Dating in Berlin is tough! Here are 15 fun date ideas that go beyond dinner and drinks, from a long-suffering local who wants to save you from going on the same bad dates she did.
Dating in Berlin is hard. It’s a massive city for one thing, so finding “your person” often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. And things aren’t helped by the fact that so many of the city’s dating cliches are true (raise your hand if at least one person has waited until the second date to drop the fact that they’re in an open relationship — no, that’s just happened to me?).
If you’ve finally swiped right on someone who meets your dating criteria and is ready to meet in person, you’re now left with the daunting task of picking the perfect first date spot. For you, dear reader, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Berlin date ideas that aren’t just meeting up for dinner or drinks.
These date ideas run the gamut of romantic sunset views to cozy bookstore nights. These could all work for first dates or for long-term couples looking for something fun and unique to do together in Berlin.
Table of Contents
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Listen to Live Music
There’s something so classy about listening to live music on a date! There are lots of concert and music venues in Berlin, so do some googling to find a spot near you.
I personally love Van Gogh Piano Bar in Charlottenburg. The drinks are on the pricier side, but the bar feels a little more elevated without being too stuffy. Feel free to chat while the pianist plays in the background, just keep your voices slightly down.
If you’re looking for somewhere less formal (and less expensive), I suggest Yorckschlösschen in Kreuzberg. It has live blues and jazz Wednesday through Saturday from 8pm onwards. There’s no cover charge, but it’s expected that you’ll buy drinks. I suggest making a reservation if you plan on visiting over the weekend because the bar gets crowded.
Yorckschlösschen isn’t the best place for a first date since the music is very loud and it’s tough to talk over it, but it’s a fun atmosphere and you’re welcome to get up and dance a bit if the mood strikes. The band also takes a few breaks during their set, and if you arrive an hour or so before the music starts you and your date can chat then.
Play Billiards
Billiards (or pool, for my fellow Americans) is a relatively inexpensive, relaxed, yet fun date idea. I much prefer having an activity planned for the first few dates with someone because it gives both of us something to concentrate on when natural lulls in the conversation occur — but the game also gives us something to enjoy together and chat about.
I recommend BATA Bar & Billiards, which has locations near the central train station and Alexanederplatz. It’s non-smoking, open late, and you can play by the hour. I suggest making a reservation in advance, but if you forget to do so there’s a bar near the entrance where you can hang out until a table frees up.
Plan a Book Date at Dussman’s
I know bookstore dates aren’t for everyone, but as an introvert this is my dream! There are lots of English bookstores in Berlin, but I think Dussmann das Kulturkaufhaus near Friedrichstraße would be the best for a date.
It’s HUGE, with multiple levels packed with books (duh), board games, puzzles, and other cozy knick knacks. Most of the books are in German, but there’s a sizable English section too.
Bookworms will love roaming the shelves together. Consider picking out books for each other based on what you know the other person is interested in; you don’t have to buy them, but the books you pick for each other can be a good talking point.
Splash Out on a Dining Experience
I know I said this list of Berlin date ideas wouldn’t include dinner and drinks, but I’m not talking about your average dinner date. I’m talking about dining experiences — the type of meal with interactive elements, such as cooking meats tableside on a grill or dunking hunks of bread into melted cheese.
Try one of the following dining experiences to keep the spark alive on date night:
- Hot Pot: I love ShooLoongKan in Charlottenburg, but there are other hot pot restaurants in Berlin. It’s essentially Chinese fondue; order an array of noodles, meats, and veggies to cook in the spicy broth.
- Turkish BBQ: My go-to is Fes in Kreuzberg. Order a selection of marinated meats to cook on the tableside grill. (Also note that the salads here are amazing!)
- Samovar: A popular type of tea in Russia. The tea is brewed extra strength and must be mixed with hot water to dilute it. I love Tadshikische Teestube in Mitte for the full samovar experience and have also heard good things about Restaurant Samovar near Charlottenburg Palace.
- Fondue: Nothing says “romance” quite like melted cheese! Schwarze Heidi is my favorite Swiss fondue place, and it’s not that expensive compared to other places.
Paint Pottery at Paint Your Style
Paint Your Style is a DIY pottery painting chain with locations all over Berlin. You pay per piece of pottery you paint (try saying that five times fast), so you can make the date as affordable or expensive as your wallet allows. The pottery is then fired in their kiln and can be picked up a few days later.
Again, I love this date idea because you can chat away while also having something to keep your hands busy and subsequently your nerves at bay!
Have Fun at a Board Game Cafe
Can you tell I prefer activity-based dates rather than having to stare at someone over a table with nothing to do but talk?
If you’ve never been to a board game cafe before, it’s fairly self-explanatory. You typically pay a small hourly fee to play games, and there are also drinks and / or food to order.
Well-known board game cafes in Berlin include:
- Brettspielplatz (Waldstraße 50)
- Spielwiese (Kopernikusstraße 24)
- Frollein Langner (Weisestraße 34 )
See a Silent Film at Babylon Theater
The Babylon is the oldest movie theater in the world that still houses its own orchestra. If you love the classic dinner and a movie date night combo, seeing a silent film at the Babylon is a subtle way you can shake things up.
Fritz Lang’s Metropolis is often shown at the Babylon and is my top recommendation for silent film newbies. The in-house orchestra plays throughout the film, making for a truly unforgettable date night!
Pair your silent movie with dinner or drinks before or after the screening; there are tons of great bars and restaurants in the Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz area.
Sing Karaoke at Monster Ronsons
I don’t know if I’d have the guts to sing karaoke with a perfect stranger on a first date, but this would be fun for long-term couples.
