Activities, Berlin

Base Flying Berlin

Base flying in Berlin is an adrenaline-pumping activity that makes this city stand out from many other European capitals. In this unique experience, you’ll get to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the area as you fly across the sky. Not for long though, as you free-fall quickly through the air!

You’ll soar from the roof of the Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz Hotel, 125 metres above the square. From this height, try and spot some of the well-known historical sites below you. It may only take a few seconds to base fly down the side of the tower, but this will certainly be one of the most memorable and exciting activities of your trip.

If you’d prefer the starry night sky as your backdrop when you glide over the city, simply book an evening slot. That way, you can admire beautiful Berlin from above as it’s lit up at dark. The staff here are both enthusiastic and professional, so you can experience this thrill while knowing you’re in safe hands.

Bathing Lakes

Bathing lakes are just one of the many incredible features of Berlin, but if you want to live like the locals, you’ve got to visit one during your stay. The state of Brandenburg, which surrounds the city, is home to thousands of lakes. So, you really will be spoilt for choice!

These picturesque spots are the perfect place to go to get away from the busy centre on a crisp winter morning. One of the best for visitors to enjoy has to be Schlachtensee, where you can hire a rowboat, stroll around the boardwalk, or stop to watch the fishermen and enjoy the calm atmosphere.

During summer, bring your swimming costume and enjoy a dip in the placid waters; an idyllic way to cool down and enjoy the sunshine. For an all-over tan and a spot of skinny dipping, Teufelssee is ideal. Surrounded by peaceful woodlands and with plenty of lush grass to lay on, this makes a fantastic destination for a warm day.

Bearpit Karaoke

If you’re visiting Berlin during the summer, one of the best ways to spend a Sunday afternoon is in the trendy Mauerpark. On a sunny day, this park is teeming with locals and visitors of all ages enjoying the open green space and easy-going atmosphere. 

Image source: Flickr. Copyright juliaviajando.

The highlight of the park during this time of year is undoubtedly Bearpit Karaoke. Head to the outdoor amphitheatre where hundreds of people gather and watch as a few brave individuals get up to sing in front of the crowd.

It’s all fun and games though, as singers are welcomed to the stone platform with cheers and applause. The simple karaoke machine, which is set up on a tandem bike, has over 5,000 songs to choose from. 

So, whether you want the thrill of performing your favourite song in front of an admiring audience, or you just want to sing along and enjoy the friendly atmosphere, Bearpit Karaoke is a fantastic experience for everyone who attends.

Berlin Zoo

A trip to Berlin Zoo provides a fantastic day out for kids, teenagers and adults, too! You’ll get to visit the huge range of animals scattered across the zoo and can attend all sorts of fun and fascinating events. With so much to see and do, you won’t know where to start!

Wander around Hippo House to watch these incredible creatures swimming and relaxing, or stroll over to Panda Garden to admire these unique bears, which is sure to be one of the highlights of the day. Berlin Zoo also offers Animals Up Close, where you can meet your favourite species, but you’ll have to book in advance for this breathtaking experience.

There are plenty of facilities dotted throughout the zoo as well, including various snack bars, restaurants and even an ice cream shop to stop at on warm summer days. Tickets are available for adults and children from four to 15 years old, simply opt for a zoo-only ticket or go all out and get the combined zoo and aquarium option.

Cycling

Cycling is a dream in Berlin, as it’s such a bike-friendly city with plenty of open spaces and trails to use. Most of the roads here have designated cycle paths running alongside them, so you can go from A to B in no time. Getting around this way is popular with both visitors and locals alike.

Rent a bike and explore the capital on two wheels, cycling from one fascinating site to the next and hopping off to take a quick snap. There are multiple places to hire bikes for an affordable price, so if you want to feel the wind in your hair while seeing more of this characterful city, it’s easy in Berlin.

Once you’ve whizzed around the centre, head out to the countryside for a more relaxing ride. Tempelhofer Feld, a decommissioned airport site-turned-park, has cycle tracks that reach up to six kilometres long! For an even more scenic route, try Treptower Park, where you can ride adjacent to the River Spree.

Flea Markets

When in Berlin, you’ll likely come across some flea markets. They pop up everywhere across the city and all throughout the year, so whenever you decide to visit, there’s sure to be one nearby.

You can find a range of vendors selling various used items, from old jewellery and knick-knacks to vintage clothes. There’s bound to be something to suit your taste!

