Berlin Hidden Gems: 22 Real Insider Tips from a Local

Practical Tips for Your Trip to Berlin

Before we dive into Sarah’s insider tips for Berlin, here’s a bit of practical info to help you plan your city trip.

Where is Berlin located in Germany?

Berlin sits in northeastern Germany, surrounded by the state of Brandenburg. Just to the southwest lies Potsdam, which is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

The nearest major cities, Leipzig and Dresden, are roughly 200 kilometers away.

And if you’re already in Berlin, a day trip to the Baltic Sea is totally doable. With good traffic, you can reach the Baltic Sea island of Usedom in under three hours by car.

Our Favorite Hotels in Berlin

Still looking for a place to stay in Berlin? In our detailed articles, you’ll find our top hotel picks:

Don’t feel like reading all of that? We’ve pulled together our absolute favorites in the table below:

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Berlin

1. Who are you, and why are you the right person to give us insider tips for Berlin?

I’m Sarah. A true Berliner through and through — and I’ll admit I’m a little proud of that. After studying tourism and spending many years in city marketing at visitBerlin, I’m now part of the wonderful 22places team, and I’m really proud of that too. Happy too. And yes, I’m writing this completely voluntarily.

I love spending my free time with my family outside our own four walls. In our camper van, we love exploring Brandenburg, Germany, Scandinavia, or really anywhere in Europe — depending on what the weekend or annual vacation allows. The main thing is being outdoors. Maybe escaping into nature is the perfect counterbalance to the loud, hectic energy of Berlin city life.

And why am I an expert on Berlin? Honestly, I’m not sure anyone can be. It’s hard to call yourself an “expert” on a city this complex and multifaceted. But I’ll do my best to paint you a picture of “my” Berlin.

Fair warning: an unavoidable ode to my hometown is coming, because — I love Berlin. I love that nothing is permanent here and that the city keeps reinventing itself, constantly showing a new side.

I love that Berlin is so imperfect and never quite finished. The rough edges. The wonderfully quirky people. I could go on and on.

2. If you had to describe Berlin in three words, what would they be?

Only three words? OK, if I have to choose: Honest. Unique. Ever-changing.

Can I use a few more, just this once? Please?

Colorful. Tolerant. Quirky. Lovable. Bizarre. Exciting. Scrappy. Vibrant. Freedom-loving. Raw. Adaptable. Entertaining. Eccentric. Crazy. Loud. Beautiful.

3. Why should everyone visit Berlin at least once?

Berlin is simply one of those places you have to see and experience in your lifetime. In fact, more than once — because a single visit isn’t enough to really get a feel for the city.

It’s always changing and never gets boring. That’s both its curse and its blessing, and it’s part of the city’s DNA. If you’re after stability, Berlin isn’t for you. But if you want freedom and variety, you’ve come to the right place.

This constant change means your favorite restaurant might be gone by tomorrow. But Berlin is also full of surprises. The very next day, a new favorite spot might have opened up — you just don’t know it yet.

4. What does Berlin have that you can’t find anywhere else?

Hmm, the countless museums? The many inner-city parks and open spaces? Or the grumpiest bus drivers on the planet?

I think that in Berlin, more than in any other city, you can truly feel its turbulent past up close. You can sense how what always belonged together is still coming together. That’s what makes Berlin unique — and it shapes so much of what we love about the city today. The culture, the people, the architecture, the mentality, and so much more.

Sights and Activities in Berlin

5. Which sights in Berlin are absolute must-sees?

There are of course countless things to see in Berlin, but here are two specific picks from me:

Berlin Olympic Stadium:

As a huge sports fan, the Berlin Olympic Stadium is one of my favorite Berlin hidden gems hiding in plain sight. The architecture is seriously impressive — and just think of everything this stadium has witnessed. You can really feel that turbulent history of Berlin here. There are guided tours where you can even climb underneath or right on top of the Olympic Stadium’s roof — the view is incredible, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

Humboldt Forum in the Berlin Palace

If you prefer something a bit more contemporary, check out the Humboldt Forum in the new Berlin Palace. The impressive city palace on the Spree Island sits right next to Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, and the Lustgarten, so it’s easy to combine with a visit to Berlin’s historic center.

Three sides of the new palace’s facade were faithfully reconstructed to match the old Baroque Berlin Palace. The Spree-facing facade, however, has a modern interpretation — as does the interior, the Humboldt Forum itself.

Admittedly, it can get a bit confusing — so what exactly is what? In short: the Berlin Palace refers to the building’s facade, while the Humboldt Forum brings it to life through exhibitions, museums, and events.

6. What can you do in Berlin when it rains?

I’m not usually a big museum person, but I can genuinely recommend visiting one of Berlin’s many great museums. The Museum of Technology, for example, turns out to be surprisingly engaging — even for someone who isn’t particularly tech-savvy.

Or the Museum of Communication, which takes you on a journey through more than 2,000 years of communication history — from the invention of the printing press through the early days of telecommunications all the way to the world of smartphones. Highly recommended for a family trip with kids too.

If you want something with more adrenaline and laughs, definitely check out the Berlin Dungeon. I don’t want to give too much away — just go and find out for yourself!

