20 Unusual Things to Do in Berlin: Hidden Attractions
Berlin, the sprawling capital of Germany, has long been celebrated for its vibrant art scene, iconic landmarks, and turbulent history.
Yet, beyond the well-trodden tourist trails, Berlin is teeming with secrets waiting to be uncovered.
If you’re in search of unique things to do in Berlin or hunting for those elusive hidden gems Berlin is famous for, buckle up; we’re going on a journey of discovery.
Unusual Things to Do in Berlin
1. Teufelsberg Listening Station: Abandoned Cold War Spy Station
Best For | History Buffs & Urban Explorers
Located on a man-made hill in the Grunewald forest, Teufelsberg is a relic of the Cold War era. Once a top-secret listening post for the Allies, this graffiti-covered station is now a haven for artists and adventurers alike. The haunting echoes of the past combined with stunning panoramic views of Berlin make Teufelsberg a unique and atmospheric spot.
Roam the decaying buildings and listen to tales of espionage, covert operations, and the shadows of the Cold War that once hung heavily over the city. As unusual things to do in Berlin go, a visit here is akin to stepping into a poignant chapter of history.
2. Spreepark: Derelict Amusement Park
Best For | Thrill-seekers & Nostalgics
A whisper of faded memories, Spreepark is a disused amusement park that tells tales of joy, laughter, and subsequent decay. While it once echoed with the delighted screams of children and the clinking of carnival games, it now stands silent but speaks volumes.
Wander amongst abandoned roller coasters and dilapidated ferris wheels as nature reclaims this once-thriving space. Occasional guided tours offer insights into its storied past, making it an evocative place to visit and one of the hidden gems Berlin offers to intrepid explorers.
3. Monsterkabinett: Macabre Art and Robot Gallery
Best For | Art Enthusiasts & Those Seeking the Surreal
Tucked away in a dark alley, Monsterkabinett is not your conventional gallery. This underground space is filled with strange robotic creatures, bizarre sculptures, and a touch of the macabre. A brainchild of artist Hannes Heiner, it’s where art meets the grotesque in a strangely captivating dance.
Visitors are treated to a surreal show where mechanized monsters come to life, blurring the lines between art, theater, and a fever dream. It’s undeniably one of the more unusual things to do in Berlin for those with a taste for the eerie and eccentric.
4. Stasi Museum: East Germany’s Secret Police Museum
Best For | History Buffs & the Curious-minded
Dive into the dark annals of East German history at the Stasi Museum. Located in the former headquarters of the Ministry for State Security, this museum pulls back the curtains on the operations and espionage tactics of the Stasi – the feared secret police of the GDR.
With rooms preserved in their original state, visitors can explore the offices of the Stasi’s top officials, including that of Erich Mielke, the long-serving Minister of State Security. Exhibits shed light on surveillance methods, covert operations, and personal stories of those affected, making it a deeply moving experience and a unique thing to do in Berlin.
5. Currywurst Museum: A Quirky Tribute to Berlin’s Iconic Snack
Best For | Foodies & Fun-seekers
Currywurst, a simple yet delectable dish of sausages topped with curry sauce, is a Berlin institution. The Currywurst Museum elevates this humble snack to a place of honor. Dive deep into its history, participate in interactive exhibits, and even have a go at making your own Currywurst.
It’s playful, it’s fun, and it’s an appetizing way to explore Berlin’s culinary culture. Plus, you get to sample different varieties of Currywurst, making it a deliciously unique thing to do in Berlin.
6. Klunkerkranich: Rooftop Bar with Panoramic Views
Best For | Social Butterflies & Sunset Chasers
Nestled atop a parking garage in Neukölln, Klunkerkranich is not just a bar; it’s an experience. Offering sweeping views of Berlin’s skyline, this rooftop paradise is a blend of urban garden, cultural space, and a bar.
