Over the last few decades, the city of Berlin has crafted its own identity as the artistic, liberal and alternative capital of Europe. The city is crawling with artists and musicians alike, and they have a great habit of turning the monuments of Berlin’s past into symbols for what the place has become, a city just oozing with cool. Some may call it ostentatious but there is no doubt that Germany’s capital is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and rightfully so, with its almost limitless supply of unique nightspots being a main attraction.
Most guides to the Berlin nightlife would direct you to the city’s most famous clubs. Huge, industrial sized factories-turned-megaclubs play host to some of the world’s top DJs. Clubs such as Berghain, Watergate and Tresor attract thousands of dance-loving partygoers every week and are great for a wild night. But if you would rather enjoy a night where you can actually speak to your friends without compromising on the quality of music then fear not; Berlin still has some of the best, most unique bars in all of Europe. Perfect for nights filled with cheap drinks, new experiences and great music ‘til its time to check out of your hostel. Here is a small selection of the bars that provide some of the best nights the city has to offer…
Located in the Kreuzberg quarter of Berlin, this bar is the perfect place to go if you’re into punk, rockabilly, ska and rock ‘n’ roll. With more of a club feel after a certain time of night it can get pretty busy, but with lots of room and a large dance floor that is no problem. The average age of the clientele is around 21 so it’s quite popular among the local students. The best night to go is a Sunday, although if you can catch one of their events then do, it’s sure to be a great night, especially their birthday celebrations on the 14 December.
Most who come across YAAM find it by accident after walking along the East Side Gallery, but it is a gem of a find. A Caribbean island in the middle of a bustling city, it stands for Young African Art Market and is a celebration of all things African, providing space for live music, basketball, beach volleyball etc. Lying on a hammock or deck chair by the riverside, sipping on drinks and listening to music it is easy to forget you are actually in the middle of a metropolis. There is also a restaurant where you can sample some of the best in African cuisine and for the winter nights when it is colder, they light fires in drums all around the bar, giving it quite a surreal atmosphere when you see people dancing by the flames.
Perfect for the Ramones fan and general music lover, this is the world’s first museum dedicated to the New York rockers with over 500 authentic pieces of memorabilia inside. The entrance fee is 6€ but is pretty good value considering you get to take the tour at your own pace, there is a drink included and you become a lifetime member of the museum.
By Kyle Neary
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