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14 November, 2024

5 Things to do in Berlin in winter

Often we think of Christmas as being synonymous with winter. But in reality the holidays mark the start of the winter season. In Berlin the Christmas markets are the start of winter, and while they should definitely be on your to visit list, there are plenty of other fun things to do in the winter season as well.

Tiergarten in winter

Visit Christmas markets

As winter descends on Berlin, the city comes alive with a magical array of Christmas markets. Each district boasts its own unique market, offering a diverse range of experiences. Whether you're seeking nostalgic charm, modern flair, or family-friendly fun, you'll find it all in Berlin's festive markets.

Some of the best and most popular Christmas markets are those on Alexanderplatz and besides Charlottenburg Palace. The first is a mix between market, fairground and party, while the second has possibly the most romantic atmosphere with the illuminated palace in the background. You can read more about Berlin’s Christmas markets in our dedicated blog.

Tropical nights on winter days

As winter descends upon Berlin, the Botanical Garden, a haven of biodiversity with over 20,000 plant species, offers a tropical escape. During Tropical Nights, visitors can bask in the warmth of the greenhouse, surrounded by lush vegetation and exotic blooms.

Two nights a week, visitors can escape the wintry cold to enjoy music and cocktails under the palm trees in the Tropical Greenhouse. And for those who are looking for a daytime visit, the garden has created a suggested route that will take you past the plants that are in bloom in winter.

 

Botanical Garden Berlin

Cocktails in Neukölln

If you are feeling a little under the weather, you might try a cocktail with healing qualities at Herr Lindemann at Richardplatz. Here they focus on herbalism and tasty tinctures, and of course a good time. The herbs used are said to have medicinal qualities and go very well with hard liquors like gin and rum.

The menu itself is a joy to behold, reminiscent more of a plant encyclopaedia than a drinks list, with drawings of herbs and the healing effects of each drink. Here you are sure to find a unique drink to bolster yourself against the winter weather.

Adventurous attractions

From the depths of the human body to the heights of espionage, Berlin offers a diverse range of attractions. Discover the wonders of anatomy at Körperwelten, encounter life-like celebrity figures at Madame Tussauds, and marvel at miniature cityscapes at LEGOLAND and  Little BIG City. Embark on an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE, explore Berlin's darker side at the Berlin Dungeon, or uncover the secrets of the Cold War at the German Spy Museum.
 

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Escape the city

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and are looking for an adventure, you might want to drive to the east bank of the Werbellinsee. Here you can step on board of a sauna raft. Yes, a floating sauna from which you will be able to jump straight into the water.

Visiting a sauna in winter is highly recommended as it is great for your health, both physical and mental. So why not combine the heat from the sauna with the beauty of the Werbellinsee? Whether the ground is covered in snow or not, this is an excellent escape from the city.

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