Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [112]
Melitta Sundström (Map; 692 4414; Mehringdamm 61, Kreuzberg; from 2.30pm) This cheerful cafe is busy at all hours but never more so than on Saturday nights when it’s a preferred fuelling-up stop for parties at SchwuZ (opposite) out back.
Hafen (Map; 211 4118; Motzstrasse 19, Schöneberg) An essential component of the Schöneberg party scene, the friendly Harbour is a great first stop to dock at before launching into a raucous night on the razzle. On Mondays, quizmaster Hendryk tests your trivia knowledge with his hilarious Quizzorama shows (in English on the first Monday of the month).
Nightclubs
For a review of Berghain/Panorama Bar, Click here.
Ackerkeller (Map; 3646 1356; Bergstrasse 68, Mitte; from 9pm Tue, from 10pm Fri & Sat) This alt-pub spins into a party venue thrice weekly with rock, pop, electro and even Balkanbeats keeping the dance floor grooving. Best day is Tuesday.
SchwuZ (Map; 629 0880; Mehringdamm 61, Kreuzberg; Fri & Sat) Fortify yourself at Melitta Sundström (opposite), then head to the basement to work the dance floors. A good place to ease into the scene for all comers.
Connection (Map; 218 1432; Fuggerstrasse 33, Schöneberg; Fri & Sat) This classic men-only disco was a techno pioneer way back in the ‘80s and still hasn’t lost its grip on the scene. The labyrinth of underground darkrooms is legendary.
Parties
Some of the best queer club nights are independent of the venues they use and may move around. We’ve given locations current at the time of writing, but it’s best to check the websites or the listings mags for the latest scoop. There are also frequent gay parties at SO36 Click here.
Berlin Hilton (Map; 4405 1681; www.berlinhilton.de, in German; Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg; Wed) On hump day, ‘Hiltonistas’ descend upon the small and low-tech NBI club for a heady dance mix of electro-rock and campy singalongs. Would Paris approve?
Chantals House of Shame (Map; 281 8323; www.siteofshame.com; Schönhauser Allee 176a, Prenzlauer Berg; Thu) Chantal’s legendary party (currently at Bassy) is beloved not so much for its glam factor as for the over-the-top trannie shows and the hotties who love ’em.
GMF (Map; www.gmf-berlin.de, in German; Sun) Currently at Weekend, Berlin’s premier Sunday club is known for excessive SM (standing and modelling). Predominantly boyz, but girls OK.
Irrenhaus (Map;; www.ninaqueer.com, in German; Am Friedrichshain 33, Friedrichshain; 3rd Sat of month) The name means ‘insane asylum’ and they’re not kidding. Party hostess with the mostest, trash queen Nina Queer, puts on nutty, naughty shows that are not for the faint of heart. Expect the best; fear the worst.
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Kollwitzplatzmarkt (Map; Wörther Strasse btwn Knaackstrasse & Kollwitzstrasse, Prenzlauer Berg; noon-8pm Thu, 9am-4pm Sat) Velvety gorgonzola, juniper-berry-smoked ham, crusty sourdough bread and all manner of organic produce are the kinds of exquisite morsels scooped up by locals at this posh market.
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Flea Markets
Flohmarkt am Mauerpark (Map; Bernauer Strasse 63; 10am-5pm Sun) This flea market has all sorts of vendors, with everything from T-shirt designers and families who’ve cleaned out their closets to down-at-heelers hawking trash. Follow up your shopping with a drink at the outdoor cafe or a nap in the Mauerpark.
Flohmarkt am Boxhagener Platz (Map; Boxhagener Platz, Friedrichshain; 9am-4pm Sun) There are few too many pros, but that just means you’ll have to dig a little harder for the cool finds. On the plus side: prices are rock bottom.
Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz (Map; Arkonaplatz; 10am-5pm Sun) Easily combined with the Mauerpark flea market, this one feeds the retro frenzy with plenty of groovy furniture, accessories, clothing, vinyl and books, including