The ultimate non-techno Berlin guide

Berlin is one of those cities that really offers something for everyone. Wanna hit da clurb? Bam there they are. Chill evening drink or coffee and a read? You’ve got it. Even an outdoor cinema? Absolutely. From the iconic spots to the smaller hidden gems, I present to you, the ultimate non-techno guide to Berlin and the best places to visit. 

For context, I recently spent a month working in Berlin and was keen to explore as much of the city as possible during my time here. While I can speak fluent German, the city is well and truly open to English speaking (I tried speaking to a waiter in German once and she was in fact Irish and couldn’t speak much/any German). I love a cute café, shopping, lapping up the culture and eating – a lot. Ooh and a sweet treat… many a sweet treat! As the name of this article suggests, though, I’m not your biggest techno fan – ikr, it’s a shock, but you don’t have to be to love Berlin. If you’re looking for some local recommendations and want to know which of the classic tourist traps are really worth it, read on… 

Parks for recreation (or not) 

Berlin has a huge selection of parks and, especially during the week, they’re not very busy. Of course, the iconic Tiergarten has to kick off the list. Its luscious green tree-lined avenues just next to the bustling Brandenburger Tor are the perfect place to explore on a bike or sit with a book on a sunny day. When I was in Berlin, I got the Lime bike pass, which costs €2.99 for the month and meant that I could reserve these electric bikes for up to 30 minutes. Also, journeys under five mins came in at €1 and journeys under 20 mins came to only €2 with no other fees. These bikes are perf for zipping about the parks or seeing the main sights nearby, such as the Siegessäule and the Soviet Memorial. 

In Tiergarten, make sure to visit Floraplatz for a quick pitstop. Set among flowers and statues of the Berlin of the past, this spot is perfect for a picnic, quiet cuppa or even an evening pint on a summer evening. On the topic of grabbing some food, check out Café am Neuen See in the centre of Tiergarten. This is without a doubt a tourist hotspot, but one that I would absolutely recommend. By day, the café serves brunch and breakfast options galore, overlooking boats on the lake. And by night, this transforms into a beer garden-esque area with fairy lights and good vibes.  

Top tip – make sure to try the bread selection platter. But be warned, the Germans love their hard bread, so don’t expect Kingsmill softness! The price? Reasonable for the place it’s in. The service? Maybe a little slow with the volume of tourists there. The atmosphere, however? Unmatched.

Slightly further afield and overlooking the Spree, Spreebogenpark attracts tourists and locals alike. Expect barbecues, music and jumping into the river on hot summer days. Volkspark Humbolthain must also be on your list to visit, for a relaxing afternoon or perhaps an Aperol after a dip in the Freibad (outdoor swimming pool). And finally, even though it’s slightly out of the centre, my top pick for parks would be Bürgerpark Pankow. Expect small local cafés, impromptu piano performances and Schönhausen Palace – a regal castle that comes out of nowhere. This is also the perfect place for a run (if you are that way inclined).  

For a traditional German experience, make sure to try out an open-air cinema on a nice warm evening. I recommend the Hasenheide Freiluftkino, which is where, in true gay style, I spent an evening watching Mamma Mia!, with a little bucket of popcorn and my flip flops. Techno clubs who?  

Cultural things to do  

For some, a day spent in Berghain is a day wasted. So, if you wanna lap up some real culture, then here are some of my fave attractions to visit in Berlin.  

One place that will get you ticking off culture and museums quicker than the delayed S-Bahn is Museuminsel (AKA Museum Island). At the centre, you’ve got the Berliner Dom, with a beautiful dome that you’re able to walk up. For around €10, you can climb the hundreds of steps to get a panoramic view of Berlin, where you can spot icons such as the TV Tower, the Reichstag and the river Spree from a rickety platform (not one for those scared of heights!) If, like me, however, you are feeling up for the challenge, a quick spritz of Rescue Remedy is sure to help you on your way x 

Opposite the cathedral on the Spreekanal, there’s a beautiful art market at the weekend with local artisans setting up shop. They love a chat and have some seriously gorgeous arty bits, some of which are now in my living room (thanks divas). Continue the art vibes with a trip to the Humbolt Forum, which has multiple free exhibitions every year. This is also a great place to grab some souvenirs and a stunning sweet treat in the café (I recommend the cherry and pistachio tart). Another must-visit museum is the DDR Museum, which dives into the history of East Germany, with some interactive elements and a recreation of a typical apartment, prison cell and even a prisoner interview. Also, completely accessible for the whole family.  

