Berlin is constantly reinventing itself. And there’s a great deal to discover in October. For the first time, you can take a peek behind the doors of Berlin’s workshops at the Long Night of the Manufactories, spend the night in the former women’s prison, or experience the capital in complete darkness. There are also new venues for art and music, a rooftop restaurant overlooking Neukölln and an art café on Potsdamer Platz. And even a short trip just outside Berlin is well worth it: at the Beelitz Sanatorium, light, sound and digital art transform a historic bathhouse into an immersive art space.
Here are our 11 new tips for your autumn in Berlin.
Tip 1: Premiere of the Long Night of the Manufactories
Partly hidden away in side streets and courtyards, Berlin’s workshops and studios are home to all sorts of beautiful and delicious creations – baked, forged and crafted. For the premiere of the Long Night of the Manufactories, you can look over the creators’ shoulders and discover what’s being created right in the heart of Berlin through guided tours, workshops, tastings and live demonstrations. Around 30 to 40 Berlin-based manufacturers, studios and workshops from sectors such as jewellery, fashion and gourmet produce will be taking part, offering insights into their local production and craftsmanship.
When: 17 October 2026, 4 pm–midnight
Where: Various locations in Mitte, Wedding, Moabit, Tiergarten, Gesundbrunnen and the Hansaviertel
Long Night of the Manufacturers
Tip 2: New exhibition – In the footsteps of Genghis Khan and the Mongols
How did people live in the largest contiguous empire in history? The new, major exhibition at the James Simon Gallery takes you into the world of Genghis Khan and the Mongols, whilst at the same time dispelling many long-held notions and prejudices. On display are archaeological treasures spanning half a millennium of nomadic equestrian culture, including numerous artefacts being shown outside Mongolia for the first time. The latest research also reveals how the ‘Mongol Century’, between 1250 and 1350, shaped societies, trade and cultural exchange far beyond the empire’s borders.
When: 21 October 2026 to 18 April 2027
Where: James-Simon-Galerie, Bodestraße, Mitte
Tip 3: Behind bars by choice: Spend the night at THE KNAST
A night in prison, albeit with an erotic boudoir atmosphere, art and a modern rain shower: in the former women’s prison in Lichterfelde , THE KNAST has now opened an adults-only boutique hotel alongside its restaurant, bar and studios .
For these unusual rooms, two to four of the historic cells have been combined. Original cell doors and old bolts serve as a reminder of the history of this listed building, whilst anthracite, wine red, bespoke furniture and rose-gold details create a distinctly sensual atmosphere. Four further suites, each with a unique layout and captivating extras, are planned for the converted attic.
Anyone who doesn’t want to go home after dinner and drinks can now simply stay on the premises, behind locked doors. The restaurant, bar and garden are right next door.
When: Open since 15 September 2026; overnight stays from 160 euros
Where: Söhtstraße 7, Lichterfelde
Tip 4: Discover Berlin in the dark at Dialogue in the Dark
What is Berlin like when you can’t see a thing? With ‘Dialogue in the Dark’, The Playce is hosting the capital’s first permanent exhibition of this internationally renowned interactive experience. In complete darkness, you’ll make your way through immersive, Berlin-inspired rooms – accompanied by blind and visually impaired guides, whose everyday experiences become their expertise here.
It’s all about perception, trust and genuine encounters – and about getting to know the city from a completely new perspective. Embark on a journey into the unknown and experience Berlin without sight for once!
When: from 15 October 2026
Where: The Playce, Potsdamer Platz, Mitte
Tip 5: Breakfast with a view at Neukölln’s new rooftop hotspot, The Dawn
High above the rooftops of Neukölln, brunch now comes with a new view: The Dawn has moved onto the roof of the KALLE . Since the end of August, you’ve been able to enjoy brunch all day long on the spacious west-facing terrace, with views over Karl-Marx-Straße and Rollberg. You really shouldn’t miss out on the homemade pancakes in particular. Later in the day, drinks, DJ sets, readings and comedy ensure a smooth transition from breakfast to a rooftop evening.
