Germany is known for its lazy Sundays, with most high street shops and grocery stores being closed and many people choose to stay in and relax. However, this doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do in Berlin on Sunday. The capital still has plenty of activities to sink your teeth into, even on the laziest day of the week!
Table of contents
- What to do in Berlin on Sunday: Activities and attractions
- Shop at flea markets
- See the sights
- Track down street art
- Head up the Spree River
- Track down the Berlin Wall
- Visit Charlottenburg Palace
- Catch a film at open-air cinemas
- Have a picnic at Tempelhofer Feld
- Grab a drink at a Beer garden
- Go hiking
- Visit a museum
- Go for Sunday brunch
- Relax in a park
- Summary
- Related posts
If you’re looking for what to do in Berlin on Sunday you certainly won’t be disappointed.. From picnics on a former airfield, visiting a museum or searching for street art, there’s plenty to keep you busy!
What to do in Berlin on Sunday: Activities and attractions
What you need to know
- Is anything open in Berlin on Sunday? While most stores will be closed on Sundays, essential ones and those in Railway stations are typically open. Tourist attractions and museums will be open as well as restaurants.
- Are museums free in Berlin on Sunday? On the first Sunday of each month, a lot of museums in Berlin will open their doors for free on what’s known as Museum Sunday.
- Where to get food in Berlin on Sunday? Most restaurants and cafes will still be open on Sundays so you shouldn’t struggle getting food. Grocery stores in train stations will also usually be open.
Berlin Welcome Card
The Berlin Welcome Card is a great money-saving option if you’re visiting the city. When you purchase this card you gain free access to all public transportation across Berlin. Additionally, you’ll get discounts of up to 50% at more than 180 attractions in the city, with some places offering free entry. The card also gives discounts at some restaurants, making it a great investment if you’re looking to see as much of the city as possible.
Shop at flea markets
Exploring flea markets is a fantastic activity to do in Berlin on Sunday, and the city offers a plethora of options to choose from. Discover hidden treasures, peruse antiques, and maybe even participate in some karaoke fun! Here are just some of the top markets worth visiting:
- Arkonaplatz is a fantastic all-around flea market. Filled with antiques, books, clothes and everything in between, you’re sure to find something you’ll love here.
- Backdropped by the incredible Museum Island, Bodemuseum Antiques and Book Market is a unique market filled with old delights.
- Mauerpark is home to one of the best-loved flea markets in Berlin. When you’re done browsing be sure to stick around in the afternoon when the karaoke begins!
See the sights
Most cities are typically quieter on Sundays, with locals opting for a day of relaxation indoors, that’s why getting out and seeing the sights is one of the best things to do in Berlin on Sunday! Quieter attractions mean you can spend more time exploring them and make it easier to get some great photos. Here are some of my must-see spots:
The Brandenburg Gate
Berlin’s synonymous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate, represents peace and unity within the city and throughout Germany. During the time of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate stood alone in no man’s land and when the Wall finally fell, over 100,000 people gathered there to celebrate. Be sure to visit early in the morning for the best photo spots!
Berlin Cathedral
The Berlin Cathedral is an awe-inspiring feat of architecture both from the outside and within. Within its walls lies the Hohenzollern Crypt, a profoundly important European burial site. With a history spanning over 500 years, this crypt is the final resting place for 90 members of the Hohenzollern House. Enjoy the artwork, attend a concert or gaze out of the 360 panoramic view of Berlin from the dome!
The Victory Column
In the heart of Tiergarten Park, you’ll find the unmistakable Victory Column. Erected to commemorate Prussia’s successes in war, this heritage-listed column reaches a height of 67 meters. Head on up to the viewing platform for great views of Berlin from 51m high!
The Holocaust Memorial site – Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
The Holocaust Memorial site in Berlin is a powerful and emotionally stirring destination. Spanning 19,000 square meters, it features 2,711 concrete pillars, leaving interpretation to the visitor. This is a great option for something to do in Berlin on Sunday when the site will be quieter, providing the opportunity to navigate at your own pace. Make sure to visit the underground information centre located at the heart of the memorial.
Walking tour
Want to see all the landmarks while learning about their history? Then a guided walking tour is a great activity to do in Berlin on Sunday. Here are a few recommendations:
- The Free Tour of Berlin covers all the major attractions and is great for first-time visitors to the city!
- For history lovers, the Berlin Third Reich Walking Tour is perfect. You’ll learn about life in Nazi Germany and just how Hitler managed to come to power.
Track down street art
Berlin’s streets serve as a dynamic gallery, offering a kaleidoscope of vibrant art at every turn. Whether it’s striking murals or delicate, detailed works, embarking on a journey to uncover the city’s street art promises an adventure of discovery and makes for a great activity to do in Berlin on Sunday.
