A guide to alternative spots in Berlin
Since I live in Berlin, I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out where the best spots are. All of these places are in Friedrichshain and actually very close to one another—mostly walking distance—so it’s a great area to explore if you’re into darker, spookier culture.
Main Stores
Darkstore
This is probably one of the most famous gothic stores in the city. One of the best reasons to drop by is the wall covered in flyers and event stickers; it’s incredibly helpful for finding out what’s actually happening in the goth world, since events here aren't always well-advertised. Located right near Boxhagener Platz, they have a massive range of clothes and decorations. Their shoe section is especially impressive—it’s likely one of the biggest in Berlin, which is good to know since smaller spots like Mystica don't carry them.
Mystica
Mystica is a gothic store is smaller than Darkstore but has a completely different focus. They have some amazing Gothic Victorian dresses and a much larger selection of figurines, incense, and tarot decks. The people running the shop are really lovely, which makes it feel a bit more personal when you're browsing.
Blackdoorbeauty
This is a piercing shop located right in the middle of all these other stores. The staff is amazing and speaks multiple languages, which makes everything easier. They have thousands of different jewelry references, so if you’re looking for something specific to finish a look, you’ll probably find it here.
Coexist
I drop into Coexist quite a bit because the vibe is totally unique. It’s much more colorful than the other shops, focusing on upcycled and punk pieces. It’s a mix of everything—goth, hippie, and vintage thrifted finds. They even have an atelier in the back where they transform old pieces into something new. The shop itself looks like nothing else in the neighborhood.
Places to Grab a Drink
Halford Rock Bar If you want a beer and heavy music, this is the spot. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a bar named after Rob Halford—there’s even a giant statue of him inside and the owner looks just like him. The walls are covered in signed shirts, photos, guitars, and dragon heads. One thing I really appreciate is the lighting; it’s very low and friendly if you have light sensitivities.
Paul's Metal Eck This is a classic Berlin corner bar with a heavy metal soul, located very close to Halford. It’s a great spot, but you should know that smoking is allowed inside and there isn't a separate designated area for it. The music leans a bit more toward modern metal and is generally less niche than what you’ll hear at Halford.
Pro-tip for Metal enthusiasts: To keep track of what’s happening in the city, I usually just keep an eye on Metalberlin. It’s the easiest way to see who is playing where without having to dig through a dozen different social media pages.
Atmospheric Escapes
Pandoras Café This is probably the most impressive place to grab a coffee in the city. It’s inside the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche annex. The architecture is massive and moody, which makes it a great spot to sit with a laptop or a book when I want to get out of my apartment.
Südwestkirchhof Stahnsdorf When the city feels like it’s too much, I take the trip out here. It’s a massive forest cemetery that feels like a film set (it actually was one for the show Dark). It’s incredibly quiet and perfect for a long walk when you want to get lost for a while.
Franziskaner-Klosterkirche Ruins These ruins in Mitte are beautiful in a very somber way. I like walking through here in the late afternoon. The red brick arches against the sky give off a heavy, historic vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else in the center of the city.