January : Welcome to the show
The advantages of a trip to Berlin in January :
A trip to Berlin is always worthwhile. But during wintertime it is especially attractive to those who appreciate the city’s cultural offer. There are theatres, operas and cabarets, countless museums, art galleries and other exhibition sites awaiting you. Thanks to this broad offer everybody finds something to her or his liking. As we want to help you plan your stay in Berlin, on our pages you find a choice of museums and cultural venues as well as some recommended events on the cultural agenda. Photo: Frau Luna © Barbara Braun
Highlight: International Green Week
The 88th (96 years) International Green Week will take place in January 2024. Founded in Berlin in the Golden 20s (1926), IGW is a one-of-a-kind international exhibition of the food, agriculture and gardening industries.
IGW is the origin of the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA). This is where over 80 international ministries and food producers meet – their displays reveal the fascinating world of the food and beverage industries.
Text and photo © Messe Berlin
• Date: 18 to 28 January 2024
• Where : Messe Berlin, Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin
• www.gruenewoche.de
Berlin Fashion Week
• Date: From 4 to 7 February 2024 + 8 to 12 July 2024
• www.fashion-week-berlin.com
sixday Berlin
• Date: From 25 to 27 January 2024
• sixday.com
Chinese New Year Festival at Potsdamer Platz
• Date: around the 10th of February 2024
• www.berlin.de
Links of the month (Theater, internationale Shows)
Friedrichstadt Palast - The biggest stage in the world - Web
Wintergarten Variété - Varietéshow & Dinner - Web
Tipi am Kanzleramt - Diversified and international program - Web
Bar jeder Vernunft - Cabaret in a stylish setting - Web
Chamäleon - At Hackeschen Höfen - Web
Deutsches Theater - Classical pieces since 1883 - Web
Volksbühne - international productions - Web
Maxim Gorki - The avant-garde on Unter den Linden - Web
The cultural agenda and ticket office : berlin-buehnen.de
Our website for museums Here - Culture & Tips Here
February : Film fever takes Berlin
Movie fans? Experience the cinematic art in Berlin
Did you know that Berlin is the film capital of Germany?
The German version of Hollywood is called Babelsberg and lies at the gates of Berlin. In these studios some of the classics of early cinema were produced, such as “Metropolis” by Fritz Lang and “The Blue Angel” starring Marlene Dietrich. At Potsdamer Platz, the German Film Academy is located, as well as the Film and Television museum and the German Film Archive. Every year in February real film stars meet nearby, on occasion of the International Film Festival “, as the Musical Theatre is converted in “Berlinale Palace” where the premieres of the films participating in the competition are held. Besides, you mustn’t forget that many producers and directors like to work here: Around 150 films per year are filmed here, among them big productions like “Around the world in 80 days” by Frank Coraci starring Jackie Chan or “The Bourne Supremacy” by Paul Greengrass starring Matt Damon who, by the way, is said to have an apartment here.
Photo: Brigitte Dummer ©Berlinale 2013
Highlight: Berlin International Film Festival
The Berlinale Festival enjoys an international reputation and is considered one of the most influential film festivals of the world. In any case, it is the one with most visitors, as in Berlin the festival does not only take place on the red carpet and at media events, but inside the projection rooms, thanks to an enthusiastic audience. The festival comprises different sections like the “Berlinale Talent Campus” intended to discover and promote promising talents of the trade and the popular Children’s Film Festival. The official website provides exhaustive information about the programme and ticket sales points.Foto Alexandre Janetzko © Berlinale 2011
• Date: From 15 to 25 February 2024
• Where : Potsdamer Platz and many Berlin cinemas - www.berlinale.de
Links of the month (Film world in Berlin)
Museum for Film and Television - At Sony Center - Web
German Film Academy - With the Cinematheque - Web
Babelsberg - A visit to the legendary film studios - Web
Berlinien.de - Cinema programme for Berlin - Web
Kino Babylon - Traditional cinema - Web
Kino International - The former No. 1 in the GDR- Web
Cinéma Paris - With French projections- Web
Our website for museums Here - Culture & Tips Here
March : The world meets Berlin trade fairs
Many international trade fairs await you in Berlin all year round
