11 Things to Do in Berlin in October

Are you already aware of all the things to do in Berlin? I'm here to give you a hand in planning your trip, as October is a special month in the German capital. If you were looking for an opportunity to get to know the city in a unique way, you couldn't have chosen a better month, as October is the month for various events such as races, festivals and special days.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Berlin in October is the Oktoberfest, and indeed this is one of the big events of the month. However, there are many more surprises in store for you, such as the chance to see the city lit up and get a closer look at its history. Are you curious? Then read on and make a note of all the plans I have found for you.

Do you like beer? Then you've done well to choose Berlin as your destination, especially if you're going in October. During the first weeks of this month, the famous Oktoberfest takes place. Although its origin is in the city of Munich, the German capital does not lag behind and celebrates it with hundreds of litres of beer.

There are different locations, but the most famous, and the one I recommend, is the Kurt-Schumacher-Damm. Admission is free and, in addition to beer (only Paulaner), there are attractions for all ages, markets and shows.

A tent of about 80 square metres is erected in the middle of Kurt-Schumacher-Damm, a square somewhat removed from the centre of Berlin but which can be reached by public transport.

Beyond drinking

Don't think it's all about drinking. You can also eat some typical German dishes, such as Brez'n (savoury bread in the shape of a bow) or Hend'l (roast chicken).

To make you feel even more integrated, have you thought about renting a Dirnd'l suit? It's the Bavarian dress that everyone will wear, as tradition dictates.

Interesting facts

• When: first weeks of October
• Where: Kurt-Schumacher-Damm
• Price: free admission (beers are paid for inside for about €10 each)
• Bonus activity: and if you're left wanting more after Oktoberfest, you can always find out more about the quintessentially German drink on the Berlin beer tour.

It's not unbearably cold in Berlin in October, but it's starting to freeze and there are bound to be days during your trip when you feel like taking shelter and avoiding outdoor activities. For those times, there's no better plan than taking advantage of Berlin's museums and all they have to offer.

Here's a selection of what I think are the most interesting ones:

• Neues Museum: if you are interested in Egypt and its art, this is the museum for you. You will be able to see unique archaeological finds, mummies, sculptures, jewellery? And, of course, its crown jewel, the sculpture of Nefertiti.
• GDR Museum: the GDR (German Democratic Republic, East Germany or East Germany) was the part of Germany that had a Socialist State during the Cold War, as at that time the country was divided in two. This museum aims to show visitors what life was like for citizens in that part of the country. There are also interactive parts that make it very entertaining and educational.
• Berlin Wall Museum: this is also an essential visit, as it allows you to understand Germany's most recent past by taking a tour of the interwar period and the temporary division of the country.
• Pergamon Museum: it is dedicated to Islamic and Middle Eastern art and houses the marvellous Ishtar Gate. It is a must-see but will be closed for several years and cannot be visited.

You've probably heard or seen how some people, when they visit New York, take helicopter flights to see the city from above and see the skyscrapers from the air. Well, did you know that you can also do it on your trip to Berlin and that the experience is amazing?

This activity is available at any time of the year, but in autumn it is special because you can see the foliage of the season which gives a very nice touch to the landscapes from above, much more than at other times.

The helicopter flight over Berlin also has the peculiarity that it includes a limousine transfer and a flight certificate at the end of the tour. I certainly wouldn't miss it.

October 3rd is German Unity Day, as on the same date in 1990 the country was reunited after the fall of the Berlin Wall. There are many ways to celebrate it if you're there, such as joining a historical tour of the city or taking part in the events organised on that day and the two following days.

The most important event is undoubtedly the big concert at the Brandenburg Gate. And on Strasse 17 you'll also find food and drink stalls. But that's not all. What families love most is the giant Ferris wheel in the Tiergarten, where there are also storytellers and theatrical performances.

