33 things to do in Berlin: travel guide
One of the strangest yet incredible capitals in Europe, Berlin is a city with a truly unique vibe. Set against the backdrop of grey Soviet-are buildings, Berlin remains infectiously vibrant, hip, and artistic. Covered with graffiti, the city offers a much different experience, compared to common European manicured capitals. Here, we had a chance to explore the cultural and historical past in numerous museums, enjoy an exceptional techno scene, and indulge in delicious currywurst. We found there was no shortage of amazing things to see in Berlin, from the iconic Berlin Wall and enlightening Topography of Terror to the one-of-a-kind Berghain and relaxing Tropical Island.
In this guide, we will compile our personal top picks for incredible things to do Berlin has to offer. From museums depicting the most tragic parts of German history to colorful street art and lush parks, this guide is full of our best personal experiences in Berlin.
Let’s kickstart our expansive Berlin guide with the top things to do in Berlin. In this section, we will dive into the most iconic and beloved tourist destinations across the German capital. To learn more about this part of the city, hop on a free tour of Berlin's historical center.
Museum Island comprises five major museums featuring cultural and historical artifacts from Germany and beyond. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the island includes the Old Museum, the New Museum, the Old National Gallery, the Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum.
While the Old Museum (Altes Museum) houses an impressive collection of classic antiquities, the Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie) is home to a large array of Romantic, Impressionist, and Modernist masterpieces. The New Museum (Neues Museum) displays an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts, including the iconic Nefertiti bust. Finally, the Bode Museum offers a glimpse into Byzantine art, while the Pergamon Museum houses replicas of ancient buildings, with highlights like the Pergamon Altar and Ishtar Gate from Babylon.
Arguably the most iconic construction of the German capital. The TV Tower (Fernsehturm) stands at 368 meters tall drawing people’s attention from anywhere in the city center. What was built as a testament to Berlin’s communist regime in 1969 was redefined as a symbol of the reunification of Germany 20 years later.
We didn’t miss our chance to ascend this remarkable structure to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The elevator took us to the viewing platform which offered spectacular 360-degree vistas of the German capital city. After taking in the city skyline, we headed halfway down to the Telecafe, a small restaurant inside the tower with reasonable prices, friendly staff, and incredible panoramic views.
Another landmark synonymous with the city itself, the Berlin Wall remains one of the most important pieces of history. Although most of the wall has been dismantled, the remnants are carefully preserved to show the life of Berliners on both sides of the wall. If you want to get a comprehensive overview, we recommend heading to the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial.
This 1.4 km-long section of the wall depicts the events from the past: what it was like to live on the Eastern side, how people tried to flee, how Berliners from both sides communicated, and more. We got a glimpse into their everyday struggles and learned how disruptive and heartbreaking this division was.
Completed in 1791 under the Prussian Emperor, Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) was modeled after the Propylaea of Athens' Acropolis. Trying to combine the Renaissance with classical antiquity, the construction quickly became symbolic for the city.
On one of the free tours in Berlin, we also learned that the gate played a major role during the Cold War. The border between Eastern and Western Germany was slightly west of Brandenburg Gate, and the wall was built to avoid the famous construction leaving it out of reach for both sides. As a result, the gate became the visual representation of the segregation of two sides of the country.
After the wall fell (die Wende), joyful citizens went to the gate to celebrate the reunion, crowning the Brandenburger Tor the symbol of reunification.
Reichstag is the final attraction on the list of top things to do in Berlin, Germany. Built in 1894, this neo-Renaissance marvel took severe damage during the 1933 fire and the subsequent World War II. However, the building was restored after the country’s reunification and continues to house important government discussions.
We decided to hop on a Reichstag tour to learn more about the fascinating history of this resilient city. On the tour, we got to roam the premises of Reichstag and go up the glass dome to enjoy amazing views. Furthermore, we even had a chance to sit in one of the Parliamentary discussions to witness democracy in person.
What to do in Berlin for those seeking cultural experiences and who would like to learn more about the history of this incredible town? In this part, we will investigate the most culturally significant spots in the city, from art galleries and museums to memorials and monuments.
Commonly known as the Holocaust Memorial, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe honors the millions of Jews who lost their lives during the Nazi regime. Located in the center of the city, the monument comprises over 2,700 concrete blocks of varying heights arranged in a grid pattern across a 19,000-square-meter field. The design is intended to create a sense of disorientation for the visitors who walk through the memorial’s grounds.
Beneath the monument is the information center housing names, letters, diaries, and photographs of over three million Jewish Holocaust victims. Here, we learned more about this dark period of history and got some context about the Nazi regime and genocide.
The abstract nature of the monument is what makes it so powerful. There’s no explicit suffering, yet a stroll through the grid pattern will leave you feeling anxious, isolated, and uneasy.
After learning about the darkest time in modern history, we headed to the East Side Gallery to take a walk and enjoy contemporary fine arts. In 1989, after the wall fell, 118 artists from all corners of the world flocked to Berlin to paint murals on what was left of the Berlin Wall to celebrate the country’s unity and spirit.
While the most iconic mural remains Vrubel’s “Brotherhood Kiss” depicting Brezhnev and Honecker’s kiss in an embrace, the wall houses numerous incredible pieces of art. What makes this gallery unique is its unending dialogue with the elements and the public. Unlike traditional museums that preserve their artworks, the wall exposes them, allowing the art form to continuously evolve.
Another incredible spot for art lovers is Urban Nation, a contemporary museum full of murals, photography, sculptures, street art, and other forms of visual art. In fact, Urban Nation is the first museum in the world that decided to focus on street art and give it a platform to develop and legitimize.
