25 Things To Do in Berlin This Summer
Last Updated on July 3, 2026
Berlin in summer is a different city entirely. The grey skies lift, the parks fill up, and the city’s famously nocturnal culture spills out onto streets, rooftops, restaurant patios, and riverbanks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident looking for new ideas, here are 25 ways to make the most of Berlin when the sun finally shows up.
25 Things To Do in Berlin This Summer
a scoop of the Licorice and Salted Caramel ice cream from Jones (their carrot cake ice cream is also amazing!)
1. Eat ice cream
The unofficial German past-time of the warm months is undoubtedly eating ice cream. When I first moved here I was shocked by seeing people queueing for eis—sometimes even when the weather isn’t even that great! It might not be as famous as the Italian’s gelato but German ice cream is damn delicious. There’s usually more than one option in every kiez in the city but my favorites are Jones Ice Cream and Duo Sicilian (get the pistachio dip).
Krumme Lanke
2. Go to the lake
Berlin has the good fortune of being surrounded by lakes, many of which are easily reachable by public transit. If you have a bike, even more options open up.
Wannsee is a popular choice but if it feels too busy, these two quieter lakes in the Grunewald are connected by forest paths and beloved by locals. Schlachtensee has a nice loop walk around it while Krumme Lanke is smaller and a bit wilder. Both are free to swim in.
photo: Freuluftkino Neue Zukunft
3. Go to an outdoor cinema
Going to the theater has its own charm but going to a theater under the stars is much more memorable experience. While the indoor types might offer you the luxury of air-conditioning, an open-air cinema just can’t be beat. Fortunately, Berlin has many outdoor kinos to choose from. Every summer, the city hosts dozens of open-air cinema (Freiluftkino) events in parks, courtyards, and even on rooftops. (Bring your own blanket and snacks.)
Check out our list of the best outdoor move theaters in Berlin.
4. Go to an open-air concert
The city hosts countless outdoor concerts throughout summer. The Berliner Philharmoniker usually has a few different concerts at the Waldbühne: a beautiful open-air stage, next to Olympiastadion. Recently, I saw someone on TikTok call it the “Red Rocks of Berlin” and I have to agree. (If classical music isn’t your thing, it also hosts regular bands.) Another option is the Classic Open Air at Gendarmenmarkt. Every July, the historic square in front of the Konzerthaus transforms into an outdoor concert arena. And finally, there’s the Parkbühne Wuhlheide, which is the second-largest open-air stage in Berlin.
You can check the Waldbühne schedule here.
5. Picnic in the Tiergarten
Tiergarten is hands-down Berlin’s most spectacular park. While it’s quite large geographically, there are plenty of grassy areas to lounge that seem almost private. Going for a picnic here is a great way to enjoy the space. If you’re visiting, my advice is to head to the Mall of Berlin first. Hit up the lower level for multiple grocery store options and then head to the park. After you’re done eating, you can walk off the food and explore the many hidden gems in the park.
6. Explore the Gärten der Welt
If you love the park idea, but want something more exotic, head east out to Marzahn. The Gardens of the World in Marzahn include meticulously designed Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Balinese gardens. Because of its eastern location and the entry fee, this place is a lot less busy than Tiergarten. As a bonus, it’s practically devoid of tourists! When you’re there, don’t miss the American garden (a parking lot lol), the gondola ride and the bobsled ride (extra charges apply).
- Gärten der Welt | Blumberger Damm 44, 12685 Marzahn | Map
CSD Festival
7. Go to a street festival
Partying in the street is a Berlin tradition. Berlin is known for its club culture, but that sense of freedom also extends to the free open-airs and street parties. There are several to pick from during the warmer months. Take your pick from CSD, Kreuzberg Festival, Rave The Planet (aka the former Love Parade) or many more.
8. Go to an open-air rave
Dance at an open-air club or techno garden Berlin’s nightlife doesn’t staty indoors in summer. Instead, it moves outside. Berlin clubs like Sisyphos, Kater Blau, and about:blank are famous for their outdoor spaces, while Club der Visionaire is only open during the warm months. If you want to experience some of Berlin’s famed nightlife without staying up all night, there are plenty of ways to experience it during daylight.
Read our Berlin clubbing guide here.
9. Sit on the patio at La Maison
La Maison is so perenially popular many would roll their eyes at me to suggest this. But I still believe that sitting here with your coffee (or wine) and people-watching is one of the greatest pleasures of summer. The huge outdoor seating area gives off Parisian vibes and the pastries are top-tier. (They’ve basically ruined me for anything else!) The location next to the canal always puts you into a relaxed state of mind. Securing a table at peak hours can be a challenge so be patient or go early to beat the crowds.
- La Maison (original location) | Paul-Lincke-Ufer 17, 10999 Kreuzberg | Map
10. Explore Tempelhofer Feld
Berlin is loaded with beautiful parks but Tempelhofer Feld is a standout. Sure, you could opt for the classic beauty of Tiergarten. But Tempelhof will show you more of Berlin’s real soul. This former Nazi-era airport is one of the most unusual parks in Europe. But today, you can walk or cycle on the old runways, watch kitesurfers and skaters, visit the community gardens, and contemplate life over a beer. (I described it to some visiting friends recently as the “Venice Beach of Berlin” – minus the beach part of course.)
- Tempelhofer Feld | Tempelhofer Damm, 12101 Neukölln | Map
11. Visit a biergarten/beer garden.
What could be better than an ice cold beer on a warm summer’s day? It’s all the better when you indulge in the cool shade of one of Berlin’s many beer gardens. This is Germany of course, so there’s bound to be a great one close by, no matter which neighborhood you’re in.
