29 Things to do in Berlin (+ map): Best places to visit

Looking for best places to visit in Berlin? Check out the things to do in Berlin. This travel guide also includes practical tips, information on prices in Berlin, food, where to stay and a map to help you plan your itinerary.

Berlin

I can think of no other city in Europe whose history is as brutal and glorious as Berlin’s.

When you visit Berlin, you’ll feel it so much that you’ll sometimes shudder. It’s a moving but breathtaking experience.

Despite its history, marked mainly by World War II and the Cold War, Berlin has become a multicultural and vibrant city. Berlin is even considered a world centre for culture and the creative industries.

Just walk around and soak up the atmosphere. From street art, architecture and historical sites. And have something good to go with it. Like the city itself, its cuisine is international, tasty and varied.

Things to do in Berlin: Best places to visit

Which attractions in Berlin should not be missed during your visit? Take a look at the overview and the map at the end to plan your route.

If you want to see the most beautiful sights in Berlin, start your visit in the Mitte district. It lies in the heart of Berlin.

To the west, you’ll discover places like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Jewish Memorial and the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt.

The east side of the historic centre is home to Berlin Cathedral, several famous museums and the landmark Alexanderplatz TV tower.

Let’s take a look at the best places to visit and things to do in Berlin and other useful tips:

1. Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden

Let’s start with the most famous and iconic landmark in Berlin – the Brandenburg Gate.

During the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate stood “in no man’s land” behind the Berlin Wall. When the wall fell, everyone at the Brandenburg Gate celebrated. This made it a symbol of German unification.

Brandenburg Gate is the beginning of the great boulevard Unter den Linden, which is lined with several embassies – Great Britain, the United States, France. Behind the Brandenburg Gate begins Tiergarten, one of the largest parks in Berlin.

2. Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz is Berlin’s most famous square. A centre of action, entertainment and shopping, it is also an important transport hub in Berlin.

Also, count on the fact that this is where most of the homeless congregate. Nevertheless, it is a safe place because the police station is located right on the square.

Personally, I was not impressed by Alexanderplatz. Berlin has many more interesting places. Nevertheless, it is an important centre that is worth a short stop.

Right on Alexanderplatz is the World Clock, where those iconic photos with the TV Tower in the background are taken. The clock dates back to the 1960s and tells the time at 24 locations around the world.

HOTELS IN BERLIN 😴

Hotel Amano

Stylish hotel near the main train station

ibis hotel

Modern and cheap hotel in the city centre

3. Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower)

Just a few steps from the square is the 368-metre high Berliner Fernsehturn, one of the most interesting places in Berlin. Tickets are more expensive, but here you pay for the experience.

You can go upstairs via a glass elevator. At the top of the tower, there is a restaurant and 360-degree views that are completely different due to the shape of the tower.

I recommend coming early in the morning when the crowds are smallest. If you don’t mind more people, come for the sunset.

On the other side of the Berliner Fernsehturm is a pleasant park with seating and a fountain where locals meet. Its dominant feature is the beautiful brick town hall.

4. Museum Island

Slowly we arrive at Museumsinsel, or Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. And rightly so!

Museum Island is an independent island in Berlin on the meandering river Spree, which consists of five major museums. These specialise in different periods of culture, science and art.

The most important art museums include:

Neues Museum

In this museum you will find an extensive Egyptian collection and especially the bust of Nefertiti and the scrolls of the Book of the Dead. My favourite museum in Berlin, set in beautiful surroundings.

Admission to Neues Museum is €14. It is open daily except Mondays from 10:00-18:00. The collection is spread over several floors, so set aside a few hours to get better acquainted. Refreshments and toilets are provided.

If you book a ticket in advance. There’s a staff member outside who will just scan the QR code and you can go straight in. If you do not book your ticket in advance, waiting for a member of staff to let you in is not out of the question.

Alte Nationalgalerie

The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) is another popular art museum in Berlin, and forms the heart of the Museumsinsel. It covers the period from the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century, mainly German art. Key works include famous German artists, such as Caspar David Friedrich, Adolph Menzel and Max Liebermann, along with international artists (Édouard Manet and Claude Monet).

Admission to Altes Museum is €12. It is open daily except Mondays from 10:00-18:00. Book your tickets in advance and skip the line.

Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum is probably the most popular museum in Berlin. It is here that you will find, among other things, a replica of the famous Babylonian Ishtar Gate (one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – it is truly impressive).

Unfortunately, the Pergamon Museum is closed for a number of years for extensive renovations. It will not open to the public until 2027, and only part of it.

