About Astra Kulturhaus
Astra Kulturhaus is a large indoor music and party venue on Berlin’s RAW Gelände (Revaler Straße 99) in Friedrichshain. It opened in April 2009 in the site’s former DDR railway culture hall (www.astra-berlin.de ), repurposing an old Reichsbahn *Kulturhaus* into a modern concert club. The hall can hold roughly 1,600–2,000 people for standing events (www.stagereport.de ) (or about 500 seated (www.eventlocations.com )) across its ~500 m² parquet dance floor. Inside, the decor flaunts an “Ost”-Berlin vibe: the stage and ceiling are faced with wood paneling salvaged from an East German radio studio, and the polished parquet floor gives a warm, live feel (www.lightsoundjournal.de ). Even the foyer is distinctive – it features a towering black-and-white photos (for example of Warschauer Straße Station) and 1950s-style lighting that evoke the GDR-era surroundings (www.lightsoundjournal.de ) (www.astra-berlin.de ).
Today, Astra Kulturhaus is known as one of Berlin’s major concert and party venues. The city’s official guide praises its “big stage, big names, big atmosphere” – noting that the hall “brings concert and club culture under one roof” (www.berlin.de ). In a short time it “established itself as one of Berlin’s most important event and party venues” by showcasing hip, diverse artists and regular party series (www.berlin.de ). The venue’s hall comes with several bars lining the walls and a large seasonal beer garden outside (www.astra-berlin.de ), making it a favorite meeting place for the metropolitan live-music and nightlife scene. Accessibility is excellent: Astra reports being fully barrier-free, with a raised wheelchair platform for viewing, an accessible restroom, and even a reserved disabled parking space (www.astra-berlin.de ).
Events and Programming
Astra Kulturhaus hosts a very broad mix of events, from live band concerts to themed dance nights. The programming spans genres – rock, indie, metal, punk, punk, pop, hip-hop, and electronic DJ sets all find a stage here. Promoters regularly book both international touring artists and local favorites. For example, Metal/rock projects like Zeal & Ardor (with Konvent) have played Astra in spring 2025 (time-for-metal.eu ), indie legends like Die Sterne or Hot Water Music appear on tour bills, and pop/rock icons such as Johnny Marr (ex-Smiths) have headlined shows (with 40 € tickets recently (www.astra-berlin.de )). Conversely, the club side of Astra hosts clubbing events and tribute parties – everything from Halloween dance nights (e.g. horror-punk “Hell Nights” festival in late 2025 with €48 presale tickets (www.astra-berlin.de )) to pop-culture DJ parties (for example a One Direction themed party or a Lady Gaga dance night as listed on their event calendar). In short, Berlin’s official site notes Astra “presents hip artists and supplements the program with regular party series” (www.berlin.de ).
Events at Astra happen frequently – often multiple times per week during the season. Concert ticket prices vary by show. Local club nights or small concert events can be as low as ~€10–15 cover, while major headliner shows typically range €30–50 in advance. (For instance, 2025’s Hell Nights was €48 presale (www.astra-berlin.de ).) Large concerts often sell out fast, so they tend to go on sale well ahead of the event. In contrast, some DJs or late-night thematic parties may allow walk-up entry at the door if not sold out. Astra’s website and calendar post details on upcoming shows, and it’s recommended to book early through official outlets.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Astra Kulturhaus events are sold through official ticket agencies and promoters – the venue itself does not handle on-site presales (www.astra-berlin.de ). The hotline listed on the Astra site (Mon–Fri, 11–16 h) explicitly states “kein Ticketvorverkauf” (no ticket sales) (www.astra-berlin.de ), so you should plan to buy online or via authorized box-office channels. In practice, that means checking standard concert ticketing platforms or local Germany ticket sites. For popular concerts and festival nights, tickets can go on sale months in advance, and may quickly sell out. Some events may hold a limited number of tickets at the door (often at a few euros premium), but relying on door buyer availability is risky. Prices are generally tiered by sections (e.g. standing floor vs. seated gallery, or presale vs. door). In recent examples, rock or indie acts have sold tickets around €25–40, while special events (like multi-band festivals) might reach €50+ (www.astra-berlin.de ). Club nights or non-live shows are usually cheaper. Because there is no on-site box office for advance sales, the best strategy is to purchase tickets online early and arrive early on show night to exchange/collect or scan your e-ticket at the door.
