On my last visit to Berlin, I set out to visit as many Berlin hidden gems as I possibly could. I have always been a blogger obsessed with finding the more unique, quirky, and offbeat places in a destination, and since it was my 5th time to Berlin or so, I thought it only fitting that I get off the tourist track a bit and look for some truly unique places. And I must say I did even better than I thought – I found some truly interesting, amazing places that I’m sure you will also enjoy.
This city really does get more and more interesting every time I visit – it’s the type of place you love more the more you get to know it. Berlin has its stereotypes, sure, but you can really find a bit of everything for any taste in this city, and I think this list reflects that.
From offbeat museums and historic spots to unique activities and a LOT of quirky bars and restaurants – here’s my list of X hidden gems in Berlin that I explored all within a few super busy but fun solo travel days.
Visiting These Berlin Hidden Gems
I’m a bit crazy, so I spent time researching on the internet and social media, and put together a huge Berlin hidden gems itinerary so I could loop around as many as I could in one day, then tick off a few more in the following days. So the order below is actually roughly in a loop reachable by an electric scooter or bike – my preferred method of transportation during a European summer – but I have also added in the extras throughout the list where they fit best. Check my video for the one-day loop.
I’m sure you could reach all of these by foot, by rideshare, or by public transport if you pick a few of your favorite areas and walk around there. But as I said, I LOVE grabbing a lime/grab scooter or bike and zooming around the city, getting to take it all in as I travel between destinations.
If you’re exploring more of the country, I also have some tips for traveling Germany on a budget. The vlog of my biggest day finding these will be up soon.
Daytime Hidden Gems in Berlin
These gems are for brunch, exploring, shopping, and some more chill daytime activities.
House of Small Wonder: Cute Cafe with Hidden Courtyard
This is one of the coolest cafes in Berlin that is definitely a bit of a hidden gem because it occupies an entire beautiful courtyard you’d miss just walking by on the street.
The House of Small Wonder has a lovely interior, too, with leafy plants and lovely design… but the standout is the courtyard on a sunny day, as well as the creative and booze-heavy Asian fusion brunch and lunch menu. It’s a perfect spot for a long boozy brunch or some unique dishes.
David Hasselhoff Museum: a Shrine in a Basement
I almost skipped this one when I first read about it, because honestly, wtf?? But then, I thought… actually, this might be one of the strangest and quirkiest gems I’ve heard of, so I owe it to myself and this blog post to just see if it really exists.
And yes… it does haha. It’s really just a small shrine in the basement of the Circus Hostel, but the fact that it exists is hilarious to me and worth mentioning. It’s just a quick stop for a laugh and a photo, with some photos and memorabilia. It’s close to the two gems mentioned below, too. Make sure to scan the QR code on the roof and get a postcard; thank me later. 😛
Haus Schwarzenberg: Hidden Graffiti-covered Alleyways
Haus Schwarzenberg is a hidden gem courtyard tucked away in Mitte – but not the fancy kind; it’s the more grungy kind, absolutely covered in stickers, graffiti, other art, and crawling vines. If you didn’t have the map location, it would be easy to miss walking by.
There are tables in the courtyard where you can sit and have a drink from a nearby bar, and there’s also a small museum in here and another bar or two that I assume open later than I went. If you make it all the way to the end, you can climb some sticker-covered stairways to a quirky art/gift shop with all kinds of goodies.
Hackesche Höfe: 7+ Boujie Hidden Interconnected Courtyards with Gardens and Fancy Shops
This is a super tucked-away group of about seven small connected courtyards right next to Haus Schwartzenberg, but these ARE the fancy kind – completely different than the one next door but worth visiting for the interesting contrast, lovely gardens, and interesting (also fancy) shops.
Each of the courtyards is a bit different, but there are lots of walls covered in vines, some gardens, a fountain, and also many shops to explore with unique designer brands (couture, leather, local fashion brands, expensive candy, nice handbags, things like that). But I would assume they are all local one-off brands, as I had never heard of any of them. The shops were fascinating to wander through, though.
Park Inn Panorama Terrace: €6 Hotel Roof Viewpoint over all of Berlin
This is a proper Berlin hidden gem – did you know there’s a high rooftop you can visit that looks out over Alexanderplatz and is also home to apparently the highest swing in Europe, for just €6?!
That’s right – head into the Park Inn and grab a ticket at the info counter for six euros. Jump in the elevator to floor 35, walk up a few slightly sketchy flights of stairs, and viola – a viewing platform with perhaps on of the best views in Berlin (including the iconic Berlin TV tower). Grab a drink from their makeshift bar and enjoy the view, but this also isn’t a very long stop and can be done quickly!
