9 of the Most Notorious Sex Clubs Around the World

What is a sex club?

Sex clubs are venues that are open to the public, have a reserved entry specifically for members, or are invitation-only. They are designed sex-positive, safe spaces for people to engage in specified sexual activities. Each club varies in entertainment, clothing (or clothing optional) guidelines 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 are lifestyle clubs?

Lifestyle clubs are open to a private network of consensual adults who are looking to share in some sort of erotic activity. Most lifestyle clubs are members-only and many are also invite-only. You do not need to engage to become a member, some act more like a social club, although the opportunity to interact will be present.

What is a swingers club?

Swingers clubs cater specifically to those in long-term relationships who are open to engaging in sex with other people. All clubs will have specific rules in place to protect patrons. Similarily to single-friendly sex clubs, swingers clubs will often hold events and many have private or semi-private rooms.

How do sex clubs work?

The first thing to note is that you do not need to engage in sexual practices unless you want to. All sex clubs will have a code of conduct and it’s worth reading this before you plan on attending.

These are judgment free spaces and any sort of behavior deemed threatening will not be tolerated. Each venue will also have a dress code, although it is not expected for guests to be nude, again, unless you want to.

Many of the clubs listed below are open to the public on various days of the week and others hold special themed events throughout the calendar year.

If you do intend on engaging in sexual practices, it is recommended that you get tested in advance. Lube, condoms and sometimes other sex toys are usually provided, but it is suggested to bring your own.

1. KitKatClub — Berlin

Pornographer Simon Thaur and his partner Kirsten Kruger founded in KitKat in 1994, back when “encouraging public intercourse” was a crime under the then-conservative German government. It’s now a permanent (and more accepted) fixture on the Berlin club scene and has a reputation for being one of the city’s most notorious venues.

This psychedelic rave-themed club is fitted out with a bondage room, four dance floors, several bars, a massage room, and a swimming pool to relax in. 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 KitKatClub is for: Everyone is welcome at KitKatClub.

When KitKatClub is open:

Monday – 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Thursday – 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Friday – 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – 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’ve got a pretty good picture of what Snctm is all about. To become a male member, you need to pass a strict vetting procedure that includes you sharing your turn-ons and three headshots among other things. Pass that stage and you’ll be invited to attend a swanky pre-event Champagne reception. Finally, once you’re given the green light, you’ll need to buy your level of membership, which ranges from the most basic $20,000 annual “Arium” pass, up to a $1 million lifetime option that includes invitations to Cannes yacht parties and access to secret VIP areas. Women may attend for free but must go through a strict vetting procedure. The events are restricted to just 100 guests, and women outnumber men by three to one.

Who Snctm is for: Primarily heterosexual men and bisexual women. It also helps if you’re a billionaire, actress, musician, or model.

When Snctm is open: Events dates and times vary throughout the calendar year. Check the event calendar here.

Cost: To gain entry into Snctm, you must apply online.

Address: Events are held at various locations. Check the event calendar.

3. Power Exchange — San Francisco

Kink and debauchery reign in Power Exchange, “America’s naughtiest adult playspace,” which, at almost 25 years old, is one of the region’s most established venues. It welcomes people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations through its maze of play areas, fantasy rooms, and dungeons. The club prides itself on being inclusive, so whatever your scene, rest assured the only limitation is a lustful imagination. Unlike the other sex clubs on this list, this venue is strictly alcohol-free.

Who Power Exchange is for: Everyone is welcome at Power Exchange.

When Power Exchange is open:

Thursday – 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Friday – 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Saturday – 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Sunday – 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM

Cost: Around $40

Address: 220 Jones St, San Francisco, 94103, California, US

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 kitted out with sex swings, chains, and harnesses, plus a wet room and a labyrinth where anything goes. Men of all ages and sizes are welcome, so long as they dress up for the occasion: Fetishwear and leather are usually on the menu.

The club hosts themed evenings, which range from a vanilla 2-for-1 drinks night to those focused on more diverse turn-ons (think sportswear, fisting, and watersports). Check the website for details and dress codes, and bring your own protection as it sometimes runs out. There’s also a strict no perfume or deodorant policy on the door.

Who Lab.oratory is for: Gay men.

