12 Things to Do in Berlin in June
If you're visiting the German capital in June and you're still not sure what its charms are, I'll show you one by one.
Berlin is famous for being one of Europe's most vibrant cities all year round. But it is in summer when, with the good weather, events fill its streets and make it a particularly pleasant city to explore and explore.
If you are already planning to visit in June and need some ideas on how to enjoy it, this article is of interest to you. June is also the best month to visit Berlin. There's something for everyone: indie, rock, opera, classical... I'll show you everything below!
1. Make the most of the good weather: take a cruise or tour Berlin by bike or bus
June is one of the most pleasant months in Berlin. Temperatures are pleasant (highs often reach 20 degrees Celsius) and the number of cloudy days is noticeably reduced. There are therefore few months more suitable for touring Berlin in good weather.
There are two basic options, either a cruise along the Spree or a bicycle tour. The latter is a good option since Berlin can boast of being one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe. Here is more information on cruises in Berlin and how to get around Berlin by bike.
There is also another way to get around Berlin which, in good weather, is a great option: the tourist bus. Many of them allow you to see the sights from an open-air area, something that, as nice as it sounds, is not always practicable. Especially in winter when cloudy or rainy days are almost the norm.
Interesting facts
- Dates: The months of good weather.
- Place: The river Spree and the centre of Berlin.
- Price: A bike tour of Berlin from €37, a sightseeing bus tour from €23 and a dinner cruise from €65.
We compare the different options
- Berlin Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour
- From £26
- Up to 2 hours
- Audio guide in several languages
- Different route options
- Rhine Cruise (Deluxe pass)
- Walking tour with local guide and currywurst (Premium and Deluxe pass)
- With guide (Premium and Deluxe pass)
- Book now
- Berlin Hop-on Hop-off City Sightseeing Bus Tour
- From £25
- 2.5 hours
- Audio guide in several languages
- Different route options
- 24 or 48 hour bus tour
- Hop-on hop-off stops available
- No guide
- Book now
- Berlin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- From £29
- Valid from first use
- Audio guide in several languages
- 18 stops available
- 24- or 48-hour bus tour with stops available
- One-hour cruise on Spree (optional)
- Without guide
- Book now
- Berlin Bike Tour
- From £32
- 3 and a half hours
- Bike and safety equipment
- Protective poncho in case of light rain
- Photo stops
- With guide
- Book now
- Berlin Dinner Cruise
- From £62
- 2 and a half hours
- Welcome with a complimentary drink
- 3-course Berliner dinner with vegetarian menu option
- Without guide
- Book now
2. Experience Berlin from above
The month of June, with its excellent weather, is an ideal time to discover the capital of Germany from above. And you will wonder how? With a helicopter flight over Berlin in which you will enjoy amazing views of the city: the Berlin Wall, the TV Tower, the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower and the cathedral are some of the most emblematic sites of which you will have a completely different view than you would have imagined before.
Throughout the entire tour, which lasts approximately 20 minutes, you will have a headset to communicate with the professional pilot who will accompany you and guide you so that you don't miss any of the must-see sights. And, best of all, after this flight experience, you'll receive a tourist flight certificate.
You'll also be driven to the heliport's take-off platform in a limousine.
3. Experience a unique experience, a balloon ride in the sky over Berlin
Another way to see Germany's capital in June is with a Die Welt balloon ride, where you'll have dazzling panoramic views of Berlin's key monuments from approximately 150 metres above the ground.
You won't miss a single detail, as the team of pilots and guides who will accompany you for the 15 minutes of the experience will give you all the details of what you see at all times.
And, as with the helicopter ride, you will also receive a personalised flight certificate.
4. Immerse yourself in the streets of the city with the Berlin Music Festival
Berlin is greeting the summer in an unbeatable way: with the Berlin Music Festival. The event kicks off on 21 June. For one week it brings together a host of musical artists of all styles.
This event, which has been going on for 40 years, is one of the liveliest music festivals in the German capital. Each year the festival is devoted to an instrument or group of instruments, so I advise you to check the programme to see if you are lucky enough to come across an edition that highlights an instrument that particularly interests you.
Useful information
- Date: 21st June.
- Place: No fixed venue because it takes place in the different squares and streets of Berlin.
