Kate Bettes

Is there anything Berlin can’t do? The German capital was the city of the twentieth century and has carried that momentum into the twenty-first. What are the best things to do in Berlin? The diversity at the heart of the city makes it a ‘something for everyone’ sort of place, with museums and galleries for the culture vultures next to 72-hour parties for the buzz-chasing, erm, buzzards. Not the best analogy, clearly, but you see the point.If you want it, you’ll find it in Berlin. And that’s how we’ve curated our list the way we have: to show off each element of this fabulous city. In any case, a plan is a must, as this modern metropolis fills every inch of its territory with interest, so follow our guide to the best things to do in Berlin and get planning. You are in for one incredible trip. RECOMMENDED:🪩 The best clubs in Berlin🍴 The best restaurants in Berlin🏡 The best Airbnbs in Berlin🛏 The best hotels in Berlin📍 How to spend a weekend in Berlin. This guide was recently updated by Berlin-based writer Kate Bettes. Original photos by Berlin-based photographer Astra Pentaxia. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

There’s a reason that Berlin is oh-so notorious for its party culture. Sometimes you have to see it to believe it, and Berlin is one of those places. But the rumours are true: the parties here start late and finish early (depending which way you look at it), and sometimes go on for 72 hours at a time.  And it’s not all about Berghain, either. The clubs in Berlin range from LGBTQ+ nights to raves in industrial warehouses and floating clubs right on the water. It’s home to some of the best clubs in the world, and if you get it right, chances are you won’t stop talking about your night out in Berlin for a very long time. Here are the best clubs in the city.  RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Berlin🍷 The best bars in Berlin🪩 The best nightlife spots in Berlin🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Berlin This guide has been updated by Kate Bettes. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

We all like the idea of summertime in Europe – long, lazy days in the Mediterranean sunshine, whiling away an evening people-watching in local bars – but the reality is often much less romantic, with overtourism, sky-high prices and heatwaves blighting many a Euro Summer fantasy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. To inspire your summer holiday plans this year, we asked writers across Europe to tell us about their favourite alternative summer trip ideas. From Croatia’s quieter island-hopping route to an Estonian spa break, here’s where to head for crowd-free bliss and unsung adventures right across the continent. You’re welcome. RECOMMENDED:🏝️ The best alternative Mediterranean beach breaks🗺️ Europe’s most underrated travel destinations

Culture vultures, listen up: Berlin is one of the best cities in Europe for culture. It’s got everything from fascinating history to immersive exhibitions – the only hard thing is choosing which ones to visit. On our list, the highest ranked museums are those that truly capture the essence of Berlin, but if you’re returning to the city or you’ve got the full week, you should simply work your way down it. Some of it will be harrowing, much of it inspiring, but we’ve made sure to look behind the most famous museums and monuments, to include those that are the most interesting and unique. Our top tip? Get your culture fix on a Sunday, when most of Berlin's museums are completely free to enter. Here are the best museums in Berlin right now.  RECOMMENDED:🎨 More of an art person? Here’s the best galleries in Berlin📍 The best things to do in Berlin🍴 The best restaurants in Berlin🏡 The best Airbnbs in Berlin This guide was recently updated by Berlin-based writer Kate Bettes. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

