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Berlin Travel Guide

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Berlin is a place of stark contrasts. On one hand, reminders of its turbulent past are everywhere. But it's also a modern megalopolis—that's geographically nine times bigger than Paris—with exciting new attractions and an inherent subversiveness. This juxtaposition makes it a destination unlike any other.

The big question for most travelers when venturing to Germany's once war-torn capital then becomes how to navigate the past while living in the present. It's essential to confront the heavier aspects of the city's history. However, that doesn't mean a visit to Berlin is all memorials and museums. (Though, it bears repeating that you should absolutely carve out ample time to do all that.) The contemporary side of things very much deserves exploration, too.

An artsy mecca with a slew of galleries and eccentric installations, Berlin transformed the last pieces of the wall that once divided it into a permanent open-air exhibition.

This sprawling city also has a wild side with nightlife at its center. There are hedonistic drinking dens with cabaret acts, swanky speakeasies and anything-goes clubs where people party for 48 hours (that's not an exaggeration). Add to that picturesque parks, a thriving food scene that's garnered international acclaim of late, a world-class zoo and a cool aesthetic sensibility with homegrown designers making a global name for themselves.

Overwhelmed? Berlin tends to have that effect on out-of-towners. Bookmark this guide to help plan your first (or next) trip.

CEST (Central European Summer Time)

Best Time to Go

May through October is the peak travel period in Berlin. Temperatures tend to be moderate, making it a lovely time to walk around, see the historic sites, hang out in the many green spaces and enjoy al fresco dining. Winter isn't the season that most tourists visit due to the less welcoming weather. However, holiday festivities—notably the fabled Christmas markets—are a bright light in the middle of what can feel like a very long, grey few months.

Things to Know

Currency: Euro (Check the current exchange rate )

Language: German

Calling Code: +49

How to Get Around

U-Bahn: The most convenient and efficient way to navigate Berlin, the U-Bahn , or subway system, has a total of 10 lines stopping at 173 stations. During the day, the iconic yellow U-Bahn trains depart every five minutes. At night, they leave in 10-minute intervals. Tickets are also valid across the Transport Association Berlin-Brandenburg VBB-operated S-Bahn, buses and trams.

S-Bahn: The S-Bahn is a network of suburban train lines that covers 15 lines and nearly 170 train stations. In the city center, it mostly runs above ground.

Buses: Metro buses M11 to M85 run 24/7. Day bus lines 100 to 399 connect the suburbs and city center. Night buses —which are marked with an N—cover the day bus and U-Bahn routes that cease operating overnight.

Trams & Metrotrams: Upwards of 20 tram lines extend the network of the U-Bahn through the eastern part of Berlin. The difference between trams and metrotrams is frequency, with the latter running more often.

Taxis: Public transport in Berlin is fantastic—and would be our recommendation. That said, if you'd rather take a car, taxis are widely available.

Rideshare: Prefer to hail an Uber? That's also an option.

Bicycles: Bike sharing is a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around thanks to companies like Nextbike and Donkey Republic. While electric bikes are available to rent through Wheels, Jump and LimeBike.

Best Hotels

Hotel de rome.

Address: Behrenstraße 37, 10117 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 4606090 Website

Located on Bebelplatz in historic East Berlin, Hotel de Rome occupies what was once the headquarters of 19th-century Dresden Bank. Brilliantly, this prestigious Rocco Forte property preserved many of the building's most spectacular original features—most interestingly the jewel vault that's now an indoor swimming pool. While sleek furnishings and colorful accents add modern flair to the mix.

Orania.Berlin

Address: Oranienstraße 40, 10999 Berlin, Germany

Phone: +49 30 69539680

Website: orania.berlin

An upscale addition to the edgier side of Kreuzberg, Oriana.Berlin is a boutique stay with an elevated yet totally laid-back sensibility. It's impossible to pinpoint the singular thing that makes this hotel so stellar, however, the subtle Asian influences—headboards swathed in elephant-printed fabric and signature crispy-skinned duck at the restaurant—as well as jazz in the open-concept lobby, definitely play a part.

Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection

Address: Steinpl. 4, 10623 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 5544440 Website

The same air of glamour and sophistication that lured the likes of Brigitte Bardo to Hotel am Steinplatz remains today. Sure, the decor is different—not that anyone would complain about the gorgeously refreshed interiors (or the upgraded amenities for that matter)—but the distinctive Art Nouveau details endure. Plus, it's within walking distance of Tiergarten, Potsdamer Platz and the Berlin Zoo.

SO/ Berlin Das Stue

Address: Drakestraße 1, 10787 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 3117220 Website

Upon arrival, SO/ Berlin Das Stue looks incredibly posh. The 1930s neoclassical edifice, built by KaDeWe architect Johann Emil Schaudt, certainly gives off a regal first impression. Inside the former Royal Danish Embassy, it's just as resplendent with an eye-catching white marble staircase and dazzling, larger-than-life chandelier. Direct access to the Berlin Zoo is a bonus.

25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

Address: Budapester Str. 40, 10787 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 1202210 Website

Hip, youthful, off-beat, and affordable—25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin serves up major cool factor. It's the type of place you'd go to hang out even if you weren't a guest. Of course, staying at this urban oasis does come with a bunch of perks such as enjoying the jungle-themed rooms and skipping the line for the rooftop cocktail bar.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Address: Unter den Linden 77, 10117 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 22610 Website

Boasting (arguably) the most desirable addresses in Berlin, Hotel Adlon Kempinski sits directly across the way from Brandenburg Gate. Enviable location aside, this five-star property is a revered landmark for so many other reasons. From the opulent lobby and spacious suites to the Michelin-starred restaurant, grandeur and elegance are the very heart of everything.

Best Restaurants

Hackethals (german).

Address: Pflugstrasse 11, 10115 Berlin Germany Phone: +49 30 28387765 Website

When in Berlin, you must try traditional German food. Hackethals is a cozy gastropub that does classics right. Order the sauerkraut, potato dumplings, schnitzel, and slow-cooked venison. Be sure to leave room for apple strudel. To wash it down? Beer, of course.

Restaurant Tim Raue (Fine Dining)

Address: Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 26, 10969 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 25937930 Website

Berlin-born chef Tim Raue needs no introduction. Neither does the elevated Asian-inspired menu at his Michelin-rated restaurant, which continually receives rave reviews from critics and diners alike. Needless to say, reservations are required.

Curry 61 (German)

Address: Oranienburger Str. 6, 10178 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 40054033 Website

Currywurst (pork sausage smothered in curried ketchup and served alongside fries) is an extremely popular street food in Berlin. You can sample it all over the city, but Curry 61 makes one of the best versions of this crowd-pleasing dish. Try it and thank us later.

Eins44 (Modern European)

Address: Elbestraße 28/29, 12045 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 62981212 Website

Sublime isn't a word that we toss around a lot. However, it's the most accurate way to describe the entire experience at Eins44. Enter the industrial-inspired eatery, inside an old distillery, and prepare to have your taste buds tickled by an unfussy interpretation of modern European fine dining.

Panama (German)

Address: Potsdamer Straße 91, 10785 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 983208435 Website

Oftentimes, you have to choose between Michelin-starred fare and a fun vibe. That couldn't be less true of Panama. The modern German cuisine, lively two-floor space and service are fantastic. Did we mention the craft cocktails and interesting wine list?

Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap (Turkish)

Address: Mehringdamm 32, 10961 Berlin, Germany Website

Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap in Kreuzberg is one of those places that's just universally adored. The only downside? Depending on when you visit, the queue might stretch an entire city block. We promise it's worth waiting just to dig into a juicy döner kebab.

Things to Do

East side gallery.

Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 2517159 Website

What was once a symbol of division now reflects the spirit and resilience of the city. Perched along the banks of Spree River in Friedrichshain, the 4,318-foot-long East Side Gallery showcases a collection of colorful murals painted on the surviving pieces of the Berlin Wall. It's a beautiful metaphor that's so very Berlin.

Reichstag Building

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 22732152 Website

Like so much of Berlin, the Reichstag Building has lived many lives. Today, it again houses the German parliament. Admire the neo-Baroque edifice from the outside or book in advance to step inside the Sir Norman Foster-designed glass dome.

Brandenburg Gate

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany Website

One block south of the Reichstag Building stands Brandenburg Gate. Widely considered to be Berlin's most iconic landmark, it's a shining symbol of freedom and reunification after four decades of Cold War division.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 2639430 Website

Designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineer Buro Happold, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe honors the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. It's a heartbreaking and incredibly important reminder of what happened that should be mandatory to visit.

Tempelhofer Feld

Address: Tempelhofer Damm, 12101 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 700906710 Website

An abandoned airport turned 355-hectare public park, Tempelhofer Feld delivers that telltale mashup of past and present in the most Berlin way possible. You can stroll, cycle, or skate down the concrete runways where WWII dive-bombers took off, while feet away dogs run after frisbees and bikini-clad Berliners sunbathe.

Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof, 10243 Berlin, Germany Website

Berliners love to party. As such, there are a lot of after-dark venues to do just that. But none compare to Berghain. The world's most infamous club invites revelers to leave their inhibitions behind, dance to techno beats and give in to every debaucherous whim.

Museum Island

Address: Bodestraße 1-3 10178 Berlin, Germany Website

On a small island in the Spree River sits a collection of five prominent museums. This UNESCO-listed, architecturally striking complex is known as Museum Island—and it's a must for any culture lover.

Best Shopping

Kaufhaus des westens.

Address: Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 21210 Website

At a sprawling 650,000 square feet and with some 380,000 items for sale at any given time, Kaufhaus des Westens—typically abbreviated to KaDeWe—holds the title of Berlin's most famous retail space. It's actually the second-largest department store in all of Europe after Harrods in London.

Sing Blackbird

Address: Sanderstraße 11, 12047 Berlin, Germany Website

Berlin isn't lacking in vintage stores. Sing Blackbird sets itself apart thanks to an expertly curated selection of pre-loved pieces, plus a stylish café.

Kurfürstendamm

Address: Kurfürstendamm 10707 Berlin, Germany Website

Often compared to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Kurfürstendamm in Charlottenburg is lined with high-end designers like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. If you don't have that kind of cash, it's also a great place for window shopping.

The Amazing Crocodile Design Store

Address: Raumerstraße 23, 10437 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 40006930 Website

Fancy an upside-down geometric pendant lamp or neon pink floor mirror? You'll find both at The Amazing Crocodile Design Store, the buzziest spot to buy quirky, refined, and oh-so-chic homewares in Berlin.

Address: Oranienstraße 24, 10999 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 61651119 Website

A progressive, forward-thinking undercurrent has permeated its way into the Berlin aesthetic of late. Insert Voo Store, a contemporary concept shop meets specialty coffee roaster that's tucked away on the ground floor of a former locksmith in Kreuzberg.

Antique Jewellery Berlin

Address: Linienstraße 44, 10119 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 20689155 Website

Antique Jewellery Berlin offers a vast array of vintage baubles. Whether you're in the market for a signet ring or enamel earrings, we'd be willing to bet it's sitting in the case at this beloved retailer.

Neighborhoods to Know

Berlin has 12 administrative districts ( Bezirk) , subdivided into 23 neighborhoods ( Kiez ).

Mitte: Keen to stay in the heart of the action? Mitte (which literally means "middle") lies in the center of the city. Not only is this sprawling borough chock-full of top sights—including Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Tiergarten—but also cafes, bars, and shops. Another major selling point? Public transport. Basically, every train line runs through the main railway station, Berlin Hauptbahnhof.

Kreuzberg: People often liken bohemian Kreuzberg to Brooklyn, but there's really no accurate comparison. Of late, a spate of hip bars and trendy restaurants have popped up at a breakneck pace. Yet much of Kreuzberg still clings to its grittiness like a badge of honor. On one corner, a beautiful community garden and art installation. Veer left and you'll arrive on a gentrification-resistant street scattered with broken beer bottles and graffiti-covered buildings. And that's the beauty of this enigmatic, multicultural hood.

Charlottenburg: Charlottenburg could accurately be categorized as the more upscale side of Berlin. Graceful pre-war buildings, five-star hotels, top-rated restaurants, and designer boutiques dot the litter-free boulevards. The stately Charlottenburg Palace has ornate interiors and manicured gardens, while Berggruen Museum displays an incredible collection of modern art.

Neukölln: A diverse district known for its eclectic, international vibe, the bustling streets of Neukölln brim with Middle Eastern bakeries, vegan eateries, bars, breweries, and artists studios. Check out a poetry slam at Heimathafen Neukölln and shop for fragrant spices at the Turkish Market.

Schöneberg: The epicenter of nightlife back in the 1920s, today Schöneberg is the hub of LGBTQIA culture. It's home to an array of bars, cafes, galleries and shops, including Kaufhaus des Westens, as well as Natur-Park Südgelände.

Things begin to thaw in the spring. As the months move ahead, the temperature rises. Summer is warm, but rarely hot. Pack a light jacket and be prepared to layer as it moves later into fall. When winter rolls in, expect some clouds, rain, sleet and snow.

The following are average Fahrenheit highs and lows by season.

Spring: 65°F / 47°F

Summer: 74°F / 57°F

Fall: 57°F / 44°F

Winter: 39°F / 30°F

Apps to Download

Berlin Subway: U-Bahn and S-Bahn maps and route planner iOS | Android

berlinHistory: Berlin history by location iOs | Android

Going Local Berlin: Insider travel tips iOs | Android

accessBerlin: Route planner; online and offline maps; restaurant, hotel and activity recommendations iOs | Android

Berlin travel guide: what to see, do and eat in Berlin

This guide is for tourists who want to visit Berlin. If you want to move to Berlin, read my moving to Berlin guide .

Visa requirements

You might need a visa to visit Germany. It depends on your citizenship:

• EU , EEA and Swiss citizens You can visit Germany without a visa. You can stay as long as you want. You can also live and work in Germany.
• Other Schengen area residents You can visit Germany without a visa. You stay in Germany for 90 days in a 180 day period. 1 If you want to stay longer , or work in Germany , you need a residence permit .
• Citizens of other countries People from certain countries can visit Germany for 90 days without a visa. Other people need a Schengen Visa to visit Germany. A Schengen Visa costs 75 €. 2 You can apply for a Schengen visa at the German embassy or consulate in your country .

Visa requirements by country  – Federal Foreign Office

How to travel to Berlin

Fly to the Berlin Brandenburg airport . Use Kayak , Omio , Rome2Rio or Google Flights to book your flight.

To get from the airport to the city, you can…

• Use public transit (recommended) Take a train from BER airport to Berlin. It takes 30 to 45 minutes. Use Google Maps or BVG Fahrinfo . The airport is in zone C, so you must buy an ABC ticket. The ticket costs 4.40 €. You can buy tickets at the airport, near the train platform. You can pay with cash or a credit card. 3 Validate your ticket before you get on the train. –  How to use public transit
• Take a taxi There are taxis outside the BER airport. A ride from the airport to the city centre costs at least 50 €. 4 You can also book a taxi with Uber or FreeNow . You can pay with cash or a credit card. 5
• Rent a car You can rent a car at the airport. There are kiosks for different car rental companies. You can also rent a Miles car.

By intercity bus

Intercity buses are often cheaper than planes or trains. Use Rome2Rio or Omio to buy bus tickets. Some buses let you bring a bicycle.

Most buses have free Wi-Fi, power outlets and a small toilet.

Most intercity buses arrive at…

• Berlin Brandenburg airport , 45 minutes from the centre
• Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB), 25 minutes from the centre
• Alexanderplatz , in the centre

If you arrive at BER airport, you need an ABC train ticket to get to Berlin. It costs 4.40 €.

Intercity trains are more comfortable, but also more expensive. They arrive directly in the city centre. Most trains have free Wi-Fi, but it’s often unreliable. Some trains let you bring a bicycle.

Most trains stop at the central train station, Berlin Hauptbahnhof . This is in the middle of Berlin.

Use Rome2Rio , Omio , Bahn.de or Google Maps to find a train route. To pay less, use the Super Saver Fare or book your tickets long in advance.

By car or motorcycle

You can drive in Germany with a foreign driving licence. You might need a translation or an International Driving Permit.

Who can drive in Germany ➞

Driving in Berlin is easy, but free parking is hard to find.

Most parking spaces in the centre cost 1 € to 4 € per hour. 6 Use Parkopedia to find a free or paid parking space. Most parking spaces outside of the central neighbourhoods are free. Motorcycles can park on the sidewalk for free.

You can also park outside the city and take the train to Berlin. There are free Park and Ride (P+R) car parks . You can park your car there for free, and take the train to Berlin. You can find them on this map (in Multi-mobility), or with this list .

The area inside the Ringbahn is an environmental zone . You need a green environmental sticker to drive in this area. You can get a green sticker at most gas stations around Berlin. Motorcycles don’t need a green sticker to enter this zone.

Information about the environmental zone  – Berlin.de

By car sharing

BlaBlaCar lets you ride with drivers who travel to Berlin. You meet them in one place, and drive together to another city. Car sharing is usually cheaper and faster than intercity buses, but it takes more planning.

