You’ll never run out of cool things to do in Berlin, home to world-class galleries and museums, out-of-this-world party venues, artistic multicultural neighborhoods, and 20th-century Europe’s symbolic historical landmarks. Pillars of the past and ultramodern architecture complete this city’s edgy cosmopolitan aesthetic, making it one of the most visited cities in Germany. Discover more of Berlin’s tourist attractions through this helpful travel guide!
A must-see in Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate, the national symbol of unity and peace. Since it was commissioned by King Frederick William the II of Prussia in the 18th century, this sandstone monument has played a significant part in German history. During your visit, you’ll discover how Napoleon stole one of its statues during the French Occupation, how the structure became part of the Nazi propaganda, and how it became the face of the Berlin Wall.
Originally built to house the “Imperial Diet'' party, the Reichstag Building’s massive fire accident triggered Adolf Hitler’s assumption of dictatorial power. After being bombed during World War II, it has since been used as a museum of German history. It wasn’t until after the reunification of East and West Berlin that it was restored and renovated completely, with British architect Sir Norman Foster rebuilding its most notable feature - the glass dome that provides excellent views of the city.
Considered as the longest and biggest open-air gallery in the world, East Side Gallery stands between the Ostbahnhof and Oberbaumbrücke. Over 118 artists from 21 countries added more than one hundred paintings, graffiti, and street art on the 1.3-kilometer section of the former Berlin Wall. Make sure to check out the painting of Dmitri Vrubel depicting Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev’s iconic “kiss”, one of the many murals that are worth visiting!
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial) is one of the more unusual things to do in Berlin that will give you an introspection of the six million Jewish victims of the Nazi genocide. One can be lost in the maze of a thousand concrete slabs that look like coffin pillars stretching over the former “death strip” near the Brandenburg Gate in Mitte. Getting an experienced guide would be helpful in terms of exploring the place and understanding the significant part of Jewish history during World War II.
Sitting in the Spree river, Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses five of the most prominent museums in the world. It consists of the Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, Neues Museum, and Pergamon Museum. Some of the most historical exhibitions include the Ishtar Gate, the well-known bust of the ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti, and the largest collection of Etruscan art. Secure an all-museum ticket and the interactive audio guides for a hassle-free and more enjoyable experience!
Located in Museum Island at Mitte district, the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is one of the city’s main landmarks. It features an enormous dome adorned by a lantern with a golden cross, ornamental mosaics, an intricate marble and onyx altar, and the dynastic crypt that served as the burial place for the Hohenzollern royal family. Don’t forget to visit the top of the cathedral for the 360-degree panoramic views of downtown Berlin!
The Berlin Wall Memorial is an outdoor exhibition about the history of Germany’s division, spreading along the former border strip in East Berlin. Situated in the momentous place of Bernauer Strasse, the memorial presents the Monument in Memory of the Divided City, Window of Remembrance, and the Victims of Communist Tyranny. You can also go to the Visitor Center and Documentation Center to see the digital archive, documented radio broadcasts from audio stations, and the observation tower.
Also known as the Berlin TV Tower, Berliner Fernsehturm is an icon of the German capital. Thanks to its central location in Berlin’s Mitte district, you can experience stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline while enjoying the taste of refreshing in-house cocktails and delectable snacks. Make sure to get the fast view ticket to skip the long queue to the observation deck and bar 203! A visit to the revolving restaurant sphere also brings you culinary pleasure at the top.
Situated at the junction of Friedrichstrasse, Zimmerstrasse, and Mauerstrasse, Checkpoint Charlie allows you to reminisce about the history of Berlin during the Cold War. Stand at the famous border crossing between East and West Berlin - where the spies once attempted, failed, and succeeded to escape. Several iconic items can be seen on the site for photos, including the flag, the barrier, the sandbags, and the checkpoint booth.
Alexanderplatz is home to a wide array of popular attractions like the TV Tower and other fun things to do in Berlin. Famous for Christmas markets and as a major transport hub in Berlin’s Mitte district, it is considered the largest and most visited public square that offers proximity to coffee shops, restaurants, shops, cinemas, subways, and tram lines.
Apart from being the capital of Germany, Berlin also happens to be the largest city in the country! The city is known throughout history for its prominent role in WWII and its world-class art scene.
No trip to Berlin is complete without a trip to WWII's most significant landmarks - the Berlin Wall, the Holocaust memorial and the Jewish Museum. In learning more about the city's culture, make time to walk through the modern street art in the areas of Kreuzberg, featuring works by Banksy, Victor Ash, and Jadore Tong! Lastly, make sure to cap off your days with Germany's world renowned delicacies such as the Frankishe Bratwurst!
Berlin is home to several historical sites and hundreds of galleries & museums, including the Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also packed with arts and cultural scenes, as well as kid-friendly attractions.
Berlin is an all-year-round destination, but the busiest months start from April to June because of major events like Fête de la Musique and Carnival of Cultures. Christmas season is also a good time for street markets and New Year’s Eve parties.
There is a wide range of hotels and upscale lodging for tourists in Berlin with proximity to major amenities. Some of these include Charlottenburg, Mitte, Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Prenzlauer Berg.