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20 Best Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

Berlin's history of battling ideologies makes for some of the most fascinating sightseeing in Europe. Explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery , which has been transformed by colorful murals into the largest open-air

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Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: A nice souvenir video of the Brandenburg Gate can be captured by taking a taxi on the northbound road (Bundesstraße 2) that loops around the Brandenburg Gate. Keep your camera steady out the window, and you’ll have an impressive panoramic video. – Michael Cappetta

Inspired by the Acropolis entrance in Athens , the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) is one of the most-photographed sites in Berlin. Located in Pariser Platz (Paris Square), one of the city's most famous squares, the Brandenburg Gate was built for King Frederick William II starting in 1788. Designed by royal architect, Carl Gotthard Langhans, the sandstone structure stands 85 feet high.

Reichstag Building Reichstag Building free

A symbol of Germany's past, present and future, the Reichstag, or Parliament Building, is a blend of different architecture styles from the late 20th to late 21st centuries. It symbolizes the country's path from a dark past to a brighter future.

Originally constructed between 1884 and 1894, the building was destroyed by arson in 1933, an act that marked a turning point in the history of the Third Reich. It was then bombed during World War II and didn't become the seating house of government again until 1999, when the distinguishing glass dome was added. Today, a visit to the dome is popular among travelers thanks to the stunning views it provides, particularly of the Tiergarten . If you're interested in a more in-depth history lesson, heed the advice of past travelers and take advantage of the free audio guide available to visitors.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe free

The Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas  (which translates to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe or, more simply, Berlin's Holocaust Memorial) consists of a sloping, wave-like grid of 2,711 concrete pillars constructed to memorialize the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Some of the pillars stand as tall as 15 feet.

Many visitors choose to simply walk among the gray slabs, but if you're interested in learning more about the history, you can descend to the underground visitor center, which displays information about the victims, including photographs, diaries and farewell letters. Recent travelers said they felt incredibly moved by the sheer size of the memorial (it spans more than half a square mile), and most highly recommended a visit when in Berlin. Reviewers note the memorial is within a five-minute walk of the Brandenburg Gate and across the street from Tiergarten Park , making it easy to visit all three top attractions.

Topography of Terror Topography of Terror free

The Topography of Terror ( Topographie des Terrors ) museum sits on the site of the Gestapo and SS Police's former headquarters during World War II. By walking the grounds and touring the documentation center, travelers can learn about the atrocities committed by the German officers that once worked at this very site. In addition to the WWII history on display here, you’ll also see part of the Berlin Wall in the front of the building.

Other interesting exhibits that detail Berlin between 1933 and 1945 are found on the grounds, including excavated portions of the old building. For a more in-depth look at the museum, you can take the free English-speaking tour, which is offered Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. (Most exhibits are listed in German and English.) You'll want to sign up at the reception desk 30 minutes before the tour starts. 

Berlin Wall Memorial Berlin Wall Memorial free

Located in the center of Berlin, the Berlin Wall Memorial stretches for a little less than a mile along what was once the border that divided the city in two. Upon arriving at the memorial, you can stop into the visitor center to watch a short film on the history of the Berlin Wall, as well as explore a handful of exhibits. Visitors will learn about the political and historical context that led to the wall’s construction, its fall and the reunification of Germany.

Once you are finished in the visitor center, head across the street to see preserved remnants of the border strip. In addition to part of the Berlin Wall itself, you will find the Chapel of Reconciliation, a rebuilt structure that serves as a place of remembrance for the lives that were lost at the wall.

East Side Gallery East Side Gallery free

The East Side Gallery refers to the longest intact section of the Berlin Wall, which stretches for nearly a mile. If you want to experience the wall for the first time, this is the place to do it. After the Berlin Wall's fall in 1989, more than one hundred international artists congregated here, painting murals that depicted the world's joyous and optimistic reactions to the end of the Cold War era. What exists today forms the world's largest open-air gallery, featuring more than 100 murals.

Despite its distance from the main tourist attractions (a little less than 5 miles), the East Side Gallery still wins high praise from past travelers, who say it’s worth the side trip to see this history up close. Recent visitors suggested going early in the day to avoid crowds.

Museumsinsel (Museum Island) Museumsinsel (Museum Island)

Museumsinsel (or Museum Island) is the name given to a group of five museums, the Baroque-style Berlin Cathedral and large gardens clustered on a tiny island in the River Spree. Built between 1823 and 1930, some museums present a different aspect of German history and art, while others spotlight global arts and antiques, such as the Egyptian Museum and Pergamon Museum .

When you visit, see if you can guess which museum hangs which art; there's the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), the Altes Museum (Old Museum), the Neues Museum (New Museum), the Bode-Museum and the very popular Pergamon Museum.

Tiergarten Tiergarten free

The expansive Tiergarten sprawls 519 acres from central Berlin westward and attracts visitors looking for respite from the city's clamor. The name of the park translates to "Animal Garden," and it is also known as "Berlin’s Green Lung." The land where the park sits previously served as a royal hunting ground for select Germans during the late 17th century. Nowadays, visitors can still get a glimpse of animals by visiting Zoologischer Garten (the Berlin Zoo) located within the park. You can also stroll, jog or bike through the most popular green space in Berlin. For many locals, no visit to Tiergarten is complete without stopping at its two beer gardens, in particular Café am Neuen See, which occupies a picturesque lakefront perch.   

The Tiergarten also houses the Victory Column, which was erected in 1873 to commemorate Prussia's victory in the Franco-German War. Visitors can climb to the top of this monument to enjoy great views of Berlin.

Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg) Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg)

Beginning its life as a summer home for the royal family in the late 17th century, Schloss Charlottenburg became a lavish palace after Frederick the Great commissioned some 18th-century upgrades and additions. Now the complex can take more than a day to tour from top to bottom. Located 6 miles east of Berlin’s city center, this is a popular destination for tourists interested in history and architecture. 

Inside the baroque palace, you can view Frederick I and Sophie Charlotte's living quarters, the chapel and the Neuer Fluegel (New Wing) where Frederick the Great once resided. You can also venture outdoors to the Royal Gardens, the family mausoleum and even an ornate teahouse.

Berlin Cathedral Berlin Cathedral

Located in the Museum District of Mitte, the Berlin Cathedral spans more than 67,000 square feet, making it the largest Protestant church in Germany. Along with its size, the cathedral is also recognized for its beauty – it shares a similar design to Rome ’s St. Peter's Basilica . Its interior features gold accents, intricate mosaics and imperial staircase. Along with the cathedral’s dome, which is accessible to visitors via a set of 270 steps, another highlight is the marble and onyx altar. More than one million visitors stop by the Berlin Cathedral annually for worship services, tours, concerts and special events. Visitors traveling with children should review the cathedral’s event calendar to see if any kid-friendly activities, such as family concerts, align with your visit.

Recent visitors use words like “peaceful” and “iconic” to describe the cathedral. Some reviewers complained about the admission costs, but others said it’s worth the price to be able to view the stunning interior and climb the dome for outstanding views of the city.

TV Tower (Fernsehturm) TV Tower (Fernsehturm)

U.S. News Insider Tip: The TV Tower is conveniently located near the Alexanderplatz station and shopping district. Schedule some extra time to visit some of the unique local shops. During the holiday season, this area is also home to a beautiful Christmas market. – Michael Cappetta

For the ever-popular panorama of the city, the Berliner   Fernsehturm (TV Tower) is a great place to go. Originally constructed in the late 1960s to widely broadcast television signals across Germany, the TV Tower is still the tallest structure in Germany (standing at 1,207 feet), and it's guaranteed to provide quite the view. Visitors can take one of two elevators to the top. If the 40-second trip makes you hungry, stop by the rotating Sphere Restaurant or Bar 203 for some light refreshments.

Pergamon Museum Pergamon Museum

Note: The Pergamon Museum will be closed beginning in October 2023 for extensive renovations. It will reopen in spring 2027, according to the museum’s website .

The Pergamon Museum, located on Museumsinsel (Museum Island)  on the River Spree, is one of travelers' favorite museums. Recent visitors used words like "remarkable" and "jaw-dropping" to describe the museum, which was completed in 1930 and houses many works that are important to the development of ancient art and architecture. Filled with an impressive collection of Greek, Roman, East Asian and Islamic art, exhibits include pieces like the reconstructed Ishtar Gate from Babylon and the Pergamon Altar – a massive monumental Greek temple that is believed to date back to 180 B.C. Other highlights include the Market Gate of Miletus, which dates back to the second century and the Mshatta Façade, which hails from a Jordanian desert castle.

Friedrichstadt-Palast Friedrichstadt-Palast

Friedrichstadt-Palast is home to the world’s largest theater stage. The theater’s roots date back to 1867, though the building that is used today opened in 1984 after the original theater had to be demolished in 1980 for safety concerns. Since its reopening, the theater has been used for entertaining circus performances, vaudeville acts, comedy and musicals. Every February, the theater hosts film screenings as part of the Berlinale, or Berlin International Film Festival.

Recent travelers enjoyed the theater’s beauty. Travelers also added that the theater’s location is very convenient as it sits within walking distance of other major tourist attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstagsgebäude .

Berlin Beer Gardens Berlin Beer Gardens

No trip to Berlin is complete without visiting a classic biergarten (beer garden). Biergartens in Berlin are popular with locals for summer afternoon and evening activities – plan ahead so you don’t end up in a long queue on a hot day.

One of the most popular beer gardens is Prater Biergarten, which is located just 2 miles north of the city center. The historic beer garden first opened in the mid-1800s. Open daily starting at noon, Prater offers a classic menu of pilsners, along with tasty grilled sausages from the region of Thuringia. Other classic snacks included baked potatoes with cheese curds and pretzels. Before visiting the biergarten, make sure to check the weather forecast: it’s only open weather permitting.

Berlin Christmas Markets Berlin Christmas Markets free

The festive Christmas markets in Berlin attract thousands of travelers each year for their unique food, shopping, beverages and holiday cheer. With dozens of Christmas markets to choose from, it is important for travelers to take the time to research which area they would like to visit, and which theme they would like to experience.

One of the most historical and romantic Christmas markets in Berlin is located at the Charlottenburg Palace . Christmas lights and decorations adorn the largest palace in Berlin to welcome visitors to a winter wonderland. Hundreds of vendors exhibit booths in the palace's plaza, where guests stroll through for holiday gifts and treats. A more classic Christmas market, which has historically opened on Nov. 21 and runs through Dec. 22, is located in the town of Spandau, which is located approximately 10 miles from Berlin’s city center and a 30-minute ride on public transit. At the Spandau Christmas markets, travelers navigate a large plaza that is decorated with Christmas lights and trees to shop hundreds of vendors from around the world. The charm of being in the middle of Spandau's town square adds to the enchantment of shopping at a classic German Christmas market. 

Berlin Story Bunker Berlin Story Bunker

The Berlin Story Bunker is an immersive museum spread across five floors that invites visitors to explore centuries of Berlin and German history. World War II and Hitler are a major focus of the museum (a recreation of Hitler’s personal study and a model of the bunker where he died by suicide in 1945 are among the displays). In fact, the 70,000-square-foot museum is housed within a concrete World War II bunker that’s connected to the Anhalter railway station. Open since 2014, the museum contains multimedia displays, large-scale photographs, short films, sculptures and other art installations.

Recent visitors said the information was well-presented and called the museum a must for history buffs. Because of its size and the amount of reading required, it’s recommended that you set aside at least three hours for your visit.

Potsdamer Platz Potsdamer Platz free

Pre-World War II, Potsdamer Platz was Berlin's main plaza – and a bustling one, at that – but the ensuing wars left it ravaged. After the Berlin Wall fell and the Cold War ended, companies like Sony and Daimler moved in and built their headquarters on the square, thus revitalizing the area.

But global companies weren't the only ones credited with rejuvenating the plaza: Attractions like the Deutsche Kinemathek, a museum dedicated to German film and TV, the Boulevard der Stars – Berlin's answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and the Theater am Potsdamer Platz, the largest show stage in Berlin, also set up shop. Families will enjoy the nearby LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Berlin and a sizable mall, The Playce. Plus, with a casino and one of Berlin's largest movie theaters, the entertainment possibilities are nearly endless.

Checkpoint Charlie Checkpoint Charlie

Many say a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie border crossing should not come without a visit to the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, or the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Checkpoint Charlie was the most popular border crossing between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. It has also had a starring role in major films, including the James Bond franchise.

Experts and travelers say the museum gives context to what's left of the border crossing, and indeed you will find chilling stories of those who escaped from East to West via the Berlin Wall – as well as stories about those who didn't. You'll also get a thorough history of the Berlin Wall.

Mauerpark Mauerpark free

Mauerpark is a 37-acre park that was officially opened in 1994. The park's name translates to "Wall Park:" It's located on the land in between the walls that separated East and West Berlin, formerly known as “death strip.” Don’t let that sinister name deter you; the park is now known for its "open-air culture in the middle of Berlin" and it provides a great activity space for travelers. What's more, the park has several barbeque areas, making it a perfect spot to prepare an outdoor meal during the summer.

If your visit to Berlin overlaps with a Sunday, set aside time to visit Mauerpark to peruse its flea market. It’s one of Berlin's largest second-hand shopping events, and features hundreds of vendors selling unique antiques, clothing, furniture, products and other wares. In addition to the flea market, live music, pick-up sports games and other events take place on weekends.

Olympiastadion Berlin Olympiastadion Berlin

U.S. News Insider Tip: Review the upcoming schedule of events for Olympiastadion Berlin and try to catch a Hertha BSC football match – the energy is electric! – Michael Cappetta

Olympiastadion Berlin is a large, majestic stadium in Berlin's Olympischer Platz neighborhood that has the capacity to host up to 74,000 fans. The stadium is known as the home of Hertha BSC, a popular German soccer team, and host to a variety of special events throughout the year, including Lollapalooza Berlin, an annual music festival held in September. It's also known for its dark history. The stadium originally opened in 1936 for the Summer Olympics, often referred to as the "Nazi Olympics" for the widespread Nazi propaganda on display during the games. 

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14 of the best things to do in Berlin

Jul 8, 2023 • 6 min read

Experience the best of Berlin with this guide to the top things to do © Westend61 / Getty Images

For a scene-stealing combo of glamor and grit, poised to mesmerize anyone keen to connect with vibrant culture, bold architecture, global food, intense parties and an easy-going vibe, head to Berlin .

Whether your tastes run to posh or punk, you can sate them in the German capital. Here are the best experiences Berlin has to offer.

1. See the treasures of Museum Island

Berlin’s "Louvre on the Spree", this imposing cluster of five treasure-houses is an undisputed highlight of the city’s impressive landscape. Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1999, Museumsinsel showcases art and cultural history from the Stone Age to the 19th century.

Feast your eyes on antiquities at at the Pergamonmuseum  and  Altes Museum , take in 19th-century art at the Alte Nationalgalerie and lean in for close-ups of medieval and Renaissance sculptures at the Bode-Museum . The  Neues Museum  is famous as the residence of the exquisite but controversial bust of Nefertiti which has been the subject of repatriation requests from Egypt for almost a century.

Planning tip:  As part of the ambitious  Museum Island Master Plan , the Pergamonmuseum will be completely closed to visitors starting October 23, 2023. The institution is not scheduled to partially reopen until spring 2027 – with some sections of the museum, including the famous  Ishtar Gate , scheduled to stay closed until 2037.

2. Follow the legacy of the Berlin Wall

Few events in history have the power to move the entire world. If you were alive and old enough for the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, you will probably remember the crowds of euphoric revelers cheering and dancing at the Brandenburg Gate . Although little is left of the physical barrier, its legacy lives on in the imagination and in such places as Checkpoint Charlie , the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial) and the East Side Gallery  with its colorful murals.

3. Party at Berlin's world-famous clubs

Berlin’s reputation for intense and unbridled nightlife is rooted in the libertine 1920s when everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Christopher Isherwood partied like it was 1999. Since the fall of the Wall, Berlin’s club culture has put the city firmly back on the map of music-lovers everywhere .

The edgiest clubs can be found in locations like power plants, abandoned apartment buildings and other repurposed locations, especially in Kreuzberg & Neukölln and Friedrichshain . Electronic music dominates at cult favourites like ://about blank , Kater Blau and Griessmühle , while Prince Charles has made a name for itself as a hip hop mecca, fetish-focused KitKatClub is a must, and the local punks mosh away at SO36 .

Planning tip: Some of Berlin's best parties are its daytime raves: here's how to hit the clubs in the afternoon .

4. Enjoy drinks outdoors

Whether its beer gardens, rooftop bars or some casual drinks in parks and by the Landwehrkanal, Berliners take a relaxed approach to drinking and socializing outdoors. While Berlin has something to offer all year round, the city in the warm weather has a special buzz around it.

5. Be dazzled by the grandeur of Schloss Charlottenburg

An exquisite baroque palace,  Schloss Charlottenburg evokes the onetime grandeur of the Prussian royals. It is particularly special to visit in the summer when you can fold a stroll, sunbathing session or picnic in the lush palace park into a day of peeking at royal treasures.

6. Book ahead to visit the Reichstag

It’s been burned, bombed, rebuilt, buttressed by the Berlin Wall, wrapped in fabric and finally turned into the modern home of the German parliament, the Reichstag  is one of Berlin’s most iconic buildings. Designed by Paul Wallot in 1894, this is where the German parliament, the Bundestag, has been hammering out its policies since 1999.

Planning tip:  Reserve online in advance  to visit the striking glass dome  for free . This is a government building and you will need to provide identification to gain access.

7. Shop and eat at Markthalle Neun

This delightful 1891 market hall was saved by dedicated locals in 2009. Not only do local and regional producers present their wares but also, on Street-Food Thursday, they're joined by aspiring or semipro chefs, who set up their stalls to serve delicious snacks from around the world. There’s even an on-site craft brewery, Heidenpeters .

8. Tour Berlin's art scene

Art aficionados will be truly spoilt for choice in Berlin. Home to hundreds of galleries, scores of world-class collections and thousands of international artists, the city has assumed a pole position on the global artistic circuit. Its main contemporary art showcase is the Hamburger Bahnhof , a vast museum housed in a former railway station whose loft and grandeur are the perfect foil for this top-notch collection of paintings, installations, sculptures and video.

Local tip:  If you’d prefer something even more Berlin-centric, try Urban Nation in Schöneberg . A relative newcomer to Berlin’s array of galleries, this street art celebration turns the concept of a museum on its head and celebrates art in a unique way.

9. Get to know Jewish history and culture at Jüdisches Museum

Berlin’s Jüdisches Museum  presents an eye-opening and emotional journey through 2000 years of Jewish history in Germany, not just the 12 years of Nazi horror that such exhibits often focus on. Find out about Jewish cultural contributions, holiday traditions, the difficult road to emancipation, outstanding individuals like the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn and jeans inventor Levi Strauss, and the fates of ordinary people and families.

10. Wander or cycle the paths of Tiergarten

Berlin’s rulers used the grounds to hunt boar and pheasants in the rambling Tiergarten until master landscape architect Peter Lenné landscaped the grounds in the 18th century. With its sweeping lawns, shaded paths, woodsy groves, romantic corners, ponds and creeks, the Tiergarten is one of the world’s largest city parks and a wonderful retreat from the city bustle.

Planning tip:  In summer, several charming beer gardens beckon, including Café am Neuen See and the Teehaus im Englischen Garten.

11. See urban renewal at Potsdamer Platz

Despite the name, Potsdamer Platz is not actually a square but an entire city quarter, forged in the 1990s from terrain once bisected by the Berlin Wall. A collaborative effort by the world's finest architects, it is considered a showcase of urban renewal.

Planning tip:  The area itself is rather compact and quickly explored – unless you stick around to see Berlin from above from the Panoramapunkt or dive into German film history at the Museum für Film und Fernsehen .

12. Pose for a photo at the historic Brandenburg Gate

Prussian emperors, Napoleon and Hitler have marched through this neoclassical royal city gate that was once trapped east of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989 Brandenburg Gate  has gone from a symbol of division and oppression to the symbol of a united Germany. The elegantly proportioned landmark is at its most atmospheric – and photogenic – at night, when light bathes its stately columns and proud Goddess of Victory sculpture in a golden glow.

13. Go shopping along Kurfürstendamm

No trip to Berlin would be complete without a saunter along Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm for short) in Charlottenburg . Along with its continuation, the Tauentzienstrasse, it is the city’s longest and busiest shopping strip, lined with high-street chains and designer boutiques. Don’t miss the KaDeWe , continental Europe’s biggest department store with a mind-boggling food hall, or the cutting-edge concept and flagships stores at Bikini Berlin , a revamped 1950s landmark near Zoo Station.

Local tip:  Take a moment to look up. Amid all this, the majestically ruined Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church) stands quietly as a poignant reminder of the absurdity of war.

14. Explore the exhibits of the Topographie des Terrors

In the spot where the most feared institutions of Nazi Germany (the Gestapo headquarters, the SS central command and the Reich Security Main Office) once stood, this compelling exhibit documents the stages of terror and persecution, puts a face on the perpetrators, and details the impact these brutal institutions had on all of Europe. A second exhibit outside zeroes in on how life changed for Berlin and its people after the Nazis made it their capital.

This article was first published Jan 28, 2015 and updated Jul 8, 2023.

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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Berlin

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Lura Seavey Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Berlin, the capital of Germany and the country's largest city, is also a major center of politics, culture, media, and science.

Noted for its cultural attractions, Berlin is home to the world-famous Berlin Opera and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, while its diverse art scene encompasses numerous events, galleries, and museums , including those on Museum Island , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite the devastation of WWII, and following decades of decay to the east of the infamous Berlin Wall, the city has been rebuilt in a way that celebrates its successes while acknowledging a dark past.

Today, Berlin has earned a reputation as something of a youthful, hip tourist destination that offers an eclectic mix of places to visit, including new and classic architectural landmarks, dynamic entertainment, shopping, and a wide variety of sports and cultural institutions.

Whatever your interests, to help you get the most out of your sightseeing adventures, be sure to refer often to our list of the top tourist attractions in Berlin, Germany.

The Brandenburg Gate

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Berlin's most famous historic landmark is undoubtedly the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor). Once a symbol of a divided nation, it now stands as a symbol of unity and peace.

This impressively large Neoclassical gate was commissioned by King Frederick Wilhelm II in 1788, and its design was inspired by the Propylaea in Athens' Acropolis. The sandstone monument is 26 meters tall, standing in the Mitte district's Pariser Platz , just a block from the Reichstag building.

During the Cold War, its physical and symbolic position as a blocked gate along the Berlin Wall made it a frequent site for demonstrations by West Berliners. It's also famous for being the backdrop of US President Ronald Reagan's 1987 entreaty to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the wall.

It was also the scene of a poignant gesture in 1999, when political leaders from a variety of countries—including Germany's Angela Merkel, Russia's Mikhail Gorbachev, and Poland's Lech Walesa—together walked through the gate to commemorate the tearing down of the Berlin Wall 10 years earlier.

Visiting the Brandenburg Gate at night is a special treat, and undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in Berlin .

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117, Berlin

The Reichstag (Reichstagsgebäude) was originally completed in 1894 where the Neo-Renaissance palace served as the home of the German Empire's Imperial Diet until it burned in 1933. It was not used again until after the reunification of Germany, at which point it underwent a 10-year reconstruction and finally became the home of the German Parliament in 1999.

A highlight of this magnificent reconstruction is the replacement dome, the Kuppel. Made of glass, it offers superb views of the surrounding city, especially at night from the Rooftop Restaurant. If you're visiting in the summer months, be sure to check into the schedule of light shows and film nights for a memorable Berlin experience.

Note that entry to the Dome and Terrace is ticketed, and due to demand, it's recommended that tickets be requested in advance . While registration is available on the day, you should expect a two- or three-hour wait. Free English language audio guides are available.

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011, Berlin

Sandwiched between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben in a 400-meter-long canal, Spree Island—better known as Museum Island (Museumsinsel)—is one of the city's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

Here, you'll find many of Berlin's oldest and most important museums , including the Old Museum (Altes Museum), built in 1830 to house the Crown Jewels and other royal treasures.

The New Museum (Neues Museum), destroyed during WWII, was rebuilt and opened again in 2009. It serves as the home of extensive collections from the Egyptian Museum, the Papyrus Collection, and the Collection of Classical Antiquities.

The Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie), opened in 1876, displays Neoclassical sculpture and paintings from 1815-1848, as well as Impressionist and early Modernist pieces. The Bode Museum houses a collection of Byzantine art, as well as a large sculpture collection spanning from medieval times to the late 1700s.

The city's most popular museum, the Pergamon features a Museum of Islamic Art, the Ishtar Gate, and reconstructed historic buildings from the Middle East. The newest museum attraction, the Humboldt Forum opened here in 2019 and houses the Ethnological Museum of Berlin and the Museum of Asian Art.

Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin

The Berlin Wall originated in 1961 when East Germany sealed off that half of the city to prevent citizens from fleeing to West Germany. By the time it was torn down in 1989, the four-meter-high wall extended 155 kilometers, dissected 55 streets, and possessed 293 observation towers and 57 bunkers.

Today, only small stretches of this graffiti-covered travesty remain, including a 1.4-kilometer stretch preserved as part of the Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer). It stands as a chilling reminder of the animosity that once divided Europe.

Highlights of a visit include the Marienfelde Refugee Center Museum, with its exhibits relating to the one-and-a-half million people who passed through Berlin as refugees; the Günter Litfin Memorial, a former watchtower now set up as a memorial, which pays tribute to the first civilian killed trying to cross from east to west; and the Monument in Memory of the Divided City and the Victims of Communist Tyranny.

Be sure to also check out the Window of Remembrance and the Visitor Center with views over the remains of the wall. Guided tours are available in English.

Address: Bernauer Straße 111, 13355 Berlin

Established to mark Berlin's 750th anniversary in 1987, the German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum, or DHM) is a must-visit for those interested in learning more about the city's remarkably rich history.

This much-visited attraction consists of a number of historic exhibition halls jam-packed with fascinating displays of artifacts relating to various periods and events from the country's founding right up to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Other highlights include exhibits relating to medicine, fashion, religion, printing, art, and photography. Military buffs are also well catered to with the museum's vast collection of historic armor, weapons, and uniforms.

There's also a cinema located on-site, and a research library that's open to the public. English language guided tours are available, and for those expecting a longer stay (you'll want to, there's that much to see), there's a handy cloakroom and café.

Address: Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin

Despite its age—it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020—the 368-meter-tall Berliner Fernsehturm (Berlin Television Tower) has lost none of its appeal to visitors to the city.

Since opening in 1970, Europe's third-tallest freestanding structure has attracted over 60 million visitors, most of them drawn for the spectacular views over Germany's capital.

Originally constructed to mark the prowess of communism (it's located in the former East Berlin district), the landmark can be picked out from pretty much every corner of the city, making it more significant as a symbol of the city's reunification in the 1980s.

Be sure to include the structure's observation deck in your visit, and if you're able to linger awhile, book a reservation at the 207-meter-high revolving restaurant.

Address: Panoramastraße 1 A, 10178 Berlin

Also of interest is the Checkpoint Charlie Museum (Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie). Marking the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin, this fascinating tourist attraction features numerous displays and artifacts tracing the history of human rights, along with exhibits dealing specifically with the history of the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie.

Situated next to the original guardhouse, the museum also highlights some of the most interesting attempts made by those trying to escape communist rule. These include an original homemade air balloon used in one successful attempt.

Also of interest is the nearby open-air BlackBox Cold War exhibit , which features sections of the Berlin Wall and related information stations.

Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10969 Berlin

Berlin's oldest and largest Prussian estate, the late 17th-century Charlottenburg Palace was for decades the primary residence of German royalty.

Now beautifully restored, this huge palace has many extraordinary features, including a massive 50-meter-high central dome, opulent Baroque and Rococo décor throughout its expansive rooms, and a large garden that was inspired by the gardens at Versailles.

A highlight of the property's tour program is a visit to the New Wing , with its State Apartments and fine Banqueting Halls. Built in 1746, it's here visitors get a glimpse of the splendor in which the Prussian Kings and Electors lived, from Frederick I's bedroom and study with their fine furnishings and paintings, to the State Dining Room and 42-meter-long Golden Gallery with its rich, gilded stucco.

Over in the Old Palace is the Porcelain Cabinet, a room dedicated to a large historic porcelain collection and special exhibits, including the Crown Jewels and other royal items.

Other highlights are the Palace Park dating from 1697 and home to the New Pavilion (Neue Pavilion), built in 1788 in the style of a Neapolitan villa, and the Belvedere Teahouse with its fine collection of Berlin porcelain.

Be sure to visit the Mausoleum with its royal tombs, as well as the Grand Courtyard with its large statue of the Great Elector, Frederick William of Brandenburg. One of the top things to do in Berlin in winter is visit the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market , a spectacular display of more than 250 vendors and artisans exhibiting seasonal wares.

Address: Spandauer Damm 10, 14059 Berlin

The Gendarmenmarkt, one of Berlin's largest squares, is dominated by three historic landmark buildings: the Konzerthaus, the French Cathedral (Französischer Dom), and the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom).

This picturesque 17th-century square is now one of Berlin's top tourist attractions and hosts numerous public events each year, including classical concerts on the steps of the Konzerthaus theater in the summer.

Come winter, the entire plaza becomes one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany .

Konzerthaus : The Konzerthaus , built in 1821, is as famous for its architectural splendor as it is for the first-rate performances of Konzerthausorchester Berlin, one of the country's most popular symphony orchestras.

In front of the building stands a statue of the German poet Friedrich Schiller surrounded by four female figures who represent the artistic elements of Lyric Poetry, Drama, History, and Philosophy.

Cathedrals: The cathedrals are so named for their domes ("dom" is also the German word for cathedral) and are in fact not churches. The French Cathedral is home to the Huguenot Museum , and the German Cathedral exhibits the history of the German Parliament.

Alexanderplatz : Another well-known square in Berlin, Alexanderplatz was the center of East Berlin life and is now home to the World Time Clock, a popular meeting place. Nearby is the Television Tower (nicknamed Telespargel) with panoramic views of the city.

Address: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin

Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the Jewish Museum Berlin (Jüdisches Museum Berlin) features a distinctive zinc-paneled exterior that makes it one of Berlin's most striking landmarks.

It was established in 2001, and inside visitors will find a wide range of historical artifacts and donated collections that illustrate the long history and struggle of Jewish Germans, from the Middle Ages to the present.

Exhibits include artwork, religious objects, and 24,000 photographs that have been preserved and recovered. Especially poignant is The Memory Void, where you'll find an installation called "Shalekhet," or "Fallen Leaves," a collection of some 10,000 iron faces spread across the ground. Sobering, to say the least.

The museum is also home to an extensive library and archives at the Academy of the Jewish Museum Berlin , where there are frequent educational programs. Museum galleries include sections dedicated to Hanukkah, anti-semitism, Middle East conflict, the history and culture of Jerusalem, and the life of Munich rabbi Leo Baerwald.

A variety of themed tour options are available, along with English language audioguides.

Address: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin

The must-see German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin) was established in 1983 to showcase and celebrate Germany's industrial and technological prowess.

There are plenty of fun things to do for kids and families in this popular museum, including taking in displays related to the Industrial Revolution, getting some hands-on experience in a reconstructed workshop. In addition, the museum offers a fascinating look at the vehicles that evolved alongside this rise in mechanization.

There are plenty of vehicles and aircraft on display, including a number of preserved steam engines dating back as far as 1843. Other highlights include riding in a vintage 1930s train from the museum to its locomotive depot on the weekends.

Guided tours are available in English. For those wanting to make a day of it (which is recommended), there's a restaurant and picnic spot located on-site.

Address: Trebbiner Straße 9, D-10963 Berlin-Kreuzberg

A remarkable testament to the people of Germany and their commitment to never turn a blind eye to the atrocities of the past, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas)—also known as the Holocaust Memorial —is another Berlin landmark that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Sitting on the eastern side of Tiergarten, this collection of 2,711 concrete slabs covers 19,000 square meters of uneven ground. Below the sprawling memorial is an information center that houses the letters, diaries, and photographs of Holocaust victims. An audioguide is available in English.

Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin

Literally translated as the "Large Animal Garden," Berlin's Grosser Tiergarten has long been a major tourist attraction. Originally a royal hunting reserve in which deer, wild pigs, and other game were kept, it was transformed into a public park in 1700.

Attractively laid out with an abundance of trees and shrubs and expanses of grass and flower borders, the Tiergarten covers 210 hectares and is a favorite spot for relaxation, walking, and boating.

The park also contains numerous statues and monuments, including the 1880 Statue of Queen Luise , which depicts her with a relief recalling her care of wounded soldiers during the War of 1806. There's also an 1849 Monument to Frederick Wilhelm III , with reliefs reflecting the King's peace-loving disposition.

The most famous of the Tiergarten's monuments is the massive Victory Column (Siegessaule), a 70-meter-tall structure crowned by an eight-meter-high gold statue of Victoria. The statue, dubbed Golden Lizzy by locals, was completed in 1873.

It's well worth climbing the 285 steps to the top of this magnificent monument for the views over the Tiergarten . And if you look closely, you'll still see evidence of bullet damage caused during WWII.

Address: Str. des 17. Juni, 10785 Berlin

The Pergamon , the most visited of the Museum Island attractions, is also one of Berlin's top sightseeing destinations. It is home to three main galleries, each occupying a wing of the massive building, including the Middle East Museum, the Islamic Art Museum, and the Antiquity collection.

The artifacts, which narrowly escaped harm during WWII, were collected by German archaeologists during the 19th and 20th centuries from excursions to Egypt, the Middle East, and Asia.

Primarily focused on architectural marvels, including ornate façades and gates, some of the museum's most famous pieces are the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the Roman Market Gate of Miletus, and the Mshatta Façade. A café and bookshop are located on-site.

One of the most popular attractions on Museum Island—a place that's already busting at the seams with great sightseeing opportunities—is the newly opened Humboldt Forum .

Established in 2019, this remarkable feat of construction sees two of Berlin's leading museum collections —the Museum of Ethnography (Ethnologisches Museum) and the Museum of Asian Art Museum (Museum für Asiatische Kunst)—now housed under a single roof: that of a completely reconstructed Berlin Palace. Both are considered to be the equal of leading museums around the world.

Visitors can now easily explore Germany's largest collections of non-European treasures , including a trove of more than 400,000 artifacts from across the globe.

Notable highlights include displays of ancient art from Asia, along with sizable collections focusing specifically on China. In addition to its theaters, the facility houses two restaurants and a shop.

Address: Schloßpl. 1, 10178 Berlin

Located on Museum Island next to the Lustgarten , the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is one of the complex's most imposing buildings thanks to its 75-meter-high dome.

Built in the New Baroque style, the building is the largest church in Berlin and is divided into three main sections: the Memorial Church, the Baptismal and Nuptial Church, and the Parish Church. After decades of painstaking work to repair war damage, the church has been returned to its former glory.

Highlights of a visit include the Imperial Staircase, decorated with bronze cornices and 13 tempera paintings by Berlin landscape painter Albert Hertel in 1905. You should also plan to see the Imperial Gallery with its splendid views of Berlin.

Another popular feature is the Hohenzollern Crypt, which contains nearly 100 sarcophagi, coffins, and monuments from the 16th to 20th centuries.

Try to time your visit for one of the cathedral's many concerts, organ recitals, or special visitor services, and be sure to climb the 270 steps to the Dome for superb views over Museum Island. English language guided tours are available, and a café and shop are located on-site.

Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin

Also known as the Museum of the Gestapo, the Topography of Terror (Topographie des Terrors) occupies the buildings that were once the central offices and prison of the Secret State Police and the headquarters of Gestapo operations during WWII.

The main exhibit focuses on the SS and police during Nazi rule, highlighting the terrible crimes that were committed and giving visitors a sense of the constant state of terror that was everyday life for Europeans under their control.

Exhibits include documents, photographs, audio, and film, and explore various themes, including persecution and extermination, occupied countries, and the postwar era.

Visitors are also invited to tour the historic grounds, which include remains of the Berlin Wall and the outdoor exhibition Historic Wilhelmstraße. Informative English language tours are available on Sundays.

Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin

Berlin Zoological Gardens (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is the oldest zoo in Germany and remains one of Berlin's most popular attractions, welcoming 3.5 million guests each year.

Established in 1844 and completely rebuilt after WWII, the zoo has earned a reputation for its many successful breeding programs and is known for providing authentic habitats for the animals.

The zoo is home to nearly 20,000 animals big and small, from Arctic wolves to zebras. Famous residents include a pair of giant pandas, two species of giraffe, and a flock of diminutive African penguins.

The Zoological Gardens are also home to Europe's biggest aviary, as well as Aquarium Berlin , where you can watch more than 9,000 creatures swim in its 250 tanks, including reef and tiger sharks, jellyfish, tropical fish, reptiles, and insects.

Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin

Another zoo of interest is Tierpark Berlin . Spread across 400 acres and home to some 7,250 animals from 846 different species.

Opened in the 1950s, it's very nearly the equal of Berlin Zoo and is well worth a visit, especially if you're traveling with kids. Star creatures include its elephants (the zoo is known for its breeding program), polar bears, as well as a large herd of muskox.

If you're visiting in summer, be sure to time your visit to coincide with one of the regular late openings. And check out the zoo's website for details of special kids' programs, feeding schedules , as well as tours and unique animal experiences.

Address: Am Tierpark 125, 10319, Berlin

Originally the kitchen and herb garden of the Royal Palace, the Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum (Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin-Dahlem) was built in 1679 on the instructions of the Grand Elector.

Covering 126 acres, it is one of the world's largest botanical gardens , home to more than 20,000 species of plants that represent the flora of not only Europe but also tropical and subtropical environments in the Great Tropical House.

There are also gardens of medicinal plants and a large pond forming the centerpiece of the biotope for marine and marsh plants.

If you can, try to visit at Christmas, or during the attraction's annual "Botanical Night" event, considered one of the most romantic things to do in Berlin in winter.

Also worth seeing is the Electoral Garden with its 17th-century garden greenery, the garden restaurant, and the excellent Botanical Museum with its herbarium featuring more than two million plants and an extensive library.

Address: Königin-Luise-Strasse 6-8, 14195 Berlin

One of Berlin's newer tourist attractions, the DDR Museum opened in 2006 and offers a sobering look at life in East Berlin under communist rule.

Located in the old government district of East Berlin, this popular attraction features a variety of hands-on, interactive exhibits related to such areas of life as surveillance, the privations of everyday life, as well as a replica tower block.

Other highlights of a visit include a replica prison cell, interrogation room, cinema, along with accompanying information. Be sure to try out the Trabant simulator, which provides a realistic driving experience along the Berlin Wall in a classic East German vehicle.

A large collection of authentic artifacts from this time period are also on display.

Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin

Berlin's Nikolai Quarter (Nikolaiviertel) is in the heart of the old city, and is where you'll find many of its oldest and most popular attractions, as well as plenty of interesting things to do beyond the usual places to visit.

This pedestrian-friendly quarter is known for its many small buildings set along narrow streets full of nooks and crannies, home to restaurants, cafés, and shops, along with craft workshops selling everything from basketry to wooden crafts.

Highlights include the district's many old fountains, lanterns, and lattice-windows on the older houses and historic buildings such as Ephraim Palace , built in the 1760s, which has exhibits dedicated to Berlin's rich artistic and cultural history, as well as an exquisite grand staircase.

Also of note is Knoblauch House , built in 1760 and representative of the former homes of the city's wealthy Jewish merchants and tradesmen.

Another favorite tourist spot is Berlin's most famous street, Unter den Linden . This broad avenue stretches some 1,400 meters and connects Pariser Platz in front of the Brandenburg Gate to the Lustgarten.

Today, the two car lanes on the Unter den Linden are separated by a wide, central pedestrian area that extends much of the street's length and provides a wonderful place to relax and take in the bustling city around you. Popular attractions are the Gendarmenmarkt , the Opera House , and St. Hedwig's Cathedral .

Address: Nikolaikirchplatz, 10178 Berlin

One of Berlin's most interesting landmarks, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche) is in many ways two churches: the ultra-modern new church designed in 1961, and next to it, the ruins of the original, including most of the 63-meter-high tower.

Completed in 1895 in honor of Emperor Wilhelm I, the original was destroyed in 1943, but its remains were incorporated into the new complex.

The result is now a major Berlin landmark that also serves as a war memorial, with exhibits installed containing mosaic remains, architectural remnants, and photos. The centerpiece is a figure of Christ from the old church and a Cross of Nails from Coventry Cathedral, destroyed by German bombs earlier in WWII.

Guided tours are available, and visitors are welcome to participate in Sunday services; Evening Music Services featuring cantatas, organ recitals, and choral music; and regular weekday services. A very popular Christmas Market is held outside the church each winter.

Address: Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin

The Französischer Dom (French Cathedral) was constructed in 1705 by and for French Calvinists (Huguenots) who came to Berlin in the late 17 th century seeking religious freedom. Its ornate dome was later added in 1785, and repaired in the 20 th century after sustaining damage during WWII.

The church's tower is one of the best places to get a bird's-eye view of the city of Berlin , offering panoramic views over the Gendarmenmarkt and nearby landmarks like the Berliner Dom and Pergamonmuseum on Museum Island.

The freshly renovated Huguenot Museum is located in the tower of the cathedral, dedicated to the history of those who were forced to relocate as a result of the Reformation. The exhibits focus on the contributions made by these immigrants who, at the time the church was built, made up around 25 percent of the city's population.

The museum includes paintings, photographs, books, and furniture, and also hosts lectures and special programs throughout the year. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 12 noon to 5pm.

Address: Gendarmenmarkt 7, 10117 Berlin,

For those wanting to be within walking distance of top attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island, the best place to stay is Berlin's Mitte district, the city's historic center. Here are some highly rated hotels to consider in or near this area:

Luxury Hotels:

• One of Berlin's most iconic hotels is the magnificent SO/Berlin Das Stue , centrally located and overlooking the western section of the beautiful Tiergarten. This boutique hotel features the Michelin-starred Cinco restaurant, as well as high-end amenities like electric vehicle charging, on-site spa services, and in-room breakfast.
• At the Tiergarten's opposite end, the Regent Berlin and Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin are just steps away from the historic Brandenburg Gate and are perfectly positioned to explore the city's famous Museum Island. Both are also just a short walk from the tree-lined Unter den Linden, famous for its boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Just minutes away from the Tiergarten and close to excellent dining and shopping, the Hampton by Hilton Berlin City West is a great base from which to explore other areas of Berlin thanks to its proximity to the city's excellent subway (U-Bahn) system.
• Another popular option is The Circus Hotel , just minutes from Museum Island. Renovated in 2020, this eco-conscious boutique hotel offers a lovely garden courtyard, as well as a rooftop terrace.
• Also of note is the funky, modern Hotel Gat Point Charlie , which as its name suggests, is adjacent to one of Berlin's most famous landmarks. It's also just steps away from the Friedrichstrasse shopping area, and guests can rent bicycles on-site for exploring the city.

Budget Hotels:

• For those on a tight budget, city-center options worth considering include the Ibis Berlin Kurfurstendamm Hotel , a short walk from the Tiergarten, and Motel One Berlin-Hackescher Markt , not far from the city's museum district.
• A fun stay can be enjoyed at the unique CUBE Lodges Berlin Mitte , a collection of bungalow-style "cubes" capable of sleeping up to four people and set around activities including volleyball courts and bike rentals, all just a short walk from the Berlin Wall Memorial.
• Sightseeing: There are several great ways to see Berlin, whether by bus, bike, or on foot. One of the easiest ways to get around the city and learn a little about the history is on a double-decker, open-air Berlin City Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour . This tour offers 20 stops at various points of interest, with the option to get off or stay on the bus. For a more in-depth, feet-on-the-ground experience, the Explore Berlin Walking Tour offers a three-hour guided walking tour that includes major attractions, from the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie to Hitler's former bunker. If you really want to get active, take a 4.5-hour guided Berlin Bike Tour to see the city's top attractions and learn about their history along the way.
• Day Trips: The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour from Berlin is a six-hour day trip to one of the first concentration camps established by the Third Reich. Today, it is a national memorial. This is a historian-led tour and includes admission to the site. If you would like to visit iconic tourist attractions like Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche, the Dresden Day Trip from Berlin provides an opportunity to get a guided walking tour of the historic city and then enjoy the afternoon exploring Dresden and the banks of the River Elbe at your leisure.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Germany's Other Big Cities : The old imperial city of Frankfurt should be on your Germany itinerary, and in addition to is lovely setting on the River Main is well known for its cultural events, including being home to the Frankfurt Book Fair. Historic Munich is also a must-visit, especially for its stunning cathedral and Marienplatz , the city's central square, popular for people watching and enjoying a picture-perfect, pedestrian-only experience. In the north of the country, the port city of Hamburg -the country's second biggest city-is a delight to explore on foot, especially its old historic quays, canals, and docks.

Germany's Incredible Scenery : Picture Germany, and you'll no doubt conjure up the kind of images associated with picturesque Bavaria , the country's largest state and home to the kind of traditional sights of forests, mountains, and quaint little villages. The Black Forest is another area often visited by tourists, and is as famous for its thick forests as it is for its old farmhouses and pretty villages. For the country's most dramatic scenery, head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen , a mountainous region as popular with skiers in winter as it is hikers and mountain bikers in the summer.

Top Germany Travel Ideas : For a look at old Germany, be sure to include the romantic town of Rothenburg on your travel itinerary, as famous for its old walls and towers as it is for its remarkably preserved medieval architecture. The magnificent Rhine Valley region also makes for a great German vacation, especially one that takes in a Rhine River cruise through the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Rhine Gorge. A similar experience can be enjoyed in the equally attractive Mosel Valley , home to the old Roman city of Trier.

More on Germany

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The 17 best attractions in Berlin

The German capital can be a little overwhelming, so where do you start? These are the best attractions in Berlin

While we’ve managed to keep this collection of the best attractions in Berlin to a concise 17, the German capital is a never-ending source of fascination, excitement and entertainment. Berlin is one of the modern world’s most important cities, a place whose reputation routinely sees it top bucket lists and best-ofs alike, as people from all over the world head here to see the famous buildings, explore the incredible museums and overindulge in Europe’s most exciting nightlife .

Berlin is a city that does it all and does it in an undeniably unique manner. This is Berlin, and don’t you forget. The restaurant scene is dizzyingly diverse, and shopping here is a white-knuckle experience all in itself.

Here to guide you through it all is Berlin local Anna Geary-Meyer. It can be easy to find yourself making plans to move to Berlin, but don’t forget to embrace your inner tourist and experience the classic attractions that this place has to offer.

Updated July 2024: When it comes to Berlin hangouts, we can't not mention the park, and this one is in the trendy Prenzlauer Berg district. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 Full guide to the best things to do in Berlin 🏡 The best  Airbnbs in Berlin 🛏 The best hotels in Berlin

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best attractions in Berlin

1.  brandenburger tor.

• Historic buildings and sites

The Brandenburger Tor (or The Brandenburger Gate if you're not so great with German) is an absolute must-see attraction if you're visiting Berlin. Fun fact: From 1814 until 1919, only the royal family and members of the aristocratic Pfuel Family were allowed to travel through the centre archway. Which wouldn't have been so fun for us normal folk. Now, it no longer causes divisions. It's said to represent peace and unity and is one of Germany's best known landmarks. 

Time Out Tip:  for the best pics, take ’em from the east side so that you can see Tiergarten between the pillars. 

2.  Neues Museum

After a long period of restoration, from suffering severe damage during World War III, the Neues Museum got back up and running back in 2009. It's now arguably one of the best museums to visit from Berlin’s UNESCO-listed Museumsinsel (Museum Island). It's an unforgettable home for a whole host of different artefacts from ancient history to the present day. From Egyptian art to unique prehistoric objects. This museum will feed your curiosity and is a great way to expand your world knowledge.

Time Out Tip:  be sure to properly take in the building itself. All those rennovations have turned the Neues into a fully-fledged architectural gem. 

3.  Holocaust Memorial (Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas)

• Monuments and memorials

Architect Peter Eisenman’s Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is intentionally disorienting: it’s a striking sculptural statement that invites visitors in, only to create a feeling of unease. There’s no vantage point or overview; to fully engage with the structure you need to walk into it. It’s haunting in places, especially on overcast days and near the middle of the monument, where it’s easy to feel a sense of confinement. Early criticism often focused on the monument’s lack of specificity – there are no stars of David here, no obvious symbolism or recognition of German culpability – but it has since won grudging recognition from many former critics.

Time Out Tip:  be sure to get there when the visitor centre is open (Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm). Its exhibitions are exceptionally informative.

4.  East Side Gallery

Running along the River Spree for 1.3km (0.8 miles) from Oberbaum Bridge to Ostbahnhof is one of Berlin’s most photographed tourist sights. This is the largest remaining section of the Wall still standing, decorated with 101 paintings by international artists from 1990. Dmitri Vrubel’s striking portrait depicting Brezhnev and Hönecker’s kiss – a Soviet sign of great respect – is easily its most iconic image. In 2017, in an attempt to prevent the sort of vandalism that had plagued it in recent years, a metre-high metal fence was erected around the perimeter of the Wall, an irony not lost on visitors.

The riverside views are great, too, and best enjoyed with a cold späti beer. There aren’t many places in Berlin where you’re encouraged to engage in shameless, unironic photo-taking, so this is definitely the place to whip out the selfie stick.

Time Out tip: Enjoy the riverfront the cosy way at the not-so-hidden gem, Locke at Easide Gallery coffee shop/audiophile bar. It's a great spot to work from, read a few chapters, or debrief on the balcony. 

5.  Botanischer Garten & Botanisches Museum

• Parks and gardens

The Berlin Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum were landscaped at the beginning of the 20th century. Today it’s home to 18,000 plant species, 16 greenhouses and a museum. The gardens make for a pleasant stroll, but the museum is a bit dilapidated and there’s no information in English. Every Monday, they run a wild mushroom advice workshop, so feel free to forage away in the nearby forests.

6.  Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen

First the site of a canteen for the Nazi social welfare organisation, this building housed a remand prison which the Soviets turned into ‘Special Encampment No.3’ and which the Stasi later expanded. Excellent guided tours are led daily by ex-prisoners; their personal testimony adds chilling immediacy to the bureaucratically spare interrogation rooms, the concrete ‘tiger cage’ in which 30 minutes of walking per day was permitted and the cramped cells where prisoners were forced to sleep in a mandated position. The museum houses a permanent exhibition, which reveals the stories of former prisoners, and there are also temporary exhibitions, often curated from the memorial’s own collection of 15,000 GDR artefacts. 

7.  Jüdisches Museum

Named as the largest Jewish museum in Europe (38,000 square feet of floor space to be exact), Daniel Libeskind’s beautiful, yet deliberately oppressive building houses a masterful museum devoted to the turbulent history of Judaism in Germany. It was opened in 2001, with a permanent exhbition that tells the stories of prominent Jewish figures and their impact. Here, you'll also be able to find out about Jewish   holiday traditions, the difficult road to emancipation and more. Side note: this museum is a popular one so arrive in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds!

8.  Philharmonie

Berlin’s most famous concert hall, home to the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, is also its most architecturally daring: a marvellously puckish piece of organic modernism. Designed by Hans Scharoun, the golden building with its distinctive vaulting roof opened in 1963. Its reputation for superb acoustics is accurate, but it does depend on where you sit. Behind the orchestra, the acoustics leave much to be desired, but in front (where seats are much more expensive), the sound is heavenly. The Berlin Phil gives about 100 performances in the city during its August-to-June season, plus 20 to 30 concerts around the world.

9.  Soviet Memorial (Sowjetisches Ehrenmal am Treptower Park)

One of Berlin’s most impressive public monuments, this memorial to Soviet soldiers killed in the Second World War (one of three in Berlin) and military cemetery is located in a peaceful park in the east of the city. It’s as bombastic and intimidating as you would expect. Treptower Park covers a huge area and is visit-worthy in itself, so combine your stop with a bike ride along the Spree or a stroll to the nearby Karpfenteich (carp pond). In summer, you can enjoy a riverside coffee at one of the park’s restaurants and cafés.

10.  Haus am Checkpoint Charlie

Once the flashpoint between East and West, today the former Checkpoint Charlie border crossing offers tacky souvenir stalls, coach-loads of trippers and actors pretending to be US and Soviet guards, but it also features this fascinating little museum which is sure to please children and adults alike. The founder of Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, Dr Rainer Hildebrandt, opened it as a non-violent protest against the Wall, with the purpose of recording the events that were taking place at the best-known crossing point. He believed it was essential to be ‘as close as possible to the injustice itself, where human greatness fully unfolds’. Today the museum tells of heroic escapes, successful and unsuccessful, with great sensitivity. 

11.  Tempelhofer Feld

Famous for its Nazi and Cold War history, Tempelhof airport ceased operation in 2008. Now, you can stroll down the runways where Second World War ‘Stuka’ dive bombers took off and where, during the famous Berlin Airlift after the Soviets blockaded West Berlin in 1948, the Western Powers landed supplies for the city’s 2.5 million residents in one of the greatest feats in aviation history. Today the 368-hectare open space of runways and grasslands is much enjoyed by walkers, kite-surfers, cyclists, runners and skaters alike.

12.  Rixdorf

A short walk from the busy shopping street of Karl-Marx-Strasse in Neukölln, you'll find the iconic and charming village of Rixdorf, centred around Richardplatz. Here, you'll find an ancient church among beautiful early 18th-century buildings. Plus, there’s even a horse-and-carriage business still in operation which will allow you to take a lovely your around the grounds. There is also an annual Christmas craft market held in the square. So, plenty to do and see in this small but intriguing village.

13.  Museum für Naturkunde (Natural History Museum)

Berlin’s Natural History Museum will be a sure-fire hit with any under-10s. The biggest (literally) draw is the skeleton of a Brachiosaurus dinosaur, which weighed 50 tonnes at death and stands proud at four storeys high. But don’t miss the creepy ‘research collections’, which show off some of the museum’s store of over a million pickled animals suspended in jars of alcohol. Berlin’s most famous polar bear, Knut, who died in 2011, is also stuffed and on display.

14.  Kaufhaus des Westens (Department Store of the West)

KaDeWe, the legendary department store, is more than a century old and has stood at the heart of the city’s shopping scene through thick and thin. It stocks an impressive range of high-end designers and has tried to shed its stuffy image by bringing in upbeat younger labels. As opulent as ever, the space is also home to the quintessential luxury food-hall experience in a city otherwise teeming with budget supermarkets. With delicatessens, butchers, pâtisseries and grocers, and plenty of prepared foods to take away, the olfactory experience as you move between sections is a delight in itself. Head up another level to reach a cavernous glass-roofed restaurant with a fine view of Wittenbergplatz below.

15.  Prater Biergarten

• Prenzlauer Berg

In the mid-16th century, brewing beer during summer was outlawed in Bavaria due to the drink’s rapid deterioration in the heat. Instead, brewers were encouraged to build cellars next to the River Isar in which to store beer for summer drinking, and thus, the Biergarten was born. Situated in leafy Prenzlauer Berg, Prater Garten is decidedly more Munich than Berlin and lures an appreciative crowd with beer, sausage and pretzels. Open daily from 12 pm.

16.  Spandau

There’s a running joke among Berliners (though not an especially clever one) that Spandau, the westernmost of the city’s twelve districts, isn’t really part of the capital. Whatever the case may be, this picturesque area is absolutely worth a day trip. Spread out along the River Havel, Spandau’s old town is the site of a gorgeous Christmas market each winter, and the medieval Zitadelle is one of Europe’s best-preserved fortresses.

17.  Mauerpark

Unless you live under a rock, you'll probably have heard about summertime in Berlin. In short, it's pure vibes. While summer nights are best enjoyed entranced by anything north of 120 bpm, days are meant for relaxing in one of the city's epic green spaces, among which Mauerpark is a popular choice. Many enjoy sprawling out on the grass, cycling along the pathways, browsing the flea markets next door, enjoying karaoke, and bundling into the Photoautomat.  

Time Out tip: If you want in on open-air karaoke, head to Maurepark Amphitheatre on a Sunday from 3 pm.

Need somewhere to stay?

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Need somewhere to rest your head in Berlin? We've found the best Airbnbs in the city

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Craving currywurst here’s where to head next..., the 15 best restaurants in berlin.

This city’s 28 collective Michelin stars speak volumes: from venerated institutions like Mitte’s Grill Royal to the burgeoning foodie scene in once-gritty Neukölln, there are some downright life-changing meals to be had here.

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18 Best Things to Do in Berlin

Thirty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in 1989, the German capital's intoxicating mix of grit, glamour, and anything-goes expression born from historical repression has made it one of the most dynamic cities on earth. Where else can you saunter through Prussian palaces, venture into Nazi-era bunkers, tour the world's longest outdoor art gallery, and lose yourself in Europe's most famous techno temple? (And that's just day one.) So bring an open mind, pack your stamina, and get ready to dive into all the city has to offer. Read on for the very best things to do in Berlin.

Read our complete Berlin travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider's experience of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.

Hackesche Höfe and Haus Schwarzenberg Arrow

Beneath its rough exterior, Berlin hides elegant urban courtyards behind the Altbau buildings that survived World War II. In the heart of Berlin’s central Mitte neighborhood, Hackesche Höfe is a cluster of eight café- and boutique-filled public courtyards dating from 1907. Following a complete renovation to restore the interconnected höfs (courtyards) to their former glory, the labyrinth reopened in 1996. Several doors down on Rosenthaler Straße, Haus Schwarzenberg is Hackesche Höfe’s gritty, graffiti-covered brother, and it offers a fascinating glimpse of what much of Berlin looked like before gentrification swept in.

Charlottenburg Palace Arrow

Built in 1699 as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, wife of King Friedrich I, this massive, multi-winged baroque structure is Berlin’s largest palace. Heavily damaged in World War II and rebuilt and restored over several decades, the palace is home to a number of priceless collections, including royal porcelain and silver, crown jewels, and important 18th-century French paintings by artists such as Antoine Watteau. The rooms themselves, most of which were entirely reconstructed, feature ornate plasterwork, gilding, and frescoes, all based on original designs. The highlight is the gardens, created in the French and English style, with orderly hedges, fountains, ponds, and tree-lined gravel paths.

Berlin Wall Memorial Arrow

This free indoor/outdoor museum and memorial is the best place to learn how the Berlin Wall sprung up, practically overnight, what life was like in the former East German state, and the heroic (and heartbreaking) attempts people made to reunite with their families. As you walk along this one-mile stretch of Bernauer Strasse, an open-air exhibit features photographs and signs detailing the stories on either side of the barrier. There’s also a preserved piece of the original border wall and a watchtower, as well as an indoor visitor center with exhibits chronicling the political and historical events surrounding the city’s division.

Mauerpark Flea Market Arrow

Located along a former part of the Berlin Wall that was a militarized no-man’s land known as the “Death Strip,” the area that is now Mauerpark (“Wall Park") was where guards stationed in watch towers would shoot would-be escapees trying to flee from East Berlin to West. Today, the attack dogs and soldiers are gone, and in their place, the city’s largest and best outdoor market is held every Sunday. Surrounding the bustling market in the trendy green space is something of an anything-goes circus, filled with jugglers, picnickers and the world's largest karaoke party, known as Bearpit Karaoke.

Berghain Arrow

Perhaps no club in Berlin (or the world, for that matter) is more hallowed than Berghain. Set in a former East German power station, this cavernous, nondescript warehouse is the Holy Grail for techno fans, hosting three-day-long debauchery-induced raves. Every weekend, the club attracts some of the best DJs from all over the planet to spin and pump beats so intense that they ring in your bones instead of your ears.

Reichstag Building Arrow

Reduced to rubble after one of history's most infamous fires in the 1930s, and then rebuilt decades later, the stately Reichstag is arguably Germany's most iconic landmark . The building has been home of Germany’s parliament (the Bundestag) since 1999 and now serves as a symbol of the country’s reunification. Today, a glistening glass dome designed by starchitect Norman Foster sits atop the grand old structure, and anyone with an advanced booking can ascend its 755-foot-long ramp for sweeping views over the city. The Reichstag dome is one of the most enriching free experiences for first-time visitors to the city, where a troubled past exists side by side with a trendsetting future. Few places employ this juxtaposition quite as well as this monument to freedom and openness, which was literally built atop the site that saw Nazis rise to power.

Humboldt Forum Arrow

The Humboldt Forum’s collection is vast and varied—and honestly more than a little overwhelming. The main exhibit is the Ethnological Collection and Asian Art, which displays about 20,000 objects from Berlin’s former Ethnological Museum and Museum for Asian Art of the State Museums. What’s most interesting here is that many objects are examined in a critical context—for instance, looking at how they were taken from African nations during colonial rule, with descriptions in both German and English. The fascinating, if sprawling, Berlin Global exhibit examines Berlin’s impact on the world in six categories: Boundaries, Entertainment, Fashion, Interconnection, Revolution, Space, and War. The After Nature (Humboldt Lab) exhibition critically examines the interplay between climate change and democracy in countries around the world. Then there are a few exhibitions reminding you of the building’s complex history: a Sculpture Hall displaying fragments of the original palace as well as six large 18th-century sculptures; the Palace Cellar below ground that includes part of the medieval Dominican monastery originally on the site as well as preserved sections of the Berlin Palace’s foundations; and a large-scale video panorama about the history of the site (“800 years of history in just 14 minutes!”) Plus, a panoramic rooftop on the fourth floor (accessible with an extra fee) offers lovely views of the Berlin rooftops. Also of note: As befits a modern museum, a good number of exhibits are interactive, with buttons to push, videos and virtual reality stories to watch, and audio to listen to.

Brandenburg Gate Arrow

This triumphant neoclassical arch is Berlin’s most famous monument and the only remaining gate of the 14 that originally surrounded the city when it was a proud Prussian metropolis. Since then, Napoleon and Hitler have stormed through it and the world watched as thousands of Berliners swarmed the site with sledgehammers to topple the nearby Wall in 1989. Ever since, this Acropolis-inspired 1791 monument has come to symbolize German reunification. Conveniently located within easy walking distance of a trio of boldfaced Berlin sites ( Tiergarten Park , the Reichstag , and The Holocaust Memorial ), the Brandenburg Gate serves as a central meeting place for tourists.

Topography of Terror Arrow

You’re on the site of the headquarters of the Gestapo, Nazi Germany’s secret police force between 1933 and 1945, where many political prisoners were tortured before being sent to concentration camps and prisons. The Reich Security Main Office, created by Nazi paramilitary organization Schutzstaffel (SS) head and chief of the German police Heinrich Himmel—which was responsible for organizing the Holocaust—was also headquarted here starting in 1939. Indoor and outdoor exhibitions walk visitors through the history of these organizations and the crimes that they committed. Especially moving is the outdoor exhibit “Berlin 1933-1945. Between Propaganda and Terror” that looks at how the Nazis came to power in Berlin; it’s displayed amongst excavated sections of the fomer building (visible through glass panels) where the Nazis planned their crimes against humanity. The comprehensive inside exhibit goes into even more depth, using photos and stories to tell the story of when the Nazis came to power and the crimes they committed until World War II ended. Both exhibits, plus regularly rotating temporary ones, are free to visit. For even more history, to the site’s north you’ll find the longest section of the Berlin Wall still remaining in the city center.

Museum Island Arrow

Berlin's Smithsonian on the Spree, Museumsinsel (“Museum Island”) is a UNESCO-inscribed collection of five world-class museums and a must-see for anyone coming to Berlin. Spanning 6,000 years of art and history, the island’s ensemble of museums (The Altes Museum, Neues Museum , Alte Nationalgalerie, Pergamonmuseum , and Bode Museum) represent the pinnacle of Germany’s museum collection. Here, visitors can come face to face with Nefertiti; ascend an ancient altar dedicated to Zeus; and marvel at Monet, Cézanne, and Degas’ landscapes before crossing the bridge back to mainland Berlin.

Neue Nationalgalerie Arrow

All of the Neue Nationalgalerie’s art dates from the 20th century. The museum’s permanent collection is strong on German Expressionism—think Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Max Beckmann, and Emil Nolde— along with Cubist and Dada works, plus worthy pieces by such 20th-century art world luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, Piet Mondriaan, Joan Miró, and Wassily Kandinsky. Though the permanent exhibition space on the lower floor is large, it only holds about 250 pieces, so selections from the museum’s collection of about 5,000 artworks rotate throughout the year. (A new, larger “berlin modern” museum is under construction next to the Neue Nationalgalerie to display more of the artworks; however, its planned opening in 2027 is in question, as it’s already behind schedule and millions over budget.) When the Neue Nationalgalerie reopened in 2021, the permanent exhibition space featured art from 1900 to 1945; from late 2023 through October 2025, the museum is displaying works from 1945 to 2000, with such artists as Barnett Newman, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, and Louise Nevelson. Visitors also have the chance to catch the Gerhard Richter Art Foundation, which has loaned 100 works from the renowned German artist to the museum until at least 2026. You can hit the highlights in 60 to 90 minutes, but it will be a bit rushed. Two hours will give you a much more relaxed pace to explore the permanent and temporary collections, and to maybe even spend some time enjoying the lovely sculpture garden, if the weather’s nice.

Sammlung Boros Arrow

A renovated Nazi-era bunker in the now-posh Mitte district houses this private collection of contemporary art, owned by Christian and Karen Boros (who actually live in an apartment on the roof). The selection of sculpture, paintings, photographs, and installations by international artists rotate every four years, but have recently featured contemporary artists like Katja Novitskova, Guan Xiao, and Kris Martin. A guided tour across its five floors reveals not only the impressive collection but also the long history of the bunker, which was used as a Nazi air raid shelter and later became an underground techno club (you can still see vestiges of fluorescent paint in some rooms and stairwells). Tours (required) book up months in advance, so plan accordingly.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Arrow

A short walk from Brandenburg Gate , this sprawling, maze-like set of 2,711 concrete columns is a haunting reminder of the atrocities and toll of World War II and Germany’s main memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Officially called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the site occupies an entire 205,000-square-foot city block and was designed by American architect Peter Eisenman after an exhaustive 17-year planning process. The memorial’s abstract design offers no explanation or prescribed walking path, but simply invites visitors to enter and become swallowed in its tomb-like slabs.

East Side Gallery Arrow

With more than 100 paintings, the East Side Gallery is the world's largest (and longest) open-air art gallery. The 0.8-mile stretch of the Berlin Wall, which runs parallel to the Spree River, once trapped East Germans inside. But when the rest of the Wall came crumbling down in 1989, this stretch remained and became a concrete canvas for international artists, who splashed it with murals between February and June of 1990.

Tempelhofer Feld Arrow

Built by Hitler’s henchmen and used as a lifeline by some two million people during the Allied Airlift, Tempelhof Airport is now a sweeping urban playground that’s larger than Central Park . On sunny days, thousands of Berliners come to jog down the abandoned runways, bike under the old radar station, and grill next to grounded Cold War-era planes. Stay long enough and you’ll see beekeepers in the lawn, windsurfers on the runway, cricket players by the tarmac, zipliners in the forest, and much more.

Tiergarten Arrow

Berlin's signature park and "green lung," Tiergarten Park is a leafy 519-acre oasis that was once used as the hunting grounds of Berlin’s rulers (“Tiergarten” means “animal park”). These days, the boars and pheasants have moved on, and in their place a series of lakes, hiking paths, English gardens, and even a biergarten attract joggers, cyclists, and sunbathers. Towering over the center of the park, the gilded Siegessäule (Victory Column) is the most famous of Tiergarten’s many monuments and commemorates Prussian war victories. Nearby, the white Schloss Bellevue palace is where the German president lives. Elsewhere, don’t miss the manicured English Garden and teahouse, and Berlin’s most attractive and romantic biergarten, Café am Neuen See, where lovers can enjoy a pint, a pizza, and a paddle aboard a rowboat on the lake. It would take you days to see all of hte park—we recommend downshifting and taking your time here with a bike, a blanket, and a book.

Prater Garten Arrow

Prater Garden, Berlin's oldest biergarten, comprises almost a full acre of communal tables and benches. Although Germany’s capital city doesn't have the biergarten culture of Bavaria, this gem has been around since 1837—and has withstood the multiple tests of time for good reason. Like most biergartens, the atmosphere is relaxed and convivial: People focus on their company first and their drinks (think Pils and housemade dark beer) second. This is also Berlin's best spot for a bratwurst fix; nothing goes better with sun and bier than a grilled sausage, so choose from spicy or standard. Bavarian pretzels make for great beer-side snacks, too.

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What to see in Berlin?

The 22 best sights you have to see in berlin.

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In a nutshell: Our top highlights in Berlin

• Berlin’s top highlights you should not miss: the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, Checkpoint Charlie, and East Side Gallery.
• And for all the culture lovers out there, don’t skip the Museum Island . It’s a must-see!
• Our personal favorite is a walk through the neighborhoods , like Kreuzberg, Schöneberg, and Prenzlauer Berg. You’ll get a real feel for the city.
• And for the best view in town , head to the TV Tower or Panorama Point.

That’s our top 4 highlights of Berlin, but if you’re looking for more, keep on reading! You’ll get a full rundown of the 22 best sights in Berlin and some practical travel tips.

Table of Contents

• General tips
• Highlights on a map
• Buildings & landmarks
• Famous streets & places
• Musuems & memorials
• Best districts

General tips: How to best visit the sights of Berlin

Before we start in on the attractions, we have a few tips that will make your sightseeing tour through Berlin easier.

#1 Traveling with public transportation

You’ll get around Berlin best by bus and train. The public transportation here is considered among the best in the world, and is actually much better than its reputation would have you think.

All of the attractions are found near an U-Bahn (subway) or S-Bahn (suburban train) station, so you can easily leave your car behind. In general, it’s difficult to find a free parking space in the inner ring of Berlin, let alone a cost free one.

Definitely pay attention then to finding accommodation that’s close by to an U-Bahn or S-Bahn station. You’ll find out which city neighborhoods and which hotels are particularly worthwhile in this article:

The best areas to stay in Berlin

Alternatively to U-Bahns and the like, there are also a variety of sharing providers, from which you can rent cars, mopeds, e-scooters or bikes through apps.

#2 Buy the Berlin Welcome Card

If you intend to visit museums or other ticketed highlights, it’s worth it for you to get the Berlin Welcome Card.

It comes in a few varieties and it enables you to freely go by bus or train, and it allows you to get a 20-50% rebate off over 200 attractions.

There’s a Berlin Welcome Card for 48 or 72 hours, or for 4, 5, or 6 days, and you can comfortably order them online:

To the Berlin Welcome Card

#3 Do a guided tour

Guided tours are always worth it when you want to see as many sights as possible in a short time and also want to learn some interesting background information. You’ll do that best with a local guide.

There are many interesting tours through Berlin, for example tours about special themes, culinary tours or the totally classic sight-seeing tours.

Here are a few of the most interesting:

Sightseeing tour by foot of the most important attractions Small group tour about the Cold War and Third Reich Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tour with live commentary

If you’re instead on the search for some tours that are more unusual and that take you off the tourist’s typical beaten path, then take a look at our article:

Unusual tours and guided tours through Berlin

But enough with the introduction. Now we’ll get to the 22 best attractions in Berlin.

What to see in Berlin: Our highlights on a map

For a first overview of the city, we’ve put together the sights on a map for you.

You can also save the map onto your computer or phone:

Click here to download our Berlin sights map as a PDF.

#1 Brandenburg Gate

As the iconic landmark of Berlin, no tourist can miss the Brandenburg Gate. No other structure is as closely bound to the history of the city as the Brandenburg Gate.

In fact, there used to be a total of 18 city gates, but just the one survived.

Right in front of the Brandenburg Gate you’ll find the always well visited Pariser Platz, where the famous Unter den Linden boulevard ends.

Just behind the Brandenburg Gate awaits already the next attraction.

If you go straight out of the Gate, the Straße des 17. Juni (Road of the 17th of June) leads you directly to the Victory Column (Siegessäule). On the left of the gate you’ll find the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust-Mahnmal), Tiergarten and Potsdamer Platz, and if you go to the right, you’re just a few minutes away from the Reichstag.

The Brandenburg Gate is definitely then a good starting point for a sightseeing tour of the city.

Google Maps

#2 Reichstag

German politics come to life in the building of the Reichstag, surrounded by the Tiergarten and the Spree river. Not only are you close to political happenings here, but you’re also in the midst of a fascinating architectural work.

Belonging to the Reichstag is a 23 meter high and 40 meter wide glass dome, which you can visit for free. In this dome, you can also find a rooftop restaurant.

Attention: You can only visit the dome with a reservation. You can do this online on the German Bundestag website . Alternatively, you can also register on-site at the service center of the Visitors’ Service, but that would only work if there’s still free spaces available. We would definitely recommend then that you make a reservation beforehand.

On the rooftop terrace, there’s a free audio guide for anyone who wishes, which is 20 minutes long and shares information about the German Reichstag building, the dome and the work of Parliament.

Alternatively, you can also book a guided tour through the dome and the government quarter. The reservation for the Reichstag dome happens directly with this:

To the guided tour through the government quarter and Reichstag dome

Admission to the dome can in some cases be cancelled on short notice, and then even visitors who have a reservation can’t enter anymore. This can happen due to either bad weather, security or parliamentary events.

To the Website

#3 The Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) can be found on Museum Island (Museuminsel). Some say that it’s one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Germany.

Entrance costs 7 euros and can be paid on-site. You’re allowed to climb into the dome, where you can expect to see another gorgeous view of Berlin.

The walls, ceiling and windows of the cathedral are splendidly decorated in the Baroque style, with marble elements, mosaics and four huge organs.

The Hohenzollern Crypt can be found in the basement, which is one of the most important burial places of a dynasty in Europe. Here you can see the ornate sarcophagi of Berlin’s royal family from the 17th to 20th century.

Directly in front of the cathedral is the Lustgarten, with its romantic fountain. This is a nice place to relax and sit on the grass, by the way.

#4 TV Tower and Alexanderplatz

High, higher, Berlin TV Tower! The TV tower, with its height of 368 meters, is actually the tallest construction in Germany at this time. Some claim that Berliners lovingly call the tower the Imposing Club, the Show-off Stalk, St. Walter, or Tele-asparagus. But to be honest, no one does that.

The Fernsehturm is one of the most distinctive highlights of Berlin’s skyline, and the view from the top belongs to the best that Berlin has to offer. At 203 meters high on the tower, you can grab a drink or snack at the Bar 203. If you want to eat at the revolving restaurant “Sphere,” you need an extra ticket, through which you’ll also get a table reservation.

You can get tickets online or on-site. Because the Fernsehturm is one of the most popular attractions in Berlin, you can only rarely just walk in. Instead, you’ll be given a time slot on-site, which is usually for several hours later.

So, it’s worth it to book a ticket online and avoid the wait.

Going up the tower with an online ticket costs 24.50 euros per person, and a ticket on-site costs 21.50 euros per person.

To a ticket without the wait for the Berlin Fernsehturm. To a ticket without the wait for the Berlin Fernsehturm, with windows eating at the revolving restaurant.

Attention: Strollers, large bags and luggage are not allowed in due to security reasons. Wheelchair users and people using walkers are unfortunately not allowed up the tower for the same reasons.

Right at the Fernsehturm you can find the enormous Alexanderplatz, which Berliners call Alex for short. Many find it really ugly, but at a closer glance, it’s not at all.

All around Alexanderplatz are some fascinating examples of GDR architecture. The most well-known is the World Clock, where you can read the local time at several places around the world.

The only abysmally ugly building is the Alexa shopping center, which is luckily a bit hidden away on the edge of Alex.

from €21.50

#5 The Victory Column

A lavish pedestal, a tall column and a crowned Victoria on the top – that’s the Berlin Victory Column (die Berliner Siegessäule). Berliners also call the statue “Goldelse,” or “Golden Else,” and in comparison to the so-called nicknames of the Fernsehturm, that’s really true.

The Victory Column is on of the most significant national monuments of Germany.

It’s found in the middle of the “Großer Stern” (The Great Star). The Großer Stern is a centrally located square in the middle of the Tiergarten. It’s surrounded by a busy traffic circle and connects some of the most important streets of Berlin together.

To get to the Victory Column, you’ll go through one of four pedestrian underpasses, which will safely take you under the streets to the monument.

For only 3 euros, you can go into the structure and climb up a spiral staircase, where another fantastic view of Berlin awaits you.

Attention: Inside the column it’s very narrow, and so it’s not for people with claustrophobia.

#6 Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace goes back to the time of the Prussians and stands as the biggest and most magnificent palace of Berlin. Even the palace garden, in the English style and with an adjoining nature park, is itself really worth seeing.

Within the Palace facilities, you can visit the Old Palace, the New Wing, the Mausoleum of Queen Louise, the Belvedere and the New Pavilion.

The Old Palace is the largest main building. The New Wing is an addition built by Queen Louise and King Frederick III for their personal apartments.

The Belvedere is a garden house with a view of the Spree and a large porcelain collection. An art exhibit is housed in the New Pavilion, showcasing paintings from the 18th and 19th century.

You can visit all parts of the palace for 17 euros per person, or you can also visit only the Old Palace or New Wing for 12 and 10 euros respectively.

The Charlottenburg Palace is also an event space. Orchestras occasionally play in the Orangerie, and a Christmas market also takes place there every year.

Mondays closed

#7 East Side Gallery and Oberbaum Bridge

The East Side Gallery is an open air monument and is today one of the most famous sights of Berlin.

Right on the Spree, on the border between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, you can find the longest still standing section of the Berlin Wall. On the west side of the wall, a number of artists have immortalized themselves, creating a 1.3 kilometer long open-air gallery.

Probably the most well known artwork on the East Side Gallery is the fraternal kiss (der Bruderkuss). It shows the heads of state from the Soviet Union and the GDR, Leonid Breschnew and Erich Honecker, in a brotherly embrace.

The very photogenic Oberbaum Bridge is found on the south end of the East Side Gallery. From the banks of the Spree, on the river’s edge of the East Side Gallery, you’ll have a gorgeous view of the most beautiful bridge in Berlin.

Our tip: The Oberbaum Bridge is particularly nice to photograph during the late afternoon or during sunset. The sun falls against the bricks of the bridge, and the water of the Spree turns into a beautiful dark blue.

#8 Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie remembers the period of the Occupation Zone and the Cold War. At the same time, it’s also probably the most touristy place in Berlin, full of souvenir stores and masses of people, day or night. A detour here is still worth it though, because Checkpoint Charlie is still a historically significant place in the city.

It’s one of the most important border crossings from the time of the German Division.

Much did not survive the transition, and the small control house is a new construction from the year 2000. Around Checkpoint Charlie you’ll now find actors dressed up as American soldiers, who you can take a photo memento with for a few euros.

#9 Under den Linden

Unter den Linden is a famous, 1.5 kilometer long street in Berlin’s center. It connects the Berlin Cathedral with the Brandenburg Gate, and as you stroll along it, you’ll pass by more sights of the city.

Among other things, you’ll find the just recently rebuilt Berlin Palace, Museum Island, Humboldt University, the State Opera, the Neue Wache, multiple embassies, and the German History Museum. All the way at the end is Pariser Platz and the Brandenburg Gate.

It’s also worth a visit to the Bebelplatz in front of the State Opera. During Nazi times, book burnings took place here, which is remembered there today.

By the way, Unter den Linden crosses, among other streets, Friedrichstraße, one of the most well known shopping streets of Berlin.

#10 Kurfürstendamm

Kurfürstendamm, which Berliners call Ku’damm for short, is the most well known shopping street of Berlin. Here you’ll find one store after the next.

From exclusive designer brands to more affordable stores like H&M, everything’s here that a shopper could dream of.

The Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church) is worth seeing, which is found directly on Ku’damm. The half-destroyed church reminds us of dark times and today serves as a memorial.

After the Gedächtniskirche, Kurfürstendamm turns into Tauentzienstraße. On this street stands the most famous department store in Germany and the largest of continental Europe: Kaufhaus des Westens, KaDeWe for short. In KaDeWe you’ll find over 60,000 square meters of an enormous selection of fashion, cosmetics, homeware, and a top floor full of delicious food and treats.

#11 Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin.

The gorgeously designed square is made up of three monumental buildings, each centuries old: the Deutscher Dom, Französischen Dom, and the Concert House.

There are numerous fancy restaurants and hotels in and around the square, and events regularly take place in the square itself. Among them, for example, are the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market and the Classic Open Air concert series, which happens during the summer.

Our tip: The square is always beautiful, but it’s particularly striking in the evening when all the buildings are illuminated. Besides that, there’s also way less going on then.

#12 Potsdamer Platz

Another highlight for many of Berlin’s visitors is Potsdamer Platz. You’ll not only find an important point of connection for Berlin’s S-Bahn, but also quite a few skyscrapers around this square.

To compare it with cities like New York is of course silly, but you don’t see something like it so often in Germany.

Potsdamer Platz was a border area during the time of Germany’s division. In the 90s, major construction and transformation projects began, and the square was for a long time the largest construction zone in Europe.

Particularly interesting to see is the Sony Center, with its spectacular roof structure. Despite all of its modernity, Potsdamer Platz also has a monument, which remembers old times: the first traffic light of Germany and one of the first in Europe. It’s been here already since 1924.

A visit to the Kollhoff-Towers is also worthwhile. On the 24th and 25th stories is the Panoramapunkt, an observation deck with a cafe, the Panoramacafé, which is in the style of the 30s. You’ll reach it with the fastest elevator in Europe.

This elevator, though, always has a waiting line, but with an online ticket you can go directly up.

To the ticket for the Berlin Panoramapunkt that skips the line .

#13 Museum Island

If you’re fascinated by culture, art and history, then you can easily spend a few days on Museum Island. We’re talking about the most important museums complex in Europe, Museum Island, which of course also belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Here, you’ll find five museums that are all very worth the visit: the Altes Museum, the Neue Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum, and the Pergamonmuseum.

Altes Museum

The Altes Museum (Old Museum) is dedicated to the art and culture of the ancient Greeks, as well as the Etruscans and Romans. Here you can view, among other things, sculptures, weaponry, gold jewelry and silver treasures from the aforementioned cultures.

To the ticket for Altes Museum

Neues Museum

A particularly interesting exhibit is kept in the Neues Museum (New Museum), namely the Bust of Nefertiti. In addition, the New Museum includes the Egyptian Museum, Papyrus Collection, as well as exhibits on the Pre- and Early History of humans.

To the ticket for Neues Museum

Alte Nationalgalerie

The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) exhibits first and foremost sculptures and paintings. Among other things, you’ll find paintings by Kasper David Friedrich and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.

To the ticket for Alte Nationalgalerie

Bode-Museum

The Bode-Museum houses artifacts of Byzantine art, Italian and German sculptures, coin collections and some paintings.

To the ticket for Bode-Museum

Pergamonmuseum

The Pergamonmuseum is made up of three wings and houses an Antiquity Collection, the Middle East Museum, and the Islamic Art Museum. The huge Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus and the Ishtar Gate are highlights of the museum.

To the ticket for the Pergamonmuseum

Our tip: There’s a practical Day-Ticket for Museum Island that costs 18.90 euros, which allows you to visit all the museums on the island in one day.

To the Ticket for all exhibitions on Museum Island (3 days)

#14 Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum is found in Kreuzberg and is the biggest Jewish museum in Europe. The focus of the museum is Jewish history and culture, such as migration and diversity in Germany.

In the museum, you can view exhibits and collections or can take part in events. The extensive offerings also include guided tours, workshops, lectures, concerts and readings.

During the visit, you’ll continuously encounter the era of the National Socialists and their impact on Jewish life in Germany, Europe and Israel.

The museum is not only interesting because of its content, but also because of its extraordinary architecture by Daniel Libeskind and the beautiful museum garden.

Our tip: the museum is really big, so you should give yourself at least three hours there.

#15 Topography of Terror

The Topography of Terror (Die Topographie des Terrors) is an exhibition project that you can visit for no cost. It’s dedicated to the documentation and processing of the terrors of National Socialism in Germany, with a focus on the period from 1933 to 1945.

Before, the headquarters of the Secret State Police (Gestapo) were found exactly where the exhibition stands today, and other important Nazi facilities were located nearby, which gives the project even more significance.

The exhibition contains an indoor and outdoor area. In the museum, there are original photos, posters and other documents from the Nazi period displayed, which provoke visitors to think about the horrors of that time.

In addition to two permanent exhibitions, you can go on an informative tour. There’s also always temporary exhibits going on.

#16 GDR Museum

Directly across from Museum Island is the interactive GDR Museum, which shows life and everyday culture from the GDR in a permanent exhibit.

This period, which lasted around 40 years, is vividly and descriptively presented, so you can imagine yourself in that era really well.

Above all, the interactive elements of the museum make it an experience for young and old alike.

For example, you can print out old recipes in an original GDR kitchen set in a replicated prefabricated building, so that you can make the recipes at home. Or, you can sit in an original Trabant and take a virtual ride through East Berlin.

Our tip: This museum is always well visited, and the wait line is long. With the online ticket, you can get in without the wait.

To the ticket for the GDR Museum

#17 Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Berlin played a central role during the time of National Socialism, so in the capital you’ll find probably the most important memorial for the Jews of Europe who were murdered by the Nazis.

The memorial, which lies between the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, is a wave-shaped, 19,000 square meter large field, on which 2,711 rectangular concrete stelae stand. The field is accessible from all sides, and through its abstract forms and grey tones, it is meant to reflect the powerlessness and despair of European Jews during that time.

Beneath the field of concrete slabs, there is an information center, which is an underground building reachable by stairs. There, information is provided across a large presentation area about the persecution and murder of European Jews.

Exhibition: Mondays closed

#18 Hackesche Höfe

The Hackesche Höfe are found in the district of Mitte, around the square that goes by the same name, Hackescher Markt.

The Hackesche Höfe are a total of eight unique, interconnected inner courtyards, where there are a number of shops, ateliers and cafes to discover.

There are two entrances to the courtyards, one on Sophienstraße and the other on Rosenthaler Straße. A stroll through the Hackeschen Höfe is always a must for us on any visit to Berlin.

#19 Kreuzberg

We’re often asked, “which sights in Berlin do you have to have seen?” Of course, you have to see the classics like the Brandenburg Gate. But what really makes Berlin is its neighborhoods.

We always suggest that you simply take a wander through some neighborhoods. For us, that’s actually the highlight of Berlin. One of these neighborhoods is Kreuzberg.

Kreuzberg is a popular, notorious district of Berlin and is celebrated by many as the coolest area of the city.

For a long time, Kreuzberg was a rather neglected quarter, home to many guest-workers and the alternative scene of West Berlin.

Kreuzberg is as alternative as ever, even though many houses today have gotten spruced up, and the rent prices aren’t affordable anymore for many long-time Kreuzberg residents.

The crowd here is predominantly young, international and alternative – still Kreuzberg! Between Oranienstraße, Mariannenplatz and Bergmannkiez you’ll quickly find a colorful mix of cultures, the likes of which exists barely anywhere else in Germany.

Particularly worth a visit is Markthalle Neun, where you can get some delicious food. Besides that, you’ll find some of the hippest clubs of the city in Kreuzberg.

You can of course do Kreuzberg on your own. But if you want to learn a little more about its background, then you can do that with a local guide.

To a guided tour through Kreuzberg.

#20 Prenzlauer Berg

Another great district to see in Berlin is Prenzlauer Berg, Prenzlberg for short, which is in the northeast of Berlin.

The district directly borders Mitte and so it’s very centrally located. Prenzlauer Berg was a typical working class area during the time of East Berlin, but it was also a cultural and alternative center. After the turn and return to unity, the cheap rent of the run down old buildings attracted many students, artists and alternatives, who had long characterized the area.

In the meantime, the creatives have almost entirely given way to young families and those with higher incomes. The old buildings were lavishly renovated and there are now many restaurants and small shops.

In Prenzlauer Berg, there are over 300 buildings under historic preservation protection. Particularly interesting here are the Kastanienallee, Kollwitzplatz and Helmholtzplatz, with their many restaurants and bars.

Another gem is the Kulturbrauerei. It’s set in a decommissioned brewery from the 19th century that today houses many cafes, shops, a theater and a cinema. In December, there’s also one of the nicest Christmas markets in Berlin here.

Our tip: In case you visit Prenzlauer Berg on a Sunday, you should definitely swing by Mauerpark. The weekly flea market takes place there, and there’s always a bunch of performance artists and musicians bustling around the park’s meadow. One of the absolute highlights is Mauerpark Karaoke. Simply follow the noise, and you’ll discover it.

#21 Friedrichshain

Friedrichshain, like Kreuzberg, is another quarter of the city with an alternative personality, with many bars, restaurants, flea markets and nightclubs.

Some central focal points are Simon-Dach-Kiez and Boxhagener Platz.

Friedrichshain is also home to the Berghain, probably the most infamous techno club in the world. The East Side Gallery is found in this district too. You’ll also find some interesting East German architecture, above all on Karl-Marx-Allee, where it looks like time stood still.

For alternative art and culture, you should see the RAW-Gelände in Friedrichshain. The focus here is on intercultural projects, exhibitions, and marketplaces, as well as the numerous clubs and bars in the area.

You can also reach Friedrichshain’s most interesting corners on a guided bike tour, which also brings you into Kreuzberg:

To the guided bike tour through Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.

#22 Boat ride on the Spree

A nice way to discover Berlin is via boat ride on the Spree. Starting from various piers, you can experience Berlin’s attractions from a whole new perspective.

There are different tours that vary greatly in length. The journeys vary from 1 to 3 hours long.

To the 1 hour boat ride To the 2.5 hour long boat ride

On the journey, you’ll pass different Berlin attractions. Among them, you’ll find for example the East Side Gallery, the Oberbaum Bridge in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, the government district, or the 30 meter high Molecule Man.

Every passenger gets a free audioguide, which shares information about the different attractions in German and other languages.

That was our 22 favorite attractions in Berlin! Do you also know Berlin and have a few more tips about the highlights of the city? Feel free to share them below or leave a comment!

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Attractions in Berlin

Amazing things to do in Berlin

If you are looking to visit a city packed with fascinating attractions and iconic landmarks, look no further than Berlin. While there, make sure to visit the capital city’s countless attractions: the planetarium, the aquarium and the wax work museum Madame Tussuauds, amongst many others. It is guaranteed to be an unforgettable trip.

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Location Berliner Fernsehturm Panoramastraße 1a 10178 Berlin Berliner Fernsehturm Panoramastraße 1a 10178 Berlin

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25 Top Tourist Attractions in Berlin

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital city of Germany is rich with history and culture. Badly fractured during World War II and the cold war, Berlin has recreated itself into an international city with diverse cultures and architecture. Explore the top tourist attraction in Berlin that still bears the scars of the recent past.

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25. Oberbaum Bridge

The Oberbaumbrücke, or Oberbaum Bridge, spans the Spree River. The bridge is two stories high, and it links the districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. It ties together the former East Germany with the West, making it a historically significant as well as architecturally beautiful structure.

The Oberbaum Bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in the whole city. It’s a sign of unity, a way to bridge the east and the west in the once divided Berlin. You can cross the bridge on foot, but the best views are further along the Spree from either side of the river.

24. German Historical Museum

The German Historical Museum, also known as the Deutsches Historisches Museum, is a fantastic place to visit if you want to see what Germans have been up to for the past two millennia. The museum covers all of German history up until the present day, and exhibits are laid out in a way that is easy to understand and highly entertaining.

The museum is housed in two adjacent buildings: The more traditional Armory, or Zeughaus, and the modern Exhibition Ball designed by I.M. Pei. You can browse through posters from World War II, see maps from the 19th century or admire contemporary sculpture done by modern German artists.

23. Kurfurstendamm

Kurfürstendamm, known to locals at Ku’damm, was built as a German answer to the Champs-Elysee in Paris. The wide road was lined with trees and ornate buildings were built along both sides. It is the heart of former West Berlin, and is still the city’s most popular shopping boulevard.

The side streets of Tauentzienstraße and Fasanenstraße are lined with malls and high-end flagship stores. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out KaDeWe, or the Kaufhaus des Westens. This is the largest department store in all of Europe, and it boasts virtually anything you might want to purchase from expensive shoes to fresh produce.

22. Berlin TV Tower

Located near the Alexanderplatz is the Berlin TV Tower, better known to locals at the Berliner Fernsehturm. This tower is the tallest structure in all of Germany, and its observation deck offers an incredible vantage point for amazing views over much of the city.

The Berlin TV Tower was built in the 1960s, and it is one of the most significant mid-century modern buildings in Germany. At the time of its construction, it was also a true engineering marvel. Just below the main observation deck, there is an upscale restaurant where you can enjoy the view with a drink or a full meal.

21. DDR Museum

The DDR Museum is appropriately located in the heart of the former government district of East Germany, and it is devoted to the history of the DDR, or the Deutsche Demokratische Republik.

When you visit, you can see what life was like in former East Germany. See the apartments people lived in, put on some of the most common clothing items from the period and check out the covert listening devices, or bugs, used to spy on citizens. Exhibits are in English as well as German.

20. Treptower Park

Alongside the river Spree, south of central Berlin, you’ll find Treptower Park. If you’re interested in WW2 history, then the park is a must-see destination in Berlin. The park is home to a large military cemetery as well as the enormous Soviet War Memorial that was built in 1949 to commemorate the Soviet soldiers who fell in the Battle of Berlin.

There are a number of plates set around the park, each of which memorializes certain battles. Beyond the historical significance, Treptower Park is an awesome place to walk along the paved pedestrian pathways, rent a rowboat for some time on the water or just have a drink in the park’s biergarten.

19. Berlin Wall Memorial

There are many different ways to see the Berlin Wall while in the city. If places like Checkpoint Charlie feel too touristy, head to the Berlin Wall Memorial, known in German as the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer. It’s a memorial to the countless men, women and children who died while trying to get across the wall.

There is also an adjacent documentation center on Bernauer Straße with additional exhibits and information, although much of it is in German. From the viewing platform, you can see what once was the no-man’s land between East and West Berlin.

18. Unter den Linden

This beautiful boulevard lined with linden trees is one of the main east-west routes through Berlin. The trees were first planted in the mid 1600s and are cared for and cultivated by the city. Over the centuries the boulevard has been extended and now stretches from Museum Island to the Brandenburg Gate.

Greatly damaged during the war, Unter den Linden has been renovated and is currently lined with many architectural sites and other tourist attractions in Berlin including the German Historical Museum, the Staatsoper, Altes Palais and the Palace Bridge.

17. Berlin Cathedral

There are many wonderful churches to see in Berlin, but the Berlin Cathedral is the largest and one of the most impressive. It was built at the start of the 20th century as a way to express the imperial power of Germany. The brick, neo-Renaissance cathedral is located in the area of Museum Island in the district of Mitte.

The enormous organ is a major point of pride in the cathedral, and it is still used for religious services. If you visit, you can climb to the top of the dome and enjoy views from the cathedral after touring the interior.

16. Alexanderplatz

If you visit Berlin, you’ll almost certainly spend some time in Alexanderplatz. This large public square is right in the heart of the Mitte district, and it is the major hub for transport in Berlin. Today, it is also home to some of the most popular historic attractions in the city.

From the Alexanderplatz, you can see the Berlin TV Tower dominating the skyline, the World Clock and the Neptune Fountain. There are also plenty of local shops, restaurants and even a casino. The plaza is also home to the Galeria Kaufhof, one of the busiest shopping spots in the area.

15. Charlottenburg Palace

If you like touring palaces, then don’t miss the Charlottenburg Palace. This is the largest palace in Germany, and it is found in Berlin’s City West district. Charlottenburg Palace was constructed at the end of the 17th century, and the entire community of Charlottenburg grew around it.

Built in the Baroque style, and boasting beautiful gardens and outdoor sculptures, the palace is now open to the public. You can tour restored rooms and see the extravagant, rococo style in the apartments of Frederick the Great, and you can also see collections of porcelain, crown jewels and royal silver.

14. Victory Column

The Siegessäule, or Victory Column, was built toward the end of the 19th century in celebration of several Prussian military triumphs. The column originally stood in front of the Reichstag but was moved to the middle of Tiergarten by the Nazi government as part of a major urban redevelopment plan.

At the very top of the column is an angelic, winged figure that represents Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. At the top of the Victory Column is an observation deck that allows for panoramic views over the city. There’s just one catch: There is no elevator. If you’re feeling up for it, take on the 285 steps to get to the top.

13. Gendarmenmarkt

The Gendarmenmarkt is a major public square in Berlin that dates all the way back to the 17th century. Although many of the historic buildings in the Gendarmenmarkt were destroyed in World War II, several major landmarks remain.

With a visit to the Gendarmenmarkt, you’ll be able to see the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom, or French Cathedral, which was built by the Huguenots in the early 18th century. The Gendarmenmarkt is also home to the beautifully reconstructed Konzerthaus, where the Berlin Orchestra performs. During the winter, Christmas markets are a major highlight at the square.

12. Topography of Terror

One of the more poignant attractions in Berlin is the Topography of Terror. This is an indoor and outdoor museum located on the exact site of the former Nazi government’s SS Reich Main Security Office.

Within view of the Berlin Wall, former prisons cells were excavated to showcase the tragedies and horrors of the Nazi regime. Exhibits explore the Jewish ghettos of Berlin, the criminals brought to justice at the Nuremberg Trials and a memorial to all those who perished at the hands of the Nazis. It can be emotionally tough to explore the Topography of Terror, but it an important historical stop to make.

11. Pergamon Museum

In Berlin’s Museum Insel you’ll find the fascinating Pergamon Museum. The whole museum is named for the Pergamon Altar, which is one of its most valued attractions on display. The Pergamon Museum is the most visited art museum in Germany, and it boasts an incredible collection of antiquities and treasures.

Touring the museum is a way to bring the ancient world to life. Some of the most notable attractions in the Pergamon include the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the Mschatta Façade from a desert castle in Jordan and the Roman Market Gate of Miletus, which dates back to the 2nd century.

10. Hackesche Hoefe

Located at the far end of Oranienburger Strasse in the Scheunenviertel, the Hackesche Höfe is a complex that includes eight interconnected courtyards. It was designed and built by the architect Kurt Berndt, and the Art Nouveau façade was the work of August Endell.

As with many Berlin courtyard buildings, the complex was used for a mixture of offices, shops and flats. The buildings were only partially damaged during the WW2, but were mostly neglected while Germany was partitioned. Only after reunification, starting in 1993, was the complex extensively restored and it now looks better than it ever has.

Inside the Höfe you’ll find a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and shops that attract tons of locals and visitors each day. As you travel from one courtyard to the next to see more vendors, you’ll understand the unique nature of this complex.

9. Tiergarten

Once the hunting grounds of the Brandenburg elite, the Großer Tiergarten is now an urban park in central Berlin. Commemorating a Prussian victory, the Berlin Victory Column stands in the park and is surrounded by a street circle.

Pedestrians can reach the column by using any of four underground tunnels. Near the Column sits Schloss Bellevue, the Beautiful Palace, which is the official residence of the President of Germany.

Occupying the southwest corner of the Tiergarten, the Berlin Zoo houses around 14,000 animals. The open-air habitats have made it one of the most popular zoos in Europe.

8. Check Point Charlie

One of the best known crossing points of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie resonates with emotional and historical significance. Named by the Western Allies, the border crossing bore an ominous sign stating “You are leaving the American Sector”.

This was the single crossing point for members of the Allied forces and foreigners. The guardhouse which once stood here is now on display at the Allied Museum in Berlin-Zehlendorf.

A replica of a U.S. Army guardhouse stands at the crossing, and cobblestones are used to designate the former border spot. The best documentation on escape attempts and the original Checkpoint sign can be found in the museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie.

7. Potsdamer Platz

Art, entertainment and shopping can all be found in this vibrant corner of Berlin. The square was completely destroyed after the war but has been rebuilt into a modern plaza with landmark towers and a shopping arcade.

The area is seen as symbolic reconnection of the two halves of Berlin, joining the residents of both sides in a completely new part of the city. A replica of Germany’s first traffic light stands in the center with sleek, modern office buildings surrounding the platz.

The DaimlerChrysler Atrium offers a changing art exhibit while the Sony Centre features a Cinema Complex and Film Museum, a shopping mall and a 3D IMAX theater.

6. Memorial Church

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is in the center of the Breitscheidplatz in Berlin. The original church was built between 1891 and 1895 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. During WWII the church burned down after it was hit by an allied bomb, only the broken west tower of the church was still standing.

In 1961 a new church, consisting of 4 buildings, was constructed around the remains of the old church. The concrete and glass structure is a fascinating counterpoint to the neo-Romanesque old church that it surrounds. Photos of the original church can be found in the remaining west tower along with some of the original mosaics.

5. Museum Island

Five museums comprise Museum Island which is located between the Spree River and Kupfergraben. As with many of the structures in Berlin, the old museum buildings were nearly destroyed during the Second World War but are now open.

The Altes Museum displays ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, while the Alte Nationalgalerie houses the largest collection of 19th century paintings and sculptures in Germany. The Nues Museum houses prehistoric pieces and Egyptian art, including the bust of Queen Nefertiti.

The Pergamon Museum contains another display of Greek and Babylonian antiquities. The Ishtar Gate and Pergamon Altar are here. Finally, the Bode Museum displays a large collection of sculptures, numismatic (coin) collections and a number of paintings.

4. East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is the longest stretch of the Berlin Wall still in existence. Often described as a memorial to freedom, it showcases paintings of artists from around the world.

The artwork, which began appearing in 1990, documents the changing time after the fall of the Berlin Wall as well as expressing hope for the future. Sections of the wall have been moved to facilitate construction and other portions have been damaged by erosion and vandalism.

3. Holocaust Memorial

Near the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial is a simple, but powerful tribute to the Jews that died as a result of Hitler’s extermination plan. The 2,711 slabs are arranged in a wave-like pattern over 205,000 square feet.

Each stone is unique, varying from ankle high to over six feet tall. The paths between the slabs undulate with the overall effect being one of instability and disorientation.

There is no set pattern and visitors may walk in any direction through the peaceful, quiet stones. At the base of the memorial an underground information center offers information and personal stories of people affected by the actions of the Nazi party.

2. Reichstag

The Reichstag is the seat of the German Parliament and an historic landmark. A fire in 1933 and air raids during the Battle of Berlin in 1945 caused a great deal of damage.

The Reichstag sits near the Brandenburg Gate and was not fully restored until after the deconstruction of the Berlin Wall and the German reunification. Some historical scars, such as graffiti left by Soviet soldiers, were left as a tribute to the building’s difficult past.

The original building was designed by several architects and the mix of styles in the completed structure was somewhat controversial at the time, but now is appreciated by thousands of visitors each year. The glass dome at the top of the building provides a magnificent view of the city and visitors must register in advance to enter it.

1. Brandenburg Gate

Built in the late 1700s, the Brandenburg gate is the only surviving city gate of Berlin. The gate is in the western part of Berlin and marks the entrance to Unter den Linden. Used as one of the Berlin Wall crossings, the gate became a site of protest during the division of Germany and a place of celebration when the wall fell in 1989.

The gate was severely damaged in World War II and underwent extensive renovation in the early 2000s. Today it is fully restored and is the symbol of not only the turbulent history of the region, but also the reunification of East and West Berlin.

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Reader interactions.

February 3, 2021 at 7:46 pm

I was in front of the Brandenburg gate in 1958 . A Russian soldier was walking back and forth in front of the gate. I was stationed at Babenhausen.

January 14, 2019 at 4:29 pm

A good list of Berlin cultural and historic sites. Thank you

September 21, 2018 at 12:51 am

I am visiting Berlin in a couple of days and your travel guide will be useful to me.

May 20, 2015 at 6:13 am

I will be visiting Germany soon and would like to know the best way to spend 2 to 3 days in the country.

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 75 Best Things to Do in Berlin (Germany)

75 Best Things to Do in Berlin (Germany)

No capital city in the world feels quite like Berlin, and maybe that’s because none has had a century as eventful. Here’s a city that was the party capital of the world in the Golden Twenties and was then razed and cut in two. One half rebounded as an economic juggernaut while the other languished in oppression and a sea of concrete.

And when the two halves were reunited a quarter of a century ago Berlin got a new identity as a fun-loving, disarmingly scruffy, cool and socially-conscious hotbed of ideas. And if you need photo-friendly sights Berlin has them in spades and they’re all permeated with the drama of the last hundred years.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Berlin :

1. Brandenburg Gate

Where Unter den Linden intersects with Ebertstraße stands what may be Germany’s most recognisable sight.

For first-timers in Berlin the Brandenburg Gate is obligatory, and it’s charged with real emotion and meaning, as an ever-present landmark during the destruction of the Second World War and the Berlin Wall when it stood at the divide.

This ceremonial monument was erected at the turn of the 1790s at the behest of the Prussian King Frederick William II, on the site of one of Berlin’s former defensive gates.

At the top is the Quadriga, a chariot pulled by four horses, all supported by 12 Doric columns forming five passageways.

Recommended tour : Discover Berlin Walking Tour

2. Reichstag

Another landmark that sums up the drama of the 20th century in Berlin is the Reichstag, the meeting place of the German Parliament.

This Neo-Baroque building dates from 1894 and housed the Imperial Diet until it was damaged in that infamous and historic fire in 1933. The ruins were merely maintained until after the Berlin Wall fell.

And as soon as it came down a restoration project by Norman Foster began to resurrect the Reichstag as an emblem of a unified Germany.

The plan included a new glass dome in which you can look down on the debating chamber and take in Berlin’s cityscape, all while hooked up to an audio-guide.

Available activity: Berlin Reichstag: Rooftop Dinner at the Käfer Restaurant

3. Tiergarten

After scurrying around the big-hitting sights and museums the Tiergarten could be a peaceful interlude.

It’s a large belt of thick foliage, coursed by the Landwehr Canal and spreading west from the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag.

Like so many European city parks the Tiergarten was once a hunting ground (for the Electors of Brandenburg) before being revamped in the 1830s by the Prussian architect Peter Joseph Lenné.

Schloss Bellevue, the residence for the President of Germany, is in the Tiergarten.

Beyond providing some respite from the city the Tiergarten is woven with monuments like the Bismarck memorial, and pretty spots like the Luiseninsel and rose garden.

4. Victory Column (Siegessäule)

Where the roads converge in the Tiergarten there’s another big photo opportunity.

The Victory Column was built in 1864 after the defeat of Denmark in the Danish-Prussian War.

But it would also come to represent a slew of other victories in that era, over Austria and then France in 1870-71. Following these successes an 8.3-metre sculpture of Victoria was added to the top of the column, weighing 35 tons.

The whole monument once stood in front of the Reichstag, but was moved in 1938-39 to its current spot at the centre of a roundabout as part of Hitler’s ambitious plan to remodel Berlin as “World Capital Germania”. For a small fee you can tridge the 285 steps of the spiral stairway to watch over the Tiergarten and Berlin 51 metres above the park.

5. Museum Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Museum Island on the Spree is an ensemble of five world-beating museums.

These are the Altes Museum, Alte National Galerie, Neues Museum, Bode-Museum and the Pergamon Museum.

This little district, and the wider notion of a museum as a venue for public edification, is a product of the Enlightenment and plans were set in motion in the early 19th century.

The museums were also an opportunity to show off the richness and sophistication of the Prussian royal collections and the fruits of its 19th-century victories.

The first institution to open was the Altes Museum in 1830, designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel who drew up several Neoclassical monuments around Berlin in that period.

The last was the Pergamon Forum from 1930, while the Neues Museum from 1859 was reopened in 2009 having been wrecked in the war.

Tip: If you’re planning to visit a few museums have a look at the Museum Pass Berlin: 3-Day Entry to Over 30 Museums

6. Neues Museum

Created in 1855, destroyed in 1945 and now reborn, the Neues Museum had been left to rot for the entire post-War period.

Finally, after reunification plans were put in place its treasury of ancient artefacts was finally moved from the Altes Musuem back to its rightful home in 2009. There are galleries for Ancient Rome and Greece, but it’s the Egyptian displays that pull in the crowds and none more so than the bust of Queen Nefertiti.

The 3,350-year-old sculpture was discovered at Amarna in 1912 and has been beguiling people ever since.

Still, Nefertiti is only one of many exhibits, from hieroglyphics to sarcophagi and two preserved ancient courtyards, one Egyptian and one Greek.

7. Gemäldegalerie

Paintings by Europe’s greatest artists up to the 18th century are in store at the Gemäldegalerie, one of the world’s top fine art museums.

For the sake of introduction, we’re talking about Botticelli, Albrecht Dürer, Rubens, Rembrandt, Hans Holbein, Raphael, Vermeer, Botticelli and many more than we can list here.

This wealth of painting wasn’t amassed by a single family, but was curated by the Prussian Government from 1815 as a cross-section of European art.

You have 1,250 works of the highest quality to see, by master after master, so don’t be surprised if you lose all track of time under their spell.

8. Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer

Some of the most memorable images from the early days of the Berlin Wall were recorded at Bernauer Straße where there’s now a memorial to this famous boundary.

A 70-metre length of the wall has been preserved here, including the Todesstreifen (Death Strip) in between, and a watchtower beside the street.

This whole section is closed off as a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives trying to cross between 1961 and 1989. Across Bernauer Straße is the visitor centre, which chronicles the wall, from when it was first enforced to its eventual destruction.

There’s also a five-storey observation tower giving you a true sense of the divide.

9. Pergamon Museum

At the Pergamon Museum you’ll come face-to-face with epic ancient monuments from the Near East, brought in pieces to Berlin from the 1910s and reconstructed in these galleries.

The 2nd-Century Pergamon Altar is the piece that gives the museum its name, a stairway and portico on a pedestal adorned with a frieze in high relief portraying scenes from Greek mythology.

Some other wonders are the colourful Ishtar Gate, rebuilt with the material discovered in its excavation, the Roman Market Gate of Miletus, the Islamic art of the Umayyad Mshatta Facade from Jordan and, oldest of all, the Mesopotamian Meissner fragment from the Epic of Gilgamesh.

10. Deutsches Historisches Museum

In the Zeughaus, one of the many palatial buildings on Unter den Linden, the German Historical Museum reveals 2,000 years of German history.

For this there’s an enormous exhibition of 7,000 artefacts arranged in chronological order.

These jump from precious pieces, like the iconic painting of Martin Luther by Lucas Cranach the elder or Napoleon’s hat worn at the Battle of Waterloo, to things that give you a hint of everyday life.

So you can also cast your eye over Weimar election posters, penny farthing bikes from the 19th century, intact American supply drops from the Berlin Blockade and home appliances from the GDR.

11. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Not far from the Brandenburg Gate is the solemn and powerful memorial to the holocaust, designed by the New York architect Peter Eisenman.

Set on what used to be the “death strip of the Berlin Wall” are 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights, in a grid pattern on an undulating open space that lends the memorial a wavelike form.

The blocks are on 54 north-south rows, and 87 perpendicular east-west rows.

The memorial encourages you to interact and reflect, and there’s also an underground gallery ; a network of themed rooms offers background on Jewish victims of the holocaust, with biographies, letters and personal effects of some of the victims.

12. Unter den Linden

Berlin’s oldest and most stately boulevard runs east to west from the Musuem Island to the Brandenburg Gate.

The route is as old as Berlin, and the lime trees that give Unter den Linden its name were planted in 1647. But it was only in the 18th century, during the reign of Frederick the Great that the boulevard took on its current grandeur.

The big sights like the Zeughaus, State Opera and Humboldt University all arrived in this period.

The list of alumni at the university includes Einstein, Marx, Engels and Hegel.

Many of the historic landmarks on Unter den Linden were levelled or badly damaged in the war and would take until after Reunification to be rebuilt or restored.

13. Gendarmenmarkt

Contained by Charlottenstraße and Markgrafenstraße is a square exuding Baroque opulence and plotted by the architect Johann Arnold Nering in the 17th century.

The showpieces are the French and German Churches, facing off at the northern and southern ends of the plaza.

They are both fronted by porticos and crowned with regal domes.

Between them is the newer and very imposing Konzerthaus, erected in 1821, in front of a statue of the writer Friedrich Schiller.

In December the square gets a sprinkle of fairy dust when the Christmas Market sets up, while the Classic Open Air is a programme of concerts in summer.

14. Topography of Terror

Like the Memorial to the Murdered Jews, the Topography of Terror stands as another sobering message for future generations.

On Niederkirchnerstrasse is the former location of the Gestapo and SS, two names that are instantly connected to possibly the most infamous period in European history.

The headquarters for these institutions were bombed in the war and then pulled down afterwards, before being abandoned on the course of the wall, which still stands here.

There’s an open-air exhibition on the excavated ruins of the headquarters, recalling life in Berlin during the Third Reich, the story of the SS and Gestapo, their key figures and the deeds that were plotted at this place.

15. Fernsehturm

Raised next to Alexanderplatz in the late-1960s, the Fernsehturm (Television Tower) was intended as a highly visible symbol of communist power in East Berlin.

Still the second tallest structure in all of the European Union, it is as much landmark for Berlin as the Reichstag or the Brandenburg Gate.

The Fernsehturm is also the highest building in Europe open to the public, and provided you plan ahead, the 40-second ride to the viewing platform 200 metres high is something you can’t turn down.

From this height you can zoom in on the minutest details with a telescope, and there’s also a revolving restaurant, which requires a bit of pre-planning if you want a table.

Suggested activity : Skip-the-Line Berlin TV Tower with VIP Dinner

16. Jewish Museum Berlin

On Lindenstraße the museum tackling the weighty topic of Jewish history in Germany opened in 2001 in an acclaimed Deconstructivist building by Daniel Libeskind.

From above, the museum’s plan resembles a bolt of lightning and has been compared to a dismantled star of David.

Once you start negotiating its zigzagging corridors there are empty spaces, 20-metre-high voids that express interrupted history and the sense of loss of the holocaust.

The permanent exhibition lays out the story of the Jews in Germany, starting in the towns on the banks of the Rhine in medieval times.

The hope and prosperity of the Jewish Emancipation of the 18th and 19th centuries gives way to National Socialism and the horrors that followed.

An alternative axis leads you to the Garden of Exile, and another to the Holocaust Tower, a hollow 24-metre silo.

17. DDR Museum

Believe it or not, “Ostalgie”, or nostalgia for the German Democratic Republic, is a thing in the former East Germany.

The DDR Museum opened just across from the Berlin Cathedral in 2006 and is a complete repository for the German Democratic Republic, documenting the good, the bad and the downright kitsch.

Among many things you can check out the decor and furnishings inside a typical flat in an East German “plattenbau” concrete tower block and see what it was like to drive a Trabant.

Across 27 themed spaces there’s memorabilia from the Free German Youth (FDJ), recordings of East German music, a reproduction of a classroom, but also information about the notorious Stasi and their efforts to pry into the lives of thousands of citizens.

18. Berlin Cathedral

Not strictly a cathedral, as it has never been the seat for a bishop, this temple on Museum island is still Berlin’s most important Protestant church.

It’s the fourth church at this setting next to the Spree, in a line that goes back to 1451. The current cathedral is in the exuberant Historicist style and was finished in 1904. Berlin Cathedral sustained damage in the Second World War when the lantern in the dome was destroyed, but the building never collapsed and has become another allegory for Berlin.

Restoration began in the 1970s and took until 1993. Through the portal there’s a profusion of goldwork, mosaics, sculpture and a mosaic hewn from marble and onyx by the 19th-century architect Friedrich August Stüler.

Below, enter the Hohenzollern Crypt, the resting place for the House of Hohenzollern, which produced Prussian Kings and German Emperors.

19. Alexanderplatz

The largest square in Germany and an energetic transport hub, Alexanderplatz is one of the most dynamic and exciting corners of Berlin.

This former parade ground became the city’s main shopping district at the start of the 20th century.

It was completely obliterated in the Second World War and owes its appearance to a GDR project during the 1960s.

In those days “Alex” was the scene of many public gatherings, including the peaceful protests against the wall in 1989. The rate of transformation since the wall came down has been dramatic, and following developments like the Alexa mall, Alexanderplatz is a major shopping and entertainment destination once again.

A lot of the GDR’s concrete architecture remains, most famously in the unforgettable silhouette of the Fernsehturm.

20. Checkpoint Charlie

The intersection of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße is the site of the legendary border crossing between East and West Berlin.

This very place was almost the scene of a catastrophe in 1961 when American and Soviet Tanks stood off against each other for six days at the end of October.

Later, in 1962, it witnessed the death of Peter Fechter, a teenager shot trying to cross from East to West.

The name comes from the phonetic alphabet (Charlie meaning C), as Checkpoint Charlie was the third such border crossing set up by the allies in the city.

Now the guardhouse and sandbags in the centre of the street are worth a photo as you pass by.

21. Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears)

Also harking back to the days of the wall is a hall at Friedrichstraße Station, the only westbound border crossing by train, U-Bahn and S-Bahn link.

West Berliners making short visits to the east would return home from here, and the name Tränenpalast comes from the tearful goodbyes that would happen in front of the station.

The old terminal has an exhibition using firsthand accounts by people who made the journey between 1962 and 1990, describing the stringent security measures and customs checks.

There are hundreds of original artefacts to bring the reality home, while the original signs and instruction panels have been preserved and are still in place.

22. Treptower Park

A quick ride on the S-Bahn takes you to Treptower Park next to the Spree in the southeast of Berlin.

Summer is when the park is at its best as you can amble beside the river for four kilometres or catch a boat for a cruise on the Spree.

The park was landscaped in the English style in 1884 and spreads over 84 hectares, composed of abundant lawns, tree groves and a rose garden.

Right after the war an immense memorial and cemetery was built for the 80,000 Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Berlin.

It was East Germany’s chief war memorial and is a large ensemble of sculptures, including a central area lined with 16 stone sarcophagi, one for each of the Soviet republics.

This leads up to a 12-metre statue of a Soviet soldier holding a German child and standing on a smashed swastika.

23. Gedächtniskirche

The original Kaiser Wilhelm Church was built in the 1890s and had a Neo-Romanesque style.

The church was part of the Kaiser’s nationwide construction project to ward off the growing labour movement, and was named after his grandfather.

It was badly damaged in a bombing raid in 1943, and after the war there was a big debate about whether it should be pulled down or rebuilt.

In the end the architect Egon Eiermann designed a stunning modern church next to the ruins.

This new building has walls inlaid with more than 20,000 blue stained glass panels and consecrated in 1961. The surviving, damaged tower of the old church remains as a memorial, holding an anti-war exhibition with a crucifix made from nails collected from Coventry Cathedral, bombed by the Nazis in 1940.

24. Olympic Stadium

Few sporting arenas have seen as much world-changing history as Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.

When the Nazis came to power in 1933 they identified the upcoming 1936 Olympics as a propaganda opportunity, and Werner March was called upon to design a monumental stadium that would turn heads.

The result was a technical masterpiece and would be the arena where Jesse Owens took four gold medals, undermining any notions of Aryan supremacy.

Since then an immense steel roof has been installed, weighing 3,500 tons and the capacity has been cut back from 100,000 to 74,475. Visit for a tour during the week, or try to catch the famous atmosphere of a Bundesliga match when Hertha BSC play their home matches in the ground between August and May.

25. Berlin Philharmonie

The Berlin Philharmoniker is often voted in the top two or three symphony orchestras in the world.

So for classical music fans a night at the Philharmoniker’s home venue might represent a lifetime ambition.

The concert hall, noted for its tent-like roof, opened on the south side of the Tiergarten in 1963. In those days it was in a wasteland created by the wall, but is now at the green soul of the city and a member of the Kulturforum ensemble of important cultural venues.

An odd piece of trivia is that guns were used to test the acoustics during construction in the early 60s.

You might have your eye on an upcoming performance, but if you’d just like a taster there’s a free concert of chamber music every Tuesday at 13:00 in the foyer.

26. Deutsches Technikmuseum

A technophile’s idea of heaven, the German Technology Museum is a trip through transport and industry down the years.

Kids will be wild about the fleet of heavy-duty vehicles like steam and diesel locomotives and a gigantic aviation hall holding a V-1 bomb, an Arado Ar 96, the wreckage of a Stuka divebomber and Lancaster, a Messerschmitt Bf 110 and a Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor.

As for industrial processes, the museum doesn’t just tell you how things are made; it shows you with live demonstrations of paper production and typecasting for newspapers for instance.

Kids can also get involved at the Science Centre, where wacky experiments will deepen their understanding of concepts like electricity, light and magnetism.

27. Charlottenburg Palace

The summer home of the imperial Hollenzollern family is an easy journey west on the S-Bahn, and is the largest and most refined palace in the city.

Berlin’s answer to Versailles was first built in 1695, and then expanded according to the taste of its owners over the next century or so.

And like Versailles, Charlottenburg could easily consume a day, as there’s so much to see at the palace and its various outbuildings, many hosting museums.

The baroque Old Palace has a magnificent porcelain cabinet, sumptuous tableware, the crown jewels and royal silver collection.

The Rococo New Wing has the state apartments of Frederick the Great, while the Hohenzollern mausoleum is where members of that prestigious family are buried.

The delightful Belvedere outside has a display of Berlin porcelain, while the old palace theatre has a museum for prehistory.

28. Kaufhaus des Westens

Shortened to KaDeWe, Kaufhaus des Westens is a department store without rival.

This eight-storey monster is the most famous shopping destination in Germany and the second largest department store in Europe.

If you’ve got money to burn the first three floors are all about high-end women’s and men’s fashion, and if you think you’ve seen it all before, the dazzling “Luxury Boulevard” on the ground floor is like a mini 5th Avenue.

But for the rest of us the show-stopper is the immense “Delicatessen” food hall on the 6th floor where scores of confectioners and bakers work their magic, and almost any specialty food under the sun is available.

Then above is the winter garden, setting the scene for KaDeWe’s 1,000-seat self-service restaurant.

29. Museum für Naturkunde

You can say hello to the world’s largest mounted dinosaur skeleton at the central hall of Berlin’s natural history museum.

Standing at 13.27 metres this beast, a sauropod, would have weighed 55 tons when it was alive.

Nearly all the material is from one animal, discovered in Tanzania in the early 20th century.

Tristan the T-Rex, and the groundbreaking archaeopteryx fossil (the missing link between reptiles and birds), are the other main events.

But there’s a lot more keep you rapt in the museum’s galleries: Take the 4,500 mineral specimens in the Hall of Minerals, a taxidermy of a dodo, and an exhibition illustrating the theory of evolution with perfect clarity.

30. Mauerpark Market

Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg is the setting for a shopping trip to remember.

The market is at its best in summer, when you can compare it to a small music festival.

In among the stalls are musicians playing gigs for little crowds, as and street food vendors selling international fare.

The stallholders themselves are mostly everyday people trying to sell stuff they no longer need.

But there are also professionals flogging antiques and collectibles like Soviet paraphernalia, and artisans selling handicrafts, clothing and art.

At 15:00 all attention turns to the amphitheatre where there’s a mass karaoke session in which anyone can take part, as long as they don’t mind singing in front of hundreds of people!

31. Alte Nationalgalerie

When the wealthy banker and art patron Joachim Heinrich Wilhelm Wagener passed away in 1861 he bequeathed his bountiful collection of 262 paintings to Prussia.

That collection would be the basis for the Nationalgalerie, and work began on a venue within two years.

Friedrich August Stüler’s came up with a stately Neoclassical temple that has a few Eclecticist flourishes thrown in.

As for the contents, the museum deals only with the 19th century.

We’re talking about the Romantic art of Caspar David Friedrich and his contemporaries, moving through Impressionism and paintings by Renoir and Monet, into the early roots of Modernism via Max Liebermann and Adolph von Menzel.

32. Konzerthaus Berlin

The grand concert hall on Gendarmenmarkt was actually a theatre for most of its history.

As the Königliches Schauspielhaus, and then the Preußisches Staatstheater, the most illustrious actors of the 19th century trod its boards.

It functioned in this capacity up to the Second World War when it was bombed out.

The ruins were left untouched until the building was revived as a concert hall and the venue for the Berlin Symphony Orchestra (Now the Konzerthausorchester Berlin). Check the season in advance and buy, beg, borrow or steal to get a seat, as the acoustics in the Konzerthaus are rated in the top five in the world.

33. Berlin Zoo

No animal attraction in Europe gets more visitors than the Berlin Zoo, which is enveloped in woodland on the southwestern corner of the Tiergarten.

At just over 1,5000 the array of different species is the largest on the planet, and the zoo toes the line between ethical animal treatment and crowd-pleasing exhibits.

All the big cats are present, along with chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos and gorillas: As of 2017 Fatou here is the oldest gorilla in the world at 60 years olc.

Though space is at a premium near the centre of the city, the inhabitants are kept in humane enclosures that resemble they’re natural environments.

The zoo engages in breeding programmes for rhinos, gaurs and various rare deer and pig species, while a pair of giant pandas arrived in 2017 on a breeding loan and are presented in a large glass habitat.

34. Potsdamer Platz

On the southeast corner of Tiergarten, Potsdamer Platz was an empty no-man’s-land divided by the wall from the end of the war to the 1990s.

That was all a far cry from the Golden Twenties when the square had been the bustling centre of the city, an equivalent to Times Square for its transport connections, shopping, entertainment and nightlife.

After the wall came down developers were presented with a blank canvas to re-imagine a unified Berlin as a modern, forward-thinking capital.

Only a quarter of a century later Potsdamer Platz is a futuristic business district in the mould of La Défense or Canary Wharf.

Daimler’s Haus-Huth here was the only facade to survive the devastation of the war, and behind it lies a free museum for modern and contemporary art delving into movements from Bauhaus to Minimalism.

35. Sony Center

Maybe the showpiece for the new Potsdamer Platz is this building complex that went up during the 1990, designed by Helmut Jahn and Peter Walker.

The centre is a kind of plaza, encircled by arresting glass towers and sheltered by a tent-like canopy, which creates a real sense of spectacle.

Around it are shops, hotels, museums, cinemas, an IMAX theatre, restaurants and offices.

There’s free Wi-Fi on the plaza and sure to appeal to kids is the branch of the Legoland Discovery Centre, an indoor theme park based on the much-loved building toy.

36. East Side Gallery

Warschauer Straße station is the spot to start a walk beside the longest preserved stretch of the Berlin Wall.

Every patch has been adorned with art, turning this into the world’s longest outdoor gallery.

Some of the murals have gone down in history and are indelible, while others are constantly being replaced and updated.

Most of the work is bold, colourful and thought-provoking.

The lasting image depicts GDR leader Erich Honecker and General Secretary of the Communist Party Leonid Brezhnev locked in a kiss.

Painted by Dimitri Vrubel in 1990, it was restored by the artist in 2009 as part of an ongoing fight to preserve the most famous images in the face of erosion and tagging.

37. Museum of Film and Television

The Deutsche Kinemathek is Germany’s film and television archive, which unveiled its museum in 2006. If you’re enchanted by Weimar-era silent movies like Nosferatu and Metropolis, trailblazers in the horror and sci-fi genres, you owe it to yourself to come for the inside story at the museum.

There are vintage posters, costumes, scene sketches, photos and original props.

One of the biggest stars of the era, Marlene Dietrich has a special place in the exhibition, and there are artefacts from her breakthrough, The Blue Angel and a collection of her personal belongings.

The highlight of the television exhibition is the archive footage of momentous 20th-century events like the fall of the Berlin Wall or Germany winning the World Cup in 1954.

38. Prenzlauer Berg

Somewhere to try and grasp the dizzying speed of change in Berlin since Reunification, Prenzlauer Berg is a former East German neighbourhood.

As a residential area it escaped a lot of the wartime destruction that levelled the rest of the city.

So the dominating five-storey Neoclassical apartment blocks survived, falling into dilapidation on the socialist side of the border.

When the wall came down these blocks and their courtyards were taken over by squatters, whose radical ideals and rough edges have been gradually smoothed out over the last quarter of a century.

Still young, it’s a neighbourhood of leafy streets, artsy boutiques, hookah bars and trendy restaurant concepts.

39. Botanischer Garten

Planted with over 22,000 plant species, Berlin’s 43-hectare botanical garden is heaven on earth for horticulturalists, gardeners and anyone who needs to recharge their batteries.

The garden is in the residential area of Dahlem, having moved from the centre of the city between 1897 and 1910. At this time the largest of the park’s 15 greenhouses, the Große Tropenhaus (Great Tropical House) was raised in a graceful Art Nouveau style.

Its humid interior is 30°C all year, and supports a giant bamboo.

Outside you can get lost in a 14-hectare arboretum, which has the absurdly romantic “Arbour of Roses” at its heart.

And real scholars can immerse themselves in the Botanical Museum, teeming with plant trivia and exhibits like the Prussian royal specimen collection.

40. Stasi Museum

Berlin confronts another difficult period from its past at the former headquarters of the State Security Service for the GDR. At Haus 1 of the Ministry for State of Security, the museum is in a suitably oppressive-looking complex in Lichtenberg, some way east of the centre.

The full scope of the surveillance conducted by the Stasi on the GDR’s citizens and its efforts to infiltrate the west are laid bare.

Anyone who’s into espionage will get a kick out of the miniature cameras, bugs and concealable weapons, and there are explanations of the Stasi’s structure and recruitment methods.

Go upstairs and things get really interesting, as everything has been left exactly as it was in 1989. Desks, chairs, filing cabinets and safes are all in place, and you can step into the office of its head, Erich Mielke, the man known as “The Master of Fear”.

41. Bode Museum

The last of our Museum Island attractions is on the northern tip, and was named for its curator when it first opened in a Neo-Renaissance palace 1904. The focus is on classical sculpture, Byzantine art, Renaissance painting, liturgical art and a massive numismatic collection.

The Italian Renaissance halls are maybe the most accessible for first-timers, and are bursting with frescoes, glazed terracotta and sculptures by artists like Donatello.

Equally spellbinding is the Byzantine art from the 3rd to the 15th centuries made up of carvings, mosaics and painted icons from Greece, the Balkans, Italy, Turkey and Russia.

And as for that coin collection, only 4,000 pieces of the 500,000-strong reserve can be shown.

This was first assembled by the Brandenburg Electors in the 16th century.

42. Kurfürstendamm

Shooting west from the Gedächtniskirche is Berlin’s glitzy and upscale shopping avenue in the Parisian tradition, drawn up at the behest of Otto von Bismarck in the 1880s.

Framing four rows of plane trees are luxury emporia and flagship stores for international mid-market brands like Urban Outfitters and C&A. Next to the Gedächtniskirche is the Europa-Center, Berlin’s oldest shopping mall, beneath a rectangular 1960s skyscraper which is now a protected building.

In the Golden Twenties Kurfürstendamm was Berlin’s hottest entertainment district, and “Theater und die Komödie am Kurfürstendamm” are throwbacks to that era.

Café Kranzler harks back to before the war when it was known as Café des Westens and the haunt of bohemian Berlin’s intellectuals and writers.

43. Hackesche Höfe

Opening onto Hackescher Markt is a chain of eight connected Art Nouveau courtyards, conceived at the turn of the 20th century by the architect August Endel.

Between Rosenthaler Straße and Sophienstraße are bars, clubs, theatres, shops and a cinema, all on courtyards organised according to their occupants: So to explain, a lot of the entertainment is on Courtyard I and II, which stay open at all hours, while the quieter businesses and residential courtyards further back are closed off at night.

After the war Hackesche Höfe was neglected on the GDR side, though its heritage listing meant it couldn’t be torn down.

The courtyards and their beautiful Jugendstil motifs were restored in the 1990s and have become a dynamic testament to a unified Berlin.

44. Museum Berggruen

In 1996 the Jewish native Berliner Heinz Berggruen sold his astounding modern art collection to the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation for a nominal sum.

This was a gesture of reconciliation after being forced to flee Berlin in 1933. He left at the age of 18 and became a prominent art patron in the intervening years, making friends with Pablo Picasso and having an affair with Frida Kahlo.

Picasso and Paul Klee are the two stars of his collection, represented by more than 200 pieces.

They are joined by celebrated artists like Seurat, van Gogh, Braque, Cézanne and Matisse Giacometti, whose monumental “Large Standing Woman III” greets you at the entrance.

45. Kreuzberg

Bounded to the east by the Spree, Kreuberg is a neighbourhood that was a little desolate in the 20th century as it was surrounded on three sides by the wall.

The low cost of living appealed to an eclectic mix of immigrants, squatters, anarchist communes, artists and musicians, and Kreuzberg became the centre of Berlin’s counterculture and gay scenes.

With the arrival of start-ups, gentrification has crept in over the last few years, but Kreuzberg still has that communal, creative spirit at shared gardens, cultural centres an markets.

There’s a multicultural mix of restaurants, shops you can’t find anywhere else and countless places to catch live music.

A little more polished, Friedrichshain to the east is packed with museums, and officially has the highest density of nightclubs in Berlin.

Recommended tour : 2.5-Hour Walking Tour through Kreuzberg 61

46. Landwehr Canal

Dug in the 1840s, the Landwehr Canal created a navigable route between Friedrichshain in the east and Charlottenburg in the west.

The canal cuts right through Kreuzberg, and its embankments are calm, green and walkable.

Along the Maybachufer on the south side of the canal there’s a Turkish market on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, which feels like a bazaar and has a cornucopia of Turkish produce and goodies.

Facing Maybuchufer from the north side is Paul-Lincke-Ufer, traced with canal-side cafes and bars, while Fraenkelufer has the vestiges of a synagogue, demolished by the Nazis and with one wing still intact.

47. Brücke Museum

Connoisseurs of Expressionism won’t mind going the extra mile to Dahlem by the Grunewald where there’s a fabulous museum for Die Brücke.

This group of Expressionists was formed in Dresden in 1905 and among its members were some of the most exciting painters of the period, like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Emil Nolde.

The museum opened in 1967 and was endowed with the private collections belonging to two of its members, Karl Schmidt-Rottluf and Erich Heckel.

The total reserve of 400 paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings is shown in temporary exhibitions that home in on a specific theme or individual painter.

48. Grunewald

Within walking distance of the Olympic Stadium is the northern cusp of Berlin’s largest green area, sprawling across 3,000 hectares.

Berlin’s streets will seem far away once you’re on a peaceful trail in deep birch and coniferous forest.

And you can thank Berlin’s early-20th-century environmental movement for helping to protect the Grunewald from the city, which was expanding west at the time.

Pack a picnic in summer, as well as your bathing suit on the hottest days as swimming is permitted at Wannsee and Schlachtensee.

There are many more smaller lakes in the forest, like Grunewaldsee, which has the Renaissance Jagdchloss Grunewald on its shore, the oldest palace in Berlin.

It’s one of a host of historic residences either ensconced in the woodland or on its fringes.

49. Teufelsberg

In the northernmost expanse of Grunewald is the extraordinary Teufelsberg, a man-made hill cresting at 120 metres.

When Berlin’s streets were cleared at the end of the war, rubble from some 400,000 bomb-hit buildings was deposited in the forest.

The hill was started in 1950 and the last load of debris was dropped in 1972. That was all dropped on top of an incomplete Nazi military-technical academy, designed by Albert Speer.

Like a lot of Nazi concrete constructions the academy proved too difficult to demolish with explosives so was buried.

In the 1960s an American listening station was built on top, and urban explorers will love pottering around this abandoned site if they don’t mind paying a €8 fee at the gate.

50. Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz

In 1914 the pharmaceutical magnate Ernst Marmlier built himself a luxurious Neoclassical villa on the shore of Wannsee, to the southwest of Berlin.

Not long after this would come into the hands of Nazi-sympathiser Friedrich Minoux, who sold it to the SS during the Second World War.

And that’s how it was involved in one of the grimmest chapters in world history.

The Wannsee Conference in 1942 is where the plan was drawn up for the “Final Solution”. The museum at the villa has documents from the conference and multimedia outlining how the genocide of millions of Jews came about.

The exhibition goes into depth on deportation, concentration camps and life in the ghettos before the Final Solution was put into action.

51. Liebermann-Villa

Also on the lake, next door to the Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz is the summer residence for the eminent German Impressionist, Max Liebermann.

Lovers of his work will be captivated by the garden, which shows up in around 200 of Liebermann’s paintings and has been restored to Max’s early 20th-century designs.

A terrace faces Wannsee, and this is framed by a lovely birch grove on one side and gardens with boxwood hedges on the other.

The artist’s studio holds a poignant exhibition about the Liebermann family’s persecution under by the Nazis, while the top floor has around 40 of Max’s later works and portraits of friends and important figures from the time.

52. Spandau Citadel

Billed as one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe, the Spandau Citadel also contains the oldest surviving building in Berlin.

Julius Tower is the symbol for the citadel, 35 metres high and a remnant from a medieval castle predating the Renaissance fortress by about 300 years.

The four-bastioned stronghold took shape around the tower in the second half of the 16th century, and was besieged by the Swedes in 1674 and taken by Napoleon’s troops in 1806. As you go in, you’ll see how gravestones from a medieval Jewish cemetery were reused in the citadel’s walls, and the Commander’s House chronicles the fortress’ eventful history.

In winter the vaulted cellars are a haven for hundreds of flying fox bats, and there are bat-themed tours for closer look of these harmless creatures.

53. Domäne Dahlem

A trip on the bus or the U3, Domäne Dahlem is a manor house and rural museum on the southwestern fringe of the city.

The oldest architecture in the manor goes back to the 1560s, while the land on its grounds has been farmed for more than 800 years.

Naturally Domäne Dahlem is just the setting for a museum about traditional agriculture and nutrition, dealing with its topics in a smart, creative way.

In the stables is the Culinarium, in which three floors of interactive exhibits and multimedia explain the history of nutrition in Europe, and where our food comes from today.

In the manor house there’s a recreation of a shop from the Renaissance, where a hologram merchant will assist you, and in the grounds is a real blacksmith’s forge and furniture workshop.

54. Schloss Köpenick

On an island in the Dahme River, just before it feeds the Spree, sits the only Baroque palace in Berlin to make it to the 21st century unchanged.

Another residence for the Hohenzollerns, Schloss Köpenick is often referred to as the Water Palace (Wasserschloss) for its picturesque waterside setting, and took on its current form under after a reconstruction ordered by the future Frederick I in the 17th century.

He turned a Renaissance hunting lodge into a plush Baroque residence, adorned with exuberant stuccowork by the Italian decorator Giovanni Caroveri.

Within there’s an exhibition by Berlin’s Kunstgewerbemusuem showcasing applied art from the Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo periods.

55. Käthe Kollwitz Museum

You can pick up the Käthe Kollwitz thread once more at this museum dedicated to the female painter and sculptor.

In a Historicist villa on Fasanenstraße are some 200 woodcuts, paintings, sculptures, graphics and posters.

A member of the Expressionist and then New Objectify movements, Kollwitz spent a lot of her career in Prenzlauer Berg, which was a working class district at the time, and her art gave a voice to the downtrodden during industrialisation.

That empathy shines through in prints like “Brot!”, and the anti-war woodcut cycle “Krieg”. On the top floor, in a gallery drenched with natural light is a well-known two-metre sculpture of Kollwitz by Gustav Seitz.

56. Neue Wache

A good follow-up for the Kollwitz Museum is the Neoclassical temple on Unter den Linden.

The architect behind this monument was Karl Friedrich Schinkel who designed it in the 1810s as a memorial to the fallen soldiers in the Napoleonic Wars and specifically the German Campaign of 1813. The building was also employed as a guardhouse for the troops of the Crown Prince, up to the end of the First World War and the start of the Weimar Republic.

Since 1993 this solemn space has been dedicated to “Victims of War and Dictatorship”. Kollwitz’s sculpture Mother with her Dead Son is the centrepiece under the oculus where it is exposed to the elements to signify the civilian suffering during the Second World War.

57. Friedrichstadt-Palast

You can recapture the spirit of the 1920s at a cabaret show in Berlin.

And while there’s no lack of options the Freidrichstadt-Palast (1919) deserves special mention for the incredible dimensions of the theatre and the lavish revues it puts on.

The stage floor of 2,854 square metres is claimed to be the largest theatre stage in the world.

And if the venue is palatial, the shows are an explosion of glitz and glamour.

The casts are huge, and the costume design, acrobatics and choreography are from a less restrained Las Vegas.

In 2017 the marquee event was Jean Paul Gaultier’s “The One Grand Show”, boasting 500 costumes, more than 100 performers and a multi-million Euro budget.

58. Bauhaus Archive/Museum of Design

The impact of the Bauhaus School (1919-1933) on architecture and design is impossible to overstate, and at the Bauhaus Archive you’ll be treated to the largest assortment of works from the movement.

The venue is from the 1960s and its futuristic appearance and serrated lines have made it a shooting location for movies like Æon Flux and V for Vendetta.

The exhibition meanwhile uncovers the origins of the Bauhaus movement and its key figures, and has models by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius.

There’s also art from the period by László Moholy-Nagy, Paul Klee , Kandinsky, Lionel Feininger, along with a complete library for the movement, furniture by Gunta Stölzl, Marcel Breuer and Josef Pohl, sketches, schematics and photography.

59. Hamburger Bahnhof

In 1996 the old terminal for the Berlin-Hamburg Railway reopened as a contemporary art museum.

The distinguished Neo-Renaissance hall became obsolete early on, when trains were re-routed to the Berlin Hauptbahnhof in 1884. After that it served as a museum of transport, which closed following damage in the war.

A donation of contemporary art by Berlin businessman Erich Marx set things in motion again, and there are noteworthy works by Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Gerhard Richter, Anselm Kiefer and Joseph Beuys.

Video art, particularly from the 1970s is prominent, along with contemporary photography by Andreas Gursky, Thomas Ruff and Bernd and Hilla Becher.

60. Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island)

Pfaueninsel on the Havel River is part of a World Heritage Site that encompasses Potsdam and Berlin’s stately properties.

Excavations on the island have brought up evidence of occupation from the Iron Age, and in the 1600s it was the site of a royal-approved glassworks founded by the man of science Johannes Kunckel.

But what we see today is straight from the Romantic period at the end of the 18th century when Friedrich Wilhelm II commissioned a summer residence intended to resemble the ruins of a Romanesque castle.

The gardens are in the English style, which was in fashion at the time, and are littered with follies and grottoes, as well as an aviary.

The most famous inhabitants though are the many free-ranging peacocks that give the island its name.

Get there by S-Bahn and on a ferry, which is part of the fun.

61. Strandbad Wannsee

In Berlin’s westernmost borough of Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Wannsee is a neighbourhood beside two lakes on the River Havel.

By Großer Wannsee on the southern limit of Grunewald is the Strandbad Wannsee, affectionately known as Berlin’s “bath tub”. On sunny summer days you can join the herd on the S1 or S7 and wallow in the clean, mostly shallow water and lounge in the sun on the beach.

At more than a kilometre long the lido has been accommodating bathers since 1907. The beach is traced by a promenade and there are sports facilities, boat rentals, playgrounds for little ones and a selection of bars, cafes and kiosks.

Tour starting here : 2-Hour Seven Lakes Tour from Berlin’s Wannsee

62. Tempelhofer Feld

Many of Berlin’s cherished landmarks and public spaces are still here because residents came together to stop developers getting hold of them.

And that is exactly what happened at the city’s former Tempelhof Airport after it was decommissioned in 2008. The airport is now a public park only a few minutes south of Kreuzberg: A generous flat space criss-crossed by former runways and taxiways that are a dream to cycle and skate on, and still commanded by a listed terminal building.

Tempelhof was where the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49 was coordinated, and was the last of Europe’s great pre-war city airports to cease operation as a passenger hub.

63. Story of Berlin

On a jaunt down the swanky Kurfürstendamm you can brush up on the history of Germany’s capital.

Across 23 rooms you’ll be led on a journey through eight centuries, from the first recorded mention of Berlin to German Reunification in 1990. All the facts are relayed via multimedia displays, and if you’re with kids the museum’s short bursts of information and interactivity are ideal for young attention spans.

There are also some fascinating artefacts, like a genuine nuclear bunker from the Cold War, the GDR leader Erich Honecker’s Volvo limousine and pieces of the Berlin Wall.

64. Berliner Funkturm

You don’t need to be an architecture expert to know where the idea for Berlin’s 150-metre-high radio tower came from.

Its designer Heinrich Straumer clearly based his steel framework construction on the Eiffel Tower, and the Berliner Funkturm was inaugurated during the Great German Radio Exhibition in 1926. Not long after, during the 7th edition of the exhibition, Albert Einstein himself gave a speech from the base of the Funkturm.

The tower later made history in 1936 when it transmitted the world’s first regular television programme.

The observation platform is at 124 metres and has a view to rival the Fensehturm, precisely because the Fernsehturm is part of the panorama!

65. Markthalle Neun

This Baltard-style market hall in Kreuzberg first opened in 1891, getting its name from being the ninth of fourteen halls around Berlin.

After the war residents fought off developers for years to preserve this much-loved landmark.

In the end Markthalle Neun was sold to a trio of entrepreneurs who reopened it as a food market in 2011. The venue hosts delectable culinary extravaganzas throughout the year like a wine fair, a cheese festival and a wurst and beer event.

There are stalls selling produce and speciality foods on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and the rest of the week you can come for one-off establishments like an Italian bakery, craft beer microbrewery, an artisanal pasta maker and traditional butcher’s shop.

The third Sunday of the month brings a breakfast market, while Thursday nights are all about street food.

Included in this tour : 2.5–Hour Culinary Tour with East Side Gallery

66. Natur-Park Südgelände

After Berlin Anhalter Bahnhof shut down in 1952 its buildings and infrastructure dating back to the 19th century were left to rust and be reclaimed by nature.

The site slowly turned into an unofficial park, before it was properly landscaped in the 1990s.

What’s special about this place is how old industrial structures like a 50-metre water tower, a cavernous locomotive shed, tracks, bridges, a turntable and a DRB Class 50 engine mingle with the woodland and meadows.

The shed is used for markets, avant-garde performance art, and as an atmospheric shooting location for movies.

67. Marx-Engels Forum

A relic from a very different time, the pair of statues depicting Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels stand in the shadow of the Fernsehturm on the right bank of the Spree.

The statues were cast in 1986, not long before the wall came down, and after Reunification there was much discussion about whether to remove them or keep them as a reminder of the past.

Eventually they remained, which makes sense as these two 19th-century figures loomed large over life in Berlin until 1989. The park around it used to be a quarter of the Old Town before it was flattened in the war and it would be three decades before the ruins were cleared and a green space laid out.

68. Oberbaumbrücke

The last of our run-down of Berlin’s postcard-worthy landmarks crosses the Spree between Kreuzberg and Frierichshain.

When Berlin was divided, the border between the former American Zone and East Berlin hugged the right bank of the Spree.

Oberbaumbrücke became an armed checkpoint, only allowing crossings in one direction from West to East.

And when the wall fell in 1989 some of the most memorable images were taken at this location.

Since then road and U-Bahn traffic has resumed, and the bridge has been restored to its 19th-century Gothic Revival appearance.

Movie buffs may also know Oberbaumbrücke from Run Lola Run and the Bourne Supremacy.

69. Currywurst

On the topic of films, if you’ve seen any movies about Berlin you’ll know that there’s always a scene at an Imbiss.

These are temporary snack bars set up on street corners or parks and cooking up comfort food.

In 1949 a German icon was born at an Imbiss on Charlottenburg, when Herta Heuwer poured a mixture of ketchup and curry powder over bratwurst to create the currywurst.

The sausage normally comes chopped up in the sauce and served with a side of French fries, and something like 70 million currywursts are enjoyed every year in Berlin alone.

The exact spot where Herta is said to have made her first currywurst is now marked with a plaque.

70. Street Food auf Achse

The courtyard in Prenzlauerberg’s evocative KulturBrauerei is the scene of a new culinary institution that arrived in Berlin in January 2015. Every other Sunday this space is filled with a cosmopolitan variety of food trucks, fitting for a city as multicultural as Berlin.

There’s food on the go from almost anywhere you can imagine, within reason: We’re talking local faves like currywurst, as well as Vietnamese, Thai, South Korean, Tex-Mex, Polish, Brazilian and almost anything in between.

The trucks show up in every season, rain or shine, but the experience is maybe most satisfying in summer when you can nibble at your own pace at the Frannz Club Biergarten, which has a laid-back atmosphere.

Related activity : Berlin: Evening Food Tour by Bike

71. Gardens of the World

In the eastern Marzahn-Hallersdorg district is a celebration of landscaping and horticulture from all over the globe.

There are gardens from Japan, China, the Middle East, Bali and Italy, faithfully designed, and tended with love and no little skill.

In 2017 a new English garden opened in time for the Internationale Gartenasstellung (International Garden Exhibition). Also installed for 2017 is the IGA Cable Car, which crosses the attraction and connects with the Kienberg U-Bahn station.

The individual gardens have been planted one by one since the Chinese Garden in 2000. There are seasonal events here, like the cherry blossom festival in April and the Chinese moon festival towards the end of summer.

72. Classic Remise

A U-Bahn ride west of the centre will bring you to a 1920s tram depot on Wiebestraße in Moabit.

This industrial building came through the war relatively unscathed and in 2003 became an amenity for storing classic cars.

Even though this facility isn’t actually a museum you’ll come close to a bewildering array of privately-owned Ferraris, Bugattis, Rolls Royces, Mercedes, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Porsches and many more prestige marques.

These are stored in two-tired, metal-framed glass containers, which regulate temperature and humidity.

Car connoisseurs can also tour the mechanic’s workshop to see these vehicles being serviced and restored.

73. Sanssouci Palace

A day out in Potsdam has to be on the cards, and you can reach this city in under half an hour by commuter train.

The first reason to make the journey is to see Frederick the Great’s UNESCO-listed summer escape, a Rococo palace embedded on a vine-decked hillside atop a terraced stairway . The king would get away from it all at Sanssouci, as the name “sans souci” (carefree) makes clear.

The palace is beautifully formed, but isn’t lavish in scale, which tallies with Frederick’s reputation as a self-effacing sort of person.

There are ten rooms on the tour and a uniting feature is the exuberant stuccowork by the sculptor Friedrich Christian Glume.

See the Voltaire Room, where the French philosopher would stay in the mid-1700s, and the Carrara marble columns in the main reception room, the Marmorsaal (Marble Hall).

Recommended tour : Potsdam: Sanssouci Palace Guided Tour from Berlin

74. Sanssouci Park

One explanation for the relatively modest size of the palace is that the king wanted to make the most of the outdoor space.

That vineyard in front of the palace was planted with vines from France, Italy and Portugal under Frederick’s orders, and beneath this is a Baroque parterre, modelled on Versailles and sprinkled with conical boxwood topiaries and marble statues of mythological figures.

After that you have the enormous expanse of the park to cover, and its fountains, ponds and groves of lofty mature trees.

All over the park are delightful follies of temples and miniature Rococo palaces, which were often used as accommodation to make up for the shortage of guestrooms in the palace itself.

75. Sightseeing by Bike

Germany’s public transport company Deutsche Bahn operates a bike-sharing system in Berlin.

You have to register in advance, but after that you’ll be free to hire a bike and pay by the minute or by the day.

There are also a few private bike rental companies in the city, including Rent a Bike on Grunerstraße.

There’s no reason to feel daunted about cycling in Berlin as the city has almost 1,000 klilometres of designated bike paths, as well as lanes on pavements and on the roads (you can track down plenty of maps online). There’s a deep-seated cycling culture too, and it’s safe enough that people don’t generally wear helmets.

For inspiration on two wheels, you can zip around the sights at Tiergarten and Potsdamer Platz if time is of the essence, or coast around trendy Kreuzberg’s cafes and galleries.

75 Best Things to Do in Berlin (Germany):

• Brandenburg Gate
• Victory Column (Siegessäule)
• Museum Island
• Neues Museum
• Gemäldegalerie
• Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
• Pergamon Museum
• Deutsches Historisches Museum
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
• Unter den Linden
• Gendarmenmarkt
• Topography of Terror
• Fernsehturm
• Jewish Museum Berlin
• Berlin Cathedral
• Alexanderplatz
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears)
• Treptower Park
• Gedächtniskirche
• Olympic Stadium
• Berlin Philharmonie
• Deutsches Technikmuseum
• Charlottenburg Palace
• Kaufhaus des Westens
• Museum für Naturkunde
• Mauerpark Market
• Alte Nationalgalerie
• Konzerthaus Berlin
• Potsdamer Platz
• Sony Center
• East Side Gallery
• Museum of Film and Television
• Prenzlauer Berg
• Botanischer Garten
• Stasi Museum
• Bode Museum
• Kurfürstendamm
• Hackesche Höfe
• Museum Berggruen
• Landwehr Canal
• Brücke Museum
• Teufelsberg
• Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz
• Liebermann-Villa
• Spandau Citadel
• Domäne Dahlem
• Schloss Köpenick
• Käthe Kollwitz Museum
• Friedrichstadt-Palast
• Bauhaus Archive/Museum of Design
• Hamburger Bahnhof
• Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island)
• Strandbad Wannsee
• Tempelhofer Feld
• Story of Berlin
• Berliner Funkturm
• Markthalle Neun
• Natur-Park Südgelände
• Marx-Engels Forum
• Oberbaumbrücke
• Street Food auf Achse
• Gardens of the World
• Classic Remise
• Sanssouci Palace
• Sanssouci Park
• Sightseeing by Bike

25 Top Tourist Attractions in Berlin

Updated on: December 3, 2023

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, has a fascinating history and vibrant culture. It suffered significant damage during World War II and the cold war, but it has managed to rebuild itself into a cosmopolitan city with a variety of cultures and architectural styles.

You can visit the major tourist attractions in Berlin that serve as reminders of its recent past. Additionally, if you’re planning a trip to Berlin, you can also find information about the best places to stay in the city.

25. Berlin TV Tower

The Berlin TV Tower, also called the Berliner Fernsehturm, is located near Alexanderplatz. It is the tallest structure in Germany and has an observation deck with great views of the city. The tower was built in the 1960s and is considered an important example of mid-century modern architecture in Germany.

It was also a remarkable engineering achievement at the time. Adjacent to the main observation deck, there is a fancy restaurant where visitors can enjoy a drink or a full meal while taking in the view.

24. Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum, located in Museum Insel in Berlin, is a fascinating place to visit. It is named after the famous Pergamon Altar, which is one of its main highlights. Considered as the most popular art museum in Germany, the Pergamon Museum houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and treasures.

Exploring the museum allows visitors to experience the ancient world firsthand. Some of the notable attractions found in the Pergamon Museum include the Ishtar Gate from Babylon, the Mschatta Façade from a castle in Jordan, and the Roman Market Gate from Miletus, which dates back to the 2nd century.

23. Alexanderplatz

When you visit Berlin, make sure to check out Alexanderplatz, a bustling public square located in the Mitte district. It serves as a central transportation hub and offers various historic attractions. From here, you can catch a glimpse of the iconic Berlin TV Tower standing tall against the city skyline.

Don’t miss the World Clock and Neptune Fountain nearby. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of local shops, restaurants, and even a casino in the area. Don’t forget to explore Galeria Kaufhof, one of the busiest shopping destinations within the plaza.

22. Reichstag

The Reichstag is a historic building where the German Parliament meets. It went through a lot of damage due to a fire in 1933 and air raids during the Battle of Berlin in 1945. It is located near the Brandenburg Gate and was only fully repaired after the Berlin Wall was taken down and Germany was reunified.

Some reminders of its difficult past, like graffiti left by Soviet soldiers, were intentionally kept. The building’s design caused controversy at the time because it combined different architectural styles, but now it is admired by many visitors each year.

The top of the building has a glass dome that offers an amazing view of the city, but visitors need to register beforehand to go inside.

21. Victory Column

The Victory Column, also known as the Siegessäule, was constructed near the end of the 19th century to honor Prussia’s military successes. Originally situated in front of the Reichstag, it was relocated to Tiergarten by the Nazi government as part of a significant urban development project.

At the highest point of the column, you will find a beautiful, winged figure symbolizing Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. Furthermore, atop the Victory Column, there is an observation deck that offers breathtaking panoramic city views.

However, it is important to note that there is no elevator available, and if you decide to go up, you will need to climb 285 steps.

20. Tiergarten

The Großer Tiergarten used to be a hunting ground for important people in Brandenburg, but now it is a park in the middle of Berlin. Inside the park is the Berlin Victory Column, which was built to remember a victory by the Prussians. The column is surrounded by a circle of streets.

If you want to visit the column, you can take one of four tunnels underground. Next to the column is Schloss Bellevue, or the Beautiful Palace, where the President of Germany lives. In the southwest corner of the Tiergarten is the Berlin Zoo, which is home to around 14,000 animals.

The zoo has outdoor habitats, which is why it is very popular and well-liked in Europe.

19. Museum Island

Museum Island is a place in Berlin that consists of five museums. It is situated between the Spree River and Kupfergraben. During the Second World War, the old museum buildings were almost completely destroyed, but now they are open for visitors. The Altes Museum is where you can see ancient Greek and Roman artifacts.

The Alte Nationalgalerie has the biggest collection of 19th-century paintings and sculptures in Germany. In the Nues Museum, you can find prehistoric pieces and Egyptian art, including the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti. The Pergamon Museum is home to Greek and Babylonian antiquities, such as the Ishtar Gate and Pergamon Altar.

Lastly, the Bode Museum displays a wide range of sculptures, collections of coins, and various paintings.

18. Holocaust Memorial

The Holocaust Memorial near the Brandenburg Gate is a simple yet powerful way to remember the Jews who died due to Hitler’s plan. It consists of 2,711 slabs arranged in a wave-like pattern across a large area. These slabs vary in height, creating an uneven and disorienting path.

Visitors are free to walk through the peaceful memorial in any direction they choose. Additionally, there is an underground information center where visitors can learn more about the Nazi party’s actions and hear personal stories from those affected.

17. Potsdamer Platz

In this lively part of Berlin, you can find art, entertainment, and shopping. After the war, the square was completely destroyed but has been rebuilt into a modern plaza with landmark towers and a shopping arcade.

It symbolizes the reconnection of the two halves of Berlin, bringing together the residents of both sides in a brand-new area of the city. In the center of the square, there is a replica of Germany’s first traffic light, surrounded by sleek office buildings.

The DaimlerChrysler Atrium showcases different art exhibits, while the Sony Centre offers a Cinema Complex and Film Museum, a shopping mall, and a 3D IMAX theater.

16. DDR Museum

The DDR Museum is situated in the main area where the government used to be in East Germany. It focuses on the history of the DDR, which is the Deutsche Demokratische Republik. When you go there, you can get a glimpse of how life was for people in the former East Germany.

You can explore the apartments they lived in, try on popular clothes from that time, and even see the hidden listening devices that were used to spy on citizens. The exhibits are available in both English and German.

15. Hackesche Hoefe

The Hackesche Höfe is a complex located in the Scheunenviertel, at the far end of Oranienburger Strasse. It consists of eight interconnected courtyards. The architect Kurt Berndt designed and built it, while the Art Nouveau façade was created by August Endell. Like other Berlin courtyard buildings, it was used for offices, shops, and flats.

During World War II, the buildings suffered partial damage, and they were neglected during Germany’s partition. However, after reunification in 1993, the complex underwent extensive restoration and now looks better than ever. Inside the Höfe, there are various cafes, restaurants, and shops that attract both locals and visitors.

As you explore the courtyards and encounter different vendors, you will experience the unique character of this place.

14. Memorial Church

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is located at the center of Breitscheidplatz in Berlin. It was originally built by Kaiser Wilhelm II between 1891 and 1895. Unfortunately, during World War II, the church was destroyed by a bomb, leaving only the damaged west tower standing.

However, in 1961, a new church was built around the remains of the old church, consisting of four buildings. This modern structure, made of concrete and glass, provides an interesting contrast to the old church’s neo-Romanesque style.

If you visit, you will find photographs of the original church and some of its mosaics inside the surviving west tower.

13. Berlin Cathedral

Berlin has a lot of beautiful churches to explore, but the Berlin Cathedral stands out as the biggest and most remarkable. It was constructed in the early 1900s to showcase Germany’s imperial power. The cathedral, made of brick and designed in the neo-Renaissance style, sits in the Mitte district on Museum Island.

Inside, you’ll find a massive organ that the cathedral takes great pride in, as it is still played during religious ceremonies. If you decide to visit, you can also climb to the top of the dome and admire the panoramic views of Berlin after exploring the interior.

12. Unter den Linden

Unter den Linden, a picturesque street in Berlin, is a significant road that runs from east to west. It is adorned with beautiful linden trees, which were originally planted in the 1600s and are now well-maintained by the city. As time passed, the boulevard was expanded, and it now spans from Museum Island to the iconic Brandenburg Gate.

Although it suffered extensive damage during the war, Unter den Linden has been restored to its former glory. Nowadays, it is a popular destination for tourists, offering various architectural wonders and attractions such as the German Historical Museum, the Staatsoper, Altes Palais, and the Palace Bridge.

11. Oberbaum Bridge

The Oberbaumbrücke, also known as the Oberbaum Bridge, is a two-story structure that crosses the Spree River. It connects the Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg districts, symbolically uniting the former East Germany and the West. Besides its historical significance, the bridge is visually stunning.

It is a popular spot for photography and serves as a symbol of unity in Berlin, which was previously divided. While you can walk across the bridge, the most scenic views are found along the Spree River on either side.

10. Treptower Park

Treptower Park is a popular attraction located south of central Berlin, right next to the river Spree. If you have an interest in World War II history, visiting this park is a must when in Berlin.

Not only does it have a large military cemetery, but it is also home to an enormous Soviet War Memorial that was constructed in 1949 to honor the Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Berlin. Throughout the park, there are several plates that commemorate specific battles.

Apart from its historical significance, Treptower Park offers an enjoyable experience with its well-maintained pedestrian pathways where you can take leisurely walks, the option to rent a rowboat for some time on the water, or even grab a drink at the park’s biergarten.

9. Check Point Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is a well-known and meaningful crossing point of the Berlin Wall. It was named by the Western Allies and had a sign that ominously warned people that they were leaving the American Sector. This crossing point was only for members of the Allied forces and foreigners.

The guardhouse that used to be at Checkpoint Charlie can now be seen at the Allied Museum in Berlin-Zehlendorf. The current crossing has a replica of a U.S. Army guardhouse and cobblestones to mark where the border used to be.

If you want to learn more about escape attempts and see the original Checkpoint sign, you should visit the museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie.

8. East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is a significant section of the Berlin Wall that remains today. It is known as a symbol of freedom and features paintings created by artists worldwide. These artworks were created starting in 1990 and capture the time of transformation after the Berlin Wall’s collapse, while also conveying a sense of optimism for the future.

Over time, some parts of the wall have been relocated to accommodate construction, and unfortunately, certain sections have suffered damage from erosion and vandalism.

7. Gendarmenmarkt

The Gendarmenmarkt is a large public square in Berlin that has been around since the 17th century. Even though some historic buildings were destroyed in World War II, some important landmarks still stand.

When you visit the Gendarmenmarkt, you can see the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom, also known as the French Cathedral, which was built by the Huguenots in the early 18th century. There is also the Konzerthaus, which has been beautifully rebuilt and is where the Berlin Orchestra performs.

In the winter, the Christmas markets at the square are a big attraction.

6. Berlin Wall Memorial

When you’re in Berlin, there are various ways to experience the Berlin Wall. If places like Checkpoint Charlie seem too focused on tourists, you can visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, which is called Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer in German. This memorial honors the many people who lost their lives while attempting to cross the wall.

Additionally, you can explore the adjacent documentation center on Bernauer Straße, which offers more exhibits and information, although most of it is in German. From the viewing platform, you can catch a glimpse of the area that used to separate East and West Berlin.

5. Kurfurstendamm

Kurfürstendamm, also known as Ku’damm, was created as Germany’s version of the famous Champs-Elysees in Paris. It is a wide road with beautiful buildings and trees on both sides. This area used to be the center of West Berlin and remains the city’s most popular shopping boulevard.

Tauentzienstraße and Fasanenstraße, the neighboring streets, have many malls and luxurious flagship stores. One must visit KaDeWe, short for Kaufhaus des Westens, which is the largest department store in Europe. It has a vast selection of items, ranging from fancy footwear to fresh groceries.

4. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate was constructed in the late 1700s and is now the only remaining city gate in Berlin. It can be found in the western part of the city and serves as the entrance to Unter den Linden. During the division of Germany, the gate was used as one of the crossings through the Berlin Wall.

People protested at this location, and it also became a place for celebration when the wall fell in 1989. The gate suffered significant damage during World War II, but it was extensively restored in the early 2000s.

Today, it stands fully renewed and serves as a symbol not only of the region’s turbulent history but also of the reunification of East and West Berlin.

3. Topography of Terror

In Berlin, there is a museum called the Topography of Terror that is located where the SS Reich Main Security Office used to be. The museum has both indoor and outdoor sections and it is near the Berlin Wall. They have uncovered prison cells that used to be there and they show the terrible things that happened during the time of the Nazis.

The museum also teaches about the Jewish ghettos in Berlin, the Nuremberg Trials where the criminals were held accountable, and there is a memorial for all the people who died because of the Nazis. Visiting the Topography of Terror can be emotionally difficult, but it is an important place to learn about history.

2. German Historical Museum

If you’re interested in learning about Germany’s history, the German Historical Museum, also known as the Deutsches Historisches Museum, is a fantastic place to visit. It covers the past two thousand years of German history and presents the exhibits in a clear and enjoyable manner.

The museum is found in two buildings next to each other: the Armory, or Zeughaus, which has a more traditional look, and the Exhibition Ball designed by I.M. Pei, which is more modern. You can explore various items such as World War II posters, 19th-century maps, and contemporary sculptures created by German artists.

1. Charlottenburg Palace

If you enjoy visiting palaces, make sure to visit the Charlottenburg Palace. It is the biggest palace in Germany and can be found in Berlin’s City West district. The palace was built in the late 17th century, and the surrounding community of Charlottenburg developed around it.

In the Baroque architectural style, the palace has stunning gardens and outdoor sculptures, and it is now accessible to the public. Inside, you can explore restored rooms that showcase the lavish rococo style of Frederick the Great’s apartments. Additionally, there are collections of porcelain, crown jewels, and royal silver on display.

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18 of the best things to do in Berlin

Thirty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in 1989 the German capital's intoxicating mix of grit, glamour and anything-goes expression born from historical repression has made it one of the most dynamic cities on earth. Where else can you saunter through Prussian palaces, venture into Nazi-era bunkers, tour the world's longest outdoor art gallery and lose yourself in Europe's most famous techno temple? (And that's just day one.) So bring an open mind, pack your stamina and get ready to dive into all the city has to offer. Read on for the very best things to do in Berlin .

Hackesche Höfe and Haus Schwarzenberg

Beneath its rough exterior, Berlin hides elegant urban courtyards behind the Altbau buildings that survived World War II. In the heart of Berlin’s central Mitte neighbourhood, Hackesche Höfe is a cluster of eight café- and boutique-filled public courtyards dating from 1907. Following a complete renovation to restore the interconnected höfs (courtyards) to their former glory, the labyrinth reopened in 1996. Several doors down on Rosenthaler Straße, Haus Schwarzenberg is Hackesche Höfe’s gritty, graffiti-covered brother, and it offers a fascinating glimpse of what much of Berlin looked like before gentrification swept in.

Address: Rosenthaler Str. 39, Berlin 10178, Germany Website: haus-schwarzenberg.org

Charlottenburg Palace

Built in 1699 as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, wife of King Friedrich I, this massive, multi-winged baroque structure is Berlin’s largest palace. Heavily damaged in World War II and rebuilt and restored over several decades, the palace is home to a number of priceless collections, including royal porcelain and silver, crown jewels and important 18th-century French paintings by artists such as Antoine Watteau. The rooms themselves, most of which were entirely reconstructed, feature ornate plasterwork, gilding and frescoes, all based on original designs. The highlight is the gardens, created in the French and English style, with orderly hedges, fountains, ponds and tree-lined gravel paths.

Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, Berlin 14059, Germany Website: spsg.de

Berlin Wall Memorial

This free indoor/outdoor museum and memorial is the best place to learn how the Berlin Wall sprung up, practically overnight, what life was like in the former East German state, and the heroic (and heartbreaking) attempts people made to reunite with their families. As you walk along this one-mile stretch of Bernauer Strasse, an open-air exhibit features photographs and signs detailing the stories on either side of the barrier. There’s also a preserved piece of the original border wall and a watchtower, as well as an indoor visitor centre with exhibits chronicling the political and historical events surrounding the city’s division.

Address: Bernauer Str. 111, Berlin 13355, Germany Website: stiftung-berliner-mauer.de

Mauerpark Flea Market

Located along a former part of the Berlin Wall that was a militarised no-man’s land known as the “Death Strip,” the area that is now Mauerpark (“Wall Park") was where guards stationed in watch towers would shoot would-be escapees trying to flee from East Berlin to West. Today, the attack dogs and soldiers are gone, and in their place, the city’s largest and best outdoor market is held every Sunday. Surrounding the bustling market in the trendy green space is something of an anything-goes circus, filled with jugglers, picnickers and the world's largest karaoke party, known as Bearpit Karaoke.

Address: Bernauer Str. 63-64, Berlin 13355, Germany Website: berlin.de

Perhaps no club in Berlin (or the world, for that matter) is more hallowed than Berghain. Set in a former East German power station, this cavernous, nondescript warehouse is the Holy Grail for techno fans, hosting three-day-long debauchery-induced raves. Every weekend, the club attracts some of the best DJs from all over the planet to spin and pump beats so intense that they ring in your bones instead of your ears.

Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof, Berlin 10243, Germany Website: berghain.berlin

Reichstag Building

Reduced to rubble after one of history's most infamous fires in the 1930s, and then rebuilt decades later, the stately Reichstag is arguably Germany's most iconic landmark. The building has been home of Germany’s parliament (the Bundestag) since 1999 and now serves as a symbol of the country’s reunification. Today, a glistening glass dome designed by starchitect Norman Foster sits atop the grand old structure, and anyone with an advanced booking can ascend its 755-foot-long ramp for sweeping views over the city. The Reichstag dome is one of the most enriching free experiences for first-time visitors to the city, where a troubled past exists side by side with a trendsetting future. Few places employ this juxtaposition quite as well as this monument to freedom and openness, which was literally built atop the site that saw Nazis rise to power.

Address: Platz der Republik 1, Berlin 11011, Germany Website: bundestag.de

Humboldt Forum

The Humboldt Forum’s collection is vast and varied – and honestly more than a little overwhelming. The main exhibit is the Ethnological Collection and Asian Art, which displays about 20,000 objects from Berlin’s former Ethnological Museum and Museum for Asian Art of the State Museums. What’s most interesting here is that many objects are examined in a critical context – for instance, looking at how they were taken from African nations during colonial rule, with descriptions in both German and English. The fascinating, if sprawling, Berlin Global exhibit examines Berlin’s impact on the world in six categories: Boundaries, Entertainment, Fashion, Interconnection, Revolution, Space, and War. The After Nature (Humboldt Lab) exhibition critically examines the interplay between climate change and democracy in countries around the world. Then there are a few exhibitions reminding you of the building’s complex history: a Sculpture Hall displaying fragments of the original palace as well as six large 18th-century sculptures; the Palace Cellar below ground that includes part of the medieval Dominican monastery originally on the site as well as preserved sections of the Berlin Palace’s foundations; and a large-scale video panorama about the history of the site (“800 years of history in just 14 minutes!”) Plus, a panoramic rooftop on the fourth floor (accessible with an extra fee) offers lovely views of the Berlin rooftops. Also of note: as befits a modern museum, a good number of exhibits are interactive, with buttons to push, videos and virtual reality stories to watch, and audio to listen to.

Address: Schlossplatz , Berlin, 10178, Germany Website: humboldtforum.org

Brandenburg Gate

This triumphant neoclassical arch is Berlin’s most famous monument and the only remaining gate of the 14 that originally surrounded the city when it was a proud Prussian metropolis. Since then, Napoleon and Hitler have stormed through it and the world watched as thousands of Berliners swarmed the site with sledgehammers to topple the nearby Wall in 1989. Ever since, this Acropolis-inspired 1791 monument has come to symbolise German reunification. Conveniently located within easy walking distance of a trio of boldfaced Berlin sites (Tiergarten Park, the Reichstag, and The Holocaust Memorial), the Brandenburg Gate serves as a central meeting place for tourists.

Address: Pariser Platz , Berlin 10117, Germany Website: berlin.de

Topography of Terror

You’re on the site of the headquarters of the Gestapo, Nazi Germany’s secret police force between 1933 and 1945, where many political prisoners were tortured before being sent to concentration camps and prisons. The Reich Security Main Office, created by Nazi paramilitary organisation Schutzstaffel (SS) head and chief of the German police Heinrich Himmel – which was responsible for organising the Holocaust – was also headquarted here starting in 1939. Indoor and outdoor exhibitions walk visitors through the history of these organisations and the crimes that they committed. Especially moving is the outdoor exhibit “Berlin 1933-1945. Between Propaganda and Terror” that looks at how the Nazis came to power in Berlin; it’s displayed amongst excavated sections of the fomer building (visible through glass panels) where the Nazis planned their crimes against humanity. The comprehensive inside exhibit goes into even more depth, using photos and stories to tell the story of when the Nazis came to power and the crimes they committed until World War II ended. Both exhibits, plus regularly rotating temporary ones, are free to visit. For even more history, to the site’s north you’ll find the longest section of the Berlin Wall still remaining in the city centre.

Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, Berlin, 10963, Germany Website: topographie.de

Museum Island

Berlin's Smithsonian on the Spree, Museumsinsel (“Museum Island”) is a UNESCO-inscribed collection of five world-class museums and a must-see for anyone coming to Berlin. Spanning 6,000 years of art and history, the island’s ensemble of museums (The Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Pergamonmuseum, and Bode Museum) represent the pinnacle of Germany’s museum collection. Here, visitors can come face to face with Nefertiti; ascend an ancient altar dedicated to Zeus; and marvel at Monet, Cézanne, and Degas’ landscapes before crossing the bridge back to mainland Berlin.

Address: Bodestrasse 1-3, Berlin 10178, Germany Website: smb.museum

Neue Nationalgalerie

All of the Neue Nationalgalerie’s art dates from the 20th century. The museum’s permanent collection is strong on German Expressionism – think Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Max Beckmann, and Emil Nolde – along with Cubist and Dada works, plus worthy pieces by such 20th-century art world luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, Piet Mondriaan, Joan Miró, and Wassily Kandinsky. Though the permanent exhibition space on the lower floor is large, it only holds about 250 pieces, so selections from the museum’s collection of about 5,000 artworks rotate throughout the year. (A new, larger “Berlin modern” museum is under construction next to the Neue Nationalgalerie to display more of the artworks; however, its planned opening in 2027 is in question, as it’s already behind schedule and millions over budget.) When the Neue Nationalgalerie reopened in 2021, the permanent exhibition space featured art from 1900 to 1945; from late 2023 through October 2025, the museum is displaying works from 1945 to 2000, with such artists as Barnett Newman, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, and Louise Nevelson. Visitors also have the chance to catch the Gerhard Richter Art Foundation, which has loaned 100 works from the renowned German artist to the museum until at least 2026. You can hit the highlights in 60 to 90 minutes, but it will be a bit rushed. Two hours will give you a much more relaxed pace to explore the permanent and temporary collections, and to maybe even spend some time enjoying the lovely sculpture garden, if the weather’s nice.

