First time visiting Berlin? Despite its divided and turbulent past, the capital of Germany emerges as one of the most interesting cultural destinations in Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. From Prussian palaces to Starlinist architecture, from the Museum Island to over 200 art galleries, this dynamic city has everything you need for a memorable vacation. Known for its diverse art scene and tolerant nightlife, Berlin also attracts young artists, writers, and underground musicians from all over the world. 

Planning your first trip to Berlin city can be a stressful experience. Therefore, we put together this Berlin travel guide to help you get started.  Expect some useful tips for first-time visitors, a few trip ideas from fellow travelers, a list of the most popular tourist attractions, and a selection of unique things to do in Berlin.

What Is In This Guide

Best Time to Visit Berlin

With its wet winters and humid summers, Berlin is known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate. Temperatures in summer can exceed 32 degrees Celsius (90 Fahrenheit), while the temperature in the winter season can drop to -1 degrees Celsius (30 Fahrenheit). However, it rarely snows in the capital of Italy. The best time to visit Berlin is in spring (April, May) and in autumn (September, October) when the crowds are fewer and days are long, sunny, and bright. 

Berlin Itinerary Ideas

As a start, it might be helpful to look at a few selected Berlin trips from other Hoptale travelers. You will get a better idea of what to do in Berlin and some inspiration for building your own Berlin itinerary.

8 Days in Berlin with Kids

Visit Berlin Like A Local by momo | 8 Days in Berlin with Kids

Visit Berlin Like A Local

by momo

Prater Beer Garden Berlin | East Side Gallery | Markthalle Neun | New Palace | Kreuzberg | Sanssouci Palace | Brandenburg Gate | Zoo Berlin | …

5 Days in Berlin Couple Trip

Berlin 2018 by majogmenendez | 5 Days in Berlin Couple Trip

Berlin

by majogmenende

Victory Column | Berlin Wall Memorial | Gendarmenmarkt | Reichstag Building | Checkpoint Charlie | Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe | Berlin Cathedral | …

4 Days in Berlin Solo Trip

Berlin 2020 by kirstywright65 | 4 Days in Berlin with Friends

Berlin

by kirstywright65

Victory Column | Tiergarten Park | Museum Island | Gendarmenmarkt | Viktoriapark | Charlottenburg Palace | Checkpoint Charlie | East Side Gallery | Brandenburg Gate | …

4 Days in Berlin with Friends

Berlin 🇩🇪 2018 by mkyiv | 4 Days in Berlin Solo Trip

Berlin 🇩🇪

by mkyiv

Victory Column | East Side Gallery | Berliner Fernsehturm | Pergamonmuseum | Charlottenburg Palace | Gendarmenmarkt | Viktoriapark | Reichstag Building | Potsdamer Platz | …

More Berlin Trips

Travel Tips for Berlin

Here are some tips and tricks to help you settle in Berlin quickly on your first trip. 

  • Covid-related travel restrictions:

    It is important to check out the latest update on COVID 19 restrictions in Germany before visiting Berlin. Travelers should keep in mind that some tourist sites might be closed or have limited opening hours due to the pandemic. To get the latest updates, please check the official websites of tourist attractions in Berlin.

  • Getting in Berlin:

    Berlin is served by two airports, Tegel Airport (TXL) and Schonefeld Airport (SXF). Tegel airport is the main international airport which is also closer to central Berlin (< 10km). Schonefeld airport is ~25km from central Berlin and primarily used by budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanairwhich.

  • Getting Around Berlin:

    You can fly in, arrive via a bus service, or use the Deutsche Bahn (train) to get to Berlin. Once in the city, you will find out that Berlin has an excellent public transportation system that includes everything from trams, buses, and ferries to the subway (U-Bahn) and city train (S-Bahn). The fees are pretty cheap and start from €1.70.

  • Save money with Berlin Welcome Card:

    If you plan to hit a few top attractions in Berlin, Berlin Welcome Card offers good savings. There are two versions of the card: the regular one offers free public transport and 25-50% savings on tickets for top attractions; the all-inclusive one is a lot more expensive (€23 vs. €69) but includes free admission to top attractions.

