visit berlin free

The best free things to do and see in Berlin

Jul 29, 2023 • 7 min read

Get 360 degree views of Berlin from the Reichstag Dome © Nikada / Getty Images

Berlin has long enjoyed a reputation for being a city of bargains, but don’t be fooled: it’s catching up with London, Tokyo and New York – and fast!

Time to get smart and stretch those euros while still soaking up all the fascinating vibes the German capital has to offer. From vertigo-inducing views to dreamy parks, clandestine street art and history exhibits that’ll give you goosebumps, here’s our guide to top Berlin explorations that won’t cost you a cent.

1. Seek higher ground for stunning Berlin perspectives

Take your Berlin adventure to new heights by hitting some famous viewpoints and enjoying the city from new perspectives. Skip the pricey and crowded  TV Tower – why splurge on the one place you can’t even see this striking landmark? Fortunately, there are loads of sweet spots to catch jaw-dropping views without pulling out your credit card.

For dress-circle vistas of central Berlin, head to the Reichstag Dome (tickets must be booked in advance online). You won’t be alone, but it’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason. If you’re up for some local flavor and a dose of dark history, grab a cold beer to enjoy after climbing to the top of a WWII-era flak tower in Volkspark Humboldthain . Granted, views over northern Berlin are not the prettiest but there won’t be any tourist hordes in sight either.

Down in Neukölln, Klunkerkranich is a hipster-approved rooftop hangout with superb sundowners and sunset views atop a shopping mall. Brace yourself for a line – it’s a hot spot, but so worth it! Sunset fans should also show some love for Berlin’s bridges. They won’t get you up on high, but Oberbaumbrücke , Moderssohnbrücke and Elsenbrücke are still fabulous spots for watching the dropping orb light up the horizon, TV Tower included.

Finally, for the ultimate panoramic experience, head west to Drachenberg , a rubble mountain (i.e. built from wartime debris) and the admission-free little sister of the adjacent Teufelsberg with its famous ex-spy station. You’ll have all of Berlin at your feet!

Planning tip: For security reasons, free reservations for visiting the Reichstag dome must be made online . Without reservations, swing by the Reichstag Visitors' Center on Scheidemannstrasse (next to the Berlin Pavilion) to enquire about last-minute openings.

2. Immerse yourself in Berlin’s turbulent history

Berlin’s past, however painful, is never swept under the carpet but confronted in a stash of museums, many of them free and in their original locations.

The ultimate place to dive into the sinister secrets of the Nazi state is the Topographie des Terrors . It’s right in the spot where the Gestapo and the SS orchestrated their unspeakable reign of terror. For an even bigger dose of the creeps, head out to the Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz , an elegant lakefront villa where Nazi big shots hatched their diabolical Holocaust plans.

The Gedenkstätte Deutscher Widerstand , meanwhile, tells the stories of those brave men and women who risked everything to resist the Nazi regime. It’s in these rooms that Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg plotted the 1944 assassination attempt on Hitler, a story retold in the movie Valkyrie .

Now let’s shift gears to the Cold War era. Want to see what the Berlin Wall really looked like and how it shaped the everyday lives of people in East and West? Swing by the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer – a 1.4km-long stretch of chilling history peppered with bits of the original wall, vestiges of border installations and escape tunnels. Don’t skip the Documentation Centre and the cool view from its tower.

The human toll of Berlin’s division is also heartbreakingly documented in the Tränenpalast, a former border crossing pavilion on Friedrichstrasse. It’s a gut-punching reminder of the pain caused by the Wall. And last but not least, check out the Cold War from the perspective of the Western Allies in the Allierten Museum – the Americans, British and French were big players in this drama too.

Local tip: Add depth to your visit of the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer by first watching the introductory film about the history of the Berlin Wall and the border system at the visitor centre at Bernauer Strasse 119. Free self-guided audio tours of the entire exhibit are available for download .

3. Track down iconic filming locations

Kaisers, Nazis, the Berlin Wall – Berlin is dripping with history. No wonder that it has inspired filmmakers to weave captivating tales against its iconic backdrop.

Launch a DIY film location tour at Checkpoint Charlie , where Bond sashayed into East Berlin in Octopussy . Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies tells the story of real-world spy exchanges at the Glienicke Brücke in southwest Berlin – cloak-and-dagger stuff at its finest!

Then there’s Etsy finding freedom in the famous Strandbad Wannsee lake scene in the Netflix series Unorthodox – who needs a therapist when you’ve got a good lake?

In Tom Tykwer’s ‘90s classic Run Lola Run , the frantic title character races like a bat out of hell under the fairy-tale Oberbaumbrücke arches. And let’s not forget that orange-tiled subway near the trade-fairgrounds in western Berlin – it’s practically its own superstar with cameos in Atomic Blonde , the Hunger Games , the Bourne Supremacy and other celluloid faves.

Berlin is a shapeshifter too! It played Moscow and Paris in the killer hit Queen’s Gambit , with scenes filmed on Karl-Marx-Allee , the Hansa recording studios and Friedrichstadt-Palast .

4. Explore Berlin’s awesome street art

Art is not confined to museums in Berlin. The city’s punk spirit and Peter Pan personality have practically turned it into an urban canvas, from stickers on lampposts to massive murals by famous artists like Blu and JR.

For a crash-course on the scene, key players and styles, check out the Urban Nation Museum on Bülowstrasse. In fact, the entire area has of late exploded into a “West Side Gallery”. Street art icons like Shephard Fairey, Herakut, D*Face and Cyrcle have plastered entire facades with paintings from psychedelic to political; smaller pieces lurk in unexpected places. If you’re pressed for time, at least check some of them out on the fly during a ride on the U1 elevated train (between Bülowstrasse and Nollendorfplatz stations).

Of course, the motherlode of open-air art is still the East Side Gallery – that iconic 1.3km-long surviving stretch of Berlin Wall facing the Spree River. It stands proudly as a symbol of the peaceful revolution that led to German reunification. While here, also check out the latest creative outbursts decorating the nearby RAW Gelände , a former train repair compound turned wild party and culture playground. But go quickly – it’s slated for development!

Local tip: The more famous East Side Gallery paintings are near the Ostbahnhof end. Pick up some snacks and a cold beverage in the station’s supermarkets to enjoy on the grassy strip between the Wall and the Spree River.

5. Push reset in the great outdoors

If you’re on mental overdrive after clocking yet another 25,000 steps exploring Berlin (or are just nursing a hangover from last night’s party), it’s time for a little outdoor R&R. Lucky for you, about half of this city is covered in free and fabulous parks and green spaces.

The best-known chill-spot is the Tiergarten , a massive park that’s practically a mini-forest in the heart of town. Romance seekers, take note: it’s full of tree-lined pathways, tranquil streams and even a cute beer garden-adjacent lake for taking your sweetie on a spin. If you fancy getting lost Hansel-and-Gretel-style on long aimless forest walks (minus the witch, of course), hit up the rambling Grunewald forest in the southwestern city.

Like your parks big but with things to do? Steer towards the Treptower Park/Plänterwald combo. Beer garden stops? Yup. Paddling on the Spree? Sure. And if you’re still craving a dose of sightseeing, the big and bold Soviet War Memorial beckons. And speaking of Soviet memorials, check out the “secret” one in Schönholzer Heide, a delightfully unruly and locally adored nature escape in northern Berlin.

This article was first published Jun 5, 2019 and updated Jul 29, 2023.

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25 Best Free Museums in Berlin

This post contains links which earn me a small commission at no cost to you.

Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Do

Everyone loves free, right? Luckily there are lots of free museums in Berlin where you can learn about history, appreciate art, or experience new things. Because not everything worthwhile has to cost money.

Lots of museums in Berlin have a free day, but I’ve put together this list of free Berlin museums to show you what you can visit with free entry any day of the week. Whether you’re on a budget or not, it’s always great to save a little money.

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin has lots of great neighborhoods for you to stay in and explore. If you’re visiting Berlin for the first time, it might be best for you stay somewhere central.

Many of the attractions are in Mitte or easily connected to Mitte by Berlin’s public transport , so you should stay somewhere in that region. Here are a few hotels we recommend.

BUDGET: Circus Hostel Popular hostel with a bar/brewery downstairs

MIDRANGE: Circus Hotel Centrally located near restaurants & transport

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Centrally located, can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Luxury hotel where you can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

APARTMENT: Adina Apartment Hotel Kitchenette; near grocery stores, shopping, Museum Island

For a more detailed look at the different neighborhoods and our hotel recommendations, check out our guide to where to stay in Berlin .

Or read my full review of the 25Hours Hotel in Charlottenburg with fantastic views of the Zoo and Tiergarten.

What you'll find here

Free Berlin Museums

Berlin has loads of amazing museums, including the world class UNESCO Museum Island complex of museums. But if you’re traveling in Berlin on a budget , you might be interested in some of the free museums in Berlin.

Map of Berlin Free Museums

Here are the Berlin free museums all on one handy map so you can more easily plan your trip.

Topography of Terror

A free museum you should definitely include on your Berlin itinerary , Topography of Terror sits on the location that was the headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS between 1933 and 1945. This is where persecution and killings of Nazi opponents were organized, and where the genocide of Jews, Roma, and Sinti was coordinated.

This powerful museum now serves as a place to remember history and warn us from repeating the terrors of the past, and it’s one of the best free museums in Berlin.

The indoor and outdoor exhibits here use photographs and documentation to tell visitors about the crimes that were organized here, plus there are excavation sites you can view through glass windows. Read my full guide to visiting Topography of Terror for more information and tips.

Opening hours: daily 10am – 8pm Location: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin

Palace of Tears

The Palace of Tears, or Tränenpalast in German, was used by the DDR dictatorship to control those who were crossing the border between the DDR and West Berlin. It was constructed in 1962 and is located at the Friedrichstraße train station.

Many people trying to cross here were forced by border guards to leave their families and friends as they were denied any access to the border. Today, the exhibits at this museum serve as a reminder of the separation of Germany and all the tears that were shed in connection with it.

For interesting free Berlin museums about the Cold War era, I highly recommend visiting the Palace of Tears Museum. Read more about visiting Tränenpalast .

Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 9am – 7pm; Saturday – Sunday 10am – 6pm; closed Monday Location: Reichstagufer 17, 10117 Berlin

Deutscher Dom at Gendarmenmarkt

The German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom in German) is located at Gendarmenmarkt and no longer operates as a church. Note: this is NOT the more famous Berliner Dom.

After being restored from WWII damage, the Berliner Dom reopened in 1992 as a free museum. Here you can see a German Parliament exhibition called “Milestones – Setbacks – Sidetracks” and admire the inside of this gorgeous building.

Opening hours: May – September, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 7pm; October – April, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm; all year, closed Monday Location: Gendarmenmarkt 1-2, 10117 Berlin

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, often referred to as the Berlin Holocaust Memorial , honors the large number of Jewish people who died at the hands of the Nazis. This is one of the most important World War II sights in Berlin , and it’s probably already on your Berlin bucket list .

The memorial consists of 2,710 concrete blocks of varying heights, and the ground they sit on is an uneven slope similar to a wave. It’s supposed to make you feel uneasy.

The information center is a free museum inside and showcases letters, diaries, photographs, and biographies of the victims to help personalize the experience.

The outside section is open 24/7, but note the opening times for the information center. Photography is allowed (no flash inside) but please be respectful. Do not sit on or climb on the cement slabs or take selfies. This is a place to reflect and remember those who were murdered.

Opening hours: Indoor museum: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm; closed Monday; Outdoor memorial: 24/7 Location: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin

Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse

The Berlin Wall is one of the biggest reminders of the Cold War. And the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial is one of the best places in Berlin to learn about Berlin Wall history. The open air museum, visitors center exhibits and films, and documentation center are all free to visit.

This 1.4km (0.87 mile) section of road has some of the last remaining pieces of the Berlin Wall . When the Wall went up, neighbors living on opposite sides of the street were suddenly torn apart as the Wall separated buildings on the East side of the street from those on the West.

Markers on the ground show where apartment buildings once stood, where escape tunnels were dug, and much more. Info placards tell stories of the time leading up to the Wall and during its existence.

Go to the viewing platform in the documentation center to see over the Wall into the former death strip, and watch the two short but excellent films in the visitors center. This is one of my favorite Cold War sights in Berlin .

Opening hours: Visitors center and Documentation center: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm; closed Monday; Outdoors: technically daily 8am to 10pm, but there are no gates Location: Location: Bernauer Str. 119, 13355 Berlin

Silent Heroes Memorial Center

This free Berlin museum remembers the Jewish people who resisted persecution before and during World War II and those who helped them. The exhibit shows the plight of those who faced deportation and worse, and how they decided to go underground in order to resist.

Learn about their living conditions and how people tried to help them, including both successful and failed attempts.

