One of the great things about Berlin is just how accessible this city is to everyone. And while it may be the lively capital of Germany, it can be easily enjoyed on a budget. There are lots of fun yet free things to do in Berlin, and plenty of ways to save the pennies. In summer especially.
Here’s our roundup of the free things to do in Berlin we recommend:
Free sightseeing
If you’ve come to Berlin on a budget, you can still tick off some of the most significant sightseeing for free. Walk through the Brandenburg Gate where the Berlin Wall first fell in 1989. Lose yourself in the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, an area the size of a city block filled with grey concrete pillars on a sloping field. Check in at Checkpoint Charlie and stroll along the East Side Gallery, the longest open-air gallery in the world and the longest stretch of the Berlin Wall that still stands - also a free thing to do in Berlin.
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Brandenburg Gate & Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe:
Red Route, Stop: Brandenburg Gate
Red Route, Stop: Checkpoint Charlie
Blue Route, Stop: East Side Gallery
Browse the flea markets
Berlin is known for its bustling flea markets and to enter them is absolutely free. On a Saturday or Sunday, you can enjoy a leisurely browse of books and CDs, furniture and antiques. Some markets to note are the Flea Market at Straße des 17. Juni, one of the most famous antique markets in Berlin. RAW compound, a lively indie hotspot located between the bars and club, is a trendy market offering clothes from designer brands to vintage finds. Boxenhagener Platz is popular with those looking for a bargain, known for its mounds of books and old records. And the Art Market at Zeughaus is where you can pick up art works by local and international designers at affordable prices.
For Flea Market Straße des 17. Juni:
Red Route, Stop: Victory Column
For Zeughaus:
Red Route, Stop: Museum Island
Witness outdoor karaoke at Mauerpark
Every Sunday, weather permitting, one of the biggest flea markets in Berlin turns into an outdoor jamming session. Joe Hatchiban rolls in the mobile, battery operated sound-system and the mic gets passed around. This has been tradition since 2009, so definitely a free activity in berlin to get involved in. Joe himself happily gives performers advice on how to please the crowds, like cuing when the time is right to play the air guitar – will you have a go?
Get back to nature
One of the more serene free things to do in Berlin is to simply enjoy the outdoors. This city boasts acres of beautifully kept parks, stunning lakes and even an unused airport where locals and tourists alike can fly kites, lay out picnics and play ball games. You’ll catch locals rollerblading, cycling and even windsurfing. For a city as bustling as Berlin, there’s plenty of open space to just let go.
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Lunchtime concerts
A beautiful yet completely free thing to do in Berlin is to witness a lunchtime concert at the Philharmonie. Between September and June, park yourself in their foyer at 1pm on a Tuesday, and take in 40-50 minutes of music from members of the Berlin Philharmonic and scholars of its Karajan Academy. Instrumentalists from the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester and the Staatskapelle Berlin sometimes make a guest appearance also. Music of supreme quality and good food is on offer. The perfect way to recover from a morning sightseeing.
With so many enjoyable free things to do in Berlin, you’ll hopefully have a few pennies left in the purse to enjoy one of the city’s Best Restaurants and, of course, the Berlin Nightlife. And for a whistle stop tour of the famous sights and iconic landmarks that tell the story of this city, hop aboard a Big Bus tour. With the option to hop off and explore more, the possibilities are endless…
