Fun and entertainment Berlin

Timetable

If you're going to the opera, be prepared to eat early, as shows often start around 7pm.

Berlin's nightclubs rarely open before midnight, unless they're open non-stop all weekend. From 1 a.m. onwards, the nightclubs become increasingly crowded, and between 1 and 3 a.m., be prepared for long queues.

Germany has a strange historical relic. On two days of the year, Good Friday and All Souls' Day, dancing is "forbidden"(Tanzverbot). But in Berlin, as you'd expect, the regulations are not strictly enforced.

Be warned: Berlin's nightlife addresses sometimes appear and disappear in the space of a few months, bars move on, clubs close before reopening in the form of a travelling party, etc. To get the most out of the German capital's nightlife, don't hesitate to consult the programs you'll find on the Internet.

Budget & Tips

The price of drinks is lower than elsewhere in Europe, which no doubt also explains Berlin's success as a party destination. A pint of beer rarely costs more than €4.

For those on a budget, there's no better place than the "Späti", the little corner store open all night, where you'll find everything you need to quench your thirst.

To get into a nightclub, on the other hand, you'll have to dig deep into your pocket, as admission is rarely less than €10.

To be booked

If you're in a group, it's a good idea to reserve a table to make sure there's room at the bar.

Night transport

Berlin has the advantage of a subway system that runs all night on weekends. No problem getting home if you're out on a Friday or Saturday night. On weekdays, after 1 a.m., you'll have to rely on the night buses. These are indicated by the letter N. The N7 bus, for example, follows a route more or less similar to the U7 metro line between 1am and 4am. The best way to calculate your route at night is to use the BVG application.

Age restrictions

The sale of alcohol to minors is forbidden, as is entry to nightclubs.

What's very local

You'll probably hear about the "ideal" dress code for entering a nightclub in Berlin: full black. That may be true for the Berghain, but in Berlin, you really have to be who you are. The best outfit for going out is the one you feel comfortable in. Allow yourself a little fantasy and leave the mainstream in the checkroom. To increase your chances of getting into a nightclub, here are a few loose tips: avoid arriving in groups, and spread out in the queue. Groups, especially tourist groups, are not welcome. Don't speak French at the top of your voice in the queue, as some bouncers are not fans... Knowing the line-up is essential, as bouncers will sometimes test you by asking which DJs are performing. Going out on Sunday afternoons/evenings also has its advantages: clubs are generally less crowded, and physiognomists are more flexible.

There are several essential magazines for discovering Berlin's nightlife and, above all, the hundreds of venues that exist. Tip Berlin, in German, is by far the most comprehensive. Exberliner, in English, offers a trendy selection. Siegessäule is the essential free monthly for LGBTQIA+ events. The Resident Advisor site gives you a complete list of clubs and their programming. For concert dates in Berlin, visit www.popfrontal.de. And don't forget that Berlin, as a truly underground city, has a multitude of venues that don't advertise in the newspapers. The best way to keep up to date is to look at the posters on the poles in the streets of Kreuzberg, Neukölln and Friedrichshain, announcing forthcoming events. It's a great way for Berliners to select a local clientele with a discerning taste...

Smokers

Most of Berlin's bars and nightclubs are smokers, and sometimes - but rarely - have a non-smoking area.