Postcard from Berlin: alternative activities for all seasons
Berlin is a multifaceted city, unique in its fusion between modern and gritty, renowned for its weekend-long parties, vibrant food and historic relevance. It’s a city that can be returned to again and again, without running out of new things to explore. I have visited the city in both summer and winter, and the capital has something to offer for every season. Once you’ve ticked off the must-see tourist attractions, here are a few lesser-known activities not to miss during your trip.
Freiluftkino
File this one under ‘summer activities’. From May until the end of the summer, outdoor cinemas can be found in various areas around the city: in Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Rehberge, to name a few. Some of these cinemas house up to 1,500 people who gather under the night-sky to watch the latest blockbuster or loved classic. Note that many films are screened in a German-dubbed version, so scan the program for movies in English before your visit.
Flohmärkte: Arkonaplatz, Mauerpark & RAW
If you’re in the city over the weekend, you might want to take the opportunity to visit some of the flea markets that take place on Sundays. Flohmarkt Arkonaplatz is jam-packed with antiques and second hand items. You might have to inspect the stalls with care to find some bargains, but it has a great atmosphere. Nearby you’ll find Flohmarkt im Mauerpark, where you can find everything from hand-made T-shirts and jewelry to second hand items sold by a younger crowd. There are also food stalls selling fresh fruit and other delicacies. You’ll find RAW Flohmarkt at the cultural grounds RAW Gelände — an area that hosts both cultural projects and clubs. Join the trendy crowd that frequents the Friedrichshain area and rummage the racks for your next steal.
Alternative city walking tours
Are you looking for a city tour that doesn’t involve the usual stops of The Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie? Take one of the free ‘alternative’ walking tours and explore Berlin’s cultural scene — from graffiti street art to squats and community projects. There are a few to choose from: Original Berlin Tours and Alternative Berlin Tours are two examples.
Rooftop bars and biergärten
Instead of paying €14 for entry to the observation deck of the iconic Berliner Fernsehturm, spend your euros on a drink or two at one of Berlin’s famous rooftop bars to get a top-notch view of the city. Deck5 comes with a rooftop beach, and Klunkerkranich, while only open on the weekends, provides the ultimate summer hangout with an urban garden feel on top of Neukölln Arcaden Mall. Some rooftop bars, such as Monkey Bar, stay open year-round and are equipped for both summer and winter visits.
If you’d like to stay closer to the ground, stop by one of Berlin’s many beer gardens instead. Tiergarten houses two that are popular with tourists and locals alike: Schleusenkrug and Café am Neuen See.
Teufelsberg
On top of a man-made hill consisting of war rubble, that measures 120m above sea level, stands Teufelsberg: an abandoned Cold War spy station. The rubble was dumped on what was originally a Nazi military-technical college after the Allies failed to destroy it post-WWII. During the Cold War, the Americans and British used Teufelsberg as a listening station to collect information about the on-goings in East Berlin. Now abandoned and taken over by street artists, it’s a unique site to visit if you don’t mind venturing a little further outside the city center.
Christmas markets
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, do not miss out on the many Christmas markets that pop up around the city. There’s an abundance of different ones to choose from: Alexanderplatz, Potsdamer Platz and Gendarmenmarkt are just a few of the popular places where you can find markets in the city center. Visit WeihnachtsZauber by Gendarmenmarkt if you’re on the hunt for handmade artifacts and food. If you’re into winter activities such as ice-skating, stop by Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Roten Rathaus. In case you’re looking for something less traditional, Wintertraum am Alexa has a Ferris wheel and modern rides in addition to the usual stalls. Wherever you go, get yourself a mug of glüwein to keep yourself warm. Note that some of the markets take a small entrance fee in the afternoons and evenings, and there might be a queue to enter the most popular ones.
The food scene
A trip to Berlin would not be complete without exploring the food scene. Whether you’re looking to taste a classic currywurst or to find the perfect brunch spot, Berlin offers it all. Friedrichshain and Kreutzberg both have a good selection of quality falafel and döner kebab shops, although they can be found all around the city. If you’re looking to brunch, check out House of Small Wonder for Japanese-fusion dishes, or Commonground for boozy brunching. For coffee, head to Distrikt Coffee or F5 Coffee, where you’ll find fabulous breakfast items and cakes to accompany your caffeine boost. And if you’re in the mood for waffles, don’t miss the retro café and boutique Kauf Dich Glücklich.
Edited by Cheyenne Abrams.