Address: Potsdamer Str. 50, Berlin, 10785, Germany Website: smb.museum

Sammlung Boros

A renovated Nazi-era bunker in the now-posh Mitte district houses this private collection of contemporary art, owned by Christian and Karen Boros (who actually live in an apartment on the roof). The selection of sculpture, paintings, photographs, and installations by international artists rotate every four years, but have recently featured contemporary artists like Katja Novitskova, Guan Xiao, and Kris Martin. A guided tour across its five floors reveals not only the impressive collection but also the long history of the bunker, which was used as a Nazi air raid shelter and later became an underground techno club (you can still see vestiges of fluorescent paint in some rooms and stairwells). Tours (required) book up months in advance, so plan accordingly.

Address: Reinhardtstraße 20, Berlin 10117, Germany Website: sammlung-boros.de

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

A short walk from Brandenburg Gate, this sprawling, maze-like set of 2,711 concrete columns is a haunting reminder of the atrocities and toll of World War II and Germany’s main memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Officially called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the site occupies an entire 205,000-square-foot city block and was designed by American architect Peter Eisenman after an exhaustive 17-year planning process. The memorial’s abstract design offers no explanation or prescribed walking path, but simply invites visitors to enter and become swallowed in its tomb-like slabs.

Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, Berlin 10117, Germany Website: stiftung-denkmal.de

East Side Gallery

With more than 100 paintings, the East Side Gallery is the world's largest (and longest) open-air art gallery. The 0.8-mile stretch of the Berlin Wall, which runs parallel to the Spree River, once trapped East Germans inside. But when the rest of the Wall came crumbling down in 1989, this stretch remained and became a concrete canvas for international artists, who splashed it with murals between February and June of 1990.

Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, Berlin 10243, Germany Website: stiftung-berliner-mauer.de

Tempelhofer Feld

Used as a lifeline by some two million people during the Allied Airlift, Tempelhof Airport is now a sweeping urban playground that’s larger than Central Park. On sunny days, thousands of Berliners come to jog down the abandoned runways, bike under the old radar station, and grill next to grounded Cold War-era planes. Stay long enough and you’ll see beekeepers in the lawn, windsurfers on the runway, cricket players by the tarmac, zipliners in the forest and much more.

Address: Tempelhofer Damm, Berlin 12101, Germany Website: gruen-berlin.de

Berlin's signature park and "green lung," Tiergarten Park is a leafy 519-acre oasis that was once used as the hunting grounds of Berlin’s rulers (“Tiergarten” means “animal park”). These days, the boars and pheasants have moved on, and in their place a series of lakes, hiking paths, English gardens, and even a biergarten attract joggers, cyclists, and sunbathers. Towering over the centre of the park, the gilded Siegessäule (Victory Column) is the most famous of Tiergarten’s many monuments and commemorates Prussian war victories. Nearby, the white Schloss Bellevue palace is where the German president lives. Elsewhere, don’t miss the manicured English Garden and teahouse, and Berlin’s most attractive and romantic biergarten, Café am Neuen See, where lovers can enjoy a pint, a pizza, and a paddle aboard a rowboat on the lake. It would take you days to see all of the park – we recommend downshifting and taking your time here with a bike, a blanket and a book.

Website: visitberlin.de

Prater Garten

Prater Garden, Berlin's oldest biergarten, comprises almost a full acre of communal tables and benches. Although Germany’s capital city doesn't have the biergarten culture of Bavaria, this gem has been around since 1837 – and has withstood the multiple tests of time for good reason. Like most biergartens, the atmosphere is relaxed and convivial: People focus on their company first and their drinks (think Pils and housemade dark beer) second. This is also Berlin's best spot for a bratwurst fix; nothing goes better with sun and bier than a grilled sausage, so choose from spicy or standard. Bavarian pretzels make for great beer-side snacks, too.

Address: Kastanienallee 7-9, Berlin, 10435, Germany Website: prater-biergarten.de

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The Top-22 Tourist Attractions In Berlin, Germany

The chilling history and the beautiful architecture are two main reasons why you should visit Berlin. If these two things don’t excite you, you can still visit Berlin for shopping and tasting their cuisines.

Berlin, being so big, is full of innumerable tourist attractions and to ease your way, I’ve chosen the top-22 tourist attractions in Berlin . In this article, I will answer all questions that first-timers usually have. I will tell you how to reach Berlin and where to stay there so that you can make the most out of your trip. Let’s start!

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

How To Reach Berlin

If you are going to visit Berlin for the first time, you must know how to reach the city without hassle. Earlier, there were two airports in Berlin- The Tegel International Airport and The Schönefeld airport, which closed permanently.

Now there is only one main airport, Berlin Brandenburg (BER) Airport, which started its journey at the end of 2020. It is located 18 km southeast of the city centre. Due to Covid-19, only the largest terminal of the new airport, Terminal 1 is currently in operation. Terminal 1 is connected to the rail and road network, making it easier for travellers to reach the city centre without much problem.

Where To Stay In Berlin

If you don’t stay at a nice place during your visit , checking out the tourist attractions in Berlin won’t be much fun. If you want to make the best out of your time, you should stay somewhere near the tourist attractions in Berlin that you have decided to visit. Berlin is nine times larger than Paris , so I’ve divided it based on neighbourhoods where you can stay.

If you have already read a few articles on Berlin, you might have read that Mitte is the most expensive area to stay. But I’ll say that you can always find a room at a reasonable price in Mitte. So, I’d suggest staying in Mitte because most of the tourist attractions in Berlin are located here. The Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, the Reichstag, Gendarmenmarkt etc. Mitte is the best option for first-time visitors.

Luxury Hotels In Mitte:

• Hotel Berlin Check price and availability here
• NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse Check price and availability here
• Maritim proArte Hotel Berlin  Check price and availability here

Mid-Range Hotels In Mitte:

• Motel One Berlin-Bellevue Check price and availability here
• Hotel Lützow Check price and availability here
• Hotel Gat Point Charlie Check price and availability here

Budget Hotels In Mitte:

• Generator Berlin Mitte Check price and availability here
• a&o Berlin Mitte Check price and availability here
• Amstel House Hostel Check price and availability here

If you want to dive deeper into the culture of Berlin, staying at Kreuzberg will be a thrilling experience. A few tourist attractions are also available here- Checkpoint Charlie, Jewish Museum Berlin, German Museum of Technology, Topography of Terror, Berlin Wall etc.

Luxury Hotels In Kreuzberg:

• Novotel Suites Berlin City Potsdamer Platz  Check price and availability here
• Crowne Plaza Berlin Check price and availability here
• Aletto Hotel Potsdamer Platz Check price and availability here

Mid-Range Hotels In Kreuzberg:

• Hotel Columbia Check price and availability here
• Select Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie Check price and availability here

Budget Hotels In Kreuzberg:

• Check-In Hostel Berlin Check price and availability here
• 36 Rooms Hostel Berlin Kreuzberg Check price and availability here

There are three other nighbourhoods in Berlin- Friedrichshain, Charlottenburg and Prenzlauer Berg. These neighbourhoods are famous for culture, nightlife, shopping and cuisine. So, I wouldn’t suggest staying in these neighbourhoods to first-time tourists. But if you are going to Berlin for an extended vacation, you can check out all the neighbourhoods.

The Top-22 Tourist Attractions In Berlin

1. museum island.

My topmost preference of the seven tourist attractions in Berlin is Museum Island . This part of the city consists of all the famous and best museums. The area is located in the northern part of Spree Island in the historic heart of Berlin.

There are five museums on Museum Island- the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum, and the Pergamonmuseum. The best thing about visiting Museum Island is that you can check out these five famous museums altogether.

Altes Museum: The Altes Museum(Old Museum) was built during 1825-1830. The museum contains Classical Antiquities, which will give you an idea of ancient Greece.

Neues Museum: The Neues Museum(New Museum) was built around 1843-1855. It was destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt and opened again in 2009. The museum also contains the Collection of Classical Antiquities, including extensive collections from the Egyptian Museum and the Papyrus Collection.

Alte Nationalgalerie: The Alte Nationalgalerie(Old National Gallery), built-in 1876, is home to one of the largest collections of 19th-century sculptures and paintings in Germany. The museum also contains works of the Neoclassical, Romantic movements, impressionism, and modernism by some famous artists.

Bode Museum: The Bode Museum was built from 1898-1904. It contains a collection of sculptures, Byzantine art, and coins and medals.

Pergamon Museum: The Pergamon Museum contains a collection of sculptures from the archaic to Hellenistic ages, artwork from Greek and Roman antiquity: architecture, sculptures, inscriptions, mosaics, bronzes, jewellery, and pottery.

The museum is also a home of Islamic Art, the Ishtar Gate, and reconstructed historic buildings from the Middle East.

Other than these museums, a new one, the Humboldt Forum, started here in 2019, featuring the Ethnological Museum of Berlin and the Museum of Asian Art.

Address: Bodestrasse 1-3, 10117 Berlin

Entrance Fee: €-18.00 for adults and €-9.00 for concessions

Online ticket with viator: Experience Museum Island

2. The Brandenburg Gate

Right after the Museum Island, I would choose the Brandenburg Gate , which was once a symbol of Berlin and German division during the Cold War, but now it is a national symbol of peace and unity. Inspired by the Propylaea in Athens’ Acropolis, Carl Gotthard Langhans designed the Brandenburg Gate between 1788 and 1791, commissioned by King Frederick Wilhelm II.

The Brandenburg Gate is 65.5 metres long, 26 metres high, and 11 metres deep. Two rows of six Doric columns support it. It faces Pariser Platz, regarded as one of the city’s most attractive squares. If you want to know more about the history centring the Brandenburg Gate, you can walk by the tourist information centre.

If you take a look at the gate for once, you will be compelled to take a few photos in front of the Brandenburg Gate, that I can bet!

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin

Entrance Fee: Free

3. The Rebuilt Reichstag

The Reichstag building construction started after Germany ‘s unification in 1871. The construction work was completed in 1894. The Reichstag building caught fire in 1933 under unknown circumstances. Later on, in 1998, it was reconstructed. That’s why it is known as the Rebuilt Reichstag.

The large glass dome at the top of the building highlights this reconstruction. The dome offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding Berlin cityscape. You can visit the dome with advance registration.

Address:  Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin

4. The Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin Wall was built as a guarded concrete barrier to physically and ideologically divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989. The Berlin Wall was around 155 kilometres long, and it bordered around West Berlin within 3.4m and 4.2m in height.

The Berlin Wall was reinforced by mesh fencing, anti-vehicle trenches, barbed wire, around 116 watchtowers, and 20 bunkers with hundreds of guards. The gates were opened in 1989, which was the first step toward German reunification.

Now, the graffiti-covered 1.4 metres of the Wall has become a famous tourist attraction in Berlin due to its historical significance. If you trace the path of the Wall, you will come across commemorative plaques and places documenting the actions of the people who died whilst trying to escape from East to West of Germany – and the many more who succeeded in fleeing.

To get the most out of your tour to the Berlin Wall, you can join a guided tour available in English .

Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 1, 10117 Berlin

5. Berlin’s Television Tower

The 368-metres tall Berlin Television Tower is the highest building in Europe and a must-see for every tourist. The tower was inaugurated on 3 October 1969 and is the location of several radio and television broadcasting stations.

The viewing platform at 200-metres of the tower offers a mesmerizing view of the city. The revolving Sphere Restaurant located at the viewing platform provides international cuisine, which you can enjoy alongside the beautiful view of the entire city.

Address: Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin

6. German Historical Museum

If you want to learn more about the city’s remarkable history, the German Historical Museum is a must-see for you. The museum displays artefacts of different periods and events from the country’s founding right up to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

You can join a guided tour to check out the entire museum as there are so many things to see. A cinema and a research library are located on-site for visitors.

Address: Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin

Entrance Fee: €-8.00 for adults and €-4.00 for concessions

7. Charlottenburg Palace

The palace has a long history, and is one of the oldest palaces in Germany. The first building on the site was built in 1201 for Otto IV, the last Holy Roman Emperor. It was partially destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, then rebuilt in 1682 by Frederick I (who later became Frederick II), and rebuilt again after a fire in 1720. In 1740, Elector Friedrich August I sold the palace to King Frederick William I of Prussia; it remained under Prussian control until World War II.

In 1945, it was returned to Charlottenburg -Wilmersdorf’s city government; however, it has been managed by three different entities since then: Stiftung Charlottenburg Palace (1946–48), Staatsgalerie und Schlossmuseum Charlottenburg (1948–98) and now Museum Charlottenburg Wilhelm den Groote (since 1998).

While at the palace, you’ll need an hour or two to enjoy the mesmerizing views and to stroll around the park and garden. You can click some aesthetic pictures inside the palace and get the feel of the King/Queen. Visitors inside the palace are accompanied by an audio guide, so you won’t get lost.

Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin

Timing: Daily 10 am to 5:30 pm. Closed on Monday

Tours & Tickets : Skip-the-line Charlottenburg Palace Private Tour & Transfers

8. Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is one of the most popular spots in Berlin. It’s a huge square surrounded by tall buildings, and it has been in use since the middle of the 19th century. The square was originally known as Neue Weltplatz (New World Square), but it was renamed Potsdamer Platz in 1882, after Frederick William III became king of Prussia and began to modernize the country. The square was designed to be the heart of Berlin and is still used as such today.

The area surrounding Potsdamer Platz is one of the most popular places in Berlin because it has so much to do, including shopping, food, entertainment, and even nightlife! You can find many different kinds of restaurants and bars here—everything from fancy French bistros to casual cafes that serve affordable meals with great service and atmosphere. 

You’ll also find lots of shops selling souvenirs and gifts from around the world at Potsdamer Platz! Potsdamer Platz has been featured on television shows like Friends (American television series) because it is such a unique place for tourists to visit while they’re in Berlin.

From tasting the yummy german cuisine at the nearby restaurants or dancing at the bars at night-you won’t be bored at Potsdamer Platz. You can also do shopping and buy souvenirs, or just walk around and click some Instagrammable pictures.

Address: Potsdamer Platz, 10785 Berlin

9. Oberbaum Bridge

While the Oberbaum Bridge is the most popular bridge in the world, it’s not the first. It’s actually a bridge that has been around for over 500 years, and it predates Columbus. The Oberbaum Bridge was built in 1338 by citizens of Nuremberg on orders from King Kazimierz I to connect their city with the Imperial Palace. The bridge was named after Countess Hedwig of Nuremberg, who donated land for its construction.

It was originally intended to be an aqueduct to carry water from Lake Starnberg to Nuremberg, but when they couldn’t get enough support from the city council and citizens, they decided not to build it. The bridge became so popular that people started coming from all over Germany and Europe just to see it. 

Artists would paint scenes on its sides and tourists would climb up on top of it during festivals (like Mardi Gras). There are even rumors that Hitler wanted to use the bridge for one of his famous speeches because he loved seeing all those people walking across it! You can walk across the bridge or learn about an important part of German history. Many tours of the bridge are available that are offered in multiple languages.

10. Victory Column

The Victory Column is one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks and has been a popular tourist attraction since it was built in 1874. It is located on the Brandenburg Gate, which was built between 1844 and 1866 during the reign of Frederick William IV.

The column itself was created by the sculptor Karl Friedrich Schinkel who also worked on other buildings such as the Altes Museum, Herrenchiemsee Palace, and Charlottenburg Palace. 

The obelisk itself is made up of three parts: an inner cylinder with a diameter of 51 meters, an outer cylinder with a diameter of 24 meters, and an outer capstone with a diameter of 20 meters. The monument was originally meant to commemorate Prussian victories over Napoleon Bonaparte during the Seven Weeks’ War in 1813.

However, when World War I broke out in 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm II decided to use it for propaganda purposes instead—it became known as “Victory Monument” or “Monument of Glory.”

It’s not only the history of the Victory Column that attracts tourists every year but also the picture-perfect location. You can get to the column through underground passageways and enjoy the coolest views of Berlin from the top.

Address: Großer Stern, 10557 Berlin

11. Gendarmenmarkt

The history of Gendarmenmarkt began in 1383, when the city of Cologne was under the rule of the Germanic king, Rudolf von Habsburg. At that time, there was a ban on selling alcohol in public and it was thus illegal to sell alcohol on certain days of the week. To counter this, merchants started selling ale and wine at their stalls during these prohibited times.

The popularity of this practice grew rapidly and soon became a tradition for many citizens. In 1461, Emperor Frederick III granted permission for people to drink on Sundays; this allowed even more people to participate in this event which had become very popular.

In 1618, Emperor Matthias II issued an edict that allowed all citizens to sell wine at their stalls on Sunday mornings if they so desired. This made it easier for people to attend Gendarmenmarkt since they would not have to wait until 10am in order to get their alcohol fix! 

The market is located on the square that was once the site of a Roman garrison, which was later converted into a church dedicated to Saint Ursula. The market was originally built around this church, but over time it expanded and moved away from its original location—and now covers an area that covers both sides of the square.

In addition to selling food and goods, many vendors sell souvenirs or items related to Cologne’s famous Christmas market. So, why not buy something special for Christmas from the market? You can also walk around the place and enjoy German culture.

Address: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin

12. Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum is a must-see in Berlin! It is the largest museum in Germany, and it’s home to one of the world’s most incredible collections. The building itself was built during Roman times, and then remodeled during the reign of Emperor Augustus. The museum contains statues from ancient Greece and Rome, Egyptian artworks, and a host of other artifacts from around the world.

The history of the Pergamon Museum dates back to its founding by King Antiochus I in 125 BC. It was originally called “Pergamus” after Antiochus’ wife (who was named Eupoleia). Later on, it became known as “Pergamon” because it was located near that city—and now you know why! 

Today the Pergamon Museum is one of Berlin’s most popular attractions. It’s located in west Berlin and offers guided tours in English every day except Monday. Tickets are available at the door or online before visiting so that visitors can avoid long lines at busy times like weekends or holidays when many people visit at once.

Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin

Entrance Fee: €-12.00 for adults and €-6.00 for concessions

13. Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin cathedral is the oldest church in Berlin, and the largest in Germany. It was originally built in 1220 as a Romanesque church, but the current building dates from 1803. It’s popular for its architecture, which includes spires and towers that are unique to this building.

The interior is also beautiful: a combination of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque elements makes it look like something straight out of a fairy tale.

If you’re visiting Berlin Cathedral, there are many things you can do while you’re there. You can visit the gift shop at the entrance – they have some really great souvenirs! If you want to take pictures inside the cathedral, you’ll need to pay for them – but it’s worth it if you love taking pictures!

There’s also an observation deck where you can sit and watch people walk by below on their way home from work or school (it’s open until 10pm).

Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin

14. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is a term that refers to the checkpoint located at the Brandenburg Gate, in Berlin. The checkpoint was used by Soviet troops during the Cold War, and it is where many of the infamous images from that period were captured.

The checkpoint was first constructed in 1945 and served as an important waypoint for both Allied and Soviet forces during their occupation of Berlin. It closed in 2008 but was reopened for tourists in 2012.

Today, visitors can still walk through this famous location and see where history was made: the Wagons-Lits Hotel, which was used by American soldiers as headquarters during their occupation of Berlin; a Soviet tank; graffiti from both sides; and even a piano that belonged to a local musician who was killed during a bombing raid.

Checkpoint Charlie is popular with tourists because it provides an opportunity to learn about one of Europe’s most significant periods in history while also getting a glimpse into what life was like during this time period.

Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin

15. East Side Gallery

East Side Gallery Berlin is a place where you can find art from around the world, and it’s a great place to spend some time if you’re looking for something more than just your average museum. The East Side Gallery was founded in 1996 by a group of artists who wanted to share their work with others.

They also wanted to bring attention to artists who weren’t getting enough exposure. Their mission was “to promote and support the creation of new and existing art.”

Today it is still run by the same people who started it over 20 years ago, but they have expanded their mission to include more than just art. They now host events that focus on music, dance and theater performances, as well as talks about issues like climate change. So, if you are an art lover, it’s a great place to enjoy the magic of art.

Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin

16. Berlin Zoological Garden

Berlin Zoological Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Berlin, Germany. It is a part of the Berlin Zoo, and it’s filled with a lot of amazing things to do. In fact, it’s so popular that they have a whole website devoted to helping you get the most out of your visit.

If you’re looking for an interesting way to spend an afternoon, then check out their history page! It’ll give you a good idea of how this zoo got started and how it’s grown into what it is today. Once you’ve gotten your history lesson off your chest, head over to their list of things to do page! This page will help you plan out your day at Berlin Zoological Garden so that everyone gets what they want out of their time there.

However, if you ask for my suggestion, I’d say that the first thing you should do when you visit Berlin Zoological Garden is check out the German Children’s Museum. It teaches kids about their own bodies and the world around them, and it’s a great way to start learning about what’s out there in the world.

You can also take a walk through the gardens at Berlin Zoological Garden, which is filled with amazing plants and animals. The zoo features a large variety of species including giraffes, lions, tigers and bears. There are also many different types of birds including cranes and ostriches for you to see as well as other animals such as elephants, gorillas, zebras and more!

You can feed their giant pandas or take a ride on one of their roller coasters! You can also visit their aquarium where you will find sharks swimming about or even see penguins swim across from one side to another! If you’re looking for something fun then this is definitely an activity worth checking out!

Address: Hardenbergpl. 8, 10787 Berlin

17. Berlin Underworld

Berlin Underworld is a museum in Berlin, Germany that tells the story of the city’s underground scene and those who made it happen. The museum is housed in an enormous building that was once a train station and now houses an exhibition space.

The first section of the museum is devoted to Berlin resident and anarchist chief editor Wilhelm Reich, who lived from 1897 to 1957. His work is well-represented in this part of the museum, including his books and letters as well as prints, photographs, and other artifacts related to his life.

The second section of the museum focuses on the history of the city’s underground scene during World War II—a period when many artists fled to Berlin or were forced out by Nazi leaders—and how they managed to survive through it all.

This section features artifacts from artists like Kurt Schwitters (who created “Merz”), Otto Dix (whose works include “The Four Last Things”), Max Ernst (who painted “Germany Seen From France”), and Paul Klee (whose paintings have been featured on stamps).

A tour to Berlin Underworld is a 120 minute long tour. You can buy tickets and know the dates from their official website. In the tour, you will be guided by an expert guide and learn about the life of the average Berlin citizen during WW II.

Address: Brunnenstraße 105, 13355 Berlin

18. Madame Tussauds Berlin

Madame Tussauds Berlin is a museum where you can see the wax figures of famous people, famous criminals and historical figures. The museum is located in the center of Berlin and it opened in 1864. The building was designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel.

The museum has a large collection of wax sculptures of famous people from all over the world. Madame Tussauds Berlin has nearly 400 different figures from various countries and periods in history. You can find your favorite movie stars, musicians, sportsmen and politicians here too! The museum also has a few exhibits on crime and punishment which are really interesting to see as well!

The museum has four floors, with each floor focusing on different aspects of history. There are statuesque figures from all over the world, including paintings and photographs from throughout time. There are also wax figures created from famous personalities from different eras—including Hitler and Stalin—as well as many other celebrities.

The first floor focuses on royalty and aristocracy; this includes figures from ancient times through to modern-day royalty such as Queen Victoria (the last British monarch), Prince Charles, Prince Harry and Prince William (both princes), Princess Diana (Princess Diana) and more!

The second floor focuses on military leaders such as Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington (first U.S. president), Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great; politicians like Abraham Lincoln (16th U.S. president).

The museum also has a few restaurants and bars where you can have some food or drinks while you’re there. There’s also an ice skating rink inside the building where kids love to go during the winter season! And also, you get to click pictures with wax statues of some famous celebrities.

Address: Unter den Linden 74, 10117 Berlin

Timing: Daily 10 am to 7.00 pm

19. Humboldt Forum

Humboldt Forum is a community that has a long history, and it’s very important to remember that you’re not just visiting the city. Don’t forget to stop by the Humboldt Forum Museum, which tells the story of this community from its creation in 1792 through today.

The museum features interactive exhibits and displays, as well as exhibits about local landmarks like the Old Courthouse and the Humboldt County Jail. The forum has hosted many events over the years, including music festivals and protests.

It’s also a great place for outdoor concerts—you can enjoy a show while sipping on your favorite drink at one of the many bars or restaurants nearby. The Humboldt Forum Museum also has an outdoor garden with different types of plants and trees including some native species that can be seen throughout the year.

This garden is a great place to relax or hang out during your visit to Humboldt Forum! Here are some other things to do in Humboldt Forum:

• Go on a tour of the Humboldt penguin exhibit with an expert guide who will show you around and explain what’s going on.
• Tour the Humboldt Museum of Natural History, which is home to more than 200,000 specimens from across the globe.
• Visit the Humboldt Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, where you can see live insects up close and learn about their behaviors.

Address: Schloßpl. 1, 10178 Berlin

20. Sanssouci Palace

The history of Sanssouci is as much a part of German history as it is a part of Sanssouci Palace. In fact, Sanssouci was originally the summer residence for Frederick II, who was also known as King Frederick the Great. In 1745, Frederick II decided to move his summer palace to Potsdam and build a new one in Sanssouci Park. The palace became his primary residence until he died in 1786.

In 1788, Sanssouci was severely damaged by fire; the king subsequently had it rebuilt to match its original design. Since then, Sanssouci has served as a summer retreat for German kings and queens and is now one of the most visited palaces in Europe. Today it serves as a museum that displays many objects from Frederick the Great’s time at Sanssouci (including his horse) as well as other items from throughout its history.

Despite its long history, the park has remained largely unchanged since the time of Frederick II. Today, it’s still used for social events and picnics—but it’s also a place where people can go to learn more about Germany’s history through guided tours or self-guided walks through the park’s many buildings, gardens and ponds.

Address: Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam

Entrance Fee: A single day ticket for enter all of palaces and buildings will cost you € 19.00

21. Spree River

The Spree River is a medium-sized river that flows through Eastern Germany, mostly in the region of Brandenburg. It flows from Lake Chiemsee to the Danube, a distance of about 100 kilometers (62 miles). The Spree River is known for its scenery, which includes plenty of bridges, parks and gardens.

The history of the Spree River is also interesting—one theory states that it was named after the Prussian king Frederick William II, who is said to have once enjoyed boating on it with his mistress. Some say that this happened in order to hide their affair from his wife Sophia Dorothea of Hanover.

The river has been protected since 1953, which means it’s one of the best places in Germany to go for a relaxing weekend away from the city. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants along its banks, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal or a glass of wine while watching the sun set over the water.

Today, there are several ways to enjoy your time in Spree River. You could go for a walk along one of the many paths or stroll down one of the many riverside parks. You could also take a boat trip down the river, which is great for families with children because it’s also an educational experience!

22. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a memorial in Berlin, Germany. It was designed by architect Peter Eisenman and opened in 2005. The memorial consists of two parts: an underground museum that tells the story of the Holocaust through displays on the ground floor, and an outdoor park on top of which stands a structure called ‘The Tree of Life’.

The underground museum has six sections: “What Was Happening in Europe”, “Endless Journey”, “In the Shadow of Death”, “Crematoriums”, “Lodging for the Dead” and “The Living”. Each section focuses on one aspect of the Holocaust, such as deportations or ghettos.

In order to tell its story, each section is filled with relics from concentration camps or personal belongings from those who perished during World War II – these are interspersed with other items such as clothes and letters written by those who survived.

Each exhibit also tells a story about an individual Jew who had been murdered: their age at death (for example 92), what they did before they died (for example painter), why they left this world (for example father).

So, if you are interested in learning about the history of the Holocaust, this place is a must-visit. Many guided tours are available, some are a few hours long and combine cultural treasures, Berlin’s history and sweet treats throughout the tour.

How to get around Berlin

Berlin has a great public transport system, and it’s not just for tourists. It’s also a great way to get around the city for those who don’t have their own car. Berlin’s public transport system is called BVG, or Berliner Verkehrsgesellschaft. The BVG is a state-owned company that operates buses, trams, and trains.

They are all color coded to make it easier to tell apart which line goes where. The colors are: red (faster), orange (medium speed), blue (slowest). You can buy a single ticket or a day pass that allows you to hop on any bus or tram you want until the end of your journey, as long as it’s within the time limits indicated on your ticket or pass.

You can also buy an unlimited ride card that gives you unlimited rides on all buses and trams in Berlin for one specific period of time—usually 24 hours—and then expires after that period has passed.

If you’re staying in Berlin for more than two weeks (or more than one month), it’s probably worth buying an annual pass instead of buying individual tickets every day; this will save you money over time because each individual ticket costs around €10 ($12 USD).

What to eat in Berlin

Berlin isn’t just a city with a lot of history, it’s also a place where you can find the best food in the world. From traditional German fare to ethnic specialties from around the globe, Berlin has something for every taste bud.

The best way to explore Berlin is on foot, so we’ve put together a list of the dishes you should try while you’re here. Here are some of our favorite dishes to try while you’re in town:

• Kartoffelpuffer (potato dumplings) – You’ll find these in every pub in Berlin, and they’re delicious! They’re made with potatoes, eggs, and flour and then fried until golden brown. They come with a side of sour cream or mayo if you want to add some extra flavor.
• Spätzle – This egg noodle dish is often served with chicken according to tradition, but it also tastes great when made vegetarian or vegan instead by substituting tofu or seitan for some of the chicken broth.
• Pommes frites (French fries) – might seem like a simple dish but it’s actually quite difficult to create properly—and we all know how hard it can be to make French fries right! 
• Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte – A black forest cake is made of sponge cake soaked in cherry juice and topped with whipped cream. It’s available all over Germany but especially popular in Black Forest towns like Stuttgart.
• Kürbiskernsuppe – Made from chicken stock, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits and fresh herbs like parsley or dill, this soup has been popular throughout Germany for centuries! It’s traditionally served cold at Christmas time with ham or turkey slices on top.

Where to eat in Berlin

Berlin is a city of food. You can find everything from the most traditional German fare to some of the most modern, cutting-edge cuisine you’ll ever taste. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants in Germany, so there’s no shortage of options for finding something delicious in Berlin.

Let’s start by talking about what makes a good restaurant great: service. German restaurants are known for their impeccable service—the waiters are always attentive and friendly and make sure that your meal is as good as it can be.

Berlin has many different neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and neighborhood feel (think Kreuzberg or Neukölln). As such, there are a number of unique restaurants throughout the city serving up delicious meals and drinks.  If you’re looking for a traditional German meal, head over to one of the classic places like Weinstube am Checkpoint Charlie or Cafe Rheinsberg. 

Both are located within walking distance of Checkpoint Charlie (the former being on Friedrichstrasse), so you can grab a bite before heading into East Berlin. They offer a variety of traditional dishes like schnitzel or bratwurst with potatoes. For an appetizer, try their sauerkraut balls with curry sauce or potato salad.

If you’d prefer something more modern, consider going to Ego Bar & Restaurant on Tauentzienstrasse or Ein nachtschlafender Hund (Sleepy Dog). Both are located right near Kottbusser Tor station—a five-minute walk away.

If you’re thinking of coming to Berlin, you’ll want to know exactly where to eat in Berlin. There are so many great restaurants here, it can be hard to decide where to go! We’ve put together a list of some of the best places for food in Berlin—from small cafés to high-end restaurants. You don’t have to go far for great food in Berlin. Here are some of our favorites:

Café Luxor (LUXOR Hotel) – This café is located inside the LUXOR Hotel and offers very affordable prices. It’s a good place for breakfast or lunch with friends or family. You can also order from their menu if you’d like something more upscale than their typical fare.

Café Sacher (Luxembourg) – This café is located inside the Sacher Hotel, which is one of the most famous hotels in Europe for its traditional Austrian cuisine. The waiters are dressed in traditional costumes and serve up delicious desserts such as sachertorte and strudel cream dessert. 

Budget and Money-Saving Tips in Berlin

We’ve got some Berlin budget and money saving tips for a traveler!

1. Coffee is not just for sissies in Europe.

2. You can get by without your wallet for a few days, but you’ll only be able to buy the bare minimum.

3. Don’t worry about getting ripped off by the taxi drivers—they know what they’re doing and it’s worth it in the end!

4. Always keep some mix of cash and cards on hand so that you can pay for things if needed (which will be often).

5. Shop around for train tickets.

6. Find the best deals on hotels .

7. Use public transportation instead of taxis.

8. Look at other people’s reviews first.

9. Search for last minute deals.

10. Don’t forget to check out local museums and attractions.

Best Time to Visit Berlin

Berlin is a city that’s always full of life. The weekends are busy, and it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. However, there are a few different times of year that make Berlin a great place to visit:

The best time to visit Berlin is during the summer months. The weather is warm and sunny, but not too hot and humid. It’s also not too cold, so you can wear your favorite clothes without worrying about getting frostbite!

Spring is another good time to visit Berlin. The weather is still nice but not too hot or cold—just perfect for walking around outside and enjoying nature’s beauty!

If you’re looking for something indoorsy and don’t mind being cooped up inside on rainy days, fall is probably your best bet because there are fewer tourists around at this time of year (which means less crowds!). Fall also offers more cultural events than other seasons.

Finally, winter can be a great time if you want low-key activities like skiing, snowboarding or sledding down hills instead of going out into public spaces. During winter months (December-February), Berlin is generally quieter than in other months.

There may be fewer people on the streets and less traffic overall. However, this also means that it’s harder to get around without public transportation. On top of that, it can be colder at night and snowing more often so prepare accordingly!

If you don’t mind crowds or cold weather though, then any time will work! Just try not to plan too much around going out at night because it can get expensive!

So, are you excited to visit Berlin and get a taste of the chilling history of the place? No matter how many days you’ll be staying in Berlin, make sure to check these top-22 tourist attractions in Berlin .

If you don’t pay a visit to them, your trip will remain incomplete, and I’ll be heartbroken. And after your visit, don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how you feel. I hope you have a great trip to Berlin!

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• Top Attractions

Top-rated tourist attractions in Berlin

Explore the most fascinating monuments and most iconic landmarks in the German capital and make the most of your holidays.

Must-see monuments and tourist attractions

Brandenburg gate, berlin wall, berliner unterwelten, berlin cathedral, checkpoint charlie, german parliament, topography of terror, holocaust memorial, kaiser wilhelm memorial church, charlottenburg palace, east side gallery, kunsthaus tacheles, berlin tempelhof airport.

The Best Places to Visit in Berlin, Germany

Written By: Thomas Carney

Updated On: January 23, 2024

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, has a rich, storied past stretching back through the Cold War, the two world wars, to the swinging 20s and beyond. Today it is the largest city in the European Union, yet at the same time, you’ll find that Berlin is surprisingly affordable when compared to other larger European cities.

In this article, we’ll run through some of the best places to visit in Berlin, including its historical sites and attractions. Are you ready to explore this sprawling city of almost four million inhabitants based on my experience of living on and off in the city since 2008? As Germans say, “ Los geht’s! ”.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Berlin, Germany

Visiting Berlin? Book your private airport transfer from the Berlin Brandenburg Airport. We love booking a private transfer when landing in a new city. The meet and greet service at the airport’s arrival hall makes for a seamless transfer in comfort to our hotel lobby.

This article about popular historic tourist attractions in Berlin was originally written by Berlin resident Thomas Carney . It has been updated and expanded for 2022 with fresh new Berlin tours and places to stay.

1. Visit the Reichstag

The Reichstag building is the home of the German Parliament. Famously, its burning in 1933 was a trigger for the Nazi’s consolidation of power. After German reunification in 1990, the rebuilt Reichstag was restored after years of neglect since World War II and today is one of the most popular sites in all of Germany thanks to free entrance to the glass dome on top that gives spectacular views of Berlin. The glass dome was created for more than just the view; it represents transparency and Germany’s united democracy.

You’ll have to register ahead of time to book a visit, and it’s important to bring your ID. Personally, my favorite time to visit is just before closing when you get a view of Berlin at night.

2. Stop by Brandenburg Gate

No visit to Berlin would be complete without visiting one of Berlin’s most famous gathering places. Located just five minutes walk away from the Reichstag building, you’ll find the famous Brandenburg Gate, Berlin’s old city gate. It was in front of this monument that Regan issued an ultimatum to the Soviet leader, Gorbachev, to tear down the Berlin Wall. To the east of the gate, you’ll find the Pariser square, which leads on to “Unter den Linden”, a wide boulevard leading down towards Museum Island, which is lined with embassies, five-star hotels, and high-end boutiques.

We took this Berlin Third Reich Walking Tour that visited all the major attractions and historical spots in Berlin. Meeting at Brandenburg Gate, we began the tour by listening to the history of the final days leading up to World War II. We passed the rebuilt Reichstag and seat of the German House of Parliament, visited the Soviet War Memorial in Tiergarten, The Holocaust Memorial, and Hitler’s Bunker, which is now a very unremarkable parking lot.

3. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Berlin is full of reminders of the crimes of the Nazi era, from the brass-plated stones you’ll find in the sidewalks marking the last residence of victims of the Nazi regime to monuments such as The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as The Holocaust Memorial is a monument is located centrally just beside Brandenburg Gate. It’s made up of 2711 rectangular blocks that descend deeper as you walk further into the memorial, giving you a sense of isolation and unease.

The Holocaust Memorial is free to visit, and it is suitable for wheelchairs. Located underground beneath the memorial, you’ll find an information center on the Holocaust with free entrance almost every day.

4. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is the most famous border crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin, and it is featured in countless films such as Bridge of Spies. It was the top tourist attraction we wanted to see when visiting Berlin. (outside the Berlin Wall, of course) The Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie, which provides information on the Berlin Wall, is worth a visit. Read: Top 16 Fun Facts About Germany That You Probably Didn’t Know

We took a free walking tour in Berlin to see many of the historical sites in Berlin. We highly recommend free city tours as they are often hosted by a local, and when the tour is over, you only pay what you can to suit everyone’s budget. We recommend 10 Euros per person, but it really is up to you. We took the Original Free Berlin walking tour here.

4. Visit a Remaining Piece of the Berlin Wall

Remnants of the Berlin Wall that separated East Berlin from West Berlin still exist around the city. One such place is the Berlin Wall Memorial, where you’ll find a visitor center along with a remaining section of the wall. Another section of the Berlin Wall Memorial that is popular is the East Side Gallery on the Spree River, which has many famous graffiti sections.

The Berlin Wall memorial is one of the top attractions in Berlin, and there are several places to see its remains. We took a Street Art and Workshop in Berlin and it was amazing. Graffiti has a strong history in Berlin and is entrenched in its history. Learn about its origins and then have a lesson on how to make some street art of your own. This tour shows you how to create graffiti with spray paints (it’s harder than it looks) and then paint your graffiti on the original Berlin Wall, where you’ll get a picture of your Graffiti on the historic wall. Get more details here.

5. The Berlin TV Tower at Alexanderplatz

East Germany built the TV Tower to be a symbol of the technological advances of the Eastern Bloc in 1969. Today, the Berlin TV Tower is the highest vantage point in Berlin. You can take an elevator up to the 203-meter-high observation deck and viewing platform, where you’ll get the best view in all of Berlin. This being Germany, you can also enjoy a beer at the top of the bar or even eat at the restaurant that slowly revolves around to give you a 360-degree view of Berlin.

You can book tickets in advance here for fast-track tickets and priority entrance to Berlin’s Television Tower at an exclusive window seat in the Sphere restaurant. From 200 meters (656 feet) above the city admire views of the Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, the Olympic Stadium, and Potsdamer Platz. See more information here

6. Museum Island

Berlin is home to some amazing museums. Conveniently, you’ll find five world-class museums situated on Museum Island right in the center of Berlin. Museum Island (Museumsinsel) is located in the middle of the Spree River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most frequented museums in all of Europe.

As these museums on Museum Island have large collections, I personally would choose one to visit rather than trying to take in all five in one day. Let’s break down the museums individually to help you decide which one to see. Hours: 8 to Midnight daily

Pergamon Museum – Perhaps the most famous on Museum Island, the Pergamon Museum Art Museum has been undergoing renovations since 2013. (so expect exhibits to be closed and have long lines). In the Middle East Museum, you’ll find entire historical buildings such as the Pergamon Altar, Ishtar Gate of Babylon, and the Processional Way from Babylon. The Islamic Art Museum lets you discover artifacts from Muslim as well as Christian and Jewish groups and the Antiquity Collection houses one of the most significant collections of Greek and Roman Art. Book your entrance ticket in advance here.

Altes Museum – The Altes Museum has an amazing collection of Greek and Roman antiquities where you will immerse in the art and culture of the Greeks and Romans. There are monumental columns and a rotunda inspired by the Pantheon Tickets can be bought here.

Alte Nationalgalerie – The Old National Art Gallery houses Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Biedermeier, Impressionism, and early Modernity. Highlights include Sleeping Beauty and Impressionist works by French Impressionists such as Manet, Monet, and Renoir. Discover Romanticism with The Monk by the Sea, the Group of Princesses, and the Gothic Cathedral at the Water. Tickets here

Neues Museum – See three museums in one at the Neues Museum. It has exhibits from the Egyptian Museum, the Antique Collection, and the Museum of Prehistory and Early History. Highlights of the Neues Museum include the famous bust of Queen Neferti and Priam’s Treasure from the Heinrich Schliemann collection. Get your tickets here.

The Bode Museum houses the Museum of Byzantine Art and the Sculpture Collection, plus one of the largest coin collections in the world. Get your tickets here. All museums are part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation.

7. Berlin Cathedral

When visiting any European city it is always worthwhile going into the city’s main cathedral. The beautiful Berlin Cathedral is topped by picturesque domes, creating a striking scene. It is the largest cathedral in Berlin and is located near Museum Island. Like so much of Berlin, it was heavily damaged during World War II but has been restored. Make sure to climb to the top for views of the city, and don’t forget to visit the crypts below.

Take this boat tour – A boat tour is an amazing way to see the capital city from the water while enjoying a light lunch. See the government district, Bellevue Palace, and Berlin Central Station on the 2.5-hour boat tour along the River Spree.

8. Stop by Gendarmenmarkt for a Coffee

Berlin was largely destroyed in the Second World War, so many parts of the city lack the historical buildings of other European capitals. One exception is Gendarmenmarkt, a market square situated between Under Den Linden and Checkpoint Charlie. It’s perfect for sitting out on a cafe terrace and enjoying a coffee before your next stop of the day.

Over the holiday season , you’ll find one of Berlin’s best Christmas markets in Berlin at Gendarmenmarkt, where you can sample mulled wine and German Christmas biscuits.

9. Oberbaum Bridge

Spanning the Spree River, The Oberbaum Bridge (The Oberbaumbrücke) is one of the most photographed places in Berlin. It was used as a checkpoint between East and West Berlin during the Cold War from 1961 to 1989 and has become a symbol of Berlin’s unity. It was.

Built in 1895, the Oberbaum Bridge, this beautiful double-deck bridge spans the River Spree connecting the districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. The two decks are for transportation, the upper carrying the U-Bahn and the lower being a roadway. It was used as a checkpoint

10. Tiergarten

Tiergarten is to Berlin as Central Park is to New York . Spanning 519 acres, it is the heart of the city, bordering major attractions like Brandenburg Gate. It was once the royal hunting grounds but, in the late 17th century, was turned into a leisure park.

After WWII many of the trees were cut down and used as fuel in the winter, but in 1949, many trees were replanted from donations across Germany. Inside the park, there are tree-lined paths, a Biergarten, and Siegessäule (Victory Column). Note you can climb to the top of the Victory Column for a birds-eye view.

11. Berlin Zoo

While we typically don’t recommend zoos, but the Berlin Zoo has extensive breeding programs to reintroduce endangered species. It is located in Tiergarten, and it works to keep animals in natural environments as close to their natural habitats as possible.

12. Berlin Nightlife

Berlin probably has one of the most lively nightlife scenes in all of Europe, and no visit to Berlin would be complete without going out at least once! We chose the nightlife scene in the artsy and bohemian district of Kreuzberg for our evenings out. Other hot nightclub areas in Berlin include Torstrasse in the clubbing district of Mitte and the historic Nollendorfplatz in Schöneberg (the oldest LGBTQ neighborhood). Berlin is famous for having everything from techno dance clubs to indie rock bars.

13. Charlottenburg Palace

Located a little outside the center of the capital city, Charlottenburg Palace is the largest palace in Germany. Take a tour to see the apartments of Frederick the Great. For something unique to do in Berlin, book An Evening at Charlottenburg Palace that includes dinner and a concert experience with the Berlin Residence Orchestra. Charlottenburg Palace was a former summer residence for the royal House of Hohenzollern. You can book your tour in advance here.

14. Kaufhaus des Westen (KaDeWe)

It’s the largest department store in continental Europe and has been welcoming patrons for more than 100 years. It was destroyed after WWII but reopened in the 1950s and has become one of Berlin’s top tourist attractions. It’s a great place for shopping for souvenirs and name brands all under one roof. This is also a good place to grab a bit to eat. Head to the 6th floor for some affordable and delicious German food. German Food: 20 Traditional Dishes To Try in Germany or At Home

Where To Stay to Make the Most of Your Berlin Trip

If you’re excited about Berlin and want to make a trip out of it, you then have the question of where to stay. Berlin is a sprawling city, so making sure you choose the right location to stay in will make a big difference. We have a whole article dedicated to Where To Stay in Berlin: Best Areas To Stay For First-Time Visitors .

As you may have noticed, many of the popular historical sites of Berlin are found in “Mitte”, literally meaning Center in German. If you have the budget, this is a great area to stay in as it is within walking distance to many popular sites and attractions. Hotels along the “ Unter den Linden ” Boulevard are very centrally located but also among the most expensive in Berlin.

Accommodation around the “ Volkspark am Weinberg ” offers an excellent mix of locations as well as great surrounding restaurants and bars.

• Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin – Berlin’s premier hotel located right next to the Brandenburg Gate.
• AC Hotel by Marriott – close to Teirgartn and the attractions in Berlin Mitte with a more affordable price tag.
• Radisson Collection Hotel Berlin – located in Berlin Mitte near Alexanderplatz Square just opposite the Berlin Cathedral.

How to Get Around Berlin, Germany

Berlin has a very efficient public transportation system. The best way to get around Berlin is by using the underground trains known as the U-Bahn. You can purchase tickets per zone, and there are ten different lines. Most of the tourist attractions in Berlin are located in zones A and B. Zone A spans the city center of Berlin, including the S-Bahn-Ring. Zone B begins outside the S-Bahn ring and goes to the city limits. The fare zone Berlin AB is used most by travelers.

The U-Bahn runs 24 hours on weekends and 1 am on weekdays. Before boarding the U-Bahn, make sure to validate your ticket in the machine. You can’t simply purchase a ticket and walk on, it must be validated beforehand.

You can download the BVG App to help you get around Berlin. We also use Google Maps to get around cities, you can easily follow the best transportation route on Google Maps.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Berlin, Germany

The best time to visit Berlin is from May to September. This is when the weather is pleasant, there are plenty of festivals and events, and it’s great for patio season. In my opinion, the month of May is the best time to visit Berlin, as you’ll enjoy warm weather without overheating (Germans don’t do air conditioning as a rule). The city also feels incredibly vibrant as people awake from the long winter.

Berlin winters are long, cold, and dark. In mid-December, the light will start to fade around 3:30 pm. However, the Christmas markets with mulled wine and holiday decorations do offset the dreary winters.

April and October are also good times to visit Berlin, and you can find better deals during the shoulder season.

Berlin Tours

Dave and I took our tours in Berlin with Get Your Guide. It is our go-to tour company when traveling. This highly rated Berlin Wall and Graffiti walking tour is a great way to explore Berlin’s alternative art and graffiti culture. We really enjoyed this graffiti-inspired walking tour along the streets of the Mitte, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain districts.

And there you have it, the best places in Berlin, Germany. If you are visiting the capital city, make sure to spend a few days discovering its history, culture, and nightlife scene. Have you been to Berlin? Share your Berlin travel tips and advice in the comments below.

• 21 Beautiful Cities in Germany For Travelers
• Best Things to Do in Munich, Germany
• 20 of The Best Things to Do in Bavaria
• Things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany
• The Essential Guide to Germany’s Romantic Road
• Fantastic Things to Do in Nuremberg Germany
• German Food: 20 Traditional Dishes To Try in Germany or At Home

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Thomas Carney

Thomas is an Irish resident of Berlin who loves travel, hiking and the outdoors. As a fan of minimalist backpacking, he writes about minimalist packing lists and merino gear at MerinoWoolRocks.com

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8 thoughts on “The Best Places to Visit in Berlin, Germany”

Berlin’s rich history is fascinating, and this article does a great job of highlighting key attractions like the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate. It’s impressive to see how Berlin has transformed over the years, while still preserving its past. The Reichstag’s glass dome is not only a remarkable architectural feature but also a symbol of Germany’s united democracy. I’ve found that having a map at hand is essential when exploring sprawling cities like Berlin. The tip about visiting the Reichstag just before closing for a nighttime view is a gem. Overall, this article provides valuable insights for anyone planning a trip to Germany’s capital.

I added Germany tour in my calendar may be 2024. I am thankful for your blog and shared knowledge able information

It makes me want to go back to Berlin after reading this post! There is so much to do there that I will definitely check out the locations you mentioned and that I haven’t visited yet the next time I visit. Thank you very much for sharing your site, I received a lot of help from it. You’ve done a fantastic job on your own site, and I really enjoy it.

They are masterminds when it comes to the R32 and VR6 prototype. And don’t forget the W12 edition also. 🙂

Good !! Definatly once I Want To Visit .

Berlin is one of my most favorite cities! I lived there for a year and hold the city close to my heart 🙂 I can’t wait to go there again – perhaps for ITB in March! Thanks for the rundown of the historical sights in Berlin. I love the Reichstag and pretty much everything. Even though the Checkpoint Charlie has become a bit too touristy to my liking. Berlin is an awesome place to visit!

i will plan to visit in berlin soon once i have a free time by this coming summer, a wonderful place to be with thanks

Berlin seems to be a lively city despite its dark past. Would love to explore its historic places.

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Amid the anti-tourism trend, here are 6 destinations that desperately want you to pay them a visit

Exclusive: almost every destination wants more tourists, not fewer, article bookmarked.

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The list of locations fed up with overtourism seems to grow every day.

• Barcelona: tourists are berated and squirted with water
• Palma: “tourism = terrorism” graffiti plastered on a wall
• Amsterdam: British stag and hen parties are not welcome
• Venice: tourist “congestion charge” levied on the busiest days of the spring and summer
• Dubrovnik: clamping down on the number of cruise ships and the timings of visits to the Old Town

Even distant Juneau, state capital of Alaska, will soon hold a vote on whether to introduce “ship-free Saturdays” to reduce the impact of cruise passengers.

Yet the vast majority of destinations are desperate for more tourists, not fewer.

Inbound tourism is the closest that any nation, resort, county or city, can get to free money. Visitors bring highly desirable social and economic benefits.

They foster enterprise and create jobs, as well as boosting local amenities to a level that could not be sustained by the resident population alone.

“Soft” benefits include instilling pride in the community and improving human-to-human understanding.

Most places would love to have the “problem” of overtourism. They share the same challenges. How to:

• Attract more tourists, preferably of the high-spending variety
• Lure people during off-peak times, stretching the season
• Persuade visitors to stay longer

Some are trying harder than others, and I have picked locations around the world that are likely to prove particularly welcoming.

Read more on travel :

• Here’s how to have a budget holiday in one of the USA’s most expensive cities
• I want wine and carbs on an Italy holiday – here’s how to do it with wellness in mind
• Eurostar have rebooted their ‘ski train’ – here’s why you should give it a go for your next snowy holiday

“Our slogan is ‘ Albania – all you need is here’,” says the tourism minister, Mirela Kumbaro.

Her aim is to make her nation “the champion of tourism in the region by 2030” . The aim is to reach an annual visitor figure five times higher than the 2.8 million population.

Albania has doubled the capacity of Tirana airport and is building a second airport in the south of the country that will be devoted to tourists.

Ms Kumbaro promises: “You can make a lot of friends. Friendship is part of our touristic offer. Hospitality is the main characteristic of Albania.”

I have been visiting this wild and wonderful Adriatic nation since the 1980s – when it was the most hardline of communist nations in Europe (and a partner of China rather than the Soviet Union). Since the collapse of Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship, the country has become far easier to reach and even more intriguing.

This summer Albania is more accessible at lower prices than ever from the UK . Tirana, the capital is good fun for a couple of days, with some interesting museums devoted to the dark days of state communism.

Inland, Albania shares with North Macedonia the beautiful Lake Ohrid – also known as “Lake Como on the cheap”. Albania is certainly affordable.

On the coast, the main resort – and the one recommended for its proximity to Tirana – is Durres. It has an appealing beach and some great places to eat and drink.

In the early 1990s, Cuba ’s ideological soul-mate and financial backer, the USSR, collapsed. Fidel Castro took the remarkable step of declaring in 1994: “Only tourism can save Cuba.” With red tape eased and cheap Caribbean sun on offer, international visitors flooded in.

Tens of thousands of British package holidaymakers arrived each year. But our love affair with the Caribbean’s biggest and most enticing island faded, and the last Tui charter flight from Manchester to the main resort, Varadero, departed in April.

This month the current Cuban president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, reiterated the desire for tourists – who, he said, would appreciate “the comfort of our hotels, the beauty of our beaches and landscapes, and the security visitors and citizens enjoy, among other attractions”.

The main attraction is the faded glory of Havana, its citizens, their music and a repertoire of architecture from Spanish colonial to early 20th-century ostentation.

To sample more of Cuba, at a more relaxed pace, head east to the city of Matanzas – on an attractive bay about 20 miles west of Varadero. It is known, ambitiously, as the “Athens of Cuba,” and does have some attractive buildings on the main square.

Cuba’s top resort, Varadero occupies a beautiful, 12-mile peninsula with a picture-postcard-perfect strip of beach.

Unlike the Communist island just 90 miles off its shores, the Sunshine State is not exactly having an undertourism crisis. Overall, Florida attracted fractionally more international visitors in 2023 than in the pre-pandemic year of 2019, but UK numbers were down 14 per cent.

“We continue to invest in the UK market, which is second only to Canada for us,” said Florida’s vice-president of marketing, Brett Laiken in May. He promised an increase in “consumer activity to create that demand”.

US domestic tourists traditionally stay away during July and August, with the vacuum partially filled by the 21st-century equivalent of Kipling’s “mad dogs and Englishmen”.

To avoid too many compatriots, British visitors might want to venture beyond the theme parks of Orlando and the hotels of Miami Beach. Tampa and St Petersburg make a great twin-city combination, while the Florida panhandle – the thin strip of territory to the northwest – feels like another world entirely.

The North African kingdom wants to double annual international tourism numbers to 26 million by 2030 – the year in which it will co-host the football World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain .

As part of this programme, the government has opened its skies – with ferocious competition between easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair from the UK. Manchester-Tangier on Ryanair is one of the latest new routes. “Morocco is nearer than the Canaries ,” says Eddie Wilson, chief executive of Ryanair DAC. “There’s everything from beaches to a sense of mystery.”

Marrakech is the main tourist draw. The vast open square, Djemaa el Fna, is the hub of the city, populated by makeshift cafes serving food cooked over red-hot charcoal. The centuries-old medina, with its maze of alleys and mass of vendors, is the main attraction. I recommend the lovely Jardin Majorelle: founded by Yves Saint-Laurent and containing the Museum of Islamic Art. But don’t overlook Casablanca, the lively commercial hub; the elegant capital, Rabat; and Fez, which has the most atmospheric medina in the nation – rightly Unesco-listed.

Beyond the cities, the Atlantic coast has notable resorts in Agadir and Essaouira – the latter is more relaxed and colourful. Inland, the Atlas Mountains are magnificent hiking territory while the desert is accessible too.

Northern Ireland

“For a long time, Northern Ireland was not viewed as an attractive tourism destination due to our recent troubled past,” the NI Department of the Economy says.

It now has a plan for the next 10 years: “To increase the value of tourism to the Northern Ireland economy by 50-75 per cent compared to 2019.”

One component of that ambition: keeping costs for visitors down by subsidising travel costs. Visitors from Great Britain who fly in to City of Derry airport in the northwest on new easyJet links from Edinburgh and Liverpool will enjoy the use of a small, friendly airport propped up at a rate of £6,000 per day by public money.

Derry/Londonderry is the most compelling destination in Northern Ireland: at its heart, a walled city on a hillside, with spectacular landscapes (and seascapes) beyond – and many stories to be told, ideally by a local guide.

Northern Ireland’s capital hosts the highly successful Titanic Belfast attraction, the encyclopaedic Ulster Museum and the vivid reflection of recent events in the “Peace Wall”. Among the many possible side-trips, I particularly recommend the train to the pretty port of Bangor.

Saudi Arabia

“We win people’s hearts and minds by opening our doors to the world through a tourism sector where life-changing stories happen every day” – that is the aim of the Saudi tourism ministry.

Suppose nations were judged on the scale of their presence at international travel industry events such as the World Travel Market in London and ITB Berlin. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia would have gone from last place two decades ago (when its presence, I recall, comprised one man and a desk) to first, with an enormous, shiny and heavily populated pavilion with a footprint that seems bigger than Rutland.

The man with a plan is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi ruler plans to attract 150 million tourists by 2030. Complicated visa rules have been ditched, and women under 40 are no longer required to travel with either a husband or a brother.

A new airline, Riyadh Air, has been set up to help fly in visitors. Key attractions include the desert oasis of AlUla , the coastal city of Jeddah and the capital region – including the national museum and the “reimagined” Diriyah Gate area, another Unesco world heritage site. On the horizon: Red Sea resorts to match those in Egypt, and a new Saudi-owned cruise line, Aroya.

Yet many people are deterred by Saudi Arabia’s record on human rights and its treatment of women and gay people. “Same-sex relations are illegal,” the Foreign Office warns. Its counterpart, the US State Department, says: “Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism, the risk of arrest based on social media activity, and importation of prohibited items.”

Some international travellers also enjoy a drink while on holiday. Visit Saudi warns: “The sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol and drugs is illegal in Saudi Arabia.”

Read more: The best lesser-known European beach destinations for sun without the crowds

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