Even the facade of the museum serves as a canvas displaying urban art from local and international artists, blurring the boundaries between a serious art institution and street art. Inside the gallery, we discovered artworks by world-renowned Banksy and Fairey, as well as emerging talents. Beyond exhibitions, the museum offers a range of residencies and workshops along with a research library dedicated to street art history.
Situated on the Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is a Protestant Church built in the neo-Renaissance style. Completed in 1905 during Kaiser Wilhelm II’s reign, Berlin Cathedral houses a massive organ that we could enjoy at one of the regularly held concerts. Although the church sustained significant damage during WWII, the cathedral was restored after the wall fell.
Along with hosting religious ceremonies, the cathedral also serves as a museum and concert venue. We also decided to ascend the 270 steps to the dome’s viewing deck to enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city.
Berlin is a city that has witnessed a lot of pain and suffering which is depicted in its numerous museums. Topography of Terror is another museum worth visiting for anyone interested in German history. The museum houses the headquarters of the Gestapo and SS between 1933 and 1945. This is where decisions about the persecutions and killings of people of Jewish, Romani, and Sinti descent were made.
The topography of the Terror Museum focuses on photographic and biographical documentation showcasing the development of the Nazi regime through everyday scenes of horror. At the museum, we could follow the photographic evidence to discover the banality and mundanity of evil which allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the horrors that took place.
In this section, let’s explore the best things to do in Berlin for outdoor activities. The German capital is very green, full of small alleys, large gardens, and lush parks.
After spending the whole morning exploring Berlin’s museums, we were due for a restful afternoon in a park. The perfect spot for a relaxing stroll in the greenery, Tiergarten is among the most beloved parks in Berlin by both locals and visitors.
Housed in a 520-acre forest, Tiergarten has transformed from a royal hunting ground to an urban city park. Filled with winding trail paths, beautiful lakes, and peaceful meadows, the park is an idyllic spot for those looking for a quiet retreat in the heart of the city. Curiously enough, in the summer, the park becomes the favorite spot for sunbathing, and it’s especially popular among the nudist (FKK) community.
The serene greenery of the park is set against the backdrop of iconic cultural landmarks, including Bellevue Palace, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, and Federal Chancellery.
A former airport, Tempelhofer Field is now a huge park, offering a range of outdoor activities, from jogging and rollerblading to cycling and kite surfing. We were looking for a more relaxed experience so we came with a packed picnic to enjoy our lunch amid this gorgeous and peaceful greenery.
This enormous 950-acre park once served as parade grounds for the Prussian army and later as an airport until 2008, when it ceased all operations. As per the citizens’ request, the space wasn’t sold to any company but was repurposed as a spacious park. The airport terminal itself was rebuilt to house refugees.
Erected in 1699, Charlottenburg Palace is a Baroque-style building that served as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte. Inspired by the Versailles Palace in Paris, Charlottenburg Palace is adorned with opulent interiors and beautiful gardens. From lavish rooms and excellent porcelain collections to a wide collection of royal portraits, the palace is worth a visit.
However, for us, the highlight was the grounds of the palace, full of enchanting greenery. The Charlottenburg Palace Garden features meticulously manicured plants, colorful flowers, and extravagant fountains. When we went further down, we witnessed the gardens turning into a more casual park with walking paths, small ponds, and lush trees.
Unter den Linden is a famous boulevard in the Berlin center brimming with historical artifacts and tourist attractions. Stretching from the Brandenburg Gate to the Museum Island, the street is lined with linden trees, cafes, institutions, churches, and other iconic landmarks.
Our Unter den Linden tour started from the Brandenburg Gate to the east, where we encountered Pariser Platz, the Russian embassy, Humboldt University, and the State Opera House. The tour culminated at the Bebelplatz, the historic ground, where Nazis famously burned banned books.
The street is adorned with numerous cafes with outdoor terraces, allowing you to enjoy the views, quaint bookshops, and breathtaking architectural marvels.
Mauerpark literally translates to wall park and used to be part of the Berlin Wall. After the wall fell, citizens reclaimed the space for public use and Mauerpark was created. Every Sunday, the park hosts the city’s largest flea market, full of vintage items, Soviet memorabilia, handmade jewelry, and retro furniture.
Another fun highlight of the park is the amphitheater that hosts karaoke nights allowing citizens to transform into a stars in front of hundreds of people. As we walked through the grounds, we saw visitors enjoying a game of basketball, street performers juggling fire, musicians playing tunes, and much more.
Mauerpark is not the opulent manicured gardens of a royal palace, on the contrary, it’s a rough urban setting with traces of the military past.
Let’s move on to some of the more unique things to do in Berlin. In this part, we will focus on Berlin-specific attractions that you won’t find anywhere else.
The essence of Berlin's clubbing scene, Berghain stands as the most known venue for electronic music. Housed inside a former German plant, the building conveys a brutalist vibe, with its concrete elements and metal equipment.
The most iconic part of the experience is getting through the infamous Sven Marquardt, whose stringent policies have become the local lore. His legendary door policy has spawned countless stories and strategies, creating even more mystery around this club. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to explore this iconic techno spot for ourselves but managed to collect some expert tips from local partygoers. It’s recommended by locals to enter alone or in pairs and speak at least some German to maximize a successful entry.
Inside, you will be greeted by industrial stairs leading you into a giant room with 30-foot ceilings and the best sound system in the world. If you head upstairs, you’ll see a Panorama Bar, offering house music. You cannot take any pictures when you’re inside the club to preserve the carefully crafted mystery surrounding this venue.
