Berlin Summer Bucket List: 15 Cool Things You Can Only Do in the Sunshine

Berlin in the winter is like an ex who won’t stop texting you “U up?”—dark, moody, and a little emotionally unavailable. But summer? That’s when Berlin throws off its metaphorical trench coat and seduces you into staying out until 4AM on a Tuesday. The city becomes a playground for flirts, queers, sun-drunk artists, techno disciples, and everyone who’s allergic to traditional structure.

Whether you're a long-term Berliner or just popping in for a sweaty, slightly debaucherous summer fling with the city, here’s your definitive Berlin Summer Bucket List—packed with weird, wonderful, and very sun-drenched things you’ll only experience when the temperature hits euphoric.

1. Skinny Dip at a FKK Lake

Berlin loves its clothes-free zones. Embrace your inner nudist and head to Teufelssee or Krumme Lanke. Just don’t stare. Or do—but make it poetic.

2. Catch an Outdoor Movie at Freiluftkino Kreuzberg

Berlin’s open-air cinemas are pure magic. Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine, and pretend you came for the subtitles, not the bisexual eye candy.

3. Rave at Sisyphos—Find your Crew Extra Quick by Going Barefoot

The colourful summer heaven, where people nap in hammocks between DJ sets and nobody wears shoes after 3PM.

4. Float Through the City on an Inflatable Flamingo

Yes, urban kayaking is a thing here. But real Berliners inflate a unicorn and drift down the Landwehrkanal with a speaker, some weed, and zero shame.

5. Hit the Open Air Art Scene

Walk the raw edges of the city and you’ll stumble on guerrilla galleries, backyard exhibitions, and entire squatted spaces doubling as studios. Bring cash, curiosity, and maybe your ex—because of course they’re exhibiting.

6. Barbecue in Tempelhofer Feld Like It’s a Religion

This former airport-turned-park is where Berliners gather to grill, flirt, and skate like sexy anarchists. Bonus points for vintage rollerblades.

7. Sip a Späti Beer at Sunset by the Spree

Nothing says “I live here now” like cracking open a warm Club-Mate and people-watching at Holzmarkt or by the Oberbaumbrücke.

8. Join a Queer Picnic at Hasenheide or Volkspark Friedrichshain

Puppies, polycules, vegan snacks, tarot cards—it’s like a live-action Tumblr post from 2011 and we’re not mad about it.

9. Experience a Clothing-Optional Brunch or Consent-Aware Sex Party

Berlin’s summer gets sweaty in more ways than one. Keep your boundaries firm and your curiosity soft.

10. Daytrip to Liepnitzsee for Cottagecore Vibes

It’s the fairytale forest lake of your dreams. Bring snacks, SPF, and a crush you’re trying to impress with your knowledge of Berlin’s "secret" spots.

11. Dance on a Rooftop You’re Pretty Sure Is Technically Illegal

Check out Klunkerkranich for rooftop sunsets and cocktails with a view. If you end up on a private rooftop instead? Even better.

12. Visit a Squatted House for an Unofficial Exhibition or Party

From Köpi to Rigaer94 (RIP or resurrection?), Berlin’s squat scene still breathes—if you know who to ask.

13. Eat Your Way Through a Turkish Market Hang

Maybachufer is where you flirt over figs, haggle over olives, and eat enough gözleme to cancel dinner plans.

14. Take a Night Swim After a Kiki at Berghain or Renate

The night doesn’t end at 4AM. That’s when it transforms. Bonus points if you’re still wearing eyeliner and existential dread.

15. Find the One Person in Berlin Who Has an (inflatable) Boat and Befriend Them

Berlin’s elite status symbol isn’t a penthouse—it’s a sad little motorboat. Get on it. Get sunburned. Pretend this is your life now.

Summer Is Berlin’s Kink—and You’re Into It

The Berlin summer is fleeting and feral. You’ll lose sleep, maybe your phone, definitely your dignity—but you’ll gain a collection of sun-kissed memories and possibly a few new lovers. Tick off the list, or toss it entirely and make your own. Just remember: nothing magical ever happens indoors in July.