visit berlin 50

Trending Post : 52 Best Things to do in Ireland

50+ Incredible Things to do in Berlin (from a local)

Whether you’re after a weekend packed full of partying, a city break with brunch, markets and bars galore or a trip discovering history, Berlin will deliver.

Start planning your must-do activities with this guide, sharing the insider lowdown on all of Berlin’s best bits. I’ve lived in Berlin for three years: here are 52 things I love to do that you should definitely check out when in Berlin.

Ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. We also use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

The Absolute Must-Do Activities ✅

If you can do everything on this Berlin list , do it. But if you’re time is limited, these are my Berlin faves:

• Walk along the former Berlin wall
• Grab a delicious takeaway falafel
• Visit Tempelhofer Feld
• Cool off at a lake in Grünewald
• Visit the Turkish Market at Maybachufer
• Stay at Hotel am Steinplatz

Getting around Berlin

If you’re staying in Berlin for a few days, you’re probably going to want to invest in a weekly pass for the public transport. Berlin’s not a walkable city by any means but the maze of buses, trams and S + U Bahns (read: trains) mean you’ll get around in no time.

You can also get a Berlin Hop on Hop off ticket to see the most important sites. Or of course rent a car or book guided tours to explore the city.

52 of the Best Places to Go, Restaurants, Clubs and Things to do in Berlin

1. visit the turkish market at maybachufer.

The chaos and vibrancy of Maybachufer’s Turkish market (Maybachufer, 12047 Berlin) makes it my favorite in Berlin.

On Tuesdays and Fridays, stalls are set up alongside the Landwehr Canal in Kreuzberg, with fruit and veg nestled among lunch offerings, fabric stands, freshly made tahini, local cheese, handmade jewelry and so much more.

Visit for a fun afternoon of browsing and make sure you arrive hungry enough to grab a bite to eat!

2. Check out the East Side Gallery

If you’ve begun researching your Berlin trip, the East Side Gallery (Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin) is probably already on your must-see list.

This part of the former Berlin wall is covered in graffiti dating back to the 1980s. Wander along with your camera and snap pictures of your favorite street art. Don’t be confused by the word ‘gallery’ though – there’s no entrance fee or opening times, you can just turn up.

3. Walk along the former Berlin Wall

Learning about Berlin’s rich history is an essential thing to do on your visit. One of the best (and free!) ways to do that is to walk along the site of the former Berlin wall (Bernauer Str. 50, 10435 Berlin), learning the history of Germany’s DDR era from the open air museum as you go. Start at Bernauerstraße opposite Mauerpark and follow the signs all the way to the Berlin Wall Memorial.

4. Visit Tempelhofer Feld

Not many cities can boast a disused airport as one of their top hang-out spots – but Berlin’s Tempelhofer Feld (Tempelhofer Damm, 12101 Berlin) is a favorite green space of countless Berliners. The flat, grassy field is pretty vast, with a circumference of 6 kilometers, and is criss-crossed with running tracks for joggers, cyclists, skaters, roller skaters and even wind skaters.

You’ll also see people trying out circus lifts, practicing diablo or working on their juggling skills. Head down to try out a sport of your own or simply grab a beer, sit back and observe the fun.

5. Take advantage of the Museum Sonntag offer

Trying to see every activity a city has to offer can get expensive – but if you happen to be visiting Berlin during the first weekend of the month, you may be able to snag free entrance to a museum on Sunday, when many museums and galleries are free.

Tickets are released a month in advance, so keep an eye on the website and make sure to act fast when they’re live. Even if your museum of choice is sold out, there will be plenty more to choose from, so take a chance on the available tickets and surprise yourself!

6. Grab a delicious takeaway falafel

While tourists may think of typical German food as Currywurst or Pretzels, in Berlin, falafel is undoubtedly a typical local dish. Not only are there countless falafel shops to choose from but you also need to decide whether you want to sample Turkish, Lebanese or Sudanese falafel – or all three!

The jury’s out on which is the best falafel in Berlin, but one thing’s for sure: Neuköln and Wedding are the neighborhoods where you’ll find the most authentic selection.

You won’t have to break the bank to enjoy falafel in Berlin either: expect to pay between 4-6€ for a wrap that’ll fill you up all afternoon.

7. Go crazy at a day rave

Berliners love to party – and on a few days of the year, the party spreads right out into the streets. Time your visit with the 1st of May (worker’s day), Christopher Street Day (Berlin’s pride parade, in mid-July) or Rave the Planet (a celebration of techno music in early July) for a day party to remember.

You’ll find trucks in the streets blasting music, pop-up DJ booths in parks or on balconies and thousands of people having the time of their life. Be sure to pack a great outfit as dressing up is part of the fun.

The best part? All of these day rave parties are free to enjoy. Make sure to pack some cold drinks though, as vendors selling booze at the site of the parades are pretty expensive.

8. Cool off at a lake in Grünewald

You might not have realized that a day at the beach is a great Berlin activity. I’m here to tell you that it’s a must on your Berlin bucket list! The city boasts 3000 lakes that offer sandy beaches, shady trees and clear waters to cool off in.

Take Me To The Lakes has a great directory that details all the best spots to check out – but the lakes in the forest of Grünewald are a classic option. Situated at the western edge of the city, you’ll just have to jump on a train or hire a bike to cycle through the woods before you’re enjoying a day relaxing in nature.

Depending on whether there’s a cafe or other facilities, I’d recommend packing a picnic, and if it’s a hot summer Saturday, go early to nab the best sunbathing spot.

9. Bar hop on Weserstraße

If you want to grab a drink in Neuköln, Weserstraße is the place to go. From exquisite cocktails at Yuma to drag shows at queer bar Silver Future to table football at Ä, you’re sure to find a fun place to drink the night away. Make sure to end the night by grabbing a kebab or falafel at one of the countless nearby takeaways: not only will it help your hangover in the morning but it’s sure to be delicious.

10. Try your luck at Berghain

Getting rejected from Berghain (Am Wriezener bhf, 10243 Berlin) is a Berlin rite of passage. To increase your chances of being let past the legendary bouncer Sven and allowed entrance into Berlin’s mecca of techno, bring your punkiest outfit and best don’t-care attitude.

To skip hours of queuing, try coming early on Sunday morning instead of on Saturday night: by exchanging breakfast for a boogie, you’ll be partying alongside way more locals than tourists too.

11. Have fun at KitKat

Visiting Berlin’s infamous sex club may not be on everyone’s to-do list – but if you want to explore your sensual side and have a crazy travel story to bring back home, KitKat Club (Köpenicker Straße 76, Brückenstraße 1, 10179 Berlin) is the place to go.

Exit Heinrich-Heine-Straße U Bahn station and you’ll find the queue – expect to wait for up to 3 hours if you arrive after midnight. The bouncers will ask to see your outfit, so go shopping in one of Berlin’s kink shops for a suitable look beforehand and hope they like what they see.

Inside the club, you can enjoy the pool, dance to techno sets and if you’re feeling inspired, find a (not so) private corner to have fun. No phones are allowed and consent is the name of the game: you’ll be respected by other punters and if you feel uncomfortable, staff will support you.

12. Party at Sisyphos

Another must-visit Berlin club, Sisyphos (Hauptstraße 15, 10317 Berlin) is best suited to a sunny day where you can enjoy the outdoor stages before heading inside as night falls. Comprised of 5 stages overall, you’ll find a mix of house and techno set among beautiful gardens with a beachside atmosphere. If you’re hungry, grab pizza or chips from the vendors, while the bars will supply you with drinks all night long. As for the outfits, Sisyphos is a place to express your individual style, so dig through your suitcase for your most colorful, vibrant clothes.

13.   Watch the sunset at Modersohnbrücke

Berlin has several picturesque places to watch the sunset – but one of the best is a simple bridge in Friedrichshain (10245 Berlin-Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg) that becomes a hive of activity come dusk. Grab a beer from a nearby Späti (convenience store) and find a spot looking west to enjoy views across the city as the sun comes down.

14. Try karaoke at Mauerpark Market

A quick language lesson: ‘Mauer’ is German for ‘wall’, hence the name Mauerpark for Berlin’s patch of green that is located at the site of the former Berlin wall. Come to the park on Sunday to check out its infamous flea market (Bernauer Str., 13355 Berlin), where vendors sell everything from vintage clothes to furniture to handmade soap in the shape of vaginas (yep, you read right.)

Once you’re done browsing, grab a drink and watch the outdoor karaoke that is one of the market’s main attractions – if all that beer’s got you feeling brave, you can even join in.

15. Enjoy an afternoon of skating

If you visit Berlin in the summer (which, by the way, you totally should), you’ll likely see plenty of skaters zooming through the streets. If hopping on a board is your thing – or if you’ve been itching to try – rent a board and join the countless people practicing their tricks or whiling away the afternoons at Tempelhofer Feld or Mauerpark.

16. Browse the day away at Boxi Market

This square in Friedrichshain (Grünberger Str. 75, 10245 Berlin) transforms into a bustling marketplace at the weekends. Come on Saturday to check out the food market, where you can pick up a delicious breakfast, organic groceries or artisan gifts for the foodies in your life.

On Sundays, vintage treasure is the name of the game, with a selection of clothes and furniture making for a fun few hours of browsing.

17. Take a street art walking tour

There’s street art galore in Berlin, so pay attention when wandering around and plenty of murals will catch your eye. But if you’re keen to hear more context about the graffiti you’re looking at, definitely sign up for a street art tour .

While the East Side Gallery has some of Berlin’s most famous murals, there are loads more to see that most tourists wouldn’t catch.

18. Try standup paddle boarding

If you’re hanging out on the side of the canal or river with a beer in hand (one of my favorite Berlin pastimes) you’ll see plenty of people floating by on stand up paddle boards. Rent a board (and a lesson if needed) or sign up for a Paddle Board Tour to give SUP-ing a go yourself – you’ll get a whole new perspective on Berlin from the water.

19. Go to the opera

If you want an evening full of glamor, visiting one of Berlin’s opera houses is the way to go. Get your glad rags on and arrive in time to take plenty of photos of the stunning architecture and interior before the show starts. Definitely book in advance and look out for operas with English subtitles so you can follow the story as well as enjoy the show.

20. Visit rooftop bar Klunkerkranich

A rooftop bar with city-wide views that has a great food selection and plays DJ sets as the sun comes down: what more could you ask for?

Finding Klunkerkranich (Karl-Marx-Straße 66, 12043 Berlin) is a little tricky (the bar is at the top of a shopping center in Neuköln) but don’t let that put you off. Follow the instructions on their website, bring cash for the 5-10€ entrance fee and be prepared to queue if you come after 8pm. But don’t worry, you can already enjoy the view as you wait.

21. Visit Schloss Charlottenburg

Never mind Buckingham Palace, Berlin has its own decadent house and gardens in the Charlottenburg district in the west of the city: the Schloss Charlottenburg (Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin), which has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1990. Turn up with enough time to explore the palace’s countless rooms boasting baroque interiors, before wandering through the vast expanse of gardens.

22. Float down the river in a hot tub

Keen to see Berlin from a different perspective? Try floating down the Spree (Berlin’s river) in a hot tub – yes, really! Berlin Bootsverleih rents out boats with hot tubs so you can chill out and get cracking views at the same time. Bring along some Sekt (German sparkling wine) for the ride and have an evening to remember.

23. Learn about DDR history at the Stasi Museum

Checking out museums is surely on your Berlin to-do list. But don’t just stick to museum island: if you venture east to Berlin’s Lichtenberg district, you’ll discover the Stasi Museum (Normannenstraße 20/Haus 1, 10365 Berlin) located in the former Stasi headquarters on a street full of buildings with typical DDR architecture.

The museum offers a unique insight into Berlin’s communist past – book a guided tour if you want to maximize your experience.

24. Eat your heart out at the Thai food market

Berlin’s Wilmersdorf district is where Thai food rules supreme. While visiting a restaurant in this neighborhood may be ideal in winter, if you’re visiting Berlin on a sunny Sunday afternoon, checking out the Thai food market in Preußenpark (Brandenburgische Str., 10707 Berlin) is a must.

You’ll enjoy the hustle and bustle of countless stalls whose mouth-watering dishes will all compete for your attention – but don’t worry, whatever you choose is likely to be delicious. Grab a lassi to accompany your meal and find a spot in the park to tuck in.

25. Prenzlauer Berg

Prenzlauer Berg is one of Berlin’s most picturesque districts. This area in the former east boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, parks including the Wasserturm and Volkspark Friedrichshain (confusingly located at the border between Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain) and countless bars, cafes and restaurants to refuel before you explore further.

Check out the neighborhoods Kollwitzkiez or Bötzowviertel for all of this in abundance, along with some seriously great boutique shopping if your wallet will allow it.

26. Go bouldering

The bouldering craze has well and truly hit Berlin – if you’re a keen boulderer, or just fancy trying out a new skill, turn up at one of the city’s many bouldering halls where you can hire shoes and get stuck in. Try Ostbloc (Hauptstraße 13, 10317 Berlin) for a bouldering session  followed by pizza and beer on the riverside as you watch the sun go down.

27. Grab a drink on Simon-Dach-Straße

If you fancy an evening of bar hopping, trying specialty cocktails and soaking up Berlin’s evening vibe before heading on to a nearby club, Simon-Dach-Straße in Friedrichshain will deliver. Primitiv is a must visit, as is cult gay bar Himmelreich ; just remember to bring plenty of cash as many establishments don’t take cards.

28. Visit the Jewish Museum

Berlin’s Jewish Museum (Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin) is a must-visit. The poignant and powerful exhibit in Kreuzberg will teach you about Jewish history through the ages. Crucially, you’ll also learn about Germany’s role in shaping Jewish history, providing valuable context as you continue to explore Berlin.

29. Walk among cherry blossom trees

While the very center of Berlin may be dominated by gray concrete buildings, the city has countless beautiful spots if you know where to look. If you’re visiting in April, checking out the cherry blossom trees is a great activity that’ll leave your camera roll full of Instagram-worthy pictures.

Try walking along Käthe-Niederkirchner-Straße in Prenzlauer Berg to see a street full of trees in bloom – or if you have time to head out of the city, Kirschbaumallee, a park in Brandenburg, has a whole field full of trees.

Before you commit to the day trip, research if the cherry blossom is in bloom by asking in Google Map reviews, on Reddit or in Facebook groups. Berliners who have been already will let you know if the flowers are out!

30. Enjoy an evening of jazz

If techno isn’t your music genre of choice, don’t worry: Berlin has plenty more to offer you. The city’s jazz bars are a great place to while away an evening, listening to concerts, jam sessions and improvised sets alike. Check out B Flat in Mitte or Yorckschlösschen in Schöneberg for plenty of the above – and indulge in a great cocktail while you’re at it.

31. Take a day trip to Potsdam

Staying in Berlin throughout your whole visit would mean missing out on everything Brandenburg, the district surrounding Berlin, has to offer.

Take a train to Potsdam (don’t forget to extend your travel pass to the C zone!) and check out the New Palace with its beautifully landscaped gardens. Then take a walk through the town’s charming streets to refuel with coffee or lunch before heading back to Berlin.

Top Tour: Potsdam Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

32. Check out impressionist art at the Barberini

While you’re in Potsdam, make time to visit the Barberini (Humboldtstraße 5-6, 14467 Potsdam). The art museum hosts an impressive collection of impressionist work alongside temporary exhibits. If you’re a fan of Monet, look no further: the museum has 39 of his works, the most of any museum in Europe outside of Paris.

33. Take a historical walking tour

If you want to truly get to grips with Berlin’s textured history, joining a walking tour is a great way to explore the main sites with a guide who knows their stuff.

If you don’t manage to book a walking tour , try creating one yourself by walking around and looking out for small gold plaques (Stolpersteine) on the ground.

These are placed outside houses where Jewish people who were murdered in concentration camps lived, serving as a memorial and reminder of Berlin’s past.

34. Transport yourself into history at the Panorama exhibit

While Berlin’s Pergamon Museum (Am Kupfergraben 2, 10117 Berlin) is currently closed for a 14 year renovation, its sister museum, the Panorama, remains open.

Entering the Panorama is like walking into the past: the immersive, 360° dome is painted with scenes from the festival of Dionysia in AD 129 and the accompanying soundscape makes the experience even more lifelike.

The museum also hosts a collection of 80 ancient sculptures from the Roman empire that you can browse once you’ve emerged from the Panorama.

35. Party at a bar-cum-club

If you fancy a night out that doesn’t boast a 25€ cover charge, try the venues at Lohmühleninsel , where Treptower and Kreuzberg meet.

Birgit und Bier offers pizza, Club de Visionary has views over the water and Aeden has a beautiful garden replete with mirrors and a tiny, pumping dancefloor.

These bars host a variety of day and night parties, so check the events beforehand to see what event matches your vibe – or take a chance and have a night to remember.

36. Enjoy views from the Reichstag

Berlin’s Reichstag building (Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin) isn’t just a must-visit for politics nerds. While it’s cool to get up close and personal with where the German parliament sits, walking up the winding staircase of the glass dome also rewards you with a stunning panoramic view of Berlin.

Take an audio guide if you’re keen to learn more about the German political system – and be sure to book your slot in advance to avoid missing out!

37. Reflect on Jewish history at the Holocaust memorial

Visiting Berlin’s Holocaust memorial (Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin) is essential for every tourist. Made up of tall concrete blocks that tower above you as you walk through them, exploring the memorial, and its adjacent free museum, will allow you to reflect on Jewish history and Germany’s role in murdering millions of Jews.

Related Tour: In Search of Jewish Berlin (Small Group Tour)

38. Party at a city festival

If you want to combine your Berlin visit with seeing world-famous artists, grab tickets to Lollapalooza or Tempelhof Sounds , two Berlin-based festivals who have hosted the likes of Florence & the Machine, Muse and Imagine Dragons.

While Tempelhof Sounds takes place on Tempelhofer Feld in the heart of Berlin, Lollapalooza is situated in the Olympiastadion, relatively far from the city’s sites. Make sure your trip includes a couple of days to explore Berlin once you’re done with partying!

39. Visit a lake in winter

Who said lakes are just for summer? Heading to Grünewald on a crisp autumn day or as snow falls around you makes for a great day out. Hike around Schlachtensee to see golden leaves in October or visit in December to experience a frozen winter wonderland. If the ice is thick enough, people may even walk on the lakes – but take care: this may be an instance to be a spectator rather than a participant!

40. Explore Treptower Park and Plänterwald

Berlin is a green city with countless parks to choose from. If you’re hanging out in the east of Berlin, visit Treptower Park, which is situated on the Spree river, allowing you to watch the world go by on the water. Grab food or drinks from one of many kiosks and take a walk over the bridge to the park’s tiny island.

Plänterwald borders Treptower Park and has a wilder, larger forest to explore. You can also check out the Soviet War Memorial, set among a grand landscaped garden, which is the largest memorial to Soviet soldiers in Berlin.

41. Get the best view for the sunset

Watching the sunset from a former flak tower (a watch tower built during World War II) is another unique experience you can only get in Berlin.

Head to Volkspark Humboldthain (Brunnenstraße, 13357 Berlin) in the northwest of Berlin and walk up the hill to the flak tower before the sun begins setting. Make sure to bring a drink with you to enjoy as the sun goes down.

42. Check out a Christmas market

Visiting a Christmas market in Berlin as the snow falls around you makes for a picture-perfect experience. Head to RAW-Gelände, Alt-Rixdorf or Holzmarkt and grab a Glühwein (mulled wine) to keep yourself warm as you browse stalls selling traditional crafts and homemade gifts.

These markets are a great place to try traditional German food too – so save some Euros to buy a Currywurst or Käsespätzle to fuel your browsing.

43. Wander through the Botanical Gardens

If you want to find a bit of calm during your Berlin visit, head to the Botanical Gardens (Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, 14195 Berlin) in Steglitz.

The gardens boast indoor greenhouses with a multitude of plant species along with a few acres of outdoor gardens which bloom with a varying selection of flowers throughout the year.

With just a 6€ entrance price, you’ll have some spare change to spend on a drink or ice cream from the cafe at the end of your visit.

44. Experience Vietnamese culture at the Don Xuan Centre

There aren’t many reasons for tourists to go to Lichtenberg, Berlin’s former east district, but the Don Xuan Centre (Herzbergstraße 128-139, 10365 Berlin) is definitely worth exploring.

The vast indoor market has a wide variety of Vietnamese products, as well as stalls where you can grab delicious, authentic Vietnamese food. If you don’t make it all the way out east, make sure eating Vietnamese food is on your Berlin to-do list anyway – try Hamy’s at Hermannplatz for a massive portion of noodles for under 7€.

45. Enjoy a relaxing brunch

A lazy weekend brunch is an ideal way to recover from your late night partying. Great areas packed full of restaurants include Friedrichshain, Kreuzköln (where Kreuzberg and Neuköln intersect), Prenzlauer Berg, Bergmannkiez and Schöneberg.

While some places may take reservations, many others require you to show up and wait (sometimes up to an hour) for a table. Don’t arrive hungry and you can add your name to the waiting list and wander around with a coffee until your time slot.

46. Hang out at Admiralbrücke

You may not have thought that hanging out on a bridge could be so popular – but as evening arrives on hot summer days, Berliners flock to Admiralbrücke (Admiralstraße, 10967 Berlin) in Kreuzberg to enjoy their Feierabend (how Germans refer to their post-work evenings).

Roughing it is the name of the game here: several people sit on the street while others stand and look over the canal, watching the world go by. If you want a comfier place to sit, try the grassy bank just along from the bridge and make sure to visit a Späti beforehand to pick up your choice of ice cold drink.

47. Go vintage shopping

When you’re packing for your Berlin trip, make sure to leave a bit of space in your suitcase for all the clothes you might buy during your visit.

Markets are a great place to score vintage or second-hand finds, as are the countless vintage shops you’ll come across throughout the city. Germany’s charity shop Humana also has countless outlets throughout Berlin. Try the 4-storied Humana at Frankfurter Tor to truly shop til you drop.

48. Enjoy a mouth-watering pastry

Just because you’re visiting Berlin rather than Paris, it doesn’t mean that eating the perfect pastry can’t be on your to-do list. The almond croissant at La Maison is to die for – enjoy it while walking along the canal or opt to sit in at their Hermannplatz location.

Gorillas and Albatross also boast exquisite patisserie that’ll have you convinced you’re in the city of romance after all.

49. Visit Hohenschönhausen Memorial

Learning about Berlin’s DDR history is an essential part of any trip. If you’ve made it to the Stasi Museum in Lichtenberg, try extending your time in the city’s former east and head to the Hohenschönhausen Memorial (Genslerstraße 66, 13055 Berlin), a prison where thousands of Berliners were incarcerated under the Stasi rule.

The permanent exhibition is free but for just €8 you can take a guided tour of the cells to learn more details about the history of the DDR rule in Germany.

50. Try your hand at ping pong

Ping Pong – or Tischtennis, as the Germans call it – is a classic Berlin pastime. You’ll find ping pong tables in many of the city’s parks and squares, while many bars offer table tennis nights where punters begin battling it out with a beer in hand. Try Trude Ruth und Goldammer on Mondays or Bohnengold on Wednesdays to join in the fun.

51. Enjoy vegan food all day long

If your diet is restricted, Berlin’s got you. The majority of restaurants will offer vegan options, while some cater exclusively to vegans. Head to Südblock at Kottbusser Tor for a vegan currywurst, to Like Thai in Friedrichshain for vegan Thai tapas or to Good Morning Vietnam for an all-vegan feast.

52. Enjoy great views from the U Bahn

If you’re staying in Berlin for a few days, you’re probably going to want to invest in a weekly pass for the public transport.

For a great view of the city from above, try taking the U1 or U3 line from Warschauer Straße towards Nollendorfplatz and enjoy seeing Berlin whizz by on either side.

You can also get a Berlin Hop on Hop off ticket to see the most important sites in a day.

Best Tours in Berlin

• Berlin City Tour in a Mini Hotrod : See Berlin in a new and fun way with this 2-hour tour in a hot rod.
• Berlin Walking Food Tou r : Taste the best of East Berlin during this walking tour sampling the area’s history along with a mix of tasty ethnic eats and traditional German staples.
• Third Reich Berlin Walking Tour : Experience the dramatic final days of the World War II in Hitler’s Berlin while visiting some of the most important historical sites and discovering the series of events that culminated in the final German surrender.

Where to Stay in Berlin

Historic Hotel: Hotel am Steinplatz

Opened as a luxury hotel in 1913. The hotel facade is listed as an historical monument and is famous for it’s Art Nouveau design style.

Read Hotel am Steinplatz reviews on TripAdvisor and find the best deals at Hotels.com or Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

Hotel Adlon Kempinski, located near Brandenburg Gate on Under den Linden, is a Berlin icon boasting the most prestigious address among the city’s five-star hotels.

Read Hotel Adlon Kempinski reviews on TripAdvisor and find the best deals at Hotels.com or Booking.com

Boutique Hotel : Max Brown Hotel Ku’damm

Max Brown Ku’Damm, at Charlottenburg’s edge, blends baroque charm with hipster flair—neon signs, vibrant hues, and bold wall prints. A standout boutique hotel in Berlin with a unique culinary twist.

Read Max Brown Hotel Ku’damm reviews on TripAdvisor and find the best deals at Hotels.com or Booking.com

Budget Hotel: The Circus Hotel

Nestled right by the hip Torstrasse, The Circus has managed to maintain its allure over time, and it’s not hard to see why. With its down-to-earth vibe, welcoming staff, and wallet-friendly prices, it continues to be a go-to choice for savvy travelers looking to explore Berlin without breaking the bank.

Read The Circus Hotel reviews on TripAdvisor and find the best deals at Hotels.com or Booking . com

Best Hostel : Grand Hostel Berlin

This hostel doesn’t just rack up awards for its top-notch customer service and spotless accommodations; it’s also smack dab in the heart of Berlin – in the lively district of Mitte.

Read Grand Hostel Berlin reviews on TripAdvisor and find the best deals at Hotels.com or Booking.com

Berlin Resources & Tips

Getting to Berlin is quite straightforward, and you’ll find some great flight from the US. Numerous major cities provide direct flights to Berlin, which serves as the starting point for a lot of tours in Germany .

Check out tools like SkyScanner or Cheapo Air for cheap flights or Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). You don’t even need to shell out any cash because Skyscanner and Cheapo Air have a free version.

Useful German Phrases:

Guten Tag (formal): Good day (formal)

Hallo: Hello (informal)

Bitte: Please

Bitteschön: You’re welcome

Dankeschön: Thank you

Danke: Thanks

Auf Wiedersehen: Goodbye ( formal )

Tschüss: Bye ( informal )

Entschuldigung: Excuse me / sorry

Kein problem: No problem

Guten Morgen: Good morning

Guten Abend: Good evening

Prost: Cheers

Wie geht’s: How are you? ( informal )

Wie heißen Sie? What is your name?

Ich heiße…: My name is….

Ich komme aus…: I come from…

Sprechen Sie Englisch? Do you speak English?

Wie viel Kostet das? How much does that cost?

Wo ist die Toilette? Where is the toilet?

Ich verstehe nicht: I don’t understand.

Ich hatte gern…: I would like to have…

Ich möchte bezahlen: I would like the check, please.

Können Sie mir helfen? Can you help me?

Deutschland ist wunderschön: Germany is a wonderful country.

Mein Deutsch ist schlect: My German is bad.

Read More About Germany

• A Perfect Day in Berlin including a Tour of the Berlin Wall
• Viking Rhine River Cruise Christmas Experience – Basel to Amsterdam  
• 15 Fantastic Things to Do in Munich  (plus full travel guide)
• Best Things to Do in Frankfurt  (1 Day Itinerary)
• 12 Fantastic Things to do in Erfurt Germany

Recommended Travel Resources

* World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads or any other travel insurance company. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.  

• Travel Insurance: World Nomads *.
• Transport: CheapOAir and Skyscanner (Best Sites to Research Flight Prices) 
• Best Car Rental Deals: Rentalcars.com
• Best Sites to Find Hotel Deals: Hotels.com and Booking.com
• My Favorite Hotel Review Website: TripAdvisor
• Best Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide
• How to Pack for 2 Weeks in Europe (in one suitcase)
• Cheap Flights to Europe with Condor Airlines

Follow  52 Perfect Days  on   Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Instagram

If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!

Kezia Rice is a freelance travel writer for hire who has written for the likes of Vice, Stylist, Refinery29 and more. In between crafting wanderlust-inducing blog posts for travel brands, you'll find her stuffing her belongings into a rucksack and escaping on a solo adventure. She's been based in Berlin for three years and shared her local knowledge of the city with us.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

50 Awesome Things to Do in Berlin: Local Recommended!

Living in Berlin for over 9 years now , my list of the best things to do in Berlin in 2024 combines some of the most important tourist sights with locals’ favorite spots that visitors to Berlin never see.

It’s one of those cities that is really just really cool – and knows it . When I first moved to Berlin from a mid-sized German city, it was like going to the future – grocery stores open past 8PM, public transit that runs late, there’s even so much WiFi WLAN I don’t even know what to do with it, I need to cancel my data plan! I immediately saw what Germans mean when they say that Berlin is a city like no other in Germany. Not just in terms of conveniences, but attitude .

Read on for 50 essential Berlin experiences that will help you fall in love with the city and might even convince you to stick around for a while. You’ll need much more than the standard weekend in Berlin that so many tourists have, though I’m sure you can something fun to do on this list, whether you’ve got two weeks or just a few hours.

Some links in this post are to affiliate sites. If you purchase something through them, I may earn a small comission — which costs you nothing! I am very grateful when you use my links to make a purchase.

Are you trying to decide where to stay in Berlin? Don’t miss my extensive Berlin neighborhood guide and tips on where to stay in Berlin that explains the best place to stay based on what you want to experience in the city, as well as your budget. Based on my experience living in Berlin for over SEVEN years!

Are you visiting Berlin in Winter? I’ve got a dedicated post on things to do in Berlin in Winter which lists a number of activities and sights you can only experience during the Winter season! Go check it out if you’re feeling festive and will be visiting Berlin in December , January, or February.

50 Best Things to Do in Berlin

Honestly there are so many amazing things to do in Berlin, narrowing down a list of 50 was hard. But I’ve done my best to prioritize the must-do things — especially if you are a first-time visitor .

So, as an adopted local, and including tips from Berlin natives, here are the best things to do in Berlin regardless of the season. My top three recommendations are summarized here:

1. See Berlin’s most famous landmarks by boat!

Summer is coming! And now that both my and my boyfriend’s parents have visited, it’s fair to say I know boat tours . I can personally recommend the boat tours by Stern & Kreis , and the most time-efficient tour with them is the 1-hour Berlin City Tour by Boat . You’ll learn about Berlin’s history, and really hit the highlights in term of Berlin’s landmarks in a short period of time.

In good weather it’s an amazing way to see Berlin’s main sights and scenic neighborhoods. In colder weather, the boats have indoor seating as well. Put me on a boat and put a Bier in my hand, and I’m a happy girl.

Now that the weather is getting better (and tourism is finally picking up again), seats on these boat tours get snapped up fast. I definitely recommend booking in advance (and showing up early!) to make sure you’re able to enjoy this experience.

2. Go inside the dome of the German Parliament Building, the Reichstag

The mighty German parliament comes here to spend their time walking around this cool glass dome at the Reichstag. The original parliament was destroyed in the war, and was rebuilt with this glass dome. You can even take a tour and climb it yourself for a view over Tiergarten. At the top, there is a cafe where you can get coffee or lunch. Who knows, maybe you’ll even see a famous German politician you don’t recognize 😏

One thing to know is that you MUST book your appointment to visit the Reichstag more than one month in advance in the peak season . Entry is free for a self-guided walk about if you do it in advance through the German government , but you can also get a sense of the history of the building by taking a tour in English , and they’ll help you apply for entry to the building which includes a background check.

3. Visit the Museum Island’s world-famous museums

The Germans take their museums very seriously, and there are a ton of great museums located on the Museum Island, right in the center of Berlin. You could spend a day or more hopping between them.

If you love museums, pick up the three-day museum pass .

You are almost guaranteed to save money, and the pass covers more than 30 museums around the city like the excellent Jewish Museum and the German Technology Museum.

Here’s a summary of the five museums located on the Museum Island.

My personal favorites are the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum , though the Bode Museum is also quite good too.

Nefertiti’s bust is possibly the most tantalizing attraction of the Museum Island. Earlier this year, hackers claimed to have covertly 3d scanned it, which was later said to be a hoax .

Don’t try to take a picture of it, or a grumpy Museum Frau will scold you. The funny thing is though, if you stand outside the room and use a zoom lens, you are still allowed to take a picture.

I’m pretty sure it’s because they don’t want people leaving on their flash and slowly destroying the paint on the bust, which is still in amazing condition.

4. See the Brandenburg Gate, which Napoleon once marched through

The Brandenburg Gate is easily one of the most recognized sights in all of Germany, not only in Berlin. It was built on top of the former city gate, on the orders of the Prussian king Frederick William II in the late 1700s. About fifteen years later, Napoleon has even passed through the Brandenburg gate, after the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt. So just think, you’ll be passing through a place where Napoleon once stood! I don’t know about you but that gives me a sense of gravity .

If you want to take photos with minimal crowds, do show up early in the morning. Brandenburg Gate is one of the most popular sites in Berlin for a reason!

Enjoying the photos? Follow along on Instagram!

Follow @notanomadblog for beautiful travel photography and stories of our journeys

Follow on Instagram

5. Take a tour inside the former airport built by Hitler

One of the neatest things about Berlin is how many abandoned and defunct buildings you can find. Probably the most famous one in the entire city is the former airport, Tempelhof, which was originally commissioned by Hitler himself.

He imagined it to be a grand stadium where he would give speeches, and it was designed that literally one million people could fit in the stands to listen to him. Ironically, he never even saw the completed airport. Apart from the history of the airport, you’ll learn a lot about the history of Berlin, history about Berlin during the second World War, and a ton of topics that can give you perspective to shape your trip to the city.

My boyfriend and I loved the tour of the airport – it was even led by an architecture student who had really great insights on how Hitler personally influenced the design of the airport. The exact tour I can recommend you try out is Berlin Tempelhof Airport: The Legend of Tempelhof Tour !

Apart from seeing airplanes and hangars, you can also see how the Americans repurposed the airport to their own needs while they occupied part of Berlin after the second World War. No spoilers though 😉

6. Visit the Versailles of Berlin, Sanssoucci Palace

If you have more than a day or two in Berlin, don’t miss visiting Sanssoucci Palace , the palace occupied by Prussian kings and queens of yore. It’s got plenty of grounds to walk around, making it an excellent place to spend time both outside and inside. You can explore the palace grounds and gardens, the opulent interiors, and spend the rest of the time in Potsdam, the surrounding city.

It’s possible to reach Sanssoucci Palace either by public transit, or you can take a guided tour of Sanssoucci for a very reasonable price. Don’t miss either a guided tour or audio guide to dive deep into the history of Berlin! Fun fact: In French, Sans soucci means “Without Worry” 😄 You can understand why the kings and queens chose this name for their Summer home.

7. Enter a former spy station (and Europe’s largest street art gallery)

Teufelsberg , literally “Devils Mountain”, is a former spy station that the Nazis originally constructed as a military college, and was repurposed by the American NSA to listen to Russian communications.

Today it’s covered in graffiti, but you can still go up and explore this abandoned building. Climb all the way to the top to enter the echo room and listen to your voice while you admire the impressive art.

Not only is the spy station neat, but you also get an impressive view over the forest surrounding Berlin from the top of the station.

Reaching the spy station involves a short hike through the Gruenewald forest and a small sense of adventure. You can also take a guided tour of Teufelsberg .

8. Visit Peacock Island

Known in German as Pfaueninsel , Peacock Island is home to – you guessed it – peacocks! You can walk around a number of different landmarks, go for a picnic, and just generally enjoy being an on inside within the borders of Berlin. Makes for a great combination if you’re exploring the Gruenewald area, the biggest forest near Berlin. For more details, read my post on Peacock Island .

9. Have a huuuuuge beer! Eine Maß Bier, bitte!

Go big or go home, amirite? Not everywhere in Berlin offers the big ones, but you’re sure to find it at the Hofbräuhaus , a sizable beer hall modeled after the eponymous one in Munich. If you’re looking to experience Oktoberfest but find yourself in Berlin instead of Bavaria, here’s a sure bet for seeing a ton of people in Lederhosen singing traditional German songs. If you care more about craft, try Hopfenreich .

10. Picnic in the Tiergarten

Literally, “Animal Garden”, Berlin’s Tiergarten is a massive park including lakes, lots of willows, plucky ducks, and a lovely beer garden. It’s 520 acres of nature, right in the middle of the city. Outsized in Germany only by Berlin’s own Tempelhofer Park and Munich’s Englischer Garten (English Garden), it’s called Tiergarten because the Berlin Zoo – the zoo with the most species in the WORLD mind you – is located at its feet.

11. Visit the zoo with the most species in the world

Would you have ever guessed that Berlin is the home to the zoo with the most species in the entire world? Me neither. But it’s true! Now, what percentage of those critters are actually creepy crawlies I cannot say, but nonetheless you are bound to be impressed by this expansive zoo. And once you’ve had a lot of fun observing the different animals, you can go and visit…

12. Drink cocktails with the monkeys!

After your trip to the zoo, why not visit Monkey Bar for a fancy drink. The big draw of this bar is the people monkey-watching opportunities. Swing right once you enter the bar for the best views over the monkey enclosure at the Berlin Zoo! Sometimes you wonder who is watching who in the zoo 🤔

There are monkeys down there. I saw them entertaining the zoo-goers.

There are tons of awesome rooftop bars in Berlin in addition to Monkey Bar, so don’t miss reserving one if you happen to be visiting in Summer.

13. See the Fernsehturm from all over Berlin

Whether you’re trying or not, you will see the TV tower while you hop around the city’s main sights. You can even go up to the top, and use skip-the-line tickets to avoid a long wait during peak season. There’s even the possibility to eat dinner at the restaurant at the top of the tower – I haven’t done it yet but it’s definitely on my list of things to do before I eventually move out of Berlin!

For a close up of the exterior of the TV tower, pop by Alexanderplatz, just don’t stick around the area afterwards as it a bit lacking in shops or restaurants. Instead…

14. Eat some traditional German food

By now, you’ve worked up an appetite and deserve some serious eats. German food is the definition of hearty, so make sure you have a friend to carry you home. I have an entire post dedication to where to eat German food in Berlin , which covers not only the restaurants I recommend that you try, but also which foods to try! Naturally, Schnitzel is a great option but it’s not the only option. Thankfully, there are even vegetarian-friendly German options like Kaesespaetzle (think: German mac and cheese) and Gemuese Maultaschen (vegetable dumplings).

In Berlin I always recommend making a reservation, just to be on the safe side. That said, if you’re only 1 or 2 people, there’s a good chance most places will be able to find you a table.

