Berlin Entertainment

Berlin is one of Europes premier nightlife cities, and the action runs right around the clock. Whatever kind of entertainment youre looking for, you will find it somewhere in Berlin. World-class opera, live punk bands and intellectual cafs are just a part of the mosaic of things to do after dark. If you feel like catching a movie, the city is home to over 100 cinemas, showing every film genre imaginable.

There are three main magazines which list the happenings in the city. Checkpoint Berlin is a free monthly English-language publication. Zitty and Berlin Programm are also full of information, but theyre printed in German language only.

Nightlife

The bars in Berlin stay open virtually all night, and on Fridays and Saturdays, most subway lines run throughout the night to provide safe and convenient transportation for party goers. Berlin is a massive city and it would take you weeks to explore all the nightlife options available.

In western Berlin, most of the action centres on Savignyplatz in Charlottenburg, Ludwigkirchplatz in Wilmersdorf and along Wienerstrasse and Oranienstrasse in Kreuzberg. The clubs and bars in downtown western Berlin are dressier and more conservative, while the scene in Kreuzberg, Mitte and Friedrichshain is laid-back and alternative.

The Nollendorfplatz and Winterfeldplatz in Schoneberg also have a great nightlife scene, with tons of bars and cafs catering to every style. Schoeneberg is also the centre of Berlins vibrant gay community. You will find an amazing number of gay-friendly places to hang out around Motzstrabe and Fuggerstrabe.

A kneipe is Berlins answer to the English pub; a cosy and friendly place where you can relax after work and on weekends. There are hundreds of these in Berlin, and they are a great place to meet some of the locals and enjoy a pint. Cafs also have a strong following in Berlin, especially in the eastern part of the city. In the heart of old East Germany is a complex called Die Hackenschen Hofe, where over 100 cafs, bars and shops are concentrated. This is one of the places to go to see how the hip and fashionable are doing it in Berlin.

Theatre and music

Berlin has always been known for its excellent theatres. The Berliner Ensemble, Schaubuhne am Lehniner Platz and Theatre des Westens are three of the most prominent venues in the city. There are three opera houses in Berlin as well as the Philharmonie, where you can enjoy the famous Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra throughout the year. Even though most productions are in German, it can still be a great experience.

Berlin is also famous the world over for its live music scene. Whatever flavour of music you want to hear on any given night, chances are you can find it somewhere in this city. Kreuzberg is a hotspot for live music. For jazz, check out the Junction Bar, for blues its Floz and for alternative rock, try SO36.

Festivals

Berlin maintains its reputation as a cultural powerhouse by hosting a number of impressive international festivals each year.

• Berlins International Film Festival is spread out over two weeks, during which time more than 300 films are shown and judged. All kinds of film, from short documentary to large studio blockbusters are on view (February).
• The Carnival of Culture brings four days of fun to the Kreuzberg district to celebrate Berlins ethnic diversity. Parades, performances and food and drink make this a carnival to remember (June).
• The Christopher Street Day Parade offers a chance for Berlins gay and lesbian community to come out and celebrate their diversity. The parade is a flamboyant, colourful explosion of sights and sounds (June).
• Love Parade started out here in Berlin in 2001 and has since become a worldwide phenomenon. Millions of visitors pack the Tiergarten for a day of live DJ music, dancing and many other forms of indulgence (July).
• JazzFest Berlin brings some of the most talented musicians in the world to the city for four days of unforgettable music. One of the best jazz events in the calendar, daily shows are held at venues all over the city (October).