10 places to stay warm in wintertime Berlin
What do you do when it's freezing cold outside? Simply move sight-seeing activities indoors - which in Berlin is no problem.
Go for a stroll
Potsdamer Platz in the center of Berlin offers several attractive ways of escaping snow or rain. Here you can go shopping and there are restaurants, bars, museums and cinemas. Everything nicely packed into the same place. Nothing could be more convenient. The ceiling of the Sony Center in its own special way offers protection from bad weather.
Be awestruck
The Berlin Film Museum is also located on Potsdamer Platz. It is one of over 170 museums in the city. In a clever architectural layout it presents film technology and film history. One room is dedicated to a grand lady of Berlin: Marlene Dietrich. In 3 rooms you can view film and show costumes, accessories, photos, jewelry, luggage and even love letters. Very romantic!
Escape into a dream world
There is no better place to escape the grey of winter than a cinema. In no other city are there this many movie houses - or so varied big movie palaces like the Zoo-Palast (pictured), small independent film houses and, of course, the big cinema chains. It's not just the films, but also the cinema architecture that make an impression on visitors.
Submerge yourself
Those fighting off icy temperatures all day long might fancy a steam bath, some pampering or day spa. In the domed hall of the Liquidrom (pictured) you can dissolve everyday stresses by floating in warm salt water, while enjoying the changing light features accompanied by classical or electronic music. Events with readings, installations or film performances are also regularly held here.
Dive under
The Aqua Dome is the world's biggest freestanding aquarium. In the center of Berlin a coral reef habitat was recreated, with 1,500 fish. In the middle a glass elevator brings people up. Visitors can watch fish but also divers, who clean the aquarium between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
Indulge yourself
Places this crowded must be good. Market Hall Nine in Kreuzberg lives up to this expectation. It is literally busting at the seams on Street Food Thursday. Things here are so tasty! It's good value for money and instead of one restaurant there are dozens of creative food stalls. Every Thursday between 5 pm and 10 pm they offer culinary delights from around the world.
Go on a shopping spree
For people who like spend their time shopping, Berlin is one great temptation. The grand traditional KaDeWe, Kaufhaus des Westens, is no longer the only place to go. Numerous shopping centers and malls as well as concept stores have been added to the mix since the 1990s. The most recent development is the Mall of Berlin, which aims to be Germany's biggest shopping center.
Take in a show
For instance you could go and see "Cleopatra's Pearls" at the Komische Oper. Berlin stages are usually sold out weeks or even months in advance. Those wishing to buy tickets last minute for an evening of theater, cabaret, musical, variety or opera need not despair - you can often get hold of surplus tickets at the box-office.
Dance the night away
There's a place in Berlin where everybody goes to dance. Couples in their seventies and older, or under 20 as well as eccentrics, hipsters and in among them those normal folks who just want to watch the spectacle. Clärchen's ballroom in the Mitte district has been around since 1913. Dancing is still done here so much so that the walls drip with condensation - making it a hot (literally) tip!
Go for a ride
The most cost-effective way to keep warm while sight-seeing in Berlin are the suburban trains. A ticket costs € 2.80 (3 US $). Just take your seat, rub the condensation off the window and watch the world go by. Our tip is to take the route between Westkreuz and Ostkreuz junctions - which leads past Alexanderplatz, the Victory Column, the Hackescher Markt and the Museum Island.