The Silent Heroes Memorial is actually part of a bigger memorial center called the German Resistance Memorial Center, which honors many who resisted the Nazi rule. The center’s location is also significant as it is the historic site of the attempted coup of July 20, 1944.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday – Sunday 10am – 6pm Location: Stauffenbergstraße 13-14, 10785 Berlin

>>Read: 33 Cheap Things to do in Berlin

Museum Blindenwekstatt Otto Weidt

During World War II, Otto Weidt ran a workshop making brooms and brushes, and many of his employees were blind and deaf Jews. When they were in danger, he used his shop to help keep them hidden from persecution and deportation.

This museum tells the story of Otto Weidt and his workshop. There are so many good free Berlin museums about events during World War II, and this is definitely one of them.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday – Sunday 10am – 6pm Location: Rosenthaler Str. 39, 10178 Berlin

Allied Museum

The Allied Museum, or Alliiertenmuseum in German, is a museum in southwest Berlin that tells the history of the Western Allies in Germany and in Berlin. You’ll see documents and memorabilia, as well as the British Hastings aircraft and a section of the British-American spy tunnel.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm; closed Monday Location: Clayallee 135, 14195 Berlin

Museum in der Kulturbrauerei

Kulturbrauerei is a former brewery in Prenzlauer Berg that now holds a movie theater, a few shops, a club, and more, and events are held in its large courtyard.

There’s also a free museum here dedicated to every day life in communist East Germany during the 1970s and 1980s. It’s a great place to go to get a clearer picture of what people dealt with during that time.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday – Sunday 10am – 6pm Location: Knaackstraße 97, 10435 Berlin

Museum Berlin-Karlshorst

This museum is in the building where Germany signed their unconditional surrender in front of representatives of Russia, the US, the UK, and France on the night of May 8-9, 1945. Aside from its significant location, the museum documents World War II on the eastern front.

The surrender that took place here was the ceremonial recognition of complete defeat and victory over Hilter’s regime. The Museum Berlin-Karlshorst (formerly called the German Russian Museum) isn’t so centrally located, but it’s a significant place to visit for World War II history and one of many free museums in Berlin.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm; closed Monday Location: Zwieseler Str. 4, 10318 Berlin

House of the Wannsee Conference

In the southwest corner of the city on the banks of the Wannsee lake lies another excellent free museum in Berlin. This luxury villa was the location of the infamous Wannsee Conference on January 20, 1942. Nazi government officials met to discuss the so-called “Final Solution to the Jewish Question” here.

Today this location serves as a museum documenting this awful meeting and how their plan was put into action. It’s also a Holocaust memorial where you can learn about the genocide of the Jewish population.

Opening hours: daily 10am – 6pm Location: Am Großen Wannsee 56-58, 14109 Berlin

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Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Urban Nation: Museum for Urban Contemporary Art

If you’re looking for free art exhibitions, Berlin is well known for its street art scene. Urban Nation was developed to focus on street art and urban art, and even the building’s facade is an ever-changing piece of street art.

This is a free entrance museum in Berlin, but they also offer guided tours and workshops for a fee. If you’re interested in street art, check out this fantastic free museum in Berlin. Read more about visiting Urban Nation street art museum .

Opening hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 10am – 6pm; Thursday – Sunday 12 noon – 8pm; closed Monday Location: Bülowstraße 7, 10783 Berlin

Palais Populaire

Housed in the former residence of Prussian princesses, Palais Populaire is one of the few free galleries in Berlin, focusing on art, culture, and sports. This museum is free, and they often have free guided tours.

Exhibits are wide ranging and include literature, music, sports parkour, performance, and dance, as well as exhibitions from the Deutsche Bank Collection, and other exhibits from partners and private collections.

Opening hours: Wednesday and Friday – Monday 11am – 6pm; Thursday 11am – 9pm; closed Tuesday Location: Unter den Linden 5, 10117 Berlin

Reichstag Building free tour

The Reichstag Building is where the German Parliament meets, and it’s one of the most famous landmarks in Berlin . It isn’t exactly one of the free museums in Berlin, but the exhibit you can see in the glass dome on the free tour is like a museum.

The audio guide tells you all about the history of the building, interesting facts about Germany and the government, and points out some of the surroundings you can see from the dome.

You must register ahead of time for the tour. Occasionally you can snag a last minute spot if someone cancels, but I wouldn’t count on that. Read my full guide on how to book the Reichstag tour , even last minute.

This is one of the most popular free things to do in Berlin , so plan ahead. Often they are booked up several weeks in advance.

Opening hours: varies, see registration site for more info Location: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin

Humboldt Forum

The Humboldt Forum just opened in 2021, and it’s quite impressive. While some special exhibits require a ticket, the permanent exhibits are free. Housed in the rebuilt Berlin Palace, this free museum mostly focuses on art and culture.

Note that even some of the free exhibits still require booking an advanced timed ticket. Be sure to check out the outside of the building and wander through the gorgeous courtyard.

The roof terrace offers excellent views of Berlin , but it costs 3 euros.

Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10:30am – 6:30pm; closed Tuesday Location: Schloßpl. 1, 10178 Berlin

Jewish Museum

The Berlin Jewish Museum tells the stories of Jewish people in Germany from the Middle Ages to present day. The whole museum, inside and out, is designed to be part of the experience of learning about the diverse Jewish culture and the gaps made by the Holocaust.

You can explore three different sections of the museum that teach about different aspects of Jewish life, culture, and history in Germany. The museum uses a lot of symbolism, which makes this creative space more impactful. For example, in one area, uneven ground conveys a feeling of uncertainty.

This is a fantastic free museum in Berlin if you’re interested in the history of the Jewish people in Germany.

Opening hours: daily 10am – 7pm Location: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin

David Hasselhoff Museum

If you’re looking for something quirky to do in Berlin , stop by the David Hasselhoff Museum. It’s a little cheesy, and calling it a museum might be an overstatement. But it’s unique, quirky, and interesting nevertheless.

In the basement of the Circus Hostel , near the bar area, you’ll find the Hoff Museum with some photos and memorabilia honoring the singer/actor. Who is American, not German, in case you didn’t know.

This is a free museum, but I recommend staying for a beer or two. The bar also brews their own beer, and it’s quite tasty.

Opening hours: daily 7pm to midnight (these are the bar/brewery hours) Location: Weinbergsweg 1A, 10119 Berlin

The Futurium is a free Berlin museum that focuses on what the future might look like and how all possible outcomes are the result of our decisions and actions. One section focuses on different possibilities for the future, and another section encourages discussion about various topics relating to the future. The third section is where visitors can play around with things like future tech and their own inventions.

In addition to the interesting things inside the museum, the building itself is almost zero energy. This is due to its solar panels on the roof and a rainwater utilization system.

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday – Sunday 10am – 6pm; Thursday 10am – 8pm; closed Tuesdays Location: Alexanderufer 2, 10117 Berlin

Nazi Forced Labor Documentation Centre

The Nazi Forced Labor Documentation Center in the Schöneweide neighborhood is the location of a former forced labor camp. This is just one of over 3,000 that once existed in the Berlin area.

In the exhibition spaces and in the air raid shelter, you can view inscriptions, letters, and biographies of the people who were imprisoned at this labor camp. You can also tour some of the barracks, view the living conditions, and learn about the every day lives of the prisoners.

Free public guided tours are available on Sundays at 11am in English, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm in German.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm; closed Monday Location: Britzer Str. 5, 12439 Berlin

Papestrasse SA Prison Memorial

For much of 1933, this location was a concentration camp run by the SA Field Police. This former SA prison is the only place remaining with traces of the terrors of the Nazis from as early as 1933.

Here the SA (Sturmabteilung, or Storm Troopers) imprisoned, interrogated, and tortured political opponents, Jews and other groups persecuted by the Nazi regime. The names of almost 500 prisoners are known, but it is believed that the number is much higher.

At this free museum, you can see exhibits documenting the history of this former prison. It also serves as a memorial to those who suffered here.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday – Sunday, 1pm – 6pm; closed Monday and Friday Location: Werner-Voß-Damm 54A, 12101 Berlin

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Not only did tens of thousands of people die here, but this concentration camp was the headquarters of the whole concentration camp system. Even after the Nazis were defeated and World War II ended, the Soviets used Sachsenhausen as a camp for their own political enemies, and thousands more died over the next five years.

Though this is a somber site, it’s important to learn about those who suffered and died here. It’s not actually in Berlin, but it’s one of the more popular places to visit from Berlin since it’s such an important site.

Entrance is free, and you can reach the concentration camp using public transport as long as you have a ticket that covers zone C. Otherwise consider taking a guided tour like this one to enrich your experience: Sachsenhausen Memorial Half-Day Tour From Berlin .

For more details and directions, read my guide for how to get from Berlin to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp .

Opening hours: daily 8:30am – 5pm; outdoor area is open until 6pm Location: Str. d. Nationen 22, 16515 Oranienburg

Access to Secrecy Stasi Exhibit

The well known Stasi Museum charges an entry fee, but next door you can visit the Access to Secrecy exhibit for free. Both are in the building that was the Stasi headquarters in East Berlin, and this free exhibit uses stories of individuals to explain the impact these records could have.

This exhibition examines the significance of the Stasi Records Archive, including the significance it has today. Learn why and how did the Stasi stored and processed so much information, why the files still exist today, and what kinds of information they contain.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm; Saturday – Sunday 11am – 6pm Location: Ruschestraße 103, Haus 7, 10365 Berlin

Military History Museum

The Bundeswehr Military History Museum is another free museum in Berlin with an interesting location. It was founded in 1987, while Berlin was still split into East and West, and since 1995, it has been located at the former British military airfield at Berlin-Gatow. Though Tempelhof Airport is more famous for being the hub of the Air Bridge (Luftbrücke in German), many airplanes also took off and landed here during the Berlin Blockade 1948/49.

This museum focuses on air warfare and the history of Germany’s Air Force. You can see airplanes, helicopters, radar and air defense systems on the open air field here and learn about the development of military aviation during the Cold War. There are also exhibits in a few of the hangars and in the tower building.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm; closed Monday Location: Am Flugplatz Gatow 33, 14089 Berlin

Free museum Sundays

Aside from all of these wonderful free museums in Berlin, if you’re visiting on the first Sunday of the month, you can visit dozens and dozens of museums across Berlin for free.

It’s a free museum day in Berlin, and it even includes the most popular museums such as the ones on Museum Island .

Many of them require advance booking so plan ahead. Check the list here .

Book a tour for your trip to Berlin

• Third Reich Berlin Walking Tour – Hitler and WWII
• Berlin TV Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully list of free museums in Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

Related Posts

What to do in Berlin on Monday: 25+ Museums & More

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Free Things to Do in Berlin

This post provides ideas to enjoy Berlin absolutely for free, with a few almost free ideas mixed in.  

Berlin is a great city, and what's best, is that you can enjoy it on whatever budget and at whatever pace you choose.  

Brandenburg Gate

This monumental ceremonial gate was modeled after the “Propylaea”, the ancient entrance gate to the Acropolis in Athens.

It's 26 meters (85 feet) in height by 65 meters (215 feet) in width and is supported by 6 doric columns on both fronts.

It's topped by a quadriga with the goddess of victory, Victoria, holding the German cross.

It's a must-see landmark and is arguably the icon of Berlin, and we have a post that explains the monument in fuller detail .

The Berlin Wall Memorial

This moving memorial honors the victims of the GDR regime, stretching over 1.4 kilometers (roughly 1 mile) of the Berlin Wall's foundations.

The memorial and its documentation center detail the various ways by which its citizens sought to flee, including tunnels and, in particular, jumping from windows and roofs on Bernauer Strasse.

The memorial also explains the various methods used by the GDR, the East German regime, to keep its citizens from fleeing.

It is a completely free memorial and should be the first stop for anyone interested in Berlin's divided past.

Read our post covering the highlights of this memorial .

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is not an art gallery, but rather a 1.3 km (.8 mile) section of the Berlin Wall.

This outdoor 'art gallery' runs alongside Mühlenstraße and the Ostbahnhof, close to the Spree.

There are over 100 murals created by artists from 21 countries, reflecting the political changes in Germany and the world at that time. 

Visit The Reichstag Building

This is certainly a must-see for visitors to Berlin, and there are a few things that you can do here.

Most people come to visit the glass dome, designed by Sir Norman Forster. Not only do you get great views of Berlin, but you can also get a bird's eye view of the Bundestag, the German parliament, in action.

You can age a guided tour of the building, and even sit in on a parliamentary session.

All three options are free of charge, but you must book appointments online beforehand.

Read our post on getting tickets to the Reichstag ).  

The Memorial to the Murder Jews of Europe

Commonly known as the Holocaust Memorial , this is one of the most unique and impressive monuments in Berlin.

Dedicated to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, the monument consists of 2711 concrete blocks arranged in labyrinth-like rows.

