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Berlin travel blog — the fullest berlin travel guide blog for a great budget trip to berlin for the first-timers.

Berlin is Germany’s largest city and second largest city after London in the European Union, which has always been one of the top cities for tourism in Europe. Although it doesn’t have many romantic places like Paris in France, Venice of Italy but Berlin always makes me feel a lot of mysteries inside this city. Partly because Berlin is Germany’s major political and economic capital, where many political and cultural conflicts have occurred with the famous Berlin Wall, the remnants of the world war and the cold war lasting for decades. I have always wondered why filmmakers about detectives, spies often take the background in Berlin for their films such as The Bourne Identity, Unknown by Liam Nesson, … That’s is feeling cold and full of mysteries with the secrets deep in the heart of this city. So, what to do in Berlin? Let’s check out our Berlin travel blog (Berlin blog, Berlin trip blog) with the fullest Berlin travel guide blog (Berlin city guide blog) for a wonderful trip to the capital of Germany for the first-timers from how to get to Berlin, best places to visit, top things to do in Berlin to find out the answer!

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Berlin travel guide blog: When is the best time to visit Berlin?

Like most other cities in Europe (Western Europe), the best time of year to visit Berlin is in late April or mid-September, when the weather is quite cool and pleasant, not peak tourist season in August, so you will avoid the sweltering heat and crowded scenery of tourists. However, you should pay attention to some events and festivals in Berlin to make planning for your upcoming trip.

• Karneval der Kulturen Festival: Held every year during the 4-day of Pfingsten (Pentecost) holiday in Kreuzberg district. A lot of art activities such as marches, lion dance, which vibrant and bustling on the streets.
• Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival): Film festival held in February with many participating films, promotional activities, film screenings in the month, very bustling.
• May 1 Holiday: The festival is held on the weekend of May 1 ocasion with culinary and dance activities.
• There are also a number of other festivals such as the beer festival held in August, the Berlin music festival in September every year.

Berlin travel blog: Getting around Berlin

Fly to berlin.

Berlin has two main airports: Schoenefeld Airport (SXF) and Tegel Airport (TXL). You have plenty of options for getting from the airport to the city center, such as taking the Airport Express, S-bahn train, Shuttle bus or taxi.

Getting around the city

To get around the city you can buy the Berlin Welcome Card that can use to unlimited travel all kinds of vehicles in Berlin like Berlin S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, trams, ferries. In addition, this card is also quite discounted when you use to buy tickets to museums and attractions. If you stay only few days and only go to a certain number of places, you can buy zone tickets.

German Rail Pass

In Berlin there is a bus route that can take you around the city, which is the bus No. 100, the first bus since the unification of Germany to connect between East and West Berlin. This route starts from Alexanderplatz square through points such as Museum Island, Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Victory Tower and the Kurfürstendamm shopping area to finally stop at the zoo. If traveling by train, there is also a city view tour, the S-Bahn route connecting Zoologischer Garten and Alexanderplatz station.

In addition, you can catch the Hop-on Hop-off bus, that take you to some main attractions of Berlin, including Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. Refer here: Berlin Red Buses Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus.

Tickets for public transport or Pass, Travel card in Berlin can also be used to take the Ferry (boat, ferry), usually the ferries on the Wannsee lake with beautiful scenery on both sides. Take a S-Bahn train to Wannsee station and then take a ferry to Kradow, where there are quite a lot of walking streets with great beer shops and gardens. Ferries run every 1 hour and take about 20 minutes to get to Kradow.

Berlin Pass with 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

• Berlin Welcome Card with Optional Museum Island Pass

Read more: How to get around Berlin cheap? — 5 best way to get around Berlin & how to travel around Berlin .

Berlin blog: Where to stay in Berlin?

With a 3-day to 1-week trip in Berlin there are plenty of hotel options as well as hostel-style accommodation for backpackers. Hostel room rates anywhere in the city ranging from 15 to 30 EUR/night, which means the common ground still has cheap accommodation to stay. Some hotels and hostels are highly rated by tourists:

Family-friendly hotel: Mövenpick Hotel Berlin Am Potsdamer Platz ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) . This hotel is located right near Anhalter Bahnhof station with modern design room, fully equipped. Available services such as restaurants and gyms.

Almodovar Hotel Berlin – Biohotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) : Located on the lively street Simon-Dach Straße, with the main design of wood makes the friendly and different of this hotel.

Hostel Generator Berlin Mitte ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) : A famous hostel type that backpackers love because of its comfort and feel like a family living area. This hostel is just 2 km from the historic square of Alexanderplatz, Hackesche Höfe and Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.

Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Hackescher Markt ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $93.25/night.

Novotel Berlin Mitte , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $97.49/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Select Hotel Berlin The Wall , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $59.35/night. ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Palace Berlin , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $126.94/night. ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find more, check rates, availability & book for Berlin hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Berlin city guide: What to eat in Berlin?

Berlin is considered as the largest Turkish community outside of Turkey, so Doner Kebab or Pitta breads are the most popular street foods in this city, just like bread in Vietnam. Doner kebab here are also very cheap, you can easily buy one just about EUR 2 on the street. In addition, other cheap foods such as snacks, street foods you should go to M arkt Halle Neun Street , every Thursday night from 17:00 – 22:00 there is a bustling street food fair, with Famous dish is Currywurst Doner, a type of fried sausage with curry sauce served with french fries.

In addition to the Markt Halle Neun streetfood, you can go to Mauerpark flea market (Address: Bernauer Str. 63-64, 13355 Berlin, Germany) on Sunday, the largest flea market in Berlin, in addition to dining, there are large supermarket chains with many items such as of Netto, Lidl,..

Another dish worth a try is Vegan Pizzeria, an Italian Pizza in the heart of Germany, the restaurant serving this dish which very delicious is Sfizy Veg (Address: 95, Treptower Str., 12059 Berlin, Germany) . In addition to the delicious pizzas, the design is also very beautiful, with the white tone looks very stylish and clean.

Those who want to eat cheap but have beautiful views can not miss the student canteen areas, especially at the Skyline Cafeteria of the Technical University of Berlin on the 20th floor of the Telefunken-Hochhaus (Telefunken skyscraper). This place is open to everyone on every morning and around noon at 11.30am to 3pm, the food is cheap and also quite delicious.

The experience in Berlin is that eating street food is not cheap as you think, sometimes street food is more expensive than in cafes, especially in central districts like Mitte or Charlottenburg, and in Alexanderplatz, a little cheaper. So if you want to saving on eating and drinking, you should refer to the prices in many places before buying.

Berlin travel guide blog: Best places to visit and top things to do in Berlin

Before coming to Berlin, like Barcelona, ​​you should have a quick look at the history of this city, but the closer you learn, the better it will be because thanks to that, your trip will be good to understand and compare with what you already know, have read and are still wondering about it. Berlin is often less noticeable than other European cities such as Paris, Prague, Rome, .. where there are roads, alleys or bridges bearing the symbol of love and romance. Berlin is more thorny than that, the old architecture here still exist but very few because of the devastation of the war, this city is both developing and rebuilding, renovating buildings and ruins that destroyed in war.

Coming to Berlin is to learn the evidences of contemporary history, of world war, of Nazi, of the Soviet Red Army, of a country that was once divided by the legendary Berlin wall, but has is united without bloodshed, which is the sweet result of true altruism. There are many monuments in Berlin so you can learn about the history of the city in particular and of the world war in general. For those who want to find a romantic place like Paris, Hallstatt or Amsterdam will probably be disappointed, but Berlin is very suitable for nostalgic people, love history and explore. Of course, once you like it, you will always find the word “romantic” on every journey or even the small corners of the city where you come.

Berlin has to say is very large, divided into many different (districts) areas. You should plan to visit each area for a specific day, each day can spend a full time for a certain area. The main areas in Berlin can be listed as Mitte, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Prenzlauer Berg or Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.

Mitte central district

Located in the heart of a large Berlin, Mitte is also one of the most visited places in this city. The cost of living, traveling or eating in the Mitte area is also among the most expensive in Berlin. Coming hre, you should visit the famous Gendarmen market and the symbol of Berlin is the Gate of Brandenburg, the Reistag building and Berlin’s busiest and most expensive and bustling shopping street – Friedrich Strasse.

Topography Of Terror

This can be considered a museum displaying the history development of the Nazi, where its prisons were built from 1933 to 1945. The buildings were destroyed after the war but there are still a lot of traces on the walls from and are worth a visit, especially this place is free admission.

Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin, Germany Hours: 10AM–8PM

Reichstag Building

It was built in 1894 but was bombed and abandoned, then it was rebuilt and is currently used as a German Parliament house (Bundestag). It’s free to enter but you will need to make a reservation online or at the counter. When you come to this building, there is an interesting place: the giant glass dome behind, if you climb up here, you will have a free audio guide and admire the panoramic view of Berlin, especially the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Cathedral Church and Mercedes Benz building.

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany Hours: 8AM–12AM

Brandenburg Gate

Located right next to Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate is really a symbol of Berlin. Originally built in 1791 as a border between East and West Berlin, it is now a symbol of a united Germany.

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Berlin Wall

This is definitely a must-go when traveling to Berlin. The wall was built in 1961 before it collapsed in 1989, marking a united Germany. 4m high wall in the middle of Berlin where the East – West were divided into two separate countries, German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). Although it was called the “Wall of Shame” by the West Germans, it was the protective wall against Nazi for East Germany. During the cold war, more than 5,000 people tried to cross this wall to go to West Berlin. At present, the memorials still have more than 1.5km of the original wall (160km long) for tourists to learn and explore, on the wall now are artistic drawings expressing the freedom spirit of people, youth.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Also known as the Holocaust Memorial is built from 2,711 concrete columns to form a large labyrinth-like monument located at the foot of the Berlin wall.

Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany Hours: 10AM–7PM / Monday: Closed

Potsdamer Platz

Located close to the Holocaust memorial, Potsdamer Platz is one of Berlin’s bustling neighborhoods with towering buildings, skyscrapers and modern architecture, most prominent is the Sony Center. I am get lost here but I thought I was standing in Singapore or Hong Kong in the heart of ancient Berlin!

Fernsehturm TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm)

Built in the 1960s, this is the highest construction in the city (368m). You can climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of Berlin, enjoy a drink or even a meal at this bar or restaurant. Admission is between €13-€20.

Address: Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin, Germany Hours: 9AM–12AM

Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral)

The short name for Berlin Cathedral, this church has an architectural style that blends Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical art. The intricate sculpture is shown on the inside walls of the church, you can climb the stairs to climb to the top of the dome and zoom out. Admission fee is €7.

Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Neue Wache and Bebelplatz

These two places are located quite close together and you absolutely can visit at once. Neue Wache is a small memorial for war victims but has a strong meaning and message. Just across the street is the Bebelplatz where you can look down through a glass door just above the ground of a large library with empty bookshelves. This place is a tribute to Nazi students who were burned with more than 20,000 “un-German” books, not suitable for the new regime.

Museums in Mitte district

In addition to these famous landmarks, the central district of Mitte has many other historical museums. The Neues Museum (Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany / Hours: 10AM–8PM) is famous for its bust statue of Nefertiti, the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum (Address: Invalidenstraße 50-51, 10557 Berlin, Germany / Hours: 10AM–8PM) was once a train station displaying the works of contemporary art by Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, etc. There also are the German Historical Museum (Address: Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin, Germany) , the DDR Museum (Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany) which quite stores artifacts on the daily life of the East Berlin communists. These museums are located quite concentrated and on the edge of the Museum Island. You can come here to visit many museums at once and have just strolled relaxing on the river Spree surrounding the island.

West Side Berlin

The western part of the city including the Charlottenburg, Wilmersdorf district is a modern area of ​​the city. This area has a lot of restaurants, bars and busy shopping streets. Places to visit include:

KaDeWe Department Store

One of the largest shopping malls in Europe with lots of luxury stores. Those who are passionate about shopping can not miss this place, located right next to U Wittenbergplatz, and at the same time, many expensive restaurants and eateries are located on the 6th floor of the department store.

Address: Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin, Germany

Tiergarten Park

An ecological area in the heart of Berlin with lots of trees, walkways and lakes with fresh air that is suitable for anyone who comes with family or in groups. At the end of the park there are often festivals, beer gardens and traditional food with many indigenous families as well as tourists participating.

Address: Str. des 17. Juni, 10785 Berlin, Germany

Charlottenburg Palace

The Charlottenburg Royal Palace was built in 1699 to serve Queen Sophie Charlotte, the wife of King Frederick III. The palace is very large with tree-lined streets, in the middle of the yard is a statue of King Friedrich Wilhelm I, the flower garden in front of the castle reminds me of Vienna’s summer palace.

Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin, Germany Hours: 10AM–4:30PM; Monday: Closed

East Side Berlin

The eastern part of Berlin still retains the remnants of an old socialist regime, which is much cheaper of living cost than the central Mitte or the west. If you stay in the East area you can not miss the East Side Gallery (Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany/Hours: Open 24 hours) , the path with the rest of the Berlin wall and 101 large paintings directly painted on the wall. Or Alexanderplatz, named after the Russian Tsar Alexander, although It’s located close to the center of Mitte, but on the right edge of East Berlin. The square is home to many important German historical events.

In addition to the above locations, there is another place that Vietnamese people often visit in Berlin is Dong Xuan Center, Dong Xuan Market in Berlin. There are many stalls selling Vietnamese goods, including traditional dishes that are difficult to find in Hanoi, but you can find in the market. Due to being acquainted with the civilized lifestyle of Germany, the market is also very organized, from sellers to buyers who are eager to serve enthusiastically thoughtful. Although it is Vietnamese market, there are quite a lot of Germans shopping here.

Kreuzberg District

This can be considered an area for young people, because it was once a place where immigrants, young people, hippy people or artists live. On the streets are graffiti drawings full of art, cafes and bars open throughout the night. Every Thursday from 17:00 to 22:00 at Markethalle 9 in this Kreuzberg area host open-air parties of the free, artistic people who like to make friends, that can be considered as a very fun party and everyone comes here with a very open and happy mood, different from the usual quiet Berlin.

Places you should visit when coming to Kreuzberg.

Jewish Museum

The building is made of striking glass, interior displays many Jewish artifacts in Germany, with many incidents happening to them in history.

Address: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin, Germany

German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin)

Display many collections of the history of German technology and engineering with artifacts of aircraft, ships, trains and even weapons during World War II. Admission to this museum is € 8.

Address: Trebbiner Str. 9, 10963 Berlin, Germany Hours: 9AM–5:30PM / Monday: Closed

Checkpoint Charlie

A place definitely not to be missed for tourists when coming to Berlin because it is one of the 7 checkpoints of the Berlin Wall that prevents the flow of people from crossing the border. This Charlie Checkpoint allows foreigners such as Britain, France and the US to move to East Germany. If you have an oppotunity to come here remember taking pictures with the guards (mostly part-time students) as a testament to a turbulent history of Berlin. Note that there is a museum on the Berlin wall nearby but there is nothing to see, you should not spend money to enter here.

Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Berlin travel blog: Some other useful tips when traveling to Berlin

• Shops in Berlin are usually closed on Sundays, including shops, drug stores and supermarkets. You can still find some places that are open like in Brandenbourg Gate but seem to be only there. Except for cafes or restaurants that open all week. On weekdays, shops are open from 09:00 am to 08:00 pm depending on the location.
• Usually you speak English in Berlin they still understand and answer for you, but it is better to learn some basic German sentences because most of the street signs are in German.
• In Berlin, the central district is Mitte, if you staying and living in Mitte and Charlottenburg is of course more expensive than in the Alexanderplatz area which was formerly the center of East Berlin.
• The Berliners generally dressed quite simply, not many people dressed in a style way on the streets with clothes, bags and shoes brands. They can be very friendly, try to help you but often they rarely smile. And if you meet someone who is proactively approaching you, asks you for some information like asking directions, or asking you to answer a survey or something like that. It is best if you answer that you are not a native and do not know anything to avoid risks.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Berlin you can refer to

• Discover Berlin Half Day Walking Tour
• Potsdam Half Day Tour from Berlin
• East Berlin Half Day Walking Tour
• Berlin Friedrichstadt-Palast: Vivid Grand Show Ticket in Berlin
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Ticket in Berlin
• Berlin Red Buses Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus
• Berlin Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• 4G WiFi (SG Delivery) for Europe
• 3G/4G SIM Card for Multiple European Countries (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G Portable WiFi for Europe from Uroaming

How to get around Berlin? Read more: How to get around Berlin cheap? — 5 best way to get around Berlin & how to travel around Berlin . Are you looking for more top things to do in Berlin: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.

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How to Spend Three Days in Berlin, Germany: My 2023 Itinerary

When I visited Berlin for the first time, it felt surreal. The capital city of Germany has undergone more transformative events than I can count, and throughout its own history has reached the bottom as well as the top.

And Berlin is a city that has so many stories to tell, from the fall of political regimes to creating an international culture full of diversity, acceptance, and independence. I always believe that every city has a life of its own. History, people, politics, architecture, opportunities: each city has a unique atmosphere that you can’t quite find anywhere else, and the deeper you look, the more the city comes alive for you.

And if there’s one thing I know after having spent some time in this wonderful city, it’s that Berlin knows how to rise from the ashes. In spite of its tumultuous past, Berlin is now the city you go to if you’re looking for open-minded people, a beautiful sense of diversity, and bustling life that burns so strongly that barely anything could douse it.  

And that’s probably what I love about Berlin the most. The acceptance of everyone, and the desire to do better, be better, and enjoy life while doing so. Berlin shows the world that even though it was almost destroyed in the war, even though there used to be a wall dividing its citizens, and even though the city lost so much… it also gained. It learned and grew and proved the world that you can rise up and make the world a beautiful place again. 

Before I get even soppier, let’s switch the focus to all of the great places you should visit if you’ve decided to spend some time in Berlin. With over 3.8 million inhabitants, Berlin is a huge city that plays an immense role in the European Union and is inevitably tied to European culture and heritage. There are numerous places in Berlin that are a must-see during your stay in the city, from the East Side Gallery to Berliner Fernsehturm to Museum Island. 

Berlin weaves the historical and the modern very well together, which means you get to visit a vast number of places that are both of historical value and exciting for people born in the 21st century. 

Oh, and while you’re in Berlin, I strongly recommend that you take the bus or subway in order to move between destinations. As I said, the city is really large, and if you attempt to walk it all on foot, you might not be able to get up from the bed the next day. I’m speaking from experience: getting from East Side Gallery to Charlottenburg on foot made me regret I hadn’t worked more on my fitness prior to the trip. 

That was the day I swore to myself it’d be the public transport or nothing whilst I’m in Berlin. I also took up jogging.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Berlin? 

Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Berlin.

With three days, you’ll be able to check out all of the city’s biggest highlights, as well as a few hidden gems, so will be able to leave without feeling as though you missed out on anything major.

I spent three days in Berlin back in 2018, then recently returned for another three days to show my partner everything I adored about it. What can I say? I really do love this city!

With that being said, it’s time to get started: here’s how to spend three days in Berlin.

Day 1: It’s All About The Historic Monuments 

Whenever I take a city break to somewhere in Europe, I kick off my adventure by heading to the most famous sites. After all, isn’t that why I came here? Yep, when I wake up, I’m ready to leave my hotel room and feel as though I’m unmistakably in the heart of Berlin.

Once you’ve had breakfast, then, take the U5 service directly to the Reichstag: the home of Germany’s parliament. This area can get super-crowded, but has a much more peaceful air in the early-morning, before all of the tour groups have gathered.

This, my friends, is where you can find some of the best views of Berlin.

Entrance to the building is free, and if you look at the photo above, you’ll see a glass dome on top of the roof. Because entrance is free, you’ll need to make a reservation to visit, and it’s regularly fully-booked. As in, you probably should have booked your slot on the Bundestag website two weeks ago. (Hopefully you’re reading this article before you touch down in Berlin!)

There are some same-day tickets available, but tickets are issued a minimum of two hours before your visit, so it’s kind of a pain to have to leave and come back. You can also visit as part of a guided tour, so that’s definitely an option if it’s all booked up — it’s just €15 for a 90-minute tour . You can check availability for that using the widget below:

Once you’ve finished up at the Reichstag, it’s time to make the three-minute stroll over to Brandenburg Gate, the most well-known landmark in Berlin.

Once a symbol of a divided city, it is now a national symbol of peace and unity. Again, the earlier the better to see this historic gate to avoid huge crowds. 

At night, there is a cool light show on the gate itself. It is a majestic landmark closely located next to lots of other attractions, so it makes a great stop on your sightseeing tour of Berlin’s history. 

Another two-minute walk is needed to visit the sombre Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. 

It is a place of respect consisting of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern. Situated on a former section of the Berlin Wall, it is one of the main tourist sites in Berlin since its inauguration in 2005. 

An attached underground ‘Place of Information’ writes the names of approximately three million Jewish Holocaust victims. 

Exuding a haunted, silent and sensitive aura, this is a place of commemoration and contemplation. Do not be tempted to sit on these memorial blocks or take excessive photographs. 

Located nearby is Tiergarten Park, a perfect escape for peaceful solitude. Translated loosely to Animal Gardens, I would personally recommend walking through the lush greenery to find an ideal spot for a lunch picnic. 

It is vast: 500 acres are filled with wildlife and greenery. It also holds the zoo towards the west end of the park, if you fancy a lunchtime peak at the animals (you have to book to enter). 

In the precise middle point of the Tiergarten, you will find the Victory Column. It is a monument, a giant pillar of Germany’s past military victories over France and Prussia. 

Only €3 to climb, it boasts amazing views of the whole city’s urban centre. Just to note, take care when climbing the narrow winding staircase – if you feel claustrophobic it is perhaps not the best option to climb this column. 

After lunch, venture to Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station, for one of the coolest street art tours I’ve ever taken.

Original Berlin Walks runs the tour, and will tell you all there is to know about street art in this city, as well as let you experience Berlin’s alternative urban art culture, taking you to secret spots around East Berlin. You will become well-versed in the history of the graffiti on the Berlin Wall. 

Perhaps most interesting is the exploration of culture and politics behind the street art galleries. 

The duration is three hours and is €20 per person – you get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Book your tour here and become an expert in street art. 

If after a street art tour you are feeling inspired to create some art yourself, there is a graffiti workshop held at a section of the Berlin Wall. 

It’s €105.50 per person and it is likely to sell out as it is a huge success and is great fun to unleash your inner Banksy!

They begin the workshop with an interesting discussion about graffiti culture, and afterwards, the entire group will paint together, having lasting memories with professional photographs taken of your artwork. 

Only lasting 1.5 hours, it is a great way to get some creative juices flowing, in between sightseeing Berlin’s marvellous places.