As you may know the saying goes “If March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb” – or the other way round! So, everything is possible and although the month cannot be trusted, it is worth trying outdoors activities again: Maybe a ramble through the streets of Berlin or a trip to the outskirts. You may prefer to stay inside, benefit from the rich cultural offer and or make plans for sunnier seasons, but remember that a visit to ITB – the world’s biggest touristic fair – is no guarantee for a splendid summer! Photo: © Messe Berlin
Highlight:
International Tourism Trade Fair ITB
No other fair of this trade can boast of attracting each year as may visitors as this platform with 11,000 exhibitors from 180 countries? On 150,000 sq. m. the whole planet meets, with all countries trying to outrival their stand neighbours with even more colourful pictures, more attractive offers and exciting promises. If you want to plan you next holiday or just dream of beautiful destination at the other side of the world – here you get stuff to feed your imagination. The first days are days reserved for trade visitors (tickets for these days are only available online). Photo © Messe Berlin
• Date: From 5 to 7 March 2024
• Where : Messe Berlin, Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin
• www.itb-berlin.de
Links of the month (The biggest international trade fairs)
ITB - International Tourism Trade Fair - 5-7 March 2024 - Web
IFA - Biggest consumer electronics trade fair - 6-10 September 2024 - Web
Grüne Woche - Trade fair for food & agriculture - 19-28 January 2024 - Web
Fruit logistica - Fresh produce trade fair - 7-9 February 2024 - Web
InnoTrans - Railway fair - 24-27 September 2024 - Web
ILA - Berlin Air Show - 5-9 June 2024 - Web
All fairs organized in Berlin : www.messen.de
Hotels in Berlin Here - Berlin Information Here
APRIL : Month of Gallery and Art Life
Berlin, capital of contemporary art and street art
Berlin has always been a city of free expression (except 1933-45 and in the GDR), which opened the door to new trends, be it in architecture (Bauhaus), painting in the 1920s, classical music with its big names like Karajan or Pierre Boulez, techno with clubs like Tresor. In recent decades, Berlin has established itself as an international reference for contemporary art, but also for street art, with more academic art on the one hand and urban forms of expression on the other. Here we give you some useful information and also offer you a street art tour in French to discover all forms of art in urban areas in the Scheunenviertel, the artistic center of Berlin. Foto Katja Novitskova © NOSHE (Boros)
Highlight: Gallery Weekend
Berlin has established itself as an international platform for contemporary art through the founding of renowned galleries (C/O Berlin, Me Collector, KW, CWC, Eigen+Art) as well as large art collectors who have opened their doors to visitors, often at weekends by registration (Boros Collection, Hoffmann, Feuerle). from 26 to 28 April 2024, around 60 galleries take part in Gallery Weekend and present the greatest names of contemporary art on the red carpet, both to Berliners and visitors from all over the world. Most of these galleries are located in the Scheunenviertel around Auguststraße. Foto: Peter Knoch, Stonewall (2.0), 2019, © KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin, 2019, Foto: Frank Sperling
• Date: From 26 to 28 April 2024 + September 2024
• Where : Around 60 galleries, especially in Mitte
• www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
Links of the month (Berlin Collections and Galleries)
Museum Hamburger Bahnhof - Contemporary Art - Web
Berlinische Galerie - Museum for Berlin Art - Web
Sammlung Boros - In a bunker, a must! - Web
Sammlung Hoffmann - Weekend after registration - Web
Me Collectors - Museum, Collection, Gallery - Web
KW Berlin - Institute for Contemporary Art - Web
Feuerle - In a bunker: Asian & Contemporary Art - Web
Street Art Tour : Art in urban areas Here
May : Berlin - Spring fever in the big city
Omnipresent in Berlin, water with the Spree, its lakes and canals
Elsewhere it may be the swallows that announce spring, but in Berlin the fact that boats and barges reappear on the rivers of Spree, Havel and Dahme is an unmistakable sign that warm weather has definitely arrived. With sunshine a boat trip along Berlin’s rivers and canals is a pleasant pastime during which you comfortably discover the city from a new perspective. The classical short trip of only one hour takes you from the Museums Island downstream to the level of Bellevue palace and back again. On the more extensive cruises starting from Berlin (e.g. Tegel or Treptow) the boat will cross various lakes.
