Berlin is one of the most exciting cities in Germany for students – but leisure activities can quickly become expensive. The good news is that if you know where to look, you can make significant savings on culture, sport, transport and even your daily nights out.
Cultural activities for students​
Many theaters, concert halls and museums still offer reduced student rates, often with discounts of between 25 and 50 per cent; in addition, some venues offer fixed-price student tickets or last-minute tickets at the box office.
ClassicCard: The ClassicCard is available to young people aged 28 and under; with it, opera and ballet tickets cost 18 euros when booked in advance, concerts 16 euros, and just before the performance even 13 and 11 euros respectively.
Staatsoper Unter den Linden: A limited number of discounted tickets are available for young visitors; ‘berlinbuehnen’ also lists a student allocation as part of the ‘Berliner Bühnen’ offers.
Deutsche Oper Berlin: Students can purchase discounted tickets in advance as well as any remaining tickets at the box office; ‘Berliner Bühnen’ lists special ‘young people’s tickets’ for certain performances.
Komische Oper Berlin: Here, too, there are reduced-price tickets for young people and students, subject to availability.
Schaubühne: Students can buy tickets there for 9 euros; students at the HfS and the UdK can even get 5-euro tickets, subject to availability.
DSO Berlin: Students up to the age of 27 can buy tickets for 17 euros in advance and 12 euros at the box office; in addition, there are advance booking promotions at university stands twice a year.dso-berlin
Theatres with student offers: The Renaissance Theatre offers the ‘RT CampusCard’, which allows students to attend performances for 5 euros at the box office; other theatres such as the Volksbühne and the Gorki also offer discounted student rates.
Museums: The Berlin State Museums traditionally offer a 50 per cent discount on admission tickets, including for exhibitions and special exhibitions.
Sport for students
1. Berlin University Sports
Berlin University Sports brings together the sports programmes offered by Berlin’s universities. Students from TU, HU, FU, HTW and BHT can choose from several hundred courses – many of which are open to students from other universities. The range on offer extends from traditional ball sports to trend sports. Course fees are usually significantly lower than those charged by commercial providers. New course programmes generally start at the beginning of the semester.
Special activities
- Padel
- Bouldering & climbing
- Sailing
- Windsurfing
- Rowing
- Fencing
- Pole dancing
- Aerial acrobatics
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Aerial yoga
- Skiing and snowboarding trips
- Campus runs
- Online fitness classes
2. FU Berlin Sports
In addition to over 100 sports, FU Berlin’s University Sports programme also offers special health programmes for students. The programme is specifically designed for students who want to try out new sports in a straightforward way – without a long-term membership.
Highlights
- move4health: Promoting physical activity as part of everyday student life
- Student Break Express
- International Classes
- Women’s sports classes
- Inclusive sport
- Family sport
- Water sports centre offering sailing, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding
3. Campusfit Mitte HU Berlin
Campusfit Mitte HU BERLIN combines a gym with university sports. Ideal for students who would rather train regularly at the gym than attend individual classes.
Students have access to
- Strength training
- Functional training
- Yoga
- Mobility
- Health classes
- Personal training (some at a reduced rate)
Discounts on food and drink for students
1. Student Union Berlin canteens and cafeterias
The Student Union Berlin’s canteens are among the most affordable places to eat in the city. Students receive discounted prices on hot main courses, salads and snacks. Many canteens also offer vegetarian and vegan options, as well as breakfast menus.
2. BrewDog – 25% student discount
Students receive a 25% discount on food and drink at BrewDog bars in Berlin upon presentation of a valid student ID card. The offer is valid every day and is particularly good for group meals out.
3. Food delivery services with student discounts
Several food delivery services regularly offer exclusive deals for students:
- Lieferando – occasional vouchers (e.g. €12 off)
- Uber Eats – discounted Uber One membership and new customer discounts
- Wolt – discounts on first orders
- burgerme – student discounts via discount platforms
As well as the providers’ official websites, it’s also worth checking out discount platforms such as UNiDAYS or Studentenrabatt.de. These sites bring together the latest promotions and exclusive student offers.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the best leisure discounts for students in Berlin
Do I always need a student ID card?
In most cases, yes. Some providers accept a physical student ID card, whilst others require online verification via your university email address or a service such as Student Beans or UNiDAYS.
Can international students also take advantage of student discounts?
Yes. International students who are validly enrolled at a German university can also take advantage of most student discounts.
Is it worth signing up to Student Beans or UNiDAYS?
For many students, yes. These platforms regularly offer exclusive discounts on tech, clothing, travel, food, streaming services and much more. Anyone who shops online frequently can make significant savings over the course of the year.
Is there an age limit for student discounts?
Not usually. The key requirement is valid enrolment at a higher education institution. However, some providers may set their own conditions of participation.
