Berlin is famously relaxed about how people live, dress and love. Nobody expects you to dress up for a date, alternative relationship styles are widely accepted, and a first meeting might be a walk across Tempelhofer Feld, a swim in a lake or an afternoon at a flea market. The city attracts artists, musicians, founders and people from all over the world, so English is widely spoken in many neighborhoods, though learning German helps you go deeper.
Kreuzberg and Neukölln are the most international and creative areas, with canal-side hangouts along the Landwehrkanal and a huge range of food. Friedrichshain is known for nightlife and the East Side Gallery, Prenzlauer Berg is calmer and family-friendly, and Schöneberg has been the center of gay Berlin since the early twentieth century. The flip side of all that freedom is that dating can feel noncommittal, and many people say it takes time to find someone who wants the same thing. Being clear about your intentions helps.
Berlin is also one of the best cities in Europe to be plant-based, so the vegan tribe is a very active fit, and the LGBTQ+ tribe reflects one of the most open queer scenes anywhere. On Souldaters you can set your intent to dating, friends or both, it is completely free, and nobody can message you until you have both liked each other. Friends mode is especially handy if you have just moved here.
Tribes to join in Berlin
Tribes work everywhere. Join a few and filter Discover to people nearby who share them.
First date ideas in Berlin
- Walk, cycle or skate across Tempelhofer Feld, the vast former airport that is now a public park.
- Browse the Sunday flea market at Mauerpark and stay for the open-air karaoke in the amphitheater in summer.
- Take the S-Bahn to Schlachtensee or Müggelsee for a swim and a lakeside walk on a warm day.
- Explore the museums of Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Spree.
- Walk along the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, covered in murals.
- Stroll the Landwehrkanal through Kreuzberg and Neukölln, stopping at the Maybachufer market on market days.
How to make friends in Berlin
- Join a language exchange or a Stammtisch, a regular informal meetup, which are common across the city.
- Get involved with a community garden such as those found on Tempelhofer Feld and in many neighborhoods.
- Take a class at a Volkshochschule, the public adult education centers, from languages to pottery.
- Join a social cycling group or a sports club (Verein), a traditional way Germans build friendships.
More ideas: how to make friends in a new city.
The vegan & plant-based scene in Berlin
Berlin is widely considered one of the vegan capitals of Europe, with fully plant-based restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets and street food spread across Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Neukölln and Prenzlauer Berg.
Meet plant-based people in Berlin through the Vegan and Vegetarian tribes, and switch on the free "Only show vegans" filter.
Dating in Berlin: FAQ
Is there a free dating site in Berlin?
Yes. Souldaters is free for everyone in Berlin, with no premium tier or paid boosts. Likes are private, and chat only opens after a mutual match, so you avoid unsolicited messages. You can meet people through tribes like vegan, LGBTQ+ or artists, and state clearly whether you want dating, friends or both.
Where can I meet vegan singles in Berlin?
Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Neukölln have a large number of vegan restaurants, markets and events, and plant-based living is mainstream in many circles. On Souldaters, join the vegan tribe and use the free dealbreaker filter to see only vegans, or vegans and vegetarians, living in and around Berlin.
How do I make friends in Berlin as an expat?
Many Berliners socialize through clubs (Vereine), classes and regular meetups, so committing to something weekly works better than one-off events. Language exchanges, Volkshochschule courses and community gardens are good options. Souldaters Friends mode and the expats tribe help you meet people nearby, and chat opens once you have both waved.