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3 Days in Berlin (Ultimate Itinerary + Map)

• December 26, 2023

Berlin is the capital of Germany and its largest city. This multicultural metropolis is a city of contrasts, a place where history meets the modern.

Vibrant culture, dark history, alternative nightlife, fabulous food, Berlin has it all! No wonder why it’s one of the most popular destinations in Germany.

Planning a trip to Berlin could be overwhelming (especially for first-timers) but don’t worry, I got you covered! This Berlin itinerary is the only thing you’ll need to fully plan your trip. From must-see attractions, where to stay and eat, to getting around, you’ll find it all in this in-depth guide.

3 days in Berlin itinerary

This 3 days in Berlin itinerary is perfect for everyone visiting the city for the first time. It covers all the main attractions with helpful tips on how to skip the lines. You will also find some ideas for modifications (depending on your interests and if it’s a winter or summer city break).

Already have a hotel booked? Check if your hotel has a good location in my guide to Where to stay in Berlin first time .

Find a map of this 3-day itinerary for Berlin (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites) at the end of the blog post.

3 days in Berlin (perfect itinerary for first-timers)

• Day 1: TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral, East Side Gallery
• Day 2: Museum Island, Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, Gendarmenmarkt, Checkpoint Charlie
• Day 3: Charlottenburg Palace, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Topography of Terror, Natural History Museum, Historical Museum, Madame Tussauds

3 days in Berlin – Day 1

Have breakfast at gregory’s.

08:30 AM – 09:00 AM Start the first day with breakfast at Gregory’s . They offer great coffee, freshly squeezed juices and a variety of cakes and sandwiches.

See the city’s skyline from the Berlin TV Tower

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM The Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) is one of the most recognizable city’s landmarks. Towering 368 metres above Alexanderplatz, it’s the highest building in Berlin. You can visit the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city. Another option is to book a table at the Sphere restaurant , which is located at the top of the tower.

Please note that the Fernsehturm opens at 9 AM (March to October) and at 10 AM (November to February). So if you’re visiting in the winter, visit the Berliner Dom first and then the tower.

For an alternative view of Berlin that includes the Fernsehturm, visit the Panoramapunkt at Potsdamer Platz. Buy skip the line ticket for Panoramapunkt here .

Tour the Berlin Cathedral

10:15 AM – 12:15 PM Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is one of the most important city sites and a must-see while in Berlin. It is located on Museum Island (home to several museums, hence the name).

The cathedral is known as the Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church. In fact, it has never been a true cathedral, because it has never been the seat of a bishop. The current cathedral was constructed during 1894 – 1905 on the site of an old church from the 15th century.

In 1465 the Hohenzollern family needed a court church close to their new royal palace. For that purpose, they used the catholic St. Erasmus Chapel, located on the site of the Berlin Cathedral at that time. It was elevated to the status of Collegiate Church. In Germany, they called such collegiate churches Domkirche. This is how the Berliner Dom got its name.

The Hohenzollern family also used the church as a burial place. You can visit the crypt, which contains 94 coffins from the 16th to the 20th century.

For awesome 360° panoramic views over the city, take the 270 steps to reach the viewing platform of the dome. You can see the Museum Island, Gendarmenmarkt, Reichstag and Rotes Rathaus. During the climbing, you will pass along the cathedral’s museum. It presents drawings, photos and models of the history of the church.

The entrance fee covers the church, the Hohenzollern Crypt and the dome. Leave the visiting of the crypt for last, because once you exit the crypt you can’t go back to the church.

There are regular classical music concerts organized in the church ( see details and available dates ). 

Have lunch at Factory Girl

12:15 PM – 02:00 PM Factory Girl is one of my favourite places for lunch. They offer fantastic healthy brunch options. Don’t miss to try their famous dessert Coco Anjéla . It’s worth every single bite!

If you still crave something sweet, then make Woop Woop Ice Cream your next stop. The ice cream is freshly made with liquid nitrogen. It’s super fun to watch the preparation process in front of you.

See the remains of the Berlin Wall at East Side Gallery

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM To get to East Side Gallery take the S-Bahn (lines S5, S7 or S9) from Alexanderplatz to Ostbahnhof. From there it’s about 200m to the famous landmark.

The infamous Berlin Wall was about 140km long and it stood for almost 30 years. Its main purpose was to stop the emigration of East German citizens to the more liberal West Germany. The wall, in fact, was two concrete walls with a neutral space between them.

The East Side Gallery is the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall. Stretching to 1.3km, this open-air gallery is the longest in the world. More than a hundred paintings by artists from all over the world cover the wall.

The most popular works in the East Side Gallery are Dmitri Vrubel’s Fraternal Kiss and Birgit Kinder’s Trabant breaking through the wall.

To find out more about the story of graffiti, take this Street art and graffiti tour through some of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Take a boat cruise along the River Spree

A boat cruise along the River Spree is the perfect way to explore the city in a relaxing way. Plus, you’ll see many of the city’s popular landmarks, including Reichstag, Bellevue Palace, Museum Island, etc.

Have dinner at Schnitzelei

For a tasty Schnitzel, Schnitzelei is the place to go. The Schnitzels are huge and made using local ingredients. They also offer delicious German tapas and have an extended beer menu (plus craft beer).

3 days in Berlin – Day 2

Have breakfast at zeit für brot.

09:00 AM – 09:40 AM Zeit für Brot is my favourite bakery in all of Germany. Their speciality is sweet buns with a variety of fillings – chocolate, cinnamon, poppyseed, marzipan and many more. This is what heaven looks like for me. The sandwiches are also fantastic.

Explore Museum Island

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM You can easily spend not 2 hours, but 2 days here. The island houses a complex of 5 museums – Neues Museum, Altes Museum, Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum and Alt Nationalgalerie.

Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum) – closed for renovation until 2027 If you have to choose only one, visit the Pergamon Museum. It is the most popular one. The museum houses antiquity collections, Middle East collections and Islamic artworks. Among its treasures are the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Market Gate of Miletus.

New Museum (Neues Museum) Visit the Neues Museum for Egyptian and Early History collections. The most famous item on display is the bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti.

The Old Museum (Altes Museum) The museum features Greek and Roman art and sculptures. The exhibits in Bode Museum include collections of coins and medals, as well as art from the Late Antique and Byzantine periods.

Although it is not as popular as the previous two museums, if you’re visiting in the summer, I’d advise you to book your Altes Museum ticket in advance.

Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie) And if you’re an art lover, don’t miss the Old National Gallery. The featured collections include Romanticism, Impressionist and Neoclassical artworks. You can also find an amazing collection of masterpieces by Caspar David Friedrich.

Tickets are timed-entry, so if you’re visiting in the high season book your skip-the-line Alte Nationalgalerie ticket in advance.

Have lunch at Mogg & Melzer

12:30 PM – 02:00 PM For lunch stop at Mogg & Melzer Delicatessen . This little restaurant is famous for its home-cured and smoked pastrami. The portion size is generous, so it’s best to share a starter and one sandwich (unless you’re not super hungry).

Climb the Glass Dome at Reichstag Building

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Reichstag building (Reichstagsgebäude) with its iconic Glass Dome is the seat of the German Parliament. You can not only visit the building but climb the glass dome for fantastic views of the city. There is also a rooftop terrace with a nice restaurant.

It’s free to visit the Reichstag, but you have to make online registration at the German Bundestag Service Centre  in advance. To enter the building you need a passport or official identification card. Audio guides are available in 11 languages. The Reichstag is open daily from 8 AM until midnight.

Another option to visit the Reichstag is by reserving a table at Käfer , the rooftop restaurant at the Reichstag. The reservation includes not only free unlimited coffee and tea, but also a piece of cake!

You can reserve your table here .

See the iconic Brandenburg Gate

03:15 PM – 03:30 PM Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) is one of the city’s symbols and a must-see for every tourist. It was built in the 18th century replacing a former city gate. That gate stood on the road to the town of Brandenburg an der Havel. From here comes the current name of the gate.

Napoleon first used the gate for a triumphal procession after he captured the Prussian capital in 1806. After Napoleon’s defeat, it became a Prussian triumphal arch. Only the royal family was allowed to pass through the gate.

Later the Brandenburg Gate symbolizes the division of the city into West and East during the Cold War and then a reunified Germany. Don’t miss seeing it illuminated in the evening.

Pay respect at the Holocaust Memorial

03:30 PM – 04:00 PM Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is dedicated to the 6 million Jewish victims that lost their lives during the Holocaust. The memorial is composed of 2711 rectangular concrete blocks of different heights.

It’s free to visit the Holocaust memorial, as well as the underground Information Centre. There you can hear sobering stories of survivors of the Holocaust.

Admire the architecture at Gendarmenmarkt

04:15 PM – 04:45 PM Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful city’s squares. Surrounded by three gorgeous buildings, the square gives you a sense of how magnificent the city was in the past.

Here, you’ll find two identical churches facing each other – the French Cathedral and the New Church. The French Cathedral (Französischer Dom) dates from the 17th century, while the German Church (Deutscher Dom) – from the 18th century. Both churches are free to visit.

Visit Checkpoint Charlie

05:00 PM – 05:15 PM Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Its name comes from the NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie), as it was the third checkpoint opened by the Allies in Berlin.

Today, you can see a replica of the guardhouse and border crossing signs. And it’s the most touristy place in Berlin, so be prepared for crowds.

Try the currywurst at Maximilians Berlin

For an authentic German experience, have dinner at Maximilians Berlin . It’s a huge restaurant with great ambience, where all the waiters are dressed in traditional costumes.

Try Bratwurst or Currywurst (the most popular food in Berlin). The latter is a sliced fried pork sausage, served with ketchup seasoned with curry.

3 days in Berlin – Day 3

Tour the royal charlottenburg palace.

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg) is the most magnificent palace in Berlin. It was built in the 17th century during the reign of the Hohenzollern Dynasty. The palace served as a summer residence of Sophie Charlotte, the first queen of Prussia.

If you like classical music, don’t miss the Berliner Residence Orchestra concert in the Great Orangery. Enjoy a great evening while listening to the most beautiful works of the Baroque era by candlelight.

The admission to the palace includes an audio guide, while the gardens are free to enter.

You’ll find the Belvedere tea house and the Mausoleum within the gardens area. The Belvedere houses a large collection of porcelain. The Mausoleum is the final resting place of Queen Louise. It was built by her husband, King Friedrich Wilhelm III after she died aged just 34.

Take a look at the ideas below to fill the last afternoon from your 3 days in Berlin.

You can also take a half-day trip to Potsdam, Wannsee or Sachsenhausen concentration camp (more info further in the guide). In this case, you better do in the morning and leave the visit to Charlottenburg Palace for the afternoon.

See the unique Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche) is the most unique church in the city. Built in the 19th century, it was badly damaged by bombing raids during WWII. Rather than fully reconstructing the church, it was decided to intercorporate the ruins into a new church.

Today, the church is a memorial that reminds of the horror of the war.

Learn more about WWII at the Topography of Terror

The Topography of Terror is located at the same place where the headquarters of the Gestapo and SS once stood. The museum traces the history of WWII, featuring an indoor and outdoor exhibition.

In the outdoor exhibition, you’ll find one of the few large remaining sections of the Berlin Wall. And the best part is that the museum is completely free!

Find out how people lived in East Berlin

To get a real feel of what it was like to live in the former DDR, visit the DDR Museum. The interactive exhibits include reconstructed apartments and items from daily life. You can even climb into an original Trabant!

Book skip the line ticket for DDR Museum here . 

See the dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum

If you like dinosaurs, don’t skip a visit to the Natural History Museum. The exhibits feature an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, as well as lots of stuffed animals and reptiles.

You can book tickets for the museum here . 

Discover the German history at the Historical Museum

German Historical Museum is a must-visit for every history buff. Here, you’ll find 2000 years of history packed. The exhibitions take you from the early Middle Ages to the present day.

See the celebrities at Madame Tussauds

Don’t miss this opportunity to take a photo with your favourite celebrity stars. Book your ticket for Madame Tussauds here .

Berlin TV Tower – book in advance, as tickets are sold for a certain time slot. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait in line first to buy tickets and then – for your time slot (which can be hours ahead). You can reserve your ticket to the tower here .

Museum Island – the most popular museum is the Pergamon Museum (closed for renovation until 2027). Again, tickets are valid for a certain time slot, so book your tickets in advance here . 

Reichstag building – you need to reserve in advance online at the German Bundestag Service Centre . And for the rooftop restaurant at the Reichstag, you can reserve a table here .

How to save money on your 3-day Berlin itinerary

If you plan to visit more than one museum, buy the 3-Day Museum Pass in any case. The pass includes free entry to over 30 different museums, including the ones on Museum Island.

To show you how much you can save using the pass following my itinerary, I did the math for you.

Museum Island (Pergamon Museum) – €19 Museum Island (Neues Museum) – €12 German Historical Museum – €12

Total without the pass – €43 if you use the pass – €29 Total savings – €14

As you can see you’re starting to save at the second museum.

However, if you plan to explore only the museums on Museum Island, buy this 1-Day Museum Pass . It’s valid for one day, only for the museums on Museum Island. The price is the same as the entrance fee to the Pergamon Museum, so it’s a real deal.

3 days in Berlin in winter

If you’re visiting the city in the winter, follow the first and second day of this Berlin travel itinerary. For the third day – visit the Charlottenburg Palace in the morning, but skip the gardens. Devote the rest of the day to the Christmas markets (there are more than 80).

Getting around in Berlin

Berlin is a huge city, so even if you stay right in the city centre, for some of the landmarks, you’ll need to use public transport. Don’t worry, the city has an excellent metro system called S-Bahn and U-Bahn. You can even use the S-Bahn to get to Potsdam and Sachsenhausen. To plan your route use this route planner .

You can find a detailed map of the itinerary here . 

I tried to group the landmarks for the first 2 days in such a way that you can explore the city with minimal use of public transport. You’ll need to use the metro only to get to East Side Gallery and back to the city centre.

For the third day (especially if you plan a half-day trip to Potsdam) I recommend you buy a day pass. You’ll need Tageskarte Berlin ABC – if you want to visit Potsdam. If you plan to use it only within the city, buy Tageskarte Berlin AB. This pass can also be bought for 4 or 7 days.

The ABC zone also covers the Brandenburg Airport, while AB only includes areas within the city boundary. So, if you use it on the day of your arrival, buy the pass directly from the Tourist Information Office at the airport.

An alternative to the day pass is the Berlin Welcome Card . The card offers free public transportation (including Potsdam and the Brandenburg Airport). You’ll also benefit from discounts at 200 attractions.

You can also use the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus for easy and convenient transportation around the city.

How to get to Berlin

The Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) is located in the city centre, close to Brandenburg Gate. It is well-connected by S-Bahn and U-Bahn to the rest of the city. Check timetables and book tickets online at Deutsche Bahn official site .

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is located 18km southeast of the city. There are a few options to get to the city centre from the airport:

• take the airport express trains (FEX, RE7 and RB14) to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (trains every 30min or hour)
• the S-Bahn (lines S9 and S45) is more regular than the express trains (every 20min) but slower

The fastest and cheapest option for you depends on where exactly you’re staying, as the city centre is huge ( see here all options ).

Day trips from Berlin

Sachsenhausen concentration camp.

If you’re interested in WWII, Sachsenhausen is a must-visit. This concentration camp was used primarily for political prisoners till the end of the Third Reich. After its fall, the Soviets used the camp for anti-Communists and Russians.

There is no entrance fee, but you have to pay for an audio guide or to join a guided tour.

How to get to Sachsenhausen The easiest way is to take a Sachsenhausen Memorial guided tour from Berlin. The advantage is that you won’t deal with how exactly to get there. Plus, you’ll learn in-depth the dark history of the concentration camp.

Another option is visiting the camp individually. Take S-Bahn line S1 to Oranienburg Station. From there it’s about a 2km walk to the site. For more visitor information click here .

Potsdam was the royal city of the Prussian kings until 1918. Today, you can explore the huge palace complex and gardens. Don’t miss the New Palace and Sanssouci Palace (known as the German Versailles).

Potsdam can be done in half a day if you visit only these two palaces and part of the gardens. Yet, it’s best if you have more time to explore the city as well (it’s really nice). For more information take a look at my complete Potsdam itinerary .

How to get to Potsdam The easiest way is to take a Sanssouci Palace guided tour from Berlin. Advantages: bus transfer directly from the city centre, guided tour of Potsdam and tour of Sanssouci Palace.

To get there by yourself, take the S-Bahn or the RE trains (it depends on where you’re staying) to Potsdam train station or Charlottenburg station.

Take a cruise

If you’re visiting the city in the summer months, don’t miss the opportunity to take a cruise and explore the beautiful countryside.

Take a cruise along the River Spree to Müggelsee, one of the seven largest lakes in the city. Explore the idyllic park landscape of the old town of Köpenick and see its impressive palace.

Take this Berlin-Wannsee cruise and explore one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage regions. You’ll cruise through the palaces of Potsdam and Berlin and experience Prussia’s great history.

This beautiful Baroque city is known as Florence at the Elbe. Located about 2h by train from Berlin, the city is a great option for a long day trip. Yet, I’d recommend staying overnight, especially if you’re a museum lover. Don’t miss seeing the Zwinger (a gorgeous Baroque palace) and Frauenkirche.

How to get to Dresden

Take a train from Berlin Central train station to Dresden train station (2h journey). The Old Town is just a short walk from the train station.

How many days in Berlin

Are 3 days in berlin enough.

3 days in Berlin is the perfect amount of time to explore the city and see the highlights. You’ll even have time for one half-day trip (like Potsdam or Sachsenhausen).

The itinerary is designed in such a way, that you’ll see the city’s essentials during the first 2 days. The third day includes the Charlottenburg Palace and a few interesting museums.

If you want to make any day trips from Berlin, you can easily modify the last day of the itinerary. Potsdam, Wannsee or Sachsenhausen concentration camp make great half-day trips. You can combine any of them with a visit to Charlottenburg Palace or a museum (in the afternoon).

What if I don’t have 3 full days in Berlin?

If you have less than 3 days in Berlin, skip the last day of the itinerary. Even though Charlottenburg Palace really deserves a visit, it’s out of the city centre. So, if you’re short on time you’d better leave it for another time.

2 or 3 days in Berlin?

Although it’s possible to visit Berlin in 2 days, I’d recommend 3 days (or at least 2 days and a half).

If you’re not into museums, 2 days is enough time to see the city’s highlights. Yet, if you are a museum lover or a WWII buff, I’d recommend you to spend at least 3 (or even 4) days in Berlin. There are some super interesting museums and a lot of WWII sites to explore.

Best time to visit Berlin

For nice weather, visit the city from May to October. Winters are very cold, so unless you’re visiting Berlin for the Christmas markets, avoid the period.

Long Night of Museums (Lange Nacht der Museen) takes place in the last week of August. From 06:00 PM to 02:00 AM more than 70 museums open their doors to visitors. 

During October, the Festival of Lights and Berlin Leuchtet take place and the city becomes a scene of illumination and light art. Berlin Leuchtet is also held at the beginning of March.

In December, the city becomes home to more than 80 Christmas markets! No wonder why the city is called the capital of the German Christmas markets.

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About the author

Hi there, fab itinerary! We are looking to go for the Christmas markets in December and was wondering if you have any tip on where to stay for this? Many thanks

Hi, thanks! 🙂 You can take a look at my post about the Best Christmas Markets in Berlin , in which you’ll find the best area to stay for the Christmas markets + a few recommended hotels.

When we visit Berlin, we always eat our currywurst at a typical snack bar, preferably at Curry Wolf on Ku’Damm or directly at the Brandenburg Gate. Perfect to briefly interrupt sightseeing and fortify yourself.

Thanks, I will give it a try the next time I visit Berlin! 🙂

Hello, hope you are fine. I will be visiting Berlin next month, I have gone through this article thoroughly. I must appreciate your efforts making this super itinerary. I have a question are there any new attractions or newly opened places that are not listed in this article? Or this article is updated to date? Thank you.

My itineraries usually cover only the most popular attractions and I try to update them regularly with the latest changes. I last updated this article a year ago. However, there are many off-the-beaten-path places or newly opened temporary exhibitions, which I usually don’t include in my itineraries. You can check for such events or newly opened places at the official website of Visit Berlin . Have a great time in Berlin! 🙂

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Weekend in Berlin itinerary - The ultimate city break guide

Planning a weekend in Berlin or a quick city break? Our expert city break guide features advice, info and the ultimate 3-day itinerary with all the best things to do, most interesting attractions to visit, and top bars and restaurants to check out.

With its trendsetting nightlife scene, complex history and multicultural feel, it's pretty much impossible to be bored in Berlin, Germany's edgy capital city. And seeing as it's one of the cheapest destinations in western Europe, you can really make the most of everything it has to offer.

No matter what you're into - parties, history, food, art or architecture - this swinging city has it all and then some. Here's our guide on how to spend the perfect 2 nights in Berlin.

Getting to Berlin

Tegel International Airport (TXL) and Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) are both very close to the city centre, making it easy to visit Berlin from London or anywhere else.

Getting around Berlin

The public transport system here is famously super efficient and easy to navigate, with first-rate tram, bus and subway services.

If you want to avoid buying a ticket every time you make a journey, the 72-hour Welcome Card (€28.90/$34) gives you free public transport and discounts for certain attractions during that period. It's valid for one adult and three children.

Since you're only in Berlin for the weekend, you might not need to use public transport at all.

If you're feeling adventurous (and if the weather permits) you should consider renting a bike for the weekend to explore the city, which has an amazing 620 kilometres of bike paths!

Berlin is sprawling but it's easy enough to see some of the most iconic sights - including the Holocaust Memorial and Reichstag - on two wheels.

Expect a rental bicycle to cost about 8 to 10 euros a day. You can also use one of Berlin's many bike-sharing apps (more on that later on in our city break guide).

Berlin itinerary day 1: See all the top World War II landmarks

Your weekend in Berlin begins with a walking tour of the city's most famous historic landmarks, many of which are located within the central Mitte neighbourhood.

Visit Checkpoint Charlie

Start at Checkpoint Charlie, which marked the border between East and West Berlin and has been featured in many a Cold War film.

This legendary spot attracts a lot of tourists, but it's worth seeing it up close to understand a bit of Berlin's history.

Save your money and avoid taking photos of the guards though - they'll charge you a fee!

Head to Topography of Terror - the former Gestapo HQ

From there, walk west to Topography of Terror, located on the site of the former Gestapo headquarters, where the Nazis rose to power.

This chilling outdoor/indoor museum will give you an introduction to Berlin's dark and tragic past, making it a worthy stop on your historic Berlin tour.

Plus, entrance and audio guides in English are both free.

Learn the stories of Jewish victims at the Holocaust Museum

To get to your next stop, walk north on Mauerstraße towards the Holocaust Memorial , also known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

You might want to bring along a box of tissues; this landmark dedicated to the millions of Jewish victims of the Holocaust is incredibly moving.

It's definitely a tear-jerker, but this memorial is one of the most important places to see in Berlin. For €3, you can get a pair of headphones to listen to the sad stories of these victims as you walk among the seemingly endless sea of concrete monuments.

Underneath, there's a free museum with even more detailed explanations of these harrowing events.

Gawk at the iconic Brandenburg Gate

After you've explored the museum, walk north along the edge of Tiergarten Park, and about halfway up you'll see one of the city's most famous landmarks: Brandenburg Gate.

Built in 1791, this 18th-century gate looks like something from Ancient Greece - and indeed, it was modelled after Propylaea, the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Twelve Doric columns are topped by a chariot drawn by four horses, making for quite the stunning sight.

Throughout the years, Brandenburg Gate has played a part in many important political and historical events.

These days, it has come to symbolise German unity and peace since the end of the Cold War. Every year on New Year's Eve , about a million people gather at the gate for a famous party, featuring live music and fireworks.

Tour the Reichstag

One block north of Brandenburg Gate you'll find the magnificent Reichstag building, with its Neo-Renaissance design and glorious glass dome.

The Reichstag once housed the Parliament of the German Empire and the Weimar Republic until a fire in 1933 destroyed much of the building.

It wasn't fully restored until the 1990s, with the construction of the huge glass dome adding to the building's touristic appeal.

At night, it's beautifully lit up and from within, you can see 360-degree views of the city.

(Note that entrance to the roof is free, but you need to register online in advance before you visit).

When you're visiting the Reichstag, it's worth paying for a tour of the building to learn about its fascinating history and the role it played in Hitler's rise to power.

