Travel || 10 Alternative Things to Do in Berlin

Posted on December 10, 2018

I will fully admit that I didn’t fall in love with Berlin the very first time I visited. I’ve been 5 times now and I can definitely say that it’s a city that I love visiting, but it certainly wasn’t love at first sight.

And that was completely my fault. My first visit was a lightning quick weekend break, where I tried to pack in as much as humanly possible. I wasn’t sure if I was going to have the opportunity to go back to Berlin any time soon, so I felt the need to push myself to see all the major tourist attractions.

Between seeing the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Berlin Wall, Museum Island and Checkpoint Charlie (all things you should definitely still see and do!), I left the city feeling like I didn’t really know what its identity was. What it was all about. Where its soul was.

But on subsequent visits when I just left myself time to chill out and enjoy Berlin, I learned to love and appreciate the city.

10 Alternative Things to Do in Berlin

>>> 1. Street art tour

There is some really incredible street art around Berlin and the easiest way to see it all would be to take a tour and be led around by a guide who really knows their stuff. I did a street art tour in East London once and it was really great. I highly recommend giving one a go, and Berlin would be a great place for it!

>>> 2. Visit the Chamaeleon Theatre

I absolutely adore the Chamaeleon Theatre. I’ve written about them multiple times but they focus on modern circus (which is more akin to physical theatre than Ringley). Because the shows are all so movement based, you don’t have to worry about the fact that they might not be in English.

You can read my past reviews of the shows Underart, Finale, Parade and Peepshow

The Chamaeleon is located at Rosenthaler Str. 40/41, 10178 Berlin

>>> 3. Visit the KINDL

The KINDL is is a centre for contemporary art inside the old KINDL brewery. It’s a massive space and the collection sprawls over 3 floors. Most of the art is all from emerging artists.

It is located at Am Sudhaus 3, 12053 Berlin

>>> 4. Urban Spree

Urban Spree is an exhibition space, gallery, workshop space, artists’ residence, beer garden, art store and concert venue. Basically, it is everything. It’s a great place to relax, have a drink, see some good art and hear some music.

It is located at Revaler Strasse 99, 10245 Berlin

>>> 5. Tempelhofer Field

Tempelhofer Field was an old airport turned into a giant public park. There’s a community garden, people come to BBQ and walk their dogs, play sports or just hang out with friends. There are sometimes music festivals and other events occuring there too.

It is located at Tempelhofer Damm, 12101 Berlin.

>>> 6. See some art at the Hamburger Bahnhof

The Hamburger Bahnhof is a contemporary art museum inside of an old railway terminus. It’s part of the Berlin National Gallery system. The exhibits and the collections change so there’s always something interesting and the building itself is stunning.

It is located at Invalidenstraße 50-51, 10557 Berlin

>>> 7. Sing karaoke at Mauerpark

I’ve written about Mauerpark before, but it’s a massive park/flea market in Berlin. On Sundays at 3pm during the warmer months there is karaoke in the bear pit. All are welcome to come and watch or sing!

It’s located at Gleimstraße 55, 10437 Berlin.

>>> 8. Get some fresh air in Wuhlheide park

Wuhlheide park is a massive forest park where you can walk around for hours. There’s a playground and a miniature railway for the kids, plus an open-air stage.

It is located at An der Wuhlheide12459 Berlin

>>> 9. Visit the Helmut Newton Foundation

You can read my post on the museum dedicated to Helmut Newton’s work and that of other photographers. It’s a small-sized museum so it’s a fascinating way to spend about 2 hours.

It is located at Jebensstraße 2, 10623 Berlin

>>> 10. Have a coffee or brunch in Kreuzberg

Kreuzberg is a district full of hip cafés, artsy restaurants, art galleries, parks, clubs, bars, and hotels (among others), that everybody can enjoy! Some of my favourite brunch places and coffee shops are there. (Like Brammibal’s Donuts. You can see more on my 10 Best Brunch and Coffee Shops in Berlin list). It’s fairly close to the tourist centre, so on a nice day it can be a relaxing walk.