Exploring local street markets is among my favorite activities when visiting new places, and Berlin is not shy on amazing market experiences. Markthalle Neun is genuinely one of the most unique experiences, full of delectable food, intricate craftsmanship, and sustainable agriculture. Dating back to 1891, the market managed to survive the horrors of the 20th century, including the war and separation unscathed.
Nowadays, Markthalle Neun is a booming culinary scene that celebrates regional farmers. Every Thursday, the market hosts an event that unites vendors from global cuisines to kick off the city’s most diverse culinary experience. We had a blast roaming the grounds of this market, sampling delicious international eating options, and immersing ourselves in different languages and cultures.
While rooftop bars are mostly a prerogative for warmer cities, Berlin is not like others. Klunkerkranich is a large bar located on the rooftop parking level of a Neukölln Arcaden shopping center. Here, we got to enjoy a nice conversation while sipping on a delicious German beer overlooking the exciting city views.
We arrived right before the sunset to catch the breathtaking views of the sun going down amid this infectiously exhilarating atmosphere. The venue is full of quirky and whimsical art pieces, interesting people, and a unique Berlin vibe. After sundown, we were happy to discover some dynamic DJ tunes to set the mood.
The venue also regularly hosts various creative events, from film screenings and dance performances to gardening workshops and art exhibitions.
Those fascinated by the city’s Soviet past and interested in vintage cannot miss the Arkonaplatz Market in Prenzlauer Berg. Every Sunday morning, the market opens its doors to locals and tourists, offering a wide range of GDR-era furniture and electronics, handcrafted ceramics, and vintage clothes from the 1970s and 1980s.
A rather smaller market, it hosts about 60 vendors, mostly retired designers and craftsmen, displaying their unique collections of 20th-century treasures. We had a blast walking through the market, investigating these old relics, and conversing with the vendors about the history behind the items.
The market is also set amidst the beautiful square surrounded by elegant 19th-century buildings, quaint cafes, and boutique shops. Aside from exceptional shopping, the market is also a spot for socializing and meeting like-minded vintage lovers.
The capital of European street art, Berlin offers numerous street art tours, shedding more light on this controversial art genre. On the Street Art tour, we learned stories behind iconic graffiti, learned about the techniques and rules, as well as found out some secrets of the craft.
Led by professional artists, the tours offer a glimpse into famous and lesser-known street art, exploring their history and cultural importance. For example, we took a look at some of the abandoned buildings and learned how they became experimental canvases after the wall fell. To this day, the established practices from the 1990s are relevant and integral to the local street art scene.
What to do in Berlin for travelers with an adventurous spirit looking to explore more of the surrounding regions? Let’s take a look at the best ideas for a day trip from Berlin.
Only 30 kilometers away from the capital, Potsdam is a small charming town overflown with UNESCO-protected landmarks. The highlight of the entire area is definitely the Sanssouci Palace (Schloss Sanssouci), a Versailles-inspired castle built by Prussian King Frederick in 1745.
A Rococo masterpiece, the palace encompasses the King’s vision of a private and secluded sanctuary away from big settlements. Beyond the castle are the manicured lush gardens spread across 700 acres, featuring rare flowers, well-kempt bushes and trees, and English-style landscaping.
Potsdam was also home to the famously important Conference of 1945 where Churchill, Stalin, and Truman reimagined Europe’s map. The conference took place inside the Cecilienhof Palace, which can be toured on-site to learn more about this vital and fascinating part of German and European history.
History buffs who are interested in analyzing the horrors of WWII and the Holocaust can learn a lot from a 35km trip to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Created in 1936, the camp imprisoned roughly 200,000 people over the years until 1945. Later, the camp site was employed by the Soviets who used it to capture and hold prisoners until 1950.
I’ll be honest with you, visiting the site where such horrific events took place is not easy and requires some mental preparation. The on-site museum holds records of the camp’s history, shedding some light on the gruesome conditions. The exhibitions showcase the fate of Jewish prisoners, how they lived there, the medical treatment they received, and numerous crimes that were committed on these grounds.
If you have a couple of days to spare and would like to veer off the usual tourist path, don’t miss the Saxon Switzerland experience. Located roughly 230 kilometers southeast of Berlin, this area is considered among the most beautiful in the entire country.
From casual hiking and cycling to top-tier rock climbing, Saxon Switzerland is full of exciting and unique activities for people across ages and physical strengths. Head to the Bastei Bridge, a 76-meter stone structure offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding area. The largest hilltop construction in Europe, Königstein, is also here, towering over the River Elbe on a plateau.
For those with an adventurous spirit and decent stamina, the area offers the Painters’ Way (Malerweg). Although we were too exhausted to accept this challenge this time, this 112km route taken by world-famous Romantic painters, including Caspar David Friedrich is worth the effort.
We decided to hop on the Spreewald tour to explore this UNESCO-recognized reserve and try our hand at kayaking. Located only 100 kilometers from the city, Spreewald is a hidden gem with countless waterways spread across 276 km. With over 300 canals, the Spree River offers wooden punting boats to experience the waterways.
We rented a boat with a skilled boatman who took you through the winding paths to remote meadows only accessible by water. In fact, that’s how locals have been getting around for centuries, making it quite a unique experience. On route, we reached several historic villages that are so picturesque that they seem to be completely frozen in time.
Missing the tropical climate amidst your European trip? Berlin has got you covered with the Tropical Island, located 60 kilometers south of the city. This enormous structure houses artificial beaches, rainforests, and lagoons beneath roof panels that let natural sunlight through.
The island is divided into areas, with the South Sea featuring a giant artificial beach and a Tropical Village offering traditional South Asian buildings and restaurants. Our personal favorite part was the Botanical Garden, brimming with over 50 palm trees and rare flora nestles under a 107-meter ceiling.
