The Best Bars in Berlin: 13 Places I Recommend as a Local Guide
Berlin is a city that knows how to enjoy a drink. Whether you're looking for a traditional German pub, a beautifully made cocktail, a beer garden beneath old chestnut trees or somewhere with live jazz, the German capital has plenty to offer.
And going out in Berlin doesn't necessarily mean dancing to techno until sunrise. Yes, the city is famous for its legendary clubs, but there's another side to its nightlife: cosy neighbourhood pubs, quirky bars, atmospheric cocktail lounges and independent breweries.
Having lived and worked in Berlin for many years, I've picked out 13 places that I think are worth visiting. From an old-fashioned East Berlin pub to a rooftop bar overlooking the zoo, these are places that offer rather different experiences of the city.
I've also included some of my favourite streets for bar hopping, in case you'd rather explore a neighbourhood and see where the evening takes you.
But first, here's what you should know about going out in Berlin.
Berlin nightlife: What should you expect?
One of the things that makes Berlin different from many other European capitals is its relaxed attitude towards nightlife. There is no general legal closing time for bars and pubs. Some places close around midnight, others stay open until the early morning, and certain establishments seem to operate almost around the clock.
Berlin is also famous for its club scene. Some of the city's legendary techno clubs open on Friday or Saturday night and keep going well into Sunday, occasionally even Monday. But don't worry: you certainly don't have to be a clubber to enjoy Berlin after dark!
When do Berliners go out?
For a relaxed evening, I'd suggest heading out around 7 or 8 pm. That's a good time to find a table, enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere. Cocktail bars often get busier later in the evening, while traditional pubs can be lively throughout the night.
Unlike in some American cities, you generally don't need to rush to order your last drink before midnight. Many bars stay open considerably longer, particularly on weekends.
Getting home isn't usually a problem either. Berlin's U-Bahn and S-Bahn run throughout the night on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as before public holidays. During the week, night buses and trams take over once regular train services finish. And taxis and Ubers are usually just a few minutes away.
What should you wear? Berlin does casual!
One thing you can usually leave at home when going out in Berlin is your fancy evening outfit. Berlin has a wonderfully relaxed attitude towards dress codes, and even many of its more sophisticated cocktail bars don't expect you to dress up.
Jeans, sneakers and a comfortable shirt or top are perfectly acceptable in most bars. You'll see people heading straight from work, others in jeans and trainers, and plenty who look as though they've barely given their outfit a second thought.
Of course, there are exceptions. Some upscale hotel bars and restaurants have a slightly smarter atmosphere, while Berlin's famous nightclubs can have their own door policies and dress expectations. But for an ordinary evening of bar hopping, there's really no need to overthink it.
My advice? Dress comfortably, bring a jacket if you're going out in the colder months, and don't worry too much about what you're wearing. In Berlin, feeling comfortable is generally more important than looking dressed up.
What do Berliners drink?
Beer is still a big part of German drinking culture, and Berlin is no exception. You'll find plenty of familiar German beer styles, particularly Pilsner, a crisp, relatively dry lager with a slightly bitter finish.
Some Berlin beer brands you might come across include Berliner Kindl, Berliner Pilsner and Schultheiss. You'll also find plenty of international brands, craft beers and smaller local breweries.
One particularly Berlin speciality is Berliner Weisse. This is a traditional, sour wheat beer that is often served with a shot of flavoured syrup. The two classic varieties are Himbeere (raspberry) and Waldmeister (woodruff). The resulting drink is colourful, refreshing and quite different from the beer most American visitors will be used to. Personally, I prefer it pure, without any syrup. It has a distinctly tart, almost lemony flavour, with a natural acidity and a light, slightly funky finish. It's refreshing, but definitely an acquired taste!
Of course, beer isn't everything. Germans also enjoy wine, gin and tonic, rum, whiskey and a wide range of cocktails. In recent years, Berlin has developed a particularly interesting cocktail and craft beer scene.
A word about smoking in Berlin bars
Something that might surprise visitors is that smoking is still permitted in certain Berlin bars.
