The rain is attempting to ruin your best-laid plans in Berlin, but you don’t want to let that stop you. Here is my list to favorite things to do on a rainy day in the city.
Museums & Galleries
Pergamon Museum
One of my favorite of all the state-run museums in Berlin. The Pergamon as a stellar permanent collection including the awe-inspiring Babylonian Ishtar Gate (see some impressions from my visit before last here). This museum regularly offers interesting and fun special events in addition to its regular programing. Recently they also added temporary 360° Panorama across the street that recreates the ancient city of Pergamon in AD 129 on the west coast of Asia Minor.
C/O Berlin
A mecca for lovers of photography or those who practice the craft themselves. This museum is definitely worth the ticket price to get in. Their gift shop also contains countless gems. When I was last there, C/O was hosting the most impressive Irving Penn exhibit of all time. They even set up a DIY portrait photo booth a la Irving Penn’s classic style. I look forward to going here again for their next upcoming shows.
Deutsches Historisches Museum
If you want to soak up as much history as possible in one fell swoop, then come to the German Historical Museum. But beware, you need the better part of the day to really get the most out of this museum. But it is extraordinary and boasts fabulous limited exhibits in addition to the incredibly permanent exhibit that is set up in chronological order perfect for time traveling through world history!
Museum Berggruen
This is a small museum in comparison to many of the other state-run museums, but it is one of the most special in my opinion. Visitors wind their way up a beautiful spiral staircase to make their way to the upper floors of the museum. Each floor provides small intimate rooms for quiet contemplation of the artwork on exhibit. I was lucky enough to catch a Marc Chagall exhibit the last time I was there!
Berliner Unterwelten
The Berliner Unterwelten provides cool underground tours all over Berlin. I’ve been on the Dark Worlds tour that starts at the Gesundbrunnen Station and explores a WWII bomb shelter and talks about what it was like for civilians during this time. In addition to a great talk by the tour guide, they had preserved or restored artifacts and bunkers from WWII, which makes for an informative, if not eerie tour of the under side of Berlin.
Cafe Hangs
Zimt&Zucker
I admittedly already did a WHOLE blog post dedicated to this wonderful gem of a cafe. But it still earns another mention on this list as it is still one of my favorites and it cozy enough to snuggle up in on a rainy day with tea or coffee and some yummy treats.
Kuchenkultur
This little cafe is known in my neighborhood for their tasty cakes, torts, muffins and other baked goods of the day. They also offer sugar-free and gluten free options. It is “klein, aber fine” (small, but nice!) but is delicious and has a chill vibe - often playing quiet jazz in the background. The regular server on weekday afternoons is a friendly woman with a sunny personality, who offers great service and gets you set up with the wifi as soon as she sees your smartphone so you can plan the rest of your day free of data charges.
Cafe Kalwil
I first learned about this sweet and cozy cafe while taking my language courses at the Hartnackschule. It is in the heart of the Motzstraße, the gay center of Berlin. Outside they fly little rainbow bunting, but the cafe itself is so comfy and cozy like your grandma’s dream cafe. Yummy cakes and coffees await you here. You can also come later for a light lunch with beer. A sweet (and sometimes very sassy) bow-tie wearing waiter will serve you and you will want to linger and forget the time here.
Movie Theaters
“Here is a handy legend for understanding watching movies in Germany:
> OV = Original Version
> OmDU = Original with german subtitles
> OmeU = Original mit english subtitles
> DFmeU = German version with english subtitles
> OmU - Original language with subtitles”
This might seem like a cop out - I mean come on, you can go to the movies anywhere, right? But I actually believe that watching movies from the country or city you are visiting can be very rewarding. Watching movies in the target language of the country you’re visiting or living in often shows current political or social issues that can help one learn more about the community or culture. Here are some of my favorite movie theaters in Berlin.
Hackesche Höfe Kino
Conveniently located in Mitte (not too far from Alexanderplatz), you’ll find this movie theater in the midst of a little boutique shopping area call the Hackesche Höfe. These little allies offer cafe and restaurant opportunities for before or after a film, too! You will find mainstream movies as well as local and indies films.
Lichtblick Kino
A tiny little movie theater in Prenzlauer Berg that plays Sundance-type films, documentaries, cult favorites and classic films.
b-ware!ladenkino
Possibly my favorite movie theater in all of Berlin because of how quirky it is. This tiny little place doubles as a DVD rental store, too (what?! those DO still exist). It has snack and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink offerings. The theaters are super tiny, but guarantees you a good view where ever you are sitting.
UCI LUXE Cinema
This movie theater in Mercedes Platz in Friedrichshain is the exact opposite of the b-ware!ladenkino. It is super new and swishy. A ticket will set you back a pretty penny on a ticket (not to mention if you want snacks, too!), but the leather seats you get make up for it by reclining at the touch of a button. It is so comfy you won’t even want to leave when the credits are over.
Shopping
Mall of Berlin
Right next to the famous Potsdamer Platz, the Mall of Berlin is a great one-stop-shop for your shopping needs. While they have many brands that also exist elsewhere in the world, if you are looking for something specific, they are bound to have it here!
Bikini Berlin
Another mall, but this one also features pop-up shops on the main floor and Germany-based designers in the permanent shops that often feature local artisans and their goods. If you want to support local start-ups, then definitely check these little pop-ups out!
Bookstore + Living Wall at Dussmann
This spot is a double-win on a rainy day. Firstly, the Dussmann, also known as the Kulturkaufhaus, is a multi-level bookstore that is a must-visit for book lovers of any kind. You can also find fun gifts like vinyl, dvds of movies and tv shows, stationary, mugs, canvas totes, posters and postcards. Once you’ve explored the stacks, head to the Cafe Ursprung for a pick-me-up or just to sit in awe of the vertical garden, or living wall.
Indoor Markets
The following indoor markets are great options to get shelter from the rain while still getting that market experience. Food & drinks, regional produce, fresh meats & cheese, gifts, restaurants, and more! Add one of these indoor markets to your rainy day list!
Markthalle Neun
Kreuzberg grounded Berlin’s 9th market hall. This one is a little hipster-y, but still wonderful! It is also in the heart of Kreuzberg, which is also wonderful to explore - rain or shine.
Marheinike Markthalle
One of the more polished indoor markets. This one is located in the Bergmannkiez. The Bergmannstraße is a wonderful street to explore with this market as your end goal to warm up under cover from the elements.
Arminius Markthalle
Another old school market in Moabit. This area of Berlin used to be blue-collar, but you won’t assume that nowadays. It now a bustling hub for public transportation and local turkish and arab shops. If you want one of the tastiest Döners nearby, head to Döner Favorit. It doesn’t look like much, but the roasted vegtables and scharfe Soße (spicy chile sauce) are one of the best in all of Berlin in my opinion!
Music/Theater
Berliner Philharmoniker
Okay, this one might be hard to coordinate based on ticket availability or budget. But you’re in luck because they also offer "first-come-first-served FREE lunch concerts on Tuesdays at 13:00. Be early and prepared to sit on the floor or lean against a wall. But this is a wonderful, wallet-friendly alternative to going to the symphony.
Bar Jeder Vernunft
This tented music and theater venue is truly unique. Although it is a bit pricy, it makes a great special occasion splurge. I’ve seen variety shows, musical performances and comedy shows here and each one was spectacular. Depending on your budget you can also add drinks or food to your experience.