To our surprise, the island even features a hot air balloon ride providing exceptional views of this manufactured tropical paradise.
In this part, we will explore some fun things to do in Berlin, especially for couples. From endless shopping and romantic concerts to serene sightseeing cruises, this guide will give you some pointers on how to impress your significant other.
KaDeWe is the largest department store in Europe, known as Kaufhaus des Westens, or KaDeWe for short. Spanning over eight floors, this enormous mall has something for anyone, from luxurious designer collections to local crafts and endless culinary options.
On this giant food court, we had a chance to sample anything and everything, including delicious oysters, handmade pasta, and even sparking champagne at the rooftop bar. But our favorite part was the confectionery department offering mouthwatering chocolate creations from the best chefs in the country and beyond.
Stick around until the sunset to enjoy a delectable drink inside the 7th-floor Wintergarden restaurant overlooking the colorful and dramatic Berlin sky.
If you’re looking for a musical break from the powerful techno scene, check out the Candlelight Concerts. Taking place in different venues across the city, from smaller institutions to large churches, these concerts transform these architectural marvels into intimate sanctuaries perfect for a couple’s date.
Surrounded by hundreds of flickering lights, these performances reimagine classical pieces through modern tech, programming, and dramatic settings. However, these concerts often also feature reinterpretations of rock and pop songs from famous bands like AC/DC or Coldplay.
In the summer, you can even catch an event in open courtyards of historic buildings against the backdrop of the breathtaking star-filled sky. Some performances incorporate visual elements, including dancing and light shows.
Another exciting date idea is an exciting ride on the World Balloon, an ascent of 150 meters above Berlin’s Mitte. The platform can accommodate up to 30 people, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful Berlin skyline with groups of friends and family. From here, we also rediscovered previously explored attractions like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall from a bird’s eye view.
The best tip for this ride is to plan it around the sunset to catch the gorgeous golden light bathing in the endless streetlights of the busy city. And after the ride, we indulged in a delicious dinner to reward ourselves for this scary yet incredible experience.
If you have a fear of heights or simply aren’t in the mood for the World Balloon, dinner cruises offer another unique way to explore the city. Set on the River Spree, the cruise explores waterways through the heart of the city. During the two to four hours long cruise, we marveled at numerous tourist destinations while enjoying a delicious German dinner.
On our journey, we passed by such landmarks as the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Reichstag, Charlottenburg Palace, and many others. The best part was catching the mesmerizing sunset and evening illumination while enjoying a glass of world-class beer or wine.
Finally, let’s finish our guide with some unusual and fun things to do in Berlin when traveling with children.
Berlin Dungeon tells a history spanning over 800 years via walk-through attractions brimming with immersive experiences, acting performances, special effects, and mind-boggling illusions. The perfect spot for an outing with children, the dungeons put guests in the center of the story, allowing them to actually experience the events.
The tour kick starts with the medieval underworld, where we were met with plague doctors demonstrating their peculiar remedies during the Black Death pandemic. Next, we were transformed into the 16th-century witch trial where we acted as jurors to personally explore this tumultuous part of German history. If you fancy yourself a wordsmith, you can even try to defend yourself in court where you are guilty until proven innocent.
Atop the Kollhoff Tower, adventure seekers can hop on an exhilarating experience: a 100-meter-tall zipline. Not going to lie, the first step of the platform is the scariest thing you’ll ever do but the subsequent flight toward the Potsdamer Platz is worth it. The personnel will also take videos and photos of your jump commemorating this incredible experience you’ll never forget.
Before the jump, we were meticulously instructed on safety precautions against the backdrop of the city’s historic center and urban parks. We even got a glimpse of how these views looked before the war on the display with vintage photographs. However, keep in mind that the zipline only operates from April to October.
Berlin is a rather large city that can be hard to cover on foot, but there is an alternative. We decided to book a bike tour to explore the city’s gorgeous paths more efficiently. Most tour providers offer various equipment suitable for people of different ages and skill levels, including trailer attachments for smaller kids.
The city’s cycling network comprises over 600 kilometers through traffic-free parks and dedicated bike lanes. On the tour, we occasionally stopped at important landmarks like the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial to learn about these sites and have a well-earned rest. The tour was especially fascinating when we rode through parks, showcasing hidden pathways, secret playgrounds, and crystal-clear lakes.
Finally, your kids will not be let down by Sea Life Berlin, a popular aquarium attraction housing 5,000 sea creatures from all corners of the world. From local river species to North Sea creatures and tropical marine fauna, the aquarium offers a wide range of unique and rare animals.
In the center of the aquarium is the large tank with sharks, rays, and other big fish swimming overhead the passing guests. The venue is also equipped with touch pools where the bravest visitors can touch starfish and other creatures while learning more about them from the educational content on the panels.
Not the warmest place in the country, Berlin is best explored in the months of May to September, when the temperatures range from 15 to 25°C. If the high season is too crowded or expensive for your taste, consider traveling in late April or early October, when the climate is still pleasant. The months of winter get quite cold, up to 3 to 5°C, but if you aren’t put off by the weather, Berlin's Christmas time is truly magical.
Once here, you can travel to the city from the Brandenburg Airport by Airport Express or regional trains and S-Bahn. Taxis are also always an option but the prices can be quite steep. As for accommodation, Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, and Charlottenburg are the best areas to explore the city.
In this guide, we will compile our personal top picks for incredible things to do Berlin has to offer. From museums depicting the most tragic parts of German history to colorful street art and lush parks, this guide is full of our best personal experiences in Berlin.
