Berlin’s club scene is internationally renowned. This is mainly due to the numerous techno and underground clubs in Berlin. But friends of other music genres also get their money’s worth in the capital’s club scene. You don’t want to go to a techno club? We show you the best Berlin clubs that don’t play techno.
Berlin clubs without electronic music – is that even possible?
And how that works! Although the techno scene has made the club landscape of the German capital world-famous, especially since the 1990s after reunification, the city still offers so much more than just techno, electronic music or house. The list of Clubs in Berlin is as diverse as the city itself.
Even though techno temples like the famous Bar 25, the world-famous Berghain or later techno clubs like Kater Blau or Sisyphos attract thousands of party-hungry tourists to the city every year, it is also possible to party and dance to completely different music here.
Our 10 favourite clubs in Berlin with music other than techno
Our 10 favourites and tips for clubs without techno and electro. We have put together a small list of our favourites for you. Otherwise, just ask us at reception what we recommend or tell us what club you think should be listed here. We from Eastseven Hostel Berlin are always open for new inspirations!
The Frannz
Since the 1970s, the former “Franz” has been a popular location of the club scene in the east of Berlin. Its own claim of 365 concerts a year made the “Franz” the home of numerous rock, jazz and blues bands. In 1997, however, the place had to close. Seven years later it reopened with one more “n” in the name. Since then, the concept with a mix of cosy restaurant with German cuisine as well as live music and regular parties has been a complete success.
The most successful party series at the Frannz include the “Schöne Party” as well as the singles party series “Fisch sucht Fahrrad” or the “StarFM Club” organised by the city-famous rock radio station StarFM. Readings and dance classes are also held at the Frannz today.
Address: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
Opening hours:
Sun – Thu: 17.00 – 23.00 h, Fri & Sat: 17.00 – 06.00 h
Webseite: www.frannz.eu
The Alte Kantine
The Alte Kantine is located very close to the Frannz Club, also on the grounds of the Kulturbrauerei. For more than 30 years it has been one of the first places to go for students and other party animals in the city. The music here is mainly trash pop from the 80s and 90s. However, you won’t find house, techno or electro here.
A highlight is the “Hungry Monday”, where you can first fill your belly at the buffet and then dance off the calories you have consumed. If you need a break from dancing, you can also play table tennis to make sure that the calories eaten at the buffet don’t end up on your ribs in the first place. The old canteen also has moderate admission and drink prices, so that even less well-heeled nightlife fans can get their money’s worth.
Address: Knaackstraße 97, 10435 Berlin
Opening hours:
Mon: 22.00 – 06.00 h
Thu: 22.00 – 05.00 h
Fri: 19.00 – 06.00 h
Sat: 20.00 – 06.30 h
Webseite: www.alte-kantine.eu/
The Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia on the famous RAW site in Friedrichshain also deserves a place in the selection of the best clubs in Berlin without techno. Here you can expect a colourful mix of hip-hop, rock, skate punk and trash pop. The alternative club life of the capital can still be experienced at Cassiopeia.
The adjoining skater hall mainly attracts audiences to Cassiopeia who would prefer a simple cold beer to an off-the-wall cocktail with an unpronounceable name any day. In addition to the regular club life, metal, punk and hip-hop concerts also take place here regularly.
Address: Revaler Straße 99, 10245 Berlin
Opening hours: depending on the event
Webseite: www.cassiopeia-berlin.de
The SO36
SO36 in Kreuzberg is inseparably linked to the party, concert and club scene in Berlin. Even back in the days of the Berlin Wall, SO36 enjoyed a legendary reputation in West Berlin’s punk and art scene. This has continued to this day. The long club and concert space literally sucks you in as a visitor. In addition to performances by punk rock bands, the club nights mainly feature trash pop from the 80s and 90s.
The regular roller-skate disco is also virtually unique. During the week, there are also discussion groups, poetry slams and dance classes. In the meantime, SO36 has already celebrated its 42nd birthday.
