Berlin in 2014: Book your ticket for these 5 can’t-miss events

Berlin will come alive in 2014 as the city commemorates the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Photo: Noud W.

There are always plenty of reasons to pack your bags and head to the German capital for a hip and very affordable European adventure. But in case you haven’t made your travel plans yet, we have come up with five special events to get you motivated. From blockbuster art shows to the 25th birthday of the downfall of an infamous wall, Berlin will be hotter than ever in 2014. Read on to see why you should mark your calendar and get your plane ticket to Berlin as soon as possible.

1. Berlinale Film Festival

The city rolls out its red carpets in February for the annual Berlinale film festival. With multiple venues centered around the Potsdamer Platz area, the festival is one of Europe’s most publicly accessible and relatively affordable. Showings run the gamut of documentaries, classics, and well-publicized European premieres of recent Hollywood films, replete with star-studded attendance (bring your camera!). Ticket information for this year has just been released, and prices range from around a very reasonable €9 to €13.

2. Ai Weiwei Blockbuster art show

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei opens a show at the Martin-Gropius-Bau in April, exhibiting both new works and others never before seen in Germany. The exhibition “Evidence” runs through July 7th. Tickets: €11/€8, available online or at ticket counters. Open daily 10 AM-7 PM, closed Tuesdays.

3. Football final at Olympic Stadium

Before football (soccer) fever reaches its peak in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup this June and July, visitors to Germany’s capital can catch many of the country’s top national players in this year’s German Football League (DFB) final, held May 17th at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. Tickets will go on sale following the quarter finals in mid-February; keep an eye out for updates here.

4. Berlin Biennale

The Berlin Biennale is back in 2014, with events and exhibitions running from the end of May to the beginning of August. This year’s focus should be of special interest to history buffs and those interested in historical appropriation of modern urban space and the built environment. For more information, updates and a look back at past Biennales, check out their blog.

5. 25 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall

It’s hard to believe that 1989 was 25 years ago, but 2014 marks an important anniversary—the fall of the Berlin Wall. This momentous event that arrives on November 9th will capture the attention of the entire world. Expect numerous happenings all over the city marking this seminal date in German history, including a breathtaking illuminated balloon display lighting the entire length of the former division that separated East from West. We’ll be sure to update you with more details about this event as plans develop later this year, and you can also check out visitBerlin’s page for more info.

For more details on the cool city of Berlin, browse through EuroCheapo’s city guide for details on budget tips, getting around and booking low-cost hotels.