When it comes to partying, Berlin is one of the most popular cities in the world. The extreme opening-hours, the talented DJs and the reasonable prices make people love the nightlife of Berlin. The Watergate is a club which has been part of this nightlife for more than 20 years and keeps inspiring people every weekend.
About Club Watergate
The club Watergate opened its doors for the first time in 2002. In the first years a mix of different music-styles were offered but soon the club only focused on electronic music. Every year the website DJMag lists the best 100 clubs and in 2022 the Watergate was on position 35 (source). The club is located between the stations Warschauer Straße and Schlesisches Tor. It has an impressive location and offers one of the strongest line-ups in Berlin.
Located directly at the Spree
The popularity of the Watergate has a lot to do with the location of the club. Besides the fact that the club is easy to reach, it is located directly at the Spree. This means that if you are dancing downstairs you can see the Spree through the glass wall. Sometimes it is even possible to go outside and sit on the waterside. If you are looking for a techno club in Berlin with a great location: It does not get much better than this!
Waterfloor and Mainfloor
Club Watergate is divided into two floors: Downstairs you can find the floor described in the previous paragraph: It has the suitable name Waterfloor. You can access the balcony from here, there is a large bar in the middle and you can chill on some couches. If you go up one floor you will reach the Mainfloor. This area has an impressive, 12 meters long LED-Light installed on the roof. Usually the main act of the night is performing on the Mainfloor. You can see the differences between the two floors on the images below.
Line up with international super stars
If you like a solid line-up and famous international DJs, you are going to love the Watergate. On the one hand the club often invites the best German DJs (Anja Schneider, Sven Väth, Paul Kalkbrenner) and on the other hand international superstars like Carl Cox, Amelie Lens and Solomun have been performing here. Every month, we list the best parties in Berlin and the Watergate is represented almost always.
How to get into the Watergate
The door-policy of the Watergate is not as hard as the Berghain or Sisyphos. But a popular club like the Watergate is still going to have to reject people. Especially when international DJs are performing it can get real crowded (see image below). Here are few tips to help you get into the Watergate:
- Be at least 21 years old or at least look like that
- It’s best to arrive in small groups and optimally a mix of boys & girls
- The busiest hours are between 01:30 and 03:00. Try to arrive outside these hours.
- Don’t be too wasted
- Know which DJs are going to perform
- Blend in: The Watergate is not the Berghain so it does not have to be full black but still fitting in with the dresscode of Berlin makes sense.
A bit more expensive than most other clubs
The prices in the Watergate are slightly higher than most other techno clubs in Berlin. Still, the entrance of 15-20€ is totally reasonable if you take the line up into consideration. A concert of most of these DJs usually will most likely cost 25-40€ and will only take a fraction of the time you can spend in the Watergate. The club is open until 9-10 in the morning. Drinks can be bought starting at 4€ for a water.
Wanna pay less than 15-20€ entrance for a club in Berlin? Have a look at Süss war Gestern.
Club Watergate summarised
The Watergate might not be as raw as the Berghain, Sisyphos or Tresor but has an awesome location and its own unique style. The line-up is a strong argument to visit this club and the door-policy is comparable to clubs like Ritter Butzke, Tresor and Fiesere Miese. The opening hours are usually from 11PM until 9 or 10AM in the morning. Enough time to party and also see the sunset above the Spree. Have a great time!
Below we have listed the most important facts about the Watergate:
Name: Watergate
Address: Falckensteinstraße 49
Public Transport: Station Warschauer Straße or Schlesisches Tor
Opening Hours: 11PM – 10AM
Entrance: 15-20 euro
Price of a Beer: 4 euro
Website: water-gate.de