15. Climb the Kreuzberg for a panoramic view of the city

I would be remiss if I didn’t bombard you with recommendations in Kreuzberg (my own neighborhood, represent!). Ascend the hill in Viktoriapark until you reach the apex, where you’ll see a sweeping view of Berlin. See if you can find the TV tower, Gendarmenmarkt, and other famous landmarks.

16. Spend an afternoon in a beer garden

Alas, one of my favorite pasttimes! Germany has got its beer game down , and nowhere is that clearer that in a garden expressly designed for the purpose of drinking it. I’ve got a whole guide of best beer gardens in Berlin , but you can scroll down for a summary.

Here are some of my favorite beer gardens in Berlin:

• Cafe am neuen See : It’s like an oasis inside an oasis. Located on a lake in Tiergarten, you can sit at a bench right that is practically in the lake.
• Restaurant Brachvogel : This is a locals secret in the Bergmannkiez – the food is so-so, but the garden itself is completely surrounded by trees and you’d never know you’re actually in a residential neighborhood. Come here if a good sports match is on!
• Golgatha Biergarten : If you find yourself thirsty after climbing the Kreuzberg, simply climb back down on the other side and you’ll wander onto this biergarten. This place is a great spot to relax after a busy day of sight-seeing.
• Pratergarten : The godfather of Berlin’s biergärten, Pratergarten is a favorite of many located in Prenzlauerberg.

17. Take an underground tour

In preparation for the bombing campaigns of World War II, the German government built civilian shelters and bunkers which exist to this day. You have to see this to get an idea of what it was really like living in Berlin in the thick of intense bombings during the war. You can learn more about underground tours on the Berliner Unterwelten website. They have a number of different tours to pick from and many options in English. I’ve never done it before but I’ve had friends and colleagues rave about these tours!

18. Climb the Siegesäule for a view over Berlin’s Tiergarten

Located in the middle of a busy roundabout, the Siegesäule (Victory Column) might remind you of the Arc d’Triomphe – with the distinct difference that this one has tunnel access so you don’t have to risk your life running across traffic like you do in Paris. The stairs be narrow, but the view be worth it. The cost to enter is very low, just a couple of euro.

Apart from the view from the top, there’s also a small museum inside about the history of the Victory Column. How it was relocated by the Nazis during World War II, which luckily helped it survive the bombings of Berlin by the Allied Forces. You’ll also see replicas of many other monuments around Germany and the world.

19. See the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery

Do not, I repeat, do NOT go to Potsdamer Platz to see the Wall. Potsdamer Platz is ugly and soulless, whereas the East Side Gallery has the most famous pieces you’re expecting to see. Just don’t stick around the immediate area once you’re done, instead head back in to the Wrangelkiez and maybe grab a craft beer at previously mentioned Hopfenreich 😉

If you want to get some more history about the Berlin Wall, consider doing a dedicated Berlin Wall tour.

20. Go swimming in one of Berlin’s surrounding lakes

If you’re lucky enough to spent some summertime in Berlin and it’s sunny and warm, it’s practically a sin not to take a dip. Berlin’s got numerous surrounding lakes, including Müggelsee , Schlatchtensee , and many others ( Check out this nice long list by the Berlin Tourism Office ).

21. …and if it tickles your fancy, go naked!

Many of these beaches have also got an FKK Bereich (Free body culture area). Let it all hang out with the oldies and you’re on your way to a perfect tan. If you’re more of a spa kind of person, Vabali Spa Berlin will also offer you a chance to get naked with the locals in a slightly more private setting.

22. Visit the Oberbaumbrücke

This bridge is one of the most recognizable sights in Berlin. If you decide to go on a boat tour, you’ll definitely pass under it at some point during the trip. If you’ve watched some Berlin-based TV shows like Berlin Station , you’ll also recognize this bridge. Come here for some lovely pictures from the north side of the river!

23. Eat street food at Markthalle IX on Thursdays

This market is a busy one. All summer they host themed breakfast markets, and on Thursdays, a streetfood market where vendors from all over Berlin come and set up shop. You can check out their website for a weekly schedule on the different markets they are running, and all sorts of special events. Besides the vendors that come and go, there are also long-term tenants such as Sironi , the bakery responsible for Berlin’s top-rated bread, Heidenpeters , a craft beer corner, or some delicious coffee at Kaffee 9 .

24. Go for wine at a pay-what-you-want wine bar

Berlin is so cheap, I LOVE IT. Der Weinerei on Veteranenstrasse, to me, the epitome of cheap Berlin. It works like this: you go in, you pay for your glass, you serve yourself from the open bottles at the counter or ask to taste something else, and off you go! It’s a great way to try wine before really committing to a glass – or just to drink a lot of wine.

25. Wander the cobbled streets of old town Berlin

Berlin is not like those quaint German villages you see in Rick Steve’s Europe, with criss-cross designs all over them, perched over the Rhine river. We’ll say, it’s not “traditionally beautiful.” But there’s a small corner of the city that has this small town charm, called the Nikolaiviertel. Come to the Berlin old town to see a reconstruction of the oldest settlement in Berlin from 1200.

26. Drink some third-wave coffee

I’m not sure what first or second wave coffee was like, but third wave coffee is delicious. I personally recommend two locations in Kreuzberg: Concierge Coffee and Chapter One . For more options check out this massive list of third wave coffee places by Stil in Berlin .

27. Eat a döner kebab at its birthplace

Cheap eats abound in Berlin, and none is more iconic than the venerable döner (okay, this point is arguable, but more on that later). Be warned: not all döner is created equal. Look for a line and stand in it, or go to the supposed birthplace of the döner, Hasir in Kreuzberg, or the kebap place famous for having the longest lines, Mustafa's . If you’re wondering what exactly is inside a döner, don’t worry, we all are.

28. Get lunch at the Turkish market on the Maybachufer

On Thursdays the Turkish market sells fresh produce and delicious (and cheap!) meals. Grab a plate of something yummy and park yourself on the banks of the nearby canal.

29. Read inspiring quotes by Josef Stalin at the larger-than-life Soviet War Memorial

Over 5,000 Russian soldiers are buried at the memorial in Treptower Park. There are enormous statues of Russian soldiers and a mixture of German and Russian on every plaque. Come here to wonder at the sheer scale of this installation as a detour from your walk along the Spree river.

30. Shop your heart out at Europe’s largest department store

For the luxury travelers out there, this one is for you. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t even afford the shoe polish at the Kaufhaus des Westens (shortened to KaDeWe). Between 40,000 and 50,000 shoppers pass through eight floors housing more than 380,000 articles every day .

Autumn in Berlin is a transient season in a transient city. These things to do take advantage of the wonderful place between the vibrant summer and dead of winter!

31. Go to “Thai Park” and eat tasty food cooked by Thai mamas

Just around the corner from KaDeWe is Preußenpark , which transforms into “Thai Park” on summer weekends. The grassy pitch is filled with tiny tables where Thai ladies provide home-cooked Thai food. The busiest day is Sunday, so get it while it’s hot!

32. Eat currywurst (also available vegan!)

Personally, I had one bad currywurst and that was enough for me. But a LOT of people swear by it, so I’d be remiss not to include it in the list. You can get a currywurst for a steal all over Berlin, so it doesn’t hurt to pick one up and see if the tantalizing combination of wurst, curry, and ketchup does it for you.

33. Grab a beer at the Späti and drink it with the hipsters on the Admiralsbruecke

Did you know that Berlin has more bridges than Venice? Enjoy some quality bridge time with the hipsters of Kreuzberg, watch the sun go down over the Landwehrkanal, and take in the gorgeous scene kissed by golden hour. If you have the patience, you can get some of Berlin’s best pizza from Il Casolare . Be warned, it will take at least an hour on the weekend and they will not be friendly, but dayum that pizza!

34. Sing karaoke at the Mauerpark

Sing your heart out with a serious crowd! Every Sunday, people gather in Mauerpark, mostly for the Flea market, but also for an impromptu karaoke festival. So pick up something vintage and head for the song pit!

35. Go swimming in the Badeschiff

A must for any list of Berlin to-dos. If you’re lucky enough to be here in high Summer, you’d be remiss not to take a dip in this swimming pool that’s partially submerged in the Spree.

36. See (and taste) the latest and greatest of urban gardening in Berlin at Prinzessinnengarten

This place takes “farm to table” to a whole new level. Come here for lunch and feast on food that was grown in the very ground you’re walking on! It’s amazing to see a place like this right in the middle of the city.

37. Try to get into the world’s most famous nightclub

Berghain is famous for rejecting people at the door for no reason, but if you get through, you’re greeted with the hottest club in the world. Just make sure you’re wearing enough black to pass the “cool test”. If you don’t like the idea of rejection, the Berghain Kantine next door hosts concerts and you can still dance as much as you want.

38. Pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial

Possibly one of the most striking views in Berlin, this memorial makes you feel lost and disoriented. For a historical look at how Jews came to Germany and their contributions to this country, don’t miss the Jewish Museum.

39. Browse flea markets all over town for your next treasure

While the flea market in Mauerpark is the best known, it’s surely not the only. Go there for vintage cameras, leather goods, and locally made clothing. Don’t miss the Art Market at Zeughaus or the Antiques Market at Straße des 17.Juni . There’s also the newer RAW Flohmarkt at Revaler Strasse , which hosts themed markets several times a year.

40. Drink Glühwein at one of Berlin’s many majestic Christmas markets

Most people come to Berlin during the summer, but if you brave the winter cold you may be rewarded with Christmas market season, which basically lasts for the month of December. Some of the best markets in town are: Gendarmenmarkt , Schloss Charlottenburg , and the lesser known Richardplatz .

Don’t miss my post on Berlin’s best Christmas markets , which I’ve just updated for 2019 and listed out the new opening dates, hours, and entry prices for this year.

41. Peek in on the Berlin startup scene’s hipster programmers

St. Oberholz is infamous for providing shelter to legions of Mac nerds from the few stray rays of sunshine that happen to grace Berlin a few times a year. You’ll find them typing away in silence on their super secret startup ideas. Blend in with the crowd by bringing your shiny computer and indulging in some delicious cake. The surrounding area (Tor Strasse and Rosenthaler Platz) is lined with cool bars and restaurants.

42. Visit the Gärten der Welt (Gardens of the World) for cherry blossom season

One of the most beautiful places to see Spring in Berlin, there is accompanying music, dancing, theatre, and of course – food. These Flowers aren’t the only attraction of the gardens. There are also Chinese, Balinese, Korean, and Renaissance gardens, with an English garden also planned.

You don't have to go to Japan to experience cherry blossom season. Berlin has over two kilometers of cherry blossoms waiting to be wandered through, admired, and photographed! Here are the best places in Berlin to enjoy cherry blossoms.

43. Build your own free art walking tour in Mitte

Although some of the better known galleries do charge admission, and are likely worth the entrance fee, it’s totally possibly to give yourself a free art tour .

44. Hang out with the Mitte-hipsters at Rosenthaler Platz

There are just tons of fabulous places to eat and drink in the area (as well as people-watching!). Be fancy and have fabulous Italian at Hartweizen or go grungy-hipster-style beers at Mein Haus am See . Continue up the bikes-only Weinbergsweg for a lovely and lively tree-lined street with even more bars and cafes galore.

45. Check out the street festivals happening year round

Berlin loves festivals for all occasions, and especially in the summer it seems like a different one is happening every weekend. Some well-attended festivals in Kreuzberg include the Maifest (May Day Festival) on May 1st, Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures), and the most mature of them all: the Jazz festival!

46. See a movie in a Freiluftkino (Open air cinema)

Germans celebrate summer like no other people I know. One clear evidence of this is the concept of Freiluftkino , where the wonderful warmth is celebrated by showing films outdoors. Check out what’s playing this Summer

47. Drink a coffee in a cemetary

While not everyone’s taste, enjoying a coffee in a cemetary is bound to be very…peaceful. If you need somewhere super quiet to nurse your hangover after a wild night out, you’ll find no better cafe than Café Strauss .

48. Have a barbecue in the park

One of the many wonderful consequences of having no laws against drinking in public is how free you are to have a beer and beef barbecue in the park! Grab a blanket, brewskies, and some Fleisch and head to one of the BBQ-friendly parks .

Bargain barbecues can be found at any supermarket in the summer – so grab some coal and hit the park!

49. Rent a canoe on the Insel der Jugend (Island of Youth) and paddle around the Spree

In between Treptow Park and Forst Plänterwald (Plänterwald Forest) is a tiny island, connected to mainland Berlin by the oldest bridge of its kind in Germany. Come for a picnic, live music on Sundays, or to rent a canoe and go padding along the River Spree.

50. Rent an apartment and stay for a while!

Because why not? Find a long term AirBnb, learn a few words of German, and see what all the fuss is about. Interested in making Berlin your home? Check out my guide to emigrating to Germany and places to check for startup jobs in Berlin .

Have you ever been to Berlin? What am I missing on my list of essential Berlin experiences?

Share your suggestions in the comments and I will DEFINITELY check them out myself!

Pin this post for later!

About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

You might also like...

Locals' Secrets: How to See Berlin in a Weekend

Locals' Favorite Beer Gardens in Berlin

Munich in Winter: 9 Fun (And Affordable!) Things to Do

50 things to do in BERLIN, Germany on your visit! Berlin Travel Guide!

Earlier this year I got to spend a wonderful month living like a local in Berlin. Sam and I rented a cute little apartment in Prenzlauer Berg just a couple of stops from Alexanderplatz, and over the course of those 30 days, I made it my mission to see and do as much as possible around the city. There were lots of highlights: music-filled Sundays at Mauerpark, bike rides through art covered neighbourhoods, and late-night dinners in crowded bars jam-packed with hipsters – it was everything I expected the city to be and I loved it!

I didn’t manage to see and do it all (I’ll need a few more trips for that!), however, in today’s post I wanted to share a little travel inspiration for anyone planning a trip to this funky capital. So behold, here are  50 things to do in Berlin!

Things to do in Berlin: 1-10

(1) Eat a  Currywurst . The currywurst is a pork sausage that is steamed, fried, sliced, and then served with ketchup and curry. The recipe was supposedly invented by Herta Heuwer in 1949, and it has since become a staple fast food dish in Berlin. For those of you looking to sample currywurst, you’ll be glad to know that there are actually two different varieties you can try: Ost Currywurst (which is served without skin) and West Currywurst (which is served with skin). I loved both!

(2) Climb the glass dome on top of the Reichstag. The glass dome atop the Reichstag offers 360-degree views of the city below. The dome is open to visitors, however, you’ll have to register online in advance. It’s best you do this early on since it’s a really popular attraction and sometimes tickets are not available for several days. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour and skip the line to the dome with this ticket . 

(3) Wander through Tiergarten.  Tiergarten, which translates to Animal Garden, is a public park located in the middle of the city. Back in the day, this was a forest and it served as the king’s personal hunting grounds.

(4) Go to Mauerpark on a Sunday afternoon.  One of the coolest things to do in Berlin is to swing by Mauerpark on a Sunday. This is when the park transforms into a social gathering, where friends come to barbecue, drink beer, shop at the flea market , and listen to bands play. You’ll also want to make time to stop at the Bear Pit – an outdoor amphitheatre that plays host to some wacky performances and wild karaoke. It’s all in good fun and anything goes. I watched a tall man juggle in bootie shorts and a red crop top the day I was there!

(5) Snap some photos inside a Photoautomat.  If you spend enough time walking around the city, you’ll notice old-fashioned photo booths randomly scattered around street corners. For just a few Euros, you can snap some photos with friends and take away some great souvenirs.

(6) Soak in history at the German Historical Museum.  The Deutsches Historisches Museum offers a very thorough look at German history. The permanent exhibition is laid out in chronological fashion and walks you through the early days of the Weimar Republic, the Nazi regime, the post-war period, the history of a divided Germany, and the reunification. It’s a must visit for a better understanding of German history. If you enjoy history, you may want to consider joining a small group Third Reich and Cold War tour .

(7) Walk the length of the Berlin Wall.  The Berlin Wall served as the dividing line between East and West Berlin for 28 years. Today what was once a symbol of oppression stands as a symbol of freedom. Although most of the wall was taken down when Germany reunited, a few strips remain and the stretch found along Mühlenstrasse is the longest. Now known as the East Side Gallery, the wall is covered in murals which were painted by more than 100 artists. This is one of the top things to do in Berlin for visitors.

(8) Hire a bike for the day. One of the best ways to cover a lot of ground in Berlin is to hire a bicycle for the day. The starting rate is 10 Euros for 24 hours and that gives you the freedom to move around the city at your own leisure. Berlin is a very bike-friendly city with special lanes dedicated to cyclists. If you’d rather see the city with a local, there are guided bike tours of Berlin’s highlights and you’d be amazed by how much you can see in 3 hours!

(9) Chill out on the runway of an abandoned airport.  The now-defunct  Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof  has gained new life as a park. While the former airport makes for a rather unconventional public space, locals don’t seem to mind and on weekends you’ll often find families barbecuing, couples walking their dog, and even joggers running down the landing strip. While you can’t go inside the airport on your own, there is the option of joining guided tours which take place on weekends.

(10) Order Schnitzel for lunch.  So technically Schnitzel is found all over Germany, and Wiener Schnitzel is actually from Vienna, however, you can’t possibly visit Germany’s capital and not sample this dish! The portions here are gargantuan. I like mine with a side of Käsespätzle – egg noodle cooked with cheese. Oh, I’m hungry now!

Berlin City Guide: 11-20

(11) Discover the city with Insider Tours.  To get a unique look at Berlin’s past, I highly recommend joining one of the various walking tours offered by  Insider Tours . I took a tour titled “Third Reich Berlin” which focused on Hitler and the final days of the Second World War and it was fascinating. My guide Jim was an academic who had a knack for bringing history to life and our group hung on to his every word.

(12) Take a cruise down the Spree River. Cruising down the Spree River is a great way to take in the sights, and you can also enjoy a pint of beer while you’re at it. You can choose from the 1-hour , 2.5-hour , and 3.5-hour boat tour .

(13) Learn more about Currywurst at the Currywurst Museum.  Yes, Berlin has an entire museum specifically dedicated to sausage ! This is an interactive space where you can touch, smell, and taste your way around , and when you get tired, you can stop and rest on the Currywurst-shaped sofa.

(14) Soak in the city at Alexanderplatz.  Alexanderplatz is iconic. This is the square that always makes an appearance when you’re watching a movie that is set in Berlin. You’ll catch people posing in front of the famous World Clock, and you can also watch skateboarders test out new tricks.

(15) Go up the Fernsehturm. For a bird’s eye view of the city, go up Berlin’s TV Tower. There is also a rotating restaurant located atop the tower, where you can enjoy a 3-course dinner with a view . Forget the stairs; the elevator will bring you up in 40 seconds time.

(16) Go museum hopping on Berlin’s Museum Island.   Berlin’s Museum Island , or Museuminsel , is located in the Spree River and it is home to 5 museums and art galleries including Altes Museum, Neues Museum,  Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum,  and Pergamonmuseum. If you’re an art aficionado, you may want to consider getting a full day pass which grants you access to all 5 of these.

(17)  Catch a concert.   There is so much raw talent in this city! The same musicians you see playing in Mauerpark on a Sunday often play gigs in venues across town. Tip: If you go to Mauerpark and see a band you like, pick up one of the little flyers they have in their guitar cases, or just ask them where they’re playing next!

(18) Step into KaDeWe. KaDeWe is the biggest department store in continental Europe , but there’s more to do here than just shop. If you’ve ever wondered what a gourmet-style food court looks like, head up to the 6th floor and grab a seat at one of the many counters where seasoned chefs create edible works of art right before your eyes.

(19) Go in search of street art! Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, in my opinion, is the best area to go in search of art. Artists have taken over old warehouses and abandoned buildings and brought them to life both inside and out. You’ll also find that the art projects extend to residential areas like Kreutzigerstrasse, pictured in the photo above. This tour explore alternative Berlin through street art, city markets, and artist quarters.

(20) Visit a decaying amusement park.  Sitting on the banks of the Spree River, Spreepark was once a popular theme park complete with a giant Ferris wheel. When the park shut down in 2001, many of the rides were left abandoned and this drew curious minds. While it was once possible to sneak into the amusement park and explore on your own, security has become tight in recent years. However, there are companies that offer guided tours.

Things To Do In Berlin, Germany: 21-30

(21) Go for a dip at Schlachtensee. This lake in southwest Berlin offers a nice retreat from city living. You can either go for a swim or rent a rowboat.

(22) Eat Turkish food.  There is a large Turkish community in Berlin and this means that lots of Turkish fast-food stands have popped up around the city. Order yourself a nice doner kebab. They are delicious !

(23) Pop into the Bauhaus Archives for a visit. Bauhaus was an art school and art movement which became one of the main influences of modern design. While the actual Bauhaus Museum is located in Weimar, if you find yourself in Berlin you can drop by the Bauhaus Archives which have a smaller collection showcasing Bauhaus furniture and architectural models.

(24) Tour the former spy station! Teufelsberg is an abandoned spy station that sits on top of a hill by the same name. While the perimeter is fenced off with signs indicating that entry is prohibited, you can join a guided tour of this Cold War era spy station . One of the main draws of the Teufelsberg Spy Station is that it is covered in graffiti.

(25) Look up inside Berlin Cathedral.  Also known as Berliner Dom, Berlin Cathedral is one of the most impressive churches in the city. You wouldn’t guess by looking at it today, but the dome was severely damaged during the war. Today the structure has been restored and it stands looking majestic as ever.

(26) Go swimming in a pool…in a cargo container…in a river. Huh? That was also my reaction when I first heard about this place. Badeschiff literally means ‘bathing ship’ and, well, it’s a swimming pool that sits in the River Spree. Visiting Berlin during the colder months? No problem! The pool gets covered up so you can drop by for a swim even if it’s snowing out.

(27) Watch a movie in the park. One of my favourite things about summer is outdoor cinema , something that Berlin knows a thing or two about. From Spandau to Mitte, and Kreuzberg to Friedrichshain, there is no shortage of venues when it comes to choosing where to go .

(28) Browse the Sunday Flea Market in Friedrichshain. Friedrichshain is a very artistic neighbourhood and it draws a like-minded crowd. You’ll come across people playing live music and selling things you might find in your grandmother’s attic. The flea market is a mish-mash of musical instruments, antique furniture, faded jean-jackets, and leather boots. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, right? Even if you’re not in the mood for shopping, it can be a lot of fun to browse around and soak in the randomness.

(29) Go rock-climbing at Der Kegel.  German for ‘the cone’, der Kegel is a rock-climbing centre located in Friedrichshain. This former bunker has been used as climbing wall since 2005, and it’s particularly popular on weekends.

(30) Take part in Street Food Thursdays. If you’re a foodie , you’ll want to swing by Markthalle Neun on a Thursday. The concept is simple, every Thursday the market is transformed into a communal dining area with food stands serving up dishes from every corner of the world. Indian, Japanese, Chinese, German – you can find it all here. If you’re a foodie, you might also enjoy this secret food tour .

Berlin Top Attractions: 31-40

(31) Feel like royalty inside the Charlottenburg Palace. Located in the city’s outskirts, this royal palace was commissioned by Queen Sophia Charlotte of Hanover – the first Queen of Prussia. The woman had lavish taste and you can tell as soon as you set foot in the palace. You can book a complete palace experience with a palace tour, dinner and Baroque concert.

(32) Wander around the Charlottenburg Gardens.  After visiting the palace, you’ll want to swing around the back to see the gardens. The area is especially beautiful in the springtime when all the flowers are in bloom. There is a small lake at the very end where you can feed ducks and geese.

(33) Listen to a performance by the Berlin Philarmonic. If you enjoy classical music you’ll be glad to hear that the Berlin Philarmonic holds free concerts on Tuesdays during the lunch hour . These concerts are also catered, so it’s a nice lunch idea. (P.S. The food is not free.)

(34) Pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial.  The  Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe  is a place to remember the atrocities that took place during the Nazi regime. The memorial takes the form of a sloping field where stone boulders stand row on row. The artist’s idea was that this memorial would produce a feeling of uneasiness, uncertainty, and fear through order. People have also commented how the stone blocks make it look like a cemetery, so the memorial can be interpreted in many different ways.  An information centre underneath offers visitors the chance to delve deeper into the topic through letters and photographs of the Holocaust victims. There are similar memorials around Berlin, including the  Memorial to the Sinti and Roma victims of National Socialism , and the  Memorial to Homosexuals persecuted under Nazism in Berlin .

(35) Learn about the Nazi reign of terror. The Topography of Terror is both an indoor and outdoor museum which sits in the same spot where the buildings of the Gestapo and the SS once stood. The exhibition focuses on the crimes committed across Europe during the Third Reich. A long stretch of the former Berlin Wall also stands directly across the museum.

(36) Take a somber day trip to Sachsenhausen. Located just 35 kilometres north of Berlin, Sachsenhausen was a concentration camp established in 1936 and used all the way until the end of the war in 1945. An estimated 200,000 people are believed to have passed through here. There are half day tours where you can visit the site with a knowledgable guide and learn about the Nazi SS and Gestapo atrocities committed during World War II.

(37) Visit the DDR Museum. If you’ve ever wondered what life was like in former East Germany, then the Deutsches Demokratisches Republik Museum is the place you’ll want to visit. The exhibit is very fun and interactive, and it goes as far as recreating the living spaces inside an East German home. From the brand of soap to the type of furniture that was popular at the time, this museum takes you back to a different period.

(38) Hang out in Potsdamer Platz. While I personally can’t find much to love about Potsdamer Platz, it is one of the most important public squares in the city. This was the heart of Berlin’s nightlife during the 1920s and 1930s, and it was synonymous with Piccadilly Circus in London .

(39) Go hunting for UFOs.  Berlin is home to the  Futuro House , a home which looks just like a UFO. While I’m sure the owner wouldn’t appreciate you showing up at his door unannounced, you can sneak a peek at this home from a distance as it sits on the banks of the River Spree.

Guide To Berlin, Germany: 41-50

(40) Tour Berlin aboard a Trabant. The Trabant, affectionately known as the Trabi, was the car of former East Germany. These vehicles were quite coveted and there was a waiting period of around 15 years to receive this family car. While the vehicles certainly weren’t known for reliability, there is a sense of nostalgia associated with them, and you do a 75-minute tour of Berlin aboard a Trabi .

(41) Visit the Soviet War Memorial. Located in Treptower Park, the Soviet War Memorial acts as both a war memorial and a military cemetery for the Soviet soldiers who fell during the Battle of Berlin. Here you’ll see a 12-meter statue of a Soviet soldier holding a young German child, while standing over a broken swastika marking the triumph over Nazism.

(42) Go shopping. If you’ve come to Berlin to do a bit of shopping, there are plenty of shopping centres to check out across the city. A few that come to mind include KaDeWe, Galeria Kaufhof, and the high-end shops along Friedrichstrasse.

(43) Get your passport stamped at Checkpoint Charlie.  Sure, it may be a little touristy, but whilst in Berlin, you can get your passport stamped with the stamps of the 4 sectors which controlled Berlin after the war – the United States, France, Britain, and the USSR – as well as the official stamp of the DDR – East Germany. (So far I haven’t had any trouble when going through customs, but the stamps have gotten some chuckles out of European officials.)

(44) Cross over to Peacock Island!  Pfaueninsel is a little island situated in Berlin-Wannsee and it is home to free-roaming peacocks and other exotic birds. This island used to be a country escape for Prussian King Frederick William II who built a little castle for himself and his mistress.

(45) Take a stroll through Grunewald. For a day spent at one with nature , head out to Grunewald (Green Forest). You’ll leave the bustle of the city behind and be surrounded by towering trees and tranquillity.

(46) Walk across Oberbaumbrücke. Oberbaum Bridge is another of those iconic city landmarks. The double-decker red brick bridge connects the two boroughs of   Friedrichshain  and  Kreuzberg. Because these boroughs were once divided by the Berlin Wall, this bridge has become a symbol of unity.

(47)  Walk through Brandenburger Tor.   Known as Brandenburg Gate in English, this former city gate is one of the most iconic monuments in Berlin. After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, it too became a symbol of unity and freedom. This iconic sight is another one of those top things to do in Berlin for visitors.

(48) Start the night out at a Spaeti. So a Spaeti or Spaetkaufhaus is nothing more than a convenience store, however, in Berlin this is where young people like to get their big night out started. With an ample supply of beer at the fraction the cost of what you’d pay in a trendy bar, this is the congregating point for a night of clubbing…and this is also where many a night ends in search of late-night snacks.

(49) Discover the nightlife.  So I’m probably not the best person to ask about Berlin’s nightlife. While I did get to experience a few of the city’s bars and popular hangouts, I was usually in bed long before the night got started. However, I can tell you that Berlin is home to some of the most notorious clubs in the world. Let me put it to you this way, I’ve walked past clubs on a Sunday morning and the party is still going… I remember going out for breakfast with a friend when we walked past a club and the bouncer asked us, “Wanna come in?” Clubbing on a Sunday morning? Apparently, in Berlin, you can.

(50) Take a day trip to Potsdam. And if you’ve had your fill of Berlin, you can always take a little day trip over to Potsdam which is just a short train ride away. Potsdam is known for its beautiful palaces and gardens like those found at Sans-souci. FYI Sans-souci is nicknamed “the Versailles of Germany”, which is enough to pique my interest.

Where to stay in Berlin

Prenzlauer Berg  – This is where I stayed in Berlin and I enjoyed both the location and the beautiful architecture of the apartments. Prenzlauer Berg once drew artists with its affordable prices, however, in recent years the neighbourhood has become more ‘upscale’ and rent prices have shot up.  It’s home to a lot of young families, and it has a sprinkling of small boutiques and restaurants.

Kreuzberg-Freidrichshain  – The little rebel! I love this area because it has so much character. It’s gritty, artsy, unexpected, it has lots of great international restaurants, and it’s always full of surprises. If you want to experience Berlin’s alternative side, then this is a great neighbourhood to be based.

Mitte  – Mitte is a busy neighbourhood. This is where many of the city’s attractions are located, so you can expect to find a lot of tourists here. It has a bit of a commercial feel, however, it’s a great place to shop and you won’t be short of dining options.

Charlottenburg  – This is an area I would call posh. It is home to beautiful residences and we can’t forget the stunning Charlottenburg Palace located nearby. Charlottenburg is in the West side, so it’s a little bit of a commute into the city, but if you’re thinking of a longer stay and want to enjoy the greenery and a beautiful neighbourhood , it’s an option.

And those are just a few of the neighbourhoods I got to experience. For a more detailed look at hotels and hostels available across the city, you can browse  accommodations in Berlin  here.

Another great option is AirBnB, where you can find entire homes and apartments for $30-100 per night depending on the size and location, and much lower if you’re just looking for a private room in someone’s home. If it’s your first time using AirBnB , you can use my  $40 discount here .

Getting around Berlin

Berlin is divided into 3 pay zones: Zones A, B, and C. You can either buy tickets restricted to one zone, or if you’re planning to travel further you can buy a combined ticket. The transportation network consists of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses and ferries, and your ticket must be validated at the little ticket machines before you start your journey. Even if you don’t speak German, tickets can be easily purchased from the automats at the station using the English option. You can click here for more information on tickets, fares, and routes.

More Europe City Guides

50 things to do in Vienna

50 things to do in Prague

50 things to do in Budapest

Things To Do In Hamburg, Germany

Have you been to Berlin? Are there any other things to do in Berlin you’d recommend adding to this list?

41 Comments

I have been hearing such great things about berlin, it seems like such an awesome city to visit. The pool in the river is pretty unique… but I love all the photos of street art.

There is so much street art in Berlin. Some neighbourhoods are just plastered in it!

Berlin sounds seriously cool and slightly eccentric! Would you base yourself there again?

In a heartbeat! I was there in the spring, but I’d love to experience summer in the city. It would be so much fun with all the outdoor festivals.

Wow, these are a bunch of things to do in Berlin! The street art is fantastic. Such beautiful colors of Berlin.

A tour of a closed amusement park. That sounds very novel and actually quite interesting.

As always Audrey you have yet again over delivered. Most people offer a top 10 things to do but you crank out 50 ideas – guarantee a little something for everyone.

I’ve only every spent a day in Berlin so it was a mad dash to see some things. Clearly I need to head back to tick off a few of these.

Yeah, they have lots of cool alternative tours covering everything from former spy stations to abandoned warehouses now covered in graffiti. The city is always full of surprises.

I love Berlin so much, it’s an awesome city. I definitely didn’t do anywhere near all of these ideas though, so I guess I’ll have to go back!

I didn’t get to Berlin when I visited Germany this past summer but I kept hearing wonderful things about it! Thanks for this (extensive) list! Now I have no shortage of things to do when I visit the city 😀

Thanks Chanel! I hope the list comes in handy for some future travel. P.S. I hope you enjoyed your time in Munich. 🙂

Haha, I love that you can get your passport stamped at Checkpoint Charlie! That is totally something I would do!

Oh yes! I really wanted that DDR stamp in my passport. 😉

Thanks for this list- I will be sure to take your advice whenever I make my way to Berlin!

That’s an amazing list! Frankly, Berlin never intrigued me, but after reading your suggestions, I am feeling a little motivated to visit it someday. It is definitely a vibrant city.

Awesome list! I spent almost a week in Berlin last summer, and LOVED it so much. I actually did a lot of the things on your list! I love history, so Berlin was so fascinating – I took the same Third Reich tour with Insider Tours, and it’s one of the best walking tours I’ve ever been on!

Glad you agree! Wasn’t that Third Reich tour mindblowing?! It’s too bad they don’t take you inside any of the buildings, but the stories just kept me on edge!

Excellent list of things to do with a lot of variety! That’s great you had a whole month to do that much, and of course, no amount of time is ever enough! Thanks for sharing!

I’ve never been to Berlin but it sounds like such a livable city. Plus I’ve always wanted to walk along the Berlin wall and check out all the art!

Very nice information. I’ve been planning a European trip next year and I would like to include Berlin. Now I have an idea of what to do when I am there. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

What I would certainly do (and I did it many times when in Berlin) is eat a currywurst. It tastes so good, especially hot one grabbed from a Christmas market :-).

Thanks for the great list Audrey! I would probably add visiting the abandoned graffiti covered buildings and some of the gruesome WW2 bunkers. But overall you are right, there really is a lot to do in Berlin and if you really did all 50 things in 30 days, you really must have been quite busy during your time in the city… 🙂

The hubs and I spent a week in Berlin. It’s such an amazing city. There is always something awesome nearby to catch your eye. We really liked the Sandeman’s “free” walking tour (tip your guide!) of the city. We learned a lot. We followed that up with an art walking tour of the city’s street art. Loved it. It’s an amazing place! Can’t wait to go back some day…

I feel you! When friends have visited us and we took them to Berlin, I always recommend a Sandeman’s free walking tour – I’ve gone on 3. The guides are great, I learn something new each time, and it’s a great way to get situated in the city. It’s my favourite city to visit of places I’ve been

Excellent list, Audrey! Berlin is such a cultural city and definitely my favorite in Germany. The street art is so cool!

I love Berlin! How cool that you were able to be there for a whole month! Great read and pictures.

Once my Asia days are behind me, assuming that then I will return to live in the Netherlands, I definitely intend to re-visit Berlin!

All the eating, the street art, and the palaces look amazing! Can’t say no to beer either!

http://www.charactersandcarryons.com

I never understood why Berlin never get the fame of Paris, London or Rome when it’s a real exciting and fascinating city to visit. Great post!

Berlin has been at the top of our list of “must try to live there” places. We are pinning this for future reference — thank you )

Awesome list! I am heading back to Berlin in 2015 and will have to reference this as there is much to see and do beyond what I have already done!

Thanks for sharing!

Shaun http://www.thislifeintrips.com

Awesome and very helpful list! I’m planning a trip to Berlin for the Christmas markets, so I will definitely try some of the things from your list. 🙂

What a great list! I was just in Germany earlier this year, but I didn’t make it to Berlin, but I’ve heard that I truly missed out, and this list confirmed that. Thanks for sharing. I have a lot to do when I make it to Berlin!

Absolutely LOVED Berlin! And it was great in the wintertime too! A lot of what you recommended can also be done in the cold weather, though a lot of layers is deff a suggestion if you’re doing a walking tour!

Awesome list Audrey! I could never make it better 🙂 I would also add the Abandoned Soviet Tank Barracks in Bernau. It’s 20 min away from the city center but is just as amazing as the Spree Park: http://hostelculture.com/blog/article/berlins-abandoned-buildings-soviet-tank-barracks

“Go hunting for UFOs” haha love it. Just printed this off since I’m going to Germany in September. You have tons of good info (I actually wrote to these guys saying you should be on their list http://www.bavarianclockworks.com/blog/best-germany-travel-guides-from-experienced-travel-bloggers/ ). Thanks for the tips!

Great blog post – thank you! I am planning a few days solo getaway to Berlin soon so I will be revisiting this!

We just got back from a Berlin and Munich trip and I will say the walking the Berlin wall was a very powerful experience. Not quite as well know as Munich for beer but it was a great experience for the beer connoisseur.

Yay, thanks for the tips! I’m going to Berlin in July and stay the whole month, but I realized I won’t have time to see 50% of everything the city has to offer. I rented an airbnb in Kreuzberg/Neukölln because of the price, unaware of how cool and hippie this area is. I’m very excited!

Love Berlin! Probably one of my favourite European Cities. I’ve been there twice and there’s always something new to discover.

We have been meaning to visit Berlin for a long time now. We loved Munich and heard that Berlin is a lot more vibrant. Looking forward to going pretty soon 😉

Dear Audrey, Hello. My name is Francesca Blanco and I come from Caracas, Venezuela. I will be graduating this December in the US and as a gift I will be traveling to Germany the first 4 months of 2020. I have enjoyed reading about your adventures. I have one question about the transportation. When I went to Madrid, I was able to purchase a lifelong card that allowed me to travel Spain for 20 euros a month. I was browsing and the annual transportation tickets in Germany are quite expensive. I was wondering if you have other links to direct me towards the purchase of the ideal transportation pass for me. Thanks!

Hi Francesca, we bought a 1-month pass for the S-Bahn, but it’s not quite as cheap as the price you’re mentioning for Madrid. Right now the monthly pass is 81 Euros, or 59 Euros if you plan to ride after 10am. You can see all the options on the S-Bahn Berlin website.

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

14 of the best things to do in Berlin

Jul 8, 2023 • 7 min read

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

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

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

1. See the treasures of Museum Island

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

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

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

2. Follow the legacy of the Berlin Wall

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

3. Party at Berlin's world-famous clubs

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

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

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

4. Enjoy drinks outdoors

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

5. Be dazzled by the grandeur of Schloss Charlottenburg

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

6. Book ahead to visit the Reichstag

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

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

7. Shop and eat at Markthalle Neun

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

8. Tour Berlin's art scene

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

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

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

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

10. Wander or cycle the paths of Tiergarten

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

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

11. See urban renewal at Potsdamer Platz

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

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

12. Pose for a photo at the historic Brandenburg Gate

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

13. Go shopping along Kurfürstendamm

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

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

14. Explore the exhibits of the Topographie des Terrors

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

This article was first published Jan 28, 2015 and updated Jul 8, 2023.

Explore related stories

May 10, 2024 • 9 min read

From cities to countryside to high mountain peaks, experience the best of Germany with these top things to do.

Nov 1, 2023 • 15 min read

Aug 16, 2023 • 5 min read

Jan 17, 2022 • 5 min read

Sep 28, 2021 • 5 min read

Jul 30, 2021 • 6 min read

Jan 10, 2020 • 5 min read

Oct 31, 2019 • 2 min read

Oct 4, 2019 • 6 min read

Aug 15, 2019 • 6 min read

Europe Chevron

Germany Chevron

Berlin Chevron

18 Best Things to Do in Berlin

By Liz Humphreys and Krystin Arneson

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

Read our complete Berlin travel guide here .

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

Hackesche Höfe and Haus Schwarzenberg Arrow

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

Charlottenburg Palace Arrow

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

Berlin Wall Memorial Arrow

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

Mauerpark Flea Market Arrow

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

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Mark Ellwood

Alex Erdekian

Berghain Arrow

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

Reichstag Building Arrow

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

Humboldt Forum Arrow

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

Brandenburg Gate Arrow

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

Topography of Terror Arrow

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

Museum Island Arrow

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

Neue Nationalgalerie Arrow

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

Sammlung Boros Arrow

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

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Arrow

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

East Side Gallery Arrow

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

Tempelhofer Feld Arrow

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

Tiergarten Arrow

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

Prater Garten Arrow

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

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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

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

Visa requirements

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

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

Visa requirements by country  – Federal Foreign Office

How to travel to Berlin

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

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

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

By intercity bus

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

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

Most intercity buses arrive at…

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

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

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

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

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

By car or motorcycle

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

Who can drive in Germany ➞

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

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

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

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

Information about the environmental zone  – Berlin.de

By car sharing

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

How to get around in Berlin

How to find your way around berlin.

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

How to use public transit in Berlin

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

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

How to use public transit ➞

How to rent a bicycle or a scooter

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

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

Where to rent a bicycle ➞

Where to rent an electric scooter ➞

How to rent a car

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

Where to rent a car ➞

What to see and do in Berlin

Start with visitBerlin.de , WikiVoyage and Lonely Planet . To see what’s happening in Berlin, check tipBerlin and Mit Vergnügen (in German).

Main attractions

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

visitBerlin.de  – Official website with really good information

Find events on visitBerlin.de , Facebook , and Berlin Events Weekly .

Find live music on Resident Advisor , Bandsintown , Songkick and Echtzeitmusik . @berlingig is a Telegram channel that posts cheap concerts every week.

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

Official event calendar ➞

Public holidays in Berlin ➞

Walking tours

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

Outside of Berlin

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

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

Clubs in Berlin

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

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

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

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

What to eat in Berlin

Typical berlin street food.

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

Typical Berlin dishes

Cuisine of Berlin  – Wikipedia

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

Tipping in restaurants

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

How to tip in Germany ➞

Where to stay in Berlin

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

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

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

Shopping in Berlin

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

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

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

VAT refund process  – Federal Foreign Office

Stay connected

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

German power outlets

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

Power sockets in Germany ➞

Free Wi-Fi in Berlin

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

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

Map of public Wi-Fi hotspots  – publicwifi.eu

Prepaid SIM cards for tourists

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

There are 3 ways to buy a SIM card:

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

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

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

Be a good tourist

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

Do I need to speak German in Berlin? ➞

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

Things you should not do

• Do not walk on the bike paths The bicycle path is usually a 1 meter wide red brick path on the sidewalk. If you walk on the bike path, cyclists will ring their bell, shout at you or even bump into you.
• Do not put your glass bottles in the trash People collect empty bottles and return them for money . Don’t make people search for bottles in the trash. Put your empty bottles next to the bin. In some parks, bottle collectors ( Flaschensammler ) will walk around and ask for your empty bottles.
• Do not joke about Nazis and the war You probably shouldn’t joke about this. It’s not funny, and it’s not original.

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

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

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

How to buy weed in Berlin ➞

Emergency numbers in Berlin ➞

Lost things

Where to find lost things in Berlin ➞

Auswärtiges Amt   ⤴

bvg.de   ⤴

web.archive.org , berlin.de   ⤴

berlin.de   ⤴

berlin.de , hotel.de   ⤴

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

reddit.com/r/berlin   ⤴

unternehmen.lidl.de , kaufda.de   ⤴

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

55 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Berlin

• Matt Robinson
• August 13, 2019

In the spirit of educated exploration, Berlin Experiences co-founder, Olivia , has compiled a rather thorough list of 55 things you should know before visiting Berlin – looking at some of the general and cultural aspects of the city, the obstacles you may encounter along the way, and the basic know-before-you-go warnings…

W e hope you find it useful!

1. Dig deeper. You need more than one day

Berlin is no simple checkbox been-there-seen-that sightseeing city. Yes, you can cover most of the sights in a day on one of those big tour buses (hop on/doze off), but if you don’t take the time to dig deeper, engage with the history, and absorb the culture, you’re not really taking advantage of all that Berlin has to offer. 

You might be richer in money saved, but trust us, your life will be poorer for it. 

Consider that two or three days here is really a bare minimum. 

To make the most of your time in Berlin, consider taking a guided tour of the city with one of Berlin’s local experts…

2. Cash is (still) king

Not unlike elsewhere in Germany, Berliners are suspicious of money unless it’s cold hard cash. The only places guaranteed to take card are supermarkets; for everywhere else, come prepared with a fist full of notes ( cue the Spaghetti Western soundtrack ). 

The reason why cash is still king is in itself a lesson in German history. Consider the unparalleled inflation, and financial and institutional instability, at the start of the 20th century that many Germans of the current older generation may vividly recall. 

Experiencing your financial worth wiped out in a blink of an eye is the kind of intergenerational trauma that sticks. Thus, money is often held either in secret hiding places in German homes, or as foreign currencies, or both. Germans are seemingly allergic to debt, so credit cards are viewed as the devil. 

Very few native Germans have credit cards ( ask someone to prove you wrong when the restaurant bill arrives ). While some societies are now definitively card-only, Germany’s cash based economy is going strong. 

And don’t get us started on the country’s undying love for the fax machine.

3. Dress down to dress up

It’s stylish in Berlin to dress down; in fact, sometimes it’s hard to judge whether or not someone is actually homeless or just a hipster ( yes, you remember that meme ). 

That being said, Berlin is such a diverse place that pretty much anything goes (including public nudity it seems – see point. 34). The large Turkish and Arab communities that live in the city also add to the contrasts that make Berlin what it is. 

Just wear what you feel comfortable in and you’ll fit right in. Unless it’s a suit. Berlin is not exactly a business city; so there is little reason to wear a noose.

4. Don’t be intimidated by the graffiti

In Berlin, graffiti is a symptom of the city’s artistic inclination and not of urban decay. Instead of just passing it by, stop and take a look – you might discover something captivating. 

Like the city itself, Berlin street art has a rich (and colourful?) history.

The history of graffiti and street art in Berlin is often cited as specifically dating back to the Cold War division of the city. When the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, on the Western side, people approached the Wall and could indulge their creative side. 

On the Eastern side, however, anyone tampering or defacing the Wall faced real and deadly consequences. The side of the Wall facing West Berlin was open season for those living there, and as the years rolled by the graffiti, political statements, nonsense and art became prolific. A stark contrast to the sterile, untouched surface that East Germans would be faced with. 

This legendary graffiti is just one of our  Ten Great Reasons To Tour The Berlin Wall .

After the Wall came down, the Cold War East became a veritable artists’ paradise. The chaos of the East German government collapsing saw many abandoned buildings stood idle with no big brother watching. Something that anarchists and other creatives couldn’t resist. Many came to call east Berlin their new home via good old fashioned squatting. They also started to take full advantage of the blank canvases of East Berlin ripe for the painting! 

Since this time, street art in Berlin has become ubiquitous, a whole industry catering for artists – both amateur and professional –  has sprung up. Street art has increasingly become commodified as companies have figured out ways to make money out of people’s consumption of it. 

Add to that the gentrification the city has undergone in the last two decades, and the regeneration of the East. In an interesting twist, however, the Germany capital now has a museum entirely dedicated to street and urban contemporary art – called Urban Nation – funded by the Berlin Lottery.

5. Be prepared for history. Lots of history

Undoubtedly, the most interesting thing about Berlin is its history. To say that momentous events happened here, the consequences of which would ripple throughout the world, would be an incredible understatement. 

There is intense history here around every corner and some corners are significant parts of intense history. So many of the momentous events of the 20th century in Europe can be traced back to what happened on the streets of Berlin. 

The history of 20th century Europe would be nothing without the history of 20th century Germany, and much of that history either happened or passed through (see violently passed through) Berlin.

6. Be serious about the history

Take a moment to try to respectfully comprehend the gravity of everything that has happened in this city. The keyword here being ‘respectfully’. Please don’t take selfies of yourself doing yoga poses or other silly things at memorials – you’re missing the point if you do. And may just end up part of a modern art project that you don’t want to be in… ( See Yolocaust ) .

Berlin’s famous Stolpersteine project is one of the most interesting forms of respectful remerbrance you’ll find across the city.

7. Beware cycopaths in cycle paths

Not only for your own physical safety but also because being yelled at in German is terrifying. Not all heroes wear capes; and not all bicycle riders are benevolent do-gooders looking to promote a healthy alternative to the combustion engine. 

Sometimes concern for the environment can translate to very direct concern for the clearly designated environment of public cycle lanes – and god save anyone who might trespass against them. 

8. Sunday is fun-day

Berliners are not churchgoers, at least not according to the statistics. In-fact most people in the city register as being non-religious with the state (yes, there is such a thing as church tax in Germany!). 

Despite this, Sundays are still considered holy – at least if by that you mean requiring of a break from the god of Capital. Don’t expect to be able to go shopping on a Sunday in Berlin. 

However, restaurants, flea markets and nightclubs are open as usual. So don’t expect to be able to do anything else but have fun (or go to church, if that is how you have fun). 

9. Germany works on a different flavour-spectrum

The German diet mainly consists of bread ( Brot ), pork ( Schwein ), potato ( Kartoffel ) and sauerkraut ( Sauerkraut 😉). Not the most flavourful of diets! In-fact it was the Prussian King, Frederick the Great, who is credited as introducing the potato to the region – and people here have been addicted to the stuff ever since. Frederick is also said to have liked his food highly spiced, a preference that seems not to have caught on as much as the potatoes.

There is an old joke that Italian food is as adventurous as most Germans get. Asian and Indian eateries dial their spice use down to accommodate local tastes. Chillies are usually a rare species that can only be spotted in speciality Asian supermarkets – although times may be changing!

10. Just because you’re a customer doesn’t mean you get service

In our list of Things You Should Know Before Visiting Berlin, this is usually the most surprising. Berlin is infamous for its terrible customer service. So, buckle up! How bad the service can get in Berlin will come as quite a shock to many American tourists from the land of hyper-customer service. 

This often painfully evident when you try to pay and see the server run away from you (rather than kick you out to speed in the next guests). Despite this, tipping in Germany HAS become more common over the last twenty years, although service hasn’t exactly shaken off the reputation of the cold-shoulder approach it’s gained. If your server is attentive and takes care of you, do us all a favour, and tip them well – in this climate, they likely deserve it.

11. Don’t forget to validate your train ticket

If you buy a transportation ticket in Berlin, you’re required to validate it by getting it stamped before starting your journey. The validating boxes are on the smallish size and usually yellow, but can also be red, and are located near the entrance of every train station as well as onboard trams and buses. 

Just stamp your ticket once. We’ve witnessed tourists stamp their tickets into oblivion too many times. The machine will stamp the time to show when it was validated. If you stamp it more than once, the ticket is voided and you’ll need to buy a new one. Otherwise, you risk facing the wrath of the undercover ticket inspectors, who infrequently frequent the city’s transportation network (although always seem to turn up at the right moment when you’ve incorrectly stamped or forgotten to stamp your ticket). The ticket controllers work for a private company that Berlin’s transportation authority (BVG) has outsourced this regulatory function to. They work on commission and thus have no incentive to show mercy to anybody, tourist or otherwise. You’ve been warned.

12. Berlin has the fastest elevator in Europe

The lift at the Panoramapunkt , inside the Kollhoff Tower at Potsdamer Platz, will vault you up to the 24th floor in a mindblowing 20 seconds. Here you can enjoy one of the best views of Berlin and a western-facing cafe that is a great place to watch the sunset over the city in the winter months. Certainly one of the most breathtaking things you can do in Berlin.

13. Berlin has more museums than rainy days in the year

Number 13 in our list of things you should know before visiting Berlin concerns the city’s vast collection of world class institutions. There are on average 106 rainy days per year in Berlin, which is home to more than 180 museums. Which means, the popular joke frequently publicised by the Berlin government, that there are more museums in the city than rainy days in the year, is actually true. If you’re looking for an excuse to explore any of them, here’s another one to add to the list.

Check out our Top Ten Must-See Berlin Museums post as a great starting point for your exploration.

14. Berlin has more bridges than Venice

There are 403 bridges in Venice, which doesn’t hold a candle to Berlin’s 1,700! This makes sense considering Berlin also has the largest number of canals of any city in the world – and more waterways than Amsterdam, Stockholm and Venice combined.

15. Berlin has the largest and longest open-air gallery in the world

Since the early 1990s, artists have used what was once a symbol of East German oppression as a canvas for free artistic expression. This 1.3km long stretch of the Berlin Wall – now known as the East Side Gallery – is a must-see when visiting the city – particular for the works of French artist Thierry Noir, Birgit K’s Trabant crashing through the Wall, and the oft-parodied Brezhnev-Honecker Sozialistischer Bruderkuss.

16. The West Berlin Zoo has the most diverse selection of animals in the world

Constructed in the early 1900s, Berlin’s Zoo was the first of its kind in Germany and now contains the most diverse range of species in the entire world – including two very popular Chinese panda bears and the oldest gorilla in the world, Fatou.

17. The doner kebab was possibly invented in Berlin

This mystery meat sandwich is now a Berlin staple, said to have been invented in the 1970s in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district by an enterprising Turkish guest worker named Kadir Nurman. 

Noticing the time strapped working class of the city needed to grab something quick to eat, Nurman slapped together a shaved meat sandwich, adding some salad and sauce, and inadvertently created a culinary classic. 

At least, so the legend goes. 

Regardless of whether the Döner Kebab, in its most recognisable form, was actually invented in Berlin or not, the city is certainly the kebab capital of Germany – with over 1,000 Döner Kebab shops full of rotating meatsicles.

18. Berlin is the birthplace of the Currywurst

It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention. Well, in the aftermath of WWII, an occupied Germany provided fertile ground for experimentation – and a shortage of tomato ketchup called for drastic measures. 

Precisely what local sausage seller Herta Heuwer resorted to (allegedly) when she got her hands on a can of tomatoes and some curry powder from some British soldiers to spice up the humble Wurst . Voila, the Currywurst was born. 

Or maybe the first Currywurst came from Hamburg? 

Maybe, but it’s certainly here to stay in Berlin.

19. Berlin is home to the Ampelmann

Wandering the streets of eastern Berlin now there are few clues that point to a past divided by ideological lines (and walls). But there is one that is as popular as it is ubiquitous: the Ampelmann . These Ampelmännchen (little traffic-light men) diligently do their job of assisting pedestrians to cross the street all over East Berlin. 

Unlike many relics of the communist past, these little guys have actually risen to cult status and even infiltrated the West (as far as Tokyo). 

Back in 1961, traffic psychologist Karl Peglau submitted a proposal for new traffic light symbols in East Germany. His concept was well-received and he was commissioned the following year by the ‘Chairman of the Permanent Transport Committee of the City Council of Greater Berlin’ to make his vision a reality. 

As Peglau said himself, “the East German Ampelmännchen are true children of Berlin”. Peglau psychologist training heavily influenced his design of traffic light men with the result being remarkably cute! The rationale he gave for making the Ampelmann distinctively fun was the theory that the more likeable and human they are the more effective they are as a communication tool. 

Like so many children of East Berlin, the Ampelmann had to weather the storm of the collapse of the socialist regime. When the Berlin Wall came down, unification efforts flushed out almost all remnants of life in the East. However, when the West German officials came for the Ampelmann , people started to speak up. 

In true Berlin style, pro-Ampelmann protests gained momentum as the traffic signal was transformed from a signal to a symbol. In the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Ampelmann came to symbolise East Germans trying to reassert their identity in a world where East Germany didn’t exist anymore. 

Ironically, these East German socialist symbols are now for sale everywhere in Ampelmann stores – selling coffee mugs, mouse mats, t-shirt, gummy bears and all sorts of other assorted tack. 

So, don’t just expect to see them on the streets but also in the stores.

20. Berlin has the world’s largest freestanding aquarium

Number 20 in our list of things you should know before visiting Berlin is this monstrous cylindrical fish tank, the largest of its kind in the world. To be found in the lobby area of the Radisson Blu Berlin, and standing 25 meters high and 12 meters in diameter. 

At a cost of around 13 million euros to build – this is no ordinary aquarium!

21. Berlin has the world’s longest beer garden 

Every year in August, Berlin hosts the world’s longest beer garden, thanks to the Internationale Berliner Bierfestival . 

The festival runs along the former East German showcase street, Karl-Marx-Allee, between Frankfurter Tor and Strausberger Platz, filling this 2.2km stretch of road with some 340 breweries from all over the world. 

The festival was awarded the title of longest beer garden in the world by the Guiness Book of World Records on the 7 August 2011. 

The record for the beer garden is 1,820 m (5,971 ft 1 in) and hasn’t been beaten since! 

22. Lower your expectations for Checkpoint Charlie

The biggest disappointment in our list of things you should know about Berlin, this hugely historically significant border crossing is now considered by many locals to be the Disneyland of Berlin – overflowing with tacky souvenir shops and American fast food outlets. 

Up until recently, you could also spot the city’s legendary gyrating men dressed up to look like American soldiers from the post-WWII period and posing for photos, until they were banned from the location. 

If you’re looking for something genuine, better look elsewhere.

23. Hitler’s bunker is now a car park

Contrary to popular belief, the underground refuge of Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler, for the last days of his life in no longer accessible. 

The site is now an otherwise unremarkable parking lot with many DDR -era apartments overlooking this stretch of land. 

Were it not for the single sign detailing the bunker’s measurements and purpose, there would be little (aside from the regular tour groups) to indicate that this location was of such historic significance.

24. No stupid selfies at the Holocaust memorial

This shouldn’t need repeating (see point 6) but Google “Yolocaust” for an important lesson. 

25. Techno is everywhere/Beware of Berghain

While traditional music in other parts of Germany may mean thigh-slapping and spinning around the maypole – ‘traditional’ music in Berlin generally means techno. Mostly found in clubs, this percussive mix of bass drums and hi-hats, can also often be heard in many other everyday settings such as grocery stores and coffee shops, for example. 

The most famous name in Berlin’s techno circuit is Berghain, considered the techno mecca of Germany, perhaps even the world (although that word may not be the right one to use, as some of the things that happen there would hardly go down well in Saudi Arabia). 

With its reputation for its painfully incomprehensible door policy, if you need to ask the question “How do I get into Berghain”, you’re probably not going to get into Berghain. 

If you’re not feeling brave enough to waste time queueing for the Berghain lottery, there are lots of other venues still scattered around Berlin that are currently fighting gentrification and rising rents to survive – and worth experiencing just as much, before they sink in the seventh circle of sameness.

26. Don’t steal the Wall

First, it’s illegal. 

Second, it’s a dick move. 

Just don’t. 