If you thought Berlin was only for German food, prepare to be amazed. Berlin has become as well known for its Italian, Japanese and Turkish joints as it is for those side-of-the-road sausages. It even holds the title of the city that created Döner kebabs.  The food scene here is second-to-none, and it’s only getting better. Our local writers have tried everything from the spots with two Michelin stars to the best currywurst in the city, to bring you this delicious list. Here are the best restaurants in Berlin right now.  RECOMMENDED:🥑 The best brunch in Berlin🍷 The best bars in Berlin📍 The best things to do in Berlin🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Berlin This guide was recently updated by Berlin-based writer Kate Bettes. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Ticking off the main tourist attractions on a city break is all well and good, but it’s only when you veer off down a side street or stumble across a leafy avenue that you really get a glimpse of a city’s true character. Streets are the heart of local life; they’re where communities come together, where new local businesses become go-to staples and where urbanites go out, hang out and have fun.  So what are the world’s coolest streets worth a stroll right now? To find the answer, we reached out to our global team of local expert editors and contributors, who each made a case for the coolest street in their city. We then narrowed down the selection to create a definitive ranking of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet. And so you have it: the coolest streets in the world’s best cities. Over the last few years, street life has gone through something of an evolution. Outdoor drinking and dining, at one point a temporary measure, has become a staple on many of the streets on our hotlist; only bolstered by green initiatives like pedestrianisation and low-traffic avenues. In other words, these streets have become much more walkable and pleasant places to spend our time. On every street on this list, there are bold, creative new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture: from listening bars to repurposed heritage buildings, these streets are where you’ll find a city’s most exciting cultural trends. Ready for a wander?  RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The w

What is it? This surprisingly fun and interactive space was founded to teach younger generations about the German or Deutschland Democratic Republic AKA East Germany. Is it worth visiting? Very much so. The GDR/DDR Museum has an unusual style that sees visitors being immersed in the recent chunk of German history, meaning you understand it better as a visitor to Berlin. It is the largest, most interactive and diverse exhibition on the subject. The focus is predominantly on the everyday life of the GDR. So take a Communist blast from the past. Rifle through the draws and cupboards of a GDR-era prefabricated apartment, take a spin in the Trabi car driving simulation and look at memorials of those persecuted by the menacing Stasi secret police.  How much does it cost? Time slots need to be booked ahead of time on the website. Entry is €13.50 with reduced prices available. Tours, queue-jump tickets and more are available on GetYourGuide.  The permanent exhibition is accessible at the main entrance, and barrier free bathroom is on site. Note that if you take the route from Liebknecht Bridge down to the Spreepromenade for the entrance, there is a steep ramp and stairs. If you would prefer to visit with fewer visitors, the museum recommends that you visit after 5 pm (it is open till 9 pm). Service and guide dogs are allowed onsite, with proof of this status needed. Where’s good to eat nearby? The GDR Museum is on the River Spree near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Museum Island i

What is it? An illuminating museum that celebrates and memorialises the lives of the German LGBTQIA+ community across four exhibition spaces. What is the history of the Schwules Museum? Also known as ‘The Gay Museum’, the Schwules Museum in Schöneberg has been running since 1985, and is internationally renowned for its collection. Schwules opens windows into the LGBTQIA+ past, as well as exploring current topics, like fetish and sex-positivity, contemporary queer artists, and sex education. Looking to get even deeper on your trip? There are 25,000 titles here, covering everything from rare porn to art history, as well as films, cassettes, records and more, which you can check out.  How do I book? Tickets to the Schwules Museum should be booked online and are €9 or €3 reduced. Public tours run every Thursday at 6pm and Saturday at 4pm. No registration is needed, but there is a limit of 25 participants.  On specific dates, tours are offered in German Sign Language. There is hearing support, such as information accessible in text, and hearing aid devices.  There is no barrier-free parking nearby, but public transport options are available. The main entrance has a small number of steps, and there is a barrier-free entrance via the courtyard. There are wheelchair-accessible bathrooms on site, and most of the exhibits are designed to be able to be seen while sitting. Assistance dogs are allowed in all rooms. Toilets are all-gender. For more information, check out the website here.

What is the Jüdisches Museum and why is it important? A celebration of Jewish history and culture in a world-famous museum that is housed across a zigzagging glass building and an 18th-century college. Is it worth visiting? While Jewish history conjures the dark years of persecution under the Third Reich for many visitors to Berlin, there is more of the German-Jewish experience to learn among the extensively researched exhibits at the Jüdisches Museum.  Its permanent exhibition on ‘Jewish History and Present in Germany’ documents life from migration of early communities in the Middle Ages, persecution under National Socialist rule, and the diversity of Jewish life up to today. There is also the ‘childrens world’ of Anoha, complete with a Noah’s ark with 150 animal sculptures for kids to discover. Is it free to enter? The Kreuzberg-based Jüdisches Museum Berlin is open daily from 10am-6pm. Tickets to the permanent exhibition are free of charge, and temporary exhibition tickets are €10 or a reduced rate of €4. Those under 18 can enter temporary exhibits for free. Tours and queue-jump tickets can be booked on GetYourGuide. We recommend booking in advance.  Guidance including for those with dementia and their companions is available. There are also facilities for those who are audibly or visually impaired, it is wheelchair accessible and has a suitable bathroom for those in wheelchairs, as well as parking for those with disabilities. There is some equipment to support those with

