There’s so much more to Berlin than see the Brandenburg Gate and the East Side Gallery! Here are 28 fun and unusual things to do in Germany’s capital city.
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Many visitors to Berlin come to experience the city’s techno scene or visit famous sites from WWII and the Cold War. While both are great reasons to come to Germany’s capital city, there’s so much more to do and see in Berlin than that.
We’re going to go way off the beaten path to discover some quirky, fun, and sometimes downright weird experiences in Berlin.
This list of unusual things to do in Berlin have been vetted by me personally — I never recommend anything I haven’t experienced for myself. Whether you’re a tourist who’s in town for a few days or a local who’s looking for something new and exciting to do, you’re sure to discover something new with this list of non-touristy things to do in Berlin!
Table of Contents
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Underrated WWII and Cold War Sites
Visit the Cold War Listening Station at Teufelsberg
The former Cold War listening station atop the Teusfelsberg is one of the most unusual places in Berlin.
The massive structure with golf ball-shaped domes was built on the former site of Hitler’s intended “Military Technical Facility.” Fast forward to the end of WWII, and the Allied forces needed somewhere outside the city center to dump all of the rubble left over from the bombing of Berlin.
An estimated 26 million cubic meters of rubble were piled in the heart of the Grunewald forest, creating what’s now known as the Teufelsberg (“Devil’s Mountain”). Americans built a surveillance station on top of the rubble pile, and it was used until the end of the Cold War.
Today you can pay to enter the derelict surveillance station (buy your ticket in advance here). It’s been transformed into an open air street art gallery, and from the rooftop there’s an incredible view of the Grunewald forest and the city beyond.
Experience Life in East Berlin at the Museum in der Kulturbrauerei
For a glimpse into everyday life in East Germany, head to the Museum in the KulturBrauerei. There are so many original objects — such as furniture, magazines, and food labels — packed into one compact museum.
The museum has incredibly unique exhibits, such as an area set up to look like the stocked shelves at an East German supermarket and a magazine stand you’d have found in an train station.
If you were considering paying to visit the DDR Museum near Museum Island, save your money and visit this FREE museum in Prenzlauer Berg instead!
Walk the Berlin Wall Trail
One of the more unusual things to do in Berlin is walk the Berlin Wall Trail (Mauerweg). It follows the former path of the Berlin Wall all around the city and is roughly 160 kilometers long.
There are 14 official sections to the Berlin Wall Trail, including ones that pass through the city center across famous landmarks such as Mauerpark (Wall Park).
You can’t possibly walk the Berlin Wall Trail in one go, so look into each section to see what landmarks along the path interest you the most. Some sections pass by old watchtowers, and almost every section has memorial plaques that share the names of the East Berliners who died trying to flee to the West from that area.
Walk Through a Former GDR Border Control Station
The Palace of Tears (Tränenpalast) is a former check-in hall near Friedrichstraße Station that facilitated travel between East and West Germany during the Cold War.
The hall got its name from the many tearful partings between family members who were kept apart by the Berlin Wall for decades. When they hugged goodbye at the check-in hall, they could never be 100% certain they’d be allowed to see one another again.
The original structure of the hall has been preserved and there’s now a free exhibition inside that explains how the complicated border crossings between the East and West worked — including the extreme measures the GDR government took to ensure no one tried to flee to the West.
See the Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park
The lasting impact of the Soviet Union can be felt all over Berlin, but few places have the same gravitas as the massive Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park.
The memorial was built between 1946 and 1949 to commemorate the 80,000 Soviet soldiers who died fighting to capture Berlin from the Nazis. It’s the largest memorial of its kind in Germany, and there are 7,000 Soviet soldiers buried in the mass graves.
When you enter the memorial site, your eye is immediately drawn to the mausoleum decorated with a larger-than-life Soviet soldier holding a child and crushing a broken swastika with his sword.
After taking in the memorial, be sure to explore Treptower Park while you’re here. It’s yet another Berlin hidden gem that’s a popular hangout spot for locals in the warmer months!