Parliament of Trees Against War and Violence: Secluded Garden Museum
This spot is a garden with sections of the Berlin Wall, created on the Wall’s former “death strip” to commemorate those who died trying to cross it. It’s also a true hidden gem, because apparently, it’s only open on Sundays, and I arrived on Sunday and was the only person there apart from a girl journaling in the garden.
It’s pretty but a bit eerie – make sure to find the entrance to the art and museum section between two parts of the wall, but bring a translator because most of it is in German! You’ll learn about some artists who made sculptures to protest the wall, and more of the like.
Liquidrom Spa: Epic Spa with Dome, Parties, Sauna Ceremonies, and Underwater Music
This place is AWESOME. It’s a spa with a ton of cool features and regular parties. Firstly, there’s a huge dome room with a skylight and interesting lighting that plays music UNDERWATER. That’s right – you can hear the music both above and below the water; there are speakers. They played Innerbloom (by Rufus du Sol) right when I arrived, and I think I had an out-of-body experience listening to Innerbloom’s drop underwater in a lovely warm pool. Highly recommend. There are 1-2 other warm spa pools around the area too.
You can do an add-on for the saunas, of which there are 3-4 of different temperatures, along with a steam room and ice bath – naked only or ‘textile free’ as they say here. I loved doing some sauna and ice bath rounds with a jacuzzi in between, but my favorite part was the ‘sauna infusion ceremonies’ every hour with different essential oils in a packed 90C sauna, with a different little treat at the end of each, like an ice cream bar or aloe vera for your skin.
They have a bar where you can get all kinds of healthy food/drinks as well as alcohol, and you can also sign up for massages. A dream! I could have stayed here all day. Oh, and the parties sound amazing – I think they run weekly with house and techno dj’s. Next time, I’m there. Check their site out.
Holzmarkt 25: Super Cool Riverside Bars, Food Stalls, Clubs, and Vibes
Holzmarkt 25 is a simply delightful, eclectic, and colorful collection of shops, bars, takeaway restaurant stalls, and riverside seating that feels like a little village in itself – perfect for a few beverages and eats on a sunny day.
The vibe is brilliant; the wooden buildings and stalls feel haphazard yet somehow cohesive, each with unique designs and colors. From about 4pm daily in summer, you can find lots of different types of food, plus events, music, bars, a popular club called Katerblau, and plenty of lovely shaded spots to sit along the river to enjoy a European summer afternoon. They have events too – check what’s on.
Badeschiff: Lap Pool Floating on the River
This was closed when I tried to reach it, but it’s a fabulously unique hidden gem to visit in Berlin just the same. It’s a massive lap pool quite literally floating on the water of the river, in a cool industrial district too. Buy an entry time and have a swim and spa afternoon right on top of the river, with views around the city and space to swim, lounge, and sunbathe. Sounds delightful. Book ahead here.
Molecule Man: Unique Statue on the River
This one isn’t super hidden, but it’s a cool art installation to admire from a few angles along the river. You can see it from all around Friedrichshain and also from near Badeschiff – depicting three super tall figures of a man with lots of holes through them!
KINDL: Contemporary Art in a Huge Former Brewery
KINDL is a contemporary art center inside an old brewery in Neukölln, and honestly the building itself is a big part of why I wanted to go. There are still HUGE copper brewing kettles inside, and the old boiler house is about 20 meters high, with art installations created specifically for the space. I love seeing what people do with these massive old industrial buildings, and Berlin has quite a few good examples.
This one didn’t work out with my Monday exploring – it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays – but it’s on my list for next time. The exhibitions change, so what you see will depend on when you visit, but the combination of experimental art and giant leftover brewery equipment looks pretty epic. You can read more about the building and its transformation on the KINDL website.
Urban Nation: A Free Museum Dedicated to Street Art
After all the graffiti-covered courtyards and random murals around Berlin, I also wanted to visit an actual museum dedicated to street art. Urban Nation has changing art exhibitions of many kinds, and even the outside of the building has been used as a giant canvas. There are also murals around the surrounding streets on Bülowstraße, so there’s quite a bit to explore around here.