Beach life in Berlin? Yes, you are right. Berlin has lots of water and some wonderful sandy beaches!
Besides, we have just rediscovered the river that crosses Berlin. Although bathing is not allowed there, the riverside is the ideal place for a deckchair and a cool drink in the sun. Lately, beach bars have been shooting from the ground like mushrooms – perfect places for a chilling out on a summer night. But the real beaches where you can hop into the water of beautiful lakes like Müggelsee and Wannsee lie on the outskirts of Berlin. Since the days of the 19 th century Berliners have sought rest and recreation by the lakesides and in their beautiful surroundings. In times when many did not even have a bath at home, people even referred to the lakes as the “big bath tub”. Today, the water quality is very good, because the glaciers of the ice age left lots of sand in the region, which acts like a filter.
Highlights :
German Cup Final (Soccer)
Every year, the two best soccer teams compete in the finals in the Olympic Stadium, and so there are hundreds of thousands of people watching the game either in the stadium or on the many squares in Berlin.
• Date: On 25 May 2024
Race FIA de Formula-E
Also this year there will be a FIA Formula-E race (electric cars up to 272 hp) on the old runway at Tempelhof Airport. Tickets are available from 5 € and it is an opportunity to see this imposing historic airport (built during the Nazi era and used for the Airlift).
• Date: On 12 May 2024
• olympiastadion.berlin
• info.fiaformulae.com
Links of the month (Boat trip - along the river)
Shipping company Stern & Kreis - Web
Shipping company Riedel - Web
Shipping company Wolff - Web
Shipping company Wasser Taxi - Web
Kayak Berlin Tours - With a kayak on the canals - Web
Badeschiff - "Swim" bath on the river Spree - Web
Berlin Swimming Pools - Web
Museums in Berlin Here - Thermal baths & SPA Here
June : Prussian heritage at Berlin & Potsdam
30 palaces await you in the region
It all started when the electors of Brandenburg chose Berlin as their residence town. In 1701 the Elector chose to make himself king, and in 1871 King William II and Otto von Bismarck – the Iron Chancellor of Prussia – took the final steps towards founding an all-German empire, thus the Prussian king becoming German emperor. These facts explain why German history is closely linked to the history of Prussia. The reign of Frederick the Great, who was a friend of Voltaire and lover of arts, is generally considered one of the more glorious chapters of that history. During a stay in Berlin and Potsdam (45 min by train from Berlin) you have the opportunity to learn a lot more about these sovereigns, about their palaces and portraits, their likes and dislikes as well as their artistic and historical legacy.
LatLon-Europe also presents LatLon-Potsdam as a travel destination with all information about the city, its history, monuments, castles and with our individual city tour in Potsdam with Jean-Pierre Andreae.
Highlight:
Sternfahrt (Cycling tours) Berlin
A tour of Berlin by bike, original if you are lucky enough to be in Berlin on 2 June 2024. The Sternfahrt of Berlin and Brandenburg has long been a Berlin tradition. Between 100,000 and 250,000 (depending on the weather) Berliners of all ages take part in this bicycle event. The aim is to make cycling safer and more attractive. Cyclists start from different parts of the city and meet at the Brandenburg Gate, where an environmental festival takes place. Even some sections of the motorway are closed for the passage of the parades. You don't have to be a good cyclist, you can do this tour with your family. You can find the dates on the website of the ADFC (Deutscher Radfahrerverband) or in the local press. Rent your bicycles in your hotel or at the company Take a Bike.
• Date: On 2 June 2024 - Different meeting points
• Where : Various routes through Berlin
• adfc-berlin.de
Links of the month (The Palaces in Berlin and Potsdam)
SPSG - Foundation for all castles - Web
Sanssouci Palace - Information and Tickets - Web
City tours through Potsdam - Private city tour in Potsdam - Web
Our website for museums Here - Culture & Tips Here
July : Berlin - City of the Nature
Nature in the city is reality in Berlin
Berlin is a real metropolis, a city grown over centuries to reach a size which is 8 times the one of Paris (within city limits). But still, you have to consider the big green spaces in the city, two big zoos and a lot of small and big public gardens. And when leaving the city behind, you will discover vast natural spaces, some of great beauty, in its immediate neighbourhood. The Berlin Brandenburg region is an ideal option for those who wish to combine cultural activities with sports and impressions of natural landscapes.
