About Privatclub
Privatclub is a small live‐music venue hidden in a historic basement on Skalitzer Straße in central Kreuzberg (Skalitzer Str. 85–86) (privatclub-berlin.de ) (commons.wikimedia.org ). It occupies the former Post Office No.36, a red‐brick building constructed in 1925–1927 (design by Jacob & Fritz Nissle) that is now a protected monument (commons.wikimedia.org ). Owner Norbert Jackschenties – a Kreuzberg musician (ex-Fleischmann drummer) – rebuilt the interior around a 1970s “living room” aesthetic (www.top10berlin.de ). The cosy space is decorated in dark-red tones with vintage wood and leather furniture, giving a warm, intimate feel (www.top10berlin.de ). A long bar runs along one side just inside the entrance (joynight.com ), and there is room for roughly 250 people standing (www.top10berlin.de ). Despite its size, the acoustics and sound system are excellent – one visitor raved about “great sound” and “well-priced drinks” (www.tripadvisor.com ). Staff are famously friendly and often English-speaking (www.tripadvisor.com ). In short, Privatclub is a “private”‐feeling neighbourhood club that stands out for its nook-like atmosphere and community ethos (joynight.com ) (www.top10berlin.de ).
Events and Programming
Privatclub hosts a very eclectic mix of events nearly every night. You’ll find live concerts across genres (from indie and alternative rock to acoustic folk, German‐language pop, hip‐hop and singer-songwriter showcases) as well as dance parties and theme nights (www.top10berlin.de ) (joynight.com ). The programme is carefully curated “off the beaten track” (www.top10berlin.de ): early evenings often feature up‐and‐coming bands while late nights turn into club parties. Regular series have included 1960s twist‐and‐shout dance nights and psychedelic cumbia parties (Latin-dance flavours) (www.top10berlin.de ), monthly “Soul Explosion” soul/funk vinyl parties (a Kreuzberg institution now hosted here) (privatclub-berlin.de ), and wild mixes like Balkan‐beats meets electro‐swing (joynight.com ). Concert crowds enjoy anything from classic 1980s guitar sounds to modern indie pop or even bilingual rock and punk (www.top10berlin.de ) (joynight.com ). The club prides itself on supporting new talent – in fact, famous German acts like Wir sind Helden or Beatsteaks once played their first Berlin shows here (www.tagesspiegel.de ). Booking is frequent (often more than one weeknight event), and dancing typically goes on into the early hours. Early‐arrival ticket prices are usually very low (reports say arriving by midnight can cost only €3–5 (joynight.com )), whereas advertised concerts cost roughly €10–25 plus fees (privatclub-berlin.de ) (privatclub-berlin.de ). Tickets are modest because the owner “keeps prices low so local people can come” (www.tagesspiegel.de ). Almost every performance is standing‐room; singers, acoustic showcases and acoustic folk events provide a more laid-back vibe, while electronic or swing nights get you on your feet. Guests praise the variety and sound quality – as one review put it, it’s a “really good show and a great bar and live music space” (www.tripadvisor.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets are usually sold online through the club’s site or official resellers (e.g. event pages often link to partners like Eventim, Koka36, etc.） (privatclub-berlin.de ). Shows may go on sale weeks ahead, and smaller gigs sometimes use independent presale channels. Usually you can also buy at the door if the show isn’t sold out (the door price may be a few euros higher). Larger touring acts often require advance purchase via the promoters. As a rule there is no membership or VIP packages – everyone in the club stands on the same floor. Typical prices vary: some club nights are “Pay-What-You-Want” or only a few euros (especially before midnight (joynight.com )), whereas headline concerts tend to be ~€12–20 plus booking fees (privatclub-berlin.de ) (privatclub-berlin.de ). Check the club’s official calendar for each event’s ticket links. Popular shows (such as sold-out indie tours) may sell out, so it’s wise to plan ahead. There is no Will-Call or special door list for most nights, though promoters may hold a small guest list for press or promotions.
