37 Best Things to do in Berlin: Top Places to visit

Looking for top places to visit in Berlin? Check out the best things to do in Berlin. This 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.

Best things to do in Berlin: Top places to visit

Which sights 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 top places in Berlin, start your visit in the Mitte district. It lies right 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 most beautiful places and best things to do in Berlin and other useful tips:

1. Brandenburg Gate

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

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 end of the great boulevard Unter den Linden, which is lined with several embassies – Great Britain, the United States, France. There is also a wax museum.

2. Madame Tussauds Museum

At Madame Tussauds Museum you can see the most famous personalities, especially from German history, culture or sports. The exhibitions are themed and interactive in places, so there’s plenty of stock for adults and children to enjoy.

Open daily 10:00-19:00 (usually 10:00-18:00 in winter).

Admission is €26 for everyone over 15 and €19 for children 3-14. If you want to save time on the spot, I recommend ordering Madama Tussauds tickets in Berlin online.

3. Reichstag

The Reichstag or Bundestag 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. The dome is beautifully lit in the evening.

There is no charge to attend, 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 them towards Friedrich Elbert Platz, you will reach the River Spree in a few metres, where you can admire the modern part of the Reichstag up close.

4. Futurium Museum

Just across the river from the Reichstag is the fantastic 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.

5. 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.

6. Alexanderplatz and Fernsehturm TV Tower

Alexanderplatz is Berlin’s most famous square. The centre of events, entertainment, shopping.

Right next to the square is the 368-metre high Fernsehturn TV tower with a viewing platform offering a great view of Berlin. It’s a bit retro, but that belongs to Berlin too. The views from here are spectacular over the whole city.

TIP: The Fersehturn TV Tower is one of the most popular sights in Berlin and the queues can be long. Skip the line by booking tickets in advance.

If you walk from the TV tower towards the station, you will see the World Clock. The clock dates back to the 1960s and shows the time at 24 locations in the city.

Or turn around and head to the other side of the TV tower. Walk through the arcade and you’ll reach a large square with a fountain, benches and flowerbeds that stretches between the neo-Gothic Rathaus and the Gothic St. Marienkirche.

7. Deutsches Historisches Museum

The exhibitions of the Deutsches Historisches Museum are some of the most beautiful in the world. Here you will find everything from prehistoric times to the present.

Some of the best include Napoleon’s arch from the Battle of Waterloo or a personal computer from the GDR era.

Full admission is 8€ and reduced admission is 5€ for children 6-15 years old. You can book your ticket in advance online.

8. Museum Island

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

Museum Island is an independent island in Berlin on the meandering River Spree, made up of five major museums. These specialise in different periods of culture, science and art:

• Bode Museum with a collection of Byzantine art and oriental sculptures
• Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) contains mainly paintings from the Neoclassical and Romantic periods and one of the largest collections of sculptures and paintings of the 19th century in Germany.
• Neues Museum (New Museum) – Don’t let the name fool you. 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.
• Pergamon Museum is the most popular of the 5 museums. You will find here, 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).
• Altes Museum (Old Museum) includes a collection of antiquities, including a range of Greek artefacts.

TIP: Get unlimited travel around Berlin and additional discounts on sights and attractions in the city with Berlin WelcomeCard. Prices start at €30 for 48 hours.

9. Berlin Cathedral

Berlin Cathedral, Berlin Cathedral or officially the Evangelical High Parish and Collegiate Church. A place that is a museum and a concert hall at the same time.

Inside, you will be impressed by its marble and onyx decoration with organs and royal sarcophagi. A magnificent imposing building on Museum Island.

Full admission 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 magnificent sights, making a boat trip in Berlin an experience. Prices for a cruise start at just €19.90.

10. DDR Museum

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

The first is the 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

11. SEA LIFE Berlin

The underwater world full of aquariums with millions of species of animals will surely excite 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 19 € and for children 3-14 years 15 €. You can buy your ticket easily online.

12. Berlin Dungeon

The Berlin Dungeon is an interactive exhibition that lets you experience some important moments in Berlin’s 800-year history. In the form of performances by theatre actors, special effects and stories that draw you into the action. For example, the Great Fire of Berlin. Admission is 26 €.

13. BODY WORLDS in Menschen Museum – People Museum

BODY WORLDS Museum is a unique museum that you should definitely visit. Even with the kids. He will explain the workings of the human body in simple terms using human sculptures. It is similar in Amsterdam.

