The tarmac is shimmering, the air is stifling, and record-breaking temperatures are forecast for this weekend? But don’t worry: between the swimming lake, Museum Island, a shady park and an ice cream, you’ll find plenty of places to escape the heat. Here are 11 tips to help you stay cool in Berlin.
A number of events have already been cancelled this weekend due to the heat, so please check in advance whether your event is going ahead.
And remember: drinkplenty of fluids , don’t forget your sun cream, and seek out the shade. And look after yourselves and those around you.
Tip 1: Head out to the lake
When Berlin gets hot, the nearest swimming lake is often just an S-Bahn ride away. Pack a towel, sun cream and a bit of patience, because on hot days lots of Berliners have the same idea. In return, you’ll be rewarded with sand beneath your feet, water on your skin and that very special summer holiday atmosphere.
It’s best to set off early, find a shady spot and take plenty of water with you.
Where: Swimming lakes in and around Berlin
When: Especially early in the morning or in the late afternoon
Suitable for: water lovers, mermaids and sea dogs
Tip 2: Head to an outdoor swimming pool
Through the turnstile, into the shower, into the water – and the heat is washed away in no time. Whether you want to swim laps, go down the slides, splash about or simply lie on the sunbathing lawn with a portion of chips in your hand: Berlin’s summer pools and lido beaches offer the full heatwave experience. It’s particularly handy that many of the pools are easily accessible by bus, Underground or S-Bahn.
As well as classic outdoor pools, there are also special spots like the Badeschiff, which is situated right in the middle of the River Spree and combines city views with that poolside vibe.
Where: Summer pools, outdoor pools and lido beaches in Berlin
When: Depending on the season, weather and opening times
Suitable for: families, sports enthusiasts, sun worshippers, water lovers
Outdoor swimming pools and lido beaches
Tip 3: Let off steam at water play areas
For children, the heat is fine as long as there’s water splashing about somewhere. That’s exactly why Berlin’s water play areas are little summer wonders in the neighbourhood: shoes off, feet in, laugh, run, and start all over again. With fountains, paddling pools, water features and mud pits, a hot afternoon turns into a wonderfully wet adventure playground.
For adults, there’s the added bonus that many of these spots have seating or shady corners nearby – so you can catch your breath whilst the little ones play in their very own mini water park.
On very hot days, though, make sure to take breaks, wear a hat and drink plenty of fluids. And because water facilities can vary depending on the weather, maintenance or opening times, it’s worth checking in advance.
Where: Water play areas and paddling in Berlin
When: Depending on the location and season
Suitable for: Families with children, local outings, hot afternoons
Tip 4: Visit a museum
When the air outside is stifling, museums are the most elegant way to cool off. You swap sweltering streets for high-ceilinged rooms, quiet corridors and art that leaves a lasting impression – more so than any air-conditioning. You can stroll across Museum Island, let yourselves be carried away by the exhibitions and, for a while, forget that summer is in full swing outside.
One exhibition currently well worth a visit, for example, is ‘Cassirer and the Breakthrough of Impressionism’ at the Alte Nationalgalerie: it is dedicated to Paul Cassirer and features over 100 works of Impressionism and classical modernism. The exhibition runs until 27 September 2026, making it perfect for a cool cultural break in the summer.
Where: Museums in Berlin, for example the Alte Nationalgalerie
When: Depending on the exhibition and opening hours
Suitable for: art lovers, culture vultures, date ideas, solo getaways
Tip 5: Find a cool place
Berlin has places that act almost like urban ice packs in summer. Sometimes it’s a spot by the water, sometimes a shady courtyard, sometimes a pool with a view, or a summer spot where the breeze, water and neighbourhood vibe come together perfectly. These spots are ideal if you don’t want to spend the whole day by the lake but still desperately need to escape the heat.
Where: Summer destinations, waterside spots and cool places in Berlin
When: Depending on your schedule and opening times
Suitable for: After-work cooling off, summer dates
Tip 6: Move your film night to an open-air cinema
During the day the sun beats down, but in the evening Berlin belongs to the open-air cinemas. When the heat slowly lifts from the streets, the screen lights up and you hear the rustle of popcorn somewhere, summer suddenly feels pretty good again. Open-air cinemas are perfect because you don’t have to sit indoors, yet you still get a full evening’s entertainment. Many open-air cinemas screen classics, arthouse films, audience favourites or the latest releases. This turns a hot day into a balmy film night with a big-city backdrop.
