What to Do in Berlin in a Rainy Week

Oh, Berlin, you moody minx with your unpredictable weather! There I was, all set for a sunny adventure in Germany’s über-cool capital, only to be greeted by a relentless drizzle that seemed hell-bent on dampening my spirits.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Traveling, it’s that there’s no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing, and a lack of imagination.

After spending most of the morning trying to buy an umbrella (because for a city with almost 170 rainy days in a year, they are woefully scarce) I started to plot my adventures, in the opposite way of the tourists, i.e., NOT towards the museums.

Obviously, this is not a city where you will ever get bored; if you do, you might be the problem. But on a rainy day, Berlin takes on a special kind of dreary where it takes some thinking to not just go to the default “coffeeshop” setting.

Let me take you through the ultimate guide to enjoying Berlin when the weather decides to play the villain. Spoiler alert: it involves less about staying dry and more about diving deep into the cultural soup of this vibrant city.

Museums, Duh!

I know I said I won’t talk about museums. But I lied. Berlin literally has an island full of museums and that is just the beginning as the city apparently has close to 200 museums and galleries to visit. But these aren’t all your grandma’s idea of a museum where you tiptoe around in silence.

My personal favorite was the DDR Museum, an inventive space on the banks of the Spree solely dedicated to the Deutsche Demokratische Republik, or East Germany as you might know it.

Most of German history is focused on the 20th century and it can become somewhat tedious to read another placard or watch another black and white video clip. But this museum steps up the game and completely transports you back to the 50s.

Ever tried driving a Trabbi? Well at the DDR museum, Mario Kart meets Soviet engineering with a simulator that quickly humbles even the most prolific driver.

Then there’s the Pergamonmuseum, a treasure trove of “how did this get here?” artifacts. The museum has been under scrutiny for years but it must be said that the reconstructions and the display of said artifacts is world-class.

Walking into the Ishtar Gate, you can’t help but feel a bit Indiana Jones, minus the boulder chases. During my visit, there was also an immersive light and sound show bringing these objects to life. Controversial? Maybe. Phenomenal? Absolutely.

Hunt for Currywurst

After filling my brain, it was time to fill my belly. Berlin is a city where the food scene is as eclectic as its History and it is the birthplace of the undisputed champion of rainy-day snacks: currywurst.

Legend has it that Herta Heuwer concocted this masterpiece in 1949 with a mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and curry powder all gifted by British troops.

Although you can find these shops all around, Curry36 is where you go to pay homage to this iconic dish but I visited Curry61, same sausage, different name. Grab your paper plate of sausage and sauce and take a stand under their umbrellas on the sidewalk to watch the world go by.

But let’s not forget about the city’s other culinary delights. Kebabs in Berlin are a love letter to your taste buds and there are more Kebab shops in Berlin than there are pubs in London.

It’s a reminder that while Berlin might not be the cradle of currywurst alone, it’s certainly a melting pot of flavors putting it in the ranks of New York and Paris as a foodie destination.

Go Window Shopping to Cure Your Rainy day Blues

I don’t know about you, but rainy days make me want to buy things I absolutely do not need. But thanks to Ryanair’s backpack policy, on trips like these I must refrain. The next best thing? Window shopping!

Berlin has great shopping streets but if you haven’t figured it out by now, we are looking to stay indoors on a rainy day. Luckily, big city life comes with big department stores, which means floor after floor of stupidly expensive products I have no interest in.

KaDeWe takes top honors for me in Berlin and there is a reason it has been around for more than 100 years. The best prize, however, is the grand prize on the top floor…

European department stores reserve their top for indulgent food sections to go along with over-the-top views. While the storm rages outside, you’re in a cozy haven of retail therapy, marveling at how the other half lives (and eats). And let’s not overlook the crown jewels of the vegan sweet world – Brammibals donuts and Round&Edgy’s gooey cookies.

Then there’s Einstein coffee, where the interior is as beautiful as the coffee is strong. The Wintergarten is the best of all, with floor-to-ceiling (and ceiling) windows and a wide range of food to choose from. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to weather the storm is with a good cup of joe and a view from the top.

Walk Down History Lane in the Rain

Rainy days in Berlin add a layer of introspection to visiting historical sites, particularly those from WW2. And yes, this is different from visiting museums. Berlin has several outdoor public spaces that are either remnants from the past or dedicated to remembering History.

The Holocaust Memorial is one of the most iconic of these sites in Berlin and on rainy days it is devoid of the usual selfie-takers and granola girls posing on the monoliths. It stands more haunting under the grey skies and walking through the puddles deeper into the maze drowns out the city noise and echoes the raindrops.

The Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of victories past, takes on a somber tone, echoing with the ghosts of History. It’s a powerful reminder of the city’s resilience and the shadows it has emerged from. See the rain as a tourist deterrent and take the opportunity to see these sites almost devoid of people.

And for those who prefer to explore History from a dryer vantage point, the Berliner Unterwelten offers a subterranean peek into the past that’s as fascinating as it is eerie. The Berlin Underworlds are a fascinating labyrinth of historical underground structures located beneath the city’s bustling streets.

This subterranean network includes a variety of tunnels, bunkers, and subways that date back to different periods in the city’s history, from Cold War fallout shelters to WWII air-raid bunkers and even older sewage systems.

Take a Bath

After a day of historic immersion and foodie experiences in a gloomy Berlin, it was time to warm up and unwind. Berlin’s bathhouses and indoor pools are one of the few places that are still underappreciated by tourists and make for the perfect rainy-day activity.

Many of these pool houses aim to bring the outdoors inside with glass ceilings or massive windows and their styles range from upscale spa to brutalist to baroque.

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A personal favorite is Liquidrom, a fusion of Berlin’s underground club culture and a spa. Two things I never thought I would need combined.

They offer several saunas but the saltwater pool is the place to be with DJs bringing the gentle hum of house music below the surface three times a week. Combined with the minimalist design, ambient lighting, textile-free areas, and bar, this quickly adds up to be the quintessential Berlin Experience.

Vabali Spa, with its ten saunas, is one of the more upscale venues in the city and promises a relaxation experience like no other, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle. If you fancy a spa day wrapped in a shopping trip, Meridian Spa beckons with its promise of indoor floating that feels like an outdoor adventure thanks to its gigantic windows connecting the outdoor and indoor areas.

Get Your Culture Fix

Berlin is in many ways the epicenter of culture in Germany and is home to some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world. But the kind of high-brow concerts that one can expect from an opera house or theater has a bad rap for being a splurge when it comes to ticket prices.

But in Berlin, you should always look out for last-minute tickets at the box office or take advantage of cheaper daytime shows.

The Berlin Philharmonie stands as one of these beacons of culture and is known for its bizarre modern architecture and acoustical brilliance. Not far behind in prestige is the Konzerthaus Berlin, located on the historic Gendarmenmarkt square.

This neoclassical building, with its majestic columns and grandeur, hosts a diverse range of concerts from classical to contemporary, and it’s known for offering more affordable daytime concerts, allowing everyone to enjoy the arts. You can also keep an eye on the lineups at Staatskapelle Berlin or The Deutsche Oper Berlin, both present a repertoire that includes both traditional and avant-garde works.

Each of these venues is a testament to Berlin’s love for music and provides both seasoned concertgoers and curious newcomers with various opportunities to immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic soundscape. Whether it’s a last-minute decision or a planned outing, Berlin’s concert halls are gateways to some of the most enchanting musical journeys one can experience.