What to visit in Berlin the first time you go – Itinerary with maps and advice from those who live in Berlin
If it is your first time in the German capital you will surely be wondering what to see in Berlin and how many days you will need to visit it. The most popular places in Berlin can be visited in three days , but if you want to stay longer I assure you that you will find much more to do. To help you plan, I have created a detailed day-by-day itinerary that will guarantee you the best of the city. My word, I lived in Berlin.
“The greatest cultural extravaganza imaginable” – this is how David Bowie defined Berlin, the city in which he lived for three years and where he found the inspiration to compose some of his most ingenious and experimental albums, Heroes , Low and Lodgers .
Berlin is just like that, an extravagant mix of subcultures , a city that is growing and constantly changing: old abandoned industrial buildings are transformed into art galleries or co-working spaces, the neighborhoods become increasingly multicultural and evolve into hurry – and even for those who live there it is often a challenge to keep up with these continuous, but fascinating, changes.
Berlin is a large metropolis but extremely simple to visit, also thanks to an efficient transport network and numerous cycle routes, perfect for observing the city from a different perspective, at a different pace.
So here we are ready to discover what to see in Berlin in three days , which itinerary to follow, according to thematic itineraries by neighborhoods , which I am sure will make you fall in love with the liveliest city in Europe.
I lived in Berlin and it’s one of my favorite metropolises in the world, so writing the post took me by the hand. As you will see it is very long. If you are looking for something in particular or are interested in something specifically, let the table of contents below help you.
Have you found plane tickets? See also on Traveljourn
Read also: Berlin – What to see and how to get around the low cost city
- How to get around Berlin – Guide to transport and season tickets
- Where to Stay in Berlin: Best Areas and Hotels
What to see in Berlin the first time you go there
If it is your first time in the city and you don’t know what to see in Berlin I recommend starting your trip with a guided tour . Berlin is not only a large metropolis but every corner of it tells some story that deserves to be heard. Furthermore, being a somewhat difficult city, starting the visit with a guide is very important in my opinion.
How to save on public transport and entrance fees to the main museums in Berlin
Berlin offers different tourist cards to save on the total cost of museum entrances and public transport, which you will definitely need. Among the many cards in circulation, the most interesting are two, the Welcome Card (in the standard version and the version that includes the Museum Island) and the Go Berlin Pass .
- The Berlin Welcome Card is a solution that allows you to save up to 50% and also includes public transport. The cost of the pass starts from €25 (for 48 hours in zones A and B).
- The Welcome Card + Museum Island also includes entry to the most famous museums in Berlin, including the Pergamon , includes public transport and discounts of up to 50% on the cost of another 200 attractions. The card costs €53 for 72 hours for AB zones and €55 for 72 hours with ABC zones. Highly recommended if you want to visit the Museum Island (in the link you will find all the options, 48 or 72 hours, ABC or AB, which are the areas of Berlin for using public transport, and also with or without Museum Island, choose that one that you prefer from the list)
In the post about transport in Berlin you will find detailed information on how to get around the city and how to choose the right season ticket.
Where to sleep in Berlin
In Berlin there is no shortage of design hotels and hostels with character. The areas I recommend focusing on are mainly 3:
- Mitte is where most of Berlin’s must-see tourist attractions are located. If you are looking for where to stay in Berlin for sightseeing, this is the best place to stay in Berlin.
- Kreuzberg – Lively district of Berlin with excellent nightlife, many trendy bars and clubs that stay open until the early hours of the morning
- Prenzlauer Berg is a former bohemian neighborhood that is now predominantly a hipster neighborhood
For a list of hotels in the main neighborhoods of Berlin read the post – Where to sleep in Berlin – Guide to the city’s neighborhoods and advice on where to sleep
The best design hotels and hostels in Berlin
If, in addition to a place to sleep, you are looking for hotels or hostels with a particular , in some cases extravagant, design, Berlin offers a selection of splendid options that I want to recommend to you.
This is the list of the most particular and interesting hotels in the city in my opinion:
- SO/Berlis das Stue – A 5-star design hotel in the Tiegarten district with indoor swimming pool and patio in one of the city’s central districts
- 25Hours Bikini – Quirky and quirky hotel with a beautiful terrace bar with a view. A stone’s throw from the Zoo.
- Michelberger hotel – Located in Friedrichshain the hotel offers design rooms furnished with contemporary pieces optimizing space. An excellent solution for those who love art and want to be at the center of the action
- Art’otel Berlin Mitte – Located in Mitte overlooking the TV tower, this hotel offers spacious rooms and over 300 pieces of art in its common areas
- Provocateur Berlin – Eccentric and colourful, this 4-star hotel offers refined and sexy environments without becoming tacky or vulgar. To dare a little 🙂
- Design Hostel P182 – A cool and stylish design hostel with dorm or private rooms on Potsdamerstrasse.