More than 20 years have passed since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, something the Germans celebrate every year. After the peaceful revolution of the inhabitants of the GDR (the Soviet zone of Cold War Germany), it took another year to sign the Unification Treaty, which is what is commemorated by the public holiday on 3 October.

Interesting facts

• When: 3 October
• Where: Brandenburg Gate and Tiergarten
• Price: free admission

Want to take the best pictures of Berlin? If you go to the city in October you're in luck because for ten nights in the middle of the month, the Festival of Lights takes place. In this festival the most emblematic buildings of the German city are illuminated from 8pm until midnight.

As it is outdoors, there is no entrance fee, so it is a unique opportunity to walk around Berlin and see it in a totally different and magical way. Don't think it's just a matter of putting up a few lights - the installations are full-blown works of art and attract millions of people every year.

Although you can walk from place to place to see all the installations, my advice is to hop on a Berlin sightseeing bus. These usually have an open top, so you'll have a great view of the illuminated buildings.

Interesting facts

• When: mid-October
• Where: various locations around the city
• Price: free admission

Are your running shoes never missing from your suitcase? Then you might want to sign up for the Bridgestone, a 10-kilometre race held in Berlin every October. Join more than 7,000 participants on a route that crosses the Tiergarten, one of the most important, famous and beautiful parks in the German capital, where you'll also find the zoo.

It's not a very long distance and the best thing is that it's a great way to get around Berlin. As well as passing through the Tiergarten, you'll also start and finish at Charlottenburg Palace, which couldn't be a better destination.

Would you prefer to just watch the race? You can do it for free, but if you want to see it from the zoo you'll have to pay the corresponding entrance fee (approximately €17).

Interesting facts

• When: mid-October
• Where: different locations in the city
• Price: approximately €25 registration fee

On the last night of October, the 31st, terror hits the streets of Berlin, but so does fun, costumes and partying. If you're there around this time, don't be surprised to see zombies, ghosts or characters from famous films running or walking around the city.

Berliners seem to like to be scared because Halloween night has a number of activities that you won't want to miss out on either. My advice is to wear a costume, especially if you are going to take part in any of the plans I suggest.

Halloween Run Berlin

Don't worry, even if you're not an expert runner, you can still join the Halloween Run Berlin, a half-kilometre race. Of course, you'll need a good outfit to be as scary as the rest of the participants. In this short distance they manage to include little challenges that make it all the more fun.

When you finish, a big celebration awaits you at the finish line with live music and candy stalls, because can Halloween be celebrated without candy? All this with the Waldhochseilgarten Jungfernheide tower illuminated and creating a somewhat mysterious atmosphere perfect for the occasion.

Halloween Zombie Walk

If running isn't your thing but you wouldn't say no to a walk around Berlin, have you heard of the Halloween Zombie Walk? I think you'd like it. It's a great walk that takes place just before Halloween (just the weekend before) and has a huge following in the city.

At around 5pm, hundreds of zombies start what looks like an apocalypse. The characterisation of the participants is impressive, so you'll really feel like you're facing an undead threat if you go to the Klosterruine, the area where they come out.

Horrornächte

Fancy something a little quieter? The Horrornächte is a night-time film festival that takes place every Halloween night at the Filmpark Babelsberg amusement park, which used to be a film studio years ago. Activities and shows are organised there that are a little scary but a lot of fun, as well as an opportunity to get to know the grounds.

The whole area is decorated for the occasion, with artificial blood and costumed actors to make you feel even more immersed in the experience.

The Berlin Burlesque Festival may not be for everyone, but it's certainly a great way to spend an October night in the city. For several years now, dozens of acrobats, magicians and dancers have been coming to Berlin during one of the last weekends of the month, demonstrating their talents to the public.

In total, more than 10 German and international artists participate to give a vintage and fun touch to the Berlin nights.

The reputation of this festival has gone around the world, so if you want to attend, I recommend you book your ticket in advance from the official website of the event.