Top Attractions in Berlin
Let’s kickstart our expansive Berlin guide with the top things to do in Berlin. In this section, we will dive into the most iconic and beloved tourist destinations across the German capital. To learn more about this part of the city, hop on a free tour of Berlin's historical center.
Museum Island
Museum Island comprises five major museums featuring cultural and historical artifacts from Germany and beyond. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the island includes the Old Museum, the New Museum, the Old National Gallery, the Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum.
While the Old Museum (Altes Museum) houses an impressive collection of classic antiquities, the Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie) is home to a large array of Romantic, Impressionist, and Modernist masterpieces. The New Museum (Neues Museum) displays an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts, including the iconic Nefertiti bust. Finally, the Bode Museum offers a glimpse into Byzantine art, while the Pergamon Museum houses replicas of ancient buildings, with highlights like the Pergamon Altar and Ishtar Gate from Babylon.
TV Tower
Arguably the most iconic construction of the German capital. The TV Tower (Fernsehturm) stands at 368 meters tall drawing people’s attention from anywhere in the city center. What was built as a testament to Berlin’s communist regime in 1969 was redefined as a symbol of the reunification of Germany 20 years later.
We didn’t miss our chance to ascend this remarkable structure to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The elevator took us to the viewing platform which offered spectacular 360-degree vistas of the German capital city. After taking in the city skyline, we headed halfway down to the Telecafe, a small restaurant inside the tower with reasonable prices, friendly staff, and incredible panoramic views.
Berlin Wall
Another landmark synonymous with the city itself, the Berlin Wall remains one of the most important pieces of history. Although most of the wall has been dismantled, the remnants are carefully preserved to show the life of Berliners on both sides of the wall. If you want to get a comprehensive overview, we recommend heading to the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial.
This 1.4 km-long section of the wall depicts the events from the past: what it was like to live on the Eastern side, how people tried to flee, how Berliners from both sides communicated, and more. We got a glimpse into their everyday struggles and learned how disruptive and heartbreaking this division was.
Brandenburg Gate
Completed in 1791 under the Prussian Emperor, Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) was modeled after the Propylaea of Athens' Acropolis. Trying to combine the Renaissance with classical antiquity, the construction quickly became symbolic for the city.
On one of the free tours in Berlin, we also learned that the gate played a major role during the Cold War. The border between Eastern and Western Germany was slightly west of Brandenburg Gate, and the wall was built to avoid the famous construction leaving it out of reach for both sides. As a result, the gate became the visual representation of the segregation of two sides of the country.
After the wall fell (die Wende), joyful citizens went to the gate to celebrate the reunion, crowning the Brandenburger Tor the symbol of reunification.
Reichstag
Reichstag is the final attraction on the list of top things to do in Berlin, Germany. Built in 1894, this neo-Renaissance marvel took severe damage during the 1933 fire and the subsequent World War II. However, the building was restored after the country’s reunification and continues to house important government discussions.
We decided to hop on a Reichstag tour to learn more about the fascinating history of this resilient city. On the tour, we got to roam the premises of Reichstag and go up the glass dome to enjoy amazing views. Furthermore, we even had a chance to sit in one of the Parliamentary discussions to witness democracy in person.
Cultural Experiences
What to do in Berlin for those seeking cultural experiences and who would like to learn more about the history of this incredible town? In this part, we will investigate the most culturally significant spots in the city, from art galleries and museums to memorials and monuments.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Commonly known as the Holocaust Memorial, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe honors the millions of Jews who lost their lives during the Nazi regime. Located in the center of the city, the monument comprises over 2,700 concrete blocks of varying heights arranged in a grid pattern across a 19,000-square-meter field. The design is intended to create a sense of disorientation for the visitors who walk through the memorial’s grounds.
Beneath the monument is the information center housing names, letters, diaries, and photographs of over three million Jewish Holocaust victims. Here, we learned more about this dark period of history and got some context about the Nazi regime and genocide.
The abstract nature of the monument is what makes it so powerful. There’s no explicit suffering, yet a stroll through the grid pattern will leave you feeling anxious, isolated, and uneasy.
East Side Gallery
After learning about the darkest time in modern history, we headed to the East Side Gallery to take a walk and enjoy contemporary fine arts. In 1989, after the wall fell, 118 artists from all corners of the world flocked to Berlin to paint murals on what was left of the Berlin Wall to celebrate the country’s unity and spirit.
While the most iconic mural remains Vrubel’s “Brotherhood Kiss” depicting Brezhnev and Honecker’s kiss in an embrace, the wall houses numerous incredible pieces of art. What makes this gallery unique is its unending dialogue with the elements and the public. Unlike traditional museums that preserve their artworks, the wall exposes them, allowing the art form to continuously evolve.
Urban Nation
Another incredible spot for art lovers is Urban Nation, a contemporary museum full of murals, photography, sculptures, street art, and other forms of visual art. In fact, Urban Nation is the first museum in the world that decided to focus on street art and give it a platform to develop and legitimize.
Even the facade of the museum serves as a canvas displaying urban art from local and international artists, blurring the boundaries between a serious art institution and street art. Inside the gallery, we discovered artworks by world-renowned Banksy and Fairey, as well as emerging talents. Beyond exhibitions, the museum offers a range of residencies and workshops along with a research library dedicated to street art history.
Berlin Cathedral
Situated on the Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is a Protestant Church built in the neo-Renaissance style. Completed in 1905 during Kaiser Wilhelm II’s reign, Berlin Cathedral houses a massive organ that we could enjoy at one of the regularly held concerts. Although the church sustained significant damage during WWII, the cathedral was restored after the wall fell.
