May not only brings spring fever, but also exciting new openings in the capital! From the long-awaited reopening of the Pfaueninsel to new cultural formats, vibrant festival, culinary pop-ups and bold urban innovations - this month is full of inspiration. Whether you want to dance barefoot in the sand, dive into Berlin's history or simply take your selfie game to the next level - our top 11 new openings in May show you what you shouldn't miss in Berlin right now!
Tip 1: Pfaueninsel Palace reopens – a magical island Sunday marks the occasion
After years of restoration, Berlin’s Pfaueninsel Palace is finally welcoming visitors once again. Starting Sunday, 25 May, the romantic island in the Havel River becomes the setting for a day-long celebration aptly titled “Island Sunday for All the Senses.” The historic site, long closed to the public, returns to the cultural stage with interactive stations designed to enchant and inspire. Visitors arriving by ferry will be greeted by the sound of alphorns before stepping into a world of vibrant creativity: from hands-on painting workshops and glass bead artistry to magic shows, vocal music performances, and even a yodelling concert.
You will also learn more about the island’s history. Along winding forest paths, historical installations and guided narratives will reveal insights into life on the island in centuries past, the architecture of the castle, and the intricate restoration work that has revived this UNESCO World Heritage jewel. One particularly rare sight awaits on the water: the Royal Louise, a miniature frigate and floating tribute to Prussian maritime heritage, will be anchored off the island especially for the occasion.
Please note: Entry to the palace is limited. Tour tickets will be available on-site at the Fährhaus on the day of the event.
When: Sunday, 25. May 2025, all day
Where: Pfaueninsel, Berlin-Wannsee
Tip 2: The Gardens of Babylon celebrates its Berlin debut at Sage Beach
The Gardens of Babylon will kick off the open air season in Berlin on 26 April with an all-day festival format. Set against the bohemian backdrop of Sage Beach, the day-long festival offers far more than a traditional dance floor. Alongside a cutting-edge electronic line-up, guests are invited to take part in a variety of spiritual spring rituals—from guided meditations and breathwork to energy healing sessions, sound baths, and other holistic workshops designed to recharge your body and mind.
Of course, the heart of the event remains the music. Spanning two stages, the festival’s sonic journey ranges from organic house to hypnotic electronic beats. The Berlin premiere boasts an impressive line-up including Oceanvs Orientalis, Heimlich Knüller, Mita Gami, Babü, Aggy Lou and Socko—promising an unforgettable soundtrack for dancing barefoot in the sand.
Adding a local touch, the event will also feature a garden market showcasing Berlin-based creatives, sustainable brands, and wellness offerings.
When: Saturday, 26 April, 1pm -10pm, afterparty (limited): from 10pm
Where: Sage Beach, Köpenicker Str. 18-20, Kreuzberg
Tip 3: ALIZÉ - Cirque du Soleil starts with first European residency show in Berlin
Cirque du Soleil is bringing its first permanent show to Europe with ALIZÉ - and celebrating its world premiere at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz. From 24 October, ALIZÉ will take you on a dreamlike journey beyond reality, in which the boundaries between the visible and the invisible, between fantasy and reality become blurred. Immerse yourself in a surreal world full of magic and mystery and join the protagonists on a poetic journey of discovery - full of breathtaking artistry, innovative stage technology and the mysterious aesthetics of Magie Nouvelle. The theatre at Potsdamer Platz is currently being renovated for the new show. Tickets are already available now!
When: from 24 October 2025
Where: Theatre am Potsdamer Platz, Mitte
Tip 4: Berlinathon - A new running event for Berlin
The Berlinathon combines exercise and Berlin culture in a new event format. Discover Berlin's cultural highlights on themed running routes - from music and theatre to street food. The focus is on fun and community. Sign up, alone or with friends, and look forward to new routes, creative impulses and lots of running fun every month. It's entirely up to you whether you run just three or 42 kilometres at the end, at the Berlinathon Festival on Tempelhofer Feld on 14 September. Everyone can enjoy the subsequent programme of art, culinary delights and music. It starts on 27 April from 11 a.m. at Tempelhofer Feld.
Registration at: Berlinathon - Culture meets Running Berlinathon - Culture Meets Running
When: April - September
Where: various route in Berlin
Tip 5: New tour by querstadtein - "Revolutionary Role of Cafés"
At Querstadtein, people who are often talked about but usually not listened to will guide you through Berlin. In this new tour Mahmoud, a refugee activist from Syria, talks about his escape and his new start in Berlin. His personal story interweaves with the political dimensions of cafés as meeting places for activists in Syria, and shows you his favourite cafés - this time as places of community and arrival - in Kreuzkölln.
