Sundays in Mauerpark have become a Berlin institution over the years. With its flea market, diverse food trucks, numerous live musical performances, and giant karaoke sessions, it's a guaranteed cure for boredom.
On the runways of the former airport, Tempelhofer Feld is a paradise for fans of biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, and even kite flying.
Located in the southwest of Berlin, Pfaueninsel (literally “Peacock Island”) is a nature reserve protected since 1924, where peacocks roam freely. Accessible by ferry, the island features a charming, fairy-tale-like castle, which is currently closed for renovation.
Volkspark Friedrichshain is one of those pleasant, popular neighborhood parks that offers everything you could wish for. You can climb to the top of “Mont Klamott” and enjoy a stunning view over Berlin and the Fernsehturm, especially beautiful at sunset. A special feature of this park, which makes it very popular on long summer evenings, is its open-air cinema. The program includes both classic and recent films, in English and German, often with subtitles, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Gardens of the World, located in the neighborhood of Marzahn, offer a journey around the world through several themed gardens, symbolizing different cultures. You can hence take a trip from a typical Italian Renaissance garden to the tropical paradise of Bali. The park recently reopened its bobsleigh run, which has been rebuilt, allowing you to experience downhill speeds of up to 40 km/h—a perfect way to enjoy a cool breeze on hot August days.
Popular with young and old alike when temperatures rise, outdoor lakes and pools are ideal for cooling off. With around 3000 lakes in the Berlin and Brandenburg region, and multiple large pool complexes, there is something for everyone—from those eager to practice their breaststroke to those who simply want to feel the sand beneath their feet. Check out our guide to Berlin’s lakes to find the perfect spot for you, and visit this website for a complete list of lakes and outdoor swimming pools in Berlin, along with real-time attendance information.
Note that you often have to book in advance.
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Summer time in Berlin is a great moment to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Here are some musical and artistic events happening in August:
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Classical music lovers will not want to miss these two back-to-back events this month: Young Euro Classic from August 9 to 25 and Musikfest from August 24 to September 18. A wide range of international orchestras, ensembles and soloists will be performing, offering a multitude of live musical experiences.
Tickets can be booked online.
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Located in Charlottenburg since 2019, the popular outdoor theater Globe Berlin is back for its 6th season, running until September 15. Thought for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, Globe Berlin offers a variety of plays and live music shows in both German and in English. This year’s program features performances exploring themes of power, manipulation, and rebellion, including contemporary adaptations of iconic Shakespearean works like Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.
Tickets can be booked online.
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The Berlin Long Night of Museums offers a unique way to (re)discover the city’s museums. On August 24, from 6 pm to 2 am, a total of 75 museums and exhibition venues will open their doors to visitors. Purchase a single ticket and explore as many exhibitions and side events (such as workshops, artist talks, and tours) as you can!
Tickets can be booked online on or on the day of the event, in one of the participating museums.
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Holidays are a time for relaxation, but they’re also a great opportunity to use your free time for self-improvement, trying new activities, and learning new skills.
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Whether you have always dreamed of cooking your favorite dish at home or you want to immerse yourself in a particular culture through its cuisine, a cooking class is an excellent activity. Berlin offers workshops covering a wide range of cuisines, from traditional or modern German dishes to Asian specialties and vegan recipes. Many classes include a visit to local farmers' markets for grocery shopping, the cooking process, a shared meal, and plenty of cultural insights and cooking tips.
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Handicrafts and creative activities are trending on social media for good reason: they are perfect for relaxing, reconnecting with your inner child, and unleashing your creative potential. You don’t need to be a talented artist—just embrace your creativity and enjoy the process.
The amount of activity is almost endless. Depending on your interests, you could try pottery, drawing, painting, tufting, calligraphy, photography, sculpture, mosaic, and more. Berlin offers numerous workshops and classes to explore these creative pursuits. For example, Urban Nation hosts graffiti workshops, and many coffee shops and bars provide creative experiences paired with a drink.
Instagram and Pinterest are excellent sources of inspiration for cheap and generally easy DIY crafts. Creative materials are also readily available at various shops, such as Perlenmarkt, a large bead shop located in Kreuzberg.
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A staycation is a great time to practice a sport you already love, or to try new physical activities that you can integrate into your regular routine, and discover new fitness studios. Once again, Berlin offers a wide range of activities to choose from, such as yoga, pilates, spinning and more.
You can also indulge your competitive spirit and have fun with friends. Gamestate, located near Potsdamer Platz, is a vast space filled with arcade games of all kinds. Inside, you will lose track of time and might feel as though you have stepped into a parallel universe after a few hours of play.
For a more traditional experience, the cozy Shree Time Club bar possesses a large collection of over 100 board games, available in both German and English. The concept is simple: pay a flat rate based on your time there and enjoy unlimited snacks and drinks. It is a great way to spice up your evenings with friends.
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From cultural events to creative pursuits and exploration, Berlin offers endless opportunities for a memorable August. Enjoy the city’s diverse experiences and make the most of your staycation.