Check out list of the best beer gardens in Berlin right here.
12. Hit up a flea market / flohmarkt
The flea market is a cornerstone of Berlin culture. There’s no better place to sell your old pieces and restock with some new ones. However, most markets shut down during the winter months, so it’s smart to get your fix during the summer. (Pro tip: buying winter stuff now will make the deals even better!)
There are plenty of flea markets in Berlin to choose from, so check out our post about them here.
15. Eat pizza in Körnerpark
Neukölln has an undeserved reputation for being somewhat rundown (or even dangerous) but take one look at picturesque Körnerpark to see how just untrue that stereotype is. The square is absolutely gorgeous, and a beautiful spot to while away a few hours on a park blanket. Yes, you can grab one of the tables of the cafe/bar Orangerie here if you like, but plenty of locals head to nearby Nini e Pettirosso for a slice or a pizza to go, to enjoy while sitting on the grass.
- Körnerpark | Schierker Str., 12051 Neukölln | Map
16. Go to an outdoor pool (schwimmenbad)
There are few betters ways to cool down than jumping in the water. Unfortunately, the Spree is not yet clean enough for us to do that. So do the next best thing and find yourself an outdoor pool. Berlin is home to many public pools which you can access for cheap. But my top pick is still Badeschiff: the shipping container pool that’s sunk into the Spree.
- Badeschiff | Eichenstraße 4, 12435 Alt-Treptow | Map
17. Go for an aperitivo
We’re not in Italy but you can pretend for an afternoon. During the warmer months, what could be better than the bitter-sweetness of an Aperol Spritz on a patio, with friends and preferably some small snacks? There are plenty of places to indulge in this warm weather tradition, but I suggest Bar Milano (Mitte), Frau Luna (Kreuzberg) or Bar Nonno (Schöneberg).
18. Visit Teufelsberg
A Cold War listening station perched on a hill made entirely of wartime rubble. The graffiti-covered domes are surreal, the views over the Grunewald forest are lovely, and the story behind the place is fascinating enough to keep a history nerd happy for hours.
Check out our Teufelsberg guide here.
19. Chill at a rooftop bar
Berlin has a genuinely excellent rooftop bar scene. From the offbeat Klunkerkranich (which sits on top of a shopping centre in Neukölln) to the views from the chic Monkey Bar overlooking the Zoo, the city looks spectacular from above at golden hour.
Check out our list of the best rooftop bars in Berlin here.
20. Get lost in a museum
Berlin is home to many amazing museums, and whether you’re a tourist or a local, they’re always worth visit. Museum Island is a great starting point but we’ve got even more listed in our best museums in Berlin guide. Just be warned, they can get quite busy in the summer months so go during the week or in the morning if you want to beat the crowds!
21. Dance under the stars at Monbijoupark.
One of the most charming Berlin summertime activities is dancing under the stars at Monbijoupark. Spree-side Strandbar offers dance classes and dancing. You have to pay for the classes (usually 10 or less) but the open dance is free. Bring your honey or show up alone to make friends. All levels and lifestyles are welcome.
(And if you don’t feel like dancing, this is a great spot for a pizza and drink to sit and enjoy while you watch boats float down the Spree.)
rent a boat at Cafe am Neun See
22. Rent a paddle-boat
Paddling around a pond or the Spree is another great summer tradition. There are several places to do this but my favorite is at Cafe am Neun See. It’s shady and picturesque plus you can stop to refuel at the beer garden there before or after your adventure. You can also try Kanuliebe in Treptower Park.
- Café am Neuen See | Lichtensteinallee 2, 10787 Tiergarten | Map
23. Sing karaoke at Mauerpark.
Karaoke at Mauerpark is another one of the most unique activities in Berlin. Bear Pit Karaoke has been running here by Irish-import Gareth Lennon who started things back in 2009. Grab yourself a drink and find a seat, and get ready to raise your hand if you’re up to the singing challenge. Not musically inclined? Not to worry! It’s fun just to sit and watch everyone else sing. This stage tends to attract some extremely talented singers which makes for a fun low-cost afternoon.
24. Enjoy a sundowner
Berliners love a sunset and they’re not fussy about where to catch it. There are popular places all over the city where people gather and sit (usually on the sidewalk), while having a späti beer and a good conversation. If you see a bunch of people randomly sitting or standing on a bridge around sunset, you’ve found them! Feel free to go grab your own drink and do the same thing.
Spreewald
25. Take a day trip.
Check out list of the best day-trips from Berlin and get inspired to take a short adventure! If you have a Deutschland ticket, even better. It’s very easy to get to Hamburg, Dresden, Spreewald & many more places within just a few hours.
Get inspired with out list of day trips from Berlin here.
What Are You Doing In Berlin This Summer? Relax & Enjoy!
While I’ve given you a lot to think about with this list, one of my favorite summer pastimes of all is to simpy do nothing. Grab a beer from a späti, and sit at the tables out front or take it to a nearby park. When the temperatures get high, sometimes that’s the very best plan of action. So please use this list to get inspired but remember that the best things in life are often free (or very low-cost). Be open-minded and let Berlin’s adventurous spirit take you away. Enjoy!
Coming To Berlin?
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- What to do in Berlin? Start your journey with our Ultimate Guide to Berlin.
- Where to stay in Berlin? Check out our Berlin hotel guide.
- Where to stay in Berlin? Check out our Berlin neighborhood guide.
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