Are you searching for the top things to do in Berlin at night, wondering how to make the most of the hours after dark in the German capital?
Not to worry, I’ve put together this fun guide to Berlin after dark so you can enjoy your time soaking up the nightlife, that world-famous nightclub scene isn’t going to enjoy itself.
Or maybe you’d prefer to enjoy a stunning view over the television tower or see the Brandenburg Gate all lit up with different colours?
I’ve even thought of the best places for late night cuisine in this guide with a couple of Berlin’s famous eateries for party animals and night owls alike.
Let’s go explore the vibrant streets of the capital of Germany after hours!
Time to check out some of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, even better after dark
You might have seen plenty of photos of the imposing columns of the Brandenburg Gate during the day, complete with statuesque chariot and horses.
But it’s arguably even more impressive once the sun goes down and the landmark lights up in rainbow hues, depending on the programming.
Situated at the end of Berlin’s most famous promenade Unter den Linden, the elegant avenue stretches out into a buzzing square complete with double marble fountains.
This is one of the city’s buzziest spots after dark, popular with visitors and locals alike as a meeting place.
The whole of Pariser Platz is a pedestrian hub, traffic is permanently prohibited and you’ll often find live music performances, if not whole concerts here.
It’s not uncommon to come across large stages set up here depending on the events.
The light show changes to commemorate different causes, there’s even a Festival of Lights where beautiful light displays swirl across the façade here and across other famous sights in Berlin like Potsdamer Platz and the Opera House.
Running for two weeks in early October, entry is free and it’s designed to show visitors the wonders of technicolour projections against the backdrop of many famous sights in Berlin.
Absolutely worth marking onto your calendar if you’re planning ahead for what to do after dark and you’ll be here at the right time!
Just around the corner from the Brandenburger Tor, you’ll find the stately Reichstag building with its glass dome, home to the German government.
If you ran out of time for the roof terrace and panoramic views from the dome during the day, it stays open until midnight for you to come up and enjoy the twinkling lights of the city.
Last entry is at 10pm though and you’ll need to reserve a timeslot online (free of charge), make sure to bring valid photo ID with you so the staff can let you through security screening.
A world class view for free? Yes please!
No 2: What’s better than the view from the top of the Television Tower?
The futuristic Berlin TV Tower towers over buzzing Alexanderplatz in the heart of Berlin. This spiky needle is the tallest structure in the city and there’s even a restaurant hiding in the shiny sphere, which books out months in advance.
And of course, the food comes with the price tag to match its one of a kind location.
If you haven’t locked in a table months in advance, I’ve got another option for you.
Head over to the Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz, they boast an observation deck on the 40th floor of the hotel with panoramic views over the Fernsehturm and the rest of Berlin’s cityscape.
Coming in at 6€ per person, it’s more expensive than the Reichstag but if you’d like that perfect snapshot of the TV tower, this is the spot to be.
Head over to the service desk in the lobby and staff will direct you to the rooftop if it’s open, the terrace does close in inclement weather so keep that in mind for your visit.
The elevator goes to the 35th floor and you’ll need to head up the final few flights on foot, paying at the door as you enter the terrace when open.
Wondering where to visit in the cooler months? Try this winter guide to Nuremberg!
No 3: Explore Berlin’s world-famous nightclub scene
You’ve no doubt heard about Berlin’s vibrant nightclub scene, famous among the European cities.
There are oodles of renovated warehouses and power stations to get your techno music fix in.
The most famous club is Berghain, or perhaps infamous for the bouncers turning away anyone they don’t think fits the secret dress code and strict no phone policy.
However, it’s not just the all black uniform (preferably with a splash of leather) that makes the Berlin nightlife a bit of a challenge.
No self-respecting Berliner would dream of going out before 1am at the earliest and at many clubs, it doesn’t get busy before 2-3am. Then you stay until the sun comes up or later.
So, if you’re a granny like me, you might want to schedule a pre-club nap or aim for one of the more lowkey clubs which open earlier in the night.
Berghain, Tresor and Salon zur Wilden Renate are all hard-core spots which are essentially temples to electronic music and raves.
Birgit and Club der Visionaere are more lowkey venues which still belong on the list of best clubs, with friendlier opening times.
Birgit is more of a warm weather destination with its canal side location and woodfired pizzas.
