Not sure what to do in Berlin this Sunday? Shops may be closed, but there are still flea markets, museums, tours, and more to keep you entertained! Here are some fun things to do in Berlin on Sundays besides go out for brunch!
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Navigating the differing hours of operation for shops, grocery stores, and main attractions in Berlin is confusing. I’ve lived here since 2019 and I still have to google what in Berlin is open on Sundays!
Because here’s the thing: not everything closes down on Sundays in Berlin. Grocery stores and most retail shops are closed, yes. But museums, restaurants, and other tourist attractions remain open. (Mondays in Berlin are actually so much trickier!)
If you find yourself in Germany’s capital city on a Sunday, there’s plenty to keep you busy! This list of Sunday activities in Berlin can be enjoyed no matter the season. Some are indoor activities for snowy or rainy days, and others are perfect for enjoying hot summer Sundays.
Table of Contents
Click “show more” to see the entire table of contents for this post. You can then click any of the sections listed in the table of contents to hop around this blog post as desired.
Indoor Activities
Keep these Sunday activities in mind for rainy, snowy days, or blisteringly hot summer days (they’re rare in Berlin, but sometimes we’re blessed with sunshine!). My go-to indoor activities revolve mainly around museums, exhibitions, and good food.
Get Free Entry on Museum Sundays
Most museums in Berlin are open every Sunday, but on the first Sunday of each month entrance many of the most popular museums in the city are free to enter.
If you’re traveling on a budget or are a local who’s been putting off a certain museum visit due to the cost, definitely take advantage of Museums Sunday!
Click the link in the sentence above to see which museums will be participating in Museums Sunday this year. Some of them are actually free all the time (such as the Futurium) while others are more expensive to enter (such as the museums on Museum Island).
And remember: if it’s not the first Sunday of the month, THE MUSEUMS ARE STILL OPEN (putting that in all caps so no one is confused). So please take advantage of the city’s amazing museums if it’s in your budget because there are some stunning museums in Berlin!
Claire’s Tip: Not the first Sunday of the month? No problem! There are tons of great free museums in Berlin, so you can still enjoy the city’s museums on a budget.
Tour Berlin … From Underground
History lovers need to book a tour with the Berliner Unterwelten Association. Their guided tours take you to some of the city’s most unique — and historically significant — underground structures, which include caverns, air-raid shelters, old railway tunnels, and more!
These are parts of Berlin you can only access with a licensed tour guide, so make the most of your Sunday in Berlin by booking one of Berliner Unterwelten’s fascinating tours.
Tour a Renaissance Fortress in Spandau
If you’ve not visited Spandau, you’re missing out! The Spandau Citadel is one of the best preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe, and you can easily spend a couple hours touring the complex.
There’s an exhibition space in the former commander’s house, an archaeological site in the west curtain wall, and historic cannons are displayed inside the Parade Hall.
In December, there’s a fabulous Christmas market in the courtyard of the Citadel (open on Sundays!), and throughout the year there are many other events on the grounds, including a Renaissance fair.
Travel Back to East Germany at “The Wall Panorama”
Die Mauer Panorama near Checkpoint Charlie transports visitors back to a divided Berlin in the 1980s.
The 900-square-meter, multi-story panorama by artist Yadegar Asisi shows a street in Kreuzberg, located in West Berlin. Across the street, you’ll see the Wall, the Death Strip, watch towers, and beyond it lies East Berlin.
Light and sound are both used to highlight certain vignettes within the Panorama, creating a thought-provoking experience you just can’t replicate by reading about the Berlin Wall in a traditional museum setting.
Attend a Concert, Opera, or Ballet (+ huge savings for under 30’s!)
My ideal Sunday in Berlin includes some sort of show at one of the city’s many performance venues.
If you love the opera, book tickets at the Deutsche Oper, Staatsoper, or Komische Oper. The Konzerthaus is my go-to venue for orchestral and choral performances. There are many more theaters and performance venues in Berlin, so do a Google search to see what’s playing and where.
Claire’s Tip: If you’re 30 years of age or younger, download the ClassicCard app to get discounted tickets on concerts, ballets, and operas. ClassicCard performances for the opera or ballet cost just 15 Euros, and concerts cost just 13 Euros!
