Berlin Travel Guide

From November to February, Berlin brims with festive cheer and cultural highlights. Among the best things to do in Berlin in winter are the famous Christmas markets, like Gendarmenmarkt, where the aroma of mulled wine and roasted almonds fills the air. Then, there’s Winterwelt am Potsdamer Platz, with ice skating, sledding, and food stalls. For art and culture lovers, Museum Island displays everything from ancient artifacts to European masterpieces, while the Berlin International Film Festival showcases the city’s creative side. Whether you’re planning a holiday getaway or a late-year city break, discover all the top things to do in Berlin in winter.

Berlin's best winter activities at a glance

The best places to find winter markets: Gendarmenmarkt and Alexanderplatz host popular Christmas markets with local crafts and seasonal treats.

The top things to do for kids and families visiting Berlin in winter: Explore the Winterwelt am Potsdamer Platz, a festive winter attraction featuring ice skating, a sledding hill, and food stalls.

Unique events in Berlin in winter: Experience the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in February and the New Year's Eve celebration at Brandenburg Gate.

A rebellious city that refuses to play by the rules, it’s hard to pick the best time to visit Berlin. One month, you’re sipping mulled wine at a Christmas market by Charlottenburg Palace, and the next, you’re dancing at an open-air party along the Spree River. From biking through golden autumn parks to late-night lakeside dancing at Müggelsee in the summer, Berlin is full of reasons to visit any time of year. This month-by-month guide to Berlin breaks down what each season has in store to inspire the ultimate trip.

Choosing the best time to go to Berlin

Best time for outdoor lovers

If you love the outdoors, the best time to visit Berlin is any time between April and September. Visit in winter only if you have room for a thick coat in your luggage.

Best time for people on a budget

Berlin is the cheapest in the winter but brings an average of two hours of sunshine daily. Choose the spring or autumn instead and skimp on costs elsewhere.

Best time for sightseeing

Head to Berlin in May or June if you want fewer crowds and gorgeous weather. Visit the city during September or October to catch the tail end of the summer season and its many festivities.

Berlin throughout the seasons

Spring in Berlin

March to May

Spring in Berlin brings the first hints of warmth, transforming parks and riversides as flowers bloom and the city begins to feel alive. Celebrate the season’s rebirth with Walpurgis Night, an ancient pagan tradition featuring bonfires and “Tanz in den Mai” (Dance into May) celebrations.

Summer in Berlin

June to August

With long, warm days, summer in Berlin is ideal for open-air movie screenings and lakeside hangouts at Müggelsee. The Christopher Street Day Parade transforms Berlin Mitte into a massive celebration of LGBTQ+ pride. Spend a relaxed afternoon in the parks of Kreuzkölln and along the Spree River, where locals swim and sunbathe.

Fall in Berlin

September to November

Fall in Berlin blends mild days with a touch of crispness, setting the stage for Unity Day on October 3, marking Germany’s reunification. For Berlin — a city divided until 1990 — this public holiday is a big deal, with street marches, live music concerts, and events across iconic spots like Brandenburg Gate.

Winter in Berlin

December to February

Berlin in winter is chilly but full of life, especially on New Year’s Eve, when the city’s major districts like Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Neukölln see street parties and fireworks. Clubs like Tresor host legendary events, while open squares fill with revelers ringing in the new year.

In Germany’s vibrant capital, you can visit the former Berlin Wall in the morning, chill at a hip café in Neukölln for lunch, and dance at Berghain by night — all in one day. This guide to a weekend in Berlin is packed with classic sights such as Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island, plus offbeat gems like the quirky East Side Gallery and flea markets at Mauerpark. A long weekend in Berlin gives you time to experience the culture, grab a currywurst, and even try a techno club that doesn’t let you in unless you look like you didn’t try too hard.

Know before you go to Berlin

Why you should go: A dynamic food and coffee scene, pumping nightlife and Cold War history on every corner.

Don’t miss: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin TV Tower, Berlin Wall, and Museum Island.

Best way to get around: Berlin’s public transportation is reliable and affordable, but many people cycle in the city.

Best time to go: Berlin has the best weather in summer, but it feels most magical in December.

Insider tip: Most Berlin museums are free on the first Sunday of every month, so make that your museum day.

Weekend highlights in Berlin: Browse vintage treasures at Mauerpark’s flea market and catch open-air performances at the Berlin Philharmonic’s free summer concerts.