Local Guide

Berlin is not only known for its eventful history, which is still evident as you stroll around the city. Today the capital unites tradition and modern age, reflected in buildings from the 1920’s and the new glass-and steel architecture of recent years. The wide range of cultural activities with numerous museums, galleries and sights as well as a large choice of restaurants, bars, clubs and fascinating shopping facilities offer something for everyone’s taste and lifestyle. Swissotel Berlin, directly located on the famous Kurfurstendamm, is the ideal starting point to explore the continuously expanding city and to experience the unique atmosphere of Berlin.

Local Events

Carnival of Cultures

25 May

World music is performed on four stages during the Carnival of Cultures, while culinary delights and handmade crafts are offered at more than 400 booths. With around 4700 participants from 80 nations, a parade of brightly decorated trucks is the highlight of this colourful street festival.

Christopher Street Day

23 Jun

Christopher Street Day is the annual celebration and demonstration for the rights of lesbian, gay, intersexual and bisexual people and against discrimination. Brightly decorated trucks and more than 500,000 participants walk from Alexanderplatz to the Brandenburg Gate to celebrate their love.

Bread & Butter

4 Jul

With approximately 600 exhibitors from various sectors, Bread & Butter is one of the most important trade shows for contemporary clothing. During one weekend, Berlin shows its fashionable side with stylish events and exclusive parties in the light of the Bread & Butter show.
4 - 6 Jul 2012

Classic Open Air

5 Jul

Every summer, the Gendarmenmarkt turns into a gorgeous backdrop for the Classic Open Air Festival. In the heart of historical Berlin, the festival shows top-class diversity of classical music accompanied by spectacular fireworks and light shows – not only inspiring for classical music lovers.

IFA

31 Aug

With over 200,000 visitors and exhibitors from around the world, IFA is the largest global trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, presenting the latest products. A great opportunity to get a first impression of new products and a comprehensive overview of the international market.

Berlin Marathon

30 Sep

The Berlin Marathon is the outstanding sport event in the capital city. More than 40,000 runners assemble in Berlin in September to conquer the distance of 42 km. The course leads across the city past the Victory Column, the Reichstag and many landmarks such as the Memorial Church at Kurfurstendamm.

Festival of Lights

11 Oct

Every autumn, the city is ablaze with colours and spectacular, sparkling lighting accents. During the Festival of Lights, the illumination of famous Berlin sights such as the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower or the Berlin Dom Cathedral shows Berlin in all its brilliance and brightness.

Christmas

1 Nov

Experience Berlin and the incomparable charm of winter magic with more than 60 Christmas markets in the capital. Discover the vendor booths’ magic charm and unique Christmas gift items at the Memorial Church Christmas Market, directly at Kurfurstendamm and just steps from Swissotel Berlin.
1 Nov - 31 Dec 2012

New Year's Eve

31 Dec

One of the world’s biggest events is celebrated at the Brandenburg Gate every New Year’s Eve. More than a million people celebrate, with live music and performances on several stages. International DJs and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight are the highlight of the night.
31 Dec 2012