If there’s one city that screams nightlife, it’s gotta be Berlin. From enormous, pulsing superclubs like Berghain to lesser-known nightlife spots, partying is integral to the German capital’s culture – which is why we named it one of the world’s best cities for nightlife this year.
However, Berlin’s nightlife took a hit during the pandemic, and like many cities, its roster of clubs is shrinking.
Now, another iconic venue has announced its closure. Watergate, a Berlin institution located on the riverside in the city’s Kreuzberg district, opened back in 2002 but will permanently close its doors after one last New Year’s Eve party this December.
The club’s management announced the ‘difficult decision’ in a statement, citing financial pressure thanks to inflation and rising energy prices, young people’s altered attitude to nightlife and preference for festivals and a decrease in cheap flights which they think has harmed visitor numbers, according to the Guardian.
It’s worrying news because Watergate isn’t any old nightclub. Formerly specialising in drum ‘n’ bass music, the venue grew to become one of Berlin’s more upmarket nightlife spaces and regularly drew high-profile DJs. It was even ranked in DJ Mag’s top 100 clubs this year.
Co-founder of Watergate Wambacher said that while the first six to seven months post-lockdown were positive, the pandemic has changed how people go out. It’s a sentiment echoed by our Berlin-based writer Anna Geary-Meyer, who told us: ‘The last few years have witnessed the deaths of some beloved nightlife institutions – most recently Neukölln’s Loophole – but Berlin continues to reinvent itself. Outdoor raves have made a comeback, while the former Griessmühle team opened RSO, home to quality techno parties.’
Wambacher also mentioned that though €947 million is being invested in Berlin’s cultural scene, the nature of nightlife is too fast-moving to be saved by such long-term planning.
Last month it was announced that another of the city’s iconic venues, Wilde Renate, would also be closing its doors in 2025. We’ll have to wait and see what’s in store for the future of Berlin’s nightlife – watch this space.
More on Berlin’s nightlife
Queer venues, excellent bars, knockout nightclubs and live music venues – Berlin’s got them all, so no wonder we named it the best city in Europe (and third in the world) for nightlife. Check out the full list here.
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