Berlin’s got a lot more up its sleeve than just Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall. There’s a treasure trove of things to do in Berlin that slip under the radar for many travelers. If you think you know Berlin, think again. Let’s dive deep into the city’s best-kept secrets.
First off, ever heard of the Teufelsberg? This eerie hill isn’t just a pile of rubble left from World War II. It’s topped with an abandoned Cold War-era spy station. Imagine standing on top of a hill made from the ruins of bombed Berlin, gazing out over the city with the wind howling through the eerily quiet dome. It’s both chilling and fascinating.
Speaking of chilling places, how about taking a swim in an old bombed-out factory? Willkommen to Badeschiff, a floating swimming pool in the Spree River. Yep, you’re bobbing along in what used to be an industrial wasteland, all while getting your tan on.
Got a sweet tooth? Pop into the tiny hidden sugar haven called the Bonbonmacherei. Tucked away in Hackesche Höfe, this candy shop creates handmade sweets the old-fashioned way. Watch the artisans pull and twist sugar into colorful treats, then bag yourself a sample that tastes just like childhood.
For some macabre fun, drop by the Berlin Unterwelten. This is Berlin’s underground museum world—think bunkers, escape tunnels, and hidden ruins. Guided tours take you beneath the city’s surface to reveal a whole other aspect of Berlin’s tumultuous past. It’s like stepping into a secret chapter of history.
Feeling funky? Klunkerkranich is the place to go. Hidden on top of a multi-story car park in Neukölln, this urban rooftop garden and bar is a favorite among locals. You’ll get sweeping views of Berlin’s skyline, live music, and a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks. By day it’s relaxing, by night it turns into a buzzing, colorful hangout.