The Ultimate Guide To Embracing Autumn in Berlin

With gorgeous colours, an incredible atmosphere outdoors, lively local traditions, amazing events, great nightlife, fabulous attractions, and welcoming restaurants, there’s nothing quite like autumn in Berlin. Use our ultimate guide to Berlin in autumn to make the most of your time in this awesome, ancient city. 

Things to Do in Autumn in Berlin

October and November are part of the shoulder season between the busy summer holidays and the vibrantly busy Christmas season. However, you’ll still find plenty of things to do in Berlin throughout the autumn season, you can easily enjoy your extended stay in Berlin. Take a look at these fabulous events and attractions:

Day of German Unity – Every year 3^rd October: A national holiday celebrating the 1990 reunification of Germany, the Day of German Unity sees all sorts of events take place throughout the capital, adding to the lively atmosphere of Berlin in October. Celebrations here are especially meaningful, given the powerful symbolism of the Berlin Wall’s fall and what that meant for Berlin culture.

Festival of Lights - 7^th-16^th October: The longer autumn evenings provide the perfect setting for the spectacular light and video projections that illuminate the city’s most famous sights and monuments during the festival. Highlights include the Berlin Cathedral, the Bode Museum, the TV Tower, the Brandenburg Gate, and Potsdamer Platz. Berlin in October offers a unique charm with its crisp air and vibrant cultural scene, making it the ideal time to experience this stunning event.

Theater der Dinge - 1^st-7^th November: The International Festival of Contemporary Puppet and Object Theatre gives you the chance to see theatrical projects in shows, performances, and exhibitions at Schaubude Berlin.

Spreewiesn Oktoberfest - Until 29^th October: No
visit to Berlin in October would be complete without the festive Spreewiesn Oktoberfest celebration. Head to the lively party tent at Postbahnhof for a quintessential Oktoberfest experience, featuring traditional beer, delicious eisbein, freshly baked pretzels, and live music. It's the perfect way to celebrate autumn in Berlin with friends and family.

Jazzfest Berlin - 31st October -3^rd November: Jazz lovers will delight in Jazzfest Berlin, an event showcasing a diverse range of jazz styles at the city's renowned clubs. This festival attracts talented musicians from around the globe, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Zeughausmesse Decorative Arts Fair - 13^th-16^th October: The Zeughausmesse Decorative Arts Fair is a must-visit event for art enthusiasts. Meet talented artists and designers, explore their unique creations, and shop for exquisite pieces at one of the world’s leading fairs for applied contemporary art. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the artistic flair of autumn in Berlin.

Berlin Winter Park - From 25^th November: Enjoy a carnival atmosphere and funfair rides at a new folk festival that aims to inject light and colour into Berlin culture in the long evenings. A perfect outing in autumn in Berlin.

Interfilm Berlin International Short Film Festival - 15^th-20^th November: Dive into the world of cinema at the Interfilm Berlin International Short Film Festival, featuring around 500 short and medium-length films from various countries. Screenings take place across numerous participating cinemas, allowing film lovers to enjoy an eclectic mix of storytelling

Christmas in Tierpark - From 18^th November: Take a two-kilometre circular walk around Europe’s largest zoo and admire more than 30 light sculptures. You’ll also find a range of traditional festive season treats available.

See the view from the Reichstag: Visit the iconic Reichstag building, home to the German Parliament, for breathtaking views of Berlin. This neo-Baroque landmark is a symbol of the city’s history and politics. Be sure to fill in the online form at least three working days before your visit to experience the stunning sights from the top during autumn in Berlin.

Explore Sanssouci: Located in Potsdam, just a short S-Bahn ride from central Berlin, Sanssouci Palace and its stunning gardens offer a perfect escape. Explore the grandeur of this historical site, known for its beautiful architecture and lush landscapes, making it one of the highlights to experience during autumn in Berlin.

