Quasimodo

Quasimodo is a live music club in a basement on Kantstrasse in Charlottenburg, beneath the Delphi cinema near Zoologischer Garten. It has been running since 1975 and describes itself as one of the oldest clubs in Berlin's cultural landscape, which makes it a direct link to the music scene of the old West Berlin. Over the decades its small stage has hosted local bands and touring musicians from around the world.

The music is varied, but its roots are in jazz, blues, soul and funk, and the programme also takes in pop, reggae and brass bands, with occasional cabaret and comedy evenings. The room is low-ceilinged and intimate, with the stage close to the audience, so even busy concerts feel personal. It is the kind of place where you can see accomplished musicians up close in a relaxed, informal setting, and where the audience ranges from long-standing regulars to curious visitors.

Quasimodo suits music lovers, couples and groups of friends looking for a night out that is about live performance rather than dancing to DJs. It is also a good choice if you are staying in the western centre and want something to do in the evening close to your hotel. Drinks are served at the bar, and the atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious.

Concerts usually start around 10pm or 10.30pm, so it works well after dinner. Tickets are sold for each event, mostly online through the club's ticket partners, and popular shows can sell out, so book ahead if there is a band you particularly want to see. Check the programme on the website for dates, times and prices, as there is no fixed weekly schedule. The club is downstairs, so ask in advance if you need help with access.

Zoologischer Garten station, with S-Bahn, U-Bahn and regional trains, is a short walk away, and Savignyplatz S-Bahn station is also close. The Theater des Westens is a few doors along Kantstrasse, and the Kurfürstendamm, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the Monkey Bar are all within ten minutes on foot. Savignyplatz, with its restaurants and bookshops, is good for dinner before a show.