Archives for posts with tag: nightlife

One of the things Berlin is known for are its living room-style bars. Characterized by the total absence of coherence in interior design – to the extent in which it becomes fashionable again – and many different rooms in which smaller and larger parties can find a place of their own, the Dachkammer at Simon-Dach-Straße is an example of these. However, it’s mainly the first floor that’s interesting. Separated also in terms of ordering drinks, the upper floor opens up later than the ground floor cafe.

For those who have enough money to kick off the night in a bar like this – as opposed to drinking beer at home or on public transport – the Dachkammer is a perfect place for doing so, both in atmosphere as in its nearby locations to the many clubs along the railway tracks at Warschauer Straße. Cocktails start at 5 euros and they always carry some nice German beers. Read the rest of this entry »

This is where you’ll find the Irish spirit after a few pints of Guinness, Kilkenny’s or whiskey. Located right in the underpassage of S-Bahn Hackescher Markt, it’s conveniently located, no matter where you’re coming from. Once you get in, you can pick a seat in any of the various rooms, each with a different feel to it. Be aware though, the mock cobblestones might prove to be an obstacle if you’re wearing heels. This really is a nice place to sit down and have a chat with a friend, or a group of friends.

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Only a few days in town and no clue where to start at night? Take a pub crawl and simply enjoy the ride along a few of Berlin’s pubs, bars and clubs. It might not get you to the best, most secret underground clubs of Berlin, but it’s sure to get you going. In the summer, the New Berlin Pub Crawl is sure to get a few dozen people going, so you’re sure to find someone or a group of people you can connect with throughout the night. You will not be alone, nor do you need to fall back on a possible partner in crime you dragged along.

Although there are plenty of other pub crawls in Berlin, I like the Neweurope tours due to their non-commercial attitude. The day-time touristic tours are essentially free and leave it up to you to appropriately tip the guide for provided services. The pub crawl requires a €12 fee to get along, but this fee is for the most part used for getting into the clubs and providing you with a free Jägermeister at every club.

Although the program is subject to change, back when I took the pub crawl, the tour started at Zapata, the bar adjacent to the infamous Tacheles. It then visited rock club Silberfisch, techno club Ruderclub, soul club Bohannon and the ‘all-styles’ Matrix. Although the last tends to be visited by the young and slutty, it likes to let visitors think their door policy is very strict and only the best get in. You will, for participation and entry to any of the clubs, require to have an ID with you proving you’re over 18. There’s no obligation to finish the pub crawl, if you’ve found a place to spend the night, you are free to stay behind.

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On number 23 of Frankfurter Allee, which is the continuation of the famous Karl-Marx-Allee, you will find Sanatorium23. A lounge-bar, which I feel is one of those things Berlin is all about. Perhaps the description on their website explains what it is better than I could do:

The Sanatorium23 is a Friedrichshain micro-cosmos, somewhere between coffeehouse, gallery and mini-club. For the relaxed night, Sanatorium23 offers its visitors comfortable lying-down areas. On week-ends, first-class DJ’s offer its patients audio-medication. As you’re taking in your beverages in horizontal position, you see Berlin life passing you by through the panoramic window.

It’s all about relaxation. The benches which you can lie down on, as well as the general atmosphere. You won’t be bothered by pushy staff, wanting you to order a drink either, as it’s self-service. At the bar you can order your drink according to a mock periodic table, which you van preview on their website. And when it closes just after midnight, you can either go on, deeper into Berlin’s nightlife or get some sleep in the hotel room they offer up-stairs.

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