10 spectacular things to do in Berlin at night

Berlin is renowned for its techno club scene and late-night bars. Undoubtedly, the nightlife is world-class, but there’s more to this vibrant capital than just hitting the clubs. This list of the 10 best things to do at night in Berlin will take you through creative cabaret shows, culinary highlights, and the best walking tours. Whatever you’re looking for, there is no shortage of fun and unique activities in Berlin to ensure you have a great time after dark and into the morning.

1. Drink like a local on a craft beer tour

Berliners love their beer, and the city was once the beer capital of Europe. What better way to start your evening than on a beer-tasting and brewery tour? There are now around 17 active breweries in Berlin, so there will be no shortage of places to try handcrafted beers and snacks to complement the tasting.

Hot tip:

Don’t be afraid to ask questions from your helpful guide. They’re knowledgeable about all things malt and hops. Vegetarians are also well catered to throughout.

2. Go on an evening sightseeing tour by bus

Hop on an evening sightseeing bus and watch the city come alive after dark. You’ll glide past iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag and explore the trendy districts of Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg. It’s like seeing Berlin through new eyes – minus the blisters from walking.

Hot tip:

Tours are led in both English and German, and the buses are pet-friendly, so your furry friend can also learn about Berlin’s history.

3. Dine from the top of the Reichstag

Enjoy a four-course rooftop meal with an aperitif at the restaurant at the top of the Reichstag's glass dome and see the parliament district light up for the evening. Expect spectacular views of Berlin if you are lucky enough to visit on a clear evening.

Hot tip:

Before dinner, take a guided tour of the government district to learn about the history of the Reichstag and its resurrection from ruins.

Address and opening hours:

Käfer, Platz der Republik 1 Reichstagsgebäude, 11011 Berlin. The restaurant is open daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 7:00 - 11:00 PM.

4. Watch a dazzling cabaret show

Berlin’s cabaret scene is a must-see spectacle. From glitzy venues to edgy underground spots, these shows blend burlesque, comedy, and music into unforgettable nights. Expect feathers, sequins, and a dash of scandal. Whether you choose the grand Friedrichstadt-Palast or a cozy club in Schöneberg, you’re in for a cheeky, entertaining ride. It's pure Berlin – bold, daring, and always surprising.

Hot tip:

While the cabaret can be a fun family day out, it’s unsuitable for children under 6.

5. Cruise the river Spree

Berlin’s Spree provides excellent evening views, from sunsets over Museum Island to the glittering lights of the TV Tower. You can float down yourself or settle in for the evening with a relaxing dinner as you take in the sights of central Berlin on a river cruise.

Hot tip:

Turn your experience into a bottomless dinner with the Capital Dinner option. You’ll get unlimited drinks with your courses, perfect for any special occasion.

6. Explore multicultural Kreuzberg at night

Renowned as a hub of bohemians and punks in the 1970s, Kreuzberg started life as a working-class 19th-century neighborhood. Take to the streets with an evening walking tour of the district. Stop by the legendary SO36 club frequented by David Bowie, or enjoy one of the many waterside restaurants and clubs.

Hot tip:

Kreuzberg has one of Berlin’s most vibrant Turkish communities. Dine out on a classic meze meal or döner kebab at a popular haunt like Hasir.

7. Go to a comedy club

Visit a comedy club for a night full of laughs, but don't let the humor get lost in translation. There are stand-up options available in English at Quatsch Comedy Club and Cosmic Comedy Club.

Hot tip:

Ensure you book the English-language night at Quatsch, which hosts German stand-up every evening. English events are often on two consecutive days in the middle of the week.

8. Dine with a view at the TV Tower

Enjoy sensational night views of Berlin from Germany’s tallest structure, the TV Tower (Fernsehturm). You can also enjoy a three-course meal in the revolving "Sphere" restaurant—a very cool experience.

Hot tip:

The TV Tower is a popular sunset-watching spot, but In the summertime, arrive early to grab a great spot 30 minutes before the sun sets as it can get very busy.

Address and opening hours:

TV Tower, Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin. Open daily 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM.

9. Visit the Berlin Icebar

Whether you're staving off the summer heat or relishing in winter’s icy charm, step into the snowy confines of the Berlin Icebar. Sip on a cool cocktail and a frosty shot with frozen seats and photogenic sculptures.

Hot tip:

There's no need to bring cold weather gear. You'll be provided with an insulated jacket and gloves to handle icy concoctions.

Address and opening hours:

Berlin Icebar, Spandauer Str. 2, 10178 Berlin. Open daily 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM on weekdays. Open 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM on weekends.

10. Visit Dark Matter

Dark Matter, with its expansive light installations, is a unique thing to do at night in Berlin. It is an incredible experience that allows you to witness the meditative and hypnotic power of light, movement, and sound.

Hot tip:

This is not suitable for people with epilepsy or light sensitivity as the attraction includes flashing lights.

Address and opening hours:

Dark Matter, Köpenicker Ch 46, 10317 Berlin. Open Wednesday and Thursday 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Friday 12:00 - 11:00 PM, Saturday 1:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM and closed Monday and Tuesday.

FAQs

What are some of the top nighttime attractions in Berlin?

Berlin is renowned for its nightlife. With its niche nightclubs, cabaret shows, cocktail bars, and late-night eateries, there are plenty of popular evening attractions. River cruises, bar crawls, and music events are among the top attractions, but you can also look out for late entry to museums on Thursdays.

What are the best areas for a nighttime stroll in Berlin?

Berlin boasts a wide variety of districts that are perfect for night tours. Museum Island, Unter den Linden, and the Brandenburg Gate are spectacularly lit for scenic, historic walks in the evening. To make the most of unique bars, clubs, and street-side food, check out Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, two areas with nightlife.

What are the most popular night tours in Berlin?

Berlin’s evenings benefit from a bar crawl through the historic and trendy venues of East Berlin. Alternatively, you can take a ghost tour of Berlin’s darker side for a frightening but fun send-off to the evening. Among the most popular night activities are evening cruises, like this Evening City Sightseeing Cruise, which can be a great date night idea enjoyed by a group of friends or provide a fun evening for the whole family.

What are some fun activities to do with kids in Berlin at night?

Berlin’s parks provide evening concerts and events during the extended days of summer. Children will love sitting up listening to jazz and pop or watching open-air screenings of family film classics. For kids who enjoy learning and puzzles, there are scavenger hunts and self-guided tours that can be done on their own time.

What are the best spots for a romantic night out in Berlin?

You can start by heading to the top of Berlin’s TV Tower or trekking to Teufelsberg to catch the sunset. Once the evening fully arrives, head to Berlin's Mitte for a romantic dinner or look into Berlin dinner packages.