It's also right on the edge of Berlin's oldest park, the Tiergarten (at 210 hectares, it's one of the largest urban gardens in the country.)

Have lunch in Alexanderplatz & see the World Clock

If you're feeling peckish, hang in there: it's almost lunchtime.

Next step on your itinerary is to walk eastward to Alexanderplatz if you feel like stretching your legs, or you can rent a bright orange bike from a nearby Donkey Bike station (go to Donkey Bike - Berlin bike rentals to get the app before your trip and unlock access to bikes all around the city).

Alexanderplatz, known to locals as simply Alex, is a large public square in the Mitte neighborhood and one of the main centres of life in Berlin.

Choc-a-block with fun restaurants and bars, Alexanderplatz is the perfect place to grab a bite and do some people watching. Treat yourself to a pretzel ( brezel ) at Ditsch or have some Asian fusion food at momotaro tavern to fuel up for the rest of the day.

It's also a good spot to view the Fernsehturm TV Tower, which at 368 meters high is the tallest building in Germany.

The World Clock (Uraniaweltzeituhr), built in 1969, is also located right in Alexanderplatz. It's shaped like a giant turret and features a revolving cylinder that displays the time in all 24 time zones across the world.

Nearby the clock on the other side of the square is Neptunbrunnen, an ornate 19th-century fountain depicting Neptune, the Roman god of water. This is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.

If you're still hungry, hop on the U8 U-Bahn line from Alexanderplatz to the U Kottbusser Tor stop.

Two minutes west of the roundabout on Reichenberger Street is Konak Grill, a Berlin institution serving up delectable Turkish food. The traditional kofte sandwich is a must and will fill you right up!

Experience Berlin's famous nightlife

Once you feel sated, head back to your hotel and rest up before experiencing the varied and vibrant nightlife that Berlin is famous for. It's the weekend (and a holiday at that) after all!

The canalside Club der Visionaere has a gorgeous location underneath an enormous weeping willow. It's perfect for watching the sunset while you enjoy a beer and mingle with local Berliners.

If you prefer something a bit calmer, spend the evening at one of Berlin's famed opera houses like the Berlin State Opera or the Komische Oper Berlin, where you can see incredible musical performances and plays.

If you're in the mood to party, note that clubs in Berlin don't get busy until around 1am.

Most of the popular hotspots are in and around the Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain districts Electronic music fans: be sure to check out Watergate! And if the weather's nice, you should make time to visit some of Berlin's amazing rooftop bars.

Berlin itinerary day 2: See the Berlin Wall & Explore Museum Island

Have a german breakfast at kollwitzplatz farmers market.

This morning you get to sample some of Berlin's best local produce at the Kollwitzplatz farmers market in Prenzlauer Berg, a pleasantly untouristy district.

This beautiful neighbourhood is filled with independent cafes and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

At the market, which takes place every Thursday and Saturday (open from around 9am), you'll find fruits, cheese, homemade jams, wine and other picnic-friendly foods that are mostly locally produced. Buy some snacks and soak in the atmosphere!

Once you've had your fill of German treats, take a walk along Knaackstraße to Wasserturm Park, home of Berlin's oldest water tower.

If you have kids in tow, let them explore the playground while you relax in the shade of the trees. Wasserturm Park is also the perfect spot for a picnic, so if you bought some goods at the market, now's the time to enjoy them!

Cross the River Spree to Museum Island

A 35-minute walk southwest of the park in the middle of the Spree River is Museum Island (Museumsinsel), arguably the top cultural highlight in all of Berlin. You could spend all day exploring the five museums on the island, and the stunning architecture in itself will have you marvelling for hours.

The Pergamonmuseum , which houses ancient Greek and Roman art collections, is a popular choice, as is the iconic Altes Museum just steps away.

You can also visit the ornate 19th-century Berlin Cathedral Church (Berliner Dom) in front of the tranquil Lustgarten park.

Bike to the East Side Gallery - part of the Berlin Wall

From Museum Island, ride your bike or hop on the 248 bus to the East Side Gallery, the last remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall and arguably one of the most amazing outdoor art galleries in the world.

Following the fall of the Wall in 1989, dozens of artists came over to the East and used this block of concrete in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg as a canvas for their works.

The colourful murals they created have become an unofficial memorial to freedom.

The East Side Gallery is open to the public around the clock and receives more than three million visitors each year.

Have dinner at Joseph Roth Diele

Now's the moment you've really been waiting for: a chance to enjoy some authentic German fare.

The understated Joseph Roth Diele restaurant in Schöneberg is a veritable relic of the 1920s, with a warm, friendly atmosphere and an old school feel. Welcoming staff and a piano in the corner give it even more charm.

To make the most of your dinner, order the pork schnitzel, goulash and some local beer. Book your table in advance to avoid disappointment!

Berlin itinerary day 3: Brunch in Kreuzberg, bike to an abandoned airport & take a canalside stroll

Good morning! Your trip to Berlin is coming to an end (sad face), but before you leave there's some more exploring to do. Wake yourself up with a cup of coffee at your hotel and then make your way to Kreuzberg.

Have brunch in the trendy Kreuzberg neighbourhood

For one of your final weekend indulgences, head to the south bank of the river across the Oberbaumbrücke bridge and treat yourself to brunch at the super popular Restaurant Bastard in the trendy Kreuzberg neighbourhood.

Bastard is known for dishing out delicious fresh food in a cool, bohemian setting. Expect classic options like sausages and scrambled eggs along with vegetarian and vegan choices and homemade brioche.

You might have to wait 10 to 15 minutes for a table, but it will be worth it.

Bike to Tempelhof Feld abandoned airfield

Take some time to digest your food. Then, if you have a bike with you, ride southwest about 15 minutes (50 minutes if you're walking) to one of the most unique sites in Berlin: the abandoned airport at Tempelhofer Feld.

This old airfield was once home to Tempelhof Airport, one of the 20 largest buildings in the world when it was built in the 1920s. But Tempelhof's history goes even further back than that; the site of the airport was originally Knights Templar land in medieval times.

The airfield was officially closed in 2008 and has since been re-purposed as a public city park.

These days, it's locals' favourite place to picnic, have a barbecue, fly kites, go skateboarding, and generally enjoy the wide open outdoor space.

It regularly hosts festivals and events throughout the year, and since 2015, the airport has also been used as an emergency refugee shelter.

If you don't feel like biking or walking, worry not: Tempelhof is easily accessed by U-Bahn.

See the Soviet Memorial in Treptower Park

Once you've explored all that the airfield has to offer, bike or hop on the 104 bus to Treptower Park, on the edge of the Spree River.

Here you'll find pleasure boats, floating restaurants and the incredible Soviet Memorial, built to commemorate 7,000 of the 80,000 Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Berlin in 1945.

Enter the memorial through a giant archway and you'll see the main part of the memorial: a 12-meter-tall statue of a Soviet soldier holding a child and standing over a broken swastika. It was built between 1946 and 1949 and led by architect Yakov S. Belopolski.

Walk along the Landwehr Canal & have lunch at BBI

Enjoy the outdoors some more by embarking on a leisurely walk along the Landwehr Canal.

Especially during the warm summer months, the canal is the best place to hang out with friends and watch the world go by.

Continue walking along the canal until you reach Admiralbrücke bridge, the centre of life and liveliness in the summertime in Berlin. This is where young Berliners gather to relax, drink beer and play music as the sun sets over the city. It's a truly incredible atmosphere and will give you a real taste of what makes Berlin so special.

You can't possibly end your trip to Berlin without having a meal at one of its most delicious restaurants: Berlin Burger International, aka BBI.

This super hip late-night burger bar is tiny, but it serves up some of the juiciest burgers in the land (as well as vegan and vegetarian options).

If the place is packed, get to know some strangers on the communal picnic tables and dig into your meal (along with a beer, of course!)

We hope you've enjoyed our action-packed weekend in Berlin itinerary! For more Germany travel inspiration, check out our road trip through Bavaria , a guide and itinerary that features beer, bratwurst and some pretty jaw-dropping castles.

Have you been to Berlin before? Are there other places and sights you'd recommend? Please leave a comment below - we'd love to hear from you.

Auf Wiedersehen !

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Your Trip to Berlin: The Complete Guide

Matthias Makarinus/Getty Images  

Berlin is the most visited city and capital of Germany , as well as the third most visited place in Europe . A fast growing tourist destination, it fascinates young and old, history buffs and art lovers, architecture aficionados and underground clubbers alike. Wherever you go, you experience the pulsating life of Berlin in its over 170 museums and art galleries, 300 clubs and 7,000 bars and restaurants — many of which are open around the clock.

With over 3.5 million inhabitants in the twelve distinct Bezirke (districts), visitors are struck by the size and variety of the city. Architectural styles range from palaces to the remnants of socialist buildings to modern skyscrapers and its citizens are wildly diverse with its ever-changing populace encompassing over 700,000 foreigners.

Plan your trip to the fascinating city of Berlin.

Planning Your Trip to Berlin

• Best Time to Visit : There is never a bad time to visit Berlin as there are festivals and events throughout the year. May is packed full of events and warming weather , with a sprawling summer of swimming and biergartens to look forward to. In December, visit the city's many Christmas markets .
• Language: German is the language of Berlin, but as an international city it is easy to get by in English.
• Currency: The euro is the currency of Germany  , as well as the rest of the European Union .
• Getting Around : Public transportation in Berlin is excellent and consists of subway (U-Bahn), city train (S-Bahn), trams, buses, rideshare, and even ferries. Transport runs at all hours and there are tickets to cover every situation with the basic fare starting at 2.90 euros. Take the double-decker bus #100 for a cheap tour of top sights in the city.
• Travel Tip: Despite its many attractions, Berlin can be a hard city to get a feel for. Read our top 10 things not to do in Berlin and take the time to get out of the city center .

Things to Do in Berlin

Berlin has some of the country's top attractions from historic sites like Brandenburger Tor and the East Side Gallery, to its world-class clubbing scene .

• The Reichstag is the seat of German Parliament   and symbolic of the rich history of the city. Visit the iconic dome — open to the public — and continue past Brandenburger Tor and the memorial to murdered Jews of Europe to the UNESCO site of Museumsinsel (museum island).
• Berlin's East Side Gallery is the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall between the former West ( Kreuzberg ) and East (Friedrichshain) sections of the city. The wall has become a canvas for some of the city's most respected street art . Also check out sections of the wall in Mauerpark and the memorial museum near Bernauer Strasse.
• You shouldn't leave Berlin without sampling some of its famed nightlife. Some of the world's most legendary night clubs are in this city, like the one-of-a-kind Berghain. There are also plenty of places to grab a casual drink like the best bars with a view , beach bars , and many biergartens .

Explore more of the best of Berlin with our full-length articles on the best things to do in Berlin , free things to do in Berlin , and Berlin with kids .

What to Eat and Drink in Berlin

The German food favorites of bratwurst, schnitzel, and spätzle can all be found here, but don't miss out on Berlin specific dishes. Berlin street foods like döner kebab and currywurst are elevated to another level and the best international and vegetarian food in the country is available in the capital.

Berlin is not only a typical German beer city , it is also the birthplace of German craft beer . Visit the city's best individual brewers, as well as sampling the many fine German wines and specialty mixed drinks at unique bars across the city.

Eat your way though the best restaurants in Berlin with our guide to Berlin street food , East German restaurants , and Berlin's best vegetarian restaurants .

Where to Stay in Berlin

As a top destination in Germany, there are a wide array of accommodation options in Berlin from 5-star hotels to funky hostels. While many people choose to stay in the center in Mitte, the city's superb public transport means everywhere is easily accessible and staying in trendy neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, Neukölln , and Prenzlauer Berg offer a local's view of the city. Also take note that there has been a crackdown on Airbnbs in Berlin and these are less available as they once were.

Explore the different Berlin neighborhoods where you might stay and our recommendations on the best hotels in the city.

Getting to Berlin

Frankfurt has the busiest airport in the country while Berlin's two small international airports struggle to keep up with capacity.

• Tegel: The main international airport located in the northwest corner of the city within the AB zone. It is connected to the rest of the city by bus.
• Schönefeld: This busy airport also caters to international travelers and shares a runway with what will (hopefully) be the new airport. It is in the southeast of the city in the C zone (requires an extension ticket) and is accessible by S-Bahn, train, bus, or roadway.

Their small size does make them easy to navigate and accessible by public transport to the rest of the city, with plenty of options for taxis or car rentals for the auto obsessed . The city is also well-connected by train to the rest of Germany as well as greater Europe. Deutsche-Bahn , the national railway, offers fast and easy service as well as occasional discounts , or you can travel by bus on a number of providers for bargain-basement prices and decent comfort levels.

Culture and Customs in Berlin

Berlin has a well-earned reputation as a tough city, but the people – perhaps unfairly — are also known as being rude. Gritty and industrial like the city itself, visitors should know the people's bark is worse than its bite. Berlin is very safe for such a major city with the main concern being petty crime and theft.

When eating out or engaging in any kind of customer service, prepare for a lower standard than that of North America. That said, you should also tip at lower levels (around 10 percent) . Also know that dining out is usually a leisurely experience where there really is no rush. When you are ready to pay, ask for " Die Rechnung, bitte " (the check, please).

Money Saving Tips in Berlin

There is no reason to break the bank when visiting Berlin. The city is famously inexpensive and some of its top attractions and experiences come free of charge.

• Many of the city's historical sites in Mitte are available free of charge from the Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe (as well as the various Holocaust memorials along the Tiergarten ) to Potsdamer Platz .
• The city's many green spaces also offer a low-cost reprieve from city life. Visit Tempelhof Park , the former airport and site of the Berlin Airlift that is now one of the city's largest parks.
• Follow the route of the Berlin Wall from the memorial center at Bernauer Strasse throughout Prenzlauer Berg down to the East Side Gallery.
• Berlin's many churches tell the history of the city. Most notably, the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche in Charlottenburg was kept in a semi-ruined state after WWII and visitors can enter what is left for free.

Learn more about the cheapest ways to have fun by reading up on the best free things to do in Berlin .

European Commission. "Germany and the Euro."

Central Intelligence Agency. "The World Fact Book: Germany."

Visit Berlin. "Etiquette & Tipping."

Berlin's Mitte Neighborhood: The Complete Guide

15 Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

Berlin's Potsdamer Platz: The Complete Guide

48 Hours in Berlin: The Ultimate Itinerary

Berlin's Reichstag: The Complete Guide

Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin

10 Things Not to Do in Berlin, Germany

Where to Swim in Berlin

Germany Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to Frankfurt: The Complete Guide

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Berlin

Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation

Your Guide to Berlin's Neukölln Neighborhood

How to Visit Munich on a Budget

Lübeck: Planning Your Trip

Regensburg: Planning Your Trip

11 things to know before heading to Berlin

Jul 14, 2023 • 7 min read

Berlin is famous for its party spirit and liberal view on life © Elen Marlen / Getty Images

Berlin has risen from the ashes of its troubled 20th-century past and grown into one of the most liberal and safe cities in the world.

Looking at Berlin today, it's hard to imagine that the city was divided by barricades for nearly three decades during the Cold War.

After living for several years in the German capital, I've learned the unspoken language of the city: how to behave in certain circumstances, how to avoid uncomfortable situations, and the do’s and don’ts when the sun goes down.

Berlin is full of magic, positive energy and excitement – but there are places where a little caution is wise.  Here are the top things you need to know before a visit to Berlin.

1. Travel at off-peak times

Berlin is Germany's top tourist destination, and there's a lot of competition for hotel rooms and transport at peak times. The city is always busy during the summer season from June to September; visiting either side of this period means cooler weather but smaller crowds and slightly lower prices.

Things also get very busy during Oktoberfest and at Christmas – unless you're sold on crowds and long waits for drinks, you'll have an easier, cheaper trip at other times of the year.

2. Book tickets in advance

It's a good idea to book tickets or make reservations ahead of time for major sights, particularly if you want to tour the Reichstag . You can try your luck for a space after you arrive by dropping by the Reichstag Visitors' Centre on Scheidemannstrasse, but it's very popular.

The book-ahead rule also applies to reservations at prestigious restaurants such as Coda , Rutz , Horváth or Kin Dee .

3. Save money on transport 

Traveling from the gleaming new Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the center by taxi is expensive. Instead, take either the FEX Airport Express train, Deutsche Bahn train RE7 or RB14, or the slower S-Bahn 9 train to Hauptbahnhof station in central Berlin; the train station is in Terminal 1.

If you plan to use public transport in Berlin , it's worth downloading the BVG Tickets app for Berlin's public transport company, Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe, before you come.

You can use it to buy a  24-Stunden-Karte  (day pass), which covers all forms of public transport for 24 hours. The Berlin Welcome tourist card covers public transport and discounted entry to sights; buy it online to save even more euros.

The 8 best day trips from Berlin: history, nature and plenty of fun

4. Dress codes depend on the district

Unlike the rest of Germany , where smart casual dress dominates, Berlin is a city with no rules when it comes to fashion. Whether you wear a tight leather suit or a floral crown, you'll be welcomed with open arms.

Trends change depending on which district you visit. In  Charlottenburg and Mitte , people tend to wear fancier and more elegant clothing, while in laid-back Kreuzberg or Neukölln , you’ll rarely find anyone showing off the latest catwalk collection.

Techno culture has significantly influenced the dress code in Berlin. Dark clothes with rips or holes, leather and combat boots are the standard when wandering around Berlin’s coolest districts. However, travelers trying to imitate this style to enter Berlin’s most famous techno clubs may end up being rejected.

Berlin accepts everything and everyone, but when it comes to fashion, what counts is being authentic. I once went to a renowned techno club in Berlin wearing just my sleeping attire – be yourself, and you'll usually get a warm welcome.

5. Manners matter in Berlin

Berliners are a relaxed bunch, but manners are important. Etiquette when meeting new people is to shake hands and say guten morgen  before noon, guten Tag  between noon and 6pm, or guten Abend  after 6pm.

Germans use the same word – Entschuldigung – to say “excuse me” (to attract attention) and “sorry” (to apologize). If drinking wine, the proper toast is Z um Wohl  – with beer, it's P rost .

6. Talking about Germany’s past

Germans are still very ashamed of the country's 20th-century history; it’s a sensitive topic, and locals tend to avoid talking about it.

This said, while older generations are tired of having to explain themselves and answer uncomfortable questions, younger Berliners are more willing to confront the events that occurred during this dark time and help travelers to understand it better.

Nevertheless, this is a topic that you should broach carefully. Jokes about Hitler or the Nazis are intolerable – Berliners understand the curiosity of most travelers and are often willing to carefully talk about the past but treat the topic with respect and try not to offend anyone by accident.

Nazi symbols are banned by authorities nationwide, and displaying flags or using a certain kind of rhetoric or specific Nazi gestures can lead to heavy fines and even imprisonment.

7. Avoiding pickpockets in Berlin

As in any major city, pickpocketing is a common problem in Berlin. Beware of stealthy thieves in busy touristy areas. Places like Alexanderplatz , Zoo-Garten and Mitte are frequented by opportunists looking for an easy target, and the Berliner S-Bahn and U-Bahn are notorious for pickpockets during rush hour.

Reduce the risks by keeping your valuables in your backpack and holding it in front of you on transport. Keep a tight grip on your bags in large crowds – especially on the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. Avoid falling asleep while taking public transport; dozing travelers are a favorite target for pickpockets stealing wallets and phones at night. 

German police are generally helpful and friendly to tourists. Most officers speak English and should be your first port of call if you are lost, robbed or encounter any uncomfortable situation.

8. Tips for safe protesting in Berlin

Protesting is considered one of the most important rights in Germany, and usually, a positive atmosphere pervades. Berlin is filled with young, well-educated and liberal people, so there’s usually some kind of protest every week, demanding action on issues as diverse as climate change, human rights and European politics.

While most protests are peaceful and friendly, they can be crowded and intense and in some cases, marches can turn violent. Scuffles have been a common feature of Labor Day (May 1) protests since the 1980s, and the marches have become a symbol of Berlin’s rebellious identity. Attending is not for the faint-hearted.

What starts out as a friendly party in the districts of Prenzlauer Berg , Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg, can turn violent if clashes break out between radical groups and the police. The risk of rioting has decreased significantly since the 2000s, but travelers looking for a trouble-free trip may want to stay away from the protests.

9. Use of illegal substances

According to millions of party people, Berlin’s nightlife is the best in the world. From iconic techno clubs, such as Berghain , Tresor and Watergate , to smaller and more intimate venues outside the Ringbahn, nightlife in the German capital goes all night long – and it's often assisted by the use of illegal substances.

Dealers loitering next to Warschauer Strasse, Kottbuser Tor and Görlitzer Park offer all kinds of substances out in the open. While we wouldn't presume to tell you how to live your life, it’s risky to buy illegal drugs on the street when visiting a foreign country.

Many of the drugs sold on the streets to tourists are altered or laced with dangerous ingredients. If you don’t know what you’re taking, it can lead to dangerous complications. You'll have fewer hassles all around if you steer clear of drugs and stick instead to Germany's excellent beers.

Top 20 free things to do in Berlin  

10. Night-time safety in Berlin

Even though some areas of Berlin are rather poorly maintained, the city is generally a safe place at night. Walking back home after a couple of drinks is very normal for locals and tourists, and hassles are rare. 

While most travelers won’t encounter any problems during their stay in the German capital, it’s sensible to be a bit more cautious after dark, as in any large city. Avoid walking around flashing expensive items and gadgets, and be aware of your surroundings.

Be ready to change paths if you see a group of aggressive drunk people loitering on the street, and avoid quiet side streets and parks after dark. 

If you're traveling solo, it’s best to err on the side of caution and take a taxi or an Uber rather than walking back to your hotel.

11. Berlin scams to be aware of

One scam that surfaces from time to time in Berlin is fake police officers, who stop tourists under the pretense of searching for drugs or counterfeit money – part of a ruse to steal valuables.

Demand to see ID cards from police officers. Also, avoid buying “used” public transport tickets from people outside stations – they're often forged or expired.

This article was first published March 2022 and updated July 2023

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The EPIC One Day in Berlin Itinerary for 2024 (& Map!)

With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to go in Berlin first. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide for one day in Berlin – from morning until night you’ll know exactly what there is to do next!

Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany, with a population of over 3.5 million people. It’s also one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 9 million visitors annually!

Berlin has something for everyone. Culture vultures can enjoy some of the world’s finest museums, shoppers will love browsing through its many designer stores, and foodies will find plenty of culinary delights on offer at Berlin’s various street festivals or Michelin-starred restaurants.

This guide provides the ultimate insider tips and everything you’ll need to know for you to start planning your next trip to Berlin. From what to do, what to eat, where to stay, and the perfect 24 hours in Berlin itinerary, you’ll be walking the streets of this historic city in no time!

If you’re stumbling upon this post and need a little more convincing before you head to the Bavarian capital, check out my 23 reasons to visit Germany to help settle any questions or concerns you may have.

Happy Travels!

What to Do in Berlin in 24 Hours

As you walk the streets of Berlin, Germany, it’s hard not to feel like a time traveler. The city is one of Europe’s most culturally diverse and has been home to several significant events in history that have shaped its rich culture today.

It offers plenty for visitors who want an opportunity to explore different cultures through museums or cuisine while staying within walking distance from all major sites such as Museum Island or the Brandenburg Gate.

This itinerary begins in the morning of the first day, so if you plan on arriving later in the day you may need to adjust your itinerary to account for tourist lines at each attraction.

One Day Berlin Itinerary: Morning

To start your day off right, get some breakfast! If you’re on a tight budget or really want to get the most out of your sightseeing time, then I suggest buying a coffee and a pastry from one of the dozens of shops around town.

In my experience, they all offer relatively the same products at relatively the same quality, so don’t worry too much about picking out a place.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for a big meal to keep you full throughout the day then you need to visit Factory Girl on Auguststraße!

They’re serving up everything from healthy omelets to gluten-free meals, and entire skillets sizzling with eggs, meat, and potatoes.

If you’re seeking the ultimate breakfast before a day out on the town, start your day here.

Once you’ve got a full belly, it’s time to start exploring. Start in Mitte , as this is where many of the major attractions are located. One of the most mesmerizing attractions in all of Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate .

It symbolizes the East/West division of Berlin and Germany , but is now followed by Unter den Linden boulevard lined with shops catering mostly higher-end products.

From here, head down Ebertstraße where you’ll soon reach the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , which commemorates what was one of Nazi Germany’s most tragic historic events. It is a tribute placed among some 2,700 grey concrete slabs that stretch across nearly half an acre near Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.

