Top 10 Things to Do in Berlin for Couples

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Berlin might not be Europe’s most quintessentially romantic capital, but it’s a heck of a lot of fun and, really, what could be healthier for your relationship than a good time? (On second thought, don’t answer that.) Here are a few ways to keep your love fresher than the local attitude.

1. Tour in twos

For both tourists and residents, cycling is one of the most popular ways of getting around, so why not flaunt your relationship on a bicycle made for two? Tandem rentals are available at Rent a Bike or I Love Berlin.

You could also forgo those boat tours by journeying the River Spree and Landwehr Canal in a two-person kayak instead.

2. Dining in the dark

Frankly, some Berlin restaurants would be greatly improved if you couldn’t see the food, but at Unsicht-Bar the entire experience is skillfully designed to heighten your sense of taste. Light is forbidden, so your server will guide you to a table, explain where the objects are placed, and offer a choice of menus: fish, beef, poultry, vegetarian, or “surprise.” It isn’t ideal for gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes, but nobody can see you play footsie under the table either.

3. See the city from the Kreuzberg

You might know the district of Kreuzberg for being West Berlin’s hub of counterculture. It was actually named after its highest point, “Cross Hill”, itself named for the Prussian monument at the top of Viktoriapark. The park’s waterfall offers several secluded nooks for romantic respite and contributes to one of the city’s best views. Not bad for the price of a short uphill hike!

4. Get hot and sweaty

If you’re visiting during the colder months, or just love working up a sweat, Berlin offers plenty in the way of saunas. The River Spree’s floating swimming pool, Badeschiff, wraps up warm for the winter, but there are several good year-round options. Try Liquidrom for a modern and comprehensive spa day, or Saunabad – where Tuesday is ladies only – for a more traditional feel. The latter also boasts a gorgeous summer garden to cool down in. Be warned: Bathing suits are, at the very least, frowned upon!

5. Free body culture

You can also strip to the nip at most of Berlin’s many lakes, but fear not, it isn’t mandatory! They all get fairly busy on the hottest days of the year, but few are as gorgeous as Krumme Lanke and Schlachtensee, or the city’s largest, Müggelsee. The latter has a designated Freikörperkultur (FKK) area if you do want to feel the breeze unhindered without anybody batting an eyelid.

6. Shake your tail-feather

Wannsee is another of Berlin’s most famous lakes, and a particularly well facilitated one at that. One of the best reasons to visit, however, is for a scenic stroll around Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island). Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia chose the island to build the Lustschloss (Pleasure Palace) as a gift for his favorite mistress. There are plenty of other sights worth taking the ferry for too, including mansions, gardens and, of course, the eponymous peacocks themselves.

7. Raise your brow, then your glasses

If tickets to the Berlin Philharmonic concert hall are too pricey, visit the modernist monument on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for their free lunchtime chamber music concerts in the lobby. If you fancy food or refreshments afterwards, escape the drab commercial center that surrounds it and follow the main road south for 15 minutes to the cheap and cheerful Joseph-Roth-Diele. Linger there for a while and you might even be treated to another free concert, albeit nothing Simon Rattle would wave a wand at.

8. Movies beneath the moon

Berlin loves film and, come summer, there are few better places to see one than at a Freiluftkino, or “open-air cinema.” Arrive early to get good seats, grab drinks at the bar, and enjoy the buzz of the crowd until it’s dark enough for the film to start. There’s a good chance it’ll run later than scheduled, so bear that in mind when making plans for afterwards.

9. The art of eating

Of all Berlin’s exciting galleries and exhibitions, one of the most uniquely social approaches can be found at the Zagreus Projekt. Every two months, new artists are invited to develop a gastronomy-related concept for the space before it then opens to diners. According to the owner, chef and curator, Ulrich Krauss, the idea is for guests to become an active part of the art rather than mere spectators. Be sure to book in advance.

10. Capture the moment

If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir of your time together, look no further than the city’s iconic Photoautomaten. Rescued and refurbished in 2004 by locals Asger Doenst and Ole Kretschmann, the old-fashioned photo booths quickly became symbols of Berlin’s “poor and sexy” vibe – a strip of four different black-and-white photographs will set you back a mere two euros! Don’t be afraid to get creative; the city would be disappointed if you didn’t.

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