There is not much of it left in the city, and you’re risking a 10,000€ fine if the police catch you. Which we hope they do.

27. Visit the Reichstag

Head to the top of Berlin’s most popular tourist attraction and you’ll soon find out why it’s so hard to get in – considering the immense historic significance of this building and the amazing view (both across the city and into the main plenary room) from the cupola crowning the structure. 

Seeing Berlin from the dome of the Reichstag is a once in a lifetime experience. Online bookings can be impossible to manage during the summer months, especially at the last minute, but they are necessary if you want to get inside. 

There is, however, one alternative, if you’ve just arrived into the city and want to sneak inside – whilst experiencing something truly unique in its own right…read on to our next point…

Check out the Bundestag website to make a booking.

28. Eat on top of the Reichstag

The Käfer restaurant on top of the Reichstag building is a fine dining experience like no other. 

Not only is it considered the only public fine dining restaurant in an actual parliament building, but there is something about breaking bread on top of this historic building that also serves up food for thought.

Situated adjacent to the large glass cupola added to the building by English architect Lord Norman Foster in 1999, and offering a terrace view down onto the nearby Brandenburg Gate, the restaurant also serves up another memorable moment – look right from the terrace and you’ll see the European Union flag flying, high atop the corner of the building where Soviet forces triumphantly raised their flag on May 1945.

29. Boat trips are pretty cool (in the summer)

Don’t believe the ‘hate’, Berlin is a beautiful, eclectic city. You just need to see it from its best sides. Seeing Berlin from the many angles on offer while cruising along the river Spree, or some of the city’s many canals, really does reveal the undeniable beauty of the German capital. 

There are many different boat trips to choose from, depending on your tastes. Got a thing for bridges? Book a boat ride that takes you below 60+ of them. Looking for a scenic route from the historic city centre to Charlottenburg Palace in the west? You can do that by boat. Canoes, kayaks, and even paddleboards are now becoming a more common sight along the river too.

We recommend having a look at the Stern & Kreis timetable, and the Reederei Riedel page. The two main boat tour companies in Berlin that both offer 1.5/3hr tours of the Spree and more…

30. Ride the Wall - the Mauerweg

Realise the full extent of Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall) and what it meant for the people of Berlin during the Cold War by riding the 160 km stretch where it once stood. With many memorials along the way, you can get a sense of how the Wall affected the citizens of East Berlin. And the tragic number of them who were so desperate to get out of the socialist dream-state that they died trying to escape. 

Apart from the serious history, riding along the Berlin Wall is a great way to see a completely different side of Berlin (its periphery) and also parts of Brandenburg. One of our favourite ways to spend the weekend is to ride part of the Mauerweg (wall ride). Each year in August, we also take on the challenge of riding all the way round in the space of a day, to commemorate the construction of the Wall.

31. Bottle Deposits

Germany is widely considered as the ‘world’s best recycler’, mostly due to its extensive Pfandsystem (deposit system). 

This system, incentivising the return of plastic and glass bottles, and aluminium cans to be recycled, means Berlin’s streets are relatively free of broken glass and haphazardly discarded plastic bottles (thanks to the people who cruise around with little carts collecting them for money).

How does the system work? 

Well, when you buy bottled or canned beverages (with the exception of wine) you’ll likely pay a Pfand (deposit) of up to 25 cents. You are then able to get that deposit back by taking the empty bottle to any of the self-service bottle return stations at a supermarket. Simple. In Berlin, you’ll witness lots of different people searching for empty bottles in bins and trash cans (some doing so to subsidise their meagre pensions). 

Many Berliners will leave bottles on the side of the street or next to a rubbish bin/trash can for ease of collection by these hunters. 

32. There is lots of greenery

Berlin is brimming with parks, gardens and forested areas – in fact, more so than any other major European city – around one third of Berlin is parkland and forest area. 

Berlin is a magical place to be during the autumn months, to see the leaves change colour. During the summertime expect to often stumble upon a green patch filled with Berliners (clothed and unclothed) drinking beer and soaking in the sunshine. Sitting in a park on a sunny day is one of Berlin’s great pleasures. 

Not to mention the lovely beer gardens scattered throughout the city.

33. Don’t fear the cheap beer

In Berlin, beer is cheaper than water! But, this doesn’t mean that it’s poor quality; it just means that beer is extremely cheap in Germany. 

The German capital’s famous Berliners (both Berliner and Berliner Kindl) are widely considered the watermark for good and bad, with anything worse being worthless and anything better being the preference. 

You shouldn’t do worse than Berliner, but nowadays with the proliferation of craft beer in the city, you can certainly also do better.

34. Expect nudity

Nudity is a non-issue in Germany and not a source of shame or embarrassment. 

Expect to see naked bodies in parks and at lakes or even peering out of an apartment window during the summertime! 

Be careful though which parks you choose to take your clothes off in – if there is a kindergarten or children’s play area nearby you might be exposing yourself to criminal charges…

35. Christmas means markets 

For the last two months of the year, you’ll find Christmas markets ( Weihnachtsmärkte ) and the intoxicated wurst -wielding revellers they attract clogging up the streets of Berlin like heavy snowfall. Most are tacky plastic made-in-China affairs, with some more ‘traditional’ exceptions. 

However, in the trendier areas of the city, different themed Christmas markets can be found and diverge wildly. 

From dog products to Japanese culture and even adult merchandise, you’ll easily find something for your specific tastes – and perhaps an ideal Christmas present for a family member, or kinky Japanese dog, in the process.

36. Two-thirds of the city is non-Berliner

The joke that if you’re looking for a local in Berlin, the best place to find one is in the cemetery is largely true here. 

Although, this, of course, depends on what your definition of a Berliner is. Most people that live in Berlin weren’t born here and a lot of those weren’t born in Germany nor are they German citizens. 

Most notably, the total size of the Turkish community here is jokingly said to be second only to Istanbul (although this isn’t factually accurate). It does mean though, that there are many Turkish delights to eat and a wonderful Turkish market, situated in the district of Kreuzberg (a neighbourhood that is colloquially known as ‘Little Istanbul’), worth visiting. 

37. Lots of people speak English

And many don’t speak German! Most of the younger generations speak English fluently, as learning the language was a compulsory part of their schooling from a young age. English skills are less prolific with the older generations and the working class, especially among East Berliners ( Ossies ).

This means that finding service staff that speak English can be potluck. Some don’t speak a word of it. 

Others are trigger happy when it comes to speaking the Queen’s. Insofar as, unless you speak Deutsch like a native, if you attempt to order food or beverages in the local language you’ll most likely get an instant response in English. 

Berlin is hardly the best place to practice your German, try somewhere rural for more constructive results.

38. Flea markets

Nothing screams Berlin’s unofficial slogan ‘Poor but sexy’ more than its plentiful, and extremely popular, flea markets. Filled with individual stalls selling either handcrafted or second-hand goods, East German trinkets, and even questionable memorabilia from other periods in German history. 

The most famous Flohmarkt of them all is at Mauerpark, which operates pretty much every Sunday. But, beware, when the weather is not terrible, it gets hectic. It’s worth a visit, though. 

Especially to check out the Bearpit Karaoke; quite a spectacle to see hundreds of people gather to hear brave souls perform their favourite songs at the amphitheatre located near the markets. 

39. Be prepared to Brunch

Berliners love to brunch, so much so that there is a whole day pretty much dedicated to it. Sunday is brunch-day, mainly because all the shops are closed and there isn’t a whole much else to do, especially if you don’t have family and/or don’t go to church. 

But that’s no reason not to indulge in a late breakfast on any of the other six days of the week. 

A typical German brunch in Berlin is made up of various cold meat and cheese slices, a boiled egg, jam and butter, fruit and lots of bread rolls. Beyond the standard German fare, you can find vegan breakfast buffets, lots of Turkish offerings and Australian/British hipster joints (especially if flat whites and smashed avocado on toast are more your jam) – you’ve just got to know where to look.

40. Imbiss for life

If you’re not a vegetarian (or concerned about your health) and want to experience a slice of Echte Berliner (real-Berliner) life then check out an Imbiss . 

Imbiss means snack in English and is the word used for all the snack bars dotted around the city, typically serving up Germany’s favourite food: Wurst ! 

An Imbiss serves up sausage ( Wurst ) in every way possible. If you don’t want pork you can also have pork – in the form of a Boulette – a kind of German hamburger without the bread. 

The word Imbiss is also used to describe snack stops with other fare – such as the popular China Imbiss – but the more traditional kind you’ll find serving German staples.

41. May Day Parades

Although the day has largely been co-opted by hedonists (and posers) that want to bask in Berlin’s ‘edge’, May 1st has a special political significance and has been an official holiday in Germany since the late 1800s when workers went on strike demanding better working conditions and an eight-hour workday. 

May Day can bring out the crazy in people – much like the more famous night clubs in Berlin – and sadly it’s not unusual to see pitched street battles between activists and police (especially near the Kottbusser Tor intersection in Kreuzberg). 

Despite this, one of the more recent iconic images from the May Day festivities in Berlin is a bunch of young men and women covered in brightly coloured paint and crammed into an old bathtub on the side of the street. Celebrate, commemorate, but don’t forget to have fun – for it is a holiday after all.

42. A free tour is never free - Be nice and tip twice.

And, if you ever go on a tour that was actually completely free, you’re probably not a nice person. You were meant to tip the guide! A free tour is mostly a marketing ploy. From a psychological perspective, it’s much easier to lure people in on the premise of a free tour. It’s a classic bait and switch operation – lure customers in with the promise of one thing and then turn things around to reveal another.

The guides of these ‘free tours’ are not paid by the companies they work for – in fact, they have to pay a kickback for each person on their tour. So if you go on a free tour without paying then you’re literally making the tour guide pay –  for the privilege of guiding you. 

Be nice and tip twice.

43. A hostel can be as good as a hotel

Germans live up to their stereotype of being clean and orderly in all ways possible. So rest assured that if you stay at a hostel in Germany (most of which offer private rooms as well as dormitories), you’ll likely be in very safe – and clean – hands. 

Just make sure you do your research, otherwise you might unwittingly be staying at one owned by the North Korean government . 

We recommend checking out Eastseven Hostel in Prenzlauer Berg and the Circus Hostel in Mitte – two world renowed award-winning hostels.

44. Stay up late and party

Or get up early and party! On the weekends, public transport runs 24 hrs and so do the clubs. 

This means you can basically start and finish partying whenever you want on the weekend. However, generally, clubs don’t start to get busy around 4am. 

The exception to this rule, of course, is the club Berghain – which is busy from the start of the weekend until Monday morning (at least the queue of people stood outside waiting to get rejected is…). 

45. Uber is illegal...kinda

There has been pronounced resistance to the introduction of this multi-billion dollar US-born ride-hailing service in Europe’s largest economic market. From both local taxi firms – who managed to get Uber declared illegal in December 2018 for violating car rental regulations – and the German government, concerned with unqualified drivers. 

To get around the legal issues regarding driver regulations, Uber uses a limousine company in Berlin to arrange its drivers, rather than random individuals signing into the app – as is the standard business model elsewhere.

Although Uber has just opened their latest office in Hamburg, expanding to six cities in Germany as of August 2019, we would advise that you stick to a regular Berlin taxi for now – or private hire transportation. 

You can spot the official Berlin taxis by their creme colour, and the fact that most taxi drivers have a penchant for newer model Mercedes Benz.

A local Berlin Taxi app you can use instead is available on the Berlin Taxi website .

46. Tempelhofer Feld

If you have ever wanted to ride a bike (or other wheeled contraption) around on the landing strip of an airport – Tempelhofer Feld is for you! In fact, why not just lay on it and stare at the sky?

The former Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof ( Berlin Tempelhof Airport ) has now become a place of amusement for Berliners and tourists alike, known as Tempelhof Feld. Expect to see people grillen ( barbecuing ), chillen ( chilling ), playing mini-golf and even participating in dance classes. 

There is also an association that offers tours in Tempelhof Airport – fantastic for urban explorers looking for access to a unique location.

47. Ping Pong lives on

Berlin is the unofficial hobby table tennis capital of the world! And with over 1000 sites that feature at least one public ping pong table, this game has become a ubiquitous symbol of the city. There’s a wide spectrum of seriousness but regardless of your expertise, should you decide to hit one of the city’s many outdoor tables you’re likely to end up being asked to participate in a special ritual. 

During summer don’t be surprised if you get pressured into surrendering your table to a group of Berliners that want to play Rundlauf . 

This local pastime (literally) revolves around the ping pong table: each participant hits the ball and then moves around the table until they reach the other side to hit the ball again. If you happen to lose a point during a rotation then you’re immediately out of the game. As more players are disqualified the game picks up pace until only two remain. The battle to be the last person standing is then fought via a standard game of table tennis. 

48. Check out the supermarket speed

As a rule, the more budget the supermarket; the faster the check out workers scan your grocery items. This means if you go to a Lidl or Aldi, for example, you will need to stuff your purchases into something (bag or otherwise) as quickly as possible. 

These cashiers stop for no man, woman or child and will immediately start scanning the next customer’s goods as soon as your transaction has been completed. 

Be a savvy shopper and have a plan of action before it’s your turn. Make sure you’ve arranged things on the conveyor belt in a logical manner, ie place the heavy, hard items in front and then have everything else follow according to their squishable-ness. 

Better yet, take someone along with you for moral, as well as grocery packing, support! 

49. Poland is only a train ride away

Take the RE1 to Frankfurt/Oder for about an hour then walk down to the river, cross the bridge, and suddenly you’re not in Germany anymore but in the Polish town of Slubice. Although this is not really a major destination point apart from being able to stroll along the river and say you made it. 

For a more rewarding experience, take a three-hour train trip to the quaint Polish town of Poznań – the 1000-year-old birthplace of the Polish nation. It’s far less touristy than the major centres of Kraków, Warsaw and Gdańsk but it’s got a lot going on independent of tourism. 

Bike riders should check out the Oder Radweg – a long stretch of asphalt that stretches across the German-Polish border. Best to check the direction of the wind before you head out there though, all that flat land can make for some seriously breezy riding.

50. Hit the lake/s

For a landlocked city, Berlin city has a lot of water. In fact not only does the city boast more bridges than Venice, but also more combined waterways than Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Venice combined. If you’re looking to cruise down the river and check out the landmarks of central Berlin, then there are plenty of options for that. 

However, if you’re thinking about taking a dip, there are far better options than the murky Spree. There are many idyllic lakes in and around Berlin, such as the popular Wannsee (with its chic 1920s architecture and white sand), the turquoise waters of the Liepnitzsee, and the enormous Müggelsee (Berlin’s largest lake).

51. Explore nature in Brandenburg

Surrounding Berlin is the nature-filled state of Brandenburg. Perfect for taking a break from the craziness of the big city (or if you just need a detox – be it digital or otherwise), Brandenburg has many delights to offer. 

Halfway between Berlin and Dresden, the Spree River transforms into a paradise of waterways that weave around moorlands and pastures known as the Spreewald. Take a canoe ride, ice-skate the lakes in the winter, and if you are a lover of pickles, take a big bite out of the region’s legendary Spreewälder Gurken.

To the East of Berlin, there is the Lower Oder Valley National Park, encompassing 60 kilometres of riverside meadows along the Oder River, both on the German and Polish side. The enchanting landscape is a significant resting and wintering ground for many bird species, and the arrival of more than 13,000 cranes attracts wildlife enthusiasts and photographers every year. Other common wildlife sightings involve otters, beavers and eagles, which you might see if you follow the hiking trails and cycling routes that traverse the park.

Palm trees, humidity and waterfalls are probably not what you associate with Brandenburg, or Germany for that matter, but one place offers you exactly that. Modelled after Balinese themes, the Tropical Islands Resort was designed as a tropical oasis just one hour south of Berlin. This indoor facility occupies a former-aircraft hangar and comes with a spa, lush green trees and bushes, several pools and water slides, bars and restaurants, hammocks and even overnight accommodation. If you’re looking to escape one of those brutal Brandenburg winter days, you know where to go.

Following on with the theme of human-curated nature is Potsdam, in fact, the gardens in Potsdam really are a must-see (even if this area is largely known for the 1945 Potsdam Conference ). And there are so many of them. The quietest would be the Babelsberg Park, on the banks of the Havel River, which bears more lush nature for you to explore. Across 280 acres, the flawlessly maintained grounds are studded with sculptures and mosaics, Gothic fountains, a landscaped English garden and stunning views of the bordering Jungfernsee and Tiefer See lakes. The 1833 Babelsberg Palace is currently undergoing renovations and is closed to the public, but adds to the serene charm with its Gothic Revival façade.

Consider joining one of our Potsdam tours , if you’re looking to explore the area in more historical depth.

52. The right way to say hello 

Guten Tag (Good day) or Hallo (Hello) are the most common verbal greetings used in Germany. In the Catholic and conservative South of Germany, fittingly, many people use the greeting Grüß Gott (literally translating as ‘Greet God’). But God left Berlin with the Kaiser in 1918, so just stick with a simple Hallo and a handshake.

Greetings in Germany depend on whether you know the other person well or not. The most common greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact. A serious handshake with serious eye contact being preferable. None of that limp-wristed gazing into the distance; let people know your fingers are like four of the finest Thüringer Wurst , with a confidence-sized portion of Boulette for a thumb. Your gaze should be steely and you should exude a sense of conviction that says that you can be trusted to shout at anyone who dares cross the road while the pedestrian light is red.

Whatever you do NEVER EVER Nazi salute anyone. Unless you’re prepared to face the full force of the law, and a serious fine that will certainly change your holiday priorities.

53. Beware Of The Gypsy Beggars

If you’re cold approached by someone on the street asking for charitable donations, especially in the touristy areas, it’s almost always a facade for begging. The latest incarnation of this is groups of younger people clutching clipboards and approaching tourists to sign petitions. If you do sign the petition, they’ll then pressure you for money and in some cases, they might pickpocket you. Stay alert and you’ll be fine. And don’t ever be scared to say no and walk away.

54. Don't Play The Shell Game

All forms of gambling involve some kind of risk and should generally be avoided, but avoid street gambling at all costs because it most definitely a con. You’ll likely come across the shell game being played on the pavement in central Berlin by suspicious-looking groups of people – and their lookouts stood further down the street in either direction checking for the police. Checkpoint Charlie and Alexanderplatz are particular hotspots.

In Berlin, there will always be a small group of people pretending to be legitimate ‘players’ of the game but they are in on the scam. Once they extract the maximum amount of money out of any victim that falls into their trap they quickly disappear. Along with your hard-earned cash.

55. Don’t forget to say goodbye

The last entry in our 55 things you should know before visiting Berlin, it’s polite to say Dankeschön (thank you) and Tschüß (bye) to the staff when leaving a venue. In fact, it’s polite to say goodbye to anyone when you leave them, never mind just in Germany.

Germans can seem incredibly formal when greeting anyone (expect a firm handshake) and also when saying goodbye. Maybe lean in closer for a brotherly/sisterly hug and break a few boundaries – or perhaps a Socialist Bruderkuss for the East Germans you meet…

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 55 things you should know before visiting Berlin – it is not an exhaustive list, even if you have found it an exhausting one. And there is certainly more we could add. Questions & comments feel free to leave below!

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to berlin city center from the airport.

Tegel Airport to Berlin City Center 

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

For information on which Express bus to take click here 

Schonefeld Airport to Berlin City Center 

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

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

MAKE YOUR REICHSTAG DOME RESERVATION IN ADVANCE

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

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

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

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN BERLIN

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED POST: STREET FOOD THURSDAY AT MARKETHALLE NEUN IN BERLIN 

GO DURING THE SUMMER

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

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

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

WATCH FOR CYCLISTS

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

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

VALIDATE YOUR TRANSPORTATION TICKETS BEFORE YOU BOARD

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

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

BUY A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DAY PASS

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

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

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

POWER SOCKETS & VOLTAGE

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

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

BERLIN IS NOT BAVARIA

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

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

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

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

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

THE COLORED PIPES

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

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

TIPPING IN BERLIN

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

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

BOTTLE DEPOSITS

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

THE BERLIN WELCOME CARD

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

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

For more information about The Berlin Welcome Card click here. 

BRUSH UP ON SOME HISTORY

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

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

RELATED POSTS:

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

THE MUSEUM PASS

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

For more information about the Museum Pass click here.

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

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

For Huettenpalast Information & Booking Click Here   

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

  For Ostel DDR Information & Booking Click Here

MID-RANGE €€

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

Bikini Berlin Info & Booking Click Here 

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

Nhow Hotel Booking & Information Click Here 

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

For Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel Booking & Info Click Here 

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

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

For Hotel Adlon Booking & Info Click Here 

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

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

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

2 thoughts on “A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Berlin // 15 Tips to Know Before You Go”

This is a definition of guide. Thanks for all information! 💛

Hi Isidora, glad you found it helpful! Thanks for your comment 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Travel Journal
• Travel Advice
• Travel Inspiration
• Photo Diary
• Photography Tips
• Photography Inspiration
• Destinations
• Home Inspiration
• Blogging Tips
• Work With Us

17 Best Things To In Berlin, Germany

A first-time visit to Berlin is bound to be an absolutely incredible experience, filled with an eclectic mix of history, culture and gorgeous sights, it’s a city that intrigues yet embraces us visitors with open arms.

Whether you’re going for a long weekend, a week or even months, it’s likely you’ll be scrambling for time to catch all the places in this vibrant city… especially if you keep stopping for a cheeky currywurst (and a tipple or two)! 😉

Just like other German cities  like Hamburg and Cologne , Berlin has a pretty diverse mix of sights that you must see on your first visit with a hefty proportion being included in Germany’s Top 100 sights to see.

With that in mind, take a look at some of the very best sights you’ll want to include on your first visit to Berlin.

1.) Stroll through Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate is one of Germany’s best-known landmarks that you’ll no doubt want to see. Historically, an old city gate, Brandenburg Gate was rebuilt around 250 years ago and still stands proudly today.

Famous as a point for major historical events, it’s a great spot to see when visiting the Reichstag that’s close by.

Also, for a leisurely sightseeing tour, book this ticket for a sightseeing cruise around Berlin .

These particular tickets offer guaranteed seating, which means you won’t be waiting around or standing for long periods of time. It’s such a great tour.

Book: Berlin sightseeing cruise tickets

2.) Visit the glass dome of The Reichstag

The Reichstag is not only home to the German Government but also home to one of the most impressive glass domes in all the world!

Open to the public, you can head inside the dome and enjoy the incredible building (and views) from the top. Make sure to book these tickets well in advance for a tour around the whole Government District, Chancellery, and Reichstag. 

3.) Experience the glorious Berlin Cathedral

Perched on Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral is one awe-inspiring place to visit.

The grand history and incredible architecture is jaw-droppingly beautiful and well worth a gander at.

Make sure to spend some time in the main Cathedral before heading downstairs to learn more about the crypts and history of this incredible building.

4.) Learn about reintroduction programs at Berlin Zoo

More than just a zoo, Berlin Zoo helps educate, collaborate and maintains reintroduction programs for some of the most endangered species across the world.

Head here to learn more about the valuable work they do and the breeding programs that help in supporting endangered animals.

Also, be sure to book some of these epic Berlin tours, below; especially before you arrive in the city. This way, you won’t be scrambling for tickets and can maximise your time exploring the epicness that is Berlin. 

5.) Discover art at the East Side Gallery  

Premised as an international memorial for freedom, this massive stretch of the Berlin Wall has been commissioned, featuring over 100 different paintings from artists all across the world, including the colourful  Some heads by Thierry Noir.

Stroll the length of the 1.3km section to admire artists’ works, just take a good pair of walking shoes with you.

That being said, you can also book this epic bike tour around Berlin’s best places to visit. It’s an incredible tour around the Mitte district, Checkpoint Charlie, Museum Island and so many more spots. It’s amazing. 

Just make sure to book tickets in advance, they are small group tours and they do fill up fast!

Book: Berlin bike tour around the best spots in the city

6.) Explore Berlin’s Museum Island

No visit to Berlin is complete without a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hop over to the island that sits in the middle of the River Spree to see some of the best museums in the world.

Make sure to visit the Atles Museum and the Bode Museum for some incredible artefacts.

If all that walking works up an appetite, check out our complete list of amazing burger joints that are close by, right here .

7.) Remember at the Holocaust Memorial 

Head to the Holocaust Memorial to reflect upon the horrendous mistakes of history.

The creator, Eisenman created this space for visitors to feel uneasy and confusing space where no order cannot be found.

Opened over 10 years ago, it’s a place to ponder and remember the terrible acts of the Holocaust.

Read more: our visit to the Holocaust Memorial

8.) Wander around Charlottenburg Palace

Officially, the largest palace in Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace was originally built over 300 years ago.

Around 15-20 minutes from the bustling centre of Berlin, the palace is a great place to wander, especially through the gardens.

Make sure to visit the Tea House and the Orangery in the palace gardens, they really are spectacular.

9.) See the president’s home, Bellevue Palace

Whether you get to visit the inside or not, Bellevue Palace is a grand sight to see whilst in Berlin.

Based on the edges of Großer Tiergarten (Berlin’s oldest and largest park), it’s well worth a little gander.

10.) Take a look at Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous crossing point between East and West Germany during the time of the Berlin Wall. Nowadays, the checkpoint has been redeveloped to show how it once stood.

If you want to see the original building head to The Allied Museum for a more intimate look.

11.) Grab some bubbles and Currywurst at the Berlin TV Tower

Book these tickets and scale to the top of the Berlin TV Tower for some impressive 360-degree views of the city or even for a little brunch.

If you’re planning a visit in the late afternoon or early evening, you can also enjoy bubbles and Currywurst whilst overlooking the city.

Just be sure to book these queue jump tickets to the top of the TV tower before arriving. You’ll get straight to the top and miss those long queues that happen at peak times. 

Book: Queue jump tickets to the top of the TV tower

12.) Gorge on the diverse foods of the city

One of the best things about Berlin is the varied and diverse mix of foody delights that are around every corner, you can literally have any type of food that your heart (or tummy) desires.

Make sure to try something you haven’t tried before. For me, this was Israeli Food when we ate at the delicious, Djimalaya .

Make sure to try their Hummus plates and falafel balls. Yum!

Oh, and if you’ve got time, book this guided boat tour of Potsdam to see the beauty of the palaces just outside Berlin itself. We totally loved Potsdam and it’s an essential place to include when visiting the best places in Berlin. 

Book: Guided boat tour of Potsdam

13.) Head inside the French Cathedral

The French Cathedral is, arguably, one of the prettiest buildings in Berlin.

Head inside for a wander around the building, whilst stopping for a bite to eat in the basement halls. Most people don’t realise that the Cathedral also houses The Huguenot Museum in the tower itself.

14.) Climb to the top of the Victory Column

If you’re feeling pretty fit, or just want to burn off all those currywurst calories, then take the almost 300 steps to the top of the Victory Column.

Nearly 200 years old, the column offers some pretty epic views across the city.

15.) See inside the New Church 

The New Church sits directly opposite the French Cathedral on the opposite side of the square.

Head inside for a closer look at the gorgeous architecture and plan a trip to coincide with one of the many events and markets that operate within the Gendarmenmarkt beside the church.

16.) Watch a show at Konzert Haus

If you’re looking to find some of the city’s world-renowned culture and art, then make sure you pop into Konzert Haus, where some of the world’s best ballet, opera and German music and theatre is held.

Tickets can be booked online and I’d definitely advise this if you’re wanting to visit.

17.) See the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Built well over 100 years ago, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was heavily destroyed during World War II.

Fondly known as ‘the hollow tooth’ the spire and tower of the church still stand in its destroyed state; a testament and memory to the awful tragedies of war.

Make sure to visit the old and new church that now occupy the site.

Read more: Best cities in Germany to visit

13 Best Cities in Germany To Visit

Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!

Pop Over To Our YouTube Channel For Travel Videos!

Puppy Defender. Foodie. Chocolate Fiend and Custard Lover. Dip, Cover or Wrap anything in sugar and I'm Yours!

In London? Visit The Tate Modern

The Souks Of Marrakech, Morocco – 5 Important Things To Know Before Visiting

You may also like.

11 Best Things To Do In Arkansas

10 Best Things To Do In Ilfracombe, England

12 Very Best Things To Do In Merida, Mexico

Looking for something, fellow connected travellers.

• 562k Facebook
• 0 Pinterest
• 1,202,450 TikTok
• 355,142 Instagram
• 23,800 X (Twitter)
• 33,256 Email Subscribers

Adventure Awaits!

Have You Seen These Yet?

Exploring Monserrate Palace In Sintra, Portugal

Video: The Beautiful Seaside Towns Of Sri Lanka

Pondering Life’s Great Questions

Staying In The Retreat At Blue Lagoon In Iceland – A Travel Guide

12 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Scotland

• Privacy Policy

Email address:

Sign Up Today

Start your 14 day free trial today

The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Historic Places to See in Berlin

Dating to the 13th century, germany's vibrant capital berlin is brimming with history. here's 10 sites that you can't miss..

Lucy Davidson

06 sep 2021, @lucejuiceluce.

As the European Union’s most populous city, Berlin is an artistic, historic, and social hub. The city has been under the rule of the Kingdom Of Prussia, the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich. After the Second World War, it was famously severed in half by the Berlin Wall, which was only taken down in 1989. As a result, there are endless monuments, museums, and historical sites to explore the capital’s multifaceted history with.

From famous places steeped in history like the Reichstag, to lesser-known sites like Berlin Flak Tower, there’s a wealth of sites to visit. Here’s our pick of 10 of the best.

1. Brandenburg Gate

Probably Berlin’s most famous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate is a stunning Romanesque structure modelled on the ancient gateway to the Acropolis in Athens. Standing at the heart of the city, the Gate is a symbol of the German capital and is consistently ranked among the top 10 things to see in Berlin.

Commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia and built between 1788 and 1791, today, visitors from around the world come to see the Brandenburg Gate and its ornate carvings, including its dramatic depiction of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, driving a horse drawn chariot.

2. Reichstag

No visit to Berlin can miss the famous German parliament building, the Reichstag. One of the most popular places to visit in Berlin, the Reichstag Building as we know it today is a fusion of the original 19th century building – heavily damaged by the infamous fire of 1933 and subsequent WWII bombing – and a restoration project which finished in 1999.

As well as viewing the stunning architecture particularly the remarkable roof terrace and dome, visitors can explore more via guided tours are available, but these must be booked in writing well in advance.

3. Berlin Wall

Probably the most famous of all the places to see in Berlin, the Berlin Wall split the city and was a dramatic symbol of the ideological struggle of the Cold War. An 87 mile long concrete barrier that divided East and West Berlin, the Wall was the most obvious embodiment of the so-called ‘Iron Curtain’ between eastern and western Europe.

The fall of the Berlin Wall finally occurred on 9 November 1989, and was almost completely dismantled in the weeks that followed. Very few segments of the wall remain today, but those that have are extremely popular for visitors and locals alike. The largest section can be found at the open air East Side Gallery, although small sections are dotted throughout the city.

4. Berliner Dom

One of the most stunning buildings in Berlin, Berliner Don is an exceptionally beautiful early 20th century Cathedral built during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Constructed between 1894 and 1905, this ornate structure is crowned with a remarkable, imposing dome and is now open to the public to explore.

It’s the capital’s largest and most important Protestant church and, when it comes to deciding what to see in Berlin, this hugely popular landmark is an absolute must.

5. The Holocaust Memorial - Berlin

History runs to the very heart of Berlin, and while joyous events are celebrated, there are a number of sites which document darker moments from the city’s past. Berlin has made the conscious decision to ensure that the horror of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust are not forgotten. One of the most moving sites of all is the Holocaust Memorial.

The Holocaust Memorial is a vast granite maze covering 19,000 square metres which remembers the millions of European Jews murdered by the Nazis. It makes for sombre and thought-provoking viewing.

6. The Pergamon Museum

Located on Museum Island, the Pergamon Museum showcases a vast and fascinating world famous collection of ancient artefacts, Ancient Near East, and Islamic art. For lovers of history, it ranks as one of the very best things to do in Berlin.

As well as a host of incredible artefacts, the museum houses monumental structures such as the Pergamon Altar and the Market Gate of Miletus, which all consist of original parts brought from their original locations in Turkey.

7. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Originally built in the 1890’s and dedicated to Kaiser William I by his grandson Kaiser William II, today the fusion of Romanesque and modern architecture make the Kaiser Wilhelm Church a fascinating place to explore.

Seemingly odd to view from the outside – being as it is a largely 18th century tower with a modern concrete, steel and glass hulk attached – inside the Church is truly stunning, with beautiful glass walls and an epic feel. A truly unique experience.

8. Berlin Stasi Prison

An infamous East German prison which operated during the Cold War, the Berlin Stasi Prison is a memorial to those who were persecuted there. Following WWII, East Berlin was under the occupation of Soviet Russia as the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the Stasi were the official security forces of this state. The Berlin Stasi Prison became the detention centre for anyone considered hostile to the state until it was eventually disbanded in 1989 as the GDR began to falter.

Today, the prison is a memorial to those who were detained there and is a stark reminder of the atrocities carried out during the Cold War. Tours are offered and visitors can see a film about the prison’s history.

9. The Berlin Flak Tower

One of the more hidden and obscure places in Berlin to visit, the Berlin Flak Tower is a Second World War anti-aircraft station and bunker which can now be seen via organised tours run by the Berlin Underground Association.

Visitors can explore three of the seven floors of the bunker and discover the astounding underground landscape. The most striking experience that the site offers is the opportunity to stare deep down into the very depths of the building.

10. Charlottenburg Palace

Built in 1713 as a summer getaway for the first queen of Prussia, Charlottenburg is Berlin’s largest royal estate. One of Berlin’s most beautiful museums, the architecture is predominantly baroque, reflecting the taste during the period when it was first constructed.

Today, Charlottenburg ranks among the top places to visit in Berlin and visitors can undertake a guided tour through both the Old Palace and the New Wing. Tours guide visitors through the rich family history of Sophie Charlotte, in addition to the property’s extensive collection of artworks.

Berlin   Travel Guide

Courtesy of jotily | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Berlin

The best time to visit Berlin is May through September, when the weather is ideal for cafe sitting, relaxing in a park, and leisurely city strolling. Winter, on the other hand, is   cold, however the city’s nightlife and arts scene continue to thrive and entertain travelers. Temperatures tend to range from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. However, this might be the best time for budget travelers to score deals on airfare and hotel rates.

Weather in Berlin

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Popular Times to Visit Berlin

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

Explore More of Berlin

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

# 1 in  Best Christmas Vacations

# 15 in  Best Places to Visit in Germany

# 13 in  Best Places to Visit in Germany

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

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

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

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

Brief History of Berlin 

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

Berlin Culture- Perfect for a Berlin city break?

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

Berlin City Break Nightlife 

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

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

How many days is ideal in Berlin?

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

Is Berlin a walkable city?

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

Public transport

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

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

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

What part of Berlin is the best to stay in?

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

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

Prenzlauer Berg

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

Charlottenburg

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

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

What is the best month to visit Berlin?

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

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

Can I visit Berlin without speaking German?

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

Berlin City Break – Things to do 

Fat tire tours – berlin city bike tour .

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

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

Berlin TV Tower and Rotating Dining Experience

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

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

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

Explore Museum Island 

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

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

Altes Museum

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

Neues Museum

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

Pergamonmuseum

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

Bode Museum

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

Alte Nationalgalerie

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

Berlin Cathedral 

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

See Berlin By Boat

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

Charlottenburg Palace 

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

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

Free things to do for a Berlin City Break

Take a free walking tour .

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

The Reichstag 

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

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

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

Jewish Museum Berlin 

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

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

The Berlin Wall Memorial 

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

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

Topography of Terror 

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

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

Checkpoint Charlie 

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

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

Gendarmenmarkt

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

Visit Berlin Markets 

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

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

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

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

Berlin City Parks 

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

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

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

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

Treptower Park

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

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

Tempelhofer Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eat Traditional German Food

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

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

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

Watch Sunset at Klunkerkranich 

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

Day Trips From Berlin

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

The Perfect Berlin City Break Wrapped

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

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

Where to stay in Berlin as a solo traveler?

The Circus Berlin Hostel 

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

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

The rooms 

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

Best Hostel For A Berlin City Break

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

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

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

Save this post for later!

Enjoy an athens city break this summer or enjoy an island escape in tenerife check out my articles below for an epic european adventure.

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

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Readers’ favourite trips in Germany: ‘We wandered every cobbled street and climbed every gothic tower’

From the Baltic to Bavaria, via Berlin, our tipsters enjoy epic scenery and architecture, culture and steins of fabulous German beer

Literary Lübeck

Lübeck – Queen of the Hanseatic League – has a fading charm and vulnerability absent from the likes of Berlin, Munich and Hamburg … and most of Germany. I loved my trip there, wandering the cobbled streets, climbing every brick gothic church tower – generally alone! Thomas Mann wrote the unbearably sad novel Buddenbrooks there, then fled to the US from nazism in 1939. The Tin Drum author Günter Grass lived and worked in Lübeck in later life. Visit their former houses, now museums, the Grass-Haus and the Buddenbrook Haus . A singular German city, full of history and significance. Martin Charlesworth

Gothic marvel of Marburg, Hesse

Marburg, the small, ancient university town about an hour by train north of Frankfurt, is a fairytale destination, not least because it was once home to the Brothers Grimm . Every cobbled lane leads uphill to the castle, which looms above Marburg’s timber-framed Oberstadt. The castle was host to Martin Luther in 1529, and the Elisabethkirche, one of Germany’s earliest gothic churches, was an important medieval pilgrimage site. One of the main attractions is at the town hall, where, at midday, locals and visitors congregate to witness a brass cockerel (the Gockelhahn ) flap its mechanical wings to mark the hour. Anna

Brilliant viewing tower, Stuttgart

For a viewing tower that outdoes Berlin, take one of the little yellow trams, which then become a funicular, up Stuttgart’s spiralling streets. The views from the tower towards the Black Forest are stunning, and the external viewing platform will have you wondering whether it is gently swaying, or if it’s just your knees wobbling. Stuttgart is a leafy city with great art at the Kunstmuseum and archaeological finds at Landesmuseum Württemberg , and the Swabian cuisine and wines in the local Weinstuben are lighter and tastier than in many other major cities. Tim Proctor

Readers' tips: send a tip for a chance to win a £200 voucher for a Coolstays break

Guardian Travel readers' tips

Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage

Monastic day trip from Munich

About 25 miles south-west of Munich is Andechs Monastery – Bavaria at its most idyllic and authentic. Sitting atop Ammersee (Lake Ammer), this Benedicitine monastery and pilgrimage church is popular for its brewery, restaurant and beer garden. It makes the perfect day out: take the S-Bahn from Munich to Herrsching, then hike 40 minutes gently uphill through lovely forest. On arrival, reward yourself with steins of great beer and Bavarian fare. Call into the beautiful St Martin’s church on your way back down to Herrsching, where you can have an ice-cream by the shores of the lake (or take a dip) and watch the boats before returning to Munich. Sonutschka

Culture and art in Nuremberg

If you can, spend time in the beautiful city of Nuremberg, with its amazing museums: the Germanische Nationalmuseum is the equivalent of the British Museum and is the largest German cultural history collection. The Neues Museum has an impressive collection of paintings by renowned visual artist Gerhard Richter and the Zukunftsmuseum is a great science museum. Stay at the Karl August hotel (doubles from €159 room only) with its stunning modern design, spectacular spa area, friendly staff and delicious breakfast (€28, served – instead of buffet – to minimise food waste). Till

A bike ride by the Baltic via Rostock

I had a brilliant time in Germany last summer cycling the Baltic Sea Cycle Route . I put my own two-wheeler on the train at Birmingham and got off in Wismar, northern Germany, then followed the well-signposted route around the charming seaside village of Kühlungsborn. I stopped for a bit of beach time at Warnemünde and had some sardine sandwiches and delicious soft Baltic Berry ice-cream from simple seaside cafes. Rostock is a lovely Hanseatic city with some stern old stone buildings. From here I put my bike on a ferry to car-free and calm Hiddensee island for a couple of quiet nights. Going back to the mainland, Sellin welcomed me with grand elegant villas and an art deco-style 1920s pier and a great footpath under the striking chalk cliffs of the Jasmund national park. I finished my trip by sitting on the white chalk “King’s Chair” (Königsstuhl) cliff, gazing out to sea – feeling like a king. Bill

after newsletter promotion

Touring Reformation country south of Berlin

In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Schlosskirche in Wittenberg , forever changing the western world by kicking off the Reformation. Exploring this corner of eastern Germany will reveal beautiful towns and vibrant cities rarely visited by western tourists. Wittenberg, 60 miles south-west of Berlin, itself is a medieval marvel on the River Elbe. Off the beaten track is Eisleben, a half-timbered town where you can visit Luther’s birthplace. The Wartburg is an imposing castle towering over Eisenach. Finish your trip in Halle , a vibrant university city near Leipzig. Luther’s death mask can be seen in the Market Church, where he also gave some sermons. Here, another great German, composer George Frederick Handel, was baptised and played the church’s organ when studying. Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, eldest son of Johann Sebastian, was organist here from 1746 to 1764. Nick

Punk ethos and Turkish delights, Kreuzberg, Berlin

Berlin’s large Turkish community has left an indelible mark on the culinary and artistic culture of the city as a whole, and it is in the neighbourhood of Kreuzberg where this unique fusion is best experienced. Start with a meal at Mardin restaurant , which serves the best kebabs I’ve had outside Turkey, along with perfectly frothy ayran – a salty yoghurt-based drink. Afterwards, find a concert at one of many characterful venues. SO36 , named for the area’s cold war era postcode, began life as a punk venue, but has now also become a centre for Turkish and queer culture – I was fortunate enough to see the psychedelic pop singer Melike Şahin here. The venue has retained its punk ethos and remained firmly rooted in the local community while also playing host to Turkish and other international stars in a wonderfully intimate, hole-in-the-wall setting, which wears its history of artistic and political radicalism with great pride, epitomising the multicultural Berlin with which I fell in love. Bruno

Cologne beyond the cathedral

I really enjoyed Cologne while visiting my daughter. It’s such a relaxed city, with a large student population. Away from the incredible gothic cathedral – Germany’s most popular attraction – there’s history to be discovered in all sorts of places that are best explored by bike on cycle lanes and routes through numerous parks. The city museum , Kölnisches Stadtmuseum, which recently moved to Minoritenstraße, is a good start. Some places are beautiful, such as the botanical garden with its French baroque, English landscape and Italian renaissance spaces. Others are less so, such as the brutalist Kirche Christi Auferstehung (Church of the Resurrection) until you step inside. It’s very thought-provoking, typical of a city shaping its future from a difficult past. And there are the art museums, concert hall, the Rhine and two parkruns. Mark Anstee

Winning tip: oompah bands and lager on Königssee, Bavaria

Last summer my partner and I camped and railed around Germany, utilising the €49 Deutschland-Ticket offering unlimited public transport, countrywide, for a month. A highlight was exploring Königssee in the Berchtesgadener national park, Bavaria. This small resort offers fantastic hiking and biking routes of varying difficulty levels. In summer, whether you have climbed on foot or taken the Jennerbahn cable car , beer garden season is in full swing so you can toast atop the mountain with an oompah band playing and a cold stein in hand. Königssee lake is fed by icy-clear glacier water, ideal for an invigorating swim, and you can explore further into the park by boat. Campsite Mühlleiten is 40 minutes by bus from Salzburg and connected by rail to Munich (Berchtesgaden station is a 40-minute walk away, or 10 minutes on the bus). Enjoy, and try the Berchtesgadener hell ! Becky

• Germany holidays
• Readers' travel tips
• Europe holidays

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

US, most EU nations to boycott Putin's inauguration over Ukraine war

• Medium Text

• Kremlin leader to be sworn in for new term on Tuesday
• Envoys of US, EU, Canada, most EU nations to skip ceremony
• France, Hungary and Slovakia expected to attend
• Ukraine wants allies not to recognise Putin as president

'NO DESIRE FOR REGIME CHANGE'

Sign up here.

Reporting by John Irish, Andrew Gray, Alexander Ratz, Andrius Sytas and Charlotte Van Campenhout, Yuliia Dysa and Muvija M; Writing by John Irish and Tom Balmforth; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Stephen Coates

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

U.s. deeply alarmed by georgia's foreign agent bill, sullivan says.

The United States said on Saturday it was deeply alarmed by democratic backsliding in Georgia which Washington said had a choice to support either a "Kremlin-style" foreign agent bill or the people's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

• Contrast Contrast

5 Days in Berlin

Places you have not seen in Berlin

So you already know Kurfürstendamm, the Brandenburg Gate and Charlottenburg Palace and wish you had some insider tips for a wonderful time in Berlin ? Our excursion programme for Berlin takes you to fascinating places off the beaten track over five days. Discover Berlin's idyllic parks and lakes, small shops in the Kiez (neighbourhood) and traces of the city’s former division. Look forward to nature, art and culture in a city that is constantly reinventing itself.

Tip: Buy the Berlin Welcome Card for 5 days . Not only do you receive discounts of up to 50% on many Berlin sights and attractions, but you also enjoy free travel by bus and train. In the practical guide you will also find further tips for your stay in Berlin.

Berlin WelcomeCard

Day 1: A whole lot of greenery and water

If you think of Berlin primarily as a city of buildings and architecture, that's only half the picture. After all, over forty percent of the city’s area is made up of parks, forests and fields, meadows, lakes and rivers. Romantic walks will take you to this green part of the capital. You start the tour in the Gardens of the World in the southeastern district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf , where the recreation park transports you to a world of garden architecture from numerous countries, from England, to Italy, China and Japan.  With the Berlin Welcome Card for five days you get reduced admission to the Gardens of the World. And you no longer have to worry about public transport tickets.

Then hike along the Wuhletalweg , which leads you to Schlosspark Biesdorf. The hiking trail in the Wuhletal valley takes you through the charming landscape with beautiful views. A villa built in 1868 in the Schlosspark houses temporary exhibitions . Or you can enjoy a walk round the romantic grounds of the park. Look forward to the remarkable interplay of light and shadow and new perspectives of the castle again and again.

From Biesdorf you can reach Ostkreuz in 10 minutes via the nearby S-Bahn station of line 5. From there you can reach Müggelsee   in 20 minutes with the S 3. Unwind on a boat trip on the capital's largest lake. The first day ends in the old town of Köpenick , where the Dahme and Spree rivers join and where winding alleys invite you to take a stroll. Perhaps you will also visit the coat of arms hall of Köpenick Palace , and the view of the opulent table service might just whet your appetite. The old town boasts a large number of reputable culinary establishments. The Ratskeller, for example, is an authentic restaurant serving typical Berlin cuisine.

Day 2: By bike to the southwest

Today you get your bike trip underway from the Berlin Olympic Stadium , located in the west of the capital. In the Olympic Stadium you can climb the bell tower which was built in 1936 for the Olympic Games. From here you can even see Alexanderplatz in fine weather.  Not far from the stadium is the Georg Kolbe Museum in Berlin's Westend. It is located in the studio house of the famous sculptor (1877–1947) and exhibits an impressive collection of classical modern and contemporary art. Afterwards you climb the Teufelsberg. The second highest point in Berlin is actually a mountain of rubble which was formed after the Second World War. The Americans used it for a long time as a listening station, which can still be seen today from the five radar domes. You can visit the complex, a popular photo scene with morbid charm, as part of guided tours. 

A short cycle route takes you further into the romantic old town of Spandau . Stroll through the narrow streets and take in the medieval charm of the old town of Spandau. An impressive building in the vicinity is the Spandau Citadel, a fortress dating back to the 16th century. For lunch, a trip to the old town is a good idea, for example to the Altstadt Burger. If you wish, he will also serve you vegetarian delicacies between two halves of a bun. Thus fortified, you start the second half of the day.

Surrounded by the Havel and the forest you ride to the Großer Wannsee and can follow the circular tour in the direction of Potsdam-Babelsberg . There are a number of historically important places worth seeing such as the House of the Wannsee Conference and the Glienicke Bridge. You can also look forward to breathtaking natural highlights in the river and lake landscape. To round off the day you will dine at the Wannseeterrassen restaurant and watch the sun go down over the lake. You will also find many restaurants serving local and international cuisine near the Zehlendorf S-Bahn station.

Tip: With a Berlin WelcomeCard you can hire a bike at one of the many Deezer nextbike hire stations at a reduced price or you can even have your bike delivered directly to your hotel by Fahrradstation Berlin.

Day 3: Divided Berlin and the Fall of the Wall

In hardly any other city have the ups and downs of the 20th century left such an indelible mark as in the German capital. Today you start your tour through the city’s eventful history at the Hohenschönhausen Memorial . A guided tour will take you to see the cells in the former Stasi prison and you will discover the everyday life of the politically persecuted inmates. Afterwards, a stroll through the lively and creative Kaskelkiez with its many cafés in the Lichtenberg district, you will feel the changes that Berlin has undergone over the past three decades.  

The East Side Gallery serves as a tangible testimony to the city divided during the Cold War. This fragment of the former Berlin Wall subsequently became the longest open-air gallery in the world. At over a kilometre in length you will witness fascinating street art, including probably the most famous brotherly kiss in art history by Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker. You will then dive a little deeper into the history of the German division at Checkpoint Charlie .

Here the Wall Museum, the BlackBox Cold War information pavilion and the 360-degree exhibition The Wall - asisi Panorama combine historical information with current impressions. The Topography of Terror exhibition recalls the darkest chapter of German history. It deals with the horror regime of the Gestapo, SS and Reich Main Security Office between 1939 and 1945.

At the place in the heart of Berlin where a wound had been gaping for decades following the war, perhaps the most modern part of the city was built after 1990 at Potsdamer Platz. A short walk across the Landwehrkanal leads you to Berlin's newest creative hotspot, the Gallery District around Potsdamer Straße with its hip concept stores and pop-up galleries. There are a large number of excellent restaurants around Potsdamer Straße to bring the day to a close, such as Panama. 

Day 4: Hikes between palace gardens and village idyll

An insider tip in the north of Berlin is the small river called the Panke . A well-developed hiking trail leads you along the riverbank from the city centre into the Brandenburg countryside. Walk downstream from Schlosspark Buch through the Karower Teiche nature reserve to Schönhausen Palace. At lunchtime the spacious park is an ideal spot for a picnic under one of the old trees in summer. 

In the afternoon you will put your hiking boots back on. After an U-Bahn ride to the Alt-Tegel stop, you walk along the Tegeler Fließ . Here you will see powerful water buffalo grazing, thereby cultivating the landscape. Your tour ends in Lübars . Amid the meadows and pastures you can savour idyllic village life without having left the city area of Berlin. Bus 222 will take you back to Alt-Tegel. After a few minutes’ walk you will reach the Greenwichpromenade at Lake Tegel . The maritime flair of the place is particularly charming. Round off the day with a Mediterranean dinner in the Tegeler Seeterrassen. The restaurant boasts a magnificent view of the lake.

Day 5: Discover Berlin Modernism and Berlin's Kiez (neighbourhood) life

During your lunch break, treat yourself to another hearty meal with a view of the water at Tempelhofer Hafen . This outstanding construction project integrates a modern shopping centre into a historic warehouse building. Afterwards you can skate on the vast Tempelhofer Feld , cycle or simply lie on the grass and enjoy the sun. Perhaps there is no other place in the capital that embodies Berlin’s attitude to life and spirit of freedom so strongly.

Berlin is a booming metropolis and attracts people from all over the world, something which was already the case in the 1920s. And to this day, nothing has changed. The challenges for housing construction associated with this are also similar. The solutions that visionary planners sought and found about a hundred years ago can now be found in the Hufeisensiedlung  Britz in the south of Berlin – a UNESCO World Heritage site and an exciting example of the architectural trends of Berlin Modernism.

By the way, you can meet the whole world of big stars at the show Stars in Concert in Neukölln, where the best lookalikes of Madonna, Robbie Williams and many other stars will thrill you with songs sung live.

Your five days in Berlin come to an end with a stroll through the Schöneberg district.

Here you can enjoy Berlin's Kiez life once again. You will explore the Bavarian Quarter , one of the most stylish quarters in Berlin's inner city. Afterwards, Akazienstraße with its many small and original shops invites you on a shopping trip. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in the quarter. Recommendations include, among others, the cosy Café Bilderbuch and the Buddha Haus with Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine on Akazienstraße.

Buy the Berlin Welcome Card for 5 days . Not only do you receive discounts of up to 50% on around 200 Berlin sights and attractions, but you also enjoy free travel by bus and train. In the practical guide you will also find further tips for your stay in Berlin. 

You don't have much time and are only in the capital for a short time?

• Then let yourself be inspired by our suggestions for 24 hours in Berlin , for 48 hours or f or a three-day stay!
• Buy the Berlin Welcome Card . Not only will you receive discounts of up to 50% at many Berlin sights and attractions, but you will also have free travel on buses and trains. In the practical guide you will also find more tips for your stay in Berlin.
• Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
• Share on X Share on X
• Share by email Share by email
• Print page Print page

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products

Linen Is the Perfect Lightweight Material for Summer — Shop Our 11 Favorite Picks at Amazon From $20

Keep reading for our favorite linen pants, dresses, and more.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

I’ll say it: Widely loved for its breathable fit and effortlessly stylish put-together look, linen is the material of the summer . But did you know that linen is also hypoallergenic and its material has natural antibacterial properties? That’s right, linen strikes the perfect balance between function and fashion, making it versatile enough to wear in nearly every setting — whether you’re at the beach, out for dinner, in the office, or, of course, traveling. 

And unbeknownst to many, Amazon’s fashion section is bursting with travel-friendly linen pieces that are perfect for your next vacation. But with so many options to choose from, it can be a bit daunting even getting started. That’s why I, a linen devotee, sifted through the near-hundreds of styles to present to you the 11 best linen dresses , two-piece outfits , pants , and more at Amazon, with prices starting at just $24. 

Automet Women’s Linen Shorts Set

The first linen garment that should be on your radar is this $30 shorts set that one of our editors at Travel + Leisure praised as being “lightweight, breathable, and comfortable for all-day wear, especially in the summer months when it starts to get unbearably hot and humid.” Complete with a boxy square neck tank and matching pair of elastic shorts, this set is the ultimate one-and-done outfit of the season. 

Anrabess Women's Linen Palazzo Pants

A pair of quality linen pants is a travel wardrobe must-have. You can dress them up or down depending on the shirt, shoe, and accessories all while remaining incredibly cool and comfortable. I’m currently eyeing this Amazon best-selling pair that are designed with a flattering smocked waistband and a roomy wide-leg fit for optimal movability. Even better, there are plenty of options to choose from as they come in 23 total colors including army green and baby blue and come in sizes small through 2XL. 

Kingfen Women’s Linen Drawstring Shorts 

Prime Members, rejoice! These linen-blend drawstring shorts are on exclusive sale for $24 for members (if you’re not already signed up, you can always take advantage of a free 30-day trial to unlock this member-only deal). You’ll definitely want to pay close attention to these shorts as they’re designed with an elastic waistband and flowy shape for a flexible, comfortable fit no matter the temperature. 

Anrabess Linen Lounge Set

My favorite fabric to wear in the summer is linen, and my favorite style of outfit to wear for travel are easy one-and-done two-piece sets. This on-sale linen lounge set combines the best of my two favorite things, making it an excellent choice for warm-weather styling. It’s available in 25 colors, including light brown , deep blue , and purple , and sizes small through 2XL. I’m adding a few colorways to my cart, and suggest you do the same.

Idealsanxun Women’s Linen Blazer

This stylish linen blazer just hit Amazon’s virtual shelves this year and is already loved by shoppers for its lightweight material and versatile nature that makes it easy to transition between “a t-shirt and jeans for a casual look or to wear with slacks for a more businesslike look.” And while traditional linen blazers wrinkle by just looking at it, this one is made with a linen-cotton blend making it a bit more wrinkle-resistant. 

Kirundo Women’s Linen Sundress 

This flirty linen-blend sundress is a must-have summer essential for any occasion, whether you’re lounging on the beach, enjoying a scenic picnic, exploring the city, or savoring weekends in wine country. It features a flattering v-neck, tiered design, and is crafted with a lightweight fabric that will keep you cool and dry. Plus, it's available in a variety of colors including black , light blue , and several other colorways. 

Anrabess Linen Jumpsuit

If you’re looking to overhaul your entire warm-weather wardrobe with linen pieces and need a slightly elevated version that would work well for a fancy beachfront dinner, look no further than this stunning jumpsuit from Anrabess. Beyond its sleek cutout, you can also style this jumpsuit with a tank underneath for extra coverage or with a sweater on over for chilly evenings. Oh, and as an always welcomed bonus, it also features two spacious front pockets that are large enough to hold onto personal belongings like your keys and phone. 

LNX Women’s Linen Pants

What sets these linen pants apart from traditional linen pants is their lightweight linen-cotton fabric blend that not only ensures a comfortable, all-day fit, but also makes them significantly less prone to wrinkles — something that one shopper pointed out is virtually unheard of for the popular style of bottoms. This means that these may just be the ideal, ready-to-wear vacation pants that you can throw on without a second thought (or iron). Beyond their wrinkle-resistant nature, these pants also feature a flattering high-waisted and wide-leg design, complete with an adjustable drawstring waist for versatile wearing.

Yeokou Linen Romper

This romper is the easy, one-and-done outfit that you’re going to want in your wardrobe when the temperatures near triple digits over the next few months. This breathable romper comes with adjustable straps that have garnered high praise as a “ great summer cover-up " from shoppers thanks to its adjustable straps and flexible fabric that allows you to move around as you please. It also comes in 11 different colors and is available in sizes ranging from small through 2XL. 

Coofandy Men’s Linen Two-piece Set

Amazon also has plenty of excellent linen pieces for men as well, starting with this easy breezy set from Coofandy that comes with a lightweight shirt and matching flowy pants. On sale for $43, this Amazon best-selling set is comfortable enough to wear everywhere from a beach getaway to a quaint brunch moment. Even better, this set is available in an impressive size range of small through 5XL. 

Coofandy Men’s Linen Shirt 

Amazon reviews dub this top “the summer wardrobe M.V.P.” for its “breezy, breathable touch that keeps you looking and feeling cool as a cucumber.” I don’t know about you, but that sounds like the ideal garment you want in your carry-on this season. And lucky for you, it’s discounted to $30 this weekend and is available in 27 different colorways if you want to overhaul your entire closet with this stylish shirt. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Shop More T+L-Approved Picks

Related Articles