Berlin's RAW site: Street art, clubs, culture and Berlin nights in Friedrichshain

Hardly any other place epitomises Berlin’s creative, alternative and ever-changing spirit quite like the RAW site in Friedrichshain. Amidst metre-high graffiti, historic brick warehouses, trendy clubs, cosy beer gardens and cultural venues, industrial history and modern urban culture come together. During the day, visitors stroll through the sprawling site, marvelling at the street art or relaxing over a coffee. In the evening, the site comes alive with concerts, club nights and live music.

Whether you’re new to Berlin or a regular – the RAW site is one of the capital’s most exciting places. You can spend a whole day here without ever getting bored. Art, culture, sport, dining and nightlife are just a few steps away from one another, making the former railway depot one of Berlin’s most versatile destinations.

What does RAW stand for?

RAW stands for Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk (Reichsbahn Repair Workshop). The site was established as early as 1867 as a workshop for the railway of the time. For many decades, thousands of employees repaired and maintained locomotives, carriages and, later, entire trains. Particularly during the GDR era, the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk was one of East Berlin’s most important industrial enterprises.

Following German reunification, the factory gradually lost its importance. By the end of the 1990s, rail operations had ceased for good. What remained was a vast industrial site comprising factory halls, administrative buildings and railway tracks – initially standing empty and without any new use.

How did today’s RAW site come into being?

Whilst many former industrial sites in Berlin were completely redeveloped, the RAW site evolved in a way all of its own. Artists, musicians, associations and cultural figures discovered the abandoned buildings for themselves and, step by step, transformed them into studios, event spaces, clubs and cultural venues.

Over many years, this gave rise to a creative hub that still stands today as a symbol of alternative culture, openness and diversity. The site is constantly changing. New graffiti appears almost daily, venues continue to evolve and new projects are constantly emerging. At the same time, the future of the site has been the subject of debate for years. Caught between heritage conservation, cultural funding and construction projects, the RAW site remains one of Berlin’s most exciting urban development projects.

Open-air street art

As soon as you set foot on the site, it becomes clear that RAW is far more than just a nightlife district. Virtually every empty wall is covered in graffiti, murals, paste-ups or political messages. Many of the works are by well-known street artists from Berlin and around the world, whilst others appear spontaneously and disappear a few days later, replaced by new designs.

It is precisely this constant change that gives the place its special charm. Every visit feels a little different from the last. Anyone interested in urban art will find one of Berlin’s largest freely accessible street art spaces here.

Take your time and wander around the site without a set destination. Hidden amongst the buildings are countless small works of art, detailed murals or unusual installations that are easy to overlook.

The best photo opportunities at the RAW site

The RAW site is one of Berlin’s most popular photo spots. The mix of industrial architecture and colourful street art offers countless subjects.

• The graffiti alleys
  The narrow paths between the former factory halls are among the best-known photo spots. Colourful murals alternate with abstract graffiti and political statements. As new works of art are constantly being created, no two visits are ever quite the same.
• Historic industrial buildings
  Old brick façades, steel girders, workshop gates and former railway tracks still bear witness to the site’s industrial past. The low-hanging sun in particular makes for some striking photographs here.
• Urban Spree
  Even from the outside, the cultural centre’s façade catches the eye. All around the building, large-scale murals alternate with creative installations. Hardly any other part of the RAW site is photographed as often.
• The Cone
  The former water tower is now an extraordinary climbing facility. Its striking shape and the tall outdoor climbing wall make it one of the site’s best-known landmarks. Photos look particularly exciting when climbers are actually on the wall.
• Evening atmosphere
  As darkness falls, the atmosphere changes completely. String lights, neon signs, illuminated façades and the many bars create a very special ambience. Anyone who enjoys night photography should stay until sunset.

Clubs on the RAW site

The RAW site is one of Berlin’s top nightlife destinations. Unlike clubs that focus solely on techno, the site offers a wide variety of music – from rock and indie to hip-hop and electronic music.

Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia has been one of the best-known clubs on the RAW site for many years. Housed in a former industrial hall, the venue offers a varied programme of club nights, concerts and festivals.

Musically, Cassiopeia has a broad repertoire. Indie, rock, punk, hip-hop, funk, reggae and drum & bass are regularly featured. As a result, the club attracts a very mixed crowd and stands out from many of Berlin’s more specialised clubs.

Cassiopeia Beer Garden

The large beer garden is at least as popular as the club itself. Under ancient trees, Berliners and visitors sit at long wooden tables, drinking regional beers or enjoying burgers and other snacks.

In summer, open-air DJ sets, film nights and small concerts take place here regularly. Many guests arrive as early as the afternoon and stay well into the night. This makes the beer garden one of the most relaxed meeting places on the entire site.

Badehaus

Just a few steps away is the Badehaus – a fixture on Berlin’s live music scene.

