berlin tour itinerary

Turn your dream vacation into reality

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.

Follow now for exclusive content

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! 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

I accept the privacy policy

Post Comment

Berlin 3-Day Itinerary: 19 Absolute Best Things to do in Berlin

Berlin has it all. Vibrant culture, fabulous food, amazing parties, and tonnes of history, making it one of the best cities to visit in Europe. From exploring the grounds of the Prussian Charlottenburg Palace, wandering along the Berlin Wall, to standing in the very room where the Holocaust was planned, Berlin’s history is incredibly tangible. And it can all be seen in just 3 days in Berlin.

From where to eat, what to see and do, where to stay, and general Berlin travel tips, here is my 3 day Berlin itinerary and guide that will ensure you see and experience the very best of Berlin. If I don’t answer all you questions, then leave a comment below. Let’s get crackin’!

Map of Things do do in Berlin

Everything on this 3 day Berlin itinerary has been marked on ma map. Day 1 pins are in yellow, day 2 pins are in pink, and day 3 pins are in blue.

What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days: Day 1

Climb the dome at berlin cathedral (berliner dom).

Don’t let the name fool you, Berlin Cathedral is actually a parish church, and a very special one at that. This was the court church to the Hohenzollern dynasty who were the rulers of Prussia  (1415–1918) and later the German Emperors (1871–1918).

Since Berlin Cathedral is the city’s most important Protestant church, it’s worth paying the entrance fee to see its elaborate and decorative interior. The massive nave is a must-see along with the Hohenzollern Crypt which contains nearly 100 sarcophagi.

For awesome 360° panoramic views over the city, take the 270 steps to reach the dome’s outer walkway. The staircase itself is a highlight with its rich decorations which were originally intended for the German Emperor. An elevator is available for visitors with disabilities.

Berliner Dom offers a range of tours including audio guides, an organ gallery tour and  group guided tours which include the Hohenzollern family crypt, the Sermon Church (Predigtkirche), and the Cathedral museum.

Opening times, ticket and tour information is available on the official Berlin Cathedral website here.

Going to Germany? Get my free German travel phrase guide here.

Explore the Impressive Pergamon Museum

Market Gate of Miletus, Pergamon Museum

If you only visit one museum in Berlin then make it the Pergamon Museum. Famous for its spectacular collection of art and antiquities from Turkey and the Middle East, the Pergamon Museum is one of Germany’s most visited museums and part of Berlin’s UNESCO-listed Museum Island.

Highlights of the Pergamon Museum include the gorgeous Aleppo Room built during Ottoman Period. The room was the reception in a broker’s home in Aleppo, Syria.

Built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian is the Market Gate of Miletus, an impressive gate that was the northern entrance to the the agora (a public space in ancient Greek city-states) in the ancient city of Miletus, in modern-day Turkey. Unfortunately, the gate was destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th or 11th century but was later excavated by a German archeological team who rebuilt the gate and placed it on display here.

Tips for visiting Pergamon Museum

• The Pergamon Museum is undergoing some extensive restorations which means parts of the north wing will be closed until 2023, and sadly this includes the Pergamon Altar. The museum is still worth visiting and I would definitely recommend going.
• The Pergamon is open 10am to 6pm (Thursday until 8pm).
• During summer the queue can get rather long, either arrive early or skip-the-line and book an expert led tour. Book you tour Pergamon Museum here.
• Alternatively, buy a Berlin Pass which will give you free entry to the Pergamon Museum and many other major attractions in Berlin and free use of public transportation.
• Audio guides are included with all tickets
• Free cloakroom.

For opening times, check the official Pergamon Museum website here

See the Nefertiti Bust at the Neues Museum

Other important artefacts worth visiting include the Berlin Gold Hat, one of four known conical Golden hats from Europe’s Bronze Age, making it some 3,000 years old. Covered in thin gold-leaf, the hat stands almost 75 cm (30 inches) high. T the museum’s oldest exhibit is a 700,000 year-old axe head from the earliest Stone Age.

Berlin Gold Hat, Neues Museum

Tips for visiting Neues Museum

• The Neues Museum is open 10am to 6pm (Thursday until 8pm).
• I recommend buying a Berlin Pass which will give you free entry to the Neues Museum and many other major attractions in Berlin and free use of public transportation.
• Audio guides are included. Choose from English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.
• Last admission and ticket sales are 30 minutes before closing time.

See the Neues museum through the eyes of an art historian on this private 3-Hour tour or if you’re short on time, there is a shorter 1.5 hr tour.   For opening times, check the official Neues Museum website here.

Visit Marx-Engels Forum

There was a bit of public controversy surrounding the statues after Germany was reunited in 1990. Some locals wanted them to be removed entirely as they considered them as an unwanted reminder of a regime they opposed. Others argued that they had both artistic and historical significance. An argument which eventually prevailed.

Tips for visiting Marx-Engels Forum

• Marx-Engels Forum is located in a public park opposite the Berlin Cathedral. No ticket required.

Learn about Germany’s History at Deutsches Historisches Museum in Zeughaus

The Zeughaus was once an arsenal for weapons, today it’s one of the most important Baroque buildings in Berlin and houses the Deutsches Historisches Museum(DHM). The permanent exhibition has images and artefacts from the past 500 years of German history.

In the courtyard is a chilling display of 22 hanging “Heads of Dying Warriors”. Each face shows expressions of pain and suffering, which is a more truthful representation of war than simply showing victorious statues.

Every Saturday and Sunday a popular arts and crafts market runs along the east side of the Zeughaus.

Tips for visiting Deutsches Historisches Museum

• The Deutsches Historisches Museum is open daily 10am to 6pm
• Free admission with the Berlin Welcome Card all inclusive

For opening times, check the official Deutsches Historisches Museum website here

Pay your respects at the Neue Wache Memorial

Inside this neo-classicist style building is a large empty room with a pietà-style (a mother and her dead son) sculpture placed directly under the oculus in the centre of the room. Being placed here exposes the statue to the harsh Berlin climate, symbolising the suffering of civilians.

The building was originally built as a guardhouse for the troops of the crown prince of Prussia, hence its name Neue Wache, or ‘New Guardhouse’. It’s been a war memorial since 1931.

Tips for visiting Neue Wache Memorial

• The Neue Wache Memorial is open daily 10am to 6pm
• Free admission

Visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate

The neo-classical building was designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans, architect to the Prussian court who was inspired by the impressive entrance to the Acropolis in Athens.

Adorning the top of Brandenburg Gate is a Quadriga statue (a chariot drawn by four horses). In Ancient Greece and Roman, Quadrigas were emblems of triumph, victory, or fame. As such, when Napoleon’s army took Berlin in 1806, Napoleon had the Quadriga transported to Paris. It was eventually returned to Brandenburg Gate in 1814 when after Napoleon was forced to abdicate.

Tips for visiting Brandenburg Gate

• Located in an open square (Pariser Platz), Brandenburg Gate requires no admission.

Have Lunch near Brandenburg Gate

Where to eat.

By this point you’ll be hungry, and it’s a good place to have lunch with Brandenburg Gate in view. For outdoor dining with a view of Brandenburg Gate, go to Quarré restaurant   which serves traditional German dishes. Quarré is part of Berlin’s prestigious Adlon hotel so you can expect top service.

For a quick tasty meal, head to Wurst 🙂 am Brandenburger Tor for Berlin’s most treasured dish, the Currywurst, drenched in a kind of curried tomato sauce.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian try Samadhi Vegan Vegetarian Restaurant for a variety of Asian, Thai and Vietnamese dishes with vegetarian and vegan options. Sra Bua by Tim Raue is another great option, serving Asian and Japanese cuisine.

Climb the Glass Dome at Reichstag Building

The Reichstag has gone through various developments over the years. The original Reichstag building opened in 1984 and was the seat of the German Parliament until Hitler came into office in 1933 and the building was destroyed in a fire when it abandoned. Additional damage occurred in a World War II bombing and later it became a museum during the Cold War. It wasn’t until 1990 that it was fully restored and reopened.

An essential part of any visit to Reichstag is climbing the dome’s spiral walkway for the stunning panoramic views of Berlin. The rooftop terrace has a restaurant making for a great place to sit back and relax. The dome may seem out of place with the rest of the building architecture but its architect, Norman Foster, designed it to symbolise the goal of establishing political transparency, shedding light on the internal workings below.

There are several options to visit the Reichstag:

• Join a guided tour inside
• Climb up to the dome and the roof
• Join a walking city tour like this or a bike tour like this which includes visiting the grounds outside Reichstag
• Listen to a plenary session.

Tips for visiting Reichstag

• Entrance is free, but visitor registration is required in advance. Registration can be done at the German Bundestag Service Centre online here. Alternatively, you can book at the service points at the Berlin Pavillon up to two hours prior to your admission time.
• Upon arrival, all visitors must show proof of I.D. either a passport or official identification card
• Admission is every quarter of an hour with the last at 9:45 pm
• Security checks are carried out on all belongings, no large bags are allowed inside.
• Audio guides are available in 11 different languages.
• The Reichstag is open everyday from 8 am until midnight.
• During summer it gets especially busy, aim to visit on a weekday or move this itinerary around and choose an early-morning time slot to avoid crowds. Another option is to stay for sunset and get a dazzling view the city skyline.
• Reichstag is fully wheelchair accessible.

For more details, check the official Bundestag website here .

Wander around the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial)

It wasn’t until I moved to Italy that I came into contact with people, places, and memorials from WWII. Apart from seeing my first stolpersteine in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto (the small brass memorials in the ground inscribed with the names of victims of Nazi extermination or persecution) this was my first experience in seeing a Holocaust memorial.

Travelling to Israel but can’t speak Hebrew? Get my free Hebrew travel phrase guide.

Covering 4.7 acres (1.9 hectares), the memorial is made up of 2,711 rectangular grey concrete blocks rising and falling in a grid formation. Its significance and symbolism has been interpreted in many different ways, as was intended by the US architect Peter Eisenman. He didn’t want to create a typical memorial, but something a visitor could derive their own meaning from.

One interpretation that resonates with me is how the downward slope directs you away from the outside world, representing the gradual escalation of the Third Reich’s persecution of the European Jewish community. Many visitors have said to have felt trapped the deeper they go in with their only option to move forward.

After spending some time walking amongst the concrete blocks, I recommend taking a private or small-group Berlin walking tour to gain further insight. Also on site is the underground Information Centre which includes moving exhibitions including the Room of Names, the Room of Dimensions, and the Room of Families.

Tips for visiting the Holocaust Memorial

• Entrance to the memorial and information centre is free.
• Visitors are not allowed to climb on the pillars. If you’re travelling with children, they may find it hard to resist this urge.
• This is a place of remembrance, avoid loud or disrespectful behaviour
• The memorial is wheelchair accessible.

For information centre opening times, check the official website here.

See Berlin from above at PANORAMAPUNKT

Whizzing you to the top in just 20 seconds is Europe’s fastest elevator. From up here you can see Brandenburg Gate, the Victory Column, and Bellevue Palace.

Tips for visiting PANORAMAPUNKT

• Get a reduced price (€7 instead of €10.50) with the Berlin Welcome Card and also receive a 360-degrees panoramic map
• Admission includes the lift to the top and entry to the exhibition ‘Views of Berlin’, located in nearby Potsdamer Platz.
• The platform is open 10am to 8pm in summer and 10am to 6pm in winter.
• PANORAMACAFÉ is open 11am to 7pm in summer and 11am to 5pm in winter.
• Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time

More details, visit the official PANORAMAPUNKT website here

Visit Checkpoint Charlie on Friedrichstraße

Located opposite on the corner of Schützenstraße and Zimmerstraße is the open air exhibition BlackBox Cold War which tells the story of those who failed and succeeded in escaping from East Berlin.

Tips for visiting Checkpoint Charlie

• As you can imagine, being an important landmark and located on a major shopping street, the best time of day is to visit either early morning, or late in the evening.
• BlackBox Cold War is open daily 10 am – 6 pm
• There are usually two actors in allied and Soviet attire that you can have your photo taken with. Note that they charge for this.

What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days: Day 2

Cross oberbaum bridge.

Walk along the East Side Gallery / Berlin Wall

The largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall is known as the East Side Gallery. The wall is fully covered in murals after over 100 artists from all over the world were invited to come and paint it after the fall of the wall. Take your time to walk its 1.3 kilometre length and see the colourful memorials. The most famous of which is the portrait by Soviet artist Dmitri Vrubel depicting the Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev kissing East German leader Erich Honecker – a Soviet sign of great respect. The mural is captioned with “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love”.

Tips for visiting East Side Gallery

• The East Side Gallery gets progressively busier throughout the day. I quite liked and preferred being here in the early hours of the morning when no one else was around. Since I was staying at Hotel Indigo Berlin – East Side Gallery , I didn’t have to walk very far to get there. The only other people here at before 9 am were runners. Aim to arrive around the same time to have this historic place to yourself.

Wander around the idyllic Nikolaiviertel (Nikolai quarter)

In its heyday, Nikolaiviertel was full of taverns, shops, and tradesmen’s workshops. Famous artists lived and frequented the area including German poet Kleist, Casanova, and the German writer Lessing.

Visit Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas’ Church)

During World War II, St. Nicholas Church was severely damaged and was restored  ahead of Berlin’s 750th anniversary in 1987. Today, St. Nicholas Church houses the Berlin City Museum (Stadtmuseum) which documents the German capital’s 800-year history and history of the church.

Tips for visiting St. Nicholas Church

• Open daily 10am -6pm
• Admission is free with the Berlin Pass or is free on the first Wednesday of each month and for those under 18.
• Audio guides are included and are available in English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Italian.

For more details, visit the Stadtmuseum website here

Have Lunch in Nikolai Quarter

Brauhaus Georgbraeu

Nikolaiviertel is well-known for its quiet outdoor dining in a cosy surrounding. Choose from more than 20 restaurants, cafés and pubs, many of which serve traditional German dishes.

Servicing traditional dishes like wurst, roasted pork, stews, stuffed cabbage is Zur Gerichtslaube , just a stone’s throw from St. Nicholas Church. The interior is gorgeous with its vaulted ceilings and red brick illuminated by candlelight. Other great restaurants include Café & Restaurant Spreeblick and Brauhaus Georgbraeu , the later serves an amazing apfelstrudel (apple strudel).

See Awesome Views from Berliner Fernsehturm Tower

Sunset from Park Inn Hotel

Rising up out of Alexanderplatz is the Berliner Fernsehturm (Berlin TV tower), Berlin’s second most recognisable landmark. Towering 368 metres high, it is one of the largest construction in Europe. Berliner Fernsehturm has a panoramic floor offering absolutely epic views of the city.

• Open March to October daily from 9 a.m. to midnight, November to February Daily from 10 am to midnight.
• TV Tower Berlin: Fast Track Ticket
• Skip the Line: Fast View Ticket at Berlin TV Tower – Includes guaranteed window table, one glass of sparkling wine, 2 glasses of wine per person
• Skip the Line: Lunch atop the Berlin TV Tower – Enjoy a 2-course lunch including one soft drink
• TV Tower Berlin: Fast Track Entry & Restaurant Window Seat

If you prefer your view of the city to include the Berlin TV tower, then visit the small rooftop terrace at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel located in Alexanderplatz. This is a no frills bar which has a small kiosk of drinks and snacks. The view is incredible though.

For more details about visiting Berliner Fernsehturm click here

Go shopping in Alexanderplatz

Up until the 1850s, Alexanderplatz was a military parade and exercise ground, and a marketplace for local farmers who sold their produce here.  

Alexanderplatz is also an important historic site. In November 1989 leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall, peaceful demonstrations against the East German regime culminated here. Since then Alexanderplatz has transformed into a transport hub and the city’s central meeting point.

Tips for visiting Alexanderplatz

• Most shops open between 9-10am and close between 8-9pm. All shops are closed on Sundays.

What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days: Day 3

Explore the opulent charlottenburg palace (schloss charlottenburg).

On your last day in Berlin, leave the hustle of the city behind you and visit Charlottenburg Palace located directly by the river Spree. The palace was built in the 17th century during Germany’s Hohenzollern Dynasty as a royal summer residence.

There is a lot to see at Charlottenburg Palace, highlights include the gardens which were inspired by the Gardens of Versailles and extravagant rooms such as King Friedrich I’s bedchamber and the Oak Gallery, just to name a few.

There is also the Charlottenburg Palace Park with its lovely tree-lined gardens which is open to the public. The Belvedere tea house here has an extensive porcelain collection can you visit along with the neoclassical mausoleum of royal marble tombs where Queen Louise was buried.

Another major reason to visit the palace is for the evening concerts performed by the Berlin Residence Orchestra (Berliner Residenz Orchester) who dress in baroque costumes. They play music by composers such as Bach, Handel, and Mozart, among others. Tickets include a 3-course candlelight dinner in the Palace Orangery. Tickets sell out weeks in advance. Book your Evening at Charlottenburg Palace here.

Tips for visiting Charlottenburg Palace

• Charlottenburg Palace palace is open 10am to 5pm between November and March and until 6pm from April through October. Closed on Mondays.
• Allow 2-3 to explore the palace’s main attractions.
• The gardens are free to enter.
• Admission to the New Wing includes an audio guide.

Visit the Charlottenburg Palace website for more details

Berlin Travel Tips

Where to stay in berlin, hotel indigo berlin – east side gallery.

I’ve stayed in three different hotels in Berlin and out of the three Hotel Indigo Berlin – East Side Gallery was the only one that checked all boxes and where I enjoyed staying in the most. From the warm welcome upon arrival to the free mini bar and awesome views from my window. This stunning boutique hotel is located in the East Side Gallery and upon request you can get fantastic views of the Berlin Wall from your room.

Make sure you head up to their top floor for a drink at the gorgeous rooftop bar (also open to the public). There is a large outdoor terrace with lounges. This is an excellent place to watch the sun go down with one of their fabulous cocktails in hand.

Hotel Indigo Berlin – East Side Gallery is well connected too, the Berlin Ostbahnhof train station is just a 10-minute walk and there are various bus stops even closer by.

Book your stay at Hotel Indigo Berlin – East Side Gallery here.

Recommended Tours

Got more time here are more places to visit in berlin.

If you have more time and depending on your tastes, you may want to swap out any of the items in this itinerary. Here are some excellent and highly rated tours in Berlin to choose from:

• Berlin highlights and hidden sites historical walking tour
• Learn all about Berlin’s history from during the eras of the Prussians, Imperialists, Nazis and the Cold War on this half-day walking tour
• Relax on the River Spree with this 2.5-hour boat tour
• See Berlin’s incredible street art on this 3-hour off the grid tour
• If any excuse will do to play computer games and learn about the 60 year history of video games. Then the Computer Games Museum is for you! Book your ticket .
• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Memorial is located just outside of the city centre.  On this walking tour you’ll learn about the terrible events that took place here under the Nazi regime. Tickets can we purchased here.

That’s it! After visiting the palace you’ll probably have to starting heading to the airport. I hope you’ve enjoyed this 3 days in Berlin itinerary . If you have any questions, leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you. Don’t forget to take my free German travel phrase guide with you.

Like it? Pin it for later!

Over to you!

Do you have a question about visiting Berlin? Ask me below! Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post. Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Get my best language and travel tips FREE by email...

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more!

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

Top 28 Things to Do in Lofoten Islands, Norway [Ultimate Travel Guide]

11 reasons why you should visit the azores in portugal, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

Jetsetting Fools

Travel Far. Discover More. Spend Less.

3-Day Berlin Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days in Berlin, Germany

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Berlin. Just the mention of the name conjures images of division and unity, war and peace, angst and optimism. While visiting the city, the horrific history is palpable, yet the mood is brightened by the vibrant and expressive side of Berlin. The sprawling center is teeming with sights: museums, memorials and parks – and we pack it all into our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary.

We understand how overwhelming planning a trip to Berlin can be –  there are an extraordinary number of things to do in Berlin. We’re helping by sharing our detailed Berlin 3-Day Itinerary. It is ideal for first-timers to Berlin who want to see as much as possible. Our itinerary for 3 days in Berlin includes everything you need to plan your trip!

About Our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary

Before we dive right into what to do in Berlin in 3 days, we have a few tips for using our itinerary. Understanding how we set up our 3 Day Itinerary in Berlin will help you prepare for your visit.

Self-Guided Berlin Walking Tour and Map Directions

The sights in our itinerary for Berlin are listed in order and in the form of a walking tour over three days of sightseeing. We provide a pin drop to each location as well as a summary map at the end of each day. Additionally, we include a complete Berlin Map of Sights, as well as an interactive version for you to follow along with at the end of the article.

Berlin Things To Do and Attractions

There is a broad range of top things to do in Berlin, Germany – from art to history to architecture. Each Berlin sight listed includes a brief summary and additional information, if appropriate.

When there is a charge to visit the Berlin attractions on our list, it is noted. If it is not indicated whether a sight requires a ticket or is free, it is open public space.

Berlin Food and Drinks

Of course, local fare and German beers are not to be missed on a trip to Berlin – so we made sure to include those in our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary as well!

Berliners have an affection for kebabs and currywurst. While German beer consistently ranks as some of the best in the world, in Berlin, young brew masters are enhancing the tradition with a new wave of craft beer.

The route of our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary incorporates getting a taste of kebabs, currywurst and craft beer, including specific restaurant and Berlin food tour recommendations.

Berlin Sightseeing Pace

We have packed our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary to the brim with the best things to do! While possible to see each day’s activities in one day, timing will vary based on your walking pace and how long each sight holds your interest. Be aware of opening and closing times and adjust according to your Berlin travel schedule accordingly.

How Many Days in Berlin

Deciding how many days to spend in Berlin can depend on many factors. We designed our Itinerary for Berlin for 3 days, because that is just enough time to see the top highlights. However, we know other travelers might have more (or less) time. Therefore, we offer additional Berlin sightseeing tips at the end of the article.

Pro Tip:  Get organized for your Vacation to Europe by using our Trip Planning Templates !

Berlin Itinerary 3 Days

Set out on foot to explore the iconic sights of Berlin in 3 days. In our Berlin Itinerary, you will see the most poignant memorials, best museums, historic sites and lush parks.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Berlin Travel Guide to plan your trip to Germany!

Day 1: Berlin City Center Sights

Start your 3-Day Berlin Itinerary in Pariser Platz at the Brandenburg Gate and discover some of the top things to do at Berlin. Station: Brandenburger Tor.

Brandenburg Gate

MAP . Start your tour of Berlin in Pariser Platz at Brandenburg Gate. It is, perhaps, Berlin’s most famous landmark and one of the best places to visit in Berlin.

The Brandenburg Gate has marked the entrance to the city since 1791, although it was blocked by the Berlin Wall that surrounded West Berlin from 1961 until 1989. The gate, with six columns and topped with a horse-drawn chariot carrying Victoria , has served as the backdrop for historical speeches (like President Reagan’s 1987 ‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’ speech) and political demonstrations.

Pariser Platz is home to both the US and French embassies, as well as the iconic – and high-priced – Adlon Hotel. The hotel opened in 1907 and, today, the Royal Suite fetches more than $27,000 a night. Many dignitaries and celebrities have been guests of the hotel – like the late Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama. Michael Jackson has also stayed at Adlon Hotel…and it’s where he so infamously dangled his baby from the second-floor balcony.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe 

MAP . The memorial acknowledges and remembers the estimated 6,000,000 Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. The expansive Holocaust memorial, which was completed in December 2004, is unusual and striking. It is one of the most poignant things to see in Berlin. 

There are 2,711 concrete slabs of various heights arranged in a grid that cover more than 4.5 acres of land. The pathways created between the concrete slabs allow visitors to walk through the memorial and contemplate the events of the Holocaust.

On the east side of the memorial, stairs descend into the Information Center. The center may be small, but the exhibitions are powerful. Visitors can review a timeline of the events and terrors that occurred between 1933 and 1945 at the hands of the National Socialist Party (Nazis) and then read letters and diary entries left from victims.

One room features the stories of 15 Jewish families and how they were impacted by the Holocaust. In another room, the names of the victims, along with a short biography, are read for every known Jewish Holocaust victim. To listen to the names and stories of every victim on the list in its entirety would take 6 years, 7 months and 27 days.

Note: The Information Center is free to enter, but it is important to be aware opening times . 

Fuhrerbunker Berlin

MAP . Hitler’s bomb shelter, the Fuhrerbunker, is where he spent the last months of his life and ultimately committed suicide.

The bunker was partially destroyed and sealed from public entrance. Apartment buildings and a mundane parking lot were constructed over the bunker in an effort to dismiss the notion that the site was of any particular significance.

It wasn’t until 2006 that a small plaque was erected at the corner of the parking lot acknowledging the site. While we hesitate to call the site one of the must-see Berlin tourist attractions, it is certainly hard to argue that it is a significant location in history. 

Potsdamer Platz

MAP . The contemporary Potsdamer Platz with sleek, soaring high-rise buildings has come a long way since it was a trading post in the 1600s. In the 1850s, a railway ran through the center of Potsdamer Platz and, in the 1920s, it was it was the buzzing center of Berlin.

The square was destroyed in World War II and laid a wasteland during the Cold War when the Berlin Wall divided it (which is now marked by a double-line of bricks and a few panels of the concrete wall).

After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the square was revitalized with contemporary buildings, including the Sony complex and Kollhoff Tower. Panoramapunkt – a viewing platform accessed by Europe’s fastest elevator – is located in Kollhoff Tower.

Topography of Terror 

MAP . Free Entry. The Topography of Terror documentation center is located on the previous site of the Secret State Police Office (Gestapo), the SS (Protection Squad) and the Reich Security Main Office. The complex also housed a prison.

Today, it’s where to go in Berlin to learn about totalitarian Nazis. Inside the building that once housed their offices is now a permanent exhibition documenting the rise of the Third Reich, the crimes they committed once they established power and the consequences at the end of the war. 

From spring until fall, a second exhibit is displayed outdoors in front of the remaining cellar walls. Above the exhibit, on ground level, a 650-foot portion of the Berlin Wall stands.

Checkpoint Charlie

MAP . Checkpoint Charlie – or Checkpoint C (as there was also Checkpoint A and B, among other crossings) – was the best-known transfer point between East and West Berlin during the 28 years that the Berlin Wall stood.

Today, Checkpoint Charlie is a bit of a tourist ruse, but it does help to illustrate how former East German residents were kept from entering West Germany in the heart of Berlin.

A replica Checkpoint Charlie hut stands near the original border crossing – complete with actors holding American flags who will pose with visitors for photos in exchange for a few euros. The shack sits under an image of a Russian soldier…with the image of an American soldier facing the opposite direction.

On the northwest corner of the intersection is The Wall Museum. The Yadegar Asisi Panorama exhibition details the life of the artist in Berlin during the Cold War. The adjacent Black Box Museum detail the history of East-West confrontation through multi-media displays, photographs and even a model of a Soviet tank.

LUNCH at Hasir

MAP . It’s time for lunch and, in Berlin, that means a kebab. Hasir opened in 1984 (this location in Kreuzberg is the original location, but there are now multiple restaurants in the city) – and many Berliners and visitors swear they make the best Berlin kebab. It’s even recommended by international foodies, like the late Anthony Bourdain.

Gendarmenmarkt Berlin

MAP . Origins of Gendarmenmarkt date to the late 1600s when the square was used as a marketplace. However, it wasn’t until about 100 years later, in 1773, that the buildings surrounding the square were enhanced by the grand architecture.

The centerpiece of the spacious and elegant square is the Concert Hall, which is flanked by two nearly identical churches (the French Church on the north side and German Church on the south side). The Concert Hall – which is known as one of the best acoustical halls in the world – is home to the German Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, and is free to visit.

A statue of German poet, Friedrich Schiller, stands in the middle of Gendarmenmarkt. During World War II, the concert hall and German church were heavily damaged. At Christmas, Gendarmenmarkt is the site of one of Berlin’s best Christmas Markets.

St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cathedral 

MAP . Free Entry. St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cathedral is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome…just on a smaller scale. It was the first Catholic church built in (then) Prussia post-Reformation. Inside, an organ clings like a barnacle to the wall above the entrance. In the lower church, there are several small chapels and a museum of artifacts.

Bebelplatz 

MAP . Bebelplatz was designed in the 1740s and today is ringed by St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cathedral, Humbolt University and the Opera House. It was in 1933, however, that it gained infamous status as the site of a Nazi book burning ceremony. On the occasion, 20,000 books by authors such as Heinrich Mann, Karl Marx and Albert Einstein, were burned.

In the middle of the square, a memorial below ground level can be viewed through a glass pane: a room of empty bookshelves that could hold 20,000 books. A plaque next to the memorial displays an ominous quote written 100 years prior to the book burning event. It reads: “That was only a prelude; where they burn books, they will in the end also burn people.”

Humbolt University was founded in 1811 and is one of Berlin’s oldest universities. In its time, the university has either produced or employed 40 Nobel Prize winners – including Albert Einstein. Today, the university library holds 6.5 million volumes, making it one of the largest university libraries in Germany.