Along with hosting religious ceremonies, the cathedral also serves as a museum and concert venue. We also decided to ascend the 270 steps to the dome’s viewing deck to enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city.
Topography of Terror
Berlin is a city that has witnessed a lot of pain and suffering which is depicted in its numerous museums. Topography of Terror is another museum worth visiting for anyone interested in German history. The museum houses the headquarters of the Gestapo and SS between 1933 and 1945. This is where decisions about the persecutions and killings of people of Jewish, Romani, and Sinti descent were made.
The topography of the Terror Museum focuses on photographic and biographical documentation showcasing the development of the Nazi regime through everyday scenes of horror. At the museum, we could follow the photographic evidence to discover the banality and mundanity of evil which allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the horrors that took place.
Outdoor Activities
In this section, let’s explore the best things to do in Berlin for outdoor activities. The German capital is very green, full of small alleys, large gardens, and lush parks.
Tiergarten
After spending the whole morning exploring Berlin’s museums, we were due for a restful afternoon in a park. The perfect spot for a relaxing stroll in the greenery, Tiergarten is among the most beloved parks in Berlin by both locals and visitors.
Housed in a 520-acre forest, Tiergarten has transformed from a royal hunting ground to an urban city park. Filled with winding trail paths, beautiful lakes, and peaceful meadows, the park is an idyllic spot for those looking for a quiet retreat in the heart of the city. Curiously enough, in the summer, the park becomes the favorite spot for sunbathing, and it’s especially popular among the nudist (FKK) community.
The serene greenery of the park is set against the backdrop of iconic cultural landmarks, including Bellevue Palace, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, and Federal Chancellery.
Tempelhofer Field
A former airport, Tempelhofer Field is now a huge park, offering a range of outdoor activities, from jogging and rollerblading to cycling and kite surfing. We were looking for a more relaxed experience so we came with a packed picnic to enjoy our lunch amid this gorgeous and peaceful greenery.
This enormous 950-acre park once served as parade grounds for the Prussian army and later as an airport until 2008, when it ceased all operations. As per the citizens’ request, the space wasn’t sold to any company but was repurposed as a spacious park. The airport terminal itself was rebuilt to house refugees.
Charlottenburg Palace
Erected in 1699, Charlottenburg Palace is a Baroque-style building that served as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte. Inspired by the Versailles Palace in Paris, Charlottenburg Palace is adorned with opulent interiors and beautiful gardens. From lavish rooms and excellent porcelain collections to a wide collection of royal portraits, the palace is worth a visit.
However, for us, the highlight was the grounds of the palace, full of enchanting greenery. The Charlottenburg Palace Garden features meticulously manicured plants, colorful flowers, and extravagant fountains. When we went further down, we witnessed the gardens turning into a more casual park with walking paths, small ponds, and lush trees.
Unter den Linden
Unter den Linden is a famous boulevard in the Berlin center brimming with historical artifacts and tourist attractions. Stretching from the Brandenburg Gate to the Museum Island, the street is lined with linden trees, cafes, institutions, churches, and other iconic landmarks.
Our Unter den Linden tour started from the Brandenburg Gate to the east, where we encountered Pariser Platz, the Russian embassy, Humboldt University, and the State Opera House. The tour culminated at the Bebelplatz, the historic ground, where Nazis famously burned banned books.
The street is adorned with numerous cafes with outdoor terraces, allowing you to enjoy the views, quaint bookshops, and breathtaking architectural marvels.
Mauerpark
Mauerpark literally translates to wall park and used to be part of the Berlin Wall. After the wall fell, citizens reclaimed the space for public use and Mauerpark was created. Every Sunday, the park hosts the city’s largest flea market, full of vintage items, Soviet memorabilia, handmade jewelry, and retro furniture.
Another fun highlight of the park is the amphitheater that hosts karaoke nights allowing citizens to transform into a stars in front of hundreds of people. As we walked through the grounds, we saw visitors enjoying a game of basketball, street performers juggling fire, musicians playing tunes, and much more.
Mauerpark is not the opulent manicured gardens of a royal palace, on the contrary, it’s a rough urban setting with traces of the military past.
Unique Berlin Experiences
Let’s move on to some of the more unique things to do in Berlin. In this part, we will focus on Berlin-specific attractions that you won’t find anywhere else.
Berghain
The essence of Berlin's clubbing scene, Berghain stands as the most known venue for electronic music. Housed inside a former German plant, the building conveys a brutalist vibe, with its concrete elements and metal equipment.
The most iconic part of the experience is getting through the infamous Sven Marquardt, whose stringent policies have become the local lore. His legendary door policy has spawned countless stories and strategies, creating even more mystery around this club. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to explore this iconic techno spot for ourselves but managed to collect some expert tips from local partygoers. It’s recommended by locals to enter alone or in pairs and speak at least some German to maximize a successful entry.
Inside, you will be greeted by industrial stairs leading you into a giant room with 30-foot ceilings and the best sound system in the world. If you head upstairs, you’ll see a Panorama Bar, offering house music. You cannot take any pictures when you’re inside the club to preserve the carefully crafted mystery surrounding this venue.
Markthalle Neun
Exploring local street markets is among my favorite activities when visiting new places, and Berlin is not shy on amazing market experiences. Markthalle Neun is genuinely one of the most unique experiences, full of delectable food, intricate craftsmanship, and sustainable agriculture. Dating back to 1891, the market managed to survive the horrors of the 20th century, including the war and separation unscathed.
