According to the movies, sex clubs are dingy places, usually filled with people in bathrobes lounging on red satin. And while this is a popular environment, it doesn’t mean you should miss out just because swinging and satin aren’t your thing. In fact, they’re surprisingly diverse venues. From the anything-goes parties in Berlin to the champagne and chandeliers of Paris’s premier swingers club, there’s a whole world of debauchery to discover. Here’s a guide to some of the world’s most notorious sex clubs.
What is a sex club?
Sex clubs are venues that are open to the public, have an entrance reserved specifically for members, or are invite-only. They are designed as safe, sex-positive spaces for people to engage in specific sexual activities. Each club varies in entertainment guidelines, attire (or clothing optional), and general rules of practice. Venues cater to different people and sexual preferences, and memberships, event tickets, and cover charges vary from club to club.
What is a swingers club?
Swinger clubs cater specifically to those in long-term relationships who are open to having sex with other people. All clubs will have specific rules to protect patrons. Similar to singles sex clubs, swinger clubs often host events and many have private or semi-private rooms.
How do sex clubs work?
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that you don’t necessarily have to engage in sexual practices unless you want to. All sex clubs will have a code of conduct and it’s worth reading it before you plan to attend.
These are judgement-free spaces and any type of behaviour that is considered threatening will not be tolerated. Each venue will also have a dress code, although guests are not expected to be nude – again, unless you want them to be.
Many of the clubs listed below are open to the public several days a week and others hold special themed events throughout the calendar year.
If you intend to engage in sexual practices, it is recommended that you get tested beforehand. Lubricants, condoms, and sometimes other sex toys are usually provided, but it is suggested that you bring your own.
1. KitKatClub – Berlin
Pornographer Simon Thaur and his partner Kirsten Kruger founded KitKat in 1994, when it was “encouraging sexual relations in public” as a crime under the then conservative German government. It is now a permanent (and more accepted) fixture on the Berlin clubbing scene and has a reputation as one of the most notorious venues in the city.
This psychedelic rave-themed club is equipped with a bondage room, four dance floors, several bars, a massage room, and a pool for relaxation. Unlike other sex clubs in Berlin, groups of foreigners are allowed, but the dress code is strict: it’s fetish, latex, leather, kinky, glamour, or nothing at all. And definitely no jeans.
Who is KitKatClub for: Everyone is welcome at KitKatClub.
When KitKatClub is open:
- Lunes – 10:00 p. m. – 7:00 a. m.
- Tuesday closed
- Wednesday – 22:00 – 7:00
- Thursday – 22:00 – 7:00
- Friday – 22:00 – 08:00
- Saturday – Closed
- Domingo – 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Cost: around $25
Address: Köpenicker Straße 76, Brückenstraße 1, 10179 Berlin, Germany
2. Snctm: New York, Los Angeles and Moscow
Picture beautiful, masked people performing ritualistic performances in an opulent mansion and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what Snctm is all about. To become a male member, you must pass a strict vetting procedure that includes sharing their turn-ons, among other things. Pass that stage and you’ll be invited to attend a fancy pre-event champagne reception.
Finally, once you’re given the green light, you’ll need to purchase your membership level, which ranges from the most basic $20,000 annual “Arium” pass to a $1 million lifetime option that includes invitations to Cannes yacht parties and access to secret VIP zones. Women can attend for free, but must go through a strict vetting procedure. Events are restricted to just 100 guests, and women outnumber men by a ratio of three to one.
Who Snctm is for: Mainly straight men and bisexual women. It also helps if you’re a billionaire, actress, musician, or model.
When Snctm is open: Event dates and times vary throughout the calendar year.
Cost: To enter Snctm, you must fill out an application.
Address: Events take place in various locations.
3. Power Exchange — San Francisco
Kink and debauchery reign supreme at Power Exchange, “America’s naughtiest adult play space,” which, at nearly 25 years old, is one of the region’s most established venues. It welcomes people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations through its labyrinth of play areas, fantasy rooms, and dungeons. The club prides itself on being inclusive, so whatever your scene, you can rest assured that the only limitation is a lustful imagination. Unlike the other sex clubs on this list, this venue is strictly alcohol-free.
Who is Power Exchange for: Everyone is welcome at Power Exchange.
When Power Exchange is open:
- Jueves – 9:00 p. m. – 4:00 a. m.
- Friday – 9:00 pm – 4:00 am
- Saturday – 9:00 pm – 4:00 am
- Domingo – 9:00 p. m. – 4:00 a. m.
Cost: around $40.
Address: 220 Jones St, San Francisco, 94103, California, USA
4. Lab.oratory — Berlin
Lab.oratory is Berlin’s largest and most legendary no-holds-barred gay venue. Visitors have four floors of utilitarian concrete and steel to explore, including a play area equipped with sex swings, chains and harnesses, plus a wet room and a maze where anything goes. Men of all ages and sizes are welcome, as long as they dress for the occasion – fetishwear and leather are often on the menu.
The club hosts themed nights, ranging from a 2-for-1 vanilla drinks night to those focused on more diverse turn-ons (think sportswear, fisting and water sports). Check the website for details and dress codes, and bring your own protection as it sometimes sells out. There’s also a strict no perfume or deodorant policy at the door.
Who Lab.oratory is for: Gay men.
When Lab.oratory is open:
- Thursday – 21:00 – 23:00
- Friday – 22:00 – 00:00
- Saturday – 22:00 – 00:00
- Sunday – 16:00 – 18:00
Cost: around $20.
Address: Am Wriezener bhf, 10243, Berlin, Germany.
5. The Candles — Paris
The exclusive Paris swingers club hosts regular orgies in a luxurious, chandelier-lit setting. Originally the haunt of French politicians, celebrities and the wealthy middle-aged crowd, it is now open to anyone with an extra $110 to pay for entry. Once inside, guests are ushered into a cloakroom where they are parted from their phone (no photos allowed) and then welcomed into the main room with a free drink.
There is a predominantly clothed front bar, plus two boudoirs (sex rooms) in the back. The dress code is smart – think cocktail dresses and heels for women and shirts for men.
Who is Les Chandelles for: Everyone, but mainly straight couples and bisexual women. Single women are rarely allowed in for fear of prostitution and single men may be turned away at the door if there are already too many inside.
When Les Chandelles is open:
- Monday – 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM – 5:00 AM
- Tuesdays – 15:30 – 20:30
- Wednesday – 15:30 – 20:30
- Thursday – 13:00 – 20:30, 21:30 – 5:00
- viernes – 3:30 p. m. – 8:30 p. m., 9:30 p. m. – 5:00 a. m.
- Sábado – 3:30 p. m. – 8:30 p. m., 9:30 p. m. – 5:00 a. m.
- Tuesdays – 22:30 – 05:00
Cost: around $337 per couple, including dinner.
Address: 1 Rue Thérèse, 75001 Paris, France