Over at Club der Visionaere, you’ll usually find a stacked line up of international artists on the banks of the Spree. Plus, less strict dress codes.
Top tips: Make sure to bring cash with you for the cover charge, many spots won’t accept card on the door or the bar.
Wearing a black outfit that can hold up to hours of dancing and knowing which DJs are playing might help you getting into some of the more popular spots, I’d advise some research if you’re desperate to get into Berghain!
No 4: Not so keen on visiting the infamous nightclubs, how about a pub crawl?
If the leather clad, sweaty depths of a pulsating nightclub aren’t really doing much for you, there’s still plenty of opportunities to have a good night in Berlin.
Berliners are famous for their love of a good time beyond the vibrating clubs and there are plenty who are past their raving prime.
Stepping out to a friendly neighbourhood Kneipe or pub is a famed Berlin pastime, whether that’s a dive bar or more of a respectable tavern.
You’ve gotta have somewhere to test out the Berliner Weisse, a special kind of wheat beer brewed for its tart – often verging on sour – flavours which is served with a shot of green or red syrup.
Red is a pretty safe bet with raspberry syrup, green will get you the Waldmeister flavour, which is a gentle herbaceous mix but a bit of an acquired taste.
Worth a try when you’re in Berlin but I don’t think I could drink them all night.
Outside of Germany, the Berliner Weisse variety tends to be actually brewed with the different flavours rather than have syrup added to the beer.
So, if you see someone drinking a bright green beer, you’ll know what they’re having!
Top tip: If you choose to test out a Berliner Weisse, the bartender will likely ask you “red or green” to check which syrup you’d like in your beer. Just remember that red is raspberry flavour and green is waldmeister – I’d describe it as a grassy flavour.
Stop by Vincent Piano Bar tucked neatly beside the Spree for cocktails and live music by local artists or b flat Jazz Club if you’d like more instruments with your hand-crafted cocktail.
Bavaria Berlin has more of an old-school German pub vibe with Bavarian classics or test out the brews over at Brauerei Lemke nestled under a railway bridge with its sprawling beer garden.
Make your own mini Berlin pub crawl if you’re not staying at a raucous youth hostel that hosts their own!
Looking for more info on the best Berlin party hostels to stay at while you’re cityside? Look no further!
No 5: Culinary delights after dark, Berlin style
Berlin isn’t just famous for its late-night drinking establishments, the street food served up in the wee hours is almost as famous!
The ubiquitous Döner Kebab was introduced to Germany with the influx of Turkish immigration in the 1960s and is now practically everywhere.
Possibly made even more popular by the lack of eating options when it’s past 9pm, nothing so heavenly as spotting a kebab joint when you’re in desperate need of nourishment at 2am.
Rotating spits hold succulent meat ready to be sliced and added to a wrap or Turkish roll with your choice of sauces and salad.
Or grab a fresh gözleme – a flatbread stuffed with spinach and cheese or spiced lamb, depending on what’s on offer.
The very first kebab’s entry to Germany is claimed by at least three different people, but regardless, the delicious sandwich on the go has been whole-heartedly embraced in Berlin and through practically all of Germany.
Some delicious spots to test out in the heart of Berlin include Kebab Kitchen, Pergamon Döner or Kebap with Attitude a bit further afield.
For another Berlin culinary powerhouse, it has to be the currywurst.
Created by the enterprising Herta Heuwer in 1949, amidst the aftermath of WWII and food scarcity, it was created to be the ultimate cheap street food for a population struggling back to its feet.
These days, it consists of a skinless pork bratwurst sliced up and doused in a mix of tomato sauce and curry powder.
It’ll be served up on a little white paper plate and usually comes with a side of Pommes (hot potato chips).
Other deep fried delicacies are often also on offer, depending on where you go.
Each establishment has their own secret recipe for the sauce and you can easily start up a discussion amongst locals by asking which currywurst is the best.
Try Curry 61, Witty’s Currywurst or Berlincurrys for your slice of Berlin’s food history on a bit of cardboard!
Nothing like a walking tour fuelled by kebabs and currywurst to finish off the night!
No 6: Catch a movie out in the crisp night air over in former East Berlin
I’ve got the perfect place for you to enjoy a feature film out under the stars.
