You did it. You sent the "we should all hang out soon!" message. Now comes the hard part: actually making it happen. Planning for a group of 5, 10, or more people in Berlin can feel like herding cats. But it doesn't have to be a nightmare.
Step 1: The Fairness Foundation
Before you even think about what to do, figure out where to do it. With a large group scattered across the city, finding a fair location is the single most important thing you can do to ensure people actually show up. A 90-minute commute is a valid excuse to bail.
Solve for 'Where' First
Use midway@ to input everyone's starting address. It will suggest fair zones and venues, taking the biggest point of contention off the table immediately.
Step 2: Choose Group-Friendly Activities
Not all venues are created equal when it comes to groups.
- Good: Beer gardens, parks, food halls (like Markthalle Neun), bowling alleys, large restaurants.
- Bad: Tiny, trendy cafes, small bars with no seating, places that explicitly say "no reservations."
Step 3: The R-Word: Reservations
Berlin has a complicated relationship with reservations, but for a large group, they are non-negotiable. Don't be the person who makes 10 friends stand outside a restaurant for an hour.
- Call ahead. Even if they don't take reservations online, some places will make an exception for a big group.
- For popular spots, book a week or more in advance, especially for a weekend.
- Have a backup plan!
Step 4: Clear Communication
Once you have a plan, communicate it clearly. Create a group chat. Send a calendar invite. Include the address, time, and a link to the venue. Be decisive. "What does everyone think of this?" leads to chaos. "I've booked us a table here at 8pm, can't wait to see you!" leads to success.