In a nutshell
- We show you 17 cool things to do in Berlin that are genuinely worth your time — outdoor, indoor, and everything in between.
- For the active traveler: a bike tour through alternative Berlin — Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and the best local spots.
- For culture lovers: catch a spectacular show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast — colorful, extravagant, and seriously impressive.
- For those who love a view: rise 150 meters above the city in the Weltballon — especially stunning at dusk.
Outdoor Activities in Berlin
Looking for interesting things to do in Berlin beyond the classic sightseeing? We’ve got a few outdoor activities in Berlin for you that you absolutely should try when the weather is nice or during a weekend in Berlin.
Boat Tour on the Spree
What’s a must on any city trip to Berlin? A boat ride on the Spree, of course!
You’ll cruise leisurely past landmarks like the Government Quarter, Berlin Cathedral, and the Nikolai Quarter. From the water you can take great photos, and on board you’ll hear interesting and amusing anecdotes along the way.
The boat tour lasts about an hour. If hunger strikes, you can order a light lunch and drinks on board.
Book the Spree Boat Tour with Live Commentary
Here are some more great boat tours in Berlin:
Boat Tour to Müggelsee
A classic Spree boat tour is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Berlin — but everyone does that. We have another suggestion for a slightly different experience: a boat tour on Müggelsee.
On this trip through Berlin-Treptow, you’ll leave the big city behind and cruise past the old town of Köpenick all the way to Berlin’s largest lake, Müggelsee.
During the 3.5-hour tour, you’ll pass idyllic landscapes and the charming Köpenick Palace.
Book the Boat Trip to Müggelsee
Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour through Berlin
Hop-on/hop-off bus tours are a classic part of any city trip — and in Berlin, they’re seriously worth it.
A hop-on/hop-off bus tour is the smart choice if you want to see a lot of Berlin in a short amount of time or simply don’t feel like pounding the pavement all day. The bus takes you comfortably to all the major Berlin attractions, you can get on and off whenever you like, and an audio guide on board tells you all about the city.
There are five operators running these tours in Berlin. We recommend City Circle Sightseeing — you can choose between a 24, 48, and 72-hour ticket.
Get Your Hop-on/Hop-off Ticket with City Circle Sightseeing
In our article about hop-on/hop-off buses in Berlin, we’ve compared all providers in detail:
Swimming Fun at the Badeschiff
Did you know there’s a swimming pool right in the middle of the Spree? A barge was sunk into the river and converted into a huge pool: the Badeschiff.
From the pool, you have a great panoramic view over the Spree. The rest of the facility is super hip too — grab a drink at the beach bar or kick back in a lounge chair.
The Badeschiff is open from May to September, with exact dates depending on the weather.
Important: You need to reserve a two-hour time slot in advance via the website, which you can do up to four days ahead. A ticket costs 8 euros.
Exploring Berlin by Bike
We think a bike tour is one of the best ways to explore a city. That’s why we’ve picked out three great cycling tours through Berlin:
1. Highlights Tour for First-Time Visitors:
Is this your first time in Berlin and you want to see the city’s most iconic spots? The approximately three-hour highlights bike tour delivers exactly that! It starts in the trendy Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood and takes you past major landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate.
Book the Berlin Highlights Bike Tour
2. Experiencing Berlin’s History:
Dive into Berlin’s fascinating history on this 3.5-hour bike tour. Your guide will take you along the former border strip, past watchtowers and remnants of the Wall. You’ll learn everything about the division of the city and the incredible escape attempts that defined an era.
Book the Berlin History Bike Tour
3. Alternative Berlin:
Berlin has some incredibly lively alternative neighborhoods with a ton to discover. On this 3.5-hour bike tour, you’ll ride through Prenzlauer Berg, the lovely Friedrichshain, and the hip Kreuzberg district. You’ll pass cool courtyards and great parks, and pick up the best local tips along the way.
Book the Alternative Berlin Bike Tour
We introduce you to even more guided tours through Berlin in our article:
Outdoor Escape Game
If you love escape rooms but the weather during your Berlin trip is just too good to spend the day indoors, we’ve got something for you: an outdoor escape game!
You go on an exploration tour through the city, learn fascinating things about Berlin’s history, and solve interactive puzzles along the way. You’ll pass highlights like the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Berlin Wall.
Just download the game to your smartphone and off you go — no guide needed, completely at your own pace. You’ll discover both well-known and lesser-known spots around the city.
Book the Outdoor Escape Game in Berlin
Indoor Activities in Berlin
If the weather during your vacation in Berlin isn’t cooperating, there are plenty of cool indoor activities to make sure you’re never bored.
Experience Acromagic at Cirque du Soleil ALIZÉ
Looking for a truly special evening in Berlin? Then you absolutely have to check out the Cirque du Soleil ALIZÉ show.
This is no ordinary performance. For the very first time, Cirque du Soleil has a permanent production in Europe, running exclusively in Berlin at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz.
In ALIZÉ, you’ll experience a blend of breathtaking acrobatics and mesmerizing illusionism. Cirque du Soleil calls it “Acromagic” — and that’s exactly what it feels like. Bodies suddenly vanish, reappear somewhere else, and leave you in disbelief again and again.
At the center of it all is the character ALIZÉ, who dives into a dreamlike world where reality and fantasy merge. The show is visually stunning, deeply emotional, and definitely something you won’t forget anytime soon.
Find more show info here
Get Your Ticket for Cirque du Soleil ALIZÉ
Surfing at Wellenwerk
Surfing in Berlin? Yes, it’s actually a thing — at Wellenwerk, an indoor surfing facility.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s something for everyone: the wave height and speed can be individually adjusted to your level.
