Berlin is a city brimming with history, culture, and vibrant energy, drawing millions of tourists yearly. Many unique spots are often overlooked beyond famous landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall. These lesser-known places offer a more intimate and unique experience of the German capital. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, exploring these spots will give you a fresh perspective on the city.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to ten hidden gems in Berlin, where you can escape the crowds and uncover the city's unusual sights and activities. Plus, we’ll suggest how you can make the most of your time in Berlin by renting a car to reach these hidden destinations. So, let's dive in!
Teufelsberg, meaning Devil’s Mountain, is an artificial hill built from the rubble of World War II. Located in the Grunewald Forest, this hidden gem offers a stunning view of Berlin, and the surrounding greenery adds to its peaceful charm. What makes Teufelsberg even more fascinating is the abandoned Cold War listening station at the top.
The station was operated by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) for surveillance of the Eastern Bloc. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and marvel at the large radar domes that still stand. It's a fantastic spot for photography, hiking, and learning about Berlin’s Cold War history. Teufelsberg is a bit off the typical tourist path, so renting a car in Germany makes the journey more convenient. With a rental car, you can drive to the site and enjoy the scenic route through the forest.
Tucked away in the heart of Kreuzberg, Prinzessinnengarten is a hidden urban oasis. This community garden is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden is open to the public and features an impressive array of vegetables, herbs, and flowers grown by residents.
Visitors can stroll through the garden, relax on benches, or participate in gardening workshops. There’s also a café where you can enjoy fresh, organic food made from the garden’s produce. It’s a wonderful place to unwind and reconnect with nature in the middle of Berlin’s lively urban scene. Easily explore Kreuzberg and visit Prinzessinnengarten, with nearby parking available, allowing you to relax and enjoy the garden at your own pace.
If you’re an art lover, the Boros Collection is a hidden gem you won't want to miss. Located in a former House in an industrial space with a fascinating history, this private collection of contemporary art is located in a World War II bunker. The bunker, built in 1942, was used for air raid protection and later became a storage facility.
Today, the Boros Collection showcases works from international artists in a unique, atmospheric setting. The collection is open to the public, but you’ll need to book tickets in advance as visits are by guided tour only. This unusual blend of art and history makes it one of Berlin's most intriguing spots.
Renting a car is the easiest way to reach the Boros Collection, especially outside central Berlin. With your rental car, you can easily navigate the city’s streets and find parking near the bunker.
Spreepark, an abandoned amusement park along the Spree River, is a fascinating and eerie hidden gem in Berlin. The park, opened in 1969, featured rides, a Ferris wheel, and a miniature train. However, it was left to decay after the park closed in 2002.
Today, the site is a haunting reminder of Berlin's past. The remains of the rides, including the Ferris wheel and roller coasters, are still standing. There are organised tours of the park that let you explore the eerie atmosphere and learn about the park’s history.
Spreepark is located in the Plänterwald area, a bit further from Berlin's main tourist spots. It’s worth the trip to explore the park at your own pace and enjoy the atmosphere.
Görlitzer Park, located in the neighbourhood of Kreuzberg, is a beautiful green space that’s often overlooked by tourists. While it’s not a hidden secret to locals, many visitors tend to miss it when exploring Berlin. The park is ideal for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or just relaxing in nature.
The park is also home to several art installations and hosts outdoor events such as open-air cinema screenings and live music performances in the summer. It’s a great place to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Berlin away from the usual tourist crowds. Spreepark is located in the Plänterwald area, a bit further from Berlin's main tourist spots. It’s worth the trip to explore the park and enjoy the atmosphere.
Viktoriapark is one of Berlin’s hidden gems that many tourists overlook. Situated in the Kreuzberg district, Viktoriapark offers one of the best city views. The park is around a hill, and at the top, you'll find the National Monument for the Liberation Wars, commemorating the wars of 1813–1815.
The best part about Viktoriapark is its tranquil atmosphere. You can take a walk up the hill, enjoy the scenic views of Berlin, and even relax by the waterfall at the park’s entrance. It’s an excellent spot for a peaceful escape in the city's heart. Viktoriapark is easily accessible, with parking available nearby. You can take your time to enjoy the park's beauty and relax in its peaceful surroundings.
While Alexanderplatz is a major tourist hub, few people know about the Magic Roundabout located just a short walk away. This rotating sculpture, designed by artist Jean Tinguely, was built in 1969 and is one of Berlin's most unusual public art pieces.
The roundabout features a series of mechanical components that create a fascinating, unpredictable movement. It's a quirky and fun piece of art that you can enjoy while exploring the Alexanderplatz area. It’s an ideal spot for a quick photo and a break from typical tourist attractions.
Alexanderplatz is easily accessible by public transport, but if you’re driving, it’s also easy to reach by rental car. With a rental car, you can explore the area and see this unique piece of art up close.
Buchstabenmuseum (Museum of Letters) is an unusual and charming hidden gem in Berlin. This small museum focuses on the history of typography and letters, showcasing old neon signs, letterpress prints, and other fascinating artifacts related to lettering.
The museum is housed in a former industrial building run by passionate volunteers. This fun and quirky spot is a must-visit if you're interested in design and typography or looking for something unique and different to explore.
Rent a car in Germany to make your visit to Buchstabenmuseum more convenient. It’s located in the Wedding district, so a rental vehicle will make it easier to get there and explore nearby areas.
Mauerpark is a popular park in Berlin but far from ordinary. It's home to the famous Sunday flea market, where you can find everything from vintage clothes to unique art pieces. But Mauerpark also offers lesser-known attractions, such as the open-air karaoke sessions held every Sunday afternoon.
The park is located on the site of a former stretch of the Berlin Wall, and you can still see parts of the Wall in the area. It’s a vibrant and lively place that offers a unique mix of history, culture, and local entertainment. Mauerpark and the surrounding neighborhoods are easily accessible, with convenient parking nearby, allowing you to fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the park.
If you’re looking for a hidden spot to unwind and enjoy a drink with a view, Klunkerkranich is the place to go. Located on the rooftop of a shopping centre in Neukölln, this secret bar offers stunning views of Berlin’s skyline, including the TV Tower and the Berlin Cathedral.
The bar has a laid-back atmosphere, with comfortable seating, live music, and various drinks to choose from. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the city from above, away from the crowded tourist areas. With your rental car, you can drive to Neukölln and find parking near the shopping centre. Once you're there, head up to the rooftop and enjoy the view.
Berlin is a city full of surprises, and these 10 hidden gems are just the start. By renting a car in Germany, you can easily explore these unique spots at your own pace, allowing you to experience a side of Berlin that many tourists miss. From abandoned amusement parks to rooftop bars, there’s much more to see in Berlin beyond the well-known tourist attractions.
Don’t just stick to the usual tourist spots—step off the typical route and discover Berlin’s hidden treasures! Rent a car today and start your adventure!