There is also an information center, and an underground museum, with exhibits that tell the stories of the victims through artifacts and audio and video media.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the most well-known crossing point in Berlin, linking what was communist East Berlin before 1990 and the American-controlled sector of democratic West Berlin.

There is a free replica of the Checkpoint Charlie border station house on-site.

You'll also notice the iconic billboard warning people that they are about to leave or enter the American Sector.

Read our post on visiting Checkpoint Charlie and its accompanying museum.

Allied Museum (Alliiertenmuseum)

The Allied Museum is a museum that documents the Western Allies' political and military activities in Germany, particularly in Berlin.

The emphasis is on the Cold War era and the contributions of allies to liberating and their roles in administering Berlin between 1945 and 1994.

Willys MB jeeps, Handley Page's Hastings, a French military train, and a spy tunnel from West to East Berlin are among the popular exhibits.

And check out our post on the best 60 museums in Berlin , many of which are free like the Allied Museum.

Walk Along the Spree River

The Spree River, or the River Spree, cuts across the center of the city and is a lovely walk with beautiful views both day and night.

It flows past Schloss Charlottenburg, the Tiergarten, the Reichstag, Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral, the TV Tower, the Humbolt Forum, and Treptower Park, just to name a few.

And all along its pathways, there are plenty of places to sit down, including a few "beach bars", where you could grab a drink and enjoy the views.

Nikolaiviertel

This neighborhood was reconstructed in the 1980s. It consists of both original buildings and reconstructions of Middle Ages structures.

The area is part of the original settlement of Berlin but was mostly destroyed by Allied bombings in the Second World War.

The Nikolaikirche/St. Nicholas Church is located in the heart of this neighborhood (G). The foundations of Berlin's oldest church date back to 1230. It is now a museum.

There are a few small museums, cafés and restaurants, and artsy shops in the Nikolaiviertel.

The Soviet War Memorial

This monument is located outside the tourist center in Treptower Park but is worth the visit if you have an interest in Berlin and the Second World War.  

It commemorates the 5000 Soviet soldiers that died during the Battle of Berlin at the end of WWII.

By Drrcs15 (Own work) [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

The impressively large monument is rumored to be at least partly constructed from red marble removed from Hitler’s New Reich chancellery.

It includes a 13m (42 ft) tall statue of a Soviet soldier holding a child and a conquering sword.

Walk Unter den Linden

Unter den Linden is a boulevard whose name translates to "Under the Linden Trees" (or lime trees), which once again line its path.

It connects the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Cathedral, and the Berlin Palace/Humboldt Forum, and has many important buildings and squares along its path.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

During the war, this concentration and forced labor camp interned over 200,000 people, including prisoners of war, Jews, Roma, homosexuals, and anyone else considered "inferior" by the Nazis.

Thousands upon thousands of people were killed there.

This location is not technically inside Berlin, but it's reachable by Berlin's public transit. It is free, but donations are accepted.

We have a post with tips on visiting Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp , including tours.

Hitler's Bunker

It is now a parking lot surrounded by unremarkable residential apartment buildings.

However, there was one entrance to Hitler's former bunker, known as the "Führerbunker" ("Leader's bunker"), beneath the parking lot.

There is no museum and there certainly is no memorial. There is simply a plaque mostly conveying the technical details of the bunker.

We have a post with details on how to get here as well as a virtual tour .

Humbolt Forum (Berliner Schloss)

The motto of the Humbolt Forum is to be a place for culture, science, and the exchange of ideas.

It's housed in a mostly reconstruction of the 18th century Berliner Schloss (Berlin Palace), once the seat of the Hohenzollern dynasty.

There are several free things to experience here, including exhibits of the Ethnological Collections and Asian Art museums.

There is also a free and fascinating exhibit in the cellar of the building, where you can see remains of the previous palace and its related structures.

Lastly, there is a rooftop terrace where you could get pleasant views of Unter den Linden, the Berliner Dom, and Museum Island.

Tempelhof Field (Tempelhofer Feld)

Near the heart of Berlin ( map ) is the decommissioned airport known as Tempelhof, which was shut down in 2008. It consists of airport buildings and runways.

Where the runways used to service the planes used in the Berlin Airlift, is today a sizable recreational park, where you can observe bikers, skateboarders, windsurfers, and people having picnics on sunny days.

It's a great place to meet locals.

Palace of Tears (The Tränenpalast)

The Palace of Tears, a former border crossing between East and West Berlin, was situated at the Berlin Friedrichstraße station between 1962 and 1989.

It now functions as a museum showing Berlin during the Cold War and telling the tale of the German reunification process.

Bebelplatz "Bibliotek"

Just off of Unter den Linden is a public square, which was once a site of the Nazi book-burning events.

“ Bibliotek .” It is an example of a "counter-memorial," a contemporary method of commemorating a loss or absence on the landscape.

Rather than a statue or plaque, a massive underground library is complete with 20,000 empty bookshelves.

An accompanying plaque bears a chilling and prophetic quote from Heinrich Heine's 1821 play Almansor: "That was only a prelude; where they burn books, they will eventually burn people."

Topography of Terror

This free museum and memorial stand on the site of the former SS Reich Security Main Office and the Gestapo and SS Headquarters, near a small length of the original Berlin Wall.

There is a massive open-air museum as well as an indoor one. 

The permanent exhibit covers three areas: 

• 1) the rise, chilling result of, and eventual fall of Nazism
• 2) the propaganda employed by the Nazis
• 3) an overview of the site in its prewar form and its conversion after. It also includes special exhibits.

For those interested in the history of Berlin in the 20th century, this is a must-see. 

There are display boards full of information and photographs, all telling the stories of people who lived through one of the darkest times in history.

German Resistance Memorial Center (Gedenkstätte Deutscher Widerstand)

The German Resistance Memorial Center facilitates active learning, political studies, documentation, and research.

The center's exhibits all primarily focus on the resistance to National Socialism.

The center's mission is to show how individuals and groups used their freedom of action to oppose the National Socialist dictatorship from 1933 to 1945.

Kulturbrauerei - Everyday Life in the GDR

The Kulturbrauerei (Culture Brewery) is a cultural and performing arts space on the grounds of a former brewery in the Prenzlauerberg District of Berlin.

One of the buildings is the Museum of Kulturbrauerei, which is a contemporary German history museum.

Its permanent exhibit, Everyday Life in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) focuses on the everyday life of the citizens of East Germany.

This museum is a great free alternative to the DDR Museum next to Museum Island.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

The bombed-out spire of an 1890s-era church - the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche) - is one of the most unexpected features of the busy landscape of central Berlin.

Finished in 1895 to honor the first German Emperor, the church was designed in a Neo-Romanesque style and featured a tall, narrow 113-meter spire.

It now stands as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, as well as a testament to Berlin's - and Germany's - determination to rebuild after World War II without forgetting the Holocaust and the violence of war.

Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind

Otto Weidt ran a broom and brush workshop, primarily employing blind and deaf Jews.

The museum tells the story of how he worked to protect these people from the Nazi regime.

He did so by providing them with false documents, hiding them in his shop, and even rescuing workers who had been taken to ghettos or extermination camps.

The museum is located on the site of his former shop and contains photographs, personal documents, stories about his employees, and other items.

Free Museums

The Germans are quite a cultured people. They want you to be cultured too.  

The city offers a huge range of free museums. Click here for a complete listing of all the free museums in Berlin .

Flea Markets

Berlin often forgets to act like a northern European city and instead engages in the fabulous Mediterranean tradition of open-air markets.

Berlin offers a huge variety of flea markets all around the city that are open on Sundays, conveniently when most of the other shops here are closed.  

Some of the best flea markets around the city are located in Mauer Park (also a great place for buskers, beer, and karaoke),

Klunkerkranich (a rooftop community garden, bar, and weekend flea market), the Turkish Market at Maybachufer (Tuesdays and Fridays), and RAW (located in a cool old abandoned railway yard).  

Read our post on the best Berlin Flea Markets .

Enjoy one of Berlin’s many green spaces while partaking in a typical Berlin tradition.  

Grab a cheap beer from a Späti (an all-hours convenient store) and drink in the park.

You'll be watching Frisbee fanatics, busking musicians, and picnicking families all come together to appreciate green open space in a busy city.  

The best park to check out are:

Mauerpark (video above), where you can try your hand at one of the largest outdoor karaoke events at the theatre pit.

Gorlizter Park is where you can sit in the Crater and observe all the interesting characters that Kreuzberg (the coolest neighbourhood in Berlin) draws.

Or take a walk around Tiergarten , one of Europe’s largest parks and home to small lakes, memorials, and secluded picnic spots;

Check out the Zoo

You can see some animals and save the Berlin Zoo's entrance fee.

Just walk around the edge of Tiergarten and catch glimpses of animals that reside in Berlin’s most famous zoo.  

You could also walk into Berlin’s most unique shopping center, Bikini Berlin, and grab a coffee at the center of the mall.

Between the art stores and racks of designer clothes , you can watch the monkeys of Berlin run around through a window viewing area that opens to the Zoo.

Go Swimming

Berlin may be landlocked but this does not stop the Berliners from enjoying a retreat from the city on the weekends with a swimsuit and a backpack full of beer.  

Berlin offers a wide range of lakes that surround the city, and often in the summer these coveted spots get quite busy.  

Hop on a train and head 30 minutes west of the city to Schlachtensee.  

Walk through the serene forest and find an empty spot along the bank of the lake and jump in.  

If this spot seems too busy for you, head to the nearby Krumme Lanke, Schlachtensee’s smaller and less touristy sister.

Tegelersee in the north by Tegel Airport offers row boats for hire and Wannsee in the west boasts a more traditional beach atmosphere.  

Take a Free Bus Tour on the 100 Bus

Berlin's public bus routes 100 and 200 are a dream come true for budget travelers.

Both bus routes stop in front of (or within easy walking distance of) many of Berlin's most popular attractions, though the 100 is the most relevant.

If you don't mind skipping live or recorded tourist commentary, you can save a lot of money and see a lot of attractions with this handy self-made hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

Take a Free Walking Tour

Learn about the history of Berlin with a locally written self-guided tour of Berlin .

Hear the stories of the tumultuous history of this city with guides who are passionate about what they do.  

Get insider tips and find out the best spots to check out in the city (in addition to this list of course!).

The tours are technically free, and they operate on a voluntary pay-what-you-like or what-you-could-afford model.  

Check out our full selection of free Berlin tours .

Watch the Swans

If swimming isn’t your thing then head to Berlin’s famous canals and watch the beautiful swans swim instead.  

A favorite spot for Berliners is Admiralbrücke, a short walk from the busy and grungy Kottbusser Tor.  

Here you can find buskers, runners, and picnickers along the waterway, watching the boats and the swans as the sun slowly sets over Berlin.  

After resting for a bit, be sure to walk around Kreuzberg and see all the street art and graffiti that make Berlin a famous haven for artists and squatters alike.  

Free guided tours of this area focusing on graffiti, squats, and cool bars provide you with the best way to see the alternative side of Berlin.

Read a Book

Travelling and finished all of your books already? Not too comfortable reading German just yet?

Not a problem! Berlin has many great English bookstores.  

Dussmans by Friedrichstrasse train station offers one of the largest English sections in the city.  

They also have chairs and comfy coves to read and flip through books if you don’t have any space left in your suitcase to bring them home.  

If you are on a budget and don’t mind books with a little bit of history to them, head down to some of Berlin’s great used bookstores.

Our favorites include St. Georges in Prenzlauer Berg, Another Country in Kreuzberg, and Curious Fox Books in Neükolln.

Hear Some Classical Music

Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1 ( map )

Every Tuesday at 1 pm the foyer of the famous Berliner Philharmonie fills up with classical music fans for a free lunchtime concert.  

The concert lasts about 45 minutes and invites you to take refuge from busy sightseeing and treat your ears with musical offerings from members of the Berlin Philharmonic, the Orchestra Academy, and also musicians and students from the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester.

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Free Entry!

Most memorials and regional museums as well as some historical museums and collections are free of charge. Some museums offer free admission on special days or on special occasions. You can find out which institutions these are in our overview here.

Status: May 2024

Admission Free

Most memorials and regional museums as well as some historical museums and collections are free to visit. Some museums offer free admission on special days or on certain occasions. If you want to know, which institutions provide free entry in general, browse the selection here .

Admission Free on Special Days

Some Berlin museums offer free entry once a week or once a month:

• KW Institute for Contemporary Art : every Thursday, 6 to 9 pm
• Neue Nationalgalerie : every Thursday, 4 to 8 pm (as part of Volkswagen Art4All)

Free admission on Museum Sunday

Museum Sunday grants free admission to over 70 Berlin museums on the first Sunday of each month. All participating houses, dates and further information can be found here .