Go to the Movies (3 Options!)
Few things top the cozy Sunday ritual of brunch followed by an indulgent afternoon spent at the movies. Here are my favorite places to see movies in Berlin — be it a traditional movie-going experience, a silent film, or a movie under the stars!
- Baylon Theater — Berlin’s silent movie theater was built in 1929. Today, it’s the oldest movie theater in the world that still houses its own orchestra. If silent films aren’t your thing, don’t worry! Babylon also shows a mixture of classics and contemporary favorites.
- Zoo Palast — Offers a premium movie-going experience for the same price as a traditional theater. Fun fact: the Berlinale Film Festival takes place here every year!
- Freiluftkinos (Open-Air Cinemas) — Not an indoor activity, I know, but there are open-air cinemas scattered throughout Berlin and they’re good to keep in mind if you’re searching for things to do this Sunday. My favorite open-air cinemas are located at Volkspark Friedrichshain, Spandau, and Haus Schwarzenberg.
Tour Charlottenburg Palace & Gardens
Charlottenburg Palace is my favorite attraction in Berlin, Sunday or not! The Palace was completed in 1699 for Queen Sophie Charlotte of Hanover. When touring the palace, you’ll see the staterooms, golden ballroom, and the silver vault, as well as the porcelain cabinet. (Book your tickets here.)
If you don’t want to tour Charlottenburg Palace, I still highly recommend walking around the gardens and park. The grounds are free to the public, and on Sundays you’ll see families out on their afternoon walks, friends catching up over a delicious picnic spread, and many dogs happy to be outside with their humans.
Relax at a Day Spa
If you’ve had a rough week and just need to relax, make a reservation at a day spa like Vabali or the Liquidrom. Both are very popular, so you’ll need to be thinking about your Sunday plans in advance.
However, a calming day at the spa is a wonderful cool weather alternative to some of the other activities mentioned on this list that take place outdoors!
Chat Over a Samovar at the Tajikistan Tea Room
Tucked away off of bustling Oranienburger Straße you’ll find the Tajikistan Tea Room (Tadshikishe Teestube). This stunning tea room was originally built as the Tajikistan pavilion at a Leipzig trade fair in 1974.
There are some delicious Russian and Eastern European eats on the menu, but what you’re really here for is the full Samovar experience. It includes a pot of what I’d call “espresso strength” black tea that you dilute with hot water and sip after nibbling on a piece of marzipan or candied citrus rind.
You’re also provided with a shot of vodka to sip as a palate cleanser throughout your teatime. Definitely come with a friend or two as there’s a good amount of tea to enjoy!
Outdoor Activities
Take advantage of good weather — or at least dry weather! — by getting outside this Sunday. My favorite outdoor activities include exploring the city on foot, hiking in the area, visiting underrated attractions, and more.
Go Thrifting at a Local Flea Market
Going to a flea market is THE thing to do in Berlin on a Sunday! There are many Berlin flea markets open on Sundays, some of which run every week and others operate once a month or less.
Check to see if there’s a flea market in your Kiez or hit up one of my favorites:
- Original Berlin Trödelmarkt — Located by S-Tiergarten. This is the oldest flea market in the city and is great for finding antique furniture, porcelain goods, art prints, and books.
- Ostbahnhof — Only open on Sundays and is strictly antiques (mostly collectible coins, foreign currency, and stamps).
- Boxhagener Platz — Is more on the “normal” end of the pricing scale, with second hand clothing, books, art prints, and furniture for sale.
No matter which flea market(s) you visit this Sunday, bring cash and be prepared to haggle!
Go for a Hike in the Area (3 Options!)
The landscape around Berlin and Brandenburg is flat as a pancake, so know that you don’t need proper hiking equipment to enjoy a Sunday “hike!”
My favorite hikes in and around Berlin include:
- Grunewald — There are many walking and hiking paths in the forest, but the best known leads to the Teufelsberg, which is a hill topped by a Cold War-era Soviet listening station. There are also a few lakes in the Grunewald, so consider packing your swimsuit to cool off after your hike.