Seating and Layout
Inside, Privatclub has a single elongated main hall. The small stage sits at one end, facing the crowd. The bar and cloakroom are right near the entrance, leaving most of the floor open for standing or dancing (www.top10berlin.de ) (joynight.com ). There are only a handful of stools and back-walls benches; there are no fixed tables or VIP booths. With only ~250-capacity, the floor never feels cavernous and sightlines to the band or DJ are generally good even from the back. Sound quality is excellent, as noted by many attendees (www.tripadvisor.com ), but it can be quite loud – bring earplugs if you are sensitive. The intimate size means you can see performers up close; right next to the stage is the best spot to feel the energy. Alternatively, the area near the bar is easier to step away into if things get too crowded. Note the low ceiling and dim lighting – it’s a cosy club, not a theatre, so comfort and views are maximised by standing or leaning rather than formal seating. In summary, seating is minimal and general admission – arrive early to claim a good vantage point. (On extremely busy nights, people occasionally sit on the few window sills or behind the stage, but that can be tight.)
Getting There and Parking
Privatclub is located in the heart of Kreuzberg, at Skalitzer Straße 85–86 (between Schlesisches Tor and Görlitzer Bahnhof) (privatclub-berlin.de ). The nearest U-Bahn station is Schlesisches Tor (U1 line), about a 5–6 minute walk west on Skalitzerstrasse (www.tripadvisor.com ). Görlitzer Bahnhof (U1/U3) is also about a 7 minute walk to the east (www.tripadvisor.com ). Several buses run along Skalitzer Strasse (notably the M29 and night bus N1) which stop within a couple of blocks (moovitapp.com ). A short walk south gets you to Warschauer Straße station (for U1, U3, S3/S5/S7) and an S-Bahn network. Taxis and ride-shares can pull up to the entrance (near the “Markthalle” restaurant) – as one guest noted, on closing it was “very easy to find a cab” nearby (www.tripadvisor.com ).
Parking in Kreuzberg is scarce. Street parking is metered or on-disc, with 2–hour limits in many sections (www.parkopedia.de ). You might find a free spot if you circle a bit, but often not on event nights. Paid parking garages exist a short distance away: for example, the X-Berg Parking garage near Oranienplatz has 350 spaces (roughly €3 for 2 hours) (www.parkopedia.de ). (The parkopedia for Skalitzer Strasse confirms some free 2-hour spaces and the nearby paid lot (www.parkopedia.de ).) Another option is the Kottbusser Tor multi-storey parking (X-BergParking), or sidewalk spots on parallel streets if you don’t mind a longer walk. During peak hours, it is generally safest to use public transit or taxi to avoid the hassle of parking.
Inside the Venue
Entry is through a small side door (look for the subtle red “P” Privatclub logo) (www.tripadvisor.com ), usually via the connected Weltrestaurant Markthalle. Upon entry, staff will check tickets or collection names. There is a staffed cloakroom at the entrance for coats and bags (a small fee, pay in cash) (privatclub-berlin.de ). Drinks are served immediately at the bar to your right; the club carries beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks. Prices are reasonable – visitors repeatedly comment that “drinks were well priced” (www.tripadvisor.com ). Note that ALL transactions inside are cash only (bar, entrance and coat-check) (privatclub-berlin.de ), so bring enough cash or hit the ATM across the street before coming (privatclub-berlin.de ). The bartenders are quick and friendly; you’ll often get your drink very fast owing to the compact layout (joynight.com ).
