Berlin: Nightlife

Bar jeder Vernunft A decadent space to sip sekt (sparkling wine) and enjoy a theatrical or musical revue. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the ultimate Berlin show: Cabaret, which reappears every couple of years for long engagements. Wilmersdorf; Schaperstrasse 24; 011-49-30-883-1582; www.bar-jeder-vernunft.de (German only)
lounge | cover | cabaret

Barbie Bar Think pink in this sassy little place. Images of the namesake doll, excellent dance music, and the random bartender in drag make for a fun evening. Kreuzberg; Mehringdamm 77; 011-49-30-69-56-8610; www.barbiebar.de (German only)
trendy | lounge | gay

Beach Bars As soon as the days get longer and warmer, enterprising Berlin bartenders head outdoors to set up “beach bars” – al fresco pit-stops that channel the Caribbean with imported sand, palms, tables, chairs, and, of course, fruity libations. Although the locations vary from year to year, the Bundespressestrand bar near the Hauptbanhof (main railway station) is always a sure bet. Bundespressestrand, near the Hauptbahnhof (main railway station); www.derbundespressestrand.de (German only)
outdoors | bar | patio

Berghain Expect a long wait and practically Stasi-level scrutiny by the doormen at this mecca for serious clubbers, considered by some to be one of the world’s top clubs. Go late. Frederichshain; Am Wriezener Bahnhof; www.berghain.de (German only)
trendy | dancing | nightclub | dj | cover

KulturBraueri This former brewery has live music, salsa parties, theatrical performances, a pool hall, movies, and dancing all on tap. During the day you’ll even find puppet shows for the kids, art, a coffee bar, and a tourist information office. Prenzlauer Berg; Schönhauser Allee 36; www.kulturbrauerei-berlin.de
family | performing arts | dancing | live music

Prater It’s a theater! It’s a concert venue! It’s a restaurant! It’s a Biergarten! Prater, which has been delighting people since 1837, attracts a mixed and family-friendly crowd. Prenzlauer Berg; Kastanienallee 7–9; 011-49-30-448-5688; www.pratergarten.de
family | garden | live music | bar menu

Zu Mir Oder zu Dir Recline on a faux fur ottoman and gaze upon the ’70s splendor of this cramped-but-cool lounge. The name means “Your place or mine.” Prenzlauer Berg; Lychener Strasse 15; www.zumiroderzudir.com
trendy | lounge | dj