Seating and Layout
Astra’s main hall is a mostly open, general-admission space. Concerts are typically standing-room events, with no fixed seats – up to ~1,600 people can fit on the floor (www.stagereport.de ). Chairs or benches are only brought in by request (for special seated events), so if you need seating it must be reserved or arranged by the promoter. For a fully seated setup, capacity is around 500 (www.eventlocations.com ). The floor is made of polished parquet, and the ceiling is high, giving a spacious club feel (www.lightsoundjournal.de ). Patrons on the main floor stand facing the stage; there is no traditional balcony or tier, so crowding toward the front occurs for big shows. The venue does have a small raised wheelchair platform at the front, allowing accessible seating near the stage (www.astra-berlin.de ). Sound and sightlines are best toward the center of the floor; if you hang back or to the sides you can still hear well, but people right by the speakers may experience louder volume. In addition to the main concert hall, Astra has a separate bar/lounge area (often used during breaks or smaller DJ sets) outfitted with its own speaker system (www.stagereport.de ). View-wise, the main stage is clearly visible from most of the hall, but staying closer yields better visibility.
For VIP or prime spots, arriving early is key. There is no formal “front row” seating, so early arrivers stake out standing room directly in front of the stage. Some visitors prefer the side areas near the bars for easy access to drinks, though walls can affect acoustics slightly. A useful tip: try to find a spot a bit back from the speakers (center can be very loud on metal nights). The venue’s oak-wood interior gives it a warm acoustic bounce, so in general the sound is praised (especially after Astra installed a Martin Audio line array system) (www.stagereport.de ). However, if you are sensitive to bass, note that heavy shows can get booming near the front. Overall, any spot on the main floor enjoys a good view; there are no “bad seats” because most people stand on the same level.
Getting There and Parking
Address: Revaler Str. 99, 10245 Berlin (Friedrichshain). Astra is on the northeast side of the RAW Gelände, just off Warschauer Straße near Warschauer Brücke. It’s very close to the U-/S-Bahn complex at Warschauer Straße. The U-Bahn lines U1 and U3 stop at Warschauer Straße, and several S-Bahn lines (S3, S5, S7, S9, plus the circle lines S41/S42 and some regional lines) stop at nearby Ostkreuz and Warschauer Station (moovitapp.com ) (rausgegangen.de ). In practice, many visitors arrive via Warschauer Straße station (a 5–10 minute walk west along Revaler Straße).
Public Transit: Several surface lines run right past Astra. Trams M10 and M13 both stop at “Revaler Str.”, literally across the street from the venue (moovitapp.com ). Bus routes 265, 300 and 347 run along Warschauer/Revaler and have stops a short walk away (moovitapp.com ). (Night bus N1 also stops on Warschauer Str.) So you can easily take any of these and walk 3–5 minutes to the club. The Moovit transit guide even shows nearby stops: e.g. the “Revaler Str.” bus stop is only about a 3-minute walk (moovitapp.com ). For long-distance travellers, the Alexanderplatz (TV Tower) area is two U-Bahn stops away, and Union Station (recently opened) connects to regional trains, both offering easy transfers to Warschauer Station.
Driving & Parking: Astra Kulturhaus has no on-site parking (rausgegangen.de ). The RAW Gelände is largely car-free, so if you drive to Friedrichshain you’ll need to use street parking or nearby garages. Paid parking lots exist near Warschauer and Ostkreuz (for example under Warschauer Brücke or around Revaler), but these often fill up on busy nights. It’s usually most convenient to leave cars behind: cycling or public transit is highly recommended (rausgegangen.de ). If you must drive, allow extra time to find the closest parking spot, or consider drop-off. Note that there are bike racks around the venue for cyclists – many locals simply bike right up to the entrance.
Inside the Venue
On arrival, expect a typical club admission process: tickets (printout or mobile) are checked/scanned, and bags may be searched. The dress code is relaxed – essentially casual attire (www.berlin.de ). Once inside, you’ll find a large open floor and stage at one end, with multiple drink bars along the sides (www.astra-berlin.de ). The walls and ceiling are bare-wood and dark, contributing to a raw industrial atmosphere. Above the entrance is the striking photo mural of Warschauer Straße Station (as mentioned earlier), and retro lamps near the bar add character. The lighting is usually concert-friendly: during shows, the hall is lit enough to see but still dark on the floor around the stage. “Lost your coat?” A staffed cloakroom (garderobe) is usually available for a small fee in the foyer area, as is typical for Berlin venues. Restrooms are found on the main level in the back; there is a clearly marked wheelchair-accessible toilet as part of the fully barrier-free design (www.astra-berlin.de ).
