May in Berlin

FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS

Let’s face it, one of the main reasons that Berliners love May is that it feels like almost every other weekend is a long one. It begins on the very first of the month, as May Day is a public holiday in the city and the streets come alive with festivals and performances. This is especially the case in Kreuzberg, where the traditional (and ongoing) political demonstrations marking May Day have been joined by community festivals of street food and live music. Berlin’s own website has a round up of what you can expect on May Day.

Because Berliners like to moan, they also complain that the number of public holidays in Berlin means the shops are closed more often than normal, but it all adds to the relaxed atmosphere. And with the chance to stay a little longer, visitors can dive deeper into the best of Berlin’s creative culture. 

DESIGN AND CULTURE

Two of Berlin’s most important art and design festivals take place in May. From the 2nd to 4th it is Gallery Weekend, with nearly 60 art spaces and other locations opening their doors to the best of contemporary art. And as The Circus is located close to the gallery neighbourhood of Mitte, centring on Auguststraße, you’ll just be a short walk from all the action.

A little later in the month and it’s time for Berlin Design Week (10-18th May), celebrating local, national and international designers, brands, entrepreneurs and researchers as they come together to explore how design can solve the problems of the world. You’ll find more details on the Berlin Design Week website, including exhibitions, tours, discussions, workshops and more.

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

If you join us in Berlin later in the month, 21st May 2025 is International Museum Day with more than 6,500 museums across Germany taking part. Luckily for us, some of Berlin’s most world-renowned institutions are just a short walk from The Circus, not least the UNESCO-designated Museum Island, home to some of the country’s best collections of fine arts and antiquities.

Combining modern architecture with a historic building, Norman Foster’s Reichstag dome is a rightly popular destination for visitors to the city, looking down on the workings of Germany’s parliament but also offering fine views of the city skyline – just don’t forget to reserve your entry slot in advance.

URBAN EXPLORATION AND EVENING ATMOSPHERE

The warming weather in May makes it perfect for strolling the neighbourhoods around The Circus. Head north up the hill and into Prenzlauer Berg with its mix of pre-war buildings along leafy streets and squares, lined with great cafes and independent shops. Or how about an evening stroll through the Tiergarten park and down by the river, before heading to grab a bite to eat near Friedrichstraße, a short walk from home?

It is also a great time to explore the city’s parks and gardens. Head down on the U8 line to visit Tempelhofer Feld, the former airport that is now a huge park and one of the favourite hang out spots for Berliners. And if you’re here on a Sunday, don’t miss the flea market at Mauerpark, just ten minutes on foot from The Circus, where you can also discover more of the history of the Berlin Wall.

A visit to Berlin in May gives you access to the best that our city has to offer and is perfect for your city break. And that’s not all: if you plan to stay for five nights or more, or if you are ready to plan your trip early, we have some special prices for you that you won’t find anywhere else. Check out our offers page for details – all offers are valid for The Circus Hotel, Hostel or Apartments, so however you want to stay with us, book direct and save!