Why go far when adventure awaits at your doorstep? With its twelve different districts, Berlin is full of incredible places to explore. We’ve done the legwork for you and gathered fantastic tips and recommendations straight from the neighborhoods. Join us on a journey to uncover the city’s hidden gems—lesser-known spots that are perfect for a mini getaway. Discover 11+1 insider tips for a postcard-perfect staycation in Berlin!
Tip 1: Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf - Green city oasis
Although located in the centre of Charlottenburg, Lietzenseepark is a green oasis of calm. Here you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the view of the lake. Did you know, that the park’s history dates back to 1824, when General Wilhelm von Witzleben purchased the land and commissioned the first landscaped gardens.
A walk through this picturesque setting is well worth it, and the charming cafés and restaurants along the street—named after its original owner, of course—invite you to sit back and soak in the atmosphere. Here are three tips:
Where: Bootshaus Stella, Witzlebenplatz 1
When: daily 11 am - 6 pm (weather permitting)
Where: Engelbecken, Witzlebenstraße 31
When: daily 5 pm - midnight
Where: Café Manstein, Witzlebenstraße 32
When: Daily 10 am - 6 pm
More about Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 2: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg - Picnics & fairy tales
A real classic for a sunny weekend with the kids is a trip to Volkspark Friedrichshain, incidentally the oldest park in Berlin. You can walk right through the park from Friedrichshain to Prenzlauer Berg, and those who love walking can also climb the Trümmerberg, which rises 78 metres into the air in the middle of the park. Afterwards, you can relax in the shade of the old trees by the idyllic ponds.
And if you don't want to pack a picnic, you can grab a bite to eat in the restaurant and beer garden Schönbrunn. Can you and your children guess all the characters at the famous Fairy Tale Fountain? For older kids, a trip to the Computerspielemuseum is worthwhile.
Where: Volkspark Friedrichshain near the Großer Teich
When: Monday to Friday from 3 pm, Saturday from 1 pm, Sundays and public holidays from 12 pm
More about Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Tip 3: Lichtenberg - Lakes tour with history
A visit to the Orankesee Terrassen is always a great idea. While you're there, immerse yourself in the fascinating Hörenschönhausen audio stories, curated by the Obersee & Orankesee Association. Let these tales guide you on a scenic walk around the two lakes, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and local charm.
As soon as it gets warmer, the Strandbad Orankesee is a popular swimming destination in the east of Berlin. If you prefer something a little quieter, you can enjoy nature on a walk around the Obersee under the shade of red oaks and maple trees.
Want to discover more? Then take a look at this Bike tour through Lichtenberg.
Where: Orankesee Terrassen, Orankestraße 41
When: daily 11.30 am - 11 pm
Tip 4: Marzahn-Hellersdorf - Enchanted idyll
Biesdorf Castle, an enchanted gem in the middle of the city, lies between detached houses and prefabricated buildings. The octagonal tower of the late neoclassical villa can be spotted from afar. Surrounded by 15 hectares of land, you can stroll along winding paths under 100-year-old trees towards the castle. The park was designed by the renowned landscape architect Alfred Brodersen in the English style. Relax in the reading garden or treat yourself in the Castle Café.
From 10 March to 13 April, the Exhibition Castle Café is open. April, the exhibition G L A S E R N - forms of uncontrolled control will be on display in the castle
Where: Biesdorf Castle, Alt-Biesdorf 55
When: daily from 10 am - 6 pm, Friday 12 pm - 9 pm, Tuesday closed
More about Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Tip 5: Mitte - Time travel into the historical heart of Berlin
In Mitte, nestled in the charming Nikolaiviertel, an exciting exhibition brings Berlin’s rich history to life. Step into 800 years of urban development, presented in chronological order at the BerlinZeit exhibition in the historic Ephraim-Palais,
On the 2nd floor, explore Berlin’s early days, from its founding to the November Revolution of 1918. Down on the 1st floor, follow the city's transformation into a modern metropolis, from the 1920s to today. You’re free to dive deeper into the periods and topics that interest you most.
With original artifacts, firsthand interviews, and interactive displays, this exhibition is an immersive experience for all ages. A definite highlight: the original horse’s head from the Brandenburg Gate’s Quadriga, still bearing the bullet holes of history.
Where: Ephraim Palais, Poststraße 16
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Monday
Tip: If you're travelling by bike, you can start the Spreerunde nach Spandau from the Nordhafen (7 minutes from the Mitte Museum).
Tip 6: Neukölln - Off the beaten track
Away from the mainstream, Neukölln invites you to go for a walk in the Britzer Garten and the park around the Britz estate. The area around the KINDL Centre is a little more urban. Contemporary art can now be seen in the former brewery. After visiting the exhibition, you can treat yourself to coffee and cake in Babette's Garden.
If you're out and about in Neukölln on Saturday, you should definitely visit the weekly market Dicke Linda at Kranoldplatz in Neukölln (10 am to 4 pm) and enjoy a delicious picnic for a subsequent Bike tour through Neukölln.
Where: Britzer Garten, entrances here,
When: From 7am until dusk
More about the Neukölln district
Tip 7: Pankow - The English way
Be surprised by the diversity of Pankow. A good starting point is the KulturBrauerei. Every Sunday from 12 noon to 6 pm, you can stroll through the Street Food Market, and it's also worth taking a look at the calendar of events at this cultural venue.
