Berlin’s bar scene is already seen to many as legendary, however not many mention that it would be about craft cocktails and rooftop views. It’s more so about the real gems. The ones hidden behind unmarked doors, in spots that make you do a double-take, or ones with themes so weird that you wonder how they even came up with it. Here’s your guide to five of Berlin’s most unexpected watering holes. From secret lounges to places that look like they’re straight out of a fever dream, these bars are as offbeat as Berlin itself.
1. Clärchens Ballhaus – The Vintage Ballroom That’s Got It All
A bar, a dancehall, a time machine. Welcome to Clärchens Ballhaus, one of the oldest spots in Berlin where the walls are soaked in history and still bumping to the rhythm of waltzes and old-school tunes. The vibe is a perfect blend of kitsch and cool, and while you’re sipping your drink, you might just find yourself accidentally dancing. The place is as nostalgic as it gets, with one foot still stuck in the past, and the other in the present.
Address: Auguststraße 24, 10117 Berlin
2. The Cocktail Bar at The Weinmeister – The Low-Key, High-Class Secret
Located in the heart of Berlin but hidden behind a modest hotel entrance, The Cocktail Bar at The Weinmeister isn’t trying to be flashy. In fact, you might walk right past it if you’re not looking for it. But once you step inside, it’s like stepping into a 1920s speakeasy with a modern twist. The drinks are insane, the bartenders are borderline magicians, and the atmosphere is just the right level of cozy without feeling too “I’m way too cool for this.”
Address: Weinmeisterstraße 2, 10178 Berlin
3. Berghain Kantine – The Secret Spot Next to Berlin’s Clubbing Icon
You’ve probably heard of Berghain, the techno temple where sweat, bass, and euphoria reign supreme. But next door, there’s a more low-key oasis where Berliners go to chill after a crazy night—or before one. Berghain Kantine isn’t a bar in the traditional sense. It’s a place to take a breather, grab a cheap beer, and swap stories. But you’ll still find that quintessential Berghain vibe—underground, laid-back, and full of people who know how to have a good time.
Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof 1, 10243 Berlin
4. Bar Tausend – The Speakeasy You’ll Want to Keep Secret
It’s hard to find, but once you do, you’ll feel like you’re in on Berlin’s best-kept secret. Bar Tausend is tucked behind an unmarked door near Friedrichstrasse, and you’ve got to know what you’re looking for to get in. Inside? A slick, moody space that’s equal parts stylish and mysterious. With cocktails so good they’ll make you forget about the line outside, Bar Tausend is the perfect mix of exclusivity and understated cool.
Address: Schiffbauerdamm 11, 10117 Berlin
5. Das Hotel – A Taxidermy Wonderland, But Make It Cozy
Here’s where Berlin’s dark side comes out to play. Das Hotel is equal parts bar, weird museum, and somewhere you’d go if you wanted to experience something truly bizarre. The walls are adorned with taxidermy, but it’s somehow charming—yes, even with the stuffed fox staring at you while you sip your drink. The vibe is as kitschy as it is cozy, and the cocktails? Definitely not your average concoction.
Address: Nollendorfstraße 27, 10777 Berlin
Berlin is packed with weird and wonderful places that make you feel like you’re stepping into another world. These five bars prove that Berlin’s nightlife isn’t just about a good drink; it’s about the experience, the weirdness, and the stories you’ll tell when you leave. So next time you're out, skip the touristy spots and go to one of these—because who wants to be basic anyway?