Berlin is terrible in January!’ – said every tourist guide ever. But what if I told you they’re gloriously wrong?
When winter hits, Berlin shows its true colors. Think peaceful museums, warm cafes filled with locals, and exciting winter events that most tourists miss completely.
This is your chance to see the real Berlin: eat at the best spots without reservations, stay at fancy hotels for half the price, and experience the city like a true local.
Let me show you 25 amazing things to do in Berlin this January – from cozy hidden spots to must-visit winter festivals.
Essential Berlin Winter Travel Tips
Let’s cover the basics before you jump into your Berlin winter adventure. These local tips will save you from rookie mistakes and help you enjoy the city like a pro.
January Weather Guide & What to Pack
Let’s be honest – Berlin gets cold in January. Expect temperatures between -2°C and 5°C (28-41°F). It might snow, but mostly, it’s just chilly and sometimes rainy.
What to pack:
- A warm winter coat (waterproof is best)
- Good walking boots that can handle wet streets
- Warm socks (trust me, you’ll thank me later)
- Layers! Think sweaters and thermal underwear
- Hat, scarf, and gloves – you’ll use them daily
- Portable umbrella – weather changes quickly here
Pro tip: Don’t overpack fancy outfits. Berliners keep it casual and practical in winter!”
Getting Around Berlin in Winter
Winter in Berlin won’t slow you down—public transport keeps running smoothly, no matter the weather! Here’s what you need to know:
- Public transport is reliable, even in freezing conditions—the U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (city trains) stay on schedule.
- Stations and trains are heated, making them great spots to warm up between sightseeing stops.
- If you stay several days, buy a weekly pass— single tickets can add up quickly. The Berlin WelcomeCard is also a good deal, offering unlimited travel plus discounts on attractions.
- Download the BVG app for real-time updates, route planning, and mobile tickets.
- Uber works, but public transport is usually cheaper and faster.
- Skip biking unless you’re a pro at cycling in icy conditions—it’s common for locals, but tricky for beginners.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting during a snowy day, head underground—the U-Bahn rarely faces disruptions, and it’s a cozy way to get around without braving the cold.
Where to Stay: Best Winter-Friendly Neighborhoods
Choosing the right base makes all the difference during a winter trip! Here are the top areas to stay, along with nearby stations to keep you well-connected:
Mitte
- Closest stations: Alexanderplatz (U2, U5, U8, S-Bahn), Hackescher Markt (S-Bahn)
- Why stay here?
- Central location close to must-see attractions like Museum Island and Brandenburg Gate
- Plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops to warm up in between sightseeing
- A perfect choice for first-time visitors
Prenzlauer Berg
- Closest stations: Eberswalder Straße (U2), Schönhauser Allee (U2, S-Bahn)
- Why stay here?
- A charming neighborhood vibe with tree-lined streets and old-world architecture
- Cozy cafés, bookstores, and family-friendly spots
- Ideal for families looking for a quieter, laid-back experience
Kreuzberg
- Closest stations: Kottbusser Tor (U1, U8), Görlitzer Bahnhof (U1)
- Why stay here?
- Home to Berlin’s best food scene, with plenty of global eats and winter-friendly indoor spaces
- Lively even in the off-season, with cool bars and cultural spots to explore
- A hit with young travelers who love its creative energy
Pick accommodations within a 5-minute walk of a station—Berlin winters can be harsh, and you’ll want to limit outdoor time between destinations.
If possible, book between two stations to give yourself more flexibility when navigating the city. It’s a great way to save time, especially during winter when quick, efficient routes matter most.
My 4 Days in Berlin post also features these neighborhoods, which are perfect for planning your winter stay.
25 Fun things to do in Berlin in Winter
1. Catch the Latest Styles and Trends at Berlin Fashion Week
Berlin Fashion Week, usually held in mid-January, is a significant event on the European fashion calendar. Unlike the traditional haute couture of Paris, Berlin’s fashion scene focuses on innovation and sustainability. Expect streetwear brands, eco-friendly collections, and experimental designs that reflect the city’s unique blend of creativity and rebellion.
Venues like Kraftwerk Berlin and Station Berlin host many shows and exhibitions open to the public. Remember to register early if you want access to limited spaces. If you miss the main events, watch local concept stores like Voo Store or pop-up markets, which often feature emerging designers during Fashion Week.