Unfortunately, this was another casualty of my Monday itinerary, but admission is FREE when it’s open. I love finding street art while wandering around a city, especially when you stumble across huge detailed pieces like this on an otherwise ordinary building. S
Klunkerkranich: Epic Artsy Hodgepodge Rooftop Above a Parking Garage
This is definitely a Berlin hidden gem – and a good one. It’s a quirky and artsy rooftop bar located on the top story of a very common-looking shopping mall. And you must get there by entering the mall, taking the elevator to the 5th floor, and walking through the parking lot to the ramp to the top level. That’s the only way!
The bar itself is massive, with a similar quirky and artsy colorful thrown-together-in-an-awesome-way vibe, with gardens and a playful jumble of gardens, planters with blossoming flowers, big and interesting sculptures, colorful lamps, mismatched decorations, and random objects that somehow all fit together perfectly. There’s a wonderful city view too.
Markthalle Neun: Lively Market Hall with Amazing Food Options
This isn’t AS much of a hidden gem, but it’s a really cool spot for lunch or a quick snack while passing through. I recommend getting there in the early afternoon, which is apparently when it’s busiest according to some workers I asked. I got there in the hour before closing, and it was mostly shut down, but I still snagged some wine and cheese.
There are tons of more bougie-feeling food stalls here with many options to grab things like pizza, dumplings, cheeseboards, wine, beer, etc., and sit and eat in the middle of a vibey market hall.
KulturBrauerei: Big Converted Brewery Complex with Events
The KulturBrauerei is a huge complex that I believe used to be a brewery and now houses lots of different venues. I heard they do a great food truck and flea market on Sundays, but I arrived a bit late, around 5:30, and it was already shutting down. I bet it would have been super fun and vibey earlier in the day!
Although they have a cool bar and some other spaces, I think this is more of an event venue than a cool spot to visit all the time – so make sure to check what’s on before you go or visit earlier on a Sunday. Either way, it’s a really cool spot. If you’re planning your trip around music, have a look at these music festivals in Germany too.
Mauerpark Sunday Karaoke: Weekly Outdoor Karaoke Party
The Mauerpark Sunday flea market isn’t exactly a hidden gem, although I’d definitely say it’s a must (I spent so much money on art from local artists – it’s my weakness). But I may venture to say that the Sunday outdoor amphitheater karaoke is a bit more of one… It’s definitely a unique thing to do that I have never seen anywhere else.
Explore a bit past the market to locate the hillside amphitheater, and you’ll find maybe the biggest and most public karaoke party I’ve ever seen. Everyone stands and sings along, people sell beers along the path, and you can put your name in for a song and wait to be called. The energy is contagious here!
Friedrichshain Riverside Venues and Clubs
I don’t even know what to call this area, but I had to add it because it’s incredible – there are these old, rickety-looking venues seeming to float on top of a canal next to the river (very near to Badeschiff). There are a few venues on either side of the river, and this whole area is converted from industrial and very edgy. I recommend Club der Visionaere for an epic daytime lounge/club with music and drinks(I went a few years ago and it’s such a cool, very Berlin spot), or Freischwimmer for a restaurant (I think it’s one of the ones pictured above).
Berlin Hidden Gems for the Evening: Bars and More
Honestly, mostly just bars. Really unique and interesting bars – themed, with views, and more!
Green Door: Crafted Cocktail Speakeasy
This is a very cool bar with – you guessed it – a green door. It’s not as hidden as some on this list, but it’s definitely a gem – they have a dark, speakeasy vibe with intricately crafted cocktails and special deals on the last Monday of every month – which in a stroke of luck is when I happened to visit!
Train Cocktail Bar: Bar in an Actual Train Car
This is a cocktail bar within an actual unused train car! It’s a bit out of the way from most of these Berlin hidden gem spots, and I have no idea how this super old train car got here, but it’s very cool. You can sit in the shiny, decorated train car itself or in a big outdoor area out front or spacious rooms out back. They have all kinds of fun classic cocktails, and a unique vibe.
Monkey Bar: Rooftop Cocktails and Sunset Views Over Tiergarten
This is a magnificent rooftop bar located inside the unique Bikini Hotel on the west side of the city near a lovely part of Tiergarten. You take the elevator up to the top floor and emerge into a vibey, bustling bar with both indoor areas and an outdoor patio, with both food and drinks on the menu and colorful decor.
I’d venture to say Monkey Bar is one of the best sunset spots in the city, but make sure to get there early, especially if you have a bigger group as it gets really crowded. It’s not much of a secret, I guess.
KLO: TOILET THEMED DIVE BAR.