The decor is authentic/appreciated by many – you’ll see vintage posters, speakers mounted on brick columns, and sometimes crowd surf foam padding. Lighting on stage is basic but effective, focusing on performers. There is generally no house music – when events run late there may be simple dance music from the DJ booth. No outside food or drink is allowed. Photography is permitted (as long as it’s non-flash and unobtrusive), but large professional cameras are usually discouraged during gigs – the venue prefers an intimate feel. The single toilet area (one stair up at the far end) is utilitarian but kept clean (www.tripadvisor.com ); expect queues during breaks. There is no public Wi-Fi (common for Berlin clubs), so mobile reception is your best bet. If you lose something, email the club’s lost & found (staff picks up with management later). Finally, service and security are very laid-back and friendly – in one reviewer’s words, it “felt safe” even as a solo visitor (www.tripadvisor.com ).
Nearby Amenities
Directly above the club entrance is the café/restaurant Weltrestaurant Markthalle , which is practically part of Privatclub’s address (joynight.com ). This cosy Kreuzberg institution serves hearty German/European fare at wooden tables (it even bills itself as “Bier und Braten”). Many locals eat here before shows – it’s been called an “institution in Kreuzberg” and praised as a great scene‐setting spot (weltrestaurant-markthalle.de ). Beyond that, the Kreuzberg neighbourhood is packed with dining and drinking options. A few minutes’ walk to the north is the buzz of Oranienstraße and Bergmannkiez , where you’ll find everything from kebab stands and vegan cafés to upscale bistros. On Admirals- and Adalbertstraße just west of the club there are international eateries and the famous street-food market (Markthalle Neun). After shows, local bars and pubs remain open late: notable spots include the beer garden Prinzessinnengarten or clubs like Schokoladen (both 10–15 minute walk). Nearby Görlitzer Bahnhof/S-Neukölln has hip bars like Le Bon or Freischwimmer on the canal.
Overnight accommodations are plentiful in Kreuzberg. Budget travelers often stay in hostels or guesthouses on Oranienstraße or near Kottbusser Tor (5–10 minutes away). There are also mid-range hotels along Oranienstraße and Kreuzberg’s “Kreuz-Schloß” area. The city centre (Mitte/Friedrichshain) is easily reachable by public transport if preferred. Visitors note that because the club runs late, it’s wise to confirm late-night transport home (night buses or trams are limited after 1–2 AM). Taxis or rideshare pick-ups on Wrangel- or Skalitzerstrasse are easy and safe, and Uber operates widely in central Berlin.
What Makes This Venue Special
Privatclub’s appeal lies in its authenticity and intimacy. It’s not a commercial disco – it feels like a living room concert hall (www.top10berlin.de ). The club’s programming deliberately avoids mainstream trends, instead championing “handpicked, up-and-coming bands” (www.top10berlin.de ). This mission – promoting art and music off the beaten path – has earned it a loyal following. The durable 1920s post-office décor (with purposefully worn sofas and a long 12-m bar) gives it vintage charm (www.top10berlin.de ) (commons.wikimedia.org ). Culturally, Privatclub has become a **“Kreuzberger Institution”** itself. It helped launch careers (indeed, bands like Beatsteaks or Wir sind Helden played their first Berlin shows here (www.tagesspiegel.de )), so many artists love returning for the up-close crowd. Locals view it as a cradle of new music: one article even calls it a “Kaderschmiede” (training ground) for rising Kreuzberg bands (www.tagesspiegel.de ). The administration consciously keeps prices and atmosphere friendly – “the rent is low, so the neighborhood can come” as the owner put it (www.tagesspiegel.de ) – reflecting its community spirit. Even Berlin’s politicians have noted its role: when new landlords threatened it, district leaders intervened to defend this cultural space, arguing clubs like Privatclub are part of Berlin’s creative heritage (www.tagesspiegel.de ). In short, Privatclub is cherished for its genuine underground vibe, its historic setting, and its track record of memorable nights that embody the city’s DIY rock’n’roll ethos (joynight.com ) (www.tagesspiegel.de ).