Free admission for children and young people

Children have free admission to many of Berlin's museums. For children up to the age of six, the visit is free almost everywhere. Museums often offer family tickets as well. Young people under 18 can visit all Staatliche Museen , all Landesmuseen ( Berlinische Galerie , Bröhan-Museum , Deutsches Technikmuseum and all houses of the Stadtmuseum ) and the following museums for free:

• Akademie der Künste (at Pariser Platz and at Hanseatenweg )
• Bröhan-Museum
• Brücke-Museum
• Deutsches Historisches Museum
• Deutsche Kinemathek
• Domäne Dahlem
• Georg Kolbe Museum
• Gropius Bau
• Haus am Waldsee
• Humboldt Forum
• Jewish Museum Berlin
• Käthe-Kollwitz-Museum
• KW Institute for Contemporary Art
• Kunsthaus Dahlem
• Museum Barberini
• Museum für Kommunikation Berlin
• Museum of Musical Instruments
• Liebermann-Villa at Wannsee
• Stiftung Kunstforum Berliner Volksbank
• Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge

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17 Best Free Things To Do In Berlin

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 10, 2022 | Europe , Germany , Travel Tips

Wondering what to do in Berlin for free ? Take a look at the following free things to do in Berlin so that you can make the most of your time there without spending too much.

There is a variety of reasons why I consider Berlin one of the best cities in the world, and why I feel a sting of jealousy every time somebody mentions they’re going there – or worse, moving to this beautiful city! 

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Check Prices

Germany is not an expensive country overall, but it’s especially affordable in and around Berlin. A vacation in Berlin is likely to be cheaper than in any other big tourist city in Europe, and the same goes for living there as well. And even so, there are many things you can do for free.

Berlin is also the perfect destination for solo travelers (read more about solo travel in Berlin ). A true budget traveler’s dream! Keep reading to learn how to travel to Berlin on a budget!

You can also discover Berlin culture by doing a self-guided tour . This would be a great way to explore this beautiful city. If you’re planning on spending 2 days in Berlin , read this Berlin itinerary . Need help deciding how long to stay? Read our guide to help you decide how many days to spend in Berlin .

Walk Along The Scenic Unter Den Linden

Unter den Linden is maybe the most beautiful boulevard in the city. It stretches from east to west, from the Museum Island to the Brandenburg Gate. (Though I like to “lengthen it” a bit when telling people about it, and say it begins at the Alexanderplatz, which is not really untrue as it’s the same boulevard with a different name.)

It’s especially nice in spring and summer because it really is what the name suggests: a street “under the linden trees”.

Walking along, you’ll see the Humboldt University, the Neue Wache (New Guardhouse), the neoclassical building that serves as the “Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Victims of War and Dictatorship”, the State Opera, and various embassies.

Take A Selfie In Front Of The Brandenburg Gate

Your walk along Unter den Linden will bring you to Pariser Platz , a square where the Brandenburg Gate is situated, along with some embassies and the Adlon Hotel, where Michael Jackson infamously showed his baby daughter by dangling her from the balcony.

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the best-known symbols not only of Berlin but Germany as well. It was built on the site of a former city gate, and today is a super popular tourist place.

Visit The Lovely Reichstag Dome

Not far from the Brandenburg Gate is the building of the German Parliament—the Reichstag. Its huge glass dome is open to the public and offers some of the best views of Mitte, central Berlin district.

The visit is completely free of charge, but you have to register online in advance for the specific time and date.

It is also possible to enter without registration, but in that case, you would have to rely on any visitors who might not show up and wait at least two hours, so it might be a good idea to reserve your spot!  Read more about how to visit the Reichstag .

Pay Respect At The Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe

If you come from Unter den Linden and upon passing under the Brandenburg Gate you turn left (the Reichstag is on the right!), after a short walk you will reach a monument made out of giant concrete blocks— 2,711 of them, to be exact.

This is actually the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

I have a love-hate relationship with this monument. It is beautiful and its quirky looks, somehow always make people jump from block to block, run around and take selfies and goofy pictures.

A place that should remind us all of the horrors the Jews suffered somehow becomes a perfect background for a profile photo. And it does remind us if you allow yourself: the blocks are uneven in size and the ground is sloppy, so if you get lost in the labyrinth, you will be faced with an unpleasant feeling.

That was what the architect Peter Eisenman had in mind when creating the Memorial: how to recreate the uneasy, confusing atmosphere.

Staying in Berlin?

Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Berlin. Best hostel: The Circus Hostel Best mid-range hotel: Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Best luxury hotel: The Mandala Hotel

Learn About History At The Topography Of Terror

If you’re up for a history lesson, check out the Topographie des Terrors (Topography of Terror). The Topography is an outdoor and indoor museum, on the site where the headquarters of the Gestapo during the Nazi regime.

The entrance is free, with the outdoor museum, naturally, being accessible even after the closing of the indoor one. There are three permanent exhibitions: on the crimes by the police during the Nazi regime, on the capital Berlin during the Third Reich, and the history of the site itself.

Learn A Lot At The Berlin Wall Memorial

I found the Berlin Wall Memorial by a mere accident but loved it so much that I had to come back.

For those who aren’t quite sure about the whole Wall thing, here’s a brief explanation: after WWII Germany was divided between Russia (East), USA, UK and France (West), Brandenburg state “belonging” to Russia.

Berlin is a separate city-state inside of the Brandenburg state area, so it was also divided between the East and the West. While West was going through rapid progress, the East was poor and under a very strict socialist regime, which caused people from the East to flee to the West.

To prevent this, a wall was built in Berlin in the sixties. To learn more about this super interesting and heavy period of the Berlin history, you must watch The Lives of Others if you haven’t watched it already.

The erection of the Wall literally separated neighbors and relatives, and there was no way to just casually pass from one side to the other. Even windows were bricked at some point to stop people from going out and probably fleeing!

Those who tried to climb the wall were brutally murdered.

The Berlin Wall Memorial is an interactive exhibition scattered around Bernauerstrasse that will offer you a glimpse into the lives of common people separated by the Wall.

Take A Photo At The Famous East Side Gallery

The Wall was eventually taken down in 1989, and its official demolition started the year after.

Now there are remnants of it around the city, and its longest remaining stretch along the river Spree (1316 m!) has turned into a gallery and an “international memorial for freedom”.

After the fall of the Wall, artists from around the world gathered to make this stretch a piece of art, or more accurately, 105 pieces.

The pieces are provoking, inspiring, interesting or just lovely. And they make good photos too!

Walk On A Runway At Tempelhof

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to walk on an airplane runway, you can experience it in Berlin.

Even if you haven’t, though, Tempelhof, the park that used to be an airport, is a great place for chilling, walking, jogging, flying kites, riding bicycles, skateboarding… or even barbecuing!

Yes, there is a designated place in the park for a barbecue, as well as areas where dogs can run free. It’s a lovely place to spend a free afternoon, especially in sunny weather.

Enjoy A Park

On a similar note: Berlin is full of parks, and a lot of locals opt for picnics in one of them, so why shouldn’t you? Tiergarten is the largest park and it stretches through a large portion of the city; it has open spaces, a lake, and even the Berlin Zoo.

Treptower Park (Alt Treptow) is said to have some of the best running and biking options, and it also hosts the impressive Russian War Memorial.

If you visit Viktoria Park in Kreuzberg, you might see a waterfall, and you can climb to the top of the park and enjoy the view of Berlin’s skyline.

Görlitzerpark, also in Kreuzberg, is especially lively with the Turkish families enjoying a barbecue.

Admire The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

If you see this church and think it is unfinished, you’re only partially right. It’s not whole, that’s for sure; it was bombed in 1945 and severely damaged.

The new church was built between 1959 and 1963, and the damaged spire of the old church has been retained. The church is today a famous landmark of Berlin, and the locals nicknamed it “the hollow tooth”.

Sing Publicly At Mauerpark Karaoke

Mauerpark is perhaps the most lively place in Berlin.

It’s a park just next to the remnants of the Wall, and on Sunday it hosts a famous flea market where you can get everything from second-hand clothes to old cameras to toys to art pieces to handcrafted jewelry to century-old photos of Berlin to someone’s photo albums to furniture… you get the picture.

But since we’re listing things to do for free in Berlin, you can just roam and have fun! The same place hosts the always-busy karaoke that is just the nicest karaoke ever.

However the performers sing, they’ll always be greeted with an immense amount of support and cheering that it’s beautiful to watch!

Listen To Classical Music At The Berlin Philharmonic

Every Tuesday at 1 PM there is a free concert in the main foyer of the Berlin Philharmonie. The concerts are called “lunchtime concerts” and offer many fans of classical music the experience of great chamber music.

Apart from these regular free lunchtime concerts, there are others at the same venue from time to time, so make sure to check the schedule , you might find something.

Have A Local Experience On A Lake

Of course, this is only applicable during the summer, but it’s basically where the whole of Berlin moves during the day! Berlin has more than 30 lakes nearby suitable for swimming and sunbathing—some of them even for nudists (Plötzensee, Wansee).

Hop on the local railway or S Bahn and opt for Schlachtensee, Wansee and Tegeler See.

See What It Looks Like To Grow Veggies In The Prinzessinnengarten

You don’t have to have a yard to grow your vegetables in Berlin. Not even a balcony! Those who like to know where their plants come from and require more space than a flowerpot can grow their veggies and herbs in Prinzesinnengarten in Kreuzberg.

A former wasteland turned into a commonplace where people grow things and learn about organic food production. There’s also a café, with a kitchen offering lunch and dinner, made from fresh produce from the garden, meaning it’s always vegetarian.

If you’re only visiting the city and don’t want to grow anything, you can just take a walk around the garden and relax from the bustling city.

Enjoy A Boat Cruise In Berlin

This item comes with a catch: namely, the ride is only free if it’s your birthday. If you do happen to be in Berlin on your birthday, I would highly recommend the cruise as it’s a beautiful way to see the city and take some great photos.

This company is proven to offer free cruises, but feel free to check others as well.

Berlin Extra Tips- Because You Deserve Them! Get your Berlin WelcomeCard to save on public transportation and get extra discounts – Check the price! Go on a day trip at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp (I’ve been there a long time ago, and it was absolutely worth my time!) – Check the price!

Participate In A Walking Tour

There are amazing walking tours in Berlin: some cover the historical center, some focus on history, others on street art and Berlin subcultures.

The guides are well-informed, communicative and funny, so each walking tour is actually a great way to get to know the city.

But while these tours are technically free, you are expected to tip the guide if you liked it. As I said, the guides are really good, so the chances you’ll like the tour are quite high.

Visit A Bustling Street-Food Market

Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg is a large indoor produce market throughout the week and it transforms into a great street food market on Thursday afternoons.

Featuring Chinese, Taiwanese, Italian, Thai, Colombian, Spanish, Turkish… food, along with cheeses, wines, meat, vegan cakes that make your mouth water… this is a great place for people-watching, seeing what’s popular in each national cuisine, but let’s be honest, for eating too. 

Author: Tihana Smiljanic, of Wandering Polka Dot

A twenty-something girl in love with travel, writing, dogs, coffee and ice cream. If not scribbling away for her blog, you will find her wandering the streets of random towns and falling in love with them. They say home is where your heart is – in that case, she’s got a home in a lot of corners of the world.

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41 Free Things To Do In Berlin – Travel Berlin On A Budget

Originally posted on October 14, 2017 @ 1:17 pm

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is probably Europe’s most trending city right now. Especially famous for the great nightlife and hipster vibe, it’s a must-go destination for anyone visiting Germany.

And you know what’s the best part of it? It’s sooo much cheaper than other European capitals like London or Paris. There are plenty of free things to do in Berlin.

It’s a city that’s not only great for foodies and hipsters , it’s also insanely rich in history and filled with the most interesting corners and districts.

Whether you have to  travel Berlin on a budget or just like to do things that are free (cause who doesn’t?), you’ll be happy to know that I’ve found  41 Free Things To Do In Berlin which can keep you busy for days, if not weeks! Let’s dive right in, shall we?

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure page for more information.

Historical Sites

1. Dome of the Reichstag Building

The Reichstag building is one of the most important and historic buildings in Berlin. It was constructed to house the Imperial Diet (highest representative assembly) of the German empire.

Though it costs to enter, you can visit the dome and the roof terrace for free. The views up here are spectacular. You do need to register online in advance to get in so make sure to prepare that ahead!

2.   East Side Gallery

This is a part of the Berlin wall that serves as a thousand meter long memorial with artwork done by artists from all over the world.

It’s now like a really cool open air art gallery. Discover all the colourful artwork that send out messages of peace, unity and also some political views.

3. Museum Island

Take a walk along Spree River and check out the beautiful architecture of important museums in Berlin. 5 museums are located on the northern part of an island in the river.

There are entrance fees to get into the museums but it is definitely free to stroll around the area and take in all the beautiful scenery!

4. Holocaust Memorial

Reflect on the events of the past and pay your respects at the Holocaust memorial.

The memorial comprises of huge slabs of concrete – more than two thousand of these in different heights and levels.

5. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

Admission to this memorial and exhibit is free. It was the site of the largest concentration camp in German territory.