Day 2: East Berlin

Begin the day by searching for the Hackescher Markt hidden alley, one of the quirkiest spots in the city. To find it, however, maybe a bit tricky. 

Head to the Cinema Café on Rosenthaler Strasse where an unassuming alleyway runs alongside it. After a dark entrance, you are greeted with a vibrant courtyard. It is home to many hipster cafes, artsy stores and boutiques and, of course, captivating street art. 

For a respite from the sightseeing, I would recommend taking a look at the indoor market situated south of the river, parallel to the East Side Gallery. Markthalle Neun is an indoor market with international food vendors and shops. It occasionally puts on community events, but its street food to choose from is the winning prize for coming here. 

Berlin is very vegan and vegetarian friendly. Many of the stalls are fully vegan and there are plenty of plant-based options to choose from. In addition, you can find wild oysters, bone broth, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, artisan cheese, and of course, cocktails and craft beer. For a spot of lunch or a savoury mid-morning snack with an abundance of options, this is the perfect place to wander around before venturing on to the next stop. 

Now with a satisfied stomach and mind, head towards the Oberbaum Bridge to cross to the other side of the river. 

With a historic double-deck pathway overlooking the River Spree, you’ll find a landmark opened in 1896, a great bridge to snap a picture of the water’s reflection and the domed arches that accompany the bridge. Once you have arrived at the other point, the famous East Side Gallery awaits you. 

The East Side Gallery is a section of the Berlin wall which stands as a site of street art. It is 1316m long, sitting along the eastern bank of the Spree River and is considered the longest open-air gallery in the world. 

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, artists from 21 countries came to paint murals to celebrate Germany being reunited and to never forget the atrocities that occurred here in Berlin. 

I would recommend working your way from East to Central, stopping whenever you feel called to the artwork and its messages conveyed. From the end of the East Side Gallery, I would pick up an E-Scooter to explore the remaining parts of East Berlin before proceeding to the district of Kreuzberg. If scooting down the ordered streets of Berlin does not entice you, walking is always a good best option, or you can hire a bicycle instead. 

Full of artists, bars with outdoor seating, falafel and shawarma joints, and record and bookstores, Kreuzberg is a neighbourhood that is home to a large Turkish population, making it a bustling, diverse place with lots to see. 

Oraniestraße is a long street stretching from Kreuzberg to Checkpoint Charlie. You can either walk the whole way or take an E-Scooter or bike to sightsee but with added speed and some fresh air! 

Before visiting the Topography of Terror, Checkpoint Charlie is a historical landmark marking the boundary of east and west Berlin. You are greeted with a white sentry guard house and a cobbled border line. 

Tourists queue up to take a photograph with the guards, but I suggest you skip this part and simply admire the symbol of history that stands in front of you. 

To connect the dots of the story of the Third Reich, visiting the Topography of Terror will give you an insight into the troubled past. It is an open-air exhibition on excavated ruins of the headquarters of the Secret State Police, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office. 

If you do not end up visiting part of the Berlin Wall, this site includes 200m of the wall, marking the border between the districts of Mitte (East Berlin) and Kreuzberg (West Berlin). 

If you have time and want a deeper explanation and story of Berlin’s complex past, the Jewish Museum is a must-visit. Here, you can learn more about the personal stories of the Jewish community.

The building and museum were designed by Daniel Libeskind – this particular building became an important part of the city, its history and its attempt to understand its past. What is quite special about this museum is that it opens the floor for Jews to tell their personal stories, hearing anecdotes and real sentiments of that particular time in the flesh. 

Closing at 7 pm, you have plenty of time during the day or late afternoon to explore this striking contemporary building and what it has to offer. 

Day 3: Tours, Tours, Tours!

It’s the last day of your action-packed trip to Berlin, and we’re going to be spending the entirety of it in the northeast of the city, first beginning underground.

Yes, underground .

I was surprised to discover just how much this city has to offer to those who want to venture below the streets, from air raid shelters to escape tunnels that were dug beneath the Berlin Wall.

The tours are run by Berliner Unterwelton , who have four different options, all running every single day. My biggest tip is that you buy your tickets in advance, because they do sell out. My parents took Tour M — the one that takes you beneath the Berlin Wall — when they were in town and highly recommended it to me. I procrastinated, turned up to the ticket office an hour beforehand, and discovered it was sold out! Whoops . Learn from my mistakes and book your tour at least a week in advance.

Still, it wasn’t a huge disaster, as an alternative tour, Tour 1, had availability, so I jumped on that, and got to experience WWII bombing raids through the eyes of German civilians. It was fascinating .

I wrote an in-depth guide to my experience on Tour 1 , which included quite an embarrassing mishap part-way through!

Next on the itinerary is another tour, but this time exploring Berlin’s craft beer scene.   If you thoroughly enjoy craft beer, Berlin is the place for you. On Airbnb, you can find an experience to help you better explore beer culture. From €46 per person, the tour lasts 3.5 hours, meaning you will get an in-depth explanation of all there is to know about craft beer. 

Meeting in Prenzlauer Berg, you will head to a craft brewery built in 1893. You will inspect brewing kettles and understand the brewing process, getting the chance to taste the beer and learn about its history. Then, craft beer bar hopping is on the agenda, with the last one situated next to Berlin’s famous Mauerpark. If you are interested, book your tour ticket here .

On the way to the subway, you will find a Photoautomat, an old-school photo booth. Only costing €2, it is a great way to make a memory of your time here in Berlin. 

If you have time, I would recommend one last museum to visit. The Stasi Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the terrifying secret police, the GDR. It is estimated that one in 10 East Germans worked as an informant for the Stasi in 1949. The museum also highlights Orwellian brainwashing that took place in schools. 

After a long day of exploring the city, end your night by treating yourself to a cocktail at a speakeasy bar. If you are thinking of going out after to one of Berlin’s many clubs, you can treat this space as a place for starting your night in style, before a long night ahead. 

These particular types of bars are very common on the East side of Berlin and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The Becketts Kopf in Prenzlauer Berg is a chill spot where you can relax inside on red leather sofas. I must add that there is no standing allowed inside so show up relatively early to find a seat. To get in, there is a photograph of Beckett hanging in the window of the bar. Ring the buzzer and check for availability inside. 

If you are into techno, you can try to get into the infamous Berghain club. If that’s not your go-to option, yet you still want to enjoy the techno scene, I would recommend Tresor which is in Kreuzberg. 

Where to Stay: Boutique Hotel Mittendrin 

Where I stayed in Berlin is a repurposed apartment called the Boutique Hotel Mittendrin . 

It was glorious . Located in the bustling shopping district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, it is central to amenities and the historic hub of Berlin’s centre. 

Just a three-minute walk to Kurfürstendamm and the KaDeWe shopping mall, it was great to be surrounded by a huge number of restaurants, bars and shops. 

Not only this, but the train station for the underground is a five-minute walk away (U Wittenbergplatz). The U2 line was great for the east-west connection – it got us places in less than 20 minutes. 

The interior of the hotel was stunning. I was blown away by the mix of rustic and modern chic furniture. Being a historically characteristic old apartment house, the original unique features were still present. The rooms were airy and light, with big windows and a coloured accent wall (ours was a deep maroon!) The room came individually furnished: the seating area was a luxurious add-on, and it was perfect for relaxing before a goodnight’s rest. 

Perhaps the best thing about staying in this hotel was the breakfast service and our host Sabine. It was delicious and the quality of the food was fantastic. Each breakfast was a little different from the last. From 7.30 am till 10.30 am (which is perfect for a full day of exploring), the spread was generous, and it catered to all our needs. 

The most interesting aspect about this wonderful breakfast experience was that you are placed all together at one table, allowing a chance to bond with other guests from all over the world which fostered a genuine community feel in the three days we stayed there. 

Sabine, our host, was wonderful. She took care of us and every little detail. It was a beautiful relaxing stay at this little boutique hotel in West Berlin, a truly unique and intimate experience – perfect for a city break. 

The Best Time of Year to Visit 

Berlin is best to visit from late spring to early summer, or late summer to early autumn. 

From May through to September, the weather is ideal for strolling, sitting in outdoor cafes and taking walking tours of the city. 

Specifically, I would recommend May/June as the ideal month to travel to Berlin. The weather is glorious: sunny blue skies and not scorching temperatures just yet, the crowds are limited, and if you search for them, there are lots of festivals occurring in the month of May. 

In the summer, Berlin comes alive. The streets are packed with city dwellers enjoying locally sourced craft beer and iced lattes, basking in the heat and chatting with friends. The green, ordered streets are made even greener by the sun’s touch; everything is made vigorous and vibrant. 

One must know that summer is the rainiest season in Berlin because of the heat, but that shouldn’t stop you. Enjoy what Berlin has to offer! 

Transport: Getting Around the City 

Like every other major city in Western Europe, Berlin is super well connected. I would advise using the U-Bahn underground trains as your main source of transportation. It runs on 10 coloured routes throughout the city with trains coming every five to 10 minutes during the day. 

With sustained action from 4 am till 1 am on weekdays, and weekends the U- Bahn and S-Bahn operate 24 hours. 

If, on a weekday, you decide to explore Berlin’s nightlife scene, the Metro tram runs on a 24-hour basis, arriving in 30-minute intervals. Alternatively, there are night buses (N1-9) which follow subway routes. 

In terms of pricing, in the fare zone AB (which is the urban centre) it costs €3 for a single ticket. This includes a two-hour journey one-way, which means you will have to purchase another ticket for the return journey. 

For a 24-hour single ticket, it costs €8.80 and you can take as many trips as desired, and for a 24-hour group ticket, the price is €25.50. This includes up to five people including your dog! 

It is a symbol of the city’s organised and bureaucratic way of life. This is juxtaposed with the edgy, gritty aesthetic of the underground train stations: the names of the stations are written boldly on the wall, and yellow is the primary colour underground. 

The S-Bahn elevated trains are less frequent and not as well connected as the U-Bahn service. However, it is the preferred choice for travellers venturing to the outskirts of the city. 

Berlin also has an efficient bus system but is slower than the rail. Sometimes, it is considered unreliable by German standards. It must be stated that masks are still required on public transport. 

Of course, metered taxis can be hailed through the city streets or taxi apps such as Uber operates perfectly well in Berlin. It is said that in Berlin Uber is much cheaper than in the US and the UK! 

If you want a more cost-effective, sustainable way of travelling through the city, cycling is a great option. Visitors may choose from seven or eight different companies of bike hires which all operate as ‘dockless’ bikes. This means that riders can leave their bikes at their destination when they are finished, and not have to return the bikes to a docking station. You could also try an E-Scooter if you are feeling adventurous. 

You can choose from Lime, Bird, Tier and Bolt. All you have to do is download their app, enter your details and scan the specific bar code on the scooter and you’re off! It is as simple as that. This is a great option for when you don’t have to travel too far from one destination to another and to explore the city dynamically. Walking is always a safe bet, but if you are short of time, use the other options mentioned above.

Safety Advice: Beware of Fake Policemen

Compared with other major cities, Berlin is considered safe, however, there are some universal precautions that you still ought to bear in mind. Stick to busy, well-lit streets at night and beware of pickpockets, especially in busy touristic areas. 

Avoid falling asleep on the U-Bahn, especially at night, as wallets and phones are often stolen from sleeping passengers. ALWAYS keep valuables close to you. 

A scam known to most metropolitan cities is fake policemen. Beware of these characters as they are trying to steal from you in popular tourist attractions. They stop tourists under the pretence of searching for drugs or counterfeit money (they demand to see ID cards). 

If you are going out at night clubbing, watch out for drink spiking. Always keep your drink close to you. 

One thing to be aware of is protests. The youth of Berlin are inspiring and are actively standing up for worldly issues. Sometimes, however, they can get pretty tense, and people can get injured. Stay away to avoid these problems. 

If you decide to rent a bike, lock it up safely and securely when it’s parked. Watch out for cycle lanes when walking, and don’t walk on the wrong side of the pavement! 

What to Know Before You Go 

Politeness and manners are important. Saying good morning (Guten morgen ) and good evening (Guten Abend ) is important, as is knowing when to say it at the right time. 

Germans are sensitive about their past, so tread carefully and with the utmost respect. That being said, it is perfectly ok to be curious and ask questions about the past, to get a more well-rounded view of that specific period. Indeed, Young people nowadays in Berlin are open to being vulnerable and having honest conversations about their history and what atrocities have occurred. 

It must be mentioned that there is a strict code of conduct when it comes to do with traffic. Traffic rules are extremely important here in Berlin: Do not cross a road when the little man is red. 

This also goes for cyclists – if they do, a hefty fine is coming their way. This shows the other side of Berlin, the rule-bound and bureaucratic Berlin. 

Lastly, do not forget your European adapter if you are from the US or the UK! 

I hope I have explained everything there is to know about Berlin’s main tourist attractions and its quirky, edgy East side. It is truly a marvellous city, a city like no other in Europe. 

Enjoy your vibrant stay in Berlin! 

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Things To Do On Your First Trip To Berlin

With just a few days in Berlin, here are a few tips on what to see and do, great tours to book, plus some of my favourite places to eat in the city!

As you’ll have seen in my recent blog, I’ve just got back from Berlin! I was there for four days and spent one of them exploring the IGA Berlin 2017 – the huge garden show that’s on until October. It was my first time in the city and I was REALLY excited to see and do as much as possible.

The history of Berlin is complex, but one I’d recommend reading up on. It’s multi-layered and obviously has very dark patches, but despite not being a history buff, I enjoyed learning what the city had been through. As I explored on foot, I felt like the city made more sense to me.

While I did some research on where to go, I also let myself explore, you know… get lost! The result? Some great places to eat, views, and spots to recommend to you guys.

How To Travel Around Berlin

Hurrah, a city with a great transport network! I used Google Maps to navigate the city, and other than not always being sure which side of the road I needed to catch the tram from, it was an easy experience. The U Bahn (subway system is really simple to understand, and trains come regularly (every few mins in peak times). There are trams and buses too.

The part I found strange was that you don’t show tickets very often or pass through barriers to enter public transport. I’ve heard that people buy tickets as there are strong penalties if you’re caught without – so just don’t risk it!

I’d recommend picking up a  Berlin City Pass . Along with discounts at many attractions in the city, it also covers your public transport for the duration of your trip. It also includes travel to and from the airport. I ordered mine in advance, printed it at home, and used it right from the start of my trip from Berlin Airport.

Berlin City Sights

There’s SO much to see and do in Berlin, and at times it feels so big (particularly with there not being just one centre). As mentioned, the transport system is excellent, so you really can see a lot, even if you only have a short time.

Head to the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate. If you apply in advance you can visit the beautiful dome of the Reichstag (find out how here ). The Monument To The Murdered Jews is so moving, and a walk through the towering columns is something I’d urge anyone to experience as part of their trip.

Museum Island is another must-see and I also loved exploring the many courtyards of Hackesche Höfe . Tucked away, this really is one of the city’s hidden gems! Close by is a street covered in murals and graffiti,  just next to the Anne Frank Museum.

To be honest, I love just how walkable Berlin is. If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend taking yourself on a free walking tour of Berlin Mitte ,  which allows you to check out the key sights in your own time.

Visit The East Side Gallery

Over 100 Artists from all over the world were invited to paint murals on the remaining section of the Berlin Wall in 1990. It’s now a brightly-coloured, outdoor gallery and while most are a direct comment on the political state of the world when the wall came down, some seem as relevant today as they did back then.

Take your time looking at each mural – they have so many incredible details, and are worth more than the photo-and-go that the coach loads of tourists do.

Check latest prices and availability for the Cold War Tour of Berlin including a visit to the East Side Gallery

Mauerpark Fleamarket

After my time in the city, I’d say this Sunday market is so quintessentially Berlin! There are hundreds of stalls selling everything from vintage clothes and antiques, to handmade jewellery and the most random of nic-nacs. There’s also a huge street food section with plenty of great smells to lure you in!

Then in the park area you’ll find performers, street artists and the legendary Sunday karaoke (which draws huge crowds!) It was one of my highlights of my time in Berlin.

Berliner Fernsehturm

Berlin’s tallest building offers the best (and most central) views of the city. Once in the lift, you’ll venture upwards at speeds of 6m per second to the observation deck – a height of 203m.

Top tip – check out their offers . When I visited they were running a fast view ticket, with coffee and cake served in Sphere Restaurant for just 20.50 EUR. Considering a fast view ticket on its own is 19.50 EUR, it’s a great deal, but it only runs between 2-4pm on weekdays.

Check latest prices and availability for a trip up the   Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower)

Bite Berlin Food Tour

I am a strong believer that you learn a lot about a place by eating your way around it… so for me, the way to learn about the best things to eat in Germany  is by taking a food tour. The tour I took with Sam from Bite Berlin came highly recommended and was excellent.

She showed us the best place for currywurst, took us to her favourite Vietnamese restaurant and then for tasty cinnamon buns. I learned plenty about the history and culture of the city too, and rolled back to my hotel full and ready for a nap!

Check latest prices and availability for the Bite Berlin Food Tour

Withlocals Urban Jungle Tour

This was another great tour, showcasing the gritty, urban, alternative side to the city. Betty from Withlocals  showed me some of the city’s best street art and took me to parts of the city I’d never have found on my own. We even popped along to Berlin’s smallest disco.

Check latest prices and availability for the Urban Jungle Alternative Tour Of Berlin

If you have a few more days in Berlin, here are a few other tour suggestions to check out…

Berlin Segway Tour – Segway tours are so much fun, and a great way to cover a lot of ground when time is limited. On this segway tour of Berlin you’ll see the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Reichstag, Gendarmenmarkt and the East Side Gallery, while hearing stories about the city’s complex history.

Check latest prices and availability for a  segway tour of Berlin

Evening Berlin Food Tour by Bike – Nothing like burning a few calories on two wheels to justify eating more on your holiday! This tour takes you around the vibrant neighbourhood of Prenzlauer Berg with stops at some of the best restaurants in the area.

Check latest prices and availability for the Berlin food tour by bike

Berlin lunch cruise  OR  Berlin dinner cruise  –  A cruise along the River Spree is a great way to soak up the history of the city, while snapping some beautiful photos. Even better with a nice meal to tuck into! I love taking boat trips, so I’ll definitely check one of these cruises out next time I’m in Berlin!

Check latest prices and availability for a  Berlin lunch cruise  OR a Berlin dinner cruise

Berlin Bike Tour  – I’m a little wobbly on two wheels so tend to avoid bike tours, but for many of my friends (and Berliners too) this is a fave way to travel. On this 4.5 hour tour you’ll hear the full history of Berlin, while speeding past the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, the Spree River and Tiergarten Park. Plus, when you start to feel tired, there’s the opportunity to stop by a beer garden too.

Check latest prices and availability for a  Berlin bike tour

Nightlife Tour through Alternative Berlin with Local Guide  – As I was travelling solo, I was tempted to book onto a tour like this! I’m not usually brave enough to go to bars or clubs late at night solo, unless I know the lay of the land. On this tour you’ll find out where the locals drink, and party with them! From goth bars to craft beer spots, you’ll explore Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukölln and Wedding, and feel like a true Berliner by the end!

Check latest prices and availability for the  Berlin nightlife tour

3-Hour Berlin Beer Tour  – Beer is a big deal in Berlin, and beer lovers will be excited by the range of craft beers on offer in the city. On this tour, you’ll find out about Germany’s brewing industry, “biergartens” and try some great pints along the way.

Check latest prices and availability for the  Berlin beer tour

Where To Eat In Berlin

House Of Small Wonder – An Instagrammable delight, this café serves up healthy salads and tasty brunch-style food. Expect zucchini noodles, Japanese salads, katsu and watermelon with feta.

District Mot  – There is a very large Vietnamese population in Berlin (as I learned on my food tour) so with that comes great food around the city! I loved this restaurant, which specialises in a street food vibe and great flavours. The bao burgers have won awards and are particularly worth a try!

Curry 61 – THE place for currywurst in the city. It’s not gourmet but you have to try it when you come to Berlin!

Cocolo Ramen – Expect to queue at this tiny ramen joint serving up tasty and authentic tonkotsu and gyozas. I waited for 45 minutes and am still debating whether it was worth it, but it was pretty good! I’m sure if you go during the day you’ll beat the queues!

Madang – This Korean restaurant serves up tasty hot pots and grills. Part of the fun is in sharing lots of dishes and the theatre of the huge grill trays! The spicy tofu grill was delicious, especially once the sauce caramelised!

Neumanns – I really loved walking around Friedrichshain, and decided this was the café for my final lunch. I wasn’t disappointed! Along with it’s hipster interior, their coffee is great and topped-sourdough dishes make a delicious lunch.

Woop Woop Ice Cream – A bit of novelty, this ice cream shop opened earlier this year and makes four flavours of ice cream using liquid nitrogen. Have it in a cup or a bubble waffle and watch the magic happen in front of your eyes!

Where To Stay In Berlin

The Circus Hotel – Funky, stylish, quirky and well-located, this hotel was perfect for my stay. There are U-Bahn and tram stops right outside at Rosenthal Platz, plus plenty of lovely restaurants and boutiques nearby. The breakfasts downstairs at Commonground are excellent too.

This blog was produced in association with the GNTB but as always, opinions are my own.

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Chloe gunning.

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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Best Berlin Blogs To Help You Experience The City

by Natalia Lomaia | Mar 22, 2024 | Berlin Guides , Living In Berlin | 0 comments

BEST BERLIN BLOGS TO HELP YOU EXPERIENCE THE CITY

Moving to a new city can get stressful and hectic. So often, finding quality and on-point information to save time becomes the main priority. But where do we start searching? Which resources are trustworthy and truly helpful? What are things you need to know before settling into your new home?  Even if you live in a city for years, it’s fun to get updates and fresh inspiration for new restaurants, recommendations for moving companies, or notifications about upcoming events.

To that end, we’ve handpicked the very best Berlin blogs from some of our favorite locals to help you save time and find the most relevant information about Berlin. Whether you’re an aspiring or existing Berliner, we’ve got you covered, no matter what you’re looking for – how to get a flat, where to learn German or find a nice restaurant for your next date.

Join Our Community

Stay ahead with the latest news on immigration developments, employment opportunities, and other updates about life in Germany. Get valuable insights, early access to Berlin Life guides, invites to community events, and more. Don’t miss out – subscribe to one of the most popular newsletters in Berlin.

THE BEST BERLIN BLOGS

These are the best Berlin blogs that will help you experience the city at a whole new level:

1)  Abandoned Berlin

What could be more exciting than discovering the city and its history through abandoned and mysterious spaces?   Abandoned Berlin   is an endeavour to capture the past through the present, discovering the hidden stories within the city’s ruins, antiques, and abandoned locations. As mentioned on their website, Berlin’s a city with fascinating history: two world wars, the city’s split into east and west, cold war and the turmoil of German reunification have all left their imprint on the capital. Abandoned Berlin offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper and uncover the truth beneath the “façade of progress that city officials would have you buy.” Visit their blog to to find out how you discover Berlin’s forgotten places on your own.