What to visit in Berlin in 3 days if you have never been there Itinerary in Berlin day by day
In this itinerary you will find everything you need to know to see Berlin in 3 days . I thought of dividing the city into three macro-areas, each with its own theme, ensuring that you can not only see Berlin but understand its many faces and aspects.
What to see in Berlin day 1 – From Alexanderplatz to Potsdamerplatz
The journey to discover the things to see in Berlin begins from Alexanderplatz : a very central crossroads of the major subway, tram and S-Bahn lines that cross the city, easily reachable from any part of Berlin.
Alexanderplatz and the television tower
Alex – as the Berliners affectionately call it – is the symbolic square of the German capital, lively, gray and a little chaotic, dominated by the iconic Fernsehturm, the television tower.
For a breathtaking view of the city from over 200 meters above sea level, it is best to book your ticket online in advance to skip the queue , in order to avoid long queues and drastically reduce waiting times. There are discounted rates for early risers (13 Euros with entry and ascent to the tower at 9 am in summer and at 10 am in winter) or for those who prefer a view of the vibrant Berlin at night (13 Euros, entry between 9pm and 11pm).
Unter den Linden
By walking west on Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse , and then on Unter den Linden , you can understand what Bowie meant by cultural extravagance.
In the space of about a couple of kilometers, Berlin shows its most eclectic side , passing by historical buildings and monuments such as the Marienkirche , the Rotes Rathaus (Berlin City Hall), the Berlin Cathedral and the historic headquarters of the Humboldt-Universität , at corners nostalgic and timeless like Nikolaiviertel or the unmissable antiques market on the pedestrian street between the Schlossbrücke bridge and the Bodemuseum (every Saturday/Sunday/holidays between 11am and 5pm), to elegant squares like Bebelplatz and Gendarmenplatz , while a a long series of open construction sites and very modern buildings under construction indicate how Berlin is always constantly evolving.
Visit Berlin’s most important museums on Museum Island
Among the things to see in Berlin, the Museumsinsel , or Museum district, cannot be missed, it is a must for art lovers, who can choose between Pergamonmuseum , Altes Museum , Alte Nationalgalerie , Bodemuseum and Neues Museum .
For further information, read The 10 best museums in Berlin (Museum Island included)
Continuing on Unter den Linden you reach Pariser Platz , a refined square where the Hotel Adlon and the Embassy of the United States of America are located, and the Brandenburg Gate , another place of central importance in the history of the city of Berlin.
Tiergarten and the Cupola of the Reichstag
From here extends the Tiergarten , the enormous park crossed by the boulevard of 17 June with the Victory Column, a golden icon of the city, celebrated by Wim Wenders in the film The Sky Over Berlin .
A visit to the Reichstag dome , a masterpiece by architect Norman Foster , is absolutely not to be missed : the visit is free and must be organized in advance, as entry is only possible by registering on the Deutscher Bundestag website .
Take advantage of a coffee break with cake to enjoy the beautiful city skyline.
Another monument that can’t be missed is the impressive Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , a complex lattice of over 2000 concrete blocks designed by Peter Eisenman , turning from Pariser Platz onto Eberstrasse towards Potsdamer Platz.
Potsdamer Platz
And our journey for the first day in Berlin ends at Potsdamer Platz . The square, redesigned and rebuilt by Renzo Piano between 1992 and 2000, is a magnificent work of urban re-integration of an area that for decades was a no-man’s land, on the exact border between East and West.
Now it is one of the pulsating centers of Berlin’s cultural life, with the Theater am Potsdamerplatz , where the annual Film Festival takes place , the Deutsche Kinemathek (Cinema and Television Museum), and the futuristic Sony Center , best visited in evening, when the dome above it continuously changes color thanks to a spectacular light effect.
What to see in Berlin day 2 – What remains of the Berlin Wall. Walk between Kreuzberg and Mitte
The second day in Berlin will take us to discover the contemporary history of the city starting from what remains of the Berlin Wall reaching the Kreuzberg district.
East Side Gallery
One of the emblems of the city and something to see in Berlin and not to be missed is certainly the portion of the Wall that is still intact.
Officially fallen in 1989, the Wall that divided Berlin for decades is still visible in various parts of the city.
The East Side Gallery (U-Warschauer Strasse), along the banks of the Spree River, is the point where history meets street art : between 1989 and 1992 artists of various nationalities transformed a section of wall over a mile long kilometer in the largest open-air art gallery in the world , with graffiti that has become legendary such as that of the brotherly Soviet kiss between Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev.
Kreuzberg – Berlin’s multicultural district
Remaining in the Kreuzberg district , but moving to the other side of the river, beyond the Oberbaumbrücke, there is Markthalle Neun , (U-Görlitzer Bahnhof or U-Schlesischer Tor ), a meeting place for lovers of street food and specialties local and international cuisine.