This might be my favorite of these hidden gems in Berlin because it is SO weird and wacky. Klo is … a toilet-themed dive bar. Yes, you read that correctly. Weirdness is the norm here, so prepare for it.
Opening the door, you immediately get squirted with water (I assume this is like being peed on, as you are entering the toilet after all), and you enter a bar with toilet brushes stuffed in netting covering the whole ceiling. But that’s not all.
The menu is quite silly with some toilet-themed orders, and a ‘breakfast menu’ consisting of whiskey shots. You can get steins of beer in strange urinal-shaped jugs or chamber pots, and some of the seats are actual toilets with fake you-know-what inside. A lot of the tables have their own beer taps. The rest of the decor is simply random – like funhouse mirrors, many life-size stuffed animals, silly pictures/art, truly random things, and a lot of it will move if the waiter sees you touch something and decides to scare the 💩 out of you by pressing a button to make it vibrate or make a fake spider drop from the ceiling.
It might sound terrible to some, but for me it was genuinely, wildly delightful and weird af – in a good way. You have to see it to believe it, haha.
Kumpelnest 3000: Quirky Little Dive Bar with Shiny Decor and Random Late Nights
This is a truly random little dive bar with strange, interesting, shiny decor that’s lively most nights. It’s an epic spot to ‘end up’ after a night (I ended up here after my whole hidden gems day and made friends with a company party from Munich, lol, even on a Monday) or maybe even have a few drinks before something else. It’s got a great friendly vibe and is definitely unique.
Coolest Berlin unique stay: nHow Friedrichshein, a Very Pink, Spaceship-Looking Hotel on the River
In the spirit of hidden gems and unique spots, I had to include my favorite hotel that fits the energy of the places on this list.
I stayed at the nHow for my birthday a few years ago, and it really is one of the most fun and unique hotels I’ve ever stayed at! It’s trippy, shiny, and very pink – with interesting, almost alien spaceship/zenon movie style designs, curvy walls/furniture, pops of neon colors, and a whole quirky-but-design-forward feel. They have a few room styles, and they get more fun the more you pay, lol.
Other Hidden Gem Bars in Berlin I want to Visit Next Time
Obviously I couldn’t go to 10 bars in one day (well, maybe I wouldn’t put it past myself lol) but here are some that seem like they would fit the bill. My obsession with finding hidden bars is very well documented in my Melbourne hidden bars guide—there’s even a Berlin-themed one over there!
Other Hidden Gem Bars in Berlin I Want to Visit Next Time
Obviously I couldn’t go to 10 bars in one day (well, maybe I wouldn’t put it past myself lol), but here are some that seem like they would fit the bill.
Rum Trader: Tiny Old-School Cocktail Bar
Rum Trader is a tiny bar in Wilmersdorf with an old-fashioned interior, cabinets full of bottles, and a serious love of rum. It’s been around since the 1970s and is also known as the “Institute for Advanced Drinking,” which is quite a name for such a little place. This is definitely a different vibe from drinking beer out of a chamber pot at KLO, haha.
Buck and Breck: Hidden Cocktail Bar with a “Closed” Sign
Buck and Breck has a “closed” sign even when it’s open, so you have to ring the bell and see what happens. Inside, guests sit around a big central bar watching the bartender make their drinks, surrounded by dark walls and some very random art – including a gold chainsaw. Fancy cocktails and strange decor… yep, that fits this list pretty well.
Bar Tausend: Futuristic Bar Under the Railway
Bar Tausend hides behind an unmarked steel door under the railway near Friedrichstraße, but the inside looks SO cool. There’s a shiny curved ceiling and a huge glowing circular feature at the end of the room, giving the whole place a bit of a spaceship feel. They also have DJs and live music, and you already know from my hotel choice that I’m quite into the spaceship thing.
Fahimi: Hidden Upstairs Bar Overlooking the U-Bahn
Fahimi is up a graffiti-covered stairwell near Kottbusser Tor, with bare concrete walls, a glowing bar, and windows looking towards the elevated train tracks. I love a city view where you can watch everything happening, especially with trains passing right outside. The colorful cocktails look pretty great too, and this seems like a fun spot to start a night in Kreuzberg.
Prinzipal Kreuzberg: Cocktails and Burlesque in a Tiny Bar
Prinzipal Kreuzberg has burlesque performances with elaborate costumes and old-school glamour, all inside a little cocktail bar on Oranienstraße. It looks like a very intimate setup, which is part of what caught my attention—being this close to the performers would be pretty cool. They currently have Friday and Saturday shows, so this one will require a weekend visit!
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.