What’s the vibe? Clubbing beats meet avant-garde artistic expression at this oh-so-cool alternative Berlin art space that hosts semi-regular pop-up events. Why should I go? Anomalie in Prenzlauer Berg hosts events, including techno nights, film screenings and art exhibitions. The best way to keep track of this smorgasbord of happenings is to follow is Instagram page.  While not all events are ticketed, check ahead at Resident Advisor to see if there are any specific events on that evening, and to check if you can book in advance to save yourself the trouble of buying on the night. Pace yourself. Anomalie is open some Fridays from 11 pm to Saturdays at 10 am when special events are on. Cost depends on the event in question but expect around the €20 mark. Compared to some other Berlin clubs (we see you, Berghain), the door policy here is relatively easygoing. What should I wear? Like the door policy, Anomalies' dress code is laid back. Go in whatever makes you feel comfortable, but don’t rock up in something like sportswear - unless you’ve jazzed it up with some Berlin-esque touches, of course.  A word of warning. Sometimes Anomalie dishes up specific events with a very particular dress code in mind. Again, check their Instagram page or event description on Resident Advisor before you head out, and you will be swell.  Where’s good to eat/drink nearby?  Come summer, take your pick from the summer beer gardens to the west in Prenzlauer Berg, before heading over to Anomalie. Summe

What’s the vibe? A cross between an art centre, performance space, club and music expression, there is something for everyone at Trauma Bar Und Kino.  Why should I go? Trauma Bar Und Kino was created as an inclusive alternative to the traditional Berlin clubbing scene, with an eclectic mix of one-off performances, screenings and music onsite. As a result, prices range massively. You’ll find regular electro-techno nights or art performances that are totally free, while some nights will cost €20 or more. There are subsidised tickets (including for those with low income).  Opening times vary depending on what events are on, so check its website for more info.  What should I wear? The door and dress policy of Trauma Bar Und Kino embraces everyone, as long as you’re good vibes and respectful. Where’s good to drink nearby? Trauma Bar is found near Europacity on Heidestrasse, in an old building on a quiet stretch. Of course, the club itself is anything but quiet, and it’s very near the main station of Berlin Hauptbahnhof, meaning getting here from pre-game bars and restaurants is a cinch. Hop on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn that takes less than ten minutes to Alexanderplatz, or the U-Bahn to the bars and restaurants of Hackesher Mart - like the oh-so-cool Haus Schwarzenberg, an ex-communal space turned bar with shared benches underneath fluttering colourful flags. 🪩 Discover more of the best bars in Berlin

What’s the vibe?  Azzam is unassuming and unpretentious. The only sign that it has some of the best Levantine cuisine in town is the would-be patrons waiting for a table. What are the prices like?  Very cheap for what you get. Expect to pay €1-10 at brunch time (plus the tea is free). What should I order?  Where to start? Azzam has a mix of vegetarian and meat dishes and is renowned for its huge plates of Hummus and Tahini, as well as warm dishes of whole chickpea Musalaha served with pita bread. You’ve also got plates of pickles and falafel, Shawarma and Kafta.  If that is enough to get your mouthwatering, round up a group of friends. It’s by far the best way to share a little bit of everything. What’s worth visiting nearby? Azzam is on Sonnenallee – widely considered to be the heart of Berlin’s Middle Eastern community. As a result, there are more Levantine restaurants here than you could hope to visit in just one trip. (But you can certainly try once you've gone to Azzam.) Being in the centre of the borough of Neukölln, Volkspark Hasenheide is nearby, as is Tempelhofer Feld. You can also explore the neighbourhood by renting a bike and cycling up the canalside Maybachufer road. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Berlin

