Want to see a different side of Berlin? From neighborhood markets and local shops to free water refill points and a day trip outside the city, here are a few ideas to add to your Berlin list.

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Discover Berlin’s neighborhood markets

Berlin has plenty of markets where you can grab something tasty and get a feel for the neighborhood.

Every Friday, you can visit the Ökomarkt at Lausitzer Platz in Kreuzberg. You’ll find fruit and vegetables, baked goods, dairy products, and more from different organic farmers and traders. Another option is the Ökomarkt at Kollwitzplatz in Prenzlauer Berg, close to the MEININGER Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz. Every Thursday, you’ll find around 40 stalls selling fruit and vegetables, bread, cheese, prepared food, crafts, and more. Planning a picnic? Pick up a few things and find a nice spot in one of Berlin’s parks.

Want to explore the area? Check out our guide to Kollowitzplatz in Prenzlauer Berg.

Mango and papayas sold at the Kollwitzplatz Ökomarkt
Fresh, organic produce at Kollwitzplatz Ökomarkt

Stop for a coffee

Need a coffee break?

Head to Berliner Kaffeerösterei in Charlottenburg. This family-run Berlin coffee roaster works directly with coffee producers and supports Berliner Stadtmission facilities for people experiencing homelessness with coffee and tea. And, of course, there’s plenty of coffee to try!

Refill your water bottle

Bring a reusable water bottle while you’re out discovering Berlin.

With Berlin’s Refill Station, you can get free tap-water refills at participating cafés, shops, and other locations. Just look for the Refill sticker or use the online map to find a nearby spot.

You can also find public drinking fountains around Berlin.

Check out a local fashion label

Like discovering local designers when you travel?

Take a look at Kolla.Berlin, an independent fashion label with its own atelier in Berlin. Its collections include pieces made with materials such as organic cotton. It’s one of many independent labels you can discover while you’re in town.

White fabric rolls
Fair-trade fabrics and textile remnants at Kolla Berlin, ready to be transformed into unique, handmade clothing

Take a day trip to the Spreewald

Need a little break from the city?

Head to the Spree Forest, an area known for its waterways, small villages, and famous Spreewald gherkins. Explore places like Lübbenau and Lehde, go for a walk, or rent a kayak and head out onto the water.

Spend some time at Domäne Dahlem

You don’t even have to leave Berlin to experience something completely different.

Domäne Dahlem is an open-air museum all about agriculture and food. You’ll find a certified Bioland farm, exhibitions, workshops, traditional crafts, a farm shop, and a weekly organic market. It’s a fun place to visit with kids or if you’re curious about farming and where our food comes from.

The Domäne Dahlem, a tree with flower, a bench and some people on the background
Experience Domäne Dahlem farm with organic farming, fresh produce, and family activities in Berlin

Where to stay in Berlin? 🛎️

Check out all 6 budget-friendly MEININGER Hotels in the heart of Berlin. Pick your favourite Kiez, drop your bags in a clean, comfy room and keep more of your budget for currywurst, museums and late nights out.

Bright, clean guest room at a MEININGER hotel in central Berlin, ideal for a budget-friendly city break
Relaxed lobby and lounge area at MEININGER Hotels Berlin, a sociable spot for friends, families and groups
Berlin city view near attractions like Alexanderplatz and the TV Tower, with MEININGER Hotels nearby

  • 📍 Berlin Alexanderplatz
    Schönhauser Allee 19, 10435 Berlin, Germany
    Close to the TV Tower in lively Prenzlauer Berg, with Senefelder Platz station right outside the door.
  • 📍 Berlin Mitte “Humboldthaus”
    Oranienburger Straße 67/68, 10117 Berlin, Germany
    In the buzzing heart of Mitte, close to the big sights, perfect for first-timers who want it all on foot.
  • 📍 Berlin Central Station
    Ella-Trebe-Straße 9, 10557 Berlin, Germany
    Seconds on foot from Hauptbahnhof: a dream for train travellers and quick day trips.
  • 📍 Berlin East Side Gallery
    Am Postbahnhof 4, 10243 Berlin, Germany
    Moments from the Berlin Wall murals and next to Ostbahnhof, with Friedrichshain’s bars close by.
  • 📍 Berlin Tiergarten
    Turmstraße 25, 10559 Berlin, Germany
    A laid-back base in Moabit, a few minutes’ walk from Turmstraße station and close to the green Tiergarten.
  • 📍 Berlin Airport
    Alexander-Meißner-Straße 1, 12526 Berlin, Germany
    Right next to BER, ideal for early flights or late arrivals, with easy public transport into town.

Berlin beyond the sights: FAQs

  • What are the best markets to visit in Berlin for fresh and local produce?

    Berlin's vibrant markets are perfect for enjoying fresh and locally-sourced produce. Visit the market at Lausitzer Platz every Friday from 11 AM to 6 PM. For a picnic experience, head to the "Ökomarkt" at Kollwitzplatz, just an 8-minute walk from MEININGER Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz. This market runs every Thursday from 12 PM to 7 PM, offering a variety of foods, teas, soups, snacks, and even vintage art pieces.

  • Which Berlin markets can I visit for food and local products?

    Try the Ökomarkt at Lausitzer Platz in Kreuzberg on Fridays or the Ökomarkt at Kollwitzplatz in Prenzlauer Berg on Thursdays. Both have a mix of food and other products from different vendors.

  • Where can I refill my water bottle in Berlin?

    Look for participating Refill Berlin locations, where you can get free tap-water refills. You can find them using the initiative’s online map. Berlin also has public drinking fountains around the city.

  • Where can I find independent fashion in Berlin?

    One option is Kolla.Berlin, an independent label with its own atelier in the city. You can also find plenty of other independent designers and shops around Berlin.

  • What is a good day trip from Berlin?

    Try the Spreewald. You can visit places like Lübbenau and Lehde, explore the area on foot, or spend some time on the waterways.

  • What can I do at Domäne Dahlem?

    You can explore the farm, visit exhibitions, learn about agriculture and food, see traditional crafts, visit the farm shop, or stop by the weekly organic market.

Visiting Berlin soon?

With 6 MEININGER Hotels in Berlin, you’re always close to the action—history, street art, nightlife, and chill vibes, all from a comfy and affordable base.

Book now in Berlin

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