Essen Rathaus

what3words location: ///flicked.fountain.octopus

Driving? Free parking is available. We have 14 spaces on site — 4 in front of the studios, and 10 round the corner near Capital Baustoffe. Street parking is also available.

We have recently made some changes to our parking rules, and therefore we recommend guests to use the street parking available during the hours below as our parking spaces will be unavailable.
- Monday - Friday the main gate will be closed at 22:00
- Saturdays, the main gate will be closed at 18:00
- Sundays, the main gate will be closed the whole day

No gathering is allowed at the parking space.

If you're coming via U-Bahn: take U6 Alt-Tempelhof or U8 Hermannstraße, then it's five minutes via bus and a two-minute walk.

Being verified unlocks extra features at Pirate, like Refer-a-Friend credits. You also need to have your identity verified before you book one of our DJ or recording studios, so it’s a worthwhile investment! Don’t worry, the process only takes two minutes.

TIP: Use your mobile, it's easier to get a clear shot of your face/document.

Slow and gentle!  Our locks can be a little sensitive so put your code in slowly and as detailed on your booking — such as * 1 2 3 4 5 6. Don't forget the star!

You might be sent a four-digit code as a replacement for the booking, such as 1 2 3 4.  As above, press slowly and in this case, with no star, *.

If you're having trouble with the lock or code, use # to reset and try again. If this doesn't work, please contact us via WhatsApp and we'll help get you in as soon as possible.

Spare equipment is available at every Pirate location, including instruments, cables, microphones, stands and other hardware.

If you need replacement equipment or something is missing, contact us on Live Chat via the website or WhatsApp for assistance. We will direct you to our spares cupboard quickly so that you can get on with your session.

Our studios are self-service, which allows us to keep costs down for you. If you have any problems please message us on WhatsApp, or use the FAQs, live chat or call us ASAP.

If you have any equipment issues, we can help troubleshoot — the sooner you let us know, the better. We have replacement gear on-site in case of any technical faults.

Here are the approximate dimensions of each studio type. Studios can vary by location and type of build. 

• Rehearsal Standard: From 100 to 130 sq. ft — fits four people maximum
• Rehearsal Standard+: 215 sq. ft — fits four people maximum
• Rehearsal Pro: between 215 to 300 sq. ft — fits six people maximum
• Rehearsal Showcase: 395 sq. ft — six or more people comfortably
• DJ Standard or DJ Pro: From 65 to 130 sq. ft — five people maximum
• Recording Standard or Recording Pro: From 65 to 175 sq. ft — five people maximum
• Video Editing Standard: From 65 to 175 sq. ft — five people maximum
• Podcast Standard: 110 sq. ft — fits six people maximum
• Dance Pro: 580 sq. ft — 11 people maximum

It takes less than two minutes to become a member:

• Visit the account creation page.
• Enter your details in each field. If you have a referral code from another Pirate customer, please enter it at this point.
• Select Join Pirate.com and we’ll send you an SMS to confirm your mobile number. You’ll need to confirm this number before you can use your account.
• Confirmed? You’re ready to book.