Nowkoelln Flowmarkt is the perfect place to pick up art or music-related goods, as well as some handcrafted pieces. The flea market at Arkonaplatz is a good all-rounder if you want to peruse second-hand clothes, old records and browse through bric-a-brac. There’s always plenty to look at and certainly some gems to be found.

For something slightly different, the Antiques and Book Market near the Bode Museum is a great place to go to get away from the crowds. You might even be able to find some rare books while you’re here. Stop for a look at the art and furniture, too, where you’re sure to spot a great bargain to take back home with you.

Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are a fantastic way to explore Berlin while visiting lots of historical and culturally significant sites in one go. Whether you’ve just arrived and want to get to know this incredible city or you’d like to delve deeper into its fascinating past, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Make your way along the Berlin Wall, past Checkpoint Charlie and through the Brandenburg Gate! There are a number of well-established walking tours already, with new ones popping up all the time.

Some will give you a whistle-stop tour with a quick overview of the city, while others may specialise in a particular area, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.

There really is no better way to get acquainted with the area than with the help of an English-speaking local guide. Not only can they tell you intriguing facts about the main landmarks, but they can show you hidden gems and lead you off-the-beaten-track, too. Free tours are simply a great addition to a holiday on a budget!

Nightclubbing

Go nightclubbing in Berlin to experience how those in the music capital of Germany like to party. This city is celebrated for its incredible electronic and techno scene that goes on all night long. So, after you’ve spent the day seeing the fascinating historical sites, be sure to check out the epic nightlife.

There are plenty of unique places to choose from and each neighbourhood has its own vibe. Head to the lively streets around Oranienplatz or do a pub crawl through Charlottenburg and sip on some Bavarian beer. While the best clubs might have a long queue, once you’re inside you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere until the early morning.

No matter when you visit Berlin, you’ll never miss out on a chance to hit the town, as there are fantastic events happening every day of the week. Stop by a sophisticated bar, listen to an up-and-coming DJ or catch a band’s live show! Even on a Sunday, there are places to party until the sun comes up.

Tiergarten Park

Tiergarten Park is one of the largest of its kind in Berlin and also one of the most popular with its residents. Here, you can go for a stroll or simply bask in the sunshine on the pristine grass. Once owned by royalty, this gorgeous green space is a fantastic place to come to get away from the hustle and bustle, while still remaining in the city.

There are endless forested areas, colourful flower beds and winding paths for you to admire and explore, offering a lovely change of pace from sightseeing. Seek out the incredible Haus der Kulturen der Welt, an impressive building where you can find art and culture exhibitions.

There are a couple of cafes throughout the park where you can stop for lunch or a drink. Café am Neuen See is a wooden café-restaurant with picturesque views of the lake, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the idyllic German countryside. You can also find a beer garden here – the perfect spot for a refreshing pint!

Trabi Tours

Trabi tours are a great way to explore Berlin while truly experiencing a piece of the city’s heritage. Trabant cars are the mark of a bygone era in German history and now these vintage vehicles are used as a fun way to see the sights. 

There are so many interesting places to admire here and driving is the most convenient way to get around them all. During your journey, listen to the radio which plays a guided tour, so that you can learn lots of fascinating information about each place you pass. 

Lots of the cars are decorated in vibrant and funky designs, making touring the city all the more exciting. Think zebra-stripes or military-style!

Most of the Trabi tours are self-driving, so you will drive yourself and your friends in a convoy around Berlin. For larger groups, you can even upgrade to the XXL Trabant to take the tour together, seeing every captivating sight from your plush car seat.

TV Tower

The TV Tower has a fascinating history in Berlin and is a unique symbol of the city. Whether you’d simply like to see spectacular views of the city stretching out beneath you, or want to learn more about its place in history, you can do it all with a visit to this iconic landmark.

The tower is a popular attraction with holidaymakers, thanks to its viewing platform in the clouds that offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. When you ascend up to this 203 metre-high observation deck, you can enjoy a drink at the sleek, modern bar while savouring the breathtaking views.

If you’re looking for an extra-special dinner, there is also a revolving restaurant here. You can even order a ‘champagne and currywurst’ package to enjoy from your table at the highest restaurant in Berlin. The TV Tower remains open into the evening, too, so that you can see the city as it’s lit up at night.