27 Locations
Rock and roll runs through Berlin's music scene, from dive bars to live stages and record shops. Loud and unpretentious, rock and roll here draws a devoted crowd. This overview gathers Berlin locations for guitars and grit.
Live venues and bars across Kreuzberg, Neukoelln and Friedrichshain host rock gigs, jam nights and touring bands, while dive bars keep the jukebox loaded. Record shops stock vinyl from classic rock to punk, and festivals bring bigger names to the arenas. It is music with attitude, played to a loyal following.
Browse the venues below to find rock and roll across Berlin, from dive bars to live stages.
Since 1989, Hard Wax has been Berlin's most important record store for electronic music – founded by Mark Ernestus, today located in the Kraftwerk complex in Kreuzberg, right next to Tresor and Ohm. Those who truly understand Techno, Dub, and House don't just stumble upon this place by chance.
The Roadrunner's Rock & Motor Club opened its doors in March 2005 in the heart of Berlin on the listed site of a former royal brewery.
Dodo Beach Record Store in Schöneberg is arguably Berlin's most renowned address for vinyl enthusiasts: around 30,000 records, curated rarities, and a legendary Metal Dungeon in the basement. If you want to not only buy records but also learn a lot about these fine pieces, this is the right place.
The "Wild at Heart" is located in the heart of Kreuzberg and offers the visitors exuberant nights with Frozen Magarita and good Rock'n'Roll.
A staple of Berlin's club culture since 2015, now newly rooted in Neukölln: Sound Metaphors at Weichselstraße 22 is the record store DJs from all over the world seek out for the most curated selection of second-hand vinyl for techno, house, disco, and dub.
The Silverwings is located on the grounds of Tempelhof Airport and its history is closely linked to it.
In Spandau, near the train station, Berlin's oldest still active record store has stood since 1974. Musicland Berlin is far more than just a place to buy records: it's an institution that unites vinyl, community, and music history under one roof.
The small, snuggly Bassy Cowboy Club in Berlin-Mitte is the first haven for all urban cowboys and rockabilly fans!
The Cruise In American Diner in Berlin-Spandau looks like a setting for a 60s road movie.
The Hard Rock Cafe is the most famous American diner in Berlin and has been located in a landmarked Bauhaus building at Kurfürstendamm 224 since 2010. Original pieces of music history hang on the walls, and the menu features Legendary Burgers, Baby Back Ribs, and Fajitas. With a concert ticket from the same day, you get a 15 percent discount.
Those searching for off-mainstream vinyl in Friedrichshain will sooner or later end up on Marchlewskistraße. Since 2006, Bis Aufs Messer Records has stood for curated record sales with attitude: punk, drone, avant-garde, and jazz, coupled with expert advice and its own label.
At Yorckstraße 52 in Schöneberg, there's more behind the name POP – The Record Store than just a vinyl shop: here, passionate record knowledge meets a vibrant community that understands pop culture as a discourse. Around 10,000 records, Friday evening events, and a newly renovated store concept make it one of Berlin's most personal destinations for record lovers.
In the Bergmannkiez, in the heart of Kreuzberg, resides one of Berlin's largest record stores: Spacehall combines an impressive vinyl assortment across three rooms, focusing on electronic music from House to Techno to Minimal, and has long achieved the status of a true Berlin institution.
A real insider tip for anyone who appreciates cozy pubs and good, loud rock music is the Sheriff Teddy in Berlin-Friedrichshain.
Hidden in Berlin-Mitte is a record store that takes its name literally: Record Store Berlin is an address for vinyl lovers seeking original pressings, signed rarities, and shellac records from the thirties – enjoying cult status worldwide.
If you want to end your week's start with some sporty fun, just roll into SO36 on Oranienstraße in Kreuzberg. The legendary punk and rock club transforms several times a month into a roller disco, with funk, hip-hop, and roller boogie providing the soundtrack. Roller skate novices and pros share the same venerable dance floor during this after-work event.
If you like to drink a beer with friends in a surf, tiki and rock'n'roll atmosphere, meet new people and listen to rock and roll music in style, then the Moja is the place for you.
In terms of nightlife, the Festsaal Kreuzberg (ballroom Kreuzberg) was an institution in Berlin. The shock was great when the club burned down in 2013. It has reopened in 2017, under the same name, but at the premises of the now-Geschlossen White Trash in Treptow.
The HHV Store in Friedrichshain is Berlin's interface between record culture and street style: Those browsing for vinyl here will find around 2,500 records from Hip Hop to Jazz, Techno to Reggae, flanked by sneakers and streetwear on 200 square meters in Grünberger Straße.
Soultrade Recordstore in Neukölln is Berlin's go-to spot for black music on vinyl: Soul, Funk, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Afrobeats, expertly curated by people who truly understand their craft. If you're looking for rare originals, limited reissues, or quality used records, Sanderstraße is the right place.
Loud, louder - Vopo: If you want to have a big impact on your turntable, Vopo Records is the right address! As experts for punk, metal, hardcore and garage, the guys here serve vinyl fans of the harder pace.
Zum Starken August translates to “The Strong August” and is an event café and craft beer bar with circus atmosphere in Berlin. August” hosts extraordinary shows and creates circus moments for everyone.
The "Privatclub" (private club) in Berlin-Kreuzberg stands for handpicked, up-and-coming bands away from the trends. Musically everything is represented from the eighties over Hip Hop, Soul, Funk up to honest Rock'n'Roll.
The Cruise-In Diner in Spandau is the American diner in Berlin with the largest milkshake menu: Around 16 varieties are available, from cherry to vanilla with peanut. The freestanding pavilion on Päwesiner Weg is decorated in a 1950s style. Payments are cash only, and free parking is available right outside.