11 Cafés in the Sunshine
There’s an undeniable magic to basking in the glorious summer sun, coffee in hand, as the world gently unfurls around you. Berlin, with its vibrant café culture, offers a plethora of enchanting spots where you can do just that. We’ve meticulously curated a list of 11 exceptional cafés, each chosen for its sun-drenched outdoor seating, serene ambiance away from the city’s hustle, and, of course, delightful culinary offerings. Prepare to be inspired to seek out these hidden gems and embrace the quintessential Berlin summer experience.
Tip 1: Coffee with a View of the Engelbecken
A true classic in Kreuzberg, the Café am Engelbecken is a serene escape tucked right by the water’s edge. Imagine those first warm days of spring, enjoying a leisurely breakfast on the terrace, sipping delicious lattes, and letting the sun’s gentle rays kiss your face as you gaze across the tranquil Engelbecken. It’s the perfect spot to truly feel spring arriving in the city.
Quick Facts:
- Breakfast options available
- Vegetarian options
- Perfect for long evenings & cocktails
- Terrace directly on the water
- No reservation possible
Where: Café am Engelbecken, Michaelkirchplatz, Kreuzberg
When: Daily from 10 am to midnight
Tip 2: Romantic Seating at Café Weyers
The Weyers restaurant and café, nestled directly on Ludwigkirchplatz, becomes a lively hub where the entire neighborhood gathers in the summer months. Here, you can indulge in a delightful breakfast, a slice of rich cheesecake, or simply an aperitif as the sun gracefully dips behind the historic Ludwigkirche. It’s especially beloved by families, as children can freely play and socialize in the square’s playground, skating, or enjoying a game of football.
Quick Facts:
- Breakfast available
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Perfect for long evenings
- Beautiful outdoor area on Ludwigkirchplatz
- Booking recommended
Where: Café Weyers, Pariser Str. 16, Wilmersdorf
When: Monday to Sunday 11.30 a.m. – midnight
Tip 3: Read and Drink Coffee in the Buchkantine
The Buchkantine in Moabit offers an unbeatable fusion of bookshop, café, and delicatessen. In summer, its expansive terrace under a sprawling maple tree is the perfect spot to unwind, gaze over the Spree, and delve into a freshly acquired book. A generous selection of cakes, sweet pastries, and rotating quiches and soups beautifully complement your coffee break, making for a truly enriching experience.
Quick Facts:
- Breakfast served
- Coffee & cake
- Vegan options
- Perfect for long evenings
- View of the Spree
- Booking recommended (especially for events)
Where: Buchkantine, Dortmunder Straße 1, Mitte
When: Monday to Sunday 10am – 7pm (Bookshop Monday to Friday 10am – 6.30pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm)
Tip 4: Have Breakfast at the Mutter Fourage Courtyard Café
Nestled in Wannsee, the charming Mutter Fourage courtyard café feels as if time has gently paused. Guests sit at tables and chairs quaintly arranged on rustic cobblestones within a serene courtyard. Beyond delicious cakes, the café prides itself on a delightful breakfast featuring freshly baked bread rolls. Afterwards, be sure to explore the “Feine Kost” corner shop for gourmet delights to take home.
Quick Facts:
- Breakfast options
- Coffee & cake
- Vegan options
- Event programme
- No booking required, but welcomed in person or by phone on 030-805 83 283
Where: Hofcafé Mutter Fourage, Chausseestraße 15A, Zehlendorf
When: Daily 10 am – 6 pm
Tip 5: Visit the Café am Neuen See
For years, the Café am Neuen See has remained one of Berlin’s most beloved cafés and beer gardens. It’s no wonder, given its romantic location on the banks of a serene small lake in the heart of Tiergarten. Adventurous spirits can rent a boat and glide across the water, while others prefer to relax under grand trees, enjoying cake and, later in the evening, pizza as dusk settles and the table candles flicker to life. A visit to this café or beer garden is truly an essential part of the Berlin summer experience.