2) All About Berlin 

Created for English-speaking Berliners,   All About Berlin   is a collection of guides and valuable, helpful information. If you’re confused about how to get an Ausländerbehörde appointment, find an apartment and register the address, apply for a German work or freelance visa, or how to choose a German health insurance provider, All about Berlin is for you.

3) Berlin Food Stories 

If you’re someone who explores the city through its food or simply someone who loves discovering great restaurants, you should definitely visit   Berlin Food Stories   (or follow them on   Instagram) . Berlin’s a one-of-a-kind culinary hotspot with a rich culinary heritage that’s gained huge popularity in the last decade. If you’re wondering where to find the best breakfast options, which döner kebab places are worth visiting, or which fine dining restaurants are suitable for your evening date, Berlin Food Stories will provide “a no bullshit, entertaining, and 100% independent guide.”

4) Berlin Loves You 

As mentioned on their website, Berlin is a welcoming, fascinating, complicated, vast, and ever-changing city.   Berlin Loves You   is an extended love letter to Berlin, and its mission is to provide “a leading voice in the midst of the din, a bike-lane express to your WG, and a kind hand in the darkroom.” They share tales about artists, performers, musicians, cuisine, beer, events, and things to do. Their goal is to help you enjoy and fall in love with this city but also to “have your artist’s visa granted; to discover something larger and better than Berghain; to rekindle your never-ending Berlin escape; and, ultimately, to get laid.” 

5) Berlin Ick Liebe Dir 

Berlin Ick Liebe Dir   is your guide for the German capital. Here you can find interesting tips for restaurants, exciting bars, and clubs, recommendations for the world of culture, creative free-time activities, tips for special spaces, popular events, and more. 

6) Hauptstadtmutti 

Hauptstadtmuttis   (capital city moms) are cool, sexy, stylish, and different. With their sophisticated outfits, clever business ideas, and unusual life concepts, they can surprise us every day. They represent a modern generation of mothers who manage to combine family, career, and style. Since motherhood is such a wonderfully complex affair, Hauptstadtmuttis accompany and guide expectant moms through pregnancy, inspires them, gives tips on getting back to work, recommends the most beautiful travel destinations for families, gives beauty tips, and more. 

7) Kreuzberged 

If you’re curious about the forgotten history of Berlin, its streets, and its districts,   Kreuzberged   is a blog where you can easily spend hours reading through its archives. With a motto, “Everything You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Berlin”, she’s been writing about Berlin’s less-known corners and history since 2008. Now offering books, and audio tours that can help you get to know the city better, this blog by a Polish woman living in Berlin since 2003 is one not to be missed.

8) I Heart Berlin 

I Heart Berlin   team describes the capital as unique, obnoxious, insane, edgy, and seductive. They think, “It’s a vibrant playground for all kinds of ideas and identities. It’s a place where you can be who you want to be, try new things, reinvent yourself, and have fresh experiences that you wouldn’t have otherwise.” They aim to portray the distinct spirit of the city and help readers find unique locations, attend suitable events, meet the right people, and discover the side of Berlin that would fulfill all of their dreams. Founded in 2007, they have a long history of chronicling the city’s ongoings, including all of its changes. 

9) Notes of Berlin 

Are you curious about what makes a metropolis tick? What are the many different people that call it home like? What brings them together and makes them happy? What do they fear? What are they looking for and missing, what do they yearn for, and what personal tales and destinies do they have to share? Do you want to get a sense of the capital’s personality? Then you need to visit   Notes of Berlin   (or follow them on Instagram). Since 2010, the founder walks around the city with a camera and captures notes and letters left in public places. These notes are not only information carriers but also demonstrate the social reality and accurately capture the city’s tone. The notes are as direct, loud, artistic, tolerant, freedom-loving, eccentric, lonely, and romantic as the people who live here. Notes of Berlin is a sneak peek into the daily culture of Berlin in its purest form. 

10) Settle In Berlin 

Settle in Berlin   is a personal blog which arose from the author’s own experience settling in Berlin and the difficulty to find all of the essential information organised on one single website. The author wanted to cover all the aspects of relocating to Berlin and living here. Since then, it’s turned into one of the most popular sites helping aspiring Berliners and a massive knowledge base with guides on everything from finding a flat, to registering your apartment, and why the “TV tax” is a thing. Here at   The Berlin Life , we find ourselves recommending this blog to our readers more than any other other!

11) Slow Travel Berlin 

Slow Travel Berlin   was created in 2010 by Paul Sullivan, a British guidebook author, travel journalist, and photographer. He created it as a personal deep dive into his extraordinary city. It now functions as a diverse and trustworthy collection of knowledge on a variety of topics, including architecture, gastronomy, literature, history, socio-political concerns, and personal reminiscence. They also encourage sustainable culture and tourism, support local businesses and cultural organizations, and keep readers up to date on everything from local politics to events and incidents along the road.

12) Stil in Berlin 

Stil in Berlin   is a personal blog by Mary Scherpe. She discovers and then shares her personal favorite places to eat, drink, shop, and have a good time in Berlin. She founded Still in Berlin in January 2006 and has continued to feature a broad range of topics, like food, style, and art. Always popular are her detailed brunch and shopping guides.

What do you think about our list of Berlin blogs? Are there other ones you recommend? Drop us a note in the comments below.

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Cheryl Howard, Founder @ The Berlin Life

Hi, I’m Cheryl. My mission is to help you move to Berlin and find work.

A Canadian in Berlin for 10+ years, I have the unique experience of moving to Berlin – not once, but twice. During my time in Berlin, I’ve had five different visas and worked as both a freelancer and a permanent employee for   numerous   Berlin companies. I even managed to find a new job during the pandemic  and again in 2023, during Germany’s  recession and massive layoffs in tech. 

My day job has involved work as a hiring manager, overseeing the recruitment of countless people, as well as a team coach helping teams and individuals work better and find happiness in their careers. Through my side projects, I’ve also shared my personal experiences by publishing a series of helpful blog posts, creating a thriving community of job seekers, and hosting events to help people find work in Berlin. In 2021, I decided to put my coaching and recruiting talents to use by creating The Berlin Life, bringing my existing content and community together in one spot.

The combination of my personal and professional experience means I know  exactly  what it takes to move to Berlin and find work.

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Welcome to Berlin!

Berlin is a unique city filled with fascinating history, delicious food, quirky vibes, and much more.

I’ve lived in Berlin since 2015, and I want to show you what this amazing city has to offer on this Berlin travel blog and travel planning guide.

From the iconic sights to the lesser known gems, you can find everything you need to plan a trip to Berlin right here .

Most popular posts:

• 101 Things to Do in Berlin
• Ultimate Itinerary for 3 Days in Berlin: the Perfect Berlin Itinerary by a Local
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• How to Get From Berlin Airport to City Center: Stress-Free Tips
• 13 Best German Restaurants in Berlin: Where to Eat German Food

Where To Stay

What To Pack

Getting Around

Beyond Berlin: Day Trips & Germany Travel

Seasonal Berlin

What To Eat & Drink

Featured: seasonal berlin.

What to Wear in Berlin in Spring: Berlin Packing List March, April, May

23 Spectacular Things to do in Berlin in Spring

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Recent posts

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Who’s behind berlin travel tips.

They even bought an apartment in Berlin in 2021 – Berlin is definitely home now!

Ali’s goal is to show you everything you need to know for enjoying a trip to Berlin. Learn more here!

Ali is originally from the US, but she’s been living in Germany since 2011.

In 2015, she and her husband moved to Berlin where they now live with their small dog. They even bought an apartment in Berlin in 2021 – Berlin is definitely home now!

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Unusual shopping tips, ideas for the perfect summer evening - or a rainy day: our bloggers live in the city, tell stories about their Berlin experiences and give tips.

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A Complete Guide For Your First Time in Berlin!

Categories Europe , Germany

Berlin had been high on my bucket list for ages. It’s one of those popular Western European Cities that you feel you have to visit, isn’t it?  Anyway, my luck came when I was invited to attend Lollapalooza Festival in Berlin and between attending the festival I got to spend 3 days in Berlin trying to see as many of the best places to visit in Berlin as possible, along with trying to eat in Berlin’s best restaurants!

Here’s a lowdown on what I got up to Berlin and what I’d recommend you do in Berlin if it’s your first time visiting Berlin!

First Time in Berlin

How to get to Berlin City from the Airport?

I flew into Berlin Schönefeld Airport from Gatwick, London with EasyJet on my first time in Berlin. Let’s say that this will not be your greatest experience in Berlin that’s for sure. A new airport is in construction next to the old one however its completion keeps getting pushed farther and farther into the future.

The old airport is left over from the communist era which is why there are a lot of corridors and big rooms. You’ll know what I mean when you see it.

Schönefeld Airport is connected to the City Centre of Berlin by an Express Airport Train between 5:00-23:00 so its super quick and easy to get into the city. Simply follow the signs for the train station out of the airport. Buy a ticket from the machine – the airport is in zone C and the centre of Berlin is zone A so you’ll have to purchase an A-C zone ticket for a few euros. Once you get into the underground passage the platform for the express train into the city is right at the end on your right and it has signs in English to say its the platform for the city. Make sure you validate your ticket by finding the little ticket machine on the platform. Simply put the ticket inside until the machine clicks.

Double-check the train before you get on. Not all trains from these 2 platforms go into the city but if it states it’s going to Berlin Alexanderplatz then you’ll be on the right train into the city!

Tip: on your way home, get to the airport as late as possible as this isn’t an airport you want to be waiting around in!

Be sure to read about buying a sim card at Berlin Airport so you can get the right sim card when you land!

Where to Stay in Berlin.

I stayed in the Radisson Park Inn Hotel in Alexanderplatz which is a really nice hotel and the best central area of Berlin to stay in. Alexanderplatz is one of the main train stations so it was easy to get to and from the Airport from here, and to and from the festival, as well as being walking distance to everywhere I visited in Berlin. I recommend this location during your first time in Berlin!

An alternative area to stay in Berlin when looking into where to stay in Berlin  is the neighbourhood of Kreuzberg as this is a really cool area with lots of places to eat and drink (more on that below) so if that’s your priority then it’ll mean less travelling between meals and nights out! I feel like I’d stay here when I visit Berlin again so you should stay here on your first time in Berlin!

Best Things To Do in Berlin

A lot of Berlin’s iconic attractions centre around the war, and rightly so. This city went through a lot and when visiting Berlin it’s only right to see them and remember the past. There are a number of things that don’t relate to the war though so there’s a good balance, here goes, things to do in Berlin on your first time in Berlin!

Museum Island

Museum Island is a UNESCO site in the middle of the River and is home to.. you guessed it, Berlin’s best museums! I didn’t visit any of the museums and the area was very much under construction when I visited but it was nice to walk through the island and see the impressive architecture. The Cathedral was one thing I really wanted to see in Berlin and it certainly didn’t disappoint as it’s a stunning building!

Tip: If it’s raining and you think visiting a museum is a good way to get out of the rain, expect that everyone else has thought of this too! I talk from experience!

Brandenburg Tor

From Museum Island I walked down to Brandenburg Gate. This gate is iconic because it used to symbolise the gateway divide of East and West Germany. These days its full of people taking selfies, myself included, but it’s quite an impressive structure too so it can’t be missed!

Tip: If you want to get a photo or see Brandenburg Tor gate without any other people round then you need to get there first thing! My friend recently took a photo there at 5:45am and there was still someone else in the photo!

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews is a very big tourist attraction in Berlin and you need to visit on your first trip to Berlin. I have seen so many photos of this memorial but I was not prepared for what it actually looks like and how I actually felt. Firstly the 2711 columns are all different sizes and the ground is not flat, its waves up and down which I didn’t expect.

It has been designed like this to give visitors a feeling of uncertainty and I certainly felt this. When surrounded by the big columns I got a real sense of claustrophobia and a feeling that I was all of a sudden very tiny.

Walking through here and taking time to stop and think about the past isn’t nice but its a must.

Tip: Don’t be a disrespectful idiot and use the columns as a photoshoot location!

Checkpoint Charlie

I wasn’t too bothered about seeing this, even on my first visit to Berlin but we stumbled upon it whilst on the way to West Berlin Cafe (more on that later). It’s very touristy, you can take photos with the guards if you so wish but a long with a lot of Berlin’s iconic points it does have an important history as it became the most famous crossing point between East and West Germany.

Remains of the Berlin Wall in Potsdamer Platz

Near Potsdamer Station are the remains of the Berlin Wall. This area is far away from the East Side Gallery which is now very popular with its street art so its interesting to see just a few parts of the wall in the middle of a very built up and modern area. Potsdamer isn’t far from Checkpoint Charlie and is close to the Berlin Mall.

Tip: If you need a toilet break then head to the Berlin Mall just up the road!

The East Side Gallery

This perhaps is what Berlin is most famous for and Berlin’s biggest tourist attraction. I didn’t expect the East Side Gallery to be next to a main road but it is. What I did expect though was a lot of incredible street art pieces and that’s exactly what it is!

Again this wall is hugely important in terms of remembering the past and the divide of East and West Berlin but it’s also a memorial for freedom and the future. It’s possibly the largest and longest-lasting open air gallery in the world and I hope it stays like that.

I could see the TV Tower from my hotel bedroom window and I didn’t go up the tower to the viewing platform as I had a pretty good view from my hotel room too but if you don’t have this luxury then a trip to the top of the TV Tower would be worth it to see Berlin beneath you! You can also grab a drink or have a meal up there if you book ahead!

Less Popular Places in Berlin to Visit.

I didn’t get to visit as many local areas of Berlin as I wanted to in my 3 days in Berlin and on my first time in Berlin but I did visit a few gems that I didn’t associate with ‘Iconic, touristy Berlin’ so here they are:

Mauerpark Fleamarket

If you’re in Berlin on a Sunday you have to take a walk up to Mauerpark. Open pretty much all day this flea market is home to many many stalls selling a range of things as well as many food stalls. It’s popular with locals as well as tourists giving it a great vibe.

Kara and I had a wander around the stalls, grabbed a coffee and then sat in the park. It was a great way to start the day and what I loved is that we walked through some really residential areas to get to Mauerpark meaning I got to imagine where I could possible live if I do/had moved to Berlin!

Landwehr Canal

To find Zola (where I had the most amazing pizza, more on that below!) Kara and I took a walk a long Landwehr Canal or Landwehrkanal as its called in German. We started at Ratiborstraße/Paul-Lincke-Ufer at the very Eastern end of Kreuzberg and walked a long it for a few hundred meters.

Walking a long it we felt completely removed from city life. It was like we were in a whole different place and I realised that we had stumbled upon a hidden gem in Berlin that you don’t see from getting on a tourist bus but you do get from simple wandering around Berlin.

Best Activities to do on your first time in Berlin.

Free walking tour.

I didn’t get to do a walking tour on this trip but I usually love walking tours.. especially free ones! It would have been really interesting to learn more about Berlin on a walking tour from a local due to it’s incredible history and size!

Alternative Walking Tour

My friend did an alternative walking tour in Berlin which she highly recommended. These tours take you beyond the tourist destinations underground and to see some street art and graffiti that you would not see visiting on your own!

Berlin is a city that’s set up for bikes with lots of bike lanes so bike tours are popular too. My friend also did a bike riding tour with Fat Tire Tours which she said was an awesome way to get a lot of the big touristy things done!

Hire a Trabant

Whilst walking around Berlin we saw a few very old-looking, small cars being driven around the City by what looked like tourists. Further research has informed me that you can hire these old Trabi car’s which were built in East Germany between 1957 and 1990 and see the cities sites in them! If there’s a group of you visiting Berlin this could be a fun way to see the city!

Where to Drink in Berlin.

Berlin is a city that is known for its nightlife! However when in big cities like Berlin it can often be hard to find out where to go. Those cool, trendy and local bar’s aren’t easy to find!

That’s why I love the interactive map that lastminute.com have created for Berlin and many other cities called #MusicMakesYouTravel , because, well, it does!

Berlin has been split into 4 sections on the map, if you click on a section it will show you bars and iconic music spots in that area and gives you a short intro about them.

For example, earlier in the post I said that Kreuzberg is good for food and drink. Kreuzberg is an area on the map and when you click on it one of the recommendations is a bar called Madame Claude-  ‘this interesting and unusual venue is an upside down bar located in a former brothel’, this bar sounds like an interesting place to start your night in Berlin!

There’s also a list of music genres which you can pick from and then bar’s and parts of the city that are relevant to this style of music will appear. For example if you’re into Jazz then the map recommends Van Gagh Piano and Cocktail Bar and Quasimodo, perfect!

Due to being at Lollapalooza festival for both evenings I was in Berlin I couldn’t visit any of the suggested bars however The Berlin Wall is a spot you visit during the day and also a spot on the map. It says that Bloc Party and David Bowie are 2 of the many artists who have been inspired by Berlin and declared their love for the city by writing songs about it… you learn something new everyday hey!

Hofbräu Berlin

Hofbräu Berlin is an extremely touristy Bavarian style beer hall but it’s fun and worth visiting! I would however, recommend it for the beer over the food!

If you want a big night out in Berlin, and I mean big! Berghain is the place to go! It’s one of the best techno clubs in the world and it’s in the middle of Berlin!

It sits on the border of Kreuzberg and it’s notorious for being hard to get into as I’ve heard the bouncer just decides who goes in and who doesn’t but if techno’s your thing then can you go to Berlin and not visit? I don’t think so!

Where to Eat in Berlin.

Burgermeister.

If you don’t visit Burgermeister when you’re in Berlin did you even go to Berlin??? The answer’s no.. just FYI! So you have to go on your first time in Berlin!

Burgermeister is now in 2 locations and serves the best burgers in Berlin. I visited the one in Kreuzberg (see I told you you have to stay in this area if you like food) and it didn’t disappoint. I went for the plain fries which were a bit plain so I would recommend getting the cheese fries or chilli fries as Kara did as they looked seriously good. I went for the Cheeseburger too which was incredible!!

It’s a really chilled setup, you order at the bar and get given a ticket with your number on, hope to god there’s a table you can sit at, wait for your ticket number to be called in German or appear on the screen if you don’t know any German, pick it up from the bar, get your sauces from the side counter and you’re ready to eat!

Zola is a pizza restaurant also in Kreuzberg, it sells Neapolitan Pizza and let’s say we felt like we could have been in Italy, this must be the best Pizza in Berlin! The pizza was incredible and Zola is located right by the canal so it’s in a lovely area. We visited on a Monday lunch time when it was fairly quiet but I can imagine come evening this place gets busy!

District Mot

A place I did have on my list but we didn’t have time for is District Mot. Berlin has a big Vietnamese population and I heard that this is one of the best places to visit!

Ok so Currywurst is a German dish rather than a restaurant but you can get it all over Berlin and I would recommend not leaving before you have tried it!

Due to attending the festival I didn’t get to visit any other spots in Berlin so if you want more ideas on the best places to eat and drink in Berlin on your first trip to Berlin check out my friend Sophie’s blog post- The Ultimate Food and Drink Guide to Berlin and thank you to her for suggesting to go to Zola!

Berlin is also a Vegan’s Dream and there are so many Vegan Restaurants and Cafes in Berlin !

And that should pretty much cover you for your first time in Berlin!

• More of my Germany Posts:
• A 2 Day Hamburg Itinerary

I visited Berlin with lastminute.com but all opinions and thoughts are my own!

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Tuesday 7th of November 2017

Another place I really need to visit after reading this post! Love the arty pics with all the lovely colours :)

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2 Days in Berlin: A Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Berlin

Let’s get this out of the way up front – 2 days in Berlin certainly isn’t a whole lot of time to explore what is, in my book, one of the most interesting cities in Europe.  

This guide is meant to give you an idea of what to do in Berlin in two days to get the most out of your trip. You’ll find a mix of touristy activities, fantastic museums, and some time devoted to exploring local neighborhoods on foot so that you can get a well rounded picture of Berlin. 

Because if you spend your entire 2 days in Berlin doing just one of those things, like exploring Alexanderplatz, it would be a profound mistake. You’d miss out on the diversity of cultures, food, and people that make Berlin special.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, I would never recommend something to you that I don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay for 2 Days in Berlin

There are three neighborhoods I’d recommend staying in while you’re in Berlin.

First is Prenzlauer Berg – this is my #1 recommendation for where to stay in Berlin . The reason I love Prenzlauer Berg is simple – it feels like you’re a local. Walking down the Paris-like wide streets, lined with apartment buildings that feature first floor shops, you’ll walk by young families and students going about their day. It also happens to have some of the best food and coffee in the city.

Second is Charlottenburg , which is the perfect place to stay for families. Or if you want somewhere quiet and peaceful. It’s a very pretty part of Berlin with great architecture, and it’s close to the Tiergarten and Berlin Zoo (zoos are for adults too, okay?!).

Last, but certainly not least, is Friedrichshain , which is the spot for you if you’re on a tight budget, or if you’re looking for the best nightlife in Berlin. Which often go hand in hand.

Want a deeper dive on where to stay in Berlin? I’ve got a guide to the best places to stay in Berlin with three of my favorite neighborhoods, and places to stay in each.

Circus Hostel, Hotel, and Apartments

I loved the Circus Hostel , which is where I stayed for my trip to Berlin.

They have bunks and private rooms that are clean and relatively quiet. The reason I really like it is that it perfectly merges the value and affordability of a hostel with the cleanliness and comfort that comes with a hotel.

Not into hostels? They also have the Circus Hotel and Circus Apartments for you depending on what level of accommodation you’re looking for.

2 Days in Berlin: A Perfect Weekend in Berlin for First Time Visitors

One of the best parts about Berlin is that there is something for everyone. World-class museums and a deep and fascinating historical context? Check. Insane nightlife? Yep. Interesting, walkable neighborhoods? Of course!

My travel style focuses on exploring the best parts of a city on foot. That means a lot of walking, so make sure you’ve got your comfy shoes packed. You’re going to be doing a lot of walking during your 2 days in Berlin.

In this 2 day Berlin Itinerary, you’ll explore: 

• Berlin’s iconic sights, like the Tiergarten, the Brandenburg Gate, and Museum Island
• Two of Berlin’s best neighborhoods – Kreuzberg and Neukölln
• The best coffee, bars, and more in Berlin

Day 1 Of Your 2 Day Berlin Itinerary: Sightseeing Day!