You can travel a little further back in time with a visit to Schloss Schönhausen. Walk in the footsteps of Queen Elisabeth Christine in the palace park. Garden lovers will also get their money's worth at Botanischer Volkspark Blankenfelde-Pankow.
This Cycle tour through Pankow takes you through two other beautiful parks, the Volkspark Humboldthain and the Bürgerpark Pankow.
Where: KulturBrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Street Food Market, Sunday 12 - 6 pm
More about the district of Pankow
Tip 8: Spandau - Discovery tour off the beaten track
In addition to the Zitadelle Spandau, the Brauhaus Spandau with its spacious beer garden is a fantastic destination for a day out. The red brick building on the Havel served as the "army steam laundry" for the Spandau garrison from 1880 and is the perfect meeting point for a little discovery tour through Spandau off the beaten track.
Just a short walk away you will find Berlin's oldest settlement area, the picturesque Kolk. The Spandauer Schleuse lock and the largest pedestrianised area in Berlin in Spandau's Old Town are also within easy walking distance.
It's worth taking a bike ride north along Lake Spandau and the Old Town harbour towards Eiswerder Island.You can find more inspiration on this Bike tour through Spandau.
Where: Brauhaus Spandau, Neuendorfer Straße 1
When: Open daily from 10am
Tip 9: Reinickendorf - Promenade with a view of the lake
"The green sprouts, the water beckons - life is starting in Reinickendorf!" Start your trip with a visit to the Alt-Tegel pedestrian zone, which you can easily reach by underground and S-Bahn. After a coffee in the sunshine, take a walk to Greenwichpromenade at Tegeler See. Here the little ones can let off steam in the large playground. How about a round of mini golf or a steamboat ride?
After a round on a pedal boat, you can treat yourself to a meal in the Tegeler Seeterrassen with its retro 1970s flair and view of Lake Tegel. Or enjoy the view of the water on a walk, for example over the Sechserbrücke or simply stroll along the Promenade to Kanonenplatz.
Where: Tegeler Seeterassen, Wilkestraße 1
When: Daily from 12 noon
Tip 10: Steglitz-Zehlendorf - Escape into nature
The best way to explore south-west Berlin is by bike. Along the various routes, you can expect not only beautiful nature but also interesting cultural highlights. Take a look at the Brücke-Museum or the Haus am Waldsee. There are also numerous beer gardens and cafés to stop off at, such as the Fischerhütte am Schlachtensee, where you can also go swimming or hire a SUP board. It's also not far to Krummen Lanke or the Königsweg cycle path through Grunewald, which will take you straight to Wannsee.
If you need a hire bike for a trip into the surrounding area, get off at Griebnitzsee station in Potsdam. Here, Pedales offers a great selection of hire bikes. From here, you can also cycle along the Babelsberg Park back to Glienicke. Enjoy the peace and quiet along the riverside path and by the water. Tip: At Pedales, you can also rent a canoe as an alternative to cycling.
Tip: With the Berlin WelcomeCard, you can get up to 50 per cent off at Pedales and other providers and attractions.
Where: Fischerhütte am Schlachtensee, Fischerhüttenstraße 136, Zehlendorf
When: 12 - 11 pm
Tip 11: Tempelhof-Schöneberg - A harbour for everyone
"Fly" over Tempelhofer Feld by bike, take a leisurely stroll through the boutiques on Akazienstraße, at Tempelhofer Hafen or enjoy the view of the canal at the Schöneberger Südgelände along old railway tracks through the forest: You can experience all this and much more in Tempelhof-Schöneberg.
For those interested in history, we recommend the Places of Remembrance in the Bavarian Quarter. Several memorial plaques tell in text and pictures how the Jews of Berlin were gradually discriminated against more and more between 1933 and 1945. And the Rainbow Neighbourhood on Nollendorfplatz is still the centre of the LGBTQ+ community in Berlin.
Where: Tempelhofer Hafen, Tempelhofer Damm 227,
When: Monday to Saturday, 10am - 8pm
More tips from Tempelhof-Schöneberg
Tip 12: Treptow-Köpenick - Off into the forest
Dive into the dense greenery of the fairy-tale wetlands of Krummen Lake. Along its banks, many narrow paths lead from Karolinenhof in the south of Köpenick through Grünauer Forst to the former radio station in Grünau. Start your excursion with a ride on Berlin's most beautiful tram line, the Uferbahn: Tram line 68 to the Richtershorn stop. From the starting point, walk 400 metres into the forest in the direction of Krumme Lake.
Lined by alder swamp forests, sedge meadows and reeds, you walk along the river through untouched birch and English oak forests. Look out for frogs and newts, a total of seven amphibian species live here in the stream. And guess how many different insects and butterfly species live in the nearby meadows? There are 478 of them! The clearings near the Grünau lido, through which the Krumme Lake winds, are particularly beautiful. At the end of your hike, the Waldgaststätte Hanff's-Ruh.
Where: Hanff's-Ruh, Rabindranath-Tagore-Straße 25
When: Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 9pm; closed on Monday and Tuesday
Tip: Another nice excursion starts with tram line 62 to Wendenschloss. From here, it's a 15-minute walk to the Schmetterlingshorst, nestled in the nature of the Köpenicker Forest.
And for a quick overview of what's going on in Berlin, just take a look at visitBerlin.de.