Markthalle Neun is animated by a series of unmissable weekly events, such as Street Food Thursday (every Thursday evening between 5pm and 10pm) and the Wochenmarkt (weekly market every Tuesday 12pm-6pm, Friday 12pm 6pm and Saturday 10am-6pm), or periodicals, such as the Stadt Land Food Festival or the Berlin Coffee Festival .
The highly multicultural soul of Kreuzberg is reflected in the extraordinary variety of restaurants of international inspiration, particularly Middle Eastern and Turkish: in Berlin, in fact, there is a rumor that the best kebab is eaten right here, and not in Istanbul!
Between Oranienstrasse and Kottbussertor you are truly spoiled for choice among ethnic bars and restaurants, including Maroush (Adalbertstrasse 93, Kreuzberg).
For those who would like to try the classic currywurst , the much-loved Berlin snack created by Herta Heuwer after the Second World War, the best choice is Curry 36 (Mehringdamm 36, Kreuzberg).
Visit to the Jewish Museum in Berlin
One of the most interesting monuments in Kreuzberg is the Jewish Museum (Jüdisches Museum Berlin) designed by a team of architects led by Daniel Libeskind , an American star architect of Jewish origin.
The structure, complex and evocative, hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions on the thousand-year history of the Jews in Germany and Europe.
Continuing towards the Mitte district , on Friedrichstrasse , we find the famous Checkpoint Charlie .
Check Point Charlie
Friedrichstrasse , today a very busy shopping street in Berlin, was one of the main arteries connecting East and West during the Cold War, and Checkpoint Charlie was one of the crossing points between the two opposing and coexisting realities of Berlin, the communist East and the ‘ capitalist enclave of West Berlin and one of the things to see in Berlin the first time you go there.
To delve deeper into the theme of the Wall and the impact it had on the city, we recommend a visit to the Mauermuseum am Checkpoint Charlie and, above all, to the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (U-Bernauerstrasse), with the most complete documentation center on the history of the Wall.
Alternatively, a few steps from Friedrichstrasse towards Potsdamer Platz, you can visit the open-air memorial center Topographie des Terrors , a project created to document the National Socialist terror system in Germany.
ROCK IN BERLIN
The Berlin music scene is unique worldwide. Every musical genre, from jazz to electronic , from punk to classical, from metal to indie , finds its place in institutions such as Lido , Berghain , Astra Kulturhaus , SO36 , Watergate , A-Train .
The offer of concerts , musicals, jam sessions and festivals is vast in all seasons and it is worth keeping an eye on the rich musical programme.
To discover Berlin from an alternative point of view, that of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, U2 or Depeche Mode , we recommend one of the engaging Music Tours led by insider Thilo Schmied, while lovers of classic punk shouldn’t miss one visit to the Ramones Museum&Bar .
For Walpurgisnacht – the night between April 30th and May 1st – the whole city is celebrating: in Germanic mythology Walpurgisnacht is the witches’ night, and Berliners celebrate it by dancing (” Tanz in den Mai “) with concerts and parties in all the neighborhoods, from Friedrichshein to Kreuzberg, from Neukölln to Mitte.
What to see in Berlin day 3 – Berlin mix & match
We have reached the third day and there are still so many things to see in Berlin .
After visiting the main places of the city, I thought about the possibility of building a do-it-yourself itinerary by combining two or more of the following proposals for short thematic itineraries (lasting from a few hours to half a day at most), perfect for capturing the multiplicity of nuances that characterize Berlin and to delve deeper into some historical, artistic, social and cultural aspects.
1. Unterwelten – Guided tour of the underground world of Berlin (SUPER RECOMMENDED!)
Among the things to see in Berlin this is one of my favorites (despite being a little claustrophobic). Founded in 1997, « Berliner Unterwelten » is a cultural association that deals with research and documentation of the buildings and underground infrastructures of the city of Berlin.
The association’s internal activities range from actual research groups to the organization of cultural events, such as: guided tours, exhibitions, seminars and publications. There are 4 tours available and you can check timetables and book online on the official website: Berliner Unterwelten.
2. Cool&alternative – Mitte e Prenzlauerberg
Among the neighborhoods of Berlin, Mitte and Prenzlauerberg are certainly the coolest.
Starting from Hackescher Markt , where the German secessionist-style Hackesche Höfe complex with its internal courtyards is located, we proceed towards the street with the highest concentration of art and photography galleries in the city, Auguststrasse.
In this area, where the Jewish quarter once extended, today you can visit the Centrum Judaicum and what remains of the Neue Synagoge.
Rosenthaler Platz is ideal for a coffee break at Sankt Oberholz or Mein Haus am See , meeting points and home offices of many Berlin hipsters, freelancers and digital nomads.