Ticket prices for adults start at €17, students at €15 and children 7-18 at €12. As a family, you can get discounted admission. Open daily 10:00-19:00.

14. Gendarmenmarkt Square

The most beautiful square in Berlin? Definitely the Gendarmenmarkt. The square is dominated by symmetrically arranged neoclassical buildings – the Konzerthaus (concert hall), the German Cathedral (where exhibitions are held) and the French Cathedral to the right of the concert hall.

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

15. Postdamer Platz

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

A perfect contrast to Berlin’s historic landmarks – the central Sony Center Square, modern architecture, shopping malls, hotels, cinemas, skyscrapers.

16. Deutsche Kinemathek

West of Potsdamer Platz is one of Berlin’s most interesting museums, the German Film Museum.

It may not be the type of museum you think of when you visit Berlin, but if you like movies, you’ll find something to love here. Great and interesting history and present of German cinema.

Except for Tuesday, it is open every day 10:00-18:00 and even until 20:00 on Thursdays. Full admission is €9, reduced admission for students is €5 and children under 18 are free.

17. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

LEGOLAND in Berlin is a game world full of adventure. 5 million lego bricks, game arena, 4D movies and other fun. A great place for families with children.

Open daily 10:00-19:00. Admission is 19 € for all.

18. Topography of Terror – Topographie des Terrors

South of Potsdamer Platz lies another memorial site that makes us reflect on the horrors that took place not only in Berlin during the Second World War.

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.

19. Checkpoint Charlie Museum – 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 find out the whole story in this museum.

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.

20. THE WALL – assisi Panorama Berlin

Do you want to see what life was like in Berlin in the 80s? years? To be transported to the atmosphere of that time, which sometimes gives you chills?

Learn more about the “death belt” between East and West Berlin, which was filled with hundreds of guard towers, miles of trenches, searchlights, machine guns and guard dogs? THE WALL – asisi Panorama Berlin will immerse you in history.

21. Jüdisches Museum Berlin

The Jewish Museum is a bit of a different museum. A place that will amaze you with its well thought out architecture. And it makes you think and feel the atmosphere. Get closer to the culture and history of German Jews in an unusual way.

If you don’t mind that you won’t find an extensive collection here, but you want the “feeling” of the place, you should definitely not 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.

22. Berlin Story Bunker

A place where you can go back 800 years in Berlin’s history through short films, photographs and installations. 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. Berlin Story Buker. Tickets can be booked online.

23. Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin

The Technical Museum will attract adults and young adventurers alike. But be prepared for a really large collection. If you want to go through everything in detail, even a whole day will not be enough.

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. The museum can be recognized from afar thanks to the airplane on the roof.

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 €.

24. 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).

25. Oberbaumbrücke

Just as London has its Tower Bridge or Budapest has its Chain Bridge, Berlin has its Oberbaumbrücke, which can be found south of the East Side Gallery. The iconic bridge over the River Spree.

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.

26. 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.

In the middle of the park they built 2. World War II Soviet War Memorial, 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.

27. Tiergarten Park

We reach the Brandenburg Gate, where the huge Tierpark stretches out. Escape from busy Berlin to a green oasis of peace. It is the largest city park in Berlin.

With lots of interesting places to come across on a long walk. And it’s really long considering its size.

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

28. Zoo and aquarium

At the other end of Tierpark, in the southwest corner, is the zoo, one of the largest and most popular in Europe. And while you’re here, don’t miss the aquarium with fish, jellyfish, corals and even sharks.

29. Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis Kirche

The Emperor Wilhelm Memorial Cauldron south of the ZOO will attract you especially 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).

30. Charlottenburg Castle

Charlottenburg Castle is the German Versailles. The largest surviving palace complex in Berlin. It 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.

31. Teufelsberg

Teufelsberg or Devil’s Mountain is located in the west of Berlin. At the top you will see a relic of the Cold War – a tower building with a 360° roof terrace that used to be a listening station. Today it is also one of the largest street galleries in the world.

It is open daily from 11:00 until sunset (there is low electricity). Admission is 8 € (students 6 €).

32. New synagogue

The new synagogue was built in a splendid oriental-Moorish style. It represents the main synagogue of the Berlin Jewish community.

It is open daily except Saturday 10:00-18:00 (Sunday until 19:00). Full admission is €7, reduced admission €4.50 and family admission €20.

33. Mauerpark

A huge flea market is held every Sunday in Mauerpark. It sells antique furniture and other antiques, works of art, books, but it’s also a great place to eat.