Nowadays, Markthalle Neun is a booming culinary scene that celebrates regional farmers. Every Thursday, the market hosts an event that unites vendors from global cuisines to kick off the city’s most diverse culinary experience. We had a blast roaming the grounds of this market, sampling delicious international eating options, and immersing ourselves in different languages and cultures.
Klunkerkranich
While rooftop bars are mostly a prerogative for warmer cities, Berlin is not like others. Klunkerkranich is a large bar located on the rooftop parking level of a Neukölln Arcaden shopping center. Here, we got to enjoy a nice conversation while sipping on a delicious German beer overlooking the exciting city views.
We arrived right before the sunset to catch the breathtaking views of the sun going down amid this infectiously exhilarating atmosphere. The venue is full of quirky and whimsical art pieces, interesting people, and a unique Berlin vibe. After sundown, we were happy to discover some dynamic DJ tunes to set the mood.
The venue also regularly hosts various creative events, from film screenings and dance performances to gardening workshops and art exhibitions.
Arkonaplatz Market
Those fascinated by the city’s Soviet past and interested in vintage cannot miss the Arkonaplatz Market in Prenzlauer Berg. Every Sunday morning, the market opens its doors to locals and tourists, offering a wide range of GDR-era furniture and electronics, handcrafted ceramics, and vintage clothes from the 1970s and 1980s.
A rather smaller market, it hosts about 60 vendors, mostly retired designers and craftsmen, displaying their unique collections of 20th-century treasures. We had a blast walking through the market, investigating these old relics, and conversing with the vendors about the history behind the items.
The market is also set amidst the beautiful square surrounded by elegant 19th-century buildings, quaint cafes, and boutique shops. Aside from exceptional shopping, the market is also a spot for socializing and meeting like-minded vintage lovers.
Street Art Tour
The capital of European street art, Berlin offers numerous street art tours, shedding more light on this controversial art genre. On the Street Art tour, we learned stories behind iconic graffiti, learned about the techniques and rules, as well as found out some secrets of the craft.
Led by professional artists, the tours offer a glimpse into famous and lesser-known street art, exploring their history and cultural importance. For example, we took a look at some of the abandoned buildings and learned how they became experimental canvases after the wall fell. To this day, the established practices from the 1990s are relevant and integral to the local street art scene.
Day Trips from Berlin
What to do in Berlin for travelers with an adventurous spirit looking to explore more of the surrounding regions? Let’s take a look at the best ideas for a day trip from Berlin.
Potsdam
Only 30 kilometers away from the capital, Potsdam is a small charming town overflown with UNESCO-protected landmarks. The highlight of the entire area is definitely the Sanssouci Palace (Schloss Sanssouci), a Versailles-inspired castle built by Prussian King Frederick in 1745.
A Rococo masterpiece, the palace encompasses the King’s vision of a private and secluded sanctuary away from big settlements. Beyond the castle are the manicured lush gardens spread across 700 acres, featuring rare flowers, well-kempt bushes and trees, and English-style landscaping.
Potsdam was also home to the famously important Conference of 1945 where Churchill, Stalin, and Truman reimagined Europe’s map. The conference took place inside the Cecilienhof Palace, which can be toured on-site to learn more about this vital and fascinating part of German and European history.
Sachsenhausen Memorial
History buffs who are interested in analyzing the horrors of WWII and the Holocaust can learn a lot from a 35km trip to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Created in 1936, the camp imprisoned roughly 200,000 people over the years until 1945. Later, the camp site was employed by the Soviets who used it to capture and hold prisoners until 1950.
I’ll be honest with you, visiting the site where such horrific events took place is not easy and requires some mental preparation. The on-site museum holds records of the camp’s history, shedding some light on the gruesome conditions. The exhibitions showcase the fate of Jewish prisoners, how they lived there, the medical treatment they received, and numerous crimes that were committed on these grounds.
Saxon Switzerland
If you have a couple of days to spare and would like to veer off the usual tourist path, don’t miss the Saxon Switzerland experience. Located roughly 230 kilometers southeast of Berlin, this area is considered among the most beautiful in the entire country.
From casual hiking and cycling to top-tier rock climbing, Saxon Switzerland is full of exciting and unique activities for people across ages and physical strengths. Head to the Bastei Bridge, a 76-meter stone structure offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding area. The largest hilltop construction in Europe, Königstein, is also here, towering over the River Elbe on a plateau.
For those with an adventurous spirit and decent stamina, the area offers the Painters’ Way (Malerweg). Although we were too exhausted to accept this challenge this time, this 112km route taken by world-famous Romantic painters, including Caspar David Friedrich is worth the effort.
Spreewald
We decided to hop on the Spreewald tour to explore this UNESCO-recognized reserve and try our hand at kayaking. Located only 100 kilometers from the city, Spreewald is a hidden gem with countless waterways spread across 276 km. With over 300 canals, the Spree River offers wooden punting boats to experience the waterways.
We rented a boat with a skilled boatman who took you through the winding paths to remote meadows only accessible by water. In fact, that’s how locals have been getting around for centuries, making it quite a unique experience. On route, we reached several historic villages that are so picturesque that they seem to be completely frozen in time.
Tropical Island
Missing the tropical climate amidst your European trip? Berlin has got you covered with the Tropical Island, located 60 kilometers south of the city. This enormous structure houses artificial beaches, rainforests, and lagoons beneath roof panels that let natural sunlight through.
The island is divided into areas, with the South Sea featuring a giant artificial beach and a Tropical Village offering traditional South Asian buildings and restaurants. Our personal favorite part was the Botanical Garden, brimming with over 50 palm trees and rare flora nestles under a 107-meter ceiling.
To our surprise, the island even features a hot air balloon ride providing exceptional views of this manufactured tropical paradise.