Whether you’re sipping a cocktail, grooving to live music, or simply basking in the golden hues of sunset, Klunkerkranich offers an experience that’s as eclectic as Berlin itself.
Known only to a select few, it’s one of those hidden gems Berlin locals cherish and visitors are delighted to discover.
7. Badeschiff: Floating Swimming Pool on the River Spree
Best For | Aquaphiles & Chill-seekers
Imagine floating on Berlin’s River Spree but inside a swimming pool! Badeschiff, a transformed river barge, offers just that. It’s a floating oasis where you can paddle amidst panoramic views of the city. And as dusk falls, the surrounding deck transforms into a lively beach bar, making it a refreshing and unusual thing to do in Berlin.
8. Sammlung Boros: Contemporary Art inside a WWII Bunker
Best For | Art Lovers & Culture Vultures
In the heart of Berlin stands a robust WWII bunker that’s been transformed into an art space. The Boros Collection showcases contemporary artworks that push boundaries and challenge conventions. With installations, sculptures, and visual art pieces, it’s a sensory journey that offers a fresh perspective on the world.
A testament to Berlin’s ability to reimagine and repurpose, Sammlung Boros seamlessly melds history with modernity, making it a must-visit hidden gem.
9. The Bebelplatz Book Burning Memorial: A Subterranean Tribute to Censored Literature
Best For | History Buffs & Book Lovers
Bebelplatz is steeped in history, but its most poignant feature lies beneath the square’s surface. A glass pane reveals empty bookshelves below ground, a memorial to the infamous Nazi book-burning event of 1933. It’s a silent but powerful reminder of the dangers of censorship and the importance of free thought.
Visiting this site is not just about witnessing a memorial but reflecting on history’s lessons. It’s a somber yet essential experience and a unique thing to do in Berlin.
10. The Treehouse on the Wall: A Treehouse Built Against the Berlin Wall
Best For | Romantics & History Enthusiasts
In a city scarred by walls, Osman Kalin’s treehouse stands as a symbol of resilience and hope. Built from scraps on a patch of no-man’s land beside the Berlin Wall, this quirky treehouse defied East German officials and became a symbol of rebellion.
Today, it’s a poignant reminder of Berlin’s divided past and the indomitable spirit of its residents. A visit here is a tribute to defiance, dreams, and the unusual things that make Berlin so special.
11. Markthalle Neun: Foodie Paradise in a Historic Market Hall
Best For | Culinary Enthusiasts & Social Foodies
Dive into a gastronomic adventure at Markthalle Neun, a historical market hall that’s been revitalized as a modern foodie haven. From gourmet burgers and fresh oysters to vegan treats and international delicacies, there’s a bite for every appetite. Regular events, including the popular Street Food Thursday, add to the dynamic vibe, making it a deliciously unique thing to do in Berlin.
Don’t leave without sampling some local fare. Berliners swear by their hearty stews and sausages, and this is the place to get a genuine taste.
12. Berlin’s Flussbad Garden: Urban Oasis and Open-air Pool
Best For | Nature Lovers & City Escapists
Hidden in plain sight amidst the urban sprawl of Berlin, the Flussbad Garden offers a slice of tranquility. This urban regeneration project seeks to transform a neglected canal into a swimmable river pool. The adjoining garden provides an ideal spot for relaxation, picnics, and a refreshing connection to nature.
Join in the local events, workshops, or simply kick back with a book. It’s one of those hidden gems Berlin residents retreat to, away from the city hustle.
13. Rausch Schokoladenhaus: Largest Chocolate Store in the World
Best For | Chocoholics & Sweet-toothed Travelers
Any chocolate aficionado’s dream, Rausch Schokoladenhaus, promises a cocoa-infused heaven. Not just a store, it’s an experience. From chocolate sculptures of iconic Berlin landmarks to a plethora of cocoa-based treats, it’s a delightful exploration of the senses.