  • Cycling in Berlin:

    The capital of Germany is a popular cycling destination in Europe. Expect to find plenty of dedicated bike lanes, as well as cheap and convenient bike-sharing programs.

  • Official Language in Berlin:

    The national language in Berlin is German. However, you will find many people in Berlin, especially in the service industry, speaking good English.

  • Currency & Money Matters:

    Like in the rest of the EU, the Euro (€, EUR) is the official currency in Berlin, Germany (check exchange rates). You will be able to pay with your International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) at hotels, shopping malls, and many restaurants. Of course, you should always carry some cash, especially if you are planning to visit markets, street food stalls, and small boutique stores. There are ATMs everywhere in Berlin.

  • Tipping in Berlin:

    It’s common to tip 5-10% of your bills in restaurants or just round up your bill. Serving staff in Germany earn a decent wage so they don’t depend on tips for a living.

  • Germans are direct:

    Germans have a lot of stereotypes – direct, cold, punctual, precise, disciplined, etc. Don’t be put off by them! After all, these are the qualities that have helped the country become the economic superpower of Europe. These stereotypes are also less pronounced among Berliners since the city has a large mix of international crowd.

16 Top Attractions in Berlin

There is no shortage of amazing tourist attractions in Berlin. From historic memorials and lively plazas to street art and food markets, our list of top things to do in Berlin has got you covered. The selection is based on the real trip experiences of Hoptale users. These top attractions should easily fill a 3-day or 4-day trip. If you have more time to spend or are looking for more special things to do in Berlin, we suggest you also check out the next section.

Brandenburg Gate | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

1. Brandenburg Gate

statue / monument

26 meters tall, the Brandenburg Gate is the most famous historic landmark in the city and the only surviving city gate in Berlin. This Neoclassical gate was built in the late 1700 and marks the entrance to Unter den Linden. What makes it so special, you ask? The gate was a central place of protest during the division of Germany and a place of the huge celebration in 1989 when the Berlin Wall fell.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: <1 hour

Reichstag Building | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

2. Reichstag Building

landmark buidling

Home of the German Parliament since 1999, the Reichstag is an important Berlin landmark with a few historical scars. A great deal of damage to the building was caused by air rides in 1945 and a devastating fire in 1933. Nowadays, you can admire the beauty of the glass dome at the top of the building and enjoy tours with free English audio guides. Its roof terrace is also open to the general public and offers spectacular views of the city.

Cost of visit: Free (but advance registration required)
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

3. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

memorial

Located on the eastern side of Tiergarten and just a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial is a somber tribute to the Jewish people who died in WW2. You will have a chance to see 2,711 dark slabs across nearly 20,000 square meters of uneven grounds.

At the base of the memorial, there is an underground information center that offers personal stories of people who were affected by the Nazis.  These audio guides are available in different languages.  In addition to the audio recordings, there are letters, diaries, and photographs of Holocaust victims.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

East Side Gallery | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

4. East Side Gallery

street art

A 1.3 km long section of the Berlin Wall, the East Side Gallery is one of the world’s longest open-air galleries. This outdoor gallery is located between Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. It showcases some of the city’s most respected street art painted by 118 artists from 21 countries. Art lovers will instantly fall in love with this site.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Berlin Cathedral | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

5. Berlin Cathedral

church / cathedral

The largest and most impressive church in the city, Berlin Cathedral was built in the 20th century to show the imperial power of the country. This neo-Renaissance Cathedral is well-known for its giant organ that is still used for religious services. Apart from touring the interior, visitors can also climb to the top of the cathedral and enjoy panoramic city views.

Cost of visit: 7 Euros
Estimated visit length: 1 hour

Museum Island | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

6. Museum Island

museum

One of the UNESCO world heritage sites, Museum Island in Berlin is every art-lover’s dream destination. It comprises 5 world-renowned museums including the Pergamonmuseum, the Altes Museum (Old Museum), the Neues Museum (New Museum), the Bode Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery).

Cost of visit: 18 Euros (1 day admission to all 5 museums on the island)
Estimated visit length: half a day

Checkpoint Charlie | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

7. Checkpoint Charlie

history / landmark

Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known border crossing of the Berlin Wall. Expect to see a replica of a U.S. Army guardhouse at the crossing that was once used by foreigners and members of the Allied forces. If you wish to know more about the history of the Berlin Wall, make sure to pay a visit to this former border spot.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Berlin Wall Memorial | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

8. Berlin Wall Memorial

memorial

Berlin Wall Memorial is a memorial to all the men, women, and children who died while trying to get across the Berlin wall. Not to be missed is the Marienfelde Refugee Center Museum where you will find exhibits telling the story of refugees who passed through Berlin. Other attractions include the Günter Litfin Memorial and the Monument in Memory of the Divided City and the Victims of Communist Tyranny.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1 hour

Topography of Terror | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

9. Topography of Terror

museum

Once the headquarters of the Nazis’ secret state police called the SS, Topography of Terror is an indoor and outdoor museum that attracts more than 1 million visitors every year. It is an important historical site to visit, although it can be emotionally tough to experience the museum’s former prison cells and other exhibits.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Gendarmenmarkt | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

10. Gendarmenmarkt

plaza / square

Arguably Berlin’s most beautiful square, Gendarmenmarkt dates back to the 17th century. Why is it important? It was home to some of the most important historic buildings that were destroyed in World Word II. However, several landmarks like the Konzerthaus, the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral), and the Neue Kirche (German Cathedral) dominate this amazing square. During the winter, the entire square becomes a lovely Christmas Market.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Markthalle Neun | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

11. Markthalle Neun

food court

Markthalle Neun is without a doubt the most famous food market in this part of Germany.  The market’s Street Food Thursday is the mother of all foodie events in the city and attracts thousands of visitors. Whether you wish to try ramen, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or wild oysters, Markthalle Neun is not to be missed when visiting Berlin. Check out this guide from Berlin Food Stories for al list of noteworthy food stalls.

Cost of visit: Free to enter the market (pay for food / drinks of your choice)
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Alexanderplatz | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

12. Alexanderplatz

plaza / square

A traffic junction in Berlin’s Mitte district, Alexanderplatz is one of the city’s busiest and most visited modern squares. This massive public square is also known as Alex by the locals and its main attraction is the world-famous Berlin Fernsehturm that dominates the Berlin skyline. For panoramic views, visit the top of the tower. Shopaholics visiting Alexanderplatz will be pleased to hear that the square is home to popular shopping centers like Alexa and Galerie Kaufhaus.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1 – 3 hours

Potsdamer Platz | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

13. Potsdamer Platz

plaza / square

Back in the 1920’s, Potsdamer Platz was the busiest square in all of Europe. However, it was destroyed in WW2 and divided by the Berlin Wall. After the wall went down, the square was transformed into a modern plaza packed with shopping centers, cinemas, hotels, and restaurants. If you are a fan of Dali, there is also a special exhibition dedicated to the artist at Potsdamer Platz.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1 – 3 hours

Charlottenburg Palace | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

14. Charlottenburg Palace

palace

Located just a short drive from the center of Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace is the city’s oldest and largest Prussian estate. In addition to the interiors with its 50-meter-high central dome, and Baroque and Rococo décor where you will find furnishings and paintings, there is a picturesque palace garden inspired by the famous gardens at Versailles.

Cost of visit: 13 -17 Euros
Estimated visit length: 2 – 3 hours

Zoo Berlin | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

15. Zoo Berlin

zoo

 Located in Berlin’s largest park Tiergarten, Zoo Berlin (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is Germany’s oldest Zoo and also the most visited zoo in the whole Europe continent. Families with kids can look forward to seeing pandas, gorillas, African penguins, giraffes, elephants, and more than 1,300 other animal species. The zoo also includes an aquarium which houses sharks and varieties of marine life.