Fun Things to Do for Couples
In this part, we will explore some fun things to do in Berlin, especially for couples. From endless shopping and romantic concerts to serene sightseeing cruises, this guide will give you some pointers on how to impress your significant other.
KaDeWe
KaDeWe is the largest department store in Europe, known as Kaufhaus des Westens, or KaDeWe for short. Spanning over eight floors, this enormous mall has something for anyone, from luxurious designer collections to local crafts and endless culinary options.
On this giant food court, we had a chance to sample anything and everything, including delicious oysters, handmade pasta, and even sparking champagne at the rooftop bar. But our favorite part was the confectionery department offering mouthwatering chocolate creations from the best chefs in the country and beyond.
Stick around until the sunset to enjoy a delectable drink inside the 7th-floor Wintergarden restaurant overlooking the colorful and dramatic Berlin sky.
Candlelight Concerts
If you’re looking for a musical break from the powerful techno scene, check out the Candlelight Concerts. Taking place in different venues across the city, from smaller institutions to large churches, these concerts transform these architectural marvels into intimate sanctuaries perfect for a couple’s date.
Surrounded by hundreds of flickering lights, these performances reimagine classical pieces through modern tech, programming, and dramatic settings. However, these concerts often also feature reinterpretations of rock and pop songs from famous bands like AC/DC or Coldplay.
In the summer, you can even catch an event in open courtyards of historic buildings against the backdrop of the breathtaking star-filled sky. Some performances incorporate visual elements, including dancing and light shows.
World Balloon
Another exciting date idea is an exciting ride on the World Balloon, an ascent of 150 meters above Berlin’s Mitte. The platform can accommodate up to 30 people, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful Berlin skyline with groups of friends and family. From here, we also rediscovered previously explored attractions like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall from a bird’s eye view.
The best tip for this ride is to plan it around the sunset to catch the gorgeous golden light bathing in the endless streetlights of the busy city. And after the ride, we indulged in a delicious dinner to reward ourselves for this scary yet incredible experience.
Dinner Cruise
If you have a fear of heights or simply aren’t in the mood for the World Balloon, dinner cruises offer another unique way to explore the city. Set on the River Spree, the cruise explores waterways through the heart of the city. During the two to four hours long cruise, we marveled at numerous tourist destinations while enjoying a delicious German dinner.
On our journey, we passed by such landmarks as the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Reichstag, Charlottenburg Palace, and many others. The best part was catching the mesmerizing sunset and evening illumination while enjoying a glass of world-class beer or wine.
Unusual Things to Do with Children
Finally, let’s finish our guide with some unusual and fun things to do in Berlin when traveling with children.
Berlin Dungeon
Berlin Dungeon tells a history spanning over 800 years via walk-through attractions brimming with immersive experiences, acting performances, special effects, and mind-boggling illusions. The perfect spot for an outing with children, the dungeons put guests in the center of the story, allowing them to actually experience the events.
The tour kick starts with the medieval underworld, where we were met with plague doctors demonstrating their peculiar remedies during the Black Death pandemic. Next, we were transformed into the 16th-century witch trial where we acted as jurors to personally explore this tumultuous part of German history. If you fancy yourself a wordsmith, you can even try to defend yourself in court where you are guilty until proven innocent.
Panoramapunkt
Atop the Kollhoff Tower, adventure seekers can hop on an exhilarating experience: a 100-meter-tall zipline. Not going to lie, the first step of the platform is the scariest thing you’ll ever do but the subsequent flight toward the Potsdamer Platz is worth it. The personnel will also take videos and photos of your jump commemorating this incredible experience you’ll never forget.
Before the jump, we were meticulously instructed on safety precautions against the backdrop of the city’s historic center and urban parks. We even got a glimpse of how these views looked before the war on the display with vintage photographs. However, keep in mind that the zipline only operates from April to October.
Bike Tour
Berlin is a rather large city that can be hard to cover on foot, but there is an alternative. We decided to book a bike tour to explore the city’s gorgeous paths more efficiently. Most tour providers offer various equipment suitable for people of different ages and skill levels, including trailer attachments for smaller kids.
The city’s cycling network comprises over 600 kilometers through traffic-free parks and dedicated bike lanes. On the tour, we occasionally stopped at important landmarks like the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial to learn about these sites and have a well-earned rest. The tour was especially fascinating when we rode through parks, showcasing hidden pathways, secret playgrounds, and crystal-clear lakes.
Sea Life
Finally, your kids will not be let down by Sea Life Berlin, a popular aquarium attraction housing 5,000 sea creatures from all corners of the world. From local river species to North Sea creatures and tropical marine fauna, the aquarium offers a wide range of unique and rare animals.
In the center of the aquarium is the large tank with sharks, rays, and other big fish swimming overhead the passing guests. The venue is also equipped with touch pools where the bravest visitors can touch starfish and other creatures while learning more about them from the educational content on the panels.
Practical Information
Not the warmest place in the country, Berlin is best explored in the months of May to September, when the temperatures range from 15 to 25°C. If the high season is too crowded or expensive for your taste, consider traveling in late April or early October, when the climate is still pleasant. The months of winter get quite cold, up to 3 to 5°C, but if you aren’t put off by the weather, Berlin's Christmas time is truly magical.
Once here, you can travel to the city from the Brandenburg Airport by Airport Express or regional trains and S-Bahn. Taxis are also always an option but the prices can be quite steep. As for accommodation, Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, and Charlottenburg are the best areas to explore the city.
Article Author:
Ignacio Merino
FREETOUR.com Head of Business Development | Strategic Partnerships
10
April,
2025
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