Why go far abroad when you can experience all kinds of things right in the heart of Berlin. With a holiday on your own doorstep, you save on emissions. No matter whether you travel sustainably from Germany by train or live in Berlin - in summer you don't have to miss out on anything. Do you want to bury your feet in the sand? Do you want to work off your energy in various sports? Discover exotic flavours at food festivals? Berlin is a city full of possibilities and hidden places.
Tip 1: Travel the world with festivals, markets and street fairs
Experience lots of festivals, markets and fairs in Berlin. The multicultural metropolis is known for its diverse restaurants, exuberant club culture and peaceful togetherness. In summer, much of the activity shifts outdoors. You can find the most original souvenirs at the many flea markets. Food festivals with exotic dishes from all over the world tempt you on every corner. International cultural and musical highlights round off the Berlin summer.
Discover the world in Berlin at these and many other events:
- On 20 and 21 July, the True Italian Pizza Festival awaits you with the best authentic Italian pizzas in Berlin
- From 28-30 June, you ll meet African literary personalities at the African Book Festival
- On 7 July and 24 November you can visit a Japanese culture and design market
- On 7 and 8 September Lollapalooza takes place at the Olympiastadion
- From 12-21 September, the Jüdische Kulturtage will attract visitors with a varied programme
Festivals And Markets in Berlin
Tip 2: Paddling through Little Venice in Berlin
Not by gondola, but at least by kayak or canoe, you can paddle from Lake Stößensee along the dreamy canals of Little Venice to the Havel Canal and from here to Lake Tegel. Alternatively, you can find Italian ambience in the south of Berlin. Here the Müggelspree branches off into various small canals. Paddle under the 13 bridges along the idyllic housing estates of Neu-Venedig in Köpenick. Take advantage of the summer for a tour along the water!
In the middle of the city, you can embark on a fictional journey in the footsteps of Thomas Mann's protagonist Auerbach with the audio tour "Death in Venice". The audio tour starts at the St. Georg monument in the Nikolai quarter and takes you on a walk along the Spree into Auerbach's world of thought. A really well done tour with impressive audio effects and perfect timing.
More about Little Venice in Berlin
Tip 3: Enjoy the sun, beach and summer feeling
In and around Berlin you will find beautiful water bodies where you can cool off in hot temperatures. You can reach them easily by public transport or by bike. Is there anything better than jumping into a bathing lake after a bike ride?
By regional train, for example, you can reach the Liepnitzsee lake in Wandlitz, which is an impressive turquoise-blue lake. Or you can visit Wannsee in the classic way by S-Bahn. Here you'll find a white sandy beach and a historic lido from the 1920s. Our swimming map will show you the way to all the other lakes and outdoor pools in Berlin.
Tip 4: Marvel at the wealth of shapes at the Ethnological Museum
Berlin's museum landscape is a treasure chest of fascinating objects from all parts of the world. How about a visit to the Ethnological Museum, for example? Here you can marvel at 20,000 exhibits from Africa, America, Asia and Oceania. The special exhibition "The Scent of Ink", in which you can trace the development of Korean painting from the 18th century to the present day, will run until the end of August 2024. The programme accompanying the exhibitions is also always comprehensive and offers insights into other cultures with workshops, concerts and much more.
One hour Ethnological Museum: Tour in English
Tip 5: Going on a discovery tour in the Berlin countryside
If you feel the urge to travel beyond the borders of Berlin, you will find numerous beautiful destinations in the region. 3000 lakes and enchanted landscapes await you in Brandenburg. Stroll through the magnificent castle parks, paddle through the Spreewald and pick up fresh fruit and vegetables from the local markets. In Berlin's surrounding countryside, you'll also discover one or two curiosities, such as the Dutch Quarter in Potsdam. It was built in the 18th century for Dutch immigrants and instantly takes you to the Netherlands.
Tip 6: Lose yourself in dreamlike gardens and greenhouses
In the tropical greenhouses of the Botanical Garden and during a walk through the grounds, you will find many plants that you would otherwise only encounter on holiday. There are also pretty Asian pavilions. With a little imagination, you can easily dream yourself into the different vegetation zones. You can practically go on a trip around the world in the Gardens of the World. A trip to Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island) or the Schlosspark in Charlottenburg promises a particularly romantic mini-vacation. Take a look at our overview of all the large and small parks and gardens in Berlin.
Tip 7: Up into the mountains and off into the neighbourhood
At Kreuzberg in Viktoriapark you will find a waterfall modelled on a natural example in the Riesengebirge mountains. A walk through the Viktoriapark is a relaxing pastime. End your mini-trip at the national monument commemorating the wars of liberation on Tempelhofer Berg (also called the round vineyard). From here you have a wonderful view over Berlin. Afterwards, you can take a detour to the Golgatha beer garden. They serve not only alcoholic beverages, but also breakfast, ice cream and cake.
Tip 8: Take a summit tour in Berlin by bike
Admittedly, there are more rubble mountains in Berlin than real mountain ranges, but you can still get up high in the capital. The Teufelsberg (Devil's Mountain) or the nearby Drachenberg in the Grunewald (Grunewald Forest) are nice excursion destinations. Or how about a summit tour across the capital by bike. Whether it's the flak towers, the vineyard or the observatory, here you can experience the city's history above the rooftops of Berlin.
Tip 9: Get to know Berlin as a tango metropolis
Did you know that Berlin has a lively tango scene? For some, the capital is even considered the most important tango metropolis after Buenos Aires. All year round you can dance the night away at milongas, attend workshops and dance classes. A particularly magical place in summer is the dance floor at Monbijoupark. Here you can dance right next to the historic Museum Island with a view of the TV Tower and delicious drinks from the beach bar at the Bode Museum.
Tip 10: Gather inspiration at the Berlin Travel Festival
After discovering Berlin this summer, you can get inspired at the Berlin Travel Festival in anticipation of your next trip. The festival is the follow-up to the public days of the ITB (International Tourism Exchange). While the ITB is now purely a trade fair, the Berlin Travel Festival is entirely geared to your interests as travellers. Here you'll find great ideas for travelling in Germany and abroad, but also travel accessories for camping, travel literature and lifestyle products.
Tip 11: Gain new perspectives on Berlin
Discover new sides of your own city. Using the map function of our ABOUT BERLIN app, you can easily find all the special places and sights that are close to you. What stories lie behind the scenes of the city? What great historical moments have taken place in your immediate vicinity? Immerse yourself in exciting, historical and contemporary snapshots. There are audio books, videos - and of course we have also put together exciting tours for you, for example along the Wall, around Moritzplatz or to Artpark Tegel. Discover the city of tomorrow, street art or Berlin's monuments of industrial heritage.
ABOUT BERLIN App
Find more powerful stories from Berlin on our app ABOUT BERLIN App. You can download it for free for iPhone and Android.
There are many stories to tell. ABOUT BERLIN.
