11 Cafés in the sunshine
As the sun graces Berlin with its warm embrace, there’s no better way to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere than by finding a sun-drenched spot to enjoy a perfect coffee, a delightful piece of cake, or a leisurely brunch. Berlin’s café scene truly comes alive in the sunshine, offering a myriad of charming locales where you can relax, observe, and simply savour the moment. We’ve curated a list of particularly inviting cafés that promise ample sunshine, tranquil settings away from the city’s hustle, expansive terraces, and often, a beautiful view to elevate your experience. Here are 11 exceptional tips for cafés where you can bask in the sun and let the day unfold.
Tip 1: Coffee with a view of the Engelbecken
The classic in Kreuzberg, Café am Engelbecken, offers a serene escape right by the water. It’s here that spring truly begins, as you enjoy your first outdoor breakfast of the year, gazing out over the Engelbecken, sipping a delicious latte, and letting the sun warm your face. This spot is perfect for unwinding and enjoying the tranquil side of Berlin.
Quick Facts
- Breakfast options
- Vegetarian options
- Perfect for long evenings & cocktails
- Terrace right 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, is a beloved local haunt where the entire neighbourhood congregates in summer. 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 a particularly family-friendly spot, with children enjoying the nearby playground, skating, and playing football in the square, making for a lively and authentic Berlin experience.
Quick Facts
- Breakfast
- 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 book canteen
The Buchkantine in Moabit offers an unbeatable fusion: a mix of bookshop, café, and delicatessen. In summer, its expansive terrace under the maple tree is the perfect spot to unwind, gaze out over the Spree, and delve into a newly acquired book. A generous selection of cakes, sweet pastries, and rotating quiches and soups perfectly complement your coffee break, making it a true haven for culture and culinary delights.
Quick Facts
- Breakfast
- 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
Step into the charming courtyard café at Mutter Fourage in Wannsee, and you’ll feel as if time has delightfully stood still. Here, tables and chairs are artfully arranged on charming cobblestones within a rustic courtyard, creating an ambiance of timeless tranquility. Beyond delicious cakes, the café offers a scrumptious breakfast featuring freshly baked bread rolls. Afterward, complete your visit by stocking up on gourmet treats at the quaint “Feine Kost” corner shop.
Quick Facts
- Breakfast
- Coffee & cake
- Vegan options
- Event programme
- No booking required, but welcomed in person or by phone at 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, Café am Neuen See has been a firm favourite among Berliners and visitors alike, effortlessly blending a charming café with a lively beer garden. Its romantic setting on the banks of a small lake in the heart of Tiergarten makes it utterly irresistible. You can even hire a boat and paddle across the serene waters. For those who prefer to stay dry, simply relax under the grand trees, savouring delicious cake and, as dusk settles, a perfectly baked pizza, all while candles twinkle on the tables. A visit here is an quintessential Berlin summer experience.
Quick Facts
- Breakfast in a restaurant
- Perfect for long evenings
- Vegan options
- Coffee & cake
- On the water & boat hire
- No reservation needed in the beer garden; reservations recommended for the restaurant
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
Petit Bijou, located at Monbijoupark, stands out as one of Berlin’s most picturesque spots. With an unparalleled view of the Spree and the majestic Bodemuseum, it’s the perfect place to enjoy their nourishing superfood offerings. Begin your day in the most delightful way, right in the heart of the city, with homemade lemonade and fresh breakfast specialities, setting a vibrant tone for your urban adventures.
Quick Facts
- Breakfast
- Vegan options
- Coffee & cake
- Cocktails
- View of the Spree & Bodemuseum
Where: Petit Bijou, Monbijoustraße 1, Mitte
When: Daily 10 am – 6 pm
More tips for places by the water
Tip 7: Take in the neighbourhood life at Betty’n’Caty
Chic and stylishly furnished with lovingly selected antiques, Betty’n’Caty has captured the hearts of many Prenzlberglers. Its inviting outdoor seating allows you to truly immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the neighbourhood while indulging in their incredibly delicious cakes or sumptuous breakfasts. It’s the perfect spot to feel like a local, even if just for an afternoon.
Quick Facts
- Breakfast
- Vegan options
- Coffee & cake
- Sun terrace 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
At La Maison, you’ll discover a slice of Parisian patisserie right in Berlin. Indulge in flaky croissants, exquisite pastries, and delectable brioches – each bite transports you to France. While everything is available for takeaway, the true magic lies in enjoying your treats directly in the café. Paired with excellent coffee and a picturesque view of the romantic Landwehr Canal, you’ll feel utterly spoiled in the heart of Berlin.
Quick Facts
- French pastries
- Coffee & cake
- 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 idyllic Royal Garden Academy, this café offers a delightful sun-drenched pause. Whether you choose to sit in the expansive garden or within the historic greenhouses, you’ll savour your coffee surrounded by a breathtaking array of plants and 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 thoughtful vegetarian and vegan options. It’s a botanical escape for the senses.
Quick Facts
- Breakfast & brunch
- 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 is how Kurt Schwitters famously described his Anna Blume in his legendary poem. The café, much like its namesake, is now almost as widely known and cherished. Patrons of Anna Blume flock here to enjoy the finest antipasti for breakfast and, of course, their delectable homemade cakes, making it a truly iconic Berlin 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 inviting, expansive terrace at Kaffee A.Horn is a sanctuary, perfect for soaking up Berlin’s first rays of sunshine. Here, you’ll be treated to dishes that are freshly cooked, baked, and roasted, all crafted from regional ingredients with immense attention to detail. It’s a place where every meal feels like a carefully curated experience, designed to delight and refresh.
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 Visit Berlin portal. For the most current details, we always recommend visiting their website.