The English-language tour sheds light on topics such as exile, the role of women in the Syrian revolution and the significance of lived migration experiences in Berlin's urban space. A city tour that is deeply moving and opens up new perspectives on everyday places.
When: Sunday, 27 April and 25 May. May, from 2 pm
Where: Various cafés around Maybachufer
Tip 6: Photoblink - Korean-Style Self-Photo Studio in Kreuzberg
Berlin meets Seoul: A new highlight has opened in the centre of Bergmannkiez that will delight creative selfie fans. Photoblink brings the trendy concept of Korean self-photo studios to Kreuzberg - including stylish props, trendy Y2K vibes and several booths with different angles. Whether alone, with a friend or as a couple - you can create your own personalised mini photo shoot here. You'll find everything you need in the studio - hats, ears and, of course, a beauty station for styling. After the shoot, you can choose your favourite photos, which you can then edit and print out on the spot. The perfect mountain souvenir.
When: daily, walk-ins
Where: Bergmannstraße 27, Kreuzberg
Tip 7: KERB Berlin - new street food spot at Potsdamer Platz
Berlin is getting a new addition when it comes to street food: In May 2025, KERB Berlin will open on Potsdamer Platz - a hotspot for all those who love culinary variety. Twelve creative restaurateurs bring their very own signature to the plate here: look forward to buttermilk fried chicken from Butter Bronson's, freshly prepared Jian Bing straight from the grill and, of course, the legendary cheese carousel from Pick & Cheese, where you can choose your favourite cheese from the conveyor belt as it passes by. In addition to the wide range of food on offer, you can also expect regular pop-ups and live events.
When: Opening in May 2025, daily 12pm-2pm
Where: Potsdamer Platz, Mitte
Tip 8: The Streets Berlin - New hotspot for street style, sports & sneaker fans
And more news from The Playce, here, right on Potsdamer Platz, a new hotspot for urban culture has established itself with The Streets. The successful format from Slovakia brings streetball vibes, sneaker fever and street style together under one roof. In future, you will be able to find the latest drops from brands such as Jordan, Nike, adidas, The North Face, Converse and Vans here. You can also look forward to regular basketball events, skate sessions and community activities.
When: Monday to Saturday 10am - 7pm
Where: The Streets Berlin, Potsdamer Platz, Mitte
Tip 9: Pop-Up Teahouse Berlin Asia Arts Club 2025
The Berlin Asia Arts Club brings you closer to the diversity of the Asian art and culture scene with the Pop-up Teahouse. Workshops, exhibitions, performances, concerts and readings await you at various pop-up events. Of course, there is also a speciality tea room. Here you can chat over a cup of tea and find out more about the culture. It starts on 3 May at C*Space Berlin with the interactive workshop "Bodies & Walls" (admission free). This will be followed in the evening by "Vaters Land & Motherland", a reading by Hieu Hoang with music by Another Nguyen. Themes are origin, identity and memory.
When: Saturday, 3 May, 4 - 7 pm: Bodies & Walls, from 7.30 pm reading
Where: C*Space Berlin, Reinickendorfer Str. 66, Wedding
Tip 10: qoob - smart retreats now also at Potsdamer Platz
After its successful launch at Alexanderplatz, qoob is now coming to Potsdamer Platz - directly at the south entrance of The Playce. With its innovative on-the-go concept, qoob offers flexible retreats for anyone who needs to take a quick breath in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city, focus on their work or find a quiet place for meetings and calls. The modern pods are soundproofed, offer high-speed internet, customisable lighting and climate control. You can book easily via app.
When: bookable via the qoob app
Where: The Playce, south entrance, Potsdamer Platz, Mitte
Tip 11: New flea market on Tuchollaplatz
A new flea market is bringing a breath of fresh air to the east of Berlin: Tuchollaplatz in the charming Kaskelkiez neighbourhood will be transformed into a flea market every second Sunday from 4 May. Every second Sunday from 4 May 2025, Tuchollapatz in the charming Kaskelkiez district will be transformed into a relaxed meeting place for flea market fans, neighbours and design lovers. A colourful mix of private junk, vintage items, children's things, books, art and homemade items awaits you between historic houses and in the open air. The atmosphere is cosy, the space is generous and the selection is hand-picked. You can stock up on coffee, snacks and cool drinks at selected street food stalls - perfect for a break in between.
When: Opening on Sunday, 4. May 2025, thereafter every second Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm
Where: Tuchollaplatz, Kaskelkiez, Lichtenberg (between S-Ostkreuz & S-Nöldnerplatz)
