Top 8 Things to do in Berlin

Top 8 Things to do in Berlin

If you visit Berlin, just walking around the streets without a purpose could fill up a notebook with a story worth the next bestseller. However, if you are the kind of person who would really like to take advantage of the experience or have some activities planned, read up.

1. Visit Berlin's höfe (courtyards) shops

The area of Berlin Mitte can become a really charming area because of its beautiful courtyards, like the ones available when walking around Rosenthaler Strasse. There are small shops and restaurants in what would appear to be hidden gems. There are some very well known courtyards, such as Hackesche Höfe and some more frequented by locals, such as Heckmann Höfe. In the latter, you'll be able to find small and special boutiques along with some cafes and a well known vegetarian restaurant. If you go during the day, you will be able to sit down outside and enjoy a great coffee or tea (if you're lucky to experience a good weather).

2. Enjoy some food in a street food market or select your favorite vegan place

When travelling in a group, deciding about where and what to eat can become a little bit tricky. However, what if you had many different options in the same place, whilst keeping the ability to eat all in the same table? Depending on the neighbourhood, you can find a large space with different food options available in Markthalle Neun in Berlin-Kreuzberg or a more compact space closer to the center of Berlin in Markthalle Pfefferberg in Prenzlauer Berg.


One of the most interesting things about Berlin, is the high amount of vegan choices. The possibilities are endless, from food, to cooking supplies and all the way to ice cream and drinks. Just type "vegan" within Google Maps and you'll be surprised with the amount of places. There's even a michelin star vegetarian restaurant if you want to experience some fine dining without so much restriction, it's Cookies and Cream.

3. Take a walk around Berlin Museum Island and visit your favourite expositions

If you feel like doing some cardio and visiting some of Berlin's most beautiful landmarks, how about a walk through the beautiful Museum Island? Each of the bridges crossing the river has a different activity going on, from live music to a spontaneous party with music and a disco-ball. The area in front of the cathedral or Berliner Dom (Lust Garten) usually has some really good musicians playing classical music and a lot of tourists taking pictures on the staircases.


Once you have taken all of the necessary pictures for your Instagram profile, choose your favorite exposition and spend the day stimulating your brain. When going into the museum, don't forget to ask for a headset if you do not wish to go with a tour guide, it will explain all of the important hints from the museums at no cost.

4. Enjoy a döner kebab by the river in Berlin

Elon Musk received a lot of reactions when asked about his favorite food when visiting Germany, his response: Döner kebab. There are many different places where it's possible to get a good döner, it goes from chicken or beef all the way to vegan options. Just ask any local walking close by about a good döner. Perhaps take it to go and walk somewhere close to the river, if you are visiting during the summer season, most probably there will be a large crowd sharing the same idea as you. If you're visiting during the winter and the weather is nice, you'll enjoy a meal with a view.

5. Try the local beers in a Berlin Kreuzberg pub crawl

There's little chance of not finding a good beer in Germany, same thing with Berlin. If you want to find the best bar, the topic becomes a little bit more complicated, given that what's best for one person is not for another.


If you want to be surrounded by a large amount of people (not very covid friendly) take a walk through Oranienstrasse and make your choice. If you prefer a more poshy environment, perhaps it's a better choice to take a stroll around Torstrasse and select any of the bars in that street.

6. Visit Berlin flea markets all around the city

There are different flea markets to visit around Berlin. Depending on the location you go to, the day and time availability can be various, the shopping selections are different and the crowds change. Depending on the area you want to go to, there are different options, some examples are:


Sunday 9.00 - 16.00: In Prenzlauer Berg, at the North of Berlin, you'll be able to find the Mauerpark flea market. You'll be able to find many second hand items together with some food and drink options. If you want to try something different, perhaps visiting the karaoke or shows afterwards (15.00) can be a different type of experience.


Sunday 10:00 - 16:00: Arkonaplatz flea market in Mitte. It's a petite and cozy flea market more frequented by locals. It offers many different things, such as vintage or handcrafted items, clothes, etc.


Saturdays and Sundays 11.00 - 17.00: Bode Museum flea market. In the different stands, you'll be able to find a lot of books, pieces of art and some antiques. The beauty of this market resides on its location, given that it's very close to the museums.

7. Visit the art galleries around Berlin Mitte

Who said that art can only be found in museums? Berlin is one of the most artistic cities around the world. It was once described as "poor but sexy" and this convinced many aspiring to be artists and musicians to pursue their artistic career in the city instead of forcing them to struggle with the impossible rent prices of cities like New York. Art is highly appreciated in most social circles and this is represented by the amount of art galleries.

Feel free to experience new artistic conceptions in the art galleries located in Berlin Mitte or Berlin Kreuzberg. Perhaps you'll buy a new piece to hang in your wall.

8. Become a Berlin artist (Berliner Künstler*innen) yourself

Why not take an active role in what's going on around the city by joining an art event with more locals? Learn to paint whilst having some drinks and meeting people in an ArtNight. In 2 to 3 hours you'll be able to create your own masterpiece to take home with you. Select your favorite theme or choose by art techniques: acryl painting, aquarella painting or handlettering. Perhaps painting with natural elements can be of your interest. The workshops are conducted by professional artists who will guide you step by step and allow to take your own hand-made souvenir back home.


Most of the events are carried out in German, however some of the hosts speak in English or understand the fact that you're not a native speaker and repeat the instructions for you by mimicking the strokes you are supposed to make. If you're interested in other types of events such as cooking and baking events in Berlin or gardening and plant events in Berlin, take a look at BakeNight and PlantNight.


If painting is your thing, discover your inner artist whilst having some drinks with ArtNight.