Planning a trip to Germany and want to know the best things to do in Berlin at night? Well, this guest post has everything you need! The German capital is a popular destination, with lots of great sights and activities to keep you busy throughout the day. But, once the sun sets, you’ll need a new guide. So, here are some great things to do in Berlin at night (such as where to eat, what to do, and more)!
Head this way for a complete 3-day Berlin itinerary (it’s a great resource for planning your trip)!
Berlin is a city that comes alive at night. It’s famed for its hedonistic techno clubs and some of the best nightlife in Europe, but there are plenty of other things to do in Berlin at night other than clubbing. Although its past may be dark, Berlin has reinvented itself as one of the best places to visit in Europe. Famous for hipsters, a certain sausage and a very large wall Berlin is one of the most liveable cities in Europe with an open-to-everyone ethos. From karaoke in a Bearpit to relaxing on a rooftop beach, here are some of the top things to do in Berlin at night.
More nighttime activities in Europe: here’s a guide to Venice in the evening!
Get free entry to over 60 Berlin attractions by clicking the button above and booking your Berlin pass in advance.
Eating out in Berlin at night
One of the absolute must do’s in Berlin is ‘Street food Thursday’. Every Thursday evening from 5pm to 10pm at Markthalle Neun you can sample street food from all over the world. From Tibetan momos and British pies to Mexican tacos and Allgäu Kässpatzen, there is something to tickle every tastebud.
A kebab in Berlin is like a patisserie in Paris. Kebabs are integral to Berliner lifestyle with over 950 kebabs eaten every day in Berlin. Head to areas with strong Turkish influences, like Neukölln or Kreuzberg, for some of the best. There is such an eclectic mix of international cuisine in Berlin, particularly in Bergmannkiez and the touristy Hackescher Markt, it’s possible to find some of the best dishes in Europe.
Currywurst is Berlins most wonderful invention, the city even has a museum dedicated to it, it’s a big deal. Invented in 1949 after a British soldier gave a local lady the ingredients, steamed and fried pork sausage is covered in a sweet curry ketchup and sprinkled with spices. There is fierce competition for the best currywurst in Berlin, Curry 36 is the most famous, Curry 61 has a vegan option, Witty’s is organic, Dom Curry is trendy. But Curry Mitte is a personal favourite with its garlicky slant on the eponymous dish.
Want more Germany? Here’s my weekend guide to Hamburg!
Drinking in Berlin (at night)
If you want to have a real Berlin night out, pick up some Berliner Pilsner for less than €2. Spätis, also known as Spätkaufs, are corner shops that stay open until late. They’re a ubiquitous part of Berlin culture and the place to grab a casual beer or two. Spätis or ‘late shops’ have everything you could need on a night out in Berlin at infamously low prices. Some of the best to try include Heil Quelle Späti for its beautifully organised shelves, the Späti at Schönhauser Alle for its global beer selection and the Späti at Gleimstrasse, Prenzlauerberg for cheap beers in Mauer Park.
Going on a night out in Berlin
Many people come to visit some of the best night clubs in Berlin, and for good reason. These superclubs are the ultimate night out in Europe. Days can be lost in these places as well as, on occasions, a degree of modesty.
The best clubs in Berlin
A must-do for anyone wanting to be a true Berliner is to be rejected at Berghain club. Berghain has one of the worlds strictest door policies, sometimes even refusing entry to famous DJ’s. Some tips to get into Berghain are to wear black, break into small groups and don’t talk in the line. But if it were that easy everyone would be inside. For a real shot try early Sunday morning when the queue is at its shortest.
For somewhere a little more accessible visit Sisyphos on a sunny Saturday afternoon and stay until Monday. The huge warehouse-style main room plays tech-house and the second chandelier-adorned dance floor plays a lighter house selection. This top club in Berlin has a festival vibe with hammocks and a relaxed door policy. For an alternative club in Berlin try Gretchen. It plays alternative genres like dubstep, drum and bass, garage, electro and trap.
Things to do in Berlin at night without drinking
There are plenty of things to do in Berlin at night if you don’t like clubbing. One of the top things to do in Berlin at night is the East Side Gallery. The ESG open-air gallery spans 1,316 metres along the river Spree and was once part of the original Berlin Wall. Although the rest of the barrier, separating the Soviet-led east from the democratic west, was torn down on the 9th of November 1989 this section remains. Today it is an ever-changing canvas for local and international artists alike, spreading messages of equality, hope and forgiveness.
If visiting Berlin with friends Berlin’s photoautomats are a definite must-do. These little kiosks are a central part of hipster Berliner culture, and getting a photo in one is a rite of passage for any visit to Berlin. There are 17 in total in Berlin, mainly black and white, with just one in colour. The most popular Photoautomat in Berlin is the one at Kastanienallee, avoid the crowds with this handy map of Photoautomats in Berlin.
Alternative things to do in Berlin at night
If you’re looking for crazy things to do in Berlin, Bearpit Karaoke probably hits the mark. Located in the Mauerpark amphitheatre, sessions start every Sunday at 3pm and often last well into the night. One microphone, two loudspeakers and a great mix of people. It’s probably the best use of a Bearpit since, well, ever. Show off your ‘Roar’ talent.
If you have some time in Berlin why not volunteer to really get under the skin of the city. Berlin’s troubled past has resulted in a city of good-doers and locals want to pass on this ethos. There are loads of ways to get involved and meet some truly inspiring Berliners while also doing good for the community. Check out these English speaking volunteer opportunities from Culture Trip including the Alzheimer-Tanzcafé. An initiative to help people with Dementia through music and dancing, so why not have a boogie and help someone out?
One of the best things to do in Berlin at night is to visit the Open Air Cinema. It’s located next to the Kulturforum at Potsdamer Platz. Get comfy in one of the 1,000 lounge seats, this venue is ready for the crowds. From indie films to blockbusters, the cinema plays the original version of films (usually in English) with German subtitles.
Where to find the best rooftop bars in Berlin
Berlin has some of the best rooftop bars in Europe. Watch the sunset at these cool rooftop bars in Berlin. Visit Berlins highest beach bar, Deck5, and sip cocktails in a hammock with your toes in the sand. Deck5 is located on top of a shopping centre and opens 7 days a week, from 12pm to 12am. With weekly changing cocktails, speciality coffee and a BBQ it’s a real mini holiday from Berlin city centre.
For something a little more budget-friendly, close to Alexander Platz is one of the best hidden rooftop bars in Berlin. On the seventh floor of Wombats hostel is a cosy, laid back terrace and the perfect place to watch the sunset over the city, open from 6pm to 2am Monday to Saturday.
Looking for views over Berlin Zoo while sipping Tiki-inspired cocktails? Of course you are. Visit Monkey Bar in West Berlin open Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 1am and Friday to Saturday 12pm to 2pm. You might even spot a monkey!
Berlin is a vibrant, tolerant and exciting city to be in at any time of day. But Berlin after dark is a whole different world. There is no shortage of things to do in Berlin at night I hope these suggestions help you to get out and discover your own wonderful corner of this eccentrically beautiful city.
Keep reading: 3-Day Itinerary for Berlin!
More things to do in the evenings in Berlin
Now that you have an idea of the best things to do in Berlin at night, it’s time to start packing! In case you need some more inspiration, here are a few more fun activities in Berlin after dark:
PIN THIS POST for later:
About the author: A Brit that got fed up of the 9 to 5 corporate life, Jo Williams sold everything to become a full-time wanderer. Having travelled to over 70 countries, Jo shares her money-saving tips and secrets from inside the travel industry through her blog Lost Wanders. Hoping to inspire you to work less and travel more.