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Entertainment
Guide to Entertainment, Events and Nightlife
in Berlin
Berlin has always enjoyed
letting its hair down and since reunification the amount of
entertainment on offer has swelled even further making the city one
of the most exciting in Europe. You can't fault the enthusiasm of
the populace as impromptu parties and club nights happen round the
clock.
Berlin is also a superb place for high culture with three opera
houses and an abundance of arts venues putting on top-notch
performances throughout the year.
For the latest information on what's on, contact one of the tourist
information centres, the largest of which is at:
Europa Center
Budapester Strasse
Charlottenburg
There are also central offices at the base of the TV Tower and by
the Brandenburg Gate. Open: daily. Tel: +49 (0)30-25-00-25. Email:
information@btm.de. Entertainment listings magazines Berlin Calendar
and Berlin Magazin are also a useful source of information.
Music
Classical
In terms of classical music the most renowned venue is the
Philharmonie (Herbert-von-Karajan Strasse 1, Tiergarten. Tel: +49
(0)30-2548-8132), home to the famous Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra,
and which also plays host to other leading domestic performers as
well as major international orchestras. The other major concert hall
is the Konzerthaus (Gendarmenmarkt 2, Mitte. Tel: +49
(0)30-203-0921-01), which has a regular and eclectic calendar of
performances.
Modern
Forget staid images of the Scorpions and Opus - Berlin's rock and
pop scene is world class and extremely varied. Throughout the city
there are innumerable small bars and clubs to take in live jazz,
pop, rock and rap.
Larger venues include the Arena (Eichenstrasse 4, Treptow. Tel: +49
(0)30-533-2030), which hosts a regular bill of club nights in its
rambling complex of venues - including a ship - as well as big name
concerts by the likes of Avril Lavigne or Joss Stone. It's also
worth checking out Columbiahalle (Columbiadamm 13-21, Kreuzberg.
Tel: +49 (0)30-6980-980), a slightly less cavernous venue for live
music, and Tempodrom (Mockernstrasse 10, Kreuzberg. Tel: +49
(0)30-695-33-885).
Other venues include the Tränenpalast (Reichstagufer 17, Mitte. Tel:
+49 (0)30-2061-0011), a former checkpoint between East and West
Berlin converted into a concert and musical venue; and the
Kulturbrauerei (Knaackstrasse 97, Prenzlauer Berg. Tel: +49
(0)30-4431-5152) which offers a varied programme of live bands,
theatre, cabaret and club nights.
Opened up by two musicians in the 1990s, B Flat Bar (Rosenthaler
Strasse 14, Mitte. Tel: +49 (0)30-283-3123) is one of the best
places in Berlin to hear live jazz of all genres. The stylish bar
attracts a generally fairly well-heeled crowd for its almost nightly
live performances though it remains unpretentious and dedicated to
good music.
Experimental and world dance and music performances are held at the
Haus der Kulturen der Welt (John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, Tiergarten.
Tel: +49 (0)30-397-870).
Theatre
The theatre scene in Berlin is very lively with a wide range of
productions taking place from large-scale versions of the classics,
to fringe performances of experimental drama.
Among the better-known establishments, Brecht's ghost lives on at
the Berliner Ensemble (Bertolt-Brecht-Platz 1, Mitte. Tel: +49
(0)30-2840-8155) while a programme of classics from Shakespeare and
Molière to Tennessee Williams are shown at the Deutsches Theater (Schumannstrasse
13/14, Mitte. Tel: +49 (0)30-2844-1221).
Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz (Kurfürstendamm 153, Wilmersdorf. Tel:
+49 (0)30-890-020) hosts predominantly modern plays, as does the
Renaissance Theater (Corner Knesebeckstrasse & Hardenbergstrasse,
Charlottenburg. Tel: +49 (0)30-3124-202).
For the avant-garde try one of the three theatres that come under
the Hebbel am Ufer umbrella (HAU 1: Stresemannstrasse 29; HAU 2:
Hallesches Ufer 32; HAU 3: Tempelhofer Ufer. Tel: +49
(0)30-2590-040) which put on an innovative aray of experimental
drama.
Somewhat more predictable modern classics can be seen at the Maxim
Gorki Theater (Am Festungsgraben 2, Mitte. Tel: +49
(0)30-2022-11-29), or the Schiller Theater (Bismarckstrasse 110.
Tel: +49 (0)30-5318-2292) shows a variety of musicals and drama
productions.
