Berlin Beer Culture
"Beer in Berlin is like coffee in Italy: cheap (€1-2 from Spätis), everywhere, and consumed casually at any time of day or night. It's not ceremonial or special—it's utilitarian. A 'Wegbier' (road beer) for the walk home or to the club is culturally normal and legal. Public drinking is accepted and common. The most popular local beers are Berliner Pilsner, Berliner Kindl, and Schultheiss."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Casual, social
Duration
Anytime
Best For
Socializing
The Backstory
Berlin has been a brewing city since the Middle Ages. The 'Reinheitsgebot' (beer purity law from 1516) regulated German beer quality. Post-war, East and West Berlin developed separate beer cultures. After reunification, the casual, outdoor drinking culture flourished. The Späti (late-night corner store) became the social hub for cheap beer and socializing.
Local Secret
"Buy beer from a Späti (€1-2) rather than bars (€4-5). The 'Pfand' deposit system means bottles are worth €0.08-0.25—don't throw them away, return them or leave them next to bins for collectors. A half-liter (0.5L) bottle is standard. Drinking on public transit is technically not allowed but widely tolerated. Outdoor beer garden culture is peak summer."