A lot of the major tourist attractions are grouped close together, making it easy for people short on time to see the major sights. And that’s exactly what you should do on your first of two days in Berlin.

Make sure you leave plenty of time to visit the cafes and gluten free bakeries around the city, because after all, it’s not about what to do in Berlin in 2 days as much as what to eat and drink in Berlin in 2 days! 

For recommendations on where to eat and drink in Berlin, check out the sections at the bottom of this post.

Walking Tours in Berlin

I almost always start a trip to a new city with a walking tour to get myself oriented and get some tips from the local guide on where to go, what to see, and how to get slightly off the beaten path. After all, the best way to explore a city is on foot. 

In Berlin, you’ll find a wide variety of walking tours depending on what you’re interested in.

For an overview of the city, I recommend the Discover Berlin half day tour . Get on the 10:30am tour and spend 4 hours essentially covering the first half of my itinerary below, but with a guide who has intimate knowledge of the city and its history.  

An alternative would be to do the 6 hour Berlin by Bike tour, where you’ll see most of the spots on day one of this 2 day Berlin itinerary, but on a bike. With a local expert guide. 

Here are some more niche tours that you might be interested in: 

• Third Reich Walking Tour
• Off the Grid Street Art Tour
• Berlin off the Beaten Path

Morning: The Iconic Sights in Berlin

Day 1 is going to be all about playing tourist – on day 2, we’ll get a little bit deeper into Berlin and see some of the best neighborhoods, and do some self-guided exploring. 

Brandenburg Gate

Start at the Brandenburg Gate which has seen a lot of the history of Berlin. It’s an obvious first stop on your 2 days in Berlin.

Historically, it used to attract visitors who would climb the viewing platform to look over into the East Side of Berlin to get a glimpse of the world that lay beyond the Iron Curtain.

Today bricks still run around the city to mark where the wall once stood and in some places portions of the wall remain standing.

The Holocaust Memorial

Just south of the Gate is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe which draws the eye with its 2,711 grey concrete blocks arranged in undulating waves. The Information Center contains information about the individuals and families that died during World War 2, and compliments the abstract nature of the memorial. 

The abstract nature of the memorial makes for an introspective experience. Wandering between the blocks, wondering what they mean, and thinking about what they represent. I like to think that’s the whole point – the abstractness is meant to get you thinking. 

The Reichstag Dome

The Reichstag in Berlin is your next stop, and it is one of the most important historical landmarks in Berlin. It’s considered a symbol of democracy and an important art venue. There are both permanent and changing exhibitions which are free to visit. 

Entrance to the Reichstag and the dome are free but visitors to the dome and roof terrace need to be registered in advance. You can do that here . This can be done online up to 2 hours before your visit, but it often fills up. It is definitely worth heading up to the dome for panoramic views of the cities and a birds eye view of the proceedings in the debating room below. Don’t miss the audio guide. 

The Tiergarten

The Tiergarten is a must see while you are in Berlin – it’s a huge green space in the middle of the city, kind of like Central Park in New York City, or Golden Gate Park in San Francisco . 

I’d recommend renting a bike to cycle around the park as there are plenty of bike lanes. It used to be a royal hunting ground but in the late 17 th century it was turned into a public park.

During World War II it was badly damaged, both from fighting and by people cutting down trees to use as fuel due to a lack of coal. It was replanted shortly after and is now a beautiful place to wander around or relax.

For me, there were three highlights in the park that you can’t miss:

• The Soviet war memorial
• The Victory Column
• The Tea House, and Café am Neunen which has a beer garden right on the edge of the lake. 

Afternoon: More Culture And Must-See Sights

After lunch we’re heading to Museum Island for a little bit of culture. On this little island there are 5 museums which can all be visited with one ticket costing EUR18 for adults. Which is CRAZY AFFORDABLE. Buy your Museum Pass here .

I want to pause here and talk about my philosophy on Museums. When I first started traveling, I was all about the museums. On my first trip to London, Paris, and Rome, I went to EVERY Museum. And I regretted it.

You only have two days in Berlin, you don’t want to spend it inside museums. I would pick one or two museums at most and focus on those.

Museum Island

The most popular of these museums, and the one that I would recommend you focus on, is the Pergamon Museum which exhibits monumental buildings like the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, and the Museum of Islamic Art. If you just want to visit 

Of course, there are four other museums to choose from if you’re particularly interested in something specific. 

• The Bode Museum holds a large collection of sculptures from the medieval period through to the 18 th century. 
• The Neues Museum has a curated selection of pieces from the Egyptian Museum and the Papyrus Collection. The jewel in this museum’s crown is the bust of Queen Nefertiti. 
• Alte Nationalgalerie focuses on the neoclassical, romanticism, impressionist, and early modernist art. Here you will able to see work from Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Friedrich. 
• The final museum on the island is the Altes Museum which is dedicated to art and sculpture from ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. It has the largest collection of Etruscan art outside of Italy.

Coffee Stop!

The Barn Café is a great coffee stop to break up the afternoon and try some of the offerings from the most popular German roaster.

They have a roastery in hipster Mitte, with a handful of tables and chairs outside that are perfect for people watching if you are lucky enough to nab one. There’s a brew bar where you can get your coffee prepared in basically any way you’d like, which was a rarity in Germany.

If you’re craving a solid pour over or a nice smooth cold brew, get it here. It can be really busy so be prepared to wait a little while but it is well worth the wait!

Can’t find a seat? Take your coffee to go and slowly wander through the streets of Mitte towards museum island again to see the best museum in Berlin, the DDR Museum . It is located just before the bridge onto museum island.

This museum is dedicated to life in East Germany and includes a reconstruction of an East German apartment where the TV even shows some of the old programming that would have been shown at the time. The most popular exhibit is a simulated drive in an original Trabant. 

Alexanderplatz

I actually wouldn’t recommend investing too much time in Alexanderplatz – there are plenty of more interesting parts of the city to explore during your 2 days in Berlin. But, it’s worth a stroll through bustling Alexanderplatz to see the sights. 

It is the site of the TV Tower, which is the 2 nd tallest structure in the EU. See the panoramic views of Berlin including information about the buildings you are seeing around you. In the square there is also the Fountain of Friendship, the World Clock, and plenty of shopping. 

The streets around Alexanderplatz are full of street art so take a wander or if you are spending a bit more time in Berlin book a street art tour.  

Evening : Nightlife !

After dinner enjoy some of the amazing nightlife that Berlin has to offer. You only have 2 days in Berlin, so you’ll have to choose where you want to go carefully. You can find a list of some of my favorite bars and clubs to visit down below. 

Looking for the Best Tours in Berlin?

Airbnb Experiences are designed by locals to bring you, a tourist, into their world, experience, and everyday life. It’s my new favorite way to find things to do when I’m traveling – from an amazing cooking class in Mexico City, to an inspiring look at Medellin’s transformation from one of the most violent cities in the world to one of the most innovative and forward-thinking.

Here are a few Airbnb Experiences to check out in Berlin to get deeper into the city’s rich history, culture, and food scene.

Tours For History Lovers

If you’re interested in Berlin’s history, particularly in World War 2 and the Cold War , take this WWII + Berlin Wall Tour , which takes you deeper into the story of Hitler’s rise and fall, and how it has shaped Germany today.

More interested in the current issues surrounding Berlin, like gentrification, migration, and sustainability? This Changemaker Tour takes you into two of Berlin’s most interesting neighborhoods to meet some of the entrepreneurs driving the important conversations in Berlin (and the world). Click here to check prices, availability, and reviews .

Tours For Foodies

One of my favorite things about Berlin is the fact that, more than many European cities I’ve visited, it is truly a melting pot of different cultures and influences. Those doner kebabs you see on every corner? They’re part of the story of migration that has made the city what it is today. Take this tour to learn about the story of Berlin through food (and see the city on a bike!). Check prices, availability, and read reviews here.

Have you ever made your own cheese? I certainly haven’t. Now’s your chance to make your own cheese (several varieties with your choice of flavors added)! Check prices, availability, and read reviews here.

Into Craft Beer ? Explore Berlin’s burgeoning Craft Beer Culture with a local brewer in Berlin. You’ll get to taste some iconic Berlin beers, learn about the process, and understand the context around beer in Berlin and Germany as a whole. Check prices, availability, and read reviews here.

Take this Kreuzberg Food Tour to focus on Berlin’s hippest neighborhood (also one of the best places to stay) and the multicultural story that has shaped it. Check prices, availability, and read reviews here.

Day 2: Explore Hipster (ish) Berlin

Morning: explore one of the trendiest neighborhoods in berlin .

Start off the morning in Neukölln, Berlin’s up and coming neighborhood. It is filled with vintage stores, graffiti covered alleyways and more quaint cafes than you could poke a gluten free biscuit at!

• Pequod Books is a second hand bookshop with books written in 25 languages. The owner Alvaro only sells books he personally likes so you can be sure to find some hidden gems. 
• BLUB Spassbad is a closed swimming pool which has been covered in graffiti and used as a place of underground (read: illegal) parties and for fashion photoshoots. 
• Weserstraße is a hotspot for small local boutiques and vintage shops. If you are in the vicinity in the evening it is also full of bars with cozy sofas, mood lighting, and vintage furniture. 
• Griessmühle Mühlenmarkt is a flea market held in a club in the middle of Neukölln on the first Friday of every month. 

Afternoon: Kreuzberg and the Eastside Gallery

Jump on the U-Bahn and head over to the East Side Gallery in Berlin . 

They have turned the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall into an open-air art gallery showing 1.3km of art. Walk off your lunch as you take in all of the political art covering the former Berlin Wall.

Here are a few of my favorites: 

Cross over the River Spree and head to Five Elephant Coffee in Kreuzberg . They offer no frills coffee and cakes, but the coffee is such high quality that Five Elephants has repeatedly been named one of the best cafes in Berlin.

They also make all of their pastries (minus the croissants) in house! If you’re a cheesecake fan, they have cheesecake that my little brother, who is NOT a fan of cheesecake, absolutely loved. IT IS NOT GLUTEN FREE. 

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Kreuzberg. 

• Check out Markethalle Neun , a super cool food hall with all sorts of food vendors. From cheese, to coffee, to bread, to beer (and everything in between). Don’t miss “ Street Food Thursdays ” where you’ll find it packed with locals looking for the best street food in Berlin – from Mexican Tacos to Nigerian FuFu, and so much more. 
• Stop and rest your feet in the concrete park of Admiralbrücke . Street performers of all kinds set up here most of the day, so it is a pleasant place to relax for a little bit.  
• Visit the Konig Gallery , a contemporary gallery housed in a former brutalist church and community center. You will discover plenty of emerging local artists while perusing the art. 
• Take a guided tour of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain where you’ll explore the counter culture movements that shaped the area, and learn about how immigration has shaped Berlin. 

Got More Than 2 Days in Berlin? 

Whether you have a late flight or you have more than 2 days in Berlin, these are some of my top picks of extra things to see if you have a little more time in Berlin. 

Topography Of Terror Museum 

Located at the site where the headquarters of the Gestapo once stood, this is a museum of remembrance of all the crimes committed. There are permanent exhibitions that detail the history from the moment the Nazis took power until the end of the war. Temporary exhibitions deal with different aspects of socialism. 

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie and the connected museum should be top of your list if you have a little more time in Berlin. This was one of the main crossing points in general for people travelling between East and West Berlin and the designated crossing point for allied forces. However, it’s VERY touristy, so know that going in. 

Walking Tour

This is one of the best things to do in Berlin to learn interesting little facts about the city you are exploring. I found that I learned very little about the Cold War growing up in the US, and the walking tour I did helped me get a deeper understanding of what it was like to live in the epicenter of the conflict.

You will find all sorts of walking tours – food tours, street art tours, and tours focusing on communist Berlin, and the history of the war. The museum has a wealth of information about each side of Berlin, inventive escape tactics, and the history of the Berlin Wall.

Find the right walking tour for you here . 

Charlottenburg Palace

Formerly a summer residence, this is the biggest and most awe-inspiring palace in Berlin. Here you can explore the beautiful rococo ballroom, the Prussian Crown Jewels, and a display of the intricately designed tableware. Admission is EUR12 per person and both audio guides and guided tours are available. 

Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood

This little neighborhood is lovely and a calm side of the quirky city. Filled with professionals and young families it is filled with renovated pre-war buildings. Think Sunday afternoon mass public karaoke in Mauerpark, a ruin bar, and quirky little bars around every corner. This is a lovely little suburb for a relaxing wander to see how people live in suburban Berlin. 

Day Trip to Potsdam 

Stunning Potsdam is one of Berlin’s most picturesque towns, in contrast to Berlin’s grey soviet architecture, Potsdam looks like an absolute fairy tale. Just 45 minutes by train from Berlin. The highlight of a visit to Potsdam is a visit to Sanssouci Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets for this must be booked in advance and cost EUR19. Alternatively, you can book a guided day trip to Potsdam here (or check out this cool bike tour of Potsdam ).

An interactive museum that takes you through the history of espionage throughout the world. It has over 300 exhibits on display, including a laser course, and learn about computer hacking and code cracking. The highlights are an enigma style encryption device, and an exhibit on data protection and social media, a timely topic. 

How to Get Around in Berlin 

Berlin’s public transportation system is so easy to use; everything runs perfectly to schedule and signs are in English as well as German. 

Day passes are just EUR7 per adult and are valid for all types of transport so are well worth it for a 2 day Berlin itinerary so you have more time for exploring. Single tickets are EUR3 each if you just need to make one trip. There is a fine of EUR60 if you are caught travelling without a ticket and ticket inspectors travel regularly so it is worth making sure you buy a ticket. 

Central Berlin is easy to walk or bike if you want to be a little more active and experience as much of the beautiful city as possible. The cycling infrastructure is really advanced so there are plenty of bike lanes to explore the city. 

Where to Eat in Berlin

Berlin is a great food city. Whether you’re looking for world class dining (like at Katz Orange ) or some quick and easy street food, like a doner kebab, Berlin has you covered. 

Traveling to Berlin with Celiac Disease? Guess what? I have you covered with my Gluten Free Travel Guide to Berlin for Celiacs . 

When in Berlin, do as the Berliners do. Which means you have to try Currywurst – a delicious concoction of sausage, fries, and ketchup topped with curry powder. Head to Witty’s Currywurst where they have organic and gluten free sausages, and the chips are fried in their own dedicated fryer. The servers will happily change their gloves to make your currywurst to prevent cross contamination. 

Amrit – an Indian restaurant that offers all the usual Indian fare. Most of the menu is naturally gluten free but it’s worth checking with your server just to be sure. My favourites were the Butter Chicken and Aloo Saag. They have a couple of locations in the city. 

Chutnify – more Indian food! This time, it’s Chutnify, which has a range of (objectively delicious) curries and dosas, all of which are gluten free. Locations in both of my favorite neighborhoods in Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg. Most of the menu is gluten free. 

Glutanada – a dedicated gluten free bakery. They serve a fantastic brunch but also do bread, pastries, crepes, and even spaetzle. Located near Tempelhof park. 

Cevicheria – a Peruvian restaurant on Dresdener Street in Kreuzberg. Most of the menu is in English and contains plenty of seafood dishes and tapas. Everything is gluten free except the desserts. 

Cafe Tante Nanni – 100% Gluten Free cafe in Berlin. It’s a little outside the heart of the city center, but worth the detour.  

Brotquelle – near the Eastside Gallery, a 100% gluten free bakery that has all the gluten free baked goods you could possibly imagine. 

Burgerie – in the mood for burgers? Head to Burgerie in Prenzlauer Berg for delicious burgers and fries. Celiac-safe gluten free options available, and fries are in a dedicated gluten free fryer. 

Where to Drink in Berlin

Berlin has such a wide range of places to drink that it’s hard to feature them all here, and it totally depends on what you’re looking for.

However, I’m pretty confident that whether you’re looking for a romantic speakeasy for a date with that special someone, or a rowdy nightclub to find that special someone, you’ll find great options in Berlin. Here are some ideas for you. 

Cocktail train – a renovated S-Bahn train car from the 1920s that has been made into a lovely cocktail bar. 

Tarantino’s Bar – a bar in homage to Quentin Tarantino. The walls are covered in movie posters, the majority of them signed by the man himself.

B-Flat – a premier live music and jazz venue in Berlin.

Klunkerkranich – if you’re into working hard to even find the bar you’re trying to go to, this is the spot for you. I very much enjoy the search – one time in Melbourne, Australia I spent 45 minutes circling a block to find the coffee shop I was looking for. Alysha, my wife, was not terribly pleased.. Some might call me a hipster. And they’re probably right. It’s located in hipster Neukolln (ish), which totally makes sense. 

Department – a stylish restaurant/club in a former post office. Visit later in the evening when it turns into a club to dance until sunrise. 

Die Schöne Party – A club spread out over four floors with every floor offering a different style of live music. Some of the best DJs in Berlin line up to play here. 

Monkey Bar – a lovely rooftop bar overlooking the zoo, Tiergarten, and the rest of Berlin. Snap some photos of the city lights of Berlin as you sip a cocktail and think of the highlights of your trip. It’s expensive though, so keep that in mind. 

More on where to drink in Berlin here . 

Where to find the Best Coffee in Berlin

Prior to visiting Berlin, I had only heard of one German coffee roaster – Five Elephant Coffee .

I had read about them in a few places, including Sprudge , and was super excited to try their coffee. They lived up to the hype. And they should be a coffee lover’s first stop in Berlin. They have a location in Kreuzberg, and a newer location in Mitte. 

If you’re not a Celiac, you should know that they make all of their pastries in-house (except for the croissants) and they have excellent cheesecake according to my brother, who doesn’t even like cheesecake but devoured the Five Elephant cheesecake in 14.2 seconds.

There were several other fantastic coffee shops that I visited in Berlin – here were the best of the rest to check out during your 2 days in Berlin.

In Prenzlauer Berg: 

Bonanza Coffee Heroes – On the outskirts of Prenzlauer Berg, the first time we tried to go here I accidentally took us to the coffee shop a few doors down (Café KRONE, which was also very nice). So naturally, we had to come back. Lovely outdoor seating area for a nice day in Berlin. 

The Barn – they now have locations all over Berlin, and they sell their coffee in craft brown bags, so you know it’s good. The roastery location in Mitte has a brew bar where you can have your coffee prepared in all sorts of different ways – a must for coffee lovers. Well worth setting aside some time during your 2 days in Berlin for this coffee experience. 

In Kreuzberg/Neukölln:

Chapter One Coffee – In Kreuzberg-ish, stylish but tiny. Don’t expect to find a seat in peak hours – grab your coffee to go and get walking!

Roamers CC – cute space with great coffee that turns into a bar in the afternoon. 

In Friedrichshain:

Happy Baristas – Looking for a nitro cold brew in Berlin? This is your spot. They use coffee from the Barn (see above).

Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Berlin

Berlin was my favorite city in Germany, and is one of the best and most diverse cities in Central Europe. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find something for you in Berlin.

Did I miss something that HAS to be on a 2 day Berlin itinerary? Let me know in the comments!

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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15 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Berlin

Last Updated on 26/05/2023

Berlin is a fascinating city. If you’re looking for an excuse to visit, I’ve got you covered! Here are my top 15 reasons to visit Berlin to inspire your next trip to the German capital!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

Reasons To Visit Berlin

I’ve outlined our top 15 reasons to visit Berlin below. From its ever-present history to amazing shopping and great food, Berlin has plenty on offer!

If you’re a museum-lover, you need to visit Berlin! Museum Island alone is home to 5 museums and is located right at the heart of the city. You’ll find some fantastic gems dotted around the city too, including The Story of Berlin (currently under renovation) and the Wall Memorial Museum .

2. Street Art

Berlin has some of the most creative street art I’ve ever seen! There are districts overflowing with artwork and some wonderful tours you can join to take it all in. Not forgetting the striking East Side Gallery which was once the Berlin Wall and is now the longest open-air gallery in the world.

3. Shopping

Berlin is a great city if you’re looking for some retail therapy! The iconic department store Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe) is a great place to pick up a treat to commemorate your trip. Alternatively, you can join the throngs at the Mall of Berlin or Alexa , just to name a few options!

Berlin is a city with so much history, and much of that history is still within living memory. When you go to Berlin, you can’t escape that, as it shouts its story everywhere you turn. Despite the turbulent times of its past, Berlin seeks to educate people about it and you can find traces of it around every corner.

5. Architecture

Berlin has a wonderful mix of architecture. The gaudy Victorian Cathedral stands in stark contrast to the modern millennial Reichstag dome . The wonderful blend of old and new architecture could only be pulled off by a city with a history as varied as Berlin’s.

6. Berliner Fernsehturm

Berliner Fernsehturm or TV tower is the best way to see Berlin. Take an elevator up this 368m tower to witness spectacular panoramic views of the city. There are information boards to guide you through what you are seeing, and it is the only way to really appreciate the scars left on this previously divided city.

7. Green Spaces

Berlin is a city surrounded by greenery! As well as a number of small parks around the city, the spectacular Tiergarten is well worth a visit. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll around this old hunting reserve, and find Berlin Zoo at the far end!

It’s impossible to write a post about Berlin without mentioning the beer! Even though I’m not really a beer drinker, you can’t visit a German city without sampling some of the local offerings. You can even take a tour from those who know best and go drinking with a local .

Top tip: if you want to bring some home in your suitcase to enjoy later, you can pick it up for less than 1 Euro per bottle in the local supermarkets!

9. Affordable

I was amazed when we first arrived in Berlin at how cheap everything was! For a capital city, prices of things like food and souvenirs were much cheaper than any other western European city we’ve visited. Transport and accommodation were also really reasonably priced so it isn’t a destination that will break the bank!

10. Currywurst

Much like the beer, a trip to Berlin isn’t complete without sampling some currywurst! This curried sausage is deceptive though, for what it lacks in presentation, it makes up for in taste. It’s absolutely delicious!

>> Want to sample another German staple? Check out this easy recipe to make authentic German pretzels at home <<

11. Christmas Markets

Visiting Berlin in winter might not be an obvious choice, but it is worth battling the cold for the magical Christmas markets. These festive celebrations start late November and run right up until Christmas. They are a fabulous place to buy some last-minute Christmas shopping or treat yourself to something warm and sweet to take off the chill.

12. Easy To Navigate

Despite being a major city, Berlin is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. The streets are easy to navigate and it is safe to walk around. If your legs are ready for a break though, the U-Bahn is easy to operate so you can hop on and off to all of your sites in a breeze.

13. Day Trips

If you’re planning an extended trip, or you just want to use Berlin as your home-base, there are some wonderful day trips you can take from the city. Visit nearby cities of Dresden or Potsdam . Or if you are ready to face something a little more sobering, you can witness the horrors of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp .

14. Accommodation

Berlin has a wonderful host of accommodation options on offer, so you are bound to find the perfect place for your stay. Like much of Berlin, the accommodation is very reasonably priced, particularly if you are visiting out of season. It’s a great place to upgrade to something a little more luxurious to make your stay extra special.

Get a great deal on your accommodation with my favorites on Tripadvisor .

Due to its historical physical divide, visiting Berlin is like visiting two cities. The old town has a quintessential European feel, whereas the newer, rebuilt city has a bustling modern vibe. Something about the new city feels cool and it is exciting to experience a city that is constantly evolving.

Ready To Book?

Has Berlin stolen your heart? If you’re ready to start planning your trip, check out these great resources to get you started.

• Find flights with  Google Flights
• Book affordable accommodation with  TripAdvisor  or  Booking.com
• Want someone else to do the hard work? Book a package with  EasyJet Holidays  or  Jet2 Holidays
• Get travel insurance from  Coverwise
• Hire a car through  Travel Supermarket
• Never pay international payment fees again with a debit card from  Currensea  that works with your existing bank account.
• Book a tour with  Get Your Guide  or  Viatour

Want To See More Germany?

If you love Germany and want to see more of the country as part of your visit to Berlin, check out these great guides:

• One Day In Munich by Jetlagged Roamer
• How To Visit Neuschwanstein Castle by Volumes & Voyages

15 Reasons To Visit Berlin

So these are my top 15 reasons to visit Berlin. I hope I’ve inspired you to visit this fascinating city!

Are you booking your Berlin trip already? I’d love to hear about it! Let’s connect on  Instagram  and send me a DM with the reason that convinced you to visit Berlin!

Until our next adventure,

Love it? Pin It!

If you like these 15 reasons to visit Berlin, be sure to follow  Get Lost on Pinterest . That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great  Europe travel tips .

You might also like…

Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

69 thoughts on “15 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Berlin”

I went to Berlin in December 2017 and honestly wasn’t a fan! The only thing I enjoyed was the Berlin Wall and the Christmas markets!

Oh no! I’m so sorry you didn’t enjoy Berlin! The Christmas Markets are absolutely fabulous! I really liked the history of the city and the architecture but also KaDeWe (I spent most of my trip shopping there!) but I’m sorry to hear that it wasn’t a city for you!

Oh yes, I’d love to go and visit Berlin again. It’s been a while since I’ve last been. And I still haven’t gotten round to visiting all of the sights.

There are so many sights aren’t there? We didn’t manage to see it all while we were in there and I’d love to go back again to take more of it in!

I’ve been to Germany a couple times but never Berlin. I want to visit for the Christmas markets – they look absolutely incredible!!

The Christmas markets are phenomenal! It was definitely one of the highlights of the visit. It is a fascinating city and well worth a visit!

Germany is sooo big! Can’t wait to explore the country with my family! Thanks for this Berlin guide!

I’m glad you like the guide! I’d love to see more of Germany, I haven’t explored anywhere near enough of it!

Great post, I cannot wait to go to Berlin after reading this 🙂

I’m glad you like it! I hope you have the opportunity to visit soon!

I absolutely LOVE Christmas markets and I’ve been wanting to go to Berlin to see them there. I am glad to see it on your list here, it only affirms that it’s a good destination for chasing these holiday markets!

The Berlin Christmas markets where phenomenal! We visited the last week in November which was great timing because most (not quite all) of the markets had started but most tourists visit in December so they were pretty empty when we visited!

I haven’t made it to Berlin, just Munich. But, that made me fall in love with Germany. Great post, I would love to explore more of Germany. Berlin looks amazing and appears to have stunning architecture.

I’ve never made it to Munich but I’d love to go! Berlin is definitely worth a visit as it is a fascinating city. I’d love to explore more of Germany too!

I have not yet managed to get to Germany. Berlin looks very attractive and beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Berlin is a fascinating city! I’d definitely recommend a visit because there is so much to see and do! It’s a city I’d love to go back to and see even more of!

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I have never heard of currywurst! Wow! Despite its uninviting appearance, I can’t wait to try it! thanks for the tip!

Haha yes, currywurst definitely doesn’t sell itself on its looks! It does taste delicious though and is well worth trying!

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Wow I love this post!!! Berlin is still my favorite city to this day. It’s clean, modern and so diverse!

Thanks Jade, I’m so glad you love it! Berlin is one of my favourite cities too. It is a fascinating place!

Berlin is definitely one of my favourite cities! There’s just so much to do there for free, it’s full of history and the atmosphere is so vibrant. I’ve been there twice already but would love to return again in the near future 🙂

It’s an amazing city isn’t it? I think no matter how many times you visit, there is always more to do! I’ve only been once but can’t wait to go back. Hopefully we’ll be able to visit again soon!

Good list! Berlin is not even my favourite city in Germany – that is Hamburg – but I would go to Berlin again any day. I would add to your list the most fun Trabant tours ever, highly recommended!

I’ve not visited Hamburg before but I’d love to go! I’m going to try out those tours when I’m next in Berlin, thanks for the suggestion!

Thanks for such an enticing list of reasons to visit Berlin! The museums and street art in particular are at the top of my list.

I’m glad you like the guide! The street art is incredible and well worth seeing! And the museums are fascinating, I feel like no matter how many times I visit I’ll never have enough time to appreciate all of the amazing museums fully!

Berlin has been on my bucket list for so long! I like that you included accommodation in this post as well – really helpful for when I plan my trip!

Berlin is a wonderful city, I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon! The accommodation was actually one of the things I loved about Berlin. It is so reasonably priced! We were located right in the centre and it hardly cost us anything for a beautiful hotel! You can’t beat a city with awesome accommodation!

When I visited Berlin, it wasn’t really my top choice, but I fell in love with it as well! But then again, I do like beer 🙂

I know what you mean! I had always wanted to visit Berlin, but I never thought I’d fall in love with it like I did! Haha! beer is always a good reason to visit! My other half was impressed by the local offerings, and especially by how cheap they were!

I’ve never been to Berlin. Would love to visit and check out all there is to see, do, eat, drink and experience, especially the Christmas markets.

I hope you’re able to visit Berlin soon! It is such a fascinating place! The Christmas markets are definitely magical, they were my favourite part of the trip!

I was planning a trip to Berlin before the pandemic, this post really has me itching to go!

Oh no! I’m so sorry that you didn’t manage to go! I hope you’re able to visit Berlin soon!

Loved this! I also loooooove the markets in Berlin. I spent a summer there and was obsessed with YAAM, Holzmarkt, etc. Also the public transportation is amazing.

It’s a fantastic city isn’t it! I really want to go back and take it all in again! Thanks for reading!

I have been to Berlin only as a teenager in an exchange program, but I would love to go back. Thanks for all these advises !!

What a fun way to experience Berlin as part of an exchange! I hope you’re able to go back sometime soon!

Berlin’s a place I’ve wanted to visit for a long time, it looks like such an interesting city. I’d love to learn more about the history, and some of the beautiful architecture. Of course the food and beer are high on the list too. I think I might wait for an opportunity to go around Christmas for the markets though

Berlin is a great city! I had always wanted to go, but I enjoyed it so much more than I expected! It’s a fascinating place with so much to see and do. We visited the last week in November when the Christmas markets first opened and it was magical!

I love love love Berlin! It is such a beautiful city! I cannot wait to go back!

Me neither! It’s definitely a city I could visit over and over again, there is so much to see and do!

Thanks for sharing so many awesome reasons to visit Berlin. I’m so tempted to visit it now, lol.

I’m glad to hear I might just have tempted you! It is definitely a city worth visiting!

Great list, Hannah. I have never been to Berlin or to Germany for that matter. But, I know that i would love the museums in Berlin. I know they have one with many Egyptian items, like the bust of Nefertiti. The street art would also be so fun to see! Of course the German food, beer and wines would be delicious. Hope to get there soon.

I fell in love with Berlin but definitely need to visit more of Germany. It is such a beautiful country! Berlin is a fascinating place. I definitely want to go back and explore the museums properly because we didn’t have much time for that. An Egyptian collection sounds so cool! I’m going to seek that out on my next trip! I hope you’re able to visit Berlin soon!

Great post and I love your pictures! I’ve been to Berlin in the summer but need to go back one day to visit the Christmas markets! They sound incredible

The Christmas markets were absolutely magical! I’ve only visited in winter but I’d love to go in summer and spend more time exploring the museums and wandering the streets. It’s such a fascinating city!

I live in Munich and my partner and I always escape to Berlin when we need to let loose a little bit. We love the cafes, street art, shops, and techno! Next time we visit we need to go to some of the museums I haven’t been to one in Berlin yet and have heard great things. Pinning for our next trip!

Oh how lucky that you can escape to Berlin! It’s such an interesting city, isn’t it! I hope you have an opportunity to explore the museums soon!

If I could right now, I would love to spend a few days in Berlin. There seem to be so many things to do!

I know how you feel! I’d love to head back there! It’s such an interesting city with so much to do!

Berlin has been on my list for ages but I always seem to go to another city in Germany. Thanks for the great tips for when I finally make it there!

I hope you’re able to visit Berlin and cross it off your list soon! I actually need to explore more of Germany! I’ve not seen as much of it as I would like. I can’t wait to go back and see more of it!

I didn’t realize there was so much to love about Berlin! I love the street art and architecture; I love that it is affordable; and I love that its history is used to educate. Beautiful post.

Thanks Megan, I’m so glad you like the post! Berlin is definitely a fascinating city with lots to see and do. And I was definitely surprised by how affordable it was! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!

I’ve heard such wonderful things about Berlin! I absolutely love the green spaces and would love wander and see what this city has to offer. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

Thanks for reading Elena! Berlin is such a beautiful city, I hope you get an opportunity to visit and explore it!

Great post! I agree that the history of Berlin is one of the top reasons to visit, and there are so many great museums as well. Also German Christmas markets are the best. I can’t wait to be able to go back to Berlin!

The history is so interesting, isn’t it! I had a bit of an awareness of the history before we went but I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t know as much about it as I should! I definitely learned a lot on my trip! I can’t wait until we can go back either!

You sold me on cheap, beer, and currywurst. I recently took a virtual tour of the East Side Gallery … that, and your post have rekindled my interest in visiting Berlin. My last visit was in 1974, crossing the wall at Checkpoint Charlie and climbing to a viewing platform to take a photo. Very desolate. This time, I’d love to cycle part of the trail that follows where the wall once stood. I think that would be a moving experience (pun not intentional as I don’t want to make light of the suffering of that period). Thank you for the post.

Haha they are definitely strong selling points, aren’t they! I imagine a visit in 1974 was a very different experience from visiting today! I hope you’re able to get back there soon and see the city from a new perspective. Thanks for reading!

Loved this! Berlin is one of my top favorite cities 🙂 And I agree, these are all the reasons I love it. From the beautiful green spaces to the history and museums to the affordability.

It’s a beautiful city isn’t it? It definitely stole a piece of my heart! I can’t wait to go back and explore even more of it!

I am glad you like my adopted home. I live in the suburbs near Sachsenhausen and I am glad to see foreigners coming back to our little town to visit some historical sites – even those we do not remember proudly.

Ah Berlin is such a fascinating city! I learned a lot from my visit. It wasn’t all pleasant, but it is all important. I can’t wait to visit again to explore more of it!

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4 Days in Berlin: The Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary

Berlin is a city with endless possibilities and a rich history that can keep you entertained for days on end. Since moving to Germany in 2019, I have visited Berlin on a couple of different occasions, always trying to discover new things and explore deep into the city’s neighborhoods. Whether you’re interested in exploring cultural heritage sites, trying out the local cuisine, or partying the night away, Berlin has something for everyone. 

You could easily spend a week in Berlin, but I think a long weekend is the perfect length for a first time visitor. Three or four days is ideal to give you a taste of must-see landmarks and cultural attractions as well as the distinct and trendy neighborhoods that make Berlin a popular destination for travelers in Germany.  In this blog post, I’ll take you through the best sights, delicious food spots, and exciting activities that you won’t want to miss. 

If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, you’ll want to make the most of your time. With only four days to explore, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s why I’ve put together the ultimate itinerary, highlighting the best things to see and do in Berlin on a long weekend visit. Designed for first-time visitors, this blog post will help you plan the perfect trip to Berlin. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover Germany’s most dynamic city.

What You'll Find in this Article

How to Plan the Ultimate Long Weekend in Berlin

Morning: brandenburg gate & holocaust memorial.

Perhaps the most famous landmark in Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate. Nearly every first-time visitor to Berlin will visit this sandstone gate, which was built between 1788 – 1791. In more recent history, the Brandenburg Gate was a symbol of division between east and west Germany. After the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, the gate sat right in the middle of the restricted zone. It could not be visited by East Berliners nor West Berliners. It was essentially left abandoned for 30 years until reunification when it was reappropriated as a symbol of German unity.   

Another essential place to visit in Berlin is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. You’ll also hear it called the Holocaust Memorial, but that isn’t the official name. Designed by architects Peter Eisenman and Buro Happold in 2005, there are 2,711 concrete columns across 19,000 square meters forming a vast mazelike complex. The columns are all different heights (between 8 inches to 15 feet), and the ground undulates with small hills and slight angles. Walking through the columns creates an uncomfortable, disorienting experience for the visitor.

Beneath the memorial is an information center and museum that I would strongly recommend visiting. The center takes a micro-level approach, following individual people and families who were killed in the Holocaust. The personal histories from different European countries are tragic and heart-breaking. I found the storytelling to be incredibly powerful here, really connecting the overwhelming atrocity to individual stories. There are lots of photos and audio clips, as well as the names of approximately 3 million Jewish Holocaust victims. 

Early Afternoon: Tiergarten

If you decide to visit the memorial center beneath the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, you are likely going to need some time to decompress. It is a heavy topic, so a walk through the peaceful and beautiful Tiergarten park will help. The park has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 16th century when it was used as a hunting ground for the Prussian royal family. Located in the heart of Berlin, Tiergarten is one of the city’s most popular green spaces.

With over 200 acres of gardens, lakes, and forests, you can explore the park on foot or by bike. It is no secret that I love biking, so I would recommend that option 100%. It is easy to use one of the app-based bike share programs, such as nextbike , and there are several stations around the perimeter of Tiergarten. Today, it is a beloved recreational area for locals and tourists alike, enjoying leisurely stroll along the park’s winding paths, relaxing by the lake, or enjoying a picnic on the grass. You might even catch some wildlife viewing, including birds, squirrels, and rabbits. 

Late Afternoon: Reichstag

Now I know it might sound boring, but hear me out – you should visit the seat of the German federal government at the storied Reichstag. Of all the historic places that I’ve visited in Berlin , this one was probably the most surprising. I loved it! This historic parliamentary building has changed leadership countless times since its construction in 1871. It was also the site of the Nazi’s famous 1933 arson and false flag attack that gave Hitler pretext to suspend civil liberties and begin brutal repression in the name of national security. 

You need to book a visit ahead of time (usually at least one week before) and you will also need to go through a security check before entering. Once inside, you will see why the Reichstag is one of the most recognizable buildings in Berli’s skyline – the massive glass dome that sits on top. This stunning structure offers 360-degree views of Germany’s capital city and the opportunities for photography are endless here.

Evening: Charlottenburg Neighborhood

I recommend popping over to the western side of Berlin for dinner on your first night in the city. On the way, take a quick peek in the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church . Acting as the symbolic center of west Berlin, the original church was severely damaged during aerial allied bombing in WWII. While parts of the interior were restored after the war, the main tower was intentionally left as a ruin. The ghastly visual serves as a visual reminder of the importance of European peace and functions as a memorial against war and destruction. 

There are several fun dinner options in the Charlottenburg neighborhood of Berlin. Dishing up some simple and delicious Taiwanese food, Lon-Men’s Noodle house is a casual hole-in-the-wall spot offering an assortment of traditional Taiwanese dishes, including noodle soups, bao buns and fried dumplings. For something a little bit fancier, 893 Ryotei is an excellent choice. You’ll need to make a reservation several weeks in advance, but this Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant pushes the boundaries in all the best ways. You won’t be disappointed by anything on the menu here.

This may sound random, but a final dinner suggestion is Kaufhaus des Westens. Also known as KaDeWe , this is one of Berlin’s most luxurious department stores. Known for its wide range of high-end fashion, beauty and household items, KaDeWe also boasts an impressive food hall with a wide selection of luxury gourmet food. Think an oyster bar, a champagne counter, and even a caviar stand. There is also a full service restaurant on the rooftop with a gorgeous glass dome ceiling. This is a fun place to bounce around and sample different cuisine.

Morning: Jewish Museum

Start your second day in Berlin at the world famous Jewish Museum. The building is one of the most distinctive pieces of modern architecture in the city. Built by acclaimed architect Daniel Libeskind, the Jewish Museum is a masterpiece. Spread across three structures, the building plays with light and scale to elicit emotional reactions for the visitor, mirroring the emotions they will already be feeling as they dive deep into the history of Jewish people in Germany. 

The thought-provoking room of darkness, the slits of light in the stairwell, and the disorienting subterranean hallways are intentional choices that force the visitor to engage with the space and the content of the museum. The exhibition chronicles stories of Jewish culture, migration, diversity, and persecution. Extensively researched and thoughtfully presented, the collection is very impressive. While the experience is heavy, I found it to be important and impactful.

Early Afternoon:  East Side Gallery

One of the most recognizable historic places to visit in Berlin is the East Side Gallery. You have most likely seen imagery of the murals on Instagram before. Located just off Warschauer Strasse on the border of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, the East Side Gallery is a 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall which has been converted into an open-air art gallery. Street artists and muralists painted powerful political messages and artwork on the ruins of the wall, a juxtaposition that is quintessentially Berlin. Expect to wait in line with other tourists to get a picture of yourself in front of the most famous murals. 

The most iconic murals in the East Side Gallery include: 

• “the kiss between Brezhnev and Honecker” which shows the leaders of Germany and the USSR kissing
• “It Happened in November” a painting by Kani Alvai which depicts Checkpoint Charlie on the day the Berlin Wall fell
•  “The Wall Jumper” which shows a man jumping over the Berlin Wall to leave East Berlin to join the free world.

Late Afternoon: Markthalle Neun 

When you’re done looking at the East Side Gallery, cross over the Spree River on the Oberbaum Bridge. This double decker bridge has a unique look with castle-like turrets and arched barrel vaults. It opened in 1896 and has been featured in a number of movies, such as Run Lola Run.

Like many other foodie cities around the world, Berlin has embraced the food hall trend and Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg is the undisputed best. The beautiful interior of this revitalized building will strike you immediately, but the real stars are all the culinary vendors inside. Wander around and see which of the stalls appeal to you. I loved the grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with kimchi from AltMilche, while my husband liked the U.S.-style barbecue at Big Stuff. Wash down your food with a craft beer from Heidenpeters or a mate-influenced gin & tonic from Soul & Spice.

Evening: Bar Hopping in Neukölln 

Known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene, Neukölln is a popular destination for foodies and bar-hoppers alike. I recommend ending your second day exploring Berlin in Neukölln, because it will give you a sense of the hip and alternative scene that Berlin is so well-known for. For dinner, grab some street food, especially Turkish cuisine. Follow your nose or look for the spots with a line, because locals always know best.

If you happen to be in Berlin during nice weather, start your Neukölln bar crawl at Klunkerkranich . This makeshift bar is on the top floor of a parking garage, making it a quintessentially Berlin experience. It is built out of reclaimed materials, recycled pallets, community gardens, and artist installations. It is quirky, but it offers one of the best rooftop views in the city. This is a great place to come around sunset, although there are legendary parties and live music events here late into the night. 

The area is also known for its lively bar scene, with a number of trendy and unique watering holes to choose from. Being a cocktail girl myself, I recommend sampling drinks at some of Neukölln’s legendary cocktail bars. Geist im Glas , Tier , and Velvet are all great options. If you prefer to discover on your own, stroll down Weserstraße between Wildenbruchstraße and Kottbusser Damm. You’re bound to find lots of wine caves, dive bars and cocktail joints on your way.

Morning: Brunch in Reuterkeiz  

On my first visit to Berlin, I stayed at a stylish AirBnb in the Reuterkiez neighborhood. I really fell in love with this neighborhood, because it has a charming yet gritty vibe in the heart of the city. I especially like a morning walk along the canal with a coffee from Kaffeebar in hand. Reuterkiez has a lot of great options that will satisfy any AM cravings, whether you’re looking for a quick coffee or a leisurely brunch. There are some great brunch places in this neighborhood so I recommend a leisurely start on your third morning in Berlin. 

If you want something quick or to-go, it is hard to beat the amazing baked goods at Albatross Bakery . This down-to-earth and minimalist spot has incredible croissants along with crusty sourdough loaves. For a boozier take on brunch, head to Le Bon . Their literal motto is brunch, lunch and booze! This sophisticated restaurant offers an international brunch fare in a classic Berlin industrial space.

A final suggestion is Geist im Glas . You might not expect the bar you stumbled out of would be able to whip out one of tastiest brunches just a few hours later, but this is Berlin – anything is possible. Specializing in cuisine from the American south, the buttermilk pancakes are iconic and the biscuits and gravy induce some serious nostalgia. This brunch draws a crowd every week, so don’t be surprised if you find a wait.

Early Afternoon: Checkpoint Charlie & Typography of Terror Museum

I think a visit to the Typography of Terror museum is essential for any first-time visitor to Berlin. The museum sits on the remains of the Nazi’s central operations office, where a majority of the Third Reich’s most heinous crimes were planned and managed. From 1933 to 1945, this building housed the primary offices of Nazi terror institutions, including the Gestapo Secret State Police Office, Reich SS Leadership offices, and the Reich Security Main Office. 

Today, the museum chronicles how the Nazis rose to power and spread the message of their ideology. It is full of photos, journals, and artifacts that engage with Germany’s darkest chapters in honest and meaningful ways. I found this museum to be the most educational that we visited in Berlin, and I think it does a really good job of covering an intense topic with direct and straightforward messaging. You’ll need a few hours to go through the museum, as well as some time to decompress after. 

After you’re finished, head just two blocks east to Checkpoint Charlie. Located on the corner of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße, Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. You might recognize it from famous movies like James Bond or Bridge of Spies. Today, it has been rebuilt as a tourist attraction, complete with the barrier, guard booth and flags. There isn’t much to do here, besides snap a few photos, although there are lots of souvenir shops if you need to pick up something.