How to get around in Berlin

How to find your way around berlin.

Google Maps works really well in Berlin. It also works offline. The BVG app and the Jelbi app let you see train schedules and buy train tickets, but it does not work offline. Maps.me and OsmAnd have offline maps and directions.

How to use public transit in Berlin

Berlin has very good public transit. It’s the best way to get around, even when you have a car. Just make sure you buy the right ticket and validate it . If you are caught with the wrong ticket, you will get a 60 € fine .

You can buy a 24 hour, 7 day or 1 month ticket. It’s cheaper than buying a ticket every time. There’s also the WelcomeCard , a ticket that gives you rebates on museums and attractions.

How to use public transit ➞

How to rent a bicycle or a scooter

This is the best way to see Berlin . Berlin is very flat and has a lot of bike paths, so it’s easy to ride a bicycle or a scooter. You can rent them for around 10 € per day.

When I have visitors, this is my favourite way to show Berlin. I take my visitors along the river Spree and the Landwehrkanal.

Where to rent a bicycle ➞

Where to rent an electric scooter ➞

How to rent a car

You don’t need to rent a car in Berlin. It’s easier to use public transit. If you have an International Driving Permit or a EU driver’s licence, you can drive in Germany.

Where to rent a car ➞

What to see and do in Berlin

There are many lists of things to see in Berlin. See visitBerlin.de , WikiVoyage and Lonely Planet .

Main attractions

• Berlin Wall ( Berliner Mauer ) Some parts of the Berlin wall were preserved. There is preserved part of the wall and a free museum on Bernauer Straße . The East Side Gallery is another part of the wall that was turned into a gallery.
• Berlin Cathedral ( Berliner Dom ) The most famous church in Berlin. You can visit it, or relax on the grass in front of it. It’s on the museum island , close to many old museums.
• Berliner Unterwelten Bunker, tunnel and air raid shelter tours. The tours are in German, English, French, Spanish and more. I have done 3 of their tours. They are very interesting.
• Brandenburg Gate ( Brandenburger Tor ) The iconic gate on Berlin’s East-West axis.
• Christmas markets In November and December, you can visit Berlin’s Christmas markets. There are dozens of them. Many are in scenic locations. There are dozens of kiosks that sell hot drinks, food, sweets and home-made goods. The Christmas markets are open from the middle of November to the end of December.
• East Side Gallery A long mural painted directly on the Berlin wall.
• Mauerpark Every Sunday, this park hosts a big flea market and an open air karaoke. Many musicians also play music there.
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Next to the Brandenburg gate is a large holocaust memorial and museum. You can walk through the memorial.
• Museum island ( Museuminsel ) Museum island is home to the Berliner Dom, and many of the biggest, oldest museums. If you like beautiful old buildings, it’s worth a visit.
• Oberbaum Bridge ( Oberbaumbrücke ) A beautiful bridge that goes across the river Spree. It’s right next to the East Side Gallery. You can also kayak on the Spree to get a really good view on the bridge.
• Palace of tears ( Tränenpalast ) A small, free museum about the border control between East and West Germany. It’s in the old border crossing point, right next to the Friedrichstraße train station.
• Reichstag building ( Reichstagsgebäude ) An iconic building. You can visit the cupola and the rooftop, and learn about the history of Berlin. It’s free, but you must make an appointment .
• Soviet war memorials There are many memorials to the Red Army, who liberated Berlin in 1945. There are big memorials in Tiergarten , Treptower Park , and in Schönholzer Heide . The biggest one is in Treptower Park.
• Tempelhof airfield ( Tempelhofer Feld ) This giant former airfield is where many Berliners go to relax, drink beer, skate, kite surf and cycle. It’s a great place to visit on a sunny day.
• Teufelsberg** Teufelsberg is an artificial hill. There is a cold war listening station at the top. It’s now an open air gallery with a really good view of Berlin. If you don’t want to pay to visit Teufelsberg, you can visit Drachenberg, the other hill next to it.
• TV tower ( Fernsehturm ) The TV tower in Alexanderplatz is visible from almost anywhere in Berlin. You can take an elevator to the top of the tower, and get a panoramic view of Berlin.
• Victory Column ( Siegessäule ) The Victory Column in Tiergarten sits on Berlin’s East-West axis. You can go up the tower and see Tiergarten, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building from above.

visitBerlin.de  – Official website with really good information

You can find events on visitBerlin.de , Facebook and Resident Advisor . You can find live music on Resident Advisor , Bandsintown , Songkick and Echtzeitmusik .

• Berlinale film festival  – February This is the third largest film festival in the world, after Cannes and Venice. You can meet movie stars, and see all kinds of films.
• Cherry blossom  – April and May After the reunification, a Japanese TV channel donated 10,000 cherry trees to Berlin. Most of them were planted where the Berlin wall was. Every spring, the cherry trees bloom and cover the alleys in rose petals.
• Fête de la Musique  – June 21 A music festival in the entire city. There are musicians and concerts in every part of the city.
• Zug der Liebe  – End of August The Zug der Liebe is a big parade with techno, dance and a lot of happy people.
• Berlin Pride (CSD) – End of July A big LGBTQ+ parade with music trucks. It’s one of the largest Pride events in the world.
• Christmas markets  – Middle of November until end of December Germany is famous for its Christmas markets. Berlin has dozens of different markets, including alternative markets like the Japanese Christmas market and the Naughty Xmas Market.

Official event calendar ➞

Public holidays in Berlin ➞

Walking tours

Guided tours are a great way to discover Berlin. Use GetYourGuide or Airbnb experiences to find walking tours, or look at this list . I highly recommend the Berliner Unterwelten tours.

Outside of Berlin

If you have a bit more time, Potsdam and Wannsee are worth seeing. You can get there by train. Potsdam is in zone C , so you need an ABC ticket.

In the last week of April, you can also see the Baumblütenfest in Werder. It’s one of the largest folk festivals in Brandenburg .

Clubs in Berlin

Berlin is famous for its techno clubs. It can be hard to get into certain clubs. Clubs don’t let everyone in. For example, they often reject tourists, big groups, drunk people, and people under 21 years old. 7

In Berlin, people don’t wear fancy clothes to go clubbing. If you dress too nice, you won’t get in. 8 Ask the locals what the unofficial dress code is.

Most clubs have a cover charge. You must pay 5 € to 15 € to get in. Clubs in Berlin stay open until the morning. The party starts late, and the busiest time is around 2AM. You can buy presale tickets for club events on Resident Advisor . When you have tickets, it’s easier to get in. 9

Find club events on Resident Advisor , or follow clubs on Facebook and Instagram.

What to eat in Berlin

Typical berlin street food.

• Currywurst  – Currywurst is street food. It’s a pork sausage with a curry and ketchup sauce. It’s usually served with fries ( mit Pommes ) in a cardboard plate. Curry 36 is a good place to try a Currywurst mit Pommes . Konnopke’s Imbiss is another famous place.
• Döner kebab  – The standard street food in Berlin. The best kebab places are a secret, but the worst kebabs are usually in train stations and tourist areas.
• Gemüse döner (also called a chicken döner) – A döner kebab with chicken and fried vegetables. Mustafa’s , K’Ups and Rüyam are some of the most famous chicken Döner places.

Typical Berlin dishes

Cuisine of Berlin  – Wikipedia

Fleischerei Domke and Englers Unikat have cheap, traditional working class dishes. For something fancier, try Max und Moritz .

Tipping in restaurants

Most people tip in German restaurants, but it’s okay if you don’t. The waiter won’t be rude to you if you don’t tip. German waiters don’t need tips to survive, but it’s a big part of their income.

How to tip in Germany ➞

Where to stay in Berlin

There is no “down town Berlin”. There are many popular neighbourhoods, and each one has a different personality. If you stay anywhere in the Ringbahn , you should be okay.

• Hotels: Booking.com
• Hostels: Hostelworld
• Vacation apartments: Airbnb or Wimdu
• Long term apartments: see How to find an apartment in Berlin

If you are more patient, you can also use CouchSurfing and BeWelcome . People host visitors for free, and spend time with them during their visit.

Shopping in Berlin

In Germany, shops and supermarkets close on Sundays . Most restaurants, tourist attractions, Spätis and gas stations stay open on Sundays.

Always have cash with you . Some restaurants and businesses only accept cash and Girocards . Most street food kiosks and Spätis only accept cash. Cards are rarely accepted for small transactions.

If you live outside the European Union , you can get a refund for the VAT you paid in Germany. For example, if you buy a laptop in Germany and bring it home in the United States, you can get the 19% VAT back. It’s not easy to do.

VAT refund process  – Federal Foreign Office

Stay connected

If you visit from another EU country, your SIM card will also work in Germany. You make calls, send SMS and use mobile data without any extra costs.

German power outlets

Germany has Type F power outlets. They have a voltage of 230V, and a frequency of 50Hz. Before you visit Germany, check if your devices will work there. You might need a travel adapter to charge your devices.

Power sockets in Germany ➞

Free Wi-Fi in Berlin

If you don’t have mobile data, you can find free Wi-Fi everywhere:

• All U-Bahn stations have free Wi-Fi. Look for the “BVG Free WiFi” network.
• Some S-Bahn stations also have free Wi-Fi. Look for the “WIFI@DB” network.
• REWE and Lidl supermarkets have free Wi-Fi. 10 Some Edeka supermarkets also have free Wi-Fi.
• Hotels and hostels have free Wi-Fi for their guests.

Map of public Wi-Fi hotspots  – publicwifi.eu

Prepaid SIM cards for tourists

If you want mobile data while you visit Berlin, you should get a temporary SIM card.

There are 3 ways to buy a SIM card:

• Buy a digital SIM card (eSIM) This is the easiest way. Buy an eSIM from Airalo , and activate it when you arrive in Berlin. It’s very easy. I use it all the time when I travel. Your phone must support eSIMs.
• Get a SIM card at the airport Go to the mobile phone kiosks at the airport, and buy a SIM card. It takes 15 to 30 minutes, but it can take longer when it’s busy. Temporary SIM cards are more expensive.
• Get a SIM card at a mobile phone shop Buy a SIM card from a Vodafone, Telekom or O2 shop. Electronics stores like Saturn or MediaMarkt also sell and activate SIM cards. You must show your passport and a registration certificate to activate the SIM card, but store employees will just use your passport and the address of your hotel. 11

Google Maps works really well in Berlin. If you need offline maps, use OsmAnd or Maps.me . Google Maps also works offline , but you can’t get directions.

You should also download the BVG app or the Jelbi app to buy train tickets. They have more accurate train schedules. It’s easier than the ticket machines, and it’s in English. The Jelbi app also lets you book cars, scooters, bicycles and taxis.

Be a good tourist

You don’t need to speak German. People in the tourism industry often speak English. If you are not sure, ask first. Museum exhibitions are in German and English. Signs in tourist areas are also in English. If you want to live in Berlin , you should learn German . If you are just visiting, English is fine.

Do I need to speak German in Berlin? ➞

In Germany, tipping is optional. In general, people tip up to 10% for good service, or round the amount on the invoice.

Things you should not do

• Do not walk on the bike paths Look down, and make sure you’re not blocking a bicycle path. If you walk on the bike path, cyclists will ring their bell, scream at you or even bump into you.
• Do not put your glass bottles in the trash People collect empty bottles and return them for money . Don’t make people search for bottles in the trash. Put your empty bottles next to the bin. In some parks, bottle collectors ( Flaschensammler ) will walk around and ask for your empty bottles.
• Do not joke about Nazis and the war You probably shouldn’t joke about this. It’s not funny, and it’s not original.

Berlin is a safe city even at night, but crimes still happen. Pickpockets steal phones and bags in trains and restaurants.

Cannabis is illegal in Germany . You can still buy it from dealers in parks, but it’s a really bad idea. You will get bad weed, and it’s often contaminated with chemicals.

Magic mushrooms, cocaine and MDMA are also illegal. If you buy MDMA or ecstasy in Berlin, the KnowDrugs app can help you verify what you buy.

How to buy weed in Berlin ➞

Emergency numbers in Berlin ➞

Lost things

Where to find lost things in Berlin ➞

Auswärtiges Amt   ⤴

bvg.de   ⤴

web.archive.org , berlin.de   ⤴

berlin.de   ⤴

berlin.de , hotel.de   ⤴

reddit.com/r/berlin , reddit.com/r/berlin   ⤴

reddit.com/r/berlin   ⤴

unternehmen.lidl.de , kaufda.de   ⤴

expatica.com , traveltomtom.net , teltarif.de , prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com   ⤴

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Essential travel guide to berlin, germany [updated 2024].

Berlin is a city that holds a certain mystery, due to its interesting history that forever changed the world. Between its storied past and its modern present day, Berlin is a great place to visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, we’ve got you covered with our essential travel guide to Berlin, which includes what to do, see and eat in the city, along with an informative and helpful infographic that will give you a quick peek at all the top things you should plan to do in Berlin.

» You might be interested in these 13 Popular German Foods You Must Try.

Do keep in mind that Berlin is a very popular tourist destination, so hotels, tours and activities fill up quickly. It pays to plan ahead for your visit to Berlin, by booking your hotel, figuring out transportation, and deciding on what you’d like to do. This 3-day Berlin itinerary is the perfect guide. For more information on traveling through Germany check out this 7-day Germany itinerary.

If your plans take you to other parts of Europe, check out our how to plan a trip to Europe guide. 

↓ Click to jump down to the bottom to see the infographic.

• The right luggage can make or break your trip. These hard-sided suitcases come in 2 sizes, with spinner wheels and TSA-approved lock.
• Renting a car? The Rentalcars.com app lets you search and compare offers. Don’t forget to check if you need an International Drivers License.

Table of Contents

What Are the Top Things to Do in Berlin?

The top things to do in Berlin are seeing the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, visiting Museum island – which houses a cathedral and art museum, admiring the Berliner Philharmonic building, the spire with its viewing platform, and Checkpoint Charlie.

There are walking tours of the city that will help you understand its history, as well as foodie things to do (don’t miss Markthalle Neun on Thursdays)!

With so many great things to do in Berlin, you really need to set up a good itinerary before you leave, to make sure you can fit everything in.  You can pre-book some of the activities listed in our shortcut travel guide to Berlin (below) on Viator . (Note: These are affiliate links for which we may receive a small commission.)

• Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour – this tour lasts 3.5 hours and gives a great overview of the city and its history, while visiting the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and the Topography of Terror.
• Private Walking Tour: World War 2 and Cold War Sites in Berlin – If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy this private 4-hour historical walking tour.
• Berlin Neighbourhood Food Tour: Classic Bites and Culinary Trends – You can’t miss the opportunity to do a food tour in Berlin to try some of the most classic foods from the city, like Currywurst, Austrian Dumplings, and handmade falafel. The tour is 3.5 hours long and includes many food and drink samples.
• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour – On this 6-hour tour, you can visit and learn more about Sachsenhausen, one of the first concentration camps established by Nazi Germany’s Third Reich. It leaves at 10am from the train station.

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Berlin?

The best locations for tourists in Berlin is right in the center of the city, called Mitte. From here, you’ll be in easy walking distance of all the top sights and you won’t need to take public transportation unless you want to head further outside the main areas.

Of course, the prices are much higher in the center of Mitte, so if you’re looking for affordable luxury at a slightly lower rate, check the areas just on the fringe of Mitte, especially to the west, near the park.

A great choices in the affordable luxury range in the center of Mitte is the Hilton . It’s right in the center of the Mitte area, and the closest hotel to everything.

We enjoyed staying at the COSMO Hotel (newly opened Design Hotel) to the southeast. The Radisson Blu to the northeast and the Grand Hyatt to the southwest are also good choices.

• Hilton Berlin ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• The Grand Hyatt ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• COSMO ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Radisson Blu read reviews on Trip Advisor | Book a stay

How Long Should You Spend in Berlin?

Most travelers spend from 2-3 days in Berlin. If you’re short on time, or combining Berlin with other Germany destinations, then that’s plenty of time to see the main attractions and get a feel for the city.

The main sights most visitors wish to see are within close proximity to each other in Mitte. You can expect to do a lot of walking, but it’s also easy to get from sight to sight on the tram or metro. If you want to take side trips outside of Berlin, to the concentration camps for instance, you’ll need more time.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Berlin is a fun and vibrant city that is always alive with activity. The nicer weather leads to many outdoor festivals and beer gardens. The winter brings out the Christmas market stalls and Gluhwein drinking while strolling through the festive streets. I wouldn’t really say there’s a bad time to visit Berlin. It all depends on what season you like best and what activities you are hoping to do.

What To Eat in Berlin

You might be expecting the typical German foods in Berlin, but schnitzel isn’t the only thing on the menu in this melting pot of a city. There is a great international food influence in Berlin that leads to a lot of fusion. If you’re lucky enough to be in Berlin on a Thursday, be sure to check out all the street-food vendors at Markthalle Neun . It opens at 5pm and features dozens of food options.

Currywurst – Even before I spent any time in Berlin, I knew about the Currywurst. It’s Bratwurst served with curry powder and ketchup, plus generally a side of fries. It’s one of the most popular street food dishes in Berlin.