Where: Open-air cinemas in Berlin
When: Depending on the season, weather and programme
Suitable for: film fans, relaxed summer evenings
Tip 7: Discover cool churches as quiet retreats
On hot days, churches are little architectural wonders with thick walls, high ceilings and stone floors. During heatwaves, many open churches serve as peaceful havens where you can sit, take a deep breath and escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment. In Berlin, there are initiatives such as ‘Kühle Kirchen’ (Cool Churches), where selected venues offer seating, and in some cases toilets and drinking water; however, the specific facilities vary from church to church.
Where: Open churches in Berlin
When: During opening hours, especially on hot days
Suitable for: Those seeking peace and quiet, culture enthusiasts, short breaks in between
Tip 8: Cool off at Berlin’s ice-cream parlours
Of course, ice cream is a must. In Berlin, an ice-cream scoop has long been about more than just vanilla, chocolate and strawberry – here you’ll find pistachio with a twist, sorbets bursting with summer flavour, vegan varieties, experimental creations and classics that taste just like childhood. You’ll find good ice-cream parlours in almost every neighbourhood, from Prenzlauer Berg to Kreuzberg, from Charlottenburg to Neukölln. We’ve put together a selection for you.
Where: Ice-cream parlours across Berlin
When: Whenever the city calls for a bit of a cool-down
Suitable for: Everyone, absolutely everyone
Tip 9: Head into the woods
Berlin is greener than many people realise – and you’ll notice this particularly on hot days. Whilst the city centre is sweltering, in the Grunewald, the Tegeler Forst or the Wuhlheide, the leaves rustle, the ground smells of earth, and suddenly you find yourself breathing more deeply again. A walk beneath the canopy of trees cools not only your body but also your mind. It’s particularly lovely early in the morning, when the paths are still empty and the city is only just waking up. If you like, you can combine your trip to the woods with a visit to a lake, for example in the Grunewald or heading towards Müggelsee.
Important: In dry weather, be sure to be aware of the risk of forest fires – do not smoke, do not leave glass bottles behind and stay on the paths.
Where: Grunewald, Tegeler Forst, Wuhlheide, Köpenick woodland areas
When: Best in the morning or early evening
Suitable for: Nature lovers, those feeling the heat
Tip 10: Go out for a cool meal
A splash of lemon, a sprig of mint, a chilled glass – when it’s 34 degrees, you don’t necessarily need hearty home-cooked meals. Bowls, summer rolls, gazpacho, salads, cold pasta, mezze, ceviche or Vietnamese cuisine will see you through the day flavourfully without sending you into a food coma.
Look for restaurants with a shaded terrace, courtyard or pleasantly cool indoor dining areas. Especially in the neighbourhoods, you’ll find plenty of places where a summer meal feels like a mini-break. Market halls can also be a good idea, as they give you flexibility to pick exactly what your heat-stricken palate fancies.
Where: Restaurants, cafés, market halls and shaded terraces in Berlin
When: Light meals at lunchtime, relaxed al fresco dining in the evening
Suitable for: Foodies, friends, anyone not in the mood for heavy food
Tip 11: Find a shady park
Sometimes all you need is a blanket, a tree and a bottle of water. On hot days, Berlin’s parks are the city’s green living rooms: in the Tiergarten, the capital hums with life; in Volkspark Friedrichshain, you’ll find shady paths; in Treptower Park, a gentle breeze sometimes blows in from the Spree; and in Viktoriapark, there’s even the sound of a waterfall. If you prefer a quieter spot, head for smaller neighbourhood parks or cemeteries with mature trees.
The trick is not to roast in the open grass at midday, but to take the shade really seriously. And if you do fancy a bit of exercise: it’s better to take a slow stroll than to overdo it with sport. This way, the park becomes the best proof that Berlin can be gentle, green and quite laid-back, even in the height of summer.
Where: Tiergarten, Volkspark Friedrichshain, Treptower Park, Viktoriapark and neighbourhood parks
When: Mornings, late afternoons or evenings
Suitable for: Picnic lovers, families, friends, readers, shade-seekers
