Summer special: Berlin off the beaten path

Hidden gems recommended by our team

It’s that season again – vacation mode is on and calendars are filling up with travel plans. Whether you’re heading out for a city trip or just soaking up the summer vibes from home, one thing is certain: It’s the perfect time to discover something new.

Here at Gemino, we’re a truly international team. Some of us live in Berlin, others visit whenever we get the chance, and quite a few work remotely from all over Europe. But no matter where we log in from, we all share one thing in common: a soft spot for Berlin.

So we figured, why not share a few of our favorite hidden gems in the German capital? Places we love to return to or stumbled across and never forgot. These are not your typical guidebook highlights – they’re spots that surprised us, made us smile, or gave us a new perspective on the city. From quirky museums to shaded beer gardens, this is our take on Berlin beyond the tourist trail.

Let’s dive in.

 

Märchenbrunnen in Volkspark Friedrichshain

Just a stone’s throw from the Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz, Märchenbrunnen (Fairy Tale Fountain) in the urban park Volkspark Friedrichshain is a whimsical escape from the bustling city. This enchanting fountain, the largest public one from the imperial era, is adorned with sculptures of Grimms’ fairytale characters. Relax and let your imagination wander.

A few steps further into the park, you’ll find the idyllic Schoenbrunn Restaurant & Biergarten offering German and Austrian specialties. For a view and a touch of history, climb the Große Bunkerberg – a hill made from WWII rubble, formerly home to an anti-aircraft tower (see also Humboldthain Flak Tower below).

 

Kulturbrauerei: A cultural haven

Make sure to take a stroll through the vibrant Kulturbrauerei (Cultural Brewery). Once a working brewery, this beautifully preserved complex is now a hub for culture and creativity – with art exhibitions, a movie theater, cozy cafes, and much more. Hidden at the far end is a small but fascinating free exhibition on everyday life in the former GDR. It’s definitely worth a detour.

 

Max und Moritz

If you’re in the mood for authentic Berlin cuisine, Max und Moritz in the Kreuzberg district is your place. A true Berlin institution since 1902, this restaurant serves hearty German classics like Eisbein (pickled pork knuckle) and Berliner Bouletten (fried burgers), all in a charming, vintage setting. Important: bring cash – no cards accepted here!

Bonus trivia: The name comes from the mischievous characters of a 19th-century illustrated German classic by Wilhelm Busch. Feel free to casually drop that in conversation and impress the locals. 😉

 

Beer at the Späti

Berlin isn’t Berlin without the Späti (short for Spätkauf – “late-night shop”). These corner stores are open nearly 24/7 and are a Berlin lifestyle staple. Grab a cold beer, pick up some snacks or essentials, and enjoy your drink while walking the city streets – it’s legal, laid-back, and undeniably Berlin. You’ll find over a thousand Spätis scattered across the city, each with its own character.

 

Bötzow Brewery

Just a short walk from Volkspark Friedrichshain lies the transformed Bötzow Brewery – now a creative campus featuring a distillery, art spaces, stylish cafes, and (of course) beer. It’s a great example of how Berlin breathes new life into old places.

 

Teufelsberg

Up for a bit of adventure? Head to Teufelsberg – an abandoned U.S. listening station built on a man-made hill of war rubble, deep in the Grunewald Forest. It’s a surreal spot, with layers of Cold War history and incredible views of the city. The massive domes are now canvases for street artists, turning the site into a vibrant (and slightly eerie) open-air gallery.

 

Clärchens Ballhaus

Step into Berlin’s past at Clärchens Ballhaus, a historic dance hall in the Mitte district. Since 1913, it’s been a beloved venue for dining, dancing, and live music in an old-world atmosphere. Check the opening hours before you go as they can vary, but if it’s open, don’t miss it!

 

Urban Nation Street Art Museum

In Schöneberg, you’ll find the Urban Nation Street Art Museum – a dynamic space dedicated to contemporary street art from Berlin and around the world. With colorful murals spilling out onto the surrounding streets, this museum feels more like a creative playground. And the best part? Entry is free or donation based.

 

Berlin Medizinhistorisches Museum

Not for the faint of heart (or on a full stomach), the Berlin Museum of Medical History at Charité Hospital offers a deep dive into the evolution of medicine. From antique surgical tools to anatomical specimens, it’s a fascinating – and at times unsettling – look at how far we’ve come in the field of healing.

 

Prater Garten

A local favorite in the Prenzlauer Berg district, Prater Garten is Berlin’s oldest beer garden, dating back to 1837. Located on Kastanienallee near the Kulturbrauerei, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer under chestnut trees.

 

Humboldthain Flak Tower

Last but not least: history buffs, take note. In the urban park Volkspark Humboldthain, you’ll find one of Berlin’s original flak towers – massive WWII bunkers built for anti-aircraft defense. You can book a guided tour through its dark interior or climb to the top for sweeping views of the city.

 

Happy exploring!

We hope you get the chance to explore one or two of these spots – or maybe even all of them – while you’re in Berlin this summer. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or just following your own curiosity, there’s always more to discover in this endlessly surprising city.

Until then: Happy travels, and enjoy Berlin like we do – with open eyes, open minds, and maybe a beer from a Späti in hand.

Got your own favorite Berlin gem? Drop us a message or tell us about it the next time we meet.