✔️ Pro Tip : Please be respectful and do not climb, eat your lunch on, or run through the concrete slabs. It is also customary to keep your voice low in this area for those thinking of past loved ones.

Next on the itinerary is the Topography of Terror . The terror exhibited here originated with Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party in World War II when they threatened all of Europe by invading many countries like France and Poland.

This massive topographical map will show visitors where these atrocities took place, such as the Auschwitz or Dachau concentration camps that were set up for mass extermination under the Nazis’ rule.

✔️ Pro Tip : This museum is not for those with young children as many images are graphic and can be disturbing.

One Day Berlin Itinerary: Afternoon

From this museum, you can start making your way either by foot or by metro to Checkpoint Charlie . It will only take you a few minutes longer to walk here than the metro, but it’ll save your feet just under a mile of walking.

The checkpoint at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Germany is one of the most iconic symbols of the Cold War. This checkpoint in the Berlin Wall was established by East German authorities, but today it’s an important tourist attraction that shows visitors where Europe once divided into East and West.

It was also one of the most popular crossing points in the Berlin Wall where people would desperately attempt to cross over to West Berlin.

From here, we suggest visiting the Jewish Museum on Lindenstraße. You may need to take the metro unless you are up for another 14-minute walk from Checkpoint Charlie.

The Jewish Museum was opened in 2001 and has since played a key role as one of Europe’s leading centers for presenting Jewish culture to public audiences.

The museum features exhibitions on social history, changes over time within Judaism such as Reform or Orthodoxy, relations between Jews and other groups both historically and today, and contemporary issues facing European Jewry including antisemitism, immigration, Holocaust education, religion-state conflicts, and so on.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or not, it’s an interesting stop to include on your one day in Berlin itinerary!

Next, it’s time to check out all of the famous street art Berlin has to offer. Hop on the train at U Hallesches Tor and get off at U Schlesisches Tor.

From here, you’ll only have about a 10 minute walk to the East Side Gallery !

The East Side Gallery is a fantastic place to visit for art lovers. Once an outskirt of Berlin’s communist past, it now stands for German unification with over 150 murals covering its concrete frame.

Plastering one of the still surviving sections of the Berlin Wall, the East Side Gallery is well-known as one of the longest open air museums in Europe!

Now that you’ve spent the larger portion of your day learning about Berlin’s history, it’s time for a late lunch and a coffee in Alexanderplatz !

Grab an espresso and a bratwurst with fries from one of the many street carts around and put your feet up on a bench and people-watch while you eat.

This is the best way to take some time and think about everything you just learned!

Once you’ve caught your breath and had some lunch, take the ride to the top of the Berlin TV Tower . Tickets can be booked in advance here !

High atop the city’s tallest building, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Berlin and its surroundings from 190 meters high.

The unforgettable experience starts with a cable car ascent to the tower’s observation deck where you will be greeted by an interactive touchscreen map highlighting points of interest in all directions.

One Day Berlin Itinerary: Evening

Once you’ve taken some beautiful pictures of the city, take the cable car back down and start making your way over to Museum Island .

If museums are really your thing, skip down to the “Attractions” section and click the link to buy your one-day museum pass for all of the museums and exhibitions on the island! The island includes five different institutions on an island surrounded by water called the Spree River.

If you plan on visiting all of these museums, then you may want to consider starting here on your one day itinerary so you don’t have to wait in too long of a line for each one. Just be sure to buy your Museum Island pass (click on Attractions above to get the link) to save you a lot of money!

Last on this itinerary is the Reichstag Building . The Reichstag Building is a historic monument that was once used as the home of Parliament.

Its architecture has been deemed an “important example” by historians and architects alike for its history, style & importance to German culture.

Situated just one-third of a mile from the Brandenburg Gate, you’ll be right back where you started having seen all of the major sites and attractions in Berlin!

But don’t start thinking the day ends there… while you can explore Berlin by day, many people say the best time to explore is at night. The city comes alive during these hours and you’ll get a totally different perspective of this gorgeous city on your way back from dinner or drinks with friends!

Join some locals at one of the dozens of hip bars until the very early hours of the morning. On the weekends, live music can be found all over the city and the fun truly never sleeps since most shops and businesses don’t open until the very late hours of the morning.

Even if you are bound to a strict train or flight schedule, I highly suggest grabbing a drink or two at a few of the local bars simply to gain the experience of doing so!

Map of One Day in Berlin Itinerary

Now, as the map shows above, you would be walking at least 2.5 hours and over 8 miles (13 kilometers) if you decided to walk the entirety of this itinerary.

However, if you do choose to do so you’ll be rewarded with the most intimate views of every nook and cranny of the city… just be sure to pack very good walking shoes!

In our opinion, go for a little of both. Walk between some of the closer destinations so you get a taste of walking Berlin’s city streets, but take the metro between the Jewish Museum, East Side Gallery, and Alexanderplatz to save your feet from some blisters and to get the most out of your limited time.

FAQ: One Day in Berlin

In this section, I’m going to be answering some essential questions that’ll be helpful for your 1 day in Berlin!

Is 1 Day Enough in Berlin?

24 hours is enough for Berlin if you don’t mind setting your itinerary to include a set list of things to do, versus having time for everything. While much of the attractions in Berlin are accessible by either walking or metro, it may be tight to fit everything you want to do and see into one day.

Especially since Berlin is highly centered around its overwhelming amounts of history and sensitive events, many of the museums and memorials may take you a few hours to get through. Don’t get me wrong, though! We didn’t write this one day in Berlin itinerary for no reason.

Whether you’re adding Berlin as a stopover on your flight to a future destination or adding it as a quick stop on your European itinerary, you can see many of the major attractions in Berlin in one day. So, it depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your 24 hours in Berlin.

If you’re looking to dive deep into Berlin’s history, take museum tours, and learn about the past hundred years in this historic city, then one day will most likely not be enough time for you.

But, if you’re looking to see many of the major attractions with a longer stop at the Holocaust Museum and Memorial, then you can definitely do that in one day!

How do You Spend a Day in Berlin?

Believe it or not, you can actually do and see a lot in Berlin in just one day… so, don’t be worried if you’re tight on time, it is definitely still worth visiting!

I’ll talk more in-depth on this below, but I suggest purchasing a metro day pass or renting bikes if you’re worried about getting to see everything. You also have the option of joining a guided tour with a local if you want to ensure you’re getting an authentic experience!

All of these options are listed below, so you’ll have everything you need to know about getting the most out of your one day in Berlin.

How Much do I Need a Day in Berlin?

While this does vary based on your travel style, Berlin can be quite affordable if you’re mindful of what you’re paying for. If you’re looking to stay on a budget, then you should avoid indulging in too many sit-down meals at restaurants. Likewise, luxury multi-story hotels will cost you a pretty penny.

But, if you’re not on a budget and are really looking to live luxuriously in Berlin for a day, then you can do that too! Below are some average price ranges for Berlin city attractions, hotels, meals, and transportation.

Keep in mind that these will vary by the time of the year that you travel and how many people you are traveling with!

✔️ Accommodations

Budget Hostel: €27-51 per night per person Mid-Range Hotel: €90-120 per night (double occupancy) Luxury Hotel or Resort: €200-€600+ per night (double occupancy)

Street Cart Bratwurst with Fries: €3-5 Street Cart Currywurst and Fries: €2-4 Breakfast Pastry and Hot Coffee: €4-6 Restaurant with Full Meals and Beer: €50-65

✔️ Attractions

Berlin TV Tower: €21.70 for adults and €11.10 for children Berlin Cathedral: €8.20 Museum Island: €11-14

If you wish to visit all of the museums on Museum Island in Berlin including the Old Museum, the New Museum, the Old National Gallery, and the Bode Museum, then you should purchase the Berlin Museum Island: All Museums Day-Ticket .

The pass only costs about €19 for 6 different museums and all of the available exhibitions. Otherwise, you’ll pay between €11-14 per museum that you visit!

✔️ Transportation

One-Way (Single) Metro Ticket: €1.40 Bahn Single Ticket: €3 Taxi Ride: €15-22

What is the Best Time to Visit Berlin?

Unlike its European neighbors to the west, Berlin tends to blow a chilly wind for much of the year.

While I typically always recommend for people to visit European cities in the shoulder seasons of April through May and late August through early November to avoid the crowds of tourists, that isn’t so much the case for Berlin.

Instead, we have found that the best time to visit Berlin is in the months of May or August , if possible. These months still offer comfortable weather (though it may be a little rainy), and fewer tourists than the summer months of June and July.

However, if you don’t mind lots of tourists, then June and July are absolutely beautiful in Berlin! You’ll experience the warmest weather, plenty of sunshine, and cooler evenings.

Just be prepared for longer wait times at restaurants and attractions, but no matter when you decide to visit Berlin, you’re bound to have a wonderful time. I would recommend avoiding the winter months in Berlin due to the sub-freezing temperatures.

If it’s Christmas markets you’re in search of, we highly suggest heading south to Munich , Nuremberg , and Cologne where you’ll witness some of the best Christmas markets in all of Europe!

Pssst… if you do head to Germany for the Christmas markets, check out these amazing winter hotels in Munich !

Is Berlin a Dangerous City?

Overall, no. Just like most cities in Europe, Berlin has its fair share of pickpocketing, petty theft, and the rare violent crime, but that’s no reason to deem it unsafe . Just like you may do in your home town or city, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep yourself safe.

✔️ Never leave your belongings unattended

Though we all hope that the people around us would be honest, that’s not always the case. Keep your personal items in a zipped-up bag on the front of your person at all times.

✔️ Don’t walk back to your accommodation alone at night

Try to stay in groups when possible, or only walk in well-lit areas at night if you must walk alone. Avoid cabs, taxis, and the metro late at night as this is when the majority of crimes take place in major European cities.

✔️ Always keep your wits about you

If something or someone doesn’t seem right, get yourself out of the situation by letting the bartender or a friend know immediately. Keep in mind that this is much easier to sniff out if you haven’t let yourself drink too much!

Berlin is a very safe city and these tips are recommended no matter where you travel in the world.

So, get ready to book your trip to Berlin because you can confidently say you’ll have an amazing time as long as you follow these simple steps.

Travel Tips for Spending One Day in Berlin

Whether you’re visiting Berlin for the first time or are passing through and want to spend a day exploring some things you missed during your last visit, these insider tips are sure to help you have a great experience!

✔️ Avoid street games at all costs

This is one of the most common ways tourists get scammed out of their money when traveling in Europe. Moving dice, rotating blocks… you name it, it’s probably rigged – if it’s being played on the street, avoid it.

In most cases, the surrounding onlookers are all in on the scam.

✔️ Learn a couple of phrases in German

In most cases, bitte and danke (please and thank you) will suffice. Many locals speak very good English, and in fact, many locals don’t speak German as well as you would think.

Speaking English in Berlin is acceptable, so don’t go trying your finest German accent if you can hardly pronounce please and thank you.

Chances are, they won’t know what you’re trying to say and it will only make the conversation more tense.

✔️ No matter what you wear, you’ll fit in

Berlin is a giant mixing pot of people from all over the world boasting different styles and personalities, so don’t be afraid to wear what makes you feel like you!

✔️ Many of the attractions are very touristy

Outside of the historically significant museums and memorials, many of Berlin’s attractions aren’t necessarily required for a good visit.

If you prefer more unique or memorable attractions, stick to the museums and you’ll be just fine.

✔️ Pastries. Sausage. Beer.

If you have any strict diet requirements, you may have some trouble finding yourself a good meal in Berlin.

Get ready for dairy and sugar filled breakfasts and meat-centered lunches and dinners.

✔️ Pick up a Berlin Travel Guide

One of the best ways to ensure you’re being efficient with your route and activity options when you’re short on time is to have a city guide right in your pocket.

I don’t usually suggest pulling it out on the sidewalk since it will help those around you more easily identify you as a tourist, but it can be very helpful to read before hitting the streets as a gentle refresher of your route!

What To Do if You Have More Than One Day in Berlin

If you’re wondering what to see in Berlin in 2 days or more, then take some time to visit the Potsdamer Platz . It is quite touristy and a rather busy square, but still worth visiting on your European itinerary nevertheless.

You’ll also have more time to visit some of the city’s dozens of incredible museums such as the German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum in German) and art exhibitions such as the Bode Museum . Or you could make your way over to the Victory Column for amazing city-wide views just outside of the city.

Other options include taking a riverboat cruise down the Spree River , having a picnic in Mauerpark , and photographing the city’s most beautiful streets ! This list is far from all-inclusive and there are dozens of fun things to do in Berlin, Germany.

Map of Extra Things To Do in Berlin

What To Do in Berlin for Half a Day?

If you only have 12 hours in Berlin, we suggest focusing on the big sights! Start your day at the Berlin Wall, where you can learn about the history of this iconic symbol and its captivating historic past.

From there, head over to the Brandenburg Gate and take a stroll through Pariser Platz for some great views of the city. After that, hop on a boat tour around Spree River or visit a museum to explore Berlin’s long and rich history.

Amongst your sightseeing, don’t forget to try out some of the city’s famous cuisine, including currywurst, schnitzel, and pretzels!

How to Get to Berlin for One Day

Getting to Berlin is really quite simple owing to its overarching popularity and central transportation hub for both flights and trains.

Berlin via Train

If you are traveling to Berlin from within Europe, most of the time your best option will be to take the Eurail .

This train system has been implemented throughout most of Europe and is both fast, convenient, and affordable! However, this does depend on where you are coming from.

Berlin via Plane

If you’re traveling all the way from Portugal or Greece, then it will likely be quicker and more cost-effective to fly. But, if you’re coming from nearby Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, or Prague, it will almost always be a better option to take the Eurail .

If you’re traveling to Berlin from outside of Europe, then a flight is almost definitely in your future. Are flights too expensive? Take some time to research flying into nearby cities then taking the Eurail to Berlin!

Not only can this save you some money, but it can also give you the opportunity to explore a new European city! Personally, I loved combining Berlin, Prague, and Budapest on one trip because it made for beautiful train rides and exceptionally easy traveling!

How to Get Around During Your One Day in Berlin

Since you may only be visiting Berlin for one day, it’s best to avoid renting a car. Car rentals can be very expensive and can add stress to your trip in the event of an accident, limited parking, expensive garages, and so on.

Instead, we highly recommend taking advantage of the city’s convenient and affordable public transportation system!

✔️ The Metro or Train

Be it underground (the U-Bahn) or above ground (S-Bahn), or the bus where tourists can purchase day passes as well as single tickets, make it quick and simple to get from place to place in Berlin with no driving necessary.

✔️ Looking for the more scenic route? Walking is the most common way tourists get around in Berlin .

With many beautiful sights and interesting streets and memorials to see around every corner, you can be sure that your walk will be full of excitement!

Looking to explore all of the fun sights and attractions but you may not have enough time to walk everywhere?

✔️ Rent a bicycle!

Locals most commonly use bikes to transport themselves around the city since it’s fast, efficient, and affordable.

This is by far the best way to both see much of what Berlin has to offer in one day as well as fit in like a local!

Where to Stay in Berlin for One Day

✔️ Kreuzberg, Treptow, and Friedrichshain

For many people, the best way to experience Berlin is by staying in a neighborhood that has retained its character.

Neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Treptow have maintained their individual identity with ease, while other neighborhoods such as Friedrichshain still showcase remnants of former East German influences on architecture or public art.

✔️ Mitte – the most popular neighborhood to stay in during one day in Berlin

Since you may only be spending one day in Berlin, it’s most likely important to you to stay close to all of the major sites and attractions.

If this is the case, then Mitte will be more your style. It’s centered around all of Berlin’s biggest sights, so you’ll be within walking distance to the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom in German), the Reichstag Building, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the Holocaust Museum.

Due to its prime location, it’s also surrounded by dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops, so you’ll be in the middle of all the action during your 24 hours in Berlin.

Also, the metro and bahn stations are very close by, so you can jump on the metro with ease to get to other parts of the city. In my experience, this is the best neighborhood to stay in Berlin if you’re short on time.

✔️ Schöneberg

If you’re a true shopaholic looking for the latest fashion trends in Berlin, then you need to stay in Schöneberg ! Dozens of eclectic shops and art galleries line the small, narrow streets of this quieter neighborhood.

If authentic, cozy bars and local hotspots are more your style when traveling in Europe, consider staying in Schöneberg.

✔️ Charlottenburg

If you’re looking to stay in a real residential neighborhood with pre-war historic buildings, then check out Charlottenburg .

This quiet area was once the centerpiece to West Berlin and is home to the still-standing Charlottenburg Palace which offers impressive displays and plenty of history for exploring.

The area is also known for its quaint cafes and high-end restaurants, so if you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path accommodation, consider staying in Charlottenburg.

What to Eat in Berlin

Berlin is a city of culture and history, but also home to some seriously delicious food. For beer lovers, nothing beats getting down with one of their famous “Weissbeers” at an outdoor cafe in Kreuzberg or Mitte on a sunny day.

While meat-lovers can get ready for all types of ribs from pork to lamb thanks to Berlin’s many German delicatessens selling everything from sausages and hot dogs to currywurst.

Our favorite on-the-go lunch was grabbing a hot bratwurst from one of the many street carts. They snap in your mouth and come on a fresh, hot roll with mustard and a side of fries for the perfect filling lunch on a day full of sightseeing!

Are you a vegetarian looking for anything without meat? Well, your options will be limited, but at least you can have spätzle ! This traditional German take on pasta is made of eggs, flour, salt, and carbonated liquids.

Once it forms a dough, it’s then pressed through a spätzle maker (a tool that looks like a cheese grater) over boiling, salted water, and then cut using a dough cutter to form small, oddly shaped pieces.

Once the dough floats to the top of the pot, it’s ready! These tasty pasta pieces are occasionally covered in cheese, red sauces, or served with schnitzel  (though that wouldn’t be vegetarian anymore).

Schnitzel is a thin piece of meat (usually pork, veal, or chicken) that has been pressed into crispy breadcrumbs and fried until deep, golden brown.

Next, on our list is the infamous Doner Kebab ! This isn’t only one of my favorite things to eat in Berlin, but all of Europe! Though the best we’ve ever had was in the Berlin Hauptbahnhof train station.

It’s a warm, triangular pita pocket stuffed with crispy meat that gets hand-sliced off of a rotating spit, as well as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, and as many sauces as you can squeeze inside.

It makes for great quick lunch and can actually be quite healthy, as well. That is, if you stop at one and don’t get tempted to buy yourself another… I do almost every time!

Looking for an authentic Berlin dish? Then, you have to try eisbein ! This fun and unique delicacy is a giant, slow-cooked pork knuckle served with all of the fixings like sauerkraut and thin potatoes.

Now for breakfast, remember those pastries I told you about? Well, they’re everywhere.

Whether you are in the center of Alexanderplatz or just outside of the Brandenburg Gate or right next door to the Checkpoint Charlie, you’ll smell these sweet, buttery pastries baking.

Some are filled with custards, some with jams and glazes, and others are more savory and are filled with meats and cheeses. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee for a tasty treat in the morning or even between meals!

It’s easy to see that no matter where you go in Berlin, you’re going to find the food to be rich, salty, and decadent!

Nightlife in Berlin

When we first visited Berlin, we didn’t quite see what all the hype was about. There were, of course, world-class museums, Michelin-star cuisine, and a captivating history that compels travelers from around the world to visit year after year…

But, what about for the people in their 20s and 30s? Where was the nightlife? Then, we found it! Berlin is home to hundreds of nightclubs, bars, pubs, dance clubs, and everything in between. They’re also known for their LGBTQ+ friendly communities and fantastic inclusivity policies.

A few great options for exciting night scene experiences include Buttons , Cocktail D’Amore , Hoe_Mies , TRADE , and Weeeirdos , but we’re not exaggerating when we say there are literally hundreds of spots worthy of checking out during your time in Berlin!

What to Pack for One Day in Berlin

Even if you’re only spending one day in Berlin, it’s a good idea to have a few essential items on your person so you don’t have to worry about rushing back home to grab stuff.

I always recommend bringing a day pack or backpack when traveling to new cities, even if you’re only going to be there for a day. Something small and lightweight that’s just large enough to hold a warm layer in case it gets cold , some snacks , your wallet , and a reusable water bottle .

If you also use your phone as your primary camera, then your charger and a spare battery pack are good to have on hand, as well.

Tour Recommendations for One Day in Berlin

If you’re really short on time when visiting Berlin, taking a tour like the ones below is a great idea. Many tours around the city offer hotel pick-ups and drop-offs (or easy-to-find meet-up points) and give you the chance to see the best parts of the city with a local!

Berlin is known for its incredible beer and food tours, so if you only have one day in Berlin and are a true foodie like I am, one of the first two tours below are great options for you.

** I only recommend highly-rated tours through reputable agencies, so you can ensure you’ll have a fantastic day trip to Berlin!

Best Day Trips from Berlin

✔️ Dresden, Germany

A day trip from Berlin to Dresden is extremely popular when visiting the German capital. It’s merely a quick 2-hour train ride away, so you can be there and back to Berlin in no time!

Easily recognized for its impressive Frauenkirche Dresden protestant church and other architecturally stunning buildings, Dresden is a classic medieval German town that is definitely worth visiting!

✔️ Leipzig, Germany

Reachable in just over an hour by train, Leipzig makes for another great day trip from Berlin. It’s popular for its beautiful collections in the Museum of Fine Arts and charming Market Square.

✔️ Szczecin, Poland

This next day trip from Berlin will require a passport since you’ll be crossing an international border, but who doesn’t love a little bit of international exploration along the journey?

A trip to Szczecin will only take about one hour and 50 minutes via train (it’s closer to Berlin than Dresden!) and will allow you to get a unique glimpse into life in Poland.

The architecture is vibrant and beautiful and you’ll have the opportunity to try some authentic Polish foods!

Enjoying our one day itineraries? Check out our others from popular European destinations!

One Day in Prague One Day in Paris One Day in Budapest One Day in Lisbon One Day in Porto One Day in Bruges One Day in Amsterdam One Day in Barcelona One Day in Brussels One Day in Ghent

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If you’ve never been to Berlin before or even if you’re looking to revisit this popular favorite, this itinerary shares everything you’ll need to know for your trip.

It covers the highlights from museums and sightseeing to food and nightlife. If you’re looking for an ultimate one day in Berlin itinerary , this article will show you exactly what there is to see and do! Also, be sure to check out this list of 23 Amazing Souvenirs from Germany !

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

Berlin   Travel Guide

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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

• All Things To Do

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.

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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.

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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 .

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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.

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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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Berlin in One Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

How to Spend One Day in Berlin

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a multi-cultural hub for travelers. A fascinating and dark recent history, a legendary nightlife scene and an eclectic vibe means there are plenty of options for foodies, hipsters and historians alike. In short, no matter what you’re into, you’ll find something worth exploring with our one day Berlin itinerary and city guide.

In this Berlin travel guide, you’ll find a complete one day itinerary of all the most important must see Berlin attractions, with an interactive map, organised to make the best use of your time.

We also share recommendations for central places to stay, ideas about where to eat local food, and tips about how to make the most of your 24 hours in Berlin.

When to Visit Berlin

Summer in Berlin, which is the most popular time to visit, is hot and dry. It’s a good idea to make sure that you have a room with air conditioning during the summer.

Prices will be higher than usual, but it’s worth being able to sit outside and enjoy a beer in one of Berlin’s many beer gardens and parks. 

In the winter, Berlin is cold and damp. Over the holidays, roughly between the end of November and Christmas Day, there are Christmas markets dotting the city.

While it’s not the most pleasant time to be in Berlin in terms of weather, the atmospheric Christmas markets are well worth a visit in December, where you’ll sip gluhwein and shop for traditional and artisan Christmas-themed trinkets alongside locals and other tourists. 

Fall brings Oktoberfest to Berlin. It’s actually in September, not October, and it’s not nearly as much of a spectacle as the one in Munich, but it’s still an event worth exploring.

Autumn is cooler than summer, and towards the end it turns cold and drizzly as winter descends on the German capital. 

In the spring, Berlin is still cool and damp, with the occasional day of sun that is the perfect time to head out to one of Berlin’s many green spaces as local Berliners celebrate the arrival of warmer weather.

Is this your first time visiting Germany? Get all the information you need in our Germany Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Berlin Trip Resources

Fly into Berlin’s Brandenberg Airport

Drive in from Europe or hire a car in Germany

Travel Insurance

Medical costs, delays and lost luggage

Getting to Berlin

When flying to Berlin you will land at Brandenberg Airport (BER) which is only 27km from the city.

