Berghain/Panorama Bar

Berghain/Panorama Bar occupies a former East German power station near Ostbahnhof in Berlin's Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district, and is widely regarded as the world's most influential techno club. The crowd is famously mixed -- gay and straight, local and international, ranging roughly from early twenties to fifties -- and the venue's inclusive, judgment-free atmosphere is central to its reputation; there's no strict dress code, though all-black, understated club wear tends to fare better at the door than dressed-up or branded outfits. Berghain's main floor plays hard, industrial techno on a legendary Funktion-One soundsystem, while the upstairs Panorama Bar shifts toward house and a lighter, more melodic sound; both rooms run largely without breaks from opening until well into the following day. The bar serves simple drinks -- beer, spirits, and mixers -- at reasonable prices for a club of its stature; the focus is entirely on the music and the marathon dancing rather than a cocktail programme. Doors typically open late Friday night and the club runs continuously through the weekend into Monday morning, with the experience unfolding in waves as different crowds arrive and leave across the extended run. There is a cover charge in the €18-20 range, no reservations are accepted, and there's no bottle service or VIP area; entry depends entirely on the door staff's assessment on the night, and large groups, tourist-looking attire, and loud chatter in line are known to reduce chances of getting in.