There is also an outdoor theatre where you can sing in karaoke. You’ll also come across street artists. If you have a free afternoon in Berlin and want to spend it in a relaxed way, it’s worth a trip here.

34. Berliner Unterwelten e.V. – Berlin Underground

The Berlin underground extends to 4 underground floors and offers several themes. You will see, for example, bunkers from the Second World War, East German escape tunnels, ammunition finds and archaeological documents. You can also descend into the basement of the Berliner Kindl brewery and sample some of the beers after the tour.

It is open daily 10:00-16:00 and from Friday to Sunday until 18:00. Vstupenky rezervujte předem. Each tour lasts 90 minutes.

35. Stasi Museum – Stasimuseum

The Stasi Museum is housed in the former East German State Security building. The building was built in 1960-61 as an office for the Minister for State Security, Erich Mielke, who served here until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

It is open daily 10:00-18:00 and on weekends and holidays 11:00-18:00. Admission is 10 €, students and seniors 7,50 € and children over 12 years 5 €.

36. Gärten der Welt Marzahn – 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 be thrilled too, as there is a playground, rest areas and refreshments.

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.

Full admission starts at €7 (lower in winter) – can also be bought in combination with cable car etc.

37. River Spree

I mention the river here especially because the local coastline is worth it. It is well maintained and with many points of interest along the way. You can also take a boat ride on the river to see Berlin from a different perspective.

Where to stay in Berlin

There is a huge range of accommodation in Berlin. Hotels are modern, clean, practical and often designer.

Hotel Gat Point Charlie Description : Design hotel with modern and very well equipped rooms (even family rooms) in the centre of Berlin. Checkpoint Charlie is just around the corner and the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and other Berlin attractions are within walking distance. Excellent breakfast and friendly staff.

MEININGER Hotel offers very cheap accommodation right next to the main train station (Czech Railways stops here). You can choose between 2-4 bedded rooms with private bathroom or a bed in a shared room. Everything is modern and clean. Just cross the bridge and in a few minutes you are at the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate or the Jewish Memorial.

Hotel Aldea is a great value hotel on the edge of the city centre. The metro station is 2 minutes away and in less than half an hour you can be in Tierpark or Potsdamer Platz. If you are travelling with children, there are some great playgrounds a short walk away and the zoo is 20 minutes away. The 2-5 bedded rooms are very clean with private bathrooms and the breakfast rich. Parking is available in the underground garage for an additional fee.

Hotel Schulz is located next to the East Side Gallery by the Spree River. The Ostbahnhof Station, just behind the hotel, offers access to all of Berlin and the main train station. The hotel is modern with superior services including online check-in and soundproofed rooms.

Best 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 guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

How to get to Berlin

By car

Berlin is located in the north-east of Germany and is very accessible from many cities. There are 6 motorways leading into Berlin, so it’s quick and easy to get to the city from all directions. The outer part of the city is bordered by the Berliner Ring – A10, which has a number of exits to get you where you need to go without major traffic jams.

Approximate arrival times from selected cities:

• Hamburg – 3 h 15 min; 296 km
• Munich – 5 h 30 min; 471 km
• Prague – 4 h; 349 km

Ecological zone

In the inner city, there is an environmental zone and you need a green sticker to prove that your car meets the emission standards. For more information on the limits and where to apply for a green sticker, click here.

The eco-zone applies in the inner city, so if you park further away from the city centre and take public transport the rest of the way, you don’t need a sticker.

Parking in Berlin

Berlin offers plenty of parking options, from open-air car parks to parking garages. However, parking can often be a problem in the centre and parking is also relatively expensive (€1-2 per hour). Parking is cheaper the further you are from the centre.

The machines most often accept coins (although the machine says it takes cards, we’ve had it happen that it doesn’t). You can also pay at most machines using the Easypark, Travipay, Trafficpass and Park now apps.

A great option are the so-called. Park & Ride areas on the edge of town where you can park for free. Located close to train or metro stations, you can immediately change to local transport to get into the city comfortably.

All parking in Berlin is marked on this link.

By train

The train is an environmentally friendly and convenient way to get to Berlin.

Central Station is a short walk from the Parliament and has excellent connections to the centre and other parts of Berlin. There are other stations scattered around the city, from which long-distance and local trains depart (Südkreuz, Ostkreuz and Ostbahnhof, Bahnhof Zoo and many others).