The easiest way to get into the city is by the Airport Express (FEX)   which runs every half hour between BER terminal 1-2 and Berlin Central Station, the trains take about half an hour and also stop in Berlin Gesundbrunnen and at Ostkreuz station.

You can also take a regional train, trains run several times an hour between BER terminal 1-2 and Berlin Central Station. To find out more information on timings and purchasing tickets go here .

The express buses X7 and X71 travel frequently between underground station Rudow and terminals 1-2 and the underground station Rudow, the journey takes 16 minutes, and you can then continue your journey on the underground.

You can also book a private transfer from the airport with Klook directly to your accommodation in the city. Klook works with a large range of local operators to bring the the best options and prices for your transfer.

Where to Stay in Berlin

Luxury: Hotel Zoo Berlin – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Monbijou Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Hostel: Pfefferbett Hostel – Booking.com | Agoda

What to See & Do in Berlin

Berlin is actually quite a compact city, and our one day in Berlin itinerary is easily manageable on foot.

With this itinerary, you’ll cover all the  Berlin bucket list sights , meaning you can leave knowing you have experienced the best of Berlin in your short timeframe.

If you prefer to have your day in Berlin organised for you, why not consider one of these highly recommended Berlin tours ? You’ll have a knowledgeable guide and commentry, get tips about the city and learn about Berlin’s history and character. You can even take a tour in a VW campervan!

Berlin One Day Itinerary Interactive Map

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

The Brandenburg Gate

Start your time in Berlin with what is quite possibly the most iconic sight in Berlin, if not all of Germany, the Brandenburg Gate. Plan to get up early and be there first thing in the morning, before all the crowds show up and ruin the moment (and the pictures). 

The Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century, and shortly after, it was requisitioned by Napoleon as he marched into the city following his military victory, before he took the ‘quadriga’ (the statue on top) off with him to Paris. Don’t worry, it was returned shortly thereafter when Napoleon was defeated. 

Today, the icon serves as the gateway to a couple of other top Berlin sights to see including the Tiergarten and the Reichstag Building, which are next up on your Berlin must see itinerary.

Reichstag Building and Dome

Home to the German Parliament, the Reichstag building is a mainstay in Germany’s tumultuous history. Following the Reichstag fire in 1933, that served as a major plot point in Hitler’s rise to power, it was dormant until the reunification of Germany in the early 1990’s. It was rebuilt and unveiled in 1999. 

Today, it is an important symbol of German democracy, housing the Bundestag, which you can actually go and watch in session, if you speak German and are interested in procedural politics.

The more interesting thing for visitors to do is to climb to the dome of the Reichstag, which has an informative self-guided tour about the history of the building and Germany itself, and is a modern architectural marvel. 

To gain access to the Reichstag dome, one of the most popular sights to see in Berlin, you need to register in advance. Several months in advance, if you can. There’s a chance you’ll find spots available a week or two out, but it’s not likely, especially in high season.

If you’re booking at the last minute, this highly rated tour of the Reichstag Building and Dome will get you access to all areas of the building with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Learn about the political and historical background of Berlin and Germany as you go, and after the tour, discover the other impressive buildings around Berlin’s parliament quarter.

Victory Column

Next, make your way through the Tiergarten, Berlin’s third largest park, to the Victory Column . This towering… tower was built in the mid-1800’s after a Prussian Victory, and is topped with a gold statue of the Greek Goddess of Victory. 

If you choose to buy a ticket to the observation deck, you’ll climb 270 steps to the top where you’ll have far-reaching views of the city and surrounding area.

The Tiergarten is huge, and it’s actually not even Berlin’s biggest park. It is, however, Berlin’s most popular park to visit, with attractions like the Victory Column, Brandenburg Gate, and Reichstag Building all either in the park, or on the border of it. It’s a lovely place to walk around, particularly in the summer when it’s warm and dry. 

At the southwest corner of the park, you’ll find the Berlin Zoo and the Aquarium, which make good stops for traveling families with kids. 

TOP TIP: If you find yourself craving a beer, head for  Cafe am Neuen See , which is a gorgeous location for a beer garden. Sit alongside the pond sipping German beer with tourists and locals alike. The biergarten is closed from late fall to late spring, when it’s cool and drizzly in Berlin, but you can get a delicious and warming hot chocolate in the cafe.

Potsdamer Platz

You can’t visit Berlin for the first time without standing where the Berlin Wall once did. Now a thriving and lively square, full of bars and restaurants and modern architecture, Potsdamer Platz was once brutally cut in two by the Berlin Wall.

Between the inner and outer zones of the wall lay a desolate no-mans land, which those escaping over the wall from East Berlin would have to cross. Known as the ‘death zone’ the area was finally dismantled after the end of the cold war in 1990, in preparation for the Pink Floyd ‘The Wall’ concert, which was held where no-man’s land had previously existed.

TOP TIP: For a fantastic view of the Berlin cityscape, head to Potsdamer Platz 1, home to the Panoramapunkt viewing platform, 100m above the square and accessed by riding Europe’s fastest elevator, which shoots upwards at 8.65 metres per second! Book your skip the line tickets here .

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

In the middle of the city is the important and very moving Holocaust memorial. This place of remembrance and contemplation is huge, with 2711 concrete slabs or ‘stelae’ of different heights placed on the 19,000 square metre site.

Open to the skies, it can feel pretty grim here, but it’s an important place to stop and visit when you’re in Berlin.

Museum Island

Berlin’s Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Spreeinsel, or Spree Island, in the historic heart of the city. It is one of the most visited sites of Germany’s capital and one of the most important museum sites in Europe, so a must do in Berlin.

There are a bunch of different museums here built under the Prussian rulers that are worth coming back for if you find yourself with more time, but with only 24 hours in Berlin, you’ll want to head to the Pergamon Museum. It houses a collection of Roman, Greek, Byzantine, and Persian artefacts, including the supremely impressive Ishtar Gate. 

The eighth gate to the inner city of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate was constructed in about 575 BCE by order of King Nebuchadnezzar II. When German archaeologists excavated Babylon in the 1930s, they dismantled the Ishtar Gate and took it back to Berlin to be meticulously reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum. 

Other museums on the island include Neues Museum for Egyptian history and artifacts, or the Deutsches Historisches Museum, which is focused on German history.

Berliner Dom

You’ll also find the Berliner Dom, or Berlin Cathedral, on the island, overlooking the River Spree. The distinctive dome of the Cathedral is one of the main landmarks on Berlin’s skyline. With its elaborate ornamental and decorative interiors, the church is definitely worth visiting.

Not a centuries old church, the cathedral replaced the original 15th century building and was not consecrated until 1905.

Severely damaged in World War II, the cathedral was unlucky enough to be in East Berlin after the division of Germany and full restoration was only completed in 1993, four years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. 

Berliner Fernsehturm

The Berlin TV Tower which dominates Alexanderplatz is pretty iconic, with its distinctive shape standing 368 meters tall. Known as ‘the top of the city’, this is the tallest building in Berlin.

The TV tower opened in 1969 and the globe is home to a viewing gallery at 203 metres and revolving restaurant at 207 metres.

The view from the tower is epic, with Berlin and the surrounding countryside spread below. You can even enjoy it with a drink from the bar if you visit at sunset!

It can get really busy, and it’s one of the places we recommend booking your timed ticket in advance, to beat the queues and get the best views. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, why not reserve VIP tickets with a reserved window seat in the Sphere restaurant?

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery in Berlin is well worth the journey over to Fredrichschain. It’s an open air art gallery along the river Spree that has over one hundred pieces of political art on a 1.3km stretch of the original Berlin wall, one of the few piece still standing after the reunification of Germany in the 1990’s. 

You can walk the length of the fascinating and moving gallery and check each of the pieces out. Some of the art reflects on life in East Germany, while other pieces are more hopeful and forward looking, imagining a new Germany in the future.

Enjoy a Beer Tasting

The Germans love a beer and a great way to experience Berlin is through their beer culture. You don’t have to visit during Oktoberfest to enjoy the beer, but join a craft beer and brewery tour to discover some of Berlin’s finest beers.

This highly rated tour has you meeting your guide to visit three local craft beer bars or craft microbreweries to sample some fantastic German beers and traditional snacks. The tour is perfect for learning all about Berlin’s rich brewing history with an expert guide.

Take in a Show

A cultural hotspot, Berlin enjoys a vibrant theatre and arts scene which caters to all tastes. From comedy, to live shows and classical music, there’s something here for everyone.

Visit the Icebar

Berlin’s Icebar is constructed from a cool 69,000 kilos of ice, and everything in the Icebar is made from ice too!

Located between Alexanderplatz and Hackescher Markt, the Icebar operates at minus ten degrees celsius. There are ice sculptures of polar bears, sledding dogs and even Berlin sights like the Brandenburg Gate, and at the bar, made of ice, the glasses are made of ice as well!

You can’t just stroll in though. You need to book in advance so the team know how many sets of thermals to get ready. Yes, you’ll have to wrap up in proper arctic gear when you arrive, once you’ve had a welcome drink of course!

Where to Eat in Berlin

When you’re in Berlin for a day, you have to try currywurst, which is a local delicacy that consists of pork sausage, often cut into coins, on top of a bed of fries and topped with curried ketchup and a sprinkle of curry powder.

The invention of currywurst is attributed to Herta Heuwer in Berlin in 1949, after she obtained ketchup (or maybe Worcestershire sauce) and curry powder from British soldiers in Germany. She mixed these ingredients with other spices and poured it over grilled pork sausage.

Currywurst is delicious and cheap, making it a perfect lunch to fuel your Berlin exploration. The best place to get currywurst according to locals and tourists alike is  Curry 36 , who have three locations around the city, which you can find on the interactive map .

Mustafas Gemüse Kebab

In a show of the diversity of Berlin and the impact of immigrants on its culture, some of the best foods to eat in Berlin were brought to the cosmopolitan German capital from other countries. You’ll find döner kebab all over Berlin, a fitting nod to Berlin’s large Turkish population.

It’s a combination of juicy lamb, beef, veal or chicken (never pork) sliced from a vertical rotisserie onto pita bread, and topped with all sorts of goodies from fresh salad, tomatoes, slaw and kebab sauce, usually made from garlic, mayonnaise, yoghurt, and lemon zest. It’s quick, filling, and handheld, which makes it a great on-the-go meal for exploring Berlin. 

Mustafas Gemüse Kebap  is  widely regarded as one of the best spots in Berlin – although you might have to queue.

TOP TIP: If you have a bit of extra time, avoid the queues and head for  Rüya Gemüse Kebap , an off grid place that serves a chicken döner kebab that is as good, if not better, that Mustafa’s version.

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• Five Unmissable Germany Road Trip Routes
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• Visit Zugspitze Germany – Find Out How!
• Motorhome Germany – A Complete Touring Guide
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• 18 Magical Castles in Germany to Add to Your Bucket List
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Top Five Berlin Travel Tips

• The  3 Day Berlin Museum Pass  is a great deal for travellers who are planning on visiting two or more museums in Berlin, but if you’re only in town for just one day it doesn’t really make sense to purchase it.
• Get yourself a  Tageskarte one day ticket  to make traveling around the city seamless. It costs €8.80, and covers all forms of public transportation from the time it is validated until 3am the following morning. Single rides cost over €3, so if you’re planning on taking more than a couple of trips, it’s worth getting.
• Bring a rain jacket and layers with you in the fall, winter, and spring. Weather can be cold and drizzly, but it shouldn’t stop you from getting out and exploring.
• You can drink in public in Berlin, which means that a picnic in the park with currywurst and a bottle of local beer is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Berlin. As long as it’s sunny and warm, anyway.
• Checkpoint Charlie is super touristy, and hardly worth seeing. Skip it, and spend your time elsewhere.

More Than One Day in Berlin

If you’re wondering what to do in Berlin for half a day more, check out these Berlin top attractions to add to your itinerary.

Visit The Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin Wall Memorial is place of remembrance and where the Berlin Wall one stood as it snaked south from Prenzlauer Berg through the city, creating a border between East and West Germany.

Today, there is a 70m stretch of the original Berlin Wall with border strip and watchtower directly on Bernauer Straße, in this open air museum. 

Learn About Berlin’s Modern History

If you’re fascinated by Berlin’s Word War Two history, the exhibition ‘Hitler, How Could It Happen’ and the Berlin Story Museum, housed in a WWII bunker, are a must. You’ll learn about the rise of the Third Reich, National Socialism and Hitler as well as the history of Berlin when you visit. Get your two-in-one ticket here .

Explore the Topography of Terror Museum

Head to the Topography of Terror Museum , where you’ll learn about the Nazi regime in the former Gestapo Headquarters in Berlin.

Discover Charlottenburg

Just west of the city center is Schloss Charlottenburg , a baroque palace in, you guessed it, Charlottenburg. It’s beautiful, and it’s worth walking around the grounds, but probably not worth going inside to the museums.

Small Group Sachsenhausen Memorial Walking Tour

If you take one day trip from Berlin, make it this highly recommended and well organized walking tour .

Take a trip to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial and learn about a somber but important chapter in Germany’s history . Start your guided experience at the Camp Administration Center, now an on-site museum, but formerly the base for overseeing the Third Reich’s 32 main camps and 1000+ satellite camps. Hear stories of revolt by Jewish prisoners in 1942, defiance by British prisoners of war, and sabotage by Soviet and Polish prisoners. 

With a professional guide to offer insights, an organized tour is the perfect opportunity to see  more of Berlin in less time!

Written for The Gap Decaders by Matt of Wheatless Wanderlust

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The Best 3-Day Berlin Itinerary (From a Local!) 

Created On: June 12, 2023   |   Updated: March 14, 2024   |   11 Comments

Planning a trip to Berlin and aren’t sure where to go or what to see? This Berlin 3-day itinerary makes it easy to see the city’s top attractions, plus a few lesser known areas that locals love! 

This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. You can read our full affiliate disclosure here .

First time visitors to Berlin often don’t grasp just how big the city is until they arrive, at which point they realize they need to rearrange their itinerary so that they’re not wasting half the day on the subway. And with so many things to do and see, how can you possibly fit everything into your trip? 

Well, you can’t. I’ve been living in Berlin since 2019 and I still haven’t experienced all that the city has to offer. However, I’ve seen a whole heck of a lot and finally decided to pour my knowledge into a detailed 3-day itinerary to make your travel planning even easier. 

My goal with this Berlin 3-day itinerary is to take you to places that locals also love so that you get a real feel for the city and don’t just see the absolute most touristy things (although you’ll see the top attractions as well!). 

The suggested timing given for each activity is obviously just an estimate. You might take more or less time to visit a museum or exhibition, and there are so many ways to customize this itinerary to suit your own time constraints and tastes! So consider the suggested time the bare minimum needed if you’re just looking around and taking it all in.  

Table of Contents 

Click “show” to see the full table of contents for this post. You can jump around the post as desired by clicking on the individual sections listed below.  

A Very Quick Overview of This Itinerary 

This is a long post with lots of details, so for those of you who just want a high level overview of the suggested 3-day Berlin itinerary, here it is: 

Day 1 

Alexanderplatz 

• Museum Island 

Berlin Cathedral OR Humboldt Forum 

Unter den linden , brandenburg gate .

• Holocaust Memorial 

Reichstag 

Day 2 

Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens 

• Kurfürstendamm 
• Gendarmenmarkt
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Tiergarten 

Palace of Tears (Tränenpalast) 

Hackescher markt , east side gallery .

• Oberbaum Bridge (Oberbaumbrücke) 
• Markthalle Neun 
• Landwehr Canal (in Kreuzberg) 

Day 1 in Berlin: Top Attractions in the City Center

Since you only have three days in Berlin, expect to have three full days ahead of you. This first day will involve a lot of walking, but on the plus side you’ll only need two subway tickets! (One to reach Alexanderplatz and then another to depart from Tiergarten park). 

I recommend starting your day early (no later than 10am) so that you have time to visit one of the museums mentioned, if desired, and can take your time enjoying Berlin’s top attractions! 

Time needed: 1 hour (more if going up the TV tower) 

Alexanderplatz is the starting point of this three-day Berlin itinerary. It’s the beating heart of the city center and is home to one of Berlin’s most famous sights — the TV Tower . 

When you exit the subway station and begin your explorations around Alexanderplatz, know in advance that it’s not a pretty place. However, it’s one of the most historically important areas of the whole city! 

You see, Alexanderplatz served as the center of East Berlin during the Soviet occupation in the Cold War era. The remnants of that no-nonsense, low-cost style of architecture can still be seen in and around Alexanderplatz to this day. 

Be sure to read my guide to Alexanderplatz for a full list of things to see and do here. I personally don’t think the TV tower is worth paying to go up, as there are other (cheaper) viewpoints you’ll have access to later on in this itinerary. 

In addition to the TV Tower (which is impossible to miss!), look for the following attractions at Alexanderplatz: 

• World Clock — The 24 time zones of the world are represented on the clock. After it was restored post-Cold War, some of the cities had to be removed or rearranged because they’d been listed under the wrong time zones!
• Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall) — A stunning red brick building that still serves as Berlin’s city hall. You can visit for free from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm.
• St. Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church) — Best known for its 22-meter long fresco titled the “Dance of Death.” The fresco is now in fragments, but it dates back to the 1480’s and is absolutely worth seeing. 

Museum Island (Museumsinsel) 

Time needed: 1 to 3 hours (it depends on if you enter any of the museums; read my recommendations below) 

Whether you have 24 or 72 hours in Berlin, no trip to the city is complete without a visit to Museum Island. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to five world-renowned museums. 

You can spend a full day going through the museums on Museum Island – there’s 5, after all! However, with only 3 days in Berlin you’ll have to be picky about which museum you visit – if you decide to visit any at all. I suggest picking one museum and spending about 2 hours inside. 

My top pick would be the Alte Nationalgalerie , which is one of those incredible museums where the building itself is as much a work of art as the paintings it houses. The Alte Nationalgalerie has an extensive collection of art that ranges in style from the romantic to neoclassical. 

Another favorite of mine is the Altes Museum , which was the first ever public museum in Berlin.  Inside the museum there’s a gorgeous rotunda that’s modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The Altes Museum exhibits the city’s collection of classical antiquities. 

Even if you don’t have the time or desire to visit a museum, you should still visit Museum Island to enjoy the architecture . While you’re there, find a spot to lay out on the grass in front of the Cathedral (called the Lustgarten). 

Time needed: 1 hour to 90 minutes 

You can’t see all of the amazing things Berlin has to offer in just three days, so you’re going to make some tough choices on day 1. After exploring Museum Island (and possibly going into one of the museums!) you can either visit the Berlin Cathedral OR the Humboldt Forum . 

Both the Cathedral (image left) and the Humboldt Forum (image right) boast a spectacular view of the city from their top level (from the dome at the cathedral or on the rooftop terrace of the Humboldt Forum). 

Here’s a breakdown of what makes each site unique so you can pick your favorite: 

Berlin Cathedral: Costs 10 Euros to enter, which includes entrance to the nave, the Hohenzollern crypt beneath the church ( currently closed for renovations ), a small exhibit on the first floor detailing the architectural plans of the church, and a view of Berlin from the top of the church. You need about an hour to 90 minutes to see the entire church and climb the dome for that epic view. 

Humboldt Forum: Free to enter the museum space, but the rooftop terrace costs 3 Euros if you want to see the view of the Cathedral, Lustgarten, Unter den Linden, and the TV tower. You don’t have to stay and look through the exhibitions at the Humboldt Forum if you don’t want to! But just so you know what’s here, the top two floors house exhibitions on the history of Africa, Oceania, Asia, and the Americas and are explained through the lens of colonialism and its lasting impact on each region.

Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour 

Unter den Linden is a can’t-miss attraction in Berlin! The wide boulevard is lined with linden trees (hence the name), which are associated with Freya, the Germanic goddess of truth and love. 

Unter den Linden initially connected the royal palace (now Museum Island) to the royal hunting grounds (Tiergarten Park, also on this itinerary!) in the 15th century. Under Frederick the Great, the road was transformed into a boulevard comparable to the Champs-Elysee in Paris. 

The linden trees you’ll pass on your walk from the Museum Island area to the Brandenburg Gate date back to the 1950s. The trees that had lined the boulevard before World War II were cut down by the Nazis either to make way for a new tram line, or to use as firewood. 

You can easily walk along Unter den Linden to the Brandenburg Gate. From the Cathedral, the boulevard is roughly 1.5 kilometers long and you’ll need about 30 minutes to reach the gate. 

Along the way, keep an eye out for:

• The impressive equestrian statue of Frederick the Great
• Staatsoper (Royal Opera House)
• Humboldt University
• Bebelplatz (with its memorial to the Nazi book burnings)
• Neue Wache (it looks like a church, but it’s a memorial to the victims of war and dictatorship)
• German History Museum (housed in the former arsenal building)
• … and more!

Time needed: 30 minutes 

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most iconic sites in all of Germany. It’s a symbol of unity in Berlin and many key moments in German history have occurred here. 

US President Ronald Regan uttered the words “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” in front of the gate in 1987, and during the Cold War there was a viewing platform here from which visitors to West Berlin could get a glimpse of the East. 

What was once a mere gateway meant to impress visitors to Berlin’s famous Unter den Linden boulevard has become so much more since its completion in 1791. 

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

A short walk from the Brandenburg Gate is The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The memorial is a sobering reminder of the millions of Jews who lost their lives under the oppressive Nazi regime. 

The memorial is made up of 2,711 concrete slabs spanning 19,000 square meters. As you wind your way further around the maze of concrete slabs, the ground dips slightly below you and it feels like the concrete is rising up to suffocate you. This effect was intentional and is meant to encourage reflection. 

Please note: It is highly disrespectful to take selfies in front of or within the memorial. Also, do NOT stand or sit atop the concrete slabs. 

Time needed: 90 minutes 

The soaring glass dome of the Reichstag is at once beautiful and symbolic. 

The Reichstag Fire of 1933 was used by the Nazi party to claim that communists were planning to overthrow the German government. The constitutional act that resulted from this claim effectively allowed the Nazi party to gain momentum and take control of the country. 

When the Reichstag dome was rebuilt in the 1990s, it was decided to build the structure out of glass. The glass dome represents Germany’s desire to move away from its Nazi past and move towards a future of unity and democracy. 

I recommend ending your first day in Berlin with a tour of the Reichstag. Tickets are free, but you have to book them in advance . You must also bring an internationally-recognized form of ID with you, such as a passport. A tour of the Reichstag includes access to the glass dome as well as a free audio guide that details the history of the buildings and Germany’s parliament.

There are also guided tours of the Reichstag dome plus more in-depth tours of the plenary chamber and surrounding government district , but you must submit your request to join those types of tours prior to visiting.

If possible, try to book a time slot around sunset. Within the glass dome, you’ll have a 360º view of the city, and watching the sun go down from the Reichstag building is an unforgettable experience! 

Day 2 in Berlin: Palace Visit, Window Shopping & More Sightseeing 

Day two in Berlin will take you out of the city center … and then straight back into it. I recommend buying a day pass for the subway since day one in Berlin included so much walking. Plus, you’ll have to take the subway a few times since the activities on day two are more spread out from each other. 

Time needed: 3 to 4 hours 

Reader, welcome to my favorite spot in all of Berlin! Charlottenburg Palace is a regal oasis in the middle of the city. The palace was completed in 1699 and was originally intended to be the summer palace of Queen Sophie Charlotte (after whom the palace and surrounding neighborhood of Charlottenburg are named). 

Give yourself at least three hours to leisurely explore the palace and grounds. Within the palace, you’ll find lovingly refurbished rooms, galleries, and halls, as well as literal treasure troves such as the Silver Vault and the Porcelain Cabinet.

If you don’t have the budget or desire to enter the palace, you can (and should!) still visit the gardens and parkland for free. In the summer, you’ll find sheep grazing on the grounds. In the winter, the front entrance of the castle is home to one of Berlin’s finest Christmas markets. 

For more details about Charlottenburg Palace — plus plenty of photos to convince you to visit! — be sure to read my detailed guide on Charlottenburg’s royal gem. 

Kurfürstendamm Shopping Street

Time needed: 1+ hours 

Take the subway (U-Bahn) to the U-Adenauerplatz station and walk down the Ku’damm until you reach U-Wittenbergplatz. 

A stroll along the Kurfüstendamm (called Ku’damm by locals) instantly transports you back to old Berlin. Much of the city was bombed during WWII, but the Ku’damm has managed to retain some of its Old World charm. 