On our page "Tips & Culture" we present you various natural landscapes. In addition, we offer various bike tours, including in the Berlin parks. Photo: © Grün Berlin GmbH
Highlight:
CSD - Christopher Street Day
Christopher Street Day forms a part of the long tradition of demonstrations since homosexuals started to fight for equal rights and a tolerant society. The Berlin CSD is not the only one in Germany, but the biggest event of this kind throughout whole Europe, thanks to an important gay community and the open spirit of Berlin (500,000 spectators). During the two weeks prior to CSD, there is a series of gay events, the Week of Pride, which includes another big party taking place from 20 to 21 July 2024 on the streets of Schöneberg (Nollendorfplatz), a quarter marked by a colourful gay infrastructure. Photo: © Denise Krämer
• Date: On 27 July 2024 between 12am to 3pm
• Where : Ab City West, Ankunf Siegessäule
• www.csd-berlin.de
Links of the month (Nature, park and zoo)
Botanical Garden - From 9am to 7/8pm - Web
The Gardens of the World in Marzahn - Berlin's most beautiful park - Web
Teufelsberg - Nature, Art and the Cold War - Web
Zoological Garden - Europe's biggest zoo (number of animals) - Web
Tierpark (East) - Europe's biggest zoo (size) - Web
Full of great ideas for your stay Here
AUGUST : Street life, Parties & Parades
Berlin, a welcoming cosmopolitan city and a meeting place for many parades
Between the mid-June and mid-July various big parades take place on the Berlin streets. The most famous one is the parade on Christopher Street Day: It is a gathering of the Berlin and international gay community, a celebration of different life style and demand for tolerance. In a city where the mayor is known to be gay this is a family-compatible event; around 1 million people come to watch every year. But the real titbit is Berlin’s colourful carnival that takes place in the quarter of Kreuzberg, not far from the city centre, each year on Pentecost weekend. Apart from a big party it is a unique occasion to plunge deep into the multicultural cocktail which is the essence of Berlin. Photo: © Heinrich v. Schimmer
Highlight:
The Long Night of Museums - Berlin
Twice a year the Berlin museums open at a time they normally close. From 6 pm until 2 am 110 museums and other historical institutions receive their visitors with a varied programme – in addition to the “normal” exhibitions – including workshops, lectures, readings, concerts, dance shows and guided tours, many even offer food and drink. A unique occasion to get to know new places or to experience the famous ones in a different atmosphere. The museums, which lie scattered throughout the city, are connected by a special bus shuttle service. Foto : © Kulturprojekte Berlin, Marion Borriss
• Date: On the night of August 24, 2024
• Where : Nearly all museums in Berlin
• www.lange-nacht-der-museen.de
Links of the month (Parades in Berlin)
Carnival of Cultures - From 17 to 20 May 2024 - Web
Christopher Street Day - On 27 July 2024 - Web
Love Parade - Rave The Planet - Technoparade - On 17 August 2024 - Web
MyFest Kreuzberg - On 1 May - Web
Sternfahrt - On 2 June 2024 - Web
Our guided city tours Here - Berlin Information Here
SEPTEMBER : The Month of Sports
365 sports days, for everyone, everywhere, anytime, ubiquitous
Berlin also is an important centre in terms of sports. Fans and amateur athletes will find a varied programme throughout the whole year. Among the top events are the Six Days Race in January, the international women’s tennis championship German Open in May, the international athletic festival ISTAF in September. Last but not least the legendary Berlin marathon that keeps attracting ten thousands of enthusiastic athletes and spectators every year. Photo: © SCCEVENTS/camera4
LatLon-Berlin offers you guided bike tours with different time and thematic focuses, the city of Berlin has many bike ways.