Late Afternoon: Biking in Templehof Park   

Once again, I am going to encourage you to explore Berlin by bicycle, especially after a visit to the Typography of Terror museum. You’ll need a way to clear your head a bit. Biking is simply my favorite way to see a new city, and Tempelhof Park is a perfect (and safe) place to go for a bike ride. Tempelhof Park was once the site of Tempelhof Airport, which played a significant role in Berlin’s history. The airport was used during the Berlin Airlift in the late 1940s, and later served as a hub for East German refugees during the Cold War. 

Long since closed, the former Tempelhof airport grounds were converted into a public park. Characterized by wide open spaces and beautiful green areas, Tempelhof Park is an incredibly popular recreational area for locals looking to relax with a picnic, frisbee or jogging. Maybe you’ve even seen it featured in viral rollerblading TikToks – that seems to be a favorite activity in the park these days! It is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the German Museum of Technology and the Berlin City Museum. With its beautiful green spaces and rich history, Tempelhof Park is a truly special place to explore.

Evening: Fancy Dinner in Reuterkeiz  

Since you’re already in the area, you might as well enjoy dinner in Reuterkeiz. There are so many nice restaurants in this neighborhood – it would be a shame to miss them! Splurge on a Michelin-star night at two unique places in the area. Tulus Lotrek is an unpretentious fine dining experience that will feel warm and welcoming from the moment you arrive. You’ll have the choice of tasting menus between meat or vegetarian as well as the option to choose the number of courses between 6-8. The food is modern, sophisticated and creative with punchy flavors and unique combinations. 

Leave room to enjoy a fine-dining dessert experience at CODA. One part high-end patisserie and one part experimental cocktail bar, this swanky spot feels deeply luxurious. Their menu is anything but ordinary, with “dessert” dishes featuring ingredients such as black garlic or miso paste paired with fruits or cacao. A drink pairing comes with the menu, and it is equally as unusual featuring cocktails like beer mixed with sherry or madeira infused with Chinese black tea. You are in for a truly special experience when dining at CODA!

Morning: Breakfast & Shopping in Friedrichshain

On your final day in Berlin, we’ll focus on experiencing some highlights in eastern Berlin as well as some time to explore dynamic neighborhoods. Starting in Friedrichshain, grab a bagel at Fine Bagels . Germany isn’t exactly known for its bagels, but these ones are legit. Part bagel-shop, part bookstore, this is the perfect low key place to start your day. 

A wander around any of Berlin’s trendy neighborhoods will reveal a seemingly endless abundance of specialty coffee shops. Ranging from Vienna-inspired coffee to American industrial-chic espresso purveyors, experiencing coffee culture is one of the best things to do while traveling in Berlin! There are a number of nice ones around Friedrichshain, which I summarize in my Berlin coffee shop guide . 

Berlin has by far the largest assortment of thrift stores and vintage stores in Germany. A great second hand store lies around basically every street corner in Berlin, and you’ll find a number of cool second-hand boutiques in  Friedrichshain. For cheaper thrifted finds, the massive Humana on Petersburger is a worthy option. Find more curated pieces at Haha You’re Ugly , a tongue and cheek  shop that offers an eccentric and off-beat selection of vintage treasures. I wrote a whole guide about my favorite second-hand shops in Berlin if you are looking for more suggestions.

Early Afternoon: Berlin Wall Memorial 

To see what the Berlin Wall actually looked, head to Berlin Wall Memorial park. This historic and poignant memorial commemorates the city’s division during the Cold War, and serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of those who lived through this tumultuous period in history. The Berlin Wall was built in 1961, separating East and West Berlin. It was a symbol of the ideological divide between the communist East and the democratic West, and its construction had a profound impact on the city and its people. The Berlin Wall was finally torn down in 1989, following the collapse of the communist regime in East Germany.

A one-mile stretch of the wall has been preserved in its original condition along Bernauer Strasse. This street was one of the most critical dividing lines between east and west Berlin. You will see the thick and towering walls of concrete, rebar, a watchtower, as well as “no-man’s land” in between. This open air exhibit features photographs, signs, and audio histories of people’s experience living in divided Berlin. There is also a memorial wall, which commemorates the heroic and heartbreaking attempts that people made to escape the DDR and reunite with loved ones.

Late Afternoon: Wandering Oranienburger & Prenzlauerberg

Known for its well-preserved 19th century architecture and picturesque streets, the Oranienburger neighborhood has a rich history and culture in the heart of the city. This is a picturesque place to get a little bit lost on your last day in Berlin. You’ll discover beautiful street art murals, ivy covered buildings and quiet city streets. Keep your camera handy! Oranienburgerstraße is a popular street for shopping and dining, offering a wide range of options from high-end boutiques to vintage shops and trendy cafes.

This area once had a vibrant Jewish community, and you can see some cultural institutions dedicated to that legacy, such as the New Synagogue . It is the largest synagogue in Berlin. For somewhat obvious and tragic reasons, finding a Jewish deli in Germany is difficult. Tucked inside a former Jewish girls school, Mogg pays homage to the neighborhood’s history with amazing food. Served on seeded rye bread with a juicy swipe of homemade thousand island dressing, the pastrami reuben is absolute perfection.

Evening: Dinner in Prenzlauerberg 

Prenzlauer Berg is a vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of Berlin. Known for its bohemian atmosphere and lively arts scene, this neighborhood is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is also a nice area to stay in! With its tree-lined streets, charming cafes, and independent boutiques, Prenzlauer Berg offers a unique blend of history and modernity. 

Prenzlauer Berg is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes, offering a wide variety of cuisines and flavors. It is the perfect place to end your first full day in Berlin. Whether you’re looking for a cozy neighborhood joint or a trendy bar, you’ll find something to suit your taste in this diverse neighborhood. My favorite place to recommend is Katz Orange . The whole restaurant is built inside a 19th-century brewery, and the seasonal eclectic cuisine offers a delicious but approachable fine dining experience.

Do you have questions about what to do in Berlin? Comment below!

Further reading....

Ultimate Coffee Lovers Guide to Berlin’s Best Specialty Coffee

How to Spend a Long Weekend in the Romantic Rhine Valley Without a Cruise

Where to Find the Best Restaurants for Foodies in Berlin

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How to Make the Most of Berlin in 48 Hours

Local's guide to the best christmas markets in cologne, meganarz.travels.

17 Fun (And Affordable) Things to Do in Berlin in Winter

This year, I’ll be going into my 7th Berlin Winter as a resident of this city. And even though I can’t say it’s my favorite season in the city (that would be Spring!), I still especially look forward to the December in Berlin. What’s more idyllic than sipping mulled wine, wrapped up in a parka, and seeing a European city decked in Christmas lights?

In this post, I’m going to share my favorite things to do in Berlin in Winter, as well as tips for how to get around the city, and what to expect from the weather (and answers to popular questions like: does Berlin get snow??).

This post has been updated for Winter 2021-2022. All the activities, tours, and events are scheduled for this Winter season so enjoy!

Weather in Berlin in Winter

I’m not going to sugar coat it: Berlin is gray in Winter. You’ll get 1-2 sunny days roughly every two weeks, and by the time December rolls around, the sun sets around 4:00-4:30PM. That means the best thing you can do is wake up early to enjoy the light and start your day right! As for average temperatures, here are a few to keep in mind:

• Berlin in December - 39º / 31ºF (4º / -1ºC). Generally you will not see much if any snow in Berlin during December, although sometimes you do get lucky and see snow while the Christmas markets are running! Otherwise, Berlin does have Winter rain for about 10 days out of the month of December. So bringing an umbrella is not a bad idea, and do make sure your winter boots are waterproof!
• Berlin in January - 37º / 29ºF (3º / -2ºC). January is a bit of an odd time to visit Berlin, as most of the Christmas markets have closed and the city is slowly starting to open up again after all the holiday closures. January is when we start to have a chance at snow 😄
• Berlin in February - 40° / 29°F (5º / -2ºC). February is generally the coldest month in Berlin, and I’ve seen lows as low as 10ºF (-12ºC). Usually that just lasts for about 2 very cold weeks, until we go back to “normal cold” that lasts through April. Berlin can also be quite windy, so make sure you have wind-proof layers for that ultra cold stretch!

If I were to make a recommendation, visiting Berlin in December is the best time to do it thanks to all the holiday activities. That said, there’s a lot to do in the city besides Christmas markets and there is something pretty special about Berlin covered in a layer of powdery snow ❄️

Where to stay in Berlin in Winter

The most important thing when choosing accommodation in Berlin, especially during Winter, is selecting a hotel that is close to a subway station. When it’s cold at night or even raining, the last thing you want to do is be waiting for a notoriously late bus, or walking long distances against strong wind.

My hotel recommendation in Berlin’s city center is The Circus Hotel which has tons going for it: awesome location at Rosenthaler Platz with excellent food and restaurants nearby, connected to the U8 subway, and the floor-level breakfast spot called Commonground is one of the best brunch locations in Berlin in its own right.

If you’re on a tighter budget, just across the street is their sister property, The Circus Hostel . Possibly the top-rated hostel in Berlin, it is often booked out so be sure to reserve in advance.

Learn about the best areas to stay in Berlin, whether you're a first-time visitor or a veteran. This Berlin neighborhood guide demystifies how to decide where to stay in Berlin, based on my experience living in Berlin for over five years!

17 fun things to do in Berlin in Winter

Besides this post, I’ve got way more content about Berlin you should definitely check out, such as my ultimate guide to things to do in Berlin and my hand-crafted-with-love Berlin itinerary for 2 days . Both are complete resources for planning a trip to Berlin, in addition to the seasonal information I’ve shared below.

Without further ado, here are my favorite things to do in Berlin in Winter that won’t break the bank.

1. Take a tour of Germany’s parliament building, the Reichstag

During World War II, Germany’s parliament building, called the Reichstag , was destroyed by bombs dropped by allied forces. During the reconstruction afterwards, the Germans rebuilt the building with a glass dome that you can visit today and look out over Berlin’s biggest park, called Tiergarten.

Taking my little sister to the Reichstag like a good Berliner

Today, the German Parliament is easily considered one of the must-do tourist activities, especially if you’re into history or politics. Whenever I have guests in Berlin, I always make sure to help them book in advance for visiting the Reichstag! Too many times, I’ve seen people procrastinate and then all the spots are gone.

During the peak season, you need to book at least a month in advance. During the off season, I still recommend giving yourself at least 2 weeks. A lot of people come to Berlin in December for the Christmas season!

Keep reading for instructions on how to reserve a timeslot to visit the Reichstag in Berlin.

See all those little people walking around in the glass dome? That could be you!

Entry is free for a self-guided walk about if you do it in advance through the German government . An alternative is to take a guided tour in English for an explanation of history of the building (which is pretty interesting itself), and they’ll take care of the reservation for you – which is also important if you procrastinated too long and all the pre-allocated slots are gone! Usually a specific number of slots are reserved by tour companies so they can help all the last-minute visitors 😉

If you are already in Berlin, chances are you will need to visit through a tour company.

Click here to check availability for English-language guided tours of the Reichstag. Unless you’re already a German history buff, a guided tour will help you appreciate the history of the building and the country more regardless. It’s also super affordable.

2. Go on a Trabi Safari

While you’re feeling nostalgic, try a tour of the city in a Trabi , the iconic car produced during the communist era in the former East Germany.

For 75 minutes, you and up to 3 friends can putz around Berlin in this hilarious car. The way it works is that you drive around and get live radio commentary from the guide, while groups of people in Trabis drive around and see Berlin’s most famous sights.

You get to see Potsdamer Platz, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, the TV tower, East Side Gallery (where the Berlin Wall is), and a number of other locations.

Driving a Trabi is seriously a blast from the past before the reunification of Germany. Do note, you need to be able to drive a manual transmission car!

Click here to check availability for Trabi Safari rides during your visit.

3. Visit the Christmas markets

Berlin has over 60 Christmas markets scattered through the city. If you’re in Berlin in December, you’ll probably run into a few without even trying. However, some of the best markets are only open for a very specific time period so be sure to read my post on Berlin’s best Christmas markets , which I’ve just updated for 2021!

The Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace is considered one of the most beautiful in Berlin

If you’re not familiar with the concept of Christmas markets, it’s a European tradition where cities all over the continent have small markets that set up during the Christmas season.

Usually they sell the local variation of mulled wine, traditional seasonal foods, and gifts and trinkets you can buy for your friends and family. The stalls are usually decorated in an old-timey way, like wooden buildings from centuries past.

It feels a little like an anachronism, and that’s what makes it fun!

The best Christmas markets in Berlin are waiting for you to find them! Here's a complete guide to Christmas markets in Berlin, updated for 2021: where to find them, their specialties, and how to come prepared.

4. Visit Berlin’s arguably most famous museum: Pergamon and the Asisi Panorama

So, Berlin has a TON of museums and if you’re experiencing bad weather during your visit, holing up in museums is a great way to pass the time. Especially when it comes to archaeology, Berlin has a leg up because of how industrious the Germans were during the turn of the century.

Of course this also means they have a lot of great artifacts that should prooooobably be returned to the countries they originated in, but we’re not going to touch on that 😉

Easily the most popular spot to visit museums in Berlin is Museum Island , a literal island in the middle of the Spree River which houses 5 museums. You could spend a day or more hopping between them, and use this convenient Berlin museum pass to do it.

But if you have to pick just one museum , my top recommendation would definitely be the Pergamon Museum . Why, you might ask?

Because unlike just about any other museum, the Pergamon has life-sized reconstructions of historical places which you can walk through, such as a Roman Market and the Gates of Ishtar from Babylon. And by reconstructions, I mean they took the original pieces from wherever they were, and re-built them inside this giant museum in Berlin . I don’t know anywhere else in the world where something like this exists 😱

Click here to reserve tickets for the Pergamon Museum and Asisi panorama, Berlin’s world renowned archaeology museum. It’s literally the coolest.

5. Visit the Berlin Christmas Garden

At the Berlin Botanical Garden, which runs from November 19, 2021 - January 9th, 2022 , you can see the garden decked completely in Christmas lights. The door open open every day at 4:30PM (remember, that’s when I told you it gets DARK), and it lasts until 10PM every night.

Besides walking around and admiring the light show, you can go ice skating or eat some typical German foods at the Botanical Garden’s restaurant. I’m a huuuge fan of visiting Botanical Gardens when I travel, and even though it seems a little odd to visit one in the middle of Winter, clearly Berlin has found a way around that.

During the week, you can book flexible tickets to the Christmas Garden, but during the weekend you’ll need to book a timed slot in advance. You can find tickets on the website .

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6. Taking a walking tour (just dress warm!)

A walking tour is an AMAZING idea, especially if you can manage to do it on a day with sunshine! Which is a rarity in Berlin during Winter, but that’s what makes it precious.

The most important sights I’d recommend visiting by foot include the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Cathedral (pictured below), Museum Island (mentioned above), the Reichstag (also mentioned above), the Victory Column, as well as Gendarmenmarkt. Especially if it’s your first time in Berlin, getting into those top sights is an important part of having the “Berlin Experience”.

If you’d like to add some history and commentary to your experience, check out this super highly-rated Berlin Top 20 Sightseeing Tour which visits all the spots I mentioned above as well as Berlin’s Old Town, the Nikolaiviertel. Seeing the top 20 sights in 3 hours is possible because so many are placed close together, you just have to know where to go 😉

7. See a show at the Friedrichstadt Palast

Berlin’s Friedrichstadt Palast is the world’s biggest theatre stage, and the ARISE Grand Show is one of the most popular things to do in Berlin regardless of the season. It’s an international-level considered on-par with the kind you’d see in Las Vegas.

Luckily for visitors who don’t speak German , ARISE is also free of dialog, which makes it one of the few shows you can watch without having an extra audio guide on hand. You might be surprised but even for an international city, Berlin has a lot of German-only activities.

This venue is conveniently located next to one of the main stations in Berlin, making it ultra easy to reach even if Berlin’s weather isn’t on your side! I used to work across the street from this venue and can vouch that it is extremely popular year round.

Click here to check availability for tickets to the ARISE Grand Show at Friedrichstadt Palast.

8. Go for a tour inside a former airport commissioned by Hitler

Did you know that Hitler once commissioned an enormous airport, with enough space to hold events with ONE MILLION spectators…but never once set foot inside?

This fascinating, now defunct airport, is worth visiting for a number of reasons. First, you’ll learn about the architecture and how it was designed. Then you’ll also learn the history of how it was used during World War II, see the underground bunkers that families used to hide in during aerial raids, and also how it was used by the Americans during the Cold War to bring supplies to Soviet-surrounded West Berlin.

My boyfriend and I loved the tour of the airport – it was even led by an architecture student who had really great insights on how Hitler personally influenced the design of the airport. The exact tour I can recommend you try out is Berlin Tempelhof Airport: The Legend of Tempelhof Tour !

9. See the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery

You may or may not know, there are numerous places in Berlin where you can see pieces of the Berlin Wall. After all, the Wall ran through the entire city. However, if you’re looking for something more impressive, be sure to check out the kilometer-long East Side Gallery . It’s the best place in the city to see the Wall, in tact, and covered with famous art you’ve probably seen in movies or on postcards.

Whatever you do: Do not see the Berlin wall at Checkpoint Charlie or at Potsdamer Platz. They are not comparable, if you’re really interested in seeing massive stretches of the wall. Those are just small pieces 😉

Visiting the East Side Gallery is free, but if you want to learn more about the history of Germany, the Wall, and the art that covers it today, you can book a Berlin Wall guided tour at a seriously reasonable price.

10. Visit one of Berlin’s best craft beer bars

While one of my favorite things to do with visitors is take them to one of my favorite beer gardens in Berlin , those shut down at the end of Summer. So what’s a beer fan to do in the midst of Winter when you want to taste some of that famous German brew?

If you ask me – head to a craft beer bar!

While you can get a “typical” German beer at just about any restaurant, in just the last couple of years, Berlin’s craft beer movement has made strides to catch up to the United States. Now any Germans reading this will scoff and say that American beer is terrible – which it is if you’re purposefully treating Bud Light as though it’s indicative of ALL American beer *AHEM* – but in fact, Germany has only recently started to get more experimental and create beers that depart from the typical brews they’ve been making for centuries.

Here are a couple of my favorite craft beer bars in Berlin: Hopfenreich (located in Kreuzberg), Kaschk (located in Mitte, as mentioned above), and Markthalle IX (at the Heidenpeters, located in Kreuzberg).

10. Do your Christmas shopping at Europe’s largest department store, Kaufhaus des Westens

Remember how I said that Berlin has the largest theatre, which is the Friedrichstadt Palast? Here’s another thing that’s the biggest in Berlin: Europe’s largest department store . Ok I just learned in researching this article that Harrod’s in London has ousted it from the top spot. But this department store is still pretty damn big.

Here are some mind-blowing stats about Kaufhaus des Westens (also known as KaDeWe):

• 40,000-50,000 shoppers pass through
• 380,000 individual articles are on sale
• 60,000 square meters
• It’s 8 floors, including one dedicated to international food
• The top floor includes a winter garden with a 1,000-seat restaurant
• Since 2015 it’s been owned by a Thailand-based department store conglomerate 🤔

Most of what you’ll find in here is quite high-end and expensive, but if you’re on the hunt for a killer cashmere sweater to take home with you – this is the fanciest place in Berlin to do that!

11. Eat some heavy German food

Mmmm especially in Winter, is there anything better than breaded meat, potatoes, and washing it down with beer? No? I didn’t think so either. And even though Berlin isn’t in Southern Germany, where certain “famous” German dishes have originated, you can still find pockets of fantastic German food in Berlin. You just need to know where to look.

Take a look at my post on where to eat German food in Berlin for specific tips on my favorite places for German food, whether it’s your standard Schnitzel or something you’ve surely never had before.

12. View a Berlin decked in Christmas lights from the top of the TV tower

Known as the Fernsehturm in German, Berlin’s TV Tower is arguably tied for its most famous landmark. It’s Berlin’s tallest structure and the easiest way to orient yourself from just about anywhere in the city. What’s awesome is you can take a lift to the very top to look out over Berlin, and if you plan ahead you can even get a window seat at the Panorama Restaurant.

A Berlin-based tour company called GetYourGuide provides skip-the-line tickets for the TV Tower so you can avoid a long wait in the cold. Wouldn’t you love to ride to the top and look out over dozens of sparkling Christmas markets all over the city 😄

13. Get your photo taken in front of Oberbaumbrücke

Some more landmarks to cover here – right next to the East Side Gallery, you’ll find Oberbaumbrücke . It’s less frequented because it’s not as close to the city center as some of the other tourist sights, but especially if you can get a bit of light on it, it’s a gorgeous red bridge with prominent turrets.

Once you see the bridge, be sure to cross and head to the corner pictured below for one of the best spots to get your photo taken with the bridge. If you’re a big photography fan, check out my related post on the best photography spots in Berlin .

14. Cozy up in one of Berlin’s incredible third-wave coffee shops

I remember when I first moved to Germany, trying to drink the coffee was a battle. First there was no such thing as iced coffee (AKA 50% of my blood content in Summer) and the idea of not drinking something that’d be kept on a burner for three hours just didn’t seem to have reached the country yet.

Fast forward a few years and Berlin’s coffee scene is booming. There are at least a dozen fabulous places for coffee all over the city, many of which also sell beans you can take home and grind and brew for yourself!

Here are a couple of my favorite coffee joints in Berlin: Five Elephant (locations in Mitte and Kreuzberg), 19 grams (locations near Alexanderplatz and Chausseestrasse), and Chapter One (located in Kreuzberg).

15. Attend one of the most famous international film festivals, the Berlinale

The Berlin International Film festival happens every February. And while it might not be quite as famous as Cannes, it’s considered one of the top three international film festivals in the world. It was originally founded in West Berlin in 1951, and welcomes celebrities and film buffs every single year.

You can learn more about Berlinale in preparation for the 2020 edition on the Berlinale official website . At the time of writing, the 2020 programme isn’t up yet but keep checking back if you’re down for watching some unique films and documentaries during your trip!

16. See a movie at the Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz, location of Europe’s largest screen

Last of the “Berlin is the biggest” in this post, here you can actually see a movie on the largest screen in Europe. Did you know you wanted that? Now you do. You can see movies in IMAX, 3d IMAX, as well as “normal” (if anyone does that these days?). Like a typical movie theatre, the cost for eating popcorn and drinking liquid sugar is absurdly high, but it’s a great way to kill some time.

Another thing that makes the Sony Center special to me is the fact that you can see movies here IN ENGLISH. WITHOUT SUBTITLES. This is a biiiiig deal if you’re an expat living in Europe!

