I Heart Berlin and the ExBerliner are good resource for the English speaking community. Zitty, and Tip also have listings for what's on.

Cinema

There are many different theaters in Berlin from indie to international multiplexes. Most films are shown in German, but showings can be found in original language (look for the OmU - "original with subtitles" - notation). Dubbing is big business in German and many international movies and TV shows are dubbed.

Tickets are normally 5 to 7 euro. Monday to Wednesday and early showings may offer discounts. The city offers a listing of theaters, including a listing of original language.

• CineStar - Located inside the Sony Center at the Potsdamer-Platz, it only shows movies in original version (e.g. in English, without subtitles).
• Intimes Theatre - Covered in graffiti, this small theatre shows many movies in original language.
• Babylon Kreuzberg - Shows non-mainstream movies in a small cinema built in the 1950s.
• Kino Moviemento - The oldest cinema in Germany, it dates from 1907.
• Filmtheater Hackesche Hoefe - Located on the 4th floor of the Hackesche Hoefe, it shows a broad range of movies.
• Neue Kant Kinos - An older theatre, founded in 1912. Shows mostly non-mainstream European movies.

There are also several excellent outdoor theaters in the summer. These include: Freiluftkinos Hasenheide , Open Air Cinema Schwarzenberg, Open-Air Kino Kulturfabrik, and Freiluftkino Friedrichshain. For more theaters and info, http://www.berlinien.de/kino/open-air-kinos_berlin.html.

Nightclubs

The club scene in Berlin is one of the biggest and best in Europe. The main clubbing districts are in the east: Mitte (north of Hackescher Markt and around Alexanderplatz), Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg (around Schlesisches Tor) and Prenzlauer Berg (around station Eberswalder Strasse). There are over 200 clubs in the city to suit all styles. However, it may take some searching to find the right vibe. Many clubs feature electro and techno, with lots of progressive DJs and live acts around. Clubbing occurs primarily on weekends, starting on Thursday, but there are clubs are open every day of the week. Partying in Berlin starts around midnight (weekends) and peaks around 3:00, but the party doesn't stop until the last people leave. Berlin is famous for its long and decadent after hours. It is not uncommon to see people just leaving the club at noon on Monday. Somehow, the night just never seems like it has to end.

Bouncers can be aggressive and refuse you entrance if you don't fit "the look" or are trying too hard. There are some instances of English speakers being turned away as well, but this is not common.

Tips to gain entry
• Don't try to enter as a large group. Break up into smaller groups if there are 5+
• Know the style of the club you are going to and dress for it. Being "too dressed up" might also be undesirable.
• Men have more trouble getting in so try to balance your group with more women than men.
• Bring cash. Covers range from 8 to 14 euros for the popular clubs

Mitte & Schoeneberg

40 Seconds
Potsdamer Strasse 58
Tel: 030 890 642 41
Named for the amount of time it takes the elevator to reach the dance floor, this posh club has three roof terraces, a dinner area, and an amazing view of the city. Features mainstream R&B and house music.

Week-End
Am Alexanderplatz 5 (the building with the Sharp sign on top)
Located in the 12th floor of a GDR office building. Amazing views over the city from the panoramic windows. Make sure to take the elevator all the way up to watch the sunrise from the club's rooftop terrace. Electro, techno and house.

KitKatClub
Koepenicker Str. 76
World famous for the risque, this venue crosses club with sexual freedom. There is a strict dress code of kink, and patrons are expected to have an open-mind.

King Kong Club
Brunnenstrasse 173
Leopard-skin and jungle paraphenelia make up the look of this quirky club. Events range from punk music to cabaret performances, plus it is inexpensive.

Green Mango
Buelowstrasse 56/57
The biggest karaokebar in Europe, this fun club offers over 150,000 song options.

Havana
Hauptstrsse 30, 10827 Berlin
Cheap entrance to a fun dance venue. Different areas offer salsa, Black Music/R&B, Reggae, and hits from the 80s and 90s.

Kreuzberg & Treptow

Watergate
Falckensteinstrasse 49 (U Schlesisches Tor / S Warschauer Strasse)
Great electronic club with two floors directly at the Spree River> Panoramic views and a tough door policy.

Tresor
Koepenikerstr. 59-73 Berlin, BE DE 10179
Located in an old power plant, Tresor is consistently ranked as one of THE clubs of Berlin. Like a mini-Berghain, it was the birth place of Paul Van Dyk and Dr Motte.

Club Der Visionaire
Am Flutgraben 1, D Berlin, BE DE 12435
Located in Treptow, this is a more intimate club. Located along the this riverside, this unique spot offers a more relaxing environment.

Friedrichshain

Berghain
Am Wriezener Bahnhof (S Ostbahhof)
A huge techno club in an old power generation plant. This place is legendary and there is a tough door policy. No cameras are allowed (mobile phones with a camera are now allowed, but holders are expressly warned not to use them). Music is extremely loud, but the sound system is technically high advanced and it is even possible to talk and be understood on the dancefloor.

Matrix
Warschauer Platz 18, 10245 Berlin
Situated under U-Bhf Warschauer Str, this club prides itself on having some of the best national and international D.J.'s in its line-ups. This venue is not as typical of Berlin, but a great location makes it a great point to watch the young clubbers go at it.

Prenzlauer Berg

White Trash Fast Food
Schoenhauser Allee 6-7
Tel 49 30 50 34 86 68
This bizarre spot is deliberately tacky with Chinese decor, cowboy hats, and other odd trinkets. Alternative concerts take place here, with a menu of burgers and self-brewed beer.

Recommended Partners