Before the Autumm starts, Berlin’s most famous sights become a canvas for beautiful light and video projections. This is the Festival of Lights in Berlin!
The Berlin Festival of Lights is one of those spectacular events that truly brings the city to life every autumn. For locals and visitors alike, it offers a vibrant display of creativity, light art, and breathtaking projections. Whether you’re a long-time Berliner or just visiting for a few days, this festival is the perfect excuse to explore the German capital in a unique way.
In 2024, the Festival of Lights is set to illuminate Berlin from October 4th to 13th, 2024, marking the transition to autumn with a mesmerizing light show across the city’s iconic landmarks.
What is the festival about?
The Berlin Festival of Lights is a massive open-air light art exhibition with more than 90 illuminated artworks across 50+ locations. Each evening from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM., Berlin’s most iconic structures become canvases for international light artists, turning the city into an outdoor gallery.
The Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin TV Tower, and the Berlin Cathedral are just a few of the famous landmarks set to be lit up. As always, this year will feature plenty of new installations as well as returning favorites. Grab your camera and get ready to capture Berlin in its most luminous form!
Check out the official map of the Festival of Lights 2024 to see the locations of this year’s festival.
What is the Best route at the Festival of Lights in Berlin 2024
While the Festival of Lights covers a wide range of locations across the city, if you’re looking to get the most out of your experience, a planned route through Berlin Mitte is highly recommended. This central route will take you through the heart of the festival while also allowing you to explore some of the city’s most iconic sights.
- Location: Berlin Mitte
- Closest Stations: Alexanderplatz or Potsdamer Platz
- Route Length: 5 km (2.5 hours walking)
- Fitness Level: Easy
My favorite route at the Festival of Lights: Start either at Alexanderplatz or Potsdamer Platz, depending on your preference. This route takes you through key illuminated locations including the Berlin Cathedral, the iconic TV Tower, and Brandenburg Gate. Whether you choose to walk, rent a bike, or use one of the electric scooters available, this is the best way to explore the city and see the festival.
- Tip: Berlin’s Bike-sharing and electric scooter services are available all over the city and are perfect if you want to avoid long walks while still covering a lot of ground.
NextBike is the cheapest bike sharing app in Berlin with tarifs starting at 1 EUR for 30 minutes.
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Key Attractions at the Festival of Lights 2024
- Brandenburg Gate – One of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, illuminated with stunning light projections. Pro tip: Don’t get any food here!
- TV Tower (Fernsehturm) – Berlin’s tallest structure and an iconic backdrop for creative light shows. Alexanderplatz is also a good place to find a nice rooftop bar and enjoy the rest of the evening.
- Berlin Cathedral – A highlight of the festival, beautifully lit up against the night sky. Don’t miss the Paul van Dyk concert happening on the 8th, 9th and 10th of October.
- Humboldt University – Another iconic stop along your route, offering a combination of history and art. This is also my favorite stop at the Festival of Lights Berlin. The displays in front of the Hotel d Rome are just amazing.
- Potsdamer Platz – A modern center of Berlin, with skyscrapers and lively projections. Great for getting a bite and start the walk.
Where to Eat During the Festival?
Finding a good spot to eat while you’re exploring the festival in Mitte can be tricky. While some of the smaller restaurants close by evening, there are still plenty of great options if you know where to look.
Here are a few local favorites:
- Burgermeister (Potsdamer Platz): Known for some of Berlin’s best burgers, including their famous chili-cheese fries. It’s a great option for something quick and tasty before continuing your light-filled journey.
- House of Small Wonder (Mitte): If you’re craving something a little different, this cozy cafe-restaurant offers a Japanese-European fusion menu. Perfect for brunch or a late dinner.
- Dolores (Alexanderplatz): For a quick and affordable bite, this spot offers delicious Californian-Mexican burritos that are a favorite among locals.
For drinks, you’ll find several stands selling beer, hot wine, and cocktails around the main festival locations. Berlin’s open-drinking culture means it’s perfectly fine to walk around with a beer in hand as you enjoy the lights.
- Be a local! Pro Tip: If you want to grab drinks for the road, be aware that there aren’t many spätis (late-night convenience shops) in the festival area, so you may want to buy beverages ahead of time near your accommodation.
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Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Arrive Early: The festival starts at 7 PM, but it’s a good idea to arrive earlier to avoid the largest crowds, especially at popular spots like Brandenburg Gate.