Schnitzel – It wouldn’t be Germany unless schnitzel was on the menu. It’s a huge piece of breaded, fried pork cutlet, typically served with potatoes.

Berliner Pfannkuche – Yes, it’s a Berlin pancake, but it’s really more like a donut without a hole. It often comes stuffed with jam and dusted with powdered sugar.

Falafel & Doner – Just about as popular as the currywurst is the falafel and doner in Berlin. It’s a great snack, even if it’s not particularly German, and you can find it everywhere.

Food Tours You May Enjoy:

• Berlin Evening Food Tour
• Kreuzberg and Neukölln Walking Food Tour in Berlin

Essential Travel Guide to Berlin

Frequently Asked Questions

The top things to do in Berlin are seeing the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, visiting Museum island – which houses a cathedral and art museum, admiring the Berliner Philharmonic building, the spire with its viewing platform, and Checkpoint Charlie. There are walking tours of the city that will help you understand its history, as well as foodie things to do (don’t miss Markthalle Neun on Thursdays)!

The best locations for tourists in Berlin is right in the center of the city, called Mitte. From here, you’ll be in easy walking distance of all the top sights and you won’t need to take public transportation unless you want to head further outside the main areas. Of course, the prices are much higher in the center of Mitte, so if you’re looking for affordable luxury at a slightly lower rate, check the areas just on the fringe of Mitte, especially to the west, near the park.

Quick. Check these necessities off your prep list!

• There’s no one-size-fits-all travel insurance . Get a personalized quote from Yonder .
• The right luggage can make or break your trip. These hard-sided suitcases make traveling a breeze.
• Find your rental car on DiscoverCars.com . They search all major rental companies to find the best deal.

No matter how much time you spend in Berlin – from just a few days to a full month – you’ll be able to discover fascinating parts of the city you would never believe existed. We hope this travel guide to Berlin helps you easily plan your trip.

We’re happy to help answer your questions, if you need help planning.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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This sounds like a perfect travel guide for Berlin! Would love to visit!

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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 .

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

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

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

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

What You'll Find in this Article

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Berlin for First Time Visitors

Travel logistics, arrival to berlin.

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

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

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

Distances in Berlin

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

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

How to Get Around in Berlin

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

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

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

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

When to Visit Berlin

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

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

Good to Know Tips

Carrying cash.

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

Tipping in Berlin

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

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

What to Eat in Berlin

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

Where to Stay in Berlin

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

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

What to See in Berlin on Your First Visit

Historical attractions.

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

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

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

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

Cool Neighborhoods

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

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

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

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

Do you have questions about visiting Berlin? Comment below!

Further reading....

Complete List of the Best Secondhand Shops in Berlin

Where to Find the Best Restaurants for Foodies in Berlin

4 Days in Berlin: The Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary

Mackenzie jervis.

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

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Where to Find the Best Restaurants in Cologne for Foodies

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14 of the best things to do in Berlin

Jul 8, 2023 • 7 min read

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

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

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

1. See the treasures of Museum Island

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

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

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

2. Follow the legacy of the Berlin Wall

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

3. Party at Berlin's world-famous clubs

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

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

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

4. Enjoy drinks outdoors

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

5. Be dazzled by the grandeur of Schloss Charlottenburg

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

6. Book ahead to visit the Reichstag

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

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

7. Shop and eat at Markthalle Neun

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

8. Tour Berlin's art scene

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

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

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

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

10. Wander or cycle the paths of Tiergarten

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

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

11. See urban renewal at Potsdamer Platz

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

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

12. Pose for a photo at the historic Brandenburg Gate

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

13. Go shopping along Kurfürstendamm

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

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

14. Explore the exhibits of the Topographie des Terrors

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

This article was first published January 2015 and updated July 2023

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18 Best Things to Do in Berlin

By Liz Humphreys and Krystin Arneson

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

Read our complete Berlin travel guide here .

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

Hackesche Höfe and Haus Schwarzenberg Arrow

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

Charlottenburg Palace Arrow

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

Berlin Wall Memorial Arrow

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

Mauerpark Flea Market Arrow

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

Laura Kiniry

Blane Bachelor

Stacey Lastoe

Berghain Arrow

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

Reichstag Building Arrow

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

Humboldt Forum Arrow

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

Brandenburg Gate Arrow

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

Topography of Terror Arrow

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

Museum Island Arrow

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

Neue Nationalgalerie Arrow

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

Sammlung Boros Arrow

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

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Arrow

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

East Side Gallery Arrow

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

Tempelhofer Feld Arrow

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

Tiergarten Arrow

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

Prater Garten Arrow

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

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Berlin   Travel Guide

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20 Best Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

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

• All Things To Do

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

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

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

Reichstag Building Reichstag Building free

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

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

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

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

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

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Topography of Terror Topography of Terror free

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

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

Berlin Wall Memorial Berlin Wall Memorial free

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

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

East Side Gallery East Side Gallery free

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

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

Museumsinsel (Museum Island) Museumsinsel (Museum Island)

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

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

Tiergarten Tiergarten free

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

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

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

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

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

Berlin Cathedral Berlin Cathedral

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

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

TV Tower (Fernsehturm) TV Tower (Fernsehturm)

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

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

Pergamon Museum Pergamon Museum

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

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

Friedrichstadt-Palast Friedrichstadt-Palast

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

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

Berlin Third Reich and Cold War 2-Hour Walking Tour

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Berlin Beer Gardens Berlin Beer Gardens

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

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

Berlin Christmas Markets Berlin Christmas Markets free

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

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

Berlin Story Bunker Berlin Story Bunker

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

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

Potsdamer Platz Potsdamer Platz free

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

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

Checkpoint Charlie Checkpoint Charlie

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

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

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Mauerpark Mauerpark free

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

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

Olympiastadion Berlin Olympiastadion Berlin

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

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

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Berlin Area Travel Guide

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The capital of Germany, Berlin is a must-see for many visitors. Home of the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin Wall, you’ll never run out of things to do in and around Berlin. Even if you’ve been to Berlin before, I recommend visiting again – the city has changed so much over the years!

Keep reading this guide for an overview of what to do and see in the Berlin area. Or dive into one of our more in-depth guides:

Where Is Berlin?

Berlin is in north eastern Germany in what used to be East Germany (the GDR or DDR in German). It’s a city-state, meaning Berlin is both a city and a German Bundesland (state). I used to live near Berlin and have visited many times over the years. I never get tired of exploring Berlin.

Berlin is a big city but it doesn’t feel as big and overwhelming as other cities. If you stay in a hotel or apartment downtown you can walk to many of the popular sights. And it’s easy to get to take public transportation all over the city to sights that are outside of the city center.

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What to Do and See in Berlin

READ our guide on what to do in Berlin!

Whether you’re into history, art, architecture, food and drink, nature, or spontaneous adventures, you’ll find plenty to see, see, and experience in and around Berlin! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

If you’re only in Berlin for a day or two, maximize your time by starting with the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour . In just a couple hours you can see a lot of the city, which then leaves you time to zero in on the sights you want to explore in more depth.

• Brandenburg Gate
• Museum Island
• Take a river cruise
• Berlin Wall Memorial
• Pariser Platz
• Palace of Tears
• Pergamonmuseum
• Tiergarten Park
• Swimming in local lakes
• Charlottenburg Palace
• Holocaust Memorial
• Unter den Linden
• Jewish Museum
• Everyday Life in the GDR
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Topography of Terror
• German Spy Museum Berlin
• Tempehofer Feld Airport

TIP: if you have our Germany Travel Planner be sure to check out the interactive planning map so you can see where the best sights are located. Seeing where these sights are on the map, along with our up-to-date photos and tips, makes planning your trip SO much easier. If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

Where to Stay in Berlin

You’ll find a wide variety of accommodation options in Munich, including hotels and apartments. If you’re only in Berlin for a couple days, I recommend the NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse because the location is excellent.

Nearly everything you’ll want to see is within walking distance, including the Friedrichstrasse station, and there are several places right near the hotel where you can pick up groceries or grab a meal, coffee, cake, etc.

READ our guide on the best hotels in downtown Berlin!

If you’re looking for an apartment in Berlin, do a search on Booking.com . We’ve found several great apartments there (less than what we saw on Airbnb for the same apartment) and it’s SO nice to have all hotel and apartment reservations in one place.

Tip: if you have our Germany Travel Planner you’ll find recommended hotels on our interactive planning map. Seeing where these hotels are in relation to the top sights makes it a lot easier to find the perfect place to stay. If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

Book your Berlin accommodations in advance! They tend to fill quickly during peak travel times (summer, Christmas, etc) so I recommend seeing what’s open for your travel dates .

Berlin Tours & Tickets

READ our guide on the best things to do in Berlin!

Berlin has so many guided tour options that you will be spoiled for choice. Book in advance so you don’t have to scramble once you’re in town and potentially miss out on an activity or tour you’re looking forward to. Here are a few highlights.

Third Reich & Cold War Walking Tour

Pergamon museum ticket, berlin famous landmarks bus tour.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

1-hour city boat tour, berlin trabi tour.

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

Berlin Day Trips

One of the best things about making Berlin your home base is that you have several day trip options. You can plan your own day trips for maximum flexibility or book a guided tour for maximum relaxation and convenience. Here are some ideas to get your planning started.

Day Trip to Dresden

Seven lakes tour, sachsenhausen concentration camp.

Potsdam Sanssouci Palace

Battle for seelow heights: wwii battlefield tour, berlin spree to müggelsee river cruise.

TIP: If you have our Germany Travel Planner/Bundle look at our interactive planning map to see do-able day trips. Seeing the castles, towns, and other must-see sights on the map (along with our photos and up-to-date tips) makes it much easier to decide what to add to your itinerary. If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

Know Before You Go

Airport : Berlin Brandenburg International Airport ( BER ) Currency:  Euro Language:   The official language of Germany is German (Deutsch) Time zone:  Central European Time (CET / GMT+ 2 / 6 hours ahead of US EST) Germany Visa:  tourists from the US, Canada, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Germany for under 90 days. Germany Electricity Socket:  Germany uses different voltage and sockets than in North America, the UK, and other parts of the world.  Read our guide to adapters and converters  so you can safely use your tech in Germany. Germany SIM card:  Read our guide here to SIM cards  and other ways to use your phone in Germany. Germany Car Rentals:  We find  great deals on rental cars here . You can also check out our scenic  Germany road trips article here.

Currency:  euro Language:  the official language of Germany is German (Deutsch) Time zone:  Centra European Time (CET / GMT+ 2 / 6 hours ahead of US EST) Germany Visa:  tourists from the US, Canada, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Germany for under 90 days Germany Electricity Socket:  Germany uses different voltage and sockets than in North America, the UK, and other parts of the world.  Read our guide to adapters and converters  so you can safely use your tech in Germany. Germany SIM card: Read our guide here to SIM cards  and other ways to use your phone in Germany. Germany Car Rentals:  We find  great deals on rental cars here . You can also check out our scenic  Germany road trips article here.

More Berlin Guides

Berlin Castles & Palaces

Best berlin museums, berlin christmas markets, where is berlin located.

Berlin is located in the eastern part of Germany. It’s not super close to other popular destinations but there are high speed trains to Berlin from Munich, Hamburg, Prague, and other cities. Berlin is worth the trip!

Where Can I Find The Above Map?

It’s part of our Germany Travel Planner , and it’s your Germany travel planning BFF! Using our custom interactive planning map you’ll be able to quickly see the best sights, castles, hotels, day trips, and more – along with our photos and up-to-date insider tips. Seeing where these things are in relation to each other makes it much easier to plan your overall itinerary, as well as each day of your trip. If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

Is Berlin Germany’s Capital?

Yes! During the years Germany was a divided country, East Berlin was the capital of East Germany (and Bonn was the capital of West Germany). When east and west reunited after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Berlin once again became the capital of a unified Germany.

What is Berlin, Germany Famous For?

So many things! Most people think of a divided and then reunited Germany, as Berlin was split into East and West Berlin until 1989. These days Berlin is a vibrant capital city with world class museums , all kinds of delicious restaurants, cafes, bars, and street food , historical sites, stretches of the old Berlin Wall, nightlife, and much more.

How to Get To Berlin ?

Berlin is easy to reach via train, bus, car or plane. If arriving from the US, consider flying directly into the new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport. We’ve found flying into or out of Berlin (instead of Frankfurt) super easy and stress free. You can take public transportation, hop in a taxi or book an airport transfer here.

How to Get Around Berlin ?

You can easily walk all over Berlin with many tourist sites located in the city center. For the sites that are further away you can hop on a tram, bus, U-bahn or S-bahn. Or take a small group tour of Berlin in an historic Trabi do the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour !

Is Berlin, Germany Safe to Visit?

Yes. Germany in general is a safe country to visit. Of course, it’s always a good idea to take the same safety precautions you would at home.

Berlin Basics

Population 3.7 million

Airport Berlin Brandenburg (new!)

Bundesland Berlin

Train Travel Times to Berlin Munich ➔ Berlin = 4-4.5 hours Frankfurt ➔ Berlin = 4 hours Hamburg ➔ Berlin = 1.5 hours Salzburg ➔ Berlin = 6-6.5 hours Paris ➔ Berlin = 8.5-10 hours Rome ➔ Berlin = 14-20 hours Prague ➔ Berlin = 4-5 hours

Fun Facts Berlin is full of greenery! More than 44% of the city consists of forests, rivers, and other green areas.

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Welcome to Berlin, the thriving cultural heart of Germany, renowned for its rich artistic legacy, innovative design, and eclectic neighborhoods. From the historical grandeur of Mitte to the hip and edgy Kreuzberg, the city embraces diversity in every corner. In this edition of Culture Treasures Magazine’s travel guide to Berlin, we’ll take you on a journey through its distinct districts, each possessing its own unique culture, flavor, and history. Discover Berlin’s iconic landmarks like the Berlinische Galerie and Museum Island, wander through the cobblestoned alleys of Prenzlauer Berg or immerse yourself in the nightlife of Friedrichshain. Hidden gems like the vibrant East Side Gallery and the avant-garde Kunst-Werke Institute are waiting to be discovered. Alongside these cultural highlights, we have curated a selection of top-rated exceptional hotels that embody Berlin’s unique allure and provide the perfect blend of comfort and style. 

Art Museums and Centers:

Museum Island, or Museumsinsel, is an extraordinary ensemble of five world-renowned museums located on an island in the heart of Berlin’s Mitte district. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, this cultural epicenter provides a unique journey through time, art, and architecture. The Altes Museum (Old Museum): It displays a collection of classical antiquities, with Greek and Roman art objects spread across two floors. The Neues Museum (New Museum): Home to the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, it includes the iconic bust of Queen Nefertiti and artifacts from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery): It houses a vast collection of Neoclassical, Romantic, Biedermeier, Impressionist, and early Modernist artwork. To learn more about a specific artwork in The Alte Nationalgalerie, head over to the lecture by Jonathan Hirschfeld in the magazine. The Bode Museum : It boasts an extensive collection of sculptures from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, a numismatic collection, and Byzantine art. The Pergamon Museum : It’s famous for its monumental archaeological reconstructions like the Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus, and the Ishtar Gate with the Processional Way of Babylon.

The Berlinische Galerie is a cherished institution in Berlin, renowned for its captivating exhibits that span modern art, photography, and architecture. Located in the heart of Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, the museum showcases the creative spirit of the city from 1870 to the present day. The collection includes an impressive roster of Berlin-based artists, encapsulating a diverse range of artistic styles from Impressionism and Expressionism to the Dada and New Objectivity movements. Its home in a converted glass warehouse adds an industrial-chic backdrop that perfectly complements the innovative works on display. 

Housed in a historic railway station, the Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart is a leading destination for contemporary art in Berlin. Its collection, including the Friedrich Christian Flick Collection, spans from the mid-20th century to the present day, featuring influential artists like Joseph Beuys, Anselm Kiefer, Robert Rauschenberg, and Andy Warhol. Known for its dynamic rotating exhibitions and boundary-pushing interactive installations, the Hamburger Bahnhof is more than a museum—it’s an active participant in the evolution of contemporary art.

Housed within a repurposed World War II bunker, the Sammlung Boros (Boros Collection) is a distinctive fixture of Berlin’s contemporary art scene. It showcases a dynamic, privately-owned collection curated by art collectors Christian and Karen Boros. The selection includes works from internationally recognized artists such as Olafur Eliasson and Ai Weiwei, presented in a series of rotating exhibitions. The bunker’s stark, imposing architecture offers a compelling contrast to the cutting-edge art housed within, adding to the immersive experience.

The KW Institute for Contemporary Art is a pivotal platform in Berlin’s cultural landscape, pushing the boundaries of artistic and intellectual dialogue. Housed in a former margarine factory in the vibrant Mitte district, the institute is renowned for its forward-thinking exhibitions, performances, and public programs that explore contemporary societal issues. It’s a space where emerging and established artists alike can engage in experimental artistic practices. With its commitment to fostering creativity and discourse, the KW Institute is a magnet for art enthusiasts and an incubator for groundbreaking artistic thought.