The Berlin State Opera House (Staatsoper Unter den Linden – or Lindenoper) was first built in 1741. Through the many years, the building has suffered damage by fire and war; as a result there have been several reconstructions as well as a number of name changes.

Berliner Dom 

MAP . ( Ticket required. ) Berliner Dom – or Berlin Cathedral – is, in fact, not a cathedral, as it has never been the seat of the bishop. The formal name of the Evangelical church is Oberpfarr- und Domkirche zu Berlin – or Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church of Berlin.

The church parish dates to 1451, but the church as it stands today was built in 1905. It is the largest church in the city of Berlin. Berliner Dom is located on ‘Museum Island’, a small strip of land in the middle of the Spree River that is home to five Berlin museums (which you will visit on Day 2).

Part of the church was damaged during the war in 1940 and 1944 – and further damaged under communist reconstruction (including the removal of crosses and the demolition of an entire wing). In addition to services and concerts, Berliner Dom can be toured, including a climb up to the dome and down to the crypt.

Radisson Hotel Lobby and AquaDom SeaLife

MAP . ( Ticket required for entry to SeaLife ) While the Radisson Hotel isn’t exactly a Berlin attraction, the lobby is worth a quick peek inside for one distinctive feature: the world’s largest freestanding aquarium, AquaDom.

​The 80-foot-tall cylindrical aquarium holds more than 1,500 fish – and a 2-story, glass elevator is installed in the middle of it. The AquaDom is part of a bigger attraction, SEA LIFE Berlin (which you may want to squeeze into your 3 Day Berlin Itinerary, if you have time). Getting a look at the AquaDom from the Radisson lobby is free; if you are staying longer than a moment to take a photo, consider purchasing a coffee or drink from the lobby bar.

UPDATE: On December 16, 2022 the AquaDom collapsed. The majority of the fish died, two people were injured and the Radisson Hotel Berlin lobby was destroyed. It is uncertain if or when the aquarium will be rebuilt. 

Hackescher Market

MAP . Featuring boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, Hackescher Market is a hub of activity for locals and tourists alike. An outdoor market is held on every Thursday and Saturday. Make your way to Hackesche Hofe, which is a series of eight connected courtyards featuring specialty shops and accessed via the archway at Rosenthalerstrasse 40 .

Classic Berlin Food and Beer at Das Lemke

MAP . Cap off your first day of Berlin sightseeing with a local craft beer and currywurst at Das Lemke. Beer and currywurst are two of things that Berlin does best! And there’s no better way to get an introduction to these tasty German treasures than at Das Lemke.

We recommend getting a tasting platter of beers and the currywurst with homemade sauce (but the sausage platter is excellent, as well). Das Lemke is one of the fun places to eat and drink in Berlin! 

Tips and Maps for Day 1 of our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary

A few alternate ideas along with maps for our 1 Day Berlin Itinerary.

Berlin Tour Tips

• If a self-guided tour of Berlin isn’t your style, join a Berlin Walking Tour to explores the highlights, history and hidden sights of the city.
• Looking for a craft beer tour in Berlin? Check out the original evening Craft Beer Tour !
• How about a Secret Berlin Food Tour? Read views and get all the details !

Berlin Map Routes

• Google Map for Berlin sightseeing in the morning (before lunch)
• Map for sightseeing Berlin in the afternoon (after lunch)

Day 2: Berlin Museums, Art and Architecture

Hopefully you got a good night rest! Day 2 of your 3-Day Berlin Itinerary is big one that begins in the city center.

Museum Island

MAP . Ticket required for entry, cost varies/combo ticket available, including Museum Day Pass with Skip-the-line access and tour . The northern tip of the island that sits in the middle of the Spree River houses a complex consisting of 5 museums – and together they are listed as a Berlin UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These Berlin museums can be visited with individual tickets, a combination Berlin Museum Pass or for free with a Berlin City Card (more about cost-saving cards at the end of the post). 

Spend the morning visiting one or several museums – or simply wandering the grounds and admiring the architecture. Below is a list of the Berlin museums on Museum Island along with additional information.

• Pergamon Museum – Open 10am to 6pm, but closed on Monday. Top features are the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Market Gate of Miletus. Collections include Antiquity, Middle East and Islamic Art.
• Bode Museum – Open 10am to 6pm; closed Mondays. Exhibits include sculptures and art from the late Antique and Byzantine periods, as well as a collection of coins and medals.
• ​ Neues Museum (New Museum) – Open daily 10am to 6pm and closed Monday. The Neues Museum building dates to 1859, but was destroyed during World War II and was only reconstructed in 2009. On display are Egyptian, Prehistory and Early History collections. The most notable item is the bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti.
• ​ Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) – Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm; closed Mondays. The featured collections include Neoclassical, Romantic, Biedermeier, Impressionist and Modernist artwork.
• ​ Altes Museum (Old Museum) – Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm; closed Mondays. The building dates to the 19th century and is best known for the Collection of Classical Antiquities.

Note : Berliner Dom is also located on Museum Island; if you didn’t have time to visit on Day 1, visit on Day 2.

Alexanderplatz & Fernsehturm Berlin TV Tower

MAP . Originally a cattle market, today Alexanderplatz is a busy Berlin transportation hub (including arrival and departure points via U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus) and pedestrian zone.

The top attraction on Alexanderplatz is the easy-to-spot TV Tower, Fernsehturm.  Standing over 1,200 feet tall, it features a viewing platform along with a rotating restaurant in the bulbous sphere. The tower has been a symbol of Berlin and Germany since it was built in the 1960s.

It still ranks as the tallest structure in Germany and the fifth tallest television tower in Europe – and offers spectacular views over Berlin. Also on Alexanderplatz is the cylindrical World Time Clock, which displays all 24 times zones and the major cities in each zone.

LUNCH – Tekbir Doner

MAP . For a completely different-tasting kebab experience, head to Tekbir Doner for lunch. We got a tip from a local to dine at Tekbir Doner – and it didn’t disappoint. The small shop has only a few seats and everyone in the place will surely know each other.

The meat is veal – no chicken here – and the toppings are basic, but they combine to make an incredible kebab. Oh – and a cup of the Turkish tea is included!

Treptower Park and Soviet War Memorial

MAP . Treptower Park, which lies to the southeast of Berlin along the west bank of the Spree River, was the location of the 1896 Great Industrial Exposition of Berlin. The main feature today – in addition to the open space and plentiful pathways – is the dramatic Soviet War Memorial (Sowjetisches Ehrenmal Treptow).

​The vast monument was designed as a cemetery for 5,000 Soviet soldiers and to commemorate the 80,000 Soviet soldiers who died fighting in the Battle of Berlin. The memorial includes a 40-foot-tall statue of a Soviet soldier carrying a German child while standing over a broken swastika, as well as 16 sarcophagi featuring carved depictions of war scenes and quotes from Stalin. Controversial, but certainly an important Berlin sight to visit.

Oberbaumbrucke Bridge

MAP . The double-towered, double-decked bridge crossing the Spree River is one of Berlin’s most striking landmarks. Originally built in the 1700s and named for the tree trunk barriers that used to prevent smugglers from crossing at night, the wooden bridge was replaced in 1896 with the brick bridge.

Oberbaumbrucke connects the neighborhoods of Kreuzberg (in the west) and Friedrichshain (in the east), which were once separated by the Berlin Wall. During the time that the wall stood, the bridge was used as a pedestrian crossing…for West Berlin residents only.

East Side Gallery

MAP . In 1990, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, artists from around the world were invited to create works of art on the east side of a ¾-mile-long stretch that had not been dismantled. The project included individual murals from 105 artists that depict scenes of freedom and hope.

Named the East Side Gallery, walking the section of remaining, decorated wall is one of the best things to do Berlin. 

Among the most popular is the painting by Dmitri Vrubel of Leonid Brezhnev (General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union) and Erich Honecker (General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany) engaged in an open mouth kiss, with the words, “God, help me stay alive among this deadly love,” written in Russian.

As time has passed, much of the open-air art has been defaced (by hooligans) or removed and destroyed (by developers). An effort to preserve and restore the art has been undertaken, but not without controversy. 

Friedrichshain Berlin

MAP . Developed in the 1920s as a working-class neighborhood, Friedrichshain is now a trendy area benefiting (and suffering from) gentrification. Wander the streets aimlessly or join a guide on a walking tour of Friedrichshain.

Stay in the neighborhood for dinner and drinks, you will find great options near Boxhangener Platz. Friedrichshain is also home to many famous Berlin bars – as well as several popular Berlin nightclubs.

Tips and Map for Day 2 of our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary

Top Tip: If you are keen on learning more about the artistic side of Berlin, we suggest taking the Berlin Street Art  tour. 

Map: Google Map for Sightseeing on Day 2 in Berlin

Day 3: Berlin Parks and German Reichstag

Okay, let’s start the last day of your 3-Day Berlin Itinerary! We’ll begin south of the city at…

Natur-Park Sudgelande 

MAP . Ticket required for entry, 1 euro per person. Natur-Park Sudgelande, which opened in 1999, is set in an abandoned railyard. The water tower – once used to power steam engines – is covered in rust and trees have taken root between tracks.

The railyard was built in 1889, but was closed in 1952 and was left to the mercy of nature. Besides the many lines of overgrown railroad tracks, a 1940 train engine and an original railyard turntable are top features of the park.

Berlin Tempelhofer Feld Park  

MAP . The Tempelhofer Feld Park is one of Berlin’s most historic places and a popular adaptive re-use projects. The first Tempelhof Airport opened in 1923, but plans for an improved airport were already in the works by 1936. During WWII, construction ceased – and then it was used in 1940-41 as a forced labor camp. After the war – from 1945 until 1993, the airport was used as a base by the US Air Force.

In 1948, when the Soviet Union imposed a food and supply blockade on West Berlin, the airport was used as an ‘air bridge’ to fly in provisions needed for the people living in West Berlin. Tempelhof Airport became an evacuation point for Berliners who wanted to flee the region and reestablish their families and lives elsewhere in Germany and Europe.

In the 1960s and 70s, the airport functioned as a civilian airport – in 1971 the airport saw 5.5 million passengers, but closed when Berlin Tegel Airport opened to commercial flights in 1974. Due to increased travel through Germany in the 1980s, the airport was reopened. However, in 2008, the Tempelhof Airport closed permanently.

In 2010, the runways and vast land of the airport were opened as a massive Berlin city park. While taxiway signs and runway markers remain, the pavement is now utilized by joggers, bikers and stroller-pushers. The grassy lawn is used for lounging and BBQ’s in the summertime. Both history and aviation aficionados will want to put Tempelhofer Feld Park on their Berlin To Do list!  

LUNCH – Mustafa’s Kebab 

MAP . Mustafa’s Gemuese Kebab stand is perhaps the tastiest of all the kebabs in Berlin. The line at Mustafa’s is sure to be long and full of selfie-taking tourists, but the kebabs are phenomenal and well worth the wait.

The menu is short and the only meat is chicken (although veggie kebabs are also available). We highly recommend ordering the Durum with everything. The kebabs at Mustafa’s rank as some of our favorites in the world!

Pro Tip : Need something to snack on for the 30-minute wait? Continue walking 1 minute south to Curry 36 and order a currywurst snack as an appetizer!

German Reichstag Building 

MAP . Free entry;  pre-registration required ; the free tour of the glass dome includes a (free) audio guide, a small display on the history of the Reichstag Building and spectacular 360 degree views over Berlin.

​In 1894, Berlin’s Reichstag Building opened as home of the German Parliament, which it remained until 1933 when the building was almost completely destroyed by fire. The fire – and accusation that it was a plot by Communists – was used by Hitler to further advance the establishment of the Nazi Party and led to the subsequent signing of the Enabling Act.

The building was not reconstructed after the fire and fell into a state of ruins after it was targeted during the Battle of Berlin in 1945. When the war ended, the West German government moved to Bonn – and the building, which was no longer being used, was only minimally restored. After Germany’s reunification, the decision was made to move Parliament back to Berlin.

The Reichstag Building was completely restored in 1999 – including the glass dome, which was a key feature of the original design that represents the transparency of Germany’s government.

Tiergarten Park and Victory Column 

MAP . Tiergarten is Berlin’s 520-acre, inner-city park. It was originally designed in 1527 as hunting grounds for royalty. As the desire to hunt waned and the city grew, the land was converted into Berlin’s first public park. Wide paths, statues and monuments were added to the open space.

The most notable – and visible – monument is the Victory Column (Siegessaule). The bronze ‘Victoria’ that tops that column is 27-feet tall. The column was erected in 1873 to celebrate Prussian victories, but was moved to its current location in the 1930s.

Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church 

MAP . Free entry. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church – also known as the Gedachtniskirche – was built in the late 1800s. After being damaged by bombs in 1943, it was debated whether the church should be completely demolished or salvaged. In the end, it was decided that the damaged spire would be preserved – so that today the church contains both new and historic elements. The church is one of Berlin’s many notable landmarks.

Mauerpark 

MAP . The name – Mauerpark – directly translates to Wall Park. During the years that the Berlin Wall stood, the long strip of land was known as the Death Strip. The Wall blocked access from East to West, but the area around the wall was often referred to as No Man’s Land – or the Death Strip.

Watchtowers manned by armed guards looked over the land where sand, traps and spikes were placed to deter East Berliners from attempting escape into West Berlin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the open space was converted into a park.

Today, the park is well-known for the Sunday flea market, where shoppers can find almost anything imaginable. The park is also the site of the famous Sunday summer Bearpit Karaoke Show. Crowds – which often number into the thousands – gather around the small amphitheater to cheer and jeer the brave karaoke singers.

Volkspark Humboldthain

MAP . Berlin’s northern park, Volkspark Humboldthain, opened in 1872, featuring greenhouses, a church and the city’s first park playground. Near the end of World War II, the park was the site of two Flak Towers, built to defend Berlin from aircraft attacks and to serve as above-ground bunkers (they could accommodate 15,000 people).

After the war, in which much of the park was devastated, one tower was destroyed and reduced to rubble, while the other remains partially standing and serves as a viewing platform. A tour of the interior of the tower is possible by guided tour, but only in the summer, as it is a sanctuary for bats in the wintertime.

If you are hungry for a snack, walk to Curry Baude ( MAP ) on the northeast side of the park. Located at the Gesunderbrunnen Station, Curry Baude has been making currywurst since 1989 – using a sauce based on a secret family recipe. The spot is a local favorite – and some claim it is the best currywurst in Berlin. Try the Special Currywurst, which comes with corn, paprika and sauce.

Berlin Wall Memorial

MAP . A memorial to the Berlin Wall – called Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer – is an open-air museum that illustrates how the city was divided by the Berlin Wall. Part of the actual wall remains – as does a guard tower. 

Visitors are invited to walk the length of the wall, while taking in the informational plaques, photographs and stories with an audio guide. Furthermore, guests who want a personal introduction can join one of the guided tours for a small fee. 

Berlin Craft Beer: The Castle Berlin Mitte

MAP . For a final taste of some of Berlin’s finest beer, head to Castle Bar for a pre-dinner pint. Opened in 2013, Castle Pub serves craft beer from Berlin and beyond. Featuring local brewers, Castle Pub has more than 20 taps and an extensive menu of bottled beers and a big outdoor beer garden. 

German Dinner at Schnitzelei Mitte

MAP . For a taste of different German food, enjoy your final meal at Schnitzelei Mitte. In the cozy space, feast on German style tapas to sample several different kinds of typical food from Berlin…or dig into one of the signature schnitzels! 

Tips and Map for Day 3 

Tip: If you’ve tired of currywurst and German fare or are simply craving a change to something international – head to the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood. The international restaurant options are endless. In the mood for burgers? We recommend eating at The Bird .

Map: Google Map for Berlin Sightseeing on Day 3

Berlin Tour Map

Use this Google Map for an interactive version to all the Best Things To Do in Berlin map below! The Blue markers indicated Berlin activities for Day 1. Purple markers show Day 2 sights in Berlin. The Green markers feature what to see on Berlin Day 3.

What To Do Berlin Beyond the City Center

We have highlighted the top Berlin things to do in the city center that are easily accessed on foot and public transport. However, there are a few Berlin attractions that are outside the city center worth visiting, too. We are highlighting a few of the best places that you might want to add to your Berlin 3 Day Itinerary. 

Charlottenburg Palace

MAP . One of the top places to see in Berlin, Schloss Charlottenburg is a Baroque palace that dates to the 17th century. Visitors can go inside the palace (with tickets) to see the opulently decorated rooms. The palace gardens are also not to be missed – and they are always free to enter. 

For a truly unique experience, attend the Evening of Dinner and Music at Charlottenburg Palace – it’s one of the romantic things to do in Berlin!

Berlin Botanical Garden and Museum

MAP . The Berlin Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum (called Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum) offers visitors the chance to ‘tour the world’ in their gardens. With 15 greenhouses featuring plants from around the globe and a museum, guests can plan to spend at least half a day at the gardens.

Tierpark Berlin Zoo

MAP . The Tierpark Berlin ranks as the largest zoo in Europe…and it’s nestled right into a forest. Top zoo attractions are the polar bears, monkey houses and petting zoo. Visitors also enjoy the lush grounds and the Friedrichsfelde Palace. 

KaDeWe – Kaufhaus des Westens

Reigning as the second largest department store in Europe (after Harrods in London ), shopping at Kaufhaus des Westens – or KaDeWe, for short – is one of the fun things to do in Berlin. 

The luxury mall opened in 1907 and features 8 floors of retail space. The 6th floor is a dedicated food hall, offering an array of scrumptious fare, while the top floor hosts a restaurant with floor to ceiling windows for exceptional views. 

Berlin Day Trips

With different interests (or more time in the city), consider including a full day trip from Berlin in your 3 Days in Berlin Itinerary. There are several excursions from the city, so we are pointing out just a few of the most popular Berlin Day Trips. 

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Learn about the atrocities that occurred at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp – one of the first camps established by the Third Reich Nazis. Visitors will hear stories about the prisoners and see what remains of the camp, which stands a national memorial to the victims. Reserve your spot .

Walk the route of Prussian kings and German royalty on a full-day tour from Berlin to Potsdam. See palaces, gardens and historical sights that hosted events which shaped the future of Germany. Book your seat!

Spending a day in Dresden is just long enough to see the top sights of the beautiful city (but read our 3-Day Dresden Itinerary to see why you might want to stay longer than a day!). Tour guests travel by bus to Dresden and get a guided walking tour of the city that is nicknamed ‘The Jewel Box’. Find out more!

Berlin: How Many Days?

We created a 3-Day Itinerary in Berlin because we think three days are just enough time to get to know the city. However, we understand that other visitors may have more – or less – than 3 days in Berlin. Use our Berlin travel planner tips below to plan your perfect trip. 

Berlin One-Day Itinerary

If you are trying to create a plan of things to do in Berlin in one day, we advise following our tips from Day 1…and perhaps adding the Reichstag and Tiergarten into your sightseeing. 

2 Days in Berlin Itinerary

To create a Berlin 2-Day Itinerary, we think it is best to simply follow Days 1 and 2 of our above Three Days in Berlin Itinerary (but, again, add the Reichstag and Tiergarten into your first day, if possible!). 

Alternate 3 Days in Berlin Itinerary

In our outlined 3 Day Trip Plan for Berlin, we recommend that Day 3 be spent visiting some of the historic parks and sights around the city that date to World War II. Those more interested in learning about a different time in Berlin may want to visit the Charlottenburg Palace instead. 

4 Days in Berlin Itinerary

With 4 days in Berlin, we recommend adding a sight – like the Charlottenburg Palace or one of the above day trips from Berlin – to your Berlin trip itinerary. 

5 Days in Berlin Itinerary 

To create a balanced 5-Day Itinerary Berlin spend one day on a day trip. For example, go to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp to learn about the darkest time of German history or go to Potsdam for an education on German royalty. 

History of Berlin, Germany

To really appreciate Berlin attractions, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the history of the city. Although Berlin has a relatively short timeline by most European standards, the history is complex and profoundly marked by events of the 20th century.

Berlin City Origins

Originally settled by the Slavs, Berlin officially became a city in the year 1237 under the rule of the Margraves of Brandenburg. The city quickly grew and, in 1451, it became the royal residence of the Brandenburg electors. In the late 1500s, many citizens fell victim to Bubonic plague and died – and in the early 1600s, half of Berlin’s population was lost in the Thirty Years’ War. By the mid-1600s, under Elector Frederick William, the population surged due to open policies regarding immigration and religion.

In 1701, when Elector Frederick III named himself King of Prussia, Berlin became the capital of the kingdom. He was succeeded by his son, King Frederick William – also known as The Soldier King, who ruled from 1713 until his death in 1740. At that time, his son – who became known as Frederick the Great – became king and ruled until he died in 1786. 

Throughout the 1700s, not only did Berlin see the construction of many churches and buildings (some that survive today), but also the rise of education, transportation and the arts. The strong economic growth seen in the early 1800s attracted an influx of immigrants to Berlin, which resulted in much of the population suffering from poverty and ultimately led to a middle-class revolution in 1848.

The German Empire

In 1871, the German Empire (or German Reich) was established and the nation became the most powerful in all of Europe – and Berlin became the center of European politics. The industrial city boomed until World War I, when supplies and morale were both running short. At the end of WWI, the monarchy was overthrown and in 1918 Germany became the Weimar Republic, with Berlin remaining as the capital. Political unrest ensued.

To pay reparations owed by Germany as agreed to in the Treaty of Versailles, the German government simply started printing money – and inflation peaked in 1923 when 1 US dollar equaled 4.2 trillion German marks (that’s 4,200,000,000,000!). However, things turned around in 1924 and Berlin became a cultural center of Europe highlighted by exhibitions and a vibrant nightlife…until 1929 and the Great Depression.

Bankruptcy and unemployment led to demonstrations and chaos in the German government. In 1933, Adolf Hitler was named Chancellor and the Nazis took control of the nation. In the same year, the boycotting of Jewish-owned businesses was organized, book burning ceremonies took place and the first concentration camps were constructed – all while Hitler continued toward his goal of Welthauptstadt Germania (World Capital Germany). Jewish citizens continued to be targeted, terrorized and killed.

World War II

On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany declared war on Poland – and thus the start of World War II. Berlin was first bombed in August of 1940, but it was during the Battle of Berlin (November 1943-March 1944) that nearly half of the city was destroyed. World War II came to end in April/May 1945 when the Soviets captured Berlin and Hitler committed suicide.

Berlin: A City Divided

The city of Berlin was subsequently divided into four sectors to be administered jointly by The United States, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union. As the Western Forces banded together, relations with the Soviet Union dissolved and the city of Berlin was soon divided into East Berlin (Soviet/Communist) and West Berlin (Western Allied Forces) – and, thus, became the focus of the Cold War.

As East Berlin conditions deteriorated under a suffering economy, East Berlin residents fled to West Berlin. In order to prevent a complete mass exodus, in 1961 the East German government began building the Berlin Wall encircling West Berlin. Checkpoints allowed for Westerners (with the proper paperwork) to pass through into East Berlin, but East Berlin residents were not permitted into West Berlin.

German Reunification

The Berlin Wall stood for 28 years – separating the city, families and friends – until November 1989 when the Berlin Wall fell. The city was reunited and the Cold War ended. Since the reunification of the city, Berlin has experienced rapid growth and has become a center of business development and international investment.

Travel Tips for your 3-Day Berlin Itinerary

Berlin is a sprawling metropolis with sights spread throughout. Visitors who want to see the top Berlin sights in 3 days will need to get around efficiently. We have a few tips on how to do just that!

Berlin Transportation

Berlin is well-connected with public transportation. In our Berlin Sightseeing Guide, we recommend using public transport to get to many of the sights. It is helpful to have a basic understanding of Berlin’s public transportation system, BVG , prior to arriving.

Tickets (single ride, daily, weekly or monthly) can be purchased at U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations or on buses and trams. Some Berlin Visitor Cards also offer free or discounted transportation options.

Routes can easily be determined using the Berlin Journey Planner or by using Google Maps (with the links we have provided to each sight). 

WiFi Connection

In order to use the links while sightseeing in Berlin, you will need a Wi-Fi connection (although carrying a Berlin City Map is also very useful).

To stay connected we use a GlocalMe Mobile WiFi device. This Pocket WiFi Device is fantastic for international travelers – especially those exploring as a family or in groups – and can be much cheaper than paying for international data plans through cell phone providers.

Berlin City Cards

Berlin Traveler city cards are a great way to save money on entry admissions and public transport. There are a few different types of city cards in Berlin that are available to tourists. 

Berlin Welcome Card

Tourists visiting Berlin will most likely benefit from purchasing a Berlin Welcome Card , which includes all public transportation and various discounts for the specified number of days. The Berlin Welcome Card Museum Island has the additional benefit of museum entry.

With the Berlin Card, we never had to worry about buying or stamping tickets – which made using public transportation a breeze. We wouldn’t go to Berlin without a Welcome Card! 

For more information about sightseeing in Berlin with the Welcome Card, go to Visit Berlin , the official Berlin Tourist site.

Easy City Pass Berlin

The Easy City Pass Berlin is similar to the Welcome Card, offering both public transportation and discounts to major sights. We have not used this pass, but it does get great reviews – learn more ! We recommend comparing the two passes to find out which one will be most beneficial for your trip.

Plan a Trip to Berlin

Now that you know what to see in Berlin in 3 days, we have a few more travel tips and packing hacks for your visit!

Where To Stay in Berlin, Germany

Choosing what area to stay in Berlin can be overwhelming. We highly recommend selecting somewhere central – and near a Berlin subway station (U-Bahn). 

During our visit to Berlin, we stayed in an  Airbnb Apartment . We have found that staying in apartments is often less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and, usually, more space (just watch for fees on short stays!). That said, if you are planning 3 full days of sightseeing and eating delicious German fare at the best Berlin restaurants, then a hotel is likely more convenient.  

Hotels in Berlin

There are many Berlin hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center. Berlin accommodations are available in a range of price points. We are sharing a few top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip to Berlin. Be sure to read our tips for Booking the Hotels at the Best Prices first!

Casa Camper Berlin

The Casa Camper Berlin Hotel gets exceptional ratings from guests! They get particularly high scores for the location (just around the corner from a subway station), the comfortable beds and cleanliness. Check rates for your stay!

Regent Berlin

Regent Berlin Hotel is one of the classic hotels in Berlin that offers outstanding service and large rooms. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to get around on foot. Check rates and availability!

Hotel am Steinplatz

Located on the west end of Tiergarten Park near a subway station, Hotel am Steinplatz gets rave reviews for the comfortable rooms and modern amenities. Check availability for your stay!

Berlin Hostels

Guests traveling on a budget may want to check availability at one of the many hostels in Berlin. Top picks by fellow travelers are the Minimal Hostel , The Circus Hostel and EastSeven Berling Hostel . 

Getting To Berlin, Germany

Berlin can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. The new Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) opened in October of 2020 and is now the city’s sole airport.

We flew to Berlin from London and departed via bus to Dresden . Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSettingFools, after all!) and we start our search for the Best Deals on Tickets by launching Skyscanner .

In Europe, our preferred bus company is FlixBus – as it is reliable, economical, clean and comfortable. While we aren’t keen on driving abroad, renting a car can often save time, money (especially when traveling with more than two people) and a car rental allows for greater discovery.

Best Time To Visit Berlin

There are advantages to visiting Berlin in every season…and a few downsides, too. We are highlighting the pros and cons to help you decide when it is the best time to visit Berlin for your trip. 

Summer in Berlin

Many visitors go to Berlin in summertime. The weather is warm (highs in the high 70s Fahrenheit) – which is great for spending time in the city parks, outdoor cafes and in the Berlin beer gardens. It can, however, get crowded in the summer and prices for Berlin hotels will likely be higher than in other seasons. 

Visit Berlin in Autumn

We love traveling in the fall. Temperatures cool off but are usually still warm enough for the outdoors. Better yet, crowds start to thin and prices tend to drop. It is still a good idea to book early though if you are seeking the best Berlin budget deals. Oktoberfest and Jazzfest are two fun Berlin festivals that take place in the autumn.

Wintertime in Berlin

Brrrrrrr-lin. That’s how we pronounced it as we were there in the middle of winter. It was freezing cold and snow blanketed the city, but it didn’t keep us from exploring! With the well-connected Berlin public transportation and bevy of museums, churches and pubs, we stayed plenty warm. 

While many people may not think winter is the best time to visit Berlin, the top reasons for going during the colder months is fewer crowds and less expensive accommodations. 

We missed the Berlin Christmas Markets that dot the city, but some say it is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe . If you are visiting Berlin in the winter, pack clothing that can be layered and good, winter shoes or boots. 

Berlin during Spring

Springtime is still shoulder season in Berlin, which can mean great hotel deals and easy access to top sights and attractions. However, it can be gray and wet – so be sure to pack a travel umbrella and raincoat ! 