Visitor Tips and Information
When planning a visit to Privatclub, remember that it’s a true club environment: arrive early for a show, dress casually (jeans and shirt), and pack light. You must have ID if you want to buy alcohol (Berlin law requires ID for anyone who looks 16–17 or older). Note that many events are 18+ (check age limits on the event page). Carry cash – as repeated visitors warn, the bar, entry and cloakroom are all cash only (privatclub-berlin.de ), so hitting an ATM nearby before entry is wise. Bring earplugs if you’re sensitive, and be prepared for warmth and crowding near the stage. If you have accessibility needs, rest assured: a wheelchair ramped entrance exists at the building’s middle doorway (privatclub-berlin.de ) – just ask staff to open it. (Inside the venue, space is tight, so mention any special needs when buying tickets or upon arrival.) Common mistakes include wearing large backpacks or trying to bring outside food/drink – both are not allowed. Photos (non-flash) are fine, but video recording is generally discouraged. Since the club is small, it’s easy to chat with fellow patrons: the crowd is diverse, the vibe welcoming, and staff are noted for being approachable (www.tripadvisor.com ). One tip from a traveler: look for a little red “P” sign on the building facade to find the door (www.tripadvisor.com ). And of course, check the schedule in advance – use the official event listings, and arrive by the stated “Einlass” time to avoid long lines. Have fun, respect the space, and you’ll experience why Privatclub is a beloved slice of real Berlin nightlife.
How much does it cost to enter Privatclub for a typical show?
Ticket prices vary widely. Popular headliner concerts range from about €12 to €20 (plus booking fees) (privatclub-berlin.de ) (privatclub-berlin.de ). In contrast, themed club nights or student events often have very low cover charges (sometimes as little as €3–5 before midnight) (joynight.com ). Always check the specific event listing for price details. Latecomers usually pay a slightly higher “Abendkasse” rate if available.
Where can I buy tickets for Privatclub shows?
Tickets are usually sold online through the Privatclub’s official website or authorised ticket sellers. Event announcements typically link to presale outlets (e.g. local promoters or national platforms). You can also often buy at the door if the show isn’t sold out. For big events, tickets may be offered via larger box offices or event sites. Avoid unofficial resale – use only the ticket sources listed on the club’s events page.
What is the seating or standing arrangement at Privatclub?
The club is primarily standing-room only. The main floor has a small stage at one end and a bar near the entrance (www.top10berlin.de ) (joynight.com ). Aside from a few bar stools and bench seats along the walls, there are no assigned seats. Capacity is about 250 standing (www.top10berlin.de ). During concerts, people form a crowd near the stage, or spread out towards the back. On calmer nights, you might lean against the walls or sit on the few benches. Always assume a general admission layout – first come, first served.
Which public transport stops are closest to Privatclub?
Privatclub is within easy walking distance of two U-Bahn stations. The Schlesisches Tor station (U1 line) is roughly a 5–6 minute walk west along Skalitzer Straße (www.tripadvisor.com ). Görlitzer Bahnhof (U1/U3) is about 7 minutes to the east (www.tripadvisor.com ). Buses that stop near Skalitzer Straße include the M29 and N1 routes (moovitapp.com ). (At night, the N1 and N8 night buses run in the area.) Always head for “Skalitzer Str./U-schlesisches Tor” on transit maps, or simply follow the overhead railway lines to either nearby U-Bahn stop.
Is there parking available at Privatclub?
Parking is very limited. Street parking spots (look for blue-and-white disc parking) are scarce and often 2-hour max (www.parkopedia.de ). You might find a spot if you arrive very early, but it’s not guaranteed. A safer option is a nearby parking garage; for example, the X-Berg parking facility near Oranienplatz (about a 10-minute walk) holds ~350 cars for around €3 per 2 hours (www.parkopedia.de ). Given the hassle, most visitors use public transport or taxis to reach the club, especially on busy nights.
What is the layout of Privatclub (stage, bar, restrooms)?