Germany introduced smoking restrictions years ago, but Berlin has some exceptions. Small, designated smoking pubs can legally allow smoking indoors if they meet specific conditions. Among other things, the premises must have less than 75 square metres of floor space, exclude anyone under 18 and not serve food prepared on the premises.
This is why you can still walk into a traditional Berlin pub and find people smoking inside. It's a legal exception rather than a lack of smoking regulations.
Not every traditional pub allows smoking, and many modern bars are completely smoke-free. But if you're sensitive to cigarette smoke, it's worth checking before you go. Some of the old-school places can be surprisingly smoky!
The best streets for bar hopping in Berlin
If you'd rather discover a few places yourself, Berlin has several streets and neighbourhoods that are particularly good for an evening out. Unlike cities with one central nightlife district, Berlin's bars are spread across different neighbourhoods, each with its own character.
Here are six areas worth knowing about:
Simon-Dach-Straße, Friedrichshain
One of Berlin's best-known bar streets. Expect plenty of restaurants, pubs and outdoor terraces, with a lively, international and relatively young crowd. Particularly busy on warm evenings and weekends. A good choice if you want to experience a lively side of Berlin without necessarily heading to a nightclub.
Bergmannstraße, Kreuzberg
A lovely neighbourhood for an evening out, with independent restaurants, cafés and bars. The surrounding Bergmannkiez has a slightly more relaxed, grown-up feel and is a good choice if you want to combine dinner with drinks.
Oranienstraße, Kreuzberg
One of the classic streets of alternative Berlin. It has a colourful mix of bars, restaurants and late-night hangouts. Expect a lively atmosphere, plenty of character and a little of the rebellious spirit that made Kreuzberg famous.
Kastanienallee, Prenzlauer Berg
A popular street lined with cafés, restaurants and bars. It has a relaxed, slightly bohemian atmosphere and is a nice option for an evening in one of Berlin's prettiest neighbourhoods. The famous Prater beer garden is also located here.
Weserstraße, Neukölln
If you want to experience a younger, more alternative side of Berlin, this is the place. The street and its surrounding side roads are full of small bars, independent venues and creative hangouts. It's particularly popular with Berlin's younger international crowd.
Savignyplatz, Charlottenburg
A very different atmosphere from Kreuzberg or Neukölln. The square and its surrounding streets are home to traditional restaurants, cafés and bars, making it a lovely choice for a more relaxed evening in Berlin's western centre.
Holzmarkt 25 isn't a street full of bars, but it's well worth mentioning as a destination in its own right. This creative riverside village on the Spree is one of Berlin's more unusual places to spend an afternoon or evening. You'll find outdoor bars, places to eat, little independent spaces and plenty of relaxed, alternative Berlin atmosphere. In summer, it's particularly lovely to grab a drink by the water and simply enjoy the setting. It's not somewhere I'd go looking for a traditional pub, but if you want to experience a different side of Berlin, put it on your list.
My advice? Pick one neighbourhood rather than trying to visit all six in a single evening. Berlin is a big city, and these areas are spread quite far apart.
The 13 best bars in Berlin: My recommendations
I've deliberately chosen rather different places. Whether you're after an authentic Berlin pub, a quirky night out, a rooftop cocktail or some live music, there's something here for you.
1. For a traditional Berlin pub: Willy Bresch
If you want to experience a traditional Berlin Eckkneipe, Willy Bresch is a good place to start.
An Eckkneipe literally translates as a corner pub. These traditional neighbourhood drinking establishments have been part of Berlin's social fabric for generations. They're usually small, unpretentious places where locals meet after work, regulars know the bartender by name and the main attraction is a cold beer and good conversation.
Don't expect fancy interiors, elaborate cocktail menus or particularly sophisticated food. Instead, think wooden tables, a well-used bar, straightforward drinks and a distinctly old-Berlin atmosphere.
Willy Bresch, in Prenzlauer Berg's Bötzowkiez, is one of those places that feels as though time has stood still. It's a proper neighbourhood pub where you can enjoy a beer and get a glimpse of a Berlin that has become increasingly difficult to find. The pub has been a local institution since the 1960s.
