Location: Berlin, Germany
Capacity: 800
Berlin’s Watergate lies on the southside of the Oberbaum Bridge, an unlikely oasis with an iconic view overlooking the River Spree. It opened its doors over two decades ago and in the years since has played a key part in nurturing upcoming talent, from Anja Schneider and Dixon to megastar Solomun. Other international artists have graced its decks over the years — Carl Cox, Amelie Lens and Kerri Chandler, to name a few — but the club has continued to push into new realms of sound, like with RISE, a monthly party series championing artists in the Afro-house and Afro-tech space. This year, Watergate welcomed Buttons, one of the city’s most loved queer crews, to host regular nights and make good use of the club’s incomparable panoramic views. The split-level, two-room venue is famous for its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, but there’s nothing quite like watching the sun set — and rise — from its floating terrace.