Most of the shops here fall into the luxury category (Louis Vuitton, Hermès, etc.) but there are also more affordable stores closer to the Zoologischer Garten train station (H&M, & Other Stories, Primark, etc.). 

Kurfürstendamm: KaDeWe (Optional) 

While strolling down the Ku’damm, be sure to pop into KaDeWe ( Kaufhaus des Westens ). Founded in the early 1900’s, it’s the second largest department store in the world, after Harrods in London.

Note that KaDeWe has recently declared bankruptcy and it’s unclear whether or not the store will remain open. Moral of the story: visit while you can!

Tip: Charlottenburg Palace and the Ku’damm are located within the posh neighborhood of Charlottenburg. If you fall in love with this area, here are even more things to do in Charlottenburg! 

Gendarmenmarkt 

Time needed: 1 hour (less if not entering the churches) 

From Wittenbergplatz, ride the U2 subway line to the U-Hausvogteiplatz station. When you surface, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of Gendarmenmarkt, one of Berlin’s prettiest squares. 

The historic square is the site of the German Cathedral ( Deutscher Dom ), the French Cathedral ( Französischer Dom ), and the 19th century Concert Hall built by renowned Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. 

While at Gendarmenmarkt, be sure to pay a visit to the German Cathedral; it houses a free exhibit on the history of the German parliament. Even if you don’t visit the exhibit, it’s still worth visiting Gendarmenmarkt just to see the architecture! 

Tip: Around the corner from Gendarmenmarkt is one of Berlin’s oldest chocolate houses, Rausch . In the winter, I recommend heading to the top floor of the store to enjoy a mug of creamy hot chocolate at their cafe. Their chocolates also make for an excellent souvenir! 

Gendarmenmarkt is currently under construction until 2024. However, the exhibit inside the German Cathedral remains open, and the Concert Hall is still putting on performances.  

Checkpoint Charlie 

Time needed: 20 minutes (more if visiting the Wall Museum) 

Down the street from Gendarmenmarkt is yet another world-renowned Berlin landmark: Checkpoint Charlie. In October 1961, Checkpoint Charlie was the site of a tank standoff between American and Soviet troops. In total, the confrontation lasted for 16 hours — during which time people genuinely worried that World War III was about to begin. 

Checkpoint Charlie is now a major tourist attraction, and I don’t recommend lingering for very long here. However, it’s worth taking a photo at the preserved crossing point where visitors from the West had their papers checked before entering East Berlin. 

Tip: If desired, you can pay to enter the Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie . I’ve been once before and enjoyed it, but personally it’s not a “must-see” museum in the city. As such, I left it off of this itinerary; you’re welcome to visit if desired! 

Time needed: 2+ hours

After another day on your feet, let yourself unwind in the Tiergarten. 

From Checkpoint Charlie, it’s a 15- to 20-minute walk to the park. It’s a huge park with lovely meadows, statues, memorials, manicured gardens, and ponds scattered throughout — don’t feel like you need to see it all! Find a shady spot under a tree or nab a free bench and relax. 

Like all of the attractions mentioned in this itinerary, the Tiergarten has an interesting history. It was originally the royal hunting ground for King Friedrich III but was opened to the public in the 1830s. After WWII, the trees in the park were felled to use for fuel during a coal shortage. 

Tiergarten: Victory Column (Optional) 

If you have the time, budget, and desire, make your way to the Victory Column at the center of the Tiergarten. It was built to commemorate Germany’s victories against Denmark, Austria, and France in the 1860’s. 

You can pay a couple Euros to climb the 285 steps to the top of the tower for the most spectacular view down Straße des 17. Juni to the Brandenburg Gate. 

Day 3 in Berlin: Cold War Sites & Local Hangout Spots

Your third and final day in Berlin will take you to some of the city’s most famous Cold War sites. In the afternoon, you’ll also get to explore parts of the Kreuzberg neighborhood, which is a popular hangout spot for locals. 

We’re wrapping up your three days in Berlin by covering a lot of ground, but I’ve broken down the day into manageable chunks. Buy a day pass for public transportation because you can’t walk all of this! 

Time needed: 90 minutes

Located next to the Friedrichstraße train station, the Palace of Tears was one of the busiest check-in halls that monitored the flow of people traveling between East and West Germany . 

Why the “Palace of Tears?” Because the Berlin Wall kept many friends and families apart for nearly 30 years, and this check-in hall witnessed countless tearful goodbyes between loved ones living in divided Germany. 

The hall has been preserved since the Wall fell in 1989 and now houses an exhibition called “Site of German Division.” It explains how the border crossings between East and West Germany worked and gives visitors a glimpse into the past to better understand how difficult life under Soviet rule was.

Note that the Palace of Tears is free to enter and there’s no reservation needed. 

Time needed: 1 hour

After visiting the Palace of Tears, hop on the S-Bahn at Friedrichstraße station and ride a few stops to Hackescher Markt. Here you’ll find lots of great food and shopping options; I recommend following Rosenthaler Straße if you’re looking for nice boutiques. 

Be sure to also check out the Hackesche Höfe while you’re in the area. It’s a series of eight courtyards, all of which house local designers and shops. 

If possible, try to plan your visit to Hackescher Markt on a Thursday or Saturday. There’s a weekly market held on those days, and it’s a great place to purchase locally-made products and handicrafts. Plus, there are some great (cheap!) food stalls at the market too. 

Time needed: 45 minutes

From Hackescher Markt, ride the S-Bahn for 5 minutes to reach the Ostbahnhof train station. From this station, you can walk along the Spree River in the direction of the Oberbaumbrücke (Oberbaum Bridge) to see the entirety of the East Side Gallery. 

The East Side Gallery is another of Berlin’s most famous attractions. It’s the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, and it’s now the longest open-air gallery in the world. Moreover, it’s a living gallery that’s constantly being updated by talented street artists. 

It’s easy to forget that something so beautiful was once a tool of imprisonment used by the Soviet government. It’s estimated that 100,000 citizens of East Germany tried to cross the Berlin Wall between 1961 and 1988 — of those, 600 people were either killed by the border guards or died by other means while trying to escape.   

The East Side Gallery is a unique platform for street artists to display their skills, but it’s also a reminder of the Cold War and its lasting effects on the city.

Tip: After walking the length of the East Side Gallery, pop behind it to the park space that runs between the Wall and the Spree River. From the water, you’ll get a great view of the Oberbaum Bridge! 

Oberbaum Bridge (Oberbaumbrücke)

Time needed: 15 minutes 

The Oberbaum Bridge crosses the Spree River and connects the former East and West portions of Berlin. This bridge served as a popular crossover point for westerners trying to enter East Berlin. 

Take a good look at the red brick bridge and try to imagine armed guards patrolling it on either bank; it’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? In the spring, cherry blossoms trees bloom on both banks to symbolize peace in reunified Berlin. 

While crossing the Oberbaum Bridge, you’ll notice that it’s split into two levels. The subway passes over the top portion of the bridge, while cars and pedestrians cross at the lower level (don’t worry, there’s a separate pedestrian walkway!). 

Be sure to stop halfway along the bridge to admire the Spree River . At this point, you’re straddling the line between the neighborhoods of Friedrichshain (with the East Side Gallery) and Kreuzberg! 

Markthalle Neun

Berlin once boasted 14 market halls, with Markthalle Neun being the ninth opened (the name literally translates to “Market Hall Nine”). Eight of the former covered markets were destroyed in WWII, and Markthalle Neun is one of four that are still in operation. 

Markthalle Neun is packed every time I go to do some shopping or grab a quick bite to eat — but the market hall hasn’t always been that fortunate. Following WWII, Markthalle Neun managed to remain in operation but by the 1970s it was struggling to compete with discount grocery chains like Aldi. 

The Markthalle lost its last local vendor in 2003 and was essentially dead. Thankfully, the market received new funding and was effectively revived in 2011 and has remained a popular meeting place in the city ever since! 

Markthalle Neun is open Monday through Saturday, with a few notable events happening each week: 

• Thursdays: Street Food Thursdays. A fun way to sample street food from all over the world! 
• Fridays and Saturdays: when the weekly market takes place; fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade breads and cheeses, plus locally produced honey and spices are always for sale. 
• Quarterly: Naschmarkt, aka a “snack market” selling all things sweet, savory, and snacky. Get excited to try handmade cannoli, chocolates, honey, sausages, and more! Check the Markthalle Neun website to see when the next Naschmarkt is taking place. 

Landwehr Canal 

After stuffing yourself at Markthalle Neun, enjoy a leisurely walk to prepare your stomach for one last meal in Berlin. From the market, I recommend making your way to Kottbuser Tor via Oranienstraße to get a glimpse at life in the hip neighborhood of Kreuzberg. 

From Kottbuser Tor (one of the ugliest intersections in all of Berlin, fair warning!), head towards the Spree River via Kottbusser Straße. Once you reach the water, you can explore the banks of the river in either direction. 

Heading west will take you to the Admiralbrücke , a gritty but popular cobblestone bridge where locals gather to chat, enjoy a drink, and watch the sunset. If you keep going west, you’ll reach prettier green spaces on either bank of the Spree. In the summer, this area is packed with locals laying out on the grass and relaxing.

If you head east along the river from Kottbusser Straße, you’ll pass by some of my favorite eateries in Kreuzberg!

Enjoy the City’s Nightlife (Optional) 

If you’re not yet ready to end your adventures in Berlin, Kreuzberg is one of the best places in the city to grab a drink and enjoy the city’s nightlife. 

Even More Things to Do in Berlin! 

If you’ve visited Berlin before, have more than three days to see Germany’s capital city, or simply want to escape the city center and explore like the locals, here are even more things to add to your itinerary: 

• Best Indoor Activities in Berlin — ideal for rainy or snowy days  
• Favorite Free Museums in Berlin — if Museum Island appealed to you, but you don’t have the budget for it 
• Berlin’s Best Flea Markets — definitely try to visit a flea market if you’re in town over the weekend!  
• Truly Unique Things to Do in Berlin — the best places to get off the beaten path 
• Free Things to Do in Berlin — this is a monster of a list, because it’s actually SO easy to see Berlin on a budget!  

I’ve also gone on one of those boat tours of the Spree before, and while it’s not my favorite way to see the city I know lots of people love that kind of activity when they travel.

FAQs About Visiting Berlin

How many days do you need in berlin .

In a perfect world, you’d have at least four days in Berlin. Five days would be even better because then you could take a day trip to Potsdam or another nearby city. I also recommend spending more than 72 hours in Berlin because it’s a sprawling city with lots of wonderful attractions that lie far beyond the city center. 

Are 3 days in Berlin enough time? 

Honestly, no! But three days in Berlin will still give you a good feel for the city. I know a lot of people only plan on spending 2 to 3 days in Berlin (it’s a wonderful weekend getaway in Europe!), which is why I created this jam-packed itinerary specifically to help you see both the top tourist attractions as well as some fun local areas!  

Is Berlin a walkable city? 

Yes, very much so! However, there are a few times throughout this itinerary that you will need a subway ticket to save your aching feet. 

Berlin is easily walkable, but it’s a huge city. Once you leave the Alexanderplatz / Unter den Linden area, the attractions are spaced further apart and you simply cannot walk to everything I mention in this post! 

Should I buy a subway pass in Berlin? 

Yes! You’ll need a day pass (zone AB) for days two and three of this itinerary. One the first day, you should be fine to buy the two or three tickets you’ll need for the whole day individually. 

Is Berlin an expensive city? 

No, Berlin is a fairly affordable city to visit when compared to other European capital cities like Paris, London, and Copenhagen. However, like many places around the world, Berlin has been hit by recent inflation and you see that reflected in hotel and restaurant prices. 

If you have specific budget questions, leave me a comment below and I’ll do my best to help! I’ve lived in Berlin since 2019 and know quite a bit about the city by this point.   

What’s the best area to stay in Berlin? 

It depends on how long you’ll be in the city and what vibe you’re going for: 

• Mitte will be more expensive since it’s the city center, but it’s best to be centrally located if you’re in Berlin for just a few days, don’t want to waste too much time traveling on public transportation, or need to be close to the main train station. 
• Prenzlauer Berg is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Berlin and is ideal for anyone traveling with kids. This is a very family-friendly neighborhood, with lots of parks and playgrounds dotted throughout. Prenzlauer Berg is still fairly centrally located and is easy to access all of the attractions shared in this itinerary from here. 
• Friedrichshain is the hipper neighbor to Prenzlauer Berg. Again, lots of great eateries and cafes and is a good jumping off point for your daily adventures. 
• Kreuzberg is a bit grittier but has some exceptionally beautiful areas too. It’s not centrally located, but it’s a very popular neighborhood with locals and has a great nightlife. 
• Charlottenburg will likely be the most expensive, but if you want a taste of “Old Berlin” then this is the place to stay. Make sure your accommodations are within walking distance of an S-Bahn line (not just the U-Bahn!) or else you might find it difficult to navigate the city quickly. 

When are stores closed in Berlin? 

Most of the city’s stores and main attractions are closed on Mondays. Don’t worry, there are still lots of fun things to do in Berlin on Mondays — you just have to be creative! 

When are museums closed in Berlin? 

Most museums are also closed on Mondays, including the museums mentioned on this itinerary. Think ahead and adjust the itinerary as needed to suit your travel dates. 

Is Berlin worth visiting on a Sunday? 

Heck yes! Many visitors mistakenly believe that Sundays are the quiet days in Berlin, but pretty much everything is still open on a Sunday. Here are all of my favorite things to do in Berlin on a Sunday , should you need more ideas than I’ve mentioned in this post. 

Are there any good day trips from Berlin?

Yes, there are lots of wonderful, easy, and QUICK day trips from Berlin . If this is your first time in Berlin, plan on spending the full three days in the city. If you have more time or are a return visitor, my top day trip suggestion is Potsdam, with Leipzig and Hamburg being my next picks. You can book train tickets through the Deutsche Bahn website or through Omio .

Enjoy Your 72 Hours in Berlin! 

I know this was a beast of an itinerary, but hopefully it gave you the information you need to plan a trip to Berlin. Leave me a comment below with any comments or questions you might have, and have so much fun on your visit! 

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily adventures in Berlin and beyond!

More Places to Visit Near Berlin: 

• What to Do in Hamburg, Germany
• Things to Do in Bremen, Germany
• The Best Cities to Visit in Northern Germany
• All of my Germany travel recommendations!

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Comments & Reviews

August 3, 2023

Thanks for the tips.

October 29, 2023

Thank you so much for a fantastic guide, we are 2 couples visiting Berlin for the first time next week and this is really helpful.

October 30, 2023

So glad you found this itinerary useful, Susan! Enjoy your time in Berlin!

November 8, 2023

I’ve been obsessively reading your posts about Berlin and the holidays to prepare for a 3-day first time trip to Berlin between Christmas and New Year’s, thank you for writing with such detail and passion! I would love any restaurant recommendations you have, we will be staying in the Charlottenburg-Willmersdorf area. We plan to do Christmas markets/Ku’damm for a day (using your guide), Museum Island and the Berlin Cathedral /Reichstag views the second, and historical sites the third. Any restaurant tips would be amazing. Thank you for your time!

November 9, 2023

Thanks so much for the kind comment, Kristen! I put a lot of time and effort into writing each post from scratch, selecting and editing the photos, adding links, etc. in hopes of encouraging people to visit Berlin and Germany so it makes me so happy to hear you’ve found all of my guides useful!

Okay, restaurant recs: Charlottenburg has some great Asian food along Kantstrasse, my favorite places being Papaya and Thai-Art. Also in that area are some great bakeries and cafes, including Der Kuchenladen (great place for coffee + cake in the afternoon!), A Neverending Love Story, and Zeit Für Brot (awesome cinnamon buns!).

The Cathedral / Reichstag area has fewer places to eat and is more geared towards tourists (i.e. pricey). Curry 61 does good Currywurst (local to Berlin!), Banh Mi Stable (Alte Schönhauser Str. 50) is a bit of a walk but it’s great 5 Euro sandwiches, Chupenga is the Berlin answer to Chipotle, and if you head down Friedrichstrasse towards Gendarmenmarkt there are some more fast-casual places to eat for lunch.

The Christmas markets all open before lunch and are also a good place to grab a bite to eat. You won’t find any veggies here that aren’t deep fried or covered in cheese though, haha.

January 24, 2024

Hello! I’m visiting Berlin in March end this year (2024) and this itinerary is really helpful! I wanted to know if there’s anything we should prebook before our trip?

January 25, 2024

I’m so happy to hear you found this itinerary helpful, Ruchita! The only activity mentioned that you MUST book well in advance is your visit to the Reichstag. You’ll also need to bring your passport or another internationally-recognized form of ID with you since security in front of the Reichstag is very strict. Otherwise, you shouldn’t need to book tickets in advance for the museums, etc. Let me know if you have any more questions and enjoy your time in Berlin!

February 6, 2024

Claire, wunderschön itinerary! You found a great way to maximize a short amount of time in a wide spanning city. I spent a summer in Berlin and passed your site on to family members visiting for the first time. It checks all the boxes and saved me a lot of work :).

I recommend a correction to your write-up on the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe section. Edit: The memorial is a sobering reminder of the millions of Jews who lost their lives under the oppressive Nazi regime. (You currently have the unit at thousands, which is inaccurate. It was approximately six million European Jews.)

Grüße aus den USA

Hi Farrah, thanks so much for your kind words on this itinerary and my site in general. That means a lot to me! Also, I’ve made the correction to the Memorial section; I do my best to fact check all the details in my posts, but sometimes mistakes slip through. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment to flag that error!

March 7, 2024

We just spent 3 days in Berlin following most of the points on your itinerary and we really enjoyed it- thank you for the inspiration!

I’m so glad to hear that, Susan! I put a lot of time and thought into crafting this itinerary, and I’m so pleased it proved useful in planning your trip.

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Berlin travel guide — how to visit berlin on a budget.

Our guide to getting the most out of your trip to Berlin — including plenty of budget-friendly travel tips.

What makes Berlin so great? Berlin’s mayor said it best, “Berlin is poor but sexy.” I think that really sums up Germany’s capital city. Our  Berlin Travel Guide will help you make sense of this crazy city while sticking to a backpacker’s budget.

What You’ll Find in This Berlin Travel Guide

• How Much to Budget to Visit Berlin
• How Long To Visit Berlin

The Good and Not-So-Good Things About Berlin: A Quick Overview

• Berlin’s Must-See Sights and Attractions // Neighborhood Guide

Cheap Eats and Drinks

Best berlin hostels, berlin nightlife.

• More Resources to Help You Plan Your Visit on a Budget
• Public Transportation

A bit of background of modern Berlin: After the fall of the Berlin Wall, people flooded into East Berlin (the part that was controlled by the Soviets). What did they find? Abandoned buildings. These cheap (and sometimes free) houses/workspaces attracted artists, musicians, and other creative people from all over the world because they could live there for practically nothing. This also injected a youthful, anything-goes spirit into the otherwise drab city. 

Then Berlin got popular…  so the city isn’t as cheap as it once was. But it’s still much cheaper than other major European cities. Luckily, the city still holds on to its youthful and creative spirit.

How Much to Budget to Visit Berlin

Alcohol is cheap, food is affordable, and accommodation is very reasonable — which is why Berlin is such a hotspot for artists, students, and budget travelers.

We recommend budgeting €35-€60/day if you’re on a backpacker’s budget. That said, if you stay in a hotel/rental apartment and eat out a lot then you’ll want to budget more. Visit Booking.com to see current hotel rates.

We suggest checking out our Berlin Price Guide for a more in-depth cost breakdown to help you better budget your trip.

How Long to Visit Berlin: 4+ Days

Berlin has a ton of stuff to do but the city is very spread out — so you’re going to want to give yourself plenty of time to explore. You could easily spend a week in Berlin, but we recommend at least four days.

There are so many amazing things about Berlin, but there are a few things that aren’t so great — just like any city.

• Museums like crazy : Berlin has sooo many world-class museums that feature everything from ancient to modern. Its “Museum Island” has five world-renowned museums and the island itself is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bottom line, you’ll find something that interests you.
• Green space : Berlin has more green space than just about any city in Europe. And Germans appreciate their parks, so you’ll find tons of people relaxing outside when the weather is nice.
• A mixture of a city: We allude to this in the “not-so-good” section, but the city’s architectural mix is fascinating. On one hand, you have plenty of boxy utilitarian buildings left over from the Communist era. On the other hand, you have older and more ornate pre-war architecture (that survived the war or was rebuilt). And then, you have a lot of new construction that has gone up in recent years that are ultra-modern.
• Biking: Berlin has done a great job making sure the city is bike-friendly. You’ll find plenty of dedicated bike lanes as well as free/cheap bike-sharing programs.
• This attitude is also one of the reasons there are so many subculture groups in Berlin — you’re free to do what you want. This is also a reason why there is such a strong LGBT community in Berlin.
• Berlin also has plenty of bars, cafes, beer gardens, jazz clubs, and just about anything else you can imagine.
• The prices : Beer is cheaper than water. Eating cheaply is easy. Hostels are cheap. Rental apartments are in abundance (and they’re cheap, too). The public transportation is… it’s actually kind of expensive (you can’t win them all).

The Not-So-Good

• That also means the city isn’t very walkable — public transportation is great, though.
• It’s not “traditional” German: Most people imagine old-world Germany when they think about Germany… but Berlin is largely modern because it was virtually destroyed during WWII. Berlin is pretty drab — except for the colorful graffiti that covers nearly every inch of the city (which is actually pretty cool). In fact, the city is under constant construction, so you’ll see a lot of cranes and construction sites all over the city.
• Cold winters: Berlin’s   winters are long, cold, and dreary.

Berlin’s Must-See Attractions & Neighborhood Guide

It’s no surprise why Berlin is such a popular destination as it is packed with things to do. We’ve listed many of the must-see sights according to their neighborhoods.

Mitte Neighborhood Overview

Mitte means “the middle” and it’s Berlin’s historical center… so it’s essentially the center of the city. This is where most of the popular sights can be found.

Of particular note is Museum Island — a small island in the Spree river that’s home to multiple museums.

The Mitte has a bit of everything — new, old, and futuristic. In addition to the museums, you’ll find shopping, cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs, universities, and a lot of other things to experience. It’s also the most “touristy” so you may want to stay in a different part of the city to get a more authentic Berlin vibe.

Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts of the ancient world, is Berlin’s most prominent cultural and tourist attraction.

It is currently undergoing a major renovation so the museum’s main attraction, the Pergamon Altar, is closed until sometimes in late 2019. The museum will be in various states of renovation until 2025 but the Pergamon is still worth visiting as there is still plenty to see.

• Admission: €12
• Visit Website
• See On Google Maps

The DDR Museum is a quirky museum that chronicles the daily lives of people living in communist-era East Berlin. It has a ton of fun artifacts from that era, and it does a good job of comparing the lives of citizens in the West and East. It’s also a very interactive museum, so it’s a nice change of pace from Berlin’s other “heady” museums. I highly enjoyed my visit.

• Admission: €6

Hamburger Bahnhof Museum

Housed in a former train station, this is the place to visit if you’re into modern and contemporary art. It features art from Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Anselm Kiefer, Joseph Beuys, and many other notable artists.

• Admission: €14

The Reichstag

Dating back to 1894, the Reichstag has had a tumultuous history — it’s been burned, bombed, and abandoned but it’s been rebuilt and now it serves as the home of Germany’s parliament. There is a large glass dome at the top that you can climb to get amazing 360-degree views of Berlin and down into where the parliament sits.

Admission is free, but you must make reservations online. (You might be able to get tickets at the visitor’s desk, but booking online is the best option.)

Topography of Terror Museum

This is the site where the Nazis planned a majority of their crimes between 1933 and 1945. The buildings were destroyed at the end of the war but were rebuilt as a museum documenting Nazi crimes.

• Admission is Free

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Also known as the Holocaust Monument, this monument is made up of 2,711 concrete columns that form a maze-like memorial. The monument is open 24/7.

German Historical Museum

Germany has a long and interesting past. This museum does a great in-depth job of capturing over 1,500 years of German history from its origins to the end of the Cold War.

• Admission: €15

Berlin Wall Memorial

Located in the middle of Berlin where East and West were once divided, this open-air exhibition chronicles the history of the Berlin Wall. The memorial still has almost a mile of the original wall for you to see and learn about how the wall affected Berlin citizens.

• Admission is free

Note: If you’re looking for Berlin’s iconic street-art covered walls you should go to the East Side Gallery instead. The Berlin Wall Memorial covers the history of the wall.