Visit a WWII Flak Tower
Nestled within Volkspark Humboldthain, mere minutes from Gesundbrunnen station, is a partially demolished Nazi anti-aircraft tower. It was one of six built by Hitler to protect the city from Allied air raids.
Today the flak tower is covered in graffiti and has been partly reclaimed by nature. The top of the tower offers a unique view of north Berlin.
You can visit the flak tower on your own or as part of a tour (the Berliner Unterwelten tour company has a tour that includes the flak tower).
Claire’s Tip: Definitely explore the rest of the park while you’re here! There’s a lovely rose garden that blooms in early summer and lots of green space for stretching out.
Visit the Ruins of Anhalter Bahnhof
Anhalter Bahnhof used to be one of Germany’s most important railway stations. Building on the station began in 1839. It wasn’t large at first, but as train travel became more popular the station had to be renovated to accommodate the increasing demand.
By 1872, Anhalter Bahnhof was not only the largest railway station in Germany, but also the largest in continental Europe! It soon became known as Germany’s “Gateway to the South,” owing to the fact that it had lines stretching to Prague, Vienna, Rome, and Athens.
Years later, the station was the site of mass deportations during WWII, and it’s thought that one-third of Berlin’s Jewish population was deported via Anhalter Bahnhof.
What you see today is merely the center portion of the station’s facade, left standing after it was bombed in the war.
Other Interesting Historic Sites
See the First Berlin Wall
People in Germany — and indeed around the world — are familiar with the Berlin Wall erected during the Cold War.
However, even many locals don’t know that Berlin has a much older wall. Berlin’s original city wall, dating back to the 13th century, has now been mostly removed, but you’ll still be able to see a section of it just steps from Alexanderplatz.
If you’re interested in Berlin’s distant past, you’ll enjoy a stroll alongside the city’s original fortifications, which happen to be set next to Berlin’s oldest pub, Zur Letzten Instanz (operational since 1621).
This is definitely one of the more unique places in Berlin!
Hang Out by Berlin’s Abandoned Railway Tracks
During the railway boom of the 1800s, Berlin built a huge number of tracks to accommodate the growing demand for train travel. If you know where to look, you can find abandoned tracks throughout the city center — safely and legally, of course!
Many tracks have been left where they were built and have since been incorporated into parks or nature preserves. My favorite places to see Berlin’s abandoned railway tracks are:
Görlitzer Park area (shown above) — There’s a small green space between the Görlitzer Bridge and the Treptower Bridge, and within the green space you can find old railway tracks. At the end of the tracks there’s a giant slide! (Labeled “Rutsche” on Google Maps). This is one of Berlin’s hidden gems that only locals know about!
Park am Gleisdreieck — Former railway site that was turned into a park in the heart of the city. Modern railway lines run aboveground around the park, and abandoned tracks can be found within the park. While you’re here, check out nearby BRLO Brwhouse too! It’s one of my favorite beer gardens; they sell locally brewed craft beer and cider.
Natur Park Südgelände — Formerly a 19th century railway switchyard. It was abandoned as train travel declined in popularity. You’ll spot lots of old tracks running throughout the park, plus a 1920s water tower and a 1930s steam locomotive.
Step Inside Berlin’s Hidden Courtyards
Berlin has many beautiful courtyards tucked away off major avenues. If you don’t know where to look, chances are you’ll miss them as you pass by. That’s what makes them so special!
In fact, a number of these Berlin courtyards have been silent witnesses to major historical events. For example, Sophienstr. 18 (shown above) is where communist leader Karl Liebknecht called for a peaceful revolution in 1918. And Rosenthaler Str. 51 was used as a Soviet film set. The stories go on, waiting for passersby to discover them.
If you’re looking to go off the beaten path in Berlin, definitely take the time to research and find these hidden courtyards. Or, go on a walking tour of the city’s hidden courtyards!
Visit Charlottenburg’s Royal Sheep
Every summer, a herd of sheep take over the lawn-mowing in the sizable gardens around Charlottenburg’s castle.This is the same breed of sheep that grazed these pastures back in 1695, when the wife of Friedrich I, Sophie Charlotte, called the palace home.
