Ways to enjoy two festivals that represent the creative, diverse and vibrant spirit of the German capital.
Berlin knows how to party like few other European cities. Throughout the year, the cultural calendar is full of events that turn the city into what sometimes feels like an outdoor stage, such as Carnival of Cultures, which is held in spring, and Lollapalooza Berlin, which takes place in mid-summer.
Carnival of Cultures: a city on parade
Normally scheduled during the long Whitsun weekend (50 days after Easter), the Carnival of Cultures (or Karneval der Kulturen) is a celebration of Berlin’s cultural diversity. The highlight is the grand parade in the streets of Kreuzberg, where dozens of groups represent their communities from all over the world via music, dance and flamboyant costumes.
For four days, the neighbourhood changes into an open-air festival – there are stages for concerts, international food stalls and spontaneous performances. It’s one of the city’s most popular and authentic events, mixing residents, artists and visitors in a festive atmosphere.
Beyond the stage shows, there are also impromptu performances in the streets of Kreuzberg, which are well worth exploring.
Lollapalooza Berlin: music in the heart of the city
If Carnival of Cultures celebrates cultural diversity, Lollapalooza Berlin celebrates world music. The festival brings together major names of pop, rock, electro and indie, making it one of the city’s most important musical events.
Held at the Olympia Stadion and Olympiapark, Lollapalooza boasts various stages, creative spaces with art, interactive installations and food courts. Among the concerts and creative experiences, the ambience is laid back and cosmopolitan, much like Berlin itself.
In between festivals: what to do in the city
Between one event and the other, take the chance to explore some of the city’s most iconic attractions. The Tiergarten, Berlin’s large central park, is a good spot to recharge your batteries after a long evening of concerts, and is conveniently close to the Pestana Berlin Tiergarten hotel. Nearby, there’s the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and various galleries and museums.
Another classic itinerary involves strolling around the city’s creative quarters, like Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg, where independent cafés, vintage shops and contemporary art galleries reflect the more alternative side of the capital.
During these festivals, the hotel’s location makes all the difference. Staying in a central hotel in Berlin, next to the Tiergarten, means getting to the main attractions easily, be it for the Lollapalooza concerts or for the festive atmosphere of the Carnival of Cultures. In addition to being close to the park, the area provides good transport connections and is relatively close to various cultural neighbourhoods, which are perfect to experience the city in between concerts, parades and late nights.