Indulge in their tasting sessions or craft your own chocolate bar, a memory that’s as sweet as the city’s offerings. For those looking for unique things to do in Berlin, this is a temptation hard to resist.
14. Victoria on Potsdamer Platz: Secret Rooftop Views of the City
Best For | Panorama Lovers & Instagrammers
Perched high above Potsdamer Platz, Victoria offers breathtaking views of Berlin. Known only to a few, this rooftop bar and café serves more than just beverages – it offers moments. Whether you’re toasting to the sunset or capturing that perfect shot for your Instagram, the city sprawls beneath you in all its glory.
It’s one of those hidden gems Berlin keeps tucked away, waiting to mesmerize those lucky enough to discover it.
15. Café Pförtner: Dining in a Converted Bus
Best For | Adventurous Diners & Nostalgia Fans
Amidst Berlin’s eclectic dining scene, Café Pförtner stands out. Located in a vintage bus with interiors revamped into a cozy dining space, this café offers a unique dining experience. As you indulge in their sumptuous meals, the retro ambiance takes you on a journey back in time.
From hearty breakfasts to candlelit dinners, every meal here feels like a mini-adventure, making it a genuinely unusual thing to do in Berlin.
16. Oberbaum Bridge at Sunset: Iconic and Instagrammable City Views
Best For | Photographers & Romantics
Spanning the River Spree, Oberbaum Bridge is not just a connector between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg; it’s a piece of art. Come sunset, the bridge bathes in golden hues, offering postcard-perfect views of the city.
Capture the magical moments as trams pass by, and the city’s silhouette reflects upon the water. It’s an experience that encapsulates the essence of Berlin – historic, beautiful, and ever-evolving.
17. The St. Oberholz Café: Where Tech Meets Historic Setting
Best For | Digital Nomads & History Lovers
In the heart of Berlin lies St. Oberholz, a café that’s been a witness to history and now caters to the digital age. With its vintage interiors and buzzing ambiance, it’s a favorite amongst freelancers, startups, and tourists.
Sip on a latte as you soak in the historic surroundings, or plug in your laptop and join the digital revolution. It’s a place where the past and the present collide, offering a unique Berlin experience.
18. NENI Berlin: Luxury Dining with 360-degree Views of Berlin
Best For | Fine Diners & Special Occasions
Elevate your dining experience at NENI Berlin. Located atop the Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower), it offers panoramic views of the city, complemented by a gourmet menu. As you feast on international delicacies, Berlin unfolds beneath you, making every meal memorable.
It’s not just about the food; it’s about savoring moments. NENI Berlin ensures that with every bite, you get a taste of the city’s grandeur.
19. Vabali Spa: Balinese Urban Retreat in the Heart of the City
Best For | Wellness Seekers & Relaxation Enthusiasts
For those seeking solace amidst the city’s hustle, Vabali Spa is an oasis. Designed in the Balinese style, this expansive spa offers a world of relaxation. From saunas and steam rooms to therapeutic massages, it’s a rejuvenating experience.
It’s an unusual thing to find a slice of Bali in Berlin, but Vabali Spa seamlessly merges the two, creating a sanctuary of peace and wellness.
20. Körnerpark: Neo-Baroque Park Often Overlooked by Tourists
Best For | Nature Lovers & Peace Seekers
A testament to Berlin’s diverse offerings, Körnerpark is a neo-baroque beauty. With its manicured gardens, ornate fountains, and serene ambiance, it’s a haven for those looking to escape the city’s pace. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, attend local events, or simply sit back and watch the world go by.
It’s one of those hidden gems Berlin locals adore, and once you visit, you’ll see why.
Berlin is a tapestry of experiences, woven with history, culture, and a spirit of reinvention. Beyond its iconic landmarks, the city hides a treasure trove of secrets. And as you embark on this journey of discovery, remember that Berlin’s charm lies not just in its attractions but in its stories, waiting to be told and retold. Happy exploring!
