What makes Berlin special to you?
Berlin is a fascinating city in many regards, but the BDSM scene is what makes it so special to me. The scene is massive! And it is accessible to international, English-speaking people, as well as locals. It is a great place to meet open-minded people with whom you can explore the many kinky parties, play spaces, and educational events that Berlin has to offer.
For the intrepid newcomer, what’s the best gateway into kinky Berlin?
I’d say start out by going to munches, which are gatherings of kinksters who meet in bars/cafes to mingle and get to know each other. It’s a relaxed atmosphere with people wearing normal, everyday clothes, so it is welcoming for people with no BDSM experience, or kinky folks who are new to Berlin. Otherwise, I suggest going to the various workshops and kinky parties that happen every week. Check out Fetlife for the most comprehensive listing of events.
Where would you recommend for a drink before a wild night?
This one is a non-kinky tip since BDSM and alcohol don’t mix well.
The Bell Boy Bar in Mitte is a charming 1920s themed speakeasy that sells craft cocktails. It sets the mood for an adventurous and whimsical night on the town. Just be aware that it is a bit hidden, so follow the rubber duckies.
Where can we find the best fetish clubs?
Of course, Berlin has a variety of fetish clubs! There are the big-name clubs like Kitkat and Berghain, which are hedonistic playgrounds for those who enjoy public sex, techno, and all the things associated with that. Expect to wait in line outside and possibly be turned away at the door if you are not wearing fetish clothes. Insomnia is one of my personal favorites because it has a well-equipped BDSM dungeon downstairs that is open during the kink-themed parties.
For the more active participant, who throws the best kink parties?
Klub Verboten is a party based in both Berlin and London that travels to different locations. You need to become a member beforehand or get vetted at the door, because they take the safety of their participants very seriously. This party has a chic vibe and feels like the gold standard for those who enjoy exploring the underground fetish/electronic music scene.
Personally, I prefer parties that are thrown by @Frau_leader. This powerhouse organizer is the mastermind behind the international munch, Kinktastish, and many more parties. The vibe at these parties is welcoming and vibrant, and of course, super kinky! A great place for beginners and those looking to find community.
Tell us about some amazing dungeons in Berlin?
Quälgeist is my absolute favorite space. It is the best-equipped and cleanest play space I have seen so far. It has 2 floors of BDSM furniture and play spaces as well as a bar/lounge area and smoking room. There is no dance floor or loud music, so it’s a great place to dive deep into your play sessions. Just keep in mind that most of the parties are geared towards the gay male community, but they do also have some events specifically for queer women/gender non-conforming folks and a couple events that are open to people of all genders and sexual orientations. They also offer free workshops that are organized and hosted by community members, so you can go there to enhance your BDSM knowledge.
Club Culture Houze is a good place for a low-key play date. It is decently equipped with BDSM furniture, has a bar space and several floors. They have consistent and regular events on weekdays, so you can get your kinky fix in between your weekend play parties here.
BDSM lounge seems like more of a locals-only spot, but they were always welcoming to me and my play partners. They’ve got a medical room, small playroom, and lounge/bar area.
Where can we hire a playspace?
Studio Lux is my favorite studio space. Their rooms are creatively themed and designed with an eye for kinky details. They also offer a lot of toys and thoughtful hygiene products for their renters to use. They have two different locations. I have also heard good things about the Fetish Institute, but I have yet to go there.
Is there a sexy hotel that is a particular favourite?
Provocateur Hotel Berlin is a sensual Boutique style hotel with a vintage vibe. The sexy lighting and red-velvet décor creates a decadent atmosphere for some sexy indulgence, but it is not specifically kinky. For a BDSM vibe, there are the SMapartments and the BDSM-loft to check out.
What’s the best sex/fetish shop?
There are a ton of fetish shops for gay men near the Nollendorfplatz U-bahn station, but my personal favorite sex shop is called Other Nature. Other Nature is a queer sex shop with a wonderful library of sexy and educational books in the back. McHurt has great quality, fairly priced BDSM gear, and Fernando’s is the sweet spot for leather boot and glove fetishists.
What’s your perfect kinky night out in Berlin?
As the kinky nerd that I am, I’d love to start the evening with a workshop at Quälgeist or Karada house (a rope-centered kink space for queer folks), then head out to one of @Frau_leader’s various parties for a night of play.
My social handles are:
https://www.instagram.com/vitavolition/
https://fetlife.com/users/15854169
Are you a sex worker or client with tips or experiences to share? We'd love to hear from you!
The Good Client Guide destigmatizes sex work while providing guidance on how to be a better client and ally. Better experiences for workers mean better experiences for clients! To make this happen, we’re welcoming submissions from both providers and their customers.