What makes Berlin so special isn’t just its world-famous sights and highlights – it’s the way of life you’ll encounter in its neighbourhoods: a blend of atmosphere and culture, improvisation and heart. Whether you’re strolling along the cobbled streets of the Nikolaiviertel, sampling Berlin specialities at Rogacki or dancing the night away at SO36 – the city reveals its soul where it’s at its most authentic. In traditional ballrooms, quaint cultural pubs, quiet courtyards and lively clubs. And whilst you’re still discovering the city, it has long since captured your heart.
Tip 1: Hit the dance floor at Clärchens Ballhaus
A true Berlin classic that has been delighting dance enthusiasts from all over the world since 1913. At Clärchens Ballhaus , every dance beneath the chandeliers and stucco ceilings feels like a scene from an old film. The Hall of Mirrors on the upper floor is particularly magical – crumbling plaster meets opulent elegance.
Whether you’re waltzing or simply soaking up the charm: nostalgia is in the air here, and you can dance the night away and lose track of time. The dance hall owes its name to its founder, Clara Bühler.
When: please check the Ballhaus websitefor details
Where: Auguststraße 24/25, Mitte
Tip 2: Explore Tempelhofer Feld
Here, where aeroplanes once took off, longboards and skaters now glide across the tarmac, and the roar of engines has long since given way to the sweet chirping of birds and the loud laughter of children. Tempelhofer Feld is a vast, open space – urban, wild and free.
Between urban gardening, birdwatching and sunsets, between the craziest sports and relaxed picnics, you’ll experience a unique slice of Berlin at the city’s most unpretentious leisure park.
When: December and January from 7.30 am, February, October and November from 7 am, March to August from 6 am, September from 6.30 am, each day until sunset
Entrances: Tempelhofer Damm, Paradestraße, Columbiadamm, Herrfurthstraße and 5 further entrances on Oderstraße
Tip 3: Have a drink at the Möwe in the Felsenkeller
This quaint pub in the Akazienkiez is a real gem of the neighbourhood. The Möwe im Felsenkeller is where people meet: loyal regulars, bartenders with character, Berliners popping in for a quick visit, and the occasional curious soul who hasn’t missed the small, unassuming entrance.
Alongside the eight carefully selected draught beers, there are small snacks and lively chats about everything under the sun. The name is just as unusual as the atmosphere and the vibe – shaped by the surroundings in Schöneberg’s nightlife district on Akazienstraße.
When: Monday to Saturday, 4 pm to 1 am
Where: Akazienstraße 2, Schöneberg
Tip 4: Stroll through Markthalle Neun
Here, Berlin is all about food, creativity and socialising, because Markthalle Neun isn’t just a weekly market, but also a meeting place and a haven for food lovers. It provides a platform for small producers and offers you a wide selection of diverse products. Try your way through: street food, craft beer, coffee roasters and numerous delicacies from all over the world.
Do pop along on Thursday evenings for Street Food Thursday; between 5pm and 10pm you can experience the full range of international street food, from Thai dumplings to Mexican tacos and Allgäu Kässspatzen, right through to Portuguese pastries and Korean buns, and much more.
When: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 8 pm, Thursday until 10 pm
Where: Eisenbahnstraße 42/42, Kreuzberg
Tip 5: Party the night away at the legendary SO36
Welcome to the beating heart of Kreuzberg! SO36 is more than just a club – it’s a symbol of freedom, diversity and resistance to the norm. This is where punk history was made and queer club culture lived. Kreuzberg probably had its heyday as the home of the alternative scene in the 1970s and 1980s, and the reputation of the SO36 music club, founded in 1978, also dates from this period: wild, loud, alternative, anti-authority and anti-bourgeois.
Named after the old postcode district Südost 36, the club became a hub of the German punk and new wave scene – and remains so to this day. Die Ärzte and Die Toten Hosen rocked here just as much as international stars. Dance, party, let your hair down – just as you are, because that’s exactly what makes this place special.
