The beaches of Majorca are more than 2,000 kilometers away, and the River Spree and Landwehrkanal are likely not the healthiest places to swim. But, as the saying goes, "In der Not frisst der Teufel Fliegen" (or, beggars can't be choosers). So during the summer months, Berlin transforms its inner-city waterways into a tropical paradise (well, almost). The city loves beach bars, often complete with sand and beach chairs. And though Berlin doesn't always have the weather one would want while sitting on a beach, it does have something over the actual tropical bar: the music. If there aren't live bands playing in Berlin's beach bars, there are good DJs that will not impose incessant beach-theme music (i.e., nobody really wants to hear multiple renditions of "Margaritaville"). The result: These places are hot, even if the sunshine is often missing.
Bar 25
It's the Wild West meets Coney Island on the banks of the River Spree. Disparate elements make for a unique party atmosphere: rodeo-style architecture hung with disco … balls and the thump of base at the surreally peaceful water's edge. Bar 25 is a bar and restaurant with open-air events and overnight cabins for rent. It's only con: the bouncer is said to be picky about who he lets in. [link]
Kiki Blofeld
This is the relaxed, neutral version of Bar 25. Listen to music in the converted boathouse, or bring a picnic and lounge on the sand. The incongruity of the cityscape on … the opposite bank (even from here you can glimpse the Fernsehturm) might make you feel like you're on a movie set, as the bar's fictional namesake implies (Kiki was the villain Blofeld's daughter in the James Bond flicks). [link]
Schönwetter
Sun umbrellas, hammocks, beach chairs and BBQs. Sounds like you're at the North Sea and not in Berlin. Stop by this beach bar at the edge of Mauerpark for … Schönwetter's "grill and chill." An enclosed area and heaters ensure that the fun doesn't stop on account of a little rain. [link]
Sommerwelt am Potsdamer Platz
More beach chairs and plank-wood flooring. Only this time, the crowd is a bit more professional, and the theme is Central and South American. If the beach setting isn't … your style, try relaxing in the Bedouin tent with a water pipe. Check the website for information on live music performances. [link]
Strandbar Mitte
This is one of the only places in Mitte where you really feel like you can kick off your shoes. The Strandbar is now practically a summertime institution -- a place where … locals and tourists mix. [link]
YAAM
YAAM (Young and African Arts Market) was created as a forum for African and Caribbean culture and has become one of the city's multicultural focal points. It's more than … a beer garden that plays Reggae music. YAAM is an active, community-oriented project -- vendors sell food (always Caribbean specialties) and handcrafts. Attractions include organized sports, competitions and music. [link]
Reederei Riedel Boat Tours
Yes, it's touristy to ride along the Spree and Landwehrkanal on a scheduled boat excursion. But it's a great way to orient yourself in the city, see the sites from a new … perspective (that's not on your feet), and hear interesting anecdotes and bits of history about Berlin. Evening rides including food, drinks, and music are a unique way to have an evening out on the town. [link]
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