Berlin, Germany is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a rich history and eclectic and animated culture. The capital city of Germany, exploring Berlin is a must for any curious traveler. With attractions ranging from the historic Brandenburg Gate and the poignant Berlin Wall Memorial to the famous Reichstag Building and Charlottenburg Palace, there are countless things to do in Berlin that cater to every type of explorer. The city’s unique blend of historical landmarks, parks, and a thriving culinary scene captivates over 14 million visitors annually, promising an unforgettable experience.
Berlin Cathedral on a beautiful autumn day in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Angelo Abear on Unsplash.
Whether you’d like to visit the majestic Reichstag Building, imposing Brandenburg Gate, and the opulent Charlottenburg Palace, savor authentic German cuisine, or dive into the city’s illustrious nightlife, I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide. These are the top things to do in Berlin, Germany!
Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of division, now stands tall as a sign of Berlin’s unification. Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash.
The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin’s most iconic landmark, stands majestically at Pariser Platz and is emblematic of the city’s tumultuous history and eventual reunification. It was designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans and inspired by the Propylaea of the Athenian Acropolis. Built between 1788 and 1791, the Brandenburg Gate features a stunning sculpture of a horse-drawn chariot, which symbolizes victory.
During the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate stood in the exclusion zone of the Berlin Wall, making it a poignant symbol of division. However, since the wall’s fall in 1989, it has become a powerful symbol of Berlin’s reunification and one of the best things to do in Berlin.
Key Details:
Location: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin
Admission: Free
Accessibility: The Brandenburg Gate is open to visitors at any time
Brandenburg Gate Architectural Features:
Height: 26 meters
Length: 65.5 meters
Depth: 11 meters
Columns: Two rows of six Doric columns
Museum Island: The Best Museums in Berlin
Museum Island is home to five glorious museums, each featuring its own unique collections. Photo by Alexander Van Steenberge on Unsplash.
Along with the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island is among the most popular things to do in Berlin. The city of Paris is world-renowned for its museums, and in my opinion, Berlin’s museums rival it in quality. Museum Island is a cultural beacon in Berlin’s historic Mitte district, proudly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique ensemble hosts five prestigious museums, each offering a distinct glimpse into various epochs and art forms, making it a cornerstone of Berlin’s cultural landscape. The museums are as follows:
Altes Museum: Celebrates Enlightenment-era art and historical artifacts.
Neues Museum: Home to the exquisite bust of Nefertiti.
Alte Nationalgalerie: Displays a range of works from Classicism to early Modern Age.
Bode Museum: Known for its sculpture collection and Byzantine art.
Pergamon Museum: Features antiquities, Near Eastern, and Islamic art collections.
Visitor Information:
Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchairs; offers aids for visually and hearing-impaired visitors.
Transport: Well-connected via public transport; nearest stations include U Museumsinsel and S Hackescher Markt.
Operating Hours: Open daily except Mondays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
James Simon Gallery: Serves as the modern gateway to the island, offering special exhibitions.
Archaeological Promenade: A connecting corridor that links four museums, enriching the visitor experience with key art pieces.
Services:
Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages, providing an enriching and structured exploration.
Amenities: Numerous dining options, restrooms, and locker facilities available for convenience.
Berlin Wall Memorial: A Monument to Berlin’s History
Remnants of the infamous Berlin Wall still stand in parts of the city. Image by roegger from Pixabay.
The Berlin Wall Memorial, situated on Bernauer Straße, marks a significant site where the Berlin Wall once stood, dividing the districts of Wedding and Mitte. Erected in August 1961, this area witnessed numerous dramatic escapes and pivotal historical events. The first segments of the wall were dismantled here in November 1989 and signaled the beginning of the end of a divided Berlin.
The memorial serves as a stark reminder of the past and as an educational resource. Its meticulously curated exhibits and artifacts offer comprehensive insights into the Cold War era. It’s one of the top things to do in Berlin for any history enthusiast.
Key Features and Exhibitions:
Remaining Wall Segments: A preserved 70-metre stretch of the wall, complete with border strip and original watchtower.
Open-Air Exhibition: Located on the former border strip, this outdoor exhibition utilizes historical audio materials and pictures to narrate the wall’s history.
Documentation Centre: Offers an indoor exhibition detailing the construction and political implications of the wall during 1961.
Observation Tower: A five-story structure providing panoramic views of the historical site.
Chapel of Reconciliation: Positioned within the memorial grounds, offering a space for reflection.
Window of Memorial: Commemorates the 130 individuals who lost their lives at the Berlin Wall.
Visitor Information:
Accessibility: The site is partially accessible, with the Visitor Center and Documentation Center being barrier-free.
Admission: No charge for entry, encouraging educational visits.
Hours of Operation: The memorial and its exhibitions are open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the Documentation Centre and Visitor Centre operate from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Additional Services:
Guided Tours and Educational Programs: These are available to enhance understanding of Berlin’s division and reunification.