☞ Get inspired by the itinerary for 3 days in Berlin (including map).

5. Berlin Cathedral

Berlin Cathedral, Berlin Dome is located next to Museum Island.

Inside, you will be impressed by its marble and onyx decoration with organs and royal sarcophagi. You can even step out onto the terrace and enjoy the views of the surrounding area for an extra charge. You can’t see as far as you can in the case of TV Tower, but it’s still a nice spectacle.

Full admission to the Berliner Dom is €9. Opening hours are variable – for up-to-date information, visit the official Berlin Cathedral website.

TIP: Berlin, like London or Paris, is an ideal city for cruising. The Spree River is lined with beautiful sights, making a boat trip in Berlin an experience. Prices for a cruise start at just €19.90.

6. Reichstag

The Reichstag is the imposing building that houses the German Bundestag. You can find it a few steps north of the Brandenburg Gate. Right in front of the building is a large grassy area where you can have a picnic in the grass.

Be sure not to miss the view from the glass dome, which was built as a symbol of the transparency of the local government. From the dome you will have a great view of the centre of Berlin. In the evening it is also beautifully lit.

Visiting the Reichstag Dome is free, but you must book your place online in advance.

To the left of the Reichstag you will see the modern Chancellery building. If you walk between the Friedrich Elbert Platz, you will reach the river Spree in a few metres, which is bordered by a landscaped embankment.

7. Futurium Museum

Just across the river from the Reichstag is the fascinating Futurium Museum, which focuses on science, cutting-edge technology and the major issues of our time. All this in an interactive way.

There is also a viewpoint at the top (it may be closed in bad weather).

The Futurium Museum is open daily except Tuesdays from 10:00-18:00 (Thursdays until 20:00). Admission is free.

8. Jewish Memorial

South of the Brandenburg Gate you will reach the Holocaust Memorial. It consists of variously sized rectangles representing Jews who perished during World War II. It is a place to reflect on the horrors that took place during the Second World War.

9. Potsdamer Platz

We’re moving back west. This time south of the Jewish Memorial, where you will find Potsdamer Platz. My favourite square in Berlin.

Potsdamer Platz is a perfect representation of modern Berlin – the central square of the Sony Center, contemporary architecture, shopping malls, hotels, cinemas, skyscrapers.

Tip: Just a few minutes from Potsdamer Platz you can enjoy a delicious kebab at the Teras restaurant. They also have burgers and other food. They are mainly famous for their kebab, which is one of the best in Berlin. All tips can be found in the map at the end of the article.

☞ Get inspired by the itinerary for 2 days in Berlin (including map).

10. Panoramapunkt

Panoramapunkt is a relatively new viewpoint from a skyscraper located right on Potsdamer Platz. If you want to enjoy the view of the city skyline, including the TV Tower, go here. Especially at sunset, it’s perfect.

The fastest elevator in Europe takes you up to the top – it takes you up to 24 in 20 seconds. floor, where, in addition to the viewpoint, there is also a café.

Admission to Panoramapunkt Berlin is €9. It is open daily from 10:00-18:00. Book your tickets here.

11. DDR Museum

We move to the other side of the river, where you will find several interesting places towards Alexanderplatz.

The first is DDR Museum. An interactive museum that literally immerses you in East German Berlin. You will find yourself in the living room, see the Trabant and absorb other important moments from the communist era.

The museum is open daily 9:00-21:00. Admission is 12,50 €, reduced 7 € (children and students up to 26 years old), children up to 6 years old are free

12. SEA LIFE Berlin

The underwater world of SEA Life Berlin, full of aquariums with millions of species of animals, is sure to thrill not only children. It also includes a huge Aquadom aquarium, which is traversed by an elevator.

Open daily 10:00-19:00. Full admission for all over 15 years is €15 and for children 3-14 years €11. Book your tickets for SEA Life Berlin here.

Tickets for popular attractions in Berlin:

13. Gendarmenmarkt Square

The most beautiful square in Berlin? Definitely Gendarmenmarkt. The square is dominated by symmetrically arranged neoclassical buildings – Konzerthaus (concert hall), the German Cathedral (where exhibitions are held) and the French Cathedral to the right of the concert hall. In addition, it has been undergoing extensive renovation since 2023.

The square is home to an annual Christmas market with an ice skating rink.

14. Topography of Terror – Topographie des Terrors

South of Potsdamer Platz lies another memorial site that makes us reflect on the horrors of the Second World War – the Topographie des Terrors.