2. Taste Your Way Through the International Green Week Food Festival
International Green Week (Grüne Woche) is one of the world’s largest consumer food and agriculture fairs. Since 1926, it has brought farmers, food producers, and consumers together under one roof to celebrate sustainable food practices. Held at the Messe Berlin exhibition grounds, the event runs for ten days and attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually.
Visitors can sample international delicacies, attend workshops on urban farming, and explore new innovations in plant-based foods. If you’re interested in eco-living or food tech trends, this festival offers an excellent opportunity to learn from experts in the field.
local tip: Many vendors offer discounts or free tastings towards the end of the day. Arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends.
3. Get a Sneak Peek at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)
The Berlinale is one of the world’s top film festivals, alongside Cannes and Venice, drawing filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from across the globe. Although the festival officially begins in February, film lovers can get a head start by following announcements in January. This is when Berlinale reveals part of its lineup and starts ticket presales.
If you’re serious about attending, download the Berlinale app to stay updated on program releases. Tickets to high-profile premieres sell out fast, so it’s wise to have your shortlist ready before sales open. You can also catch special retrospectives and previews in select Berlin cinemas like Kino International or Arsenal Cinema.
4. Last Chance for Christmas Markets
If you visit Berlin in the first week of January, you can still experience the magic of its Christmas markets before they close. Some markets, such as the ones at Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg Palace, and the Kulturbrauerei, extend their opening dates into the first few days of January.
These markets offer more than festive treats—expect live performances, craft workshops, and local specialties like feuerzangenbowle (a rum-soaked, flaming punch).
Visiting at this time also means smaller crowds, which gives you a chance to explore the stalls at your own pace.
5. Kick Off the Year with Fun New Year’s Day Events
Berlin keeps the energy high even after New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Day (Neujahrstag), locals and tourists flock to restaurants and cafés for brunches that help recover from the previous night’s celebrations. If you’re a classical music fan, head to the Konzerthaus Berlin for their annual New Year’s Day concert—a long-standing tradition.
Indoor Cultural Experiences
6. Reichstag Building Tours
The Reichstag, Germany’s parliament building, is a must-see. In winter, its indoor tours are perfect for escaping the cold. The highlight? Climbing the glass dome, which offers panoramic views of Berlin.
Book your visit online well in advance, as walk-in tickets are rare. The dome has audio guides that activate automatically as you ascend, making it an easy and informative experience.
7. Discover the Wonders of Museum Island
Berlin’s Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features five renowned museums, including the Pergamon and Neues Museum. Winter is an excellent time to visit, as the crowds thin out, giving you space to explore in peace.
Tip: The Berlin WelcomeCard offers discounts on museum entries and public transport, making it a great winter travel companion.
8. Uncover Berlin’s Fascinating Past at the DDR Museum
Dive into life under the former East German regime at the DDR Museum. It’s an interactive experience where you can enter a reconstructed East German living room and even drive a virtual Trabant. It is ideal for history buffs and complements other Berlin Cold War sites, like the Berlin Wall Memorial.
9. Experience Spectacular Shows at Friedrichstadt Palast
The Friedrichstadt-Palast hosts some of the most dazzling shows in Europe. Think Cirque du Soleil-style performances with jaw-dropping sets, costumes, and choreography. Their winter productions often include special themes and family-friendly performances.
Tip: Book tickets early, especially for weekend shows. Dress in layers—while the theater is heated, it can get chilly waiting outside.
10. Visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe for Reflection
Though an outdoor site, the Holocaust Memorial’s underground Information Center offers a meaningful indoor experience. It provides in-depth stories of individuals affected by the Holocaust, offering visitors a quiet space to reflect.
11. Take a Historic Tour of Tempelhof Airport
Explore Berlin’s aviation history with a tour of Tempelhof Airport. These guided tours take you through hidden tunnels, vast halls, and even the bomb shelters beneath this historic site. It’s the perfect offbeat winter activity.
Cozy Winter Hideaways
12. Warm Up at Berlin’s Best Third-Wave Coffee Shops
Berlin is home to a thriving third-wave coffee scene. You’ll want to find cozy cafes like The Barn or Five Elephant in winter. These spots serve exceptional coffee and provide snug spaces to warm up and recharge during your explorations.
