10 tips for the perfect summer in Berlin
A vibrant street life, lots of events, and a relaxed flair in summer in Berlin
The capital shows its cheerful side in summer. The warm temperatures attract people to the spacious parks, and street cafés, beer gardens and beach bars everywhere invite you to relax and sit outside. Berlin has a lot to offer. Check out out 10 Tips for the perfect summer: swimming fun is guaranteed.
Tip 1: Relax in one of the many beer gardens
Beer gardens are the best place to relax, meet friends or have a drink after work. Berlin beer gardens can be found in the city centre or in the city grounds - they are simply a part of Berlin summer. Here you can enjoy mild summer evenings with Berliner Weiße or Craft Beer.
Tip 2: Stick your feet in the sand: beach bars in Berlin
It doesn't always have to be the Mediterranean or the Caribbean: the German capital has some fantastic beaches. Bury your feet in the warm sand while sitting in a deck chair sipping refreshing drinks and relax with cool drinks, grilled sausages, and fries in the midst of the urban flair.
Tip 3: Watch films under the starry sky
The open-air cinemas in Berlin are in season during the summer months. Adventure films unfold with a very special atmosphere in the open air, with horror films you can really get a good scare under the dark night sky, and with a romantic film you can snuggle up close to your sweetheart under a picnic blanket. One of the oldest open-air cinemas in the capital is the Kreuzberg open-air cinema. Classics, cult films, and current Hollywood blockbusters are shown there in the original version with subtitles. This is an experience we can only enjoy in summertime.
Tip 4: The Berlin lakes - fun in the cool water everywhere
Berlin has many swimming lakes in the city and its surrounding area. Köpenick's largest water body, Lake Müggelsee, is a popular destination for active people. You can find beaches, beach volleyball courts, and boat rentals here. You can look forward to peace and relaxation at Liepnitzsee, which is about 8km north of the city limits. A perfect summer in the Berlin district of Weißensee can also be experienced at the lido of the lake of the same name. The most popular destination for a bathing excursion in Berlin is probably Wannsee. In the open-air swimming pool there you can relax in wicker beach chairs. Football and beach volleyball are also on the programme, while the little ones can play in playgrounds. With our Berlin Swimming map you will find the fastest way to the lakes in Berlin and the surrounding area.
Lakes in Berlin and Brandenburg
Tip 5: Tempelhofer Feld: play sports or just lie in the grass?
Tempelhofer Feld is a huge open space on the grounds of the former Tempelhof Airport. Since 2010, the area has been used for public purposes and is a popular local recreation area. On a 6 km long jogging, cycling, and skating track you can do sports to your heart's content. Families with children can also fly kites, play ball, or have a picnic on the grass.
Tip 6: Picnis in the countryside - eat together and enjoy the summer
The warm summer days in Berlin invite you to have a sociable picnic. Popular places for this are the wonderful parks in the capital as well as areas on the banks of the Spree. No matter if you prefer to be in the city or in the countryside: Amazing spots for a picnic are hidden all over the city. You have an incomparable view at a picnic on the Drachenberg in Charlottenburg. The atmosphere is also truly harmonious in Herzberge Landscape Park, where you can enjoy your delicacies between fall fruit meadows and romantic woods.
Tip 7: Explore new places by bike
In recent summers, but also this year, cycling has been rediscovered by many. Why not try a few new routes? Rent a bike and go to unknown corners of Berlin. For inspiration, check out our 11 summer bike tours in Berlin with insider tips.
Tip 8: Restaurants with a view of the water
What could be nicer than having a good meal with friends and enjoying the view over the river or lake? There is a wide choice of restaurants and cafés by the water: whether delicious fish dishes in a restaurant right on the river, curry sausage at river Spree or a cup of coffee in the former summer villa of artist Max Liebermann at Wannsee - Berlin offers something for every taste.
Restaurants on the waterfront in Berlin
Tip 9: Eating crazy sorts of ice cream
Summer in Berlin tastes of ice cream. But today at the countless ice cream parlours in the metropolis you will no longer only find chocolate or vanilla: soft ice cream with toasted marshmallows and gelato brioches - hot and crispy on the outside, cold and creamy on the inside - served at Paul Möhring in Oranienburger Straße in Mitte, for example. The innovative Hokey Pokey in Prenzlauer Berg and the Eissalon Tanne B with crazy but tasty experiments.
Tip 10: Discover Berlin from the water
Seen from another perspective, a city suddenly appears completely different. Discover Berlin from the water and fall in love with the city all over again. If you like it relaxed, you can take a boat trip through the city centre or through the green landscape. For active people we recommend a trip with the pedal boat or a discovery tour with the Stand Up Paddeling Board. Or why not try becoming a captain yourself... You can rent a raft or a boat from numerous providers and then set sail.
We have compiled even more tips for your summer in Berlin.