Privatclub has one main room. Enter through the front door into a foyer and find the bar immediately on one side (joynight.com ). The small stage sits at the opposite end of this hall. The dance crowd fills the central floor. Toilets are located towards the back (usually up a short staircase or through a hallway). There’s a coat-check near the entrance. In short, it’s a single long hall: bar by the front, stage at the back, and limited bench seating along the walls (www.top10berlin.de ) (joynight.com ).
Can I bring a camera or phone to take pictures or videos?
Photography for personal use is typically allowed, as long as you don’t use flash or professional gear that could disturb the show. High-end cameras on tripods might be frowned upon during concerts, but point-and-shoots or phone cameras are fine. Rule of thumb: be respectful of performers and fellow audience. (If an event is private or recording-prohibited, the organizers will announce that.) Normally, casual photos and videos are tolerated.
What are the age restrictions or dress code for Privatclub?
Privatclub is generally an 18+ venue, especially when alcohol is being served. If you are 16–17, you might still enter if accompanied by an adult, but this depends on the event. Always bring an ID card or passport. There is no formal dress code – Berlin’s clubs are very casual. Wear something comfortable for dancing. Avoid overly large bags (there is a small cloakroom for coats) and leave valuables at home to enjoy the night freely.
Is Privatclub wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the club provides an accessible entry. The building has a ramped door on the ground floor (middle entrance adjacent to Privatclub) that can be opened for wheelchair users (privatclub-berlin.de ). Inside, however, space is cramped and there are stairs to reach the basement floor. If you need assistance, contact the club before your visit so staff can help with entry. The venue tries to accommodate disabled patrons where possible, but do plan ahead due to the small layout.
What forms of payment are accepted at Privatclub?
Privatclub operates on a cash-only basis throughout: at the entrance, at the bar, and even at the cloakroom (privatclub-berlin.de ). Credit/debit cards are not accepted anywhere. An ATM is located opposite the club (across the street) in the adjacent block. Be sure to withdraw enough euros before coming to avoid any trouble.
Are there food or drink options inside Privatclub?
Privatclub itself is not a restaurant; it has a full bar with beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks available during events. (Drink prices are moderate and noted as fair by patrons (www.tripadvisor.com ).) There is no cafeteria food service inside, but the connected Weltrestaurant Markthalle is right above, serving substantial meals and snacks (weltrestaurant-markthalle.de ). So you can dine downstairs, then catch the club through its linked entrance.
What time do shows at Privatclub typically start and end?
Concert doors usually open around 19:00 and the show begins about an hour later (e.g. 20:00 start) – check the event schedule for exact times. For late-night dance parties, entry may be from 22:00 or 23:00, with music running into the early morning. The venue quiets down by around 2–3 AM due to Berlin noise regulations. It’s best to arrive early for seating and upstairs table service (if any), and plan transport home as buses/trams taper off after 1 AM.
Why is the venue called “Privatclub” and how do I find the entrance?
The name “Privatclub” means “private club,” fitting its intimate, insider atmosphere. In practice, the club is somewhat hidden: the only public entrance is through the adjacent Weltrestaurant Markthalle (look for a small red “P” sign) (joynight.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). There is no big street-front sign. So when you arrive, enter the building under the sign for Markthalle and then follow narrow stairs down. If in doubt, just ask someone at the door – they’ll point you in the right direction. Many enjoy the feeling of discovery in finding the entrance!
What should I not do when visiting Privatclub?
Don’t arrive expecting a typical disco; things here are low-key. Avoid bringing large backpacks or outside food/drink. Don’t block the bar counter (it’s small and near the door). Conversation should be kept at a normal club voice – yelling or rough behaviour is frowned upon. Also don’t forget that windows and doors should stay closed (Berlin law). Most importantly, support the vibe: buy a drink, be respectful of the bands/artists, and enjoy the unique atmosphere rather than taking it for granted. Misbehavior could result in ejection by security, as with any venue.