Outdoor Activities to Do in Autumn in Berlin

Although autumn in Berlin can be cold, there’s still plenty to do outdoors. Take a look at these suggestions:

Go on a bike tour of the city: Berlin is flat and has many clear routes, canal parks, and paths, making the city perfect for exploring by bicycle. If you’re brave enough to do it alone, go for it – although you will need to exercise caution and, preferably, wear a helmet. The safer option is to join one of the many bike tours available.

Hike around the famous Brandenburg Lakes: Brandenburg, the north-eastern state that surrounds the city, is known as the Land of 3,000 Lakes. There are plenty of hiking trails you can follow and immerse yourself in the autumnal beauty of the area surrounding Berlin in October. Five amazing trails include Sperenberger Gipsbrüche, Herrensee, Straussee and Liepnitzsee,

Watch a football match: Football plays an important role in Berlin culture, so why not soak up the sporting atmosphere and take in a game or two while you’re in the city?

Indoor Activities to Do During Autumn in Berlin

If you aren’t too enamoured with the idea of braving the chilly outdoors while you’re visiting Berlin in October and November, you’ll love these indoor things to do:

The best time to visit Berlin is May through September when the weather is ideal for sitting at cafes, lazing in parks, and leisurely strolls through the city. Winter, on the other hand, is chilly. Temperatures tend to range from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s -6 to -1 degrees Celsius).

Check out a few exhibitions: There are plenty of art and photography exhibitions in autumn in Berlin. A few that are worthy of your attention include Frans Hals: Master of the Fleeting Moment from 12^th July to 3^rd November, Nan Goldin: This Will Not End Well from 23^rd November to 6^th April 2025, Dream on – Berlin, the 90s until 23^rd January 2025, Monet and the Impressionist Cityscape until 26^th January 2025 and Berlin 20 Years of the Helmut Newton Foundation until 16^th February 2025.

See a show at a theatre: Berlin’s vibrant theatre scene offers a wide range of performances this autumn. For avant-garde theatre, don’t miss the innovative productions at the Schaübuhne am Lehniner Platz. Opera lovers can head to the Deutsche Oper Berlin for stunning performances of Tosca (1^st, 4^th, 19^th October), La Bohème (21^st, 28^th October), and The Magic Flute (3^rd, 17^th November). If you’re a fan of ballet, the Staatsballett Berlin presents Swan Lake (2^nd, 7^th, 16^th November), showcasing world-class talent.

Delve into history at the best museums: Take a closer look at ancient and modern history at the best museums in Berlin. A few of our favourites include Hamburger Bahnhof, Puppentheater Museum in Neukölln, Jüdisches Museum Berlin, Schwules Museum, Museum für Naturkunde, and the new Samurai Museum.

Enjoy live music: Berlin is a veritable hotbed of live music venues. Get your toes tapping at iconic places such as Kallasch and Moabiter Barprojekt in Unionstrasse, Quasimodo Club just off Kurfürstendamm, Astra Kulturhaus near Boxhagener Platz, Huxleys Neue Welt in Neukölln, and Hoppetosse (located in a static boat on the Spree River).

Visit the best indoor markets: Exploring the best covered markets in Berlin is an immersive sensory experience. You’ll find regional delicacies, traditional foods, fabulous souvenirs, gorgeous art, and much more. Check out Kreuzberg’s Markthalle Neun and Marheineke Markthalle, Arminiusmarkthalle in Moabit, and Tegel indoor market in Gorkistraße to the north of the city.

Go shopping: Looking for a little more than the markets can offer? Have a wander through Berlin’s best shopping areas. Some of our favourites are the Mall of Berlin, Kurfürstendamm (it’s the Champs-Élysées of Berlin, darling!), Hackesche Höfe (a great choice for arty concept stores), and Potsdamer Platz Arkaden.