The memorial is one where you can walk around and see where everything was when it happened in its actual place, rather than having everything all in one area.

You can see buildings, bunks where the prisoners were kept and even parts of the gas chambers that were left.

6. Topography of Terror

This is an open air museum where you can see the site where the SS headquarters were during the Third Reich of Germany.

It’s well worth a visit as the displays are very informative and the presentation rather impressive. The name itself couldn’t be more fitting.

It chronicles the history, timeline and events during that terrible time in history. One of the many free museums in the city!

7. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was famous for being the only crossing where tourists and non-Germans can get from the West to the East side and vice versa during the cold war.

It is also famous for the face-off that happened in 1961 between Soviet Tanks and US Tanks. Many feared and thought that this point in history could have led to World War III.

Today, it is a significant icon of history. The city area around it is also booming with many restaurants, shops and galleries – great free things to do in Berlin.

8. Berlin Wall Memorial

This monument was created in 1998 to commemorate the division and the deaths that happened there. It features a remnant of the wall.

It’s important to remember that this site used to be where the division of the city was and that in the past nobody could cross over as you can now.

It’s a must visit to learn more about the history and events that took place during this time.

9. Brandenburg Gate

One of the most famous and important monuments in Germany. A former symbol of the divided city that is now a symbol of unity. It was built in a neo-classical style in the 18 th century.

It’s a beautiful structure and a must-see while in Berlin. It’s also breathtaking at night when it is all lit up.

10. Room of Silence

A must visit landmark that’s located just off the Brandenburg gate, this place is a 30 sqm. room where you can come in to get lost in your thoughts.

A room where you can contemplate all the happenings in the past and let all that history sink in.

11. Berliner Dom

Of course, how can you miss visiting this iconic building in Berlin. It’s a cathedral and the inside is filled with a lot of noteworthy artwork.

The admission is free during services. Be sure to check ahead the schedule for the services!

12. Tiergarten

You must visit the Central district of Tiergarten, where you can find a huge park. Take a stroll and see some statues and memorials, wildlife and a beautiful lake.

It’s a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city. You can also do a nice little scenic picnic here!

13. Tempelhofer Park

Another open space and park in the city where you can do lots of outdoor activities like hike, run or bike – all fantastic free things to do in Berlin.

You can have picnics here and some people even grill sausages and bring out some beers for a lovely Berlin day out in the sun.

14. Mauerpark

Once known to be in the “death strip”, a militarized area that divided the east and west side of the Berlin wall. Now, the whole area spans both sides of the wall.

It is known to be a social, artistic, cultural center and park where you can lie around, take walks, have picnics and take in all the greenery.

There is also a flea market going on every Sunday and it’s known for the Bearpit Karaok e – where people gather in the amphitheater to watch others bravely belt out tunes voluntarily.

15. Lustgarten

It is a park situated on Museum Island with the Berliner Dom  right in front of it so you can get some of the best angles for your photos.

Sometimes there are even street musicians, adding such a wonderful vibe to the ambiance.

It’s one of the most perfect places to just sit around, people watch and enjoy the open air scenery while you travel Berlin on a budget.

16. Treptower Park

The river Spree runs right through it and this is one of the best places to do a variety of activities from running, to cycling and boating.

You must check out the giant Russian War memorial. There’s also a woodsy area that has a rather eerie abandoned amusement park.

17. Volkspark Friedrichshain

This park contains a huge fountain that features fairytale characters. There is also a swan pond.

Perhaps one of the most interesting features of this park are the hills. They are actually rubble covered bunkers that were destroyed during WWII.

18. Schlosspark Charlottenburg

One of the prettiest parks in Berlin, located behind the Charlottenburg Palace. This has one of the best views of the palace and its grounds.

19. Volkspark Humboldthain

Another one of the more interesting parks as it still has anti-aircraft towers and also some of the remaining bunker walls from the war.

You can go up these towers and see beautiful views of the city – a completely free thing to do in Berlin. There is also a rose garden that you should check out.

20. Görlitzer Park

This park is located in the Kreuzberg area, so be sure to pop by here when you’re in the neighborhood. It features a huge open and green space where you can just chill after all the hectic activities you no doubt crammed into your itinerary.

21. Viktoriapark

A beautiful park located in Kreuzberg. Besides being one of the most usual places for relaxing and having a barbecue, it’s also located in the most elevated part of Berlin so you have a gorgeous view.

The park also has an artificial waterfall and is bordered by two vineyards.

Districts and Neighborhoods

22.  Mitte

This is one of the most interesting areas in Berlin as this is where the Reichstag is located, the Berliner Dom, Museum Island and many other popular attractions.

You will have no doubt checked all those out but whilst in this area, have a walk around to check out the shops and cafes and some other sites.

Don’t miss the Kindertransport Memorial statue which is located in the Friedrichstrasse Railway station (one of the main international railway stations in the Nazi era).

This statue which is made of bronze depicts two children about to board a train, but each had very different destinations and fates.

23. Kreuzberg 

Another great area to visit in Berlin.  This quirky and hipster area has a lot of interesting cafes, street art, thrift shops and also gorgeous Viktoriapark. You can find a lot of bars and food stalls here.

There are a lot of shaded pathways that are perfect for walking around or cycling in so you can travel Berlin on a budget.

You should also visit the Turkish market here as its home to the largest population of Turkish people in Berlin.

24. Friedrichshain

This is a must-see neighborhood in Berlin. It has a very alternative and also artsy vibe about it with many techno clubs, indie boutiques as well as Soviet era style buildings.

It’s linked to the Kreuzberg district by a castle like bridge. It’s a part of Berlin with such an interesting mix so it’s worth a visit!

25. Prenzlauer Berg

This is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Berlin. Spend an afternoon walking around and discovering markets, parks, nightlife and a lot of pretty looking streets and buildings.

Most parts of this area were spared from much destruction from world war II so a lot of the buildings and architecture have really been preserved.

Squares and Courtyards

26. Die Hackeschen Höfe

A complex of courtyards that feature restaurants, cafes, and markets in the center of Berlin. It consists of 8 interconnected courtyards with a beautiful arched ceilinged entrance.

It’s a great place to just walk around in for hours, discovering all the great eateries and other establishments if you travel Berlin on a budget.

27. Alexanderplatz

Check out one of the city’s most visited squares. The square has layers of history on it – from the time it was built, to being destroyed during the war and to being an important site where thousands gathered in protest right before the Berlin wall fell.

Now it’s a modern area made for pedestrians with lots of shops and interesting buildings to see and take pictures of – one of which is the Fernsehturm , a 365 meter TV tower which is the highest point of Berlin with a globe at the very top.

The World Clock (also known as Urania) is also here. Lots of things to see in this square!

28. Gendarmenmarkt

Another square to visit in Berlin. This one has the most picturesque scenery with a lot of beautiful buildings on display like the Konzerthaus and the French and German churches.

You should also come here at night and see these magnificent buildings all lit up! There are some bars nearby so it’s the perfect place to start for a night out in town too – amazing free things to do in Berlin.

29. Bebelplatz

One of the most attractive public squares in Berlin. It’s also one of the most historic ones and has famous buildings like St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, the State Opera and Altes Palais.

Definitely a picture perfect spot! The book burning memorial is also found here – great historic places to see if you’re on a budget.

30. Pariser Platz

A beautiful and historic square that is located just by the Brandenburg gate. The square is closed off to cars making it very pedestrian-friendly. The French and US Embassies, as well as the famous hotel Adlon are located here.

This square is definitely a must and the point where you will probably start off if you’re going on a walking tour of Berlin!

Food Markets

31. Arminius Market Hall

An old-school market located in Moabit. Coming here is like going back in time. It features local and artisanal products although it has recently also been serving up some new and foreign food concepts.

32. Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg

If your trip schedule happens to include a Thursday in it, make sure you go here.

You definitely need to experience Street Food Thursday as it has one of the biggest diversity of food and different cuisines from around the world – always one of my favorite free things to do in Berlin.

33. Thai Park

This is one of the longest-running street food markets in Berlin. For over 200 years, Thai families in Berlin gather at a park and cook and sell their food.

This is THE place in Berlin where you can get the most authentic Thai food . It’s also nice to be caught up in the bustle of the Thai community here! The atmosphere is amazing and perfect if you’re on a budget!

Flea Markets

34. Arkonaplatz

One of the must-see flea markets that feature vintage East German items. You can find an assortment of furniture, jewelry and clothes here.

It’s set next to a really huge playground too and is fantastic when you travel Berlin on a budget!

35. Kunstmarkt Straße des 17. Juni

This is a traditional flea market and is one of the oldest and most famous in Berlin. It’s not one of the cheapest as it contains many antiques and unusual items.

Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s fun to just have a poke around and examine all the curiosities on display.

Other Things To Do and Places To Visit

36. Deutsches Guggenheim Museum

Berlin has its own Guggenheim museum! Admission is free every Monday so be sure to time your visit here on that day to save your travel budget for something else!

37. Landwehrkanal

A picturesque scene, this canal is a long stretch that’s parallel to the spree river. Have a lovely walk here at sunset.

Many people gather here also for drinks since there are a lot of beer gardens dotted around! A great local free thing to do in Berlin!

38. Neptunbrunnen

Check out this iconic fountain that is located at the very center of the city. Neptunbrunnen, or Neptune’s fountain is a beautiful sight.

Standing at 10 meters tall with a baroque style, it consists of a statue of Neptune (the god of the seas) and four women surrounding him representing the four rivers of Prussia (the old name of Germany).

39. Street Art

Walk or bike all over Berlin and discover the amazing street art dotted all over the city. There is so much of it here!

Check some of them out in these areas: Kreuzberg, Lake Tegel Art Park, Urban Spree Area, East Side Gallery, around Moritzplatz and Urban Nation.

Some of the most notable ones are The Cosmonaut by Victor Ash, Elephant playing a balloon by Jadore Tong, Linda’s Ex by Ronald Brueckner and Robi the Dog.

40. Berliner Philharmonie 

For a world famous concert hall, you would probably think that it costs an arm and a leg to get tickets to a show inside and it would never make it on a list of free things to do in Berlin.

Yes, in some cases, maybe that’s how it is but every Tuesday from September to June, they actually offer free lunchtime concerts every 1pm.

Be sure to catch one for a chance to experience this superior concert hall.

41. Tegeler See

This is one of the largest lakes in Berlin. Take a stroll around here or have a swim if you’re visiting in the summertime. The waters are really nice and clean!

As you can see, there are lots of free things to do in Berlin. It really is one of the most fantastic capitals in Europe.

Don’t let a pesky little thing like a budget get in the way of doing as much as you can when you visit Deutschland – it’s much easier to travel Berlin on a budget than other Central European cities!

If you’re touring around Europe, you might also want to check out my lists of 101 Free Things To Do In London, 56 Free Things To Do In Amsterdam and 17 Free Things To Do In Zurich !

Pin “41 free things to do in berlin” for later:.

I’m sure there are many more free things to do in Berlin, so if you know of any other activities, I’d be more than happy to hear from you and add them to the list! Just leave a comment below 🙂

If you’re traveling to Germany, these guides might be helpful for you as well:

• Hiking in Bavaria – Stunning Beauty Awaits You!
• 61 Awesome Things to Do In Munich
• 20+ Photos That Show How Surprisingly Beautiful Germany Is
• 41 Free Things To Do in Berlin

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I’ve always wanted to go to Berlin. Sounds like there is so much to do. I love that there are so many free things to do, definitely helps with my travel budget.

Berlin is awesome when you’re traveling Europe on a budget, sooo much cheaper than the other capitals! You should go soon before it’s getting cold 😉

I love finding free things to do when I travel! It sounds like there are enough free things to do in Berlin to last a couple of days!

Yep, easily! And even the other activities aren’t super expensive 🙂

I’m not a history buff so I didn’t enjoy Berlin as much as I should have! But your post certainly reminded me of my awesome time there. By the way your Brandenburg gate photo is stunning!

Lovely post on Berlin with some great pictures. Very informative and well constructed. Will help and encourage many to go and visit Germany and particularly Berlin…..:)

Thanks Anindya, I hope so 🙂

[…] If you’re planning on going to Berlin, make sure you read my collection of 41 Free Things To Do In Berlin! […]

Thanks for giving us ‘new comers’ to berlin a good start.I can now try a few of your suggestions.

[…] you’re traveling Europe on a budget, you might also want to check out my lists of 41 Free Things To Do in Berlin and 101 Free Things To Do In […]

This is the best compilation of (free) things to do in Berlin that I’ve found so far! Wish I had seen it before going there. I did half of the things only, max. Locals always have the best tips, right? Thanks for the info!

[…] This article was originally published here: Alittle Nomad […]

[…] around Europe on a budget, make sure you also check out my lists of Free Things To Do in London, Berlin and […]

[…] 41 Free Things To Do in Berlin […]

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The Best Sights and Landmarks in Berlin - for Free

Getting the most out of Berlin doesn't have to break the bank. You can enjoy the culture, history, and architecture Berlin is famous for without paying a single euro.

