Bleisure Travel: How Can You Make More of Your Business Trip?

Is your conference or meeting hotel located in City West? Then you'll find some of Berlin's best-known attractions right on your doorstep, alongside excellent places to enjoy culture, food and drink, and a relaxing evening after work.

90 Minutes to Spare? Explore City West on Foot

Start at Zoologischer Garten and stroll along Kurfürstendamm to Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche. From there, continue towards Wittenbergplatz and KaDeWe. If you prefer a little greenery, head in the opposite direction and enjoy a walk through Tiergarten park.

Especially in summer, it's worth stopping off at Café am Neuen See or Schleusenkrug.

Fancy Some Culture Between Meetings?

Located right next to Zoologischer Garten station, C/O Berlin im Amerika Haus. is an exhibition space dedicated to photography and visual media, featuring changing exhibitions by international and contemporary artists. Its central location makes it easy to fit a visit between business meetings and your evening plans.

Fancy a Quick Bite of Typical Berlin Food?

For a quick and easy currywurst, head to Curry 36 at Zoologischer Garten station. If you prefer döner kebab, Hakiki Döner is another option nearby.

After-Work Drinks with a View?

Fancy a drink after your last meeting? The Monkey Bar at the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin offers stunning views over Berlin Zoo and City West. Right next door, you can round off your evening with dinner at NENI.

More Time for a Special Evening? Head to Kantstraße

Just a few minutes' walk from Kurfürstendamm, Kantstraße is one of City West's most exciting culinary hotspots. The street is particularly well known for its wide selection of Asian restaurants. One standout is RYŌTEI 893, run by Berlin restaurateur The Duc Ngo. If you'd like to dine there, it's best to book well in advance.

Prefer to Experience Berlin by Night?

In addition to the Monkey Bar, you'll find several other excellent spots nearby, including the House of Gin at Hotel Palace Berlin, The Grace Restaurant & Bar im Hotel Zoo and the Lang Bar im Waldorf Astoria. Prefer something less like a hotel bar and more like authentic Berlin nightlife? Schwarzes Café on Kantstraße has been a Berlin institution for decades, attracting locals and visitors alike until late into the night.

Around Alexanderplatz, it's particularly easy to make the most of your free time, with major attractions, cultural highlights, restaurants and nightlife all within easy reach of one another.

90 Minutes to Spare? Explore Berlin-Mitte on Foot

Start at Alexanderplatz and head towards the River Spree. Passing the Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall) and the Nikolaiviertel, you'll reach the Humboldt Forum, Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island. From there, you can continue along the Spree to Hackescher Markt.

If you'd rather see Berlin from above, stay at Alexanderplatz and visit the TV Tower, where the observation deck offers panoramic 360-degree views across the city. Even if you're planning a spontaneous visit, it's worth booking a time slot in advance.

Fancy Some Culture Between Meetings?

The Humboldt Forum at Schlossplatz is an ideal place to explore during a break in your schedule, with its changing exhibitions. For an evening out, the Hackeschen Höfe: are also well worth a visit. Here CHAMÄLEON Berlin presents contemporary circus performances in a historic Art Nouveau hall.

Fancy a Quick Bite? Head to Hackescher Markt

Hackescher Markt is just a few minutes from Alexanderplatz on foot or by S-Bahn. Around the Hackesche Höfe, you'll find restaurants, cafés and small eateries, as well as shops and Berlin-based artisan businesses. For a quick, quintessentially Berlin bite, Curry 61 is a great option.

A Special Evening Above Berlin’s Rooftops

If you'd like to combine panoramic views with dinner, book a table at Berlin TV-Tower Restaurant  Booking in advance is recommended. For another perspective over Berlin's rooftops, head to one of the Rooftop-Bars of AMANO Hotels.

Still Wide Awake?

Around Hackeschen Markt and Oranienburger Straße the evening's entertainment is practically on your doorstep. Bars, restaurants, cinemas and smaller cultural venues are all within easy reach of one another. If you'd like to carry on after dinner and drinks, you'll also find plenty of late-night spots around Alexanderplatz.
 

More Popular Spots in Mitte

• Clärchens Ballhaus
• Al Contadino Sotto Le Stelle ( Mozzarella Bar & Bottega)
• House of Small Wonder
   

Make the Most of Limited Time

The Berliner Funkturm. stands right on the Messe Berlin exhibition grounds. From its observation deck, you can enjoy views across City West and as far as Grunewald forest. A visit might even put you one step ahead of some Berliners – after all, plenty of locals have never made it to the top.

Get Some Fresh Air and Stretch Your Legs

Just a few minutes' walk from Messe Berlin, you'll find Lietzensee. It's the perfect spot for a jog, a stroll or simply a short break by the water. Take a seat on the shore and spend a moment watching everyday Berlin life unfold away from the exhibition grounds.

