Sundays are the best day to party in Berlin

Hello, our boutique-hotel-loving friends. Welcome back to the third edition of Off the Record, and as a refresher (for old and new readers alike), this newsletter series dives into the vibe-worthy spots in whichever city we’re exploring (aka, the places where the music makes you sway and immediately whip out your phone to Shazam the track. Yes, we said Shazam).

As always, we’ve teamed up with our pals at Cassette, the top agency behind music curation for hospitality. You know when you’re in a vibey hotel and think: “Wow, I love this playlist. Who made it?” There’s a good chance it was Cassette’s handiwork.

After taking you through the French disco scene in Paris last issue, we’re now heading to Berlin—a city that gives “the city that never sleeps” a run for its money. With local insights from Berlin-based curator Dimitra Zina, we map a three-day journey through the capital: flea markets, hi-fi bars, experimental venues, and the Sunday parties that keep the city moving well past sunrise. We also sit down with Richard Akingbehin of Refuge Worldwide, whose perspective reveals how the city’s music culture is shifting.

Let’s tune in.

Dimitra Zina is a Berlin-based curator, DJ, and radio host. Deeply engaged in the city’s music culture, she has served on the executive board of Berlin Club Commission, manages productions for both established and emerging artists, and curates programs for Worldwide FM, Stegi Radio, and Refuge Worldwide.

You have 72 hours in Berlin. What does each day look like, and what songs pair with those days?

Day 1: First things first—grabbing a coffee and something warm to eat. Berlin has no shortage of great cafes, but my go-to spots are Companion in Neukölln or ACID in Mitte, both known for excellent brews and delicious baked goods.

Next up: record stores. There’s a wide range depending on what you’re into – from larger stores like HHV that carry nearly everything, to more specialized ones like Elevate for electronic music or Lefter for obscure records from around the globe. Coming from the jazz and soulful side of things, my personal favourites for their handpicked selections are Soultrade and Oye. And if you’re into cassettes too, don’t skip Awesome Tapes from Africa—it’s a gem.

To close the day, I’d head to Pastiche. A beautiful space in the heart of Neukölln; record store and cafe by day, hi-fi listening bar by night. Their curation is always spot on, the room feels really intimate, and the sound is just perfect. What else does someone need?

DAY 2: Starting at Refuge Worldwide never disappoints. This beloved community radio is open to the public, so you can hang out while shows are broadcast live. Their in-house cafe runs from 10 am to 10 pm, making it a perfect spot to chill, listen to great music, and meet people from the scene.

Heading to Anima, especially as the sun begins to set, can be a memorable experience. Situated in the lobby of Locke Hotel by East Side Gallery, it offers river views, standout food and drinks, and a high-end sound system with curated vinyl sets on weekends.

Further down the street is 90mil. Quite a contrast to Anima, this is a raw, DIY multidisciplinary venue. A core space in town that fosters subculture and experimentation, from installations and theatre to poetry and music. All you need is an open mind.”

DAY 3: It might sound unusual to anyone unfamiliar with the city, but for me, Sundays are the best day to party in Berlin. Depending on how you’re feeling, you can jump right in or ease into things and hit the dancefloor later in the day.

If you prefer a slower start, check out one of the many flea markets. Grab a coffee and stroll through Maybachufer, Boxhagener Platz, Kranoldplatz for low-key vibes, or Mauerpark if you don’t mind the crowds.

As for the big question—skipping the obvious club names such as Berghain or Tresor —my pick would be Heideglühen. Slightly outside the city centre, it leans into groovier sounds. You might catch international legends like Moodymann or Louie Vega, local house heroes, or even live bands during the daytime. It’s easily one of my favourite club spaces in the city.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on specific collectives curating club nights. Crews not to miss are SHUSH, Life Classics, Sound Metaphors, and Body Language, among others. No matter the venue, a good time is guaranteed!”

Across Berlin, music spills out of every corner. From day to night, café to club, dimly lit listening rooms to vinyl lounges that double as record storefronts, the city is best experienced through the crossfade of its electronic and artistic soul.

For Berlin: Groove & Grit, Dimitra Zina taps into this creative current, weaving together jazz, soul, broken beat, and electronic influences to capture the city’s evolving rhythm.

How does this playlist capture Berlin?

“I’ve always found it captivating and extremely inspiring how Berlin’s electronic scene and club culture influence all aspects of the city’s artistic output. This playlist explores how influence is reflected in the work of local artists, collectives, and labels. Moving beyond the musical paths people might typically expect from Berlin, the selection branches into directions like jazz, soul, broken beat, and their possible intersections with electronic music.”

How does it reflect Berlin’s modern music culture?

“Part of Berlin’s music scene is exploring new directions within its dance music culture, driven by a desire to reclaim what the dancefloor can be — both as an artistic space and a communal experience. This has sparked a wave of musicians and producers experimenting with new textures, rhythms, and compositional methods. The playlist aims to offer a glimpse into that movement, inviting listeners to explore some of the artists behind it.”

Meet Richard Akingbehin—producer, DJ, and the force behind Refuge Worldwide, one of Berlin’s most influential online radio and community hubs.

As a DJ, producer, and label owner, what emerging sound or shift in Berlin’s music culture stands out to you the most right now?

“Since I moved here 11 years ago, there has been a big shift in the amount of spaces that feel approachable and welcoming to new faces and talents. It has changed mostly since the pandemic, and I think it’s such a great and much-needed shift in vibe for the city’s music scene.”

What’s one intimate or unexpected space in town where you’ve recently experienced incredible music?

“There is an older woman who walks down Weserstrasse, where we had our radio station until relocating recently, singing in Arabic and collecting money. Her voice is so incredibly beautiful. I always wanted to ask her to come in and perform on the radio from our studio, but I never asked, and I regret that.”

What are some Berlin musical experiences—big or small—that you think every visitor should have at least once?

“Queueing for hours in the freezing cold and getting rejected from a club for no specific reason is a pretty humbling experience that prepares you for the harsh side of the city.”

Many people discover the city’s scene through Refuge Worldwide livestreams and mixes. What do you hope a first-time listener takes away from tuning in?

“Maybe it sounds counterintuitive, but I hope people listen and can hear that we are not professionals. I hope they can hear that we are just doing it for love, learning, and growing. If people notice that, they may feel like they, too, can get involved and learn for themselves.”