One thing to know before visiting: this is a smoking pub. If you don't like cigarette smoke, you might want to choose somewhere else. But if you're curious about traditional Berlin pub culture, it's an interesting experience.
Address: Danziger Straße 120, 10407 Berlin
Opening hours: Monday–Friday from 3 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm.
2. For a quirky Berlin bar: Mein Haus am See
If there's one thing Berlin does particularly well, it's quirky bars. Mein Haus am See is a good example.
Located right by Rosenthaler Platz in Mitte, this unusual venue combines a café, bar and, later in the evening, something approaching a nightclub. Its interior is full of vintage furniture, mismatched sofas and cosy seating areas arranged around the main room.
It's the kind of place where you might pop in for one drink and end up staying much longer than planned.
The atmosphere changes as the evening progresses. Early on, it's a relaxed place to meet friends over a cocktail or beer. Later, DJs and louder music give it a more energetic feel, and the downstairs area can become particularly lively.
It's a good introduction to the more alternative, creative side of Berlin nightlife without having to venture into a full-blown techno club.
Address: Brunnenstraße 197–198, 10119
hours: Daily from 5:30 pm.
3. For an excellent cocktail: Green Door Bar
For something a little more sophisticated, head to Green Door in Schöneberg.
This is one of Berlin's best-known cocktail bars, and the experience begins before you've even ordered your first drink. The entrance is hidden behind an unassuming green door, giving the place a slightly secretive, speakeasy-style atmosphere.
Inside, you'll find a long wooden bar, atmospheric lighting and an unusual interior that feels somewhere between a private New York cocktail lounge and a film set.
The drinks are the real attraction, though. The menu combines classic cocktails with creative seasonal inventions, and the bartenders take their craft seriously. The bar has built a reputation over several decades and has received recognition within the international cocktail scene.
Whether you're in the mood for a perfectly made Martini or something a little more adventurous, this is a lovely place to spend an evening. It's also a good option if you're looking for somewhere more intimate and comfortable than some of Berlin's louder nightlife spots.
Address: Winterfeldtstraße 50, 10781 Berlin
Opening hours: Daily from 7 pm.
4. For craft beer: BRLO Brwhouse
Germany might be famous for its beer, but Berlin has developed a particularly interesting craft beer scene over the past decade. One of the best places to experience it is BRLO Brwhouse.
Located right next to Park am Gleisdreieck, BRLO is a brewery, bar and restaurant housed in an unusual structure made from stacked shipping containers. It's a striking piece of modern architecture and quite different from the traditional German beer halls you might associate with the country.
The brewery produces a range of beers, from classic lagers to pale ales, IPAs and darker varieties. If you're not sure what to order, ask about trying a few different styles.
There's also an outdoor area, making it particularly enjoyable during the warmer months. And if you're hungry, the restaurant serves seasonal dishes designed to complement the beer.
It's a great place to discover a more modern side of German beer culture, and a particularly good choice for anyone interested in trying something beyond the usual German Pilsner.
Address: Schöneberger Straße 16, 10963 Berlin
Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday, 5 pm–midnight; Saturday, noon–midnight; Sunday, noon–10 pm. Closed Mondays. Sunday food service operates separately.
5. For a traditional beer garden: Prater Garten
There's something wonderfully relaxing about sitting beneath chestnut trees with a freshly poured beer on a warm summer evening. And if that's the experience you're after, head to Prater Garten in Prenzlauer Berg.
Dating back to 1837, Prater is Berlin's oldest beer garden. It has been a meeting place for Berliners for almost two centuries, surviving enormous changes in the city around it.
The setting is exactly what you might imagine when thinking of a traditional German beer garden: long communal tables, large trees providing shade and freshly tapped beer. You'll also find traditional German dishes, including grilled chicken and pork knuckle.
Prater is particularly lovely on a summer evening, when locals and visitors gather outside to enjoy a few drinks. It's a very different experience from Berlin's more fashionable cocktail bars, and all the better for it.
Address: Kastanienallee 7–9, 10435 Berlin
Opening hours: The outdoor beer garden is seasonal and weather-dependent. The restaurant offers an indoor alternative outside the summer season.
