Things to do in Berlin

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Berlin is widely recognised as a world city, encapsulating the essence of culture, history, science and art. As a consequence, there are hundreds of events and festivals taking place in the city every year, from operatic and orchestral performances to processions, parades and sports events. There are events to cater for everyone in city and many of them are completely free. The city is huge, covering an area of 344 square miles, so it comes at no surprise that it is host to some of the world's most prestigious events, such as the Berlin International Film Festival and some of the largest music events in Europe, attracting the world's most talented performers.

Read more information on this destination in the AA City Pack Guide to Berlin.

Top Berlin events

January (27th - 31st) - Berlin Six Day Race - One of the city's longest running sporting events, held at the Velodrom, where cylists compete over six days for huge cash prizes. Tickets from €30.

February (10th - 20th) - Berlin International Film Festival - One of the world's largest film festivals and home to the prestigious Golden Bear awards. The event showcases over 400 films and attracts film stars and fans from all over the world.

March (18th - 27th) - MaerzMusik - A contemporary music event located in the Haus der Berliner Festspiele theatre. Performances include traditional orchestral works and unconventional sounds composed of plastic bags and bicycle wheels for an experimental alternative.

April (16th) - Berlin Night of Theatres and Operas - Berlin's cultural establishments stay open late and many stages across the city display back-to-back theatrical and operatic productions for visiting audiences. Shuttle buses are in operation to allow visitors to visit as much as possible.

May (6th - 22nd) - Theatertreffen - A selection of sometimes controversial German-language plays and dance based theatre. The event consists of ten hand-picked productions and is part of the Berlin Festival held at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele.

June (10th - 13th) - Carnival of Cultures - A parade and street party held in the Kreuzberg district of the city, celebrating Berlin's multicultural roots. There are carnival dancers, international cuisine, excellent DJ's, and events placed around the city.

July - Underground Catwalk - Berlin's annual fashion show held on an underground train! Tickets are €17 and boarding starts at 8.30pm. An after party follows at the city's Sage Club. Please note that this event is over 18's only.

August (5th -7th) - Berlin Beer Festival - The world's longest beer garden staged along the Karl-Marx-Alle attracts over one million visitors a year. Stalls offer over 2,000 beer specialties and there is live music and entertainment throughout.

September - Berlin Music Festival - An annual indie/new rave music festival held at Tempelhof Airport, attracting big international names such as Soulwax, the Editors and LCD Soundsystem. The event draws in 10,000 people every year and tickets start from €50.

October - (14th - 25th) - Festival of Lights - For two weeks in October the city of Berlin is transformed into a glittering metropolis, with laser illuminations and spectacular lighting all over the city and its famous landmarks. Firework displays and cultural events accompany the festivities.

November (4th - 7th) - Jazzfest Berlin - One of the world's best jazz festivals, attracting some of Europe's greatest artists, taking place across a number of city venues.

December - Christmas Markets - The traditional German Christkindlmarkt are among some of the best in Germany. Stalls are set out across the city, selling everything from authentic German foods and mulled wines to gifts and souvenirs such as handcrafted toys and jewelry.