For Free - Berlin - page 113

Clubbing
Over the past 25 years, Berlin's club culture has put the city firmly on the map of hedonists.
With more than 200 venues, finding one to match your mood shouldn't be a tall order. Elec-
tronic music in its infinite varieties continues to define Berlin's after-dark action but other
sounds like hip hop, dancehall, rock, swing and funk have also made inroads. The edgiest
clubs have taken up residence in power plants, transformer stations, abandoned apartment
buildings and other repurposed locations.
The scene is in constant flux as experienced club owners look for new challenges and a
younger generation of promoters enters the scene with new ideas and impetus. Overall,
though, rising costs, development and noise complaints have shifted the focus away from
heavily gentrified Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte down to Kreuzberg, Neukölln and Friedrich-
shain. However, as these districts too become more and more hyped, the wildest parties are
staged even further afield in such boroughs as Lichtenberg, Treptow and Wedding.
WHEN TO GO
Whatever club or party you're heading for, don't bother showing up before 1am unless you
want to have a deep conversation with a bored bartender. And don't worry about closing
times - Berlin's famously long nights have gotten even later of late and, thanks to a growing
number of after parties and daytime clubs, not going home at all is definitely an option at
weekends. In fact, many folks put in a good night's sleep, then hit the dance floor when oth-
er people head for Sunday church.
AT THE DOOR
Doors are tough at some clubs such as Watergate , Berghain/Panorama Bar , Salon zur
Wilden Renate , Felix or Pearl but, overall, making it past the bouncer is still easier in Berlin
than in other European capitals. There's generally no need to dress up, and sometimes
flaunting fancy labels and glam cocktail dresses can get in the way of your getting in. And if
your attitude is right, age rarely matters. If you have to queue, be respectful, don't drink and
don't talk too loudly. Don't arrive wasted. As elsewhere, large groups (even mixed ones)
have a lower chance of getting in, so split up if you can. If you do get turned away, don't ar-
gue. And don't worry, there's always another party somewhere…
Drinks
Predictably, beer is big in Berlin and served - and consumed - almost everywhere all day
long. Most places pour a variety of local, national and imported brews, including at least
one draught beer (vom Fass) served in 300mL or 500mL glasses. In summer, drinking your