13. Relax in Berlin’s Charming Historic Cafés and Winter Gardens
Enjoy a slice of history with coffee at Café Einstein Stammhaus or Café am Neuen See. These traditional cafes offer a throwback to Berlin’s past, with vintage interiors, fireplaces, and winter gardens.
14. Enjoy Berlin’s Craft Beer Scene This Winter
Berlin’s craft beer movement doesn’t stop when temperatures drop. Bars like BRLO Brewhouse and Berliner Berg brew seasonal beers like winter ales and spiced stouts. Many venues offer heated outdoor seating to enjoy your beer under fairy lights.
15. Warming German Comfort Food Spots
Warm up with hearty German dishes at places like Max & Moritz or Zur Letzten Instanz—the city’s oldest restaurant. Classics like schnitzel, bratwurst, and kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes) are perfect companions on a cold day.
16. Experience Berlin’s Finest Shopping at KaDeWe
Winter is also sales season at KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens), Berlin’s iconic department store. After browsing designer goods, head to their 6th-floor food hall for a gourmet experience.
Winter Wellness & Recreation
17. Top Spa Experiences
Berlin’s wellness scene thrives in winter. Enjoy a day at Vabali Spa, a Balinese-style retreat near Hauptbahnhof, or unwind at the Liquidrom, which combines thermal pools with soothing underwater music.
18. Ice Skating Venues
Berlin has several ice skating rinks open in winter, including the popular one at Neptunbrunnen. Bring gloves—it gets chilly on the ice!
19. Indoor Swimming Pools
Escape the cold at one of Berlin’s heated indoor pools. Stadtbad Neukölln offers a unique experience with its neo-classical design, which is perfect for relaxation and exercise.
20. Winter Sales Shopping Guide
January means end-of-season sales. Shop till you drop at Alexa Mall or along Kurfürstendamm, where you can find everything from designer brands to budget fashion at discounted prices.
Outdoor Winter Adventures
21. East Side Gallery Winter Photography
The East Side Gallery offers unique opportunities for winter photography. Snow-covered murals add an extra layer of contrast to the colorful art, making it a photographer’s dream.
22. Christmas Garden Berlin
Christmas Garden Berlin transforms the Botanical Garden into a magical winter wonderland with light installations, music, and cozy fire pits. It’s a popular evening activity, so book your tickets in advance.
23. Take a walk through Charlottenburg Palace
The Charlottenburg Palace looks especially beautiful under a blanket of snow. Take a walk through its gardens, which remain open year-round, and end with a hot chocolate at the palace’s café.
24. Brandenburg Gate Area
Brandenburg Gate, one of Berlin’s top landmarks, is equally impressive in winter. The nearby Unter den Linden Boulevard offers festive lights and cozy cafes to escape the chill.
25. Viktoriapark Winter Walks
For a quieter winter stroll, head to Viktoriapark in Kreuzberg. At the top, you’ll find a waterfall (usually frozen in winter) and a fantastic view of Berlin’s skyline.
Practical Information
Money-Saving Winter Tips
- Take Advantage of Free Events: Berlin offers numerous free activities in January, from outdoor concerts to art exhibitions. Check local listings to find events that won’t cost you a dime!
- Use Public Transport: The BVG public transport system is efficient and affordable. Consider purchasing a weekly pass for unlimited travel—it’s a great way to explore the city without breaking the bank.
- Dine Smart: Look for lunchtime specials at restaurants, where many offer discounted meals. Also, don’t miss street food markets for tasty, budget-friendly options.
- Visit Museums on Free Days: Many museums have designated free entry days or reduced rates in winter. Research ahead of time to plan your visits accordingly.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 110
- Ambulance and Fire Services: 112
- Berlin Tourist Information: For assistance, call +49 (0)30 230 0 230
- Local Hospitals: Be aware of nearby hospitals; the Charité is one of Berlin’s largest and most reputable.
Pro Tip: Keep a digital and printed copy of essential contact numbers and your accommodation details. It’s good practice, especially when traveling in a foreign city during winter.
Berlin in January can get busy with tourists at popular sites, and while it’s generally a safe city, it’s always good to be cautious. For tips on staying safe, especially if you’re exploring in the evening or in unfamiliar areas, check out our guide on Is Berlin Safe at Night?
