One of the greatest joys of travel is just walking the streets of a new city and soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells. You just never know what you’ll come across!

The last thing I expected to see in landlocked Berlin was a breezy beach bar along the riverside, and yet that’s exactly what we stumbled across randomly while wandering around. (Then again, Germans seem pretty resourceful – river surfing in Munich was another surprising sight we encountered! Talk about making the most of what you have to work with.)

What’s the story with these? Well, in the summer months Berlin comes alive with beachy bars to help you get that holiday feeling. The River Spree and nearby lakes are the closest thing to the seaside; just add sand and booze and you’ve got a winning combination for locals and visitors alike. Here are some of Berlin’s best beach bars to check out when you’re next in town.

Strandbar Mitte

Berlin’s OG, the first beach bar in the city (and whole country) boasts amazing views of the Bode Museum on Museum Island. On a balmy evening you might find yourself in the midst of couples tango-ing – dance lessons are just another selling point at Strandbar Mitte. Or just kick back and enjoy a cold drink and a pizza under the gently swaying palm trees.

Badeschiff

Aka the ‘bathing ship’, this is literally a barge parked in the river that’s been transformed into a swimming pool (while the river isn’t meant for swimming, you can definitely take a dip in this floating pool) with fantastic views of the city’s skyline. A wooden footbridge, complete with hammocks, links it to the river banks where you’ll find people playing beach volleyball and sunbathing on a fine day. For youngsters, there’s another area where children can build sand castles and splash in their own little pool..You can rent stand up paddle boards, get a massage, or catch one of the regular concerts – the events calendar here is pretty packed with summer parties. Or just order a cocktail, sink into a beach chair, and dig your toes into the sand.

BeachMitte

It’s not on the riverbank but it is home to a ton of beach volleyball courts (and a giant rock climbing installation)! BeachMitte is one of a kind, and great for active types. But if you’re not into sports, there are salsa and Zumba nights, or just grab a drink and snack and watch the action from the sidelines.

Deck 5

This rooftop bar really takes things to the next level. Yep, there are giant umbrellas, sand, sun beds, and trees all atop this parking garage in Prenzlauer Berg. Enjoy the sun beds, full bar and restaurant, live DJ and panoramic views.

YAAM

One of the oldest beach bars in Berlin, YAAM (Young African Art Market) is a club/art gallery that has moved around over time due to gentrification – it’s currently in Friedrichshain. There’s so much on offer here, from Caribbean jerk chicken and Jamaican beer to basketball and volleyball courts, DJs spinning reggae and hip-hop, soccer and table tennis, even a children’s corner with kid-friendly activities and workshops.

Strandbad Weißensee

Located on Weißer See (“White Lake”), this beach bar is great if you want to get in the water! The drinks menu is impressive and will keep you going for hours. The bamboo bar, the central fountain, deck chairs, and reclaimed sand make for a great atmosphere; there are also yoga classes and dance classes on offer, along with dodgeball sessions.

Charlie’s Bar

As you might have guessed, you’ll find this beach bar by Checkpoint Charlie. Bring your appetite, as there are food trucks galore and an ice cream stand, so you can chow down on burgers, tapas and more. There might not be any water in sight but there are deck chairs and palm trees, and outdoor movie nights too.

Rummelsburg

Situated on Rummelsburger Lake, this Berlin beach bar is all about picnics! There’s no better place for a barbecue. Grills, charcoal, and cutlery are provided; you just need to bring the food. There’s shades and sun beds, tables and chairs, electro beats and great sunsets.

Sage

Attached to Sage Restaurant, this upmarket Kreuzberg beach bar is famous for its legendary Sunday afternoon open-air parties. The inside is industrial, while the outside stretches for 600m along the river. Delicious bar snacks, a leafy deck extending right to the water, even a swing and a trampoline for kids – what’s not to love?

Ku’Damm Beach

You’ll find this luxurious beach bar in upscale Charlottenburg. With amazing views of tranquil Halensee Lake, cocktails and champagne on offer, and an excellent Italian restaurant, it’s great to get away for a break and wind down. Floating walkways and wooden loungers make for a Mediterranean vibe.

Holzmarkt Pampa

This funky beach bar has rustic flair in spades, with a mish-mash of panel furniture, hammocks, even sofas to recline on. It’s next door to an urban garden, as well as nightclubs, restaurants, food stalls and galleries. This city oasis is also kid-friendly, with play areas just made for building sand castles.

Club der Visionäre

Just off the River Spree along a small connected canal, Club der Visionäre is a laid-back bar with an open air patio on the waterfront. Kick back and chill in a lounge chair with a beer, or stay through till after dark when the mellow vibes give way to party tunes that go all night – Sunday evenings are the most popular time!

Salitos Beach

The little beach bar tucked away at the end of Pier 13 in Berlin, complete with palm trees and sun shades, is the perfect place to watch the yachts go by. Also nearby on Pier 13 is the restaurant ship “Alte Liebe Tempelhof” and major events venue “iLand Berlin”.

Schönwetter

Next to a beer garden in the Mauerpark, this beach bar is placed where the Berlin Wall once stood, dividing east from west. They’ve imported sand to compensate for the lack of water here, but the table tennis and barbecue supplies make up for all that.

Klunkerkranich

A mix of a beach bar, restaurant, and club, Klunkerkranich is one of the best spots in the city to watch the sun set thanks to its rooftop location. There’s an organic garden, fusion Spanish cuisine and juices, nibbles and lots of live performances and events to keep you entertained.