Brandenburg Gate

Constructed way back in 1791, the Brandenburg Gate is easily Berlin’s most famous landmark. I used to be the border of East and West Berlin, but now it represents the reunification of Germany.

Fernsehturm (TV Tower)

This weird-looking TV tower was built in the late ’60s in East Berlin, and it continues to be the tallest building in the city. While touristy, you can go to the top to get a nice 360-degree view of the city. There is also a bar and restaurant at the top if you wish to linger a little longer.

• Admission: €13-€20

Berliner Dom Cathedral

The Berliner Dom is not only Berlin’s most grandiose church, but it’s also easily one of Berlin’s most elaborate buildings. It has an impressive organ with 7,000 pipes, and you can visit the top of the dome for great city views (if you can climb all the steps).

• Admission: €7

Neuse Museum

This once bombed-out building now houses one of the finest collections of artifacts from the ancient world. Most famous is the bust of Nefertiti. The museum also has plenty of mummies, jewelry, sculptures, and other interesting artifacts.

Neue Wache and Babelplatz

I combined these two sights because they’re both quick visits and they’re very close to each other. Neue Wache is a small but powerful memorial for the Victims of War and Dictatorship.

Across the street is Bebelplatz. There you’ll find a small glass window on the ground that looks down into a library full of empty white shelves. This memorializes the spot where Nazi students burned over 20,000 “un-German” books.

Kreuzberg was once home to immigrants, hippies, LGBTQ individuals, artists, squatters, punks, and bohemians. The neighborhood has gentrified, but it still holds on to its counter-culture roots.

There is still plenty of youthful energy pulsating through the streets, cafes, vintage shops, great bars, hip restaurants, and late-night food stalls. It’s a great area for nightlife so you can get a snack after dancing until 3 am. The neighborhood is also covered pretty much entirely in graffiti as well as amazing street art — which adds to the ambiance.

German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin)

This museum exhibits a large collection of historical technical artifacts — including 25+ full-size airplanes, boats, a Viking ship, u-boats, WWII rockets, trains, and more.

• Admission: €8

Jewish Museum

Housed in a very striking glass building, the Jewish Museum has exhibits that trace two millennia of German- Jewish history. The architecture of the building has become an exhibit in and of itself.

Checkpoint Charlie

This is a legit tourist trap that isn’t even at the location of the real Checkpoint Charlie… but you’ll probably end up walking past it anyways. Take a photo as you walk by but skip the museum because it gets bad reviews and is a waste of money.

Friedrichshain

With a vibe very similar (yet slightly more alternative) to Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain is a trendy neighborhood popular with artists, students, and other young hip people. Building-size street art can be found everywhere and most people come to visit the famous East Side Gallery. The neighborhood is also home to many bars, boutiques, cafés, and markets — and it has some of the best nightclubs in the city.

East Side Gallery

This open-air gallery features street art that’s been painted on the longest remaining portion of the Berlin Wall. The wall features 101 large-format paintings. It is one of Berlin’s most visited sights so fire up your Instagram and head out there.

Stasi Museum

This museum details the exploits of the East German secret police — The Stasi. These guys spied on 6 million of East Germany’s 18 million citizens. They kept detailed records on its citizens via phone taps, hidden microphones, photographic surveillance, and multiple other methods.

We recommend taking the free guided tour in English which occurs at 3 pm from Thursday to Monday.

• Admission: €6

Prenzlauer Berg

Prenzlauer Berg is a nice mix of university students and young families. You’ll still find plenty of late-night bars and cafés but much of the club-scene has moved elsewhere. People joke that Prenzlauer Berg is where the hip kids from Kreuzberg go to have kids.

That said, the neighborhood still has a cool vibe and you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, markets, beer gardens, and excellent coffee shops. The neighborhood also has plenty of trees, parks, and green space.

Mauerpark translates to Wall Park — which makes sense because this used to be the “deadman’s land” between the walls of West and East Berlin. While not particularly pretty, the park is now a favorite for tourists and locals.

On a nice day, the park is packed with people drinking, playing soccer, and often karaoke-ing. The party often goes late into the night. The park also hosts a flea market every Sunday where you can sometimes pick up some good deals.

City West (Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf Neighborhood)

City West encompasses the  Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf as well as the expansive Tiergarten  park. This area used to be West Berlin and is now an affluent area and shopping district. It also has many of Berlin’s popular sights as well as entertainment options, markets, bars, and restaurants.

This massive park is located in the heart of Berlin, and it’s a favorite place for locals to get away from the city. In addition to multiple monuments and statues scattered throughout, the park also has ponds, gardens, vast lawns, plants, trees, and walking paths.

It is also home to the Berlin Zoo.

Olympiastadion

This huge stadium was built for the 1936 Olympics hosted in Germany and it’s where Jesse Owens won four gold medals (much to Hitler’s dismay). It was renovated in the early 2000s and it currently holds sporting events (mainly soccer) and massive concerts.

KaDeWe Department Store

Dating back to 1907, KaDeWe is the largest department store in Europe and this is the place to go if you want to spend some cash since it mostly carries high-end and luxury items. There is a famous (and expensive) gourmet food court and grocery that offers a ton of dining options.

Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg)

This grand royal palace was finished in 1699, and it’s the largest palace in Berlin. A lot of people find the inside of the palace to be fairly underwhelming but the grounds and gardens are beautiful. It’s a great place to stroll through on a nice summer afternoon (you might want to skip this if the weather isn’t nice).

What To Eat and Drink In Berlin

Berlin has an excellent food scene and there are plenty of budget options as well. Berlin also has a big street food scene so you can find vendors selling all kinds of things throughout the city.

In addition, Berlin has a very hip and international food scene so you can find just about anything you’re looking for. That said, we wanted to list a few local dishes that you might want to check out for yourself.

Currywurst is a true Berlin original and you’ll see it being served up by street vendors all across Berlin. Invented in 1949, this local favorite is a bratwurst covered in a mixture of ketchup, curry powder, and Worcestershire sauce.

Like spicy food? Order your currywurst ‘scharf’ — which means spicy.

Great Places To Get Currywurst:

• Curry 36: Classic spot. Super popular. Always rated as one of the best in Berlin. See On Google Maps
• Curry 61: Another super popular spots for Currywurst in Berlin. They even have veggie currywurst. See On Google Maps
• Konnopke’s Imbiss: Popular for a reason. Always a long line. See On Google Maps
• Curry Baude: Good, cheap, and fast. See On Google Maps
• Curry Mitte: Cheap and tasty. Currywurst, french fries, and a drink for under €6. See On Google Maps

Ahh yes, the dependable and delicious bratwurst. These are sold by street vendors and restaurants all across Berlin. There are even guys called Grillwalkers who walk around with portable grills.

But honestly, most brats are pretty much the same in terms of quality so its the atmosphere that really makes a brat great.

Solid Places To Get Bratwurst:

• Anything From The Currywurst Section: All the best currywurst begins with quality bratwurst so every place on that list will be good.
• Prater Beer Garden: Great beer garden that has solid brats. See On Google Maps
• Dicke Wirtin: Classic German restaurant. See On Google Maps
• Gasthaus Krombach: Another classic German restaurant. See On Google Maps

Döner Kebab

Berlin has a huge Turkish population so it’s easy to find lots of delicious Turkish food — notably Doner Kebabs. Kebabs are cheap and filling so they make an excellent budget meal. Luckily, you can get a very good kebab throughout Berlin but there are a few standouts that we’ve listed below.

Solid Döner Kebab Spots:

• Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap: See On Google Maps
• K’Ups Gemüsekebap: See On Google Maps
• Mustafa Demir’s Gemüse Döner: See On Google Maps
• Döner Dach: See On Google Maps
• Rüyam Gemüse Kebab: See On Google Maps

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet. So good. And it is even better with an ice-cold German beer.

Solid Schnitzel Spots:

• Max und Moritz: Old school bar/restaurant that’s been serving up tasty authentic German dishes since 1902. See On Google Maps
• Scheers Schnitzel: A no-frill, cash-only spot that serves up a solid Schnitzel for cheap. See On Google Maps
• Felix Austria: Popular casual restaurant with generous portions and friendly service. See On Google Maps
• Schnitzelei: Excellent schnitzel and they give you a free beer with your meal. It is a little corporate/modern feeling so this isn’t the old school vibe many people are seeking out (but the food is still great). See On Google Maps
• Schnitzelkönig: Huge portions and great prices. Come hungry. Local favorite. See On Google Maps
• Prater Beer Garden: Cool beer garden and they have sell schnitzel as well. See On Google Maps
• Café Restaurant Jolesch: Excellent schnitzel. Higher-end spot. Nice cocktails as well. Reservations highly suggested. See On Google Maps

One of Germany’s most beloved foods is the humble, yet hardy Spätzle — which is an egg noodle dumpling. You’ll be able to find it in just about every German restaurant.

Some Tasty Spätzle Spots:

• Spätzle Club: Large portions of delicious home-made Spätzle. See On Google Maps
• Spätzle & Knödel: These guys serve up some mean German comfort food — including excellent Spätzle. See On Googe Maps
• Schwarzwaldstuben: Relaxed bar/restaurant with Germany fare and a range of beers. Casual spot with a nice vibe. See On Google Maps
• Joseph-Roth-Diele: Cozy spot with a traditional ambiance, simple menu, and affordable prices. See On Google Maps

Königsberger Klopse

Königsberger Klopse ( meatballs in a white sauce) is true German comfort food. This is another staple that will be on the menu of just about every traditional German restaurant.

Where To Go:

Half Grilled Chicken

Berlin is also famous for its grilled chicken so you’ll find a number of places serving up grilled half-portions of chickens.

Where To Get Grilled Chicken:

• Henne: The most famous place to go for crispy chicken in Berlin. So good. Go twice. See On Google Maps
• Hühnerhaus: Excellent takeaway chicken spot. No-frills and affordable. Aways hopping for a reason. See On Google Maps

I mean, you can’t beat a giant pretzel and beer. So go find a nice beer garden and enjoy your pretzel.

Berliner Pfannkuchen

A Berliner Pfannkuchen is a traditional German pastry that’s basically a jelly-filled doughnut without a hole. Any good bakery will have multiple variations.

Where To Get A Great Berliner Pfannkuchen (& Other Baked Goodies):

• Siebert Bakery: This is the oldest bakery in Berlin and they make plenty of baked goodies. They’re still family-owned. See On Google Maps
• Bäckerei & Konditorei: Excellent Berliner doughnuts and a few other goodies. See On Google Maps
• Zeit für Brot: So many baked goods. We’re fans of the cinnamon rolls but everything is good. See On Google Maps
• Bäcker Walf: Excellent homemade baked goodies. See On Google Maps
• Bäckerei Ladewig: Local spot and everything is homemade. Family-run since 1969. See On Google Maps

Beer in Berlin

While the Bavarian part of Germany (notably Munich) is most famous for its beer, Berlin also has a thriving beer scene. Furthermore, Berlin also has a solid craft beer scene if you’re looking to expand past the standard German brews.

One of the most popular beers in Berlin is the Berliner Weisse — a sour beer with only 3% alcohol. Bars will often add flavored syrup like raspberry (Himbeersirup), or woodruff (Waldmeistersirup) which turns the beer bright red or green. It’s very tasty.

German/Berlin Beers

German beer tends to be fairly similar as they had a law called Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) that was enforced until 1993 that said beer could only be made from water, hops, and malt. So the beer was of great quality but there wasn’t much innovation.

These days many breweries still follow the Reinheitsgebot but others are starting to experiment and create new kinds of beer.

The Official Visit Berlin Website has a great guide of Berlin’s local micro-breweries. Here is a nice article from St. Christophers about nice craft beer bars in Berlin. We also like this guide from TimeOut: Berlin about their favorite bars in Berlin. Of course, these links don’t even scratch the surface but hopefully it helps get you started.

Most German grocery stores will stock multiple different kinds of beer so you won’t have to search very hard to find a drink. Plus, beer from the grocery store is cheap!

Berlin’s Beer Gardens

You can’t visit Germany without enjoying a few frosty beers al fresco and luckily Berlin has plenty of beer gardens. Low on cash? You can always buy beer from the grocery store and drink in the park.

• Prater Beer Garden: This is Berlin’s oldest beer garden and it’s also one of its biggest — it can seat over 600 people. They have a nice selection of beers, tasty snacks, and a fun atmosphere. We recommend trying the bratwurst and apple strudel​. We also like how everything is self-service here. See On Google Maps
• Weihenstephaner : Located in a building that dates back to 1749, this super traditional Bavaria-style beerhall and they also have a nice courtyard. See On Google Maps
• Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin: Bavarian food & beer. A bit touristy and a little expensive but still a solid spot. See On Google Maps
• Schleusenkrug: This lovely beer garden is located on the edge of the Tiergarten. They might not have a huge selection of beer but the vibe is energetic and super friendly. See On Google Maps
• Café am Neuen See : This secret spot is located in a park right beside a pond so the atmosphere is very peaceful. They have a great beer selection and decent food options. Prices are reasonable. See On Google Maps

As with any other city with a youthful international population, Berlin has a solid food scene that caters to people on a budget. There are always new and exciting restaurants and bars opening up, so finding solid dining options doesn’t take much work.

Cheap Breakfast In Berlin

• Brammibal’s Donuts : Donuts, coffee, and other breakfast sweets.
• Back-Factory : Cheap pastries for a quick breakfast on the run.
• Cafe Creperie Melt : Cakes, crepes, and galettes.
• Homemade : Brunch and breakfast with plenty of vegetarian options.
• Romeo und Romeo : Lots of healthy and vegetarian options at this chilled-out spot.

Cheap Lunch and Dinner In Berlin

• Scheers Schnitzel : Tasty and affordable German classics like schnitzel.
• Curry61 : Famous currywurst and other traditional German street food.
• Tiergarten Quelle : German pub serving up traditional German dishes.
• Lia’s Kitchen : Plenty of great vegan options.
• Trattoria Portofino : Pizza, pasta, and other great Italian options.
• Flamingo Fresh Food Bar : Sandwiches, soups, and a bit of everything.
• Burgermeister : Best burgers in Berlin.
• Mabuhayt : Authentic Indonesian food at great prices.
• Patta Finest Baked Potatoes : Tasty loaded baked potatoes.
• Yarok Fine Syrian Food from Damascus : Tasty falafel and other middle eastern food.
• PHO – Noodlebar : Affordable PHO and other Vietnamese food.

Street Food, Food Halls, & Farmers Markets

• Street Food Thursday @ Markthalle Neun: This was the first major organized street food event in Berlin and it is still one of the most exciting. It attracts thousands of visitors each week. You’ll find multiple excellent food vendors, craft beer, wine, cocktails and more. Open every Thursday from 5pm-10pm. See On Google Maps
• Arminius Market Hall: Opened in 1891, this nice market hall has vendors selling local food, crafts, art, and more. See on Google Maps
• Bite Club: A cool new concept street food party located next to the Spree river in Berlin. Booze, food trucks, BBQ, DJs, and all that cool stuff. Check their Facebook page for dates and location.
• Middle-Eastern Street Food Market: At this twice-weekly (Tuesday and Friday) outdoor market you’ll find vendors selling Turkish fare, fresh produce, seafood, and other random things. See On Google Maps
• Boxhagener Platz Farmers Market: This Saturday market focuses on organic produce and a smattering of standard street food options. See on Google Maps
• Thai Park: For a truly unique experience we suggest spicing it up with authentic Thai food as this unique food market that’s been operating for more than 20 years. This area on the outskirts of Berlin has long been home to a large Thai population who would visit this park to sell their food. Then other locals started catching on to the amazing food… and now it’s super popular. You’ll have the most luck by visiting on Saturdays and Sundays in summer. View on Google Maps
• Kollwitzplatz Farmers Market: Some of the freshest food in Berlin. Open every Thursday. See On Google Maps

More Berlin Restaurant Resources

When in doubt, ask the locals! Below are a few excellent resources about food in Berlin.

• They also have an excellent list of recommended list of kebab restaurants if you’re looking for a tasty meal for around €3-€4.
• Eating In Berlin : Another excellent food blog that covers Berlin’s food scene.
• TimeOut Berlin : TimeOut always does a solid job of showcasing new and popular food/drink spots so it’s another good place to look.
• Spotted By Locals – Berlin : Spotted By Locals is a great resource that’s written by locals and expats (they also have a paid app that offers more suggestions).

Berlin has plenty of highly-rated hostel options and they’re all priced very reasonably — an average hostel will cost anywhere from  €14-€30 /night.

Personally, we use HostelWorld to book all our hostels. Here are some of the best-rated hostels in Berlin:

• EastSeven Berlin Hostel
• Wombats City Hostel Berlin
• The Circus Hostel
• PLUS Berlin
• Jetpack Alternative
• Pfefferbett Hostel

Berlin is world-famous for its nightclubs and overall nightlife scene — it’s actually one the city’s largest draws. Many of the best DJs show off their skills in Berlin; check out Resident Advisor  to see where DJs will be playing.

Thrillist  and TimeOut both have a good rundown of the best nightclubs in Berlin.

If you really want to learn the nitty-gritty about Berlin’s nightlife scene, check out  Vice’s Guide To Berlin’s Nightlife .

By the way… getting into clubs isn’t always easy. Some clubs (i.e. Berghain) are known for turning away a majority of people. Here are some tips for getting past the notoriously finicky doormen:

• Don’t go in big groups — keep it under four people. And a group of all dudes probably won’t get in.
• Don’t show up drunk.
• Be quiet in line. Loud = no entry.
• Try to speak a little German. Even “Sorry, I don’t speak German” will help.
• Go with a local. This will make things a lot easier.
• Dress like a Berliner. Don’t dress up.

More Resources to Help You Plan Your Berlin Budget Travels

Berlin is packed to the gills with things to do… so you’ll want to do a little research before you arrive. We’ve listed a few of our favorite  budget-minded  guidebooks, websites, and expat blogs that you may want to check out.

• Rick Steves — Berlin (guidebook)
• Lonely Planet — Berlin (guidebook)
• Spotted By Locals: Berlin
• Berlin Food Stories
• Still In Berlin
• Slow Travel Berlin
• Travels of Adam
• iHeartBerlin

Traveling Around Berlin

Berlin is a huge, sprawling city, so you’ll need to take public transportation. Luckily, it is plentiful; you’ll find subways, trains, trams, buses, bikes, and taxis. The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus, tram, and regional rail all use the same ticket. Don’t forget to validate your ticket before entering the train. 

• Single One-Way Ticket:  €2.80
• Short Distance (three-stop) Single One-Way Ticket:  €1.50
• Day Card: €7.00
• Small-Group Ticket (for up to five people — this is the most cost-effective for three people and above):  €19.90
• Bike Rental:  €8-€15/day
• Bus between Tegel Airport and City Center:  €2.80
• Taxi Between Tegel Airport and City Center:  €25–€35
• Berlin Schönefeld Airport Express Train:  €1.60
• Taxi Between Schönefeld and City Center:  €50+

Practical Travel Tips

Save Money With a Berlin Pass:  If you plan on seeing a lot of museums, you might consider getting a Berlin Pass . It could save you a bit of money.

Take A Walking Tour: It’s a great thing to do on your first day as it’s a good way to get orientated with the city.

There are good free (tip-based) tours from  Sandeman’s New Europe  and  Brewer’s Berlin Tours  — these tours will hit many of the highlights. If you’re looking to learn more about the alternative sides of Berlin, you should check out  Alternative Berlin Tours .

Of course, there are a ton of paid tours that are led by professional guides that will give you more in-depth information. Check Get Your Guide as they have multiple walking and bike tours.

Visit Flea Markets for Cheap Souvenirs: The flea market at Mauerpark is the most famous, but it’s also the most touristy (i.e., it’s overpriced). You’ll need to venture out to find the best deals. This is a good site that lists most of the markets in Berlin.

Bring Your Student ID : Most museums have student prices (usually 1/2 price). It helps if your ID has a date on it — I was turned away for using my old ID, so your results may vary.

Winters Are Tough. Dress Warm : Invest in a legit warm coat, hat, gloves, and warm clothes if you visit in the winter. Don’t worry about fashion as everyone, including the locals, is bundled up.

Backpacking Packing Tips & Tricks

If you’re looking at this article, I’m going to bet you’re getting ready to travel. Check out these helpful articles that we wrote for tips and advice for packing for your trip.

• Backpacking Europe Packing List for Women
• Backpacking Europe Packing List for Men
• Best Travel Backpacks for Europe

Insure Your Trip

Not to get all doom and gloom but it can get very expensive when things go wrong on the road. Travel insurance is a cheap way to cheap way to ensure you don’t end up with a $10,000+ medical bill. We like World Nomads they’re affordable and it only takes a few minutes to get covered.

• Recent Posts

• Backpacking Europe Packing List — My Europe Travel Packing Guide - April 6, 2024
• Best eSIM For Europe Travel | Everything You Need To Know About European Prepaid eSIM Data Plans - March 24, 2024
• Holafly eSIM Review | Testing The New eSIM Data Plan from Holafly - March 3, 2024

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A First Timer’s Guide to Berlin | Everything You Need to Know

As a first-time visitor, planning a trip to Berlin can be overwhelming. From navigating the public transportation to choosing a place to stay, there is a lot of information to sift through. And that’s not even considering all of the things to see and do. I was certainly overwhelmed on my first visit in 2020 – my custom Google map had over 150 pinned things on it! I had no idea how to organize my time, and I didn’t prioritize what I wanted to do. We wound up spending a TON of time moving around on public transportation between different activities. 

I learned my lesson on our second visit to Berlin in 2022. With so many things to see and do, it’s essential to have a plan in place to make the most of your trip to Berlin. I showed up with a list of the things I wanted to do, and made intentional choices about restaurants and accommodation to minimize time on public transit. I’m here to share all of my secrets with you! Whether you’re going for a couple of days or a long weekend, this blog post will cover all the essential travel tips that first-time visitors to Berlin need to know.

From the best ways to get around the city to insider tips on where to find the best food, I’ve got you covered. I want to help you make the most of your trip (and avoid the mistakes I made) with this blog post detailing all the essential Berlin travel tips, including when to visit, where to stay, what to see, how to get around, and how to arrive in Berlin. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in one of Europe’s most exciting cities!

What You'll Find in this Article

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Berlin for First Time Visitors

Travel logistics, arrival to berlin.

Being the capital of Germany, Berlin is a major city with lots of different ways to arrive. For international travelers, one of the most convenient arrival options is flying. Berlin has a long history of airports opening and closing , but currently the main airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (code BER) which opened in 2020 in Schönefeld. To get from the airport to the city center, there is an airport express train running from station T1-2 to Berlin Central Station. In addition, the S-Bahns S9 and S45 run from T1-2 to Berlin city center.

Another popular option for arriving to Berlin is train. This is the only way I’ve ever traveled to Berlin, because I love traveling in Germany via rail. The train from Cologne takes about 4.5 hours on the ICE (express) train. The primary train company in Germany is called Deutsche Bahn . Berlin has three main train stations: Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin Ostbahnhof, and Berlin Südkreuz . These train stations offer connections to major cities across Germany and Europe, making it easy to reach Berlin by train from almost anywhere.

For people looking for a more budget-friendly option, arriving in Berlin by bus is also possible. Several bus companies, such as FlixBus and Eurolines , offer regular service to Berlin from other cities in Germany. The bus station is located at the Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) which is located in Charlottenburg on the west side of town.

Distances in Berlin

The distances look deceiving on a map, but make no mistake – Berlin is a sprawling city. I knew it was big prior to my first visit, but it wasn’t until I started plugging the walking and biking directions into Google Maps that I realized just how big it is. Berlin spreads out across a gigantic area, so it takes a while to move around between the different attractions and neighborhoods. Make sure to always check the times before heading out, because it is likely to take longer than you thought. 

When it comes to planning a visit to Berlin, I think it is really important to group activities together based on their location, and then prioritize your schedule so that you aren’t spending too much time getting around. Trust me, walking all around it will leave you feeling haggard so it’s good to balance your transit options. 

How to Get Around in Berlin

Berlin has a fantastic public transportation system, called BVG . This is a fully integrated transit system, so you can bounce between S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and buses on the same ticket. While it might seem overwhelming at first, it is actually pretty easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. Download the BVG app to make things even simpler, because it will show you accurate times and alert you of any delays. 

