Hitting the Town in Berlin

Berlin is the capital of German nightlife and is renowned for its eclectic bar and club scene. The city’s best bars offer more than just a drink; they provide exciting cocktails, craft beer, panoramic views, and even unusual decor.

Kick off your night with a visit to one of these bars where you can stay until the early morning hours, as most bars remain open late. While some establishments allow smoking, it’s common for many to only accept cash. In Berlin, bars often serve as windows back in time.

Best Outdoor Bar: Club der Visionaere

Welcome to the best place in Berlin to beat the summer heat. Enjoy a cold beer while dipping your toes into the river Spree at Club der Visionaere, a boathouse turned bar located in Kreuzberg. With cheap beer and the laid-back atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot to unwind while DJs spin some of Berlin’s finest electronic music on weekends.

Best Cheap Wine Bar: Weinerei

This wine bar operates on the honor system. After 8pm, for just 2 euros, you get a glass to fill as much as you desire. The selection of wines is extensive, and you’ll enjoy a cozy environment filled with second-hand furniture.

With multiple locations in Prenzlauer Berg, the staff is knowledgeable and even hosts wine seminars.

Best German Beer Bar: Hops & Barley

Hops & Barley is a well-established German microbrewery located in Friedrichshain. Set in a former butcher’s shop, it boasts a classic decor and offers delicious brews that appeal to both tourists and locals alike.

Best American Beer Bar: Vagabund

Opened by three Americans, Vagabund represents the forefront of the craft beer scene in Berlin. Located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Wedding, it allows patrons to observe the brewing process through a window in the taproom.

Best Kitsch Bar: Madame Claude

In the whimsical world of Berlin nightlife, everything is upside-down at Madame Claude. This unique bar features furniture hanging from the ceiling, creating a surreal environment for guests. Expect lively music and entertainment after 7pm.

Best Rooftop Bar: Klunkerkranich

Perched atop a mall parking lot in Neukölln, Klunkerkranich offers stunning views of the city. Guests can relax in a leafy garden setting, making it the perfect spot to catch a sunset.

Best Bar with Breakfast: Geist Im Glass

Geist im Glas, located in Kreuzberg, offers Instagram-worthy breakfast dishes such as pancakes and huevos rancheros, accompanied by infused cocktails. Brunch hours are from 10:00 to 16:00; arrive early to avoid long waits.

Best Bar in the Sky: Monkey Bar

Located atop Bikini Berlin in Charlottenburg, Monkey Bar provides stunning views of the Berlin Zoo and the city skyline. With an impressive cocktail menu and stylish decor, it’s an ideal venue for relaxation.

Best Hotel Bar: Michelberger Bar

Michelberger Bar, located in a repurposed warehouse, offers a modern atmosphere and a selection of small liquor brands, along with live music to enhance the experience.

Best Beer Garden: Cafe am Neuen See

Cafe am Neuen See offers a picturesque beer garden located within the Tiergarten. Surrounded by trees and a serene lake, it’s a fantastic spot to unwind or watch a soccer match.

Best Living Room Bar: Wohnzimmer

Wohnzimmer (“Living Room”) embodies the casual ambiance of a friend’s home. Known for its cozy furniture and laid-back vibe, it continues to be a favored choice for evenings out in Berlin.

Best Bar for Dancing: Clärchens Ballhaus

Founded in 1913, Clärchens Ballhaus serves as a ballroom and bar offering various music genres. It promises a delightful place for dancing enthusiasts, complemented by refreshing drinks.

Best Speakeasy: Rum Trader

A hidden gem in West Berlin, Rum Trader showcases charming vintage decor and specializes in custom rum drinks that promise a memorable experience.

Best Belgian Beer Bar: HERMAN

HERMAN’s Belgian beer bar features an impressive range of Belgian brews, catering to fans of the country’s beverage scene. It’s a perfect spot during soccer matches.

Best American Bar: The Bird

Recognized as one of the first American-style burger spots in Berlin, The Bird also offers an exciting lineup of beers and unique drink specials, including notoriously spicy wings.

Best Wine Bar: Vin Aqua Vin

Vin Aqua Vin offers a comprehensive selection of wines, allowing guests to sample and purchase bottles in a casual setting, perfect for wine enthusiasts.

Best Pub Quiz Bar: Das Gift

Das Gift is known for its English-language pub quiz and Scottish whisky selection. It’s a cozy spot for enjoying informative and fun quiz nights.

Best Beer & Coffee Bar: Kaschk

Kaschk seamlessly blends a cafe and bar atmosphere, offering excellent coffee and a selection of local craft beers, alongside a shuffleboard for entertainment.

Best Retro Bar: Green Door

The Green Door cocktail bar features a nostalgic atmosphere filled with 1970s decor and offers a variety of well-crafted drinks, including signature cocktails.

Best Bar-on-the-Go: Spätis

Spätis, or late shops, are corner stores scattered throughout Berlin, fulfilling all last-minute shopping needs and offering the chance to buy drinks to take on the go.

Best Bar for Interior Style

Ora, located in a converted apothecary, stands out for its original wooden interiors and romantic candle-lit atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for date nights.

Best Gay Bar: Barbie Deinhoff’s

Drenched in pink neon and graffiti, Barbie Deinhoff’s is a lively queer space that welcomes a diverse crowd, featuring entertaining events like drag shows and unique drink specials.