Barbecuing in Berlin
Whether it's meat or veg, Berliners like to use their green space to cook outdoors.
Berlin is considered the greenest capital city in Europe, which is certainly one of the reasons why barbecuing is one of the most popular leisure activities in summer. Of course, barbecues are not allowed everywhere for safety reasons, but parks and green spaces with specially designated areas throughout the city invite you to barbecue together and, of course, the places also score points with a leisure programme and proximity to sights.
Please be considerate of the environment: Only use the barbecue in the designated barbecue areas and leave them tidy afterwards. In summer, please check in advance whether there are any temporary barbecue bans due to drought and heat.
City West
In Wilmersdorf, a designated barbecue area at Rudolf-Mosse-Platz on Mecklenburgische Straße invites you to barbecue together - barbecuing is permitted here. Just a few minutes' walk away, the popular Preußenpark with its sunbathing lawns offers ideal opportunities for relaxing or sunbathing. Those who prefer to get active can use the free fitness centre with numerous machines and instructions. Unfortunately, barbecues are no longer permitted in Preußenpark, but you can enjoy authentic Asian specialities and refreshing drinks at the weekend in the Thaipark on Württembergische Straße. The Thaipark is open every Saturday and Sunday between 11 am and 9 pm from April to the end of September.
Berlin's historic centre
The Monbijoupark is a little gem in Mitte. Here you can grab a barbecue on the designated area on Oranienburger Straße with a view of the Spree and then use the basketball court or table tennis table for a bit of exercise.
With children, the small outdoor pool is a great place to cool off and the barbecue area could not be better located for sightseeing - the New Synagogue is just a few minutes' walk away, The Monbijou Bridge takes you directly to the world-famous Museum Island, where five renowned museums are home to world-class art treasures.
Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain and Tempelhof
One of the hottest places for summer in Berlin is the Tempelhofer Feld. If you don't bring your own barbecue, you don't have to miss out on burgers and sausages. In addition to drinks and snacks, both beer gardens on the field also offer delicious barbecue specialities.
Designated barbecue areas are:
- Near the Columbiadamm sports grounds (main entrance Columbiadamm)
- Near Oderstraße/Leinestraße (entrances Oderstraße)
- Near Tempelhofer Damm (entrance Tempelhofer Damm)
Afterwards you can mingle with the colourful hustle and bustle. Skating, cycling, badminton, frisbee - almost anything is possible here.
Two Kreuzberg alternatives are the meadow on Waterlooufer between Blücherplatz and Zossener Straße and the green space of Görlitzer Park, which is located opposite the artificial turf pitch and the toboggan hill.
In Volkspark Friedrichshain, the official barbecue area at Neuer Hain on the large meadow on Danziger Straße has been extended. You can grill on 46 fireproof stone slabs (40 × 40 cm each) - but only with prior online reservation. Bookings can be made directly via the Neue Hain website. Use is only permitted after leaving a deposit at the neighbouring kiosk. Barbecue fans are given an aluminium token there, which must be attached to the barbecue in a clearly visible position. Cleanliness pays off: If you leave your place tidy, you will get your deposit back. The barbecue season runs here until the end of October.
Please remember to dispose of ashes and rubbish to keep the green spaces clean and protect nature.
The east of the city
In Prenzlauer Berg you are allowed to barbecue in the scenic Mauerpark on designated, fireproof areas - and enjoy not only the relaxed atmosphere, but also the real Berlin lifestyle: With street music, picnic blankets and a colourful crowd. Please note that barbecues are permitted here between 12 noon and 8 pm in June and September and even until 9 pm in July and August.
Sundays are particularly lively, when Mauerpark is transformed into a hotspot for flea market fans and street artists. A real highlight is the famous karaoke in the amphitheatre - the stage is clear for anyone who dares to sing in front of a large audience. If you need a break in between, stop off at the Biergarten Mauersegler right on the edge of the park - with cool drinks, snacks and a relaxed atmosphere under shady trees.
