4 ways to beat the heat in Berlin

Summertime in Berlin is when the city really comes to life. This is the season when everyone wants to go outside and enjoy the weather. But with summers getting progressively hotter and heat waves lasting longer, you might be looking for a way to cool off in Berlin. Here are some suggestions for ways locals and visitors can beat the summer heat.

1. Head to a lake, beach or pool

Berlin isn’t by the ocean, but there are a lot of lakes. On hot days, you will see many people on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn dressed for the beach. They are heading to the lakes outside of the centre of Berlin, usually for a day of picnicking and swimming. Some popular lakes include Müggelsee, Schlachtensee, Wannsee, and Strandbad Weißensee.

There are a lot of pools to visit, too, and on hot days most people flock to Berlin’s great selection of outdoor pools. Berlin has several outdoor swimming pools, known as Freibäder, where you can take a refreshing dip. Some big hitters are Sommerbad Kreuzberg, Prinzenbad, Sommerbad Humboldthain and Sommerbad Wilmersdorf. 

If you want to try something different, visit Badeschiff on the River Spree. Badeschiff is a unique swimming pool floating in the stern of an old ship. It offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot to cool off during hot summer days.

2. Visit a park to get some shade 

There are many parks in Berlin. If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off, a great idea is to head to one of these beautiful green spaces and seek shelter under a shady tree. Two of the best parks to go to are Volkspark Friedrichshain and Tiergarten, both of which are within the Berlin Ring. 

Volkspark Friedrichshain offers various shaded areas, a small pond and a fountain where you can relax and enjoy a picnic. For some additional fun, you can also rent a paddle boat on the pond or explore the park's two WWII bunkers. 

Tiergarten is Berlin's largest park and provides plenty of green spaces, walking paths and shaded areas. You can take a leisurely stroll, find a spot under a tree to relax or visit the Neuer See Lake for a tranquil atmosphere. Summer is the time to get outdoors and relish the beauty of nature.

3. Find a place with air conditioning

Most Berlin homes aren’t equipped with air conditioning units, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find it elsewhere in the city if you want to really cool off. Berlin has plenty of museums, cinemas, shopping centres and indoor attractions that are equipped with air con, perfect for getting out of the sun. 

Berlin has numerous world-class museums that provide air-conditioned spaces and a chance to explore art, history and culture while staying cool. Some popular options include Museum Island, the Pergamon Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie. You could also explore other indoor attractions like the Berlin Aquarium & SEA LIFE Berlin or check out the Berlin Dungeon, an interactive attraction that takes you through the city's dark history.

Summer isn’t the most popular time of year to go to the cinema, but it’s actually an ingenious way of staying cool. There are plenty of great movies coming out this summer, so why not go to the cinema during the day to escape the heat and enjoy the latest flicks in a cool, dark environment.

If it really starts to get too hot, a stop-off at one of Berlin's shopping centres, such as the Mall of Berlin, East Side, Alexa, or Potsdamer Platz Arkaden is perfect to take advantage of some free air-con while browsing the multitude of shops and restaurants.

4. Get an ice cream 

There are many fun ice cream shops and cafes to take advantage of this summer. What better way to cool off than licking on some tasty, cooling ice cream? 

Berlin boasts a vibrant food scene and you can find something to suit just about any preference. When it’s hot outdoors, why not get some ice cream and go sit by the Spree or visit the park. If you want to get out of the house, you could see about working from a cafe or meeting friends. Treat yourself to some delicious ice cream or grab a cool drink while exploring the city.

Balaram at Boxhagener Platz, Katchi at Hackescher Markt and Duo Sicilian Ice Cream at Schlesisches Tor are some classic spots to get a scoop. Some of my personal favourites include Café Anna Blume in Prenzlauer Berg, a cute spot with a 1920s theme. Backaro in Friedrichshain is a small cosy cafe with good Italian coffee and amazing baked goods. If you want to do some work or writing, I recommend visiting KASCHK by BRLO in Mitte, which has great coffee and snacks. 

Stay cool this summer

However you decide to beat the heat this summer, make sure to get out there and see some unknown parts of the city. Summer is here and this is the best time of year to be outdoors. Where will you go next? 

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