6. For a Bavarian beer hall: Weihenstephaner
Berlin isn't Munich, but if you'd like to experience a traditional Bavarian beer hall, Weihenstephaner is an excellent choice.
Located just a stone's throw from Alexanderplatz, on Hackescher Markt, this restaurant and beer hall serves beer from the famous Bavarian Weihenstephan brewery. Expect large beer glasses, hearty food and a more traditional atmosphere than you'll find in many of Berlin's modern bars.
You can enjoy classic German and Bavarian dishes alongside a selection of beers, including wheat beer (Weißbier), which is particularly popular in southern Germany.
It's worth remembering that German beer culture varies considerably from region to region. A Bavarian beer hall is quite different from a Berlin Kneipe, and that's precisely why I think it's worth visiting.
Address: Neue Promenade 5, 10178 Berlin
Opening hours: Daily, 11 am–midnight.
7. For an old-school neighbourhood bar in Mitte: Schnelle Quelle
Not every good Berlin bar has a clever concept or a beautifully designed interior. Sometimes, the best places are simply the ones that feel as though they've been there forever.
Schnelle Quelle, tucked away on Rochstraße in Mitte, is a good example. It's an unpretentious, old-fashioned neighbourhood pub with a wonderfully lived-in atmosphere. Think eclectic vintage furnishings, a simple selection of drinks and a mixture of local regulars and curious visitors.
It's a nice contrast to the more polished cocktail bars and fashionable restaurants that have become increasingly common in central Berlin.
If you're exploring Mitte and fancy a straightforward beer somewhere with a bit of character, this is a place worth seeking out.
Address: Rochstraße 4, 10178 Berlin
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday, generally from 5 pm until late. Bring cash, as payment options may be limited.
8. For a taste of alternative 1990s Berlin: Eschschloraque
If you want to get a feel for Berlin's grittier, more alternative side, head to Eschschloraque Rümschrümp.
The bar is hidden away in the second courtyard of Haus Schwarzenberg, just off Rosenthaler Straße in Mitte. The courtyard itself is worth exploring, with its street art, independent galleries, small cultural venues and wonderfully unpolished atmosphere.
Inside, Eschschloraque feels like a little time capsule of alternative Berlin. Expect unusual decorations, eccentric interiors, art, music and a slightly surreal atmosphere. It is a world away from the city's more polished rooftop bars and hotel lounges.
Haus Schwarzenberg is one of the places where you can still get a sense of the independent, alternative culture that flourished in Berlin after the fall of the Wall. Eschschloraque is a lovely place to experience a little of that spirit over a drink.
Address: Rosenthaler Straße 39, second courtyard, 10178 Berlin
Opening hours: Daily from 2 pm. Check its programme for special events and DJ nights. It's a smoking bar.
9. For a rooftop drink in Charlottenburg: Monkey Bar
For a completely different experience, head to Monkey Bar on the tenth floor of the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin.
The bar offers one of the loveliest views in the western part of the city. From its rooftop terrace, you can look directly over the Berlin Zoo, including the famous monkey enclosure, as well as the surrounding rooftops and the City West skyline.
It's a stylish, contemporary place with an international drinks menu, cocktails, wine and a selection of snacks. The large windows and outdoor terrace make it particularly attractive around sunset.
It's certainly more polished and expensive than a traditional Berlin pub, but sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for. If you're staying in Charlottenburg or around Kurfürstendamm, it's a great place to end the day with a drink and a view.
Address: Budapester Straße 40, 10787 Berlin (10th floor of the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin)
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 1 pm–2 am; Saturday and Sunday, noon–2 am.
10. For live music and jazz: The Hat Jazz Bar
If you fancy a little live music with your evening drink, The Hat Jazz Bar in Charlottenburg is a wonderful place to visit.
Hidden beneath the railway arches near Zoologischer Garten station, this intimate jazz bar has the atmosphere of a traditional American jazz club. The setting is small and cosy, with a long bar, dim lighting and musicians playing just a few feet away.
What makes The Hat particularly interesting is that it hosts live jazz jam sessions every night. Rather than a conventional concert programme with a different headline act every evening, musicians come together to play, creating an atmosphere that is spontaneous and often wonderfully unpredictable.
