focusing on simple and comfortable attire. Larger groups may face entry restrictions, making it advisable to split into smaller groups for a higher chance of entry.
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Heideglühen
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Location: Seestraße 1, 13353 Berlin
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Heideglühen, opened in 2011, is located in Moabit, a more alternative city district. The club, with wooden walls resembling a ranch, attracts an audience slightly older than other clubs, with a focus on house music.
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The club's location, away from residential areas, contributes to its unique atmosphere. Heideglühen is less commercial and tends to have fewer tourists.
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OHM
- Location: Köpenicker Str. 70, 10179 Berlin
- OHM, located in a former battery room of an abandoned power plant, is considered Tresor's smaller underground counterpart. Recognized for its positive energy, diverse music program, and top-tier sound system, OHM is a notable club in Berlin.
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Revier Südost - RSO.Berlin
- Location: Schnellerstraße 137, 12439 Berlin
- Situated southeast of the city in Niederschöneweide, Revier Südost is a cultural center that emerged from the team behind the former techno club Griessmühle. In 2020, RSO.Berlin was opened in the new location, retaining the industrial and DIY decoration charm.
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Anomalie Art Club
- Location: Storkower Str. 123, 10407 Berlin
- Anomalie Art Club, located in the north-eastern part of the city, provides a wonderful atmosphere with a great sound system. As a smaller club, it focuses on quality electronic music, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an intimate setting.
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Arkaoda
- Location: 16-18 Karl-Marx-Platz, 12043 Berlin
- Arkaoda, a branch of the Istanbul-based club, opened in Berlin in 2018. Placed in a former bowling area, the club offers diverse music genres, from techno to reggae, and features a unique Middle-Eastern vibe in its décor.
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Club der Visionäre
- Location: Am Flutgraben, 12435 Berlin
- Club der Visionäre, located in Treptow-Köpenick, operates as an open-air festival in a former boathouse along the Flutgraben canal. The club focuses on minimal music, with a small indoor dance floor and an outdoor garden on a wooden deck.
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ÆDEN
- Location: Schleusenufer 3, 10997 Berlin
- ÆDEN, positioned on Lohmühleninsel, is divided into an indoor and outdoor area on a wooden deck, referred to as a 'modern pleasure garden.' Known for its 'elysian' personality, ÆDEN curates a program showcasing quality music and both national and international DJs.
