Being one of the biggest capitals in Europe, Berlin certainly doesn’t need an introduction. Our local ambassador Dominik recommends 10 fun things to do and see for free here.
1. Join the Alternative Berlin free tour
Alternative Berlin organises tours that take you off the beaten track and show you the city through the eyes of a local.
The free walking tour starts at 11:00 and 13:00 daily, and lasts 3 hours. There’s no need to pre-book – just show up. The meeting point is Alexanderplatz, next to the TV Tower. Tipping is optional, but if you enjoy the tour you can show your appreciation by giving a few coins to your guide. Read more…
Photo credit: Alternative Berlin
2. Climb Kreuzberg for a panoramic city view
The highest point (66 metres above sea level) of an otherwise flat Berlin offers a nice panoramic view of the city. It’s a great place for taking photos and relaxing. There’s also a monument to the soldiers who died in the Prussian liberation wars. Read more…
Photo credit: Nacho Pintos
3. Discover “Little Istanbul” at the BiOriental Market
If you’re missing the hustle of a true bazaar, head to BiOriental Market. Here you’ll find antiques, fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, clothes, flowers, and much more for sale, along with street musicians for entertainment.
Locals come here mostly for the organic produce and Turkish cuisine. Don’t hesitate to haggle – it’s encouraged! Read more…
Photo credit: Findingberlin.com
4. Try out urban gardening at Prinzessinegarten
Can you imagine growing fields of vegetables in the middle of a big city? That’s exactly what Berliners have done! As a sustainable living social project, activists cleared out a wasteland and turned it into the Princess Garden.
Go for a walk here for a quick city getaway and find out what the concept is all about. There’s also a lovely café serving dishes made with the garden’s harvest. Read more…
Photo credit: Prinzessinnengarten
5. Admire some art at the Kunstquartier Bethanien
This gallery, housed in a regal building that was once a hospital, is the epicentre of Berlin’s alternative art scene. Many of the exhibitions are free of charge.
Besides amazing exhibitions, there are also theatre and dance performances, and there’s even a scenic park surrounding the area. The best part is that it’s open every day! Read more…
Photo credit: Georg Slickers
6. Take a walk around Nikolaiviertel
Berlin is quite a modern city, though this area could be described as its “Old Town”.
Although Berlin was originally founded here around 1200, this area isn’t actually that old as it was completely destroyed during WWII and only rebuilt in 1987.
Some may say isn’t doesn’t look authentic, but it’s still a beautiful area with lots of peaceful pedestrian streets and interesting architecture. It’s definitely worth a stroll! Read more…
Photo credit: greendoor8
7. Stand at the top of the Reichstag Dome
Yes, you can climb to the top of Berlin’s parliament building for free. In addition to offering a nice panoramic view, the dome is something of an architectural miracle with 360 mirrors integrated into it, all of them reflecting light in different directions.
Keep in mind that to visit the building you must preregister either online or at a small building close to the southern entry. Read more…
Photo credit:Wytse Kloosterman
8. Take a magical stroll by the Landwehrkanal
The area surrounding this 10-kilometre-long canal is incredibly scenic and perfect for a quiet walk. It is, however, a very popular spot among locals on sunny days.
It’s tempting to take a quick dip in the river, but it’s neither allowed nor recommended as the water is polluted. Read more…
Photo credit: V
9. Find out more about the Nazi regime at the Topography of Terror
The Topography of Terror is a free museum that documents the police and state terrors that took place during the Nazi regime in Germany. There are both outdoor and indoor displays, as well as permanent and rotating exhibitions.
The museum’s location carries great significance as it’s housed in the buildings that served as the Gestapo and SS headquarters during the Nazi regime. There are also original parts of the Berlin Wall still standing in the area.
Photo credit: MrT HK
10. See an abandoned amusement park at Spreepark Berlin
From 1969 to 2001 the grounds of Spreepark operated as an amusement park, but due to rising prices and a lack of parking spaces, visitor numbers dropped drastically and the owners became insolvent.
The area has been abandoned ever since, and it’s prohibited to enter the premises for safety reasons, however recently guided tours have been introduced. Read more…
Photo credit: Internauten Basis