Whilst many clubs mainly play electronic music, concerts take centre stage here. The programme ranges from indie and alternative through to ska, punk and reggae, right up to Balkan beats, folk and world music. Smaller international bands also perform regularly, creating an intimate concert atmosphere.

In addition, the Badehaus hosts themed parties, DJ nights and cultural events. Anyone who loves live music in particular should take a look at the events calendar before visiting Berlin.

Astra Kulturhaus

Another of the RAW site’s best-known venues is the Astra Kulturhaus. This former industrial hall can accommodate several thousand visitors and is one of Berlin’s leading concert venues.

International bands, well-known German artists, comedians and podcasters all perform here. The programme is rounded off by parties, festivals, readings and special events. Thanks to its central location right at the entrance to the RAW site, the Astra Kulturhaus is often the first port of call for concert-goers.

Urban Spree – Art, Culture and Beer Garden

Anyone visiting the RAW site is bound to come across Urban Spree. The cultural centre is one of the site’s most important venues, combining a gallery, event space, beer garden and creative hub under one roof.

Even from the outside, the building stands out with its large-scale murals and ever-changing graffiti. Inside, the gallery regularly hosts exhibitions by international street artists, illustrators and photographers. The focus is on urban art, contemporary art and experimental projects – many exhibitions are even free to visit.

Concerts spanning a wide range of genres take place in the event hall throughout the year. Punk, rock, indie, metal, electronic music or hip-hop – the programme changes almost daily and attracts visitors from all over Berlin.

The spacious beer garden is just as popular. Amidst trees, fairy lights and colourful seating, guests can enjoy Berlin craft beer, cocktails or street food. On warm summer evenings in particular, Urban Spree is one of the most relaxed spots in the whole of Friedrichshain.

Lokschuppen

With the Lokschuppen, the RAW site boasts yet another venue that perfectly captures the area’s industrial character. The former factory hall regularly hosts parties featuring electronic music, house, techno and drum & bass.

The high brick walls, steel beams and original industrial ambience create an atmosphere that has become typical of Berlin’s nightlife. Event series and festivals that blend different musical genres also regularly make guest appearances here.

Bars on the RAW site

Not every visit has to last until the early hours of the morning. If you want to start the evening in a relaxed way or simply enjoy a drink in a special atmosphere, you’ll find several exceptional bars on the RAW site.

Schalander – Berlin brewing culture in an industrial setting

Nestled amongst the former factory halls is the Schalander Brewery, which has developed into a popular meeting place in recent years. Here, various craft beers are brewed on site and served fresh.

In the cosy beer garden, visitors sit amongst brick walls and old industrial buildings – a lovely contrast to the lively club scene all around. As well as a variety of beers, the menu also features non-alcoholic drinks and light bites. Anyone exploring the RAW site during the day will find this an ideal spot for a break.

Crack Bellmer

Crack Bellmer has long been one of Friedrichshain’s cult bars. Dark wooden furniture, vintage sofas, dim lighting and a deliberately imperfect interior give the bar its unmistakable character.

During the day, there’s a relaxed pub atmosphere; in the evening, DJs regularly spin records and the bar transforms into a lively meeting place. The crowd is a colourful mix – Berliners, tourists, students and artists strike up conversations here with ease.

Bar zum schmutzigen Hobby

One of the most extraordinary venues on the site is the Bar zum schmutzigen Hobby. Flamboyant décor, changing theme nights and drag shows have made the bar an integral part of Berlin’s LGBTQIA+ scene for many years.

The atmosphere is open, warm and relaxed. This is precisely why people from all sorts of backgrounds feel welcome here. Anyone wishing to experience Berlin at its most diverse and tolerant should plan a visit.

Sport at the RAW site

It’s not just night owls who get their money’s worth. The site also offers a range of sports and leisure activities that attract numerous visitors during the day.

Der Kegel – Climbing on the former water tower

The striking former water tower can be seen from a distance. Today it is known as Der Kegel and has been converted into one of Germany’s most extraordinary climbing centres.

The tall outer wall offers numerous routes of varying difficulty and is suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. ‘Der Kegel’ looks particularly spectacular from below when several climbers are moving up the façade at the same time.

Even if you don’t climb yourself, you should take a look at the tower – it is one of the best-known landmarks of the RAW site.

Skatehalle Berlin

The well-known Skatehalle Berlin is also located right on the site. This modern indoor facility offers ramps, rails, bowls and various street features for skateboards, BMX bikes and scooters.

Beginners can take part in courses, whilst more advanced skaters can practise whatever the weather. Competitions, workshops and events are held regularly, attracting visitors from all over Germany.

Flea Market and Markets

On many weekends, part of the RAW site is transformed into a lively flea market. Amongst old industrial halls, visitors browse for vintage clothing, records, books, furniture, design pieces and antiques.

