Berlin is the capital of Germany and a city that you have to see. The reason is that it will impact you and make you want to know its history a little deeper. But that’s not all, because here you will find different places with wonderful landscapes and architecture to see, as well as different activities to do that will make your stay enjoyable.
Come and enjoy this amazing city planning your itinerary with our help so you can make the most of your stay in Berlin, as much as our Passporter App travelers.
Things to do in Berlin
Berlin Cathedral
The Berlin Cathedral, also known as Berliner Dom, rises majestically in the vicinity of the Spree River, where it is striking for its greenish copper dome. Located opposite to the Lustgarten Garden, between the Museum Island and the site formerly occupied by the Imperial Palace. You will remember this experience as much as the history of the cathedral, considering that it is the most representative religious building in Berlin.
Potsdamer Platz
It is a place where modern architecture is combined with the famous blue pipes that adorn the city; a square where great history resides, finding parts of the famous Berlin Wall. Not everything is history, but also commerce. Near Postdamer Platz you can visit the various stores, cafes, restaurants and bars; after visiting the square and having captured the best photos, you can go to rest or recharge your batteries tasting a German dish. Perfect plan for a quiet afternoon!
Victoria’s Column
If you have ever heard about the history of the Duchy War that took place in 1864, you can not miss this monument that commemorates the victory of this war and many more.
On the second floor there is a small museum in which the most representative buildings of Europe are exhibited. The exterior of the monument is decorated with beautiful murals. You will find that when you climb the stairs inside it, it works as a viewpoint with a cost of 3 euros; its height reaches approximately 69 meters, which will allow you to get a beautiful view of Berlin.
Oberbaum Bridge
Known as the Oberbaum Bridge, which crosses the river Esprea in Berlin, it is considered as an important symbol of the German reunification since it was a checkpoint during the Second World War.
According to its structure, it has a length of 150 meters, accompanied by two towers. It is located near the East Side Gallery, so before visiting the gallery first cross this emblematic bridge and get the best views of the city. Watch the trains pass through the station Schlesisches Tor and Warschauer Straße.
Berlin’s Fernsehturm
This tower can be seen from far away and you will surely see it during your stay in Berlin. Why stay with the desire to get closer and see more?
If you do not want to miss the best panoramic view you can see in Berlin, along with the grandeur of the city and the sky that adorns it, you must see the Fernsehturm Berlin.
It’s the highest building in Berlin, reaching the 300 metres.It’s an ideal place to have an aerial view of the city; its entrance costs 16€, allowing you to observe the different neighborhoods of the city and its evolution in recent years. It’s totally worth it!
East Side Gallery
It is considered the most extensive gallery of free art in the world since approximately 103 murals are exposedalong the extensive front of the Berlin Wall. Here you will find very famous works such as the Bruderkuss. You will also find slogans and positive phrases against war and in favor of the union; likewise, there is a mural commemorating Andrei Sakharov, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1975.
The East Side Gallery is located near the Spree River, therefore, the weather is pleasant for a walk while appreciating the many murals; no doubt you will find them impressive.
Berlin Wall Memorial
This impressive tourist and historical site is the target of many tourists passionate about history, as well as for those who want to know even more about what happened at that time.
For all that it represents, the Berlin Wall gets into your heart. Here you can find a viewpoint from where you can contemplate the only stretch of wall still standing; we have to remember that the wall was horizontal and consisted of two walls and the intramural militarized zone. In addition, it did not enclose West Berlin, but did not allow the entrance to the citizens of East Berlin.
It is an incredible experience to see the vestiges of a country divided for years; when you walk around the wall, you can find, in each fragment, a story of those who lived divided by it.
Bebelplatz
It was formerly known as Opernplatz, as it is located near the municipal opera. Here, the burning of thousands of books took place; that is why in this square you will find a window that looks into an empty library as a commemoration of that event.
Bebelplatz is located at the end of the Unter Den Linde avenue, surrounded by historical buildings, monuments and the Humboldt University. The architecture of this square is beautiful and travelers call it an emblematic place that you can not miss on your trip to Berlin.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do around Berlin
Not only will you find historical sites full of culture in the capital of Germany, but also in its surroundings. There are emblematic places that will undoubtedly impact you, so don’t just stay in the center of the city but go beyond.
Reichstag Building
The Reichstag building was partially destroyed in the World War II and rebuilt with that gigantic glass dome that amazes tourists. Here are held the government meetings where the national laws of Germany are approved.
When you go up to the entrance of the dome, there is a counter where they give you an automatic audio guide. As you go up the ramp of the dome, they tell you information about the Reichstag and the buildings that can be seen from that place. A historical, didactic and unforgettable experience. Are you in?
Branderburg Gate
This gate is undoubtedly the symbol of Berlin and reunified Germany. One of the historical gems and one that exalts you with a sense of hope.