The exhibition “Topography of Terror” is built on the site where the main instruments of Nazi persecution and terror were located between 1933 and 1945. It was the headquarters of the Gestapo, the supreme command and security service of the SS and, from 1939, the main office of the Reich Security Service.

You can visit the museum free of charge. It is open daily from 10:00-20:00.

15. Checkpoint Charlie – Mauermuseum

Checkpoint Charlie is a border crossing and a significant historical site that connected the American and Soviet sectors in the city in the last century, i.e. western and eastern part of the city.

You can learn the whole story at the museum, which is located next to the former border crossing. Full admission is €17.50, €11.50 for students and €9.50 for children aged 7-18. Book online or pay on the spot by card (no cash). Open daily 10:00-20:00.

☞ Check out our complete guide to transport in Berlin.

16. Jüdisches Museum Berlin

The Jewish Museum is a different kind of museum whose architecture is already perfectly thought out from the outside. You will get to know the culture and history of German Jews and partly feel the horrible atmosphere of that time.

If you don’t mind that you won’t find an extensive collection here, but you want to get a “feel” for the place, don’t miss the museum.

Open daily 10:00-19:00. Admission to the main exhibition is free. For this purpose, temporary exhibitions are organized for a fee.

17. Berlin Story Bunker

A place where you can go back 800 years in Berlin’s history through short films, photographs and installations – the Berlin Story Bunker. Visit Hitler’s reconstructed bunker and learn more about the bloodiest war of humanity and the National Socialism of World War II.

Open daily 10:00-19:00. Admission is €12 and includes Hitler – how could it happen and Berlin Story Museum.

☞ How to get to Berlin by bus and train

18. Nikolaiviertel

Near Alexanderplatz is a small medieval quarter with houses that have facades in beautiful pastel colours. The medieval houses haven’t stood here since the Middle Ages, but it’s still a nice walk in the streets around St. Nicholas Church. With plenty of shops and restaurants serving German cuisine. Here you will experience a completely different Berlin.

19. Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin

The Technical Museum will attract adults and young adventurers alike. But be prepared for a really large collection.

You can find everything from locomotives, to cars, to ships. Everything is thematically divided into two buildings and part of the collection can also be seen outside.

Open Tuesday-Friday 9:00-17:30 and Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10:00-18:00. The last entry is at 16:00. Full admission is €8, reduced €4 and family €17.

☞ Check out the best hotels and accommodation in Berlin for every budget.

20. East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is a preserved section of the Berlin Wall that has been transformed into a free outdoor street art gallery. Every 10 years, artists are hired to create new paintings (another place is Bernauer Strasse, for example).

21. Oberbaumbrücke

As London has its Tower Bridge, Budapest has its Chain Bridge, Berlin also has its Oberbaumbrücke, which can be found south of the East Side Gallery. The iconic bridge over the River Spree. which, although not as well known, is still a beautiful sight. Especially at sunset, when the sun leans its rays on the red bricks.

It is a two-storey bridge that is a symbol of Berlin’s unification. It connects the districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, which were formerly divided by the Berlin Wall.

22. Treptower Park

Treptower Park can be found south of the Oberbaumbrücke bridge. You can just stroll around or rent pedal boats in summer. There is a 4 km long trail around the river.

A Soviet war memorial was built in the middle of the park after World War II, which is a cemetery for 5,000 Soviet soldiers.

Not far from the monument is an observatory with the world’s longest refracting telescope, where night stargazing takes place without light pollution through the city.

HOTELS IN BERLIN 😴

Hotel Schulz

Popular hotel at a good price

butto hotel

Design hotel in the city centre

23. Tiergarten Park

We reach the Brandenburg Gate, where the Tiergarten, the largest city park in Berlin, is located. An oasis of greenery and a perfect escape from the otherwise busy city.

The Victory Column (Siegessäule) stands in the heart of the park. It is a symbol of German unification. Besides, you’ll have a great view of Berlin.

The park is interspersed with trails, statues and other attractions, so you can easily spend the whole day here.

24. Zoo and aquarium

In the south-west corner of the Tiergarten is the zoo, one of the largest and most popular zoos in Europe. Among other things, you will see large pandas.

And while you’re here, don’t miss the aquarium with fish, jellyfish, corals and even sharks.

For up-to-date information on admission fees and opening times, please visit the official website.

25. Hackeschen Höfe

Around Hackescher Markt there are several interconnected courtyards – Hackeschen Höfe – where you will find restaurants, cafés and small shops. The venue is located just a few tram stops from Alexanderplatz.