Künstlerhaus Bethanien , located in Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg district, is a testament to the city’s deep-rooted artistic heritage. Born from a 19th-century hospital, it has since transformed into a premier hub for contemporary arts. With its rich architectural history serving as a backdrop, Künstlerhaus Bethanien is lauded for its diverse contemporary art exhibitions, acting as a meeting point for both emerging talents and established artists. Additionally, its esteemed artist residency program attracts artists from around the globe, further cementing its reputation as a nexus for artistic collaboration and innovation. For a deeper dive into its offerings and history, please refer to our in-depth article  about Künstlerhaus Bethanien.

Housed in a repurposed brewery in Berlin’s Neukölln district, the KINDL – Centre for Contemporary Art is a dynamic platform for the exploration and exhibition of contemporary art. This distinctive institution hosts rotating exhibitions featuring local and international artists, spanning a broad spectrum of artistic styles and themes. From thought-provoking installations to immersive multimedia experiences, KINDL offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary artistic discourse. Its unique industrial setting lends an additional layer of atmosphere to the artworks on display, making every visit a memorable experience in Berlin’s burgeoning art scene.

The Jewish Museum Berlin is a poignant cultural landmark, encapsulating two millennia of German-Jewish history. Housed in a strikingly modern building designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the museum conveys the triumphs and tragedies of Jewish life in Germany through a unique blend of architecture, art, and artifacts. Its exhibitions traverse diverse themes from cultural history to contemporary Jewish experiences, offering thoughtful reflections on Jewish identity and heritage. This institution stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit, playing a crucial role in fostering understanding and dialogue within and beyond the Jewish community.

Contemporary art galleries:

Berlin’s contemporary art scene is renowned worldwide, with a rich collection of galleries spread throughout the city. Each gallery has its own focus, from emerging artists to established figures in contemporary art. Contemporary Fine Arts (CFA) : One of Berlin’s most influential galleries, the CFA represents a diverse range of contemporary artists and has a reputation for launching significant careers in the art world. Galerie Eigen + Art : Known for its role in promoting avant-garde, conceptual artists since the 1980s, this esteemed gallery with locations in Berlin and Leipzig represents a diverse roster of international talent, often showcasing groundbreaking contemporary art. Galerie König : Located in a former church, König represents a mixture of emerging and established artists, with a focus on interdisciplinary and concept-driven works. Carlier Gebauer : This gallery is renowned for fostering international, emerging, and established artists, exhibiting innovative, concept-driven works across a variety of mediums, often challenging artistic conventions. Galerie Neu : This gallery is known for its innovative exhibitions and represents a variety of contemporary artists who often push the boundaries of their mediums. Sprüth Magers : This Berlin-based international gallery has a strong roster of contemporary artists and has further locations in London and Los Angeles. C/O Berlin : A renowned exhibition venue situated in Charlottenburg, it presents a world-class program of photography and visual media, showcasing works from established and emerging artists within the striking backdrop of the historic Amerika Haus. The DAAD Galerie : An integral part of the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program, this unique exhibition space showcases innovative work from international artists participating in the program, often featuring thought-provoking exhibitions, performances, and readings.

Street and Public Art:

Berlin is renowned for its vibrant street art and dynamic public art scene. Here are some notable examples: East Side Gallery : Located along a section of the Berlin Wall, the East Side Gallery is the most extensive open-air gallery in the world. It features over 100 murals created by artists from around the globe, expressing themes of freedom, unity, and social change. Kreuzberg Murals : Kreuzberg, a neighborhood known for its alternative culture, is home to numerous striking murals. Artists like Blu and Os Gêmeos have created large-scale artworks that adorn the sides of buildings, reflecting the neighborhood’s creative spirit. Teufelsberg : Teufelsberg, an artificial hill made of World War II debris, has become a hub for urban art. The abandoned radar station on top of the hill has been transformed into an ever-changing canvas for graffiti and street artists. Urban Nation Museum for Urban Contemporary Art : This museum is dedicated to urban contemporary art and showcases works by renowned street artists from around the world. Its facade itself is adorned with colorful murals, setting the stage for the captivating art inside. Urban Spree in Berlin is a vibrant cultural venue that combines an art gallery, concert space, beer garden, and street art shop, fostering creativity, showcasing diverse art forms, and promoting urban culture.

The Bauhaus Archive Museum of Design is a crucial institution dedicated to the research and presentation of the history and impact of the Bauhaus School, one of the most influential schools of architecture, design, and art in the 20th century. Housed in a distinctive building designed by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, the museum boasts a rich collection of artworks, documents, and literature related to the Bauhaus School. This collection encompasses a multitude of disciplines, including architecture, sculpture, ceramics, furniture, and graphic design. The museum’s dynamic exhibitions and educational programs offer insights into the Bauhaus’s groundbreaking philosophies and its significant role in shaping modern and contemporary art and design.

The Museum of Decorative Arts , known in German as the Kunstgewerbemuseum, is an esteemed institution that is part of the State Museums of Berlin. As Germany’s oldest museum of its kind, the Kunstgewerbemuseum hosts an expansive collection that spans from the Middle Ages to the present day. Its exhibits offer a rich exploration of European design history, featuring an array of works from textiles, fashion, sculptures, porcelain, and furniture to graphic design. Its collection also includes a world-renowned selection of fashion garments. 

The Werkbund Archive – Museum of Things (Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge) in Berlin presents a unique exploration of design and culture through the lens of everyday objects. This distinctive museum delves into the history of the Deutscher Werkbund, a German association of artists, designers, and manufacturers that made significant contributions to modern architectural and industrial design. The museum’s collection comprises a vast array of 20th and 21st-century everyday items, demonstrating how design influences and reflects social and cultural trends.

The Buchstaben Museum in Berlin is a one-of-a-kind institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of typography and lettering. Its unique collection consists of salvaged signs and letters that were once prominent fixtures of public spaces, showcasing a diverse array of typographic styles, materials, and lighting techniques. From illuminated advertising signs to humble shop nameplates, each exhibit tells a compelling story of design evolution, craftsmanship, and changing urban landscapes. By focusing on these often-overlooked aspects of visual communication, the Buchstaben Museum offers visitors an intriguing perspective on typography’s role in shaping our environment and culture.

Quartier Schützenstraße , located in Berlin, Germany, is a distinct modern architectural precinct notable for its blend of residential, commercial, and cultural establishments. Winner of an international design competition, famed Italian architect Aldo Rossi masterminded its construction, which was completed in 1998. Its architectural style pays homage to Berlin’s historic architecture, seamlessly combining past and present. The district is situated near historical landmarks such as the former Checkpoint Charlie and the Jewish Museum, giving it a unique blend of contemporary style and historical significance.

Design Concept Stores:

Berlin is known for its vibrant creative scene and is home to a number of design concept stores and venues that offer an eclectic mix of products, experiences, and events. Here are a few notable ones: The Store – A concept store located within the Soho House Berlin that combines retail, food, art, and performance in a unique setting. Bikini Berlin – This is not just a shopping mall, but a concept mall with a selection of innovative and often changing pop-up stores, boutiques, and eateries. Andreas Murkudis – A concept store offering a curated selection of fashion, furniture, and homewares from a wide range of designers. The store is known for its minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on design. Voo Store – Located in Kreuzberg, this store offers a blend of fashion, art and design items, and is also home to Companion Coffee. Bauhaus Archive Museum Shop – While the Bauhaus Archive Museum itself is a mecca for design enthusiasts, its museum shop is also noteworthy. It offers Bauhaus-inspired items, from homewares to books to accessories. Studio183 is a dynamic concept store and gallery that showcases emerging designers and artists, offering a curated selection of fashion, accessories, art, and design items while also hosting exhibitions and events to foster artistic and cultural exchange.

Vintage Delight:

Berlin is known for its vibrant vintage shopping scene and flea markets, offering a wide array of unique designs and fashion finds. Made in Berlin : Situated in Mitte, Made in Berlin is a popular destination for vintage and second-hand clothing, including designer labels and unique finds. Sing Blackbird : Nestled in Friedrichshain, Sing Blackbird is known for its curated collection of vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories, showcasing a mix of retro and contemporary styles. Picknweight Vintage : Located in Neukölln, Picknweight is a vintage store with a twist—shoppers can find and weigh their items, paying per kilogram. Vintage Galore : Located in Prenzlauer Berg, Vintage Galore offers a carefully curated collection of mid-century modern furniture, lighting, and home accessories. Humana Kaufhaus is a well-known second-hand department store in Berlin that offers an extensive range of vintage and second-hand clothing, accessories, and household items. With multiple locations across the city, Humana Kaufhaus is a popular destination for thrifty shoppers looking for unique and affordable fashion finds. Nowkoelln Flea Market is a vibrant marketplace that opens every Sunday, offering an eclectic mix of vintage treasures, unique finds, handmade crafts, and delicious food from a diverse range of vendors. Mauerpark is a lively and popular flea market that takes place every Sunday. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, visitors can explore a vast array of stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques, handmade crafts, and a variety of unique items.

Situated in the heart of Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg district, Kunstraum Kreuzberg serves as a dynamic platform for contemporary art and culture. This public art space champions the exploration of socially relevant and critical themes, actively fostering dialogue and interaction within the art community. Hosting a diverse array of exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, Kunstraum Kreuzberg engages with artists and cultural practitioners who operate at the intersection of art, politics, and society. Its innovative programming and commitment to cultural discourse make it a key contributor to Berlin’s thriving art scene.

Architect Peter Eisenman’s Holocaust Memorial, officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , is an evocative and powerful landmark in Berlin. Spanning nearly 20,000 square meters, this monumental installation comprises 2,711 concrete stelae, varying in height and arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field. Designed to create a sense of unease and disorientation, Eisenman’s design symbolizes the inexplicable and systematic nature of the Holocaust. Visitors can walk through the unevenly set stelae, experiencing a wave of emotions from sorrow to reflection, as the monument offers no central focal point, encouraging personal interpretation. Beneath the field of stelae, there is an underground Place of Information, which holds the names of approximately 3 million Jewish Holocaust victims, providing historical context and personal stories. 

The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre is a historically significant site in Berlin that commemorates the division of the city during the Cold War era. Located along Bernauer Strasse, the memorial stands as a reminder of the tragic impact of the Berlin Wall on the lives of people on both sides. The memorial consists of several elements, including a preserved section of the original wall, a documentation center, and an outdoor exhibition. Visitors can explore the memorial grounds, gaining insight into the Wall’s history through informative displays, personal stories, and audiovisual presentations. The memorial’s centerpiece is a striking viewing platform that allows visitors to see the preserved border strip, complete with watchtowers and a reconstructed section of the wall. 

The Victory Column , or Siegessäule in German, is an iconic monument situated in the heart of Berlin. This grand structure stands tall in the middle of Tiergarten, a sprawling park, and serves as a symbol of triumph and unity. Designed by Heinrich Strack and completed in 1873, the Victory Column commemorates Prussia’s military victories in the 19th century. The monument features a golden statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, perched atop a Corinthian column. Visitors can climb the column’s spiral staircase to reach an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. The Victory Column is not only a historical landmark but also a popular tourist attraction and a significant emblem of Berlin’s rich cultural heritage.

The Oberbaumbrücke is a double-deck bridge that crosses Berlin’s River Spree and is considered one of the city’s landmarks. It links Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, two districts that were divided by the Berlin Wall, and has become a symbol of Berlin’s unity. The bridge, designed in a captivating neo-Gothic style, features two regal, red brick towers that recall the look of a traditional city gate, making it not only a functional structure but also a grand, artistic statement. Its intricate, arched windows and spires, drawing from medieval European influences, give the bridge an almost castle-like appearance. On its lower deck, it accommodates road and pedestrian traffic, while the upper deck carries the metro line U1.

Shachaf Dekel

Boutique Hotels, Nomad Sanctuaries, and Chic Hostels:

When planning your stay in Berlin, it's crucial to select the right hotel to meet your needs and ensure it's situated in your desired location in the city. To help you make an informed decision, we've carefully selected some of the best hotels in Berlin for our readers. Please note that some of our recommendations include an affiliate link, which supports the magazine's continued activities by providing a percentage of the sale without extra cost to you. We encourage you to use these links and support our magazine.

25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, located adjacent to the Berlin Zoo, is a unique blend of urban charm and playful creativity. Its distinctive design embraces the juxtaposition of city and nature, featuring rooms with either an urban jungle aesthetic or a vibrant cityscape theme. This innovative approach to design makes it stand out in Berlin's boutique hotel scene. The hotel's in-house restaurant, NENI, is a culinary delight, serving dishes inspired by world cuisine, and the Monkey Bar on the top floor provides breathtaking views of the city. What's more, the hotel offers a variety of engaging experiences, including a concept store, a rooftop garden, and even a vintage car for rent to explore the city.

Sir Savigny Hotel

Nestled in the upscale Charlottenburg district, Sir Savigny Hotel stands out as a unique blend of sophistication and artistic elegance. Each room and suite is meticulously designed, boasting bespoke furnishings, curated art pieces, and a distinct air of intimate luxury. The on-site restaurant, The Butcher, is renowned for its gourmet burgers and cocktails, serving as a gastronomic haven within the hotel.

Orania.Berlin

Orania.Berlin is a boutique hotel nestled in the vibrant district of Kreuzberg. It boasts 41 luxurious rooms and serves as a cultural hub, hosting concerts, readings, and talks in its salon. The hotel features a restaurant complete with a cozy fireplace, as well as a sophisticated bar. Additional amenities include a gym, regular live music events, and a range of massage and beauty treatments.

The Circus Hotel

Positioned in the Mitte district, This boutique hotel expertly fuses modern design with a cozy atmosphere, offering comfortable rooms that speak to a minimalistic yet chic aesthetic. The Circus Hotel is a space that fosters connection and inspiration, frequently hosting events and tours that introduce guests to Berlin's vibrant history and contemporary scene.

Lulu Guldsmeden

Located in the serene Tiergarten district, Lulu Guldsmeden stands as an example of sustainable luxury in Berlin's hotel scene. Embracing the Danish 'hygge' philosophy, this boutique hotel offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and an authentically designed space that echoes Scandinavian simplicity and charm. Sustainability is at the heart of Lulu Guldsmeden, with eco-friendly measures permeating everything from organic bath products to sustainably sourced furnishings. The rooms and suites offer an intimate, comfortable ambiance that invites guests to unwind. Its in-house restaurant promotes sustainable dining by utilizing locally sourced, organic ingredients to create delicious dishes.

Michelberger Hotel

Located in the vibrant Friedrichshain district, Michelberger Hotel exudes an eclectic, bohemian charm that resonates with the spirit of Berlin. Each room is individually designed, showcasing a blend of retro aesthetics, artistic influences, and contemporary comforts. The hotel's vibrant courtyard is a social epicenter, perfect for meeting fellow travelers or simply unwinding. At the on-site restaurant, guests can savor organic, locally sourced cuisine that represents Berlin's diverse food scene.

Hotel the YARD

Hotel the YARD is located in the heart of Berlin's trendy Kreuzberg district. Its refined aesthetics carry an air of calm, complemented by a lush, peaceful garden retreat in the heart of the property. The rooms are designed with a blend of comfort and style, providing an oasis from the vibrant energy of the city outside. Its close proximity to local tech hubs and coworking spaces makes it an excellent choice for digital nomads seeking a balance of work and relaxation.

Hüttenpalast

Hüttenpalast, nestled in the creative neighborhood of Neukölln, offers a genuinely unique Berlin accommodation experience. Fusing the charm of a campsite with the comfort of a boutique hotel, Hüttenpalast houses indoor caravans, and cabins within a refurbished factory hall, each offering a unique design and atmosphere. In addition to its unconventional rooms, Hüttenpalast also features a charming garden area where guests can relax and socialize. Traditional hotel rooms are available for those seeking a more conventional stay but with the same bohemian aesthetic. The surrounding area brims with artistic and international flair, with an array of bars, restaurants, and galleries to explore.

The Circus Hostel

The Circus Hostel, located in Berlin's vibrant Mitte district, redefines the hostel experience by combining affordable accommodation with a chic, contemporary design. The dorms and private rooms are known for their cleanliness and comfort, and the modern aesthetics extend throughout the property, from the stylish common areas to the lively on-site microbrewery and café. The Circus Hostel goes beyond just providing a place to stay; it offers a sense of community, regularly hosting events such as walking tours, trivia nights, and live music, promoting connections among guests and with the wider Berlin culture.

Wallyard Concept Hostel

Wallyard Concept Hostel, situated in the emerging district of Moabit, offers a unique blend of modern design, a welcoming atmosphere, and budget-friendly accommodation. Catering to travelers seeking a blend of style and social interaction, Wallyard features a range of dormitory and private rooms, each characterized by contemporary aesthetics and comfort. The hostel's standout feature is its trendy café-cum-coworking space, providing an ideal setting for digital nomads, creatives, or anyone looking for a relaxed space to work or socialize.