Beverages are sold at the bars; you’ll find the usual range of beers (local draft and bottles), wine, sodas and bottled water, plus cocktails and short drinks in most event nights. A large beer garden out front is open in fair weather, offering an outdoor place to drink or smoke between sets. Food offerings are minimal inside – most shows don’t serve full meals, though sometimes small snacks or water are sold. (However, the RAW area around Astra often has street-food vendors or neighboring cafés if you need a bite beforehand.) During concerts, promoters often set up a merchandise table in the lobby or near the stage for band tees and posters. The crowd is usually on the rowdy side, especially for rock or punk nights, so be prepared for friendly pushing near the front. If you need a break, the lounge/bar area is a quieter spot to regroup. Gun metal grey and wood tones give the venue an urban-club vibe. Note: cellphone signal inside can be spotty when the crowd is dense, so settle any rides or calls in advance.
Nearby Amenities
Astra’s location on the RAW Gelände means plenty to do before or after events. The venue itself has a café-bar, and the adjacent outdoor Skatehalle-Lokschuppen complex often hosts beer gardens and seasonal street-food markets. Within a block or two there’s an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars typical of Friedrichshain. For a quick bite, you’ll find all manner of fast eats nearby – from Asian noodle or sushi spots to Döner kebabs, pizza and burgers. Popular local choices include cozy beer gardens (such as the Cassiopeia Biergarten next door) and international cuisine on Warschauer Straße. A few doors down, Urban Spree gallery/bar is a lively spot for drinks and snacks. Since the U- and S-Bahn stations are so near, you could also walk to Kreuzberg’s “Kreuzkölln” area (just across the Spree) where cafés, currywurst stands and cocktail bars await.
As for nightlife, RAW itself is a hub: up the block are clubs like Cassiopeia and a techno venue (Oberbaum City Club), so you could make an evening of it hopping between places. If you’re touring or need lodging, there are budget hotels and hostels within walking distance around Warschauer Straße (such as the trendy Michelberger Hotel at Warschauer 39, or several apartment-style lodgings nearby). Always allow extra time if you plan post-show travel: late-night trains and subways run frequently on main lines, but still check the schedule (for example, S-Bahn and U-Bahn run less often after midnight, with night buses/N1 covering similar routes). Taxis and rideshares can drop off directly on Revaler Strand. Overall, arriving 30–45 minutes before showtime is wise so you can grab a pre-show dinner at a nearby eatery (some recommend seafood, street food or pizza) and be inside ahead of the rush.
What Makes This Venue Special
Astra Kulturhaus stands out in Berlin’s scene for its unique blend of history and party spirit. Not many venues in the city come from a former GDR-era cultural center for railway workers, then resurrected as a hip indie concert hall – this backstory gives Astra a gritty authenticity. Its raw, reclaimed interior (wood paneling from an old radio house, parquet floors, big walls of graffiti outside) creates an atmosphere that feels like a living piece of East Berlin culture (www.lightsoundjournal.de ) (www.astra-berlin.de ). Patrons often describe the space as having a “club charm” that seductively contrasts with its austere industrial origin (www.astra-berlin.de ). In practice, you get the intimacy of a club (with close crowd energy) combined with the scale of a concert hall. Famous moments have included underground legends and rising stars alike playing on its stage – for instance, hosting genre-bending projects like Zeal & Ardor or punk festivals like Hell Nights – things that suburban arenas wouldn’t feel suitable for.
Locals love Astra for its DIY spirit. It’s one of the venues that helped transform the RAW site into a counterculture centerpiece of Berlin. Community and charity events sometimes take place here (a feature of the RAW yard’s alternative ethos). The building’s design highlights (like the enormous station photo and vintage bar lamps) remind Berliners of how the city’s past has been repurposed for creativity. Artists appreciate the room’s good acoustics and friendly sound staff (the technically upgraded PA system draws praise (www.stagereport.de )), while audiences love the layered experience: you can watch a great live set, grab a drink, and stay dancing until 4 am without changing location. It’s this combination of historical soul and live entertainment polish that makes the Astra Kulturhaus special in Berlin’s club and concert landscape.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Astra is fully wheelchair-accessible (www.astra-berlin.de ). An elevator or ramp leads into the main hall, and the raised viewing platform provides level access to the front of the stage. The venue has a disabled toilet and even a reserved blue parking spot. Hearing-impaired or mobility-impaired visitors can safely enjoy shows here compared to many older clubs. That said, the lively atmosphere means little room on the crowded dance floor at peak times – staff are usually ready to assist reduced-mobility guests.