Make an adventure out of trying to find where the sheep are located. They’re moved around every few days during the warmer months so that all of the meadows are mowed equally, in the most sustainable fashion that exists.
Claire’s Tip: You have to pay to enter Schloss Charlottenburg (book your tickets here!), but the gardens and park behind the castle are free.
Visit Berlin’s Remaining Old Towns
Berlin is not Germany, people always say. And this is true for the most part. However, you will find half-timbered houses and picturesque village scenery … if you know where to look!
In the westernmost borough of Spandau, you’ll find a network of cobblestone streets and fairytale homes that will plunge you back three centuries in time. Spandau’s Altstadt is quite compact but definitely still has its village flair.
In East Berlin, Köpenick awaits, with its beautiful old town lining the waterfront (see photo above). As you amble along those charming streets, it won’t be hard to imagine what life was like in the 18th century. Köpenick also has a palace turned art museum if you’d like to add some culture to your excursion.
In the south, quaint Rixdorf in Neukölln provides a glimpse into Old Berlin. Nearby Körnerpark is a favorite spot of mine, and in the winter Rixdorf boasts one of the most popular Christmas markets in Berlin.
Exploring the city’s Old Towns is one of my personal favorite unique Berlin experiences!
Visit Berlin’s Pink Palace
Berlin’s Schloss Biesdorf is an Italian Renaissance-style palace that is indeed very pink. This is the perfect location for photoshoots away from the crowds, set in lovely gardens.
Built in 1868, the small palace was soon sold by its aristocratic owners to the Siemens family to pay off gambling debts. It was heavily bombed during World War II, but has since been fully restored and now serves as a museum.
Berlin Like a Local (Contemporary Attractions)
Indulge in a Unique Dining Experience
If you’re looking for something more interesting to do during the work week than simply meeting friends for dinner, meet them for a dining experience instead! Try one of the following:
- Hot Pot: Basically Chinese fondue. Pick your broth(s), meats, and veggies, and start dipping!I love ShooLoongKan in Charlottenburg, but there are other hot pot restaurants in Berlin.
- Turkish BBQ: You’ve had juicy döner and crispy gözleme, but have you grilled succulent meats tableside before?! My ride or die is Fes in Kreuzberg.
- Samovar: Extra strength black tea served in a unique container called a samovar, with lots of sweet nibbles on the side to cut the bitterness of the tea. Book a table at the Tadshikische Teestube in Mitte.
- Fondue: Schwarze Heidi is my favorite place for indulging in molten cheese.
Watch the Sunset by the Spree at Holzmarkt 25
Part cultural center, part beer garden, part club space, Holzmarkt 25 is impossible to define. Whatever it “technically” is, this is one of the best hangout spots along the Spree River.
Throughout the year, Holzmarkt 25 hosts various markets and an alternative Christmas market.
Time your visit to Holzmarkt with the sunset so you can watch it sink beneath the horizon from one of the coveted spots along the river.
Admire Berlin’s Unique Graffiti and Street Art
Did you know Berlin is world-famous for its street art?
Most people know about the East Side Gallery — an open air street art gallery painted onto a surviving section of the Berlin Wall — but there are murals and street art all over the city! However, unless you know the why or how behind the street art, it’s all too easy to mistake it for graffiti.
The best way to dip your toes into Berlin’s street art scene is to take a guided walking tour (I recommend this 3-hour street art walking tour).
Of course, you can also create your own walking tour and simply keep your eyes open! Street artists reuse their tag over and over again, so once you notice one tag you’ll start seeing it all over the city.
Picnic on the “Island of Youth”
Tucked between Treptower Park and the Plänterwald forest, there’s a bite-sized island called the Insel der Jugend. It’s accessible by an iron footbridge and is a wonderful place to bring a picnic and a good book.
There’s also a small beer garden and event space on the island, called Inselgarten. Events are regularly held here, including poetry slams and open-air concerts.
Tour the BMW Motorcycle Plant
Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) might be headquartered in Munich, but their motorcycles are built right here in Berlin. In fact, a new motorcycle leaves the plant every 75 seconds!