My tip: The Berlin Dungeon often has long lines. If you don’t want to wait, grab an online ticket in advance.

Skip the line at the Berlin Dungeon

And if the weather isn’t cooperating, book a ticket for a show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast. It’s always a great experience and a real highlight for a special evening out.

Book a ticket for the Friedrichstadt-Palast

7. What can you do with kids in Berlin?

There’s something for every age in Berlin: the Zoo and Tierpark for younger kids, black light mini golf and the Waldhochseilgarten Jungfernheide high ropes course for the adventurers, and the German Spy Museum or the Computer Games Museum for the “cool” kids.

A trip to FEZ in Wuhlheide, the Legoland Discovery Centre, or the Gardens of the World with a ride on Berlin’s only cable car is also a fantastic way to mix things up for the whole family.

For stress-free sightseeing with kids, I recommend a hop-on/hop-off tour in Berlin or a boat tour through Berlin. You can also book a guided city tour if you want something more tailored.

If the kids need to burn off some energy, here’s my absolute secret spot in Berlin: the Jump House! One hour of bouncing is guaranteed to tire out any child.

If the weather is nice and the budget is tight, head to Volkspark Rehberge in Wedding and check out the wildlife enclosure with wild boars, sheep, and pheasants. It’s super relaxed, there’s loads of space to run around — and this is one Berlin insider tip you won’t find in any guidebook.

8. When you feel the urge to get out of the city, where do you go?

I hop on my road bike and ride the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycling Route, which follows the Havel river all the way to the Uckermark (and on to Denmark). After just a few kilometers, I feel like I’m on vacation. I haven’t made it all the way to Copenhagen yet — haha.

When we travel by car, we often head out to the area around Kremmen. There’s quite a bit to do there for a day trip: breakfast at our favorite bakery Plentz in Schwante, riding a draisine in Kremmen, swimming in the Ruppiner See, or taking a walk through the Dinopark Germendorf.

You can find more great day trip ideas from Berlin here:

9. What place do you recommend for taking a breath and just unwinding?

Most of the time I just step out my front door and I’m immediately in Volkspark Rehberge — and I instantly forget I’m in the middle of a city.

In summer, I walk a few steps further to Strandbad Plötzensee, which is very hip and totally relaxed.

When I want it even quieter, I cycle along the Hohenzollernkanal and find myself a little spot all to myself.

10. Where is the most beautiful viewpoint in Berlin?

Hands down, the Drachenberg in Charlottenburg. From up there, you can see far across the city.

In one direction you look straight at the Teufelsberg with its former radar station, and in the other direction from the radio tower across the entire city all the way to the Berlin TV Tower. A sensational panorama and a beautiful photo opportunity.

11. An amateur photographer asks you about cool spots to shoot in your city that they’d never find in a travel guide. Where do you send them?

Definitely to Park am Nordbahnhof: my under-the-radar pick for a totally different perspective on the much-photographed TV Tower.

At Schöneberger Südgelände, nature has reclaimed the city after the former rail yard was shut down. I love the combination of overgrown wilderness and preserved industrial heritage — the mix offers endless photo opportunities.

A bit more centrally located: Fischerinsel in Mitte. I used to live not far from there, and on many walks I kept marveling at this surprisingly maritime side of Berlin.

12. What is the craziest activity you can do in your city?

Definitely Base Flying off the roof of the Park Inn Hotel at Alexanderplatz. I’ve done it and it was just absolutely insane. I was terrified beforehand, but afterward I was on a total high.

If you prefer something a little slower, you can rappel straight down the 50-meter-high wall of the Vienna House Andel´s Hotel in Lichtenberg. Fully harnessed, of course.

13. What is the best event of the year? What’s worth coming to Berlin for?

For me, there’s no single standout event — something is genuinely happening here every single day.

But since I’m a big Christmas romantic, I highly recommend visiting during the holiday season, when the whole city lights up.

Berlin has over 60 Christmas markets, and there’s truly something for everyone — whether it’s the romantic market at Jagdschloss Grunewald, the funfair-style market in Lichtenberg, or the arts and crafts market in Rixdorf.

I still haven’t managed to visit every single one, but I’m working on it.

Here you can find out more about Berlin’s many Christmas markets.

14. Is there a museum in Berlin that you absolutely cannot miss?

Oops, I already touched on that in the previous questions.

But I’ll add one more: the DDR Museum. In a wonderfully hands-on way, you can dive into the history of what was once a divided city. Guaranteed not to be boring. Do you know the difference between an East and West bread roll?

Buy your ticket for the DDR Museum here

The selection of museums in Berlin is enormous. For more recommendations, check out our guide to museums and galleries in Berlin:

The best museums in Berlin for every taste

15. Which neighborhood do you love to stroll through the most, and why?

Haha, Wedding of course — because that’s where I live. But not only for that reason — I genuinely love the many faces of this neighborhood.

It’s loud, chaotic, and hectic around Müllerstraße, but also quiet and relaxed in the African Quarter and in Volkspark Rehberge.

And let’s be honest: Berliners love to stick to their own Kiez anyway — and I’m no different.