- Price: Free of charge.
5. Wrap yourself in the rainbow with the Gay Pride celebrations
Gay diversity parades have been held in Germany at the end of June since 1979. But it is only in recent times (more or less from the 1990s onwards) that this celebration has gained the power it enjoys today. In fact, it has been extending the duration of its events.
The CSD Berlin runs from the end of May to the end of June. It is called "Pride month". There are many activities revolving around it. Let me show you some of them:
- The CSD Parade: This is the actual parade. Tens of thousands of people parade through the streets of the city centre. The route may vary from year to year, but it always takes place in the central area of Berlin. It usually ends at the Brandenburg Gate.
- Transgenialer CSD: A more alternative event that takes place in the multicultural Kreuzberg district of the city.
- Gay Night at the Zoo: A curious event that takes place at the Berlin Zoo, a space that is animated by concerts and various festive events.
Interesting facts
- Dates: The CSD at the end of June. All events together during the whole month of June.
- Venue: Berlin City Centre, Kreuzberg, Berlin Zoo.
- Price: Free of charge.
6. Around the world without leaving Berlin: Carnival of Cultures
The Carnival of Cult ures is a spectacular event whose mission is to break down cultural barriers and xenophobia by means of parades in which thousands of people from all over the world participate.
The streets of Berlin are filled with people dancing in different costumes from all the continents of the world. Four days of fun in Kreuzberg, the city's multicultural district, which is well known for its large population of Turkish origin. You can enjoy the following:
- Main parade (usually takes place at 12:30 p.m.).
- Up to 4 stages with world music.
- Acrobatics and dance performances.
Sounds good? Then take note: it starts at the beginning of June. And, best of all, there's no entrance fee! If you feel like exploring the neighbourhood further, here's an article on what to see and do in Kreuzberg.
Interesting facts
- Dates: First half of June.
- Place: Kreuzberg and the parade on Hermannplatz.
- Price: Free of charge.
Take a stroll through the international flea market at Blücherplatz
A perfect complementary activity to the Carnival of Cultures. Located on Blücherplatz, coinciding with the multicultural carnival, hundreds of food and craft stalls offer their wares to those who want to come along for a while.
Blücherplatz is located in Kreuzberg, the same district where most of the celebrations take place as part of the Carnival of Cultures, so... it doesn't cost anything to take a stroll around the stalls!
Interesting facts
of the Blücherplatz market
- Dates: Early June.
- Place: Blücherplatz.
- Price: Free of charge.
7. Listen to your favourite bands on Tempelhof Sounds
Berlin is a musical city in June. This is evidenced by the open-air concerts, but also by the festivals for which you have to pay an entrance fee. The best of the month is undoubtedly Tempelhof Sounds. The line-up is spectacular and includes rock and indie bands that fill stadiums on their own.
It usually takes place in the second week of June near Tempelhof airport. Tickets are, of course, not exactly cheap. But I can assure you that the line-up of artists performing at this festival is spectacular: Muse, The Strokes... and the list goes on! In short, if you want to enjoy it you should set aside at least €70 in your budget if you want to attend one day. If you don't want to miss this event during the 3 days it lasts... then the amount could start from 170 €!
Interesting facts
- Dates: Second week of June
- Place: Near the airport, at Flughafen, Platz d. Luftbrücke.
- Price: From 70 € per day.
8. The party continues at the Citadel Music Festival
It's another music festival in Berlin (weird, isn't it?). The Citadel Music Festival has the particularity that it is probably one of the longest festivals in the city. An opportunity, therefore, to enjoy rock and pop music in good weather. The advantage of visiting the city in June is that this month brings together the greatest number of concerts and activities.
It also has the added attraction of being held in the Spandau Citadel, one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe. The concerts have prices to suit all tastes, depending on the artists, although you can buy one from 30 €.
Interesting facts
- Dates: From the end of May to the end of August.
- Venue: Spandau Citadel.
- Price: Concerts from €30.
9. Multicultural and neighbourhood Berlin: 48 hours Neukölln
If you missed the fabulous Carnival of Cultures at the beginning of June, Berlin gives you another chance to immerse yourself in its multicultural atmosphere. And it does so with an event that highlights the value of diversity, albeit in a more neighbourhood and quiet way. It is the 48 hours Neukölln, whose name refers to the Neukölln district of Berlin. It is one of the most multicultural areas of the city, with an estimated 160 different nationalities living there.