Address: Oranienstraße 190, 10999 Berlin
Opening hours: depending on the event
Webseite: www.so36.com
The Havanna Club
In the Schöneberg district there is a very special location among the clubs in Berlin. In the Havanna Club, southern rhythms lure the audience onto the dance floor. Live concerts are also part of the programme. On a total of four floors, spread over three levels, you can enjoy yourself on the dance floor to Latin American sounds.
In addition to hot salsa music, you will also hear R’n’B, reggaeton, hip-hop and soul. Mixed with disco classics, you can expect a perfect and colourful party evening until the early hours of the morning. One hour before the start of each party, there is also a dance tutorial for those interested.
Address: Hauptstraße 30, 10827 Berlin
Opening hours: Fri & Sat: 21.00 – 08.00, Wed: 19.00 – 02.00
Webseite: www.havanna-berlin.de
The Soda Club
Another particularly popular club in the Kulturbrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg is the Soda Club. Thanks to the moderate entrance fees and cheap drinks, the club is especially popular with young tourists and students. On a total of five floors, the focus is on R’n’B and hi-hop sounds as well as dance classics and the latest disco sounds. People also party to hot salsa and merengue rhythms here.
For the ladies, the regular Ladies Night offers an affordable opportunity to party. In addition to free entry, women also receive drink vouchers for free drinks at the bar. Salsa classes are held every Thursday and Sunday. There are also regular Open Air Partys in the Kulturbrauerei courtyard.
Address: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
Opening hours: Thu & Sun: 19.00 – 02.00, Fri & Sat: 21.00 – 07.00
Webseite: soda-berlin.de
The Mi Salsa
Mi Salsa is not really a club, but rather a dance school where you can learn the right dance steps to hot salsa rhythms. Every last Saturday of the month, however, dance parties are held here, where you can dance to Salsa, Bachata, Latin Pop and Merengue.
Independently of the regular parties, you can learn to dance to rousing Caribbean music here. As an all-styles dance school, Mi Salsa offers courses for beginners and advanced students in traditional and modern salsa dancing.
Address: Richard-Wagner-Platz 5, 10585 Berlin
Opening hours: every last Saturday of the month, usually from 20.00 h
Webseite: www.misalsa.de
The The Hat Jazzbar
In the jazz bar “The Hat” under a suburban railway arch, you feel transported back to 1920s New York. Classic cocktails and live jazz sessions invite you to linger here every evening. The bar is a stark contrast to the usual Berlin club scene with its techno clubs like Tresor, Sisyphos and Berghain.
Thanks to the cosy atmosphere, also due to the small size of the venue, you feel like you’re not just at but in the middle of a jam session of musicians. The place is perfect to end the evening after a visit to the Stage Theater des Westens opposite.
Address: Lotte-Lenya-Bogen 550, 10623 Berlin
Opening hours: daily 20.00 – 02.00
Webseite: www.thehatbar.de
The Yorckschlösschen
For over 30 years, the Yorckschlösschen in Kreuzberg has been a true institution for jazz-loving Berliners and tourists. A nice, informal ambience with live concerts and a mixed audience promises a perfect evening. In summer, you can even enjoy the finest jazz music outdoors in the local beer garden.
There is always live music on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in the evenings and on Sunday mornings. Jazz, blues, funk, soul and swing are played. The Sunday public viewing of the latest crime scene and the Sunday brunch are at least as popular with the guests.
Address: Yorckstraße 15, 10965 Berlin
Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 18.00 – 00.00, Fri & Sat: 18.00 – 01.00
Webseite: www.yorckschloesschen.de
The Rickenbacker´s Music-Inn
At Rickenbacker’s Music-Inn, daily live gigs offer a varied entertainment programme all week long. The quaint Irish pub in Wilmersdorf convinces with a colourful line-up of jazz, country, folk, blues and rock. Both well-known artists and newcomers do the honours here.
In addition to musicians from a wide variety of genres, cabaret artists and writers are also offered a stage. The cold beer is accompanied by hearty dishes such as Berliner Currywurst, Wiener Schnitzel or chicken wings. When the weather is nice, the cosy beer garden invites you to relax.
Address: Bundesallee 194 b, 10717 Berlin
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 6.000 – 00.00 h
Webseite: www.rickenbackers.de