13 Delightful Things to Do in Autumn in Berlin

Is it Worth Visiting Berlin in Autumn?

Absolutely, it’s a big YES from me!

Berlin undergoes a mesmerizing transformation as the leaves turn to fiery shades of red, orange, and gold, creating a picturesque backdrop for your adventures.

The crowds thin out, allowing you to explore some of the best places in Berlin like the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall without the summer tourist hustle.

Berlin’s enchanting parks, such as Tiergarten and Charlottenburg Park, become a haven for strolls. Plus, there’s no better time to savour the city’s diverse culinary scene, from hearty German dishes to international cuisine.

Lastly, travel in late November into early December and you’ll be able to experience the magic of Berlin’s Christmas Markets like the one located at Alexanderplatz.

2. Tour Berlin Museums

Berlin is a treasure trove of over 170 museums, including some incredible free museums. Spend a day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Museum Island, home to world-class museums such as Altes Museum and Neues Museum.

Here are my top 3 favourite museums that I recommend:

• Berlin Dom is a stunning architectural gem that is a cathedral, museum and viewing platform all in one place
• Jewish Museum Berlin is a thought-provoking museum that explores the history and culture of Jewish life in Germany
• DDR Museum is an interactive museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into life in East Germany during the Cold War era

3. Explore Neighbourhoods in Berlin

As the leaves in Berlin’s neighbourhoods turn golden, it’s the perfect time to stroll the streets in the city’s unique districts, each with its unique charm. I might be a little biased, but living in the historical district of Mitte, I love this neighbourhood which is filled with iconic landmarks.

Here are my top 3 favourite neighbourhoods that I recommend:

• Prenzlauer Berg: the trendy district filled with charming streets, cozy cafes, and boutique shops (and it’s close to my apartment in Mitte)
• Kreuzberg: is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood known for its street art and cultural scene, and the best way to explore it is on a food tour like I did
• Charlottenburg Wilmersdorf: the quiet, yet lovely neighbourhood full of elegant homes and parks as well as some of the best shopping

4. Take a Boat Ride

Take a boat cruise along the Spree River to see Berlin’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective while sipping on hot mulled wine or hot chocolate. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Spree River, with the crisp autumn breeze and stunning cityscape views is the best way to experience Berlin in the fall.

5. Savour German Cuisine

There’s no better time to indulge in some hearty German cuisine at local beer gardens, weekend brunch spots or cozy traditional restaurants. Try traditional hearty dishes like schnitzel, cheesy spatzel, and dumpings at a cozy traditional German restaurant.

Here are my top 3 favourite restaurants that I recommend:

• Borchardt: refined German traditional dishes in historic restaurant
• Lokal: modern German restaurant and menu
• Einstein Unter den Linden: classic bistro-style restaurant serving some of the best schnitzel

6. Attend Oktoberfest

One of the fun things to do in Berlin in autumn is to attend Oktoberfest celebrations in late September. Or, visit one of Berlin’s outdoor biergartens to sample local beers under a canopy of trees.

Here are my top 3 favourite biergartens that I recommend:

• Prater Garten: Berlin’s oldest beer garden, oozes charm with its leafy chestnut trees and traditional German brews
• Café am Neuen See: nestled in the idyllic Tiergarten park, this beer garden boasts a serene lake, rowboats, and an extensive beer menu with a view
• Zollpackhof: located riverside by the Spree River it offers a picturesque setting near the Reichstag

7. Visit the East Side Gallery

Admire the iconic Berlin Wall covered in over 100 art murals by artists around the globe. The East Side Gallery is a 1.3 km open-air museum that is a must for anyone visiting the city, but in the fall it makes it even more enjoyable due to fewer crowds. Be sure to pick a nice day and enjoy it.

Here are my top 3 favourite art murals that I recommend:

• The Kiss by Dmitri Vrubel: vividly portrays the historic embrace between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker
• Test the Rest by Birgit Kinder: a Trabant car, an iconic symbol of East Germany, breaking through the Wall, symbolizing the desire for change during that historic moment in history
• Worlds People by Shamil Gimayev: is the Gallery’s most extensive mural, featuring countless abstract faces, buildings, and woven phrases

9. Do Some Berlin Shopping

Stroll along the glamorous Kurfürstendamm boulevard and indulge in some shopping therapy or the flagship department store of Ku’Damm or Bikini Berlin. Irresistible cozy sweaters, scarves and hats fill the shops. Take advantage of the American tradition of Black Friday shopping deals.

Here are my top 3 favourite shopping areas that I recommend:

• Hackesche Höfe: a series of connecting courtyards full of unique local shops as well as on Rosenthaler Str
• Prenzlauer Berg: find some boutique shops on the charming streets near Prenzlauer Allee like Rykestraße
• Oranienburger Str: independent shops, galleries and boutiques on this street as well as Linienstraße

10. Go for a Bike Ride

Rent a bike and pedal along Spree River’s Berlin Wall Trail, tracing the former path of the wall that once divided the city. It’s a great way to take in the beautiful scenery and stop for traditional Kaffee und Kuchen at a riverside cafe.

Best Places to See Berlin Autumn Foliage

What to do in Berlin in autumn? Admiring the fall colours of course! Here are all my favourite locations to see the fall leaves in Berlin (that weren’t already mentioned above).

• Spree River: stroll along riverbanks from James Simon Park to Monbijoupark up to the bridge called Ebertsbrücke
• Lustgarten: the cluster of Linden trees makes for the perfect backdrop to the Berliner Dom
• Courtyard of Bibliothek der Berlin: this hidden gem can be found off Unter den Linden Boulevard where the ivy-covered building turns a vibrant orange and red
• Spreebogenpark: the entire area from this waterfront park that extends in front of the Reichstag Building is full of gorgeous fall foliage trees of yellow, orange and red
• Straße des 17. Juni: this iconic street in Berlin is lined on both sides with linden trees casting a long line of gold stretching to Brandenburg Gate
• Schlossgarten Charlottenburg: if you think the view leading you to Charlottenburg Palace is stunning in the fall, be sure to visit the expansive gardens behind the castle
• Gendarmenmarkt: the beautiful public square where the Konzerthaus, Französische Friedrichstadtkirche and Neue Kirche are surrounded by golden yellow Linden trees (note: 2023/2024 there are massive renovations underway)
• Reichstag: the rooftop of Berlin’s Reichstag (parliament) building is the perfect bird’s-eye view of the city, and why not linger over breakfast at Käfer Restaurant Reichstag

And, lastly Grunewald forest! It is on the city limits of Berlin, but worth going.

FAQ About Autumn Berlin

As a Holidaymaker

Autumn in Germany typically spans from October to November with its peak of colourful foliage in the last week in October into early November making it the perfect time to explore these delightful things to do.

So, why not start planning your autumn adventure now? Dive into my travel articles for Berlin as a local and utilize the travel planning resources at your fingertips to craft a memorable journey through the heart of Germany.