The Berlin club scene is internationally known. 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 where no techno is played.
Berlin clubs without electronic music – is that even possible?
And how it does! 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-renowned Berghain, or later-established 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 here extensively to completely different music.
Our 10 favorite clubs in Berlin with music other than techno
Our 10 favorites and tips for clubs without techno and electro. We have put together a small list of our favorites for you. Otherwise, just ask us at the reception what we recommend, or feel free to tell us what you think which club should still be listed here. We at EastSeven Hostel Berlin are always open to new inspirations!
The Frannz
Since the 1970s, the then “Franz” was a popular location in the club scene in East Berlin. Its own goal of 365 concerts a year made “Franz” the home of numerous rock, jazz, and blues bands. However, the venue had to close in 1997. Seven years later, it reopened with an additional “n” in the name. Since then, the concept, with a mix of a cozy restaurant serving German cuisine as well as live music and regular parties, has been a complete success.
Among the most successful party series at Frannz are the “Schöne Party” as well as the singles party series “Fisch sucht Fahrrad” or the “StarFM Club” organized by the city-renowned rock radio station StarFM. Readings and dance courses also take place at Frannz today.
Address: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
Opening hours:
Sun – Thu: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Fri & Sat: 5:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Website: www.frannz.eu
Die Alte Kantine
Very close to the Frannz Club, namely also on the grounds of the Kulturbrauerei, is the Alte Kantine. For more than 30 years, it has been one of the first points of contact for students and other party-goers in the city. Musically, people here mainly celebrate to 80s and 90s trash pop. However, if you are looking for house, techno, or electro, you will search in vain.
A highlight is the ‘Hungry Monday’, where you can first stuff yourself at the buffet, and then dance off the calories you just consumed. If you need a break from dancing, you can also play table tennis to make sure the calories from the buffet don’t even settle on your ribs. The old canteen also impresses with moderate entrance and drink prices, so even less wealthy nightlife enthusiasts can have their fun.
Adress: Knaackstraße 97, 10435 Berlin
Opening hours:
Mon: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Thu: 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM
Fri: 7:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Sat: 8:00 PM – 6:30 AM
Website: www.alte-kantine.eu/
The Cassiopeia
The 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 colorful mix of hip-hop, rock, skate punk, and trash pop. The alternative club life of the capital is still made tangible at Cassiopeia.
The attached skate hall mainly attracts an audience to Cassiopeia that would always prefer a simple cold beer over a sophisticated cocktail with an unpronounceable name. In addition to the regular club life, metal, punk, and hip-hop concerts are also held here regularly.
Adress: Revaler Straße 99, 10245 Berlin
Opening hours: depending on the event
Website: www.cassiopeia-berlin.de
The SO36
The SO36 in Kreuzberg is inseparably connected with the party, concert, and club scene in Berlin. Even during the time of the Berlin Wall, SO36 enjoyed a legendary reputation in West Berlin’s punk and art scene. This has remained to this day. The elongated club and concert space virtually draws you in as a visitor. Besides performances by punk rock bands, especially 80s and 90s trash pop is played here on club nights.
Almost unique is also the regular roller-skate disco. During the week, discussion rounds, poetry slams, and dance courses also take place here. In the meantime, SO36 has already celebrated its 42nd birthday.
Adress: Oranienstraße 190, 10999 Berlin
Opening hours: depending on the event
Website: www.so36.com
The Havanna Club
In the Schöneberg district, there is a very special location among the clubs in Berlin. At the Havanna Club, southern rhythms entice the audience onto the dance floor. Live concerts are also part of the program. Across 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, a perfect and colorful party evening awaits you here until the early hours of the morning. One hour before the start of each party, there is also a dance lesson for those interested.
Adress: Hauptstraße 30, 10827 Berlin
Opening hours: Fri & Sat: 9:00 PM – 8:00 AM, Wed: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Website: 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 the affordable drinks, the club is especially popular with young tourists and students. On a total of five floors, R’n’B and hip-hop sounds as well as dance classics and the latest disco sounds are in the foreground. Hot salsa and merengue rhythms are also celebrated 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 take place every Thursday and Sunday. In addition, open-air parties are also regularly held in the courtyard of the Kulturbrauerei.
Address: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
Opening hours: Thu & Sun: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Fri & Sat: 9:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Website: soda-berlin.de
The Mi Salsa
Mi Salsa is actually not a real club, but rather a dance school where you can learn the proper dance steps to hot salsa rhythms. However, on the last Saturday of every month, dance parties also take place here, where people dance exuberantly to salsa, bachata, Latin pop, and merengue.
Regardless of the regularly held parties, you can learn to dance here to captivating Caribbean music. As an All Styles dance school, Mi Salsa offers courses for beginners as well as advanced students in both traditional and modern salsa dance.
Adress: Richard-Wagner-Platz 5, 10585 Berlin
Opening hours: every last Saturday of the month, usually from 8:00 p.m.
Website: www.misalsa.de
The Hat Jazzbar
In the jazz bar “The Hat” under an S-Bahn arch, you feel transported back to New York in the 1920s. Classic cocktails and live jazz sessions invite you to linger cozily here every evening. This makes the bar a stark contrast to the usual Berlin club scene with its techno clubs like Tresor, Sisyphos, and Berghain.
Thanks to the cozy atmosphere, also due to the small size of the venue, you don’t just feel like a part of a jam session with the musicians, but right in the middle of it. The place is perfect to wind down the evening after a visit to the Stage Theater des Westens opposite.
Adress: Lotte-Lenya-Bogen 550, 10623 Berlin
Opening hours: daily 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Website: 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, relaxed atmosphere with live concerts and a mixed audience promises a perfect evening. In the summer, you can even enjoy the finest jazz music outdoors in the pub’s own beer garden.
Live music is always available on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in the evening hours as well as on Sunday morning. Jazz, blues, funk, soul, and swing are played. At least equally popular with the guests is the Sunday public viewing of the current Tatort episode as well as the Sunday brunch.
Adress: Yorckstraße 15, 10965 Berlin
Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Fri & Sat: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Website: www.yorckschloesschen.de
Rickenbacker’s Music Inn
At Rickenbacher’s Music Inn, daily live gigs offer a varied entertainment program throughout the week. The rustic Irish pub in Wilmersdorf impresses with a colorful mix of jazz, country, folk, blues, and rock. Both well-known artists and newcomers make an appearance here.
In addition to musicians from the most diverse genres, cabaret artists and writers are also given a stage. With a cold beer, hearty dishes such as Berlin currywurst, Viennese schnitzel, or chicken wings are offered. In good weather, the cozy beer garden invites for relaxed togetherness.
Adress: Bundesallee 194 b, 10717 Berlin
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 18:00 – 00:00
Website: www.rickenbackers.de
