Summer is not over yet. Enjoy it and soak up the sun, beach and holiday mood at Berlin's beach bars. Go on a bike tour with a stop at a swimming lake, have a barbecue in the parks, drink cocktails on a rooftop terrace and savour exotic ice cream flavours. Or how about a boat trip across the Spree on a solar-powered catamaran? Here are our top 11 tips for summer activities.
Tip 1: Go swimming in Berlin's lakes
One of the top summer activities in Berlin is definitely swimming at the Wannsee lido in Zehlendorf. It's not for nothing that the outdoor pool with its sandy shore and charming beach chairs has been sung about by various bands and artists to this day. At Berlin's largest bathing lake, Müggelsee, and also at Groß Glienicker See. You can find many more lakes, lidos and bathing opportunities on the Berlin bathing map.
If you want to do more than just swim, you can get into the party mood at Badeschiff Berlin . While the DJ spins his latest records, you can refresh yourself in the pool in the Spree.
Tip 2: Cycle through the capital on a bike
If you fancy a bike tour through Berlin, then you can start right away. The terrain in the city is mostly flat and therefore not very strenuous. So nothing stands in the way of an excursion by bike.
Bikes are easy to hire for a small fee. Don't forget your cycle helmet, as safety comes first. There are also guided bike tours to the most important sights, where you can get the most exciting information from local guides. Beautiful tours lead along the Spree and the former Wall, for example, or out into the countryside.
Tip 3: Picnic in the park
Summer and picnics go hand in hand. Berlin offers you marvellous parks and gardens with plenty of space and, last but not least, the banks of the Spree. Whether in the centre of the city or a little further out, there are cosy picnic spots hidden all over Berlin.
Puzzling beats melting
Escape the heat in our air-conditioned rooms – or head out on an outdoor mission through Berlin. Puzzles, thrill and teamwork: EXIT turns your summer into an adventure. Ready to play?
Tip 4: Experience Hollywood under the stars
And of course, summertime is also the time for open-air cinemas: The most exciting action thrillers and romantic comedies are once again screened under the open night sky. From the beginning of May to the beginning of September, you will find a well-assorted film programme in the city's countless open-air cinemas. Open Air Cinemas Berlin
IKONO Berlin: endless fun and creativity
Explore the city’s newest immersive experience in Alexanderplatz. At IKONO, art, play and the unexpected combine to offer visitors an unforgettable adventure filled with self-discovery, interactivity, and joy throughout its 14 immersive rooms.
Tip 5: SUP on the Spree
Learn to stand-up paddle on the Spree. If you already have some practice, join a guided tour or take part in other events such as the Singles Night or yoga on the SUP. This new trend sport not only keeps you super fit, but also allows you to admire Berlin from the water.
Berlin by the water
Tip 6: Enjoy delicious ice cream in Berlin
Because ice cream tastes best in Berlin! If you haven't tried passion fruit, raspberry and cardamom ice cream yet, you should definitely do so this summer. You can find such unusual ice cream flavours - many of which are vegan - everywhere in Berlin! Make yourself comfortable, lick your ice cream and enjoy the explosion of flavour in your mouth.
ice cream cafés & ice cream parlours
Tip 7: Sip cocktails on rooftop terraces
Order a delicious cocktail, sit back and enjoy the beautiful weather. You'll find the most beautiful locations for this in Berlin - a holiday feeling is guaranteed. If you want to enjoy the capital from above, why not pay a visit to the Klunkerkranich in Neukölln? The bar on the Neukölln Arcaden multi-storey car park offers a one-of-a-kind view of the capital and exudes Berlin charm.
Tip 8: Photographing street art
You may have already seen one or two murals from a SUP board. In our selection of the "Most Instagrammable Street Art" in Berlin, we have put together the most beautiful street art murals for you. You're sure to find a great backdrop for your perfect summer day in a colourful setting for Instagram.
Tip: You can find details about the individual murals in Artpart Tegel, as well as other exciting street art tours, in our ABOUT BERLIN story app, our free digital city guide for Berlin fans.
Download now for free!
Tip 9: Feet in the sand: beach bars in Berlin
It doesn't always have to be the Mediterranean or the Caribbean: Berlin has some fantastic beaches waiting for you. Bury your feet in the warm sand while you sit in a deckchair and sip refreshing drinks. Or you can get a little sporty and play beach volleyball or hire a sup or canoe on site.
Tip 10: Enjoy the summer in the city's beer gardens
Beer gardens are the best place to relax, meet friends or enjoy an after-work drink. You can find Berlin beer gardens in the countryside or in the centre of the city - they are simply part of the Berlin summer. Here you can enjoy mild summer evenings with Berliner Weisse, a fresh rosé or craft beer. Enjoy a lovely evening by the lake, under the trees or in the park.
Tip 11: Doing sport or simply lying on the grass
Tempelhofer Feld is a huge open space on the site of the former Tempelhof Airport. You can now exercise to your heart's content on a 6-kilometre jogging, cycling and skating track. Or you can fly your kite on the wide meadows, play ball or relax for a while.
Here you'll find even more great tips for activities & things to do in Berlin - rain or shine.