One thing to note: In cinemas like the Sony Center, you need to reserve a specific seat in advance. Make sure you do that on the website in advance , or just show up earlier in the day to buy your tickets in person. I can’t find out if it’s possible to translate the website to English, but generally the people at the front desk will be able to help you 😉

In case you’re wondering, we saw Black Panther

17. Take a winter day trip from Berlin

While I love Berlin, there are other places you can visit in Germany with slightly more to offer when it comes to typical winter activities and, well, snow . Here are the top places I’d recommend visiting around Berlin during the Winter season as day trips.

• Dresden, Germany – Dresden is a beautiful city and the capital of the German state of Saxony. If you’re looking for even more beautiful Christmas markets, Dresden is famous for them, in addition to its architecture.
• Potsdam, Germany – Potsdam is the home of the “Versailles of Berlin”, a famous palace with open grounds you can walk and look especially idyllic in snow. Walking the grounds is free, but visiting the elaborate interior comes at an extra cost.
• Sachsenhausen Nazi Concentration Camp Memorial – Sachsenhausen is located just a 30-minute train ride outside of Berlin, and is one of the most notorious concentration camps the Nazis built during their reign. Visiting a place like this is very heavy, but worthwhile to complete your picture of all the things have happened here. While I’m not sure this falls under the “fun” title of this blog post, I still felt it was worth sharing.

Are you excited to visit Berlin during Winter?

Let me know how your trip goes, and if you discover any new activities I ought to add to my Berlin Winter travel guide!

About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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Here is a list of the 10 best travel blog posts about Berlin for your trip in 2021.

Did you know that Berlin is home to 3 UNESCO world heritage sites! The Museum Island, Sansoussi Palace and Parks in Potsdam, and the Modernism Housing Estates. On top of that,  it is considered by many as Germany`s greenest city with over 44% of its area made of waterways, woods, rivers, and green areas. If that’s not enough to convince you to give this beautiful city a visit, then the following blog posts will do the trick. We picked out the best 10 blogs about Berlin with the most useful and engaging content.

Plan your trip to Berlin

All the below-mentioned bloggers have provided an amazing guide on what to do and see while visiting berlin. don’t let your bags hold you back from experiencing milan from the moment you arrive until the moment you depart. store your bags with one of our luggage storage in +50 locations around berlin ..

In every case that made our list, the usefulness of their tips or their great content has convinced us to include them. In the list, you will find talented photographers, skilled writers, wanderlust addicts, foodies, and family travelers. All of which have something to offer and help make your trip to Berlin truly amazing.

Our picks for top Berlin blogs are more than welcome to put the following code on their website to use the badge and share their nomination with their own readers!

<p><a href=”https://luggagehero.com/best-travel-blogs-berlin/”><img src=”https://4ba1rb1hcqqe3bl4de2xe0t1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/luggagehero_top-travel-blog_2020_berlin.png” alt=”top travel bloggers badge” width=”210″ height=”210″ srcset=”https://4ba1rb1hcqqe3bl4de2xe0t1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/luggagehero_top-travel-blog_2020_berlin.png 210w, https://4ba1rb1hcqqe3bl4de2xe0t1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/luggagehero_top-travel-blog_2020_berlin-160×160.png 160w, https://4ba1rb1hcqqe3bl4de2xe0t1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/luggagehero_top-travel-blog_2020_berlin-150×150.png 150w” sizes=”(max-width: 210px) 100vw, 210px” class=”aligncenter size-full wp-image-15442″></a></p>

The 10 blogs that made the final cut have been selected based on 3 criteria:

• Quality of the content
• The practicality of the tips and advice
• Originality

Check out our picks below 👇

1. TwoBadTourists

Auston and David, the minds behind TwoBadTourists, met in 2006. Together they traveled the world, visiting more than 35 countries, to finally land in Spain, and they never left! TwoBadTourists is the perfect blog for LGBT travelers, focused on international gay-friendly destinations.

The blog post that grabbed our attention is about gay Berlin the best gay hotels, bars, blues, and more. In the post, TwoBadTourists combined great ideas on where to go in Berlin, that are gay-friendly. You will find a comprehensive list of different places to go and have fun, hotels, and places to stay, and a throughout guide on how to get transport from the airport and around the city. Check their article to find the best things to do in Berlin!

2. Becky the traveler

If you’re going to Berlin for only 2-3 days then this is the perfect itinerary for you to check out. Becky Angell has now been to 40 countries on 6 continents! Solo travel is the main type of travel she takes up as it gives her the freedom she needs to get the most out of her trips.

The blog post we want to share is one that contains a 2-3 day itinerary for what to do on your trip to Berlin. Her blog post saves you all the hard work and allows for you to just sit back, read and mark what you’re interested in for your 2-3 day trip. Her itinerary even provides you with walking time estimations so that you can really get all the information you need straight from her post.

3. Dreams in heels

Dreams in Heels by Olga Maria caters to all types of adventurous souls, including those who are already exploring the world or even those who plan to travel (even on a budget) in the future. If you have a bucket list and a desire to see amazing places, then you can take a sneak peek into extravagant and indigenous cultures, people and lifestyles through her blog.

Her post offers Berlin insider tips for those of you visiting Berlin, Germany for the first time! As a Berlin local, Becky has lived there full-time for over a year. She’s created a local guide with Berlin insider tips, the top things to do (must-see/dos), what food you must try, and more. She also warns that after reading the whole post you may feel the urge to visit Berlin immediately and we agree with her!

4. Jetsetting Fools – one life, one world.

Sarah and Kris became full-time globetrotters in April 2014 and they plan to continue traveling the world into the foreseeable future. For their readers, they provide travel stories, information, advice, and tips on sights and walking tours, but also include off-the-beaten-path adventures, history, and culture along the way.

The post we picked is a 3-day Berlin itinerary. Sarah and Kris understand how overwhelming planning a trip to Berlin can be – so they’re helping us by sharing a detailed Berlin 3-Day Itinerary. The itinerary is ideal for first-timers to Berlin who want to see as much of the city as possible – even on limited time, and it includes everything you need to plan your trip!

5. Miss Tourist

Yulia, or also known as Miss Tourist, originally from Russia has been traveling full time for the past 5 years. Her mission is to inspire you to travel more and give some valuable practical tips about each destination to help you get the most out of every destination you visit.

The blog post to mention is about the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Berlin (and the best hotel recommendations for each of them). The city of Berlin is a unique mixture of cultures and ideas and is one of few cities that has a couple of city centers to stay in. The districts and neighborhoods in Berlin can be a bit confusing, which is why Yulia gives you her recommendations on where to stay in Berlin, with great hotels for each area, all sorted by price for your convenience.

6. Big World Small Pockets

Steph describes herself as a travel addict – never one for staying at home and working for too long, she’s always had to make sure she can travel cheap to fund her nomadic lifestyle. In addition, Big World Small Pockets was created to share with all of us the highs and lows of solo female budget travel – “the sort of real, wild, global adventuring that fires up minds and sets hearts racing”.

Steph offers a guide on 10 unmissable things to do in Berlin on a budget. If you’re heading to the German capital anytime soon, but haven’t got a lot of cash to spend, you need to check out her suggestions right away.

7. Happiness and Things

Silke is actually a Berlin travel blogger and writer, book author, and translator for the travel industry. Happiness and Things today is a travel blog that focuses on the things that Silke loves most about travel. She wants to share with us all the most amazing landscapes, vibrant cities, and unforgettable moments that you can have anywhere in the world.

Her Berlin travel blog offers extensive information on everything there is to see and do in Berlin or tips if you only have 3 days in Berlin, and Berlin with kids, 100 free things to do in Berlin, and also a complete Berlin survival guide. By checking out her post, you can be sure that you will know and have everything you need for your trip.

8. The Poor Traveler

The goal of The poor traveler’s writers is to build FREE travel guides, where they can share their experiences and whatever lessons they pick up along the way.

“This blog is for the poor travelers out there — the newbies, the first-timers, the lost and confused, the shy and socially awkward, and those who can’t afford to make costly mistakes.”

Their Berlin travel guide – budget itinerary  has all information you need to explore Berlin fully without breaking the bank. Furthermore, The guide covers a wide variety of questions every traveler has from what to do in Berlin, how to get to Berlin, things to do in Berlin to how to apply for a German visa. Everything you need in one place!

9. Divergent Travelers

David and Lina Stock are a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. They have visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents! Lina works in the IT department at a prominent Midwest bank and David working as the Sales Director for a large outdoor manufacturer. Despite that, they still find time to travel the world and explore it!

They give us the ultimate 3 days Berlin travel itinerary. Apart from giving you things to do each day and make the most of it, the post also provides readers with ideas on where to stay, where to eat, and a guide to Berlin travel planning. Day one starts by exploring some of the most historic sights within Mitte, the city center. Check out their full post for the rest of the itinerary.

10. A broken backpack

The Broken Backpack Travel Blog, written by Melissa Giroux, is all about long-term travel – from super cheap trips to luxury travel. Melissa is a Canadian travel blogger, who started her journey in June 2014.

Her blog post 17 Fun And Free Things To Do In Berlin offers everything you need for an unforgettable stay in this beautiful city. Also, it includes cheap and even free tips. Like how to enjoy the city, free places to visit and stuff to do as well. Melissa considers Berlin one of the best cities in the world and it shows in her writing.

“I feel a sting of jealousy every time somebody mentions they’re going there—or worse, moving to this beautiful city”. Check out her tips that will surely wrap up your trip to Berlin and make sure you get the best out of it.

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Berlin travel guide — how to visit berlin on a budget.

Our guide to getting the most out of your trip to Berlin — including plenty of budget-friendly travel tips.

What makes Berlin so great? Berlin’s mayor said it best, “Berlin is poor but sexy.” I think that really sums up Germany’s capital city. Our  Berlin Travel Guide will help you make sense of this crazy city while sticking to a backpacker’s budget.

What You’ll Find in This Berlin Travel Guide

• How Much to Budget to Visit Berlin
• How Long To Visit Berlin

The Good and Not-So-Good Things About Berlin: A Quick Overview

• Berlin’s Must-See Sights and Attractions // Neighborhood Guide

Cheap Eats and Drinks

Best berlin hostels, berlin nightlife.

• More Resources to Help You Plan Your Visit on a Budget
• Public Transportation

A bit of background of modern Berlin: After the fall of the Berlin Wall, people flooded into East Berlin (the part that was controlled by the Soviets). What did they find? Abandoned buildings. These cheap (and sometimes free) houses/workspaces attracted artists, musicians, and other creative people from all over the world because they could live there for practically nothing. This also injected a youthful, anything-goes spirit into the otherwise drab city. 

Then Berlin got popular…  so the city isn’t as cheap as it once was. But it’s still much cheaper than other major European cities. Luckily, the city still holds on to its youthful and creative spirit.

How Much to Budget to Visit Berlin

Alcohol is cheap, food is affordable, and accommodation is very reasonable — which is why Berlin is such a hotspot for artists, students, and budget travelers.

We recommend budgeting €35-€60/day if you’re on a backpacker’s budget. That said, if you stay in a hotel/rental apartment and eat out a lot then you’ll want to budget more. Visit Booking.com to see current hotel rates.

We suggest checking out our Berlin Price Guide for a more in-depth cost breakdown to help you better budget your trip.

How Long to Visit Berlin: 4+ Days

Berlin has a ton of stuff to do but the city is very spread out — so you’re going to want to give yourself plenty of time to explore. You could easily spend a week in Berlin, but we recommend at least four days.

There are so many amazing things about Berlin, but there are a few things that aren’t so great — just like any city.

• Museums like crazy : Berlin has sooo many world-class museums that feature everything from ancient to modern. Its “Museum Island” has five world-renowned museums and the island itself is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bottom line, you’ll find something that interests you.
• Green space : Berlin has more green space than just about any city in Europe. And Germans appreciate their parks, so you’ll find tons of people relaxing outside when the weather is nice.
• A mixture of a city: We allude to this in the “not-so-good” section, but the city’s architectural mix is fascinating. On one hand, you have plenty of boxy utilitarian buildings left over from the Communist era. On the other hand, you have older and more ornate pre-war architecture (that survived the war or was rebuilt). And then, you have a lot of new construction that has gone up in recent years that are ultra-modern.
• Biking: Berlin has done a great job making sure the city is bike-friendly. You’ll find plenty of dedicated bike lanes as well as free/cheap bike-sharing programs.
• This attitude is also one of the reasons there are so many subculture groups in Berlin — you’re free to do what you want. This is also a reason why there is such a strong LGBT community in Berlin.
• Berlin also has plenty of bars, cafes, beer gardens, jazz clubs, and just about anything else you can imagine.
• The prices : Beer is cheaper than water. Eating cheaply is easy. Hostels are cheap. Rental apartments are in abundance (and they’re cheap, too). The public transportation is… it’s actually kind of expensive (you can’t win them all).

The Not-So-Good

• That also means the city isn’t very walkable — public transportation is great, though.
• It’s not “traditional” German: Most people imagine old-world Germany when they think about Germany… but Berlin is largely modern because it was virtually destroyed during WWII. Berlin is pretty drab — except for the colorful graffiti that covers nearly every inch of the city (which is actually pretty cool). In fact, the city is under constant construction, so you’ll see a lot of cranes and construction sites all over the city.
• Cold winters: Berlin’s   winters are long, cold, and dreary.

Berlin’s Must-See Attractions & Neighborhood Guide

It’s no surprise why Berlin is such a popular destination as it is packed with things to do. We’ve listed many of the must-see sights according to their neighborhoods.

Mitte Neighborhood Overview

Mitte means “the middle” and it’s Berlin’s historical center… so it’s essentially the center of the city. This is where most of the popular sights can be found.

Of particular note is Museum Island — a small island in the Spree river that’s home to multiple museums.

The Mitte has a bit of everything — new, old, and futuristic. In addition to the museums, you’ll find shopping, cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs, universities, and a lot of other things to experience. It’s also the most “touristy” so you may want to stay in a different part of the city to get a more authentic Berlin vibe.

Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts of the ancient world, is Berlin’s most prominent cultural and tourist attraction.

It is currently undergoing a major renovation so the museum’s main attraction, the Pergamon Altar, is closed until sometimes in late 2019. The museum will be in various states of renovation until 2025 but the Pergamon is still worth visiting as there is still plenty to see.

• Admission: €12
• Visit Website
• See On Google Maps

The DDR Museum is a quirky museum that chronicles the daily lives of people living in communist-era East Berlin. It has a ton of fun artifacts from that era, and it does a good job of comparing the lives of citizens in the West and East. It’s also a very interactive museum, so it’s a nice change of pace from Berlin’s other “heady” museums. I highly enjoyed my visit.

• Admission: €6

Hamburger Bahnhof Museum

Housed in a former train station, this is the place to visit if you’re into modern and contemporary art. It features art from Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Anselm Kiefer, Joseph Beuys, and many other notable artists.

• Admission: €14

The Reichstag

Dating back to 1894, the Reichstag has had a tumultuous history — it’s been burned, bombed, and abandoned but it’s been rebuilt and now it serves as the home of Germany’s parliament. There is a large glass dome at the top that you can climb to get amazing 360-degree views of Berlin and down into where the parliament sits.

Admission is free, but you must make reservations online. (You might be able to get tickets at the visitor’s desk, but booking online is the best option.)

Topography of Terror Museum

This is the site where the Nazis planned a majority of their crimes between 1933 and 1945. The buildings were destroyed at the end of the war but were rebuilt as a museum documenting Nazi crimes.

• Admission is Free

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Also known as the Holocaust Monument, this monument is made up of 2,711 concrete columns that form a maze-like memorial. The monument is open 24/7.

German Historical Museum

Germany has a long and interesting past. This museum does a great in-depth job of capturing over 1,500 years of German history from its origins to the end of the Cold War.

• Admission: €15

Berlin Wall Memorial

Located in the middle of Berlin where East and West were once divided, this open-air exhibition chronicles the history of the Berlin Wall. The memorial still has almost a mile of the original wall for you to see and learn about how the wall affected Berlin citizens.

• Admission is free

Note: If you’re looking for Berlin’s iconic street-art covered walls you should go to the East Side Gallery instead. The Berlin Wall Memorial covers the history of the wall.

Brandenburg Gate

Constructed way back in 1791, the Brandenburg Gate is easily Berlin’s most famous landmark. I used to be the border of East and West Berlin, but now it represents the reunification of Germany.

Fernsehturm (TV Tower)

This weird-looking TV tower was built in the late ’60s in East Berlin, and it continues to be the tallest building in the city. While touristy, you can go to the top to get a nice 360-degree view of the city. There is also a bar and restaurant at the top if you wish to linger a little longer.

• Admission: €13-€20

Berliner Dom Cathedral

The Berliner Dom is not only Berlin’s most grandiose church, but it’s also easily one of Berlin’s most elaborate buildings. It has an impressive organ with 7,000 pipes, and you can visit the top of the dome for great city views (if you can climb all the steps).

• Admission: €7

Neuse Museum

This once bombed-out building now houses one of the finest collections of artifacts from the ancient world. Most famous is the bust of Nefertiti. The museum also has plenty of mummies, jewelry, sculptures, and other interesting artifacts.

Neue Wache and Babelplatz

I combined these two sights because they’re both quick visits and they’re very close to each other. Neue Wache is a small but powerful memorial for the Victims of War and Dictatorship.

Across the street is Bebelplatz. There you’ll find a small glass window on the ground that looks down into a library full of empty white shelves. This memorializes the spot where Nazi students burned over 20,000 “un-German” books.

Kreuzberg was once home to immigrants, hippies, LGBTQ individuals, artists, squatters, punks, and bohemians. The neighborhood has gentrified, but it still holds on to its counter-culture roots.

There is still plenty of youthful energy pulsating through the streets, cafes, vintage shops, great bars, hip restaurants, and late-night food stalls. It’s a great area for nightlife so you can get a snack after dancing until 3 am. The neighborhood is also covered pretty much entirely in graffiti as well as amazing street art — which adds to the ambiance.

German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin)

This museum exhibits a large collection of historical technical artifacts — including 25+ full-size airplanes, boats, a Viking ship, u-boats, WWII rockets, trains, and more.

• Admission: €8

Jewish Museum

Housed in a very striking glass building, the Jewish Museum has exhibits that trace two millennia of German- Jewish history. The architecture of the building has become an exhibit in and of itself.

Checkpoint Charlie

This is a legit tourist trap that isn’t even at the location of the real Checkpoint Charlie… but you’ll probably end up walking past it anyways. Take a photo as you walk by but skip the museum because it gets bad reviews and is a waste of money.

Friedrichshain

With a vibe very similar (yet slightly more alternative) to Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain is a trendy neighborhood popular with artists, students, and other young hip people. Building-size street art can be found everywhere and most people come to visit the famous East Side Gallery. The neighborhood is also home to many bars, boutiques, cafés, and markets — and it has some of the best nightclubs in the city.

East Side Gallery

This open-air gallery features street art that’s been painted on the longest remaining portion of the Berlin Wall. The wall features 101 large-format paintings. It is one of Berlin’s most visited sights so fire up your Instagram and head out there.

Stasi Museum

This museum details the exploits of the East German secret police — The Stasi. These guys spied on 6 million of East Germany’s 18 million citizens. They kept detailed records on its citizens via phone taps, hidden microphones, photographic surveillance, and multiple other methods.

We recommend taking the free guided tour in English which occurs at 3 pm from Thursday to Monday.

• Admission: €6

Prenzlauer Berg

Prenzlauer Berg is a nice mix of university students and young families. You’ll still find plenty of late-night bars and cafés but much of the club-scene has moved elsewhere. People joke that Prenzlauer Berg is where the hip kids from Kreuzberg go to have kids.

That said, the neighborhood still has a cool vibe and you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, markets, beer gardens, and excellent coffee shops. The neighborhood also has plenty of trees, parks, and green space.

Mauerpark translates to Wall Park — which makes sense because this used to be the “deadman’s land” between the walls of West and East Berlin. While not particularly pretty, the park is now a favorite for tourists and locals.

On a nice day, the park is packed with people drinking, playing soccer, and often karaoke-ing. The party often goes late into the night. The park also hosts a flea market every Sunday where you can sometimes pick up some good deals.

City West (Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf Neighborhood)

City West encompasses the  Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf as well as the expansive Tiergarten  park. This area used to be West Berlin and is now an affluent area and shopping district. It also has many of Berlin’s popular sights as well as entertainment options, markets, bars, and restaurants.

This massive park is located in the heart of Berlin, and it’s a favorite place for locals to get away from the city. In addition to multiple monuments and statues scattered throughout, the park also has ponds, gardens, vast lawns, plants, trees, and walking paths.

It is also home to the Berlin Zoo.

Olympiastadion

This huge stadium was built for the 1936 Olympics hosted in Germany and it’s where Jesse Owens won four gold medals (much to Hitler’s dismay). It was renovated in the early 2000s and it currently holds sporting events (mainly soccer) and massive concerts.

KaDeWe Department Store

Dating back to 1907, KaDeWe is the largest department store in Europe and this is the place to go if you want to spend some cash since it mostly carries high-end and luxury items. There is a famous (and expensive) gourmet food court and grocery that offers a ton of dining options.

Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg)

This grand royal palace was finished in 1699, and it’s the largest palace in Berlin. A lot of people find the inside of the palace to be fairly underwhelming but the grounds and gardens are beautiful. It’s a great place to stroll through on a nice summer afternoon (you might want to skip this if the weather isn’t nice).

What To Eat and Drink In Berlin

Berlin has an excellent food scene and there are plenty of budget options as well. Berlin also has a big street food scene so you can find vendors selling all kinds of things throughout the city.

In addition, Berlin has a very hip and international food scene so you can find just about anything you’re looking for. That said, we wanted to list a few local dishes that you might want to check out for yourself.

Currywurst is a true Berlin original and you’ll see it being served up by street vendors all across Berlin. Invented in 1949, this local favorite is a bratwurst covered in a mixture of ketchup, curry powder, and Worcestershire sauce.

Like spicy food? Order your currywurst ‘scharf’ — which means spicy.

Great Places To Get Currywurst:

• Curry 36: Classic spot. Super popular. Always rated as one of the best in Berlin. See On Google Maps
• Curry 61: Another super popular spots for Currywurst in Berlin. They even have veggie currywurst. See On Google Maps
• Konnopke’s Imbiss: Popular for a reason. Always a long line. See On Google Maps
• Curry Baude: Good, cheap, and fast. See On Google Maps
• Curry Mitte: Cheap and tasty. Currywurst, french fries, and a drink for under €6. See On Google Maps

Ahh yes, the dependable and delicious bratwurst. These are sold by street vendors and restaurants all across Berlin. There are even guys called Grillwalkers who walk around with portable grills.

But honestly, most brats are pretty much the same in terms of quality so its the atmosphere that really makes a brat great.

