The ultimate guide to visiting Berlin in September

When planning your trip to Berlin in September, make sure to include well-known stops like the Berlin Cathedral and the Reichstag Dome. But don’t narrow your options, there’s more to explore than just the city’s iconic architecture.

Whether you’re a book lover eager to attend the International Literature Festival or an ultra-athlete ready to tackle the Berlin Marathon, you’ll find plenty of adventure when visiting Germany’s capital. This guide will show you what to do in Berlin in September, from reflective memorials of the Great War to bubbling brew and Oktoberfest.

Why go to Berlin in September?

Attend the International Literature Festival

Every September in Berlin, the city hosts the International Literature Festival Berlin, bringing together authors, poets, and novelists from around the world to celebrate the best in literature.

From poetry and graphic novels to nonfiction and children’s books, the festival features new releases, special guest speakers, and a program dedicated to children’s and young adult literature. A highlight is the Das Außergewöhnliche Buch (The Extraordinary Book) award, given to the top children’s book each year.

Enjoy ideal September weather to explore outdoors

Pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler evenings make Berlin in September the perfect time to get outdoors. Stroll through the city’s many green spaces or wander through historic sites while taking in the architecture.

Gear up for the Berlin Marathon

Held annually at the end of September, the Berlin Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world. In fact, the 2024 marathon had over 54,000 finishers, setting a new world record. Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, you can catch the action from several spots around the city, including the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate.

What’s the weather like in Berlin in September?

Berlin’s weather in September is full of sunny days, with daylight lasting well past 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore. As the month goes on, evenings can get cooler, so it’s best to dress in layers. While some rain is possible, showers are usually brief and unlikely to put a damper on your plans.

• Average day temperature: 68 F (20 C)
• Average night temperature: 54 F (12 C)
• Average daylight per day: 12.5 hours

Top things to do in Berlin in September

1. Visit Berlin Cathedral

Berlin’s crisp fall weather is perfect for strolling the city streets and visiting sites like Museum Island. But before exploring the exhibitions, make time to stop off at Berlin Cathedral. Its extravagant Baroque design, monumental domes, and weathered copper statues give the building a unique turquoise hue.

The cathedral’s interior is just as glorious as the exterior, with massive marble columns, arched ceilings, and ornate gilded detail work. Throughout the building, you’ll also find an exquisite display of paintings and sculptures worth a closer look.

Address

Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Sunday, noon–5:00 PM

2. Admire Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s top landmarks, a powerful tribute to the country’s strength and unity. Standing for over two centuries, it has survived multiple wars. Napoleon once seized the statue atop the gate as a war trophy, and the structure sustained severe damage during World War II. Today, its magnificent Neoclassical design has grown to symbolize a united Germany.

Fall is a wonderful time to admire Berlin’s grand architecture, and the crisp air adds to the experience. As you pass through the Brandenburg Gate, you’ll find yourself on Pariser Platz, a historically significant square completely destroyed during World War II and now beautifully restored. The pleasant fall atmosphere is the perfect setting for strolling through its gorgeous green spaces and gardens.

Address

Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany

3. Uncover Berlin’s underground history

If you’re wondering what to do in Berlin in September when it’s raining, why not go underground? As a center of activity during World War II, Berlin is home to several memorials and museums dedicated to this time in history. One of the most interesting focuses on the period from the active war through the Cold War, when citizens tried to escape the East by tunneling under the Berlin Wall.

Berlin’s Underworld Museum takes visitors on a trip through time, offering a glimpse into the harrowing air raids that drove Berliners into dark bunkers, uncertain of their futures. The museum details the resilience and perseverance of those who risked everything in search of freedom, providing a powerful look at their hope for a better life.

Address

Brunnenstraße 105, 13355 Berlin, Germany

Opening hours

Daily, 10:00 AM–3:30 PM

4. Celebrate Oktoberfest and sample tasty brews

Despite its name, Oktoberfest actually begins in late September. Berlin hosts multiple Oktoberfest celebrations, where you can sample beer, listen to songs, and dine on tasty brats and schnitzels. The largest festival in Berlin is held at the Berlin Central Fairground with massive Bavarian tents, carnival rides, and food and beer vendors.

Even if you visit early in September before Oktoberfest starts, you can still experience the best breweries on a Berlin bar tour or pub crawl. With a mix of craft and commercial breweries, the city offers a range of guided tours.

Address

Kurt-Schumacher-Damm 207, 13405 Berlin, Germany

5. Discover the Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is one of Berlin’s most impressive landmarks, home to the country’s parliament. Crowned with a magnificent glass dome, visitors can ascend a spiral ramp to the top for panoramic views of the city, making it a true work of art. Whether it’s your first time in Berlin in September or your 20th, you can’t miss the grandeur of this spectacular structure.

For a truly unique experience, visit the glass dome at night for breathtaking views of the city lights. While the Reichstag Building is a popular tourist attraction, fall typically brings fewer tourists. You should still get tickets well in advance to get the full experience.

Address

Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany

Opening hours

Daily, 8:00 AM–midnight

6. Experience Berlin’s best nightlife

If you’re looking to party, Berlin in September has a little bit of everything, from laid-back rooftop bars where you can sip cocktails and people-watch to bumping techno clubs where you can dance the night away. The Mitte District has multiple relaxing rooftop bars perfect for enjoying the cool autumn evenings. For live music and a more alternative scene, head to the Neukölln District.

If you prefer your drinks cold, plan a visit to Berlin Icebar, a super chill experience recreating the arctic adventures of German explorers. Sip your drinks in an ice-carved setting surrounded by polar bear sculptures, while learning about the ill-fated voyage of the Hansa, which became stranded in an arctic ice floe on September 14, 1869.

Address

Spandauer Str. 2, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Opening hours

Monday–Friday, 3:00–10:00 PM

Saturday–Sunday, 2:00–10:00 PM