Real Club: A Legendary Destination in Tongeren’s Nightlife Scene
Following the historical downfall of an iconic venue in Eksel, we had two more stops on our route, with the next being Real Club in Tongeren. To our delight, as we arrived in Tongeren, we immediately recognized the building. Real Club was still standing, preserving its legacy as an unforgettable destination in the Belgian nightlife scene.
It was surprising to see that Real Club, a landmark in Tongeren’s clubbing culture, was not only operational but had expanded to host two unique concepts under one roof! Today, both Xoda Club and Real Club coexist in the same space, offering distinct atmospheres to visitors. The combination of Real Club and Xoda makes this venue unique, a true blend of the old and the new, where one large discothèque once dominated the space.
Real Club’s history is rich and compelling, dating back to 1963, when the original owner opened its doors as a small dancing venue. The club quickly gained popularity, transforming into a mega-dancing hall famous across Limburg and Wallonia. For decades, Real Club’s neon-lit façade became a recognizable feature, drawing in crowds who loved its music and vibrant atmosphere.
In 1998, 35 years after it first opened, Real Club went through an ownership change but continued to operate under its established name. Real Club remained a staple in Tongeren’s nightlife until 2011, when it briefly closed. Soon after, a new owner took over and completely renovated both the interior and exterior, giving the club a fresh look in bright white tones and renaming it to Nunu. This rebranding marked a new era, bringing a modern concept from the Liège area to life in Tongeren.
The transformation of Real Club into Nunu brought an innovative ambiance, complete with stunning interior decor. The luxurious atmosphere was undeniably appealing, making Nunu one of the standout venues of the region. However, despite its initial success, financial difficulties struck, and in January 2013, Nunu was forced to close due to accumulating debts. By May 2013, a brief reopening followed, but by November of that same year, the Nunu concept was permanently closed.
The building then remained empty for three months, until February 2014, when the sons of the former Nunu owners revitalized the space, dividing it into two separate clubs: Real Club and Xoda Club. This unique setup allowed the building to continue its legacy as a significant part of Tongeren’s nightlife. Photos of the new owners and renovations, published by Tongeren Vandaag, highlight the incredible transformation.
Today, Real Club and Xoda stand as symbols of Tongeren’s enduring nightlife culture. Each club has its own identity yet shares a common history rooted in the legendary Real Club. While Real Club continues to attract visitors with its nostalgic charm, Xoda adds a contemporary twist, appealing to a younger crowd and diversifying the nightlife options in Tongeren.
Real Club’s legacy lives on through social media as well. You can find Real Club’s latest updates on Facebook or visit RealClub.be for more information. Xoda Club also maintains a vibrant online presence through Facebook and their official website, keeping the spirit of these iconic clubs alive for both past patrons and newcomers.