Continuing towards Prenzlauerberg, walking along Kollwitzstrasse, Sredzkistrasse and Kastanienallee , the atmosphere of the neighbourhood, or as they say in Berlin “Kiez-Gefühl”, gradually becomes more relaxed, artistic and nostalgic.
Don’t miss a visit to the Kulturbrauerei , a former industrial beer manufacturing complex and today a lively cultural center for artistic events of all kinds .
If you are lucky enough to spend a summer Sunday afternoon in Berlin, don’t miss the Mauerpark : the flea market attracts collectors and curious people from all over the city, and starting from 2pm the park comes alive with a very fun and alternative open-air karaoke .
3. Nostalgia of Berlin East – Mitte and Friedrichshain
Anyone who has seen films like Goodbye Lenin or The Lives of Others will undoubtedly have been struck by the intriguing and in some ways still very dark history of the German Democratic Republic , the GDR .
In the last ten years, the analysis and recovery of the history and aesthetics of the GDR have characterized an important strand of German cinema, literature and even design.
They call it Ostalgie , that is, a mixture of fascination, curiosity and interest in a world that no longer exists, but of which some impressions can still be found in some corners of the city:
- DDR Museum (Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 1, Mitte): fun, interactive and informative small museum for a dive into the daily reality of life in the GDR.
- Karl-Marx-Allee (U-Strausberger Platz): the approximately two kilometer walk on the Karl-Marx-Allee (formerly Stalinallee) between Strausberger Platz and Frankfurter Tor offers a perspective on the typical urban aesthetics of East Berlin : wide avenues multiple lanes, designed for large military parades, and enormous square buildings that recall the physiognomy of Moscow, among which the historic Karl-Marx-Buchhandlung bookshop, the Café Sibylle and the Kino International cinema, in pure Soviet style, stand out
- Die Tagung (Wühlischstrasse 29, Friedrichshain) – fun Berlin Kneipe in the heart of Friedrichshain, decorated with historical relics from the socialist era. Ideal for a cold beer after the walk on Karl-Marx-Allee!
To delve deeper into the historical and controversial aspects of the GDR, in particular the theme of the oppression of the opposition to the regime , it is worth dedicating at least half a day to the Stasi Museum and the Berlin Hohenschönhausen Memorial , central to the preventive detention of opponents.
4. Charlottenburg yesterday and today
In the first quarter of a century of the twentieth century, the dynamic and unbridled cultural life of Berlin took place on Tauentzien strasse and Kurfürstendamm , two long boulevards dotted with prestigious restaurants, cafés, theatres, ballrooms, cinemas and cabarets.
Subsequently, during the Cold War, the Kurfürstendamm was transformed into the showcase of capitalism, in open contradiction to the socialist style of East Berlin.
Now the Kurfürstendamm is one of the many chaotic shopping streets that can be found in any European capital.
However, it is worth visiting what remains of the Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Commemoration Church), almost completely destroyed during the bombings of 1945, the Kaufhaus des Westens , the luxurious and very famous shopping center which recalls the department stores of the 1920s and, if time, Charlottenburg Castle , in Prussian style with a splendid garden.
5. Afternoon at Tempelhof
If the weather permits, spending an afternoon in Tempelhof Park is an experience not to be missed.
The old, now disused Berlin Central Airport , whose history is illustrated by a series of guided tours offered in the visitor center, has become the beating heart of a booming creative district, and is certainly the public park most loved by Berliners , in which they love jogging, skateboarding, cultivating small organic urban gardens, flying kites and relaxing with a picnic in the sun in good weather.
6. Sachsenhausen concentration camp (Highly recommended)
In Oranienburg, a town about thirty kilometers north of Berlin , you can visit one of the largest Nazi concentration camps on German territory, Sachsenhausen. The visitor center offers a series of films and guided tours , permanent and temporary exhibitions, a well-kept archive and library on the history of the camp, to which you can dedicate a day.
My dispassionate advice is to make this visit accompanied by a guide who will be able to orient you and better explain the history of this place.
7 . Die Perle an der Spree – Cruise on the Spree River
Discovering Berlin on board the boat along the Spree is an alternative and pleasant way to spend a few hours admiring the city from a different point of view.
There are two boarding points: Nikolaiviertel , in front of Museum Island, and Friedrichstraße , next to the Weidendammer Bridge.
20 places to see in Berlin and not to be missed
Berlin is a city rich in history, culture and art, with a wide range of tourist attractions to discover. Among the most important places to visit are the Brandenburg Gate , the Berlin Wall , the Pergamon Museum and the Reichstag , which offer an insight into the history and politics of the city.
The Berlin Cathedral, Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery are instead symbols of the reunification of the city after the fall of the Wall.
