Reservations: 10:00 – 18:00 (Sun-Fri)
Reception Hotel & Hostel: 24 hours
Apartments Concierge: 08:00 – 20:00
Chill in Berlin
Berliners like to moan about the coldest of months in their home city, but we think it might be because they want to keep it all to themselves. After all, when you have world class museums and restaurants, wonderful galleries, theatres and cinemas, top sporting talents and – yes – some beautiful spots to stroll when snow is on the ground or the winter sun shines, then there are few better places to be.
If you are coming to join us in Berlin this winter, scroll down for a special discount offer and we hope you will enjoy our ideas for some of the best things to see and do, from art and history to sport, shopping, circus performances and more…
History and Art on Museum Island
A short walk from The Circus will bring you to a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cultural treasure trove beside the river: Museum Island. It is home to a number of world-class museums that bring together centuries of history and art, from their collection of antiquities to paintings and sculptures from artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Schinkel, Menzel, Manet, Monet and Renoir, among many others. The architecture of the museums and galleries is worth a visit in its own right, and guided tours can get you into the history of the ensemble, as well as the collections found within.
Take a Winter Walk in Tiergarten
You might think that this is the wrong time of the year to explore Berlin’s Great Outdoors, but with a dusting of snow on the ground or on a crisp, clear winter’s day, there can be nothing better than strolling the city’s green spaces. You could head to the forests and lakes on the city’s edge, but actually one of the best places for winter walking is the Tiergarten. Berlin’s central park is beautiful during the coldest months of the year, and you are never far from a cafe and or bar for a warming drink once you are done.
Tiergarten walking routes on Komoot
Winter Sport – EuroLeague Basketball with ALBA Berlin
Yes, you could go and watch Bundesliga heroes 1.FC Union or their cross-town rivals Hertha BSC, but when the temperatures drop, wouldn’t you rather see your top-class sport out of the elements? ALBA Berlin are one of Germany’s top basketball teams and they play in the EuroLeague, the highest standard of club basketball outside the NBA. The season runs from October to May and tickets are usually easy to get for home matches at the Über Arena. Check out the website for upcoming games and ticket details.
East Side Gallery and RAW Gelände
Winter adds an atmospheric edge to the East Side Gallery, one of the best preserved sections of the Berlin Wall, adorned with vibrant street art. In fact, the vibrant colours of the murals are even more striking against the greyest of winter skies. Start your stroll at Ostbahnhof and you will finish close to the RAW Gelände, an old railway yard that now houses all manner of artistic and cultural venues, bars and restaurants. Check out the exhibitions, concerts and events at Urban Spree or put your bouldering shoes on for a workout at Der Kegel.
Urban Spree Gallery and Events
Der Kegel Bouldering Hall
Explore the courtyards of the Hackesche Höfe
Just down the street from The Circus is a labyrinth of interconnected courtyards known as the Hackesche Höfe. The building dates back to 1906, and since the 1990s it has become a shopping, culture and entertainment space with a difference. It is here you’ll find independent films at the Kino, amazing acrobatic performances at the Chameleon theater, boutiques and galleries, and all houses in a beautiful historic space. Take some time to explore, and download the guide when you are there to learn more about the story of the courtyards over the last 120 years.
Everyday Life in the GDR Exhibition
Our neighbourhood was once part of East Berlin, from the end of the Second World War to the Fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification. To find out what life was like in our neighbourhood during the Communist era, check out the Everyday Life in the GDR exhibition at the Kulturbrauerei, a short walk up the hill from The Circus. The different sections explore different elements of life, from an average GDR apartment to social life, work, school, holidays, sport and more, to give you a sense of how the regime shaped life for people, and how those people created free spaces for themselves.
Want more? Check out our staff tips for Winter in Berlin here.
Special Offer!
If you are planning a trip to Berlin this winter, you can get a 15% discount on all stays of three nights or more, whether you want to stay at The Circus Hotel, Hostel or Apartments. The offer is available for stays until 30 April.
Check out our deals page for more information