Monster Ronsons Ichiban Karaoke is the place to sing karaoke in Berlin. You can either reserve a private room in advance, or you can line up at the door to be let into the main stage area. There’s a bar to order from, and you can chat the night away while watching the karaoke performances. (Naturally, you can get up on stage and sing too!)
Picnic in the Park
There are many wonderful parks in Berlin, so pick your favorite and bring a picnic along. Make it as fancy or relaxed as you want — grab takeout from your favorite restaurant, buy pre-made sushi at the grocery store, or go all out and pack the picnic yourself.
You might want to bring playing cards, coloring books, or another activity if you plan on staying for a while.
If you’re searching for the ideal picnic parks, Viktoriapark feels especially romantic by the waterfall, Tiergarten is great for post-picnic walks, and Treptower Park is a good shout if either of you have roller blades or a skateboard. And, of course, everyone loves the sheep grazing on the grounds of Charlottenburg Palace.
Meet for Rooftop Drinks at Hotel de Rome
If you have a hot date you really want to impress, take them to the rooftop bar at Hotel de Rome. The cocktails are expensive (prices start at €16), but the stunning views of Bebelplatz, Unter den Linden, and the TV tower are worth it!
If you’re visiting Hotel de Rome specifically to see the sunset, I suggest arriving at least 30 minutes beforehand so you can find a table and order drinks before the big event.
Tip: You’ll have to ask the hotel receptionist to escort you up to the bar; only guests can roam the hotel freely.
Watch the Sunset From Above
Another romantic date night idea in Berlin is watching the sunset together. Cliche, I know, but I’m a sucker for that kind of thing!
More unique spots to watch the sunset are the Reichstag or Victory Column (Siegessäule).
The Victory Column is 67 meters tall and offers an amazing view of the Brandenburg Gate and the surrounding Tiergarten. It’s especially great for sunsets in the autumn when the trees have all changed color. The only downside is that the viewing platform at the top is teeny tiny, so you won’t be able to admire the sunset views for long.
The Reichstag admittedly sounds about as romantic a date location as your mom’s house, but it’s far less crowded around sunset and the 360º views from the glass dome are breathtaking. Once the sun goes down, the dome is lit up and is equally spectacular to see.
Tip: Visiting Reichstag requires advance registration and you need to bring your passport along, but it’s free to enter.
Attend a Performance
If you need a date idea for rainy days or bleak winter nights, book tickets to a performance. There are a number of top-rated theaters in the city (Deutsche Oper, Staatsoper, Komische Oper, Schaubühne, and the Konzerthaus, to name a few).
If you’re under 30 years of age, I recommend paying for the ClassicCard app to secure discounted tickets for operas, ballets, and concerts.
And if you’re looking for something even more budget-friendly, look up comedy clubs near you. There’s often no cover charge (or the cover is pretty cheap) and you’ll have a more relaxed date.
Kayak in “Little Venice”
For a daytime date, head to Klein-Venedig in Spandau. It’s a system of canals that weave through garden plots and picturesque houses.
You can rent a kayak or paddle boards from a number of rental companies in the area; prices start at around €30 per two-person kayak per day.
You’ll only need 30 to 45 minutes to paddle around Klein-Venedig, then you can take to the open water and paddle towards Wannsee.
Visit a Flea Market, Followed by Brunch
Nothing is sexier than seeing someone successfully haggle at a flea market, amiright? There are many flea markets in Berlin, but my personal favorite is the one near S-Tiergarten.
Mauerpark is also good, and on Sundays there’s karaoke. As a bonus, the Mauerpark flea market has plenty of food options so you can meet your date at the park and hang out for a while if desired.
If you meet at a flea market without any food trucks, follow it up with brunch in the area. Or, just stroll around the neighborhood after you’ve finished rummaging.
Bonus: Seasonal Date Ideas
There’s always a special event or festival happening in Berlin! Here are some rapid fire date ideas for every season:
- Winter: Visit the Christmas markets, go ice skating, sip hot chocolate at Rausch Schokoladenhaus, relax at a day spa (call ahead to see if it’s textile-free or not if that’s a concern for you), see the Christmas lights at the botanic garden in Steglitz.
- Spring: Plan a self-guided cherry blossom walking tour (here are my favorite cherry blossom spots), visit the Gardens of the World to see the spring blooms, see the free temporary exhibit at the Humboldt Forum followed by brunch.
- Summer: Walk part of the Berlin Wall trail (a large part goes through the city center and can be combined with drinks, brunch, ice cream, etc.), attend Sunday karaoke at Mauerpark, grab a drink from a Späti and hang out by the Spree, plan a self-guided ice cream tour, grab drinks at a beer garden.
- Autumn: Attend the Festival of Lights, visit the Schöneberg Pumpkin Festival (Kürbisfest), hike in the Grunewald to see the fall foliage.
It’s also worth doing a quick Google search of “[your neighborhood] + [month] + events” to see what’s going on in your area that week. For example, Charlottenburg has the Charlottenwalk open gallery nights in the spring and autumn, and the Spandau Citadel hosts numerous fairs and festivals throughout the year.
Enjoy Your Date Night in Berlin!
If you’re struggling to get your footing in the Berlin dating scene, know that you’re not alone! I hope this list of date ideas proves useful in planning your next meet-up.
And if you feel like you’ve cracked the code of dating in Berlin or have other great date suggestions to add to this list, please leave me a comment below!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily adventures in Berlin and beyond!
Comments & Reviews
This is such a fun and helpful list!! Will definitely keep these date night suggestions in mind!
Thanks, Natalie! <3