Summer isn´t over yet. Make the most of it and soak up some more sun, beach and holiday spirit at Berlin’s beach bars. Go for a bike ride with a stop at a swimming lake, have a barbecue in the parks, sip cocktails on a rooftop terrace and tuck into exotic ice-cream flavours. Or how about a boat trip on the River Spree? Here are our top 11 tips for summer activities.
Tip 1: Go for a swim in Berlin’s lakes
One of the absolute top summer activities in Berlin is undoubtedly swimming at the Wannsee lido in Zehlendorf. It’s no surprise that this historic open-air lido, with its kilometre-long sandy beach and charming beach chairs, is still celebrated in song by various bands and artists to this day. As well as the Wannsee, the Müggelsee – Berlin’s largest swimming lake – and the idyllic Groß Glienicker See are also great places to cool off. On the Berlin swimming map , you’ll find lots more lakes, lido beaches and places to swim.
If you’re looking for more than just a swim, you can get into the party spirit at the Badeschiff Berlin . Whilst the DJ spins his latest tracks, you can take a dip in the pool set in the River Spree.
Lakes and lido beaches in Berlin
Tip 2: Cycle through the capital on your bike
If you fancy a cycle ride through Berlin, you can set off straight away. The terrain in the city is mostly flat, making it a relatively easy ride. So there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying a bike ride.
Bikes are easy to hire for a small fee. Don’t forget your cycling helmet – safety comes first. Incidentally, there are also guided cycle tours to the main sights, where you’ll get fascinating information from guides who know the area well. Some lovely tours take you along the River Spree and the former Berlin Wall, for example, or out into the countryside.
Tip 3: Picnicking in the park
Summer and picnics simply go hand in hand. Berlin offers plenty of spacious parks and gardensfor this , as well as picturesque riverside spots along the Spree. Whether in the heart of the hustle and bustle or in a quieter spot on the outskirts – cosy spots to spread a blanket on the grass can be found all over the city.
Tip 4: Experience Hollywood under the stars
And, of course, summer is also the season for open-air cinemas: the most thrilling action thrillers and the most romantic comedies are once again being screened under the open night sky. From early May to early September, you’ll find a well-curated programme of films at the city’s countless open-air cinemas.
Tip 5: Take a boat trip on the Spree
Learn stand-up paddleboarding on the River Spree. If you’ve already got some experience, join a guided tour or take part in other events such as Single Night or yoga on a SUP. With this new trend sport, you’ll not only keep yourself in great shape, but also admire Berlin from the water at the same time.
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 really must give it a go this summer. You’ll find unusual flavours like this – many of which are also vegan – all over Berlin! Make yourselves comfortable, tuck into your ice cream and enjoy the explosion of flavour in your mouth.
Tip 7: Sip cocktails on rooftop terraces
Order a delicious cocktail, sit back and soak up the lovely weather. Berlin has some of the most beautiful spots for this – that holiday feeling is guaranteed. If you fancy seeing the capital from above, why not pop into the Klunkerkranich in Neukölln? The bar on top of the Neukölln Arcaden car park offers a first-class view of the capital and exudes Berlin charm.
Tip 8: Photograph street art
You might have already spotted one or two murals from your SUP board. In our selection of Berlin’s ‘Most Instagrammable Street Art’, we’ve put together a list of the most beautiful street art murals for you. You’re sure to find a great backdrop here to capture your perfect summer’s day in all its colourful glory for Instagram.
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 in store for you! Bury your feet in the warm sand whilst sitting in a deckchair and sipping refreshing drinks. Or get a bit active and play beach volleyball, or hire a SUP or canoe on the spot.
Tip 10: Enjoy the summer in the city’s beer gardens
Beer gardens are the best place to relax, meet up with friends or enjoy an after-work drink. You’ll find Berlin’s beer gardens in green spaces or right in the city centre – they’re simply part of a Berlin summer. Here you can enjoy balmy summer evenings with a Berliner Weiße, a fresh rosé or a craft beer. Enjoy a lovely evening by the lake, under the trees or in the park.
Tip 11: Do some sport or simply lie on the grass
Tempelhofer Feld is a huge open space on the site of the former Tempelhof Airport. You can now get active to your heart’s content on a jogging, cycling and skating route stretching for around 6 km. Or you can fly your kites on the vast meadows, play ball or just relax for a while.
Here you’ll find even more great tips for activities and things to do in Berlin – whatever the weather.