Digital Guide: Explore Bernauer Strasse using a smartphone-enabled digital guide available on the memorial’s website.
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery stands as a symbol of joy and freedom in Berlin. Photo by Norbert Braun on Unsplash.
The East Side Gallery is a historical open-air gallery that stretches over 1.3 kilometers along the remnants of the Berlin Wall. This iconic landmark captures the artistic spirit and commemorates the joy and relief at the end of Germany’s division. Established in 1990, it has become a symbol of freedom and one of the top things to do in Berlin for art and history lovers.
Historical Significance: Initially part of the inner wall of East Berlin, it was a restricted area, which after the fall of the Wall, transformed into an artistic space.
Artistic Contributions: Features over 100 murals by artists from 21 countries, including famous works like Dmitri Vrubel’s “Fraternal Kiss” and Birgit Kinder’s depiction of a Trabant car breaking through the wall.
Cultural Impact: It reflects the euphoria of the period following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the hope for a unified and free future.
Visitor Information
Accessibility: The gallery is wheelchair accessible and open 24/7.
Location: Situated in Friedrichshain along the Spree River, it is easily accessible from Warschauer Straße and Ostbahnhof stations.
Tours: Public tours with audio guides and thematic guided tours for small groups are available.
Charlottenburg Palace: One of the Grandest Things to Do in Berlin
The interior of Charlottenburg Palace, a former summer residence for Sophie Charlotte. Photo by Yunwei Song on Unsplash.
Charlottenburg Palace is the city’s largest palace and one of the grandest things to do in Berlin. Constructed in 1699 as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Friedrich III, it originally bore the name Lietzenburg Palace. Following Sophie Charlotte’s death, officials renamed the palace in her honor. Charlottenburg Palace then evolved into a cultural hub, famously dubbed her “court of the muses.”
Charlottenburg Palace has enjoyed numerous enhancements, particularly by Queen Louise of Prussia. It also suffered significant damage during World War II, leading to extensive renovations to restore its former glory.
Charlottenburg Palace operates from 10 am to 4:30 pm in winter and extends its hours to 5:30 pm in summer. Visitors can access the New Wing, the Silver Vault, and remnants of the Prussian crown jewels. It costs 12 Euros for a basic palace tour, with a comprehensive Charlottenburg+ ticket available for 17 Euros.
Key Attractions and Features
Baroque Parade Rooms: Used for official royal affairs, these rooms represent the pinnacle of opulence within Charlottenburg Palace.
The Porcelain Cabinet: Houses an impressive collection of Chinoiserie, showcasing one of the oldest and largest porcelain collections.
The Golden Gallery: A rococo ballroom adorned with exquisite porcelain and treasures, highlighting the palace’s luxurious aesthetic.
Visitor Experience
Garden and Park: Charlottenburg Palace lies in the center of a meticulously designed French landscape garden by Siméon Godeau, complete with official buildings and pastoral scenes.
The Mausoleum and Belvedere Tea House: These structures offer insights into royal life and the extensive porcelain collection from KPM.
Best Visit Times: Ideal during summer or fall for pleasant weather and full access to the palace grounds and facilities.
Enjoy Authentic German Food
Wiener schnitzel is an extremely popular German dish that all travelers should try. Photo by Mark König on Unsplash.
As you might expect, Berlin is one of the best places in the world to enjoy authentic German food. Most German cuisine tends to be heavy and hearty, focusing on bread, potatoes, and meats, especially pork. Sausages are extremely popular, as is cabbage. Germany has a proud beer culture as well, and Berlin is the perfect place to try many of them.
Some German dishes I recommend include käsespätzle, a cheesy pasta dish similar to macaroni and cheese. It usually comes topped with fried onions and grated cheese. I also love sauerbraten, a type of pot roast served in a sour gravy. A popular street food I highly recommend is currywurst, a meaty sausage served with fries and ketchup.
Schnitzel is a flattened and tenderized meat cutlet battered in egg, flour, and breadcrumbs. It’s then fried until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Another local favorite is rouladen, a French-inspired dish made from bacon and picked wrapped in thinly sliced beef or veal. I also recommend eintopf, a hearty stew containing sausages, potatoes, and other vegetables. Regardless of what you pick, trying German food will likely be one of your favorite things to do in Berlin!
Tiergarten Park is often referred to as Berlin’s green lung. It’s a sprawling urban oasis that originally served as a royal hunting ground. The 210-hectare park has since evolved into a beloved public space, akin to New York’s Central Park or Hyde Park in London. Its design, inspired by English models, was masterfully reimagined between 1833 and 1838 by Peter Joseph Lenné, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Attractions and Activities
Monuments and Memorials: Explore significant sites like the Victory Column and the Soviet War Memorial.
The Tea House and Café am neuen See: Relax at these charming spots offering picturesque park views.
Boating on the Tiefer See: Enjoying a leisurely boat ride on the serene park lake is one of my top things to do in Berlin.
