Best of Berlin
Berlin might be the perfect city for strolling, with great parks and beer gardens, not to mention our very own lakes and forests. But there are certainly times when the weather in this part of the world pushes us inside. Luckily, Berlin is also full of fantastic things to see and do when the weather doesn’t play along, whether you are sheltering from a torrential downpour or want to get in and out of the cold.
There are loads of great options for indoor fun and games in Berlin, so we decided to pull together some of our favourite spots. Elsewhere on our blog you’ll also find our guide to Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty of treasures to discover within one of the world’s greatest museum complexes. But for now, check out our selection of things to see and do when the weather is bad in Berlin:
Find out what lies beneath. At Gesundbrunnen station (just a few stops north of The Circus) you can explore the mysteries of underground Berlin, including secret WWII bunkers not normally accessible to the public. A one-of-a-kind experience you’re sure not to forget, the tours can be pretty popular so book your tickets in advance!
Brunnenstraße 105, 13355 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): U8 to Gesundbrunnen (approx 10 mins).
One of Berlin’s most impressive museums. From the architecture to the exhibitions themselves, everything is designed to give visitors the most accurate picture of Jewish history in Germany. There is a huge historical archive, as well as temporary exhibitions from contemporary artists to help tell the story of the past and present of Jewish life in the city.
Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): U8 to Moritzplatz and then Bus M29 to Berlin Lindenstr./Oranienstr. (approx 30 mins).
The historic Reichstag was restored in 1999 with the addition of a glass dome by British architect Norman Foster. The dome offers visitors the chance to look down into the Bundestag – the German parliament chamber – and was designed to symbolise the transparency of democracy. It also offers magnificent views across Berlin’s skyline. A visit is free, as is the audio guide, but you’ll need to register in advance on the website.
Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): U8 to Alexanderplatz and then U5 to Bundestag (approx 25 mins).
Bikini Berlin is more than just a shopping centre. Housed in an iconic 1950s West Berlin building, you’ll find loads of new designers, countless pop-up stores and various events. There’s always something to discover and explore. And if you’re not done, Berlin’s famous Ku’Damm shopping street and the legendary KaDeWe department store are both just around the corner.
Budapester Str. 38-50, 10787 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Hackescher Markt and then S3, S5 or S7 to Zoologischer Garten (approx 30 mins).
Give yourself some love ‑ you deserve it! Vabali is a complex of numerous saunas, outdoor and indoor pools, a restaurant, bar, a cosy fireplace and much more. You’ll have to leave your phone in the changing rooms, so bring your favourite book and think of nothing but the here and now. If you want a fulfilling experience, book yourself in for a massage or check out a yoga class. There’s nothing like a day of self‑care while the world outside can wait!
Seydlitzstraße 6, 10557 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M8 to Lesser-Ury-Weg (approx 25 mins).
Do you like independent cinema? Berlin is the perfect place, with a large selection of small cinemas showing experimental, art-house and festival films, usually in the original language (with subtitles). The Sputnik is a particular favourite, tucked away in a courtyard in Kreuzberg – but be warned, it is cosy but space is limited. Book your tickets in advance! A little closer to home, Lichtblick Kino and ACUD both have excellent film offerings and are within walking distance of The Circus.
Hasenheide 54/5th, 10967 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): U8 to Hermannplatz and then U7 to Südstern (approx 30 mins).
If you want even more tips and ideas for your visit to Berlin, check out the rest of our Experience Berlin blog or follow us on Instagram.
The Circus App is your ideal travel companion you can take with you, with all the things you need to know about your stay with us and things to see and do in the city. Available for Apple and Android devices.
We also have special deals for those who book their trip to Berlin early or want to stay longer. Check out our special offers page for more details.