Cost of visit: 8 – 16 Euros
Estimated visit length: half a day

Sanssouci Palace | Top Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

16. Sanssouci Palace / Potsdam

palace

Potsdam is a picturesque city less than an hour from Berlin. It is home to a few stunning palaces including Sanssouci Palace, the rococo summer home of Friedrich the Great and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palaces are connected by extensive landscaped grounds filled with classical statues, garden mazes, and ornate fountains. If you have more than a couple of days to spend in Berlin, we think Potsdam is well worth a day visit.

Cost of visit: 14-19 Euros (include admission to all palaces in Potsdam)
Estimated visit length: full day

Unique Things to Do in Berlin

Other than the popular tourist attractions, Berlin also offers many experiences unique to German history and culture. We have gathered a list of them here to help you make your first Berlin trip even more memorable.

  • Drink beer at a Biergarten:

    No trip to Berlin is complete without indulging in a beer garden. Berliners are crazy about beer and Biergartens have their own charm. It’s an ideal place to unwind, enjoy nature on warm summer days, and sample some seriously amazing local German beer. Not sure which Biergarten to visit while exploring Berlin? This ultimate Biergarten guide to Berlin might give you some ideas.

  • Check out a flea market in Berlin:

    Yes, you can find flea markets anywhere in the world, but we think Berlin is the European capital of flea markets as there are over a dozen of them in the city. One of our all-time favorites is the Sunday flea market at Mauerpark. Apart from getting some great bargains, you can also sample delicious street food at this market from a variety of food trucks and food stalls. In the summer, don’t miss the Bear Pit Karaoke at 3pm where everyone can participate and show off their singing skills.

  • Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Kreuzberg:

    A melting pot of cultures, Kreuzberg is a way of life for many people. This vibrant Berlin district is definitely one of the most famous neighborhoods in Europe. What makes it famous? It is a street art mecca and has hundreds of unique underground clubs and bars. It is also the birthplace of the counterculture movement of Berlin. To experience Kreuzberg like a local, check out this guide to the coolest neighborhood in Berlin.

  • Experience East German life during the Cold War:

    Devoted to the history of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik, the DDR Museum in Berlin allows visitors to discover what life was like in former East Germany. This interactive museum is a genuine delight for both adults and children. See the apartments people lived in, get behind the wheel of a Trabant Car, or discover bugs and other listening devices which were used to spy on citizens.

  • Discover Underground Tunnels at Berliner Unterwelten:

    If you wish to discover East Germany escape tunnels, ammunition findings, and archaeological treasures, make your way to Berliner Unterwelten. Descend into bunkers and the tunnel systems by joining different subterranean tours and learn about Berlin’s many underground facilities. From visiting Nazi era bunkers and Cold War nuclear shelters to checking out the basement of the Berliner Kindl brewery, there is plenty of interesting spots to discover when visiting Berliner Unterwelten.

  • Try Berlin Döner Kebab:

    The number one street food in Berlin is Döner Kebab. Originated from Turkish kebab, Döner Kebab was developed into its popular sandwich form by the Turkish guest workers. Here are the best Döner Kebab places to try this super popular local delight in Berlin. Mustafas takes the top spot on this list but keep in mind that no matter what time you go, there will always be a line in front of this food joint.

  • Pay a visit Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp:

    Built by the Nazi regime to detain political opponents, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is located in the town of Oranienburg, just a short drive from Berlin. Today, the Memorial Center and Museum at Sachsenhausen is a place where travelers can visit some of the original buildings of the camp complex including the cells, an administrative center, and barracks where Nazi doctors used to perform medical experiments on the prisoners. Several weekly guided tours are available but you need to register at least four months in advance due to high demand.

Hope our Berlin travel guide is helpful. Share with us any questions you might have below. When you return from your first trip, we would love to hear what are your favorite things to do in Berlin!

By Dejan Badnjarevic | Cover photo by Niki Nagy from Pexels

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