With this cultural capital, an art festival is organised with a proliferation of events, concerts and exhibitions. The 48 Hours Neukölln also has the attraction of a strong local focus. Associations and groups that are part of the social fabric of the neighbourhood are invited to take part. If you want a real insight into cosmopolitan Berlin, you can't miss it!
By the way, if you like Berlin's neighbourhood life, I recommend you explore as many of them as you can. Here you can find out more about Berlin's best neighbourhoods.
Interesting facts
- Dates: End of June.
- Place: The streets of Neukölln.
- Price: Free of charge.
10. The best music for free at the Open Air du Staatsoper
The Open Air du Staatsoper festival brings together two of Germany's passions: classical music and open-air performances. This event is usually led by the prestigious Argentinian conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim. And by the no less prestigious Staatsoper orchestra.
Best of all, admission is free. Above all, because we are going to listen to some of the best musical and operatic performers without paying a single euro. The time usually varies depending on the year, so I advise you to check it on the website. Of course, don't hesitate to bring a picnic basket with you, Berliners love to do that!
Interesting facts
- Dates: Second half of June.
- Place: Unter der Linden.
- Price: Free of charge.
11. The classical short break: more music at the Bach Festival in Leipzig
If you fancy an escape from the hustle and bustle of Berlin in June, you have an unbeatable opportunity to do so with the Leipzig Bach Festival in Leipzig. If you like the music of the Baroque composer, for many the greatest in history, you can't miss this event.
This festival is the most renowned in the world for listening to Bach's music. It lasts 10 days and brings together the best performers of Baroque music in general and Bach in particular. In addition, many of the concerts take place in the church where Bach worked, so you can be sure that you will hear the music with the acoustics for which the brilliant composer conceived his works. And, for the mythomaniacs, Bach himself is buried in this church.
Interesting facts
- Dates: Second week of June.
- Venue: Leipzig (2 hours by car from Berlin).
- Price: Concerts from 70 €.
12. Make the most of the good weather and enjoy Potsdam
June is one of the months with the best weather in Berlin, so it's worth taking advantage and visiting one of the most iconic towns in Germany: Potsdam. It is a city with monuments declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Undoubtedly, its 18th-century architecture stands out, promoted by one of the most important figures in the history of this country, Frederick II the Great. Likewise, if you like history, you will also have the opportunity to visit the town that hosted the last peace conference in the context of the Second World War.
Potsdam is located very close to Berlin, just 35 km away, so it can be a good way to spend a day or even half a day. It's a city of just 150,000 inhabitants, so getting to know its monuments won't take long. You can go by train, with tickets starting at €4, or you can book one of the many excursions to Potsdam from Berlin.
Interesting facts
- Location: Potsdam, 30 km from Berlin.
- Travel time: Approx. 50 minutes by car and 30 minutes by train.
- Approximate duration of the visit: To see everything in depth, about 5 hours.
- Tour prices: from €20.
What is the weather like in Berlin in June?
The best month in terms of weather is August, the month when temperatures in Berlin can reach 25 degrees Celsius. As you can see, it's hot but not sultry. June is somewhat cooler in this respect, with highs usually reaching 20 degrees Celsius and lows around 11 degrees Celsius.
However, you should bear in mind that Berlin is a city very prone to cloudy skies, which is still the case in summer. The most that can happen in the summer is that the cloudiness is reduced. Even so, the probability of clear days in June is about 50%.
What are the visitor numbers like in Berlin in June?
As you already know, the list of things to see and do in Berlin is long, and it's a city whose charms are never in season. Although, let's not kid ourselves, it's also true that they are best enjoyed in good weather. That's why in June you'll find more visitors than during the rest of the year, especially during the winter, the harshest season of all in the German capital.
Moreover, it's not just the good weather that attracts more visitors. It is also the large-scale events that define the city, such as Gay Pride, which has attracted hundreds of thousands of people, or the Carnival of Cultures. So you can expect a city full of people, at least on the circuits where many of these events take place. However, the Kreuzberg district will undoubtedly be the most crowded. This is something you should bear in mind when deciding where to stay.