Hidden near the Kurfürstendamm shopping street, Halensee has a small lido that feels like an urban secret escape. It offers a mix of grass and sandy patches, with easy city access.
Location: Charlottenburg
Facilities: Beach bar, loungers
Best For: Quick swims and city breaks
A man-made beach in the heart of the city, Strandbar Mitte combines sandy loungers with views of Museum Island and the Spree River. It’s known for open-air dancing, especially salsa nights.
Location: Monbijoustraße, near Hackescher Markt
Facilities: Bar, deck chairs, dance floor
Best For: Evening drinks, city vibes, and dancing
Berlin’s largest lake, Müggelsee, feels almost like a mini seaside. Its sandy shores, sailing options, and forested surroundings make it ideal for a full-day trip.
Location: Köpenick, southeast Berlin
Facilities: Restaurants, rentals for boats and boards
Best For: Day trips, nature, and water sports
One of Europe’s largest inland lidos, Strandbad Wannsee is Berlin’s most famous “beach.” It features a long stretch of golden sand along Lake Wannsee and offers everything from swimming to volleyball.
Location: Lake Wannsee, southwest Berlin
Facilities: Showers, changing rooms, playground, snack bars
Best For: Families, swimming, and a classic Berlin summer day
A favorite among locals, Plötzensee offers a wide sandy beach and grassy lawns around a freshwater lake. It’s a popular summer hangout with a mix of swimmers, picnickers, and volleyball players.
Location: Wedding district
Facilities: Beach bar, sports courts, rental boats
Best For: Casual lake days close to the city
One of Berlin’s quirkiest beaches, Badeschiff is a floating swimming pool moored in the Spree. Visitors can swim in the pool while gazing at the city skyline, then relax on the sandy shore nearby.
Location: Treptow, Arena Berlin
Facilities: Pool, bar, deck chairs, DJs
Best For: Trendy crowds and Instagram-worthy experiences
This smaller, more local beach sits on the shores of Lake Weißensee. With shallow waters, it’s great for swimming, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it less crowded than Wannsee.
Location: Prenzlauer Berg/Weißensee
Facilities: Sunbeds, playground, beach café
Best For: Families and laid-back afternoons
Berlin may not touch the sea, but its lakeside beaches and urban beach bars more than make up for it. From the iconic Wannsee to trendy Badeschiff and natural escapes like Müggelsee, Berlin offers a wide variety of spots to sunbathe, swim, or sip cocktails on the sand—all without leaving the city.