If you’re a motorcycle fanatic, a guided tour of the plant is a must. A basic tour lasts 90 minutes and will take you along the assembly line where you can see workers building BMW motorcycles from scratch. Tours are available in English and German, and spots fill up fast!
Take Bus Line 100
If you’d like a non-touristy recap of Berlin’s top sights, you can simply go for a ride on Bus 100. The public bus line begins at the Zoologischer Garten station and ends at Alexanderplatz.
Along the way, you’ll see Berlin icons such as the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Victory Column in the Tiergarten, Bellevue Palace, the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, the Berlin Cathedral and the TV Tower.
Do not expect guided commentary as you ride through the city, but aside from that you can sit on the upper level of a double decker bus and take in Berlin’s most famous sights for a fraction of a tour bus fee.
Kayak in “Little Venice”
Explore Venice … without leaving Berlin! Tucked away in the sleepy Spandau neighborhood you’ll find Klein-Venedig, or Little Venice. Klein-Venedig is a collection of winding canals that snake their way past garden plots and family homes.
Because the homes and gardens are all privately owned, you can only appreciate the full beauty of the area via the canal system. My suggestion? Rent a kayak and get paddling!
There are a few different boat and kayak rental companies in the area, all with fair prices of around 30 Euros per two-person kayak per day. It takes about 30 minutes to paddle around Klein-Venedig, and from there you can take to the open water and paddle in the direction of Wannsee.
There are lots of little beaches scattered along the river banks, so keep an eye out for a prime picnic and swimming spot. This is Berlin off the beaten path at its finest!
Stock Up at the Largest Turkish Market in Berlin
The weekly Turkish market along the Maybachufer is the largest in the entire city. Open only on Tuesdays and Fridays, the market sells everything from fresh fruit and veggies to prepared foods to Turkish-style coffee to fresh pressed juices.
There are also a number of stalls selling handmade goods as well as bolts of cloth.
If you actually want to load up on groceries, get to the market as close to opening time (11am) as possible to avoid the worst of the crowds. If you’ll just be casually browsing or maybe want to get a hot lunch to-go, your timing won’t really matter.
Claire’s Tip: The closest U-Bahn station to the market is U-Schönleinstraße. You can also get to the market via U-Kottbusser Tor.
Get Lost in the Stacks of “Another Country”
There are many wonderful English language bookstores in Berlin, but a hidden gem is Another Country in Kreuzberg. This second-hand bookstore is overflowing with books — literally. The last time I visited I knocked over not one, but two stacks of books (oops!).
What sets Another Country apart from other second-hand bookstores in Berlin (besides its beautifully chaotic setup) is that it operates as a bookstore and library.
Now, there’s no checkout system that regulates your book “loans,” but it’s recommended that you return books at some point in the future so they can find a loving home with someone new. You’ll get a few Euros back whenever you return Another Country’s books.
Swap Books at a Phone Booth Library
Can you tell I’m an avid reader? If you keep an eye out during the summer and fall, you’re likely to find more than a few phone-booths-turned-little-libraries scattered around the city.
There’s no official map of these phone booth libraries, so I can’t tell you where exactly to find them. I know for sure there’s one at Mierendorffplatz in Charlottenburg, as well as one at Leon-Jessel-Platz in Wilmersdorf. Beyond those two, you’re on your own!
I did, however, find this article with 12 little libraries listed. If you find any more near where you live, PLEASE leave me a comment on this post so I can track it down myself! I love quirky things like this.
Claire’s Tip: Phone booth libraries are totally free, but it’d be mighty kind of you to put one or more of your own books into the library if you plan on taking one out.
Eat Your Way Through Arminiusmarkthalle
Many Berliners are familiar with the food hall Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg, but did you know there’s a nearly identical food hall in Moabit? Arminiusmarkthalle was first opened in December 1891 and was the city’s tenth ever food hall.
Like Berlin’s other food halls, Arminiusmarkthalle boasts an array of eateries, cafes, fresh produce stands, and other specialty food stalls. There’s a gorgeous bar area on one end of the food hall, plus a nice American-style bbq place that really hits the spot whenever I’m missing home.