Find out which Berlin sights you shouldn't miss on your next trip to the German capital. Here are the best 10 free attractions in Berlin.

Brandenburg Gate

 TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

No visit to Berlin is complete without seeing the Brandenburg Gate. During the Cold War and the division of Germany, this landmark stood between East and West Berlin. When the wall fell in 1989 and Germany was reunited, the Brandenburg Gate became the iconic landmark of a new Germany.​

Getting There : Metro Stop "Brandenburger Tor " (line S1, S2, S25, U55), "Potsdamer Platz" (line S25, S2, S1)

The Reichstag is the traditional seat of the German Parliament. When the historic building was remodeled in the 1990s, it was adorned with a modern glass dome, offering a look into the parliamentary proceedings and a stunning view of the Berlin skyline.

Getting There: Bus stop "Reichstag/Bundestag" (line 100, M85), Metro Stop "Bundestag" (line U55)

Museum Island

Berlin's Museuminsel (Museum Island) is home to five world-class museums (including the renowned Pergamon ) and the Berlin Cathedral . This unique ensemble of museums and traditional buildings on the small island in the river Spree is a UNESCO World Heritage site.​​

Getting There: Metro stop " Alexanderplatz " (multiple U and S-bahn lines) or "Hackescher Markt" (line S5, S7, S75), Bus stop (line 100 or 200)

East Side Gallery

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

The East Side Gallery is a 1.3-kilometre long section of the Berlin Wall, which once divided the city into East and West Berlin.

This last piece of the original wall has been turned into the largest open-air gallery in the world, displaying more than 100 paintings by international artists.

Getting There: Metro Stop "Ostbahnhof" (line S5, S7, S75), or "Warschauer Straße" (line S5, S7, S75, U1), Bus stop "East Side Gallery" (line 248)

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

 glumovakaterina95 / Twenty20

The Holocaust Memorial Berlin is one of the most impressive and moving monuments to the Holocaust.

The architect Peter Eisenmann designed this sculpture, which is laid out on a 4.7-acre site and covered with more than 2,500 geometrically arranged pillars. The underground museum holds the names of all known Jewish Holocaust victims.

While this is the best known Holocaust memorial, there are nods to the tragedies associated with WWII all over the city. Across the street is a Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism , and within the Tiergarten is a Sinti and ​ Roma Memorial . Also, keep your eyes on the ground for the thousands of Stolpersteine memorial that dot the streets.

Getting There: Metro Stop "Brandenburger Tor" (line S1, S2, S25, U55), Bus stop "Warschauer Straße" (line S5, S7, S75, U1), Bus stop "Behrenstr./Wilhelmstr.", or "Brandenburger Tor" or "Mohrenstr. " (line 100, 200)

Relax in the Tiergarten, the green heart of Berlin, and find out why so many Berliners love this park. On more than 600 acres, you can enjoy lush lawns, leafy paths, small creeks, and traditional beer gardens.

Getting There: Metro Stop "Potsdamer Platz" (line U2, S1, S25) or "Bellevue" (line S5, S7, S9, S75)

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz was built entirely from the ground up in 1995. You will find bold and utopian architecture here, a large shopping center and lots of movie theaters, which are the venue for the annual Berlin International Film Festival.​

The dome of the Sony Center, which was modeled after Mount Fuji, is lit by different colors at night and is the landmark of this area.

Getting There: Metro Stop "Potsdamer Platz" (line U2, S1, S25)

Unter den Linden

Stroll down the grand boulevard " Unter den Linden ", which stretches from Museums Island to the Brandenburg Gate.

The street is lined on both sides by noteworthy historical statues and buildings, like the Humboldt University, the State Opera, the State Library, the German Museum of History, and embassies.

Getting There: Metro Stop "Unter den Linden" (line S1, S25)

Memorial Church in Berlin

The Protestant Memorial Church of Berlin is actually easier to say than Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis-Kirche . It is one of the city's most prominent landmarks as one of the many sites heavily damaged by air raids in World War II, and instead of repairing or bulldozing it, they kept it as a memorial to the cost of war. Walk inside what little remains to examine the church's legacy and what intricate details remain. 

A new, strikingly modern concrete church and bell tower with wonderful blue stained glass windows were built adjacent to the original church.

Getting There: Metro Stop "Zoologischer Garten" (Line U2, U12, U9, S5, S7, S75, S9)

Hackescher Markt

The area around Hackescher Markt boasts the most accessible street art, quirky Kino and eclectic galleries in Berlin.

For the best gallery hopping, head down Auguststrasse and its adjacent side streets. On Thursday evenings, you might catch some opening shows (with free wine and snacks).

For a historical perspective, investigate the tiny (and free!) Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt dedicated to one small act of Nazi resistance.

Getting There: Metro Stop "Hackescher Markt" (line S5, S7, S9, S75)

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THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Berlin

Best free things to do in berlin.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Mitte (Borough)
• Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg (Borough)
• Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf (Borough)
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Reichstag Building

2. Brandenburg Gate

3. Topography of Terror

4. The Holocaust Memorial - Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

5. Memorial of the Berlin Wall

6. East Side Gallery

7. Tiergarten

8. Gendarmenmarkt

9. Palace of Tears

10. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

11. Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe)

12. Potsdamer Platz

13. Classic Remise Berlin

14. Treptower Park

15. Die Hackeschen Hoefe

16. Alexanderplatz

17. Berlin Central Station

19. Checkpoint Charlie

20. House of the Wannsee Conference

21. Kurfürstendamm

22. Mauerpark Flea Market

23. Museumsdienst Berlin

24. Mall of Berlin

25. Mauerpark

26. Tempelhofer Park

27. Prenzlauer Berg

28. Nicholas Quarter

29. Urban Nation

30. Kreuzberg

What travelers are saying

29 free and fun things to do in Berlin (Updated July 2023)

Introduction: Welcome to Berlin

I am proud to call Berlin my home and base for the last 6 years. As the second biggest city in the EU and the capital of Germany, you might think it would be an expensive place to visit, and of course, like any big city it can be, but it really doesn’t have to be. Just like my other favourite city in Germany, Hamburg , the thing I love about Berlin is how accessible and open it is to everyone -irrespective of your colour, race or economic means, this city has something for everyone. I’ve listed in the post below my list of my favourite things to in Berlin. Some of the best Berlin attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, Mauerpark and the East Side Gallery are free while some of activities like doing a Street Art Tour of Berlin or maybe the Cold War Berlin Tour will include a fee. I have also included a small section below of some of the best places to eat and drink in Berlin. I hope you find my 26 free things to do in Berlin useful for planning your trip. I have also listed at the end what to do in Berlin that is not free but worth paying for and …..the most overrated tourist attraction in Berlin and the one thing not to do in Berlin.  PS: Worth noting that from the 5th January 2023, there is free entry to the Neue Nationalgalerie every Thursday, from 4 to 8 pm as part of the Volkswagen Art4All initiative . 

Best free things to do in Berlin

1. hang out on tempelhofer feld.

A former airfield right in the middle of the city, Tempelhof has been a public park since 2008 when it closed as an airport. You won’t find much shade here (it used to be an airport so the few trees there are are still very young!) but it’s a great place to cycle, rollerblade or even windsurf as well as have a barbecue, or just a picnic with friends.

2. Walk through Neukölln – multicultural heart of Berlin

Combine a trip to Tempelhof to explore the streets of Berlin’s most colourful multicultural neighborhood Neukölln. To get a feel of the multikulti vibe of this hood, pop into Café Refugio , a project of the Berlin City Mission where 35 people from nine different cultures live and work together on its six floors. Another great aspect of Neukolln is its rich Turkish community. Berlin has the biggest Turkish community outside of Turkey , who came to the city in the 1950s, 60s and 70s as part of a post-war employment treaty called Gastarbeiter. A great way to explore the culture is through the cuisine and my favourite Turkish restaurant in Neukolln is Azzam- arguably the best hummus in town. My other favourite place to eat in the area is Sahara Imbiss: they do a falafel roll with peanut sauce! Just €2.50- so good! Another not free but cool thing to do in Neukolln: visit the rooftop bar, Klunkerkranich. Situated on the roof of the Neukölln Arcaden shopping centre , this is a great place to watch sunset and listen to some of the best electronic music in Berlin.

3. Check out the flea markets

Berlin has many flea markets happening all over the city. Some specialising in antiques, others in art, but most are general flea markets with old trinkets, GDR memorabilia, records, furniture and the like for sale.

4. Watch outdoor karaoke at Mauerpark on Sundays

Mauerpark which translates to ‘Wall Park’ is a park in the Prenzlauer Berg district. Its name derives from the fact that it formed part of the Berlin Wall. This urban park was historically the Northern Railway Station and in 1946 after the division of Berlin, the land was split between the French and the Soviets.

One of the largest and most famous flea markets ( There are lots of items to hunt through- all from aged vinyl records to vintage fashions to antiques and nicknacks )  takes place here every Sunday, from 7am to 5pm. One reason for its fame is the associated outdoor karaoke in an amphitheatre where brave souls can belt out their favourite tunes in front of a large crowd in the so-called bear pit. This starts at 3pm.

PS: For a list of free events in Berlin, checkout the Visit Berlin website which gets updated regularly.

5. Visit the David Hasselhof Museum, Circus Hostel

If you know anything anything about the strong relationship between David Hasselhoff and the German nation- you’ll know that it’s not a good thing to hassle with the Hoff. Nobody knows it better than the good folks at the Circus Hostel Berlin, who have come up with the sweet idea of setting up a permanent memorial to the Hoff in the form of a Museum in the basement of the Hostel.

This museum definitely ticks all the boxes for being quirky and memorable. 

Address: Circus Hostel Berlin : Weinbergsweg 1A, 10119 Berlin, Germany.

Tip : Combine the trip to the Hasselhoff Museum with some of the finest Craft Beers in the Backpacking World

Ever thought of finding your perfectly palatable craft beer at a hostel? No, me neither. That is until I stepped into the basement of the Circus Hostel. The hostel has a microbrewery and makes its own craft beers. Come for the beer, come for the friendly atmosphere, and while you are here, pop into the Hasselhof Museum next door.

6. Walk through the Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg is famously where the Berlin wall first fell in November 1989, so any visit to Berlin would not be complete without a trip here. Nowadays you can walk through the gate freely of course and try to imagine what it must have been like to be there the day the wall came down.

PS: On 9th November 2019, Berlin celebrated the 30 year anniversary of the fall of the wall. To commemorate this event, there are a number of really nice events taking place in the city that you should consider-for an uptodate list of what’s happening, checkout the Visit Berlin website for more details.

Tip: Once you have passed through the Brandenburg Gate, you will see the Berlin Victory Column  aka ‘Golden Lizzy’ which you might recognise from the Wim Wenders classic, the ‘Wings of Desire’ ( Plus in U2’s Faraway So Close music video)

Not free but pretty awesome: I recommend climbing the 270 steps (Entrance fee €2.20, reduced: €1.50 ) and from the top enjoying one of the best views of Berlin- you have the panoramic views of the green, lush Tiergarten on one side and the Soviet War Memorial plus the Brandenburg Gate in the distance.

7. Visit the Deutsche Guggenheim for free on Mondays

Yes, Berlin has its own Guggenheim museum, and it’s free if you visit on Mondays! The museum houses a collection of contemporary art and has frequently changing exhibits from artists from around the world.

8. Get lost in the Holocaust Memorial

Close to the Brandenburg Gate are two important memorials to victims of persecution under the Nazis. The more famous one, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , is an area the size of a city block filled with grey concrete pillars set on a sloping field which you can walk between. Entering into the middle of the pillars, the sounds of the city fade away and you are surrounded only by grey, the effect of which is particularly haunting. Just don’t climb or sit on top of the pillars – you’ll get told off by the security guards.

9. Visit the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism

Across the street just inside the largest of Berlin’s parks, Tiergarten, is a lesser known but just as important Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism. The memorial is a single concrete block with a window behind which images of same sex couples kissing are displayed on a screen.

10. Take a free walking tour

There are multiple free walking tours on offer in Berlin, which operate on a donation basis. Try out the tour of the most famous sights such as Checkpoint Charlie and the Holocaust Memorial or check out the hip neighbourhoods of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain to see an alternative side of the city. Also on offer are a tour of Potsdam, a city outside Berlin which was the former residence of the Prussian kings and a tour of the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

Free lunchtime concert at Berlin Philharmonic

11. Attend a chamber concert at lunchtime

Outside of the summer months, the Berliner Philharmoniker puts on free weekly concerts on Tuesdays at 1pm. The concerts are made up not only of members of the Philharmoniker, but also from the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester and the Staatskapelle Berlin. Places are limited, some come early to make sure you get in.