What To Pack for your 3 Days in Berlin

Ready to travel to Berlin? Super! We have just a few final packing tips for your Berlin vacation. Grab your FREE Packing Checklist and off we go!

Durable Shoes

Our Berlin 3-Day Itinerary covers some ground! Make sure to pack comfortable city walking shoes for your trip. I like to wear these shoes by Columbia or comfortable everyday trainers and Kris prefers to wear Merrell trail shoes.

Travel Camera

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your Berlin getaway. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens , which takes beautiful pictures, comes with loads of fun accessories and is an excellent value budget camera .

Whether you prefer to travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you’ll also want to be prepared with a great day bag . We use the small backpacks for keeping all our everyday travel items organized and safe!

Germany Travel Insurance

Trip insurance that may help cover costs associated with cancelled flights, lost luggage or even unexpected illness on your trip to Berlin. If you haven’t purchased coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Germany ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Visiting other Top Cities in Germany? We’ve got you covered! Read our detailed guides for Frankfurt , Munich , Dusseldorf , and Freiburg !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

Share This Story!

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

2 thoughts on “ 3-Day Berlin Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days in Berlin, Germany ”

Comments are closed.

We’re in Myanmar right now and it’s SO epic… click here to follow along on Instagram.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Germany » Berlin

INSIDER BERLIN ITINERARY for (2024)

Whether you’re spending a weekend in Berlin or planning a week-long trip, the city has an almost unrivaled diversity! In every corner of Berlin, you will find something fresh and exciting! From the historic buildings and a plethora of top-notch museums to vibrant outdoor galleries, your Berlin itinerary will be filled to the brim!

There are so many places in the world that are considered awesome to visit, but few are truly cool as Berlin. Germany’s capital city, with its thriving art scene, innovative cuisine, and spectacular architecture definitely deserves a spot on your travel wish list!

From the city’s dark and turbulent past, it has emerged as a warrior for social change and with a passion for remembering its history. One of the most remarkable things about this incredible city is the many memorials and Berlin landmarks which act as a reminder to forever learn from history.

And since there’s so much to do in this city, I’ve come up with the perfect Berlin itinerary for your visit. That way you can explore everything without the fear of missing out on the must-see attractions in Berlin.

Let’s get right to it!

A Little Bit about this 3-Day Berlin Itinerary

Where to stay in berlin, getting around in berlin, berlin itinerary day 1: a slow start to an epic day, berlin itinerary day 2: exploring art and history, berlin itinerary day 3: a chilled day with an optional ending, best time to visit berlin, how to get around berlin, what to prepare before visiting berlin, faq on berlin itinerary.

Berlin’s history, architecture, foodie scene, and tendency to embrace the oddball has turned Berlin into a truly memorable city! It has something for every traveler, from sprawling parks to incredible museums and spooky tours, you’ll never run out of things to do in Berlin !

Whether you’re spending a one day in Berlin or planning an unforgettable Berlin itinerary, there are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! We’d personally suggest taking at least two-three full days to explore the city. If you want to see all of the important landmarks you might be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but that’ll guarantee a lot of stress. So do yourself a favour and set more time aside.

In this itinerary, you’ll find three days packed with action, culture, history and adventure. But don’t worry, you won’t have to rush from A to B, trying to fit everything in.

I’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot. Of course, you can add your own spots in, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration instead of a fixed plan to get the most out of your trip!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

3 Day Berlin Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Berlin Botanic Garden and Museum | Charlottenburg Palace | Reichstag Building | Brandenburg Gate | Berliner Philharmonie
• Day 2: Urban Spree | Museum Island | Berlin Cathedral | Berlin Story Bunker | Berlin Zoological Garden
• Day 3: Mauerpark | Molecule Men at Warschauer Straße | East Side Gallery | Spree River Boat Trip

With a Berlin City Pass , you can experience the best of Berlin at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

No matter how many days in Berlin you’ll spend exploring and enjoying the many sights the city holds, you’ll need somewhere fantastic to stay. Because there’s so much to see and do on your vacation in Berlin, it’s always a good idea to stay somewhere central and in an area that has what you’re looking for!

Berlin was divided by the Berlin Wall for so many years, which means that its layout is a tad complicated to navigate. However, this also means that there are multiple ‘mini hubs’ in the city, where you’ll find another batch of places to visit in Berlin! So, if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Berlin , I’ve got you covered with some of the city’s finest options.

Because the city is so diverse, every neighborhood has its own unique atmosphere and fantastic Berlin points of interest. So your decision of where to stay truly depends on what you want on your trip to Berlin!

Mitte is one of the go-to places if you’re interested in popular Berlin attractions , sightseeing and getting a feel for Berlin’s old-timey charm. This central location is filled with amazing things to do, including a ride in the AquaDom elevator where you’re surrounded by sea life!

Friedrichshain is another amazing choice! This popular, up-and-coming community is the perfect spot for creative travelers looking for something different. As one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berlin, there’s a fantastic array of accommodation. This urban spot is a night owl’s paradise and it’s also where you’ll find the fascinating Computer Games Museum!

Speaking of incredible places to stay in Berlin, Kreuzberg (or Xberg) is a lively cultural hotspot where river beaches combine with a vibrant nightlife and some amazing street art to create an unbeatable place to stay.

If you’re looking for something else entirely, the charming area of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is filled with family-friendly attractions to add to your Berlin itinerary! With world-class restaurants and a range of historic landmarks, this is the perfect spot for a diverse group of travelers. Check out the famous shopping street of Kurfürstendamm while you’re there!

As popular with budget backpackers as it is with seasoned luxury travelers, Belin boasts a diverse range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses, lively hostels, charming B&Bs , and homestays, you’re garanteed to have a perfect stay here.

Best Hostel in Berlin – PLUS Berlin

Brilliantly located near the East Side Gallery, and nestled between some of Berlin’s prime nightlife spots, PLUS Berlin is one of the best party hostels in Berlin ! Complete with a swimming pool, sauna, and lovely garden, this hostel has it all. Enjoy the vibe at their Opera Bar and restaurant, or head out to the fantastic clubs just a stone’s throw away!

Best Airbnb in Berlin – Design loft with rooftop & pool

Chic and stylish with access to a shared pool and cool rooftop garden, this apartment is located in the heart of Berlin, in the neighborhood of Mitte.

The compact apartment has a modern kitchen and the large windows provide plenty of natural lighting. There’s a separate desk and dining table and the apartment has free Wi-Fi. The monochrome is the best place to stay in Berlin for a couple.

Best Budget Hotel in Berlin – Hotel Ludwig van Beethoven

Enjoy this 3-star hotel with a great price tag in a charming and vibrant neighborhood! With a 24-hour reception and delicious buffet breakfasts served on their rooftop breakfast patio, you’ll love every minute of your stay. Stop off at the fantastic local eateries or enjoy touring Berlin with uber-easy nearby transport options!

The first day in Berlin is going to start in nature, which is perfect if you just have a long journey behind you. Afterwards, you’ll head into the city to explore some of the most important monuments of the city. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and bring some snacks!

Being the massive and diverse city it is, Berlin also provides locals and visitors with a fantastic public transport system. One of the most popular ways to get around in Berlin is via the U-Bahn (the underground) or S-Bahn trains which run all over the city. You could also jump one of the city’s handy trams or buses. It’s very easy to get tickets for any of these modes of transport, just make sure you get your hands on a map so no time is wasted by getting lost!

While a lot of Berlin is super walkable, it doesn’t help with getting the most out of your trip. Perhaps the best thing to do is grab one of the city’s travel passes. You can get to your destination easily and spend more time exploring Berlin!

Wondering what to do in Berlin? Whether you love art, history, food, a happening nightlife scene, or you’re up for anything, I’ve put together a stellar Berlin itinerary that will make your trip unforgettable!

Take a look at some of the top-notch options for day one on our itinerary for Berlin! Get in touch with nature at the lush Botanic Garden, then take in a spot of history at some of the finest Berlin landmarks – Charlottenburg Palace, the Reichstag Building, and Brandenburg Gate. Then, finish off your day to the sound of the Berlin Philharmonic!

9am – Berlin Botanic Garden and Museum

If you love a splash of nature on a vacation in the city, enjoy a morning at the Berlin Botanic Garden. This oasis of lush greenery and incredible diversity is filled with stunning greenhouses, a sea of colorful flora and a chance to learn a little something as well!

Travel through this historic garden where you can enjoy a walk around Viktoriahaus, which is over one hundred years old! Explore the incredible collection of orchids, carnivorous plants (yikes!) and stunning white water lilies. Then, get lost in the tranquil arboretum where towering trees and the amazing Arbor of Roses right in the middle!

This immaculate garden is a fascinating place, especially thanks to the on-site museum where you can check out a range of models that give you an inside look into plant structures that are usually invisible to the naked eye. Think “forest in a matchbox”!

Insider Tip: The entrance ticket includes admission to the museum as well

• Cost – 6€ for adults
• Getting there – The S1 line stops directly at the garden
• How long should you stay – Give yourself 1-2 hours to enjoy the beauty of the garden and museum

11.30am – Charlottenburg Palace

Be greeted at the entrance by an impressive equestrian statue of King Friederich Wilhelm III – a fitting beginning to an incredible palace tour. Once a royal summer residence, the Charlottenburg Palace is Berlin’s largest and most magnificent royal house!

Spectacular paintings fill the walls and lofty ceilings of the palace, while amazing statues stand like sentinels as you explore the grounds. Don’t miss a look at the Belvedere former tea house and pavilion with amazing panoramic views, as well as the on-site mausoleum where the castle’s namesake was laid to rest. The palace was named after the beloved first Queen consort of Prussia, Sophie Charlotte.

The Goldene Galerie (the castles rococo ballroom) makes for quite the sight, and you’ll feel utterly regal as you admire its remarkable interior! The Old Palace and New Wing are both open to the public on your tour, while the grounds are free to explore.

Speaking of the garden, the palace’s impressive formal garden is surrounded by a lush woodland that makes it all the more royal!

• Cost: USD $23 for a full-access ticket.
• Getting there – Walk to the U9 and change to U7 at Berliner Straße
• How long should you stay – 60-90min

2pm – Reichstag Building

Add a significant and fascinating piece of history to your Berlin itinerary with a visit to the Reichstag Building!

Home to Germany’s parliament, this historical Berlin landmark has quite the history, from World War II and well into the Cold War. You can even get a peek at the current-day parliament at work!

Visitors can still see the Soviet graffiti on fire-touched walls after its occupation by the USSR. marked by history, the Reichstag Building was used for propaganda presentations and military purposes during WWII, and it became the main target in the 1945 Battle of Berlin. If you’re a history buff or have a love for politics, this is definitely one to add to your Berlin trip itinerary!

It also grew in popularity among tourists when it was home to the widely-praised Fragen an die deutsche Geschichte (questions to the German history). Now regarded as the second most visited landmark in Germany, visiting the Reichstag Building is a must on your Berlin vacation!

• Cos t – Free entrance!
• Getting there – Take the bus line M45 and change to line 100 at Berlin Zoologischer Garten railway station
• How long should you stay – 45-60min

3pm – Brandenburg Gate

As one of Berlin’s most well-known landmarks, Brandenburg Gate promises a lot! This 18th-century monument is built on the former city gate that marked the start of the road from Berlin to Brandenburg’s capital. This began the long and eventful history of Brandenburg Gate!

It also happens to be an actual gate into Unter den Linden, the famous boulevard of linden trees which leads directly to the spectacular Berlin City Palace of Prussian monarchs. The gate has become a symbol of unity and peace, and was the first piece to ‘Athen’s on the River Spree’ as you can see by its amazing design. Admire this incredible monument, which is adorned with a powerful statue and draws visitors from all over the world!

For the true history lovers, it was also here that Ronald Regan gave his iconic speech where he said, “Mr. Gorbachov, tear down this wall!” As a site of struggle, victory and celebration (it’s the popular finish line of the Berlin Marathon), the Brandenburg Gate definitely belongs on your Berlin itinerary!

Insider tip: visiting the Brandenburg Gate is especially atmospheric after dark!

• Cost: Free to see!
• Getting there – It’s a short walk from the previous stop
• How long should you stay here – 30min max

3.30pm – Unter den Linden

This boulevard takes you right from the Brandenburg Gate to the City Palace. It’s become one of the most famous streets in Berlin, alongside the Kufürstendamm which is located in the west. The straight street offers a cool view that moves straight through the city centre. It’s worth standing on either end and taking a few pics.

While strolling along the 1.5 km long road, you pass numerous important buildings such as the Humboldt University and the Staatsoper, and landmarks such as the Neue Wache and the Zeughaus. The boulevard also boasts restaurants, cafés and shops which is great for a quick afternoon snack.

You’ll also walk past monuments that we’ll have a closer look at on day two of the Berlin itinerary, such as the Museum Island and the famous cathedral.

• Cost – Free!
• Getting there – The boulevard starts right at the previous one!

6pm – Berliner Philharmonie

For classical music fans or anyone who enjoys the arts, a visit to this remarkable venue is a dream!

Situated in the beating heart of the city, the building is stunning on its own. With an incredible tent-like design and golden facade, the atmosphere is unreal. Then comes the performance by one of the world’s finest philharmonic orchestras.

The Berlin Philharmonic is anything but conventional! They deliver exquisite performances of the musical greats while giving it a sense of fun. As a fairly young orchestra, they’re open to performing jazz or show tunes and once started playing a completely different score much to their maestro’s bemusement.

The Berlin Philharmonic also has a forested venue on the city outskirts where you can enjoy one of their unbelievable performances. This award-winning orchestra is absolutely mandatory on your Berlin itinerary!

Insider tip: Be sure to get there early for their afternoon chamber music performance which they put on every Tuesday at 1pm, and they get filled up quickly!

• Cost –Tickets depend on seating but range from USD $12 for standing room to USD $325 for prime seats.
• Getting there – It’s a chill 20min walk from the Unter den Linden Subway station. You can also opt to take the bus!
• How long should you stay – Until the show is over – Make sure to check the schedule !

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Make your 2 days in Berlin memorable with a mixed bag of eclectic Berlin culture, a visit to the incredible Museum Island as well as an extra dose of nature with a trip to the zoo!

9am – Urban Spree

Get a taste for the legendary Berlin culture at this eclectic art gallery and the outdoor hub that surrounds it. If you’re looking for some incredible street art, themed clubs, and live music bars- you’ll find it all here!

Explore the amazing art gallery where stunning exhibits are on display. Then, enjoy a meander through the unbelievable collection of truly unique gems! Berlin has some of the best English bookshops where prints by featured artists are sold, as well as a fantastic array of rare books and zines.

Stroll through the patchwork of exhibitions, eateries, and a beer garden that’s just right for a relaxed day in Berlin. If you’re still hungry for more, there just so happens to be wall climbing available as well as one of Berlin’s tiniest discos.

Climb inside a converted phonebooth complete with dry ice, strobe lights, and a disco ball. You can even record your three-minute rave to some killer tunes (for the memories of course). If you’re after a glimpse inside Berlin’s epic street culture, this is the perfect place to start!

• Cost – It’s Free!
• Getting there – Take any public transport option to “Warschauer Staraße”
• How long should you stay – Around 60min

10am – Museum Island

If you thought Berlin couldn’t surprise you anymore, it’s done it again with an actual island covered in museums! This collection of world-renowned museums is home to an impressive array of artifacts and art, along with the promise of a fantastic experience.

Visit the Neues Museum, which is home to the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti as well as outstanding pieces from the Collection of Classical Antiquities. The Old National Gallery sits above the island like an old king on his throne and houses work by Manet, Menzel, and Monet, as well as paintings and sculptures from Romanticism to early Modernist art.

Altes Museum was the first on the island and showcases art and sculptures from classical antiquity including the busts of Caesar and Cleopatra. Then hit Bode-museum where you’ll find an extensive collection of sculptures dating all the way back to the medieval period to the late 18th century.

Last but not least, enjoy a walk through the Pergamonmuseum, which houses the Roman Market Gate of Miletus and the historic Tell Halaf facade. If you have a love for art, history and everything in between, definitely add Museum Island to your Berlin itinerary!

• Cost – The Museum Pass Berlin is USD $34, a one-day ticket to all exhibitions is USD $22.
• Getting there – Take the S1 towards Alexander Platz and take a quick walk to the Island.
• How long should you stay – Anything from 2-5 hours! Depending on how many Museums you want to have a look at.

1.30pm – Berlin Cathedral

After you have your fill of museums, hop on over the Berlin Cathedral which also sits on Museum Island! This major work of historicist architecture is quite the Berlin attraction and one of the most amazing landmarks on the city’s landscape.

First of all, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Berlin from the cathedral’s spectacular dome. Then, enjoy the incredible interior of this historic basilica. Crowned with a lantern and golden cross, the dome is flanked by four impressive towers! Drink in the stunning decor including ornamental mosaics, touches of gold, and amazing statues.

One of the cathedral’s most notable features is the marble and onyx altar, which draws the eye as soon as you walk in! The Imperial Staircase is another stellar feature, which was used for the entrance of an arriving royal couple. The cathedral also houses the Hohenzollern Crypt , the most prominent dynastic vault in the country!

Take in every corner of this stunning monument where historic beauty and an unreal atmosphere fill the hallowed halls. The cathedral also hosts a regular program of concerts, which are definitely worth seeing if you have the chance.

• Cost – USD $9 for adults and USD $7 for students.
• Getting there – It’s right across the Island.
• How long should you stay – 30-60min

2.15pm – Berlin Story Bunker

Get a unique insight into 800 years of Berlin history on a tour through the Berlin Story Bunker. Along with providing a detailed and vast background story, the bunker also houses the largest documentary on Adolf Hitler and his rise to power.

Journey through 30 fascinating, informative, and heartbreaking displays where you’ll learn all about how the Second World War came to be, why the Nazis brought the world to the brink and other prominent events in Berlin’s past!

Walk through the rooms of a real-life war bunker, where the unheard stories of Berlin residents are shared, giving a new understanding to the city’s turbulent past. The tour is also self-guided (with the help of an audio track), so you’ll be able to move through the museum at your own pace and find the exhibits that truly pique your interest.

You’ll also have the chance to see a fantastic miniature model of the entire city where you can track where you’ve been, where you’ll go next, and how this sprawling city fits together.

Insider tip: The tour is quite graphic in parts making it unsuitable for most children.  Keep this in mind if you are particularly sensitive to traumatic images as well.

• Cost – Tickets starts from 13$
• Getting there – Take the S3 from Hackesche Märkte and to Friedrichstraße and change onto the S2

3.30pm  – Berlin Zoological Garden

As the most visited zoo in Europe, the Berlin Zoological Garden has some spectacular habitats, animals, and highlights to show off!

Some of their most famous residents include the giant pandas, hippos, adorable penguins, gorillas, and a polar bear called Knut. The zoo also has some unique feature exhibits including the Eagle canyon- venture past a cascading waterfall and discover the eagle’s world. If you love watching birds as they flutter from tree to tree, the World of Birds canopy trail is perfect!

You can also spot some amazing black and Indian rhinos as well as a herd of red deer! The zoo is also in collaboration with other zoos and research groups to promote healthy breeding programs which safeguard endangered species!

The on-site aquarium is also a must-see, with 3 stories filled with over 9,000 animals from across the world. Stroll through the cool, shimmering hallways where you can see the likes of tropical fish, amphibians, an incredible shark tank, and a host of billowing jellyfish! You can also check out a fascinating ant enclosure where you can watch the little creatures at work.

The aquarium also works hard to promote healthy sea life by including educational features and a display of plastic amongst the incredible marine life.

Insider tip: The joint ticket includes access to the aquarium!

• Cost – USD $18 for adults and USD $10 for children.
• Getting there – Take the M29 bus to Europa-Center
• How long should you stay – You can spend the rest of the day here!

PLUS Berlin

Brilliantly located near the East Side Gallery and nestled between some of Berlin’s prime nightlife spots, PLUS Berlin is one of the best hostels in Berlin!

• 24 Hour Reception

Now that you’ve had a whirlwind weekend in Berlin , it’s time to find out what to do in Berlin in 3 days. From epic markets to trips down the amazing Spree River, you’ll be spoiled for choice when you travel to Berlin!

The end of day three is optional but I’d highly recommend it. Exploring Berlin’s nightlife is a must! It’s one of the biggest and well-known nightlife scenes in Europe and since it’s the last day on our itinerary, you might as well go out with a bang!

9am – Mauerpark

Throughout Berlin, Mauerpark is known as one of the best places to hang out in the city. Built in what used to be a militarized death strip, the lush and fun-filled park is now a social hub in Berlin.

You can enjoy a stroll through the stunning landscape, have a picnic in the birch grove, join in a game of boules or basketball, or watch musicians and performers put on a show in the amphitheatre. Heck, why not do it all?

Get a real feel for Berlin and its community in this gorgeous oasis where you may even get to know some locals! Enjoy snacks and treats from a range of food stalls that set up camp in the park, or browse the many stalls selling artworks, handicrafts and trinkets.

Mauerpark almost feels like a music festival in the summer, when the street performers are in full swing and vendors fill the air with delicious aromas!

I’ve saved the best for last – the park also hosts an open-to-all karaoke fest every second Sunday, which is beyond fun and a great way to connect with the city!

• Getting there – Head to Eberswalder Straße Station with any public transport option.
• How long should you stay – 1-2 hours depending on whether you’re coming for the fleamarket as well

12pm – Berlin Wall Memorial

A visit to Berlin wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Berlin wall – it’s probably THE thing to do in Berlin. Retrace the surviving 3-miles of wall and get transported back to a pivotal moment in recent history. Parts of the wall have been rebuilt, others are exactly how they used to be.

This site is more informative than other museums and will teach you all about the history of the Berlin Wall. It’s the ideal place for history nerds that really want to dig in deep.

The memorial serves as a reminder of the divided city and the victims of communist tyranny, as well as the “Window of Remembrance. You can also find the Chapel of Reconciliation here, along with the exposed foundations of a former apartment house, the façade of which made up part of the Wall until the early 1980s.

• Cost – Free! The museum is 12.50€
• Getting there – Take the M1 tram to U Bernauer Straße.
• How long should you stay – 30-45min

1pm – East Side Gallery

Berlin’s East Side Gallery is one of the most well-known open-air galleries in the world, and with a remarkable history as well!

The incredible gallery consists of a series of murals painted onto the final remnant of the Berlin Wall. As a marker for decades of turmoil, this historic space is now filled with powerful portraits, graffiti and slogans by artists from across the globe!

You can see images like an opened wall filled with a sea of faces, young children being watched over and a curriculum vitae with significant years in the city’s history. You can also spot a giant “Berlin” on one section of the wall alongside other powerful phrases and messages.

While the gallery has been defaced over the years, it remains an icon of change and is definitely deserves a spot on your 3-day Berlin itinerary!

• Getting there – Take the U8 to Jannowitzbrücke and change to the S3 to Berlin Warschauer Straße
• How long should you stay – 45min

2.30pm – Molecule Men at Warschauer Straße

This unexpected and eclectic landmark makes a fun addition to your Berlin itinerary! Stroll along the lanes around Warschauer Straße where you’ll find amazing art galleries, fun bars, and the unreal Molecule Men . This monumental statue stands in position in the middle of Spree River, which used to mark the border between East and West Berlin.

This incredible sculpture forms part of a series of aluminium creations that have been placed around the world. Symbolically, the Molecule Men represent the intersection of the then three districts of Berlin, but they also make for an epic photo opportunity!

The 100-foot-tall statue is quite the sight on its own, but you can also enjoy some spectacular architecture in the area as well as an amazing view of Oberbaum Bridge. Definitely pay this Berlin landmark a visit at night when the bridge and surrounds are bathed in light!

• Getting there – Take the S9 to S Treptower Park
• How long should you stay – 20-30min

4pm – Spree River Boat Trip

Add a fun and fascinating riverboat tour to your 3-day itinerary in Berlin! Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the waters of Spree River as you enjoy the sights and sounds of Berlin!

Learn all about the German capital as you pass by the Federal Chancellery and Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the President of Germany since 1994. You’ll also have the chance to admire the Victory Column which commemorates the Prussian wins in various wars and has become a symbol of unity.

Cruise past Charlottenburg Palace, the Westhafen Canal and the Hamburger Bahnhof, which is a terminal-turned museum that has an impressive collection of contemporary art! Take in the gorgeous views of Berlin as you toast to a fantastic holiday!

• Cost – Starting from $20
• Getting there – Take the S9 to Am Weidendamm 1, 10117 Berlin
• How long should you sta y – The tour takes 1 hour but there are 2.5h tours available as well

9pm until late – Berlin nightlife

You can’t visit Berlin without hearing about the city’s insane nightlife. While it’s not technically a place to visit, there are just too many amazing venues to decide which one is the best. You can get bars, clubs and hidden hotspots all over the city and each of them offers a different vibe. One of the most famous nightclubs is Berghain but there are plenty of other and more unique nightlife places to visit.

Dance the night away until your feet hurt – and then keep going. Go nude at Pornceptual, party through the weekend at Sunday Club, choose from all sorts of music genres at Hoe_Mies or dive into the techno scene at Suicide Circus or Tresor. There are endless options and trust us, you’ll struggle to decide where to go to! It’s the perfect end to a 3-Day Berlin Itinerary!

• Cost – Depends on the club!
• Getting there – Depends on where you want to go!
• How long should you stay – Depends on your endurance!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

When you’re planning a trip to Berlin, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the seasons and get an idea of when to visit Berlin!

The best time to visit the city is between May and October when Berlin is bathed in sunshine and has the perfect weather for checking out the many Berlin attractions. May brings along the blooming of cherry blossoms and is one of the most beautiful months to visit. Keep in mind that many people travel at that time, so it’s important to book your accommodation ahead. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing hostels in Berlin , so you’ll almost always find a comfy place to rest your head.

August and September are especially pleasant months, with the International Berlin Beer Festival as well as the famous Lollapalooza music festival where some epic performances take place! However, the middle of summer does get very humid, so heading to Berlin in early spring or late summer to early autumn is also a fantastic choice!

High season in Berlin is between mid-June to August, during Oktoberfest and, of course, the Christmas season when Berlin is lit in exquisite lights and filled with festivals. You can also experience the city’s legendary Christmas markets during December!

January can get some stunning snow, which makes Berlin even more dreamy and there are some fantastic New Year’s celebrations including food, drinks, and live music along Berlin’s Party Mile.

For the most budget-friendly time to visit, early June is quiet and accommodation prices decrease, while the winter months of November to March are pretty cold and overcast but have some fantastic deals!

It’s no surprise that Berlin is a pretty big city with loads of interesting neighbourhoods. Luckily, you can find a super well developed public transport network spread throughout all parts of the city. The public transport here also makes taking one of the many day trips from Berlin super easy too.

To put that into numbers for you, there are 120 kilometres of tram lines, 473 kilometres of railway track, and more navigable waterways than Amsterdam, Stockholm and even Venice – put together! And Berlin makes good use of it all. Whether it’s by tram, S-Bahn, subway or simple bus system, you can get from A to B within no time.

The public transport in Berlin is straightforward, clean and reliable. It’s also pretty affordable, especially if you opt for taking the bus.

Another great way to get around is to rent a bicycle. There are bike stations spread throughout the city, the most popular ones are Nextbike and Donkey Republic. Both of them are rentable by app which makes it super handy and efficient.

The German capital has one of the highest rates of bicycle commuting in the world, with an average of 710 bicycles owned per 1,000 Berliners. There are plenty of bike paths and dedicated cycle lanes — in fact, there are 620 kilometres of them.

Coming prepared is one of the most important parts of travelling, no matter where you want to go.

Although it’s the largest and most populated city in Germany, Berlin is generally quite safe. However, when you’re traveling to a new city, especially one as large as this, it’s a good idea to follow some tried and tested safety tips .

• Be particularly vigilant in touristy areas like the Kurfürstendamm and Gölitzer Park.
• Public transport is also a hotspot for petty crime, so hold tight to your belongings for any journeys you take.
• It is generally quite safe to walk around popular areas at night, but keep an eye out for dodgy characters.

As you are likely traveling in a foreign country, ensure you have access to emergency numbers in case of an accident or problem. It’s also always a good idea to have travel insurance in the event of a problem. To enjoy your Berlin itinerary to the fullest, keep these travel tips in mind and enjoy safe travels!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Berlin itinerary.

How many days should you stay in Berlin?

You can cover a lot of ground in 3 days. However, 4-5 days are ideal if you’re looking to discover more of Berlin’s epic nightlife scene.

What should you include on a 3 day Berlin itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these awesome places: – Brandenburg Gate – Museum Island – East Side Gallery – Holocaust Memorial

Where should you stay for a weekend in Berlin?

If you’re only in Berlin for a short time, finding accommodation in Mitte is your best bet. It’s super central, putting you within easy reach of Berlin’s top attractions and bars.

What are the best day trips from Berlin?