What’s the vibe?  The original Burgermeister under the Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn station is constantly buzzing, serving up juicy burgers to patrons on the go. Not bad for a takeaway joint that was built in what was once a public toilet. What are the prices like?  Expect to pay around €10-12 for a super casual, and bargain, lunch of burger and fries. What should I order?  That depends on your flavour. For meat eaters, they have everything from the classic hamburger or cheeseburger, all the way up to Meister Aller Klassen with its double meat, double cheese, bacon, jalapeños… we could go on. If you opt on the vegetarian side of life, the Burgermeister Waldmeister with its soya patty and grilled mushrooms, has your back. And, if you’re a slave to the siren call of cheesy fries, Burgermeister has those too What’s worth visiting nearby? Burgermeister at Schlesisches Tor is very much in the middle of the action when it comes to the main drag of Kreuzberg and as a gateway to Rudolfkiez and Friedrichshain beyond. On the Kreuzberg side, the indoor market, Markthalle Neun, is just up the road, as is the famous brunch spot, Annalies.  Cross the Oberbaumbrücke over the River Spree to the East Side Gallery, RAW-Gelände Cultural Centre and the bookstores, cafes and vintage shops of Warschauer Straße. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Berlin

What’s the vibe?  The interior of Kanaan is decorated with love. There are visual nods to the background of the chefs whose vision for collaborative peace resulted in the creation of this laidback Palestinian-Israeli restaurant. What should I order?  Vegetarian and vegan sharing platters are the main fare of Kanaan. To get an appreciation of as many as possible, arrive with friends for its brunch menu.  What are the prices like? For €28 you’ll get starters and main courses, which include homemade bread with olive oil and za’atar to dip in Babaganoush, pickles in a curry sauce and spicy pepper dip. We also love the Shakshuka and Hummus with fava beans and grated eggs. If your stomach isn’t bursting at this point, drop the extra few euros for sweets like Malabi Rose Water Pudding or the Labneh Cheesecake.  What’s worth visiting nearby? Kanaan is in the north of Prenzlauer Berg. With Mauerpark only a few streets away, combine a Sunday brunch with a trip to its weekly fleamarkets, and their famous karaoke sessions. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Berlin

What is it? In a city that loves saunas, Vabali is widely considered to be the best of the best. Taking cues from Balinese culture, the ‘wellness oasis’ comes complete with 10 saunas, three steam baths, four pools, massage facilities, and a restaurant/bar. Need we say more? Why is it worth visiting? Vabali is truly one-of-a-kind. And when you are rubbing lavender cakes on your body or taking a blissful dip in the serene inside pool, it isn’t hard to see the attraction.While it can take a few minutes to get used to the mixed-gender, naked-only pace, after a while, most visitors seem to forget. There are strict rules in place against any inappropriate behaviour.  How much does a spa cost? It is best to book a time and ticket in advance on Vabali’s reservation page, with a booking fee of €3.50 per person. In terms of the cost of entry itself, prices range from two hours for €27.50 to a day pass for €47.50. While staying there all day might seem a bit excessive, you might be surprised how addictive it is to stay there.  What do you need to bring to Vabali? Bathing shoes and a bathrobe are mandatory. If needed, you can rent towels and bathrobes there, as well as buy shoes. Can I eat there? Once you feel suitably steamed, in summer, the deck chairs and comfortable day beds by the outdoor pools are the perfect places to order an Aperol Spritz or a healthy (but delicious) rice bowl, from a menu influenced by Asian and Mediterranean flavours. 📍 Discover more of the best things to do