But Berlin also offers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions, such as Museum Island , Tiergarten Park and Tempelhofer Feld, as well as trendy neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and local markets like Markthalle Neun . Finally, the TV Tower and the Zeiss Planetarium offer spectacular views of the city and the universe. In this list of the 20 most important places to see in Berlin there really is something for all tastes and interests.
The Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous symbols of Berlin, located at the beginning of the wide Unter den Linden street. Built between 1788 and 1791, the gate was originally one of 18 gateways to the city of Berlin.
The neoclassical structure, approximately 26 meters high, is made up of 12 Doric columns and features a large sculpture of a chariot pulled by four horses on top, called the Quadriga. Throughout its history, the Brandenburg Gate has been the site of many political celebrations and demonstrations , including the victory parade of Napoleon’s troops in 1806 and the 1989 celebrations for the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, the Brandenburg Gate is a very popular tourist attraction, visited by millions of people every year.
The Berlin Wall and the East Side Gallery
The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the division of the German city during the Cold War. Built in 1961 by the East German government, the wall was intended to prevent citizens of East Berlin from fleeing to the West. It was about 3.6 meters high and about 155 kilometers long, and included guard towers, barbed wire, ditches and minefields. The Berlin Wall was the most powerful symbol of the Cold War and the division between East and West . In 1989, following peaceful protests and a change in policy by the East German government, the Berlin Wall was torn down.
Today, only a few sections of the wall remain, such as the East Side Gallery, where street artists have painted murals and graffiti. The East Side Gallery is a remaining section of the Berlin Wall , approximately 1.3 kilometers long, located in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg neighborhood. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the East Side Gallery was transformed into an open-air art gallery , where artists from around the world painted murals and graffiti on the remains of the wall.
The East Side Gallery has become one of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions and a symbol of German reunification. Among the most famous murals are “The Brother Kiss” by Dmitri Vrubel, which depicts the kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker, and “My Share of Freedom” by Birgit Kinder, which it depicts a Trabant, the East German car, breaking through the wall.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust-Mahnmal)
The Jewish monument in Berlin is called “Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe” (in German “Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas”). It is located in the Mitte district , near the Brandenburg Gate, and was inaugurated in 2005. The monument is composed of a field of 2711 concrete blocks of different heights, which create an impressive and evocative visual effect.
The camp is accessible to visitors and is intended to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust , as well as raise awareness of the tragedy of the Jews during World War II. Beneath the concrete block camp is an information center, where visitors can learn more about the history of the Holocaust and the stories of the victims.
The Reichstag (the German Federal Parliament)
The Reichstag is a historic building in Berlin that houses the Bundestag, the German federal parliament . Built in 1894, the Reichstag was the meeting place of the German parliament until 1933, when arson destroyed much of the building.
After World War II, the Reichstag fell into disuse and remained in ruins for decades. In 1990, after German reunification, the government decided to restore the Reichstag and make it the seat of the Bundestag . The restoration, directed by British architect Norman Foster, was completed in 1999 and added a modern glass dome over the historic building. The dome, open to visitors, offers a panoramic view of the city of Berlin.
TIP
Entrance to the Reichstag is free but must be booked in advance on the website: https://visite.bundestag.de/
If you want to understand something more about the structure I recommend a guided tour (in English or German) which you can book here .
The Victory Column
The Victory Column (German: Siegessäule) is a monument located in Berlin, Germany. Designed by architect Johann Heinrich Strack, the column was built to celebrate the Prussian victory in the War of the Duchies of 1864.
The column is 67 meters high and is located in a large roundabout which is located at the intersection of Strasse des 17 Juni and Grosser Stern. The statue at the top of the column represents the goddess of victory, known as Victoria , holding a laurel wreath and a sword. The column was moved from its original location in 1938 on Adolf Hitler’s orders, to make way for the Eastern Autobahn, and was subsequently moved again in 1945 by the Allies.
The Center at Potsdamer Platz (Sony center)
The Das Center am Potsdamer Platz (or Sony Center, the agreement with Sony expired in March 2023 so it seems it will officially change its name from 2024) in Berlin is a building complex located in Potsdamer Platz, in the heart of the city. The complex was opened in 2000 and designed by architect Helmut Jahn .
The Sony Center consists of eight buildings, including a cinema, restaurants, shops and offices. The structure features a huge glass and steel dome, which houses an IMAX cinema. The Sony Center has become one of the symbols of Berlin , thanks to its modern and innovative architecture that integrates perfectly with the surrounding historic buildings. The complex was financed by the Japanese multinational Sony, which also has its German headquarters within the Sony Center
Panorama point
The Panoramapunkt is a tourist attraction located in the heart of Berlin, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city . It is located on Potsdamer Platz , one of the most famous squares in Berlin, and is located on the 24th floor of the Kollhoff Tower . The Panoramapunkt’s panoramic elevator is one of the fastest in Europe and takes visitors to the 24th floor in just 20 seconds, where they can enjoy a 360-degree view of Berlin .
Panoramapunkt also offers an interactive multimedia experience that tells the story of Potsdamer Platz and the city of Berlin. Additionally, on the 25th floor of Kollhoff Tower is the Panorama Café , where visitors can enjoy a coffee or light meal while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Berlin’s Museum Island
Berlin’s Museum Island, also known as Museumsinsel in German, is a museum complex located on Spree Island in the historic heart of Berlin. Museum Island consists of five museums: the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode Museum and the Pergamon Museum .
These museums house a large collection of historical artworks and artifacts, including the Egyptian Antiquities Collection and the Classical Antiquities Collection. Museum Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is one of Berlin’s main tourist attractions. Read also the 10 best museums in Berlin.
Pergamon Museum
The Pergamon Museum is one of the most famous museums in Berlin and is located on Museum Island. The museum houses a large collection of archaeological finds and ancient art, including the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate, and the Market of Miletus . The Pergamon Altar is an imposing Greek structure from the 2nd century BC that represents the struggle between the Titans and the Olympian Gods.
The Ishtar Gate is an imposing gateway to the city of Babylon, rebuilt with original bricks. The Miletus Market is a reconstruction of an ancient Greek commercial square.
TIP
If you want to visit the main museums in Berlin I highly recommend purchasing the Berlin WelcomeCard: Museum Island and public transport, a pass that includes museum entrances and a Berlin public transport season ticket in the cost.
Cold War Museum
The Cold War Museum Berlin , also known as the Cold War Museum, is a museum dedicated to the Cold War and its influence on the city of Berlin. The museum is located in the Mitte area, in the city center, on the famous Unter den Linden street .
The Cold War Museum offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the Cold War, with a vast collection of objects, documents and photographs illustrating the history of the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union and its impact on the city of Berlin.
The museum is divided into several sections , including one dedicated to the construction of the Berlin Wall and the life of Berliners during the division of the city, and another dedicated to the nuclear arms race and deterrence strategies. The Cold War Museum opened in November 2022 and is considered one of Berlin’s most modern and technologically advanced museums , with a strong emphasis on the multimedia and interactive visitor experience.
TIP
If you want to visit the Cold War Museum you must buy the ticket in advance and you can choose between different packages: Entry 2 hours slot and Entry and VR experience of THE JUMP – a 360° virtual reality installation by Boris Hars-Tschachotin. Entry is also included in the Berlin Historic Pass (which includes other attractions such as the TV tower and the Berlin time ride.
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
Berlin Cathedral , officially called “Evangelische Oberpfarr- und Domkirche zu Berlin” (Parish Church and Evangelical Cathedral of Berlin), is a Protestant church located on Berlin’s Museum Island. The church was built between 1894 and 1905 in neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque style.
The facade of the cathedral is characterized by a large central dome , four lateral towers and numerous statues of saints and angels. The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with a vast central nave, numerous side chapels and a large altar.
The cathedral was severely damaged during World War II and subsequently restored. Today, the Berlin Cathedral is one of the city’s most important tourist attractions and a place of worship for the city’s Protestant community.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was one of the main checkpoints of the Berlin Wall , located in central Berlin along Friedrichstraße. Checkpoint Charlie was the main crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War and the symbol of the city’s division.
Today, Checkpoint Charlie has become one of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions, where you can visit the Berlin Wall museum and see the reconstruction of the original checkpoint. The Berlin Wall Museum houses a vast collection of photographs, documents and objects that tell the story of the division of Berlin and the fight for freedom.
The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum Berlin (Jüdisches Museum Berlin) is the largest Jewish museum in Europe, opened in 200. The museum is located in a building designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, who wanted to create an architectural experience that represents history Jewish in Germany .
The Jewish Museum Berlin spans over 3,000 square meters and features a vast collection of objects, documents and photographs that tell the story of Jews in Germany from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and organizes cultural and educational events for visitors of all ages.
Worth knowing
Entrance to the central exhibition is free for everyone. Except for some temporary exhibitions, all other presentations in the Libeskind Building and entry to ANOHA: The Children’s World of the Jewish Museum Berlin are also free.
Entrance to the temporary exhibitions in the Palazzo Vecchio costs €8 at the normal rate or €3 at the reduced rate. Children and teenagers under 18 enter for free, as do some other categories of visitors. You can find further information on our price list. For more information: Jewish Museum
The Alexanderplatz television tower
The Alexanderplatz TV Tower , also known as the Fernsehturm, is the tallest television broadcasting tower in Germany and one of the symbols of Berlin. Inaugurated in 1969, the tower is located in the Alexanderplatz square and reaches a height of 368 meters.