Dead Chicken Alley
Brimming with artistic flair and innovation, Dead Chicken Alley stands out as a must-see destination for street art enthusiasts exploring Berlin. Its walls serve as ever-evolving canvases, regularly refreshed with vibrant new murals. Take your time to explore; amidst the bustling scene, countless intricate masterpieces await.
Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg is a vibrant hub renowned for its dynamic street art scene, where colourful murals adorn the neighbourhood’s buildings, alleys, and bridges. From politically charged statements to whimsical designs, exploring Kreuzberg’s streets makes for an exciting visual journey.
Head up the Spree River
It’s impossible not to notice the beautiful Spree River winding through the city. If you’re searching for something to do in Berlin on Sunday, heading on a journey along the river’s path, whether on foot or by boat, promises a great experience!
By boat
There’s no shortage of cruises heading along the Spree to consider, from evening dinner cruises to sightseeing expeditions, here are just a few recommendations:
- Evening Boat Trip: Fancy drifting through Berlin as the sun sets? Then this cruise is perfect for you. Food and drink are also available to make this the perfect evening experience.
- Historic City Cruise: Perfect for those who want to learn more about Berlin’s history, sit back and relax with an audio guide as you make your way through the city.
- Dinner Cruise with prosecco: Looking to truly indulge? Then enjoy this 3-course dinner cruise with a glass of prosecco on arrival!
By foot
Exploring the banks of the Spree leads you to encounter some of Berlin’s most notable landmarks. Museum Island, Bellevue Palace, and the Reichstag are all visible along the river’s course. Additionally, the Spree’s banks boast numerous riverside establishments such as bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering a perfect end to a peaceful stroll.
Track down the Berlin Wall
Constructed in 1961 as a dividing line between East and West Berlin, the Berlin Wall epitomizes the historical narrative of the city. With numerous lives lost in daring escape attempts, its surviving sections stand as a poignant tribute to human endurance. Today, remnants of the Berlin Wall remain standing, often complemented by informative displays, offering visitors a better understanding of its complex and impactful history.
By bike
With remnants of the Wall scattered far and wide, grabbing a bike and heading on a journey around the city, either as a group or on self-guided tours, is a great activity to do in Berlin on Sunday.
- Berlin Wall + Cold War Bike Tour: Great for those wanting to see the Wall and learn more about Berlin’s history, this tour takes you back in time to learn what life was like during the Cold War.
- The Original Berlin Wall Bike Tour: Packed with fascinating stories and valuable insights, this engaging tour provides all you need to know about the Berlin Wall.
By foot
Walking alongside the Berlin Wall offers an immersive experience, giving you time to soak in its history and significance. While the East Side Gallery represents the longest continuous stretch of the remaining wall, sections can also be explored at Potsdamer Platz and near the Topography of Terror. Enhance your experience with a guided walking tour to delve deeper into the wall’s story.
Visit Charlottenburg Palace
Completed in 1699, Charlottenburg Palace stands as a testament to Rococo opulence in Berlin. Explore its magnificent ballrooms, see the remaining Prussian crown jewels, and venture into the silver vault to marvel at dinnerware fit for royalty. With stunning gardens, lavish interiors, and even a mausoleum, Charlottenburg Palace offers a wealth of attractions, making it an ideal activity to do in Berlin on Sunday!
Catch a film at open-air cinemas
Searching for an excellent way to conclude your Sunday in Berlin? Why not enjoy a movie at an open-air cinema! Berlin boasts a variety of open-air cinemas, ranging from the historic Freiluftkino Kreuzberg to the sky high experience at Alice Rooftop and Garden. With plenty of unique options to choose from, it’s an ideal way to cap off your day!
Have a picnic at Tempelhofer Feld
Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned public park, provides a unique and expansive green space for recreational activities. Its vast open fields, former runways, and historical significance create a distinctive urban oasis for locals and visitors alike. With four hectares of open space for picnics and relaxation and a 6km bike trail for those seeking an active experience, Tempelhof Feld stands out as a truly distinctive destination, the perfect place to visit in Berlin on Sunday.
Grab a drink at a Beer garden
In Germany, beer gardens are synonymous with good times. If you’re seeking the ideal way to conclude a day in Berlin on Sunday, this is an excellent choice. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Prater: Immerse yourself in the charm of Berlin’s oldest beer garden, while savouring beverages and traditional cuisine amidst the expansive outdoor seating beneath the chestnut trees. Prater provides an authentic beer garden experience, well-loved by both locals and tourists alike.
