Berliner Philharmonie Berlin
Classical Concerts For All
Quélia from Berlin
If you're a fan of classical music — or music in general — and happen to be in Berlin on a Wednesday, you're in luck: from September to June, the Philharmonie opens its doors for a free lunchtime concert every week at its striking building in the Mitte district.
The performance begins at 13:00, with doors opening at 12:00, giving you plenty of time to explore the space, claim a good spot, and grab a bite at the good and inexpensive on-site restaurant — a favourite amongst locals.
The concert takes place in the foyer of the building and while there are a few seats available for seniors and people with special needs, the general rule is: stand or sit wherever you can — on the stairs, upper levels, or even on the floor. I find this contrast — watching a classical concert while sitting cross-legged on the floor among dozens of others — a unique experience in itself.
Each performance lasts about an hour and features members of the Berliner Philharmoniker, as well as guest musicians from other philharmonic orchestras in Germany. Even if you're not much of a classical music connoisseur, this is still a great, relaxing experience - and a rare chance to enjoy the world-class musicians of the Philharmonie without breaking the bank.
Just keep in mind that attendance is limited and these lunchtime concerts are very popular, often filling up quickly. To secure entry, it's best to arrive at least half an hour before the show begins.
Berlin Spotter Quélia
Our Berlin City Guide
Find your way with 217 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Berlin
The Greens
A Plant and Coffee Lover's Dream
The best part? Every plant is available for purchase so you can take a bit of the café home with you! From seedlings and succulents to plants that may require a little extra help to get out of the coffee shop.
by
Natalie
Avila
Magic John's
NY-style Pizza in Berlin
A classic slice of pepperoni or truffle mushroom is the way to go here, although they offer other great toppings like olive, ricotta, salsiccia, and even vegan butternut squash.
by
Natalie
Avila
The Sanctuary
Vegan Italian Bakery
I am a big fan of their pistachio maritozzo which is a soft Roman bun filled with cream and topped with crushed pistachios. It's absolutely amazing, and not overwhelmingly sweet.
by
Natalie
Avila
Lalibela
Cozy Ethiopian Eatery
My favorite thing to order might just be their #17 plate which comes with stewed vegetables, fresh salad, butter-simmered chicken, chickpeas, lean beef, and collared greens.
by
Natalie
Avila
Macondo
Creative Latin Cafébar in Friedrichshain
One word to describe Macondo? Bustling! It's not the place if you need a quiet space to work, but it's nice if you want to have it all: work, play, wine, and coffee.
by
Natalie
Avila
Heisser Hobel
Quality Käsespatzle
Heisser Hobel stands out through their use of quality ingredients. Their dairy ingredients are collected from an organic family-run dairy farm, and their noodles are made in their stall throughout the day.
by
Natalie
Avila
The Berlin Art Market
Buy Local in Berlin
I suggest stopping by the Berlin Art Market by the Zeughaus to pick up a locally created art piece. Since the market is located in the center of Museum Island it's easy to reach.
by
Natalie
Avila
Wurstpate
Affordable German Eats
Wurstpate is a hidden gem serving tasty wurst at reasonable prices. Here you can find authentically made Currywurst using an 'old Berliner' recipe that hasn't changed in decades.
by
Natalie
Avila
Frea Bakery
Sustainable Brunch in Mitte, Berlin
Baked goods are made with ingredients made in-house or purchased from local suppliers. All food waste and single-use items (ie recycled compostable napkins) are turned into soil with their Gersi composting machine.
by
Natalie
Avila
Idealpassage
A historic walk in Neukölln
"Idealpassage" in Berlin takes you on a historic walk - this passage reveals a complex from a century ago that served as a model for 'social housing'...
by
Anna
Hantelmann
Oxfam Schöneberg
International books for charity
"Oxfam Schöneberg" in Berlin deals in second-hand books! It offers a surprisingly interesting variety of international books...
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Buchhandlung Moritzplatz
In Kreuzberg’s heart
"Buchhandlung Moritzplatz" in Berlin is hosted by Aufbau Verlag, once the biggest belles-lettres publisher in Easy Germany and still one of my favorites!
by
Cheong Kin
Man
Heading to Berlin?
217 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Berlin?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 217 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Berlin
Get to know our other Spotters from Berlin
As featured on:
