visit berlin mitte

The Best Things To Do in Mitte, Berlin

Berlin’s central district, Mitte, is home to some of the German capital’s most fascinating museums and historical architecture. Packed with sights such as the Reichstag and Museum Island, there’s no shortage of things to do in Mitte.

As well as being the geographical centre of Berlin , Mitte is also where the city was born in the 13th century. As the neighbourhood at the heart of Berlin’s historical development, Mitte reflects the city’s spirit through its vibrant mix of historical sights, cultural venues, architecture and restaurants: from the iconic TV tower and some of Berlin’s best museums , to eclectic street art and Central Asian cuisine at the Tajikistan tearoom.

Spend a day (or three) at Museum Island

Berlin’s Museum Island comprises five museums, spanning the ages from ancient Egypt to Byzantium and medieval Berlin.

The Altes Museum (Old Museum) opened in 1830 as the first on the inner-city island, and is home to the largest collection of Etruscan art outside of Italy. There’s also a permanent exhibition showcasing art from ancient Greece to the Roman Empire – look out for the portrait busts of Caesar and Cleopatra. And if you’re fascinated by the lives of Ancient Egyptians, head across to the Neues Museum to see the famous bust of ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti.

The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) looks like an ancient temple, built in a style that combines influences from late Classicism and the early Neo-Renaissance. Here, you can marvel at three floors of art from 19th-century Europe, including famous Impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir and Manet on the second floor. For more art, the Bode-Museum showcases an extensive collection of sculptures from the medieval period to the late 18th century, in addition to treasures from the Museum of Byzantine Art and the Numismatic Collection.

Although the Pergamonmuseum will be undergoing major refurbishment until 2025, visitors can still check out the fascinating collection in its constituent Museum of Islamic Art – home to Babylon’s magnificent Ishtar Gate and Processional Way.

There’s a lot to see, so save some cash by purchasing a Berlin WelcomeCard online or at any train ticket machine to gain access to all five museums over three consecutive days. What’s more, this also serves as your ticket on Berlin public transport .

Take a tour of the Reichstag

The Reichstag is Germany’s main Parliament building, and was at the forefront of the country’s turbulent history. Today, the public can visit the 19th-century building and its distinctive glass dome (designed by architect Norman Foster following the reunification of Germany). Audio guides are available in 11 languages, providing visitors information on the building itself, its surroundings, and the work of Parliament. Admission is free, but advance registration is required.

Get your chocolate fix at Rausch Schokoladenhaus

Attention all chocolate lovers – Rausch Schokoladenhaus in Gendarmenmarkt Square is calling your name. This traditional chocolatier – run by the same family for five generations – offers a mouth-watering selection of handmade truffles, pralines and desserts. The sweet treats are freshly prepared each day at the Rausch chocolate factory in Berlin-Tempelhof, where the expert chocolatiers put careful thought and artistic innovation into each culinary creation. The Mitte-based shop is even home to intricate chocolate sculptures that depict Berlin’s iconic landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate , the Reichstag, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the Berlin TV Tower.

Sample German beer at Gendarmenmarkt

After visiting Rausch Schokoladenhaus, head over to Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt to sample some traditional German beer . The rustic Bavarian beer hall serves up full-bodied Augustiner brewed in Munich’s oldest independent brewery. There’s also a selection of hearty German cuisine, such as roast knuckle of pork and apple strudel.

Admire the view from the Berliner Fernsehturm

The famous Berliner Fernsehturm (TV tower) at Alexanderplatz can be seen from almost every point in the city, making it an emblem of Berlin. With a total height of 368 metres (1, 197 feet), the impressive landmark is the tallest building in Germany and one of the most popular spots for experiencing 360-degree views of the entire city – and on a clear day even as far as Brandenburg, 42 kilometres (27 miles) away. No need to battle through crowds to experience the best views – visit the tower’s rotating restaurant to enjoy the panorama in the company of a glass of fine wine.

Shop at Hackescher Höfe

A must-visit for anyone in need of some retail therapy, the lively Hackescher Höfe (adjacent to the Hackescher Markt) is located only a short walk away from Alexanderplatz . This maze of eight Art Nouveau courtyards is home to fashion stores (both big brands and independent Berlin designers such as Moni Novy ), cafés and restaurants. Every Saturday from 10am-6pm, the Hackesche Höfe courtyards host a farmers’ market, where you’ll find fresh fruit and veg, home-baked bread, flowers, cheese and other local produce. Don’t forget to try the delicious honey-marzipan sweets, decorated with pistachios or pineapple.

Scope out Street Art Alley

For a taste of the area’s creativity, enter Hackescher Höfe via the alley to the right of Café Cinema to be greeted with a courtyard awash with street art, courtesy of non-profit arts organisation Haus Schwarzenberg . New art pieces are painted almost weekly, but famous street artists such as El Bocho, Miss Van, Stinkfish and Otto Schade have all added their visual stamp to the courtyard and alleyway walls.

Sample a taste of central Asia at the Tajikistan Tearoom

Situated in a quiet courtyard lined with galleries and cafés, the Tajikistan Tearoom is somewhat hidden from the crowds that flock to Mitte in search of historical sites. A gift to the GDR (East Germany) from the Soviet Republic of Tajikistan, the tearoom serves a mix of Central Asian and Russian cuisine such as plov (pilaf) and pelmeni dumplings. The plush interior features ornately carved wooden pillars, Persian carpets and comfortable floor cushions where guests can kick their shoes off and relax after a day of shopping and sightseeing.

Visit historic World War II sites

Mitte is home to a number of World War II sites that are well worth visiting if you want to learn more about this tumultuous period of the city’s past. One of the most popular is the Topography of Terror museum – set at the former headquarters of the Gestapo and SS. The permanent exhibition showcases photographs and documents that illustrate state terror during the Nazi era.

Walk 10 minutes north along Wilhelmstraße and you’ll find the infamous site of the Führerbunker – the location of Hitler’s multi-storey air raid shelter, and the place where he died. After the war, the Soviets attempted to destroy the bunker, but some rooms are rumoured to have remained intact. The structure sat under its own rubble, unused until after the fall of the Berlin Wall . Today a simple plaque marks the spot at the intersection of In den Ministergärten and Gertrud-Kolmar-Straße.

Continue north to the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe (also known as the Holocaust Memorial ). The vast outdoor memorial is dedicated to the millions of Jews killed under the Nazi regime. It comprises a maze of over 2,700 concrete blocks in varying heights, arranged in a grid pattern. The experience of walking through them is supposed to evoke a claustrophobic, unsettling feeling.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Rachel Dickenson .

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Bars & Cafes

The coolest bars in berlin’s mitte district.

Restaurants

Where to eat in mitte, berlin.

Places to Stay

The hippest hotels in berlin's mitte borough.

The Best Brunch and Breakfast Spots in Mitte, Berlin

Winter sale offers on our trips, incredible savings.

• Post ID: 384860
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Berlin's Mitte Neighborhood: The Complete Guide

ElOjoTorpe/Getty Images 

Mitte (which translates to "middle") is the central neighborhood of Berlin . It holds most of the city's top attractions, and many tourists never leave this kiez (neighborhood) as there is enough here to fill several days in the city.

The oldest area of Berlin lies in Mitte. The Nikoliviertel is the Berlin of yore with cobblestone streets, charming houses, and a church from 1200. This was a stop on the main trading route with the settlements of Alt-Berlin and Cölln on either side of the Spree. Only the base of the Nikolaikirche   is original, as this area was heavily damaged during WWII, but it has been faithfully restored and occasionally holds events with actors dressed the part of the early 20th century. Mitte became the first district of the city under the Greater Berlin Act in 1920.

The only thing disrupting the illusion of the olden days is the GDR-era Fernsehturm   (TV Tower) looming overhead. Just steps away from this medieval section is the GDR dream of Alexanderplatz, one of the main thoroughfares of the city. Many buildings reflect the idealism of the regime in the 1960s and 70s from the TV Tower with its secret cross to the Brunnen der Völkerfreundschaft (Fountain of the Peoples' Friendship) to the Weltzeituhr (World Clock).

Between 1961 and 1990, Mitte was part of East Berlin, closed to the West and surrounded by the Berlin Wall . The iconic border crossing of Checkpoint Charlie still exists here for tourists to visit.

In 2001, the districts were redrawn and Tiergarten and Wedding joined the district of Mitte. Although now technically Mitte, they have their own unique characteristics. For a hand's on look at some of the area's history and development, the Mitte Museum provides an excellent overview.

What to Do There

Packed full of must-see sights from Brandenburger Tor to the Reichstag , Mitte is a necessary stop for anyone traveling through or to Berlin. However, Berlin's transportation system is excellent and staying in a town other than Mitte   can better acquaint you with the multiple facets of the city and the people who live there.

• Brandenburg Gate :  Brandenburger Tor is deeply ensconced in the history of the city from Napoleon to Kennedy to David Hasselhof and the fall of the wall .
• TV Tower : The Fernsehturm is the most visible element remaining of the GDR . In fact, because of Berlin's low building height and flat terrain, you can see the TV tower for miles around in every direction. Gaze at it on a sunny day and enjoy the "Pope's Revenge" of a cross across its disco ball-like surface.
• Museum Island :  You may not notice that you are on an island or in the midst of some of the very best museums in all of Berlin on Museuminsel , but you are. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dominated by the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) if approaching from Unter den Linden, but if continue along the Spree you will find the Altes Museum , Alte Nationalgalerie , Bode Museum , Neues Museum , and internationally acclaimed Pergamon Museum .
• Alexanderplatz :  This commercial central square is the site of periodic festivals and a meeting point at one of the busiest U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram stops in the city.
• Reichstag :  Germany’s main Parliament building is an example of the transformation the country has undergone since WWII. A standard dome has been replaced in glass to illustrate the political idea of glasnost (openness). Visitors can walk around the snowglobe top for a free (with registration) audio tour pointing out famous Berlin sites.
• Hackescher Markt :  A series of interlocking courtyards feature everything from intricate brickwork to modern shops and restaurants to indie theatres to an elaborate graffiti wall.
• Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe :  Simply called "The Holocaust Memorial" by many visitors, it is hard to miss this field of undulating, erect stones between Brandenburger Tor and Potsdamer Platz. However, this is far from the only Holocaust memorial in Berlin.
• Rosenthaler Platz: This hipster mecca is filled with an ever-changing array of restaurants bars and cafes. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, try the Circus Hotel with its very own David Hasselhof museum.
• Nikolaiviertel :  For all its modernity, Mitte is still the location of the oldest section of Berlin. Charmingly rebuilt after WWII, this small quarter houses free museums , a medieval church , and a historic brewery alongside the Spree .
• Scheunenviertel: North of the River Spree is an area full of trendy shops and restaurants. Named the "Barn Quarter" for the farming industry that was located here after 1672, it was also the center of Jewish life before WWII. The Neue Synagoge from 1859 was miraculously saved during Kristallnacht . Clärchens Ballhaus is also located here, a dance hall that has been rocking for over 100 years. Get a dance lesson before you hit the floor, or just watch people glide over kaffee und kuchen .

Attractions in Wedding

Wedding (pronounced VED-ding) has a very different reputation than much of Mitte. Located just north of central Mitte, the area is still a haven of relatively cheap rents in grand historical buildings. But the now tired saying, " Wedding kommt " ("Wedding is coming/developing"), has been uttered for years now and is more of a warning than a promise.

Gentrification is changing this gritty, bustling area as young Germans and Western immigrants move in. It is one of the most diverse neighborhoods with African grocers, hipster breweries , Turkish restaurants, and Korean nail shops. It is estimated that 30 percent of the population here is non-German.

• Berlin Wall Memorial :  Just over the border from central Mitte is the city's best memorial to the Berlin Wall. A walk along the former line of the wall lays out the history in heartbreaking detail with large-scale displays until you come to the center itself. Filled with newsreels from the time as well as a reconstructed wall with viewing platform for visitors, it is impossible not to feel the alienation that was created by this significant time in Berlin's past.
• Panke:  This canal lazily winds its way through the neighborhood, bordered by playgrounds, restaurants, parks, libraries and more.
• Uferstudios : In warehouses formerly owned by BVG, a string of performance studios features avant-garde festivals and shows. Just across the street at the Uferhallen where the buses once lived, Café Pförtner pays homage to the site's past with charming restaurant seating within an old school bus.
• Silent Green :  This art space offers a regular program of live music, screenings and lectures, all within the first crematorium in Berlin.
• Flakturm Humboldthain:  Lurking atop a hill and covered up by leafy branches for part of the year, it can easy to miss one of the area's most impressive landmarks. This scenic park complete with community pool and rolling greens is topped with two former Flak towers (anti-aircraft gun towers). Now covered with debris from the war, two viewing platforms still poke out above. And beneath this faux hill remains of a massive air raid shelter which can be explored with the somewhat uneven Berlin Underworld Tours . 
• Craft Breweries :  Two of the best breweries in the city are located in walking distance to each other. Vagabund Brauerei and Eschenbräu brew on site and have strong local followings.

Attractions in Tiergarten

The primary attraction in Tiergarten is the park of the same name. Once a royal hunting ground, it is now open to the public and its over 600 acres are enjoyed by all. Here are some highlights:

• Strasse des 17. Juni:  The central roadway through the Tiergarten. It starts at the Brandenburg Gate and goes all the way to Ernst-Reuter Platz, punctuated by the Siegessäule (Victory Column)
• FKK sunbathers
• A  Sunday Flea Market
• Cafe am Neuen See , one of the best biergartens in the city
• Gaslaternen-Freilichtmuseum (Gas Lamp Museum)
• Tiergartenquelle 's hearty German food

How to Get to Mitte

Many visitors arrive in Berlin by its central train station, Hauptbahnhof , located within Mitte. Other main transport stations in Mitte are Friedrichstrasse and Alexanderplatz . From any of these points there are excellent options to reach every corner of the city by S- and U-Bahn lines, as well as by tram or by bus. BVG is the public transport authority and has helpful info in English plus trip planners.

Tiergarten and Wedding are also well served by public transport as Tiergarten has its own S-Bahn stop and S+U Gesundbrunnen is on the ringbahn and a major entry point to the rest of Wedding and beyond.

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Berlin

Your Guide to Berlin's Neukölln Neighborhood

Your Trip to Berlin: The Complete Guide

15 Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

Berlin's Potsdamer Platz: The Complete Guide

Where to Swim in Berlin

Berlin's Reichstag: The Complete Guide

Guide to the Tiergarten in Berlin

Every Berlin Neighborhood You Need to Know

Your Guide to Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg Neighborhood

48 Hours in Berlin: The Ultimate Itinerary

10 Things Not to Do in Berlin, Germany

Berlin's Public Transportation: The Complete Guide

Your Guide to Berlin's Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain Neighborhood

Berlin's Alexanderplatz: The Complete Guide

The Brandenburg Gate

Must-see attractions in Historic Mitte

Topographie des Terrors

Historic Mitte

This compelling exhibit tells stories of terror and persecution in Nazi Germany.

It’s been burned, bombed, rebuilt, buttressed by the Wall, wrapped in fabric and finally turned into the modern home of the German parliament by Norman…

Deutsches Historisches Museum

If you’re wondering what the Germans have been up to for the past 1500 years, take a spin around the baroque Zeughaus, formerly the Prussian arsenal and…

Holocaust Memorial

Inaugurated in 2005, this football-field-sized memorial by American architect Peter Eisenman consists of 2711 sarcophagi-like concrete columns rising in…

Brandenburger Tor

A symbol of division during the Cold War, the landmark Brandenburg Gate now epitomises German reunification. Carl Gotthard Langhans found inspiration in…

Gendarmenmarkt

This graceful square is bookended by the domed German and French cathedrals and punctuated by a grandly porticoed concert hall, the Konzerthaus. It was…

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the principal gateway for foreigners and diplomats between the two Berlins from 1961 to 1990. Unfortunately, this potent symbol of…

High-calibre temporary exhibits, curated by the Deutsches Historisches Museum, occupy this spectacular contemporary annexe designed by Chinese-American…

Pariser Platz

Lorded over by the landmark Brandenburg Gate, this elegant square was completely flattened in WWII, then spent the Cold War trapped just east of the…

Tränenpalast

During the Cold War, tears flowed copiously in this glass-and-steel border-crossing pavilion where East Berliners had to bid adieu to family visiting from…

Museum für Kommunikation Berlin

Three cheeky robots welcome you to this elegant, neo-baroque museum, which takes you on an entertaining romp through the evolution of communication, from…

Ort der Information

This chilling exhibit under the Holocaust Memorial examines personal aspects of this unfathomable chapter in human history by movingly lifting the veil of…

Staatsoper Unter den Linden

Berlin’s opulent state opera was commissioned as the royal opera house by Frederick the Great and designed by his friend and master architect Georg…

Deutsche Bank KunstHalle

In this small, elegant exhibition hall, Deutsche Bank presents changing high-calibre exhibits of contemporary art, especially from emerging art centres in…

Madame Tussauds

No celebrity in town to snare your stare? Don’t fret: at this legendary wax museum, the world’s biggest pop stars, Hollywood legends, sports heroes and…

Haus der Kulturen der Welt

This highly respected cultural centre showcases contemporary non-European art, music, dance, literature, films and theatre, and also serves as a…

Humboldt Universität zu Berlin

Marx and Engels studied here, and the Brothers Grimm and Albert Einstein taught here: Humboldt is Berlin’s oldest university, founded in 1810 in a palace…

Friedrichstadtpassagen

This trio of shopping complexes (called Quartiere), built during the post-reunification construction boom years, never really succeeded at triggering the…

This temple-like neoclassical structure (1818) was Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s first important Berlin commission. Originally a royal guardhouse and a…

Konzerthaus

One of Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s finest buildings, the Konzerthaus (1821) rose from the ashes of Carl Gotthard Langhans’ Schauspielhaus (National Theatre)…

Paul-Löbe-Haus

The glass-and-concrete Paul-Löbe-Haus contains offices for the Bundestag’s parliamentary committees. It’s filled with modern art that can be viewed only…

The heart of a cultural centre envisioned by King Frederick the Great, austere Bebelplatz is infamous as the site of the first full-blown public book…

Bundeskanzleramt

The Federal Chancellery, Germany’s ‘White House’, is a sparkling, modern compound designed by Axel Schultes and Charlotte Frank and consisting of two…

Französischer Dom

The 1705 Französischer Dom was built by Huguenot refuges and consists of two buildings: the soaring domed tower and the attached Französische Kirche …

Deutscher Dom

The Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) wasn’t much of a looker until being topped by Gontard’s dazzling galleried dome in 1785. Built as the Neue Kirche …

Trabi Museum

If you were lucky enough to own a car in East Germany, it would most likely have been a Trabant (Trabi in short), a tinny two-stroker whose name (…

Sowjetisches Ehrenmal Tiergarten

Berlin lay in ruins when this imposing memorial was dedicated in November 1945. It is one of three in the city that honours the 80,000 Soviet soldiers who…

Reiterdenkmal Friedrich der Grosse

Seemingly surveying his domain, Frederick the Great cuts a commanding figure on horseback in this famous 1850 monument that kept sculptor Christian Daniel…

St Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin

This copper-domed church (1773) was commissioned by Frederick the Great, designed by Knobelsdorff, modelled after the Pantheon in Rome and named for the…

Mauermuseum

The Cold War years, especially the history and horror of the Berlin Wall, are engagingly, if haphazardly, documented in this privately run tourist magnet…

Alte Bibliothek

Berlin's first library is a baroque beauty commissioned by Frederick the Great to shelter the royal book collection. Completed in 1780, its design mimics…

Site of Hitler’s Bunker

Berlin was burning and Soviet tanks advancing relentlessly when Adolf Hitler killed himself on 30 April 1945, alongside Eva Braun, his long-time female…

asisi Panorama Berlin

Artist Yadegar Asisi is famous for creating bafflingly detailed monumental photographic panoramas. In Berlin, the giant 'Die Mauer' next to Checkpoint…

Akademie der Künste – Pariser Platz

The only building on Pariser Platz with a glass facade, the Academy of Arts was designed by Günter Behnisch and is the successor of Berlin’s oldest…