Quick Facts:
- Breakfast in a restaurant
- Perfect for long evenings
- Vegan options
- Coffee & cake
- Located on the water & offers boat hire
- No reservation in the beer garden; restaurant reservations are recommended
Where: Café am Neuen See, Lichtensteinallee 2, Tiergarten
When: Daily 9 a.m. – midnight
Boat hire: Monday to Friday from 12 noon, Saturday, Sunday & public holidays from 11 am
Tip 6: Start the Day at Petit Bijou
The Petit Bijou, gracefully situated at Monbijoupark, stands as one of Berlin’s most picturesque locations. With a breathtaking view of the Spree and the majestic Bodemuseum, you can savor their exceptional superfood offerings. This spot provides the perfect start to your day in the heart of the city, complete with homemade lemonade and fresh breakfast specialities.
Quick Facts:
- Breakfast served
- Vegan options
- Coffee & cake
- Cocktails available
- View of the Spree & Bodemuseum
Where: Petit Bijou, Monbijoustraße 1, Mitte
When: Daily 10 am – 6 pm
Tip 7: Take in the Neighbourhood Life at Betty’n’Caty
Chic and stylishly adorned with carefully selected antiques, Betty’n’Caty has firmly established itself as a beloved café among Prenzlberglers. Their sun-drenched outdoor seating allows you to relish their incredibly delicious cakes or sumptuous breakfasts while observing the vibrant rhythm of neighborhood life passing by. It’s an authentic slice of Berlin charm.
Quick Facts:
- Breakfast available
- Vegan options
- Coffee & cake
- Sun terrace directly on the street
Where: Betty’n’Caty, Knaackstraße 26, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Wednesday to Friday 10 am – 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 6 pm, Monday and Tuesday closed
Tip 8: Enjoy Fine Pastries at La Maison
Step into La Maison and be transported to a Parisian patisserie, with buttery croissants, exquisite fine pastries, and delectable brioches that melt in your mouth. While everything is available for takeaway, you can also savor your treats directly in the café. Pair your selection with excellent coffee and a captivating view of the romantic Landwehr Canal, and you’ll truly feel a touch of divine pleasure in Berlin.
Quick Facts:
- Authentic French pastries
- Coffee & cake
- Located right by the water
Where: Paul-Lincke-Ufer 17, Kreuzberg
When: Monday to Friday 7am – 9pm, Saturday 8am – 9pm, Sunday 8am – 8pm
Tip 9: Café in the Royal Garden Academy
Nestled within the enchanting and idyllic surroundings of the Royal Garden Academy, this café offers a delightful sanctuary for a sun-drenched pause. Whether in the expansive garden or within the historic greenhouses, you can sip your coffee enveloped by an array of vibrant plants and fragrant flowers. Their homemade cakes and tarts are crafted with exquisite care, and the menu further tempts with a selection of regional and seasonal dishes, including an array of vegetarian and vegan options.
Quick Facts:
- Breakfast & brunch available
- Coffee & cake (also vegan & gluten-free)
- Vegan options
- Booking possible, recommended for large groups
Where: Altensteinstraße 15A, Steglitz
When: Tuesday to Saturday: 9.15 am – 6 pm, Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Tip 10: Fall for the Homemade Cake at Anna Blume
“You are from behind, as from the front: A——N——N——A.” This iconic line by Kurt Schwitters famously described his Anna Blume in a legendary poem. Today, the Anna Blume café is almost as renowned and cherished. Fans of this delightful establishment flock here to indulge in the finest antipasti for breakfast and an irresistible selection of homemade cakes, creating a truly memorable culinary experience.
Quick Facts:
- Breakfast (house étagère from 2 persons)
- Vegan options
- Coffee & cake
- Perfect for long evenings
- Wine & cocktails
- Booking recommended
Where: Anna Blume, Kollwitzstraße 83, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Daily 9am – 9pm
Tip 11: Experience the Cosy Atmosphere at Kaffee A.Horn
The beautifully expansive terrace at Kaffee A.Horn provides the quintessential setting to soak in the season’s first glorious rays of sunshine. Here, every dish is prepared, baked, and roasted with meticulous attention to detail, using only the freshest regional ingredients. It’s a place where culinary passion meets a deeply cosy atmosphere, ensuring every visit is a comforting delight.
Quick Facts:
- Breakfast & brunch until 3 pm
- Vegan and vegetarian options
- Coffee & cake
Where: Carl-Herz-Ufer 9, Kreuzberg
When: Daily 10.30 am – 5.30 pm
This guide was created using information and inspiration from the official visitBerlin portal. For the most current details, we always recommend visiting their website.