Opera & Ballet
Berlin is home to no less than three opera houses - the State Opera
or Staatsoper (Unter den Linden 7, Mitte. Tel: +49 (0)30-2035-4555),
the Komische Oper (Behrenstrasse 55-57, Mitte. Tel: +49
(0)30-4799-7400) and the Deutsche Oper (Bismarckstrasse 35,
Charlottenburg. Tel: +49 (0)30-343-8401).
The Staatsoper is the most renowned of these and has a packed
programme of top notch performances throughout the year, including
several of those from the most famous of German composers - Wagner.
This said, all three venues offer a fantastic choice of opera and
ballet by top international companies.
Cinema
As host to the world's second largest celebration of cinema, the
Berlin Film Festival, Berlin has strong links with the film industry
and this is reflected in the variety of cinematic offerings
available in the city. Throughout the year Berlin boasts everything
from Hollywood blockbusters through to obscure foreign films in art
house cinemas. Most English language films are dubbed into German so
English speakers should look out for the OV sign (original version)
if they want to avoid this.
The best spot to head for mainstream movies is Potsdamer Platz.
Here, within the Sony building, the Forum has been designed as an
urban entertainment complex, containing among other attractions the
mind-bogglingly huge CineStar multiplex (Tel: +49 (0)30-2606-6260).
You'll be able to see all the latest blockbusters here in the
original version, as well as 3D movies on the enormous IMAX screen.
Alternatively try CinemaxX, also on Potsdamer Platz (Tel: +49
(0)1805-2463-6299).
Art-house and independent films appear regularly at the Arsenal
(Tel: +49 (0)30-2695-5100), just next to the Sony Center; and at
Moviemento in Kreuzberg (Kottgurser Damm 22. Tel: +49
(0)30-6924-785).
Nightclubs
Berlin is without doubt one of the best cities in Europe for
nightlife. Every day of the week there's a huge choice of club
nights to choose from and though the emphasis tends to be on techno
in many places, there is pretty much something on for everyone no
matter what your taste in music. A trend in the euphoria following
the Wall's fall was to hold parties in the cavernous concrete venues
that the east of the city had in abundance. These have now become
established events and make for a uniquely Berlin experience.
It's worth being aware that the Berlin club scene is in a constant
state of flux, and whole new areas keep springing up offering the
latest batch of clubs and bars, making it hard to keep track of the
best spots to go to. As a basic rule, though, the further east you
venture, the more underground the nightlife is likely to be: areas
like Treptow, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain have all sprouted a great
choice of bars in the past few years and no doubt other similar
districts won't be slow in following suit.
Otherwise, Mitte has the greatest preponderence of bars and clubs in
the city, particularly along Oranienburgerstrasse and the streets
radiating from Hackescher Markt. This district might have lost the
edge it had in the past, with large numbers of tourists now
descending on the area, but there are still plenty of places worth
checking out to suit all tastes.
Berlin is a top destination for gay and lesbian nightlife too, with
plenty going on around Nollendorfplatz in Schöneberg, and, more
recently, in Prenzlauer Berg, further east.
Keep an eye out for fliers in bars and posters for what's on - look
out in particular for the pocket-sized "Fresh" guide which has
listings of all the main club events every month. Alternatively try
one of these current favourites:
Delicious Doughnuts
Rosenthaler Strasse 9, Mitte
Tel: +49 (0)30-2809-9374
Longtime favourite Delicious Doughnuts may have lost some of its
coolness factor but this intimate club can still be relied upon to
come up with consistently good DJs playing minimal techno and
electronica. The astounding cocktail menu makes lounging around on
the velvet sofas quite appealing too.
Tacheles
Oranienburger Strasse 54-56, Mitte
Tel: +49 (0)30-282-6185
Wandering into the graffitied yard of crumbling Tacheles can come as
a bit of a surprise after the regular bars of Oranienburgerstrasse.
A former department store originally saved from demolition by
squatters, the rambling complex of little outdoor bars, indoor
clubrooms and an arts space harks back to the heady days of
impromptu parties of 1990s East Berlin. The run-down environs add a
taste of hedonism to the friendly vibe. Head to the top floor for
dance and techno with panoramic views through the huge glass-less
windows, downstairs for rock or Latin grooves, or linger outside for
some potent cocktails at one of the little shacks in the large yard.
Berghain/Panorama Bar
Am Wriezener Bahnhof (off Strasse der Pariser Komune),
Friedrichshain
When it comes to venues, it's hard to beat this former power station
behind Ostbahnhof, converted into a sprawling club of cavernous
concrete rooms stripped down to the bare minimum in stark industrial
mood. House and techno reverberate around the two gigantic
dancefloors, the massive picture windows upstairs in the Panorama
Bar looking out across the city as the night turns to dawn.
