The Berlin Bucket List: Everything You Need to Do Before You Die

Life. You only get to do it once, and if you know what you're doing, you'll spend a fair chunk of it in Berlin. Of course, while you're there, you'll want to squeeze every last drop of wondrousness out of the city, which is why we've drawn up this convenient bucket list -- a lineup of all the cool stuff you'll need to do in the German capital while you still can.

You’ll need to book far in advance, but it is free.

Because there’s nothing quite like conquering three minutes of fame in Mauerpark.

From Müggelsee to Schlachtensee, there’s much beauty in Berlin’s outback. 

Live concerts, marches, and impromptu slam poetry prove that in Berlin, slaying apathy is a good time.

At your own risk of angry German security guards, trespassing fines, and the weight of your own conscience, of course. 

Berlin Festival, splash!, Melt!. Lineups and after-parties are consistently on point here. 

You’ll see the city’s arches and architecture from a different (and fantastic) perspective. 

Because out of everything on Museum Island, the Pergamon Altar and Ishtar Gate will especially blow your mind. 

All you need is a few beers from the Späti, speakers, and a green space -- it helps that there are 2,500 of them.

So much pistachio, walnut, and phyllo sugary satisfaction.

It’s basically your civic duty. 

Don’t even just go to Mauerpark. Berlin’s got so many more.

Climb up to this former spy station, and literally be the one who sees everything.

So you won’t be able to afford anything, but it’s still the classiest of mega-malls (don’t miss the gourmet food hall).

Flying kites, biking, exploring an abandoned airplane -- it’s all possible here.

It may be an imbiss, but it’s a century-old Berlin institution. 

Skip the red carpet and find some of the more cool independent showings. 

Again, it’s your civic duty. 

It’s just way better after a big German breakfast.

Tourists or not, it’s an amazing piece of history. 

And we wish you the best of luck. We don’t know how it’s done either. Take us with you!

See the same old tourist attractions in... another light!

Christmas is best served with glühwein, homemade marzipan, and steak buns.

Because holidays in Germany are nothing without glühwein and smoked sausage.

At first it’ll be weird. Then you’ll just let it all hang. Then nothing will be weird anymore.

And don’t miss the buskers who play near the end during summertime. 

You’ll find them in parks, and even nightclub gardens!

Trust us. There’s honestly nothing better.

From Fusion to Feel, there’s just something about techno plus sunshine.

The stalls at Markthalle Neun keep getting better and better.

Karneval der Kulturen and Christopher Street Day will do the trick for sure.

It’s the perfect dose of Berlin’s warm and fuzzy yet alternative heart.

It’s the closest you’ll ever get to a dip in that dirty Spree.

It truly is a slice of Thailand in Germany.

Because it’s Berlin’s best rooftop. Extra points if you make it for a sunset jazz sesh.

Nothing will make you feel more like being a real Berliner.

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