More Destinations All Destinations  >

A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Berlin // 15 Tips to Know Before You Go

During Nick’s last European tour we had a few days to spend visiting Berlin in between his shows. Having only heard rave reviews about the city, we were excited to finally get a chance to see what the big fuss was about.

Lately, on these shorter trips we’ve been taking, I haven’t been planning much until we get there. After arriving in Berlin, I realized that while this approach has worked out for us in smaller cities, I should’ve had a better plan for Berlin.

It was a little overwhelming! Keep reading for everything I wish I would’ve known, plus where to stay, what to eat and just some general good-to-know tips for visiting Berlin.

A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO VISITING BERLIN // WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

How to get to berlin city center from the airport.

Tegel Airport to Berlin City Center 

The fastest and cheapest way to city center from Tegel Airport is by using one of the Airport Express Busses. You can catch the busses outside of the terminal, they leave every 10 minutes. The journey takes around 35 minutes and costs €2.80.

For information on which Express bus to take click here 

Schonefeld Airport to Berlin City Center 

The quickest and easiest way to get from Schonefeld Airport to the city center is by the Airport Express train.

The Airport Express (RE7 and RB14) costs €3, it takes 28 minutes to reach Berlin’s central train station (Hauptbahnhof) and trains run from 05:00am to 11pm. Make sure your ticket includes zone C.

MAKE YOUR REICHSTAG DOME RESERVATION IN ADVANCE

The Reichstag building is one of the top things to do while visiting Berlin and the glass dome on top of the building is a must see. Unfortunately, we didn’t know you needed an advanced reservation and it was entirely booked during our trip.

Admission is free. C lick here to visit their official website.

Or click here to purchase the 2 hour tour including a visit to the dome. 

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN BERLIN

While you’ll find popular German dishes (schnitzel, eisbein etc) in most restaurants, there are a few food items Berlin is especially known for that you might want to check out.

CURRYWURST  Garnering just as much love as doner kebabs, currywurst is another mega popular street food favorite. It’s made out of pork sausage with sweet curry ketchup and a pinch of curry spice on top. The most legendary currywurst stalls in Berlin are Curry 36 in Kreuzeberg and Konnopke in Prenzlauer Berg.

BERLINER A Berliner Pfannkuchen is a traditional german pastry which is basically a jelly filled donut. They usually come with icing or powdered sugar on top.

VEGAN FOOD Berlin was named Vegan Capital of the World by Happy Cow in 2017. The city has 471 restaurants that cater to vegans as well as the largest vegan grocery store chain, Veganz. 

BERLINER WEISS   A lightly sour, low alcohol beer usually served with a shot of syrup. Berliner Weiss is a popular summer drink.

RELATED POST: STREET FOOD THURSDAY AT MARKETHALLE NEUN IN BERLIN 

GO DURING THE SUMMER

Everyone I’ve ever met who’s been to Berlin loves it. Unfortunately for us, it just didn’t click and we were left wondering what we did wrong.

I’m certain that the weather was responsible for our mixed feelings. Most of the things we wanted to do were closed and we were constantly being forced inside due to the rain.

It’s my fault for trying make beer gardens and outdoor clubs happen in the rain but I’m from California and sometimes I forget the rest of the world has to deal with seasons. If possible, go during the warmer months. Or, unlike me,  just make a more weather suitable itinerary. 🙂

WATCH FOR CYCLISTS

There are a lot of bicycles in Berlin and on the walkways, the road is divided into 2 sections. One side for pedestrians and one for cyclists. If it’s your first time visiting Berlin, it’s easy to wander onto the wrong path.

Most cyclists will ring their bell if they’re coming up behind you, but it’s best to stay aware and off the bike lane.

VALIDATE YOUR TRANSPORTATION TICKETS BEFORE YOU BOARD

After purchasing a ticket for the bus or metro, you’ll need to validate it before you start your journey. Validation machines are located on the platforms and in busses. Occasionally plainclothes ticket inspectors will check validations so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you have purchased a day pass, you only need to validate your ticket the first time you use it.

BUY A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DAY PASS

Berlin is a huge city and chances are you’ll find yourself on the U-Bhan quite a bit. Single journey tickets cost €2.80 or you can buy a day pass for €7.70.

Day passes are good for all public transportation in Berlin (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, trams and ferries) and include up to 3 children (ages 6-14). 

Just note that the Berlin travel day passes are not valid for 24 hours, and they expire at 3am.

POWER SOCKETS & VOLTAGE

In Germany standard voltage is 230V and frequency is 50HZ and they use type F power sockets.

You will need a voltage converter if your country’s standard voltage is 100V – 127 V (US, Canada & most of South America). You don’t need a voltage converter if your country’s voltage is between 200V-240V (most of Europe, UK, Australia, Africa).

BERLIN IS NOT BAVARIA

I feel like this is probably common knowledge to most people, but it wasn’t to us..

In 2016, we visited Munich and vibed hard with Bavaria’s beer culture. We just assumed the entire country got down like that, leaving us a little disappointed in Berlin.

After an inauthentic visit to Hofbrauhaus Berlin we immediately realized our mistake. It was like going to Las Vegas and expecting to see the real Eiffel Tower..

RELATED POST: HOFBRAUHAUS MUNICH // THE POPULAR BEER  HALL’S DARK PAST

So don’t be like us. Instead, immerse yourself in what Berlin has to offer, which is arguably some of the best nightlife in the world.

THE COLORED PIPES

This isn’t imperative information but you might find yourself wondering what the colorful pipes are snaking throughout the city.

Groundwater in Berlin is located just 2 meters (6.5 ft) under the city surface. To eliminate city flooding, the pipes pump water from the ground and transport it to the canals.

TIPPING IN BERLIN

As a traveler from the US (where we’re expected to tip for everything), I’m always researching tipping in other countries. While visiting Berlin, we discovered that while the tipping culture is much more lax, on average, you still tip the same people.

RESTAURANTS In restaurants a service charge will be added to your bill but tipping is still expected. 10%-15% is common. BARTENDERS   Round up to the nearest Euro. HOTELS It is common to tip the porter €1-2 per bag and the housekeepers €2-3 per day. TAXIS Round up to the nearest Euro on short trips. On long trips, add a Euro or two.

BOTTLE DEPOSITS

In bars, you might find yourself paying a bottle deposit when you order a beer. Get your money back by returning your card/token before you leave.

THE BERLIN WELCOME CARD

If you will be in Berlin for several days and plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, you might want to consider The Berlin Welcome Card. It offers free transportation during your stay and also discounted (25%-50%) admission to many of the museums, attractions, restaurants and tours.

What you plan to do in Berlin will determine whether or not the Berlin Welcome card will be worth the money for you. Make sure to line up your itinerary with their discounted offers before buying, just to be sure.

For more information about The Berlin Welcome Card click here. 

BRUSH UP ON SOME HISTORY

A first timer’s visit is not complete without paying homage to Berlin’s turbulent history. This city has been through it, and the evidence is still here for everyone to see.

Whether you seek out WWII sites, or are more interested in the Cold War, it’s a good idea to do a bit of historical research before visiting Berlin. It’ll make everything a lot more impactful. Promise.

RELATED POSTS:

THE EAST SIDE GALLERY // A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE BERLIN WALL  CHECKPOINT CHARLIE // THE COLD WAR IN BERLIN 

THE MUSEUM PASS

Berlin has over 170 museums. If you’re into this, check out the Museum Pass. It’s €29 and includes free admission to 30+ museums over the course of 3 days.

For more information about the Museum Pass click here.

A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO VISITING BERLIN // WHERE TO STAY

HUETTENPALAST   How adorable is this? At the retro-themed hotel, Huettenpalast, guests sleep in   (indoor) caravans or wooden cabins. 

For Huettenpalast Information & Booking Click Here   

OSTEL DDR HOSTEL/HOTEL  is located in the central Mitte district and takes guests back in time to East Berlin’s former communist days. The rooms are decorated in authentic 1970’s East German style with original GDR furniture.

  For Ostel DDR Information & Booking Click Here

MID-RANGE €€

BIKINI BERLIN  is a stylish, urban jungle hotel located in the city center complete with a hammock lounge, rooftop terrace and free mini car & bicycle rentals.

Bikini Berlin Info & Booking Click Here 

NHOW HOTEL Europe’s first music themed hotel with a futuristic, very pink design. Nhow offers guests professional recording studios and guitars are available on the room service menu.

Nhow Hotel Booking & Information Click Here 

PATRICK HELLMANN SCHLOSSHOTEL is a  luxury boutique hotel in the prestigious Grunewald district. It was once a former mansion built in 1914, and when it was turned into a hotel, Karl Lagerfeld exclusively designed the stylish interiors. 

For Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel Booking & Info Click Here 

HOTEL ADLON is one  of Berlin’s most luxurious hotels with Old Europe vibes and an excellent location (next to the Brandenburg Gate).

Famous guests include Albert Einstein, Her Majesty the Queen, and who could forget when Michael Jackson dangled his baby out of the hotel’s window when he was visiting Berlin in 2002.  

For Hotel Adlon Booking & Info Click Here 

Do you have any Berlin travel tips to add for first timers? Leave them in the comments! 

PIN IT // A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO VISITING BERLIN

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. Some of the links in this post are affiliate which means if you click them and buy something from the site, I receive a small commission (at no cost to you).

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A guide to Berlin, Germany's most creative city

Following decades of turmoil during the 20th century, the German capital blazes with colour and invention, busy forging monuments to its new artistic movement from the ruins of its past.

If you’re looking for a symbol of Berlin’s 20th-century history, you could do a lot worse than the Teufelsberg. Rising out of the Grunewald forest, at the western edge of the city, this 375ft hill is made almost entirely out of the wreckage of the Second World War. Bricks mainly, but also broken lintels, smashed tiles and pock-marked stone: in the end, 26 million cubic metres of the stuff, cleared from Berlin’s streets, was dumped here over the half-finished shell of a military academy. The Nazis had been building it when, in 1945, Stalin’s tanks rolled in.

Then, the British and Americans placed a listening post on top, crowned with a handful of antennas encased in domes like great, white golf balls. Once staffed by 1,500 Cold War spies, it didn’t just monitor Communist conversations; West German journalists suspected their telephone calls were being bugged, too. No wonder they called it the Teufelsberg — teufel is German for ‘devil’.

Now, the scene is rather different. The Allies shipped out in 1991, and before anyone could agree what to do with the site, locals were cutting holes in its perimeter fence and wriggling through. Some just wanted to see what all the fuss had been about; others brought cans of spray paint.

“How could it have been otherwise?” says Berlin artist and Teufelsberg guide Richard Rabensaat, when he takes me up there one midweek morning. “It was a wonderful, adventurous place, full of secrets,” he says. “And you could paint there without fear of being stopped by the police.”

Pretty soon, the Teufelsberg became an unofficial open-air gallery of street art — and that status was officially confirmed in 2014. When it first opened, full time, to the public, 5,000 people a day were crowding in.

It’s much quieter now, and at first the overwhelming impression is of dilapidation. Only Mother Nature seems purposeful, coiling ivy around drainpipes and sending silver birches shimmering through gaps in the tarmac. The Teufelsberg’s vaunted artwork seems secondary to the sense of decay. Then we round a corner, and lay eyes on the back of the building.

What a sight greets me there. This is where its biggest walls are — and across them three different artists have let loose. One of the works is pure Roy Lichtenstein: a pop art melodrama of comic-book emotions. Another is an album-cover-worthy dreamscape of purples, blues and browns. But it’s the largest of the three — painted by Berlin street artist Akut in 2022 — that really holds your gaze.

Here, a black-haired woman, five storeys high, squats against a dark and troubled sky. The mottled paintwork of her skinny arms contrasts delicately with the faultless sheen of her boxing gloves, and in spite of her obvious frailty her look is one of pure defiance. ‘When David turned into Goliath’, the caption reads, alongside the names of a galaxy of era-defining high-achievers — all of them female. Even the resurgent vegetation looks wilted beside the strength of its conviction. And it’s clear that Berlin still blazes with colour and invention.

For years, I’ve been reading about how — after its great dividing wall came down — Berlin was flooded with artists, nightclubbers and refugees. The politicians may have been talking about how best to rebuild their broken capital, but this twentysomething horde loved its neglect and dirt-cheap rents — and for nearly two decades, they defined the remaking of the city just as powerfully as the refurbished Reichstag. Problem is, over 30 years have passed since reunification. Would the grassroots renaissance that followed now be a spent force?

I needn’t have worried. It’s not just the Teufelsberg that’s creative. Here, street art is so assertive and ubiquitous that it’s become mainstream. Take Fotografiska, for example. Newly opened in the central district of Mitte, it’s the Berlin branch of a global chain of photography galleries and at first it seems almost too sleek for Berlin. Until, that is, you discover its stairwell and landings.

From top to bottom, they’re awash with graffiti — a remnant from the days when the building was full of workshops and studios. It was a smart move to keep it. You pace the galleries in a contemplative mood, looking at the ‘finished’ works on the walls. Then, you head downstairs and you’re surrounded by manic, joyful energy, layered up endlessly as every new tagger made their mark and obliterated what came before. It feels like you’ve wandered into someone’s brain to watch its synapses endlessly firing.

Meanwhile, across inner suburbs such as Neukölln, to the south, graffiti still clambers up every bare wall. I take it all in with Tobi Allers, a historian, part-time DJ and cultural tour guide, who explains just how deep the roots of Berlin’s renaissance run.

“Long before the Wall came down, West Berlin was a counter-cultural hub,” he tells me — thanks to all the draft-dodgers who came here. “They think maybe 50,000 men avoided their national service in districts like this.” He also makes it clear just how low rents could be in the 1990s and early 2000s: you could work just five or six shifts a month in a bar and cover your basic living costs.

Life is more expensive now. These days, he says, the talk among Tobi’s generation is of rising rents and the squeeze gentrification is putting on the creative community. But that hasn’t stopped younger artists from piling in, as I discover when I attend a performance art event in what is arguably one of Neukölln’s loveliest streets, Weserstrasse.

At its northwestern end, close to fashionable Kreuzberg, this long, tree-lined street buzzes with bars and restaurants. Along the roads that bisect it you can buy vintage vinyl, designer clothes and dusty antiques. But it’s peppered with grassroots art galleries too, such as Backhaus Projects at Westerstrasse 168. It’s here that I see Yi Ten Lai Fernández performing her work Mama y Papa as part of the group exhibition, Objects of Care.

Elliot Waples is there, too. Fresh in from America, he’s a young and inventive performance artist who left Brooklyn on account of its eye-watering prices. For him, Berlin is now the obvious place to be. Not just because it’s still — relatively — cheap, but also thanks to its passion for his favourite art form.

“It’s the only city I know where performance art is showcased at every level of the art scene,” he says. Together with about 30 other onlookers we sit down to watch Yi Ten Lai pour water from an elegant oriental teapot into some exquisite cups, repeatedly. I can’t help but feel somehow soothed and nurtured by her careful ritual. We all sit there in silence for several minutes afterwards, until the mood of the room suddenly lifts. Everyone gets to their feet and resumes their conversations.

In a city that’s changed so often and so profoundly, the fleeting nature of that moment seems entirely appropriate. It’s also a real icebreaker. As we chatter on into the evening I wonder if, as a traveller, I’ve ever felt quite so connected, so quickly, to a city.

But nothing I see — not even Yi Ten Lai’s performance — can match the impact of the Teufelsberg, and I find my mind drifting back to my morning with Richard, even days later. In part, that’s down to the art, but it’s also because of the view.

Berlin is, for the most part, a flat, low-rise city. Look east, and even on a 375ft pile of rubble, you’re high enough to see right across the metropolis — which is sleek, resurgent and peppered with ever-more-expensive buildings. Look the other way, and pretty much all you can see are trees. Not just the 7,000 acres of the Grunewald: the lie of the land westwards is such that forests appear to reach out to every inch of the horizon. It’s as if, while Berlin has been busy rebuilding, Mother Nature has quietly been amassing her troops. In this era of accelerating climate change, it does seem a perfectly fair response.

Meanwhile here, in the middle, stands this ragged and weatherbeaten symbol of Berlin’s wrong turns and restarts. Its concrete is crumbling. Its tattered geodesic domes flap in the wind and, one day, the time will no doubt come to pull the whole thing down and move on. How brilliant, then, that on the cusp of whatever’s coming next, it’s been turned into a fierce and joyful palace of paint.

Related Topics

• VISUAL ARTS
• PERFORMING ARTS

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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

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

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

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

What You’ll Find in This Berlin Travel Guide

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

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

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

Cheap Eats and Drinks

Best berlin hostels, berlin nightlife.

