Like many of us, Berlin comes back alive in the summer. By the time we’ve survived the rollercoaster that is a long winter, followed by “fake Spring”, more winter, then actual Spring, Berliners are ready for some fun and sunshine!
Enjoy a few of our favorite must-do summer activities in Berlin.
Head to the Water
Go for a dip in one of Berlin’s 25 open-air swimming pools. Word to the wise: The solar-heated pools in Gropiusstadt, Mariendorf, and Pankow are the warmest.
Find your new favorite lake and go wild swimming. Schlachtensee and Krumme Lanke are two of the most popular (and easily accessible by public transport), but we’re suckers for lovely, leafy Liepnitzsee! It’s slightly harder to reach, but trust us: it's well worth the dip.
Chill out by the canal. After checking out the bi-monthly Sunday market along Neukölln’s Maybachufer canal, head across the bridge to the Kreuzberg side for drinks on the lively Paul-Lincke-Ufer, where you’ll usually find talented buskers.
Explore The City
Explore the German capital with a tour by Original Berlin Walks. Interested in Third Reich history, how the Berlin Wall worked, or why Berlin is a Queer capital? Leave it to an expert guide to show you the most important and curious sights in the city. (Psst! Expath students get 20% off).
Bike around Berlin to connect the city’s geographical dots and take in all the sights you miss when riding the UBahn. The lack of hills and ever-improving cycle lanes makes it easy to get around the city on wheels. Up for a challenge? Try riding the route of the Berlin Wall.
Check out abandoned sights — but be sure to consult the urban exploring bible, “Abandoned Berlin” before you go to see what’s still accessible.
Take a day trip to neighboring Brandenburg. The capital, Potsdam, is a must for history buffs and palace enthusiasts alike. Alternatively, try Spreewald, known (at least to us) as the Venice of pickles because of the mass production of pickles in the area. A day on the waterways with good company and great Gurken is always time well spent.
Eat Like a Local
If you’ve been in Germany during Spargelzeit (asparagus season), you’ll know that German's love everything asparagus in the summer. Visit the wealth of farmers’ markets across the city for fresh, regional produce — and try out your own Spargel recipe!
Eat at “Thai Park”. Tucked away in Wilmersdorf’s Preußenpark, this is Germany’s biggest Thai food market! Here you’ll find some of the most authentic Thai food in the city. Check out this interview with the Pad Thai queen of Berlin or search #thaipark on Instagram for a flavor of what to expect.
Immerse Yourself in Art
Visit one of the city’s 170ish museums! (Insider Tip: The Museumsportal Berlin has a filter to show you all the upcoming FREE events).
Take in some street art greats. Although Urban Nation is closed for the time being, you can still see the stunning large-scale pieces they commissioned as you stroll along Schöneberg’s Bülowstraße. Alternatively, download the Berlin Murals app for a map of seriously impressive artworks by international artists.
Say Prost (Cheers)
Raise a glass at Berlin’s oldest Biergarten, Prater, on Prenzlauerberg’s Kastanienallee. It has been open since 1837, making it technically almost 50 years older than Germany itself! Do you need further proof that it’s authentic, old-school Berlin? You guessed it: payment is cash only ;)
Invest in Your German
Upgrade your German with an Expath German Course! Enrolling in a few lessons — whether you‘re here for the summer or here to stay, it is a great way to kick your German into gear and meet new people in the Hauptstadt.