If you’ve got the time, make sure to check out Dresden, the Azalea and Rhododendron Park, Potsdam, or Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

When you think about Berlin, it probably brings to mind historical buildings, incredible museums, and an up-and-coming creative scene that has some spectacular things to offer!

There’s incredible variety in Berlin, so it’s the perfect place for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday filled with leisurely strolls through charming streets, an action-packed European getaway where you’re always looking for something exciting, or a true taste of history – Berlin has everything you could ask for!

Along with top-notch public transport and events galore, Berlin is filled to the brim with landmarks and attractions to explore! Enjoy a stay at world-class accommodation, get a taste for the international cuisine that fills Berlin with flavor, and take your pick from an impressive list of things to do in Berlin.

There’s so much to do on your Berlin itinerary, so jump into this unbelievable city with both feet and enjoy!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

• Contrast Contrast

3 days in Berlin

Don't miss any top sights

You are planning your first trip to Berlin and don’t want to miss out on any of the highlights in this exciting city? Our 72-hour tour will take you to the most famous landmarks in Berlin and to its most beautiful places. Be guided through a sightseeing tour of Mitte, go shopping on Kurfürstendamm and in City West, and experience neighbourhood life in the districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. With our 72-hour programme, you won’t miss out on any top sights during your first visit to Berlin.

Day 1 in Mitte: from Alexanderplatz to the Brandenburg Gate

Morning: alexanderplatz & nikolaiviertel.

Start your first day in Berlin at the World Clock at Alexanderplatz . Let the surrounding buildings take you back in time to the GDR of the 1970s, watch the lively goings-on as people pass by and look up across the S-Bahn railway tracks at the TV Tower , the first highlight on the tour. From the top you have a phenomenal panoramic view of the city - at a reduced rate with the Berlin WelcomeCard , by the way. Enjoy the view over breakfast or brunch at the restaurant sphere , which rotates on its own axis at a height of more than 200 metres.

Tickets for the TV Tower

You can continue the tour westwards, past the Rotes Rathaus (red town hall), where the Berlin mayor’s office is. Berlin’s oldest district, the Nikolaiviertel , awaits your visit by the Spree. You can stroll around the picturesque neighbourhood surrounding St. Nicholas’ Church . A bit further downstream of the river on the other side you’ll find the Berlin Cathedral with its gigantic dome – one of Berlin’s landmarks and something you most definitely should not miss.

Museum Island is not only a top Berlin attraction for art lovers. This ensemble consists of five museums that are on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites . The Altes Museum , the Neues Museum , the Pergamon Museum , the Bode Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie together form one of the most important museum complexes in the world, and you have free entrance to them with the Berlin WelcomeCard . Unfortunately, the Pergamon Museum is closed for extensive renovation work.

Buy your Berlin Welcome Card Museum Island

Afternoon: Humboldt Forum, Gendarmenmarkt, Holocaust Memorial and Brandenburg gate

Back on the magnificent boulevard Unter den Linden , you should visit Berlin's new forum for culture, art and science just opposite the Museum Island: The Humboldt Forum . Over Bebelplatz and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral which is a little hidden behind the Staatsoper Unter den Linden (Berlin State Opera), the journey continues with a short detour to Gendarmenmarkt , surely the most beautiful square in Berlin. Enjoy the harmonious ensemble of the concert house in the centre, flanked by the German and French cathedrals, from one of the many restaurants and cafés around the square.

Charlottenstraße on the western side of the square and then Behrenstraße going westwards will now lead you past the Komische Oper to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , which is also known as the Holocaust Memorial . Walk through the memorial with its 2,711 concrete pillars and take in its contemplative atmosphere.

From here it’s just a few metres down Ebertstraße before you’ll find yourself in front of the most famous landmark of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate . Few buildings are as closely connected with the history of Berlin as the former city gate is. After the fall of the Berlin Wall it became a symbol of German unity. Following a short walk around Pariser Platz the tour continues through the gate onto the Platz des 18. März . Now you’ll be able to recognise the Siegessäule (Victory Column) in the distance, in the centre of the large Tiergarten park.

The next highlight of our tour is also a truly historic place. The Reichstag , the seat of the Deutscher Bundestag (German parliament), has not only had an eventful history since the Reichstag fire in 1933. 

At night: Enjoy the nightlife around Hackescher Markt

To finish off the tour we recommend either a drink at Capital Beach , directly on the riverbank of the Spreebogenpark with a view of the main railway station – or a beer at Zollpackhof on the other side of the Spree. From there you can also comfortably reach Hackescher Markt , where you can spend the evening at any one of the numerous restaurants, cafés and bars.

Day 2 in City West: Between Charlottenburg Palace and the Gedächtniskirche

Morning: charlottenburg palace.

Begin your second day like royalty, with a stroll around Charlottenburg Palace . Initially constructed as a summer palace, today it is the most splendid palace in Berlin, with extensive gardens. Located directly by the Spree, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the rococo period and the days of the Prussian kingdom as you stroll through the park.

Use our Day Ticket Charlottenburg+ for Charlottenburg Palace and all facilities in the Charlottenburg Palace Gardens.

Combi-Ticket Charlottenburg+

You can also visit the Käthe Kollwitz Museum in the theatre building of the palace complex.

Afternoon: Ku'damm & Zoo

A short ride from there on the U7 metro will take you directly to Adenauerplatz in the middle of the legendary Kurfürstendamm – the most famous shopping street in Berlin. Here you can peruse the latest designer fashions or simply marvel at the impressive building façades during your walk along the boulevard. The next highlight is waiting for you at the end of the Ku’damm: the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church) on Breitscheidplatz. The ensemble consists of the ruins of the church destroyed in the war and a new building next to it. It is a monument for peace and reconciliation and a symbol of Berliners’ will to rebuild in the post-war period.

Today the church is encircled by several tall buildings such as the Upper West , the Zoofenster and the Europa Center, the oldest shopping centre in Berlin. You can reach Kaufhaus des Westens at Wittenbergplatz in just a few minutes via the adjacent Tauentzienstraße. KaDeWe is the most famous department store in Germany. Ansbacher Straße and Kurfürstenstraße will take you to Olof-Palme-Platz. And here waiting for you at the end of the tour are two more highlights: Zoologischer Garte n and the Aquarium Berlin , that you can gain reduced admission to with the Berlin WelcomeCard .

At night: Enjoy the nightlife of the City West

You can round off the day right next door, at the Monkey Bar in the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin. The cocktail bar with panoramic windows offers you a breathtaking view over Tiergarten and City West. Alternatively, you can retreat to the Schleusenkrug on warm summer evenings, a cosy beer garden directly on the Landwehr Canal in Tiergarten.

Day 3 in Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain: Berlin Wall and neighbourhoods

Morning: along the river spree to the east side gallery.

Enjoy an easy-going start on the third day with a late brunch the way the Berliners love them. Things taste even better when there is a view to match. So check out one of the many cafés by the Landwehr Canal or the Neuköllner Schifffahrtskanal (Neukölln Ship Canal). Afterwards, you can stroll along the Spree River by the canal. There are unique gems in the way of restaurants, bars and clubs awaiting your visit. Freischwimmer , Club der Visionäre, Badeschiff and IPSE are just four of the locations on the island that form a summertime bar biotope on the left and right of the Flutgraben channel.

Schlesische Straße and Falckensteinstraße then lead you to Oberbaumbrücke . From here you have one of the most beautiful views of Berlin in both directions – towards Alexanderplatz with the TV Tower and out of the city with the Molecule Men in the Spree.

Just around the corner from Oberbaumbrücke you’ll find the East Side Gallery stretching out before you. The longest connected piece of the former Berlin Wall is covered with many different and amazing artworks. The most famous painting is the brotherly kiss between Honecker and Brezhnev. And there are plenty more historic events depicted along the 1.3 km open air gallery.

More neighbourhood tips

You can find detailed information about all the districts, neighbourhoods and other secret tips in our Going Local app , that you can download for free at Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Also included: tours and videos. Download now .

You would like to stay a few days longer in Berlin or have less time?

Then let yourself be inspired by our suggestions for 24 hours in Berlin , for 48 hours or for a five-day stay !

Our tip for you: explore the city with the Berlin Welcome Card

We recommend the Berlin Welcome Card – Berlin’s official tourist ticket. The Berlin Welcome Card has over 200 sights and attractions as discount partners. It is also your ticket for public transport services across the entire city – and if you prefer, also includes Potsdam

Info about the Berlin Welcome Card

Our service for you:

• Book your hotel
• Book your travel deal
• Buy tickets for many sights, attractions & events

Do you need help? We are happy to help. Call or email our travel advisors .

• Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
• Share on X Share on X
• Share by email Share by email
• Print page Print page

You might find this also interesting

Meals for real guys

Berlin Cuisine

The food is half the experience when travelling, and Berlin cuisine won't disappoint. Enjoy a hearty meal after a long day of sightseeing.

Show details

Relaxed dining with your fellow travelers

Restaurants for groups

When travelling in Berlin with a school class or other big group, it is good to know where you can get a table large enough for everyone.

The best deals for your Berlin trip

City break in Berlin

Travel DEALS from €123

Attractive prices for your city trip to Berlin. Booking your city trip on visitBerlin.de is quick and easy.

How to Spend 4 Perfect Days in Berlin, Germany (2024 Berlin Itinerary)

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here .

Ready to spend 4 days in Berlin? This itinerary will help you plan out everything you need to do during your 4 days in Berlin, Germany including recommendations on things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and more!

Planning your 4-Day Berlin Itinerary last minute?

No time to read the full itinerary? Here are some of Berlin’s top activities, tours, hotels and more! Top Tours and Activities in Berlin : 1. Berlin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – see all of Berlin’s sights on this bus tour! 2. The Best Berlin Food Tour – learn about the city’s history while sampling its best eats! 3. Sachsenhausen Day Tour from Berlin – hear about the site’s history from an expert guide 4. Berlin Highlights Bike Tour – see all the sights while getting in some exercise Best Places to Stay in Berlin: 1. Hotel Q! Berlin – a quirky & affordable design hotel, my #1 pick! 2. Generator Berlin Mitte – the perfect party hostel in Berlin 3. Grand Hostel Berlin Classic – a relaxed-yet-social hostel

Berlin, Germany is one of the most incredible cities in the world. It’s full of history, culture, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. It’s impossible to visit Berlin and be bored – there’s just so much to do!

Berlin is the perfect place for a European city break.

Whether you’re visiting Berlin on a whirlwind European tour, a weekend trip while studying abroad , or as a part of a longer adventure throughout Germany, spending 4 days in Berlin is a great way to get an introduction to the city.

You’ll have time to see all the city’s top sights and maybe even take a day trip outside of Berlin.

After exploring Berlin for 4 days, you’ll be ready to come back for more!

Keep reading for tips on how to plan a perfect 4 days in Berlin, including a day-by-day itinerary, tips on where to stay and eat, and more helpful tips for getting around Berlin!

Table of Contents

4 Days in Berlin: Top Tips for Visiting Berlin

Whether you’re traveling abroad for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, Berlin is very easy to navigate and explore.

Although the official language is German, many locals speak English and most signs are posted in English.

When to Visit Berlin

Berlin is a great city to visit at anytime throughout the year.

If you can handle cold temperatures, I recommend visiting Berlin during the winter. The city becomes magical around Christmastime, and celebrating New Year’s Eve (or Silvester ) in Berlin is an experience unlike any other.

If you’re visiting Berlin around Christmas, make sure to visit a traditional German Christmas Market . One of the best is the Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt , which is open from late November to the end of the year. Sipping on glühwein and shopping for Christmas gifts will definitely get you in the holiday spirit!

Make sure to come prepared with a warm winter coat, scarf, hat, and gloves!

Visiting Berlin during the Spring months (March-May) will bring cool but dry temperatures; by early May, the days will be getting warmer. If you’re visiting in mid-April, you’ll be in for a treat: the cherry blossoms will be in bloom!

Berlin is rainy and hot during the summer months, from June to early September. Temperatures average between 70-75° Fahrenheit. 

Keep in mind that the summer is the high season for tourists, so you can expect to see bigger crowds and higher prices during this time.

If you’re visiting around Pentecost weekend (50 days after Easter Sunday), make sure to check out Karneval der Kulteren (Carnival of Cultures). This festival is held in Berlin’s hip Kreuzberg district and celebrates the diversity of the city.

Much like Spring, Fall in Berlin (late September to November) brings cooler temperatures. The temperature is warmer during the early fall months but by the end of November, the air is crisp and cool. The changing leaves make for gorgeous scenery as you walk through Berlin’s streets and parks.

No matter when you’re visiting Berlin, make sure to pack an umbrella and a jacket! The city can be cool even during the summer months, and rain can come at any time.

Ready to book your flight to Berlin? Use a site such as WayAway or Google Flights to check prices for different dates and find the best time (and price) for your flight.

Money-Saving Travel Tip

Earn cashback on your Berlin flights with WayAway Plus ! WayAway is a flight search tool that helps you find the best price for your travel dates. With WayAway Plus, you can earn cashback on flight tickets and hotels, as well as more perks! Sign up today for a free trial of WayAway Plus , and use promo code AWORLDINREACH for 10% off!

4 Days in Berlin: Getting to and around Berlin

Berlin has a wonderful public transportation system that’s affordable and easy to navigate.

If you’re arriving in Berlin by air, you’ll be landing at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) . Located just south of Berlin, BER is a brand-new airport that opened in late 2020, replacing Tegel and Schönefeld airports.

To determine the best route to get from the airport to your accommodation, I recommend using Google Maps or Rome2Rio .

In most cases, the easiest and quickest way to get from the airport to the city center is the Berlin Airport Express Train , which runs every 30 minutes.

You can also check out options for airport transfers on GetYourGuide .

Public Transportation in Berlin

Berlin’s public transportation system consists of the U-Bahn (subway), the S-Bahn (light rail), trams, and buses. You can buy tickets from vending machines in U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations, on trams, from bus drivers, or at BVG offices (BVG is the organization that administers Berlin’s public transportation system).

Berlin is broken down into three public transportation zones: A, B, and C.

Tickets are sold as either AB, BC, or ABC tickets. Most tourists will only need AB tickets; exceptions are if you’re heading to/from Brandenburg Airport or taking a day trip to Potsdam or Sachsenhausen .

You can either buy single ride tickets, day passes, or 7-day passes.

Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding – you can do this at the validation machines in U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations. Tickets bought from bus drivers or BVG offices are already validated. Failing to validate your ticket can result in expensive fines.

To determine the best route to your destination, use Google Maps or Rome2Rio .

When spending 4 days in Berlin, another option for public transportation is to purchase a Berlin WelcomeCard , a city card that includes unlimited public transportation access in Berlin. Berlin Welcome Cards can be purchased for 48-72 hours of coverage.

There are two types of Berlin WelcomeCards. The first includes public transportation in zones A and B as well as discounts at over 200 attractions across Berlin.

The second includes public transportation in Zones A, B, and C plus discounts at over 200 attractions.

You can choose a card that’s either valid for 48 or 72 hours.

If you’re flying into Berlin, the best option is to get the WelcomeCard that includes transportation in Zones A, B, and C so that you can take the Airport Express Train to and from the city center.

Book your Berlin WelcomeCard for your 4 days in Berlin here:

Taxis and ubers in berlin.

If you’re traveling in a group, taxis or Ubers in Berlin can be convenient and affordable.

In Berlin, Uber is used in cooperation with the local taxi service. Instead of calling a driver in their personal car, you’ll just be calling a taxi. Prices are slightly higher on Uber than if you hail a taxi in the street.

When you order an Uber in Berlin, you can choose between a Comfort Electric Car (1-3 passengers), a Comfort car (1-3 passengers), or a Taxi Van (1-6 passengers).

If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, go for the Taxi Van to make sure you have plenty of space.

Getting Euros in Berlin

Germany’s currency is the Euro (check current conversion rates on XE.com ).

If the Euro is not your home currency, the easiest and cheapest way to get Euros is to use your debit card at an ATM. The conversion rate you’ll get from an ATM will be better than what you’ll get from one of the currency exchanges at the airport.

Before traveling abroad, consider getting an account with a bank that offers no foreign transaction fees and ATM fee rebates such as Charles Schwab .

I’m a huge fan of my Charles Schwab checking account – no matter how much an ATM fee is, I always get a refund at the end of the month!

Also, make sure to inform your bank of your travel plans before your trip so that the bank’s fraud detection system knows that you’re abroad.

ATMs are all over Berlin and are easy to find. When possible, use ATMs located at banks. This makes it a bit easier to retrieve your card if it happens to be eaten by the ATM.

Local banks such as Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, HSBC, and Berliner Bank are easy to find throughout the city.

Cash is king in Berlin. Many merchants do accept credit cards, but make sure to have cash on-hand for smaller shops, markets, and cafés.

At merchants where credit cards are accepted, Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express or Discover. Also, many places that accept credit cards have a minimum purchase requirement.

Before your trip, consider applying for a Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fees that also supports the chip and pin system found in Europe.

TIP: Sometimes when paying with a credit card, you will be given the option to be charged in Euros or US Dollars. Always choose Euros – the merchant gets to choose this exchange rate, which means that it’ll be in their favor, not yours.

BUDGET TRAVEL TIP

Are you a university student? If so, don’t forget your student ID card! Many of Berlin’s museums and attractions offer discounted admission to students with a valid ID – this is a great and easy way to save a few Euros. For more discounts, look into signing up for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) – a card that proves your official student status and gives you over 150,000 benefits and discounts worldwide.

4 Days in Berlin – Where to Stay in Berlin

Generally, accommodation prices in Berlin are slightly cheaper than elsewhere in western Europe and major US cities.

The city is full of wonderful hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals that will suit any travel style and budget.

If you’re traveling solo, hostels or shared Airbnbs are a great budget-friendly option. If you’re traveling as a couple or a group of friends, hotels or private vacation rentals like an Airbnb or VRBO will be more affordable as you can split the cost among your group.

When spending 4 days in Berlin, I recommend choosing your accommodation in an area close to Berlin’s top sights. Consider picking a spot in one of these neighborhoods:

• Mitte: Berlin’s historic district, Mitte is home to most of the city’s top attractions.
• Kreuzberg: Kreuzberg is a hip, diverse area of Berlin. This area is home to a lot of fun bars and delicious ethnic food.
• Prenzlauer Berg: Prenzlauer Berg is Berlin’s hipster neighborhood. Here you’ll find plenty of cute cafés, bars, and shops.
• Friedrichstein: Visiting Berlin to experience the city’s nightlife and techno scene? Many of Berlin’s top clubs, including Berghain, are located in Friedrichstein.
• Charlottenburg: Charlottenburg is located west of Berlin’s city center. This affluent area is home to the high-end “Ku’damm” shopping street and Charlottenburg Palace, the largest palace in Berlin.

Here are a few of my recommendations on where to stay during your 4 days in Berlin:

Familienhaus im Bergmannkiez

I traveled to Berlin with four friends, and we absolutely loved this Airbnb in trendy Kreuzberg.

The apartment was huge and perfectly located – some of the best restaurants we tried during our time in Berlin were within walking distance, and the nearby U-Bahn stop made it super easy to get to other areas of the city.

To make things even better, there’s a lockbox with a spare key, which gave us peace of mind after our Amsterdam Airbnb mishap .

Traveling with a smaller group? You can see more Berlin vacation rentals here .

Grand Hostel Berlin Classic

This hostel, located in the trendy Kreuzberg neighbhorhood, is award-winning and is consistently rated as one of Berlin’s best hostels.

Grand Hostel doesn’t consider itself a “party hostel,” so it’s a nice place for travelers who want to make new friends in a more relaxed environment. 

Generator Berlin Mitte

f you’re looking for a party hostel, Generator Berlin Mitte is where you want to be.

This hostel is perfect for travelers looking to make new friends. You can pregame in the hostel bar before heading out to experience Berlin’s legendary nightlife.

Hotel Q! Berlin

I’m a sucker for a quirky design hotel, and Hotel Q! Berlin definitely fits the bill.

This hotel is located in Charlottenburg, just off the Ku’damm shopping street.

It’s a perfect choice for couples and is a great value for your money.

You can search more Berlin accommodation options on Booking.com .

Where to Eat in Berlin

Berlin is a paradise for foodies.

In the city, you can find traditional German food, Berlin specialties, and delicious ethnic cuisine from all around the world. There are also plenty of vegan restaurants in Berlin!

Here are a few of my favorite places to eat – make sure to check them out during your 4 days in Berlin!

Want to try it all? Take a Berlin food tour !

Felix Austria – Schnitzel is one of my favorite meals, and Felix Austria is home to what I believe is the best schnitzel in Berlin. This is one of those spots where you’ll find more locals than tourists! // Bergmannstraße 26, 10961 Berlin ( map )

Mustafa’s Gemuese Kebab – Doner kebabs are one of the top fast food treats in Berlin, and Mustafa’s makes one of the best kebabs in the city. There’s nearly always a REALLY long line, so get there when it opens (10AM) to have an early lunch and skip the long wait. // Mehringdamm 32, 10961 Berlin ( map )

Original Chicken Gemüese Kebab – Lines too long at Mustafa’s? Just a few blocks away is Original Chicken Gemüese Kebab. My friends and I preferred the kebabs here to the ones at Mustafa’s – we thought these tasted just as good (if not better) and there was never a long line. // Gneisenaustraße 89, 10961 Berlin ( map )

Curry 36 – Currywurst is the perfect snack to grab on your way home from the bar: it’s cheap, fast, and delicious! I tried a few different currywurst stands in Berlin and Curry 36 was my favorite. // Mehringdamm 36, 10961 Berlin ( map )

Alt-Berliner Wirsthaus – This spot is a little touristy, but the atmosphere is cozy and the food is delicious. My friends and I lovingly referred to this restaurant as “Grandma’s House” during our trip because the food was hearty and homemade, just like grandma would make. If you’re looking for a great place to try traditional, yummy German food, you can’t get much better than this. // Wilhelmstraße 77, 10117 Berlin ( map )

Maria Bonita – If you’ve been reading A World in Reach for awhile, you probably know that I’m OBSESSED with Mexican food. Maria Bonita had some of the best Mexican food that I’ve had during my travels. It was just as good as some of the Mexican spots I’ve had at home. // Danziger Str. 33, 10435 Berlin ( map )

Travel Insurance in Berlin

I always recommend investing in travel insurance before going on a trip. Unexpected things can always happen, and it’s always best to be prepared.

Travel insurance can help cover expenses related to injuries or medical issues that occur abroad. It can also help cover things like delayed baggage or stolen gear.

On my travels, I use Safety Wing travel insurance . If you’re visiting Germany, look into Safety Wing to see if their plans work for you and your trip .

Using Your Phone in Berlin

Unless your phone carrier offers free or cheap international coverage, you’re going to want to purchase a local SIM card or an eSIM so that you have mobile data while visiting Berlin.

On my last trip to Germany, I used Airalo , an eSIM provider. It was cheap, easy to set up, and it worked great. Now, I’m an Airalo customer for life!

You can purchase your own Germany Airalo eSIM here , or check out my full Airalo review to learn more.

4 Days in Berlin – What to See in Berlin in 4 Days

Are you ready to spend 4 days in Berlin, seeing the best the city has to offer?

This itinerary will help you make the most of your 4 days in Berlin. My itineraries always include all of the most famous attractions and must-do activities without being too jam-packed.

This itinerary also includes some of the best free things to do in Berlin , perfect if you’re traveling on a budget!

The above map includes each location on the itinerary, color-coded and separated day-by-day (except Day 4 – day trips). I’ve also included the places to stay and restaurants I recommended above to help with planning your days in Berlin.

NOTE: Many Berlin attractions featured in this post may have changed operating hours or ticket requirements – make sure to check out the attractions’ official websites for the most up-to-date information.

4 Days in Berlin – Day 1: Explore Berlin’s Top Sights

After arriving in Berlin, spend your first day in Berlin getting to know the city and exploring Berlin’s top sights.

One of my favorite ways to get to know a city on my first visit is to take a free walking tour .

There are several free walking tour companies based in Berlin, but the SANDEMANs New Europe Berlin Free Walking Tour is one of the top rated in the city.

Free walking tours are a great way to get an introduction to a new city for a couple of reasons.

The first is that they typically stop at many of the major tourist attractions. Second is that the tours are led by locals who are a goldmine for information.

Tour guides are the reason I always opt for a guided walking tour rather than a self-guided tour. During the tour, the guide will tell you all about the history of the city and the sights you’re seeing; you can also hit them up for tips on their favorite things to do and recommendations for places to eat!

Keep in mind that free walking tours are tip-based, so make sure to tip your guide at the end of your tour.

In general, free walking tours last around 3 hours. I recommend taking the morning tour so you can spend the afternoon exploring nearby spots or returning to your favorite spots from the tour.

Some of the Berlin sights featured in most free walking tours include:

Brandenburg Gate: Berlin’s only surviving city gate; once a symbol of division, now a symbol of unity. (PS: pop culture fans will want to spot the nearby Hotel Adlon Kempinski , the hotel where Michael Jackson dangled his infant son in 2002).

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe: Berlin’s memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The memorial was designed to be open to interpretation and lacks historical markers typically found at similar memorials. Regardless, the memorial is very moving and is a great place for quiet reflection.

The Berlin Wall: Remains of the wall that once divided East and West Germany.

Checkpoint Charlie: The most famous border crossing between East and West Germany. If you’re interested in learning more about the Berlin Wall and the division of Germany, pay a visit to the nearby Mauermuseum – Haus am Checkpoint Charlie (Wall Museum).

Berlin TV Tower: The star of Berlin’s skyline; on your free walking tour, your guide will take you to some of the best spots to photograph the TV tower. You can also head to the top of the tower for a 360˚ view of Berlin (consider doing this on Day 2: book tickets online here ).

After your tour, grab lunch and spend the afternoon exploring in and around Tiergarten , Berlin’s most popular park.

This large, beautiful park is located nearby Brandenburg Gate and is home to tree-lined paths, lush green lawns, and several memorials.

The Victory Column , a monument designed to celebrate Prussia’s victory in the Danish-Prussian War, is also located in Tiergarten.

This evening, make a reservation to visit the Reichstag Dome . This beautiful glass dome is located at the top of the Reichstag building.

The dome was built to symbolize Germany’s reunification and offers views of the Bundestag’s (German parliament) debating chamber as well as a panoramic view of Berlin.

Tickets to the Reichstag Dome are free, but they must be pre-booked online. Book your free tickets for the Reichstag Dome here .

4 Days in Berlin – Day 2: More of Berlin’s Historical Sights

Ready to learn more about Berlin’s history?

On Day 2 of your 4 days in Berlin, begin by exploring around Alexanderplatz , a city square (the largest in Germany).

Here, you’ll find shopping spots, landmarks like the World Time Clock , and close-up views of the TV Tower. If you want to go to the top of the tower, today is a great day to do it ( book tickets online here ).

Consider spending the afternoon exploring one of the museums highlighting Berlin’s tumultuous history. I recommend choosing either the DDR Museum or the Deutsches Historisches Museum (DHM / German History Museum).

The DDR Museum is an interactive museum depicting what life was like in the former East Germany; it is located very close to Alexanderplatz ( book skip-the-line tickets here ).

The DHM is devoted to all of Germany’s history from the Middle Ages to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

This afternoon, take a walk along the East Side Gallery , a section of the Berlin Wall-turned open air art gallery. The gallery is more than a kilometer long and has over 100 paintings, the most famous being Fraternal Kiss .

Berlin has a legendary nightlife scene, and this evening, you’ll get to experience it for yourself!

Berghain is the most famous club in Berlin and one of the most famous techno clubs in the world. It’s notoriously difficult to get in – I didn’t try to go during my visit to Berlin, but locals recommend to dress in comfortable, black clothes, avoid being loud while in line, and know what DJs are playing that night to maximize your chances.

Once you’re inside, anything goes – for this reason, there are no photos allowed.

Other well-known nightlife spots include Sisophys, Tresor, and KitKatClub. If you’d prefer a more low-key night, you can check out one of Berlin’s rooftop bars or cocktail bars to have a drink and chill out.

4 Days in Berlin – Day 3: Museum Island

Spend the third of your 4 days in Berlin exploring Museum Island , an island in the Spree River that’s home to some of Europe’s best museums as well as the beautiful Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom).

There are five museums located on Museum Island. Museum fatigue is a very real thing, so I recommend selecting one or two of the museums to explore.

Pergamon Museum : The most visited museum in Germany and one of the most visited in the world. The Pergamon Museum’s collection is comprised of antiquities, Islamic art, and Middle Eastern art and relics.

Bode Museum : The founding director of the Bode Museum was a fan of mixing art collections; now, you can find an extensive collection of Byzantine art, scuptures, coins, and medals at the Bode Museum.

Neues Museum (New Museum) : The Neues Museum is comprised of two collections: one all about ancient Egyptian and Nubian cultures and the other a massive collection of archaeological finds from all over Europe and Asia.

