Berlin’s bar scene is iconic, especially for its cozy “living-room bars.” Picture soft candlelight, eclectic furniture that feels like it came straight from a vintage attic, and walls with raw, exposed textures. Many of the city’s best bars may look unassuming during the day, but after dark, they transform into lively spots filled with animated conversation and crowds spilling onto the sidewalks.
Meanwhile, Berlin’s glamorous side still nods to its Weimar-era splendor, while another corner celebrates classic German beer culture in open-air biergartens and cafes nestled in green parks. Whether you’re looking to kick off your evening in style or relax over drinks during the day, Berlin has it all. Here are the 10 best bars in the city.
Suss War Gestern
With a name that translates to "yesterday was sweet," it is no shocker that the honeyed glory days of the 1970s are this club's style inspiration. The surprise is in the ridiculously inexpensive brews and free admission. The club has three separate and unique areas - a bar, dance floor, and a lounge for hanging out. Each region has its music ranging from bouncy hip hop songs to the more familiar techno club sounds.
Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Hip Hop, Techno/DnB/House and Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free
Cassiopeia
Situated in downtown Friedrichshain is Cassiopeia, a sub-culture club. It is located in the centre of RAW Gelände, a city famous for its ex-train repair structures covered in spray paint, now an active and social place for arty creatives, ramblers and skaters.
From bouncy hip hop, soulful R&B, and classic club songs, it is definite that Cassiopeia handles the full range of music. An interesting bit is that you don't need to save your dance moves for the weekend. Their Super Tuesdays will have you expending your dancing energy to disco, hip hop, and classical 80s jams.
Cassiopeia hosts a full scope of artists and creatives, so the entrance price varies every night. Be sure to check their online pages for more details.
Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Hip Hop, R&B and Retro
Expected entrance fee:Click on ‘Find out more’ to enquire with venue's social media
Café am Neuen See
Imagine a charming beer garden nestled right on the edge of a sparkling lake, surrounded by the lush greenery of Tiergarten Park, Berlin's very own Central Park. That's Cafe am Neuen See, a place that practically whispers romance.
It's especially
magical in the summer, with sunshine dancing on the water and laughter drifting on the breeze. But even when the weather turns chilly, you can cozy up inside their restaurant. Picture floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the park, crackling fireplaces
warming the air, and candlelight casting a warm glow on your table.
Whether you're with friends or someone special, Cafe am Neuen See is the perfect spot to settle in for a relaxed afternoon and soak up the beauty of Berlin.
Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free
Monkey Bar
Want a drink with a view? Head to the Monkey Bar on the 10th floor of the Monkey Hotel in Charlottenburg. This bar is right next to the zoo, so you'll get amazing views of the Monkey House.
The bar itself is super cool, with a jungle vibe.
You'll see artwork with gorillas and giraffes, and comfy seating with colorful cushions. The whole place is bathed in warm, golden light, and there are plants everywhere to give you that jungle feel.
The Monkey Bar serves up fantastic gin and
tonics, and it's the perfect place to chill and enjoy the scenery. Go during the day for the best views and to avoid the crowds.
Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free
Clärchens Ballroom
Imagine this: a warm afternoon, the sun dipping low in the sky, and you're sitting in a charming courtyard. This isn't just any courtyard, though. It's filled with long, communal tables, twinkling fairy lights, and a lively buzz. The old building surrounding
it has seen its fair share of history - remnants of World War II damage add a touch of raw authenticity.
This is a true Berlin institution, a beer garden that's been around for ages. Just past the cool, Otto Dix-designed sign, climb the
creaking stairs to discover the Spiegelsaal - the mirrored ballroom. It's easy to picture this space back in the roaring 20s, filled with laughter and revelry. Close your eyes, let your imagination run wild, and feel the spirit of the Weimar Republic.
Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Jazz
Expected entrance fee:Free
Wax On Bar
Tucked away in Neukolln's cool Weserstrasse, Wax On is a hidden gem that's already scooped up the "Best Bar in Germany" award for 2024. Stepping inside, you'll feel the relaxed vibe thanks to the comfy wooden furniture and moody lighting. The walls have
this cool two-tone thing going on, mixing the city's traditional plaster with a touch of industrial cement. And on those chilly Neukolln nights, there's a cozy fireplace to keep you warm.
This place isn't for everyone, but those who find
it are in the know. The regulars from the neighborhood swear by the exotic ingredients, like clarified banana juice, that go into the expertly crafted cocktails. The menu changes regularly, offering a mix of four inventive concoctions made downstairs
and four classic favourites. But don't be shy! The friendly staff is happy to create something special just for you, or even help you find the perfect drink based on your tastes.
If cocktails aren't your thing, there's a selection of natural
wines, a crisp pils on tap, and some delicious zero-proof options too. So, if you're looking for a little bit of cool, a lot of flavour, and a truly unique experience, Wax On is waiting to welcome you.
Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free
Bar Neiro
Welcome to Bar Neiro, a cozy little haven for music lovers. We're inspired by Japan's jazz-kissas, those intimate bars where the music flows freely.
Here, you'll hear vinyl spun on a custom-built sound system using vintage hi-fi, so the sound
is rich and authentic. We play each record in full, front to back, so you can truly immerse yourself in the music.
Our cocktails are handcrafted with a nod to Japanese bar culture, and we also offer a selection of carefully chosen spirits and
wines.
Since Bar Neiro is a listening bar, we keep our capacity limited to ensure everyone has a relaxing and enjoyable experience. We recommend making a reservation so you can be sure to snag a seat and enjoy the music.
Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Jazz
Expected entrance fee:Free
Zosse Bar
Welcome to Zosse, a cozy bar and beer garden tucked away in an old blacksmith's shop in Berlin's charming Rixdorf neighborhood. We've got a great selection of local beers, plus a range of spirits and liqueurs to suit every taste. Come on in and discover your new favorite drink!
Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free
Klunkerkranich
Imagine a rooftop bar perched high above the hustle and bustle of Berlin, nestled on top of the Neukolln Arcaden shopping center. That's Klunkerkranich, and it's a real gem. With breathtaking views of the city, you can sip on a beer or glass of wine while
soaking up the atmosphere. The bar itself is pretty laid-back, with a DIY vibe that adds to its charm.
It's no surprise that the place is packed with young, cool Berliners, drawn in by the affordable prices and the unique setting. It's
the perfect spot to grab a drink and enjoy the city's energy.
Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free
Madame Claude
Forget your usual pub crawl, because Madame Claude in Berlin's Kreuzberg is something else entirely. This bar, tucked away in a building that once housed a brothel, is like stepping into a crazy dream! The tables and chairs are all hanging from the ceiling,
making you feel like you're in a funhouse.
But it gets even wilder after 7pm, when the place bursts with life. Live music, DJ sets, and even music quizzes bring the crowds in, making for a night you won't soon forget.
Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Techno/DnB/House
Expected entrance fee:Free
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