When: depending on the programme
Where: Oranienstraße 190, Kreuzberg
Sun 36
Tip 6: Enjoy a beer at the Prater
The Prater is not only Berlin’s oldest beer garden, but also a place with soul. Even back in the 19th century, it was an integral part of Berlin’s nightlife; the Prater was simply everything: a pub and beer garden, a spot for day trips and a meeting place, with variety shows, folk theatre performances and a ballroom. And somehow, it’s still like that today.
Here on Kastanienallee, seeing and being seen has always been part of the experience. The theatre continues to put on regular performances at the Prater. On the other hand, Berlin’s oldest beer garden is simply a great place to be. And to eat, too. Amidst the trees, benches and stage, you can feel the history – and at the same time the laid-back vibe of the neighbourhood. A must-visit in summer, an insider tip in winter thanks to the year-round restaurant.
When: Restaurant open Monday to Saturday from 5pm, Sunday from 12 noon; beer garden open daily from 12 noon in fine weather
Where: Kastanienallee 7–9, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 7: Try a liqueur with a story
Where Berlin is still truly brilliant is always where there’s a real buzz. Like at Leydicke in Schöneberg. This traditional distillery dates back to 1877. Whilst enjoying liqueurs and fruit wines made to the recipes of founders Emil and Max Leydicke , swing, blues, jazz and rock ’n’ roll bands strike up a tune here.
If you like, you can order the home-distilled spirits to be delivered to your home, but then you’ll miss out on one of Berlin’s most authentic ‘haunts’. And that would be a shame.
When: daily from 7 pm to 1 am
Where: Mansteinstraße 4, Schöneberg
Leydicke
Tip 8: Discover the village-like atmosphere of Berlin in Alt-Rixdorf
Alt-Rixdorf on Richardplatz is one of those places in Berlin where you can still really feel that typical Berlin atmosphere: cobbled streets, narrow lanes, historic houses and the old Rixdorf smithy give this neighbourhood in Neukölln an almost village-like atmosphere right in the heart of the city.
Around Richardplatz, you’ll experience a slice of old Berlin with plenty of history, a genuine neighbourhood feel and a charming blend of down-to-earth charm, community spirit and Berlin-style laid-back attitude.
Where: Richardplatz, Neukölln
Tip 9: Discover Berlin’s oldest street
The Nikolaiviertel is a real gem right in the heart of the city. Cobblestones, winding alleyways, small shops and cosy pubs tell the story of medieval Berlin. Here you’ll find not only the city’s oldest church but also its oldest residential building, where quirky, nostalgic souvenir shops meet historic charm.
Our tip: Be sure to take a look at the Biedermeier interior of the Knoblauchhaus – here, Berlin’s bourgeoisie comes to life.
Where: Nikolaikirchplatz, Mitte
Tip 10: Indulge in the Winterfeldt Chocolate World
A true chocolate paradise awaits you in the listed pharmacy dating from 1892. Winterfeldt Schokoladen is not just a shop, but an experience: the artfully designed shelves, the nostalgic atmosphere and the lovingly selected pralines, bars and drinking chocolates invite you to marvel and indulge.
Here, Berlin style meets international chocolate artistry – perfect for a little indulgent break right in the heart of the neighbourhood.
When: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Where: Goltzstraße 23, Schöneberg
Tip 11: Treat yourselves to Berlin cuisine at Schusterjungen
A place like a good old mate: even if you haven’t seen each other for ages, you’ll be hugging each other straight away. In this pub-restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg , that even applies to newcomers. The food is delicious home-style cooking, the beers are sensibly selected, and the staff serve up hearty regional specialities such as jacket potatoes, beef roulades, mustard sauce or black pudding quickly and without fuss.
So if you’ve had enough for now of the fast-paced and very hip Prenzlauer Berg, which always wants to be ahead of its time, then treat yourself to a well-deserved break here – or even two or three.
When: daily from 12 noon
Where: Danziger Straße 9, Prenzlauer Berg