Culinary Diversity and Shopping

If you have some time for shopping or a bite to eat, head towards Wilmersdorfer Straße. Just a short walk away, you'll find plenty of restaurants and cafés around Savignyplatz and Kantstraße. From pho, sushi and hot pot to pizza and steak, almost every type of cuisine is on offer here. For more recommendations, explore our tips for City West.

Extraordinary Sights Worth Discovering

Visit Olympiapark and discover its fascinating architecture and history. The Glockenturm offers sweeping views across western Berlin. For something even more unusual, head to Teufelsberg in Grunewald forest. The former US listening station is now known for its striking architecture, street art and panoramic views over Berlin.

Is your conference taking place near Potsdamer Platz or Tiergarten? Then you’re perfectly placed to discover Berlin’s famous sights, culture and history, even if you have limited free time.

Berlin Highlights in a Short Time

Is this your first visit to Berlin? Make the most of the short distances to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Brandenburg Gate. Extend your walk through Tiergarten to the Victory Column and you’ll have taken in several of Berlin’s most famous landmarks in one trip.
 

Dining, Shopping and After-Work Drinks

Around Potsdamer Platz, you’ll find numerous international luxury hotels offering excellent options for fine dining or a drink after your final meeting. For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Manifesto Market at The Playce. Other dining options include KERB Berlin Food Hall at the Sony Center and the Mall of Berlin on Leipziger Platz.

Fancy Some Culture?

Why not attend a concert at the Berlin Philharmonie? Even without a concert ticket, the building is well worth a visit: its extraordinary architecture is considered one of the finest examples of organic architecture. Just a short walk away is the Neue Nationalgalerie. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this iconic building houses a collection of 20th-century art.
 

A Glimpse of Berlin’s History Along the Way

At Potsdamer Platz, a historic traffic light tower commemorates the first traffic lights installed here in 1924. A little Berlin fact to take with you: back then, the lights were still operated manually by a police officer.
 

Above Berlin’s Rooftops in No Time

No time for a lengthy sightseeing trip? The Panoramapunkt in the Kollhoff Tower whisks you up to a height of around 100 metres in just a few seconds. At the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views across Berlin – an easy sightseeing stop to fit in between meetings and appointments.
 

Calling All Architecture Enthusiasts

Potsdamer Platz itself is also worth a closer look. The area is considered one of the most striking symbols of reunified Berlin. The urban quarter you see today was developed by an international team led by architects Renzo Piano and Christoph Kohlbecker. Glass, steel, brick and distinctive terracotta façades define its architectural character.
 

Fancy Discovering More History?

If you have a little more time, visit the Topographie des Terrors to gain a deeper insight into German history and Berlin’s past.

• Wannsee and Schlachtensee: Enjoy a mini-break on the south-western edge of the city. Both lakes are perfect for swimming, relaxing and walking. Popular spots include Fischerhütte, Strandbad Wannsee and Wannseeterrassen.
   
• Tempelhofer Feld: Cycle, skate, jog or enjoy a picnic on the former airport runways – a unique open space you’ll only find in Berlin.
   
• Grunewald and Grunewaldsee: Take a walk through the forest, visit Jagdschloss Grunewald nd round off your outing with a meal at one of the nearby restaurants, such as Châlet Suisse or Locanda 12 Apostili.
   
• Tiergarten: Take time to explore Berlin’s vast green heart, with its walking trails, Victory Column and plenty of peaceful spots away from the main thoroughfares.

For more inspiration, explore our selection of Parks & gardens and discover Berlin’s many Lakes & beaches.

• Covered markets: Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg or Arminiusmarkthalle in Moabit.
   
• Eat like a Berliner: Curry 36, Zur Bratpfanne, Mustafas Gemüse Kebab or Rüyam Gemüse Kebab.
   
• Fine dining: RYŌTEI 893, Cookies Cream (vegan), Crackers, Bonvivant (vegan) or Grill Royal.
   
• Neighbourhoods for food lovers: Kollwitzplatz, Kantstraße, Bergmannkiez, Boxhagener Platz and Simon-Dach-Straße or Rosenthaler Platz.

Looking to get active after a long day at a conference? Whether on the water, by bike or climbing to new heights, Berlin offers plenty of ways to burn off some energy and experience the capital from a different perspective.

• Discover Berlin from the water: Explore Berlin’s waterways by stand-up paddleboard (SUP), kayak or canoe. The waters around Köpenick and the River Spree offer particularly varied opportunities for active adventures.
   
• Cycle through Berlin’s neighbourhoods: Explore Berlin on two wheels and combine exercise with sightseeing. Whether you’re cycling along the East Side Gallery, through Kreuzberg or past historic landmarks, a bike gives you the freedom to discover the city at your own pace.
   
• boulder and climb: Fancy a sporting challenge? Berlin has plenty of indoor bouldering centres and climbing facilities catering to all experience levels. Perfect for clearing your head after a long day at a conference.
   
