Tip 1: Estrel Tower: Above the rooftops of Neukölln
The Estrel Tower is set to become a new landmark on the Berlin skyline. Situated right on the Neukölln shipping canal, Germany’s tallest hotel building rises to a height of 176 metres and comprises 45 storeys. Alongside 522 rooms, suites and serviced apartments, you’ll find modern co-working spaces, a spa and spacious event venues. A particular highlight: on the 43rd floor, a restaurant, the Skybar and a terrace offer panoramic views over Berlin. A new meeting place for international guests and Berliners alike.
When: Soft opening on 1 December 2026
Where: Sonnenallee 228, Neukölln
Tip 2: The Blue Pearl: Dine surrounded by fascinating underwater worlds
In the historic Nikolaiviertel, The Blue Pearl is creating a new world of experiences for all the senses. In the listed former Schwalbennest restaurant, fine dining, live entertainment and imaginative productions merge to take you on a journey into the depths of the ocean. Look forward to sophisticated menus, artfully crafted cocktails and extraordinary spaces – from the magnificent Throne Room to the mysterious Atlantis Bar. Behind the concept is a Berlin-based team of catering, design and entertainment professionals.
When: Scheduled opening on 3 November 2026
Where: Rathausstraße 23, Mitte (Nikolaiviertel)
Tip 3: No Silence: Igor Levit launches his own music label
With “No Silence”, Berlin-based pianist Igor Levit is embarking on a new chapter. His own music label aims to give artists greater independence and scope for unconventional ideas – even beyond the realm of classical music. Three albums are being released to mark the launch: Igor Levit performs Erik Satie’s approximately 16-hour-long “Vexations”, and, under the album title “Resistance”, Beethoven’s Eroica and Schoenberg’s Ode to Napoleon. Also being released is the debut by the young pianist Lukas Sternath. The name says it all: ‘No Silence’ stands for artistic freedom, conviction and the courage to get involved – or as Igor Levit himself explains: “I no longer want to debate the extent to which art and culture are relevant to democracy.”
You can currently stream two singles on the website.
When: First release in October 2026
Tip 4: SPACE DISCOVERY: Off into space!
Ever fancied being an astronaut? The new immersive exhibition SPACE DISCOVERY takes you on a fascinating journey through the universe. Experience a simulated rocket launch, explore a space station and discover distant planets in stunning 360-degree visual worlds. Interactive stations invite you to get involved, whilst Berlin-based astronaut Rabea Rogge guides you through this space adventure as the voice of the audio guide. An exciting world premiere for explorers of all ages!
When: From 4 December 2026 to 4 April 2027
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm, Thursday to Saturday 10 am – 8 pm, and on Mondays during the school holidays
Where: Arena Berlin, Eichenstraße 4, Treptow-Köpenick (Alt-Treptow)
Tip 5: Club 119 is bringing nightlife back to a historic venue
Berlin’s club scene is set to expand: Club 119 is opening as a new venue for long nights on the dance floor. Its history is particularly fascinating: the premises once housed the ‘Kirche von Unten’ (KvU), which was part of the opposition civil rights movement during the GDR era. Where social change was once discussed, there is now space for a new club culture. In the summer, the action is set to extend to the outdoor areas as well.
Good to know: The club offers two dance floors for techno and house music and also sees itself as a cultural venue for theatre, dance and art. Historic graffiti from the KvU has been preserved.
When: Opening on 23 October 2026
Where: Storkower Straße 119, Prenzlauer Berg
Clubs in Berlin
Tip 6: CALMA Sauna Garden: Sweat, relax and socialise
A bit of sauna, a bit of club culture and plenty of cosiness: with the CALMA Sauna Garden, Berlin is gaining a new haven of well-being for the colder months. In the garden of ://about blank, you’ll find saunas, a yurt and crackling fire pits. Regular sauna rituals, sound journeys, massages and concerts turn a visit into a communal experience. A regular programme of events is set to be developed gradually in collaboration with the community.
When: daily except Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6 pm – midnight
Where: Markgrafendamm 24c, Friedrichshain (Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg), entrance via Werkstraße
CALMA Sauna Garden: Pizza at BER
Tip 7: SPIZZA PIZZA: Tim Raue brings
pizza with a top chef’s signature touch: with SPIZZA PIZZA, Tim Raue brings the Italian way of life to BER Airport. The dough is left to rest for 48 hours before the pizza is topped with sophisticated ingredients and then served to you, fresh from the oven, in just a few minutes. The menu features 13 creations, including the ‘Spicy Berlin’ with sucuk and sambal chilli, and the ‘Truffle Shuffle Bianco’ with truffle cream and Jerusalem artichoke. These are accompanied by Italian coffee specialities, desserts and ice cream made in Berlin. Meals are served in a colourful Italo-pop setting.
When: Opening planned for December 2026; exact date not yet known
Where: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Melli-Beese-Ring 1, Schönefeld (Brandenburg)
Tip 8: Savour the flavours of Aleppo at nuur
With nuur, a slice of Syrian culinary culture is coming to Hermannstraße in Neukölln. Head chef Mohamed Ali combines the culinary traditions of his home region, Aleppo, with modern cooking techniques and personal family recipes. On the menu are mezze to share, spicy kebabs with tahini and his grandmother’s roast chicken. These are accompanied by Levantine wines and a selection of vinyl tracks ranging from oriental funk to jazz. A welcoming place to discover the diverse cuisine of northern Syria.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, 12 noon – midnight
Where: Hermannstraße 186, Neukölln
Tip 9: Literaturhaus Berlin: A literary comeback during Advent
After more than two years of renovation, the Literaturhaus Berlin has been back in its historic Wilhelminian-style villa since October! Just in time for its 40th anniversary, this popular cultural venue is once again opening its doors to readings, talks and literary discoveries. New features include accessible entry and the ‘Kamins Zimmer’ series, which provides a platform for young literary voices. The Kohlhaas & Co. bookshop is also back. For cosy December days, the Café Wintergarten is another attraction, with its reopening announced for the second week of November.
Good to know: Look forward to numerous readings and events in December, including the award ceremony for the Walter Serner Prize for Short Stories on 1 December at 7 pm in the Great Hall, and the family reading with Nadia Budde ‘The Grinch or The Stolen Presents’ on 11 December at 3.30 pm
When: Monday to Thursday 12 noon – 4 pm, Friday 12 noon – 3 pm
Where: Fasanenstraße 23, Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf)
Tip 10: Christmas magic with a new look at Alexanderplatz
The Christmas market at Alexanderplatz will be presenting a new concept in 2026: warm lights and soft sandy tones transform the area around the Fountain of Friendship between Nations into an atmospheric winter setting. Between the World Time Clock and the hustle and bustle of the city, international Christmas traditions meet fresh ideas. Look forward to festive market stalls, specialities from around the world and classic treats – a Christmassy meeting place right in the heart of Berlin.
When: 23 November to 26 December 2026, daily 11 am–10 pm
Where: Alexanderplatz, Mitte
