Berlin has been called the club capital of the world, and it would certainly seem to be a strong contender for that title.  From the famous “minimal” techno which was born there through to local pop, indie and rock bands, the variety and quantity of places to have a good time at night is jaw-dropping.  If you are going to Berlin to party, you should consider booking accommodation in the central district, Mitte: it is a good starting point for the tyro Berlin clubber, and the impressive public transport system runs all night, so it will be easy enough to get to a club in another part of town if need be. 


To find a hotel in Mitte, take a look at the Thomas Cook website, where you will also be able to book flights to the city as part of one of their all inclusive holidays. Going out in Berlin, you should aim to get to the club fairly late.  Most clubs don’t open their doors until around 11pm, and there won’t be much going on between midnight and half one.  Things will generally start to pick up between two and three at the best places.  There are no prescribed closing times, so plenty of them keep on going till sunrise (and through the rest of the following day).  You should try “prefunk” at a bar before hitting the dance-floor.


You shouldn’t worry too much about how you dress - in most clubs there is no dress code.  For the more upmarket ones, you should try to wear something relatively smart, and arrive in a mixed group of boys and girls, but otherwise, it’s liberty hall. One of the main attractions of Berlin nightlife is that it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.  You can expect to pay between 5 and 12 Euros (even for the classiest places). 


Cocktails will generally cost between 4 and 7 Euros and beers range from 2.50 to 3.50. Zitty and Tip are the two main listings magazines, and you can look in The Ex-Berliner for English-language tips about where to go out.  The best advice, though, is generally gathered when you’re there, speaking to bar staff, fellow clubbers and hotel staff where you are staying.  People are very friendly and eager to help out someone who’s looking to have a good time