Useful information

• When: mid-October
• Where: Karl Marx Strasse and another on Potsdamer Strasse
• Price: approximately 30€.

One of the words that could define the character of Berlin is "open-minded". There are few taboo subjects left in the city and eroticism is not one of them, which is why every October the Venus Berlin is organised, an event to showcase the latest erotic novelties.

Only suitable for adults, this festival is open to professionals but also to the general public.

Not everyone is willing to attend this festival, but the truth is that it is very famous in Berlin and, if you want to open your mind and get to know the most modern and avant-garde side of the city, you may find it interesting. Above all, the event that attracts the biggest crowds is a big fashion show, where emerging designers showcase their lingerie creations.

Interesting facts

• When: end of October
• Where: Hammarskjöldplatz
• Price: approximately €35

Join the more than 100,000 people who flock to the Karlshorst flea market in early October. As an annual tradition, stalls selling clothes and second-hand goods are set up in this southern Berlin neighbourhood.

If you like to bargain, this is the place for you, but you can also just go for a stroll. In total, there are more than 800 vendors here, so you're bound to find something! If you're planning to buy something, I recommend you bring some cash (you can't always pay by credit card).

In general, this type of market is very common in Berlin, although the Karlshorst market is only organised during the first few days of October. Although it is not as centrally located as some of the other markets, you can easily get there on the Berlin S3 underground line.

Interesting facts

• When: all of October
• Where: Karlshorst
• Price: free admission

Fancy getting out of the city for a bit? Just half an hour by public transport from the centre of Berlin is Grunewald, a forest that is more beautiful than ever in October, the middle of autumn.

In total there are more than three thousand hectares of forest that you can explore on foot or by bike. It's a very relaxing place, especially as it borders the Havel River in the west, where you can have a picnic or ring a bell for a ferry to take you to Lindwerder Island, full of lime trees and hikers.

In October the whole area is covered in a blanket of golden and brown leaves, giving it the look of a fairytale forest. For an even more impressive view (and a good photo opportunity), I recommend climbing the Grunewaldturm. You will have to climb more than 200 steps, but from up there (55 metres high) you will have a full panoramic view of the forest, the Havel River and the surrounding area.

Interesting facts

• When: all October
• Where: Grunewald
• Price: free admission

When autumn arrives, shades of gold, brown and yellow colour Berlin and the surrounding area. While anywhere is a good place to see the new landscape, especially in October, my recommendation is to book a trip from Berlin to Potsdam, which many people know as the German Versailles for its gardens and palaces.

Potsdam is less than an hour from Berlin, so it's a good idea to spend a day there. You won't find anyone who would advise against it, as this city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its streets, palaces, outdoor spaces... They look like something out of a fairy tale.

I recommend a stroll through the city centre and along the banks of the Havel River, although you can't miss the Sanssouci Gardens. There you can not only walk around the grounds, full of statues and plants, but you will also have the opportunity to visit the palace complexes that belonged to Frederick II the Great, the third king of Prussia.

Interesting facts

• When: all October
• Where: Potsdam
• Price: approximately €20

The good thing about going to Berlin in October is that the temperatures, although cold, are not extreme. This means that highs won't go above 15°C, but won't drop below 6°C either. Rainy days do arrive this month, but they won't spoil too many of your plans either, as rain is forecast for about 10 days.

All in all, October is one of the last months to enjoy the milder and even warmer weather in Berlin. However, you will need to pack some warm clothes as it will start to get cooler, especially in the evenings, which are getting earlier and earlier (around 6pm).

Depending on when you travel in October you'll find prices are higher or lower. Why? Because if your visit coincides with major events, such as the Oktoberfest, it is possible that accommodation prices will rise, as well as flights. In that case, book well in advance.

The rest of the month prices are more affordable, as October is not high season and the cold starts to arrive in the city, which does not attract as many tourists.

Do you need to organise anything else? Remember to make a note of the dates and events so you don't miss anything.