Facilities and Accessibility
Open-Air Gas Lantern Museum: Discover nearly 100 historical gas lanterns from Berlin and beyond.
Accessibility: The park is friendly for those with walking disabilities and wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can enjoy the space.
Leisure Paths: Numerous paths for jogging, cycling, and walking are available throughout the park.
Tempelhofer Feld
Tempelhofer Feld is a massive urban park on the site of an old, defunct airport. Photo by Ralf Knüfer on Unsplash.
Tempelhofer Feld is another vast urban park in Berlin. Located on the site of the old Tempelhof Airport, the now-defunct airfield was transformed into this breezy recreational space. Spanning nearly 954 acres, it lies just south of Berlin’s city center. This park, free to enter through its three main entrances, offers many activities ranging from kite flying to cycling, making it a beloved spot among locals and tourists alike. No list of the top things to do in Berlin is complete without it!
Non-Motorized Sports: Enjoy rollerblading, skateboarding, and cycling on the former runways.
Picnicking and Sunbathing: Spacious areas perfect for relaxing with family and friends.
Community Gardening: Participate in growing vegetables like lettuce and carrots in the urban gardening section.
Historical Tours
Guided Tours: Learn about the site’s history, including its role during the Berlin Airlift.
Tour Details: Tours require sturdy shoes and a good fitness level; note that dogs and baby carriages are not permitted.
Events and Facilities
Cultural Events: Hosts events such as the Festival of Giant Dragons and bird migration workshops.
Facilities: Features a 6-kilometer trail for cycling and jogging, and a large area designated for dog walking.
Reichstag Building
The Reichstag Building is home to the Bundestag, or German parliament. Photo by hoch3media on Unsplash.
The Reichstag Building serves as the seat of the German parliament, the Bundestag. This historic edifice is not only a political hub but also a tourist magnet, renowned for its stunning architecture. It also offers stunning panoramic views from its famous glass dome and roof terrace. If you’re interested in learning about German society, visiting Reichstag Building is one of the top things to do in Berlin!
Visitor Registration and Admission
Advance Registration: Necessary for all Reichstag Building visitors, which you can do through the Bundestag’s official website.
Admission: No fee, but prior online registration is required to access the Reichstag Building’s dome and terrace.
Entry Times: Open from 8:00 am to midnight, with last entry at 10:00 pm. Note special closures on December 24 and December 31.
Visiting the Dome and Terrace
Views: The Reichstag Building’s dome offers expansive views over Berlin, capturing key landmarks and the government district.
Accessibility: Facilities are accessible, with entry provisions for visitors with disabilities at West Portal (West C).
Tours and Dining
Guided Tours: Guided tours of the Reichstag Building are available when parliament is not in session, focusing on the building’s history, architecture, and function.
Dining: The rooftop restaurant operates daily, providing meals and views from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm to midnight.
Practical Information
Transport: Accessible via public transport with options including train, underground, and bus.
Security: Mandatory ID checks at the Reichstag Building entrance; large bags and luggage are not permitted.
Indulge in Berlin’s Nightlife at Berghain
The exterior of Berghain during the COVID lockdown period. Photo by Marc Zeman on Unsplash.
Berghain is a vibrant nightclub located in a former power plant. It epitomizes Berlin’s underground nightlife scene and is famous for its stark, industrial ambiance and legendary techno beats. Known for its selective entry policy, the club invites a diverse crowd, emphasizing a unique blend of attitude and style over appearance.
Main Floor and Music
Dark, Industrial Atmosphere: The main floor is famous for its intense techno music, resonating through a custom-built sound system by d&b audiotechnik.
Panorama Bar: Situated on the second floor, this area offers a more relaxed vibe with house music and city views.
Säure Floor: Dedicated to acid techno, available only on Saturdays.
Services and Policies
Cash-Only Transactions: ATMs are available inside for convenience.
Cloakroom: Store belongings for a fee ranging from 1.50€ to 3.50€.
No Photography: To maintain the atmosphere and privacy, guests cannot take photos or video inside the club.
Pricing and Schedule
Entry Fee: Approximately €25.
Operating Hours: Open from 10 pm on Thursday to 5 am on Friday; 10 pm on Friday to 6 am on Monday.
Accessibility and Contact
Location: Am Wriezener Bahnhof, Berlin 10243.
Transport: Easily reachable by S3, S5, S7, S75, S9 at Ostbahnhof.
Conclusion
Exploring Berlin is an enriching, vibrant experience for travelers around the world. Photo by Alexandre Barbosa on Unsplash.
Berlin’s rich attractions are a sight to behold, from the Brandenburg Gate to Charlottenburg Palace. Add in the city’s rich culture, prominent food scene, and spirited nightlife, and you have a city that will appeal to just about anyone. Each of these things to do in Berlin paints a vivid portrait of a city that is continually evolving yet deeply anchored in its past. It’s one of my favorite European cities, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, too! Be sure to book a trip so you can experience the top things to do in Berlin for yourself!
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