The travellers guide
Is May the best month of the year to visit Berlin? Here at The Circus we can probably make a case for any month you might choose to visit us, but there is certainly something about May that we find hard to resist. The cold of the winter is behind us while the heat of high summer has yet to arrive, making for the perfect temperature to both get out and explore while taking the odd lazy afternoon in the park or beer garden.
Berliners (and most people who live in Germany) love Berlin because of the number of bank holidays we have around this time of year, meaning the whole city feels like it is on a long-weekend for the entire month. It is this atmosphere, warmed by the ever-better weather, that makes May in Berlin so special. So if you are planning your next city break and think Berlin might be the spot for you, at The Circus we have the best location at the heart of the action; the perfect base to make the most of May.
The month-long extended weekend vibe 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 year it takes place on a Friday, perfect for partying hard and having plenty of time to recover.
May Day is an especially big deal 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.
May Day Festival on Marianneplatz, Kreuzberg, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): U8 to Kottbusser Tor and then walk (approx 25 mins).
Two of Berlin’s most important art and design festivals take place in May. From the 1st to 3rd 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 (28-31st 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.
The 17th 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.
Museum Island, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): Tram M1 to Hackescher Markt and then walk (approx 15 mins).
For an architectural treat with some fine springtime skyline views, stroll on from Museum Island to the Reichstag. 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.
Reichstag
Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Google maps
Getting there from The Circus (Rosenthaler Platz): U8 to Alexanderplatz and then U5 to Bundestag (approx 25 mins).
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.
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.
You need to load content from reCAPTCHA to submit the form. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from Turnstile. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from Facebook. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from Instagram. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from X. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More Information