Book a 90-minute surf session on the website and let the fun begin. In a small group, you’ll take turns riding the perfect wave — all equipment is provided, of course.
Wellenwerk is also suitable for kids aged 10 and up who weigh at least 40 kg.
Friedrichstadt-Palast
During your city trip to Berlin, seeing a show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast should definitely be on your list.
Colorful, extravagant, and wild — that’s how we’d describe the productions at this famous revue theater in Berlin-Mitte. A new show is staged every year, featuring performance, dance, acrobatics, and singing.
Get Your Ticket for the Show BLINDED by DELIGHT
We’ve also written a dedicated article with practical tips and info about the Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin:
Craft Beer Tour with Tasting
One of the coolest indoor experiences you can have in Berlin is a brewery tour at BRLO Brwhouse.
The best part: you won’t just be shown around the facility and learn fascinating insider knowledge about how craft beer is made — you’ll also take part in a tasting. You’ll work your way through a range of delicious beers, each paired with a small snack.
The tour lasts 1.5 hours in total, so there’s plenty of time to ask your guide all the questions you want.
If the weather plays along, stick around after the tour and relax in BRLO Brwhouse’s beer garden — it’s really great!
Book the Brewery Tour with Tasting
Unique Activities in Berlin
Berlin is anything but ordinary — and that goes for its activities too. Here are a few tips for truly special things to do in Berlin.
Street Art Walking Tour
Berlin’s graffiti scene is incredible. You’ll find amazing artwork around every corner — but some of the spots where the best artists leave their mark are seriously off the beaten path.
On a guided street art tour, you’ll visit these lesser-known locations and learn everything about the fascinating graffiti culture that makes Berlin unique.
The artworks also make for great photo spots in Berlin, so bring your camera on the three-hour tour!
Walking Tour through the Scheunenviertel
Have you ever heard of the Scheunenviertel in Berlin-Mitte? This trendy, characterful neighborhood is an absolute must-see on your Berlin trip!
You’ll find hidden courtyards, great street art, cool cafés, and galleries everywhere you turn. The neighborhood was the Jewish center of Berlin, and its fascinating history is visible and palpable at every turn.
If you want to really understand the Scheunenviertel, we’d strongly recommend a guided tour. Your guide will share interesting background knowledge and take you to the most beautiful and tucked-away courtyards that you’d almost certainly miss on your own.
Book the Scheunenviertel Walking Tour
House Running
Looking for a real adrenaline rush? Then it’s time for house running!
You’ll see Berlin from a completely different perspective — literally. You take the elevator to the roof of the Andel’s Hotel, get a safety briefing, and then you’re off: running 60 meters down the outside wall of the hotel. Pure thrills!
That first step over the edge is a real mental challenge even for those with no fear of heights — but the bird’s-eye view of Berlin is simply indescribable.
By the way: The Andel’s Hotel is also a great pick for accommodation in Berlin. The central location is excellent and the hotel’s own restaurant is really good. You’ll find even more options in our article about the best boutique hotels in Berlin.
Book House Running at the Andel’s Hotel
Weltballon
Go even higher with the Weltballon, one of the largest helium balloons in the world, located right in the center of Berlin.
The balloon rises to 150 meters, soaring above all the high-rises, while from the observation gondola you take in a spectacular panorama of Berlin’s highlights. On a clear day, you can see as far as Marzahn, Neukölln, or Köpenick.
The balloon and gondola are, of course, secured by a steel cable — so you can relax and enjoy the view.
Our tip: Ride the balloon at dusk and the view over Berlin’s illuminated skyline is especially stunning. For more great vantage points, check out our article on the Berlin TV Tower.
Activities with Kids in Berlin
Are you traveling to Berlin with kids and looking for activities the whole family will enjoy? You’re in luck — here are a few of our favorite picks.
Waldhochseilgarten Jungfernheide High Ropes Course
The Waldhochseilgarten Jungfernheide is a fantastic under-the-radar spot in Berlin. Get ready to go high: you and your kids will be climbing through the trees at heights of up to 17 meters, giving everyone a chance to really burn off some energy.
Not quite up for the highest levels? No problem — there are courses at different difficulty levels. For the really little ones, there’s also a nice playground.
Reserve a time slot via the website before your visit and you’re good to go.
Note: The Waldhochseilgarten is closed during the winter months.
Legoland Discovery Centre
At Legoland, the fun factor for kids is absolutely guaranteed. There’s truly something for every child.
There’s an indoor playground, a 4D cinema, a Duplo farm for the youngest visitors, a miniature world, rides for all ages, and so much more — all built from the beloved colorful Lego bricks.
One thing to keep in mind: children aged three to 14 pay full price, which can add up quickly for a larger family.
Get Your Legoland Berlin Ticket — Skip the Line
Zeiss Major Planetarium
The Zeiss-Großplanetarium Berlin is one of the most modern science theaters in Europe and, with its 30-meter-high dome visible from far away, one of the largest planetariums in Germany.
It hosts seriously exciting events for the whole family centered around astronomy. With music, theater, and state-of-the-art technology, you’ll be transported into the world of the stars.
In the large planetarium hall, you’ll gaze up at a star-filled sky with over 9,000 stars, while the cinema hall shows gripping documentaries, blockbusters, and fun children’s programs.
You can find all the information on opening hours and booking on the website.
Berlin has a ton to offer for families. In addition to the Zeiss-Großplanetarium, you can explore many great museums with kids. Find more recommendations in our article on Museums in Berlin.