Altes Museum (Old Museum) : Dedicated entirely to classical antiquity and is home to sculptures, vases, jewelry, crafts, and more.

Alte Nationalgalerie (Old N ationa l Gallery) :  An art gallery with works from the Neoclassical, Romantic, Biedermeier, Impressionist, and early Modern movements.

One day tickets to individual museums range from 10-19€.

If you’re going to be visiting more than one museum (or the Pergamonmuseum), make sure to buy a Museum Island All Exhibitions pass . This pass is 19€ and includes one-day admission to all five museums on Museum Island.

If you’re a student, don’t forget to bring your ID for a 50% discount on admission (9.50 Euros for a one-day pass)! Three-day Museum Island passes are also available for 29€ (14.50€ for students).

The beautiful Berlin Cathedral is also located on Museum Island. Make sure to take some time to explore the cathedral – a ticket allows entrance to the chapel, the crypt (NOTE: As of March 2020, the crypt is closed for renovations – it is expected to reopen in Spring 2024) , and the cathedral.

You can also climb the steps to the top of the cathedral’s dome, where you can get a 360˚ view of Berlin. Admission to the cathedral is 10€.

4 Days in Berlin – Day 4: Take a Day Trip from Berlin

After spending a few days exploring Berlin, why not take a trip outside of Berlin? You can take either a half-day or a full-day trip to a nearby city or town to explore a bit further afield.

Taking a half-day trip to Berlin is a great way to explore a bit outside of the city while having time in the evening to see more of Berlin.

Common half-day trips from Berlin include visiting Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp in Oranienburg (30 minutes from Berlin by train) or Potsdam (40 minutes by train).

If you want to spend a full day outside of Berlin, consider visiting nearby German cities such as Leipzig (1.5 hours from Berlin by train), Hamburg (2 hours by train), or Dresden (2.5 hours by train/bus).

You could even pay a visit to a different country and explore Poznan, Poland!

Make sure to check out this guide on some of the best day trips from Berlin .

I recommend leaving for your day trip early in the morning. If you’re opting for a half-day trip, it will give you time in the evening to explore Berlin further. If you’re taking a full-day trip, you’ll have more time to explore your destination!

4 Days in Berlin: Frequently Asked Questions

Are 4 days enough for berlin.

Yes, spending 4 days in Berlin is plenty to get a great feel for the city. You’ll have enough time to see all of Berlin’s top sights, and you might even be able to squeeze in a day trip!

What month is best for Berlin?

December is a great month to visit Berlin, especially towards the end of the month when you have the Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve festivities. For much warmer weather, visit in May or September when you have great, sunny weather but smaller crowds than you’ll find from June to August.

Is Berlin a cheap city to visit?

Berlin is a popular spot on the Europe backpacker route, which means you can easily find cheap places to stay, food, and things to do! There are tons of great, affordable hostels in Berlin and the city is known for its cheap street food. Plus, the city is home to many great free things to do like the East Side Gallery and the Reichstag Dome.

Is Berlin a walkable city?

Yes, Berlin is a super walkable city – it’s actually the most pedestrian-friendly city in Germany! Many of Berlin’s top sights are within walking distance of each other, and you can easily take public transportation travel between neighborhoods that are farther apart.

Does Uber operate in Berlin?

Yes, Uber does operate in Berlin. It’s a bit different though as Uber operates in cooperation with local taxi companies, so the Uber drivers and cars will be taxi drivers rather than someone using their personal car. You can easily call an Uber by using the app, just as you would in any other city.

Final Thoughts: Berlin 4 Day Itinerary

Spending 4 days in Berlin is a great way to get an introduction to this incredible city.

Following this itinerary will maximize your time, seeing everything Berlin has to offer while allowing for free time as well.

After your trip, you’ll be ready to come back to Berlin to explore even further!

Have you been to Berlin? What would you add to your 4 day Berlin itinerary?

Planning a trip to Berlin? Check out these posts next:

• 10 Incredible Day Trips from Berlin, Germany
• The Best Informative Tours of Sachsenhausen from Berlin

After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

48 Hours in Berlin: The Ultimate Itinerary

Berlin is the German capital, but it bucks most trends of other European capital cities. Think casual versus formal, alternative versus classic. It has legendary landmarks with some of the most moving history in all of Europe taking place right here. Karl Scheffler described Berlin as a city "condemned forever to become and never to be." It is a restless place, never content to stay still, and is always changing. In short, you could visit Berlin over and over having a different experience each time and still having more left to discover. That said, here is a guide to an incredible 48 hours in Berlin.

Day 1: Morning

9:30 a.m.: It is best to start a visit to Berlin with the classics. Get off of Berlin's superb public transportation at Bandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate). It is a symbol of the country's turbulent past like no other landmark in Germany . During the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate stood between East and West Germany represents a united country with people easily streaming between the East and West every day.

10 a.m.: Take a look down the road at the Siegessaule (Victory Column) before continuing to the right towards the Reichstag . The traditional seat of the German Parliament has set the scene for some of the most dramatic moments in German history. It was here that a fire was set in 1933, allowing Hitler to seize power in the country. It was also that his empire collapsed as the Russians raised a flag above its ruined dome on May 2nd, 1945. When the historic building was remodeled in the 1990s, it was adorned with a new modern glass dome representing Glasnost (transparency). Visit the dome for an incredible view of the Berlin skyline and a free audio guide.

11 a.m.: Exit the Reichstag and walk back across the lawn to be able to look back and admire the vast size of the building with the Spree river running behind it. Curve back to the left and enter the Tiergarten , Once the hunting grounds for Prussian kings, it is now the city's most popular inner-city park with pristine walkways, playgrounds, meadows, and sculptures. Try to locate the Russian Memorial (the smallest of three in the city) that is topped by two Russian tanks.

11:45 a.m.: Head back towards the right of Brandenburger Tor to find the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Controversial at the time of its construction, this is one of Germany’s most impressive and moving monuments to the Holocaust . The “Field of Stelae” is covered with more than 2,500 towering concrete pillars and evokes a sense of isolation and disorientation when wandering between them. Beneath the square is a worthwhile Holocaust Museum you should enter to better understand the most horrific point in German history.

Day 1: Afternoon

RICOWde / Siegessaule

Noon: Visitors can check out nearby Potsdamer Platz for what counts as Berlin's business center, or you can skip it and enjoy a lovely walk down historic Unter den Linden to Alexanderplatz. (If walking isn't for you, the newly opened U5 also goes past the same top spots.) Along the way, there are some of Berlin's top attractions like the memorial Neue Wache, one of the city's two operas, and the UNESCO-recognized Museuminsel (Museum Island) with five world-class museums and the impressive Berliner Dom cathedral. If you have time, visit one of the museums along the way or take a short detour to Gendarmenmarkt , Berlin's most beautiful square. Another worthy detour is Bebelplatz. This square between the opera and Humboldt University is infamous for Nazi book burning. Find the understated glass panel embedded into the square.

1:30 p.m.: Pass Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall) and walk beneath the tallest building in Germany, the Fernsehturm (TV Tower). You can ride the elevator up to the top for more great views, or continue on to Alexanderplatz. This square is non-stop action and frequently hosts festivals of small stalls celebrating everything from Easter to Christmas.

2 p.m.: After all this walking, it is time to refuel. Grab a meal on the go like currywurst from a vendor, or any one of the international options available from an imbiss (street food stall) or restaurants around the square.

Day 1: Evening

4 p.m.: Hop back on transportation to see the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, East Side Gallery (ESG). Located along the Spree between the eclectic neighborhoods of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg , this wall is a living landmark showcasing some of the best street art in the city .

5:30 p.m.: Walk across the river on Oberbaumbrucke, undoubtedly the most beautiful bridge in Berlin. On one side of the bridge lies the Badeschiff outdoor pool and "Molecule Man" sculpture. Along the other side, ESG borders new high rises which nearly block out the view of the Fernsehturm tower.

6 p.m.: Exiting the bridge on the Kreuzberg side, street art continues with famed Italian street artist BLU 's surrealist pink man. This colorful district was on the poor side of West Berlin but is now one of the most vibrant, multicultural sections of the city. Sit down for drinks and a meal at any one of the restaurants that line every street.

8 p.m.: You can go home for a disco nap, or bar hop until the clubs open around midnight. Iconic Tresor is in the area, or chill along the water at Club der Visionaere. If you go out (and you should), finish the night with a doner, the quintessential Berlin late-night snack . It is an investment in your future.

Day 2: Morning

10 a.m.: After a long night out, it is essential to enjoy a leisurely brunch. Berlin has you covered whether you are looking for American-style overindulgence with cocktails at Geist im Glas in Neukolln or elegant German classics of bread and butter plus at Anna Blume in Prenzlauer Berg . Take your time eating as the Berliners do.

11:30 a.m.: The next step to repairing yourself after a wild night in Berlin is to wander through shops and dress yourself in Berliner black. Again, you are spoiled for options. While fancy Berliners once flocked to Ku'Damm or KaDeWe for all their shopping needs, today's locals are more drawn to the city's many vintage shops . You can buy clothes by weight at PicknWeight or shop the multilevel Humana across from iconic Frankfurter Tor featured in "The Queen's Gambit." (Note that shops are closed on Sunday, but if you are here on this day just spend more time at Mauerpark Market or one of Berlin's other flea markets .)

If you are on Karl-Marx-Allee, admire the Prussian classicism of the residential buildings that were once unique in offering amenities like elevators and air conditioning. You can walk all the way to Alexanderplatz from here, and once again Berlin's screen history comes to light with The Karl Marx Bookstore (now closed, but the sign is still present) from "The Lives of Others."

Day 2: Afternoon

1 p.m.: On the way to continuing your shopping spree, stop by Bernauer Strasse and its wall memorial to gain some perspective on the city and your next destination. Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer covers the brutal history of the Berlin Wall with the best intact representation of what the wall actually looked like when it divided the city. Newsreels depict how families were torn apart and how attempts to escape were cruelly punished.

1:30 p.m.: Walk to Mauerpark and note the many signs of where the wall once ran. This empty plot of land is a perfect example of how people have reclaimed these once-empty spaces. A sprawling market comes to life every Saturday full of second-hand antiques, cheap essentials, one-off clothing brands, children's toys, dishes, lamps, and anything else you can imagine. Buy a drink or snack as you make your way through all of these treasures.

To the side of the market, people play basketball, spray paint the wall, lounge when the sun shines, and make music. Innumerable musicians gather here to busk and play with many more dancing to the impromptu concerts. Most Sundays, Bearpit Karaoke is also in session as an entrepreneur with a mic shows up next to the hill and allows extroverts to perform.

Day 2: Evening

Courtesy of Klunkerkranich

3:30 p.m.: For a full meal, walk down picturesque Oderberger Street for a selection of cuisine. At the very least, stop by the DDR shop for vintage furniture finds and get some ice cream.

4:30 p.m.: If you are missing the elegance often associated with Europe, visit Schloss Charlottenburg out west. The palace is impressive with impeccable grounds where joggers casually run, impervious to its charms. Swans swim out back, and if you buy entrance to its extravagant rooms you can also see its renowned porcelain collection.

6 p.m.: A stop at Kaiser Wilhelm Gedachtniskirche (Memorial Church) highlights peak West Berlin. The church was severely damaged during the Second World War and its ruins were preserved as-is to serve as a reminder. The church is also the site of another, more recent tragedy, when a terrorist plowed a semi-truck into the area's Christmas market. The historic West Berlin zoo is also located here, along with a couple of shopping centers

8 p.m.: You should reserve the rest of the evening to feel the Berlin vibe of chill. You can do that at a traditional biergarten like Prater or Cafe am Neuen See complete with liters of beer and schnitzel, or go to a modern biergarten like at graffiti-covered RAW-Gelände or Klunkerkranich atop a shopping mall's garage.

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Berlin

15 Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

Berlin's Mitte Neighborhood: The Complete Guide

Top 10 Attractions in Germany

Berlin's Reichstag: The Complete Guide

Berlin's Potsdamer Platz: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Berlin: The Complete Guide

48 Hours in Munich: The Ultimate Itinerary

The Brandenburg Gate

Your Guide to Berlin's Neukölln Neighborhood

48 Hours in Casablanca: The Ultimate Itinerary

The Best UNESCO Sites in Germany

48 Hours in Lexington, Kentucky: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Savannah: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in San Francisco: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Macao: The Ultimate Itinerary

The perfect 3 days in Berlin

Berlin is nothing if not resilient, having outlasted many turbulent periods in its history. Those scars still show today in the stark distinction felt between the east and west sides of the city even though it’s been decades since the Berlin Wall came down. And for a European capital city, it’s not conventionally beautiful like Paris or London. Instead, Berlin embraces its eccentric hodgepodge of grit and glamour.

This three-day itinerary explores Berlin’s unique attributes, pairing historical landmarks with popular street food, a magnificent palace with a trendy cocktail bar. We’ve also incorporated real Tripadvisor reviews and ratings of what other travelers have learned and loved so you can make the most of your trip, too.

MORNING: Exploring Berlin’s storied past

Make your way toward the Reichstag Building , which houses the German parliament or Bundestag (just make sure you make a reservation beforehand and bring your passport). Even if politics aren’t your thing, it’s still worth the trip to the glass dome at the very top for both a glimpse of the transparent, curvilinear architecture, and for a 360-degree view of the Berlin cityscape. History buffs should opt for the audio tour, which explains how it was once the seat of the Weimar Republic and how a fire in 1933 helped pave the way to the Nazi dictatorship. Head to the Kaefer - Dachgarten Restaurant on the Reichstag rooftop for a breakfast of coffee, juice, croissants, eggs, cheese and sliced meats that’s as sumptuous as the view.

Then take a quick, digestive stroll through the nearby Brandenburg Gate . It’s not so much the act (it will only take a few minutes) but the symbol of what crossing through this imposing 18th-century neoclassical monument has come to represent: unification of the city following the division between East and West Berlin.

AFTERNOON: Consuming Berlin’s culture

Continue east down Unter den Linden boulevard and cross the bridge to Museum Island , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to a whopping five museums: the Altes Museum , Neues Museum , Alte Nationalgalerie , Bode Museum , and Pergamonmuseum . If the high museum density gets too overwhelming, you can always splay out in the park and take in the architecture and Spree River views.

However, one of the most popular museums in Berlin isn’t technically on Museum Island at all. The DDR Museum , located on the opposite side of the Spree, reveals what life was like in the former East Germany (also known as the Deutsche Demokratische Republik or DDR) with retro furnishings and preserved propaganda and relics from all those decades ago.

For lunch, it’s a short walk to Curry 61 , a no-frills shop whipping up Berlin’s classic dish: currywurst, which, for the uninitiated, is sausage drenched in curried ketchup with a side of fries. Order from the window, but be sure to catch a glimpse inside of the shop’s ridiculous take on the famous Fraternal Kiss mural on the Berlin Wall.

Wash down the sausage grease with a visit to the nearby Tadshikische Teestube (Tajikistan Tearoom), an ornate cafe with colorful art, intricate light fixtures, and, fortunately, very plush carpets and pillows because most customers prefer to be served sitting on the floor at a wooden coffee table.

Travelers say: “We bought the Museum Island pass which gives you access to all 5 museums plus the das panorama exhibit of the Pergamon museum, which is in a separate building…Overall, the museum island pass is great value, but please make sure to buy well in advance of your trip and book a time slot online separately to avoid disappointment. The architecture of the museums is worth 30-45 mins on its own, a stunning place to visit!” — alfiek1992

EVENING: Dinner, drinks, and a nightclub

There’s a lot of ground to cover at Volkspark am Weinbergsweg , an 11-acre public park in the Mitte neighborhood. Saunter past a lush rose garden, pond, and locals sprawled out on the green. Make your way to Coccodrillo , a stylish and whimsical trattoria in the park with bright red walls and neon lights serving Italian dishes like the truffle pasta and an ever-changing cocktail menu.

For those who want to explore Berlin’s infamous club scene look no further than Berghain , an abandoned power station in East Berlin with multiple rooms, each one with its own vibe and genre. It’s unclear if and when this place ever closes, so coming during the off-hours or midweek might improve your chances of getting in as the venue’s known for its strict door policy.

At the end of the night, there’s no need for hunger pangs, just partake in the Berlin tradition of devouring a late-night doner kebab, the city’s most popular street food, a Turkish handheld wrap filled with seasoned meat (beef, lamb, or chicken). You don’t need to look very far to spot a vendor, but you can’t go wrong at Imren Grill or Rueyam Gemuese Kebab .

Berlin Food Tour Options:

• Taste kebabs, German-spiced biscuits, currywurst, and more on this three-hour food tour .
• Eat and drink your way through Kreuzberg and Neukolln on this evening food tour highlighting popular street food, fusion cuisines, and bar culture.
• Try more than 10 typical Berlin dishes and experience local beer gardens on this classic bites and culinary trends tour .

Worthy detours along the way

MORNING: Embracing Unification Kreuzberg/Frederichshain

Start the morning at East Side Gallery , a mile-long remnant of the Berlin Wall. The wall was once a symbol of division, but has since been reimagined as free exhibition space with kaleidoscopic murals for everyone to enjoy. Once you’ve perused the public art, you’ll find the Oberbaum Bridge , a brick double-deck bridge with twin gothic towers that connects the Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain neighborhoods above the Spree River. Cross the bridge into Kreuzberg, where you can grab breakfast at 19 Grams , a sleek cafe with croissants and specialty beans and, and, if you’re lucky enough to stop by during brunch, the inimitable chimichurri benedict served with local sausage.

AFTERNOON: Celebrating Kreuzberg’s and Neukolln’s Middle Eastern Flair

Take in Kreuzberg’s renown graffiti and get lost wandering the streets filled with a diverse mix of students, artists, and Turkish immigrants. If it’s a Tuesday or a Friday, be sure to stop by the Turkish Market where scores of Turkish vendors sell fresh produce, cheeses, artisanal dips, kebabs, and baklava.

It’s easy to lose an afternoon at KINDL , a former brewery-turned-massive contemporary art museum housed inside a historic art-deco building nearby in Neukolln. Alternatively, you can stop by Körnerpark , a charming public park that feels more like a palace garden with its neo-baroque fountains and cherubic statues. It’s a great spot to sit, people watch, and rest your feet.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head to lunch at Azzam , a casual Middle Eastern counter whipping up labneh, hummus, falafel, tabouleh, and shawarma. You can take your lunch to-go for an impromptu picnic at Tempelhofer Park , a 953-acre swath of land that was once a Nazi-era airport and has now been reclaimed into the city’s most popular park with basketball courts, pedestrian trails, and a beer garden.

Traveler’s say: “We went up and down the old runway several times and the sense of freedom (from traffic, from people and from the world!) was fabulous. We were there on a Monday and it was quiet, never any problems with any other users and it was fun to watch the serious cyclists doing their laps, and the roller blades strutting their stuff.” — nicdigby

Berlin Tour Options on Wheels

• Secure your helmet to tour around Potsdamer Platz, Berlin Wall, and Brandenburg Gate in a curious-looking hot rod car.
• Hop inside an iconic Trabant “Trabi” car on a two-hour convoy past the city’s must-see sights.
• Pedal past Mauerpark, the GDR Watch Tower, Checkpoint Charlie, and more on this guided Berlin Wall and Cold War bike tour .

EVENING: Hip dinner and drinks in Neukolln

Make a reservation for dinner at Cafe Botanico , an urban eatery with a farm-to-table menu inspired by whatever is growing in the garden nestled outside. Take a seat outside amongst the edible sprouts and enjoy fresh, beautifully plated dishes like the mushroom pasta and fennel and citrus salad. There’s an impressive wine list, too.

End the night at Klunkerkranich , a spacious rooftop bar on top of the four-story Neukolln Arcaden shopping center with picnic tables and sweeping views of the neighborhood. There’s a full bar and regular live music performances here, too.

MORNING: A luxurious castle in Charlottenburg

Charlottenburg was only incorporated into Berlin in 1920, which explains why it looks and feels so different from the rest of the city with its trendy shops, lush greenery, historical charm, and lack of graffiti. Get a jolt of caffeine and calories at Cafe KuchenZeit , an adorable little spot with coffee, smoothies, and homemade desserts, before venturing toward Charlottenburg Palace looming in the distance.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the sprawling 17th century Baroque and Rococo palace. It was built as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, who became the first Queen of Prussia in 1701. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure type of vibe: History buffs should opt for the audio tour to learn about the royal family’s history and the many renovations throughout the wars; art aficionados can meander through the rooms reading the placards about the portraits, porcelain, and silver; and nature lovers can stroll the immaculate gardens past the resident family of swans.

Traveler’s say: “An excellent museum with many works of art. You can buy the ticket on the spot and there are no crowds. A real thing to visit on a rainy day. The only complaint is that the facts about the pictures, for example, are not written under the picture itself, but on the board at the entrance to that room, so it's a bit confusing to navigate.” — Filipr65

AFTERNOON: Shopping in Charlottenberg

Lunch is at The Dawn , a cheery rooftop eatery serving brunch staples, salads, and sandwiches overlooking Zoo Berlin , which has the largest variety of species of any zoo in the world.

After brunch, head down Kurfürstendamm (or Ku’damm), a popular tree-lined boulevard with sidewalk cafes, trendy designer shops, and Kaufhaus des Westens (the second-largest department store in the world after Harrods in London). On the western end, don’t miss Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church . Built in the late 19th century, this neo-Romanesque church was largely destroyed in a bombing raid by Allied Forces during WWII. In the mid-20th century, an architect designed a new church around the ruins but damaged spire remains and the ground floor of the original church has been converted into a memorial, a powerful symbol of post-war reconstruction.

EVENING: Dinner and a show in Charlottenburg

Dinner is at Restaurant Deutsche Oper , a convenient eatery with a nice wine list and hearty German staples like schnitzel and Bürgermeisterstück steak. It’s in the shadow of the German State Opera , which has enjoyable performances even if you can’t actually understand the production’s language. The venue itself is a majestic time capsule to behold. Built in the mid-18th century, it still retains its classicist style and rich, Rococo interiors from when it was the Royal Prussian Opera House.

Grab a nightcap is at Monkey Bar , a chic little joint on the 10th floor of the Monkey Hotel with craft cocktails and views of the West Berlin skyline. If you’re in the mood for live music you won’t have to wander far: NENI , another restaurant on the 10th floor of the Monkey Hotel, often hosts DJs and bands on the weekends.

River Cruise Tour Options

• Rain or shine, nothing is keeping the passengers on this boat with a retractable panoramic glass roof from taking in Berlin’s sites.
• Learn about Berlin’s historic landmarks as you glide past them on this Spree river cruise .
• Enjoy a four-course meal highlighting German staples as you pass Berlin’s twinkling historic landmarks aboard this sunset dinner cruise .

Know Before You Go

The weather peaks from May to September. The whole city comes alive, parks fill with people, and there are so many things to do. By fall, there are less crowds and temperatures are still pretty mild. That being said, fans of the Christmas Markets should not miss the winter holiday season in Berlin.

Any day of the week is fine to visit Berlin. Just note that many shops and supermarkets are closed on Sunday. Make reservations for popular restaurants in advance and book time slots for the museums you would like to visit, especially during the busy summer months.

Most shops stay open daily until 7 p.m. Restaurants typically stop serving food around 10 p.m., though there are plenty of late-night food counters and street vendors. Most bars and lounges stay open until last call at 3 or 4 a.m.

Mitte: If Berlin were a wheel, Mitte would be its hub: It’s in the middle (or mitte) of the city, home to top landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and TV Tower, and offers easy access on public transportation to other neighborhoods. Stay in the historic Bebelplatz off Berlin’s grand boulevard, Unter den Linden, at Hotel de Rome . The property is an architectural marvel in itself; the building was once a grand 19th century bank.

Charlottenburg: Berlin might be known for its grit but it’s all glamour in Charlottenburg, the West Berlin neighborhood with tree-lined cobblestone streets, trendy designer shops, and a palace fit for the Queen of Prussia. Steep in the opulence at The Provocateur , a burlesque-themed property with ornate chandeliers, mood lightning, and rich velvet drapes.

Kreuzberg: The eclectic murals might’ve given it away but Kreuzberg is considered the “hip” neighborhood. It’s home to a diverse mix of students, artist types, and Turkish immigrants, giving the area a sort of edgy, come-as-you-are vibe. For anyone looking to experience Kreuzberg’s nightlife, the Orania.Berlin offers upscale rooms in an Art Nouveau building from the early 19th century walking distance from the neighborhood’s most-happening bars and clubs.

Public transportation: There are 30 bus routes that service the entire San Juan metro area (75-cent fare). A light rail line connects San Juan, Guaynabo and Bayamón ($1.50 fare).

Public transportation: Berlin offers a robust public transportation system. There is the U-bahn (subway), S-bahn (overhead train), tram, and buses to get around. Fares in Berlin's A and B zones are €3,50 for a two-hour journey.

By bike: Biking is one of the most popular forms of transportation in Berlin. There are no shortage of bike rentals, bike lanes, and bike racks across the city.

By rideshare: Uber, Bolt, and Freenow are all available in Berlin.

By taxi: Though ridesharing is much cheaper, you can still hail cabs from the airport and more popular and densely populated areas.

4 Days In Berlin, An Itinerary For First Time Visitors

This post is also available in: French

No question about it, Berlin is one of Europe’s most exciting metropolises. This very international city has plenty of architectural highlights, culture galore, and unrivaled nightlife. And, of course, Berlin also has a very fascinating history. Whether you’re interested in the Wall that divided the city into East and West for nearly thirty years of the Second World War, you’ll still find many traces and scars from these historic events in modern-day Berlin. Perhaps surprisingly, Berlin is also an extremely green city, with hundreds of parks, several rivers, many lakes, and even a forest or two, all within the city limits.

Four days in Berlin is the perfect length of time to take in what this great city has to offer. When I was there, I really enjoyed getting to know the history up close and personal as well as taking in the amazing array of arts and culture on offer. Berlin is truly one-of-a-kind, and you’re sure to bring home many fond memories of your stay there. Here’s how to fit all the major attractions into a 4-day visit.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Table of Contents

How to spend four days in Berlin, things to do and see

You might be also interested in: A 2-day Berlin itinerary if you are planning a trip to the German capital for fewer days. 

4 Days in Berlin: Day One (City West)

Since I stayed in Charlottenburg, which is located in the former West, I decided to check out Berlin’s City West first. Berlin is quite spread out, so if you’re staying in districts like Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg (former East), you may want to swap day one and day two. After relaxing and settling in at my hotel, I got ready for a day out on the town.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

I started off the day at Breitscheidplatz, home to Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Damaged by air raids over the city during World War II, Berlin decided to leave this church in ruins as a memorial for peace and reconciliation.

Entry is free. Opening hours: every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Kurfürstendamm

From Breitscheidplatz, it was time for a stroll down Kurfürstendamm. Shortened Ku’damm by locals, Kurfürstendammis the legendary shopping street in West Berlin. This street has been called Berlin’s 5th Avenue and is home to many luxury boutiques, like Prada, Versace, Chanel, and others. However, the strip also has shops from many mid-priced international and German brands as well. Even if you’re only in the mood to window shop, a walk down Ku’damm is simply a must. While there, you’ll be sure to enjoythe street’s rows of beautiful plane trees, beautiful architecture, and many restaurants and cafes.

Zoologischer Garten

In the 80s, Zoologischer Garten was notorious as a gritty scene complete with drugs and plenty of crime. However, the area has since been revitalized, with plenty of new high-rise buildings and Bikini, a concept mall, where both local and international designers sell their wares.

If you’re an animal lover or traveling with children, make sure and check out Zoo Berlin. Germany’s oldest zoological garden, Zoo Berlin is also home to the country’s only Panda bears. The city’s aquarium is located next door and is a great option for cold or rainy days. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can also buy a combination day ticket for both.

If you exit at the Lion Gate at the zoo, you’ll be directly at the Zoologischer Garten U+S-Bahn station. Hop on the U-2 towards Pankow only one stop to Wittenbergplatz, where you’ll find the truly amazing Kaufhaus des Westens (shortened to KaDeWe by locals). KaDeWe is Europe’s largest department store, with a great selection of international as well as German brands. Make sure you don’t miss a trip to the 6th floor, where they sell food and delicacies from around the world. Truly impressive!

Kaufausdes Westen: Tauentzienstraße 21-24 (U-2/U-1 Wittenbergplatz) Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Charlottenburg Palace

After all that shopping and checking out exotic animals, I needed to do something a little more lowkey. I got back on the U-2 in the direction of Ruhleben and got off at Sophie-Charlotte-Platz. From here, it’s about a 15-minute walk down the tree-lined Schloßstraßeto Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg in German). This gorgeous palace hails from the late 17th century and has both rococo and baroque elements in its design. Although a visit inside the palace is certainly interesting, a trip to Charlottenburg Palace is worth it for the beautiful and expansive palace gardens and ground alone.

You might be interested in: The best Christmas Markets in Germany .

4 Days in Berlin: Day Two (City East)

Unter den linden.