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

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

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

How Much to Budget to Visit Berlin

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

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

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

How Long to Visit Berlin: 4+ Days

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

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

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

The Not-So-Good

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

Berlin’s Must-See Attractions & Neighborhood Guide

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

Mitte Neighborhood Overview

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

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

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

Pergamon Museum

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

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

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

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

• Admission: €6

Hamburger Bahnhof Museum

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

• Admission: €14

The Reichstag

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

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

Topography of Terror Museum

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

• Admission is Free

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

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

German Historical Museum

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

• Admission: €15

Berlin Wall Memorial

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

• Admission is free

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

Brandenburg Gate

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

Fernsehturm (TV Tower)

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

• Admission: €13-€20

Berliner Dom Cathedral

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

• Admission: €7

Neuse Museum

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

Neue Wache and Babelplatz

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

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

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

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

German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin)

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

• Admission: €8

Jewish Museum

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

Checkpoint Charlie

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

Friedrichshain

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

East Side Gallery

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

Stasi Museum

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

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

• Admission: €6

Prenzlauer Berg

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

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

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

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

City West (Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf Neighborhood)

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

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

It is also home to the Berlin Zoo.

Olympiastadion

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

KaDeWe Department Store

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

Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg)

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

What To Eat and Drink In Berlin

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

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

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

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

Great Places To Get Currywurst:

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

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

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

Solid Places To Get Bratwurst:

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

Döner Kebab

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

Solid Döner Kebab Spots:

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

Wiener Schnitzel

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

Solid Schnitzel Spots:

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

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

Some Tasty Spätzle Spots:

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

Königsberger Klopse

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

Where To Go:

Half Grilled Chicken

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

Where To Get Grilled Chicken:

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

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

Berliner Pfannkuchen

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

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

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

Beer in Berlin

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

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

German/Berlin Beers

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

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

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

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

Berlin’s Beer Gardens

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

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

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

Cheap Breakfast In Berlin

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

Cheap Lunch and Dinner In Berlin

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

Street Food, Food Halls, & Farmers Markets

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

More Berlin Restaurant Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Resources to Help You Plan Your Berlin Budget Travels

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

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

Traveling Around Berlin

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

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

Practical Travel Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking Packing Tips & Tricks

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

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

Insure Your Trip

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

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No Funny Business

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Berlin travel blog — the fullest berlin travel guide blog for a great budget trip to berlin for the first-timers.

Berlin is Germany’s largest city and second largest city after London in the European Union, which has always been one of the top cities for tourism in Europe. Although it doesn’t have many romantic places like Paris in France, Venice of Italy but Berlin always makes me feel a lot of mysteries inside this city. Partly because Berlin is Germany’s major political and economic capital, where many political and cultural conflicts have occurred with the famous Berlin Wall, the remnants of the world war and the cold war lasting for decades. I have always wondered why filmmakers about detectives, spies often take the background in Berlin for their films such as The Bourne Identity, Unknown by Liam Nesson, … That’s is feeling cold and full of mysteries with the secrets deep in the heart of this city. So, what to do in Berlin? Let’s check out our Berlin travel blog (Berlin blog, Berlin trip blog) with the fullest Berlin travel guide blog (Berlin city guide blog) for a wonderful trip to the capital of Germany for the first-timers from how to get to Berlin, best places to visit, top things to do in Berlin to find out the answer!

• How to get around Berlin cheap? — 5 best way to get around Berlin & how to travel around Berlin
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Berlin travel guide blog: When is the best time to visit Berlin?

Like most other cities in Europe (Western Europe), the best time of year to visit Berlin is in late April or mid-September, when the weather is quite cool and pleasant, not peak tourist season in August, so you will avoid the sweltering heat and crowded scenery of tourists. However, you should pay attention to some events and festivals in Berlin to make planning for your upcoming trip.

• Karneval der Kulturen Festival: Held every year during the 4-day of Pfingsten (Pentecost) holiday in Kreuzberg district. A lot of art activities such as marches, lion dance, which vibrant and bustling on the streets.
• Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival): Film festival held in February with many participating films, promotional activities, film screenings in the month, very bustling.
• May 1 Holiday: The festival is held on the weekend of May 1 ocasion with culinary and dance activities.
• There are also a number of other festivals such as the beer festival held in August, the Berlin music festival in September every year.

Berlin travel blog: Getting around Berlin

Fly to berlin.

Berlin has two main airports: Schoenefeld Airport (SXF) and Tegel Airport (TXL). You have plenty of options for getting from the airport to the city center, such as taking the Airport Express, S-bahn train, Shuttle bus or taxi.

Getting around the city

To get around the city you can buy the Berlin Welcome Card that can use to unlimited travel all kinds of vehicles in Berlin like Berlin S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, trams, ferries. In addition, this card is also quite discounted when you use to buy tickets to museums and attractions. If you stay only few days and only go to a certain number of places, you can buy zone tickets.

German Rail Pass

In Berlin there is a bus route that can take you around the city, which is the bus No. 100, the first bus since the unification of Germany to connect between East and West Berlin. This route starts from Alexanderplatz square through points such as Museum Island, Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Victory Tower and the Kurfürstendamm shopping area to finally stop at the zoo. If traveling by train, there is also a city view tour, the S-Bahn route connecting Zoologischer Garten and Alexanderplatz station.

In addition, you can catch the Hop-on Hop-off bus, that take you to some main attractions of Berlin, including Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. Refer here: Berlin Red Buses Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus.

Tickets for public transport or Pass, Travel card in Berlin can also be used to take the Ferry (boat, ferry), usually the ferries on the Wannsee lake with beautiful scenery on both sides. Take a S-Bahn train to Wannsee station and then take a ferry to Kradow, where there are quite a lot of walking streets with great beer shops and gardens. Ferries run every 1 hour and take about 20 minutes to get to Kradow.

Berlin Pass with 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

• Berlin Welcome Card with Optional Museum Island Pass

Read more: How to get around Berlin cheap? — 5 best way to get around Berlin & how to travel around Berlin .

Berlin blog: Where to stay in Berlin?

With a 3-day to 1-week trip in Berlin there are plenty of hotel options as well as hostel-style accommodation for backpackers. Hostel room rates anywhere in the city ranging from 15 to 30 EUR/night, which means the common ground still has cheap accommodation to stay. Some hotels and hostels are highly rated by tourists:

Family-friendly hotel: Mövenpick Hotel Berlin Am Potsdamer Platz ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) . This hotel is located right near Anhalter Bahnhof station with modern design room, fully equipped. Available services such as restaurants and gyms.

Almodovar Hotel Berlin – Biohotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) : Located on the lively street Simon-Dach Straße, with the main design of wood makes the friendly and different of this hotel.

Hostel Generator Berlin Mitte ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) : A famous hostel type that backpackers love because of its comfort and feel like a family living area. This hostel is just 2 km from the historic square of Alexanderplatz, Hackesche Höfe and Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.

Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Hackescher Markt ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $93.25/night.

Novotel Berlin Mitte , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $97.49/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Select Hotel Berlin The Wall , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $59.35/night. ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Palace Berlin , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $126.94/night. ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find more, check rates, availability & book for Berlin hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Berlin city guide: What to eat in Berlin?

Berlin is considered as the largest Turkish community outside of Turkey, so Doner Kebab or Pitta breads are the most popular street foods in this city, just like bread in Vietnam. Doner kebab here are also very cheap, you can easily buy one just about EUR 2 on the street. In addition, other cheap foods such as snacks, street foods you should go to M arkt Halle Neun Street , every Thursday night from 17:00 – 22:00 there is a bustling street food fair, with Famous dish is Currywurst Doner, a type of fried sausage with curry sauce served with french fries.

In addition to the Markt Halle Neun streetfood, you can go to Mauerpark flea market (Address: Bernauer Str. 63-64, 13355 Berlin, Germany) on Sunday, the largest flea market in Berlin, in addition to dining, there are large supermarket chains with many items such as of Netto, Lidl,..

Another dish worth a try is Vegan Pizzeria, an Italian Pizza in the heart of Germany, the restaurant serving this dish which very delicious is Sfizy Veg (Address: 95, Treptower Str., 12059 Berlin, Germany) . In addition to the delicious pizzas, the design is also very beautiful, with the white tone looks very stylish and clean.

Those who want to eat cheap but have beautiful views can not miss the student canteen areas, especially at the Skyline Cafeteria of the Technical University of Berlin on the 20th floor of the Telefunken-Hochhaus (Telefunken skyscraper). This place is open to everyone on every morning and around noon at 11.30am to 3pm, the food is cheap and also quite delicious.

The experience in Berlin is that eating street food is not cheap as you think, sometimes street food is more expensive than in cafes, especially in central districts like Mitte or Charlottenburg, and in Alexanderplatz, a little cheaper. So if you want to saving on eating and drinking, you should refer to the prices in many places before buying.

Berlin travel guide blog: Best places to visit and top things to do in Berlin

Before coming to Berlin, like Barcelona, ​​you should have a quick look at the history of this city, but the closer you learn, the better it will be because thanks to that, your trip will be good to understand and compare with what you already know, have read and are still wondering about it. Berlin is often less noticeable than other European cities such as Paris, Prague, Rome, .. where there are roads, alleys or bridges bearing the symbol of love and romance. Berlin is more thorny than that, the old architecture here still exist but very few because of the devastation of the war, this city is both developing and rebuilding, renovating buildings and ruins that destroyed in war.

Coming to Berlin is to learn the evidences of contemporary history, of world war, of Nazi, of the Soviet Red Army, of a country that was once divided by the legendary Berlin wall, but has is united without bloodshed, which is the sweet result of true altruism. There are many monuments in Berlin so you can learn about the history of the city in particular and of the world war in general. For those who want to find a romantic place like Paris, Hallstatt or Amsterdam will probably be disappointed, but Berlin is very suitable for nostalgic people, love history and explore. Of course, once you like it, you will always find the word “romantic” on every journey or even the small corners of the city where you come.

Berlin has to say is very large, divided into many different (districts) areas. You should plan to visit each area for a specific day, each day can spend a full time for a certain area. The main areas in Berlin can be listed as Mitte, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Prenzlauer Berg or Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.

Mitte central district

Located in the heart of a large Berlin, Mitte is also one of the most visited places in this city. The cost of living, traveling or eating in the Mitte area is also among the most expensive in Berlin. Coming hre, you should visit the famous Gendarmen market and the symbol of Berlin is the Gate of Brandenburg, the Reistag building and Berlin’s busiest and most expensive and bustling shopping street – Friedrich Strasse.

Topography Of Terror

This can be considered a museum displaying the history development of the Nazi, where its prisons were built from 1933 to 1945. The buildings were destroyed after the war but there are still a lot of traces on the walls from and are worth a visit, especially this place is free admission.

Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin, Germany Hours: 10AM–8PM

Reichstag Building

It was built in 1894 but was bombed and abandoned, then it was rebuilt and is currently used as a German Parliament house (Bundestag). It’s free to enter but you will need to make a reservation online or at the counter. When you come to this building, there is an interesting place: the giant glass dome behind, if you climb up here, you will have a free audio guide and admire the panoramic view of Berlin, especially the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Cathedral Church and Mercedes Benz building.

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany Hours: 8AM–12AM

Brandenburg Gate

Located right next to Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate is really a symbol of Berlin. Originally built in 1791 as a border between East and West Berlin, it is now a symbol of a united Germany.

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Berlin Wall

This is definitely a must-go when traveling to Berlin. The wall was built in 1961 before it collapsed in 1989, marking a united Germany. 4m high wall in the middle of Berlin where the East – West were divided into two separate countries, German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). Although it was called the “Wall of Shame” by the West Germans, it was the protective wall against Nazi for East Germany. During the cold war, more than 5,000 people tried to cross this wall to go to West Berlin. At present, the memorials still have more than 1.5km of the original wall (160km long) for tourists to learn and explore, on the wall now are artistic drawings expressing the freedom spirit of people, youth.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Also known as the Holocaust Memorial is built from 2,711 concrete columns to form a large labyrinth-like monument located at the foot of the Berlin wall.

Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany Hours: 10AM–7PM / Monday: Closed

Potsdamer Platz

Located close to the Holocaust memorial, Potsdamer Platz is one of Berlin’s bustling neighborhoods with towering buildings, skyscrapers and modern architecture, most prominent is the Sony Center. I am get lost here but I thought I was standing in Singapore or Hong Kong in the heart of ancient Berlin!

Fernsehturm TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm)

Built in the 1960s, this is the highest construction in the city (368m). You can climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of Berlin, enjoy a drink or even a meal at this bar or restaurant. Admission is between €13-€20.

Address: Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin, Germany Hours: 9AM–12AM

Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral)

The short name for Berlin Cathedral, this church has an architectural style that blends Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical art. The intricate sculpture is shown on the inside walls of the church, you can climb the stairs to climb to the top of the dome and zoom out. Admission fee is €7.

Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Neue Wache and Bebelplatz

These two places are located quite close together and you absolutely can visit at once. Neue Wache is a small memorial for war victims but has a strong meaning and message. Just across the street is the Bebelplatz where you can look down through a glass door just above the ground of a large library with empty bookshelves. This place is a tribute to Nazi students who were burned with more than 20,000 “un-German” books, not suitable for the new regime.

Museums in Mitte district

In addition to these famous landmarks, the central district of Mitte has many other historical museums. The Neues Museum (Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany / Hours: 10AM–8PM) is famous for its bust statue of Nefertiti, the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum (Address: Invalidenstraße 50-51, 10557 Berlin, Germany / Hours: 10AM–8PM) was once a train station displaying the works of contemporary art by Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, etc. There also are the German Historical Museum (Address: Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin, Germany) , the DDR Museum (Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany) which quite stores artifacts on the daily life of the East Berlin communists. These museums are located quite concentrated and on the edge of the Museum Island. You can come here to visit many museums at once and have just strolled relaxing on the river Spree surrounding the island.

West Side Berlin

The western part of the city including the Charlottenburg, Wilmersdorf district is a modern area of ​​the city. This area has a lot of restaurants, bars and busy shopping streets. Places to visit include:

KaDeWe Department Store

One of the largest shopping malls in Europe with lots of luxury stores. Those who are passionate about shopping can not miss this place, located right next to U Wittenbergplatz, and at the same time, many expensive restaurants and eateries are located on the 6th floor of the department store.

Address: Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin, Germany

Tiergarten Park

An ecological area in the heart of Berlin with lots of trees, walkways and lakes with fresh air that is suitable for anyone who comes with family or in groups. At the end of the park there are often festivals, beer gardens and traditional food with many indigenous families as well as tourists participating.

Address: Str. des 17. Juni, 10785 Berlin, Germany

Charlottenburg Palace

The Charlottenburg Royal Palace was built in 1699 to serve Queen Sophie Charlotte, the wife of King Frederick III. The palace is very large with tree-lined streets, in the middle of the yard is a statue of King Friedrich Wilhelm I, the flower garden in front of the castle reminds me of Vienna’s summer palace.

Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin, Germany Hours: 10AM–4:30PM; Monday: Closed

East Side Berlin

The eastern part of Berlin still retains the remnants of an old socialist regime, which is much cheaper of living cost than the central Mitte or the west. If you stay in the East area you can not miss the East Side Gallery (Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany/Hours: Open 24 hours) , the path with the rest of the Berlin wall and 101 large paintings directly painted on the wall. Or Alexanderplatz, named after the Russian Tsar Alexander, although It’s located close to the center of Mitte, but on the right edge of East Berlin. The square is home to many important German historical events.

In addition to the above locations, there is another place that Vietnamese people often visit in Berlin is Dong Xuan Center, Dong Xuan Market in Berlin. There are many stalls selling Vietnamese goods, including traditional dishes that are difficult to find in Hanoi, but you can find in the market. Due to being acquainted with the civilized lifestyle of Germany, the market is also very organized, from sellers to buyers who are eager to serve enthusiastically thoughtful. Although it is Vietnamese market, there are quite a lot of Germans shopping here.

Kreuzberg District

This can be considered an area for young people, because it was once a place where immigrants, young people, hippy people or artists live. On the streets are graffiti drawings full of art, cafes and bars open throughout the night. Every Thursday from 17:00 to 22:00 at Markethalle 9 in this Kreuzberg area host open-air parties of the free, artistic people who like to make friends, that can be considered as a very fun party and everyone comes here with a very open and happy mood, different from the usual quiet Berlin.

Places you should visit when coming to Kreuzberg.

Jewish Museum

The building is made of striking glass, interior displays many Jewish artifacts in Germany, with many incidents happening to them in history.

Address: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin, Germany

German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin)

Display many collections of the history of German technology and engineering with artifacts of aircraft, ships, trains and even weapons during World War II. Admission to this museum is € 8.

Address: Trebbiner Str. 9, 10963 Berlin, Germany Hours: 9AM–5:30PM / Monday: Closed

Checkpoint Charlie

A place definitely not to be missed for tourists when coming to Berlin because it is one of the 7 checkpoints of the Berlin Wall that prevents the flow of people from crossing the border. This Charlie Checkpoint allows foreigners such as Britain, France and the US to move to East Germany. If you have an oppotunity to come here remember taking pictures with the guards (mostly part-time students) as a testament to a turbulent history of Berlin. Note that there is a museum on the Berlin wall nearby but there is nothing to see, you should not spend money to enter here.

Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Berlin travel blog: Some other useful tips when traveling to Berlin

• Shops in Berlin are usually closed on Sundays, including shops, drug stores and supermarkets. You can still find some places that are open like in Brandenbourg Gate but seem to be only there. Except for cafes or restaurants that open all week. On weekdays, shops are open from 09:00 am to 08:00 pm depending on the location.
• Usually you speak English in Berlin they still understand and answer for you, but it is better to learn some basic German sentences because most of the street signs are in German.
• In Berlin, the central district is Mitte, if you staying and living in Mitte and Charlottenburg is of course more expensive than in the Alexanderplatz area which was formerly the center of East Berlin.
• The Berliners generally dressed quite simply, not many people dressed in a style way on the streets with clothes, bags and shoes brands. They can be very friendly, try to help you but often they rarely smile. And if you meet someone who is proactively approaching you, asks you for some information like asking directions, or asking you to answer a survey or something like that. It is best if you answer that you are not a native and do not know anything to avoid risks.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Berlin you can refer to

• Discover Berlin Half Day Walking Tour
• Potsdam Half Day Tour from Berlin
• East Berlin Half Day Walking Tour
• Berlin Friedrichstadt-Palast: Vivid Grand Show Ticket in Berlin
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Ticket in Berlin
• Berlin Red Buses Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus
• Berlin Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• 4G WiFi (SG Delivery) for Europe
• 3G/4G SIM Card for Multiple European Countries (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G Portable WiFi for Europe from Uroaming

How to get around Berlin? Read more: How to get around Berlin cheap? — 5 best way to get around Berlin & how to travel around Berlin . Are you looking for more top things to do in Berlin: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.

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Berlin City Break: Ultimate Guide Travel Guide To Berlin, Germany

A re you looking for a fun and affordable destination for your next city break? If so, you might want to consider Berlin, the capital of Germany and one of the most exciting and diverse cities in Europe. Berlin has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, nightlife, or food. Here are some reasons why you should book a Berlin city break and some tips on how to make the most of your time there.

*Disclaimer: This Post May Contain Sponsored Content And Or/ Affiliate Links. This Is A Way I Make An Income From My Blog .  I Am A Participant In The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program .  An Affiliate Advertising Program Designed To Provide A Means For Sites To Earn Advertising Fees By Advertising And Linking To  Amazon.Com .

Brief History of Berlin 

Berlin’s history is fascinating and complex, and you can see traces of it everywhere you go. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall to the former Nazi headquarters and Checkpoint Charlie, you can learn about the city’s turbulent past and how it shaped its present. You can also visit some of the world’s best museums, such as the Pergamon Museum, which houses ancient treasures from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, or the Jewish Museum, which tells the story of Jewish life and culture in Germany.

Berlin Culture- Perfect for a Berlin city break?

Berlin is also a cultural hotspot, with a vibrant art scene, a rich musical heritage, and a diverse population. You can admire street art and graffiti in areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, or visit some of the many galleries and museums that showcase contemporary art. You can also enjoy classical music at the Berlin Philharmonic, or catch a show at one of the many theatres and opera houses. And don’t forget to explore the different neighborhoods of Berlin, each with its character and charm.

Berlin City Break Nightlife 

If you are looking for a good time, Berlin has plenty to offer. The city is famous for its nightlife, with some of the best clubs, bars, and pubs in Europe. You can dance until dawn at legendary venues like Berghain, Tresor, or Watergate, or chill out at a cozy beer garden or a trendy cocktail bar. You can also sample some of the delicious food that Berlin has to offer, from traditional German dishes like currywurst and schnitzel to international cuisine from Turkish, Vietnamese, or Indian restaurants.

Berlin is a city that never sleeps, but if you need a break from the hustle and bustle, you can also find some green spaces and relaxing spots. You can take a stroll along the Spree River, or visit one of the many parks and gardens that dot the city. 

How many days is ideal in Berlin?

If it is your first time in Berlin I suggest coming for a minimum of 3 days if you want to see some of the main attractions, but 4- 5 days in Berlin if you want to get a sense of the culture, history, and get the full Berlin city break experience. 

Is Berlin a walkable city?

Berlin is extremely walkable and easy to get around. If you are not going to take public transit there are also a lot of escooters, and bikes around the city. Making it easy to get around to most of the things to do in Berlin without having to have a car or taxi.

Public transport

Berlin has an extensive and efficient public transport system that includes buses, trams, subways (U-Bahn), and trains (S-Bahn). You can buy tickets at stations, machines, or online, and use them for any mode of transport within the same zone. A single ticket costs 2.90 euros for zones AB, which covers most of the city center. You can also buy day tickets, weekly tickets, or monthly passes for more savings. Remember to validate your ticket before boarding or you might face a fine.

Berlin is a bike-friendly city with many bike lanes, paths, and rental services. You can rent a bike from one of the many shops or stations around the city, or use an app like Nextbike or Donkey Republic to find and unlock a bike nearby. The average price for renting a bike is 1 euro per 30 minutes or 12 euros per day. Biking is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.

If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient way to travel, you can always hail a taxi or use an app like Free Now or Uber to book one. Taxis are easy to find in most areas of the city, especially near tourist attractions, hotels, and train stations. The base fare is 3.90 euros and then 2 euros per kilometer. You can pay by cash or card, and tip around 10% if you are satisfied with the service. I preferred using Uber, especially after going out at night. 

What part of Berlin is the best to stay in?

This is the historical and cultural center of Berlin, where you can find many famous landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Museum Island, and the Alexanderplatz. Mitte is also home to many government buildings, embassies, and business offices. If you want to be close to the main sights and enjoy a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Mitte is a great choice. However, it can also be crowded, noisy, and expensive.

This is the alternative and multicultural heart of Berlin, where you can find many artists, students, immigrants, and activists. Kreuzberg is known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, ethnic cuisine, and creative scene. If you want to experience the edgy and diverse side of Berlin, Kreuzberg is a good option. However, it can also be chaotic, dirty, and unsafe.

Prenzlauer Berg

This is the trendy and hipster district of Berlin, where you can find many cafes, bars, boutiques, and galleries. Prenzlauer Berg is popular among young professionals, families, and ex-pats. My friend from high school moved here four years ago and loves it. It has a relaxed and friendly vibe, with many green spaces and parks. If you want to enjoy a cozy and stylish neighborhood with a lot of charm, this is the perfect area if you find a Vrbo in the area. 

Charlottenburg

This is the elegant and upscale area of Berlin, where you can find many luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants. Charlottenburg is also rich in history and culture, with attractions such as the Charlottenburg Palace, the Kurfürstendamm Boulevard, and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. However, it can also be boring, snobby, and far from the center.

This is the emerging and dynamic part of Berlin, where you can find many young people, immigrants, and artists. Neukölln is known for its cheap rents, diverse culture, and lively nightlife. If you want to discover a new and exciting side of Berlin that is constantly changing and evolving, Neukölln is a good option. However, it can also be noisy, dirty, and dangerous.

What is the best month to visit Berlin?

I would say May through September is the perfect time to visit Berlin. Berlin comes alive in the summer, with its beer gardens, outdoor markets, and ample green spaces to enjoy. Also, there are many events and festivals during this time. The sun also sets after 10 pm in the summer which makes it great for you to have a lot of time to explore Berlin. 

Although, I also think Berlin during the holidays and Christmas markets in Germany are special and well worth a visit in December!

Can I visit Berlin without speaking German?

If a language barrier is holding you up to booking your Berlin city break, don’t let that stop you. I love Berlin and I have been more than 5 times now. Don’t worry if you don’t speak German there are many expats, as well as English speakers. So I recommend just downloading the Google Translate app just in case, but you have nothing to worry about. 

Berlin City Break – Things to do 

Fat tire tours – berlin city bike tour .

One of the first things I would do is take a tour of Berlin. If you want a great overview of Berlin, I recommend taking a Berlin City Bike Tour with Fat Tire Tours. It was an amazing experience to check out the main attractions of the city by bike, but also bike to some places that would be a little off the beaten path for me. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the city from learning about Nazi Germany, as well as the Cold War to incorporating modern cultural elements in the tour it was eye-opening 

They offer a 3-hour city tour and a 6-hour city tour, food tours, Cold War-specific tours, and more. 

Berlin TV Tower and Rotating Dining Experience

After a few visits to Berlin, I finally decided to make it my mission to head to the top of the Berlin TV tower and it was so worth it. The Berlin TV Tower stands 368 meters high above the city. It is the highest building open to the public in Europe. It was inaugurated on October 3 1969 in East Germany, built as a symbol to show the world the Communist party was superior to the rest of the West. 

After you take in the views, dine at the Sphere restaurant which rotates 207 meters above the city! They serve amazing traditional foods with a modern twist, and there is also Bar 203 if you rather just have a drink. At the end or beginning you can also enjoy a VR experience showing the evolution of Berlin since ancient history. 

Finally, enjoy Alexanderplatz located at the base of the Berlin TV Tower. There are many shops, the square also has the World Clock, and the Fountain of Friendship. 

Explore Museum Island 

One of the most famous places to visit museums is Berlin, Germany. They even have a whole island meant for museum lovers called “Museum Island”. It is also recognized by UNESCO. 

World-class museums for travelers looking to experience a range of history, culture, art, architecture, and more. I happened across this, but actually, the first Sunday of the month offers a free museum day throughout Berlin. However, if you know you will be there in advance, book the tickets online (even for free or not) because the most popular museums do sell out! 

Altes Museum

Altes Museum is the first museum on museum island. It was built in 1825 by order of King Frederick 3 of Prussia. The Altes Museum houses the Antikensammlung Collection, one of the most important collections of classical art in the world. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday- Sunday, Closed Monday 

Neues Museum

The Neues Museum is located in a historic building built in 1843 and houses art from ancient Egypt and artifacts from the Stone Age. The building is worth visiting alone, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list for its outstanding architecture. It is the second oldest museum on Museum Island. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Thursday 10 am – 6 pm. 

Pergamonmuseum

Pergamonmuseum is the most popular museum in Berlin. So definitely make sure to reserve this in advance. The museum includes artifacts from antiquity in Iran, Egypt, etc. Currently, the north wing will be closed for refurbishment until 2025. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Thursday 10 am – 6 pm. 

Bode Museum

Bode Museum houses one of the largest medieval art collections as well as Byzantine art.

Alte Nationalgalerie

Alte Nationalgalerie is the national art gallery that was originally a contemporary art gallery, and now you can see 19th-century paintings as well as sculptures. Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM CLOSED Mondays 

Berlin Cathedral 

While I did not get to go inside the Berlin Dom or Berlin Cathedral, it costs 10 euros and 6.50 euros with the Berlin Welcome Card. Berlin Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It is a magnificent example of neo-Renaissance architecture, with a dome that rises 98 meters above the ground. The cathedral was built between 1894 and 1905, and it houses a museum, a crypt, and an organ with over 7000 pipes. The cathedral is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, except on Mondays when it closes at 5 pm. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year.

See Berlin By Boat

Berlin is a city with a rich history and culture, but also a modern and vibrant metropolis. One of the best ways to explore its diverse attractions is by boat. You can enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise along the Spree River, passing by landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral, and the East Side Gallery. You can also admire the architecture and urban landscape of Berlin from a different perspective, and learn more about its past and present from the onboard commentary. A boat tour of Berlin is a great option for anyone who wants to see the city in a short time and in a comfortable way. Tours last about an hour, some 2 hours, and range in price from USD 25 and up. 

Charlottenburg Palace 

Charlottenburg Palace is a Baroque palace in Berlin, Germany. It was built at the end of the 17th century by Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Frederick I, the first king of Prussia. The palace was expanded several times in the 18th century and has rich interior decoration in Baroque and Rococo styles. The palace also has a large formal garden with a belvedere, a mausoleum, a theatre, and a pavilion. Charlottenburg Palace is a major tourist attraction and a cultural heritage site.

• Opening hours: 10.00 – 17.00 (all days except Monday).
• The cost of visiting the castle: adult – 19 euros, child (under 18 years) – 15 euros. Please note that when buying tickets online (through the official website), tickets will cost 2 euros less. Entrance to the park is free.

Free things to do for a Berlin City Break

Take a free walking tour .

If you are visiting Berlin and want to explore the city without spending a lot of money, you might want to consider taking a free walking tour. A free walking tour is a guided tour that does not have a fixed price, but instead relies on tips from the participants. You can join a free walking tour by booking online or showing up at the meeting point. Many free walking tours in Berlin cover different topics and areas, such as the history of Berlin, the street art scene, the Third Reich, and more. You can find more information about free walking tours in Berlin on websites like freetour.com or freewalkersberlin.com. Taking a free walking tour is a great way to learn more about the city, meet new people, and have fun!

The Reichstag 

The Reichstag building is a historic government building in Berlin that has been the seat of the German Bundestag since 1999. It was built from 1884 to 1894 by Paul Wallot in a Neo-Renaissance style. The building has a large glass dome that offers a panoramic view of the city. If you want to visit the roof and the dome, you need to register online in advance and go through a security check. The visit is free and includes an audio guide that explains the history and functions of the Reichstag.

The Reichstag building is more than just a tourist attraction. It is also a symbol of German democracy and history. The building witnessed many important events, such as the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871, the Reichstag fire in 1933, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the reunification of Germany in 1990. The building was renovated by British architect Norman Foster after reunification, who added the modern glass dome as a contrast to the old structure. The dome also symbolizes transparency and openness, as visitors can look down at the plenary hall where lawmakers debate and vote.

The Reichstag building is open every day from 8:00 am to midnight, with the last admission at 10:00 pm. You can register online up to three months in advance or on the same day at the service center near the building. It is required to bring proof of your identity for security purposes. You can also book a guided tour of the building or a visit to the roof garden restaurant. For more information, visit https://www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag .

Jewish Museum Berlin 

If you are interested in learning more about the history and memory of the Holocaust, you might want to visit one of the museums dedicated to this topic. One of them is the **Jewish Museum Berlin**, which has a core exhibition that explores the Jewish history and culture in Germany from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as temporary exhibitions that focus on specific aspects of the Holocaust and its aftermath.

The Jewish Museum Berlin is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, except for some Jewish holidays and Christmas Eve. Admission to the core exhibition is free for everyone, while the temporary exhibitions cost 8 € at the regular rate or 3 € at the reduced rate. Children and teenagers under 18 get in free, as do a few other visitor categories. You can find more information on their website or buy a ticket online.

The Berlin Wall Memorial 

Another museum that you can visit is the **Berlin Wall Memorial**, which commemorates the division of Berlin by the wall and its victims. The memorial consists of an outdoor exhibition on Bernauer Strasse, where you can see the remains of the wall and other historical traces, as well as a documentation center and a visitor center that provide information and education about the wall and its impact on the people of Berlin. The outdoor exhibition is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, while the documentation center and the visitor center are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Admission to the memorial is free for everyone.

Don’t miss a chance to walk along the East Side Gallery in Berlin this is the largest section of the Berlin Wall still standing and there is amazing street art here as well. 

Topography of Terror 

One day I was looking for free things to do in Berlin and this popped up. I am so glad it did. The Topography of Terror is a museum in Berlin that documents and commemorates the crimes committed by the Nazi regime from 1933 to 1945. It is situated on the former site of the central institutions of Nazi persecution and terror: the headquarters of the Secret State Police (Gestapo), the SS, and the Reich Security Main Office. These buildings were the nerve center of the Nazi terror apparatus, where orders were issued, reports were received and victims were interrogated, tortured, and executed. 

The museum consists of two parts: an indoor exhibition and an outdoor exhibition. The indoor exhibition covers 800 square meters and displays more than 800 photos, documents, and media stations that illustrate the history of Nazi terror and its impact on individuals and society. The Topography of Terror is a place of remembrance and education that aims to inform visitors about the Nazi dictatorship and its crimes, as well as to raise awareness of the dangers of dictatorship and violence in general.

Checkpoint Charlie 

Checkpoint Charlie was named by the Western Allies, who also had Checkpoint Alpha and Bravo along the border. It was located on Friedrichstrasse, a historic street in the American-occupied city center. Checkpoint Charlie was the only place where East Germany allowed foreign diplomats, military personnel, and tourists to enter or leave East Berlin. The Allies stationed their guards there to ensure their access to the Soviet sector. The Allied side of Checkpoint Charlie was very simple, consisting of a small shack and some sandbags. The East German side was more elaborate, with guard towers, barriers, and a shed where vehicles were searched for fugitives.

Checkpoint Charlie became a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany. It attracted many visitors and protesters, who often expressed their solidarity with the people of East Berlin or their opposition to the Wall. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled and removed. Today, there is a replica of the original guardhouse and a museum that displays artifacts and stories related to the checkpoint and the Cold War.

Gendarmenmarkt

Is a picturesque square known for the iconic three buildings that surround it. It is surrounded by three historic buildings: the French Cathedral, the German Cathedral, and the Concert Hall. Gendarmenmarkt is a popular tourist attraction because of its beautiful architecture and cultural events. You can visit Gendarmenmarkt to admire the monuments, enjoy a concert or explore the Christmas market in winter.