12. Walk along the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery

Right by the river Spree, the main waterway running through Berlin between Oberbaumbrücke and An der Schillingbrücke is the East Side Gallery, where you can see the longest stretch of the Berlin Wall that still remains. In 1990, the city commissioned 105 different artists from around the world to create murals along the wall in celebration of freedom and the reunification of Germany, essentially turning the wall into an outdoor art gallery.

Tip : Before seeing the  East Side Gallery , recommend paying a visit to the fantastic  Michelberger Hotel , home to all bands visiting Berlin. They have a fab bar serving their own Gin and Tonics plus their very own coconut water, Fountain of Youth. Sometimes they have secret concerts in their basement ( signup to their newsletter! )  You’ll also find before the East Side Gallery one of the famous ‘Photoautomat’ (few dotted across the city) where you can all pile in for the mother of all group photos and the ultimate Berlin souvenir. Costs just €2 for 4 photos.

13. Get a view over Berlin from the dome of the Reichstag building

Nowadays the Reichstag building is the meeting place of the Bundestag, the German parliamentary body. In 1999, it was fully renovated after having stood is disrepair for many decades prior, and anyone can visit, the highlight of which is the glass dome on top designed to symbolise the reunification of Germany. From there, you can get wonderful panoramic views of the city, all you need to do is register in advance for a time slot. You’ll even get a certificate proving your visit afterwards!

14. Check out the gardens of Charlottenburg palace

Strolling through the gardens of the Charlottenburg palace, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you were in fact in a city like Paris rather than Berlin! The palace itself is the only surviving royal residency in the city and ticket to enter are quite expensive. However, you can visit the gardens for free at any time and fantasise about living the life of an 18th century royal!

15. Join a Meetup group

There is something interesting happening every day in Berlin on Meetup . From photography walks, yoga classes and group picnics to programming seminars, acting workshops and language exchanges, there’s surely something for everyone. Some meet ups are not free or request a donation, but the majority are free to join and open to everyone, whether you’re moving to Berlin or just visiting for the weekend. Many are also conducted in English.

16. Relax by a lake on a hot day

When it’s hot in Berlin, take the chance to get out of town and immerse yourself in some nature at one of the many lakes surrounding the city that are accessible by public transport. Many even have beaches and places where you can swim. Check out this map for all the best ones and how to get there by U-bahn, S-bahn or bus.

17. Watch the sunset by the Landwehrkanal

On a warm evening, the green area along the south bank of the canal at Carl-Herz-Ufer is full of people hanging out, drinking beer and enjoying each others company while the sun goes down over the canal. Grab a spot amidst the group and soak up the atmosphere: the perfect way to end a day in Berlin!

18. Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears)

This is a place fraught with heavy emotions and tears- hence the name Palace of Tears. The site of a border station, Berlin Friedrichstraße Station, during the time of the Berlin Wall, this is where people travelling to West Germany from East Germany would say goodbye to their kith and kin who were detained in East Germany.

Today it is a permanent exhibition, serving as a reminder of the history of German separation and contains several original papers, photographs, artifacts, audio and video recordings documenting the history of the place.

Address: Reichstagufer 17, 10117 Berlin, Germany.

Other free museums in Berlin: Visit the House on Lützowplatz to see works from both German and international artists or or discover what life was like under GDR at the excellent Museum d er Kulturbrauerei.

19. Hop on the bus 100

Not free but just for the price of a single ticket ( €2.80) , hop on the bus M100 and M200 ( grab a seat on the top of the bus for the best view) -their route which runs from Alexanderplatz to Bahnhof Zoo will take you past some of Berlin’s most iconic sites that includes Siegessaule ( Victory Column ) , north side of Tiergarten via Reichstag and Bellevue Palace.

What to do in Berlin ( Not free, but pretty amazing edition )

20. do a street art tour of berlin.

A prominent street artist himself, Curtis’s 3 hour GetYourGuide street art tour of Berlin is a no bullshit, real tour deforce that dives straight into the roots of the movement that originated in the birth of hip hop culture & the graffiti art boom of the 1970’s in his native New York. The art form has subsequently undergone successive reincarnations to achieve cult status as a tool of cultural consciousness and social awareness, finding a natural home in Berlin’s rich subcultures.

‘Graffiti artists are loud and are looking for fame while street artists wish to remain hidden and anonymous.’

The tour is unique in the sense that through the eyes of a local street artist like Curtis , you can get a great insight into the psyche of the artist and the vast universe they reside in where a diverse range of talents and personalities try to coexist.

As someone well embedded into the local scene, Curtis’s tour gives you the inside track of some famous and not so wellknown street art pieces of Berlin.

My favourite pieces from his tour is Sobr’s- ‘It’s Time to Dance’ . Berlin as you know is all about freedom of expression which is where the dance culture & street art culture have a natural connection. The pieces by SOBR celebrates spirit of Berlin, a city where you can be yourself   & the joy of the freedom here which is expressed in its rave culture.

This is an incredible tour and Curtis was an amazing guide- he opened up my eyes to the city in a different way and reminded me why I love this city so much.

How to book this tour

The GetYourGuide street art tour lasts 3 hours and costs €14, booked via GetYourGuide .

Bring comfy shoes and a bottle of water for this tour. There is a break in the middle for coffee and snacks if you get peckish.

21. Cold War Tour of Berlin

If you are considering investing in a paid walking tour, highly recommend The ColdWar/Third Reich walking tour I recently took via GetYourGuide. For just €19 and lasting 2 hours, the tour is a fantastic introduction to Berlin’s complex history. 

Part of my enduring fascination with Berlin lies in its complex history. This city witnessed a lot of pain, lot of darkness to evolve into the wonderful city it is today. The Cold War/Third Reich Tour gave me the chance to get under the skin of the city. Jamie, a professional archeologist who moved to Berlin in 1999 when the city was just a building site was our perfect guide to tell us about the transformation of the city.

Jamie kicked off the tour fittingly at the national symbol of Germany, the Brandenburg Gate which has seen it all- Napolean, Hitler, Kennedy and of course, the Fall of the Wall. On the tour you learn about pivotal moments in Berlin and world history like the Reichstag Fire Decree in 1933 which allowed Hitler to impose martial law for the protection of people and state, eventually paving the way for the Germany to become an authoritarian state, World War 2 & the I won’t name names but you can see echoes of 1933 in the current rise of a number of a few countries that are on the road to becoming authoritarian states.

The tour was a sobering reminder of what lies ahead if the current narrative doesn’t change.The tour is filled with lots of painful and surreal moments. One of the most bizarre and bone chilling moments when Jamie showed us the notorious Führerbunker where Hitler apparently committed suicide. The bunker is now fittingly hidden under the most ordinary parking lot.The tour later turns towards to the rise of the Cold War and how Berlin became the epicentre of a tense global conflict between the superpowers. In fact we were not far from a Third World War at Checkpoint Charlie. The story of what happened next…is one of many fascinating stories you’ll hear on the tour. In short, this tour is unmissable. If you are coming to Berlin, don’t miss it .The answers to our all our world’s problems lies in the past….educating yourself, meeting people like Jamie- so important. Literally, can change your life perspective.

Tour costs €19 booked via GetYourGuide and last 2 hours. Group sizes are small so its personalised and also social distancing friendly. Bring comfortable shoes and a bottle of water. Plus expect to cover a distance of around 3 kms.

22. Visit the Neue Nationalgalerie

If you love art then do pay a visit to the newly refurbished Neue Nationalgalerie (New National Gallery, Potsdamer Straße 50), Berlin’s museum of modern art. It’s great to visit for 2 reasons- you can enjoy a stellar collection of the best of 20 th century art with masterpieces of artists like Pablo Picasso, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Joan Miró, Wassily Kandinsky and Barnett Newman on show. The other highlight of my visit was the building itself, a beautiful steel and glass temple designed by Mies van der Rohe.  

Entry is a hefty €14 but if you are planning to some more museums during your stay, I suggest investing in the excellent Museum Pass Berlin which allows you free entry to all the top museums on 3 consecutive days for just €29.

As I mentioned earlier, it is worth noting that there is free entry to the Neue Nationalgalerie every Thursday from Thursday  5 January 2023, admission to the Neue Nationalgalerie is free every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm as part of the Volkswagen Art4All initiative.

Tip: If you are planning to visit the Berlin Philharmonie for the free concert on Tuesday, it combines well with the Neue Nationalgalerie which is literally next door plus the Filmmuseum in the Sony Center on Potsdamer Platz. Also, if you love really nice cocktails, I recommend nipping into the  Ritz Carlton on Potsdamer Platz for cocktails at the fabulous  Curtain Club- pricey but probably one of the most amazing cocktails I have ever tasted. 

23. Deutsche Kinemathek, Berlin

If you love movies and film history then a visit to the Deutsche Kinemathek , in the Sony Centre at Potsdamer Platz is a great way to spend a few hours and immerse yourself in an excellent multimedia experience of German film history. Highlights of the tour include a behind the scenes look of classic German expressionist masterpieces such as ‘The Cabinet of Dr Caligari’ and Fritz Lang’s ‘Metropolis’. Other areas covered include the films of the Weimar Republic; how the industry suffered in the years of Hitler and National Socialism, exile in Hollywood to the post-war years and contemporary cinema. The personal highlight for me was the section dedicated to the greatest German diva, Marlene Dietrich with a number of her personal objects and memorabilia on show.

Entry €9, Reduced entry: €5

24. Visit the Pergamonmuseum

Lying in the middle of the Spree, Berlin the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site listed Museum Island is home to five of Berlin’s most important museums and if you are on a short visit , one not to be missed is the spectacular Pergamonmuseum, one of the world’s major archaeological museums. The highlights of the museum are a series of astounding structures, from a partial recreation of the Pergamon Altar (170–159 BC) to the two-storey Roman Gate of Miletus and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, dating from the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar (605–563 BC). Upstairs is the Islamic Art collection.

You can access the museum with a day ticket which costs a hefty €14 (€7, reduced) but free with the 3 day Museum pass. ( also includes entry to the Neue Nationalgalerie )

25. Studio of Wonders

I have mixed feelings about ‘doing it for the gram’ but whatever your feelings are about the selfie generation and new generation of selfie museums like Studio of Wonders are undeniably a lot of fun.

With over 20 interactive installations to choose from, there’s plenty for you to indulge in and awaken your inner child.

As you can tell, both me and Sabrina had a ball! 😂

How to book

Tickets cost €19.90 and can be booked via GetYourGuide.

Where to eat and drink in Berlin

26. Visit the Sunday Breakfast Market at Markthalle Kreuzberg

Berliners love their Sunday brunch and this market, taking place every third Sunday of the month is definitely something you want to check out. Taking place in the Markthalle in Kreuzberg you can sample a wide variety of food options from Bloody Marys,  Custard tarts and slices of focaccia to a good old Eggs Benedict

27…..Or visit the Arminius Market Hall in Moabit

I would argue that the Arminius Market Hall is the more authentic, local market hall in Berlin. You won’t see many tourists here- Moabit unusual offbeat location means you will mostly encounter locals here and that is reflected in the prices. My favourite burger joint in Berlin, Pound and Pence is located here- the chicken tikka burger is amazing as well as the dry aged beef burger and their ‘dirty fries’ are the bomb. There’s also Pilsner Urquell on draft here and they have a very cheap good Vietnamese restaurant here called Hanoi One – in terms of the price, it really is one of the best deals in town. Note: Avoid the Poutine joint here- not what I would consider proper poutine.

28. Try the Banh Mi at Coco in Mitte

Meet the best sandwich in the world- the Banh Mi. Whenever I visit Berlin, I try to visit this wonderful unassuming Banh Mi Deli serving up the most delicious sandwiches in town. With very affordable 6 euro prices, you really can’t go wrong with this option for lunch or dinner or even both.

Address: Rosenthaler Str. 2, 10119, Berlin, Germany.

For the latest of what’s happening in Berlin, checkout this link .

29. The one thing not to do in Berlin: Visit Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is the most overrated tourist attraction of Berlin. For those of you not in the know, Checkpoint Charlie was one of the few transit points where anyone that was not a West Berliner, who had valid passport, could exit West Berlin and visit East Berlin for the day. It was a place where you could see the drastic difference in life between West and East Berlin. West Berliners were busy rebuilding and tearing down post WWII apartments and building more modern blocks of flats. Shops were springing up and business was flourishing while in East Berlin, there were blocks of vacant land that while the rubble of WWII had been cleared, nothing had been built. 

The building that was the Allied Checkpoint Charlie has been moved to another site and the Berlin Wall has been torn down. Even the sign you see, is not the original sign- you can find that in the Zeitgeschictliches Forum in Leipzig. ( Btw , if you haven’t planned a visit to Leipzig, please do plan a day or weekend visit. Here is a recent guide to the best things to do in Leipzig

Had Checkpoint Charlie been left in place with 100 meters of wall on either side (along with the East German Passport control) it would have been a better look back at history. 

Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer

Top tip: Get the full picture of the Berlin Wall at the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer

For those of you who are keen to learn more about what life was like behind the wall, I highly recommend a visit to the very moving and haunting Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial) : A memorial to the victims of the Berlin Wall, this stretches for 1.4km along Bernauer Strasse, along the actual course of the Wall. More on the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer in my self guided free walking tour of Berlin Mitte

Further Berlin resources and guides to checkout 

• 7 of the  best budget places to stay in Berlin
• 1 0 Movies that inspired me to visit Berlin
• How to hack to Berlin Transport System
• Self guided free walking tour of Berlin’s coolest upcoming district: Wedding
• Best things to in Potsdam , the perfect daytrip from Berlin
• 48 Hours in Berlin: Outdoors edition
•   Best things to do in Dresden : Where to eat, drink and sleep

• Latest Posts

Hi I am Kash aka the BudgetTraveller I'm the Luxury Hostels guy and for the last 14 years are sharing ways of how you can travel in style on a budget. Say hello to me here or on Instagram/Twitter. Lets connect!

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• Things to do in Odense- What to see, where to eat and drink
• Day trips from Rome for under €50

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10 comments.

A useful blog. I’m glad I’ve stumbled on your blog as I can easily pick ideas here that I can actually use on my own travels and in other places as well, not only in Berlin. Thanks!

Glad you enjoyed Sam’s piece. Please keep the site bookmarked and I will check out your site too now 🙂

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A great guide to Berlin. I haven’t been yet but I particularly like the look of all of the parks. Looks like a nice place.

Berlin is a dream city with an amazing history. You’ll love it

Hey, there, Really amazing post, very clear, informative and easy to read! Actually, we are planning to enjoy Berlin in our next vacation. I will remember your advice whenever I make my way to Berlin. Thanks dear for your helpful article.

nice to read again about berlin on your site…berlin is a great destination and I can highly recommend it to all women who would love to travel alone

Very nice post! I produced a 360° video of some of those destinations so you can really immerse yourself in some of those places before you decide to go there. 🙂 Let me know if you find it helpful!

Cheers Marc for dropping by 🙂

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23 free and fun things to do in Lisbon on a budget ( Updated June 2023 )

I finally got around to putting together a mini guide of some pretty cool things to do in Lisbon on a budget. I know…

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The Bode Museum in Berlin, Germany

• FREE THINGS TO DO

Free Things to Do in Berlin

More than a quarter century after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the German capital is experiencing a cultural renaissance. But the new energy hasn’t eclipsed the city’s tumultuous past, and monuments to both are accessible to visitors on a budget.

Attractions

With its modern glass dome meant to symbolize transparency in government, the Reichstag is home to the Bundestag (German Parliament) and one of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks. Climb the winding walkway for a 360-degree view of the city and a peek at the legislative body chamber below. Admission is free but registration (online or at the building’s visitor service center at least two hours in advance) is required.

Inspired by the Propylaeum of Athens's Acropolis, the 18th-century Brandenburg Gate is a masterpiece of German classicism but is best known for its role separating East and West Berlin. It was here that President Ronald Reagan in 1987 implored then Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall.” Today, it’s regarded as a symbol of unity.

The striking Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is an expanse of more than 2,500 concrete pillars, or stelae, of varying heights commemorating the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The Field of Stelae is accessible 24 hours a day. Free guided tours in English are offered on Saturdays at 3 p.m.

After the neo-Romanesque Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was leveled in a bombing raid in 1945 Berliners rallied to save what was left of it. Today, the ruins are incorporated into a structure designed by Egon Eiermann and completed in 1961. Notice the glass blocks inside the nave, which reflect a blue light into the church. Free guided tours are offered in German several times a week; group tours in English are available for four euros per person.

The outdoor Topography of Terror exhibit spans a preserved section of the Berlin Wall and tells the story of the site—the onetime headquarters of the Gestapo (the secret state police)—through photos, documents, and 3-D graphics.

Head to the northern end of Spree Island to marvel at the cluster of architectural masterpieces known as Museum Island . Built between 1824 and 1930, the Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode, Neues, and Pergamon were each designed to reflect the art they house, earning the ensemble a UNESCO World Heritage site designation. Want to explore the treasures within? Spring for a Museumspass Berlin (24 euros), which buys you entry to some 50 attractions, including all national museums, for three consecutive days.

Some of the city’s top museums have free days , including the first Wednesday of the month at the Bröhan-Museum , which uses decorative arts, such as porcelain, and paintings to show the progression from art nouveau to art deco and functionalism.

Several lesser known museums in Berlin are gratis every day, such as the Greek and Roman Plaster Cast Collection —with some 2,000 Greek and Roman plaster cast sculptures and the occasional modern art exhibition—and Daimler Contemporary Berlin in the Haus Huth on Potsdamer Platz. Find more listings here .

After the Berlin Wall was breached, artists from 21 countries transformed the longest stretch still standing into the East Side Gallery , which includes murals like “The Kiss,” depicting Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker locking lips.

Galleries abound in Berlin. Many charge admission, but a few are free, such as Johann König and Carlier Gebauer , the latter known for past exhibitions featuring visual artist Rosa Barba and installation artist Aernout Mik. Both are in Kochstrasse’s gallery district.

Admission to the interactive German Museum of Technolog y is free to children under the age of 18 every day starting at 3 p.m. During September, the museum hosts Sunday Open Days at the Transport Depot , when visitors get a glimpse of dozens of vehicles covering 150 years of history, such as one of Berlin’s first electric trains, bull-nosed double-decker buses, and classic cars. Transport to the depot via the museum train is free.

Berlin is full of inventive playgrounds for children. At the Dragon Playground in Berlin-Friedrichshain, tots climb on the large wooden dragon and build sand castles. The Forest Playground Plaenterwald features boats, tractors, and climbing walls made from tree branches. And kids can traverse the Sherwood Forest playground on hanging cables.

Food and Drink

Since it began in 2013, Street Food Thursdays at the 19-century Markethall Neun in the Kreuzberg neighborhood has been a huge hit. Starting at 5 p.m., 20-odd vendors hawk everything from spaetzle to pork-belly buns. Find garlicky dips and kebabs at the open-air Turkish Market , also in Kreuzberg, open Tuesdays and Fridays. Most food options are wallet-friendly.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Explore the hot spots of Berlin’s exploding culinary scene on a guided walk with Free Tours on Foot , which asks customers at the end of the tour to pay what they think it was worth.

A former hunting reserve for Prussian kings, Tiergarten was designed as an English-style park in the 19th century and is today considered the green lung of Berlin. Don’t miss the Open Air Glass Lantern Museum , a collection of some 90 historical gas lanterns from Germany and across Europe. Go at dusk when the lanterns are aglow.

Stroll the leafy boulevard Unter Den Linden , or “under the linden trees,” which runs east to west, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Schlossbrücke bridge. Linger in front of the 18th-century State Opera , the Karl Friedrich Schinkel-designed war memorial Neue Wache , and the circa 1810 Humboldt University , home to 29 Nobel Prize winners and the model for several European and American universities.

Peruse the weekends-only Art Market at Zeughaus for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, from fine art to fashion.

Wake up early on Sunday if you want to beat the crowds at the Mauerpark flea market in Prenzlauer Berg. Roam hundreds of stands peddling vintage clothing, vinyl, GDR memorabilia, and more. Karaoke enthusiasts: Stick around for the afternoon Bearpit Karaoke show at the amphitheater next door.

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Free museums in Berlin

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• Current: Free museums

All free museums and attractions to visit in Berlin

Berlin (Germany) has a lot to offer for you culturally, even if you're on a budget, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 33 museums and attractions in Berlin can be visited without charge.

Are you looking for free things to do in Berlin? These are the best places to visit:

Topography of Terror

Palace of Tears

Classic Remise Berlin

Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz

Ramones Museum Berlin

Museum in der Kulturbrauerei

Bundeswehr Museum of Military History – Berlin-Gatow Airfield

The German Resistance Memorial Centre

German-Russian Museum Berlin-Karlshorst

Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt

Allied Museum

Forum Willy Brandt Berlin

Deutscher Dom

Knoblauchhaus

Max Liebermann Haus

Museum Otto Weidt

Museum Pankow Location Heynstraße

Silent Heroes Memorial Center

Nordic Embassies

Museum Der Stille

Gaslaternen Freilichtmuseum

Archenhold Observatory

Marienfelde Refugee Center Museum

Villa Oppenheim

Museum of Asian Art

Abguss-Sammlung Antiker Plastik

Museum Pankow Location Prenzlauer Allee

Gedenkstätte stille helden, plattenbau-museumswohnung, museum der unerhörten dinge, architektur galerie berlin.

portal.category.list.cta

Best museums

Best museums in germany, best museums in hamburg, best museums in munich, best museums in frankfurt, best museums in dresden, best museums in cologne, best museums in düsseldorf, best museums in stuttgart, best museums in leipzig, best museums in bremen, best museums in dortmund, best museums in hildesheim.

More popular cities in Germany

• Mobility and Travel

Exploring Berlin (almost) for free

A great itinerary for tourists on a small budget: we give you some tips for guided tours, culture and history.

The number 100 public bus is a very inexpensive way to explore Berlin. The city’s main sights can be seen on its route between Alexanderplatz and Bahnhof Zoo. A ticket costs just 2.80 euros. Even better: buy a day pass for 7 euros (zones A and B) and use bus number 100 for some “hop-on, hop-off” sightseeing.

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Going Local Berlin app

Discover Berlin by going off the beaten track. This free app from the Visit Berlin website provides some great insider tips for the city’s various districts.

More information and download

Free guided tour

Free guided tours of the city begin on the eastern side of Brandenburg Gate every day – at 11 am in German, and at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm in English and Spanish. The guides wear a red t-shirt or carry a red umbrella, making them easy to spot. For nothing but a tip at the end, they will give you a tour lasting nearly three hours that will take in the key historic sites in the centre of Berlin, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial and parts of the Berlin Wall .

Lunchtime concerts in the Berlin Philharmonie

Musical delights in your lunch break: from September to June, first-class concerts are staged in the foyer of the Philharmonie concert hall every Tuesday at 1 pm. Berlin orchestra musicians and students from local music academies perform there for free.

Programme of the lunchtime concerts

Free admission to Berlin museums

Here’s a great tip for street art fans: it costs nothing to visit the Museum for Urban Contemporary Art . Other art museums also offer free admission at certain times, for example the Museum für Gegenwart at Hamburger Bahnhof from 4 until 8 pm every first Thursday of the month, and the Akademie der Künste between 3 and 7 pm every Tuesday. For more information, take a look at the museum websites.

Dome of the Reichstag

Transparent democracy: you can visit the spectacular dome and rooftop terrace of the Reichstag building, which is home to the German parliament , free of charge, but you must register here first in advance.

Commemorative sites

Bringing history to life: admission to most commemorative sites is free, including the Topography of Terror Documentation Center, the Plötzensee Memorial Center, the House of the Wannsee Conference and the Berlin Wall Documentation Center.

Up-to-date tips of the day for free Berlin events: gratis-in-Berlin.de

© www.deutschland.de

Related content

• Contrast Contrast

3 days in Berlin

Don't miss any top sights

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

Day 1 in Mitte: from Alexanderplatz to the Brandenburg Gate

Morning: alexanderplatz & nikolaiviertel.

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

Tickets for the TV Tower

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

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

Buy your Berlin Welcome Card Museum Island

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

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

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

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

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

At night: Enjoy the nightlife around Hackescher Markt

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

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

Morning: charlottenburg palace.

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

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

Combi-Ticket Charlottenburg+

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

Afternoon: Ku'damm & Zoo

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

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

At night: Enjoy the nightlife of the City West

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

Day 3 in Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain: Berlin Wall and neighbourhoods

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

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

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

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

More neighbourhood tips

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

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

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

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

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

Info about the Berlin Welcome Card

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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Mitte (Borough)
• Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg (Borough)
• Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf (Borough)
• Budget-friendly
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• Good for Kids
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Reichstag Building

2. Brandenburg Gate

3. Topography of Terror

4. The Holocaust Memorial - Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

5. Memorial of the Berlin Wall

6. East Side Gallery

7. Tiergarten

8. Gendarmenmarkt

9. Palace of Tears

10. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

11. Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe)

12. Potsdamer Platz

13. Classic Remise Berlin

14. Treptower Park

15. Die Hackeschen Hoefe

16. Alexanderplatz

17. Berlin Central Station

19. Checkpoint Charlie

20. House of the Wannsee Conference

21. Kurfürstendamm

22. Mauerpark Flea Market

23. Museumsdienst Berlin

24. Mall of Berlin

25. Mauerpark

26. Tempelhofer Park

27. Prenzlauer Berg

28. Nicholas Quarter

29. Urban Nation

30. Kreuzberg

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