Where the concierge points people first
- b flat Acoustic Music and Jazz Club — A club in Mitte near Hackescher Markt with concerts most nights and regular jam sessions. Good for hearing Berlin's working players up close. (52.5235, 13.4069) · Directions ↗
- Zig Zag Jazz Club Berlin — A dedicated jazz club in Friedenau with a busy weekly program and a more listening-room feel than a bar. (52.4750, 13.3398) · Directions ↗
Badenscher Hof Jazzclub und Restaurant — A long-standing jazz club and restaurant in Wilmersdorf. Dinner and a set in one sitting, which suits an unhurried evening. (52.4863, 13.3277) · Directions ↗- Donau115 — A small Neukölln bar with live jazz and improvised music on many nights, where the hat usually goes round rather than a cover being taken at the door. (52.4835, 13.4335) · Directions ↗
- Jazzboat.berlin — Jazz on a boat on the Spree, as the name suggests. Seasonal, and one to book rather than turn up for. (52.5135, 13.4121) · Directions ↗
The rest of the jazz bars in Berlin — every one we hold
When the hat comes round, put in a note
Much of Berlin's live jazz runs on a Hutkonzert basis, meaning entry is free and a hat or jar goes round during or after the set. That money is often most of what the musicians are paid, so put in a note rather than loose change. Dedicated clubs usually charge a cover at the door instead. The city's big date is Jazzfest Berlin, run by the Berliner Festspiele around the end of October and start of November. Programs change weekly, so check the venue's listings on the day.
Questions people ask
How many jazz bars are there in Berlin?
NUM's directory maps 8 jazz venues in Berlin, including clubs, a bar with nightly sets and a jazz boat.
Is there a cover charge at Berlin jazz bars?
Dedicated clubs usually charge at the door. Smaller bars often run free entry with a hat passed round for the band.
When is Jazzfest Berlin?
Usually around the end of October and beginning of November, organized by the Berliner Festspiele.
Ask NUM where there is live jazz tonight in Berlin
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