Nestled in one of Berlin’s most elegant historic neighborhoods, Charlottenburg, the A-Trane opened its doors in 1992 and quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious jazz venues in Europe; among the artists who have taken the stage here are Diana Krall, James Carter, Ray Brown, Wynton Marsalis, and Herbie Hancock. On Saturdays after midnight, musicians turn up for a renowned jam session. Table seating gets right up to the stage, offering an intimate proximity to the performers.

A juggernaut of Berlin’s jazz scene, b-flat has great acoustics and a vibrant roster of local and touring jazz artists. When the bill doesn’t feature major international talent like Brad Mehldau, Harry Connick Jr., Aki Takase, and Rigmor Gustafsson, it spotlights some of the city’s best local instrumental and vocal jazz artists. Local bassist Robin Draganic hosts a legendary Wednesday night jam session, Robin’s Nest, that has been running for more than two decades.

Ever catch a gig in a crematorium? Housed in a historic complex that includes a contemporary gallery, a café, and a lush garden, silent green is a stunning (if slightly creepy) example of the kind of inventive architectural reuse you see all over Berlin. Performances happen under the 17-meter ceiling of the octagonal cupola, a former mourning hall. In addition to jazz, the schedule also features experimental music, classical, dance, film, and cultural events.

A hidden gem amid the bustle of the vibrant Neukölln district, this self-described “micro jazz bar” focuses on quality jazz and chamber music concerts—with a smattering of adventurous indie and noise rock thrown in to keep things interesting. The 50-person capacity ensures that you’ll get to know the regulars and develop a cozy acquaintance with whoever is on stage. If you’re not too familiar with the names on the schedule, fear not: The discerning programmers here have great taste.

This little bar and restaurant is off the well-trodden path that most tourists travel in Berlin, and when there isn’t a live performance, it might blend into the neighborhood scenery. But when a jazz combo packs onto the stage and starts to play, the atmosphere is totally disarming. The roster of performers includes regulars on the Berlin circuit, with a handful of international artists. On warm nights, the front doors open wide and tables spill out onto the sidewalk.

Over the past 140 years, this gorgeous little neighborhood theater has seen a bit of everything: boxing matches and academic lectures, chamber music and marionettes. These days the eclectic programming tends to focus on folk, jazz, indie, and international artists including the likes of Chris Thile, Lucinda Williams, Watchhouse, and Aldous Harding. The capacity is capped at 800 and the acoustics are fantastic.

With exposed brick walls, a vaulted ceiling, and a tiny stage, The Hat Bar pays homage to the speakeasies where jazz was born. There’s no formal schedule here; welcoming jazz jam sessions are hosted by heavy-hitting Berlin musicians. But even with the lack of marquee performers on the calendar, the place tends to be a magnet for touring talent. The Roy Hargrove Quintet, Theo Croker, and Tarus Mateen have all played here. Jam sessions happen every night.

This jazz and folk venue has been a fixture of the local nightlife scene for a century. But Quasimodo came to life in the mid-’70s as a place where free-thinking students from nearby universities could socialize to a soundtrack of adventurous jazz, folk, and rock. It’s hosted boundary-pushing artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Cobham, Pat Metheny, and Branford Marsalis over the years and seen some epic surprise guests including Prince and Nigel Kennedy.

With overstuffed sofas and candlelit café tables, the Zig Zag Jazz Club combines the intimate ambience of a bohemian salon with the amenities of a modern jazz venue. Although you might see a singer-songwriter on the calendar occasionally, the programming is mostly jazz—they’ve hosted the likes of The Bad Plus, Bill Frisell, Kurt Rosenwinkel Trio, and The Nels Cline 4. Given the caliber of the acts, it’s a good idea to book in advance.

Don’t expect to get a seat on music nights in this snug corner pub in Kreuzberg. The long-standing musician’s hangout, in one of Berlin’s most diverse and alternative neighborhoods, is beloved by those who prefer to hear live jazz in a casual setting (over a pint and some homemade “bouletten,” or meatballs). On nights when there isn’t live music, come by anyway; the historic interior, with walls covered in gig posters and old photographs, has plenty to keep music buffs entertained.