The Freiluftkino Friedrichshain is one of Berlin’s most popular open-air cinemas and offers a unique experience set up in the Volkspark with cushions, raised benches and general good vibes!
With room for more than 1800 in front of the big screen and even a pram parking bay alongside the picnic section, they really have thought of everything.
Double check the program for movies before you go, keeping in mind that they only run from May until September.
AKA while the weather is still outdoors friendly, but it can get chilly in Berlin at night so make sure to bring a good jacket just in case. It could be hard to sit through a movie otherwise.
Tickets are easily booked online and are 8.50€ per adult, sit anywhere you like and seating opens 30 minutes before the screening time.
Be sure to double check that there is a British flag displayed next to the movie title that you want to see to ensure that it will be shown with English subtitles/English dubbing, or if you speak German, then you won’t need to worry!
Bring along your own picnic – outside food and drinks are welcome – or stock up at the kiosk onsite.
You’ll pass plenty of supermarkets on your way over if you’d like to stock up for the best possible price.
While you’re out this side of town, consider stopping past the East Side Gallery if you haven’t been.
It’s only lit by the streetlights but you’ll likely have the whole place to yourself compared to the tour groups who are here during the day. The longest open-air gallery in the world open just for you!
Want to know more about the East Side Gallery? Check out my ultimate guide to Berlin!
No 7: Go on a relaxed boat cruise through the heart of Berlin after dark
What better way to explore the best parts of the German capital than sailing past them on a leisurely river cruise.
These boat tours coast along the gentle waters of the River Spree while you’re entertained with expert commentary on the sights and enjoy the ambiance.
Roaming from the UNESCO listed Museum Island and Berlin Cathedral up to the Reichstag and beyond, there’s nothing quite like seeing the sights from the water while you sit back and relax.
No need to worry about getting a shot of the TV Tower with no crowds when you’re out in the middle of the river.
There’s a wide variety of different cruises that you can select, from christmas themed cruises with mulled wine (Gluhwein) to enjoy.
Or you might prefer to enjoy a delightful 3 course evening meal with prosecco?
No need to worry about seasickness out on the river, the rivercrafts are designed for stability and there are no waves to speak of, aside from some gentle rocking when you pass other boats.
Tours range from 1-2 hours spent exploring via the water and will drop you back to the launching point, best to book a few days in advance in order to lock in your preferred option.
No. 8 Enjoy the surrounds of UNESCO listed Museum Island after dark
While normally, the museums and galleries clustered together on Museum Island close up around 6:00pm, there is one night of the year where they’re open until the early hours of the morning.
If you happen to be in Berlin on the 24th of August, 2024 and have booked a ticket in advance, you can join the Long Night of the Museums.
The one ticket will get you entry into 70 different museums from 6pm until 2am, with special shuttle busses running between different sights.
Many of the museums put on special exhibitions and over 50,000 visitors come out to enjoy the cultural extravanganza, complete with special food trucks.
There’s plenty of different route suggestions and more information on the jam-packed offerings on the official website.
If you’re visiting at any other time of year, Museum Island is still beautiful at night time.
The space was designed specifically for the public to visit so you’ll find plenty of park benches and sculptures dotted around, the entire island is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take your time meandering around and admiring the colossal buildings all lit up, including the Berlin Cathedral.
It’s a great way to experience the space with barely any other visitors, compared to how you would experience it during the day.
Looking for more adorable houses? This walking tour of Bamberg is ready and waiting
You’ve reached the end of this guide for things to do in Berlin at night!
We’ve reached the end of our afterhours adventures through the quirky streets of Berlin from the bustling Alexanderplatz to the peaceful Volkspark out in Friedrichshain.
From visiting smoky jazz bars sipping cocktails to the traditional hospitality of old school boozers, Berliner Weisse’s in hand of course.
Or potentially gone floating along the Spree and watched the city lights pass us by with a chilled glass of Prosecco after a delightful multi-course meal.
This eclectic city has plenty to keep you occupied after hours and long into the night, until daylight even if you’re hitting up some of the world-famous clubs.
I hope this guide has given you some ideas on how to maximise your time enjoying Berlin during the night time and you have the best time enjoying Germany’s capital!
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried any of these suggestions!
Wondering where else to visit in Germany? I’ve got just the Munich guide for you!
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