East Berlin is the former capital of Germany, a city with a rich and varied history. From its baroque architecture of the 18th century to the long shadow of the Berlin Wall which divided the city until 1989, East Berlin is full of fascinating sights and stories. Alongside its historical sites and monuments, East Berlin is also a vibrant and modern city with plenty of cultural activities and entertainment on offer.
1. East Berlin parks and places for a walk on a first date
One of the best ways to get to know a place on a first date is to take a walk, and East Berlin has some great parks and other outdoor spots to explore. The Tiergarten is one of the most iconic of these, a huge urban park in the city center, which is an ideal place to spend a couple of hours walking and talking. Elsewhere, you'll find the romantic Volkspark Friedrichshain for its beautiful landscaped gardens and picturesque pathways, or the large Treptower Park by the river Spree, which is home to a giant Soviet World War II monument.
2. Places for a coffee date in East Berlin
If you're looking for a place for a coffee date in East Berlin, there are plenty of excellent cafes around the city. To keep things simple, one of the easiest options is to head to the popular Mitte district and explore the cafés and coffee shops in the area. Here you'll find the likes of The Barn in Auguststraße and Nopa Coffee in Weinmeisterstraße. Or if you're looking for something a bit more special, try the Café am Neuen See in Tiergarten, which is located right by an idyllic lake in the center of the city.
3. East Berlin galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
East Berlin is a great place for culture and arts, with a wide range of galleries, museums and exhibitions for you to explore on a date. For example, the Hamburger Bahnhof, located in the old train station, is one of Europe's largest collections of modern and contemporary art. Or for something a bit more offbeat, try the DDR Museum, which is dedicated to the everyday life of East Germany, from its furniture to its fashion. For those looking for something more lighthearted, the Museum für Kommunikation offers some interesting insights into the history of communication and technology.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in East Berlin
East Berlin has some great live music and entertainment on offer, from small bars and clubs to larger venues and events. One of the best places to check out is the world-famous Berliner Philharmonie, a stunning concert hall where you can enjoy some of the city's best classical music. Or, if you're in the mood for something more laid back, why not check out the iconic Quasimodo in Kantstraße or the Jazz Cafe or White Trash in Friedrichshain – both excellent places for some quality live music.
5. East Berlin pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
There are plenty of bars, pubs, and restaurants in East Berlin to grab a drink or something to eat with your date. In the Mitte area, you'll find a range of lively bars and pubs, like the famous Victoria Bar or the Prater Garten, one of the oldest beer gardens in Berlin. For something more intimate, try a restaurant with a nice atmosphere, like the classic Imbiss on Schönhauser Allee or one of the charming bistros in Kreuzberg.
6. Other date ideas to try in East Berlin
If you're looking for something a bit different in East Berlin, there are plenty of other fun activities to do on a date. For example, you could head to one of the city's many open-air cinemas, like the Freiluftkino Kreuzberg or Open Air am KulturBrauerei, or take a cruise down the river Spree on one of the sightseeing boats. Or if you're both into sports, you can try some of the water sports activities on offer, such as stand-up paddling or wakeboarding. Alternatively, if you'd like to do something during the day, you could try a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city or a visit to one of the city's many green spaces.