The tower was designed by architect Hermann Henselmann , and was built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the German Democratic Republic . The tower features a viewing platform at 203 meters high, which offers spectacular views of the city of Berlin. The platform can be reached by lift in just 40 seconds and also houses a revolving restaurant.
TIP
The Alexanderplatz television tower is one of the most popular places in Berlin , I recommend purchasing the ticket in advance which allows you to select the date and time of entry. traveljourn.com
Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace, also known as Schloss Charlottenburg in German, is a large palace located in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin. Built in the 17th century as a summer residence for Frederick I’s wife, Queen Sophia Charlotte , the palace was expanded and renovated over the following centuries.
Today, Charlottenburg Palace is one of Berlin’s top tourist attractions and is home to numerous works of art and historical artifacts. Among the main attractions of the palace are the Great Ballroom, the Throne Room, the Painting Gallery and the Baroque Garden . The palace is surrounded by a large park, Charlottenburg Park, which offers visitors an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. Charlottenburg Palace is an extraordinary example of Baroque architecture and represents one of Berlin’s cultural treasures.
Mercato Market Hall Nine
The Markthalle Neun is a historic indoor market located in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin. Built in the 19th century, the hall has been renovated and redesigned to accommodate a large number of independent vendors offering fair, eco-friendly and regional products. The market is known for its high-quality food and drink offerings, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, coffee and craft beer.
One of Markthalle Neun’s most popular events is Street Food Thursday , where vendors from all over the world come together to offer a wide range of international street food. The market also hosts a range of other events, including concerts, workshops and food festivals, making it a lively cultural hub in the heart of Berlin.
Museum of the Topography of Terror (Topographie des Terrors)
The Museum of the Topography of Terror (German Topographie des Terrors ) is a museum located in Berlin, Germany, located on the site of the former Gestapo, SS, and police headquarters during the Third Reich. The museum displays photographs, documents and objects illustrating the history of political repression and violence during the Nazi regime in Germany .
In particular, the museum focuses on the Gestapo secret police and its activities of political repression, persecution of Jews and political dissidents. The museum also includes a section dedicated to the construction of the Berlin Wall and the consequences of the division of the city. The museum opened in 2010 and has become one of Berlin’s main tourist attractions, as well as a major research and education center on the history of Nazism in Germany.
Asisi Panorama: The Wall
The Asisi Panorama: Die Mauer is a permanent exhibition located in Berlin, Germany, which offers visitors an immersive experience into the daily life of the city during the division caused by the Berlin Wall. The exhibition is housed in a circular building specially constructed to house the “panorama” of Yadegar Asisi , a German-Iranian artist known for his large-format works that immerse visitors in a 360-degree visual and sound experience.
The panorama of Die Mauer is a 900 square meter work that represents the city of Berlin during the Cold War, with particular attention to the daily life of Berliners divided by the Wall. The exhibition is accompanied by a soundtrack that reinforces the atmosphere of the divided city and an audio guide that offers further information on the history of the Wall and life in Berlin during the Cold War.
Molecule man
Molecule Man is a monumental sculpture located in the eastern part of Berlin. The sculpture represents three human figures that come together to form a complex figure , with a height of 30 meters and a weight of approximately 45 tons. The sculpture was created in 1999 by the American sculptor Jonathan Borofsky in the middle of the Spree River near the Oberbaum Bridge.
The sculpture has become an icon of Berlin and a landmark for tourists visiting the city. Its location on the water offers an excellent view of the city, especially at sunset, when the sunlight illuminates the sculpture and the waters of the river. The sculpture represents the idea of unity and interconnection between people , symbolizing the strength and beauty of united humanity.
The Stasi museum
The Stasi Museum in Berlin , officially known as Forschungs- und Gedenkstätte Normannenstraße, is a research and memorial center on the political system of the former East Germany and its secret police, the Stasi. The museum is located in the former Stasi headquarters , in the Lichtenberg district of Berlin, and was inaugurated in 1990, immediately after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The museum’s permanent exhibition is housed in the main building of the former Stasi headquarters, where the original offices of Erich Mielke , the last Stasi minister, are located. The exhibition offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the history of the Stasi, with a vast collection of objects, documents and photographs illustrating the activities of the secret police, the methods of surveillance and repression, and the impact of the Stasi on the lives of citizens of the former East Germany.
The museum is an important stop for those who want to delve deeper into the history of the Cold War and East Germany.
Berlin neighborhoods to visit
Berlin is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality and atmosphere. From the cobbled streets of the historic Mitte district, to the colorful murals of the alternative Kreuzberg district, Berlin offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. Even the choice of where to sleep in Berlin is closely related to the neighborhood you would like to get to know better.
Book your stay in one of the most popular neighborhoods, such as Prenzlauer Berg, with its tree-lined streets and trendy cafés, or Friedrichshain, with its lively nightlife and numerous bars and clubs.