The history classics 

Naturally, the iconic sites, such as the Reichstag building and Regierungsviertel must be seen IRL. You can actually visit the glass dome in the government building, which is not only an incredible experience, but also free – just as long as you book in advance and bring your passport along. Don’t mind if I do. Potsdamer Platz is another big name in Berlin that oozes gorgeousness and is a great place to see a few remaining pieces of the Berlin wall, which is of course also at the East Side Gallery. Keeping on the history theme, the Berlin Wall Memorial features a really interesting look into the divide in between the wall, as well as a free museum and viewing platform to see the width of the wall. 

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Topography of Terror, as their names suggest, are important historical monuments that will always make for an insightful and worthwhile visit. Berlin has such a rich political history and it’s so refreshing how open the city is about its past, unified and accepting of a collective guilt for Germany. These sites, in particular, are a stark and important reminder of how far the city has come. 

Slightly less traditional recommendations 

Less traditional recommendations would include Center Potsdamer Platz, an iconic building, minutes’ walk from the station, with food stops, seating and water features. Die Hackeschen Höfe is an arty, graffiti area, close to Hackescher Markt, with a shop and staircase completely covered in art. While not a traditional pick, the Hauptbahnhof train station is also quite a sight to behold, with sprawling platforms and many different levels. You could spend a day going round this place alone!  

And finally, a unique museum recommendation would be the Futurium, which is housed in a gorgeous gem of a building. You start by getting a wristband with a personal chip that you’re able to scan at different points throughout the museum. Exhibitions talk about the different possibilities that will happen in the future, such as different diets and ways of life. At the end, your future is printed out on a ticket, which you’re able to keep as a souvenir. Oh, and they have a free panoramic rooftop terrace, just saying ? 

Non-techno night out vibes 

Now, I actually didn’t spend too much time clubbing in Berlin, but I do have some great recs for bars and fun things to do in the evening. PSA: Berlin loves the pop girlies, too… 

For a classic pop night, I would recommend Alte Kantine without a doubt. There’s a big dancefloor area with arches and walls dividing up the room, as well as some more private booth areas. Note, this isn’t your KitKatClub or Erlebniswohnung, so it won’t be that sexual side of Berlin’s nightlife. But if your idea of fun is a copious amount of the infamous Berliner Luft shots or perhaps a cheeky boogie with your (gal) pals, this is your place. 

For a bar beforehand, Nova Bar is the perfect place to get an Aperol spritz the size of your head for only €5. Do be warned though, this is a smoking bar, so expect table games and also a whiff of Vogues in the air. What this bar lacks in lung health, it makes up for in atmosphere. There’s always good music and laughter coming from the bar and surrounding tables – everyone’s always in cheery spirits.  

Other bars of note are Roderich in Pankow and also Cinema Café near Hackescher Markt. Both of these are perhaps not on your mainstream lists but certainly speak to the uniqueness of Berlin. If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, Goldfisch Bar is my final bar rec. Dim lighting, golden décor and bartenders who make a drink from your spirit and vibe of choice – this is a fab place to spend the night and early hours.   

If clubs or bars are not your vibe, perhaps a karaoke bar will satisfy your cravings for fun? I had a brilliant night out at – brace yourself for the name – Monster Ronson’s Ichiban Karaoke. With private pods and a wealth of LED lights, songs, questionable paintings of music icons, as well as a stage and other areas with disco balls galore, this is one camp venue. Inclusive bathrooms – tick. Great vibes and music – tick. Mics and an unlimited stream of ABBA and pop bangers – tiiiiiiiiiiiccckkkk!  

Whether you want the bright lights of a club or quiet reflection in a park, Berlin offers something for everyone. And by everyone, this also stretches to the LGBTQ+ community, which is why Berlin will always be one of my favourite destinations as a gay traveller.  

Ready to take on your own Berlin adventure? Check out our Berlin city breaks.  

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Author and pronouns: Thomas Dadswell (he/him)
Last updated: 12/08/2025