illustrations: Sophia Halamoda.
As a native of Istanbul, summers always meant escaping the city as early as possible with an everlasting fear of crowds, heat waves, and tourists for the entire three months. Leaving the city in the summer is almost a global tradition for all metropolitan people except Berliners. We prefer to take a foray into foreign countries in the winter, but every true Berliner knows in their heart that our city is exceptionally beautiful and sexy in the summer, and we don’t want to miss a thing.
Inspired by some of the chapters in our Like A Berliner book, we’ve curtailed our favorite things to do that make Berlin so special in the summer. If you like it, you should get the limited summer package including our 2 Like A Berliner books, Learn Deutsch with iHeartBerlin and the “Summer in Berlin” poster in our online store!
Hang out in front of Spätis
We love our spätis! I can’t think of another city where the spa is so welcoming. Rumor has it that you don’t belong in Berlin if you don’t have a favorite späti where you feel comfortable sitting and drinking with friends. But don’t worry if you haven’t found your späti soul mate yet. They are all different sizes and characters. There are the emotional, the inattentive and the hyperactive… The spa of my life is just around the corner from Rosenthaler Platz. We expect to get married soon.
Sundays at Mauerpark
Our flea markets are fun all year round, but they are so much better in the summer. Who can resist the idea of watching a bubbling crowd do karaoke, shop for accessories, clothes, second-hand books! There are different cuisines from all over the world and authentic works of art from the artists themselves. You can invite your friends over for a barbecue afternoon or go out on your own with a book and a towel.
Naked sunbathing in Tiergarten
I guess we can agree that we are not the luckiest when it comes to weather. However, one of the best qualities that we collectively have is our appreciation of the sun. We don’t take advantage of it very often, but once we get the chance, we certainly make the most of it! Tiergarten is the best place to go for naked sunbathing, where we can just take a break and praise the almighty sun.
Mode choice without judgment
I remember a very cozy summer afternoon last year when I forgot to put on pants and I went shopping at Edeka in Schillerkiez with nothing but my boxers (not sexy) , flip flops and a tank top. Best part of it all, no one flinched, and I only noticed when I was back home. We don’t judge each other’s mismatched slippers, shorts and t-shirts. We come as we are.
Go on a rubber dinghy
We don’t need expensive yachts or boats in Berlin to enjoy an inter-city river excursion. All we do is take our dinghies, friends and some cold drinks for a city tour along the Spree. The best part is the spontaneous parties with other cruisers on the river as long as we don’t forget to take our own speaker.
Lesbisches-Schwules Stadtfest
Summer in Berlin is also the celebration of Pride Month. In addition to the traditional Pride Parade, we also have our city festival with a gigantic market in the heart of Nollendorfplatz, where you can shop, eat, drink or watch a concert. Never in my life have I felt such a strong sense of belonging!
Meditation at Tempelhof
“Some people think it’s just empty space. What’s so special about him ?! It’s not quite a park, it’s not a forest. It is not designed for playing sports … “
The truth is, we use Tempelhof for almost everything. One of our favorite activities is meditation. How can such a big empty place with so many people be so peaceful once you close your eyes? You can take a little moment in the middle of the field with ambient sounds of nature or you can join a meditation group in the Kleingartens. You will certainly be welcome.
BBQ in the park
Berlin is one of the greenest cities in Europe and we certainly take the opportunity to barbecue in a park. What better way to gather all of your friends around a floor table, play games, and eat delicious food anyway? You can have a real Asian experience at the Thaipark in Wilmersdorf or you can organize a vegan barbecue party next to Turkish families at Mauerpark. My favorite is Monbijouplatz with a glimpse of the Berliner Dom just across the Spree.
On the roof in Klunkerkranich
When a friend of mine Neuköllner told me he would take me to Neukölln Arcaden at 8 without explaining anything, I initially lamented the idea all the time but swallowed my words almost in the blink of an eye. eye once we got to the top. There was not only an amazing bar, Klunkerkranich, but also a beautiful panoramic view of the Berlin sunset. Heard they set up a large paddling pool on hot summer days. I hope to find out soon.
Random U-Bahn parties
Think of a random U-Bahn souvenir that you can’t get out of your head, and imagine telling the story to your relatives or friends who have never known Berlin. It might sound like you’re lying to them, but we all know U-Bahns can be crazy and weird. There’s nothing fun about accidentally sitting on a wet seat that smells of urine or beer, but if you think on the bright side, they’re also full of pleasant surprises! U-Bahn parties are definitely a summer tradition in Berlin. You never know which group you are accompanying to a random house party somewhere in town.
If you are wondering where we got all these illustrations from, they were made by Sophia Halamoda for the book Like A Berliner. You can get the book here for more fun illustrations and to learn how to be a real Berliner.
“Like a Berliner in summer” – Special 3-IN-1 package
50.00 € (incl. 7% VAT plus shipping costs)
Diesen Artikel auf deutsch lesen.
through Bourak
July 2, 2021
in Stories