Punters enjoy the atmosphere at Berlin's Tresor nightclub. Photo / Getty Images
Punters enjoy the atmosphere at Berlin's Tresor nightclub. Photo / Getty Images
Party it up at one of these hot spots in the German capital
Berghain and Panorama Bar
Notoriously difficult to get into, Berghain is the stuff of legends. Housed in a historic power station in the former east, the club boasts some of the biggest names in techno and plenty of freaky goings on. If you attempt a visit, it's most likely you'll wait for hours just to be turned away — but if you make it inside, you'll definitely have some stories to tell.
If you're really serious about it, prepare yourself for the questions posed by the tattooed and pierced bouncer Sven Marquardt by visiting Berhaintrainer.com — it's an incredibly realistic simulation of what it's like to arrive at the door.
Lining up for hours just to get turned away is part of the Berghain experience for many. Photo / Getty Images
You might need to strip down to get into this one. Opened by a pornographic film maker in 1994, it's no surprise some fairly eye-opening exploits go on inside. Back in its heyday, punters were openly encourage to get down and dirty on the dance floor and conservative politicians in the city tried to get it shut down.
It might have quietened down a bit since then and some people really do visit just for the music. However, a strict dress code remains — if you want to get in, the freakier, the better.
Tresor
This techno club has a long history, dating back to before the fall of the Berlin Wall. While it's moved over the years, Tresor is now located in a huge former power plant in central Berlin. Inside, there are several dancefloors, a large outdoor area and of course, never-ending music. If you can't get into Berghain, this is an easier and friendlier option.
Tresor is a well-established techno club in Berlin. Photo / Getty Images
Sisyphos
Almost as infamous as Berghain, Sisyphos is like no other club. There's a huge chill out zone, an abandoned bus, a small lake, a pizza place and a huge maze of dance floors to experience. It's located in the far-flung suburb of Rummelsburg, but you can get there easily on a shuttle from Ostkreuz. However, after a long stretch in the club, you might want to put aside some cash for a cab ride home at the end of it all.
Sisyphos is like no other club. Photo / Flickr, m.a.r.c.
Kater Blau
"The Blue Tomcat" was originally known as Bar 25, before attracting international attention for its quality house DJs. It later changed its name to Kater Holzig, before reopening in 2014 under its current name. Located on the banks of the Spree River, it's a great place to party in summer, with its large outdoor area including the deck of a boat. It's hard to get in here, but if you really care about the music you'll feel right at home inside.