The entrance can be found from Sophienstraße or Rosenthaler Straße.

If you like an alternative Berlin with lots of street art, don’t miss a visit to Haus Schwarzenberg. The entrance is on Rosenthaler Straße – in the small courtyard you will find an underground, a bar and a gallery. You can visit the courtyard free of charge. If you like street art, you will find it here.

26. Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis Kirche

The Emperor Wilhelm Memorial Cauldron south of the ZOO will catch your eye from the outside. Protestant church from the 19th century was damaged during the war and later connected with a modern extension.

Open daily 10:00-18:00. Admission is free. You can also take a guided tour (free, but a donation of €5 is appreciated).

27. Charlottenburg Castle

Charlottenburg Castle is the German Versailles. It is the largest surviving palace complex in Berlin. It also includes a large park and museum exhibitions.

The castle is located northwest of the Berlin Zoo. Ticket prices start at €14 for adults. More information on the official website.

28. Gärten der Welt – Gardens of the World

Gardens of the World is a park that takes you to different parts of the world through gardens – a Korean tea ceremony, a Japanese cherry blossom festival, a tropical paradise in Bali and other places that literally immerse you in the culture.

Children will also be thrilled, as there is a playground, rest areas and refreshments.

Full admission starts at €7 (lower in winter) – can also be bought in combination with cable car etc. You can buy tickets online. It is open all year round from 9:00.

From the gardens, it is just a short walk to the Wolkenhain auf dem Kienberg viewpoint, which can be visited daily from 09:00-20:00.

29. River Spree

A walk along the River Spree is one of the best things to do in Berlin. The waterfront is landscaped, with attractions (Museum Island, East Side Gallery, Reichstag, etc.) and well-kept parks nearby.

You can also take a boat ride on the river to see Berlin from a different perspective.

Where to stay in Berlin?

• aletto Hotel: Design, modern hotel in the city centre with excellent accessibility and a roof terrace
• Hotel Schulz: Popular hotel with superior service next to the East Side Gallery, right next to the S-Bahn station for easy access to the city.
• Hotel AMANO: Stylish accommodation near the main railway station in the city centre
• Ibis budget Berlin Potsdamer Platz: Modern hotel in the city centre at a great price
• Space Night Capsule Hostel: Cheap accommodation in capsule rooms with shared bathroom

Hotel Amano

Stylish hotel near the main train station

ibis hotel

Modern and cheap hotel in the city centre

Hotel Schulz

Popular hotel at a good price

butto hotel

Design hotel in the city centre

Where to eat in Berlin?

When it comes to food, Berlin has something for everyone. Like the city itself, its cuisine is multicultural. You will enjoy traditional German dishes, international cuisine and modern culinary innovations.

Here are some tips on traditional dishes to try in Berlin:

• Currywurst: street food in the form of pork sausage on wheels, served with ketchup, curry and chips (there are different options to choose from)
• Döner Kebab: Thanks to the strong Turkish community, you can enjoy a great kebab in Berlin.
• Berliner Pfannkuchen: In Berlin they are known as “Berliner”. These are traditional doughnuts filled with jam, custard or other filling.
• Eisbein: A traditional Berlin dish, boiled pork knuckle served with pea puree, sauerkraut and potatoes.
• Schnitzel: The schnitzel is a classic served in Berlin with a slice of lemon and potato or potato salad in the German way.
• Königsberger Klopse: Royal Klopse represents traditional German cuisine. These are meatballs in a white sauce with capers, usually served with potatoes.
• Brezel: The classic German pretzel, perfect for a quick snack

The best places to eat in Berlin

Below you will find some of our tips on where to eat in Berlin. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re craving currywurst, kebabs, traditional cuisine or the famous hot chocolate.

• Curry 36: One of the most famous places in Berlin serving Currywurst is in Kreuzberg. They have several branches in the city – you can find more near the main train station or the zoo, for example.
• Konnopke’s Imbiss: The legendary Currywurst stand, which can be found right under the bridge in the Prenzlauer Berg district north of the centre.
• Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap: For one of the best kebabs in Berlin, head to the Kreuzberg district. Expect queues, but it’s worth it.
• Teras self-service restaurant: great kebabs, burgers and vegetarian dishes near Potsdamer Platz.
• Max und Moritz: A traditional German restaurant with a cosy old-world atmosphere.
• Brammibal’s Donuts has the best vegan donuts that you can’t tell from non-vegan donuts. They have several branches in Berlin, including Kreuzberg, Potsdamer Platz and Alexanderplatz.
• Bäckerei Siebert: One of the oldest bakeries in Berlin, where you can buy traditional German bread or have a bite to eat
• Café am Neuen See: A popular café and restaurant on the shores of the lake in the Tiergarten
• Markthalle Neun: the big market where you can buy and try food from all over the world under one roof
• Heimweh: If you want to try more than kebabs in Turkish cuisine, go to this bistro. Especially their kumpir is delicious and you can customize it exactly to your liking.
• Rausch Schokoladenhaus: two floors full of chocolate, chocolate cakes and other goodies where you can sit and soak up the smell
• Hofbräu Wirtshaus: traditional Bavarian cuisine in a rustic setting, just off Alexanderplatz