What is Berghain and why is it so famous? Opened in 2004 on the border between the Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain districts, Berghain has long been known for its techno and minimal techno music scene. It’s just as celebrated for its queer-friendly rooms that are dedicated to sexual pleasure-seeking. All of this has contributed to the Berlin club’s extreme and one-of-a-kind reputation that has travellers desperate to enter its front doors. Is it hard to get into? Yes and no. While there are no clear rules on how to get into Berghain, you should think about a few things before you join the sometimes enormous queue.  The biggest thing? Give respect and consideration to Berghain’s culture and original intent: to provide a safe space for queer people to celebrate and indulge. If you’re there simply because it’s ‘cool’, to stare, or simply to tell your friends back home that you ‘got in’, you not only are less likely to be allowed entry, but you probably shouldn’t go in at all. The rest is pretty self-explanatory. Get familiar with the music style and DJs that are playing that night. Don’t be drunk. Don’t enter in too large groups, Dress in a way that’s true to yourself, but nods to the club’s darker-coloured aesthetic. Learn a few German phrases to communicate with the bouncers. Stick to the awareness rules upon entry. Got it? Then good luck (if you’re there for the right reasons, that is). How much does Berghain entry cost?  Like many of Berlin’s clubs, Berghain entry has risen dra

What is it? Located between Tempelhof-Schöneberg and Neukölln, Tempelhof Feld (meaning ‘field’) was once an airfield before being reclaimed, and is now open to the public. Whether you want to cycle, skateboard, walk your dog, have a summer picnic, or check out urban green spaces, Tempelhof Feld should be your destination. Why is it worth visiting? As the largest inner-city open space in the world, Tempelhof Feld is truly unique. Head here if you need a break from touring some of the main Berlin attractions, this is one of the best places to go for a moment of calm.  Is Tempelhofer free? The park is open for everyone – free of charge and without needing to book. There were once plans to keep the airport open, but citizen movements to squat there as well as enormous local support for keeping the space open to locals have allowed Tempelhofer to be what it is today.  Entrances on the southernmost entrance on Oderstraße (Crashgate) are accessible to wheelchair users. All the bathrooms – except the one at the entrance of Columbiadamm - have wheelchair facilities. There are specific parking spaces at the entrances near Columbiadamm and Herrfurthstraße. Depending on the season, entry times change. Where’s good to eat nearby? Tempelhof Feld is 3.5km squared and is adjacent to several neighbourhoods; choosing a place to eat depends on what side of the space you are on. There are plenty of good cafés here, like Cafe BilderBuch. The Neukölln side is famous for Levantine food, as well as

What is Mauerpark? Mauerpark used to be a no man’s land, where between 1961 and 1989, the Berlin Wall separated East from West. Soon after the wall came downm it was given new life as a park.  Today, it is a greenspace, home to one of Berlin’s most famous flea markets, and surrounded by some of Prenzlauer Berg’s best cafes, restaurants and cafes. Is it worth visiting? The flea market here is the main reason that Berlin residents and visitors come here when it is held every Sunday. Rows and rows of stall owners hawk everything from antique homewares to second-hand boots. The other reason? The famously popular weekly outdoor singing session, Bearpit Karaoke. Volunteers raise their hands and are picked to walk the steps to share their singing talents (or lack thereof). Coming off the park you’ll also find Mauersegler, a chilled-out beer garden with classic German pub grub and good tunes.  What time is the flea market? You’ll find the flea market every Sunday from 9am to 6pm. You’ll spot it immediately by the food and drink stalls which pop up on the first row near the entrance; we’re talking Berlin classics like currywurst and kebabs, and more international food like bao and takoyaki. There are many vegan and vegetarian options. When should I visit? Visiting Mauerpark is hassle-free, as no booking is required, but it looks its absolute best in summer (obvs). The park is easily accessible to the general public and is particularly family-friendly, making it a favourite among chi