Highlight:
Berliner Marathon
The Berlin Marathon is a 42,195 kilometre long run that was founded in 1974 and runs through the streets of Berlin every year. It is held annually at the end of September for amateur athletes and professionals and is one of the Big Five, five of the most famous marathons in the world. With less than 20 m difference in altitude and sheltered from the wind, it is one of the fastest marathons in the world and the last seven world records in the discipline were broken on this course (Eliud Kipchoge with : 2018 2:01:39 2022 2:01:09). On this weekend more races will be organized for rollers, children and other participants, the breakfast run on Saturday early in the morning, from Charlottenburg Palace and an arrival at the Olympic Stadium is also a must. Photo: ©SCC EVENTS/PHOTORUN
• Date: From 28 to 29 September 2024
• Where : Start and finish at the Brandenburg Gate
• www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com
IFA
The biggest fair of consumer electronics and entertainment worldwide. Be one of the 250,000 visitors who wanted to have a look at how their future high definition TV set or multi-media system will look like.
• Date: From 6 to 10 September 2024
• www.ifa-berlin.de
Pyronale 2024
The fireworks festival will take place at the Maifeld on the grounds of the Berlin Olympic Stadium.
• Date: 30 & 31 August 2024
• www.pyronale.de
Berliner Festspiele
• Date: From 24 August to 17 September 2024
• www.berlinerfestspiele.de
Berlin Art Week
• Date: From 11 to 15 September 2024
• www.berlinartweek.de
Links of the month (Sports events & information)
SCC-Events - Organizer of many sports events in Berlin - Web
LSB - Berlin Sports Associations - Web
ADAC - German bicycle lobby has its seat in Berlin - Web
Olympiastadion - Legendary home stadium Hertha BSC - Web
Berliner Bäder - All swimming pools in Berlin - Web
Six Day Series - from 25-27 January 2024 - Web
ISTAF - Athletics Meeting on 3 September 2023 - Web
Bike tour with LatLon - Here
October : Berlin - Capital of Culture
In the past, history was the only topic, today you discover the wealth of Berlin's museums
Berlin's cultural and museum landscape is world-class, extremely diverse and constantly in motion. More than 150 museums of all kinds await the visitor. Some of the collections are world-famous and range from the incomparable bust of Nefertiti (Amarna period) to the Bauhaus, not forgetting the paintings of the great masters. There is something for every taste. On our culture pages you will find a selection of the most interesting museums. Take advantage of the museum pass, with which you can get to know the best museums in the city for three consecutive days for 29 € per person.
A tour through the Museums Island is offered by Jean-Pierre Andreae as well as other thematic city tours.
Highlight :
Berlin Festival of Lights
In October, two light festivals will take place simultaneously in Berlin (Berlin Leuchtet begins a few days earlier). Following the example of the "Festival des Lumières" in Lyon, the most important Berlin monuments are staged by artists from all over the world and illuminated every night for 10 days. Some places are just outside the city centre and there are special tours by bike, bus or boat. LatLon is also happy to guide you at night. The ideal route is: Potsdamer Platz - Brandenburg Gate - Gendarmenmarkt - Unter den Linden - and finally the Berlin Cathedral.
• Date : From 6 to 15 October 2023 at sunset
• Where : Everywhere in Berlin, especially in Mitte
• www.festival-of-lights.de
• www.berlinleuchtet.com
Links of the month (Museums in Berlin)
Berlin's official tourist card - Welcome Card - Web
Museumspass - One card that opens more than 30 museums - Web
Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - The main museums - Web
Museums on Berlin.de - The list of museums in English - Web
Jewish Museum - Jewish History and Architecture - Web
DHM - German Historical Museum - Web
Bernauer Straße - Memorial and Documentation Centre - Web
Neues Museum - The Egyptian Collection (Nefertiti) - Web
Our website with 50 museums Here
NOVEMBER : Listen to the sound of music
Yes, it is dark and cold in Berlin in November, but the best time for operas and music lovers
No wonder that in the city where Felix Mendelssohn and Herbert von Karajan lived and worked music plays an important role in cultural life. There are three opera houses and plenty of concert halls, orchestras led by famous directors like Daniel Barenboim, Kirill Petrenkoand Kent Nagano. For those who prefer modern music the offer is even wider. Every week there are countless concerts (of possible styles) in clubs (of all sizes). By the way, did you know the MP3 format and techno music were German inventions. Photo: © Volker Kreidler
Friedrichstadt Palast
