Welcome to our guide to the top ten things to do in Berlin that only locals know about! Berlin is a city full of history, culture, and excitement, and there’s always something new and interesting to discover. However, as a tourist, it can be tough to know where to start and what the best things to do are.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’ve scoured the city and compiled a list of the top ten things to do in Berlin that only locals know about. From hidden gems and secret spots to off-the-beaten-path adventures, this list has it all. So come with us as we take you on a journey through the city’s hidden corners and reveal the best things to do in Berlin that only locals know about!
1. Munch on Food
Photo Credit: Peakpx
Cheap eats are an essential while living in Berlin. All the locals know how prices can waver from neighborhood to neighborhood for our beloved street food. The key is to know where you can get the best, for the least. At Restaurant Al-Rahme you can get 50 cent falafel or 1 euro Shawarma wraps to go, all day, every day. They have three locations situated in Neukölln, so if you’re on your way to Templehof, Hasenheide, Weserstrasse or the many other wonders of Neukölln you know where to go!
Karl-Marx-Strasse 194, 12055 Berlin
2. Concerts
Photo Credit: Montecruz Foto
With thousands of tourists and newcomers driving over it every day very few people know that within Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn station is a nightclub and live music venue! There are regular concerts there and the venue is great! With large windows and high ceilings, true to the historic layout of the train station. The website is easy to check for concert listings if you’re interested in hearing local music and meeting other musicians!
3. Pool Parties!
Photo Credit: Marco Verch
Anyone visiting Berlin in the summer will notice that it can get pretty hot! Not to mention sticky and stinky! With many of our swimmable lakes being a bit of a commute and the thought of swimming in the spree leading to you growing a third arm, locals in the center of the city have turned to our public pools. These aren’t the public pools you went to as a kid. These are parties stocked with multiple bars, DJs, and food! Generally, a 5-10 euro entry to get in, it’s well worth it to cool off and meet some locals.
4. Eat, Live & Party
Photo Credit: santaberlin
There’s not much I need to say here. We’re talking 1 euro Tequila and 1 euro Tacos on Tuesday evenings. The place can get pretty busy so I suggest going early to get a table, and if people are already waiting that means you need to find a waitress and put your name on a waiting list (insider tip). Often, there will be people playing live music while you eat and once you get a seat the service is quick and the food is delicious!
5. DJ and Party
Photo Credit: Gertrud K.
If it’s summer time there is always an Open Airs set going on! Often free and a bit hidden, Open Airs are live DJ sets and parties that take place outside. They’re perfect for a mid afternoon rave or a heavy set at night. There are multiple Facebook pages that list where they are happening and when. Sometimes locations are only revealed at the last minute to ensure they don’t get shut down. Check out the Open Airs Berlin Facebook page and events for more information!
6. Visit The Urban Spree
Photo Credit: Julia Tulke
Urban Spree is a beautiful art gallery, nightclub and beer garden. Surrounded by a multitude of dilapidated buildings turned into bars and clubs. You can find everything in its vicinity: food trucks, pop-up shops, local underground street art, parties… you name it!
7. The Thai Park
Photo Credit: Daniel Foster
Thai Park is a weekend pop-up that takes place at Preussen Park. It’s a local food market where Berliners have access to delicious home cooked Thai food, freshly made cocktails and traditional massages under an array of colorful umbrellas. You can find people enjoying the park for hours, relaxing, partying and enjoying good food, company and drinks.
8. Local Market
Photo Credit: La Citta Vita
A slightly more local market than it’s competitors. Boxhagener Platz hosts a flea market every Sunday. The stalls hold everything, from small trinkets and obscure pictures of long passed people to cheap clothing, artistic light fixtures and paintings. The market itself is surrounded by many local Friedrichshain food places and shops. It’s easy to find family friendly places to hang out, or young people partying from the night before.
9. Lake Plötzensee
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
This lake is still fairly close to the city, situated in Wedding! Google the location beforehand because there will be no signs pointing you in the right direction! It’s a small lake near the Rehberg Public Park with multiple small beaches and boat rentals but known to locals as a place for spontaneous raves and socialising in the sun.
10. Visit The Rooftop Bar
Photo Credit: montecruzfoto
Klunkerkranich is a rooftop bar on the top of the Neukolln Arcaden. To find it you can follow the spray painted footsteps after you take the elevator as far as you can go! Not only can you overlook the entire city but in the winter you can cozy up with homemade Gluhwein or in the summer you can lay out on the massive patio soaking up the sun! Often entry fee is free or very little and there is always a DJ playing a night!
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