Berlin is known as a vibrant city, filled with fun bars, restaurants and clubs. And while elevated rooftop bars have been harder to find, recent years has seen a boom in more sky-high venues as well.
While most of the open-air Berlin rooftop bars only stay open during the warmer months, there are a few exceptions. Some offer charming, heated and glittering terraces, while some blend interior and outdoor seating. Whatever needed to present beautiful views over the Berlin skyline in winter as well.
Here's The Rooftop Guide's listing of the five best winter rooftop bars from which to enjoy Berlin.
To find one of the best, and definitely one of the most urban and bohemian rooftop bars in Berlin, you should head out to Neukölln. On top of the parking garage at Neukölln Arcaden you find the spacious and creative Klunkerkranich Rooftop.
Somewhat of a cultural roof garden, you can visit for concerts, DJ program, readings, cinema and musch more. Or you just come for relaxing drinks and fantastic and panoramic views over the Berlin skyline.
While most fantastic in the summer, when the rooftop terrace is lush with plants and you can have a seat right in the sand (yes, sand), Klunkerkranich Rooftop is very welcoming during the colder months as well.
The weekend winter terrace is decorated with lots of cosy lights and other creative decorations, and there is also a comfy hut called 'Hinter Den Alpen'. In here you can warm up and get your hot (or cold) drinks.
Klunkerkranich is a fantastic choice among the winter rooftops and winter terraces Berlin has to offer. Almost always, it is just during January and February that the rooftop is closed.
KLUNKERKRANICH ROOFTOP
65 metres up, on top of the Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Berlin, Loft14 invites to an elegant and cosmopolitan setting.
Looking like something out of a James Bond movie, the sharp interior is almost as impressive as the panoramic 270° views over Berlin.
The venue is all interior, which is unfortunate when the summer sun shines, but perfect when you want an elevated experience during the Berlin winter.
In a sophisticated yet chill-out vibe, here you can indulge in an amazing selection of crafted signature cocktails, complemented with a fine array of premium spirits, wines, and high-quality snacks.
For cool evenings above a twinkling Berlin skyline, Loft14 is hard to beat.
LOFT14
Located on the 8th floor of the Hotel Indigo Berlin, this rooftop bar may not be the tallest in the city, but it certainly is one of the best!
With a trendy and colorful decoration, a relaxed atmosphere, a roofed section leading out to a large open-air terrace, and window-walls, this is the spot to go for those who like to pair their drinks with stunning architecture and even better views of the city.
Though its views are excellent, the Gallery Rooftop Bar is even better known for its drink selection, which mixes the old and the new in the true spirit of Berlin.
A wide selection of wines, champagnes, and beers go hand in hand with a myriad of cocktails – some old classics, some house-specials, and a modest but delicious set of finger foods.
While the outdoor terrace at Gallery Rooftop works best on a summer sunny day (of coures), you can enjoy your drink out here on a winter sunny day as well. And if the Berlin weather is to grim, the stylish indoor lounge with panoramic windows is just one step away.
This is an ideal spot for a pre-party, but don't be surprised if you end up spending your entire night here; For a night out at the Mercedes Platz, there's no better place to get started than the Gallery Rooftop Bar.
GALLERY ROOFTOP
If what you're looking for is unbeatable views, then head out to the Monkey Bar and take a seat by the window because you're in for a treat.
10 floors up at the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, this rooftop is modern, trendy, and just plain fun to be at. The rooftop bar offers a wide selection of wine, beers, cocktails, and food, including vegetarian options.
What's more, its location next to the NENI restaurant (that also come with lovely view through its panoramic windows) makes it an ideal place to visit right after your meal, if all you're looking for is a cocktail or two to top-off your night.
So what makes the Monkey Bar so unique?
The monkeys!
This rooftop bar overlooks the monkey exhibit at the Berlin Zoo, which means you'll get to see these amazing creatures while enjoying the bar's signature drinks.
If the monkeys alone aren't enough to catch your attention, the Monkey Bar has live DJs and a casual, relaxed ambiance that you're bound to enjoy.
Though the bar isn't a proper open rooftop, it still has a popular outdoor seating section that you're sure to love. It's not heated, but it offers some of the best views in the bar. Try it out on a sunny winter's day, or dress warm and enjoy the twinkling lights of Berlin.
If you're looking for a fun place to visit near the Tiergarten, then this is the place to be.
MONKEY BAR
Right in the pulsating heart of the city, the East Side Gallery, you find 260 Grad, inviting to a trendy rooftop cocktail lounge experience.
Equipped with a refreshing outside terrace and a cool interior with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, so the fantastic views over Berlin are available no matter the season.
Offering Asian-inspired bites and a wide selection of drinks, the 260 Grad's real 'usp' is created by the team of experienced mixologists at the bar. Choose between unusual creations, unique tea cocktails, special signature highballs and reinterpreted classics.
Weekends also means buzzing DJ sessions. From the finest electro tunes and funky beats, to chilled downtempo on Sunday's.
260 GRAD
Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.
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