Visit Berlin Markets 

Mauerpark Flea Market: This is the most popular and crowded flea market in Berlin and for good reason. You can find everything from antiques and vinyl records to art and jewelry. There’s also live music, karaoke, and street performers to keep you entertained. It’s open every Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Markthalle Neun: This is a historic market hall that hosts different themed markets throughout the week. You can find organic produce, artisan cheese, fresh bread, and more. My favorite is Street Food Thursday, where you can sample cuisines from all over the world. It’s open from Monday to Saturday, with varying hours depending on the day.

Nowkoelln Flowmarkt: This is a hip and trendy flea market that attracts young and creative people. You can find clothes, books, accessories, and more. It’s also a great place to chill by the canal and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s open every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 10 am to 5 pm.

Kollwitzplatz Farmers Market is a great farmers market I went to in Prenzlauer Berg. It had over 50 vendors and a lot of great food. Come here and grab a coffee or crepe!

Berlin City Parks 

I was surprised to learn Berlin is one of the greenest cities in Europe! There are over 25000 parks and over 1 million trees in the city!

The Tiergarten is one of the most famous parks and comes alive in the summer. Take a bike and cycle through the park, see the victory statue, and even go to one of the best beer gardens in Berlin. 

The Tiergarten is like a green oasis in the middle of the urban jungle! The Tiergarten was once a royal hunting ground, but now it’s open to everyone who wants to relax, have fun or learn something new. There are many monuments, museums, and landmarks in and around the park, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Victory Column, and the Haus der Kulturen der Welt. You can also find a lovely beer garden by a lake, where you can taste some local specialties.

I had a wonderful time walking around the park, admiring the trees, flowers, and animals. The Tiergarten is a must-see for anyone who visits Berlin!

Treptower Park

If you love nature and history, you should visit Treptower Park in Berlin. It is a beautiful park along the river Spree, where you can enjoy the sun, the water, and the greenery. You can also see the impressive Soviet War Memorial, the Archenhold Observatory, and the former Spreepark amusement park. Treptower Park is a great place to relax and explore. Come and see for yourself!

Hot tub down River Spree for a fun adventure with friends. Berlin Bootsverleih. It looks super fun, especially from the Zenner Biergarten and Weingarten a cool beer garden located along the river Spree. 

Tempelhofer Park

If you’re looking for a unique and fun place to spend your day in Berlin, look no further than Tempelhofer Park! This former airport has been transformed into a huge urban park where you can enjoy nature, culture, and sports. Here are some reasons why you should visit Tempelhofer Park:

– Explore the history of aviation and see the old terminals, hangars, and runways.

– You can join the locals in biking, skating, jogging, or flying kites on the vast open space.

– Relax on the grass, have a picnic or barbecue, or visit the community gardens and urban farms.

– Check out the events and festivals that take place throughout the year, such as concerts, markets, and exhibitions.

Tempelhofer Park is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves adventure, creativity, and diversity. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the most amazing parks in the world!

Eat Traditional German Food

In Berlin, there are two staples Doner Kebab and Currywurst. Of course, there is more to German cuisine, but the birthplace of the doner kebab is in Berlin. The sandwich as most of us know it today was popularized by Turkish immigrants in the 1970s. Today there are more doner kebab shops in Berlin, than there are in Istanbul.  This is a must for any Berlin city break.

Currywurst is another fast food dish in Germany.The curry wurst is a fried sausage, cut. up, and served with fries and curry sauce on the side.   

Don’t forget to spend an afternoon in a beer garden. Don’t worry they have choices too for those not looking to drink. 

Watch Sunset at Klunkerkranich 

If you are looking for an epic view of the skyline of Berlin and a place to go to watch an epic sunset with vibes, Klunkerkranich is the place. It is located in  Neukölln . There are also many vegan options for food, and there was even a DJ. The location is cool, on top of a parking lot that is attached to a mall! Very Berlin and a must on your Berlin City Break.

Day Trips From Berlin

Potsdam is about a 40-minute train ride from the center of Berlin. Here you can find a quaint Old Town, next to the stunning Sanssouci Palace and gardens. This is the Versailles of Berlin. I have been here for the Christmas Market, which was a magical experience and I can only imagine the experience would be amazing with the full bloom of the palace gardens.

The Perfect Berlin City Break Wrapped

As you can see, Berlin has something for everyone, and it’s a great destination for a city break. You can find cheap flights and hotels online, or book a package deal that includes everything you need. You can also get around easily by using public transport or renting a bike. No matter what you choose to do in Berlin, you will have an unforgettable experience that will make you want to come back again.

Cool tip: Take a selfie at the Photoautomat for a souvenir to take home.

Where to stay in Berlin as a solo traveler?

The Circus Berlin Hostel 

If you looking for a cool and cheap place to crash in Berlin? Well, you’re in luck, because I’ve got the perfect spot for you: the Circus Hostel. This hostel is not just a place to sleep, it’s a place to have a blast with other travelers and locals. Let me tell you why you should book your stay at the Circus Hostel.

The Circus Hostel is in the middle of Berlin, near the awesome Rosenthaler Platz. This place is happening, with tons of bars, cafes, and shops to check out. It’s super easy to get around the city from here, because there are many modes of public transport options nearby, like the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus. You can also walk or bike to some of the coolest sights, like Museum Island, where you can see some ancient stuff and art; the Brandenburg Gate, where you can feel the vibe of Berlin; and the Berlin Wall, where you can snap some pics of the colorful graffiti and monuments. The hostel has bikes for hire so you don’t have to worry about returning or picking them up elsewhere. 

The rooms 

The hostel has all kinds of rooms to fit your style and budget. You can pick from dorms, private rooms, or apartments. All rooms are neat and roomy, and have everything you need, like free Wi-Fi, lockers, and linens. Some rooms also have balconies or private bathrooms. I got lucky with a beautiful view, and apartment, and loved having coffee each morning from my balcony overlooking the Berlin TV Tower and Berlin Cathedral. My apartment/suite was amazing with a wrap-around balcony, full kitchen, fridge, and coffee maker. There was also a seating area with a smart TV. It was by far the best hostel suite I have ever had. 

Best Hostel For A Berlin City Break

The hostel also has a 24/7 reception, a laundry room, luggage storage, and a cafe with breakfast all you can eat til 1 pm. This is not your average hostel either. They have a microbrewery in the basement, which makes it easy to meet other travelers. 

But what makes the Circus Hostel different from other hostels is its fun and chill vibe. The hostel has tons of events and activities for guests and locals, like pub crawls, walking tours, yoga classes, karaoke nights, and live music. You can also dig into a yummy breakfast buffet at the hostel’s cafe, which has organic and fair-trade stuff; or grab a drink at the rooftop bar, which has an amazing view of the city and a microbrewery that makes its beer.

The Circus Hostel is not just a place to sleep. It’s a place to meet new people, explore new cultures, and have a blast in Berlin for a Berlin city break. If you’re looking for a hostel that has comfort, convenience, and creativity, you’ll love staying at the Circus Hostel. Also, they have a boutique hotel across the street, but I enjoyed my experience at the Circus Hostel as a solo traveler to Berlin. It was a perfect base to set off to explore on my Berlin city break. 

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The post Berlin City Break: Ultimate Guide Travel Guide To Berlin, Germany appeared first on Travels of Sarah Fay .

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Getting around Berlin

Planning to travel in Berlin? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Berlin experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations. Depending on your city, you can even use the app to get around with public transport, bikes or scooters, and more.

Plus, check out Uber rates for riders and drivers and learn how to use Uber to get paid to drive or deliver in Berlin.

Reserve car service in Berlin with Uber

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Berlin. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to Berlin Brandenburg Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.

Ride Sharing in Berlin

Getting around Berlin without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.

Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Berlin.

Berlin-area airport car service

When your travel in Berlin takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Choose the best ways to get around berlin, taxi in berlin.

Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Berlin. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.

Public transport in Berlin

Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in your neighborhood or visit popular places in Berlin by ridesharing with Uber.

Bike rentals in Berlin

Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around the heart of a city. In select cities, you can find and ride electric bikes with Uber. Open the app to see if bikes are available in Berlin. If bikes are available in Berlin, remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while riding.

Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.

Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.

Uber communicates your trip request exclusively to a licensed private-hire vehicle operator. All vehicles used meet the requirements of the PBefG and BOKraft. All drivers have a private-hire driving license. Each trip is insured by the operator’s motor insurance.

In Berlin, we mediate trips for ennoo Dienste GmbH, which is the responsible PHV operator. Whether you’re headed to work, to the airport, or to a party in the evening, Uber always delivers an affordable, safe, and reliable ride that is carried out by a professional transportation provider. With just the push of a button, you’ll be picked up by a vehicle of the transport operator. The Uber app’s GPS function determines your location. Before you enter the vehicle, you’ll see the driver’s photo, name, and license plate number. When you arrive at your destination, you just get out—the payment is completely cashless.

In Berlin, Uber provides five ride options: UberX, UberXL, Premium, Green and Taxi. With UberX, UberXL, Premium and Green, you can arrange a trip with an Uber driver-partner. With Taxi, you can arrange a trip with a regular taxi driver, with pricing at the official taxi rates. Tariffs of the Berlin Taxi Tariff Regulation apply, including applicable surcharges. More information can be found here .

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Germany travel guide: Discover the rich culture of Deutschland

Explore germany for its rich culture, historic architecture and fairytale landscapes.

Germany is home to Europe's largest 3D-printed building

The Wave House, a new data center, is located in an urban area of Heidelberg.

Germany is one of the most visited countries in the world, attracting travelers from far and wide with its thousands of years of history, rich culture and picturesque landscapes.

More than 183 million tourists visited the European country in 2023, according to the Statista Research Department.

From the natural beauty of Bavaria to the urban streets of Berlin, Germany offers an abundance of experiences for every kind of traveler.

'MARCH BEER' ONCE LUBRICATED MUNICH'S FAMOUS FALL FEST, NOW FOUND YEAR-ROUND ONLY IN US

Oktoberfest is a globally popular event that first started in Germany.

Travel requirements

Prior to purchasing your flight, it’s important to know Germany's visa requirements, which differ depending on where you are traveling from.

Visitors from more than 60 countries – including the U.S. and Canada – need not apply for a tourist visa for trips less than 90 days.

To visit Germany for short trips, U.S. citizens only need a U.S. passport that is valid for more than three months beyond the date of their departure. However, visitors from many other countries – including South Africa and India – will need to apply for a tourist visa for short trips.

5,600,000 LITERS OF BEER WERE CONSUMED AT OKTOBERFEST IN 2022, BUT WHAT ABOUT 2023?

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany’s most visited castle, with 1,300,000 people crossing its gate each year.

Located in the Alps in Bavaria, the castle overlooks the Hohenschwangau valley and is close to the popular tourist town of Fussen. Built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this fairytale-esque castle has been referred to as the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.

It is recommended to purchase tickets for a guided tour online in advance as they can sell out quickly.

Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany’s most visited castle, with 1,300,000 people crossing its gate each year. (Christof Stache/AFP via Getty Images)

Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall , which divided the city from 1961 until 1989, stands as a symbol of the Cold War era when Berlin was separated into eastern and western parts.

The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining section of the wall, and in 1990, more than 100 artists decorated this portion with art, making it today the longest open-air art gallery in the world, according to Visit Berlin.

GERMANY, ALLIES CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BERLIN WALL FALL

Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate, located in the heart of Berlin, is one of the best-known landmarks in Germany.

The historic site has become a symbol of Berlin’s division and, later, its reunification following the Cold War. Built between 1788 and 1791, the monument stands more than 80 feet tall and was inspired by parts of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, according to the Visit Berlin website.

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral, located in Cologne, is one of the largest Gothic-style cathedrals in the world and attracts around 20,000 visitors every day, according to the Visit Cologne website.

The cathedral, which belongs to the Catholic Church and stands more than 500 feet tall, began construction in 1248 and took more than seven centuries to build.

When planning a visit, travelers should only bring small bags and be prepared for identity checks, according to the website for Cologne Cathedral.

A view of Cologne Cathedral in April 2023 in Cologne, Germany. (Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, the largest Volksfest in the world, is held annually between September and October in Munich and usually lasts about 16–18 days.

Attracting more than 6 million visitors each year, the celebration features a beer festival with tents representing different breweries, a carnival, music, parades and more. It is a good idea to arrive early to the event as it draws large crowds, and remember to drink responsibly. Prost!

Europa-Park

For visitors looking for an adrenaline rush, family-owned Europa-Park is Germany’s largest theme park and attracts more than 5 million visitors every season. 

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Located in Rust, Baden-Württemberg, Europa-Park has something for everyone with 100 different attractions, 14 roller coasters, 17 European and three fantasy-themed areas, six hotels and more than 50 themed restaurants and bars.

Sophia Compton is a Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: 7 places to visit in Germany if you're a fan of 'Queen of Tears'

By Yoniel Acebuche Published Apr 10, 2024 5:57 pm

While a star-studded cast, witty banter, and fantastical narratives draw us in, Korean dramas also surprise us with stunning backdrops. These locations fuel our wanderlust with dreamy scenes beyond South Korea.

Case in point: tvN's Queen of Tears featuring A-list stars Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won .

The romance drama, which is now the third highest-rating drama in tvN history, follows the "miraculous, thrilling, and humorous love story" of Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in, a couple facing marital burnout.

Queen of Tears features Germany prominently—a location that holds special significance for the on-screen couple as it was their honeymoon destination and the place where their love story reignited.

From The Neptune Fountain to the Taoasis Garden, d iscover the places that captured Ji-won's heart and became her " most favorite scenes " in the series. Read with caution though, this article may contain spoilers!

Neptunbrunnen (The Neptune Fountain)

The series kicks off with a scene where the press interviews the two couples about their married lives. While Hyun-woo narrates the "wedding of the century," the show offers a montage of the couple on their German honeymoon. One of which is Berlin's Neptunbrunnen, or the Neptune Fountain.

The Neptunbrunnen, by German artist Reinhold Begas, with its 18-meter-wide swimming pool and a ten-meter-tall statue of the Roman sea deity Neptune, is one of the world's largest fountain sculptures.

Spree River

Another scenic place presented in their honeymoon is their romantic sunset kissing scene on the banks of the Spree River , where the original center of Berlin was built.

Many major monuments are located on its banks, so a boat ride is highly recommended to enjoy your trip and discover the city. If you want more physical adventure, bike rentals are also available in the area.

Sanssouci Palace

In the following episodes, Kim Ji Won's character traveled to Germany to seek approval for a new cancer therapy. Subtly hoping that Baek Hyun Woo would accompany her, she concealed her true sentiments by acting as though she was more at ease traveling alone.

But after she had departed, Hyun Woo couldn't stop thinking about his wife and ended up taking a plane to Germany to find her. This resulted in a beautiful, serendipitous reunion at Sanssouci Palace, a location that carried sentimental memories from the couple's honeymoon.

ICYDK, Sansscouci is a historical building in Potsdam near Berlin. With its name literally translating to "without worries" in French, the historic structure was constructed for Prussian King Frederick the Great as his summer palace between 1745 and 1747.

The complex, which includes the palaces and park, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its exceptional architectural design and landscaping.

The Rooftop Terrace — Hotel de Rome

With its expansive views of Berlin, the Hotel de Rome's rooftop terrace provides an emotional backdrop for the lovers' attempts to rekindle their romance in episode six. This includes the moment when Hae-in asks Hyun-woo if he would cry during the former's funeral, making the latter want to feel sad.

Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

Hyun-woo offers a prayer to Hae-in in the Berlin Cathedral , one of the city's most prominent spots, following the latter's search for cancer therapy.

Though it is not totally seen in the series, Berliner Dom "marks the spot of the impressive basilica housing the city's most important Protestant church."But even though it was called a cathedral, it has the status of a parish church.

Eiserner Steg

Episode six continued with Hae-in beginning to look for the love locks she and her husband had secured on the Eiserner Steg or the Iron Bridge railings three years ago.

Located in Frankfurt, Germany, which is over five hours away from Berlin, Eiserner Steg is one of Frankfurt's iconic landmarks, which was "opened in 1869 to alleviate the heavy traffic on the only bridge between the north and south parts of town."

Using this bridge, you can explore Frankfurt's exquisite old buildings and fascinating museums without having to walk very far.

Taoasis Botanical Scent Garden

This botanical garden, which has over 500,000 plants used to extract aromas and essential oils, provides a tranquil setting for the K-drama's first episode.

Likewise, Taoasis houses the lavender Lavandula angustifolia , "from which the unique harmonizing and calming lavender oil is obtained."

Moreover, the place caters to "almost all the important aromatic medicinal plants and herbs such as rosemary, hyssop, lemon balm, peppermint, oregano, St. John's wort, yarrow, and much more Fascinating Mediterranean plants and fragrant exotic plants," according to its website .

TAGS: Netflix travel K-drama Germany EUROPE Queen of Tears

Yoniel Acebuche

Yoniel Acebuche is a journalist by profession and a beauty queen by passion. She has constantly joined beauty pageants in different cities and fiestas across the Philippines ever since she was 15. Writing and pageantry are her empowering ways to connect to other people as well as to understand herself.