Top Things to do in Berlin
For anyone visiting Berlin, an incredible experience lies in wait.
The German capital: steeped in sometimes-dark history, today's Berlin is a cultural gem.
For a taste of German life, past and present, short breaks to Berlin are ideal.
Packed with art galleries, museums, off-the-wall cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and an energising, edgy vibe all of its own, there's certainly no shortage of things to do in Berlin.
What is Berlin famous for?
The most famous landmarks in Berlin are the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and The Berlin Wall, but asides from these attractions, there are plenty of other things to do in Berlin.
Here are our top things to do on a city break to Berlin, Germany.
The Berlin Wall
If you want a good sense of Berlin's (relatively) recent history, you simply must check out the Berlin Wall.
One of the most popular things to see in Berlin this 100-mile wall was built between west Berlin and east Berlin in 1961, dividing the Soviet-administered East from the Allied-administered west.
The walls were mostly torn down in 1989 when the USSR collapsed, but sections remain - including one covered in art.
Known as The East Side Gallery, the open-air gallery features over 100 different paintings from artists all across the world, across it’s 1.3km section of Berlin wall.
The other remaining section of the Berlin wall is preserved as it was when built in the 60s.
The only place people could cross was Checkpoint Charlie - which is also a must-visit on a Berlin city break.
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is arguably the most recognisable symbol of the German capital and one of the main attractions you must see on a city break to Berlin.
Built in the 18th century, it just about survived both the Allied then the Soviet bombing during World War Two.
Originally built as a gateway to Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is now seen as a symbol of peace and unity.
Enjoy the classic Berlin view with a takeaway currywurst sausage and chips.
Not a meat-eater? The great news is Berlin is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in Europe so once you’ve finished touring the Berlin landmarks, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding some culinary vegan delights to enjoy.
Credit: Elena Odareeva - stock.adobe.com
Holocaust Memorial
Located near the Brandenbrug Gate is The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, otherwise referred to as the Holocaust Memorial.
Opened in 2005, the Holocaust Memorial consists of a field of 2711 concrete steles of varying heights, covering a total area of about 19,000 square meters.
The memorial can be passed through from all sides and the steeles create an undulating pattern,
The memorial is intended to stimulate reflection.
Markthalle Neun
If you're a fan of food or shopping (or both!), a trip to the Markthalle Neun is one of the top things to do on a Berlin city break.
This covered market is a mecca for lovers of quality food: find organic vegetables, meat and cheese, along with vintage clothing and much more.
Originally built in 1891, it was reopened in 2011.
The market also houses plenty of places to try an authentic German meal.
Reichstag
The seat of German government for centuries is a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate.
The building has survived the ravages of war, arson and much else besides.
Today the refurbished Reichstag with its huge glass dome is a key tourist attraction for a Berlin weekend break, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Berlin cityscape.
The dome can be visited, but you'll have to book your ticket in advance.
Museum Island
Museum Island is a collection of five museums - Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum and the Pergamonmuseum.- located on an actual island in the heart of Berlin:
Built between 1830 and 1930 on behalf of the Prussian kings according to plans by five architects, it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999.
The museums opened in 2009 after the area was finally reconstructed after the damage of World War Two.
Collections at these German museums are varied and include everything from Islamic sculpture to French renaissance paintings.
Don't miss the beautiful Berliner Dom cathedral (Berlin Cathedral), also located on the island.
The listed building is the largest Protestant church in Germany.
Berlin TV Tower
The 368 metre Berlin television tower is Germany's tallest building.
Located in East Germany, the tower was built to show off the superiority of the Soviet-run East.
Here you can have a meal in the rotating restaurant and enjoy the 360-degree view.
Don't miss the nearby AlexanderPlatz.
The Jewish Museum
Whilst on a Berlin city break, a visit to the Jewish Museum is a must.
This vast museum details the experiences of German Jews before and during World War Two, with a huge number of exhibits featuring photos, belongings of victims, and evidence of the holocaust and other crimes against the Jews.
A sobering but rewarding experience.
Charlottenburg Palace
Another of the main Berlin attractions is Charlottenburtg Palace.
This vast summer palace was built by Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Friedrich I, Elector of Brandenburg. It was inaugurated in 1699.
Created in the baroque and rococo styles, the palace was badly damaged in World War Two. It was reconstructed between 1957 and 1970.
A visit here is a great way to relax away from the hustle and bustle of central Berlin.
French Cathedral
The pretty French Cathedral is located on Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin-Mitte.
The tower part of the building - the French Church of Friedrichstadt - houses the Huguenot Museum.
The Huguenot Museum explores the reasons that led to the flight and settlement of Protestants from France through visual displays of documents, paintings, engravings, books, manuscripts and medals.
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Located in the western centre of Berlin, the original West tower of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was partially destroyed by a bombing by the allied forces in 1943.
Deliberately, complete repairs were never made to the tower. Instead, it symobically serves as a memorial against war.
Botanic Garden & Botanical Museum
If you're passionate about fauna and flora, a trip to the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum will really appeal to you as one of the things to do on a city break in Berlin.
Created in 1910, the Botanic Garden was designed to encompass the flora of the world. As such it has 20,000 plant species, covering 100,000 acres - making it another wonderful place to relax in the heart of the city.
Berlin Zoo
Berlin zoo is home to the largest variety of species of any zoo in the world, including Germany’s only Giant Panda’s
Aside from being a popular tourist attraction for those visiting Berlin, Zoo Berlin plays a very important role in animal conservation.
Contributing financially to species conservation projects around the world, it is also actively involved in international species protection programmes. helping to reintroduce endangered species in their natural habitats.
Berlin boat tours
A great way to explore Germany’s capital is to take a Berlin boat tour.
City boat tours are generally around 1 hour – 2 ½ hours in duration, and with most of the ciity's popular attractions being located on the banks of the river Spree, a Berlin boat tour is a great way to explore the city and experience its main sights.
Longer boat trips are also available (generally 3 – 4 hours in length) and these take you out into the countryside to the Müggelsee and the Havel.
Berlin beer gardens
For those looking to take a break from sight-seeing, Berlin has an abundance of beer gardens on offer to quench your thirst.
These idyllic, lush green settings are often located next to the waterside, such as Café am Neuen See, one of Berlin’s oldest and best known beer gardens, which can be found in Tiergarten.
Alternative culture
One of the best things to do whilst on your city break in Berlin, is to absorb yourself into the music and arts of the German capital.
Berlin's alternative culture scene is deservedly world famous.
From street art to to Berlin’s nightlife of incredible live music and off-beat night clubs, the city is a mecca for painters, writers, musicians and plain old flaneurs.
Be sure to set aside enough time to explore it - both at night and during the day.
Depending on the timing of your visit, you may also find yourself in Berlin for one of the city’s annual themed events.
Festival of Lights
For example, the spectacular Festival of Lights; a free annual international event, takes place in October, where key Berlin landmarks are transformed with illuminations and projections.
Carnival of Culture
A visit to Berlin in Spring, and you may find yourself witness to the extravagant sights and sounds of Berlin’s Carnival of Culture. Berlin’s answer to Nottinghill Carnival.
Carnival of Cultures lasts for around 4 days, the highlight being the street parade on Pentecost Sunday in Kreuzberg, featuring performances from thousands of dancers, musicians and artists.
Berlin is also home to some of Europe’s best Christmas markets, making it the ideal destination to visit during the month of December.
Find out more about visiting Berlin
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