Berlin

Nightlife in Berlin: Mingle with the Locals

Fancy a city break where you can tour historic sights by day and dance all night? Then Berlin is the perfect destination for you!

Pack light and get ready for an action-packed trip. Once you touch down in the German city, head straight for the sights. Set aside a few hours during the day to absorb the moving history of Berlin. The Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and East Side Gallery are unmissable.

When night falls, view Berlin from a different perspective by heading to the top of the TV Tower. Built in the 1960s by the former German Democratic Republic, the Tower is now a popular tourist destination. The highest building in Germany, it’s the perfect spot to get a 360° view of the city’s skyline. Grab a drink in the bar over 200 metres above Berlin – or dine in the revolving restaurant, which takes a full hour to revolve around the view. This is a popular destination, so crowds should be expected. Happily though, smart travellers can buy tickets ahead of time and skip the queues.

If you’d rather wait until you’re stationary to have dinner, take a lead from the locals and use the Berlin Speisekarte app. This will give you a thorough overview of the Berlin food scene and offers local tips depending on where you are in the city and what time it is. Give it a try to find some hidden gems.

Later on, dance the night away in Weekend. This late-night club is a favourite with locals and tourists alike, with spectacular views of the skyline from its roof-garden. The history of this city is rich even in the nightspots, as this building is a former Soviet tower block. If you don’t like going to bed before the sun comes up, this is the perfect spot for you.

Not in the mood to get your dancing shoes on? Vintage movie theatre Babylon hosts silent movie nights with free admission. Hitchcock gets a regular slot at these events and the films are often accompanied by live music, so this is a venue well worth checking out.

After a night on the town, you’ll want to take it easy the next morning and start off with a tasty brunch. The locals love Café Morgenland, a spot that will especially appeal to those with a sweet tooth. At the weekends, you’ll most likely have to wait for a table but the pancakes are well worth it.

Afterwards, if you’re looking for more than one night out in Berlin, there are plenty of options to keep you busy. How about a nice outdoor spot to watch the sun go down? Sit back and unwind in PraterGarten – the perfect place to enjoy authentic German cuisine and great value beer. This is the city’s oldest beer garden, dating back to 1837. Today, it’s a favourite among locals, especially during the summer when you can lounge the evening away at a wooden table in the courtyard.

Next, why not head on an adventure to Becketts Kopf? Located in Prenzlauer Berg, this bar operates like a classic speakeasy. Once you’re granted entry through its unmarked door, step back into another era as you relax on their signature sofas and taste some of the delicious cocktails on offer. In a thoroughly modern addition, head online to book a spot before travelling. Come prepared, however, as the bar accepts no credit or maestro cards.

Don’t fancy an early night? Try one of East Berlin’s many trendy bars. Zu mir oder zu dir, literally translates to ‘my place or yours?’ and is a particularly popular spot with the locals. It has a more relaxed atmosphere than other night spots with lots of comfy armchairs on offer.

Want to start your own Berlin adventure? Kick off your trip with direct Aer Lingus flights. Unbeatable beer and bratwurst await.