MS Hoppetosse, Badeschiff & Arena
Eichenstrasse 4, Treptow
Tel: +49 (0)30-5332-0349
A lively crowd regularly clambers aboard the MS Hoppetosse - moored
to the side of the Arena entertainment complex - for upbeat funk,
reggae and dancehall, and the occasional indie night. Back on
dry(ish) land, DJs play dub, house and techno at neighbouring
Badeschiff. There are also occasional club nights in the main Arena
building itself - check local listings for details.
Sage Club
Köpenickerstrasse 76 (Corner of Brückenstrasse)
Tel: +49 (0)30-2789-830
Modern décor and modern sounds in this Berlin hotspot. Copper and
glass give the club's two dancefloors and three bars an ultra-modern
gleam. Live performers, drag queens and the half-naked mix with
ordinary club goers on weekends. Not to everyone's tastes but
certainly popular.
Wu Wu
Kleiststrasse 4, Schöneberg
Tel: +49 (0)30-2196-7363
Popular gay and lesbian club featuring regular parties, talent shows
and karaoke contests.
Special Events
Berlin really knows how to celebrate and whenever you plan to travel
to Berlin there is sure to be some sort of festival taking place.
Here is just a small selection of some of the annual events that
have made Berlin their home.
February
Founded in 1951, the Berlin International Film Festival is one of
the world's largest, attracting many big name stars. The festival,
held at "Berlinale Palast", plays host to a large number of world
premieres and attracts top class filmmakers and directors from all
over the world.
February/March
Until relatively recently Spandau, located in West Berlin, was the
location of a prison where Nazi war criminal Rudolph Hess was the
sole occupant. Today, it is known as the location for the Spandau
Spring Festival. By day there is a huge funfair offering water
rides, roller coasters and go-karts and in the evening you can enjoy
a spectacular fireworks display.
May
Berlin has hosted the German Open Tennis Tournament since 1979.
Whether you are a tennis fan or not, come along to soak up the
atmosphere as you watch some of the biggest names in women's tennis
today.
May is also when the majority of beach bars in the city open,
offering a sandy alternative to the regular city drinking spots.
They are dotted around various parts of the city, though the most
popular are those behind the "East Side Gallery" on Mühlenstrasse.
All are open until the autumn.
June
Thousands of people descend on the district of Kreuzberg during June
for the four-day Carnival of Cultures, a vibrant multi-national
parade accompanied by an assortment of food and drink stalls and a
variety of entertainment from all over the world.
On June 21, you won't be able to miss the sounds of the Fête de la
Musique, when professional and amateur musicians come together to
perform music of all kinds in the streets and venues across the
city. The festival was born in France back in 1982; since then, over
100 cities across the world celebrate the Fête de la Musique on the
day of the summer solstice. There are always plenty of free events
held in the streets, squares, public parks, playgrounds, cafés and
bars of the city.
June/July
If you are in Berlin during the end of June or beginning of July,
then pop along to the German-French Fair. The fair, which claims to
be one of the largest in Germany, is a celebration of Germany's
friendship with France and provides a perfect opportunity to sample
some delicious French and German speciality foods.
July
In mid-July the massive Love Parade crams into the Tiergarten with
fabulously decorated floats and extravagantly dressed people
celebrating to a pounding techno soundtrack.
August
The International Dance Festival arrives in Berlin in August. As
well as watching productions performed by contemporary dancers from
around the world, there will be the opportunity to participate in a
number of workshops.
September
The Berlin Marathon takes place in the city every September. If
you're not here to participate, join the scores of spectators that
gather to cheer the athletes on their 42km way.
October
On October 3 each year the streets surrounding the Brandenburg Gate
and the Reichstag are transformed into a street party to celebrate
the reunification of Germany in Deutschlands Fest. Admission is free
to the one-day event, where you can hear national and international
music ranging from classical to rock and pop.
November
If you plan your trip in November then make sure it coincides with
the four days of excellent live music that is JazzFest Berlin. Since
its inception in 1964, JazzFest Berlin has become one of the leading
festivals for contemporary jazz in Europe, attracting musicians from
across the globe.
December
Several Christmas markets take place around the city in the weeks
leading up to Christmas, selling festive decorations, handicrafts
and mulled wine. Two of the largest and most atmospheric are on
Schlossplatz and Gendarmenmarkt, which have large Christmas trees
and plenty of festive cheer. Head for Potsdamer Platz or
Alexanderplatz for ice-skating.
New Year's Eve in the city is celebrated in style in the Tiergarten
between the Brandenburg Gate and the Siegessäule with a spectacular
fireworks display, live music and DJs ensuring a lively party until
the early hours of the morning.
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