What to Bring (or Not): Bring your ID (especially if you plan to drink alcohol or if the event has age limits). If you’re under 18, note that some shows are 16+ or 18+ depending on the organizer – often a parent-signed permission slip (Muttizettel) is required for 16–17 year olds at concerts (www.astra-berlin.de ). Cameras: point-and-shoot or phone photos are generally fine for personal use unless otherwise stated, but professional cameras or large video equipment are usually prohibited. Bags must usually fit under your seat or at the side; oversized backpacks may be restricted. Avoid bringing outside food, drinks or large bottles – security may confiscate them at the door. Dress is casual; layers are wise since it can be very warm inside when packed, but brisk if you’re standing near open doors or outside between sets.
Common Advice: Arrive early to beat the lines – doors often open about 30–60 minutes before the advertised show time. Have cash and card ready: the bars and cloakroom both accept debit/credit, but smaller vendors (if any pop-up street food is present) may take cash only. Earplugs can help for very loud shows (the PA system was upgraded for clarity and power (www.stagereport.de ), but still expect resonance at high volume). Smoking is only allowed in outdoor areas, so dress accordingly or bring a light jacket if you tend to smoke during gigs. Keep an eye on your belongings – as with any busy club, pickpockets could operate in a crowd. Finally, plan your journey home beforehand; S-Bahn trains from Warschauer or Ostkreuz and U-Bahn runs frequently until around 1 am to 2 am (after which buses or Nightrides run). Late-night taxis or bikes (dockless rental bikes/scooters are plentiful in Friedrichshain) are also commonly used after shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I buy Astra Kulturhaus tickets?
Tickets must be bought in advance from official outlets or promoters – the venue itself does not sell tickets on site (www.astra-berlin.de ). Check approved ticketing websites, box offices, or venue-promoter pages. On-the-door tickets are only sold if any remain and at a higher price. It’s best to buy early online and bring a printout or e-ticket for entry.
How much are tickets and do prices vary?
Prices vary by event. Small club shows or theme parties might be €10–15, while big concerts generally range €25–50 in advance. For example, a horror-punk “Hell Nights” festival in 2025 charged €48 presale (www.astra-berlin.de ). The venue frequently offers both presale and door prices (often €5–10 higher at the door). Expect ticketing tiers for front vs. back or sitting vs. standing sections, if applicable.
What are the age restrictions for events?
Age limits depend on the promoter and event. Many concerts are 16+ or 18+ due to music content or serving alcohol. The Astra info page notes that age restrictions vary by organizer (www.astra-berlin.de ). Minors (16–17) often need a signed “Muttizettel” (parental permission form). Always check the specific event listing – some family-friendly or daytime events may allow younger teens, but others strictly enforce 18+.
Is Astra Kulturhaus wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Astra is fully barrier-free (www.astra-berlin.de ). There are no steps into the main hall, and a ramp or elevator provides access. A raised wheelchair platform is available so that guests with mobility aids can enjoy the concert from up front. There is also a disabled restroom inside, and a dedicated handicapped parking space on site for easy drop-off (the venue’s info page highlights all these features (www.astra-berlin.de )).
What’s the best way to get to Astra by public transport?
The easiest route is via Warschauer Straße S-&U-Bahn station (U1/U3 and S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7, S9, etc.). From there it’s a ~5-min walk east on Revaler Str. You can also take the tram lines M10 or M13 and get off at “Revaler Str.” (right outside the club) (moovitapp.com ). Buses 265, 300 or 347 stop a block away on Warschauer/Revaler (moovitapp.com ). Essentially, any transit stopping at Warschauer-Brücke or Revaler will leave you within a few minutes’ walk.
Is there parking available at or near the venue?
There is no on-site parking at Astra (rausgegangen.de ). Plugin garage: none on RAW Gelände. Street parking is very limited and usually paid. If driving in, plan to park in a nearby public lot or park-and-ride, then take transit. Many visitors prefer cycling (bike racks are outside) or coming by subway/tram to avoid the parking hassle. A drop-off is possible on Revaler Str. if needed, but inside spots are for disabled permit only.