An imposing monument with a great history on its shoulders, beautiful and majestic as the great city of Berlin; it is an indisputable point of your visit to this beautiful city.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
German history is a must, and that is why during your stay in Germany you cannot miss the museums and concentration camps, such as the one in Berlin.
The Sachsenhausen concentration camp houses great history of the Nazi period. Specifically, in this camp were carried out the executions of political opponents: jews, gypsies and homosexuals.
Here, you can learn about the clothing of the prisoners as well as the structure of the concentration camp, where you can closely observe the personal hygiene area, toilets, watchtower, punishment cells, autopsy room and medical tests, shooting area, morgue and also the monument to the victims of the camp.
Charlottenburg Palace
This wonderful castle was built between 1695 and 1699 by architect Nering at the request of Sophie Charlotte of Hannovet. Later, when she was crowned queen, it was enlarged. It is located in the city of Berlin, and has an immense garden that surrounds it.
This garden was arranged with unique artistic designs. It was badly damaged during World War II and now restored shows its charms.
Things to do in Berlin with children
Berlin has room for all ages and sizes! This can be seen by visiting the parks and museums; which will keep the little ones glued to the chairs, or impatiently walking around to see more of what this city has to offer. From museums to parks, every corner is an experience for children’s imagination.
German Museum of Technology
If you thought a technology museum could be boring, you could never have been more wrong. This museum is basically the best museum you can see in Berlin.
Trains, planes, ships, cars, computer technologies, printing, production of materials such as sugar, looms. Everything you can find here is absolutely impressive. If you like technology, you will spend the whole day and you will not have time to see everything it has to offer.
Madame Tussauds Berlin
If this is your first time in wax museums, this one won’t fail to amaze you for a second. The tour is a bit short, but full of fun. Seeing the statues of celebrities is something not to be missed and as the details that can be achieved with wax, it is a mixture of fun and surprise.
Besides being able to see the figures, you can also dress up as them! In addition to exhibiting a wide variety of figures, they have props, costumes, hats and other items for you to look just like them. Don’t skip this museum to see in Berlin!
Sanssouci Park
If you are looking for a quiet park in which to have a picnic or just to see the beautiful green landscapes of Berlin, the Sanssouci Park meets all your expectations and even more.
It is a very nice park to have a picnic day, it is very big which makes it perfect to go jogging for a long time, but you must keep in mind where you are so you don’t get lost. It has a large lake and several paths, lots of greenery and you can even find some goats.
Things to do in Berlin at Christmas
At Christmas time, Berlin is full of life and magic in every corner with its Christmas decorations placed in every street and square. You won’t want to miss the Christmas market that this city offers, nor the experience of enjoying every typical dish that the restaurants serve.
Gendarmenmarkt
What better plan in December than to visit the most beautiful square in Berlin, which is located in the center of the city? It stands out for its spaciousness and cleanliness. In addition to the various bars and restaurants with terraces to enjoy.
At Christmas time, Gendarmenmarkt will dazzle you with its decorations, Christmas market and ice rink; everything is beautiful, worth appreciating. In the Christmas market you will find everything from food, clothing and toy stores.
In addition they perform shows in the afternoon and evening and to access these you must pay 1€.
Roten Rathaus
Another Christmas market is usually held here, andwill also dazzle you with its decorations as well as its architecture. It’s located in front of the town hall, and you will find food, handicraft and toy stores. You will also find the 50 meter high Ferris wheel.
Don’t miss this magical place in the cold but bright season in December.
Berlin Botanical Garden
It is an extensive botanical garden and excellent to share with family, friends or alone. You will spend an unforgettable afternoon surrounded by peace due to the different areas of the garden, as well as the variety of species of flora according to the climatic zone. Likewise, you will find impressive collections; as in the case of the greenhouse.
You will find a restaurant where you can stop to rest and recharge your batteries with a delicious snack. It also has many benches and even a grassy area in front of the greenhouse where you are allowed to put blankets on the ground, so it is ideal to take advantage of your visit to the garden and have an afternoon picnic.
It is an impressive place, especially at Christmas time,since they make a kind of exhibition of Christmas lights throughout the botanical garden. While visiting, you can enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate.
Museums to visit in Berlin
History is something you won’t want to miss in Berlin. This city has numerous museums full of stories that you will want to know, from the first world war to the second, every corner of Berlin is a museum that you will want to know completely.
Museum Island
As its name suggests, it is an island in the Spree River located in the center of Germany. If you are excited and enjoy the history and culture that museums expose, you can not skip this island. It will definitely captivate you and provide you an unforgettable memory.
Located near the Berlin Cathedral, you will find the Old Museum, New Museum, Old National Gallery, Bode Museum, Pergamon Museum, and the James Simon Gallery.
Nevertheless, the museums are not everything on this island; since it has a large garden, in addition to the Lustgarten among other sites, which are ideal for walking. Keep in mind that the visit of the island is free. If you want to access the museums, it is best to buy the combined ticket, which for only 18 € will allow you to access all the museums in one day.