A popular option is the night trains that connect Berlin with Zagreb, Vienna, Prague, Brussels or Copenhagen.

You can find current train connections on the Deutsche Bahn website or with local train operators.

Bus

Buses are another popular option for getting to Berlin. You can choose from Regiojet, Eurolines or Flixbus.

Most buses stop at the ZOB central bus station. The city centre can be reached in about half an hour by metro (line U2). The underground station is a few minutes from the bus station – walk towards the main street Kaiserdamm and you will see the U-Bahn on the corner on your right. The signs for the U2 metro are already in front of the station.

Transport and metro in Berlin

Berlin is well connected by public transport, especially the underground (U-Bahn) and trains (S-Bahn). This makes it quick to get to even the most remote parts of Berlin. Buses and trams supplement the metro and trains.

Please note: When purchasing your ticket you must take into account which zone you will be in – AB, BC or ABC. Berlin itself is in zone AB and the immediate surroundings of Berlin (Potsdam, airport) in zone C.

Ticket for transport in Berlin

The following tickets are valid for all types of transport in Berlin (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, trams).

A single ticket in zone AB costs €3 (€1.90 for children aged 6-14) and is valid for up to 2 hours. You can change trains, but the ticket cannot be used as a return ticket.

A single ticket for the ABC zone costs € 3.80 (€ 2.70 for children aged 6-14) in one direction. Again, 2 hours with the possibility of transfer.

Another option is a short-term ticket for €2 (€1.50 reduced for children), which you should consider in the following cases:

• you travel 3 stops on the U-Bahn and/or S-Bahn (you can change trains)
• you travel 6 stops by bus or tram (you must not change trains)

A day ticket with unlimited travel around Berlin in the AB zone costs € 8.80 (up to 3 children aged 6-14 are included). In the ABC zone the price is 10 €.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or via the BVG app.

TIP: Get unlimited travel around Berlin and additional discounts on sights and attractions in the city with Berlin WelcomeCard. Prices start at €30 for 48 hours.

Berlin by bike

Berlin is another metropolis that is well suited to cycling. The city is flat and cyclists have their own lanes.

You can usually rent a bike from €1 for 15 minutes or €9 for 1 day. There are bike stations all over the city – you can always find the nearest one in the app.

There are several bike rental companies within Berlin – Callabike.de, donkey.bike or nextbike.de.

Where to eat in Berlin

The food in Berlin is great, from all over the world and affordable.

Try the street food – currywurst, pizza or kebabs. Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebab is a great place for vegetarians. Located 10 minutes d Museum Island or another branch south of the center.

Great food can also be found at Preussen Park, where Thaipark runs from Friday to Sunday from 10:00-20:00. This is a huge Thai market with food and street food, where you can get a great meal for just a few euros.

The student district of Kreuzberg (especially around Kottbusser Tor) is also a popular area. Great international cuisine can also be found in the Jewish Quarter (Oranienburger Straße, Friedrichstraße, Torstraße)

Prices in Berlin

You’ll pay around €12 for a meal in a cheap restaurant and around €60 for a 3-course dinner for two. The prices of basic foodstuffs are as follows:

• Milk 1 l – 1,15 €
• White bread 500 g – 1,60 €
• Eggs 12 pcs – 2,83 €
• Cheese 1 kg – 12,87 €
• Chicken breast 1 kg – 9,77 €
• Bananas 1 kg – 1,73 €
• Water 1,5 l – 0,65 €
• Potatoes 1 kg – 1,87 €

When to visit Berlin

Anytime. In Berlin, it’s alive all year round.

The high season in Berlin is from May to September with hotter and drier summers. At this time of year, you can cool off under the trees of one of the parks (see tips above, but there are many more in Berlin). Hop on a bike or have a picnic by the Spree River, which runs through Berlin (there are small beaches in several places).

In spring and autumn, Berlin has pleasant temperatures and just enough tourists.

From the edge of winter, the town has a beautiful Christmas market. The period after Christmas is ideal for budget travellers (accommodation and transport is cheapest) or those who want to explore the city more leisurely.

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

More information about Germany

GERMANY: Check out our article for more inspiration on what to visit in Germany.

Dresden: Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Get inspired with tips on sights and attractions to visit 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.

BAVARIAN ALPS: Germany has carved out a beautiful part of the Alps for itself. What to do and what hiking trails to take in the Bavarian Alps can be found in a separate article.

Summary: Best Things to do in Berlin