• Beach volleyball in the heart of the city: Berlin’s beach volleyball facilities are a great place to get active with colleagues or fellow sports enthusiasts – a refreshing change from the conference routine, especially during the warmer months.
   
• Explore Berlin on a run: Combine your daily run with some sightseeing. Best Running Routes take you along the River Spree through central Berlin or beside the Landwehr Canal through Kreuzberg and Tiergarten. 
   

There’s always something happening in Berlin, a city with a passion for sport! From basketball and handball to football, soak up the atmosphere at one of the capital’s many sporting events. The visitBerlin event calendar provides an overview of current and upcoming sporting highlights.

Looking to unwind after a long day of meetings or conferences? Berlin offers a wide range of ways to relax, recharge and take some time for yourself.

• vabali spa Berlin: A spacious wellness retreat featuring saunas, steam baths, indoor and outdoor pools, massages and a restaurant – perfect for spending a few hours or enjoying a full day of relaxation.
   
• Liquidrom: Unwind in warm salt water accompanied by underwater music, relax in the outdoor onsen or enjoy the sauna. Massages are also available to book.
   
• wellnest Berlin: A private spa in Schöneberg featuring a whirlpool, sauna, experience shower and lounge – ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle and enjoying some peace and quiet.
   
• Stadtbad Neukölln: Experience Berlin’s historic bathing culture at this beautiful public bath, which features several saunas, a steam bath and plunge pools – a distinctive alternative to a hotel spa.

If you have a little more time to explore, it’s well worth discovering Berlin’s cultural scene beyond the traditional tourist attractions.

• Berliner Philharmonie: Enjoy an evening concert at one of the city’s most famous concert halls – an architectural highlight in its own right.
   
• Fotografiska Berlin: Discover contemporary photography, art and culture on Oranienburger Straße. A visit can easily be combined with dinner or drinks.
   
• DARK MATTER: Experience light, sound and technology instead of a traditional museum visit. These immersive media art installations in Lichtenberg offer a truly distinctive Berlin experience.
   
• Sammlung Boros: Contemporary art displayed in a former air-raid bunker in Mitte. Visits should be planned in advance.
   
• Friedrichstadt-Palast: Spectacular stage productions and dazzling visual performances for anyone who prefers to experience culture as an evening’s entertainment.

You can arrive a day or two early or extend your stay in Berlin after your meeting, congress or event. Use the extra time to explore Berlin’s cultural attractions, discover its neighbourhoods, enjoy the local food scene or simply relax.

Discuss your plans with your employer well in advance. For example, check whether your company’s travel policy allows your rail tickets or flight costs to be covered in full when extending your business trip for leisure.

Berlin is an ideal destination for combining business and leisure. Its twelve districts, with their many distinctive neighbourhoods, reveal different sides of the city – from vibrant and creative to peaceful and green. Add to that an international food scene, a wealth of culture, exciting nightlife and an abundance of parks and green spaces. This diversity makes Berlin an especially flexible destination for bleisure travel.

Perfect Timing
If you decide to arrive early and add some leisure time before your business commitments, it’s wise to allow extra time for potential delays and to adjust to any time difference.

Business Before Pleasure?
Consider scheduling your holiday at the end of your business trip. That way, you can focus on your professional commitments first and then fully unwind afterwards. 

Check Your Insurance Cover
Discuss your accident insurance with your employer. Your policy may not cover private activities, even if your employer has approved the extension. The same may apply to your outward or return journey, as the trip may no longer be considered entirely business-related.

Keep Travel Expenses Separate
Your employer will generally cover flights and hotel accommodation during the business portion of your trip. If you extend your stay for leisure, one rule is essential: keep personal and business expenses strictly separate. Company credit cards, travel allowances and expense claims must not be used for activities unrelated to business.

Many hotels have already embraced the growing trend for bleisure travel and offer flexible packages that allow business travellers to extend their stay with additional nights for leisure.

Contact your hotel well in advance to enquire about available rates and conditions, and make sure your leisure stay can be booked and billed separately from your business accommodation.

With the Berlin WelcomeCard, you can travel on public transport and enjoy discounts at numerous sights and attractions. Beyond that, travelling to and within Berlin, is easy, with plenty of options to suit your stay. The city has an extensive public transport network of S-Bahn trains, U-Bahn underground trains, trams and buses. For greater flexibility, rental cars, car-sharing services, e-scooters and bicycles are also available.
 

In addition to your hotel, Berlin offers numerous coworking spaces and other places to work remotely. The best option depends on where you’re staying in the city and the facilities you need.

Find suitable options in the Berlin Convention Finder.

Bleisure travel centres on a business trip that is extended to include leisure time. A workation, by contrast, involves deliberately choosing to work from a different location, combining everyday work commitments with an extended stay in another destination.