Get Inspired to Declutter at the “Museum of Things”
The Museum der Dinge is as off the beaten path as it comes in Berlin. In this small museum, everyday objects from the past and present are cross examined to better illustrate Germany’s product culture.
What I just wrote sounded very scientific and impressive, but in reality the museum feels more like a hoarder’s backroom. There’s so much stuff to look at! Nothing is labeled in detail, but there are years on most objects and it’s really interesting to see how normal things like tea cups and phones have evolved over the last century(ish).
There’s even a fully rebuilt Frankfurt kitchen from the 1920’s! (Consider it the ‘20s version of today’s DIY Ikea kitchens.)
Enjoy the Epic View From Atop the Humboldt Forum
The Humboldt Forum is part museum, part cultural center, part exhibition space and it also has a restaurant and viewing terrace on the very top of the building.
From the rooftop of the Humboldt Forum, you can see the Berlin Cathedral, the TV tower, and so much more! I visited the roof terrace near sunset and was treated to a very romantic view of the city.
If you have time after visiting the rooftop, poke your nose around the rest of the Humboldt Forum! It opened summer 2021 and as such is still one of the underrated things to do in Berlin.
Travel to France at Körnerpark
A short walk from S + U Neukölln is a stunning Parisian-esque park called Körnerpark. The park was completed in 1916 and was built on the site of a former gravel pit, so you have to walk down some steps and past a bubbling tiered fountain to reach the lawn.
There’s an orangery on site that has been turned into a free art gallery as well as plenty of lawn space to stretch out and read a good book!
Day Trips to Lesser-Known Places
Two of the best-known and most popular day trips from Berlin are Leipzig and Hamburg. But this is a list of unique things to do in Berlin, so might I suggest some unusual day trip options from the city?
Here are some underrated day trips from Berlin that are a little more off the beaten path!
- Potsdam — Most people who visit Potsdam go to see Sanssouci Palace and the surrounding park. But I’m going to let you in on a secret … Potsdam is home to the best hot chocolate in the world! La Maison du Chocolat in Potsdam’s Dutch Quarter serves up the richest, thickest, creamiest hot chocolate known to man.
- Brandenburg an der Havel — Known for its Gothic red brick buildings and its idyllic location along the banks of the river Havel, this is a charming town just one hour away from Berlin.
- Wittenberg — The birthplace of the Reformation. Martin Luther lived and preached here, and you can see the church door where he nailed up his 95 Theses that effectively destroyed Catholicism in Germany.
Has Your Curiosity Been Piqued?
Berlin is a city of endless secrets, and what is off the beaten path to one person may be the ultimate attraction to another. Still, I hope that these underrated things to do in Berlin will help you discover new and different facets of the German capital.
I have no doubt that there are MANY more unique things to do in Berlin, so please leave me a comment below letting me know what activities you think I should add to this list. I’m always looking for recommendations from readers!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily adventures in Berlin and beyond!
Comments & Reviews
That pink castle is so cool! I’d love to see that if I visited. And the horses and ponies! I can’t wait to visit Berlin one day!
Agreed, Berlin is full of surprises! Glad you found a couple things to add to your Berlin bucket list 🙂
I got really interested to now see these places! I was actually just scrolling around, seeing if I can find something to do with my Canadian cousin before we die of boredom, but now I’d even do them for myself when she returns to Canada. Lovely! And I love that you describe your excitement and experiences as well!
Thankss
Sorry to hear you were bored in Berlin — that’s a big reason why I started writing about the city in the first place. I felt like most websites only discussed things to do in Mitte or near the Brandenburg Gate, but in reality there’s SO much to do here! You just have to know where to go and be willing to travel a bit outside the city center. Happy exploring!
Great list. So many of the ‘cool/unusual things to do in Berlin’ lists just repeat the obvious tourist attractions.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a kind comment, Andrew! I’m glad you enjoyed this list and found the activities “truly unique.” I put a lot of time and effort into creating it! Enjoy your time in Berlin!