Young designers also regularly sell jewellery, artwork and accessories they have designed themselves here. There are also street food stalls offering international specialities, coffee and sweet treats.

The flea market fits in perfectly with the creative atmosphere of the site and is an excellent place to find a unique souvenir from Berlin.

Seasons at the RAW site

As soon as the temperatures rise, the RAW site shows itself at perhaps its most beautiful. The beer gardens and courtyards start filling up as early as the afternoon. People sit amongst graffiti and brick façades, sipping a cold drink or enjoying the international cuisine from the food trucks.

Many venues move their programmes outdoors. Open-air concerts, DJ sets, film screenings and art markets create a festival atmosphere almost every day.

The Cassiopeia beer garden and the outdoor area at Urban Spree, in particular, become popular meeting places for Berliners and visitors from all over the world. If you simply want to soak up the special atmosphere, all you often need is a bit of time and a free spot amongst the old industrial buildings.

In summer, a visit is particularly worthwhile in the late afternoon. That’s when the light is ideal for photos, the bars gradually open their outdoor areas and the site slowly comes to life before the clubs open their doors.

Maaya Berlin – a summer oasis right next door

Directly adjacent to the RAW site is Maaya Berlin, formerly known as Haubentaucher, an urban pool and events area that perfectly complements RAW in the summer.

With a pool, sunbathing areas, a bar and DJ sets, Maaya Berlin is one of the most popular spots for warm days in Friedrichshain. Many visitors combine an afternoon by the pool with an evening at the RAW site.

Historic Christmas market on the RAW site

When winter arrives in Berlin, the RAW site is transformed into a completely different world. Nestled amongst the old industrial halls, a historic Christmas market springs up, one that is quite different from Berlin’s traditional Christmas markets.

Instead of modern stalls, visitors can expect a medieval-inspired atmosphere with wooden huts, fire pits, blacksmiths, jugglers and live music. Craftspeople demonstrate traditional techniques whilst visitors enjoy mead, flatbread or mulled wine.

The market is also great for families: there are historic-style carousels, archery and small hands-on activities. In the evenings, fire shows and music create a particularly atmospheric ambience.

The Christmas market usually takes place from mid-November until just before Christmas and is one of the most extraordinary winter events in Berlin.

Practical tips for your visit

Getting there

The RAW site is situated directly on Warschauer Straße in Berlin-Friedrichshain.
The easiest way to get there is by:

• S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram: Warschauer Straße
  From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the entrance.
• S-Bahn: Ostkreuz
  A little further away, but still the first choice for many visitors thanks to the Ringbahn connection combined with a short stroll through the neighbourhood.

► Tip: The journey is particularly short if you’re staying at the a&o Berlin Friedrichshain. The very first a&o hostel in Berlin is located on Boxhagener Straße, not far from Ostkreuz, and is therefore just a quarter of an hour’s walk away (approx. 1,200 metres) – the perfect distance to pick up a cold drink from a Späti or the a&o Bar for the walk.

Admission: The site itself is freely accessible. Separate admission charges apply for clubs, concerts and events.

Best time to visit

• Afternoons: street art, skate park, beer gardens
• Evenings: bars, concerts, clubs
• Summer: open-air events and beer gardens
• Winter: Christmas market

Safety

The RAW site is generally busy and lively. As in any urban nightlife district, keep an eye on your valuables and stick to the main paths at night.

The best photo spots at a glance

• Graffiti-covered alleys between the halls
• Urban Spree façades and murals
• The Kegel (climbing tower)
• Old brick architecture with remnants of railway tracks
• Neon lights and bars in the evening
• Street art spaces that are constantly changing

FAQ: RAW site in Berlin

Is entry to the RAW site free?
Yes, entry to the site is free. Only individual venues such as clubs or events charge an entrance fee.

Which clubs are there on the RAW site?
Among the best known are Cassiopeia, Badehaus, Astra Kulturhaus and Lokschuppen.

When is the flea market?
The flea market takes place regularly at weekends, depending on the season and the weather.

When is the Christmas market at the RAW site?
Usually from mid-November until just before Christmas.

How much time should you allow?
For a relaxed visit, you should allow at least 2–4 hours. Those who go out in the evening often stay considerably longer.

A slice of authentic Berlin

The RAW site isn’t a typical tourist spot, but a vibrant microcosm of Berlin. Here, industrial history, street art, club culture, alternative bars, sport and events all come together in a compact space.

It is precisely this mix that gives it its special charm. By day, the site is creative and relaxed; by night, it’s loud and energetic; in winter, it’s atmospheric and almost fairy-tale-like.

If you really want to experience Berlin, you shouldn’t just visit the RAW site – you should set aside plenty of time – because every corner here tells a different story.

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