There are plenty of great places to eat in Berlin. The Kreuzberg district, for example, is famous for its great restaurants and several of our tips are located here.

You can also find all the places in the map included in the article. You can download the map to your mobile phone, copy and edit it as needed.

Things to do in Berlin – map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map with the best things to do in Berlin. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the Berlin travel guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

Prices in Berlin

For a meal in a cheap restaurant, you’ll pay between €9-20, and for a 3-course dinner for two you’ll pay €60 on average. The prices of basic foodstuffs are as follows:

• Milk 1 l – 1,24 €
• White bread 500 g – 1,94 €
• Eggs 12 pcs – 3,25 €
• Cheese 1 kg – 12,55 €
• Chicken breast 1 kg – 12,66 €
• Bananas 1 kg – 1,66 €
• Water 1,5 l – 0,80 €
• Potatoes 1 kg – 1,67 €

When to visit Berlin?

In Berlin, it’s alive all year round. The final decision depends on what you plan to do in the city. What weather you can expect in Berlin during the year:

Spring (March to May): Temperatures in spring are pleasant and ideal for exploring Berlin’s streets and sights. At the beginning of spring there are fewer tourists, in May the main season starts.

Summer (June to August): Summer is the hottest period in Berlin, with temperatures around 18°C to 25°C, sometimes higher. The crowds are at their peak, there are outdoor events, festivals and the streets are alive from early morning until late at night.

Autumn (September to November): In autumn, it cools down to pleasant temperatures between 8 °C and 18 °C. The crowds are still bigger until October, November is quieter, but there are still queues at popular attractions.

Winter (December to February): Temperatures can drop below freezing in winter, but snow is rather sporadic. With the exception of Advent and Christmas, there are fewer tourists. This also makes the accommodation the cheapest. If you don’t like crowds or are travelling on a budget, winter is the best season for you.

Berlin tips and practical information

• Transport in Berlin works well and includes the U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams and buses. Find out more in our detailed guide to transport in Berlin.
• Berlin WelcomeCard is a tourist card that gives you unlimited travel around Berlin and discounts on sights and attractions in the city. It includes almost all the famous attractions including the TV tower, AquaDom & SEA LIFE Berlin or Charlottenburg Castle.
• The official language is German. However, English is widespread, especially in tourist areas and among younger people.
• Book your accommodation in advance – this way you get the best accommodation at the best price.
• You can pay by card at most places, but there may be places where it’s better to carry cash.
• In restaurants and taxis, tipping is around 5-10%.
• Wi-Fi is readily available in cafés, hotels and some public places.
• For shopping, head to Kurfürstendamm, Friedrichstraße and Alexanderplatz. The popular weekend flea markets are held in Mauerpark and Boxhagener Platz.
• Berlin is a safe city, but still be wary of pickpocketing and avoid empty streets in the evening. If necessary, call the emergency number 112.

Plan your trip quickly and easily. If you buy something through our links, we get a small commission. You pay nothing extra. Thank you!

If you have a question about our Berlin travel guide and the things to do in Berlin, let us know in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

More information about Germany

BERLIN: Get inspired with this itinerary for 2 days in Berlin. Do you have more time? Here is the itinerary for 3 days in Berlin. Check out the best hotels and accommodation in Berlin for every budget.

This article tells you all about travelling by car to Berlin. We have also written a detailed guide to transport in Berlin. Here are the options for getting to Berlin by bus and train.

GERMANY: Check out our article for more inspiration on things to do in Germany.

DRESDEN: Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Get inspired with tips on things to do in Dresden.

HAMBURG: Hamburg is considered by some to be the most beautiful city in Germany. Take a look at our tips on the things to do in Hamburg and form your own opinion.

GERMAN ALPS: Germany has carved out a beautiful part of the Alps for itself. Here are the best hiking trails in the Bavarian Alps.

Summary Things to do in Berlin: Best places to visit