The Ultimate Guide for Runners and Spectators

Berlin is the fastest marathon track (thanks to Berlin having no hills) and every year thousands of runners and spectators come race at the Berlin Marathon. Whether you’re here to break a personal record or cheer on your loved ones, Berlin has so much to offer! Let me be your guide and tell you how I would spend my time (although I’m unlikely to ever run a marathon myself!) if I were in town just for marathon weekend.

What to Expect at the Berlin Marathon

But first things first! What does the Berlin marathon actually look like? Well, the route takes you past many iconic landmarks right through the heart of Berlin and is not only a fast route, but also a beautiful one.

If you get a chance to look around during the race you’ll see just about every bucket list sight in the city. But if you’re like me and are just focused on putting one foot in front of the other, then you might want to re-visit some of these attractions a few days before or after the race. There is truly no better way to see the city than on a guided tour, so feel free to get in touch with me to organise a custom tour during your stay!

Tips for Runners:

Getting to the starting line can be crowded and public transport busy, make sure you leave plenty of time
The weather in late September can be unpredictable, so be prepared for all different weather conditions
The marathon start-line is in the Tiergarten and you can sometimes end up walking a mile or so to the start line from the entrance to the marathon area
The Brandenburg Gate IS NOT the finish line! You have to keep running through it to the finish line about 100m further on

Tips for Spectators:

Access to the start point in the Tier Garten is restricted and busy, send your athlete off to the start line while you head to another location to watch out for them
Public transport, especially trains will be frequent on marathon day and are great for getting to multiple locations along the route to try to spot your runner a few times
Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially near popular landmarks (I’m talking about the Brandenburg Gate and finish line mostly. Other locations tend to have plenty of room).

What to do before the Marathon?

You might have a strict pre-run routine, however, there are lots of runner-friendly activities to do before the race.

Why not go for a light pre-marathon walk or run in the Tier Garten (avoid doing this the day before the race as they will have closed parts of the park), or at Tempelhofer Feld, Berlin’s old airport?

My best recommendation would be to visit the TV tower (if the weather is good!). I’d avoid the crowded viewing platform, and instead go to the restaurant, ideally for breakfast or afternoon tea. By going to the restaurant you avoid the crowded viewing platform, get to sit down and enjoy 360 degree views of the city and also get to do something a bit unusual.

Of course, if you want to get an overview of Berlin’s history and culture you can always join me for a quick, 2.5 hour walking tour of Berlin? It’s the perfect introduction to this incredible city. If you’d rather save your legs, I also offer car tours.

What to do after the Marathon?

Luckily Berlin has many fabulous restaurants for that post-run meal. Here are some of my favourite places to grab a bite and relax post-race:

Café am Neuen See: Located in the Tiergarten, this lakeside café is perfect for a relaxing meal with a view.
Standard Serious Pizza: It never disappoints: it’s seriously good pizza.
Good Morning Vietnam: Great Vegan Vietnamese food. Big dishes for affordable prices in a cosy restaurant.
Max and Mortiz: This classic German restaurant is about as authentic as it gets – you’ll even be served by a brisk German waiter. Perfect for trying local dishes in a old-timey atmosphere.

Additional Things to Do in Berlin

If you’re extending your stay, here are some of my other favourite things to do in and around Berlin:

Explore the Hackescher Markt area: Berlin’s local shopping district with beautiful courtyards and a mix of international and local brands.
Visit the East Side Gallery and Friedrichshain: A must-see for anyone interested in Berlin’s history, this open-air gallery features murals on a remaining section of the Berlin Wall. The nearby Friedrichshain neighbourhood has a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and bars.
Day Trip to Potsdam: Just a short train ride away, Potsdam offers beautiful palaces and gardens. Perfect for a peaceful escape from the city!

Conclusion

Berlin is an incredible city with so much to offer beyond the marathon. Whether you’re here for the race or the rich history, our private walking tours are the perfect way to experience the best of Berlin. Book your tour now and let us guide you through Berlin’s must-see sights.