ストックホルムやタリン、ニューヨークに拠点を持つ写真美術館、「フォトグラフィスカ (Fotografiska）」が2023年9月、ベルリンのミッテに新しい美術館をオープンした。 2010年にスウェーデンで誕生した同美術館は、投入型の展示や多彩なイベントプログラム、そして印象的な建築環境を組み合わせた革新的なアプローチで知られる。 「ベルリン・アート・ウィーク」期間中の9月14日には、美術館の開業を祝うグランドオープニングが開催。記念すべき第1回目となるエキシビションのオープニングだけでなく、DJによるパフォーマンスやエレクトロパンクの代名詞、ピーチによるライブ演奏などが行われた。 フォトグラフィスカの運営チームは、「世界一流の写真と多彩なプログラム、ラグジュアリーな食事、そして驚くような新しい視点」を提供していくとコメント。国内外から、多様なバックグラウンドを持つ芸術家の才能を支持することを目指す、と意気込みを見せている。 Photograph: Saxon Baird 館内には6フロアにわたる巨大な展示スペースを展開するほか、ベーカリーやバー、ラグジュアリーレストランを併設。南アフリカ人アーティスト、キャンディス・ブレイツ（Candice Breitz）の「Whiteface」（12月4日（日）まで）や、女性のアイデンティフィケーションを取り扱う写真シリーズ「NUDE」（2024年1月14日（日）まで）、ビジュアルアーティストでDJのジュリアナ・ハックステーブル（Juliana Huxtable）の個展「USSYPHILIA」（1月21日（日）まで）などの展示が開催されている。 しかしミッテに誕生した巨大ギャラリーは、多くのベルリン市民の間で物議を醸し出しているのも事実。ジェントリフィケーションによって急速に高級化するベルリンにおける「アートウォッシュ」だと、議論が巻き起こっているのだ。 美術館が開業したのは、もともと歴史ある百貨店だったという立派な建造物。ベルリンの壁崩壊直後から2010年代初頭までは、スクワット運動（空き家となった建物を占拠し、生活環境を自治的に作り上げる運動）を行うアーティストたちの拠点だったことでも知られる。 彼らは「Kunsthaus Tacheles」や「Art House Tacheles」というアートセンターを自治的に運営しながら活動していたが、2012年に強制立ち退きが執行された。 ベルリンのアートシーン、そして社会運動の歴史を語る上では欠かせない重要な場所に誕生した、フォトグラフィスカ。Instagramの、「コミュニティーと文化交流のための宮殿」といううたい文句に反論する市民も出てきている。きらびやかな美術館誕生の背景に、ジェントリフィケーションの波によって追いやられたアーティスト達の歴史があることを忘れてはいけない。 「フォトグラフィスカ ベルリン」についての詳細は、公式ウェブサイトを確認してほしい。 関連記事 『Berlin just got a massive new art museum（原文）』 『ベルリン、文化施設へ巨額投資の一方でクラブが閉鎖危機に』 『ヨーロッパで最も混雑している観光スポットトップ10』 『パリで電動キックボードのシェアリングサービスが禁止に』 『フランスが観光客を削減していく方針を発表』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら  

Fotografiska, a contemporary photography museum with outposts in Stockholm, Tallinn and New York City, has just opened the doors of its new Berlin gallery.   The grand opening was held last week on September 14, during Berlin Art Week. At its new Berlin-Mitte property, the gallery launched its inaugural exhibitions, which were accompanied by talks, DJ sets and live music, as well as a performance from iconic electro-punk musician Peaches. An offshoot of the original Swedish photography museum, the Fotografiska team says Berlin’s latest gallery will showcase ‘world-class photography, eclectic programming, elevated dining and surprising new perspectives,’ while seeking to champion artistic talent from diverse backgrounds, both locally and internationally.  The exhibitions form part of a wider complex in the former Berlin department store, whose facilities include a bakery, bars and fine dining, and exhibition rooms across its six floors.    Photograph: Saxon Baird   Current exhibitions include ‘Whiteface’ by South African artist Candice Breitz (until December 4), ‘NUDE’, a photographic series by female-identifying artists (until January 14), and ‘USSYPHILIA’, a solo show from American visual artists and DJ Juliana Huxtable (until January 21). But the opening of the Mitte gallery has not been without controversy, sparking debate on art-washing in a rapidly gentrifying city. The building that now hosts Fotografiska was once a squat and artist residence known as Kunsthaus Tachel