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The Insel der Jugend in Berlin in winter under blue skies
The Isle of Youth in Berlin in winter under blue skies Beautiful even in winter: The Island Insel der Jugend © Getty Images, Foto: Jrg Farys / EyeEm

12 winter tips for 12 neighbourhoods

Out and about in Berlin

It's especially worth exploring Berlin in winter. Whether it's a walk along the waterfront, a journey through history or a stroll through romantic, idyllic neighbourhoods, you've certainly never experienced Berlin's neighbourhoods like this in winter.

Tip 1: Mitte - Discover Berlin's sights with the new U5 line

Directly in front of Berlin City Hall: Stairway of the U5 station Berliner Rathaus
Berliner Rathaus underground station by night © Foto: A.Reetz-Graudenz

Join the new U5 line on a sightseeing tour through Berlin's historic centre. Simply hop on and hop off as you please: At each stop, Berlin invites you to stroll through the festively illuminated city, for example around the town hall, the Reichstag, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral or the Nikolai quarter. If you want to travel a little further afield, you can take the U5 to the Tierpark or the Gardens of the World.

11 tips for a day in Mitte

Tip 2: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg - Where the neighbourhood is at home

weihnachtliche Bergmannstraße
© visitBerlin, Foto: Mo Wüstenhagen

The Bergmannstraße has long been the most colourful street in the district. Be enchanted by the Christmas decorations and treat yourself and your loved ones to a wintery takeaway menu, whether you fancy Thai, Indian or Italian food, Bergmannstraße has something for every taste.

A day out in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

Tip 3: Neukölln - a trip to Britz Palace and Estate

Schloss Britz
© Schloss Britz

The historic Britz Palace Estate is always worth a visit, especially in winter. And a walk through the grounds or through the Britzer Garten in the cold, clear winter air is also a wonderful experience. You can also discover the cultural diversity of Neukölln on a walk along Karl-Marx-Straße.

11 tips for a day in Neukölln

Tip 4: Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf - An international assortment

Bookshop Bücherbogen at Savignyplatz in Berlin
Bookshop Bücherbogen at Savignyplatz in Berlin © visitBerlin, Foto: Dagmar Schwelle

At Savignyplatz, the overwhelming range of books awaits you. Take your time to browse through large-format illustrated books from all areas of art, out-of-print and sought-after exhibition catalogues and the appropriate theoretical literature. In the sprawling art and film bookshop, you are sure to find a nice souvenir or Christmas present for your loved ones.

A day in Charlottenburg

Tip 5: Steglitz-Zehlendorf - The whole world under one roof

The Botanical Garden in Berlin in winter
The Botanical Garden in winter © Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin-Dahlem, Foto: I.Haas

Have you ever seen 22.000 plant species in bloom? This is possible at the Botanical Garden in Dahlem. Here you can reach and discover the vegetation of Germany, the Alps and the Himalayas, among other places, on foot. Until 12 January, the extensive garden invites you to take beautiful walks in the magical sea of lights of the Christmas Garden.

11 tips for a day in Zehlendorf

Tip 6: Tempelhof-Schöneberg -  Sweet winter treat

Süßkramdealer in Berlin
Shop Süßkramdealer © Foto: Maria Dorner

In Süßkramdealer you will find sweets, chocolates and pralines that the owner of this genuine boutique of flavour will be happy to recommend to you. The service is friendly and personalised.

11 tips for a day in Tempelhof-Schöneberg

Tip 7 - Reinickendorf - Magical winter walks

Dorfkirche Lübars in Berlin
Dorfkirche Lübars © Bodo Kubrak (CC0 1.0) by wikimedia commons

Reinickendorf offers many corners for perfect winter walks. In the north, in the garden city of Frohnau, you will discover a lively hustle and bustle at the station building of the S-Bahn station. From there, you can reach Zeltinger Platz and Ludolfingerplatz, from which the streets radiate in a star shape. Small town villas with magnificent gardens are lined up here. To the east of Frohnau lies Lübars and will enchant you with its idyllic village atmosphere. Take a stroll along Lake Lübars or explore the Lübars youth farm and its rural everyday life. Things are more sporty in southern Tegel. In addition to excursion boats and sailing clubs on and around Lake Tegel, you will find numerous shopping opportunities and plenty of history here. Why not visit Tegel Palace and Park or the "Dicke Marie". It is the oldest tree in Berlin, named after the cook of the Humboldt brothers who were buried there.

 a day in Reinickendorf

Tip 8: Spandau - Berlin's cosy side

Oldtown Spandau in Berlin
Oldtown Spandau © visitberlin, Foto: Philip Koschel

Spandau has a lot to offer that is steeped in history. In its historic centre, the Kolkviertel, you can still see the last pieces of the Spandau city wall. It surrounds small half-timbered houses and taverns from the 18th and 19th centuries. This and St Mary's Church are perfect for a romantic stroll through Berlin in winter. 

A day in Spandau

Tip 9: Pankow - history at the original location

Schloss Schönhausen
Das Schloss Schönhausen in Pankow © © SPSG, Foto: Leo Seidel

The reunification of Germany at the square "round table" took place in Schloss Schönhausen. Over the years, the building has served as accommodation for important personalities such as Ghandi and Gaddafi. Although the palace itself is currently closed, the park is perfect for a stroll. Alternatively, you can visit the Botanical Garden in Pankow, where you can even spot fallow deer in the northern section.

A day in Pankow

Tip 10: Lichtenberg - A walk among the stars

Weihnachtssterne im Tierpark Berlin
© visitBerlin, Foto: Dagmar Schwelle

Also Lichtenberg entices you to take magical walks. Let yourself be enchanted and stroll directly from Lichtenberg S-Bahn station to Münsterlandplatz. In the small shops and boutiques on Weitlingstraße, you are sure to discover one or two beautiful souvenirs.

A day in Lichtenberg

Tip 11: Marzahn-Hellersdorf - Journey back in time

Gründerzeit Museum im Gutshaus Mahlsdorf
Das Gründerzeitmuseum in Marzahn © visitberlin, Foto: Philip Koschel

The park at the Gutshaus in Mahlsdorf is ideal for a winter stroll. Its winding paths allow you to view the two-hundred-year-old manor house from the outside. The historic village green is also worth a visit. Simply hop on the tram (M8) in Berlin Mitte and enjoy an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the north-east, visit the Marzahner Bockwindmühle, which is closed in winter but is festively illuminated. 

11 tips for a day in Marzahn

Tip 12: Treptow-Köpenick - Idyll on the edge of the city

Schloss Köpenick
Schloss Köpenick © (c) visumate

Köpenick stretches along the river Dahme and is therefore also a quiet old town on the edge of adventurous Berlin. Here you can discover houses, some of which are up to 200 years old. A visit to the  Schlossplatz is also recommended during a winter walk.

A day in Treptow-Köpenick