2 - Berlin

Berlin from £10/night in August Compare all offers

A tan in Berlin? Oh yes, Berlin's urban beach is one of the more successful projects of a 'seaside in the city.' On the banks of the lovely river Spree, the Germans' effort includes a jumble of quaint beach bars serving up refreshing cocktails on the sand. So after you've paced through some of the city's fascinating museums in glorious air-conditioned comfort, head down to Bundespressestrand, Capital Beach (near the central train station) or Oststrand, found by the former Berlin Wall near the famous East Side Gallery. Throughout July and August, a series of events takes place at all beaches that have come to be known as Berlin's open air meeting points. Sip cocktails, start a beach volleyball tournament, make a friend at ping pong or collapse into a sun lounger. Or head to Badeschiff, the newest darling on the local urban beach scene; this enormous old barge, moored in a calm spot features a glistening swimming pool plonked right in the middle of its deck. With plenty of chairs and sun loungers to go around, you won't have to get up at dawn to reserve your place under the sun!

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