Non Touristy Things to Do in Berlin

Berlin is one of the most popular cities in Europe, and for good reason. This vibrant and exciting city has a history full of political and social upheaval. It has been home to artists, musicians, and forward-thinking individuals who have made an indelible mark on the world. Today, it is a city of contrasts, blending old-world charm with modern vibrancy and culture.

Berlin is the capital of Germany, and it is the largest city in the country. It is home to more than 3.5 million people, making it the second-most populous city in the European Union after London.

Berlin has a long history, dating back to the 13th century. It was the capital of Prussia from 1701-1918 and the German Empire from 1871-1945. During the Cold War, Berlin was divided into four sectors, with each sector administered by one of the Allied powers. The city was reunited in 1990 following the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The most popular sights in Berlin include the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, Alexanderplatz, Checkpoint Charlie, and the East Side Gallery. The city is also home to some of the most popular festivals in Europe, such as the Berlin Film Festival and the Berlin Music Festival, as well as a thriving nightlife scene.

For visitors looking to escape the tourist traps, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Berlin. From boutique shopping to hidden museums and galleries, Berlin has something for everyone. Here are just a few non-touristy activities to try while visiting the city.

Explore Berlin’s Street Art Scene

Berlin has a vibrant street art scene that is not to be missed. The city is full of colorful murals and graffiti art that will turn any walk through the streets into an adventure.

The best way to experience Berlin’s street art is to take a guided tour with an experienced street artist. These tours will take you around to some of the city’s most famous pieces of street art, giving you an up close and personal look at these amazing works of art.

Many of these tours also include a visit to a street art gallery, where you can purchase prints from local artists or even commission a piece of your own. These tours are a great way to explore Berlin’s art scene while avoiding the tourist traps.

Visit Berlin’s Best Boutiques

Berlin is home to some of the best boutique shopping in Europe. From vintage clothing stores to independent designers, there’s something for everyone in this city.

One of the best places to shop in Berlin is the district of Mitte. This area is full of unique boutiques and shops that offer everything from designer clothing to vintage furniture. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in Mitte, making it a great place to spend an afternoon browsing and exploring.

For those looking for something more unique, check out Neukölln’s Reuterplatz market. Here you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to second-hand clothing, all at great prices. This vibrant market is a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home.

Sample Some Local Cuisine

When it comes to food, Berlin has something for everyone. The city’s diverse culture has given rise to a variety of dishes, from traditional German fare to international delicacies.

For a traditional German meal, head to Zum Scheunenviertel for some classic schnitzel. This cozy restaurant serves up generous portions of crispy pork cutlets with German potato salad and sauerkraut.

Alternatively, head to Markthalle 9 for some international flavors. Here you can sample dishes from all over the world, from Spanish tapas to Japanese sushi rolls. The market also has fresh produce, wine tastings, and live music on weekends.

Take a Tour of Berlin’s Hidden Gems

Berlin is full of hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists. For those looking for an off-the-beaten path experience, there are plenty of hidden museums, galleries, and other attractions that can be explored on foot or by bike.

One great way to explore these hidden gems is with a guided tour. Berlin on Foot offers tours that take you around the city’s secret spots, such as abandoned factories and forgotten cemeteries. These tours are a great way to experience Berlin beyond the tourist attractions and get a true sense of the city’s history and culture.

Go To A Local Event

Berlin is home to some amazing events throughout the year that are perfect for those looking for an alternative activity. From cine clubs and live music events to art exhibitions and street parties, there is always something happening in this vibrant city.

One popular event is Berghain Sundays at Kreuzberg’s club Berghain. This popular event brings together some of the city’s best DJs who play a mixture of electronic music styles such as techno, house, and drum n’ bass.

Another great event is the annual Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures). This four-day celebration takes place in May and features a colorful parade with performances from around the world as well as food stalls and music stages.

Book a Tour on Viator

For those looking for more structured activities in Berlin, Viator offers a variety of tours that provide an in-depth look at this fascinating city. From walking tours to bike tours and even boat tours, there’s something for everyone on Viator’s website.
Viator offers two popular tours of Berlin: The Berlin Wall Tour and The Taste Of Berlin Tour. The Berlin Wall Tour takes visitors on a journey through time as they explore parts of the wall that have been preserved since its fall in 1989. The tour also provides insight into how life was like during the Cold War and how it has changed since then.
The Taste Of Berlin Tour is perfect for those looking for an immersive experience in Berlin’s culinary scene. This tour provides guests with an opportunity to sample some of the city’s most popular dishes as well as learn about local culture and history behind each dish. Guests will get to try traditional German dishes such as schnitzel and currywurst as well as delicious baked goods like pretzels and strudel.

Book a Tour on GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide offers another great selection of tours for those looking for something unique in Berlin. From brewery tours to interactive WWII history tours, GetYourGuide has something for everyone in this city.
One popular tour offered by GetYourGuide is the Jewish Heritage Tour. This two-hour walking tour takes visitors through some of Berlin’s most important Jewish sites such as Rykestrasse Synagogue and New Synagogue as well as other historic locations related to Jewish history in Germany. Guests will learn about Jewish culture in Germany before and after World War II as well as gain insight into Berlin’s vibrant Jewish community today.
Another great tour offered by GetYourGuide is the Alternative Berlin Pub Crawl. This two-hour pub crawl takes visitors around some of Berlin’s best pubs that are off-the-beaten path. Guests will get to sample local beers as well as learn about some of the city’s most interesting bars and pubs while meeting new people along the way.

By exploring some of these non-touristy activities in Berlin, visitors can get an authentic experience in this amazing city while avoiding some of the more touristy activities that are often overpriced and overcrowded. Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path adventure or just want to relax and explore on your own, there are plenty of unique things to do in Berlin that will provide lasting memories for years to come.