- Mauerweg (Berlin Wall Trail) — A 160-kilometer-long trail that follows the former path of the Berlin Wall, which encircled West Berlin from 1961 to 1989 as a means of separating it from Soviet-controlled East Berlin. Check out the Mauerweg website to figure out which of the 14 sections of the trail make the most sense for you to hike this Sunday.
- 66 Lakes Trail — 400 kilometers of gorgeous walking paths encircle Berlin and the surrounding area of Brandenburg. The path is divided into 17 sections, and yes, you’ll see tons of lakes! Pick a section to hike this Sunday and bring a swimsuit if it’s going to be hot!
Visit the Zoo
The Berlin Zoo is the oldest zoo in Germany and one of the best known in the world. It also boasts more animal species than any other zoo in the world!
You can easily spend half a day or more at the zoo. If you need a pick-me-up afterwards, treat yourself to a bubble tea from nearby ComebuyTEA.
Explore the Botanical Garden
Berlin’s botanic garden and museum is home to over 20,000 species of plants, making it one of the largest in the world. There are 16 lovely greenhouses on the property, with the 23-meter-tall tropical greenhouse being the crown jewel of the garden complex.
You could easily spend an entire afternoon here, and at just 6 Euros to enter this is one of the cheapest things to do in Berlin on a Sunday.
Cool Off at a Lake
Berlin’s summers are becoming increasingly warmer with each passing year. With no air conditioning in their apartments, many Berliners trek out to their favorite lake each Sunday to cool off.
Berlin and the surrounding state of Brandenburg are known as the “land of 3,000 lakes” — so you have lots of lakes to choose from! Check out my full list of Berlin’s best lakes if you need help finding a new swim spot.
Sing Along at Mauerpark’s Sunday Karaoke
Once a death strip that divided the Soviet-controlled East from the free West, Berlin’s “Wall Park” is now one of the best places to hang out on Sundays.
Mauerpark has a bustling handicrafts and flea market, but the real draw is the so-bad-it’s-good karaoke that takes place every Sunday at the outdoor amphitheater. No, you don’t have to sing in front of the crowd if you don’t want to!
Buy a cold drink at a local Späti (convenience store), slather on that sunscreen, and be prepared to sing and dance along to the performances.
Bike, Jog or Roller Skate at Tempelhofer Feld
Tempelhofer Feld was first a military parade ground, then an airport, and now it’s a public park. (This is also one of the airports that the Allies used to transport supplies to West Berlin as part of The Berlin Airlift in 1948 / 49!)
The airport runways are still intact, and they’re the perfect spot to bike, jog, or practice your roller skating!
Relax at a Beer Garden
The best way to relax on a Sunday in Berlin is catching up with friends over a pint of something fizzy at one of the city’s many beer gardens.
- Prater Garten — the oldest beer garden in Berlin. It has a no-frills, local vibe with plenty of tables in the shade for hot days.
- Cafe am Neuen See — the fanciest beer garden in Berlin, located in the heart of the Tiergarten. The food here is pricier than your average beer garden, but it’s also the tastiest! Consider this your oasis in the middle of the city’s largest park.
- BRLO (Gleisdreieck Park) — a modern beer garden attached to the local craft brewery BRLO. This is the only beer garden I know that sells hard cider in addition to beer.
Claire’s Tip: Be sure to bring cash since most beer gardens are cash-only. Also note that you’ll have to pay a deposit (called Pfand) when you order your first beer. Once you return your empty glass, the money will be given back to you.
Admire Berlin from Above (5 Options!)
If you’ve only seen Berlin from street level before, head to one of the city’s many viewing platforms this Sunday!
- Siegessäule (Victory Column) — 4 Euros. Located in the center of the Tiergarten, this stunning landmark was built to commemorate Germany’s victories against Denmark, Austria, and France in the 1860’s. After climbing the 285 steps to the top of the column (there’s no elevator!), you’ll be treated to a gorgeous view of the Tiergarten as well as an unobstructed view down Straße des 17. Juni to the Brandenburg Gate.
- Rooftop of the Humboldt Forum — 5 Euros. Take the elevator 30 meters up to see Berlin from the Humboldt Forum’s stunning rooftop. After taking in the view, explore the exhibitions within this (free) museum in the heart of the city.
- Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) — 10 Euros. The 10 Euro entry fee includes a visit to the nave, access to the Hohenzollern crypt (closed for renovations until spring 2025), an exhibit on the first floor detailing the architectural plans on the church, and yet another STUNNING view of Berlin from the top of the dome. Check service times before visiting on a Sunday!
- TV Tower — 27.50 Euros. The classic choice for seeing Berlin from way above! Book your tickets in advance to avoid a crazy long line.
- Reichstag — Free. Tour the dome of Germany’s parliament building on your own using an audio guide or book a tour of the Reichstag. The rooftop offers a spectacular view of the surrounding cityscape!
Take a Spree Boat Tour
It took me a few years of living in Berlin to finally take the plunge and pay for a Spree boat tour. I went into the experience fearing it would be some kind of tourist trap and was pleasantly surprised to discover that touring Berlin via a river boat tour is both informative and fun!
Whether you’re a local interesting in learning more about the city you call home or a visitor simply in need of something to do this Sunday, I can highly recommend a Spree boat tour. (Book your tickets here.)
Go on a Walking Tour
My final recommendation for things to do in Berlin on a Sunday is to go on a walking tour. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or have lived here for years, there’s always something fascinating to learn about Berlin’s history or culture.
Sandeman’s New Europe has a great free tour of Berlin that covers the top attractions in the city center. It primarily covers the city’s GDR / post-Cold War history.
I can also recommend Alternative Tours Berlin for anyone wanting to learn more about the city’s street art or other lesser known sights.
You can even tour the hidden courtyards of the city center!
Check out sites like GetYourGuide to find local tour guides offering walking tours of the areas of Berlin that you want to learn more about.
Bonus: Take a Day Trip This Sunday!
Just like Berlin, most other cities in Germany keep their top tourist attractions and museums open on Sundays. As such, this Sunday would be the perfect opportunity to escape the bustle of Berlin and take a day trip!
I have an entire guide sharing my favorite day trips from Berlin by train, but my personal favorites are:
- Potsdam — The day trip to take if you love castles and royal residences. Just 30 minutes away!
- Leipzig — Has a rich music history and a quaint Old Town. Johann Sebastian Bach worked here for nearly 30 years!
- Wittenberg (shown above)— The birthplace of the Reformation. You can see the church door where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses, plus learn all about his life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, lots of stuff! Most restaurants, museums, and tourist attractions remain open on Sundays in Berlin.
Not usually, no. Businesses like grocery stores, drugstores, and clothing stores are closed on Sundays (although pharmacies typically have reduced hours of operation so if you need medication of some kind you should be able to get it).
Bakeries are usually open just in the morning, while cafes and restaurants are typically open, often with limited hours.
However, if you need to do some Sunday shopping in Berlin, “Open Sundays” take place a handful of times each year. The 2024 dates for “Open Sundays” are:
-January 28
-September 8
-December 8
-December 22
Yes! Most museums will be open, but of course check the opening hours of the specific museum you want to visit to confirm.
Enjoy Your Sunday in Berlin!
Are you surprised to learn how much there is to do in Berlin on a Sunday? Shops may be closed, but many of the top attractions are open!
Please leave me a comment below if you do any of the activities I’ve shared in this post, or if you have any personal recommendations to share.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily adventures in Berlin and beyond!
Comments & Reviews
Amazing tips! I’m determined to check off a few of these this year including visiting the zoo, visiting an open air cinema, and climbing the Victory Column! I’m pumped!
You mentioned some of my favorite activities on this list! 🙂 I think you’ll really enjoy them!
Ah, Sundays in Berlin, nothing quite like it! Flea markets are indeed a cherished tradition here, and you’ll never know what gem you might stumble upon. My personal favourite is the one at Mauerpark and I found about it from some random website I think it’s this one https://www.kartevonberlin.com. I really enjoy it there. Now brunch, that’s an institution here! So many places in Prenzlauer Berg offer scrumptious brunch options, you can’t really go wrong. And of course, ending the day at a museum is a perfect Sunday in my book. Just a tip, the Museum Island is a great place to start for those into art and history. Happy exploring!
Awesome tips, thanks for sharing, Franny!