Solid Places To Get Bratwurst:

• Anything From The Currywurst Section: All the best currywurst begins with quality bratwurst so every place on that list will be good.
• Prater Beer Garden: Great beer garden that has solid brats. See On Google Maps
• Dicke Wirtin: Classic German restaurant. See On Google Maps
• Gasthaus Krombach: Another classic German restaurant. See On Google Maps

Döner Kebab

Berlin has a huge Turkish population so it’s easy to find lots of delicious Turkish food — notably Doner Kebabs. Kebabs are cheap and filling so they make an excellent budget meal. Luckily, you can get a very good kebab throughout Berlin but there are a few standouts that we’ve listed below.

Solid Döner Kebab Spots:

• Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap: See On Google Maps
• K’Ups Gemüsekebap: See On Google Maps
• Mustafa Demir’s Gemüse Döner: See On Google Maps
• Döner Dach: See On Google Maps
• Rüyam Gemüse Kebab: See On Google Maps

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet. So good. And it is even better with an ice-cold German beer.

Solid Schnitzel Spots:

• Max und Moritz: Old school bar/restaurant that’s been serving up tasty authentic German dishes since 1902. See On Google Maps
• Scheers Schnitzel: A no-frill, cash-only spot that serves up a solid Schnitzel for cheap. See On Google Maps
• Felix Austria: Popular casual restaurant with generous portions and friendly service. See On Google Maps
• Schnitzelei: Excellent schnitzel and they give you a free beer with your meal. It is a little corporate/modern feeling so this isn’t the old school vibe many people are seeking out (but the food is still great). See On Google Maps
• Schnitzelkönig: Huge portions and great prices. Come hungry. Local favorite. See On Google Maps
• Prater Beer Garden: Cool beer garden and they have sell schnitzel as well. See On Google Maps
• Café Restaurant Jolesch: Excellent schnitzel. Higher-end spot. Nice cocktails as well. Reservations highly suggested. See On Google Maps

One of Germany’s most beloved foods is the humble, yet hardy Spätzle — which is an egg noodle dumpling. You’ll be able to find it in just about every German restaurant.

Some Tasty Spätzle Spots:

• Spätzle Club: Large portions of delicious home-made Spätzle. See On Google Maps
• Spätzle & Knödel: These guys serve up some mean German comfort food — including excellent Spätzle. See On Googe Maps
• Schwarzwaldstuben: Relaxed bar/restaurant with Germany fare and a range of beers. Casual spot with a nice vibe. See On Google Maps
• Joseph-Roth-Diele: Cozy spot with a traditional ambiance, simple menu, and affordable prices. See On Google Maps

Königsberger Klopse

Königsberger Klopse ( meatballs in a white sauce) is true German comfort food. This is another staple that will be on the menu of just about every traditional German restaurant.

Where To Go:

Half Grilled Chicken

Berlin is also famous for its grilled chicken so you’ll find a number of places serving up grilled half-portions of chickens.

Where To Get Grilled Chicken:

• Henne: The most famous place to go for crispy chicken in Berlin. So good. Go twice. See On Google Maps
• Hühnerhaus: Excellent takeaway chicken spot. No-frills and affordable. Aways hopping for a reason. See On Google Maps

I mean, you can’t beat a giant pretzel and beer. So go find a nice beer garden and enjoy your pretzel.

Berliner Pfannkuchen

A Berliner Pfannkuchen is a traditional German pastry that’s basically a jelly-filled doughnut without a hole. Any good bakery will have multiple variations.

Where To Get A Great Berliner Pfannkuchen (& Other Baked Goodies):

• Siebert Bakery: This is the oldest bakery in Berlin and they make plenty of baked goodies. They’re still family-owned. See On Google Maps
• Bäckerei & Konditorei: Excellent Berliner doughnuts and a few other goodies. See On Google Maps
• Zeit für Brot: So many baked goods. We’re fans of the cinnamon rolls but everything is good. See On Google Maps
• Bäcker Walf: Excellent homemade baked goodies. See On Google Maps
• Bäckerei Ladewig: Local spot and everything is homemade. Family-run since 1969. See On Google Maps

Beer in Berlin

While the Bavarian part of Germany (notably Munich) is most famous for its beer, Berlin also has a thriving beer scene. Furthermore, Berlin also has a solid craft beer scene if you’re looking to expand past the standard German brews.

One of the most popular beers in Berlin is the Berliner Weisse — a sour beer with only 3% alcohol. Bars will often add flavored syrup like raspberry (Himbeersirup), or woodruff (Waldmeistersirup) which turns the beer bright red or green. It’s very tasty.

German/Berlin Beers

German beer tends to be fairly similar as they had a law called Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) that was enforced until 1993 that said beer could only be made from water, hops, and malt. So the beer was of great quality but there wasn’t much innovation.

These days many breweries still follow the Reinheitsgebot but others are starting to experiment and create new kinds of beer.

The Official Visit Berlin Website has a great guide of Berlin’s local micro-breweries. Here is a nice article from St. Christophers about nice craft beer bars in Berlin. We also like this guide from TimeOut: Berlin about their favorite bars in Berlin. Of course, these links don’t even scratch the surface but hopefully it helps get you started.

Most German grocery stores will stock multiple different kinds of beer so you won’t have to search very hard to find a drink. Plus, beer from the grocery store is cheap!

Berlin’s Beer Gardens

You can’t visit Germany without enjoying a few frosty beers al fresco and luckily Berlin has plenty of beer gardens. Low on cash? You can always buy beer from the grocery store and drink in the park.

• Prater Beer Garden: This is Berlin’s oldest beer garden and it’s also one of its biggest — it can seat over 600 people. They have a nice selection of beers, tasty snacks, and a fun atmosphere. We recommend trying the bratwurst and apple strudel​. We also like how everything is self-service here. See On Google Maps
• Weihenstephaner : Located in a building that dates back to 1749, this super traditional Bavaria-style beerhall and they also have a nice courtyard. See On Google Maps
• Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin: Bavarian food & beer. A bit touristy and a little expensive but still a solid spot. See On Google Maps
• Schleusenkrug: This lovely beer garden is located on the edge of the Tiergarten. They might not have a huge selection of beer but the vibe is energetic and super friendly. See On Google Maps
• Café am Neuen See : This secret spot is located in a park right beside a pond so the atmosphere is very peaceful. They have a great beer selection and decent food options. Prices are reasonable. See On Google Maps

As with any other city with a youthful international population, Berlin has a solid food scene that caters to people on a budget. There are always new and exciting restaurants and bars opening up, so finding solid dining options doesn’t take much work.

Cheap Breakfast In Berlin

• Brammibal’s Donuts : Donuts, coffee, and other breakfast sweets.
• Back-Factory : Cheap pastries for a quick breakfast on the run.
• Cafe Creperie Melt : Cakes, crepes, and galettes.
• Homemade : Brunch and breakfast with plenty of vegetarian options.
• Romeo und Romeo : Lots of healthy and vegetarian options at this chilled-out spot.

Cheap Lunch and Dinner In Berlin

• Scheers Schnitzel : Tasty and affordable German classics like schnitzel.
• Curry61 : Famous currywurst and other traditional German street food.
• Tiergarten Quelle : German pub serving up traditional German dishes.
• Lia’s Kitchen : Plenty of great vegan options.
• Trattoria Portofino : Pizza, pasta, and other great Italian options.
• Flamingo Fresh Food Bar : Sandwiches, soups, and a bit of everything.
• Burgermeister : Best burgers in Berlin.
• Mabuhayt : Authentic Indonesian food at great prices.
• Patta Finest Baked Potatoes : Tasty loaded baked potatoes.
• Yarok Fine Syrian Food from Damascus : Tasty falafel and other middle eastern food.
• PHO – Noodlebar : Affordable PHO and other Vietnamese food.

Street Food, Food Halls, & Farmers Markets

• Street Food Thursday @ Markthalle Neun: This was the first major organized street food event in Berlin and it is still one of the most exciting. It attracts thousands of visitors each week. You’ll find multiple excellent food vendors, craft beer, wine, cocktails and more. Open every Thursday from 5pm-10pm. See On Google Maps
• Arminius Market Hall: Opened in 1891, this nice market hall has vendors selling local food, crafts, art, and more. See on Google Maps
• Bite Club: A cool new concept street food party located next to the Spree river in Berlin. Booze, food trucks, BBQ, DJs, and all that cool stuff. Check their Facebook page for dates and location.
• Middle-Eastern Street Food Market: At this twice-weekly (Tuesday and Friday) outdoor market you’ll find vendors selling Turkish fare, fresh produce, seafood, and other random things. See On Google Maps
• Boxhagener Platz Farmers Market: This Saturday market focuses on organic produce and a smattering of standard street food options. See on Google Maps
• Thai Park: For a truly unique experience we suggest spicing it up with authentic Thai food as this unique food market that’s been operating for more than 20 years. This area on the outskirts of Berlin has long been home to a large Thai population who would visit this park to sell their food. Then other locals started catching on to the amazing food… and now it’s super popular. You’ll have the most luck by visiting on Saturdays and Sundays in summer. View on Google Maps
• Kollwitzplatz Farmers Market: Some of the freshest food in Berlin. Open every Thursday. See On Google Maps

More Berlin Restaurant Resources

When in doubt, ask the locals! Below are a few excellent resources about food in Berlin.

• They also have an excellent list of recommended list of kebab restaurants if you’re looking for a tasty meal for around €3-€4.
• Eating In Berlin : Another excellent food blog that covers Berlin’s food scene.
• TimeOut Berlin : TimeOut always does a solid job of showcasing new and popular food/drink spots so it’s another good place to look.
• Spotted By Locals – Berlin : Spotted By Locals is a great resource that’s written by locals and expats (they also have a paid app that offers more suggestions).

Berlin has plenty of highly-rated hostel options and they’re all priced very reasonably — an average hostel will cost anywhere from  €14-€30 /night.

Personally, we use HostelWorld to book all our hostels. Here are some of the best-rated hostels in Berlin:

• EastSeven Berlin Hostel
• Wombats City Hostel Berlin
• The Circus Hostel
• PLUS Berlin
• Jetpack Alternative
• Pfefferbett Hostel

Berlin is world-famous for its nightclubs and overall nightlife scene — it’s actually one the city’s largest draws. Many of the best DJs show off their skills in Berlin; check out Resident Advisor  to see where DJs will be playing.

Thrillist  and TimeOut both have a good rundown of the best nightclubs in Berlin.

If you really want to learn the nitty-gritty about Berlin’s nightlife scene, check out  Vice’s Guide To Berlin’s Nightlife .

By the way… getting into clubs isn’t always easy. Some clubs (i.e. Berghain) are known for turning away a majority of people. Here are some tips for getting past the notoriously finicky doormen:

• Don’t go in big groups — keep it under four people. And a group of all dudes probably won’t get in.
• Don’t show up drunk.
• Be quiet in line. Loud = no entry.
• Try to speak a little German. Even “Sorry, I don’t speak German” will help.
• Go with a local. This will make things a lot easier.
• Dress like a Berliner. Don’t dress up.

More Resources to Help You Plan Your Berlin Budget Travels

Berlin is packed to the gills with things to do… so you’ll want to do a little research before you arrive. We’ve listed a few of our favorite  budget-minded  guidebooks, websites, and expat blogs that you may want to check out.

• Rick Steves — Berlin (guidebook)
• Lonely Planet — Berlin (guidebook)
• Spotted By Locals: Berlin
• Berlin Food Stories
• Still In Berlin
• Slow Travel Berlin
• Travels of Adam
• iHeartBerlin

Traveling Around Berlin

Berlin is a huge, sprawling city, so you’ll need to take public transportation. Luckily, it is plentiful; you’ll find subways, trains, trams, buses, bikes, and taxis. The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus, tram, and regional rail all use the same ticket. Don’t forget to validate your ticket before entering the train. 

• Single One-Way Ticket:  €2.80
• Short Distance (three-stop) Single One-Way Ticket:  €1.50
• Day Card: €7.00
• Small-Group Ticket (for up to five people — this is the most cost-effective for three people and above):  €19.90
• Bike Rental:  €8-€15/day
• Bus between Tegel Airport and City Center:  €2.80
• Taxi Between Tegel Airport and City Center:  €25–€35
• Berlin Schönefeld Airport Express Train:  €1.60
• Taxi Between Schönefeld and City Center:  €50+

Practical Travel Tips

Save Money With a Berlin Pass:  If you plan on seeing a lot of museums, you might consider getting a Berlin Pass . It could save you a bit of money.

Take A Walking Tour: It’s a great thing to do on your first day as it’s a good way to get orientated with the city.

There are good free (tip-based) tours from  Sandeman’s New Europe  and  Brewer’s Berlin Tours  — these tours will hit many of the highlights. If you’re looking to learn more about the alternative sides of Berlin, you should check out  Alternative Berlin Tours .

Of course, there are a ton of paid tours that are led by professional guides that will give you more in-depth information. Check Get Your Guide as they have multiple walking and bike tours.

Visit Flea Markets for Cheap Souvenirs: The flea market at Mauerpark is the most famous, but it’s also the most touristy (i.e., it’s overpriced). You’ll need to venture out to find the best deals. This is a good site that lists most of the markets in Berlin.

Bring Your Student ID : Most museums have student prices (usually 1/2 price). It helps if your ID has a date on it — I was turned away for using my old ID, so your results may vary.

Winters Are Tough. Dress Warm : Invest in a legit warm coat, hat, gloves, and warm clothes if you visit in the winter. Don’t worry about fashion as everyone, including the locals, is bundled up.

Backpacking Packing Tips & Tricks

If you’re looking at this article, I’m going to bet you’re getting ready to travel. Check out these helpful articles that we wrote for tips and advice for packing for your trip.

• Backpacking Europe Packing List for Women
• Backpacking Europe Packing List for Men
• Best Travel Backpacks for Europe

Insure Your Trip

Not to get all doom and gloom but it can get very expensive when things go wrong on the road. Travel insurance is a cheap way to cheap way to ensure you don’t end up with a $10,000+ medical bill. We like World Nomads they’re affordable and it only takes a few minutes to get covered.

• Recent Posts

• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 18, 2024

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Thanks For Reading! — James

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Where to Stay in Berlin: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Berlin is eclectic. It’s wild and raucous but also sophisticated and cool. Home to artists and creative types of all stripes, it’s somewhere you can reinvent yourself and be whoever you want to be.

The largest city in the European Union and the capital of Germany , Berlin is also the capital of the 20th century. Nearly every history-making, world-changing event of the last century somehow passed through this metropolis: World War I, World War II, the Cold War (and its dramatic end: the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989).

And while it’s fortunately not making such dramatic history these days, Berlin looks to be a star of the 21st century too. It’s the place on the planet to party and go clubbing. It still draws artistic types from all over the world. And it’s a huge hub for digital nomads and entrepreneurs, owing to the country’s popular freelancer visa.

It may not be the prettiest city in Europe , but what it lacks in physical aesthetics, it more than makes up for in its oh-so-cool vibe and energy.

And it has some great neighborhoods too, each with its own characteristics and personality. The “it” neighborhood seems to always be shifting, which means there is an ever-expanding list of amazing places to stay — no matter your interest or budget.

To help you make the most of your time in this lively place, here’s my list of the best neighborhoods in the city so you know exactly where to stay in Berlin during your next trip.

  For more details, here’s a breakdown of where to stay in Berlin, with suggested accommodations for each:

Berlin Neighborhood Overview

• Best Neighborhood for Budget Travelers
• Best Neighborhood for Charm
• Best Neighborhood for Partying
• Best Neighborhood for Museum Lovers
• Best Neighborhood for First-Time Visitors
• Best Neighborhood for Families
• Best Neighborhood for Shopping

Where to Stay for Budget Travelers: Friedrichshain

There are also a lot of free things to do, such as admiring the longest, still-existing stretch of the Berlin Wall and also walking (or biking) down Karl Marx Allee, a long, wide boulevard flanked by one of the most impressive collections of Stalinist architecture on the planet.

The Best Places to Stay in Friedrichshain

• BUDGET : Sunflower Hostel — For over two decades, this cheerful hostel has been accommodating budget travelers. There are various room types here — dorms, two-person rooms, single rooms, apartments — and breakfast is included.
• MID-RANGE : Moxy Berlin Ostbahnhof — Located in the northern part of the neighborhood, the Moxy is a hip, fun place to base yourself, as you’re straddling Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, and Mitte. The hotel is also pet friendly, for anyone traveling with a furry friend.
• LUXURY : Michelberger Hotel — One of the coolest places in to stay in Berlin, the Michelberger takes a cue from Ace Hotels, in that you’re pretty much encouraged to hang out in the lobby with your laptop. The excellent in-house restaurant encourages you to stick around too, with its delicious and impressive menu. The rooms are minimalist but very comfortable.

Where to Stay for Charm: Kreuzberg

The Best Places to Stay in Kreuzberg

• BUDGET : Die Fabrik baxpax Hotel — Housed in a former factory in one of the coolest parts of Kreuzberg, Die Fabrik offers both private rooms and dorms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site bar. There’s a chill outdoor common area too.
• MID-RANGE : Hotel Johann — Situated by the lovely, leafy canal, Johann is a friendly, warm, and comfy place to stay. Rooms are big, with high ceilings, free Wi-Fi, and extra-large flat-screen TVs.
• LUXURY : Orania — Since 1913 this stylish property has been easing weary travelers in Kreuzberg with spacious, comfortable rooms and great service. The rooms feature free coffee, plush bathrobes, complimentary bottled water, and bathrooms with a rain shower and luxury products.

Where to Stay for Partying: Neukölln

The Best Places to Stay in Neukölln

• BUDGET : Hotel-Pension Grand — Situated in a quiet part of Neukölln and a short stroll from the nearest subway station, the Grand offers basic but comfortable amenities, including free Wi-Fi. The rooms are bright and colorful and the hotel is just 200 meters from the S-Bahn.
• MID-RANGE : ibis Berlin City Süd — This 57-room property features rooms that have parquet floors, bathrooms with marble tiles, and a large desk, as well as free Wi-Fi. There’s a large breakfast buffet every morning as well.
• LUXURY : Estrel Hotel — Located in a brand-new building, Estrel is one of the largest hotels in town and features all the trappings of a luxurious property, including earth-tone-colored rooms that are spacious and well equipped for comfort. There’s an on-site spa as well as four restaurants to choose from, making it a delectable choice for traveling foodies.

Where to Stay for Museum Lovers: Spreeinsel

The Best Places to Stay in Spreeinsel

• BUDGET : Motel 1 Berlin, Spittelmarkt — Just across the canal from Spreeinsel, Motel 1 is a European chain of budget hotels. You get a bigger bang for your euro at places like this. Rooms have large flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mosaic designs; the bathrooms have rain showers.
• MID-RANGE : Novotel Berlin Mitte — Smack in the center of Spreeinsel, Novotel is a four-star hotel that offers free use of its sauna and gym. Rooms are nicely soundproofed and have the usual amenities you’d expect: flat-screen TVs, fast Wi-Fi, and a comfy bed.
• LUXURY : Capri by Fraser — Located next to the canal, Capri by Fraser offers comfortable, fully stocked, and self-contained studio apartments — perfect for travelers who need to rest those cobblestone-weary feet after a day of exploring the German capital.

Where to Stay for First-Time Visitors: Regierungsviertel

The Best Places to Stay in Regierungsviertel

• BUDGET : Hotel M68 — This budget hotel is in the center of it all. Some rooms have nice views of the nearby surroundings, and all have extra-large beds (unless you opt for a single bed). The location is within walking distance of many major attractions.
• MID-RANGE : The Westin Grand — This centrally located hotel really is grand. The super spacious rooms have huge flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, oversized showers, upscale bath products, bathrobes, and slippers.
• LUXURY : Hotel Adlon — Opened in 1907, Adlon is one of the poshest addresses in Berlin and one of the most famous hotels in Europe. Located right across the street from the Brandenburg Gate, it has all the charm and style of an über-luxurious Old World hotel. There have been a lot of famous events in its history, not least that day in November 2002 when Michael Jackson dangled his infant son out of a window here.

Where to Stay for Families: Prenzlauer Berg

The Best Places to Stay in Prenzlauer Berg

• BUDGET : Generator Berlin Prenzlauer Berg — This legendary hostel is one of the most fun places to stay in town. Housed in a former Communist-era building, the property boasts a great beer garden and several public spaces for hanging out. It offers dorms (including female-only ones), family rooms, and private rooms.
• MID-RANGE : Vienna House — In the heart of Prenzlauer Berg, Vienna House is a three-star hotel that offers large rooms, free Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and brightly colored walls. It’s also pet friendly, and there’s a breakfast lounge on-site with fresh baked goods.
• LUXURY : Hotel Oderberger — Once a public swimming pool building, Hotel Oderberger is a lovely, retro-chic hotel that would qualify as being “accidentally Wes Anderson.” The spacious rooms are comfortable and have free Wi-Fi. The sauna is great for cold days. And yes, there’s a swimming pool here.

Where to Stay for Shopping: Charlottenburg

But Charlottenburg is a fascinating neighborhood. If you like shopping, this is the place to be as every designer is here, plus there are great shopping malls, like Bikini Berlin, that focus on up-and-coming and indie designers.

The Best Places to Stay in Charlottenburg

• BUDGET : Happy Go Lucky Hotel + Hostel — Offering basic but comfortable rooms with shared bathrooms, this is a central spot in which to base oneself. A buffet breakfast is served every morning (for a small fee), and the art-covered walls even have space for visitors to do their own painting.
• MID-RANGE : 25Hours Bikini Berlin — 25 Hours is a German-owned chain of properties — but this one is unique: it hugs up against the zoo. So if your room is on the zoo side, you can actually sit there for hours and gawk at the animals. That’s why the great rooftop bar here is called Monkey Bar: look down from the top and you can see the simians monkeying around.
• LUXURY : Waldorf Astoria — If you want to drop a pretty (euro) penny while in Charlottenburg, this is the hotel to do it in. The rooms are superlative and about as comfy as they come. The Art Deco-infused Lang Bar is an elegant place to enjoy a classic cocktail, and the luxe on-site spa is perfect for splashing out on some self-care.

Berlin is a huge, sprawling city, so where you decide to base yourself will impact your experience. Fortunately, it has a plethora of charming, fun, and affordable neighborhoods to choose from. Whether your priority is partying, eating, visiting museums, or saving money, there is a neighborhood that will help you have a memorable, authentic visit to the lively German capital.

Book Your Trip to Berlin: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a list of my favorite hostels in Berlin .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want a Guide? Berlin has some interesting great tours. If you want to see all the main sights, book a bike tour with Fat Tire Tours . They use expert local guides so you’ll learn a lot and have fun in the process!

Want More Information on Berlin? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Berlin for even more planning tips!

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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