Alongside the famous historical sites, world-class museums and stunning German architecture, there is also a cosmopolitan food scene, picturesque parks, and quirky venues to discover.
Take a look at some of the more overlooked, underrated things to do in Berlin before booking a trip to the German capital. You’ll feel like a local when you visit the following attractions!
Underrated Things to do in Berlin
Most travelers to the city arrive at either Berlin Tegel (TXL) or Berlin Schoenefeld (SXF) international airports. After you get settled in, some of the top things to do on your list may include the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, and the Berliner Fernsehturm television tower. Some of the best neighborhoods for hotels in Berlin include:
- Mitte
- Prenzlauer Berg
- Kreuzberg
- Friedrichshain
- Neukölln
Once you have made your way to some of the more obvious landmarks, plan a more comprehensive exploration of the city, including some of these underrated aspects of Berlin we mention below!
Dive in at Strandbad Wannsee
You might be tempted to be on the move the whole time you are in Berlin, however, the city is designed with leisure and relaxation in mind. Take a moment to pause during your trip and visit the open-air swimming spots and lidos (outdoor pools) that are considered an important part of Berlin city life.
For more than 100 years, Strandbad Wannsee–about a half an hour drive from Berlin–has been a family-friendly location. With water-slides, almost a mile of sandy beach, and park areas for sports, up to 30,000 people visit Strandbad Wannsee to swim and sunbathe. The recreation area is on the eastern shore of Großer Wannsee lake, a large bay of the Havel river.
Art at the Reichstag Building
Most tourists visit the Reichstag Building to take in beautiful views from the dome, which was designed by Sir Norman Foster. What you might not realize is that the Reichstag is actually an important art venue, as well as the site of the German national parliament.
It has a considerable art collection and functions as a venue for changing exhibitions and permanently installed artworks. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant on the roof for a scenic breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Enjoy Berlin Cafe Culture
Berlin’s European cafes have provided a perfect venue for Kaffee und Kuchen, the regular afternoon ritual of stopping for coffee and cake. Not only that, but the cafe culture attracts writers and artists to congregate in the more bohemian parts of the city.
Traditional coffee houses have been joined by a new wave of hipster start-ups with more international influences and specialty roasts and brews. Bonanza is one of the most popular examples of modern Berlin coffee culture. Café Kranzler is a famous coffeehouse and West Berlin landmark. Make a point of looking for these independent cafes to get a sense of the city.
Discover Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände
The Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände brings together art, nature, and history in one fascinating mix. Now a public park, the site was known as Tempelhof Railyard in 1889 and closed in 1952. Since then, nature has reclaimed the site with buildings, water towers, and locomotives which are now standing amidst trees and grasslands in an urban forest. It has become a site for creativity with original sculpture, music, and photography being displayed within the landscape. A truly unique and underrated attraction within Berlin!
Street Food at Markthalle Neun
For a unique food experience in Berlin, head to Markthalle Neun. First opened in 1891 and revived as a farmers’ market in late 2011, this lively space brings together some of the best regionally sourced produce you’ll find in Berlin. It’s popular for affordable street food and a traditional German breakfast. Go for cheese, sausages, and beer, which are served up with a side of friendliness and local character. There are also bakeries, butchers, and tasty pulled-pork sandwich shops to keep you busy all day.
Cross the Oberbaumbrücke
Located in East Berlin, close to the S-Bahnhof Warschauer Straße, this distinctive bridge has become a symbol of Berlin unity. Although it’s on the more well-known side, it doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves. The bridge connects the Eastern and Western parts of the city providing visitors with a stunning view of East Berlin landmarks, including Fernsehturm, the Badeschiff, and the Molecule Man aluminum sculpture.
The Oberbaumbrücke is close to the East Side Gallery – a part of the Berlin Wall that has been preserved and turned into the world’s longest open-air mural collection.
Take a Berlin River Cruise
One of the most underrated ways to see the city is to sail down the River Spree and take in city center sights like Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island. There are also cruises available along the Landwehr Canal, traveling through Tiergarten Park, and passing underneath historic local bridges.
Quirky Sights at Spreepark
The Spreepark in southeastern Berlin is an atmospheric abandoned amusement park that was featured in the movie Hanna. Some of the decommissioned attractions have been removed, but the Ferris wheel, rollercoaster, carousel, and the facade of the English village remain. Although plans are in place to redevelop the site, at the moment, it remains a local curiosity. Tours are generally offered on weekends by the city (except during the winter).
Hall of Mirrors in Clärchens Ballhaus
The Clärchens Ballhaus dancing venue, established in 1913, features a hidden gem – a mirrored ballroom with a chandelier, gallery, and decorative stucco art ceilings and walls. Dining events are regularly hosted here, invoking the spirit of the Golden Twenties, alongside jazz and classical music concerts.
Eat at Burgermeister
A burger joint that sprung up in an old public toilet in Berlin Kreuzberg, Burgermeister has become a late-night meeting spot. It’s a cool locals hangout spot that serves tasty, American-style burgers layered with toppings like bacon and jalapenos.
The David Hasselhof Experience
What started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute is now a full-blown museum celebrating “The Hoff” and his relationship with Berlin. The David Hasselhof Museum is located in the basement of the Circus Hostel in the Mitte district of Berlin and is a fun spot to visit.
You will find Baywatch and Nightrider memorabilia, alongside exhibits relating to the American actor and singer’s famous performance of his West German No. 1 hit “Looking for Freedom.” He sang to jubilant crowds at the Berlin Wall during the 1989 New Year’s Eve Celebration, weeks after the wall had started to be taken down.
With these underrated things to do in Berlin, you’ll have plenty of attractions to fill your time and feel like a local on your next trip.
