Are you a traveler in Berlin who doesn’t like to stick out as a tourist? Do you like to blend into the crowd and experience the small and authentic things, to live in the moment rather than “see the sights?” Is a thorough historical tour of Brandenburger Tor and the Reichstag not exactly your jam?
Do you secretly dislike museums?
Doggedly stomping around from landmark to landmark, you may find yourself yearnfully eyeing the locals enjoying their day by simply hanging out. You long to be more like them with their lack of vacation check-lists and backpacks, but you don’t have the faintest idea of where to go to achieve this profound level of Berlin chill. Who could you look to for inspiration?
During a short (or even medium) holiday in Berlin, it is unlikely that you will integrate into the culture and magically experience life as a full fledged resident of the city. But instead of being envious of the natives, there’s one in-between group of people you can look to for guidance as to how you could taste life as a Berliner: The expats.
Berlin’s Expats often have a lot in common with the tourists. Many of us began our relocation journey to the Hauptstadt after initially visiting as tourists ourselves, wide-eyed with metropolitan fascination, speaking little to no German and sticking to our own little social enclaves. Some of us learn the language, build careers, start families and become so-called Immigrants. Some of us stay in the expat bubble and eventually move away.
While Berlin expats and tourists can indeed be similar, there is one stark, undeniable difference in their behaviors: Tourists are always walking, constantly on the move, on some tour, confusedly walking to a museum or through a park.
Expats on the other hand love to sit, wander and chill.
So if you’re a tourist who doesn’t like being a tourist, here are three things to do this summer in Berlin where you will find less stressed out groups on holiday and more laid back flaneur expats:
Tempelhofer Feld
This giant decommissioned airport is a beloved summer hang out spot for Expats. A bit far off the beaten path for most tourists, this enormous free space is a perfect place to sit, chill, drink a beer and watch the sunset with a friend (typical expat behavior).
Tempelhofer Feld was originally built as an airport in the early 20th century and played key roles in both Nazi Germany and the Berlin Airlift during the Cold War. After the airport officially closed in 2008, Berliners pushed to preserve the vast open space for public use rather than private development. In a 2014 referendum, citizens voted overwhelmingly to keep it free and open, transforming it into one of the world’s largest urban parks, renowned for biking, picnicking, and kite-flying.
The park is beyond huge, spanning approximately 300 hectares (the size of 420 football fields, approximately.)
Summer opening times (April–September): 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Nowkölln Flowmarkt
One of Berlin’s most celebrated outdoor markets is the Nowkölln Flohmarkt, located along the beautiful Maybachufer Canal in the buzzing Kreuzkölln neighborhood. This market happens every other Sunday from spring through late autumn, offering a diverse collection of vintage goods, handmade crafts, unique fashion items, and artisanal products.
The Nowkölln Flowmarkt has become a cultural hotspot, reflecting the creative spirit of the area. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, savor a variety of street food options, and relax by the canal’s edge, making it a perfect Sunday outing for both locals and tourists and of course, Expats, who love a good canal-hang.
In addition to the Flohmarkt, the Turkish Market on Maybachufer is held every Tuesday and Friday, featuring fresh produce, spices, textiles, and traditional Turkish delicacies.
Berlin Chili Fest
Berlin’s Chili Fest is a fiery celebration of all things spicy, drawing chili enthusiasts from around the globe. Created by expat spice lovers, the festival’s roots trace back to the city’s vibrant food scene, where a growing interest in hot sauces and spicy cuisine led to the inception of this annual event. Over the years, it has evolved into a must-visit gathering for those seeking to explore the world of chili peppers, craft beers, and fiery flavors.
Spring Event: Friday, 16 May to Sunday, 18 May, 2025. Friday: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: noon -10 p.m.
Harvest Event: Saturday, 6 September 6 and Sunday, 7 September: noon to 10 p.m.
Location: Berliner Berg Brauerei, Treptower Str. 39, 12059 Berlin
Admission: 5 –10 euros
Features:
Spicy market stalls with local and international hot sauces, fresh chilis & chili plants, craft beer and cocktail offerings, live music and spicy cabaret performances, BBQ and diverse food trucks with vegan and vegetarian options, beer garden games and a kids’ play area, chili eating competitions.
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