The best stage in Germany and even the biggest in the world! In the Friedrichstadtpalast it is a show of superlatives that makes this evening an unforgettable experience. The breathtaking staging, the beauty of the costumes, the international artists leave you no time to repose. Photo (Show VIVID - currently: Show "FALLING | IN LOVE") © Robert Grischek
• The ticket office is open from 10am to 6:30pm (7:30pm days with show)
• Friedrichstraße 107, 10117 Berlin
• Program : www.palast.berlin
Links of the month (Classical Music in Berlin)
Philharmonie - The world famous orchestra - Web
Staatsoper Unter den Linden - Most traditional opera house - Web
Deutsche Oper - The Opera of the West - Web
Komische Oper - The third opera of the city - Web
Konzerthaus - Music hall at the Gendarmenmarkt - Web
Pierre Boulez Saal - LatLon darling, we love it! - Web
Charlottenburg - Konzerte im Schloss wie im Jahre 1701 - Web
Berlinien - Calendar of events and cultural information - Web
Exberliner - The English culture magazine for Berlin Web
Our website with tips for music Here
Guided tour in Berlin : MUSEUM ISLAND
Over the course of this approximately two-hour walk on Berlin’s Museum Island, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, I will explain to you how you can trace the different socio-political developments from the architecture of the individual buildings and indeed also the attitude of the respective rulers. The walk, therefore, looks at architecture as a mirror of social realities and change. The tour begins with an explanation of the reconstruction and intended use of the Berlin City Palace as the future Humboldt-Forum. There then follow two short talks as an aside – on columns (development since ancient Greek / Roman times, including the function of classical order attributed to them) and on the creation of the museum genre (the purpose of such establishments up to the present day). This provides the background to the tour’s main areas of emphasis outlined above. The main focus of the guided tour is then a walk passing the individual buildings in the order in which they were built to illustrate the architecture as a mirror of social realities and developments.
Here you can find all city tours of Jean-Pierre Andreae
December : The scent of Christmas
Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg and Kulturbrauerei, Berlin's Best Christmas Markets
You may think that wintertime is not precisely the best time of the year to be walking the streets of Berlin. Don’t be mistaken!
In December, Berlin fills up with wonder and surprise. Preparing for Christmas, the city the ideal place for shopping if you are looking for original gifts. Not only at shops and warehouses, which now are allowed to open longer in the evenings, but also on the traditional Christmas markets inviting to stroll around for hours browsing the stands. There are many ways to avoid getting cold feet, but a glass of mulled wine or grog is definitely a tasty one. Photo: © Thomas Ernst
It’s been a few years now that Berlin has started to compete with other German cities famous for their typical markets of the pre-Christmas period. When December draws near the city dresses up nicely, inviting everybody to enjoy themselves in a friendly atmosphere and a traditional surrounding. At many stands you will find authentic hand-crafted products (not made in China). Or how about trying some of the regional specialties on offer? From 27 November to 24 December 2023.
Highlight :
New Year's Eve in Berlin.... unforgettable!
Every country has its traditions, here in Germany and especially in Berlin New Year's Eve is celebrated on the streets and with fireworks. More and more visitors come to Berlin for New Year's Eve and so you can arrange your program; you start your day with a good brunch in a trendy district of Berlin like the Prenzlauer Berg or Kreuzberg, then you go on the street of 17 June in the Tiergarten to drink and eat with music, then in a restaurant (reserve in advance) and at 23:50 with your glass of champagne or Sekt, go on the street, all Berliners are there with their firecrackers and fireworks. Many clubs organize special nights and for those who are not afraid of the crowd, you can spend the night on the street of 17 June with the fireworks organized by the city. For that you have to be there for 5-6pm at the latest, because they close the doors when there are no more places.... A happy new year !
Links of the month (Christmas markets in Berlin)
Lucia market Kulturbrauerei - Christmas market in Prenzlauer Berg - Web
Charlottenburg Palace - One of the most beautiful Christmas markets - Web
Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt - A must !!! - Web
Christmas market in Spandau - In der Altstadt von Spandau - Web
Winterworld Potsdamer Platz - from 22 October 2023 to 2 January - Web
Käthe Wohlfahrt - Christmas shop all year round Ku'damm 225 - Web
Our website for museums Here
The Sightseeing Here
Culture & Tips Here & City guided tours Here
Hotels Here & Restaurants Here