Budget Berlin: Partying on a Shoestring
“I would love to travel, but I just don’t have the money!” Have you heard that excuse lately? Travel blogs, Instagram channels full of enviable travel pics, and our widely travelled friends’ Facebook feed not only make for heaps of wanderlust, they also bring up the question: How on earth can they afford that? The answer is fairly easy: Travelling doesn’t have to be expansive! On the contrary, the best experiences are often the ones that money can’t buy. At Industriepalast Hostel Berlin we offer you a comfortable stay in a great atmosphere at a really low price, but we also want to make sure that you can get the best out of your trip to Berlin without spending too much. And this is where our newest series Budget Berlin comes into play. In multiple episodes we provide you with some tips and tricks regarding awesome experiences in the German capital that will set you back no more than a few bucks. Our first few chapters were aimed at showing you ways to explore the city’s sights by foot, on a free bus tour, or with free attractions using handy city guide smartphone apps, as well as how to find cheap eats in Berlin. But what’s a trip to Berlin without checking out the city’s world-famous nightlife? The popular clubs are not known for offering a very low-cost experience, however. But don’t you retreat to netflix and sofa yet, for we’ve got you covered: Here’s how to party hard without turning your wallet upside-down.
Of early birds and fair maidens
Ok guys, this time you have to swallow the pill – and no, we’re not talking about the suspicious-looking one that sinister dude next to the bathroom sells. This one’s for the ladies only: Ladies Night is a thing at most mainstream nightclubs in Berlin. Soda Club in Prenzlauer Berg does it every Friday night, which means free admission and free drinks worth 7.50€ until 1 am. Maxxim on vibrant Kurfürstendamm offers women free admission every Saturday night before 11:30pm, plus free prosecco flatrate. One of Berlin’s most famous mainstream clubs is Matrix right on Warschauer Straße, and just opposite Industriepalast Hostel. The venue, which rose to fame thanks to popular TV Show “Berlin Tag & Nacht”, has a ladies night every once in a while. However, for most other parties women pay no entrance fee until 11 pm, too. And more often than not, there’s a free prosecco for thirsty janes.
In any case, it’s often worth it showing up early. Matrix offers free admission to guys, too, on two to three nights a week before 11pm. And before hitting the sack, it’s worth checking out Soda Club again – free entry after 4:30 am.
Party like a party
Another great venue in wild Friedrichshain for a night out on a shoestring is event location Pirates right on Oberbaumbrücke. The restaurant has great pizza and burgers in a cozy beach setting with a river view. They have a club, too, which opens its doors every weekend. Friday is singles’ night, Saturday it’s good ‘ol German Schlager Night. If you sign up online in advance, admission is free through 11 pm. The best part: your comfy bed at Industriepalast Hostel is just a three minute walk away. Yup, you’ll be able to crawl back home.
Painting the pubs red
First time in Berlin and you don’t know where the wildest parties take place? Our friends from Original Berlin Tours have got you covered: Original Berlin Pub Crawl is Berlin’s biggest and most popular pub crawl. It brings together party peepz from around the globe in order to paint the coolest bars in town red. Not only is this a great way to meet new people, it also makes good economic sense: 12€ for free drinks and shots at minimum three bars, plus free VIP admission to a trendy club is truly a great deal. Meetup is every night at 9 pm in front of One80 Hostel on Otto-Braun-Straße near Alexanderplatz.
Yes, you may have this dance
For some reason, Clärchens Ballhaus on picturesque Augustraße is still somewhat of an insider’s tip. The beautiful nightlife palace hasn’t changed much since the opening night in 1916: candelabras, tall mirrors, hardwood flooring, and dark ornaments – you will just feel like it is the golden 20s all over again. Berliners know the Ballhaus mostly for it being a stronghold of ballroom dance culture. The nightly events are all about classic ballroom dance in all its forms and styles. Foxtrot, salsa, swing, tango or modern disco, every night’s a good night to shake a leg here. Not all too sure about your technique anymore? No worries, each party comes with a free dance class for beginners and pros. And the best part of it: on weekdays, admission is free. Find out more on their website.
Indie alive
Fans of indie, alternative, and rock music find their new favourite living room in a former horse stable in East Berlin’s Dunckerstraße: Dunckerclub in the old red-brick building offers indie culture in its purest form. The weekend brings indie and alternative parties, with free admission before midnight. Monday night is for disciples of gothic and metal (free admission before 11 pm). But the highlight of the week is thursday night, when notable indie bands both from town and abroad perform live on stage for the “merciless free concert” series. No entrance fee, affordable drinks, and an authentic vibe. Let’s hope this place never dies.
For half-price VIPs
We at Industriepalast Hostel offer exclusive half-price tickets for several of the night clubs mentioned above. Wanna check out Matrix or Maxxim? Talk to us at the reception and we’ll let you know where the wildest parties take place that night. Some of our half-price tickets (exclusively for guests) even come with free VIP status. Queuing up like common folk? Not for you! And you’re not even paying the full fare. You could just as well show up riding a unicorn, that’s how fantastic this is.
Picture: Datei: #112329386 | Urheber: oneinchpunch – fotolia