Food and Drink in Berlin

16. What culinary specialty do you absolutely have to try in Berlin?

Easy — currywurst! A few places claim to have invented it. I’m not going to settle that debate here. But one thing is clear: the best currywurst in the world can only be found in Berlin.

As for which one tastes the best, opinions vary widely. I’m not too rigid about it and simply have several favorites scattered around the city.

Besides the two classics — Konnopke’s Imbiss under the elevated U2 tracks and Curry36 on Mehringdamm — I also recommend Curry Baude at the Gesundbrunnen Center and Langes Imbiss in Reinickendorf at the Holzhauser Straße subway station. The latter is a genuine local favorite in Berlin — tourists have rarely found their way there so far.

17. What are your three favorite restaurants, and what should you absolutely order there?

UMI Gendai No Kaishaku Restaurant
UMI is a hip Asian spot on the lively Müllerstraße. My favorite on the menu is the Sexy Crunchy Roll — I’ve rarely had sushi this good. The prices aren’t cheap, but the quality is seriously there, and I’m happy to pay for it.

Valle dei Templi
“Valle” is our absolute favorite Italian restaurant. The decor is — no offense — pretty tacky, and the place doesn’t have much room. But the food is really, truly excellent. And the prices aren’t the usual Mitte-level expensive — they’re actually affordable. A real neighborhood Italian that we keep coming back to. Come hungry for the pizza, and note that the pasta is homemade and incredibly good. The chef can be a bit grumpy sometimes, but that fits Berlin perfectly, doesn’t it?

China-City
China-City sounds like your average Chinese takeout spot, but it’s genuinely, by far, the best Chinese restaurant in Berlin. The decor is nothing special, and the location right on busy Leipziger Straße isn’t either — but the food is something else entirely. It’s not just the typical Westernized Chinese food; there are also unusual dishes you won’t find anywhere else. The dim sum are unbeatable, and for the adventurous, there’s century egg on the menu too. Have you ever tried it?

18. Where can you get the best burger in the city?

Oh, that’s a tough one — I’ve had a lot of great burgers in Berlin.

But the burger place that has topped everything so far is definitely THE BIRD. Why?

Because good meat is the star of the plate here. No fuss, nothing to distract from it. Just a really big, perfectly cooked burger patty from regional sources and a few sides — pure joy for meat lovers.

By the way: the steaks are also highly recommended. And as is often the case in Berlin, make a reservation ahead of time.

19. Where can you get the best ice cream in the city?

Also a hotly debated topic in Berlin — every neighborhood has at least one ice cream shop claiming to be the best in the city. So I’ll be biased and say that Pingolino in Wedding has the best ice cream in the city! If not in the whole city, then at least the best in all of Wedding.

20. Where is the best place to have breakfast?

My personal favorite is Café Auf der Suche nach dem verlorenen Glück at Leopoldplatz in Wedding. Glück only has a small breakfast menu, but it’s put together with real care and the team is always in a great mood. You just feel welcome here.

A little less of a secret, but still a genuine Berlin insider tip, is Zimt & Zucker on Potsdamer Straße. Time seems to have stood still in the 1920s here — the decor is super cozy and reminiscent of old-school coffeehouses in Vienna or Prague. And the breakfast is outstanding.

If you want to keep going straight into lunch, stop a few steps away at the Joseph-Roth-Diele. Time seems to stand still here too — in this charming restaurant, you’ll be treated not only to great food but also to a literary experience.

On weekends in Berlin, you can also have a great breakfast at one of the many markets. I especially recommend the market at Winterfeldtplatz, which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday and offers everything from crêpes to antipasti to grilled fish — enough to leave you full and happy.

21. Where is the best place to go out in the evening?

For me: Kreuzberg. I lived near Moritzplatz for a long time and know the area around Oranienstraße really well. If you want to go out, the Oranien-Kiez is the place to be. Make sure to carve out time for SO 36.

But I have one more hot tip that will probably make some people roll their eyes.

Anyone who has ever danced at the Hafenbar Berlin knows exactly what I’m talking about. Berlin’s oldest “cozy club” is a legend in the city’s nightlife and has outlasted many well-known clubs like Bunker or Bar25 for good reason. The Schlager music parties at the Hafenbar are something you have to experience at least once.

Where to Stay in Berlin

22. Which hotel do you recommend to visitors in Berlin?

Oh, there are so many great hotels in Berlin.

If someone is visiting Berlin for the first time, I’d probably point them to the 25hours at the Zoologischer Garten, perfectly located in City West near Ku’damm.

Not only because it’s one of the coolest hotels in Berlin, but also because NENI, the restaurant at the 25hours, serves amazing food — and you can enjoy a nightcap at the Monkey Bar with views of monkeys, elephants, and more.

If you prefer something smaller and more individual, I have a very special recommendation: the Wilmina Boutique Hotel!

It’s a truly stylish boutique hotel in City West with a unique history. The hotel used to be a women’s prison — seriously, it’s true.

My pick for a great family hotel in Berlin is the Schulz Hotel Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery.

Also read our hotel portrait for Hotel Louisa’s Place: