Discover the best Third Places in Berlin for relaxing and networking

Are you new to Berlin and moved there for work? There’s no need to spend every day just going back and forth between the office and your flat! 

Berlin is full of little spots where you can have a good time and meet locals as well as other expats like yourself. 

Cafés, co-working spaces, quirky parks… discover some of the German capital’s hidden gems! Many visitors love this destination for its friendly atmosphere and inspiring venues. 

Berlin’s third places, where life is in full swing 

Why we are telling you this?

Because, as a community of expats, we know just how much these spaces can transform your daily life. They serve as meeting points, opportunities to forge new connections, discover local culture or simply relax. 

And we can tell you from experience that in Berlin, these third places are legion. The diversity of third places in Berlin is remarkable: parks, cafés, libraries and many other spaces offer cultural diversity and a variety of unique atmospheres. As you will see, there are plenty of them, much to the delight of expats! The concept of the third place is actually less emphasised in Berlin, precisely because of the abundance of such spaces in the city.  

Cafés not to be missed 

Inside, a few tables and wooden benches create a simple, cosy setting, ideal for a visit alone or as a couple. The carefully decorated walls tell the story of the place and play a key part in the café’s friendly, authentic atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a mocha or a latte in a setting that encourages chatting with other customers… or, if you are not in the mood for a chat, simply eavesdrop on the conversations around you (let’s face it, we have all done it). 

It’s one of the neighbourhood’s most famous cafés and, if you have never been there before, we highly recommend it. It has a modern, cosy atmosphere, with part of the space specially designed for digital nomads. 

The drinks aren’t just excellent, they are also ethically sourced: the café uses high-quality coffee beans and directly supports the producers. 

Coworking spaces to discover 

In Berlin, when looking for good coworking spaces, you quickly run into a problem: many of them end up being private offices. Entire teams of the same company work there, and the atmosphere is then completely different… 

Berlin has over 300 coworking spaces suited to various professional needs. 

These spaces are located in vibrant neighbourhoods and often close to major stations, making them easily accessible for professionals relying on public transport. 

But here’s the good news: our community has still managed to find a few that are well worth a visit! The diversity of coworking spaces in Berlin caters to all budgets and needs, with a range of prices and subscription options. 

Many coworking spaces in Berlin foster a sense of community and social interaction, and regularly organise events to encourage networking among members. 

Booking an open-plan workspace or a meeting room is often possible via an online system, and the on-site team provides a professional welcome. 

More than just a coworking space, it is the extras at Impact Hub that really make the difference: 

• A community of over 600 members; 
• The option to subscribe to a weekly newsletter covering Berlin’s various professional sectors, particularly entrepreneurship; 
• Support sessions on various topics tailored to your needs. 

All this for a price ranging from around €39 per day to €320 per month, depending on the package. Membership is flexible and adapts to members’ needs, allowing them to choose their preferred duration.

Opening hours: 08:00 – 20:00 Monday to Friday. Closed on weekends. Visit the website – Instagram – LinkedIn

Motion Lab is a coworking space designed for engineers, start-up founders and creators. Its main selling point? Machinery and workshops are available on site. 

But you don’t need to be in the tech sector to make the most of it. Many professionals come to work in a dynamic and positive environment, with everything you need to feel at home (drinks, snacks, meals, a relaxation area, etc.). The venue’s unique atmosphere, blending creativity, innovation and a friendly vibe, attracts a diverse community. 

The space is available at two locations, one in Treptow and another in Marzahn, both accessible with the same membership (from €129 per month). 

See also: the cost of living in Germany. 

Libraries, the less conventional option

Berlin is brimming with libraries, and some are particularly pleasant places to work from if you are looking for a café-like atmosphere, but without the hustle and bustle and constant flow of people. 

Among the best in the city, we recommend trying the Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek and the Bibliothek Pablo Neruda. 

It offers excellent internet connectivity, several small rooms for quiet work, tables behind the main library for those seeking a ‘co-working’ atmosphere, as well as a café (modest but perfectly adequate) for a drink. 

Note: If you go early, don’t hesitate to grab an individual table by the bay window on sunny days. The natural light there is ideal! 

Outdoor spaces to relax in 

It’s a real favourite among many expats, with its bohemian vibe and ‘urban village by the Spree’ feel, where people of all ages come together. 

We can confirm that it’s the perfect spot to relax by the water, socialise over a drink at the Holzmarktperle and the Weinhandlung, or enjoy bonfires and live performances. 

In fine weather, a giant karaoke session starts after 3 pm. Dozens of participants, English-language songs everyone knows… what better way to end the week on a high note? 

The bars that get us in the mood 

At the weekend, the outdoor area turns into a market. Best avoided if you are bothered by the presence of children, as it’s a very popular spot for local families. 

It’s an excellent place to meet people who share your passion for music. 

Other places worth knowing about  

Before we wrap up this article, we would also like to share a place that might interest you: the Volkshochschule (VHS), the network of public adult education centres. 

Here you will find numerous courses and workshops on a variety of topics (dance, photography, IT, German…) held once or twice a week at very affordable prices. It’s a particularly appealing way to learn a new skill whilst meeting new people. 

Finally, if you fancy a night out without going too far, why not check out a Späti in your neighbourhood? 

These are small, typically Berlin-style grocery shops where you can find snacks, drinks and essentials, with a little extra: benches or a few chairs outside. 

In Berlin, it’s common to meet up there in the evening to chat and have a quick beer. 

Trust us, living alone in Berlin becomes much more enjoyable when you discover third places where you can feel at home and meet people! These places, open to everyone, foster a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.