Are seats available or is it general admission?
Most events at Astra are standing-room only on the main floor (general admission). The hall is an open space, so early arrivers can stand up front. For shows that sell seating (theater-style or table seating), those arrangements must be set by the promoter – the venue itself has about 500 seats worth of capacity (www.eventlocations.com ). In general, unless your ticket specifically says “seat #,” expect to stand. There are no numbered seats or a formal balcony.
What are the inside facilities like (bars, restrooms, coat check)?
Inside, you’ll find multiple staffed bars along the hall perimeter and a large beer garden outside (www.astra-berlin.de ). They serve beer, wine, soft drinks and the usual club cocktails. A cloakroom (coat check) is typically available for a small fee. Restrooms are located at the back; one is wheelchair-accessible. The ambiance is industrial-retro (wood walls, parquet floor). Merchandise stands often appear near the stage on concert nights. Note that Wi-Fi is not guaranteed, and the cell signal may be weak when crowded, so plan accordingly.
Can I bring a camera or record the show?
Astra generally allows small consumer cameras (phones or point-and-shoot) for personal photos. However, large professional cameras or video recording gear are typically not permitted unless explicitly allowed by the promoter. Always check the event’s policy – some concerts ban photography entirely. In any case, filming an entire show is usually discouraged. If in doubt, shop the venue staff at the entrance.
Is there a coat/baggage check available?
Yes, Astra provides a cloakroom where you can check coats and bags for a small fee. Howard is wearing this typically next to the entrance foyer. This is handy especially on colder nights. For small items you want handy, just bring a light bag or use the clothers so you won’t have to carry them all night.
Are there nearby places to eat and drink before or after the show?
Absolutely. The RAW Gelände itself has cafés and food stands (especially on weekends), and the neighborhood is packed with options. On Warschauer/Revaler Strasse you’ll find pizza, Asian, Mexican, kebab, burger joints and beer gardens. Urban Spree (an arts venue next door) also has a café-bar. Kreuzberg’s lively bars and restaurants are a short walk over the bridge. Arriving a bit early to grab a bite or cocktail nearby is a common plan among concertgoers.
What should I know about dress code and atmosphere?
The dress code is casual (www.berlin.de ). You’ll see everything from jeans and T-shirts to more alternative clubwear. Footwear should be comfortable since you’ll likely be standing. Some people like to dress up for big concerts or thematic parties, but there’s never a formal requirement here. The atmosphere is energetic but friendly – it’s not a formal theatre, so come relaxed and ready to dance and mingle.
Are there any hidden costs (like a cloakroom fee)?
Yes, standard extras at German venues usually apply. Expect a small fee (~€2–€3) for the cloakroom to check coats/bags. Drinks and bar snacks cost extra, of course. If you buy tickets in advance, some promoters charge a small handling fee. There may be a refundable deposit (Pfand) for glass bottles (often €1 per drink) which you get back when you return the bottle. Otherwise, most costs (ticket, coat check, food/drinks) are clearly listed for you.
How early should I arrive before a concert?
Doors usually open 30–60 minutes before showtime. To queue early, many fans arrive 30–40 min before doors (especially for sold-out shows) to get a good spot. If you prefer line-free entry, later arrival is possible – but be aware queues can get long on mega-hits. If you’ve collected tickets on site, arrive at latest by door time. For peak events, giving yourself an extra 30 min also helps ease through security and coat check before the performance starts.
Does Astra Kulturhaus have Wi-Fi or good cell coverage?
There is no guaranteed Wi-Fi in the main hall. In general, cell signal inside can be patchy when crowded (the thick walls help sound but also weaken radio). If you need data access (for tickets or messaging), it’s safer to settle those in advance or use data before entering. After hours, it’s often easier to use mobile networks just outside or on the street.
What if I’m attending with special needs (hearing, mobility)?
As mentioned, Astra is wheelchair-friendly throughout (www.astra-berlin.de ), with ramp access and seating platform. Hearing assistance is not provided, but the sound is clear due to the professional PA system (www.stagereport.de ). You may wish to bring your own ear protection or a small FM radio if needed. Service animals are usually permitted (common in Germany, ask security). Staff are generally accustomed to helping patrons with special needs – you can contact the venue ahead of time to discuss accommodations.
