Fall in Berlin is a unique time to experience life in the German capital. Berlin is often celebrated as a summer destination thanks to its festivals and outdoor city scene - from open-air galleries through to rooftop parties - and winter can feel something like a fairytale thanks to the Christmas markets, but fall brings a different pace that gives Berlin a shift in personality and makes it perhaps even more intriguing. Although the famous summer parties fade as fall approaches, there are still several Berlin fall events to keep an eye out for, and the usual things to do in Berlin at night that have made the city world-famous. Berlin still offers all of the famous attractions over this time, but the quieter atmosphere, cooler fall weather, and fascinating seasonal events mean many consider fall to be the best time to visit Berlin. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Berlin this fall, these events and activities are the best places to start.
Experience the changing leaves in Berlin parks
Berlin has dozens of beautiful parks that are worth visiting throughout the year, but if you’re wondering what to do in Berlin this fall, first on your list should be to spend some time outdoors. Although each of the city’s parks offer something unique, Tiergarten and Schlosspark Charlottenburg usually get mentions as the best places to soak up fall atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a gentle walk or ride, or just to sit on a park bench for a few hours and appreciate the fall colours, these two will have you covered, and likely have you coming back for more during your stay - there’s simply no better way to appreciate fall in Berlin.
Escape the cold by visiting fascinating museums
Although the fall weather in Berlin is usually mild, if the odd cold snap hits as you approach winter, you won’t be short of things to do. Berlin has several museums that can easily fill this role, and at least half a day at a museum is a must. Berlin’s Museum Island is a good place to start, especially if you’re wondering what to do in Berlin in 3 days or a weekend. There you’ll find the Alte National Galerie, which is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The Neues Museum, Hamburger Bahnhof Museum, and Sammlung Boros are also likely to pique the interests of any new or returning traveller to Berlin.
Dine out on seasonal delicacies at a food market
Fall is a great time for food lovers to visit Berlin, and dining out is one of the best things to do in Berlin this fall. This is true even if you skip the formal restaurants, and aim for the more casual eateries and markets. The city’s famous food markets begin to overflow with fall delicacies like quinces, apples, pumpkins, and chanterelles. You’ll find them either in their most natural form or appearing in dishes at street food stands in the trendier food markets and halls. If you’re unsure where to begin with, this autumnal food adventure, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg.
Take a walk through Grunewald Forest
If you’re looking for the best fall walk in Berlin, you might have to venture a little outside of the city to Grunewald Forest. It’s located just 30 minutes outside of central Berlin, and yet feels like another world, particularly during fall. That’s because it offers access to several historic sites, incredible views, and the changing leaves of the surrounding forest. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy Berlin morning.
Enjoy live music at Music Festival Berlin
Berlin’s annual Musikfest marks the beginning of the city’s concert season, and it’s a great event to attend regardless of your musical persuasions. The festival takes place at Berlin’s beautiful concert halls, and you can expect to hear everything from local and international orchestras, chamber ensembles and choirs. During the course of the near month-long festival, 22 orchestras perform more than 60 works. You’ll find events throughout the city, and you can secure tickets online ahead of time on the berlin.de website. It’s widely regarded as one of the best things to do in Berlin in September, if not the entire year.
Take in famous artworks during Berlin Art Week
Berlin Art Week is another popular annual festival that takes place in early September, and it’s well worth timing your trip to coincide with it. It’s a great time for art fans to discover eye-catching works of local and international artists, with a strong focus on contemporary artworks. The event runs between the 11th and 15th of September in 2019 and takes place at galleries throughout the city. There’s a long list of participating venues, and if you’re unsure what to do in Berlin this fall, Berlin Art Week is a great event to build an itinerary around.
Drink traditional beer at Oktoberfest Berlin
Although Oktoberfest is usually considered an event best celebrated in Bavaria, it’s hardly surprising that it’s also one of the best things to do in Berlin in October. The Oktoberfest festivities in Berlin usually kick off in late September and run through to mid-October. Most of the official action takes place at Zentralen Festplatz and Alexander Platz, where food stalls, theme park rides, and, of course, hundreds of pints of beer, are on offer. It’s a vibrant and enjoyable time to be in the capital, whether or not you partake in the beer-drinking aspect of the festivities.
Enjoy the best jazz in the city
Jazz fans are in for a treat towards the end of October, and into early November. That’s because it’s time for Jazzfest Berlin, which music lovers agree is one of the best things to do in Berlin in November. Over the course of the four-day festival, local and international jazz masters take to venues throughout the city, and in the event’s 50-year history they’ve played host to such revered musicians as Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and Charles Mingus. Tickets for the event sell out fast, so to be safe you can purchase them online ahead of time on the Jazzfest Berlin website.
Get into the Christmas spirit in November
Although still a few weeks away, it’s possible to get into the Christmas spirit from mid-November. Berlin is famous for its Christmas markets, some of which start to pop up around this time, and by getting in early it means you’ll miss the cold, the crowds, and still be able to soak up the famous atmosphere. And if you’re a fan of Christmas lights, the popular Berlin Christmas Garden opens up on the 15th of November. There you’ll find an illuminated winter wonderland, and a nighttime visit there is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit nice and early.
Marvel at the spectacular festival of lights
One of the top fall delights in Berlin is the annual Festival of Lights. In 2021 it will take place between 11th and 20th of September, as some of the city’s best landmarks, buildings and public spaces light up in a spectacular show. It’s an event that wows locals and visitors, and if you’ve previously travelled to Berlin and not experienced the dramatic transformation that the city undergoes at nighttime during the festival, you simply have to schedule a visit around this display. It’s a full-on sensory overload that will leave you wanting more, and it’s the perfect nighttime activity for the whole family.
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