The S-Bahn (Stadtschnellbahn, or rapid railway) is a suburban rail network that connects the central Berlin with the surrounding suburbs. The U-Bahn (Untergrundbahn, or underground railway) is a metro system that runs both above and below ground. This is a quick and convenient way to travel around the city center. The bus network is extensive and covers most of the city. Buses are a good option for reaching places where the train does not go. 

Berlin is divided into different fare zones with the basic fare set at €2.90. The price increases if you travel to more than one fare zone. There are also different kinds of travel cards available that can save you money if you’re planning to use public transportation a lot. Just FYI that there are no ticket barriers at stations in Berlin, so you can board trains and buses without showing a ticket. It’s an honesty based system, in which you need to validate your ticket once on board. Ticket checks are fairly common, albeit random, and the fine is high for fare-skippers. 

Personally, my favorite way to get around in Berlin is by bicycle. This is the primary way I get around in Cologne too, because it is incredibly easy and fast with well-marked bicycle lanes that make even novice riders feel confident. Most bicycle rentals start at 5 EUR per day with the bike-sharing programs like Nextbike . There are stations throughout the city, making it super simple to pick up and drop off the bikes.

When to Visit Berlin

Berlin can be enjoyed year-round; however, the best time to visit Berlin depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save money, visiting during the off-peak seasons like the fall and winter can be an advantage. During these seasons, you’ll have a better chance of getting discounted hotel rates and avoiding long lines at popular tourist attractions. Additionally, the fall season offers the chance to see the changing leaves in the many parks and gardens throughout the city. Of course, the weather is not ideal in winter.

If you’re interested in experiencing Berlin’s vibrant nightlife, summer is the perfect time to visit. The warm weather means that many bars and clubs have their terraces open, and the city hosts a variety of festivals and events. Personally, I am a huge fan of Christmas Markets , and I think visiting Berlin in December is magical. You’ll experience some tourist crowds at the markets, but otherwise the museums and tourist attractions should be fairly open. 

Good to Know Tips

Carrying cash.

Unlike other large European countries, Germany still has a strong cash culture. The pandemic has certainly made contactless payment more common, but it is by no means ubiquitous. You shouldn’t be surprised if there are cash only places, or if bars and cafes prefer to have payment in cash. Because of this, it’s important to always make sure you have enough cash on hand or ask if they accept cards before you order.

Tipping in Berlin

Speaking of cash, it’s common to tip around 5-10% at cafes and restaurants (if the service is good). When paying with a card, you need to tell the server how much the total charge should be. They typically won’t hand you the card machine to enter the tip yourself. For example, if you want to tip 5 euros on a 50 euro bill, you would need to say “make that 55 euros, please”. In bars and nightclubs, it’s common to tip the bartender a small amount, such as rounding up to the nearest euro. When it comes to taxi rides, tipping is not common. It’s not considered necessary, but rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a small tip will be appreciated.

In Germany, Sundays are quiet. Virtually all shops, supermarkets and even some bars and restaurants close on Sundays. It is really meant to be a rest day. While many tourist attractions, such as museums, are likely to be open, you’ll want to be cognizant of Sundays in your trip planning. Thankfully, there are some special events that only happen on weekends, such as flea markets in Mauerpark or Boxhagener Platz. 

What to Eat in Berlin

You will be spoiled with great restaurant choices in Berlin – there are so many delicious places to try! I would definitely recommend trying some street food for lunch at least one of the days, such as currywurst, döner, or falafel. For dinner, making a reservation is typically recommended, especially if you want to go somewhere a little bit nicer. I summarize all of my favorite Berlin restaurants in a separate blog post, perfect for foodie travelers looking to enjoy the best food that Berlin has to offer.

Where to Stay in Berlin

When it comes to accommodation, there are a wide range of options to choose from, including hotels, hostels, and apartments. Berlin has a lot of issues related to short-term vacation rentals like AirBnb and there are a number of somewhat arduous regulations . As such, I would recommend opting for a hotel or hostel. Thankfully, Berlin is absolutely full of stylish hotel choices ranging from budget to luxury. Depending on your budget and preferences, you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs. 

On a short visit, I would recommend choosing a location strategically based on what you want to see and do in Berlin. This will help you cut down time traveling around on the metro. Personally, I think Mitte or Friedrichstadt would be good choices. These aren’t exactly the coolest neighborhoods to explore, but they are really central and well-connected. Another option, especially on a multi-day visit like a long weekend , is to switch hotels. This will give you the chance to see different corners of the city. I did this on our second visit to Berlin, and I really enjoyed it.

What to See in Berlin on Your First Visit

Historical attractions.

Steeped in important history dating back hundreds of years, Berlin is a city for culture vultures with a seemingly endless number of historical attractions to visit. On your first visit to Berlin, I definitely recommend exploring some of the culturally significant places, such as the Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery, and Reichstag . Berlin is the birthplace of some of the world’s most influential art movements. At the same time, Berlin was at the center of some of humanity’s darkest moments. I highlight the best historical attractions in Berlin in a separate blog post. 

On our first visit to Berlin, my husband and I were overwhelmed by the sheer number of museums to visit in Germany’s capital city. With more than 150 museums, Berlin is a treasure trove full of fascinations for any interest. There is something to suit everyone! A few of my favorite museums in Berlin include:

• Jewish Museum
• Topography of Terror
• Memorial to Murdered Jews Visitors Center

The Museum Pass program is an excellent way for visitors to experience some of the city’s most popular museums all on one pass. Costing €29 for adults, the pass is valid for 3 consecutive days and gives you access to 50 different museums throughout the city. It also eliminates the hassle of having to wait in line to purchase tickets and ensures that visitors will have guaranteed admission to each museum. 

Cool Neighborhoods

One of the coolest parts of Berlin is the dynamic neighborhoods. Each corner of the city has a slightly different vibe, and it feels like a patchwork of fascinating places. As a first-time visitor, it would be a shame to stick only to the central areas. Dive into the neighborhoods to discover some of the quirky characteristics that locals love about Berlin. A few neighborhoods that I think would be worthwhile as a first time visitor are highlighted below.

Neukölln is a popular neighborhood for foodies and nightlife lovers. There are tons of cool bars and restaurants in this area, and it would be a great place to go out for a night. Neukölln will give you a sense of the hip and alternative scene that Berlin is so well-known for. For dinner in Neukölln, grab Turkish cuisine. Follow your nose or look for the spots with a line, because locals always know best!

Prenzlauer Berg is a vibrant neighborhood known for its bohemian atmosphere and lively arts scene. This neighborhood is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its tree-lined streets, charming cafes, and independent boutiques, there is a unique blend of history and modernity in this neighborhood. Prenzlauer Berg is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes, offering a wide variety of cuisines and flavors.

Friedrichshain has an alternative feel to it with lots of street art, hidden gems, and unique shops. There are a number of nice coffee shops around Friedrichshain, which I summarize in my Berlin coffee shop guide . You’ll also find a number of cool second-hand boutiques in Friedrichshain, if you want to dig for amazing vintage clothing and accessories.

Do you have questions about visiting Berlin? Comment below!

Further reading....

15 Unique and Cool Things to Do in Berlin

4 Days in Berlin: The Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary

A Foodie’s Guide To Berlin’s Best Bakeries And Brunch Spots

Mackenzie jervis.

Berlin is one of my favorite cities in Europe. There’s so much history as well as new things to do that I could spend a lifetime just wandering!

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Where to Find the Best Restaurants in Cologne for Foodies

Everything you need to know about traveling in rothenburg ob der tauber, meganarz.travels.

• Plan the ultimate Berlin city trip

Of course you can explore German capital as part of a longer European or even German holiday. But to really get to know the city, a dedicated city trip to Berlin is the way to go. We can help you decide on your itinerary for your Berlin city trip as we answer some questions to consider when planning your trip.

How many days do you need in Berlin?

Berlin is a big city, so how many days you need depends on how much of the city you want to explore. If you only want to explore Mitte, the city centre, than 2 or 3 days should be enough. If you also want to explore areas such as Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, than we recommend a week in Berlin.

If you simply don’t have that much time to spend in the German capital, than you can check out our 24 hour Berlin itinerary or our 48 hour itinerary for Berlin . Both offer ways to see as much of the city as possible in the little amount of time you might have available. But to really discover the German capital, you will need more time.

What to see and do in Berlin?

Berlin is a very diverse city, with things to see and do for all sorts of travellers. History buffs, night owls, kids , foodies, everyone can have a great time in Berlin if you know where to go. The bigger issue is easily making your way around the city to all the sights, museums and attractions you want to visit.

You can choose to use public transportation in Berlin, but hopping on the buses of City Sightseeing Berlin is easier. There are stops at most of the must visit sights in the city and you can listen to an audio guide with information about the city along the way. So where should you go in Berlin?

Berlin for history buffs

Berlin is filled with history, especially modern history, though there are plenty of museums dedicated to ancient history too. There are sights in the city, you can visit without a ticket as well as museums and attractions that do require a ticket. You don’t need a ticket to visit Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall Memorial, the East Side Gallery, or the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

If you are more interested in ancient history, you can buy tickets to the Neues Museum and to Pergamon Museum – The Panorama. Part of the Neues Museum, on Museum Island, consists of the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection. It is one of the most important collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts and includes the famous Nefertiti Bust.

The Panorama is a temporary exhibition that features a 360° panorama of the ancient city of Pergamon, as well as parts of the collection of the Pergamon Museum, which is closed for refurbishment for several years. A visit here is like stepping back in time to 129 AD and witnessing the architecture, daily life and cultural achievements of this city.

Modern history museums and attractions that explore part of the city’s history include the DDR Museum, where you step back in time to experience what it was like to live in East Berlin. The German Spy Museum shows you why Berlin was the spy capital of the world and lets you test your own skills. The Jewish Museum in Berlin is the largest of its kind in Europe, and presents the history of Jews in Germany from the Middle Age to the present day.

Artistic Berlin

Though much of Berlin was destroyed at the end of the war, there are still plenty of pieces of art and amazing architecture to discover in the city without visiting a museum or attraction. For instance, the interlinked Jugendstil courtyards of the Hackeschen Höfe, or the Socialist Classicism architecture on Karl-Marx-Allee. And, of course, the not to miss Brandenburg Gate and Victory Tower.

There are also several statues and fountains to discover in Tiergarten, such as the Löwengruppe, the Global Stone Project, and the Tritonbrunnen. The Elefantentor to the Berlin Zoo is also a sight to behold. These are just some of the artistic sights you can explore in the city, without even buying a ticket to an exhibition or gallery.

But there are also plenty of museums and galleries that warrant a visit. Such as the Neue Nationalgalerie, which features 20 th -century art both inside its exhibition halls and in the sculpture garden. Or the Lighthouse of Digital Art, in Friedrichshain, where AI and art are combined into an immersive experience.

Of course, there are plenty of other art museums in Berlin that you might to visit during your city trip. The Alte Nationalgalerie, for example, features masterpieces from both the Romantic and Impressionism art movements. The Berlinische Galerie, in Kreuzberg, showcases modern art, photography and architecture. The Kulturform, Asian Art Museum, Bode-Museum, Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart, and the Gemäldegalerie are all amazing art museums in Berlin.

Berlin has something for every visitor

Whether you are visiting Berlin for the first time or have been here before, you will always find something to discover as the city keeps reinventing its self. Every season comes with a different attraction, such as the Christmas markets in winter, the food festivals in autumn, the blooming of nature in spring and the beer gardens in summer.

• See all tips

Berlin City Break: Ultimate Guide Travel Guide To Berlin, Germany

A re you looking for a fun and affordable destination for your next city break? If so, you might want to consider Berlin, the capital of Germany and one of the most exciting and diverse cities in Europe. Berlin has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, nightlife, or food. Here are some reasons why you should book a Berlin city break and some tips on how to make the most of your time there.

*Disclaimer: This Post May Contain Sponsored Content And Or/ Affiliate Links. This Is A Way I Make An Income From My Blog .  I Am A Participant In The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program .  An Affiliate Advertising Program Designed To Provide A Means For Sites To Earn Advertising Fees By Advertising And Linking To  Amazon.Com .

Brief History of Berlin 

Berlin’s history is fascinating and complex, and you can see traces of it everywhere you go. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall to the former Nazi headquarters and Checkpoint Charlie, you can learn about the city’s turbulent past and how it shaped its present. You can also visit some of the world’s best museums, such as the Pergamon Museum, which houses ancient treasures from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, or the Jewish Museum, which tells the story of Jewish life and culture in Germany.

Berlin Culture- Perfect for a Berlin city break?

Berlin is also a cultural hotspot, with a vibrant art scene, a rich musical heritage, and a diverse population. You can admire street art and graffiti in areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, or visit some of the many galleries and museums that showcase contemporary art. You can also enjoy classical music at the Berlin Philharmonic, or catch a show at one of the many theatres and opera houses. And don’t forget to explore the different neighborhoods of Berlin, each with its character and charm.

Berlin City Break Nightlife 

If you are looking for a good time, Berlin has plenty to offer. The city is famous for its nightlife, with some of the best clubs, bars, and pubs in Europe. You can dance until dawn at legendary venues like Berghain, Tresor, or Watergate, or chill out at a cozy beer garden or a trendy cocktail bar. You can also sample some of the delicious food that Berlin has to offer, from traditional German dishes like currywurst and schnitzel to international cuisine from Turkish, Vietnamese, or Indian restaurants.

Berlin is a city that never sleeps, but if you need a break from the hustle and bustle, you can also find some green spaces and relaxing spots. You can take a stroll along the Spree River, or visit one of the many parks and gardens that dot the city. 

How many days is ideal in Berlin?

If it is your first time in Berlin I suggest coming for a minimum of 3 days if you want to see some of the main attractions, but 4- 5 days in Berlin if you want to get a sense of the culture, history, and get the full Berlin city break experience. 

Is Berlin a walkable city?

Berlin is extremely walkable and easy to get around. If you are not going to take public transit there are also a lot of escooters, and bikes around the city. Making it easy to get around to most of the things to do in Berlin without having to have a car or taxi.

Public transport

Berlin has an extensive and efficient public transport system that includes buses, trams, subways (U-Bahn), and trains (S-Bahn). You can buy tickets at stations, machines, or online, and use them for any mode of transport within the same zone. A single ticket costs 2.90 euros for zones AB, which covers most of the city center. You can also buy day tickets, weekly tickets, or monthly passes for more savings. Remember to validate your ticket before boarding or you might face a fine.

Berlin is a bike-friendly city with many bike lanes, paths, and rental services. You can rent a bike from one of the many shops or stations around the city, or use an app like Nextbike or Donkey Republic to find and unlock a bike nearby. The average price for renting a bike is 1 euro per 30 minutes or 12 euros per day. Biking is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.

If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient way to travel, you can always hail a taxi or use an app like Free Now or Uber to book one. Taxis are easy to find in most areas of the city, especially near tourist attractions, hotels, and train stations. The base fare is 3.90 euros and then 2 euros per kilometer. You can pay by cash or card, and tip around 10% if you are satisfied with the service. I preferred using Uber, especially after going out at night. 

What part of Berlin is the best to stay in?

This is the historical and cultural center of Berlin, where you can find many famous landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Museum Island, and the Alexanderplatz. Mitte is also home to many government buildings, embassies, and business offices. If you want to be close to the main sights and enjoy a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Mitte is a great choice. However, it can also be crowded, noisy, and expensive.

This is the alternative and multicultural heart of Berlin, where you can find many artists, students, immigrants, and activists. Kreuzberg is known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, ethnic cuisine, and creative scene. If you want to experience the edgy and diverse side of Berlin, Kreuzberg is a good option. However, it can also be chaotic, dirty, and unsafe.

Prenzlauer Berg

This is the trendy and hipster district of Berlin, where you can find many cafes, bars, boutiques, and galleries. Prenzlauer Berg is popular among young professionals, families, and ex-pats. My friend from high school moved here four years ago and loves it. It has a relaxed and friendly vibe, with many green spaces and parks. If you want to enjoy a cozy and stylish neighborhood with a lot of charm, this is the perfect area if you find a Vrbo in the area. 

Charlottenburg

This is the elegant and upscale area of Berlin, where you can find many luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants. Charlottenburg is also rich in history and culture, with attractions such as the Charlottenburg Palace, the Kurfürstendamm Boulevard, and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. However, it can also be boring, snobby, and far from the center.

This is the emerging and dynamic part of Berlin, where you can find many young people, immigrants, and artists. Neukölln is known for its cheap rents, diverse culture, and lively nightlife. If you want to discover a new and exciting side of Berlin that is constantly changing and evolving, Neukölln is a good option. However, it can also be noisy, dirty, and dangerous.

What is the best month to visit Berlin?

I would say May through September is the perfect time to visit Berlin. Berlin comes alive in the summer, with its beer gardens, outdoor markets, and ample green spaces to enjoy. Also, there are many events and festivals during this time. The sun also sets after 10 pm in the summer which makes it great for you to have a lot of time to explore Berlin. 

Although, I also think Berlin during the holidays and Christmas markets in Germany are special and well worth a visit in December!

Can I visit Berlin without speaking German?

If a language barrier is holding you up to booking your Berlin city break, don’t let that stop you. I love Berlin and I have been more than 5 times now. Don’t worry if you don’t speak German there are many expats, as well as English speakers. So I recommend just downloading the Google Translate app just in case, but you have nothing to worry about. 

Berlin City Break – Things to do 

Fat tire tours – berlin city bike tour .

One of the first things I would do is take a tour of Berlin. If you want a great overview of Berlin, I recommend taking a Berlin City Bike Tour with Fat Tire Tours. It was an amazing experience to check out the main attractions of the city by bike, but also bike to some places that would be a little off the beaten path for me. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the city from learning about Nazi Germany, as well as the Cold War to incorporating modern cultural elements in the tour it was eye-opening 

They offer a 3-hour city tour and a 6-hour city tour, food tours, Cold War-specific tours, and more. 

Berlin TV Tower and Rotating Dining Experience

After a few visits to Berlin, I finally decided to make it my mission to head to the top of the Berlin TV tower and it was so worth it. The Berlin TV Tower stands 368 meters high above the city. It is the highest building open to the public in Europe. It was inaugurated on October 3 1969 in East Germany, built as a symbol to show the world the Communist party was superior to the rest of the West. 

After you take in the views, dine at the Sphere restaurant which rotates 207 meters above the city! They serve amazing traditional foods with a modern twist, and there is also Bar 203 if you rather just have a drink. At the end or beginning you can also enjoy a VR experience showing the evolution of Berlin since ancient history. 

Finally, enjoy Alexanderplatz located at the base of the Berlin TV Tower. There are many shops, the square also has the World Clock, and the Fountain of Friendship. 

Explore Museum Island 

One of the most famous places to visit museums is Berlin, Germany. They even have a whole island meant for museum lovers called “Museum Island”. It is also recognized by UNESCO. 

World-class museums for travelers looking to experience a range of history, culture, art, architecture, and more. I happened across this, but actually, the first Sunday of the month offers a free museum day throughout Berlin. However, if you know you will be there in advance, book the tickets online (even for free or not) because the most popular museums do sell out! 

Altes Museum

Altes Museum is the first museum on museum island. It was built in 1825 by order of King Frederick 3 of Prussia. The Altes Museum houses the Antikensammlung Collection, one of the most important collections of classical art in the world. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday- Sunday, Closed Monday 

Neues Museum

The Neues Museum is located in a historic building built in 1843 and houses art from ancient Egypt and artifacts from the Stone Age. The building is worth visiting alone, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list for its outstanding architecture. It is the second oldest museum on Museum Island. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Thursday 10 am – 6 pm. 

Pergamonmuseum

Pergamonmuseum is the most popular museum in Berlin. So definitely make sure to reserve this in advance. The museum includes artifacts from antiquity in Iran, Egypt, etc. Currently, the north wing will be closed for refurbishment until 2025. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Thursday 10 am – 6 pm. 

Bode Museum

Bode Museum houses one of the largest medieval art collections as well as Byzantine art.

Alte Nationalgalerie

Alte Nationalgalerie is the national art gallery that was originally a contemporary art gallery, and now you can see 19th-century paintings as well as sculptures. Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM CLOSED Mondays 

Berlin Cathedral 

While I did not get to go inside the Berlin Dom or Berlin Cathedral, it costs 10 euros and 6.50 euros with the Berlin Welcome Card. Berlin Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It is a magnificent example of neo-Renaissance architecture, with a dome that rises 98 meters above the ground. The cathedral was built between 1894 and 1905, and it houses a museum, a crypt, and an organ with over 7000 pipes. The cathedral is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, except on Mondays when it closes at 5 pm. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year.

See Berlin By Boat

Berlin is a city with a rich history and culture, but also a modern and vibrant metropolis. One of the best ways to explore its diverse attractions is by boat. You can enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise along the Spree River, passing by landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral, and the East Side Gallery. You can also admire the architecture and urban landscape of Berlin from a different perspective, and learn more about its past and present from the onboard commentary. A boat tour of Berlin is a great option for anyone who wants to see the city in a short time and in a comfortable way. Tours last about an hour, some 2 hours, and range in price from USD 25 and up. 

Charlottenburg Palace 

Charlottenburg Palace is a Baroque palace in Berlin, Germany. It was built at the end of the 17th century by Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Frederick I, the first king of Prussia. The palace was expanded several times in the 18th century and has rich interior decoration in Baroque and Rococo styles. The palace also has a large formal garden with a belvedere, a mausoleum, a theatre, and a pavilion. Charlottenburg Palace is a major tourist attraction and a cultural heritage site.

• Opening hours: 10.00 – 17.00 (all days except Monday).
• The cost of visiting the castle: adult – 19 euros, child (under 18 years) – 15 euros. Please note that when buying tickets online (through the official website), tickets will cost 2 euros less. Entrance to the park is free.

Free things to do for a Berlin City Break

Take a free walking tour .

If you are visiting Berlin and want to explore the city without spending a lot of money, you might want to consider taking a free walking tour. A free walking tour is a guided tour that does not have a fixed price, but instead relies on tips from the participants. You can join a free walking tour by booking online or showing up at the meeting point. Many free walking tours in Berlin cover different topics and areas, such as the history of Berlin, the street art scene, the Third Reich, and more. You can find more information about free walking tours in Berlin on websites like freetour.com or freewalkersberlin.com. Taking a free walking tour is a great way to learn more about the city, meet new people, and have fun!

The Reichstag 

The Reichstag building is a historic government building in Berlin that has been the seat of the German Bundestag since 1999. It was built from 1884 to 1894 by Paul Wallot in a Neo-Renaissance style. The building has a large glass dome that offers a panoramic view of the city. If you want to visit the roof and the dome, you need to register online in advance and go through a security check. The visit is free and includes an audio guide that explains the history and functions of the Reichstag.

The Reichstag building is more than just a tourist attraction. It is also a symbol of German democracy and history. The building witnessed many important events, such as the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871, the Reichstag fire in 1933, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the reunification of Germany in 1990. The building was renovated by British architect Norman Foster after reunification, who added the modern glass dome as a contrast to the old structure. The dome also symbolizes transparency and openness, as visitors can look down at the plenary hall where lawmakers debate and vote.

The Reichstag building is open every day from 8:00 am to midnight, with the last admission at 10:00 pm. You can register online up to three months in advance or on the same day at the service center near the building. It is required to bring proof of your identity for security purposes. You can also book a guided tour of the building or a visit to the roof garden restaurant. For more information, visit https://www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag .

Jewish Museum Berlin 

If you are interested in learning more about the history and memory of the Holocaust, you might want to visit one of the museums dedicated to this topic. One of them is the **Jewish Museum Berlin**, which has a core exhibition that explores the Jewish history and culture in Germany from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as temporary exhibitions that focus on specific aspects of the Holocaust and its aftermath.

The Jewish Museum Berlin is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, except for some Jewish holidays and Christmas Eve. Admission to the core exhibition is free for everyone, while the temporary exhibitions cost 8 € at the regular rate or 3 € at the reduced rate. Children and teenagers under 18 get in free, as do a few other visitor categories. You can find more information on their website or buy a ticket online.

The Berlin Wall Memorial 

Another museum that you can visit is the **Berlin Wall Memorial**, which commemorates the division of Berlin by the wall and its victims. The memorial consists of an outdoor exhibition on Bernauer Strasse, where you can see the remains of the wall and other historical traces, as well as a documentation center and a visitor center that provide information and education about the wall and its impact on the people of Berlin. The outdoor exhibition is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, while the documentation center and the visitor center are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Admission to the memorial is free for everyone.

Don’t miss a chance to walk along the East Side Gallery in Berlin this is the largest section of the Berlin Wall still standing and there is amazing street art here as well. 