Pergamonmuseum Berlin
It is one of the stars of the Museum Island complex, and one of the jewels to see in Berlin; conceived in a very original way since its main attractions are the impressive buildings of the Altar of Zeus in Pergamon, the market gate of Miletus and a reproduction of the Ishtar Gate in Babylon.
Actually, the most impressive work that we find there is the impressive altar, which is almost complete, with original parts and reconstructed parts. In its original location, remains of the foundation and walls are still preserved. Unfortunately, the room that houses has been closed for several years for renovation work. However, the rest of the works that are preserved are well worth considering this museum as an essential visit during our stay in the city.
Jewish Museum
During your visit to Berlin you should make the most of it and visit one of the largest Jewish museums in Europe. You will be attracted by its magnificent architecture, in addition to the history of the Jewish people who lived in Germany, in which artistic works, objects of daily life, letters, records and photographs are exposed. Some of them tell the story of the persecution that each Jew suffered for belonging to this religion and culture.
In addition you will find an exquisite garden and cafeteria, ideal to rest and continue learning about Jewish history in Germany.
To access the Jewish Museum of Berlin you must pay 8€. If you want to have a guide or audio guide, you must pay 3€. If you still do not know what to do in Berlin, you should definitely come to explore this museum.
Checkpoint Charlie Berlin
It is a museum in which allusion is made to the Berlin Wall and therefore to the Second World War. Here we will find Charlie’s checkpoint, where control was made about who could cross the border, with graphic exhibition of how some Germans managed to pass the Berlin Wall without being arrested.
Itineraries for your trip to Berlin
Well known by all, and loved by many, Berlin is a city full of surprises and stories. With so many things to see and do, where to start?
Starting your trip in Berlin is quite an experience, with parks and gardens full of life, it’s hard to know what to see first. That’s why we’ll show you what to see and do during your stay in Berlin.
Things to do in Berlin in 1 day
Berlin is quite extensive, but you can try to make most of it in 1 day. However, if you are just passing through, make the most of it by enjoying the following must-see Berlin landmarks.
- Alexanderplatz
- Branderburg Gate
- Potsdamer Platz
- Berlin’s Fernsehturn
Things to do in Berlin in 3 days
With 3 days you can appreciate both squares and green areas as well as museums of great importance in Berlin. Do not leave this splendid city without visiting the following places.
- Gendarmenmarkt
- Berlin wall memorial
- Checkpoint Charlie Berlin
- Treptower Park
- Madame Tussauds Berlin
Things to do in Berlin in 4 days
Being your stay in Berlin longer; you can not miss the following symbolic places of great worldwide recognition.
- Charlottenburg
- Victoria’s Column
- Reichstag Building
- Berlin Cathedral
- Bebelplatz
- Pergamonmuseum
- Sanssouci Park
Things to do in Berlin in 5 days
Berlin has so many places to see that 5 days doesn’t seem like enough time to get to know it all, but you can get to know much of it. Get ready to explore the following places that will impact you. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you to capture the essence of each place.
- Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
- East Side Gallery
- Oberbaum Bridge
- Berlin Fernsehturm
- Jewish Museum
- German Museum of Technology
- Berlin Botanical Garden
- Museum Island
How to prepare your trip to Berlin?
Download the Passporter app and plan your trip in the most organized way and according to the days and places you want to see in Berlin.
With the app you will be able to be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, save information about the destinations you want to visit just by installing the Chrome extension. You can also save tickets and reservations, as well as organize your route on Google Maps having as a starting point your accommodation or any other that you indicate. Get to know the best travel option for each place, and finally, save and publish your own photos and experiences in each of the places in your traveller profile.
However, if you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions
In Berlin, there are a large number of hotels in which you can stay and sleep a comfortable weekend. This large number makes it difficult to choose which one to stay in. For this and much more, we are going to recommend you one of the best hotels that you will love.
The NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse hotel is located just a 2-minute walk from the Friedrichstrasse train station, making it perfect for those new to Berlin.
The bright rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus coffee and tea makers. Still, the best part comes in the marble bathrooms, which feature a rainfall shower. No doubt, after a long day full of travel, this hotel will be your best bet for a relaxing bath and some sleep.
Food is one of the jewels of Berlin that you can’t miss. Therefore, the variety of restaurants that you can find in this city, is a key factor to enjoy your meals more. Therefore, here we will recommend you the best restaurant in Berlin so you do not miss it.
The Restauranet Maximilians Berlin, is a typical German restaurant located in the middle of the shopping area, at first glance, you will not notice anything out of place. However, the attention of the staff and the quality of the dishes will make this restaurant your second home. The specialty of this restaurant, and a type of food that you can not miss is the Bavarian food, which will leave you speechless.
One of the most outstanding events that always takes place in the city of Berlin is the classic New Year’s Eve festivities. During these celebrations, thousands of people from all over the world gather on the street that connects the Brandenburg Gate with the Victory Column, to watch the fireworks shows and concerts that take place and thus say goodbye to the year that is leaving.
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