When: Sunday to Thursday 10am–10pm, Friday & Saturday 10am–midnight
Where: The Dawn, Rooftop KALLE Neukölln, Karl-Marx-Straße 101, Neukölln
Tip 6: More space for music: Rough Trade is moving
And more news from KALLE Neukölln: the British record shop Rough Trade is moving to significantly larger premises within the building complex. As well as vinyl and new releases, there will be a greater focus on live experiences in future – with a large stage, sound system and its own bar. This gives Berlin’s music community a new venue for concerts, DJ sets and meet-ups with artists.
When: Monday to Saturday, 11am–8pm
Where: Rough Trade at KALLE, Karl-Marx-Straße 101, Neukölln
Tip 7: Art for the neighbourhood: Frida – Bobby – Galerie opens
The Schillerkiez is gaining a new venue for contemporary art: the independent Frida – Bobby Gallery brings together established and emerging artists within a deliberately accessible setting. The focus is on identity, relationships, personal development and everything that shapes us. Alongside changing exhibitions, there are plans for workshops, cultural events and a shop selling affordable prints and posters. The opening will be celebrated with art, music and drinks. Afterwards, the party simply moves next door to Keith’s Bar.
When: Opening on 2 October 2026, from 6 pm
Where: Frida – Bobby – Galerie, Schillerpromenade 2, Neukölln
Tip 8: Coffee meets art at BOHNEVILLE
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, a new art café called BOHNEVILLE has opened on Potsdamer Platz. Here, coffee, croissants and cinnamon buns are accompanied by a changing selection of works by independent contemporary artists – pieces that can not only be admired but also purchased. Monthly exhibitions are designed to provide a platform for lesser-known talents in particular and to bring art into everyday café life in a relaxed way. Soothing beats and a keen eye for detail make this a laid-back spot for a coffee break, discovering art or meeting up with friends.
When: Monday to Sunday, 9 am – 8 pm
Where: Bohneville, Eichhornstraße 2, Tiergarten
Tip 9: Discover little treasures at the newly opened Kinder Tresor
At Kinder Tresor , beautiful design meets a carefully curated selection . In her concept store , founder Dina Purnasari brings together clothes , toys, books and gifts for children aged 0 to 6. Around 20 independent brands offer long-lasting favourites rather than fast-fashion mass-produced goods. Amidst green-striped walls and a friendly bear in the shop window, families can browse together at their leisure.
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Belziger Straße 20, Schöneberg
Tip 10: From a derelict site to a light art venue: NEBULA
In a place where, over 100 years ago, light, water and mud baths were intended to aid recovery, you can now immerse yourselves in an art exhibition and a kaleidoscope of light. NEBULA transforms the historic bathhouse at the Beelitz Sanatorium into an immersive art space using lasers, projections and sound. At times, the old domed ceiling seems to open up; at others, a tree root comes to life digitally; or you can create light and sound with your own movements.
To kick things off, visitors can experience works by the artist Xenorama and the light artist Annika Hippler, amongst others. In future, NEBULA is set to evolve regularly with new works and stories .
When: Opens on 5 September 2026
Where: Historic Bathhouse, Beelitz Sanatorium, Beelitz
Tip 11: Rediscover Berlin’s museums with Bloomberg Connects
Explore ancient myths at your own pace and listen to stories about the artworks and architectural history as you wander through the exhibition: with Bloomberg Connects, avisit to the museums of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation takes on a new digital dimension. Kicking things off are the Altes Museum on Museum Island and the Museum of European Cultures, offering free audio tours and themed walks – including options in simple language and those specially designed for families.
In future, further museums and collections are set to follow, offering a taste of discovery – before, during and after your visit – with behind-the-scenes insights, provenance and architecture tours, as well as accessible options.
When: any time
Where: To start with, at the Altes Museum, Mitte, and the Museum of European Cultures, Dahlem
