The travellers guide
Ah, autumn. The perfect time of year for strolling the city, as the leaves begin to turn but it’s still (sometimes!) warm enough for drinks on the cafe terrace or in the beer garden. And if the weather is not playing along, there are more than enough cosy bars and restaurants, while the concert halls and theatres begin their new seasons and there’s a whole range of new exhibitions in Berlin’s museums and galleries to check out.
All in all, there can be few better times of the year to experience everything Berlin has to offer, and we thought we would pick a few highlights of our own for this autumn guide. They are all taken from our very own DIY Berlin Guide, which you can find in The Circus houses. Not only are they all well worth a visit in their own right, but some of them will bring you to parts of the city most visitors never get to experience.
These insider tips for experiencing autumn in Berlin have been curated by The Circus Team and illustrated by the wonderfully talented Nina Hüpen-Bestendonk – make sure you check out Nina’s website and instagram to see more of her work.
Abandoned Berlin at its finest, although to explore these atmospheric ruins of an old TB hospital you’ll have to travel out to the forests beyond the edge of the city. You can wander between the ruins or take a tour into the crumbling buildings, and there is also a treetop walkway to lift up above the canopy that – in the autumn – is a spectacular display of reds and oranges and browns.
Str. nach Fichtenwalde 13, 14547 Beelitz, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): U8 to Alexanderplatz and then RE7 (regional train) to Beelitz Heilstätten (approx 70 mins).
You’ll find this colourful bazaar on the Landwehr Canal every Tuesday and Friday. It has everything, from beautiful Turkish rugs to pistachio-flavoured honey. Make sure you buy the Gözleme, the most delicious spinach and cheese pastry you will ever try. Just make sure you bring a bag for all your goodies and plenty of appetite. Stroll through the neighbourhood and learn more about the Turkish culture and history of one of the biggest communities in Berlin.
Maybachufer, 12047 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): U8 to Schönleinstraße (approx 20 mins).
A cosy bar and a bit of time travel back to the days of the GDR – East Germany. The old skittles pub was painted a light beige back in 1977, and today’s dark brown decor is the product of decades of local smokers settling in for the night. We can especially recommend the peppermint schnapps (a Berlin specialty), the knackwurst (sausage) and the nine-pin skittles alley in the basement.
Bornholmer Str. 89, 10439 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Schönhauser Allee/Bornholmer Straße (approx 15 mins).
The new season begins and Berlin’s football teams are dreaming of glory – or in Hertha BSC’s case, an escape from the Second Division, into which they fell a few years ago. But ever if they are playing in the Bundesliga 2, the Olympic Stadium is well worth a visit and we have tickets available for home games at reception. Or why not try one of the lower league teams? Lichtenberg 47 play in the shadow of the old Stasi HQ, Hertha 03 Zehlendorf play in the Grunewald forest, and you’ll find a cool set of fans in the Mommsenstadion for Tennis Borussia.
Olympischer Platz 3, 14053 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Hackescher Market and then S3 or S9 to Olympiastadion (approx 45 mins).
It’s also a new season for the musicians in what has to be one of the most stunning examples of 1960s architecture in Berlin. Take a tour of the Berliner Philharmonie and you’ll visit the performance halls, get an introduction and overview of the building’s history, architecture and acoustic design. You’re guaranteed to fall in love!
Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, 10785 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): U8 to Gesundbrunnen and then S-Bahn to Potsdamer Platz (approx 35 mins).
Of course, we love our personal choices but we know that our guests also want to see some of the iconic landmarks of Berlin.
Berlin’s most famous street, leading down to its most famous gate, becomes particularly atmospheric as the trees that line the boulevard create a canopy of amber and gold. A twenty-minute stroll from The Circus brings you through Museum Island and onto the street, whilst through the gate at the other end you come to the Tiergarten and its kaleidoscope of seasonal colours.
Unter den Linden, 10117 Berlin, Google maps
How to get there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Friedrichstraße (approx 15 mins) or walk via Museum Island (approx 20 mins)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site feels especially welcoming when the weather begins to turn. The Bode Museum’s dome and the Berlin cathedral create striking silhouettes against autumn skies, while all the treasures within provide cultural warmth when the air is getting chilly. Don’t miss the views from the roof terrace of the re-built Royal Palace, out across the city rooftops.
Museum Island, 10178 Berlin, Google maps
How to get there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Hackescher Markt and then walk (approx 15 mins).
Fully renovated in time for autumn and often called Berlin’s most beautiful square, Gendarmenmarkt takes on an almost theatrical quality in autumn light. The French and German cathedrals flanking the concert hall create one of Europe’s most harmonious architectural ensembles, enhanced by autumn’s dramatic skies and golden hour lighting.
Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin, Google maps
How to get there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Universitätsstraße and then walk (approx 25 mins).
Many of Berlin’s most famous landmarks get illuminated in a special way each October with the Festival of Lights. During this week, different buildings across the city get their very own light show and illumination, and we love taking our guests out into the darkness to explore the best of it. Make sure you check out our events page for the tours during the festival, as well as the rest of our programme of activities.
If you want even more tips and ideas for your visit to Berlin, check out the rest of our Experience Berlin blog or follow us on Instagram.
The Circus App is your ideal travel companion you can take with you, with all the things you need to know about your stay with us and things to see and do in the city. Available for Apple and Android devices.
We also have special deals for those who book their trip to Berlin early or want to stay longer. Check out our special offers page for more details.