THINGS TO DO IN BERLIN

At Forward Festival, we’re not just here to host talks and fill venues – we’re here to create unforgettable experiences. That means connecting our attendees with the cities our festivals call home, tapping into their energy, and highlighting the spaces, flavors, and stories that inspire the local creative scene.

So, whether you’re joining Forward in Berlin for the first time or you’ve already mapped out your favorite corners, here’s a curated list of what to explore beyond the walls of HKW. From world-class galleries to vibrant nightlife, iconic eats to tucked-away cafés: this is Berlin, through the Forward lens.

Culture & Art: Feed Your Eye and Mind

Berlin is a city where history and experimentation collide, and its art scene reflects exactly that. Dive into striking contemporary photography at C/O Berlin, explore the Sammlung Boros, a private contemporary art collection set inside a former WWII bunker—once repurposed as a fetish club, now transformed into one of Berlin’s most striking exhibition spaces.

Other cultural highlights include Hamburger Bahnhof, the Neue Nationalgalerie, and Schinkelpavillon, institutions in their own right, showcasing the most important artists of our times. For those with a passion for media art and performance, don’t miss the Julia Stoschek Collection, or the immersive light installations at Dark Matter. Prefer something off the beaten path? The galleries Capitain Petzel, Dittrich & Schlechtriem, Pace, or Sweetwater each offer a fresh perspective. If you're up for a quick trip outside the city, Wehrmühle Biesenthal is a beautiful retreat for both nature and art, especially in late August.

Food, Drinks & Markets: A City Best Explored Bite by Bite

Berlin’s culinary scene is as diverse and dynamic as its creative community. Start with street food staples like Mustafas Gemüse Kebab, Goldies, or Burgermeister, then elevate your palate at spots like Trio, Kanal 61 or the buzzing Markthalle Neun.

Craving something comforting? Try Standard Pizza, Lon Men’s Noodle House, or Weng Chen. For a relaxed lunch or evening with friends, Pinci, DASHI Diner, and Chungking Noodles hit the mark.

Explore local markets at Boxhagener Platz or Markt am Südstern, then wind down with a drink at Ankerklause, Bar Brutal, Pluto, or Bar Sway – each with its own unique atmosphere and charm.

Nightlife – When Berlin Comes Alive

Once the sun goes down, Berlin shifts gears. Legendary institutions like Berghain and Tresor have earned their global reputations for a reason, but there’s plenty more to discover: from the open-air setting of Heide or Else, to the riverside rhythms of Club der Visionäre, to the eclectic mix at Studio 1111 and OHM.

Prefer something a bit more intimate? Try Paloma Bar, Sameheads, or Möbel Olfe, each offering a different slice of Berlin after dark.

Cafés & Co-Working: For Ideas That Need Space to Grow

Whether you’re answering emails or sketching your next idea, Berlin’s café culture has you covered. Betahaus and St. Oberholz blend community and workspace, while Silo Coffee, Acid Café, Bonanza, and La Maison serve up top-tier coffee and pastries in beautiful settings. Few cities do brunch quite like Berlin; add these standouts to your list: Annelis, Bar Basta, Frühstück 3000, and Two Trick Pony.

Don’t miss Sofi the Bakery for your morning fix – a must when in Berlin!

Shops & Finds: For the Creatively Curious

Berlin’s independent scene thrives in its shops. For fashion, head to Voo Store (a classic), Platte Berlin, or Vintage Revivals. For books, Do You Read Me?, She Said, and Bücherbogen are essential stops. Add to that a few creative gems like Studio Linné, Ryoko, and Slina Store, and you’ll leave with more than just memories.

Outdoor Moments: Breathe, Wander, Reset

In a city as fast-paced as Berlin, its outdoor spaces offer the perfect counterbalance. Cruise down the wide-open runways of Tempelhofer Feld, swim and sunbathe at Plötzensee, or unwind poolside at Maaya or Badeschiff. For a more adventurous escape, hike up Teufelsberg, a Cold War relic turned open-air gallery with some of the best views in the city.