Topography of Terror 

One day I was looking for free things to do in Berlin and this popped up. I am so glad it did. The Topography of Terror is a museum in Berlin that documents and commemorates the crimes committed by the Nazi regime from 1933 to 1945. It is situated on the former site of the central institutions of Nazi persecution and terror: the headquarters of the Secret State Police (Gestapo), the SS, and the Reich Security Main Office. These buildings were the nerve center of the Nazi terror apparatus, where orders were issued, reports were received and victims were interrogated, tortured, and executed. 

The museum consists of two parts: an indoor exhibition and an outdoor exhibition. The indoor exhibition covers 800 square meters and displays more than 800 photos, documents, and media stations that illustrate the history of Nazi terror and its impact on individuals and society. The Topography of Terror is a place of remembrance and education that aims to inform visitors about the Nazi dictatorship and its crimes, as well as to raise awareness of the dangers of dictatorship and violence in general.

Checkpoint Charlie 

Checkpoint Charlie was named by the Western Allies, who also had Checkpoint Alpha and Bravo along the border. It was located on Friedrichstrasse, a historic street in the American-occupied city center. Checkpoint Charlie was the only place where East Germany allowed foreign diplomats, military personnel, and tourists to enter or leave East Berlin. The Allies stationed their guards there to ensure their access to the Soviet sector. The Allied side of Checkpoint Charlie was very simple, consisting of a small shack and some sandbags. The East German side was more elaborate, with guard towers, barriers, and a shed where vehicles were searched for fugitives.

Checkpoint Charlie became a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany. It attracted many visitors and protesters, who often expressed their solidarity with the people of East Berlin or their opposition to the Wall. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled and removed. Today, there is a replica of the original guardhouse and a museum that displays artifacts and stories related to the checkpoint and the Cold War.

Gendarmenmarkt

Is a picturesque square known for the iconic three buildings that surround it. It is surrounded by three historic buildings: the French Cathedral, the German Cathedral, and the Concert Hall. Gendarmenmarkt is a popular tourist attraction because of its beautiful architecture and cultural events. You can visit Gendarmenmarkt to admire the monuments, enjoy a concert or explore the Christmas market in winter.

Visit Berlin Markets 

Mauerpark Flea Market: This is the most popular and crowded flea market in Berlin and for good reason. You can find everything from antiques and vinyl records to art and jewelry. There’s also live music, karaoke, and street performers to keep you entertained. It’s open every Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Markthalle Neun: This is a historic market hall that hosts different themed markets throughout the week. You can find organic produce, artisan cheese, fresh bread, and more. My favorite is Street Food Thursday, where you can sample cuisines from all over the world. It’s open from Monday to Saturday, with varying hours depending on the day.

Nowkoelln Flowmarkt: This is a hip and trendy flea market that attracts young and creative people. You can find clothes, books, accessories, and more. It’s also a great place to chill by the canal and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s open every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 10 am to 5 pm.

Kollwitzplatz Farmers Market is a great farmers market I went to in Prenzlauer Berg. It had over 50 vendors and a lot of great food. Come here and grab a coffee or crepe!

Berlin City Parks 

I was surprised to learn Berlin is one of the greenest cities in Europe! There are over 25000 parks and over 1 million trees in the city!

The Tiergarten is one of the most famous parks and comes alive in the summer. Take a bike and cycle through the park, see the victory statue, and even go to one of the best beer gardens in Berlin. 

The Tiergarten is like a green oasis in the middle of the urban jungle! The Tiergarten was once a royal hunting ground, but now it’s open to everyone who wants to relax, have fun or learn something new. There are many monuments, museums, and landmarks in and around the park, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Victory Column, and the Haus der Kulturen der Welt. You can also find a lovely beer garden by a lake, where you can taste some local specialties.

I had a wonderful time walking around the park, admiring the trees, flowers, and animals. The Tiergarten is a must-see for anyone who visits Berlin!

Treptower Park

If you love nature and history, you should visit Treptower Park in Berlin. It is a beautiful park along the river Spree, where you can enjoy the sun, the water, and the greenery. You can also see the impressive Soviet War Memorial, the Archenhold Observatory, and the former Spreepark amusement park. Treptower Park is a great place to relax and explore. Come and see for yourself!

Hot tub down River Spree for a fun adventure with friends. Berlin Bootsverleih. It looks super fun, especially from the Zenner Biergarten and Weingarten a cool beer garden located along the river Spree. 

Tempelhofer Park

If you’re looking for a unique and fun place to spend your day in Berlin, look no further than Tempelhofer Park! This former airport has been transformed into a huge urban park where you can enjoy nature, culture, and sports. Here are some reasons why you should visit Tempelhofer Park:

– Explore the history of aviation and see the old terminals, hangars, and runways.

– You can join the locals in biking, skating, jogging, or flying kites on the vast open space.

– Relax on the grass, have a picnic or barbecue, or visit the community gardens and urban farms.

– Check out the events and festivals that take place throughout the year, such as concerts, markets, and exhibitions.

Tempelhofer Park is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves adventure, creativity, and diversity. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the most amazing parks in the world!

Eat Traditional German Food

In Berlin, there are two staples Doner Kebab and Currywurst. Of course, there is more to German cuisine, but the birthplace of the doner kebab is in Berlin. The sandwich as most of us know it today was popularized by Turkish immigrants in the 1970s. Today there are more doner kebab shops in Berlin, than there are in Istanbul.  This is a must for any Berlin city break.

Currywurst is another fast food dish in Germany.The curry wurst is a fried sausage, cut. up, and served with fries and curry sauce on the side.   

Don’t forget to spend an afternoon in a beer garden. Don’t worry they have choices too for those not looking to drink. 

Watch Sunset at Klunkerkranich 

If you are looking for an epic view of the skyline of Berlin and a place to go to watch an epic sunset with vibes, Klunkerkranich is the place. It is located in  Neukölln . There are also many vegan options for food, and there was even a DJ. The location is cool, on top of a parking lot that is attached to a mall! Very Berlin and a must on your Berlin City Break.

Day Trips From Berlin

Potsdam is about a 40-minute train ride from the center of Berlin. Here you can find a quaint Old Town, next to the stunning Sanssouci Palace and gardens. This is the Versailles of Berlin. I have been here for the Christmas Market, which was a magical experience and I can only imagine the experience would be amazing with the full bloom of the palace gardens.

The Perfect Berlin City Break Wrapped

As you can see, Berlin has something for everyone, and it’s a great destination for a city break. You can find cheap flights and hotels online, or book a package deal that includes everything you need. You can also get around easily by using public transport or renting a bike. No matter what you choose to do in Berlin, you will have an unforgettable experience that will make you want to come back again.

Cool tip: Take a selfie at the Photoautomat for a souvenir to take home.

Where to stay in Berlin as a solo traveler?

The Circus Berlin Hostel 

If you looking for a cool and cheap place to crash in Berlin? Well, you’re in luck, because I’ve got the perfect spot for you: the Circus Hostel. This hostel is not just a place to sleep, it’s a place to have a blast with other travelers and locals. Let me tell you why you should book your stay at the Circus Hostel.

The Circus Hostel is in the middle of Berlin, near the awesome Rosenthaler Platz. This place is happening, with tons of bars, cafes, and shops to check out. It’s super easy to get around the city from here, because there are many modes of public transport options nearby, like the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus. You can also walk or bike to some of the coolest sights, like Museum Island, where you can see some ancient stuff and art; the Brandenburg Gate, where you can feel the vibe of Berlin; and the Berlin Wall, where you can snap some pics of the colorful graffiti and monuments. The hostel has bikes for hire so you don’t have to worry about returning or picking them up elsewhere. 

The rooms 

The hostel has all kinds of rooms to fit your style and budget. You can pick from dorms, private rooms, or apartments. All rooms are neat and roomy, and have everything you need, like free Wi-Fi, lockers, and linens. Some rooms also have balconies or private bathrooms. I got lucky with a beautiful view, and apartment, and loved having coffee each morning from my balcony overlooking the Berlin TV Tower and Berlin Cathedral. My apartment/suite was amazing with a wrap-around balcony, full kitchen, fridge, and coffee maker. There was also a seating area with a smart TV. It was by far the best hostel suite I have ever had. 

Best Hostel For A Berlin City Break

The hostel also has a 24/7 reception, a laundry room, luggage storage, and a cafe with breakfast all you can eat til 1 pm. This is not your average hostel either. They have a microbrewery in the basement, which makes it easy to meet other travelers. 

But what makes the Circus Hostel different from other hostels is its fun and chill vibe. The hostel has tons of events and activities for guests and locals, like pub crawls, walking tours, yoga classes, karaoke nights, and live music. You can also dig into a yummy breakfast buffet at the hostel’s cafe, which has organic and fair-trade stuff; or grab a drink at the rooftop bar, which has an amazing view of the city and a microbrewery that makes its beer.

The Circus Hostel is not just a place to sleep. It’s a place to meet new people, explore new cultures, and have a blast in Berlin for a Berlin city break. If you’re looking for a hostel that has comfort, convenience, and creativity, you’ll love staying at the Circus Hostel. Also, they have a boutique hotel across the street, but I enjoyed my experience at the Circus Hostel as a solo traveler to Berlin. It was a perfect base to set off to explore on my Berlin city break. 

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The post Berlin City Break: Ultimate Guide Travel Guide To Berlin, Germany appeared first on Travels of Sarah Fay .

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Berlin city breaks

The greatest cultural extravaganza

Berlin holidays from

£ 179

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Feel the buzz of Berlin

Berlin is a remarkable capital, made even more remarkable by 20th Century events. It’s seen war, division, then unification – and emerged as one of Europe’s most fun and relaxed cities. Berlin satisfies urban explorers, culture cravers and ravers alike. It has 170 museums, Soviet architecture and 21st Century street art, while some nightlife venues stay open from Saturday evening until Sunday brunch. Speaking of food, you can indulge in everything from currywurst to baklava.

Visit the poignant Palace of Tears, where loved ones exchanged auf wiedersehens before crossing the Berlin Wall. Fancy a singalong? Head to Mauerpark on a Sunday for one huge karaoke party. For a night out, Kulturbrauerei is a former brewery housing bars, clubs and arts venues. Perfect your club-queue look first at the Bikini Berlin mall with its hip local fashion brands, and line your stomach with a doner kebab – said to have originated in Berlin – at one of the city’s many Imbisses. Chill with a river cruise or canoe trip on Berlin’s 100 miles of waterway. Book your flights to Berlin with us to bring out the best of your break.

Carefully selected Berlin city breaks

Best hotels in berlin for all types of traveller.

A grand dame of Berlin hotels, the Hotel Bristol Berlin has an 18-metre pool and a cosy bar behind its semi-circular facade. The nearby, ultra-modern H10 Berlin Ku'damm features stylish Pedro Pena-designed interiors and tempting fusion cuisine in its Salt & Pepper restaurant. Also close by is budget boutique hotel Max Brown Ku'Damm , with its copper pipes and exposed ducting muddled with mid-century furniture.

Vienna House Andel’s Berlin in Prenzlaueur Berg is a little bit retro, a little bit modern, and has a spa. Meanwhile, the Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel is a luxurious spa hotel in a handsome former 19th Century bank. Enjoy a drink on its rooftop terrace or afternoon tea in the grand Opera Court. Right next to the Brandenburg Gate, the distinguished Adlon Kempinski offers Michelin-starred dining, a splendid spa and butler service.

The contemporary Park Inn by Radisson Berlin-Alexanderplatz is, at 40 storeys, Berlin’s tallest hotel. Take in views of the nearby TV Tower and surrounding cityscape from the lounge bar. Or choose to stay at the Melia Berlin , on busy Friedrichstrasse, close to the River Spree and Museum Island. Upgrade to a Level suite and get exclusive lounge use.

Three-star hotels

Four-star hotels, five-star hotels.

Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz

£ 179 pp

Hilton Berlin

£ 214 pp

The Ritz-Carlton Berlin

£ 381 pp

2 night holidays

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Berlin Christmas markets

Was: 27 November – 31 December 2023

2024 Christmas market dates: TBC

With over 60 Christmas markets, feel mesmerised in Germany’s capital.  Go to the Berliner Weinachtszeit, behind the Alexanderplatz and take in the Christmas spirit at the captivating Charlottenburg Palace. 

Find Berlin Christmas market breaks

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Berlin holiday FAQs

Make the most of your berlin holiday.

Berlin’s a year-round destination: in winter there are charming Christmas markets, while rooftop bars beckon come summer. The past is ancient history; Berlin is a thoroughly modern city with a fun reputation – you’d better start exploring.

What are the best things to do in Berlin?

1. Start your trip on a high by ascending the Soviet-era TV tower and taking in Berlin’s urban sprawl from the sky. Cycle, stroll or hop on a bus through the streets to travel from sight to sight with ease.

2. See two great Berlin sights at once for free: ascend into the Norman Foster-designed dome of the Reichstag, and look out over the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of the city. Checkpoint Charlie marks the old divide between East and West Berlin, while the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is poignant, stark and sobering.

3. Berlin has 170 museums – the city’s UNESCO-listed Museum Island has five (including the Alte Nationalgalerie, where you can see works by Caspar David Friedrich), but the rest are close at hand. Squeeze into a Trabant at the interactive DDR Museum, binge on Bauhaus at the Museum of Design, or see the best modern art at the Berlinische Galerie.

4. Berliners love their brunch, and restaurants serve wonderful buffet spreads on Sundays that last until way past lunch. For dinner, try Turkish – Germany has the world’s largest Turkish diaspora. For a late-night snack you can’t beat a currywurst – a Berlin invention. The city even has a museum dedicated to the spiced sausage.

5. The Berlin Wall Memorial gives an impression of the structure that once divided a country. Located on the former border strip, it features a 70-metre stretch of the wall and a watchtower. It’s also home to the Window of Memorial, which commemorates those who risked their lives trying to cross it.

Which holiday type in Berlin is right for me?

This easy-to-navigate city is perfect for a short break. Checkpoint Charlie and the remaining Berlin Wall at East Side Gallery are must-sees on a first visit. Stay within easy reach of the best sights at the Hotel Riu Plaza Berlin .

Nurture your love of contemporary art at cool art space Urban Spree. See the famous Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra at the Philharmonie – tickets to the venue’s free Wednesday lunchtime concerts are sought after. Stay at the Hilton Berlin , near Checkpoint Charlie.

From techno to trance, clubbing in Berlin is quite an experience – nights out can last well into the next day. Tresor, in Mitte, is a legendary techno venue, while Berghain is one of the city’s best-known clubs. Carry ID and respect the door staff, who can be notoriously selective about who they let in. Stay at the Innside by Melia Berlin Mitte .

Start your luxury holiday in style and travel to Berlin in British Airways Club Europe, our business-class cabin, then install yourself in the Waldorf Astoria Berlin , the only deluxe hotel in the Kurfurstendamm area. Rejuvenate there in Germany’s only Guerlain spa. Dress yourself for dinner at KaDeWe, Berlin’s answer to Harrods.

Christmas markets appear magically all over Berlin from late November, selling authentic German handicrafts and conjuring a magical atmosphere. You can stock up on stollen and listen to the carols at iconic venues like Charlottenburg Palace and Alexanderplatz. Stay at the Hampton by Hilton to be near the latter.

Where are the best places to visit in Berlin?

In Mitte stroll along the Unter den Linden boulevard between the scenic Spree River and Brandenburg Gate. Ascend the TV Tower for stunning views from over 650 feet up. Visit lively Hackescher Markt, with its trendy boutiques, bars and cafes.

If you're staying in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, go to the opera, visit the imposing Olympic Stadium and shop for designer labels on Kurfurstendamm. Visit the landmark Kaiser Wilhem Memorial Church at Christmas to browse its excellent market, and head to Savignyplatz for lively bars, cafes and restaurants.

The red-brick Oberbaum Bridge links two districts once separated by the border, but now Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg is a united borough that’s countercultural and exciting. Stop by East Side Gallery, the Jewish Museum or Volkspark, a green oasis in an area dominated by Soviet-era blocks. Friedrichshain has the city’s highest concentration of clubs.

Even during communism the area north of Mitte was a magnet for bohemian artists and hip young things. Despite dramatic transformation since, Prenzlauer Berg retains its hipster vibe. Watch the world go by from a cafe, or visit PraterGarten, Berlin’s oldest beer garden, to cool off in summer.

Idyllic Tiergarten, famous for its boating lake, borders the totally modern Potsdamer Platz, which has been completely redeveloped - look out for the ‘cyberpunk’ architecture of the towering Sony Centre.

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Getting around Berlin

Planning to travel in Berlin? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Berlin experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations. Depending on your city, you can even use the app to get around with public transport, bikes or scooters, and more.

Plus, check out Uber rates for riders and drivers and learn how to use Uber to get paid to drive or deliver in Berlin.

Reserve car service in Berlin with Uber

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Berlin. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to Berlin Brandenburg Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.

Ride Sharing in Berlin

Getting around Berlin without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.

Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Berlin.

Berlin-area airport car service

When your travel in Berlin takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Choose the best ways to get around berlin, taxi in berlin.

Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Berlin. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.

Public transport in Berlin

Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in your neighborhood or visit popular places in Berlin by ridesharing with Uber.

Bike rentals in Berlin

Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around the heart of a city. In select cities, you can find and ride electric bikes with Uber. Open the app to see if bikes are available in Berlin. If bikes are available in Berlin, remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while riding.

Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.

Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.

Uber communicates your trip request exclusively to a licensed private-hire vehicle operator. All vehicles used meet the requirements of the PBefG and BOKraft. All drivers have a private-hire driving license. Each trip is insured by the operator’s motor insurance.

In Berlin, we mediate trips for ennoo Dienste GmbH, which is the responsible PHV operator. Whether you’re headed to work, to the airport, or to a party in the evening, Uber always delivers an affordable, safe, and reliable ride that is carried out by a professional transportation provider. With just the push of a button, you’ll be picked up by a vehicle of the transport operator. The Uber app’s GPS function determines your location. Before you enter the vehicle, you’ll see the driver’s photo, name, and license plate number. When you arrive at your destination, you just get out—the payment is completely cashless.

In Berlin, Uber provides five ride options: UberX, UberXL, Premium, Green and Taxi. With UberX, UberXL, Premium and Green, you can arrange a trip with an Uber driver-partner. With Taxi, you can arrange a trip with a regular taxi driver, with pricing at the official taxi rates. Tariffs of the Berlin Taxi Tariff Regulation apply, including applicable surcharges. More information can be found here .

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Guide to the 2024 total solar eclipse, gracing North American skies today: All to know

A spectacular celestial event is upon us.

Today, Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cloak the Earth in darkness.

Here's everything you need to know about the total solar eclipse – also known as the Great North American Eclipse –  including how to practice safe viewing, its path of totality, the local weather forecast and more.

GUIDE TO 2024 ECLIPSE: Total solar eclipse will cross 13 U.S. states on April 8: Is Maryland in its path?

What is the eclipse's path of totality?

A total solar eclipse's path of totality is where observers located in the center of the moon's shadow will witness the moon completely cover the sun.

Totality is the only stage of the eclipse that can viewed with the naked eye, according to  NASA . Due to the sun's bright surface, special eclipse glasses must be worn for safety during every other stage.

Today, the total solar eclipse's path of totality will stretch 115 miles wide. To witness the solar eclipse, onlookers must be within its designated path.

Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT, reported  NASA .

The path of the total solar eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas, before cutting diagonally across the country, Delmarva Now previously reported.

The eclipse will then travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to  NASA's map .

WHERE TO WATCH THE ECLIPSE: Solar eclipse watch events at Wallops, Maryland and DC: Where, when to get in on the fun

Here are the 13 major U.S. cities that will experience totality (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends), reported  USA TODAY :

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

How to practice safe viewing during the total solar eclipse

NASA reminds onlookers to practice safe viewing before and after the solar eclipse. During the eclipse, special eclipse glasses or welder's goggles must be worn.

Without proper eye protection, viewers can suffer “eclipse blindness” – a serious injury in which the eye’s retina is damaged by solar radiation – within seconds of staring at the sun, according to the American Optometric Association .

The sun produces enough light to permanently damage one's retina, reported USA Today. Humans' eyes have never evolved to look at the sun without suffering severe damage. Regular, everyday sunglasses are, therefore, not safe to use.

"Keep safety your #1 priority when viewing the eclipse by knowing how to protect your eyes," the Worcester County Health Department said.

ECLIPSE RETINA DAMAGE: Can you really go blind from looking at a solar eclipse? Real life cautionary tales.

Can the total solar eclipse be seen in Maryland?

The state of Maryland is not in the solar eclipse's path of totality.

However, a partial eclipse  —  hinging on good weather and clear skies, which Delmarva may very well be handed —  will be visible throughout all 48 contiguous U.S. states, including Maryland.

A partial eclipse differs greatly from a total solar eclipse. This kind occurs when the orbiting moon passes between the sun and Earth, but the sun, moon and Earth are not perfectly lined up.

Maryland's Lower Shore will see a partial eclipse for 2 hours and 27 minutes. 83.1% of the sun will be obscured by the moon at the peak. Search for your ZIP code below or select a major city to reveal the time, duration, peak and percentage of the eclipse in your area.

Marylanders can choose to stay put for the partial eclipse or travel to see more. Those who want to travel to witness the total eclipse won't have to go too far. The total solar eclipse will be visible in cities such as Erie, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; and Buffalo, New York.

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: When is the solar eclipse in Salisbury, Delmarva? Search by ZIP code

Weather forecast for Salisbury, Ocean City for solar eclipse day

Here's what residents of Salisbury and Ocean City, Md., can expect for today's weather forecast.

Accuweather says Salisbury can expect sunny to partly cloudy skies, with a daytime high of 62 degrees and nighttime low of 46 degrees. There will be a 6 percent chance of precipitation and southwest winds of 8 miles per hour.

In Ocean City, onlookers can also expect sunny to partly cloudy skies, with a daytime high of 56 degrees and a nighttime low of 48 degrees. There will be a 4 percent chance of precipitation and south-southwest winds of 8 miles per hour.

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at  [email protected] .

Watch CBS News

Earthquake maps show where seismic activity shook the Northeast today

By Lucia Suarez Sang

Updated on: April 5, 2024 / 7:51 PM EDT / CBS News

Residents across the Northeast were rattled by a  4.8 magnitude earthquake that shook  the densely populated New York City metropolitan area and much of the surrounding region on Friday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey was quick to release maps showing the spot where the quake was centered, in New Jersey, and the area where it was felt.

The USGS reported the quake occurred about 7 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. It indicated that the quake might have been felt by more than 42 million people. There were several aftershocks later in the day, including one with a magnitude of 4.0.

People in Baltimore , Philadelphia , New Jersey, Connecticut, Boston and other areas of the Northeast reported shaking. Tremors lasting for several seconds were felt over 200 miles away near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.

The map below shows the seismic intensity of the earthquake. The map, which is mostly a lighter shade of blue, shows that the intensity was light to weak, depending on the distance from the epicenter. 

Another map released by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre on X, formerly Twitter, highlights the eyewitness reports of shaking and possible damage levels during the seismic event. 

#Earthquake 18 mi W of #Plainfield (New Jersey) 23 min ago (local time 10:23:20). Updated map - Colored dots represent local shaking & damage level reported by eyewitnesses. Share your experience via: 📱 https://t.co/IbUfG7TFOL 🌐 https://t.co/wErQf69jIn pic.twitter.com/jBjVw1ngAD — EMSC (@LastQuake) April 5, 2024

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have been briefed on the quake. 

"We're taking this extremely seriously and here's why: There's always the possibility of aftershocks. We have not felt a magnitude of this earthquake since about 2011," Hochul said. 

People across the region were startled by the rumbling of the quake. One New York City resident told CBS New York's Elijah Westbrook, "I was laying in my bed, and my whole apartment building started shaking. I started freaking out," 

It's not the first time the East Coast and New York City have been hit by an earthquake. 

A 5.0 quake was measured in New York City in 1884. 

The shaking stirred memories of the Aug. 23, 2011, earthquake that jolted tens of millions of people from Georgia to Canada. Registering magnitude 5.8, it was the strongest quake to hit the East Coast since World War II. The epicenter was in Virginia.

That earthquake left cracks in the Washington Monument, spurred the evacuation of the White House and Capitol and rattled New Yorkers three weeks before the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

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• Earthquakes
• United States Geological Survey
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Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at cbsnews.com. Previously, Lucia was the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has previously written for outlets including FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino and the Rutland Herald.

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