How To Relax And Recharge In Berlin

Berlin is commonly celebrated for its historic sites and lively nightlife, but that doesn’t mean the city isn’t spoiled for tranquil hideaways if you know where to look. Culture Trip has teamed up with Pullman Hotel Berlin Schweizerhof – which has one of the biggest hotel pools in the city – to explore Berlin’s wellness scene. So once you’ve overdone the späti beers and the sightseeing, these peaceful escapes are ideal for unwinding, relaxing or simply preparing for another night of thumping techno.

1. Botanischer Garten

Botanical Garden

Nestled in the peaceful neighbourhood of Dahlem are Berlin’s very own botanical gardens. Showcasing plants and trees from across the globe, these award-winning gardens provide an ideal escape from the buzz of the capital. Visitors can replenish after tours of the historic spots of the city (or a night of partying) with a tranquil walk in the rolling woods and meadows for a small fee.

2. YogaCafé

Cafe, Healthy

Trendy Prenzlauer Berg is home to many bohemian cafés, but this special spot offers more than just healthy treats; it’s also the city’s first yoga-studio café. Alongside the exceptionally tasty vegetarian menu, this spot also provides yoga classes and courses for aspiring teachers, allowing weary visitors to replenish both the mind and the body in one trip. And all ingredients on the menu that go into healthy dishes – such as açai bowls and home-made soups – are locally sourced.

3. Museum der Stille

Museum

Mindfulness meets modern art at Museum der Stille, a contemporary museum for travellers looking for a break from the norm – but more important, a bit of peace and quiet. With a name that literally translates as ‘museum of stillness’, the space encourages meditation and reflection among large-format paintings and intriguing architecture. Entry is free for visitors. For a creative way to unplug, a stroll around this Berlin treasure is a chance to relax to your heart’s content.

5. Tiergarten

Park, Zoo

The Bismarck Memorial is one must-see in the Tiergarten

Revered as Berlin’s largest – and most beautiful – urban park, Tiergarten is home to the city’s zoo, magnificent memorials and eye-catching flower gardens, making it an ideal setting for a serene stroll or a moment of solitude. The park takes up more than 200 hectares (500 acres) of land, so even if you fancy a quick jog or a bike ride, you can enjoy plenty of green space to while away the hours.

6. Badeschiff

Swimming Pool

Translating literally to ‘bathing ship’, Badeschiff was originally opened as an art project on the river Spree back in 2004. However, this unique structure has since gone on to become a much-loved spot for Berliners. During the summer, the pool is surrounded by sprawling deckchairs and DJs on rotation, but throughout Berlin’s notorious winters, translucent domes transform the pool into a full-fledged wellness area unlike any other.

7. Volkspark Friedrichshain

Park

A long-time favourite of Berlin’s hipster crowd, the city’s oldest municipal park is poised between edgy Friedrichshain and bohemian Prenzlauer Berg. The 49-hectare (121-acre) park was once the site of two bunkers before the war but now provides a peaceful spot. Berlin is a remarkably green city – boasting no fewer than 2,500 public parks – and Volkspark Friedrichshain is a sound choice for unwinding in peace, with the bustle of Alexanderplatz just minutes away.

Looking for the perfect place to stay on your visit?

8. Pullman Hotel Berlin Schweizerhof

Hotel

The Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof prides itself on being the ideal retreat for travellers looking to re-energise or relax. With one of the largest hotel pools in the city, other standout features include a Fit and Spa Lounge with fitness centre and sauna, and the BLEND Berlin Kitchen & Bar – a stylish restaurant that serves creative dishes from around the world, using local and seasonal ingredients.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.