For my second day, I headed to Unter den Linden, a historic street in former East Berlin with many beautiful buildings and historical sites, like Bebelplatz, where the Nazis did their infamous book burning, and the moving Käthe Kollwitz statue in the Neue Wache building.

German Historical Museum

This museum is simply a must for anyone who is interested in German history. They have 7000 artifacts on display here, from the stone age until the modern day. Unfortunately, most of the signs are only in German, but audio guides are available in English. Located in a beautiful old armory building, this museum offers so much to see and experience, you could easily spend hours here!

Brandenburg Gate

Of course, Brandenburg Gate can’t be missed even if you’re visiting Berlin for a day ! Once right at the border of Berlin’s infamous Wall, this famous landmark provides a perfect photo opportunity for any tourist.

Address: Pariser Platz, located at the end of Unter den Linden

An equally famous Berlin landmark, the Reichstag, is right around the corner from Brandenburg Gate. If you would like to go up to the dome, which I highly recommend, be sure to book it online ahead of time. You may get lucky and take the spot of someone who didn’t show up, but there are no guarantees.

The Holocaust Memorial

Wandering through the 2711 concrete slabs at the Holocaust Memorial is truly a haunting experience. This work of architectural and sculptural genius gives you the feeling that you’ve lost your way one moment and that the walls are closing in on you the next. Definitely not to be missed.

Hackescher Man Historic facades of Hackescher Markt

After a day of major sightseeing, I hopped back on the S-Bahn at Friedrichstrasse and headed to HackescherMarkt. Located in stylish Mitte, HackescherMarkt is full of boutiques and restaurants, with plenty of street art along the side of the S-Bahn tracks. If you walk along Alte Schönehauser Allee, you’ll also godeeper into design-minded Mitte, which is definitely worth exploring.

4 Days in Berlin: Day Three

Seeing Berlin by water is simply a must. I was surprised to learn this city actually has more bridges than Venice! You can choose from several different tours, which usually range from one to three and a half hours. I took the one-hour Historic City Cruise and enjoyed it very much. You can board at the pier at Friedrichstrasse/Weidendamm, which is very close to Museum Island, so you can either start the day on the water or take the tour after visiting the museums. The tour ends at the same place as the point of departure.

Click here to book a 2,5 hour boat cruise along the river Spree.

Museum Island

Museum Island is truly any museum lover’s dream. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to five world-class museums. These include the Pergamon Museum – buy skip the line tickets here , the Bode Museum, Neues Museum (New Museum) – buy a skip the line ticket here , Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), and Altes Museum (Old Museum). I highly suggest buying a day ticket which will get you access to every museum. That way you can pick and choose and enjoy the rich artistic and cultural history this place has to offer.

Berlin Wall Memorial

The former Wall in the East Side Gallery is very popular with tourists, but it’s usually overcrowded and very noisy because it’s located on a street with a lot of traffic. The Berlin Wall Memorial is much more lowkey. Here you can see a part of the original Wall, enjoy a sculpture garden, and learn about its history through the multi-media exhibits at the Berlin Wall Documentation Center.

Address: BernauerStraße 111 Opening hours: Tues-Sun, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ( Vistor Center and Berlin Wall Documentation Center), Mon-Sun, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (open-air exhibition and memorial grounds) Admission: free of charge, tours cost 3.50€/2.50€ reduced, children 18 and younger free

Prenzlauer Berg

To finish off the day, I suggest exploring the colorful and trendy neighborhood Prenzlauer Berg. With its beautiful old buildings and wide, cobblestone streets, Prenzlauer Berg is popular with young urban professionals and well-to-do city-loving families. Kollwitz Platz (near U-2 station Senefelderplatz) is a popular destination. This square is full of cafes, restaurants, and interesting boutiques. You’ll also find a charming market there on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

4 Days in Berlin: Day Four

Gemälde galerie.

The Gemälde Galerie is located in the Kulturforum, which was West Berlin’s answer to Museum Island when the city was still divided. Make sure you don’t miss it! The museum is brimming with the works of the old masters, such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Botticelli hung in beautiful, light-filled rooms. It’s also usually less crowded than the art museums on Museum Island, which can make the experience more relaxing.

Address: Matthäikirchplatz Opening hours: Tues-Sun, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Thursdays until 8 p.m.) Admission: 10€ /5€ reduced

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz, home to most of Berlin’s only skyscrapers, is just up the street from the Gemälde Galerie. This place is also historically interesting. A bustling transportation hub before the war, Potsdamer Platz was heavily bombed and later completely flattened. When the Wall was up, the area was part of the “death strip”, a no man’s land where only East German border guards were allowed to go.

Today’s business district was designed and built in the mid-90s. Check out the mall and the fountains and maybe have a drink at one of the touristy restaurants at Sony Center, where you can also watch English original movies at the Cine Star movie theatre.

Although Berlin has many great parks, Tiergarten Park is one of the oldest and most impressive. Originally designed as royal hunting grounds, Tiergarten is now a public park with many beautiful tree-lined paths, sunbathing lawns, tranquil pools and fountains, and various sculptures and memorials.

Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the President of Germany, is also located in the park, as is Haus der Kulturen der Welt, multi-cultural art and exhibition center. This building is an excellent example of original mid-century architecture and is perched right at the banks of the River Spree.

Siegessäule

At the heart of Tiergarten, you’ll also find the Siegessäule (the Victory Column). This beautiful column features a gilded bronze statue of Victoria, the goddess of victory, who is perched on the top. With 258 steps, the tower is bit daunting to climb and requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, the panoramic views you’ll have at the top make the trek well worth it!

Kreuzberg: Bergmannkiez

Arguably the “Prenzlauer Berg of the West”, Bergmannkiez is the neighborhood located around Bergmannstraße in Kreuzberg. Popular with urban families, Bergmannkiez is also home to a large concentration of Green Party voters, as you can see by a large number of organic grocery stores in the area.

Bermannstraße is full of many small shops, cafes, and restaurants very popular with tourists. To see where the locals hang out, check out the Markthalle at Marheinike Platz, a market hall with plenty of food stands as well as fresh produce, cheese, and meat for sale. Bergmannstraße is located near the U-7 U-Bahn stations Gneisenaustrasse and Mehringdamm.

Tempelhof Airport

From Bergmannstraße, take a stroll up Friesenstraße. This cobblestone street will lead you through the charming ChamissoKiez, full of lovely, ornate Altbau-style buildings, and many great restaurants and unique boutiques. Once you’ve reached the end of the street, cross Columbiadamm. The entrance to Tempelhof Airport is about a five-minute walk to the left.

This former airstrip is now a large public park. It’s an amazing feeling to wander along a place where airplanes used to land! The expansive open space here gives you a similar feeling to spending a day at the beach. Rent a bike, pack a picnic, or have a snack and a drink at the beer garden in the park. Either way, you are sure to enjoy the unique experience you will have here.

Where to Eat in Berlin

Monsieur Vuong

This popular Vietnamese restaurant has been an institution in Mitte for many years. The place has a vibrant atmosphere and delicious, inexpensive food. They don’t take reservations, so expect a wait of up to an hour during dinnertime.

Address: Alte SchönhauserStraße 46 Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, 12 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fri-Sun 12 a.m

Altes Zollhaus

AltesZollhausserves up gourmet German cuisine in a beautiful German country-style Fachwerk house located directly on the Landwehr canal in Kreuzberg. Reservations recommended.

Address: Carl-Herz-Ufer 30 Opening hours: 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., closed on Sunday and Monday

Café Einstein

Although Café Einstein now has several locations throughout the city, the original is located inKurfürstenstraße in the district Schöneberg. Housed in a Neo-Renaissance villa, Café Einstein is a chic, Viennese-style café and a West Berliner institution. The apple strudel is to die for, and the schnitzel is also very good.

Address : Kurfürstenstraße58 Opening hours : every day from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Lon Men’s Noodle House

Don’t let its hole in the wall appearance fool you:Lon Men’s Noodle House serves up amazing Taiwanese-style cuisine! Although everything tastes great here, the dim sum and fried dumplings are especially delicious. The place is very popular, so expect a wait of up to thirty minutes if you come at peak times. Kantstraße is also Berlin’s unofficial China town, and you’ll find many import export shops here as well as great Chinese restaurants, like the well-known institution Good Friends, which is just up the street from Lon Men’s Noodle House.

Address : Kantstraße 33 Opening hours: 12 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Lutter & Wegner

This historic wine house was founded in 1811 and serves up seriously scrumptious Austro-German cuisine. Like Café Einstein, this restaurant also has several branches in the city, but this is the original. Make sure you take a stroll across the beautiful square at Gendarmenmarkt, which is full of historic architecture. The Konzerthaus is located here, and street musicians playing classical music often fill up the square with beautiful sound at all hours of the day.

Address: Charlottenstraße56 Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Where to Stay in Berlin

25 hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

Some of the rooms of this stylish but affordable hotel look out over Berlin Zoologischer Garten, so you can watch monkeys at play while relaxing in bed.

Click here for more information and to check the latest rates.

Hotel Johann

This charming hotel is on a quiet side street near the Landwehr canal in Kreuzberg. The rooms are comfortable, with a mix of modern and vintage décor. Great breakfast as well!

Regent Hotel

If five-star luxury hotels are more your style, then check out the Regent Hotel. This hotel has elegant furnishing, impeccable service, and a fabulous location directly overlooking the historic Gendarmentmarkt.

Honigmond Hotel

Located in Prenzlauer Berg, this boutique hotel has plenty of old world charm mixed with modern amenities and truly excellent service.

Click here for more information and to check the latest rates

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Spend Three Days in Berlin, Germany: My 2023 Itinerary

When I visited Berlin for the first time, it felt surreal. The capital city of Germany has undergone more transformative events than I can count, and throughout its own history has reached the bottom as well as the top.

And Berlin is a city that has so many stories to tell, from the fall of political regimes to creating an international culture full of diversity, acceptance, and independence. I always believe that every city has a life of its own. History, people, politics, architecture, opportunities: each city has a unique atmosphere that you can’t quite find anywhere else, and the deeper you look, the more the city comes alive for you.

And if there’s one thing I know after having spent some time in this wonderful city, it’s that Berlin knows how to rise from the ashes. In spite of its tumultuous past, Berlin is now the city you go to if you’re looking for open-minded people, a beautiful sense of diversity, and bustling life that burns so strongly that barely anything could douse it.  

And that’s probably what I love about Berlin the most. The acceptance of everyone, and the desire to do better, be better, and enjoy life while doing so. Berlin shows the world that even though it was almost destroyed in the war, even though there used to be a wall dividing its citizens, and even though the city lost so much… it also gained. It learned and grew and proved the world that you can rise up and make the world a beautiful place again. 

Before I get even soppier, let’s switch the focus to all of the great places you should visit if you’ve decided to spend some time in Berlin. With over 3.8 million inhabitants, Berlin is a huge city that plays an immense role in the European Union and is inevitably tied to European culture and heritage. There are numerous places in Berlin that are a must-see during your stay in the city, from the East Side Gallery to Berliner Fernsehturm to Museum Island. 

Berlin weaves the historical and the modern very well together, which means you get to visit a vast number of places that are both of historical value and exciting for people born in the 21st century. 

Oh, and while you’re in Berlin, I strongly recommend that you take the bus or subway in order to move between destinations. As I said, the city is really large, and if you attempt to walk it all on foot, you might not be able to get up from the bed the next day. I’m speaking from experience: getting from East Side Gallery to Charlottenburg on foot made me regret I hadn’t worked more on my fitness prior to the trip. 

That was the day I swore to myself it’d be the public transport or nothing whilst I’m in Berlin. I also took up jogging.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Berlin? 

Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Berlin.

With three days, you’ll be able to check out all of the city’s biggest highlights, as well as a few hidden gems, so will be able to leave without feeling as though you missed out on anything major.

I spent three days in Berlin back in 2018, then recently returned for another three days to show my partner everything I adored about it. What can I say? I really do love this city!

With that being said, it’s time to get started: here’s how to spend three days in Berlin.

Day 1: It’s All About The Historic Monuments 

Whenever I take a city break to somewhere in Europe, I kick off my adventure by heading to the most famous sites. After all, isn’t that why I came here? Yep, when I wake up, I’m ready to leave my hotel room and feel as though I’m unmistakably in the heart of Berlin.

Once you’ve had breakfast, then, take the U5 service directly to the Reichstag: the home of Germany’s parliament. This area can get super-crowded, but has a much more peaceful air in the early-morning, before all of the tour groups have gathered.

This, my friends, is where you can find some of the best views of Berlin.

Entrance to the building is free, and if you look at the photo above, you’ll see a glass dome on top of the roof. Because entrance is free, you’ll need to make a reservation to visit, and it’s regularly fully-booked. As in, you probably should have booked your slot on the Bundestag website two weeks ago. (Hopefully you’re reading this article before you touch down in Berlin!)

There are some same-day tickets available, but tickets are issued a minimum of two hours before your visit, so it’s kind of a pain to have to leave and come back. You can also visit as part of a guided tour, so that’s definitely an option if it’s all booked up — it’s just €15 for a 90-minute tour . You can check availability for that using the widget below:

Once you’ve finished up at the Reichstag, it’s time to make the three-minute stroll over to Brandenburg Gate, the most well-known landmark in Berlin.

Once a symbol of a divided city, it is now a national symbol of peace and unity. Again, the earlier the better to see this historic gate to avoid huge crowds. 

At night, there is a cool light show on the gate itself. It is a majestic landmark closely located next to lots of other attractions, so it makes a great stop on your sightseeing tour of Berlin’s history. 

Another two-minute walk is needed to visit the sombre Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. 

It is a place of respect consisting of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern. Situated on a former section of the Berlin Wall, it is one of the main tourist sites in Berlin since its inauguration in 2005. 

An attached underground ‘Place of Information’ writes the names of approximately three million Jewish Holocaust victims. 

Exuding a haunted, silent and sensitive aura, this is a place of commemoration and contemplation. Do not be tempted to sit on these memorial blocks or take excessive photographs. 

Located nearby is Tiergarten Park, a perfect escape for peaceful solitude. Translated loosely to Animal Gardens, I would personally recommend walking through the lush greenery to find an ideal spot for a lunch picnic. 

It is vast: 500 acres are filled with wildlife and greenery. It also holds the zoo towards the west end of the park, if you fancy a lunchtime peak at the animals (you have to book to enter). 

In the precise middle point of the Tiergarten, you will find the Victory Column. It is a monument, a giant pillar of Germany’s past military victories over France and Prussia. 

Only €3 to climb, it boasts amazing views of the whole city’s urban centre. Just to note, take care when climbing the narrow winding staircase – if you feel claustrophobic it is perhaps not the best option to climb this column. 

After lunch, venture to Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station, for one of the coolest street art tours I’ve ever taken.

Original Berlin Walks runs the tour, and will tell you all there is to know about street art in this city, as well as let you experience Berlin’s alternative urban art culture, taking you to secret spots around East Berlin. You will become well-versed in the history of the graffiti on the Berlin Wall. 

Perhaps most interesting is the exploration of culture and politics behind the street art galleries. 

The duration is three hours and is €20 per person – you get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Book your tour here and become an expert in street art. 

If after a street art tour you are feeling inspired to create some art yourself, there is a graffiti workshop held at a section of the Berlin Wall. 

It’s €105.50 per person and it is likely to sell out as it is a huge success and is great fun to unleash your inner Banksy!

They begin the workshop with an interesting discussion about graffiti culture, and afterwards, the entire group will paint together, having lasting memories with professional photographs taken of your artwork. 

Only lasting 1.5 hours, it is a great way to get some creative juices flowing, in between sightseeing Berlin’s marvellous places.

Day 2: East Berlin

Begin the day by searching for the Hackescher Markt hidden alley, one of the quirkiest spots in the city. To find it, however, maybe a bit tricky. 

Head to the Cinema Café on Rosenthaler Strasse where an unassuming alleyway runs alongside it. After a dark entrance, you are greeted with a vibrant courtyard. It is home to many hipster cafes, artsy stores and boutiques and, of course, captivating street art. 

For a respite from the sightseeing, I would recommend taking a look at the indoor market situated south of the river, parallel to the East Side Gallery. Markthalle Neun is an indoor market with international food vendors and shops. It occasionally puts on community events, but its street food to choose from is the winning prize for coming here. 

Berlin is very vegan and vegetarian friendly. Many of the stalls are fully vegan and there are plenty of plant-based options to choose from. In addition, you can find wild oysters, bone broth, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, artisan cheese, and of course, cocktails and craft beer. For a spot of lunch or a savoury mid-morning snack with an abundance of options, this is the perfect place to wander around before venturing on to the next stop. 

Now with a satisfied stomach and mind, head towards the Oberbaum Bridge to cross to the other side of the river. 

With a historic double-deck pathway overlooking the River Spree, you’ll find a landmark opened in 1896, a great bridge to snap a picture of the water’s reflection and the domed arches that accompany the bridge. Once you have arrived at the other point, the famous East Side Gallery awaits you. 

The East Side Gallery is a section of the Berlin wall which stands as a site of street art. It is 1316m long, sitting along the eastern bank of the Spree River and is considered the longest open-air gallery in the world. 

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, artists from 21 countries came to paint murals to celebrate Germany being reunited and to never forget the atrocities that occurred here in Berlin. 

I would recommend working your way from East to Central, stopping whenever you feel called to the artwork and its messages conveyed. From the end of the East Side Gallery, I would pick up an E-Scooter to explore the remaining parts of East Berlin before proceeding to the district of Kreuzberg. If scooting down the ordered streets of Berlin does not entice you, walking is always a good best option, or you can hire a bicycle instead. 

Full of artists, bars with outdoor seating, falafel and shawarma joints, and record and bookstores, Kreuzberg is a neighbourhood that is home to a large Turkish population, making it a bustling, diverse place with lots to see. 

Oraniestraße is a long street stretching from Kreuzberg to Checkpoint Charlie. You can either walk the whole way or take an E-Scooter or bike to sightsee but with added speed and some fresh air! 

Before visiting the Topography of Terror, Checkpoint Charlie is a historical landmark marking the boundary of east and west Berlin. You are greeted with a white sentry guard house and a cobbled border line. 

Tourists queue up to take a photograph with the guards, but I suggest you skip this part and simply admire the symbol of history that stands in front of you. 

To connect the dots of the story of the Third Reich, visiting the Topography of Terror will give you an insight into the troubled past. It is an open-air exhibition on excavated ruins of the headquarters of the Secret State Police, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office. 

If you do not end up visiting part of the Berlin Wall, this site includes 200m of the wall, marking the border between the districts of Mitte (East Berlin) and Kreuzberg (West Berlin). 

If you have time and want a deeper explanation and story of Berlin’s complex past, the Jewish Museum is a must-visit. Here, you can learn more about the personal stories of the Jewish community.

The building and museum were designed by Daniel Libeskind – this particular building became an important part of the city, its history and its attempt to understand its past. What is quite special about this museum is that it opens the floor for Jews to tell their personal stories, hearing anecdotes and real sentiments of that particular time in the flesh. 

Closing at 7 pm, you have plenty of time during the day or late afternoon to explore this striking contemporary building and what it has to offer. 

Day 3: Tours, Tours, Tours!

It’s the last day of your action-packed trip to Berlin, and we’re going to be spending the entirety of it in the northeast of the city, first beginning underground.

Yes, underground .

I was surprised to discover just how much this city has to offer to those who want to venture below the streets, from air raid shelters to escape tunnels that were dug beneath the Berlin Wall.

The tours are run by Berliner Unterwelton , who have four different options, all running every single day. My biggest tip is that you buy your tickets in advance, because they do sell out. My parents took Tour M — the one that takes you beneath the Berlin Wall — when they were in town and highly recommended it to me. I procrastinated, turned up to the ticket office an hour beforehand, and discovered it was sold out! Whoops . Learn from my mistakes and book your tour at least a week in advance.

Still, it wasn’t a huge disaster, as an alternative tour, Tour 1, had availability, so I jumped on that, and got to experience WWII bombing raids through the eyes of German civilians. It was fascinating .

I wrote an in-depth guide to my experience on Tour 1 , which included quite an embarrassing mishap part-way through!

Next on the itinerary is another tour, but this time exploring Berlin’s craft beer scene.   If you thoroughly enjoy craft beer, Berlin is the place for you. On Airbnb, you can find an experience to help you better explore beer culture. From €46 per person, the tour lasts 3.5 hours, meaning you will get an in-depth explanation of all there is to know about craft beer. 

Meeting in Prenzlauer Berg, you will head to a craft brewery built in 1893. You will inspect brewing kettles and understand the brewing process, getting the chance to taste the beer and learn about its history. Then, craft beer bar hopping is on the agenda, with the last one situated next to Berlin’s famous Mauerpark. If you are interested, book your tour ticket here .

On the way to the subway, you will find a Photoautomat, an old-school photo booth. Only costing €2, it is a great way to make a memory of your time here in Berlin. 

If you have time, I would recommend one last museum to visit. The Stasi Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the terrifying secret police, the GDR. It is estimated that one in 10 East Germans worked as an informant for the Stasi in 1949. The museum also highlights Orwellian brainwashing that took place in schools. 

After a long day of exploring the city, end your night by treating yourself to a cocktail at a speakeasy bar. If you are thinking of going out after to one of Berlin’s many clubs, you can treat this space as a place for starting your night in style, before a long night ahead. 

These particular types of bars are very common on the East side of Berlin and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The Becketts Kopf in Prenzlauer Berg is a chill spot where you can relax inside on red leather sofas. I must add that there is no standing allowed inside so show up relatively early to find a seat. To get in, there is a photograph of Beckett hanging in the window of the bar. Ring the buzzer and check for availability inside. 

If you are into techno, you can try to get into the infamous Berghain club. If that’s not your go-to option, yet you still want to enjoy the techno scene, I would recommend Tresor which is in Kreuzberg. 

Where to Stay: Boutique Hotel Mittendrin 

Where I stayed in Berlin is a repurposed apartment called the Boutique Hotel Mittendrin . 

It was glorious . Located in the bustling shopping district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, it is central to amenities and the historic hub of Berlin’s centre. 

Just a three-minute walk to Kurfürstendamm and the KaDeWe shopping mall, it was great to be surrounded by a huge number of restaurants, bars and shops. 

Not only this, but the train station for the underground is a five-minute walk away (U Wittenbergplatz). The U2 line was great for the east-west connection – it got us places in less than 20 minutes. 

The interior of the hotel was stunning. I was blown away by the mix of rustic and modern chic furniture. Being a historically characteristic old apartment house, the original unique features were still present. The rooms were airy and light, with big windows and a coloured accent wall (ours was a deep maroon!) The room came individually furnished: the seating area was a luxurious add-on, and it was perfect for relaxing before a goodnight’s rest. 

Perhaps the best thing about staying in this hotel was the breakfast service and our host Sabine. It was delicious and the quality of the food was fantastic. Each breakfast was a little different from the last. From 7.30 am till 10.30 am (which is perfect for a full day of exploring), the spread was generous, and it catered to all our needs. 

The most interesting aspect about this wonderful breakfast experience was that you are placed all together at one table, allowing a chance to bond with other guests from all over the world which fostered a genuine community feel in the three days we stayed there. 

Sabine, our host, was wonderful. She took care of us and every little detail. It was a beautiful relaxing stay at this little boutique hotel in West Berlin, a truly unique and intimate experience – perfect for a city break. 

The Best Time of Year to Visit 

Berlin is best to visit from late spring to early summer, or late summer to early autumn. 

From May through to September, the weather is ideal for strolling, sitting in outdoor cafes and taking walking tours of the city. 

Specifically, I would recommend May/June as the ideal month to travel to Berlin. The weather is glorious: sunny blue skies and not scorching temperatures just yet, the crowds are limited, and if you search for them, there are lots of festivals occurring in the month of May. 

In the summer, Berlin comes alive. The streets are packed with city dwellers enjoying locally sourced craft beer and iced lattes, basking in the heat and chatting with friends. The green, ordered streets are made even greener by the sun’s touch; everything is made vigorous and vibrant. 

One must know that summer is the rainiest season in Berlin because of the heat, but that shouldn’t stop you. Enjoy what Berlin has to offer! 

Transport: Getting Around the City 

Like every other major city in Western Europe, Berlin is super well connected. I would advise using the U-Bahn underground trains as your main source of transportation. It runs on 10 coloured routes throughout the city with trains coming every five to 10 minutes during the day. 

With sustained action from 4 am till 1 am on weekdays, and weekends the U- Bahn and S-Bahn operate 24 hours. 

If, on a weekday, you decide to explore Berlin’s nightlife scene, the Metro tram runs on a 24-hour basis, arriving in 30-minute intervals. Alternatively, there are night buses (N1-9) which follow subway routes. 

In terms of pricing, in the fare zone AB (which is the urban centre) it costs €3 for a single ticket. This includes a two-hour journey one-way, which means you will have to purchase another ticket for the return journey. 

For a 24-hour single ticket, it costs €8.80 and you can take as many trips as desired, and for a 24-hour group ticket, the price is €25.50. This includes up to five people including your dog! 

It is a symbol of the city’s organised and bureaucratic way of life. This is juxtaposed with the edgy, gritty aesthetic of the underground train stations: the names of the stations are written boldly on the wall, and yellow is the primary colour underground. 

The S-Bahn elevated trains are less frequent and not as well connected as the U-Bahn service. However, it is the preferred choice for travellers venturing to the outskirts of the city. 

Berlin also has an efficient bus system but is slower than the rail. Sometimes, it is considered unreliable by German standards. It must be stated that masks are still required on public transport. 

Of course, metered taxis can be hailed through the city streets or taxi apps such as Uber operates perfectly well in Berlin. It is said that in Berlin Uber is much cheaper than in the US and the UK! 

If you want a more cost-effective, sustainable way of travelling through the city, cycling is a great option. Visitors may choose from seven or eight different companies of bike hires which all operate as ‘dockless’ bikes. This means that riders can leave their bikes at their destination when they are finished, and not have to return the bikes to a docking station. You could also try an E-Scooter if you are feeling adventurous. 

You can choose from Lime, Bird, Tier and Bolt. All you have to do is download their app, enter your details and scan the specific bar code on the scooter and you’re off! It is as simple as that. This is a great option for when you don’t have to travel too far from one destination to another and to explore the city dynamically. Walking is always a safe bet, but if you are short of time, use the other options mentioned above.

Safety Advice: Beware of Fake Policemen

Compared with other major cities, Berlin is considered safe, however, there are some universal precautions that you still ought to bear in mind. Stick to busy, well-lit streets at night and beware of pickpockets, especially in busy touristic areas. 

Avoid falling asleep on the U-Bahn, especially at night, as wallets and phones are often stolen from sleeping passengers. ALWAYS keep valuables close to you. 

A scam known to most metropolitan cities is fake policemen. Beware of these characters as they are trying to steal from you in popular tourist attractions. They stop tourists under the pretence of searching for drugs or counterfeit money (they demand to see ID cards). 

If you are going out at night clubbing, watch out for drink spiking. Always keep your drink close to you. 

One thing to be aware of is protests. The youth of Berlin are inspiring and are actively standing up for worldly issues. Sometimes, however, they can get pretty tense, and people can get injured. Stay away to avoid these problems. 

If you decide to rent a bike, lock it up safely and securely when it’s parked. Watch out for cycle lanes when walking, and don’t walk on the wrong side of the pavement! 

What to Know Before You Go 

Politeness and manners are important. Saying good morning (Guten morgen ) and good evening (Guten Abend ) is important, as is knowing when to say it at the right time. 

Germans are sensitive about their past, so tread carefully and with the utmost respect. That being said, it is perfectly ok to be curious and ask questions about the past, to get a more well-rounded view of that specific period. Indeed, Young people nowadays in Berlin are open to being vulnerable and having honest conversations about their history and what atrocities have occurred. 

It must be mentioned that there is a strict code of conduct when it comes to do with traffic. Traffic rules are extremely important here in Berlin: Do not cross a road when the little man is red. 

This also goes for cyclists – if they do, a hefty fine is coming their way. This shows the other side of Berlin, the rule-bound and bureaucratic Berlin. 

Lastly, do not forget your European adapter if you are from the US or the UK! 

I hope I have explained everything there is to know about Berlin’s main tourist attractions and its quirky, edgy East side. It is truly a marvellous city, a city like no other in Europe. 

Enjoy your vibrant stay in Berlin! 

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Thanks so much!

You can follow along on my travels through my social media accounts below

Sorry you didn't find this article useful!

Help me improve it by leaving your comments below

All feedback is anonymous and emailed directly to me. If there's anything I can do to improve the quality of this article, please do let me know and I'll make the suggested changes within 24 hours

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

Related Posts

What’s it Like to Travel in Liechtenstein?