Autumn in Berlin Nightlife

Autumn in Berlin doesn’t bring much of a change to the city’s nightlife, other than the crowds being smaller and fewer outdoor events. Unlike most cities, Berlin doesn’t have an official closing time for restaurants and bars. Most restaurants close when the last patrons leave (in most cases, that’s around midnight). Bars and clubs are known for staying open until the early hours of the morning, if not until sunrise.

There are great restaurants all over the city, although Kreuzberg and Neukölln do enjoy a reputation for being among the best areas for foodies. When it comes to bars and clubs, head to areas such as Friedrichshain (especially if you’re looking for alternative venues), Kreuzberg (for non-conformist and hipster vibes), Prenzlauer Berg in East Berlin, and Wrangelstrasse near the River Spree.

What to Pack for Autumn in Berlin

Berlin in September is relatively warm, so you can comfortably stroll around the city on most afternoons and evenings without worrying that you’re going to get cold. October, however, is noticeably cooler, and it often gets breezy in the late afternoon and early evening. This month also sees a fair number of wet days. Most November days are cold and grey, and they often are damp and foggy. September has an average maximum temperature of 19 °C/66 °F and an average minimum temperature of 10 °C/50 °F. Berlin in October has an average maximum temperature of 13 °C/55 °F and an average minimum of 6 °C/43 °F, and in November has an average maximum of 7 °C/45 °F and an average minimum of 2 °C/36°F.

Your packing list for autumn in Berlin should include a pair of boots and a pair of comfortable shoes (for walking), a few pairs of warm socks, a few pairs of trousers as well as jeans, a few tops/shirts (long sleeves are best), a couple of warm coats (as well as one made from thinner material if you’re travelling in September), a pair of gloves (especially for later autumn), a warm hat, a scarf, a jumper or cardigan, a good raincoat, and a durable umbrella. Include more formal wear if you’re planning on eating in good restaurants and going to the theatre, opera, or ballet.

What Can’t You Do in Autumn

Considering the cold, damp weather for most of autumn in Berlin, there are a few activities famously associated with the city that you won’t be able to do. Although beer gardens are open in Berlin in September, most (if not all) of them close in November. You also won’t be able to go swimming in lakes or sunbathe in parks. As mentioned above, you also won’t be able to find the type of open-air events you would be able to enjoy in summer. That said, there are seasonal open-air events you can go to, although you’ll need to dress warmly.

Where to Stay in Berlin in October to December

It’s important to choose your accommodation wisely for autumn in Berlin. Choose Capri by Fraser Berlin.

Whether you’ve soaked up the German capital’s history or explored its world-class museums, our Berlin location provides everything you need to rest and rejuvenate after a busy day in the city. Located on Museum Island, our serviced apartments have fully equipped kitchenettes, but if you’re not in the mood to prepare your own meals, you can head to our hotel restaurant. We also have a stylish lobby bar, a fully equipped gym, and an on-site laundrette. What’s more, we offer bicycle rentals, so you can do some exploring on two wheels with ease. 

FAQs about Autumn in Berlin

How crowded is it during Autumn in Berlin compared to other seasons?

Autumn is considered the shoulder season, so the city is less crowded compared to summer or the Christmas period, making it a great time to explore popular attractions without long lines.

Are there any special autumn foods or drinks to try in Berlin?

Autumn is the perfect time to sample hearty German dishes like Kürbissuppe (pumpkin soup), roasted chestnuts, and warm apple strudel. You’ll also find seasonal drinks like Federweißer (new wine) at local
markets.

Is Germany good to visit in October? 

Yes, Germany is a fantastic destination in October, with pleasant autumn weather and vibrant festivities. In Berlin in October, visitors can enjoy cultural events, beer festivals, and stunning fall scenery, making it an ideal time to experience autumn in Berlin.

Where to see fall foliage in Berlin? 

Berlin offers several beautiful spots to witness fall foliage, including Tiergarten, Treptower Park, and the gardens of Charlottenburg Palace. These parks showcase stunning autumn colours, creating picturesque settings for leisurely strolls and enjoying the beauty of autumn in Berlin.