When Lab.oratory is open:

Thursday – 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday – 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday – 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Cost: Around $20

Address: Am Wriezener bhf, 10243, Berlin, Germany

5. Les Chandelles — Paris

Paris’ upscale Les Chandelles plays host to regular orgies in a plush, chandelier-lit setting. Originally the haunt of French politicians, celebs, and the wealthy middle-aged crowd, it’s now open to anyone who has a spare $110 lying around for the entrance fee. Once inside, guests are ushered into a cloakroom where they part with their phone (photos aren’t allowed) then welcomed into the main room with a free drink.

There’s a predominantly clothes-on front bar, plus two boudoirs (sex rooms) toward the back. The dress code is chic: Think cocktail dresses and heels for women, and shirts for men.

Who Les Chandelles is for: Everyone, but primarily heterosexual couples and bisexual women. Solo women are rarely let in over fears of prostitution and single men can 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
Tuesday – 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday – 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Thursday – 1:00 PM – 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM – 5:00 AM
Friday – 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM – 5:00 AM
Saturday – 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM – 5:00 AM
Tuesday – 10:30 PM – 5:00 AM

Cost: Around $337 per couple including dinner.

Address: 1 Rue Thérèse, 75001 Paris, France

6. Torture Garden — London

Way way before E.L. James ushered floggers and whips into mainstream culture, Torture Garden was home to fetish fans in London all through the ‘90s. It initially started out as a niche event, but has since ballooned into Europe’s biggest fetish night: It now attracts crowds of over 2,500 people and has seen Dita Von Teese, Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Boy George, Katie Price, and Courtney Love all pay their respects. Visitors can expect theatrical performances, fashion shows, cabaret, and plenty of kinky exhibitionism. The door policy is strict: It’s leather, lace, or latex.

Who Torture Garden is for: Everyone is welcome at Torture Garden.

When Torture Garden is open: Events dates and times vary throughout the calendar year. Check the event calendar here.

Cost: $36 for non-members, $32 for members in advance. $38 for non-members, $35 for members at the door. It is recommended that tickets are purchased in advance.

Address: Events are held at various locations. Check the event calendar.

7. Killing Kittens — Worldwide

Like Torture Garden, Killing Kittens isn’t strictly a sex club; it’s a program of parties and socials held at various locations worldwide. Events range from Japanese rope bondage classes and kinky cabaret nights to masked sex parties and tantric tutorials. Its main aim is to give women a safe environment to get frisky. Attending is pretty easy, you just need to sign up and get party-approved.

Who Killing Kittens is for: Women, primarily. Single men must be specifically invited by a female member.

When Killing Kittens is open: Events dates and times vary throughout the calendar year. Check the event calendar.

Cost: Around $140 for a member ticket and $550 for a member and guest.

Address: Events are global. Check the event calendar here.

8. Dungeon Club — Tel Aviv

Dungeon Club is Tel Aviv’s most famous sex club. The club welcomes people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations — although clubbers need to come with a partner or three if they want to enter its labyrinth, aka the sex room. Aside from its many lascivious nooks and crannies, there are also two bars, a dance floor, and cages to explore, plus onstage shows to ignite the imagination. The dress code is anything fetish.

Who Dungeon Club is for: Everyone is welcome at Dungeon Club.

When Dungeon Club is open:

Thursday – 11:30 PM – 5:00 AM
Friday – 11.30 PM – 5:00 AM

Cost: Cover charge varies.

Address: HaArba’a St 10, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

9. Berghain — Berlin

The list wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to Berlin’s most notorious club. Located in a giant former power station, Berghain is famed for its cavernous 18-meter dance hall, its techno, and its incredibly strict door policy. Clubbers heading here should be prepared to wait in a libido-killing queue, which could very well end in rejection. Boo. If the worst happens, don’t worry, you’re in good company: Even Britney Spears got a “nein” from the bouncer.

While it’s not strictly a sex club, hedonism is encouraged and people often openly get it on in the venue’s dark corridors. Plus — top tip! — you can get lube and condoms from behind the bar.

Who Berghain is for: Everyone. You just need to impress the bouncers. And by impress, we mean speak German, know your techno, wear black, and look the part. But even then, no guarantees. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

When Berghain is open:

Friday – 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Saturday – 11:59 PM – 6:00 AM
Sunday – Open 24 hours
Monday – 12:00 PM – 6:00 AM

Cost: Around $20

Address: Am Wriezener, Bahnhof, 10243, Berlin, Germany