Best Things To See And Do In Berlin This Spring

Berliners can finally rejoice again with the return of the sun. The city becomes a hub of activity and excitement as people slowly pull themselves out of hibernation. Here are some great springtime activities to usher in the new season.

1. Celebrate the return of the cherry blossom trees

It’s that time of the year again in Berlin, when the magical cherry blossoms come into bloom. The trees display their beauty for a short time only, so be sure not to miss out on this spectacle of nature. On April 30, the annual cherry blossom festival will take place near Mauerweg, where the largest concentration of trees are planted, along the perimeter of where the Berlin Wall used to be. Expect a celebration complete with traditional Japanese dance and music.

Mauerweg, Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany

A dazzling display of beauty | © auntmasako/Pixabay

Stroll around the markets

Berlin is a flea market and street food haven, and as soon as it starts to warm up, people set up shop to sell there vintage wares and tasty treats. If you are up for some fresh food or just want to experience the bustle of Berlin’s street life, markets offer a perfect spring day out. A few great markets include the Maybachufer Market, situated along the waterside in Kreuzberg. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there is a vibrant Turkish market with loads of fresh fruits and veggies, warm snacks, fabrics, and trinkets. Neuköllners can try the Neuköllner Stoff while in the east of the city, and the popular, festival-like flohmarkt takes place in Mauerpark every Sunday.

Eat, drink and sit near the canal at the Turkish market

Cycling around the city in spring brings a revitalizing and renewed perspective of the city after months of grey weather. But why contain your biking route to only the city itself? Rather grab your water bottle, your fresh spring attitude, and go a little further into the beautiful countryside village of Lübars, a 45-minute cycle from Mitte, or to the castle-studded land of Potsdam, Berlin’s stately neighbor. You’ll be dazzled by the fresh air, the warm sun on your skin, and the alternative beauty that lies just outside of Berlin.

Lübars, Berlin, Germany

Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

2. Get your hands dirty in the garden

Berlin is one of the greenest cities in Germany, with a very active urban gardening culture. This means that city folks are able to connect to the source of their food and enjoy sustainable, organically grown fruits and veggies. A great example of this is the Prinzessinnengärten in Kreuzberg. The gardening season starts in April – every Thursday from 3pm till 6pm, and on Saturdays from 11am till 2pm. The community space, complete with spring and summer events and beautifully repurposed furniture, allows you to dig and plant, or simply buy fresh produce. Alternatively, if you’re lucky enough to have a balcony or small courtyard garden in the city, the time to plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables is now.

Prinzessinnengärten, Prinzenstraße 35-38, Berlin, Germany

Berlin has a strong urban gardening culture | © Andreas Lehner/Flickr

3. Rent a boat and sail along the canal

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If the classic tourist boat cruise is not really up your alley, rather be the captain of your own ship and rent your own boat at Spreeboote. You don’t need a driver’s license for most of the boats on offer, and you can even rent a BBQ or picnic basket for your little boat ride. The renting season starts on April 3, when the ice has melted and the feeling of optimism again starts to creep in. Alternatively, buy your own little blow-up floating boat and paddles from a department store and set sail down one of the smaller canals.

Spreeboote, Zur alten Flussbadeanstalt 5, Berlin, Germany

Lap up the sun and good views from a boat ride on the Spree | © Jean-Pierre Dalbéra/Flickr

Hit the open-air parties

Berlin, the nocturnal city of revelry, and its inhabitants can finally step out of the dark club and carry on dancing into the light. Spring in Berlin means the return of outdoor parties. The locations and events are endless; you’re likely to bump into a free party on the street, or find one with a cover charge in a more hidden location.

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