- Brewdog: For a more modern and exciting take on the traditional beer garden, head down to Brewdog. The site covers a huge amount of space with both indoor and outdoor seating and even bowling lanes!
- Baergarten: Baergarten beckons with live music, pub quizzes, and freshly prepared pizza, creating a laid-back and artsy ambience. If you’re in search of a more relaxed experience, it’s worth a visit.
Go hiking
While Berlin may be known for its urban landscape, the city also offers surprisingly scenic hiking opportunities. From exploring lush forests like Grunewald to traversing the trails of Müggelberge, hiking provides a refreshing escape into nature and makes for a great activity to do in Berlin on Sunday. Here are a few more options:
- Düppeler forest: Running along the Havel River, this hike boasts bathing spots and een the chance to rent a boat and head out onto the lake yourself!
- Schlachtensee: Perfect for a warm summer day, this hike passes by a bathing lake and also features a restaurant to stop by.
Visit a museum
With over 150 museums in Berlin, there’s sure to be something to suit everyone’s interests. From losing your head at the Illuseum to seeing a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton at the Museum for Natural History, Berlin is home to an incredible range of museums, the only problem is choosing where to go first! Check out this page for the full list!
Museum Island
Of course, we can’t talk about museums without highlighting Museum Island. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island houses five of Berlin’s best museums, each filled to the brim with all kinds of wonders. Here’s a quick run-down of each museum to help you pick where to visit:
- The Pergamon Museum: The Market Gate of Miletus unquestionably steals the spotlight in this museum, although the Museum of Islamic Art and the Museum of the Ancient Near East located within the Pergamon Museum are also not to be missed.
- The Bode Museum: The Bode Museum holds an impressive assortment of sculptures, gathering pieces from various periods and creators, including artists like Donatello and Canova.
- The Neues Museum: If you’re interested in ancient Egyptian and Stone Age artefacts, the Neues Museum is the perfect destination for you. The stand-out piece here is the renowned Nefertiti bust.
- The Altes Museum: An antique lovers paradise showcasing art from the Etruscan, Roman and Greek periods. It features an impressive collection of sculptures, vases, gems and over 1300 coins.
- The AlteNationalgalerie: A 19th-century art lover dream, the AlteNationalgalerie houses paintings and sculptures from artists including Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir and Edouard Manet
Museums Sunday
Choosing to visit a museum in Berlin on Sunday is already a great decision, but it gets even better with Museums Sunday! On the first Sunday of each month, numerous top-notch museums in the city open their doors for free. This presents a fantastic opportunity to delve into the hidden treasures within Berlin’s museums. It’s advisable to make online bookings and check opening hours as it tends to be a popular experience!
Go for Sunday brunch
If you’re looking for a lazy start to your time in Berlin on Sunday, brunch is the perfect choice. The city is brimming with charming and unconventional cafes and great foodie spots. Here are a few recommendations
- Factory Girl: If you’re searching for a health-conscious brunch option with a Mediterranean twist, Factory Girl has got you covered. Featuring fantastic vegan and vegetarian selections, this is a great spot whatever your preference!
- Benedict Berlin: Probably the place that comes to mind when most people think of brunch in Berlin, and for good reason, Benedict Berlin was one of my favourite meal spots in the city. Known for their amazing pancakes and ready-to-go picnic baskets, this is a must-visit for foodies!
- La Maison: Indulge in some of Berlin’s best French pastries and coffee at La Maison, a hidden gem nestled in Kreuzberg. If you’re a brunch aficionado, you’ve got to try the croissants here!
Relax in a park
Exploring one of the city’s parks is one of my favourite things to do in Berlin on Sunday. Berlin has so many great parks, offering a chance to escape the city’s hustle and enjoy some peaceful moments. Here are just some of my favourites:
- Treptower Park: Berlin’s second-largest park, Treptower Park houses hectares of beautiful greenery within the busy city. The Spree River winds through the area, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely riverside stroll or, for those feeling adventurous, a pedal boat ride out into the waters!
- Viktoriapark: Home to a 24m high waterfall, Viktoriapark is one of the most unique spots in Berlin. This recreated waterfall, resembling the one found on the border between Poland and the Czech Republic, adds a distinctive touch to the cityscape.
- Tiergarten: Berlin’s largest inner city park, Tiergarten is a must-visit if you’re looking to relax in Berlin on Sunday. Once a royal hunting ground, the park now covers extensive acres, offering beer gardens, meandering creeks, wooded sections, and ample open spaces to enjoy.
Summary
With such a wide variety of activities, you won’t be stuck for things to do in Berlin on a Sunday. Whether you’re into grabbing brunch and then relaxing in a park or hitting up the flea markets for some Sunday shopping, you’ll definitely find something to keep you busy!