What to Take On the Camino Primitivo: My Detailed Packing List

Exploring the Abandoned Monte Palace Hotel in Sao Miguel

13 Reasons to Plan a Trip to the Azores

How to Make the Most of a Layover in Venice

How to Spend Three Magnificent Days in Tbilisi, Georgia: A 2023 Itinerary

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet Lauren Juliff

Home » Destinations » Europe » Germany » How To Spend One Day In Berlin: An Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

How To Spend One Day In Berlin: An Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here .

Got One Day in Berlin? Here’s What To Do, See, Eat, and Drink!

Heading for Berlin but short on time? You might need a bit of help to plan out the perfect short Berlin trip then! 

Whether you want to spend a few hours, a half-day in Berlin on a stopover, or even a full day in the capital city, we have a Berlin itinerary to suit you.

Think of this post as a mini trip planner – providing you with ideas for your meals, sights to see, ideas for the evening, and more!

We love Berlin – and after having explored it a bunch of times now, we think we have a pretty good idea of what to see and do.

There are definitely some must-see attractions if you are only in Berlin for one day – and we cover most of them below.

So, to make it easy for you, we’ve written out what we think is a perfect Berlin day guide. You could follow this Berlin day as is but of course you can switch things out as needed to suit your interests better!

From exploring historical sights like the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate to finding a great cafe for a rest,  here’s how you could spend one day in Berlin!

Table of Contents

Getting Around Berlin in a Day

Generally, Berlin is a spread-out city with many of the top attractions in the middle – Berlin Mitte.

You can certainly walk between things in the afternoon but you will have to take public transit to complete the morning portion of the itinerary as is. Having said that, Berlin has a pretty good transport system for you to use.

The system consists of four main ways to get around: subway (called the U-Bahn), street trams, buses, and S-Bahn trains (overground metro).

Use the  BVG Website  to plan routes and learn about fares and more. For this itinerary post, we’d suggest you buy a day ticket for zones A + B which is all you need if you stick to this itinerary. This will make getting around so much easier.

With a day ticket, you can hop on and off easily.

You can buy it at the ticket machines and it currently costs 7.00 Euro – just a few rides and you will cover that cost easily. Just remember to validate it before you get on the transit.

Alternatively, you can take a  bike tour around Berlin  to get a local vibe and some exercise with a knowledgeable guide.

You could also buy a  hop-on hop-off bus tour and use it as a way to get between top attractions in Berlin. Just an idea!

One Day in Berlin Itinerary

Okay, so now that you have an idea of how to get around the city and how this itinerary will work, let’s dive in.

Here is our Berlin itinerary including meals, drinks,  coffee, and sights. We even mention addresses and all the convenient transit stops close by to the restaurants or attractions!

Given that everyone’s timelines will be different – if you do end up staying a night – you can check here for accommodations in Berlin.

Check out Berlin Meininger Central Station for a hotel and PLUS Berlin or Alcatraz Hostel for great hostels (both very much in/close to Berlin Mitte) close to all the best attractions.

We also have a whole guide on great ho stels in Germany, if you need it.

Wake Up Activity: Catch the Sunrise at Museum Island

Good morning! If you want this itinerary to start at breakfast, then skip this section!

If you are up (or perhaps you never went to sleep because you went clubbing OR had an early flight?) then you should catch the sunrise over the city.

To do this, you can head to Museum Island in the city centre. The reason we picked this spot is that the various museums and structures on the island (we will cover them below) look amazing in the morning light.

What’s more, the Spree River surrounding the island reflects the water making for a tranquil place and amazing photos.

Pro Tip: If you stand near the north tip of the island, you get the water reflecting nicely off the Bode Museum’s round outer structure.

There’s also a large park area (Lustgarten) which has the Berlin Dom (which you can check out later).

If you did want to visit one or more of the museums on the island when you visited the Berlin Dom later in the afternoon, you can do so.

After all, it’s your day! You can find the  Pergamon Museum ,   Alte Nationalgalerie (shown above),  Neues Museum ,   Altes Museum ,  Bode Museum , and more on the island.

Transit Stop: Hackescher Markt (S) or Friedrichstraße (S+U)

Breakfast: House of Small Wonder

Now that you’ve got your photos and a bit of fresh air, you can head for breakfast. Berlin is known for its breakfast – so head to House of Small Wonder to start your day off right.

It’s pretty central – just north of where you just came from at Museum Island. It’s only a few blocks, so you should be fine walking there.

At House of Small Wonder, the menu has a variety of great breakfast options to suit different tastes and diets.

Their biscuit Benedict is top notch and a popular item that sells out fast – so make sure you go early if that interests you!

If you want to learn more about House of Small Wonder, check out their website here . Keep in mind, they are a  cash-only  establishment and don’t take bills larger than 100 Euro!

Transit Stop: Oranienburger Tor (U) or Berlin Oranienburger Straße (S) Address: Johannisstraße 20, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Morning Activities: Explore German History, Culture, and Art

Once you are done with breakfast, you will need to get going to begin your jam-packed day.

In the morning, you can explore the “outside” of the city centre to then do the middle of the city in the afternoon and evening.

Basically, we’re starting far in the morning while you have the most energy and working our way in!

Here are some attractions you can visit – and feel free to skip what doesn’t interest you. Just move to the next one!

East Side Gallery (The Berlin Wall)

If you are only in Berlin for a day, there is no doubt that an attraction you will want to see is the Berlin Wall.

This oppressive barrier – erected in August of 1961 – fell in 1989. Today, the wall is of the most universally recognized symbols in the world. 

Luckily, there are a few places you can see it – one of the most popular being the East Side Gallery.

Located in the east end of Berlin, this 1.3 km long stretch of the wall that is still standing has been decorated by various artists over the years – each leaving their unique style.

You can walk the length of the gallery and check out each of them. It’s moving and fascinating.

Close by to the East Side Gallery is the Spree River and the beautiful Oberbaum Bridge.

This whole area is actually quite popular for nightclubs in Berlin so if you want to you can come back in the evening to try out the scene.

For now, you can learn more about the East Side Gallery at the  Visit Berlin site .

Transit Stop: Berlin Ostbahnhof (S) or Warschauer Straße (S + U) Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany

Berlin Wall Memorial

The other really good place to learn about the Berlin Wall and the history of Berlin (and Germany, for that matter) is the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Located more in the north end of the city, this memorial includes a museum and some green space.

The highlight is the fact that a section of the Berlin Wall has been preserved to show exactly what it was like to try and cross it decades ago.

As such, you can see the wall with the “full barrier” in place behind it – which included barbed wire, trenches, guard towers, sand, and other deadly additions. You can learn more to  plan a visit here .

Transit Stop: Berlin Nordbahnhof (S) or Bernauer Straße (U) Address: Bernauer Str. 111, 13355 Berlin, Germany

Charlottenburg Palace

To continue o the journey of Berlin attractions located outside the city centre, you should head to Charlottenburg Palace next.

Located in the west end of the city, the palace is the largest palace in Berlin. It was built back in the 17th century and has endured a lot of history (bombings) and changes (additions) over the years!

These days, you can visit the grounds and palace for a fee – with Christmas markets happening in the wintertime! To learn more, you can check out the  Charlottenburg Palace website. 

Transit Stop: Westend (S) or Richard-Wagner-Platz (U) Address: Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin, Germany

Lunch: Markthalle Berlin

So it’s lunchtime, and you’re finally done exploring the “far” attractions in Berlin. Time to head back to the east/centre of the city a bit and get ready to dive into a delicious lunch.

What are we suggesting you eat? Well, head to Markthalle Berlin so you can choose for yourself!

This old market hall building actually has a long history as a functioning market space in Berlin. Now, the place is absolutely packed with food vendors from around the world selling different cuisines.

You’ll find Peruvian ceviche, Serbian/Balkan-style food, fresh fish, cafes, places for German beer, and – of course – classic Canadian-style poutine!

Basically, the reason we ended up there was that we had heard that The Poutine Kitchen was serving up arguably the best poutine in Germany.

Naturally, Eric (the poutine master and Canadian) had to test it out. It was actually really good – very close to home! Nothing like fries, cheese curds, and gravy to fill you up!

You don’t have to get poutine (but you should) and if you want to learn more about the market, you can check out the website here.

Transit Stop: Turmstraße (U) Address: Arminiusstraße 2-4, 10551 Berlin

Afternoon Activity: Explore The Mitte Area

Alright, so it’s the afternoon and now that you are full of amazing food, you can walk it off in the centre of the city.

This is where many of the top attractions are – so follow the itinerary to check out the ones you want!

Pro Tip:  Time depending if you wanted to learn about the history of Berlin, you should consider a  guided history walking tour .

This area in the city centre is packed with historical attractions and hearing about them from a guide makes such a huge difference. Eric did a walking tour in Berlin and absolutely loved the guide’s enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge!

If you need a bit of time to walk off lunch and want to check out some green space, then you can head due south of the Markthalle to the largest park in the city – Tiergarten! You might see it written as Großer Tiergarten.

There are walking paths that cut in all directions and lead to amazing monuments, ponds, and more.

You can check out the massive and beautiful Victory Column in the middle of the park (more or less) and the Soviet War Memorial closer to the east end of the park (where you are heading next).

Transit Stop: Hansaplatz (U), Tiergarten (S), Bundestag (U), or Brandenburg Tor (S+U) Address: Str. des 17. Juni 31, 10785 Berlin, Germany

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Once you exit the park, you will end up right by the Brandenburg Gate. You can look at it, but don’t go nuts just yet because there’s another stop we think you should make first.

Just south of the Gate you will find the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

This massive open area has over 2700 concrete “stelae” erected to artistically serve as a reminder of the past.

The grounds are free – and you can even visit the exhibit/museum underneath the memorial which has more information. You can  learn more about the information centre exhibit here .

Transit Stop: Mohrenstraße (U) or Brandenburger Tor (S + U) Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Brandenburg Gate

After you check out the memorial, pop back up to one of the most famous sites in Europe – the Brandenburg Gate.

Built back in the 18th century, this monument has served a few functional purposes over the years – so it’s not just pretty to look at!

Located in the city centre right on Pariser Platz, the Gate is a popular photo spot loaded with history. You can also visit the  Brandenburg Gate Museum  right beside the Gate to learn all about it if you choose!

Transit Stop: Brandenburger Tor (S + U) Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany

The Reichstag Building

After the Gate, head through it (back into the park a bit) just a block north. You will be greeted by a massive building with a glass dome on top that you should check out – the Reichstag!

The German Parliament building – built back in the 1880s – has been through a lot over the years having been damaged numerous times by fire, bombs, and war.

These days, it serves as the official house of the German Parliament (Bundestag). While the photos of the outside look gorgeous, you can actually enter it, do a tour, and climb the glass dome on the inside ramps with views of Berlin!

That said, you do need to  pre-register your details to clear security  if you want to do a tour – so if you are in Berlin for a day do this in advance (if you can).

We’ve both been inside and up the dome and it was honestly really interesting. The audio guide is great and the views you get are worth it!

For you being in Berlin for only a day, to make this visit possible, you might consider a  line skip ticket and live tour of the Reichstag Dome .

Transit Stop: Bundestag (U) Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany

Checkpoint Charlie

Once you are done at the Reichstag, hop on transit (or you can walk) to another one of the most famous sights in the city – “Checkpoint Charlie”.

This tiny guardhouse on Friedrichstraße served as one of the entry points dividing East and West Germany during the Cold War.

These days, you can walk across the old border freely – and visit the museum called the Wall Museum (Haus am Checkpoint Charlie). Here, you can learn about the history of the spot – and why it’s so famous after all these years.

Lisa went to the museum years back and remembers it being quite interesting.

We think it’s important to stop into the museum since the spot alone can feel touristy and underwhelming – which is a shame because it’s actually SO important. To plan your visit, you can do so here .

Transit Stop: Kochstraße/Checkpoint Charlie (U-Bahn) Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Berlin Cathedral Church

Finish off at Checkpoint Charlie and head over to where you started in the morning for another famous sight. If you woke up for the sunrise, you might now find yourself back on Museum Island looking at the Berlin Cathedral.

First built back in the 16th century, this version stands from the early 1900s. With a massive pipe organ inside and city views from the outer dome walkway, it’s a popular place to check out.

You can learn more about prices and times  here . Keep in mind that it is an active place of prayer so be respectful!

Transit Stop: Hackescher Markt (S) or Friedrichstraße (S+U) Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Afternoon Break: Coffee in Hackescher Markt

Now that you’ve had an afternoon wander checking out the top tourist sights, it’s time for a break.

For this, you should wander back to that area we’ve mentioned a few times for a coffee – Hackescher Markt! This popular area/public square/transit stop is full of shops, bars, restaurants, patios, and more.

It’s very close to Museum Island which makes it a nice walk from the Berliner Dom (if you just came from there).

You can learn all about the area and what shops await you  here . As for the coffee break, we loved the area and so we have two cafe options that we really liked:  BEN RAHIM or Röststätte Berlin

Ben Rahim is described as a coffee place with a bit of an Arabian twist. We had amazing coffee travelling around the Balkans and so we’ve gotten a bit particular about our java.

Lisa looked up great cafes – and Ben Rahim did NOT disappoint! The shop itself is TINY but we got a seat, two flat whites, and baklava. Everything was amazing.

The vibe was very, very cozy, too. Even though it’s hard to find, they have outdoor seating in the front alleyway. We highly recommend – and you can find more information here .

Address: Sophienstraße 7, 10178 Berlin

Located close by to Ben Rahim in the same cool back-alley area, you can find our other recommendation for a great coffee place: Röststätte Berlin. 

Lisa really liked the place. She had a green tea – and it came in a whole pot! The vibe was nice overall – not too cozy but not crazy busy like some chain places. If you want to check it out, you can learn more here .

Address: Rosenthaler Straße 40-41 Hackesche Höfe (Hof 1), 10178 Berlin, Germany

Early Evening Activity: Berliner Fernsehturm for Sunset

Now that you’ve had a coffee and a sit-down, it’s time to get ready for dinner and your evening activity. For this, we’d suggest heading over to Alexanderplatz and looking up!

The main square itself – Alexanderplatz – is full of shops, restaurants, and a few other sights that you may want to see. It’s also a popular transit hub.

That said, you are here for the tower: The Berlin TV Tower for sunset.

Called the Berliner Fernsehturm in German – it was built back in the 1960s. These days, you can visit the tower and learn about its history while taking in the awesome views of Berlin from 203 metres up. There’s even a bar/restaurant up there that  rotates!

If you know you want to go up for an evening visit, you can buy a ticket online in advance… which is likely better compared to walking up, buying one, and having to wait in a line.

If the bar/restaurant option interests you, you can also skip the dinner we outlined in this post and opt for dinner in the tower! 

This ticket  allows you to skip the line and snag a table reservation for dinner at a window seat overlooking Berlin. Pretty cool!

Transit Stop: Alexanderplatz (S + U) Address: Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Dinner: Schwarzwaldstuben

Now it’s dinner time – and you must be starving since you’ve been wandering around all day exploring. So, we wanted to suggest a nice place to get a German meal in the city – Schwarzwaldstuben!

Located in the north end of the city centre (north of Museum Island, actually), we ended up trying out Schwarzwaldstuben almost on accident.

Lisa looked up this cozy place for lunch in the city on our first trip together! Needless to say, we loved our meals (shown above).

Eric had spätzle (German egg noodles) and Lisa had the Maultaschen  – both were great. If you want to go for dinner, perhaps make a reservation (phone only) before if you know what time you are coming. Also good to know: they do  cash only  for payment!

You should also know that the food that they serve is typical for another region in Southern Germany – so if you are looking for Berlin classic dishes, this wouldn’t be your first choice.

If you want to check out the menu and learn more, you can check out the website here . They have an English menu on the site.

Transit Stop: Oranienburger Tor (U) or Berlin Oranienburger Straße (S) Address: Tucholskystraße 48, 10117 Berlin

Evening: Gendarmenmarkt or Berlin Nightlife

Well, it’s evening now – and you have a choice of things to do in Berlin to end off the day! We wanted to provide you with options to meet a diverse set of interests!

At the end of the day, Berlin is known for its nightlife so you really should head out for a drink, dance, market, or performance.

As for the place shown above, if it’s Christmas time when you visit Berlin you should check out the  Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Markets!

This whole square is filled with festive stalls and it’s quite famous. They are open until 10 pm. If it’s not the Christmas season when you visit, this area also has things like the Concert Hall and Opera House close by – among other performance halls.

So, you could check out a show if that interests you!

Transit Stop: Hausvogteiplatz or Französische Straße (both U) Address: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin, Germany

If heading out for a drink or two is more your style, you could head back to the  Hackescher Markt area and find something there.

The area is littered with pubs, bars, and cozy cocktail places. A favourite establishment – Mikkeller Bar – isn’t too far away from this area. 

We loved Mikkeller in other cities and wanted to check it out in Berlin but ran out of time. This is a good option for craft beer and you can learn more at the Mikkeller website here .

Address: Hackescher Markt + Address Mikkeller: Torstraße 102, 10119 Berlin, Germany

If you want the nightclubs, head back to  Warschauer Straße Station near the East Side Gallery for some of the most famous Berlin clubs like Watergate and of course, the infamous Berghain (it’s very, VERY hard to get in!)

Above is the Oberbaum Bridge. This bridge is basically the link over the River Spree from the East Side Gallery to some of the best clubs so it’s not uncommon for people to be there at all hours of the day – including sunrise.

Fun Fact: The bridge used to be a crossing between East and West Berlin. So, check it out if you are over that way during the day, night, or early morning!

Transit Stop: Schlesisches Tor (U) or Warschauer Straße (U + S) Address of Watergate: Falckensteinstraße 49, 10997 Berlin, Germany

And there you have it, our sample itinerary for one day in Berlin. In the end, you will never see everything in a single day – Berlin is just too big and full of amazing sights.

However, we think we put together a detailed guide for you to get some great ideas to make your short visit perfect. If you DO follow this itinerary as is, let us know what you think!

As always, Happy Berlin Day Waddlin’, – L&E

Related Articles

We love exploring Germany, so grab those useful German Phrases and detailed Germany itineraries check out these other trip planning posts:

• Must-Knows When Travelling to Germany for the First Time
• Some of the Top Attractions in Berlin
• Explore Hidden Gem Cities like Bamberg +  Würzburg
• Beautiful German Places Recommended by German Bloggers
• Compare flights on Skyscanner
• Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
• Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
• Go over our packing list

Pin it for later!

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Destinations

Privacy policy

Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

Terms of use

© 2024 Creativlier Media Inc.

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

How To Travel Around Europe On A Budget

With just pennies to my name, I figured out how to travel to some of the most expensive countries in Europe! ​ ​

Get my simple 5-step guide on how I have saved thousands on European travel by subscribing below.

Hint : You won’t be staying in hostels!

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!

2 Days in Berlin: Ideal Itinerary for 48 Hours in Berlin

This post contains links which earn me a small commission at no cost to you.

Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Do

If you only have 2 days in Berlin , you’ll have to plan those days to be able to soak in as much as this fantastic city has to offer in a short time period. You can’t see everything, but you can get a good taste of Berlin in two days . For those of you planning to spend 48 hours in Berlin , we’ve got you covered.

This Berlin 2 day itinerary will highlight the important landmarks and attractions you should definitely see. Then I’ll show you how to best plan out your itinerary to make the most of your short time here.

Here’s what to see and what to do in 2 days in Berlin .

What you'll find here

Tours to maximize your 2 days in Berlin

If you only have two days to see Berlin , a tour might be the best way to see a lot in a short amount of time. Here are a few we recommend:

• Berlin Half Day Walking Tour : See many of Berlin’s most important sights on this guided walking tour.
• Berlin Bike Tour : Explore more important Berlin attractions on two wheels with this fun bike tour.
• Berlin Small Group Third Reich and Cold War Walking Tour : Learn about Berlin’s World War II and Cold War history on this walking tour.

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin has lots of great neighborhoods for you to stay in and explore. If you’re visiting Berlin for the first time, it might be best for you stay somewhere central.

Many of the attractions are in Mitte or easily connected to Mitte by Berlin’s public transport , so you should stay somewhere in that region. Here are a few hotels we recommend.

BUDGET: Circus Hostel Popular hostel with a bar/brewery downstairs

MIDRANGE: Circus Hotel Centrally located near restaurants & transport

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Centrally located, can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Luxury hotel where you can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

APARTMENT: Adina Apartment Hotel Kitchenette; near grocery stores, shopping, Museum Island

For a more detailed look at the different neighborhoods and our hotel recommendations, check out our guide to where to stay in Berlin .

Or read my full review of the 25Hours Hotel in Charlottenburg with fantastic views of the Zoo and Tiergarten.

Is 2 days in Berlin enough?

Berlin is a big city with loads of history, culture, and beauty. Even after living here for years, I’m still discovering interesting places.

So the short answer is no, two days in Berlin is not enough time to see everything. But if you want to visit Berlin in 2 days , you can still have an enjoyable time here.

It is enough time to see many of the highlights and learn some of the city’s history. It’s enough time to enjoy some of what this wonderful city has to offer, and hopefully entice you to come back another time.

Keep in mind there are a lot of things to see and do in Berlin . You can’t do all of it in several days, let along 2 days in Berlin .

But it’s better to spend two days in Berlin than to not visit at all. You’ll still have a great time exploring Berlin!

Hopefully this two day Berlin itinerary helps you decide which attractions are important to you and how much of the city you can realistically see in two days.

In this Berlin two day itinerary , you’ll get to see the city’s important landmarks and attractions, learn about the history, and soak up some funky vibes. And remember, there’s always more to see if you come back for another trip in the future.

>>Do you have more or less time? Check out our 1 day Berlin itinerary or our itinerary for 3 days in Berlin .

Places to visit in Berlin in 2 days

Berlin has enough amazing landmarks and activities to keep you busy for weeks. But there are certain places to visit in Berlin that every first time visitor should see. You could choose to take a sightseeing bus tour in Berlin to see a bunch of them in a short amount of time.

Berlin is one of the hippest cities in Europe, but it’s also filled with interesting history. People visit Berlin to learn about the city’s dark past as well as experience its unique modern vibe and taste a variety of international cuisines.

There’s a lot to take in if you only have a short amount of time here. Here’s our suggestions for what to see in two days in Berlin .

Join our Facebook group!

Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Brandenburg Gate

Built in the late 1700s, Brandenburg Gate , or Brandenburger Tor in German, is Berlin’s last standing city gate.

During the Cold War, when Berlin was split into East and West, the border between the two sides ran just to the west of Brandenburg Gate. This meant the gate was in the East and ended up in the inaccessible section between the Wall and the border.

For many people, Brandenburg Tor represented the separation of the two sides of Berlin and Germany.

President Reagan gave his famous “Tear down this wall!” speech while standing in West Berlin on the western side of the gate. This strategic location meant people in Eastern Berlin could hear his powerful speech.

Today Brandenburg Gate represents unity. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Berlin , and even in all of Germany.

Even if you only have two days in Berlin, Brandenburg Gate is someplace you shouldn’t miss.

Important info Open 24 hours a day. Closest transport is the Brandenburger Tor S&U station where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U5.

One of the most famous sites in the city, the TV Tower is hard to miss. After all, it is one of the tallest structures in Germany and the European Union and stands 368 meters (1,207 feet) tall.

The Soviets inaugurated the Berlin TV Tower on October 3, 1969, and it was intentionally built to be seen from almost anywhere in Berlin. This holds true today, and you’ll see it pop out unexpectedly when you round a corner.

The original intent of the Soviets was for the TV Tower to represent the strength of communist East Germany. But today it symbolizes the reunification of Germany and is a symbol of Berlin itself.

The TV Tower, or Fernsehturm in German, is a great place for views of Berlin since it’s so tall. The elevator takes you to the viewing platform at about 200 meters high for fantastic 360 degree views of the city.

There’s also a revolving restaurant on a different level where you can enjoy the views while eating a nice meal.

If you’re only in Berlin for two days, buy priority tickets online ahead of time to reduce your wait. Waiting to buy your ticket at the door could mean standing around for an hour or more.

Book your tickets here .

Important info Observation deck opening hours: November – March 10 am to 10 pm

April – October 9 am to 11 pm

Closest transport is S&U Alexanderplatz where you can get the U2, U5, U8, S3, S5, S7, S9, a variety of regional trains, and tram lines M4, M5, M6.

Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin Cathedral, or Berliner Dom in German, is a gorgeous Protestant cathedral located on Museum Island. It should definitely be on your Berlin bucket list .

The cathedral dates back to the 15th century, though it has been rebuilt and restored several times throughout its history. When the city was split, it was in the East, and although there was some restoration work, it was not fully restored until a few years after the Wall fell.

This religious institution also serves as a tourist attraction and museum. Touristic visits are not permitted during services.

Tours are available and included with the admission fee if you are interested in hearing about the history of the cathedral. You can also climb 270 stairs for lovely panoramic views of Berlin.

With 2 days in Berlin, you probably have time to take the tour and go to the top. At the very least, you should at least stop by to admire the outside.

Important info Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday: 12 – 4 p.m.

Last admission in each case 60 minutes before. Guided tours are at specific times. Check here for more info.

Closest transport is the Museumsinsel Ubahn station where you can get the U5.

Museum Island

Museum Island is the name of a complex of multiple museums loaded with historic marvels, and it’s one of Berlin’s most popular sights. This Berlin UNESCO World Heritage Site is great for a day of cultural in the German capital.

Museum Island includes five museums to browse around in total: The Pergamon Museum, the Old Museum, National Gallery, Bode Museum and the New Museum.

Your two day Berlin itinerary probably doesn’t leave you enough time to visit the museums, but strolling around here and soaking up the architecture is still rewarding.

If going into one or more of the museums is a priority to you, you’ll probably have to cut out a few other sights from this 2 day Berlin itinerary.

Important info Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm, closed Mondays. Holiday hours may differ.

The Museum Island Welcome Card gives you a 72 hour transport pass, free entry to all museums and collections on Berlin’s Museum Island (Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and Neues Museum), and discounts at many other museums and attractions.

Another option is the normal Welcome Card which gives you discounted entrance to the museums on Museum Island plus discounts at many other museums and attractions. It also includes a transport pass with an option for either 48 hours, 72 hours, 4 day, 5 day, or 6 day.

Reichstag Building

Opened in 1894, the Reichstag Building is a unique masterpiece of art designed by Norman Foster. The building features excellent architecture and a unique glass domed top that you can tour.

It is also where German parliament meets, which means when you’re walking through the dome, you can see all those important people through the glass. The Reichstag building also has a rooftop terrace and restaurant, which provides panoramic views of Berlin.

On the Reichstag Building tour , you will learn about German history and about the building itself. Tours into the glass dome are one of the most popular free things to do in Berlin .

The free tour comes with an audio guide that takes about 20 minutes. If you decide to take the free tour on your Berlin 2 day itinerary, you probably need to allow at least 30-40 minutes total here.

There’s also a 90 minute tour that includes a visit to the glass dome.

Important info Plan ahead because advanced booking is required and opening hours vary.

Closest transport: About halfway between the Bundestag Ubahn station (U5) and the Brandenburger Tor Sbahn and Ubahn station (S1, S2, S25, S26, U5).

Tiergarten is one of the most popular parks in Berlin, and even though it’s located right in the middle of the city, it’s huge. It dates back to 1527 when it was a hunting ground, but these days, this vast green space has become a much loved public park for Berliners.

Throughout the park there are statues, memorials, ponds, tree-lined thoroughfares, and lawns. When the weather’s warm in Berlin, people flock here for leisurely walks, picnics, and generally hanging out with friends, making it a great spot to people-watch.

The park is located just west of Brandenburg Gate, so it’s easy to include a quick stroll in Tiergarten on your two day Berlin itinerary.

Important info The park is open 24 hours a day.

It’s a large park, so there are multiple transport options depending on what part of the park you want to reach. The section closest to Brandenburg Gate is easiest to access from the Brandenburger Tor S&U station where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U5.

Victory Column

Berlin’s Victory Column , or Siegessäule in German, is one of the more recognizable monuments in the city, and one you should see while spending 2 days in Berlin.

The column is located roughly in the middle of Tiergarten Park at a roundabout where a few major roads intersect the park. It was originally placed in front of the Reichstag until 1938, and it was constructed as a monument to Prussia’s victory in the Franco-German war.

Today this is a popular tourist attraction. The Victory Column stands at 67 meters (about 220 feet) tall, and for a small fee, you can climb 285 stairs to the observation deck for excellent views of Berlin.

Since the TV Tower can be a bit pricey, this is a good alternative for people traveling to Berlin on a budget .

Important info You can see this landmark any time of day, but if you want to climb the tower to the viewing platform, the opening hours are:

April to October: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM, Sat & Sun till 7 PM November to March: Mon-Sun 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

The entrance fee is 4 euros, cash only. Closest transport is the Hansaplatz station on the U9, or the Großer Stern bus stop.

Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , often referred to as the Holocaust Memorial, honors the large number of Jewish people who were killed by the Nazi regime.

This somber memorial consists of 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights, and the ground they sit on is an uneven slope similar to a wave. The information center showcases letters, diaries, photographs, and biographies of the victims to help personalize the experience.

