Weather is known to defy the best planning. If you're still looking for ideas for a rainy day in Berlin we have the right tips for you - from indoor adventures for children and adults to pretty market halls and the perfect spa day. It certainly won't be boring. After all, there's something cosy about a bit of rain. And what did Grandma always say? We're not made of sugar.
Tip 1: Visit exhibitions in Berlin
Are you interested in art, technology or natural sciences? Berlin has so many museums that you could visit a different exhibition every day. To make sure you don't get lost in the huge selection, we have put together the current exhibition highlights for you.
Tip 2: Stroll through market halls
You can stroll through one of Berlin's beautiful market halls without getting your feet wet. See the bright colours of fruits and vegetables, take in the smells of delicacies and let the flavours melt in your mouth. In addition to food and dishes, you will also find one or two souvenirs. A street food market takes place every Thursday in the trendy Markthalle Neun, which will make your mouth water.
Tip 3: Let off steam with the kids at the indoor playground
With children, you can give free rein to your urge to move at indoor playgrounds. They transport you to a whole new world. This works particularly well at the Legoland Discovery Centre. Here, the hours will fly by as your little ones shimmy through a course as a ninja, give free rein to their creativity with Lego bricks at the building tables and race against each other in self-built Lego cars.
When: Daily 10 am - 7 pm
Where: Sony Centre at Potsdamer Platz, Potsdamer Straße 4 , Tiergarten
Tickets for the Legoland Discovery Centre
Tip 4: Eat chocolate and release happiness hormones
The chocolate therapy helps to counteract bad moods in rainy weather. The advantage when it's not 30 degrees outside: the cocoa-containing goods don't melt so quickly and you can still pack something for your loved ones at home. The Rausch chocolate house is particularly impressive. Here you will find the large sales area with chocolate counter, insights into the manufactory and the chocolate café on three floors. The historic building on Gendarmenmarkt was not originally built for the Rausch company, but it contributes perfectly to the elegant atmosphere.
When: Monday to Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 12pm - 8pm
Where: Charlottenstraße 60, Mitte
Tip 5: Original shopping at Bikini Berlin
You can escape the rain in a shopping mall. Bikini Berlin is a special experience. Why? There is an original shop concept and a gallery with changing art exhibitions and installations. The Concept Mall focuses on selected shops and changing pop-up stores, which are run by small companies and young designers. The culinary concept of the mall and the beautiful architecture of the 1950s building will help you spend a pleasant time here.
When: Monday to Saturday 10am - 8pm
Where: Budapester Straße 42-50, Charlottenburg
Tip 6: Go on a virtual journey through time
The Virtual Reality Experience TimeRide takes you on a city tour through Berlin, among other things. The special feature: You ride through the divided Berlin of the 1980s. You pass a border post, drive along Friedrichstraße and see the Palace of the Republic, where the newly built Humboldt Forum now stands. All this while sitting comfortably in the backdrop of the exhibition. What's more, TimeRide Berlin was certified as a sustainable company by Sustainable Tourism Berlin in spring 2023.
When: Monday 11 to 17:20, Tuesday to Saturday 10 to 17:20, Sunday 11 to 15:20
Where: Near Checkpoint Charlie, Zimmerstraße 91, Mitte
Tip 7: Enjoy peace and relaxation in a day spa
A wellness oasis is the perfect place to isolate yourself from the grey outside world and relax for a day. In a day spa, you can use a complete wellness area, which - depending on the location and provider - is equipped with a pool, saunas, loungers and massage rooms. A day trip to a Therme is also a good idea to escape the rain.
Tip 8: Make yourself comfortable and listen to our podcast
If the sightseeing tour through Berlin falls through, make yourself comfortable and listen to our podcast "Berlin Unboxed". Here you can get an exciting look behind the scenes and hear authentic voices from Berlin. For example, find out more about the Berlin Underworlds, climb onto the roof of the Theatre des Westens with us or immerse yourself in the Berlin music scene of the 1980s. And when the clouds clear and the sun comes out again, you'll have plenty of inspiration for your exploration tour of Berlin. You can find an overview of all episodes here:
Tip 9: Go surfing
It's pouring with rain outside and you go... go surfing? What sounds surreal is actually possible thanks to Wellenwerk's indoor surfing facility. The water temperature here is always a cosy 26 degrees. Of course, you'll be guided by real professionals, who can teach you beginner courses. Safety is also taken care of: if required, Wellenwerk will provide you with a helmet free of charge. Just come back from your holiday in Berlin and tell us that you've learnt to surf - you'll be sure to get amazed looks.
When: Monday to Friday 8am-11pm, Wednesday to Friday 5pm-2pm, Saturday 9am-2pm, Sunday 9am-10pm
Where: Landsberger Allee 270, Lichtenberg
Tip 10: Forget space and time in the planetarium
In the Zeiss Planetarium, you can marvel and learn as planets and galaxies are projected onto the 30 metre dome. The programme of the most modern science theatre in Europe includes shows with different thematic focuses such as "Spaceship Earth" or "Infinite Worlds". The cinema hall of the planetarium also shows children's films and current feature films in German and English.
When: Tuesday to Sunday depending on the screening, closed on Mondays
Where: Prenzlauer Allee 80, Prenzlauer Berg
Tipp 11: Attend workshops and broaden your horizons
When the sun is shining, it can take a lot of effort to spend your time on a craft course or a workshop. Rainy weather, on the other hand, offers you the opportunity to take part in such events without feeling like you're missing out. You can regularly attend workshops on the topics of upcycling and repair at the BSR (Berliner Stadtreinigung) Gebrauchtwarenkaufhaus NochMall.
When: Depending on the workshop, Repaircafé every Thursday from 15 - 19.30 with pre-registration
Where: Auguste-Viktoria-Allee 99, Reinickendorf
You can find even more tips for Berlin at visitBerlin.de