- Bring Your Camera: This is a photographer’s dream, so don’t forget your camera or phone to capture the beautiful projections.
- Take a Walking Tour: If you want to get more context on the art and Berlin’s history, there are several light walking tours available during the festival, where local guides share insights about the city and its landmarks.
- Participate in the Photo Contest: Each year, the festival hosts a photo competition, offering cash prizes for the best shots. If you’ve got an eye for photography, this is a fun way to engage with the festival.
The Berlin Festival of Lights 2024 promises to be just as exciting as ever, with a mix of familiar sights and new installations. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning, this is a festival that’s sure to light up your autumn in the most magical way.
Lightseeing Tours by Foot, Boat, or Bus
This year’s Festival of Lights brings you the chance to experience the magic of Berlin’s illuminated landmarks through specially curated lightseeing tours. Whether you prefer to explore on foot, by boat, or by bus, these tours offer the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the artistic light displays while learning about the city’s history and culture from trained guides and knowledgeable local providers.
Each tour is organized by official providers and is designed to highlight the festival’s most captivating light installations, taking you to iconic locations such as the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, and the TV Tower. With options for walking tours, river cruises, or a relaxed bus ride, there’s a format to suit every traveler’s preference.
This is a nice option for those with not much time and who enjoy these kind of tours. To be honest, I would still prefer to go by foot around the city.
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Paul van Dyk Presents ‘Escape Reality’ at Berlin Cathedral – A Once in a Lifetime Experience
On the 8th and 9th of October 2024, Berlin Cathedral will host a one-of-a-kind musical and visual event: Paul van Dyk’s ‘Escape Reality’, presented in collaboration with the Festival of Lights Berlin team. This world premiere will see the legendary DJ and producer reinterpret key highlights of his illustrious career in an exclusive ambient live set.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the majestic Berlin Cathedral, the show will feature an impressive combination of light and video installations. Expect iconic tracks such as For An Angel, Time Of Our Lives, and Home, all reimagined and seamlessly integrated into a mesmerizing audiovisual experience.
For fans of Paul van Dyk and those looking to enjoy a truly unique event, this is a ‘Once In A Lifetime’ opportunity to witness a musical journey like no other in one of the world’s most iconic venues.
Tickets are priced at just 45 euros plus booking fees, so make sure to secure your spot for this unforgettable evening!
NOTE: Unfortunately all tickets are sold out. However, drop by and you might be able to hear his set from a distance.
Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants to Catch a Glimpse of the Festival of Lights
For those looking to pair breathtaking views with great food and drinks during the Festival of Lights, Berlin offers a selection of rooftop bars and restaurants that provide the perfect vantage point to watch the city glow. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy the illuminated skyline while sipping a cocktail or enjoying a meal.
Klunkerkranich
Located atop a multi-story parking lot in Neukölln, Klunkerkranich is known for its relaxed vibe, creative drinks, and stunning panoramic views of the city. During the Festival of Lights, this rooftop bar offers a perfect spot to watch the sky light up with artistic displays. Get there early to grab a seat and soak in the atmosphere.
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House of Weekend
For those seeking a more upscale experience, House of Weekend on Alexanderplatz offers a chic rooftop bar with unbeatable views of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, including the illuminated TV Tower and Brandenburg Gate. This stylish venue combines music, great cocktails, and exceptional views during the festival.
Hotel de Rome Rooftop Terrace
Located in the heart of Mitte, Hotel de Rome’s Rooftop Terrace offers luxurious seating with a front-row view of some of the city’s most iconic buildings, many of which serve as canvases during the festival. Sip on fine wine or a handcrafted cocktail while taking in the light displays projected onto the Berlin Cathedral and the surrounding historic buildings.
Monkey Bar
Situated on the 10th floor of the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, Monkey Bar overlooks the Berlin Zoo and offers a unique urban jungle experience. During the Festival of Lights, the bar provides fantastic views of the city’s west side, including the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, which will be illuminated in vibrant colors.
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AMANO Rooftop Bar
Located near Rosenthaler Platz, AMANO Rooftop Bar is another great option to enjoy the festival with a cocktail in hand. Offering a stylish setting and a relaxed atmosphere, the rooftop provides views of Berlin’s center and its colorful festival displays.