Important info Entrance is free for both the outside memorial and the inside information center. The outside memorial is open 24/7.

The information center is open October – April, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm, and May – September, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 8pm.

Photography is allowed (no flash inside) but please be respectful. Do not sit on or climb on the cement slabs or take selfies. This is a place to reflect and remember those who were murdered.

Closest transport: The memorial is located about halfway between S&U Brandenburger Tor where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U5 and S&U Potsdamer Platz where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U2.

Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is one of the prettiest squares in Berlin. This historic square is home to an impressive trio of buildings: the French Church, the German Church, and the Konzerthaus.

Sadly the square was badly damaged during World War II , but today it’s mostly been restored to its former glory. Gendarmenmarkt is a great place to wander and see some of Berlin’s beauty, and if you’re here over the holidays, you can visit one of the most popular Christmas markets in Berlin here.

You can also climb to the top of the French Cathedral for some wonderful views of the square and much of central Berlin.

Important info The square is open 24 hours a day. The buildings located have different opening hours, please check them individually if you want to go inside.

Closest transport is the Hausvogteiplatz station on the U2, but it’s also not far from the Stadtmitte station on the U2 and U6.

Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Str

The Berlin Wall was, and still is, an important piece of the city’s character and history. Although there are lots of different places to learn about the Wall, the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial is one of the best.

This 1.4km (0.87 mile) section of road includes one of the last remaining pieces of the Wall. The Wall divided the street, with buildings on one side in the East and buildings on the other side in the West.

Placards describe what it was like living on the eastern side of Bernauer Strasse before and after the Wall went up, how it affected the neighborhood, how people tried to escape, and more. Markers on the ground show you where apartment buildings once stood and where escape tunnels were built.

About halfway down the street, you’ll see building with a tower you can climb to see over the Wall and into the death strip. At the visitors center, you can watch two short films (alternating time slots for German and English) depicting the Wall in the city as well as what it was like out in the countryside where the Wall divided East and West Germany.

In my opinion, this is the best Cold War Era site in Berlin . It can take a decent amount of time to see all the different sections, so with only two days in Berlin, you’ll need to decide how much of it you can fit into your itinerary.

Important info Visitors Center opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Documentation Center opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Opening hours of the outdoor sections are listed as Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., although there is no gate barring you from wandering around outside of these hours.

Closest transport to the Visitors Center is the Nordbahnhof Sbahn station where you can get the S1, S2, S25, or S26. The M10 tram also stops at Nordbahnhof, Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (where the tower is), and you can get the M10 or U8 at the Bernauer Str station.

East Side Gallery

The most famous section of the Berlin Wall is the East Side Gallery . It runs along a stretch of the Spree River in the former East and is covered in art.

At 1.3km (0.8 mile) this is considered the longest open air gallery in the world.

After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, artists from around the world came here to paint murals on the Wall to celebrate Germany being reunited and to remind the world of terrible things that occurred here. Over the years, the art has changed several times.

Important info This popular attraction is open 24/7 but is best enjoyed during daylight hours.

Closest transport is the Ostbahnhof station (Sbahn) or the Warschauer Str S&U station.

Charlottenburg Palace

Built in 1695, this Baroque palace was named for Sophie Charlotte and served as her summer palace. It’s a gorgeous palace with ornate interiors and excellent gardens.

Today you can visit the museums inside to learn more about the palace’s history and enjoy the gardens. It’s well worth going inside for a visit, but if the insides of palaces and castles aren’t your thing, you can still wander through the grounds and see the gardens for free.

Important info Palace museum opening hours: November – March Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 4:30 pm

April – October Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 5:30 pm

Closest transport is the Schloss Charlottenburg bus stop on the M45 bus.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

This famous landmark is one of the most important churches in Berlin. The original church was built here in the 1890s, but was damaged in WWII air raids in 1943.

Interestingly, the church was not rebuilt and instead has been left much as it was after the war. Its been nicknamed by Berliners as Der Hohle Zahn—literally “The Hollow Tooth”. It’s a stark reminder of the destruction of war.

Important info Opening hours: 9am to 7pm

Tours are offered several times a day, and though they are free, the church does ask for a donation of at least 5 euros.

Closest transport is S&U Zoologischer Garten or U Kurfürstendamm.

Tempelhof Park

One of Berlin’s most interesting green spaces is Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport that is now a huge park. In 1948-1949 during the Berlin Blockade, this airport was the hub of the Berlin Airlift, which kept West Berlin supplied with goods while land routes were blocked.

Tempelhof Airport continued to operate even after the Berlin Wall came down and East and West Germany reunited. It wasn’t until 2008 that the airport closed.

In 2010, it reopened as a public park, and the runway and airport building remain. Today you can enjoy walking, running, roller blading, cycling, kite surfing, and more all on a former airport runway.

There are grassy areas where you can have a picnic, gardening areas, fenced dog areas, bird protection areas, and more. This park is a Berlin favorite.

Important info Opening hours: The park hours vary by month, but in general the park is open from dawn to dusk. Entrance is free, though most of the airport building is only accessible on a tour.

Closest transport: This is a huge park with multiple entry points, so there are several different S&U stations near the park.

• Southwest: S+U Tempelhof on the S41, S42, S45, S46, S47, and U6 lines. This station is the closest to a park entrance.
• West: Paradestraße on the U6 line.
• East: Leinestraße or Boddinstraße on the U8 line. You won’t immediately see the park from these stations, but it’s not too long of a walk.
• Northwest: Platz der Luftbrücke on the U6 line. This will get you near the airport building, but it’s probably the least convenient station for the actual park.

Topography of Terror

The Topography of Terror Museum is located where the headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS was between 1933 and 1945. Persecutions and killings of Nazi opponents were organized here, and the genocide of Jews, Roma, and Sinti was also coordinated here.

It now serves as a place to remember history and warn us from repeating the terrors of the past. The exhibits here use photographs and documentation to tell visitors about the crimes that were organized here.

You’ll also see excavation sites where you can view through glass windows. There’s also a long section of the Berlin Wall that still stands here.

Read my full guide to visiting Topography of Terror Museum .

Important info Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 8 pm. Holiday hours may differ. Entrance is free.

Closest transport is Kochstraße where you can get the U6; Anhalter Bahnhof where you can get the S1, S2, S25, or S26; or Potsdamer Platz where you can get the S1, S2, S25, or S26, or the U2.

Palace of Tears

The Palace of Tears, or Tränenpalast in German, is located at Friedrichstraße train station and was constructed in 1962. It was originally used by the East German dictatorship as a departure terminal for people from West Berlin who were coming to visit people in East Berlin.

At this location, many people were denied access to the border and forced by border guards to leave their families and friends in tears. Today, the museum is a reminder of the separation of Germany and all the tears that were shed in connection with it.

When you visit Berlin, be sure to look out for the ‘Palace of Tears, Side of German Division’ exhibition. Hosted at the Palace of Tears pavilion, this exhibition features documents, films, original objects and interviews from affected individuals.

Important info Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday: 9 am – 7 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm. Holiday hours may differ. Entrance is free.

Closest transport is the Friedrichstraße Sbahn and Ubahn station where you can get the S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S9, S25, S26, and U6, as well as trams 12 and M1.

Learn more about visiting the Tränenpalast Museum in Berlin .

Two days in Berlin itinerary

I’ve listed a lot of attractions up there, and it’s very possible you won’t get to all of them in two days. Remember that it’s better to enjoy the sights even if it means having to cut out a few.

Focus on your priorities. Everyone has different interests, so it’s reasonable to tweak this Berlin itinerary to fit your desires and pace. Don’t rush if you’re not going to enjoy yourself.

I’ve written this two day itinerary as if you’re arriving the night before, spending two days in Berlin, and then leaving in the morning, for a total of 48 hours of exploring and 3 nights. But you can adjust the itinerary a bit if you only have 2 nights.

You might not have time to go inside each attraction mentioned here. Know what your priorities are, and be willing to compromise, because two days in Berlin really isn’t enough to see everything.

For example, Berlin has lots of places for views of the city from above , such as the TV Tower, the Victory Column, the Berlin Cathedral, and Panorama Punkt, but it takes time to do each of them.

If you really like views from above, choose one, but otherwise it’s it’s ok to only see the outsides of some attractions.

And you might not have time to go into museums. Or if going in is important to you, you’ll have to compromise and cut something else out of your Berlin itinerary.

The important thing is to use this two day Berlin itinerary as a guide. Make adjustments based on your interests, and stay flexible where possible.

Also, a Berlin day ticket will be your best friend for this itinerary. Buying two 24 hour tickets means you can ride Berlin public transport as many times as you want for 24 hours from when you validate your ticket.

Set your alarm, because you’ll need an early start to see as many sights on your Berlin bucket list as possible.

If your hotel offers breakfast, grab something quick. Otherwise, there’s bound to be a bakery nearby where you can buy a tasty German pastry to eat on the go.

Start your sightseeing at the East Side Gallery. Since it’s open 24 hours a day, this makes a good starting point so you don’t waste any time.

I recommend arriving at the East Side Gallery by 8am at the latest, earlier if possible. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the art and make it to your next stop by 9am.

The closest transport stations are U Warschauer Str near one end, which you can reach using the U1 or U3, or Ostbahnhof train station, which you can reach using S3, S5, S7, or S9. Start from one of these stations and end at the other.

Once you’ve had your fill, make your way to Alexanderplatz. If you’ve finished seeing the East Side Gallery near Ostbahnhof, hop on the Sbahn to Alexanderplatz.

If you finished near Warschauer Str, you’ll also need to get the Sbahn, but note that the Sbahn station and the Ubahn station are separate. So when walking from the East Side Gallery, you’ll see the Ubahn first, and the Sbahn is shortly after that.

>>Read: 23 Memorable Berlin Souvenirs to Bring Home With You (+ ones to skip)

Alexanderplatz is a big transport hub, plus there’s shopping and a few places to eat here. If you have a couple minutes, go check out the square itself and see the World Time Clock.

Next, go see the TV Tower. Don’t forget to book your skip-the-line ticket here ahead of time!

The views from the viewing platform are unbeatable. As you wander around up top, info signs will tell you what you’re looking at.

The TV Tower opens at 9am from April to October (it doesn’t open until 10am from November to March) so if you book your ticket for a 9am time slot, you should be able to get in right as they open.

Once you’re done, make your way to Museum Island. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the TV Tower to the Berlin Cathedral, or you can hop on the tram for one stop to get you halfway there.

Walking is probably easier here though. Wander past the Neptune Fountain, through the park, and cross the Spree River.

You can’t miss the Berlin Cathedral. It’s an impressively large and gorgeous church, and it’s worth stopping for some pictures, even if you don’t have time to go inside for a tour.

The park in front of the cathedral is called Lustgarten. The other building you’ll see here is the Altes Museum, one of the five museums in the Museum Island ensemble.

Since you’re only in Berlin for two days, going into one of the museums might not be feasible. If this is a high priority for you, decide what other attraction(s) on this itinerary isn’t so important to you and cut it for time.

Otherwise, have a wander through the green spaces here and admire the architecture of the different museums. Not only do they hold important exhibits and artifacts, but the buildings themselves are quite impressive.

Across the street from the Berlin Cathedral and Lustgarten is the Humboldt Forum. This rebuilt Berlin Palace is now home to an arts and cultural museum.

On the other side of the river from the cathedral is the German History Museum. If this interests you, definitely make time for it, but again, you might have to make a few other compromises with only two days.

Now start walking west along Unter den Linden.

Unter den Linden

The wide boulevard you’re now walking on is called Unter den Linden , named for the linden trees you’ll see along the way. It’s a beautiful street with many landmarks, museums, and other attractions.

Luckily there are quite a few of Berlin’s top sights here that are easy to see and enjoy even when you don’t have much time.

You’ll pass Neue Wache, a memorial to war victims. Then there’s the Berlin State Opera House. Next is Bebelplatz square with the Nazi book burning memorial.

In the middle of the street, you’ll see a statue of a man on a horse. That’s Friedrich the Great, king of Prussia.

Shortly after this, I recommend turning left onto Charlottenstrasse to reach Gendarmenmarkt, which is such a pretty square, it’s worth a quick detour. But if you’re trying to make time for other activities, don’t worry about skipping it.

After you’ve been wowed and taken some photos, head back to Unter den Linden. Keep walking west, and in a few minutes, you’ll see Brandenburg Gate.

Are you really strapped for time? If you’d rather skip walking down Unter den Linden, hop on the U5 from Museum Island (Museumsinsel station) and take it a couple of stops to Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor station).

Once you stop for a few photos and then pass through Brandenburg Gate, you’ll see Tiergarten park in front of you. At the big street (Strasse des 17 Juni) that basically dead ends at Brandenburg Gate, you’ll be able to see the Victory Column in the distance.

Turn left and walk a few minutes until you see the Holocaust Memorial. I recommend crossing over to Tiergarten and wandering through the eastern edge of the park on your way to the Holocaust Memorial.

The memorial is on the same side of the street as Brandenburg Gate, so you’ll have to cross back over when you see the big blocks that form the memorial. Wander through the rows of blocks along the uneven ground, and if you have time, check out the info center inside.

Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial

Once you’re done at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, it’s time to go to the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse. To get there, walk back through Brandenburg Gate to the Brandenburger Tor Sbahn station, and take the S1, S2, S25, or S26 the Nordbahnhof station.

From there it’s a short walk to the Bernauer Strasse visitors center. If you have time to watch the short films, they are fantastic.

Then take as much time as you can manage to explore the rest of the exhibits on Bernauer Strasse, including the tower at the midway point.

The other end of the memorial is near Schwedter Strasse, which is a few blocks past the Bernauer Strasse Ubahn station.

You’re probably nearing the end of your first day by now. Check out Schwarzwaldstuben or Gaststätte Sophieneck for a traditional German dinner.

Start day two by visiting the Reichstag Building. Remember you need to book well in advance in order to get a time slot for the free tour, so plan ahead.

The free tour is really worthwhile, but if you couldn’t snag a spot or you don’t have time, it’s still worth checking out this impressive building.

After you’re finished at the Reichstag Building, head over to Tränenpalast, or Palace of Tears. It’s a short walk along the river, otherwise take the U5 one stop to Brandenburger Tor and switch to the Sbahn, either the S1, S2, S25, or S26, for one stop to Friedrichstrasse.

The museum is located just outside the Friedrichstrasse station.

Next hop on the U6 going south and get out at Kochstrasse. Take a quick photo of Checkpoint Charlie before making your way to Topography of Terror, which includes both an outdoor and an indoor exhibition about Nazi crimes.

Tempelhofer Feld

This park that was once an airport is one of the most loved parks in the city, and it’s packed with history. Take the U6 south to Platz der Luftbrücke to see the Airlift Memorial and the former airport building.

You can take a tour of the airport, or visit the exhibits in the visitors center. Then check out some of the nearby sections of the park where the runway still stands.

For something completely different, head over to Charlottenburg Palace, one of the prettiest castles in Berlin . The castle is gorgeous inside and out, but if you don’t have time to go inside, you can admire the outside and the castle’s gardens for free.

To get to the palace from Tempelhof, take the U6 south to S&U Tempelhof and switch to the S41, which is the Ringbahn line going clockwise. Get out at Westend, and switch to the M45 bus going towards Zoo, and get out at the Schloss Charlottenburg stop.

If you have time, consider going to see Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. It’s a short bus ride away on the M45 bus towards Zoo; get out at Jebensstr and it’s a short walk from there.

For dinner, try Lemke Brewery near Charlottenburg Palace. And if you’re looking for fun cocktails with a view, I highly recommend Monkey Bar in the 25Hours Hotel , one of the best rooftop bars in Berlin .

Where to eat in Berlin

Berlin is a huge city, and where you eat depends in part on where you are at meal times. And remember, this is a multicultural city, and there’s really delicious food of all kinds, not just German food.

• Schnitzelei : Possibly the best Schnitzel I’ve ever had. This links to their Mitte location, and they have one in Charlottenburg.
• Gaststätte Sophieneck : Traditional German pub atmosphere, in Mitte.
• Lemke : Brewery with a full menu, 2 locations in Mitte and 1 in Charlottenburg.
• Schwarzwaldstuben : German cuisine from the Black Forest region, in Mitte.
• Jäger & Lustig : Rustic German restaurant with a large beer garden, in one of my favorite restaurants in Friedrichshain .
• Mutzenbacher : Ok this one is Austrian, but it’s delicious, in Friedrichshain.

For more restaurant recommendations check out these articles:

• German Restaurants in Berlin
• Restaurants in Berlin Mitte
• Restaurants in Friedrichshain Berlin

Can you see Berlin in 2 days?

I might be biased, but I think there’s so much to do and see in Berlin that 2 days isn’t nearly enough. But I’ve also traveled enough to know that most people don’t have the time to spend more than a few days in any one city.

Two days is enough to see most of what I’ve mentioned in this itinerary. Only the most ambitious travelers will actually make it to everything listed here because it is quite a fast pace.

And remember, if something really doesn’t interest you, you’re allowed to skip it. Customize this itinerary in a way that works for you and allows you to see the sights that are important to you.

And don’t forget to see how to get from Berlin airport to the city center before you arrive.

Berlin two day itinerary FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about what to do in Berlin in 2 days and planning a Berlin itinerary.

Is 2 days enough in Berlin?

Two days in Berlin is better than just one day, and you can see a lot of the highlights in two days. But can you manage more time?

I really feel like 3 days is the minimum you should spend in Berlin to see the major attractions and some of the city’s vibe that’s hard to see without venturing away from the tourist track.

But however much time you have is enough to at least get a taste for Berlin. I love this city, and hopefully two days in Berlin is enough to convince you to return for another trip.

How to visit Berlin in two days?

It’s not impossible to visit Berlin in two days, but it’s a little tight. A walking tour like this one or a bike tour like this one will help you make the most of your time and see a lot more than you could see on your own.

Hopefully my two day Berlin itinerary above helps you understand what there is to see and do so you can plan out your time here.

What to do in 48 hours in Berlin?

With 48 hours in Berlin, you can see the major attractions, like the TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, Reichstag Building, Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial, and East Side Gallery.

This is also enough time to eat some delicious food, go to a club if you’re interested in Berlin nightlife , and get a feel for Berlin’s laid back vibe.

How many days in Berlin is enough?

Ideally I think 3 days in Berlin is enough to really see the sights and get a good feel for the city.

If you have time for 3 days, that would be ideal, but make the most of however much time you have. You can still see and do a lot in 2 days.

Read more: How Many Days in Berlin Do You Need?

What is the best month to visit Berlin?

Really the best time to visit Berlin is when you are able to come here. But some months are better than others, if you have the flexibility to choose when to visit.

May is a great month to visit Berlin for mild weather and fewer crowds. September and October are also nice for similar reasons.

Read about what to do in Berlin in spring and what to do in Berlin in autumn .

Is Berlin cheap for tourists?

Berlin is a reasonably cheap city compared to other big cities in western Europe. Things are getting more expensive, but it’s still a cheap city for tourists.

The most expensive thing is likely to be your accommodation. But you can still find cheap food here, and so many sights and attractions are either free or inexpensive.

Be sure to check out these free things to do in Berlin , these cheap things to do in Berlin , and my money saving tips for visiting Berlin on a budget .

Book a tour for your trip to Berlin

• Third Reich Berlin Walking Tour – Hitler and WWII
• Berlin TV Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this itinerary for two days in Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

Related Posts

What to do in Berlin on Monday: 25+ Museums & More

What to do in Berlin on Sunday: 15+ Ideas

Best Berlin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Twenty One Pilots Announce Massive Global Headline Tour

SHARE NEW SONG & OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO – “NEXT SEMESTER”

The clancy world tour to traverse north america, the united kingdom, europe, australia & new zealand through 2025, us/ca presales begin april 2 nd + uk/eu/au/nz presales begin april 3 rd, new album clancy arrives may 17 th, album pre-orders available now.

GRAMMY® Award winning duo Twenty One Pilots have announced details of their massive global headline The Clancy World Tour and shared “ Next Semester ,” a new song from their highly anticipated forthcoming album, Clancy , which will be released May 17 th via Fueled By Ramen [album artwork / tracklist below]. Watch the Andrew Donoho directed music video for “Next Semester”  HERE .

Twenty One Pilots will celebrate the release of Clancy with The Clancy World Tour, their biggest headline tour ever set to get underway August 15th at Denver, CO’s Ball Arena. Produced by Live Nation, the tour will traverse North America through the fall followed by dates in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom [see tour itinerary below].  Fans can participate in an official artist presale for tickets beginning April 2nd (US/CA) and April 3rd (UK/EU/AU/NZ) with all remaining tickets available during the general on sale at 10:00 AM local time on Friday, April 5 th . For tickets and complete details for Twenty One Pilots’ The Clancy World Tour visit www.twentyonepilots.com/tour .

Last month, Twenty One Pilots returned with news of Clancy and released the album’s lead single “ Overcompensate ” alongside an accompanying official music video directed by Reel Bear Media. The track, which has rocketed up the Alternative Radio chart currently sitting Top 5, made a massive impact upon launch as it welcomed  listeners back to the band’s immersive world of ‘Trench.’

Clancy is currently available for pre-order in a variety of physical formats including: two limited-edition deluxe box sets, four vinyl variants with additional retailer exclusives, an exclusive CD + Journal Book and a Cassette + Photocard Wallet, and much more. For the full suite of Clancy pre-order offerings, visit Twenty One Pilots’ official store .

Having amassed over 33 billion streams worldwide and over 3 million tickets sold across global headline tours, the Columbus, OH based duo of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun have established themselves as one of the most successful bands of the 21 st century and redefined the sound of a generation.  Co-produced by Joseph and Paul Meany, Clancy  marks the final chapter in an ambitious multi-album narrative first introduced in the band’s 2015 multi-Platinum breakthrough,  Blurryface .  Furthermore, Clancy’s forthcoming release on May 17 th coincides with the 9 th anniversary of Blurryface, which was released exactly nine years prior to the day.

Twenty One Pilots extended the ambitious concept laid out in Blurryface with their 2018 Platinum-certified album  TRENCH .  Featuring the multi-Platinum and Platinum singles “Chlorine,” “My Blood” and the GRAMMY® Award-nominated “Jumpsuit,” the album graced spots on “Best of” year-end lists by  Billboard ,  KERRANG! ,  Alternative Press , and  Rock Sound —who placed it at #1.

The duo’s 2021 RIAA Gold certified epic Scaled And Icy debuted at No. 1 on  Billboard ‘s Top “Rock Albums” and “Alternative Albums” charts while landing at No. 3 on the “Billboard 200,” marking the biggest opening week for a rock album in 2021. The record is highlighted by the #1 Alternative Radio hits “ The Outside ,” “ Saturday ,” and “ Shy Away ,” the latter of which ascended to #1 at the format in just three weeks, placing the duo in an elite group of acts with multiple songs to rise to #1 at the format in three weeks or less including: U2, R.E.M., The Cure, Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Foo Fighters.

Twenty One Pilots

The Clancy World Tour

Tickets & Information Available at twentyonepilots.com/tour

August 15, 2024                     Denver, CO                             Ball Arena

August 18, 2024                     Salt Lake City, UT                  Delta Center

August 21, 2024                     Portland, OR                           Moda Center

August 22, 2024                     Seattle, WA                             Climate Pledge Arena

August 24, 2024                     Oakland, CA                           Oakland Arena

August 25, 2024                     Sacramento, CA                     Golden 1 Center

August 27, 2024                     Los Angeles, CA                     Intuit Dome

August 28, 2024                     Los Angeles, CA                     Intuit Dome

August 30, 2024                     Phoenix, AZ                            Footprint Center

August 31, 2024                     Las Vegas, NV                        MGM Grand Garden Arena

September 3, 2024                 Austin, TX                               Moody Center

September 4, 2024                 Houston, TX                            Toyota Center

September 6, 2024                 Dallas, TX                               American Airlines Center

September 10, 2024               Duluth, GA                              Gas South Arena

September 11, 2024               Orlando, FL                             Kia Center

September 13, 2024               Raleigh, NC                            PNC Arena

September 14, 2024               Philadelphia, PA                     Wells Fargo Center

September 15, 2024               Baltimore, MD                         CFG Bank Arena

September 17, 2024               Newark, NJ                             Prudential Center

September 18, 2024               Brooklyn, NY                           Barclays Center

September 20, 2024               Boston, MA                             TD Garden

September 25, 2024               Montreal, QC                          Bell Centre

September 27, 2024               Toronto, ON                            Scotiabank Arena

September 28, 2024               Cleveland, OH                        Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse

September 29, 2024               Detroit, MI                               Little Caesars Arena

October 1, 2024                      Chicago, IL                             United Center

October 2, 2024                      Chicago, IL                             United Center

October 4, 2024                      Columbus, OH                        Nationwide Arena

October 5, 2024                      Columbus, OH                        Nationwide Arena

October 8, 2024                      Indianapolis, IN                       Gainbridge Fieldhouse

October 9, 2024                      Nashville, TN                          Bridgestone Arena

October 10, 2024                    St. Louis, MO                          Enterprise Center

October 12, 2024                    Minneapolis, MN                     Target Center

November 17, 2024                Auckland, NZ                          Spark Arena

November 19, 2024                Melbourne, AU                        Rod Laver Arena

November 21, 2024                Brisbane, AU                          Brisbane Entertainment Centre

November 24, 2024                Sydney, AU                             Qudos Bank Arena

April 7, 2025                           Hamburg, DE                          Barclays Arena

April 8, 2025                           Berlin, DE                               Uber Arena

April 9, 2025                           Lodz, PL                                  Atlas Arena

April 12, 2025                         Prague, CZ                             O2 Arena

April 13, 2025                         Vienna, AT                              Wiener Stadthalle

April 16, 2025                         Zurich, CH                              Hallenstadion

April 17, 2025                         Bologna, IT                             Unipol Arena

April 21, 2025                         Madrid, ES                              WiZink Center

April 22, 2025                         Barcelona, ES                         Palau San Jordi

April 24, 2025                         Lyon, FR                                 LDLC Arena

April 27, 2025                         Munich, DE                             Olympiahalle

April 28, 2025                         Milan, IT                                  Forum

April 30, 2025                         Amsterdam, NL                       Ziggo Dome

May 1, 2025                            Cologne, DE                           Lanxess Arena

May 2, 2025                            Paris, FR                                 Accor Arena

May 5, 2025                            Glasgow, UK                           OVO Hydro Arena

May 6, 2025                            Birmingham, UK                     Resorts World Arena

May 8, 2025                            Belfast, UK                              SSE Arena Belfast

May 9, 2025                            Dublin, IE                                3Arena

May 11, 2025                          Manchester, UK                      AO Arena

May 13, 2025                          London, UK                             The O2

May 14, 2025                          London, UK                             The O2

Pre-orders Available Here: http://top.lnk.to/Clancy

• Overcompensate
• Next Semester
• Midwest Indigo
• Routines In The Night
• The Craving (Jenna’s Version)
• Oldies Station
• At the Risk Of Feeling Dumb
• Paladin Strait

About Twenty One Pilots:

Grammy-Award winning band, Twenty One Pilots, have shifted music and culture as an incomparable creative force and with an ever-evolving vision. The Columbus, OH duo—Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun— have tallied over 33 billion global streams and counting, sold north of three million tickets worldwide, notched dozens of multi-Platinum certifications, and even claimed a spot in the Guinness® Book of World Records. In historic fashion, their quadruple-Platinum breakout LP, Blurryface , took flight as “the first album to notch a RIAA Gold or Platinum certification for every one of its songs ,” while Vessel followed suit and achieved the same distinction. They elevated to rarified air as “one of only 18 artists to earn multiple RIAA Diamond certifications , ” going Diamond with “Stressed Out” and “Heathens.” 2018’s Platinum-certified Trench extended the ambitious concept laid out in Blurryface and delivered the multi-Platinum and Platinum singles: “Chlorine,” “My Blood” and the GRAMMY® Award-nominated “Jumpsuit.” They followed Trench with their Gold-certified LP Scaled And Icy , achieving “the biggest opening week for a rock album in 2021” by capturing #1 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts and crashing the Top 3 of the Billboard 200. Beyond rapturous headline shows at arenas and festivals worldwide, Twenty One Pilots have notably architected an immersive world without comparison, originating a multi-album conceptual arc across Blurryface , Trench , and Scaled And Icy . Exactly nine years to the date of the Blurryface album release, they complete this story on their seventh full-length offering, Clancy [Fueled By Ramen], out May 17, 2024. Led by the single “Overcompensate,” the LP signals the dawn of another era for Twenty One Pilots and alternative rock music at large.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com .

For more information on Twenty One Pilots, contact:

Ross Anderson | [email protected]

Destiny Dominguez (Tour) | [email protected]

For more information on Live Nation Concerts, contact:

Monique Sowinski | [email protected]

Valeska Thomas | [email protected]

Follow Twenty One Pilots:

Official | TikTok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Read more about