Retro Berlin Travel Guide: Relive the 80s and 90s

In this article our editors are travelling back in time to give you a guide that breathes retro.

Berlin isn’t just a city; it’s a time capsule of cultural revolutions. If you’re craving a journey back to the 80s and 90s – think neon lights, gritty punk rock, vintage arcades, and legendary music spots – then you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or just a curious traveler looking for unique things to do in Berlin, this guide uncovers the city’s hidden gems. From David Bowie’s Berlin apartment to iconic arcades, here’s how to experience Retro Berlin like a local.

1. Relive Music History – In the Footsteps of Rock Legends

Hansa Studios – Where Bowie Made Music History

📍 Address: Meistersaal, Köthener Str. 38, 10963 Berlin

If there’s one place that screams music history in Berlin, it’s Hansa Studios. This is where David Bowie recorded “Heroes” – an anthem inspired by a forbidden kiss by the Berlin Wall. The proximity to the Wall added an eerie, rebellious echo to his music.

Curiosa: Iggy Pop was there too, recording his iconic albums “The Idiot” and “Lust for Life” with Bowie’s help. Imagine the late-night jam sessions and creative madness that went down in those walls.

Pro Tip: Book a guided tour for exclusive stories about Bowie, Iggy, U2, and Depeche Mode.

David Bowie’s Apartment – Where the Magic Happened

📍 Address: Hauptstraße 155, 10827 Berlin

In a modest apartment in Schöneberg, Bowie and Iggy Pop lived like locals – no frills, just creativity. They wandered the streets, ate at local diners, and soaked up Berlin’s underground vibe.

Curiosa: Bowie loved Café Neues Ufer, just down the street. Rumor has it, he scribbled lyrics on napkins there. Today, it’s still a laid-back spot with great coffee and a bohemian vibe.

Dschungel Club – The Wild Nights of Lou Reed and Bowie

📍 Address (Former Location): Nürnberger Str. 53, 10789 Berlin

This iconic nightclub was the Studio 54 of Berlin. A playground for Bowie, Lou Reed, and Mick Jagger, it defined Berlin’s 80s nightlife. Although it’s long gone, the spirit of Dschungel Club lives on in places like SO36 in Kreuzberg – a punk club where counterculture still thrives.

2. Retro Gaming and Arcades – Where Pixels Reign Supreme

Computerspielemuseum – Vintage Gaming Heaven

📍 Address: Karl-Marx-Allee 93a, 10243 Berlin

Step into a world of pixels and nostalgia at Computerspielemuseum. From Pong to Pac-Man, relive the golden age of gaming.Curiosa: They have the only surviving PainStation – a game that punishes you with electric shocks if you lose. It’s twisted, but oh-so-90s.

Gamestate Berlin – 90s Vibes at Potsdamer Platz

📍 Address: Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, Alte Potsdamer Str. 7, 10785 Berlin

Gamestate Berlin is a paradise for arcade lovers. It’s the perfect place to challenge your friends to Dance Dance Revolution or relive the thrill of pinball.

3. Vintage Cinemas – Cult Classics and Indie Vibes

Tilsiter Lichtspiele – Where Indie Meets Nostalgia

📍 Address: Richard-Sorge-Straße 25A, 10249 Berlin

Imagine watching a cult classic in a century-old cinema, beer in hand. That’s Tilsiter Lichtspiele for you. Cozy, quirky, and full of character, it feels like a time capsule from a pre-Netflix world.

Curiosa: Locals swear that the ghost of a projectionist still haunts the place.

4. David Bowie Walking Tour – A Fan’s Pilgrimage

Ready for the ultimate fan experience? The David Bowie Walking Tour takes you through his favorite bars, recording studios, and neighborhoods.

Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes – Bowie loved walking, and you’ll be covering his stomping grounds, from Schöneberg to Kreuzberg.

5. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry – Retro Style

Café Neues Ufer – Breakfast with Bowie’s Ghost

📍 Address: Hauptstraße 157, 10827 Berlin

This café was once Bowie’s go-to breakfast spot. It was one of Europe’s first openly gay cafes and remains a symbol of Berlin’s progressive spirit.

SO36 – Punk’s Not Dead

📍 Address: Oranienstraße 190, 10999 Berlin

This legendary punk club in Kreuzberg is one of the few places that still captures the gritty, rebellious energy of 80s Berlin.

Final Tips for Your Retro Berlin Adventure

Use Public Transport: Berlin’s U-Bahn is a time machine itself, with some stations unchanged since the 80s.
Embrace the Weird: Berlin is quirky. Let it surprise you.
Take Pictures: But also just live in the moment – that’s how Bowie did it.