Berlin in summer: 7 special open air experiences

Berlin in the summer is unmissable. The city shakes off its gritty reputation and embraces a laid-back, outdoor lifestyle that turns parks into gathering spots and rivers into playgrounds. Sure, Berlin’s iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall (tip: visit the East Side Gallery to experience a unique part of the wall), and Museum Island are all worth visiting, but we like to dive a little deeper into the city’s hidden gems. For those who want a true taste of Berlin’s summer vibes, here are seven outdoor activities that will show you a whole different side of this exciting city.

The 7 places you should see in Berlin:

1 | Tempelhofer Feld

Skate sailing at Templehofer Feld (Credit: Peter Maiwald, CC BY-SA 3.0)

This enormous former airport, now one of the largest urban parks in Europe, is where Berliners go to breathe. On a warm day, you’ll find locals doing everything from rollerblading down the old runways to picnicking in wide-open spaces. Whether you’re up for flying a kite, having a barbecue, or just soaking up the sun, Tempelhofer Feld is a must for anyone looking to experience the city’s love of freedom and space.

2 | Badeschiff (Spree River Swimming)

A swimming pool on top of the river Spree (Creidt: Guja Bergel, CC BY 3.0)

There’s something undeniably cool about swimming in a floating pool on the River Spree. With panoramic views of Berlin’s skyline, Badeschiff offers a truly unique place to cool off. Sip a cocktail on the deck, lounge on the beach chairs, or dive into the water – it’s the perfect summer hangout for soaking in those chilled-out, Berlin summer vibes.

3 | Treptower Park and Insel der Jugend

If you're craving a bit of tranquility, head to Treptower Park. This riverside park offers a peaceful retreat just outside the city’s bustle. Rent a paddleboat, drift along the park's little canals, or wander over to the Insel der Jugend, a small, green island with a cosy café and summer events. It’s a beautiful spot for a lazy afternoon, where the only thing you’ll need to worry about is whether to order another coffee or a beer.

4 | Holzmarkt 25

Very relaxing space to snack, drink coffee or just hang out (Credit: DMR)

If you’re after a true slice of Berlin’s creative spirit, head to Holzmarkt 25. This riverside community hub on the Spree is a vibrant mix of quirky bars, cafés, art spaces, and even a garden with chickens roaming around! With live music, pop-up food stalls, and an eclectic crowd, Holzmarkt is one of those places that feels like a little festival all summer long. Grab a drink, find a seat by the water, and soak up the atmosphere – it’s Berlin’s alternative culture at its best.

5 | Mauerpark Flea Market and Bearpit Karaoke

World-famous flea market at Mauerpark (Credit: Phil Strahl, CCBY-NC-ND 2.0)

Mauerpark on a Sunday is pure Berlin summer magic. The flea market is a treasure trove of vintage finds and quirky souvenirs, but it’s the Bearpit Karaoke that steals the show. Every Sunday afternoon, brave souls grab the mic and belt out tunes in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Whether you join in or just watch, it’s an experience you won’t forget. This is Berlin through and through!

6 | Open-Air Cinema at Freiluftkino Kreuzberg

Berlin does summer nights like no other city, and watching a film under the stars at Freiluftkino Kreuzberg is a must. From indie favourites to cult classics, this open-air cinema lets you relax in deck chairs with a picnic while enjoying films in their original languages (German films have English subtitles and English-language films are usually not dubbed). There’s no better way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.
Usual ticket price: €9 (discounts €5)

7 | Sunset at Klunkerkranich

Rooftop bar at Klunkerkranich (Credit: ekvidi, CC BY-NC)

Perched on top of a shopping centre car park in Neukölln, Klunkerkranich is the city’s ultimate rooftop bar. With incredible views of the Berlin skyline, a garden-like setting, and live music, this spot is a summer favourite for both locals and visitors. Arrive early to grab a good spot – the sunsets here are unforgettable.

Your Berlin challenge | Climb a former spy station

Inside the former spy station on Teufelsberg (credit: Tom Blackwell CC BY-NC 2.0)

Climb up Teufelsberg, a man-made hill built from WWII rubble, to explore a former Cold War spy station. In summer, the hike up the hill is beautiful, with views over the Grunewald Forest and the city. Once at the top, you can explore the massive radar domes and the street art covering the station. It’s part urban exploration, part outdoor adventure, and totally Berlin.
Challenge Rating: 2/3 (It’s a bit physical but not too demanding)

Travel essentials: getting around Berlin

Berlin is an easy city to navigate, especially in summer when public transport and bike rentals make getting around a breeze. The city's extensive S-Bahn and U-Bahn network can take you just about anywhere, while buses and trams fill in the gaps. For those who love to cycle, Berlin is one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities, with dedicated lanes on most roads. Tegel and Schönefeld Airports are about 30–40 minutes from the city centre by public transport, but remember, in summer, it's often more fun to walk or bike your way through the city's leafy streets.

Why summer in Berlin is unmissable

Berlin in summer is all about soaking up the outdoor life. From lazy days in parks to lively nights on rooftops, there’s an energy to the city that makes it feel like anything is possible. The best time to visit is from June to August, when the days are long, the weather is warm, and the city is bursting with life. Whether you’re paddling down a canal or singing your heart out at Bearpit Karaoke, these hidden gems will show you a side of Berlin that’s as unforgettable as it is surprising.