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, head to the Neukölln neighborhood, where you’ll find international restaurants, vintage shops and a lively art scene.
Don’t miss the Charlottenburg neighborhood , with its elegant shops and large parks, or the Schöneberg neighborhood, with its LGBTQ+ history and vibrant queer community.
Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own history and culture, and they all offer a different experience for visitors. Let’s discover the main neighborhoods together.
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The Mitte district is the historic heart of Berlin and offers a wide range of tourist and cultural attractions. In this neighborhood, you’ll find some of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Berlin Wall , Alexanderplatz , Brandenburg Gate , and the Reichstag .
The neighborhood is also home to some of the city’s most important museums, such as the Natural History Museum, the Pergamon Museum and the Jewish Museum of Berlin. For art lovers, Mitte offers numerous art galleries, such as the Boros Gallery, which is located in a World War II bunker.
Here you will find some of Berlin’s best restaurants and cafés, such as Café Einstein, which was frequented by famous people such as Albert Einstein and Marlene Dietrich. Mitte is also an ideal neighborhood for shopping, with numerous fashion boutiques and designer shops.
Kreuzberg
The Kreuzberg neighborhood is one of Berlin’s liveliest and most alternative neighborhoods, known for its arts and culture scene. In this neighborhood, you’ll find a wide range of international restaurants, alternative fashion shops, and colorful murals decorating the street walls.
One of the main attractions in Kreuzberg is the Markthalle Neun street market , where you can enjoy high-quality street food and local specialties. Görlitzer Park , located in the center of the neighborhood, is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, and hosts numerous music and cultural festivals during the summer. For a more cultural experience, visit the Jewish Museum Berlin, which is located right on the edge of the neighborhood.
At night, Kreuzberg transforms into a lively music scene, with numerous bars and clubs offering a wide range of musical genres, from punk rock to techno.
Prenzlauer Berg
The Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood is one of Berlin’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its tree-lined streets, trendy cafes and independent fashion boutiques. In this neighborhood, you will find a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars, offering high-quality food and drinks.
The Kollwitzplatz street market is a great place to enjoy street food and local specialties, while the Volkspark Friedrichshain park, located on the edge of the neighborhood, is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.
For art lovers, Prenzlauer Berg offers numerous art galleries, such as the Eigen + Art Gallery , which hosts exhibitions by contemporary artists. The neighborhood is also home to some of Berlin’s best independent fashion shops , such as clothing store Vintage Galore. Finally, Prenzlauer Berg is an ideal neighborhood for families, with numerous children’s play areas and activities for the whole family.
Friedrichshain
The Friedrichshain district is a lively and multicultural place in Berlin, known for its vibrant nightlife and its wide range of tourist attractions. In this neighborhood, you will find numerous clubs, bars and restaurants offering a wide range of music genres and delicious food.
Friedrichshain is also home to some of Berlin’s largest parks, such as Volkspark Friedrichshain , which is a great place for a walk or picnic. The neighborhood is also known for its street art , with numerous works of art decorating the walls and facades of buildings. Additionally, Friedrichshain is home to some of Berlin’s most interesting museums, such as the Stasi Museum , which tells the story of East Germany’s secret police. Finally, the neighborhood is a great place for shopping, with numerous independent fashion shops and street markets , such as Boxhagener Platz .
Neukölln
The Neukölln district is a vibrant and multicultural place in Berlin, known for its lively nightlife and its wide range of tourist attractions. In this neighborhood, you will find numerous restaurants, bars and cafes offering a wide range of delicious food and drinks, with a strong Turkish and Middle Eastern influence.
Neukölln is also home to some of Berlin’s most beautiful parks, such as Hasenheide Park , which is a great place for a walk or picnic. The neighborhood is also known for its street art, with numerous works of art decorating the walls and facades of buildings. Additionally, Neukölln is home to some of Berlin’s most interesting street markets, such as the Maybachufer market , where you can buy fresh produce and local specialties. Finally, the neighborhood is a great place for shopping, with numerous independent fashion shops and designer boutiques.
Charlottenburg
The Charlottenburg district is an elegant and historic place in Berlin , known for its Baroque architecture and its wide range of tourist attractions. In this neighborhood, you’ll find numerous historic buildings, such as Charlottenburg Palace , which is one of the largest and most beautiful in Berlin.
Charlottenburg is also home to some of Berlin’s most interesting museums, such as the Berggruen Museum , which houses a large collection of modern artworks. The neighborhood is also a great place for shopping, with numerous fashion boutiques and designer shops. Furthermore, Charlottenburg is home to some of Berlin’s finest restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious food and fine wines. Finally, the neighborhood is a great place for a walk, with numerous parks and green spaces, such as the Schlosspark Charlottenburg Park , which is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
