Berlin attractions: what to see and do in summer Summer is by far the best season to visit Berlin. After the long, drawn out winters and the promises of spring, the city's residents take full advantage of the decent weather to hit the streets, rivers and lakes and partake in the endless events that take place across the city. Berlin attractions in summer In April (27-29) you can catch the Berlin Gallery Weekend, which grants free access to many of the city's most prestigious art spaces. As that weekend ends, the 7th Berlin Biennale, April 27-July 1) begins, the city's most vibrant contemporary art festival, with exhibitions, openings and happenings at the KW gallery and other venues. In May/June (Pentecost weekend), music lovers will want to check out Karneval der Kulturen, a celebration of local ethnic and cultural diversity featuring dozens of floats, hundreds of musicians and thousands of spectators. June 21 is the global Fete de la Musique, where local reggae, rock and pop bands take to their local streets and play their hearts out. Later in June (23) is the Christopher Street Day Parade, Berlin's largest gay street party that attracts a mixed and gay crowd and ends at the Seigessäule. My hotel pick: The Weinmeister, the latest addition to Mitte's arsenal of design hotels Tanz im August, Germany's leading modern dance festival, takes place from August 11-25 this year with the usual local and internationally renowned participants. On August 25, the second Lange Nacht der Museen of the year takes place: around 100 museums, collections, archives and exhibition halls will stay open into the wee hours with special events, readings, lectures, performances and more. Read Paul Sullivan's complete guide to Berlin