The drinks are another attraction. The bar specialises in bottle-aged cocktails, and the bartenders clearly take their work seriously.
You don't have to be a jazz enthusiast to enjoy it. In fact, it's a lovely place simply to sit back, have a drink and listen to some excellent live music.
Address: Lotte-Lenya-Bogen 550, 10623 Berlin
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday from 8 pm; Friday–Sunday from 7 pm. Jam sessions every night, free entry. Smoking is permitted inside.
11. A special mention: Leydicke – an evening you won't forget
A place that deserves a special mention: Leydicke in Schöneberg.
Founded in 1877, Leydicke started out as a liqueur and fruit juice factory before developing into one of Berlin's most characterful traditional drinking establishments.
Walking through the door feels like stepping into another era. The old wooden panelling, vintage liquor cabinets, records covering the walls and well-worn furniture give the place an atmosphere that is increasingly difficult to find in modern Berlin.
But what really makes Leydicke special is that you never quite know what kind of evening you're going to have. The family has been producing fruit wines and liqueurs using traditional recipes for generations, and you can still try some of these unusual creations today. But on certain nights, things can get wonderfully out of hand: there's live music, indoor fireworks, bagpipes being played on the counter and all sorts of unexpected entertainment. I've had some of the craziest and most unexpected nights out in Berlin here!
Leydicke isn't a conventional cocktail bar or a polished tourist attraction. It's a genuine piece of old West Berlin, with a character all of its own.
My advice? Order one of the homemade fruit wines, take a seat and see where the evening takes you. Just don't expect a quiet drink – this is the kind of place where an ordinary night out can turn into a story you'll be telling for years.
Address: Mansteinstraße 4, 10783 Berlin
Opening hours: Daily from 7 pm until 1 am.
12. For a very unusual beer experience: Berliner Republik
If you fancy something a little different from your usual German pub, head to Berliner Republik, right on the River Spree in Mitte. This lively German pub has a rather unusual attraction: its very own beer stock exchange. Instead of paying a fixed price, you watch the beer prices rise and fall on screens around the bar, just like on a real stock market. The more popular a beer becomes, the more expensive it gets, while less popular varieties become cheaper. And every now and then, there's a market crash, when prices suddenly drop and everyone rushes to order. It's a fun, slightly chaotic way to sample different German
beers – and a memorable experience even if you're not particularly interested in the stock market!
Address: Schiffbauerdamm 8, 10117 Berlin
Opening hours: Daily, 11am–1am (Sunday–Thursday); Friday and Saturday until 3am. The beer stock exchange starts at 5pm daily.
13. For a night of dancing in a historic ballroom: Clärchens Ballhaus
If you'd like to experience something a little different from Berlin's usual bar scene, make your way to Clärchens Ballhaus in Mitte. Opened in 1913, this historic dance hall has survived two world wars and more than a century of Berlin history. Its most beautiful feature is the Spiegelsaal, an upstairs ballroom lined with mirrors, where you can still dance beneath the chandeliers in a wonderfully nostalgic setting. The programme includes everything from swing and tango to salsa and themed party nights. You don't need to be an experienced dancer – just check what's on, turn up and enjoy an evening in one of Berlin's most atmospheric historic venues.
Address: Auguststraße 24/25, 10117 Berlin
Opening hours: Restaurant from 5pm; dance events and opening times vary depending on the programme.
Want to discover more of Berlin?
Berlin's nightlife is as varied as the city itself. You can spend an evening in a traditional pub, enjoy cocktails in a sophisticated bar, listen to live jazz or discover the alternative side of the city in one of its many independent venues.
And you don't have to stay out until sunrise to experience it!
If you're visiting Berlin for the first time, I'd probably recommend starting around Savignyplatz for a more relaxed evening, or Bergmannstraße if you'd like to combine dinner with a few drinks. For something livelier and a little more alternative, head to Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg.
And if you'd like to discover a different side of the city during the day, I'd be delighted to show you around on one of my private tours of Berlin.
After all, there's more to Berlin than its history and famous landmarks. Sometimes, getting to know a city also means sitting down, ordering a local beer and enjoying the atmosphere.
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