A Complete Guide to Enjoying Berlin’s Best Beer

There are few places in the world where beer culture is more strongly represented than Berlin. You’ll find everything here from centuries-old brewing traditions to innovative micro-brews, homebrews, and beers with international flair.

The city is brimming with epic beer gardens, historic breweries, bars, and trendy taprooms all vying for a spot on your next Berlin food tour.

Understanding Berlin Beer Culture

Beer culture is part of the way of life in Berlin. The famous German Beer Purity Law, or Reinheitsgebot, was enacted in 1516 to regulate the ingredients in beer, allowing only barley, water, and hops (yeast was later added). It aimed to ensure beer quality and prevent price competition with bakers for wheat and rye, preserving those grains for bread.

Today, however, the law has been relaxed a little, allowing a broader range of innovative beers to come to the market. Additionally, Berlin also has a unique custom known as Wegbier, which is the act of enjoying a beer while strolling through the city. It’s made possible by Berlin’s lenient open-container laws.

Spätis are late-night convenience stores you find scattered around Berlin, which allow you to grab a cold drink at any time of day. Many are located near parks and street food stalls that give you a chance to grab a refreshing beer to go with a meal or late-night snack.  

Historically, Berlin was once home to over 700 breweries, with styles like the tart and refreshing Berliner Weisse. Today, lagers and wheat beers are the more popular beer choices on Berlin’s streets. However, there’s a growing craft beer movement introducing new flavors and international styles to continually reinvent Berlin’s beer culture. 

Top Venues to Experience Berlin Beer

Berlin has too many venues for experiencing beer culture to mention in one article. The following are some of the top options and secret gems I love.

Bavarian-Style Beer Halls

Photo credit: Hofbräu Berlin

Hofbräu Berlin offers a taste of Munich’s beer culture in the heart of Berlin. This lively beer hall offers an authentic Bavarian experience with long communal tables, live oompah music, and hearty Bavarian cuisine. Their signature Hofbräu Original beer is brewed according to the Bavarian Purity Law.

Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt is an elegant beer hall that brings the famed Munich-based Augustiner Bräu to Berlin. Their signature Augustiner Edelstoff is served straight from wooden barrels. The setting is more refined than some beer halls, offering a relaxed yet traditional Bavarian ambiance.

Neighborhood Taprooms

Photo credit: Berliner Berg Brauerei

Berliner Berg Brauerei is a Neukölln-based brewery that blends traditional German brewing techniques with a modern craft beer approach. Their Berliner Weisse is a must-try, staying true to Berlin’s historic sour beer style while adding a contemporary twist.

Protokoll Taproom in Friedrichshain is known for its extensive tap list featuring both local Berliner craft beers and rare international finds. Their knowledgeable staff and ever-changing beer selection make it a favorite for serious beer enthusiasts. 

Historic Beer Gardens

Photo credit: Prater Garten

Prater Garten was established in 1837, in Prenzlauer Berg is widely considered to be Berlin’s oldest beer garden. They offer a classic, no-frills atmosphere beneath chestnut trees. Their Prater Pils is brewed exclusively for the venue, making it a must-try on a warm summer night.

Photo credit: Schleusenkrug

Schleusenkrug in Tiergarten near the Berlin Zoo is a beer garden with a relaxed vibe and riverside ambiance with scenic canal views. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a weissen on a summer evening while watching boats pass through the nearby locks.

Trendy Beer Bar in Hip Neighborhoods

Photo credit: Vagabund Brauerei Kesselhaus

Vagabund Brauerei Kesselhaus is a small but beloved brewery in Wedding, Vagabund is run by American expats passionate about craft beer. The cozy taproom frequently features experimental brews like their Hoppy Lager and limited-edition IPAs.

Photo credit: Muted Horn

Muted Horn is a popular bar in trendy Neukölln that specializes in innovative craft brews, particularly bold stouts and double IPAs. With a sleek, minimalist setting and knowledgeable staff, it’s a paradise for serious beer enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge flavors.

Exploring Berliner Weisse

Berliner Weisse is a tart, refreshing wheat beer with a distinctively sour taste, that’s very popular in Berlin. It’s distinctly sharp, refreshing flavor comes from a unique fermentation process using lactic acid bacteria and Brettanomyces yeast.

In Berlin, you often find it served in a bowl-shaped glass. Many Berliners like to have it with a shot of raspberry “himbeere” or woodruff “waldmeister” syrup to balance its sharp acidity. Doing the same will help keep you from looking like a tourist when you visit a local Berlin bar. 

Popular Beers in Berlin

Berlin offers a diverse selection of beer that you can find in bars, beer gardens, taprooms, and restaurants. From budget-friendly local brews to premium German classics, there’s something for everyone.

Some of the most popular include Berliner Pilsner and Sternburg “Sterni.” They offer a crisp, easy-drinking beer at an affordable price. If you’re interested in a higher-end beer, Augustiner is a full-bodied lager and Schöfferhofer is a popular wheat beer. Both have a touch of elegance to them that appeals to beer connoisseurs.  

Tips for Exploring Berlin’s Beer Scene

To get a true taste of the beer culture during your Berlin food tour I recommend starting with a visit to a beer garden or two. Not only is this a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink, but also helps you tap into the energy and underlying influence of beer culture. A little people-watching to see what the locals do will also help you fit in and look like less of a tourist as you dive deeper into Berlin’s beer scene.  

I would also recommend taking a tour of some local breweries. Most have their own taprooms to let you sample their brews, and perhaps some casual food pairings. Visiting in late afternoon or early evening, especially in summer when outdoor seating is at its best. These tend to be slower times of day, letting you savor the experience and perhaps ask a few informed questions.

Beer pricing varies depending on where you are, and what you order. If you’re budget-conscious, I recommend affordable options like Sternburg and Berliner Pilsner from Spätis.

If you want to enjoy premium brews like Augustiner or craft selections, you should expect to pay a slightly higher price. Especially in specialty bars and hotel lounges.

When ordering a beer consider pairing your beer with local snacks. Pretzels tend to complement crisp lagers. Whereas bratwurst or currywurst bring out the best in malty, full-bodied beers.

Sources:

Hofbräu Wirtshaus. (n.d.). Hofbräu Berlin. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.hofbraeu-wirtshaus.de/berlin

Augustiner Bräu Berlin. (n.d.). Augustiner Bräu – Berlin. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.augustiner-braeu-berlin.de/

Vagabund Brauerei. (n.d.). Vagabund Brauerei – Kesselhaus. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.vagabundbrauerei.com/de/kesselhaus

Berliner Berg. (n.d.). Berliner Berg – Brauerei und Taproom. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.berlinerberg.de/

Protokoll Berlin. (n.d.). Protokoll Berlin – Craft Beer Bar. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://protokollberlin.de/

Schleusenkrug. (n.d.). Schleusenkrug Biergarten Berlin. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.schleusenkrug.de/

Prater Garten. (n.d.). Prater Garten Berlin. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.pratergarten.de/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Berlin food tours. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/berlin/