Skip to main content
DJ Mag Top100 Clubs
8
Watergate
2

Of all Berlin's gilded palaces of hedonism, Watergate, located at 49 Falckensteinstrasse in the salubrious Kreuzberg district, right on the banks of the River Spree, is undoubtedly one of its finest and certainly its most unassuming. For one of the best things about Watergate - and there are many - is the fun-loving, devil-may-care crowd.

While some of the spots dotted around the world's techno capital may exhibit a bit of rude, snobbish 'tude, there's no such thing here. Watergate is all about partying hard to some of the finest techno, minimal and deep house DJs in the world - Danton Eeprom, Ewan Pearson, Ellen Allien, Kiki and Sascha Funke have all played recently, and M.A.N.D.Y hold a monthly residency.

The crisp Funktion One soundsystem may be part of the appeal, but for club veterans and novices alike, it's impossible to ignore Watergate's phenomenal design and layout. Blinking pink and blue LED lights line the walls, moving sinuously and in synchronicity to the beats and bass; it's an arresting visual blueprint that Watergate have made their own, and which many clubs have since tried to imitate.

When it all gets too intense in the main room, head downstairs, step onto the outside terrace, and you're right by the river and the beautifully ornate Oberbaumbrueke Bridge - the perfect spot to soak up the colours of dawn, before ducking back inside for more aural insanity.

"It really feels like I'm home when I play at Watergate," enthused Kiki. "It's an excellent location, with excellent line-ups and now there's even the mix compilations!"

Philipp Jung, of Get Physical's M.A.N.D.Y duo, meanwhile, is effusive in his praise for Watergate, and reckons it's the party atmosphere that makes it unique.

"When you play to the crowd upstairs at peak-time, the energy is always amazing. The party carries on until people leave, which can be never-ending, and when the sun comes up in the morning and people are either dancing or relaxing on the floating deck, it's one of the best parties you can play."