Entertainment In Berlin

Entertainment In Berlin

With so much on offer, from classical drama and cabaret to variety theatre and an eclectic nightclub scene, it is possible to indulge just about any taste in Berlin. During the summer months many bars and restaurants set up outdoor tables and the areas around Unter den Linden, the Kurfurstendamm, Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg in particular, seem to turn into one large social arena.

The city really comes into its own at night, when its clubs, all night cafe and cocktail bars give you the chance to dance till dawn. The city has many night-life centres, each with a slightly different character. Prenzlauer Berg is the best choice for mainstream bars, cafe and clubs, while Friedrichshain is more exclusive, and Kreuzberg has a vibrant gay scene. The Mitte district in the Eastern Centre offers a true mixture with its opera house and classical theatre surrounded by lively and inexpensive bars. On a Sunday, a quiet trip down the river or along the canals offers a pleasant way to unwind.

Practical Information

There are so many things going on in Berlin that it can be difficult to find what you are looking for. Listings magazines like Tip or Zitty are invaluable aids and offer the widest range of suggestions.

Information on festivals, sports events, cinema programmes, theatre schedules, cabarets and concerts can be found on the following websites: www.berlinonline.de and www.berlin.de.

For visitors who have just arrived in town, however, and have not made it yet to an Internet cafe or a kiosk, the chances are the local bar or your hotel foyer has leaflets on the wall to point you in the right direction.

There are also lots of posters around town telling you what is on offer. In addition, the free magazine Flyer is full of news about nightclubs and discos, and it should be available in most restaurants.

Tickets for events should be bought in advance, though last-minute tickets are available from Hekticket Theaterkassen. The disabled, pensioners and students with the appropriate ID are often entitled to a discount. All major venues will provide good wheelchair access.

SPECTATOR SPORTS

As a rule, Berlin’s sports teams tend to be among the country’s best, and rank highly in each of their respective leagues. Hertha BSC’s football matches take place in the Olympiastadion and Alba Berlin’s basketball games are on at the Max-Schmeling-Halle. For international events it is usually best to book in advance.

Lovers of horse racing have two tracks to choose from in Berlin. Trabrennbahn in Mariendorf is open all year and the races held here are strictly commercial.

Galopprennbahn Hoppegarten, on the other hand, has a much more friendly, approachable feel.