The time of spring in Berlin is when the energy in the city improves following a freezing winter. We go to the parks or along the riverbank when the flowers and trees bloom. Cafes slowly but surely let their outdoor spaces open following the winter months, and when the weather is incredibly mild in the later season and the beer gardens are available, they flip off their doors too. In addition to being outside, it’s a great moment to look at the myriad of bizarre and amazing things Berlin offers. This is why our spring guide is here.
The selections are drawn from our DIY Berlin Guide – which you can access inside The Circus homes. The best part is that they are all worth visiting for themselves. However, some will take you to places in Berlin that most tourists don’t get to see.
These insider tips were created by The Circus Team and illustrated by the incredibly talented Nina Hupen-Bestendonk.
GARTEN DER WELT
Beautifully blooming. It’s a beautiful sight. Gardens of the World were the GDR’s response to the West German Federal Horticultural Show in Britain in 1987. From this tangle from Cold War rivalry, Berlin got two stunning parks. The Gardens of the World in Marzahn in Germany, in which Chinese, Japanese, Balinese, Korean, and Italian gardens will lead you on a worldwide trip through flowers.
Recommended by Indre, The Circus Hostel
TULUS LOTREK
Springtime is a time for love. For treating yourself. Or a little of both. With an enviable Michelin Star, Tulus Lotrek is both modern and fresh without being excessive. It’s expensive, but it’s well worth every penny. The proprietor, Ilona, is a crucial element to the perfect experience. Book the seven-course meal with wine pairings and escape the world with endless indulgence.
Recommended by Juri, Manager of The Circus Hotel
SCHWERBELASTUNGSKORPER
It’s an ideal time to go for a stroll. However, it’s always nice to have a goal. Consider the ‘Heavy-Loading Body in Schoneberg, a substantial cylindrical piece of concrete constructed in 1941 to research the feasibility of building massive structures on the sandy terrain of Berlin. Following this architectural marvel, visit Sudgelande Naturpark. Sudgelande Naturpark, where an old railway yard is now rewilded and left to the natural world.
IMPORTANT:
Seasonal opening hours are April 2nd through October 30thTuesday Wednesday, Saturday, Thursday, and Sunday between 1 – 6 at night.
Admission is completely free.
Recommended by Jim, COO of The Circus
SPACEHALL
It’s time to tune in. If you enjoy playing records and even purchasing them, then you’ll be awed by the Spacehall. In the center of Kreuzberg, It is the best record store in Berlin. You can trust me. The selection of their catalog is vast and includes all genres. Make sure you have, at the very least, one empty record bag. The bag will be filled at the time you go.
Recommended by Andreas, The Circus Office
THE SWAG
Have you got a spring in your step? The Swag is Berlin’s best live hip-hop ensemble, and that’s not just a matter of time. In their Badehaus venue, you can catch their Swag Jam every week with an incredible mix of original songs, open music performances, and an aftershow event with DJs. The musicianship of their band is just as excellent as their shows.
Recommended by Juri, Manager of The Circus Hotel