BlackBox Kalter Krieg

This small exhibit right by Checkpoint Charlie provides an easily accessible chronicle of the Cold War using photographs, maps, original footage and…

Wall Memorial ‘Parlament der Bäume’

What looks like a post-apocalyptic garden is actually a memorial site created in 1990 by environmental artist Ben Wagin atop a section of the Berlin Wall…

Erlebnis Europa

In times when many question the future of the EU, this exhibit works hard to make the case for a united Europe. Funded by the European Commission, you can…

Mauer Mahnmal im Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus

This memorial installation by artist Ben Wagin runs along the original course of the Berlin Wall and consists of original segments, each painted with a…

Schlossbrücke

Marking the transition from Unter den Linden to Museum Island, the Palace Bridge is considered among Berlin’s prettiest. Designed by Karl Friedrich…

Constrained by rigid building regulations, architect Frank Gehry had to transfer his trademark sculptural approach to the atrium of the Berlin…

More destinations you need to see

berlinbnb.co

Mitte: Exploring Berlin’s Vibrant Heart and Berlin’s Central Borough

Mitte stands as the central borough of Berlin, a place where the past and present of the city converge to tell a story rich with historical landmarks, vibrant cultural scenes, and urban dynamism.

We find ourselves walking the streets that are steeped in history; this is where Berlin was founded in the 13th century and where major events that shaped the city’s and Germany’s destiny have left their indelible mark.

As we explore Mitte, we come to understand why it’s often referred to as the heart of Berlin. It’s not just a geographical center; it’s a snapshot of the city’s soul.

From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the reflective Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the narratives of Mitte provide a compelling insight into Berlin’s tumultuous yet fascinating journey through the ages.

Our journey through this borough reveals an area that is both a bustling center of contemporary life and a homage to historical Berlin.

Architectural marvels like the Reichstag and the TV Tower on Alexanderplatz echo the city’s evolving identity. Meanwhile, the array of museums, galleries, and theaters serve as testament to Mitte’s status as a cultural hub, giving us an experience that is as enriching as it is diverse.

History and Culture

In our exploration of Mitte, we uncover a rich tapestry of historical significance and cultural development that has shaped the heart of Berlin. We trace the journey from the district’s origins, through significant upheavals of the 20th century, to its current status as a symbol of reunification and renewal.

Mitte District Origins

Mitte, which translates to “center” in German, serves as the historical nucleus of Berlin. This district was once composed of the twin cities of Alt-Berlin and Cölln which date back to the 13th century. Both cities thrived on commerce, with their location along the Spree River playing a pivotal role in their economic development. The historicity of Mitte is not only confined to buildings and monuments but is also embedded in the cobblestone streets and charming houses reminiscent of its medieval past.

Greater Berlin Act and WWII

Under the Greater Berlin Act of 1920, the city underwent an administrative reorganization which expanded its boundaries and unified several surrounding towns and villages into a single metropolitan area. Mitte thus grew to become the central administrative hub. During World War II, Mitte witnessed severe devastation and loss, bearing the brunt of Allied bombings. Subsequently, it found itself in East Berlin, under the control of the GDR, where it underwent extensive reconstruction in line with socialist urban design.

Reunification and Renewal

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the start of Germany’s reunification and heralded a new era for Mitte. It transformed from a symbol of division into a beacon of cultural confluence and regeneration. We see this in the proliferation of art galleries, museums, and theaters that represent Berlin’s rejuvenated spirit. The World-class museums in Mitte today are a testament to the area’s commitment to honoring its heritage while fostering contemporary culture.

Historical Events

Mitte has borne witness to numerous historical events that have influenced not just Germany, but also the world at large. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, which symbolize the country’s tumultuous past and its journey towards democracy. The district has also played a central role in commemorating events such as World War II, with memorials that honor the victims and serve as poignant reminders of the impacts of conflict and the value of peace.

Our treatment of Mitte’s history and culture is far from exhaustive but rather a curated look at the profound layers that define its storied existence.

Geography and Urban Structure

In this section, we’ll explore the distinct geographical features and urban structure of Mitte, Berlin’s central borough. We’ll delve into the character of its diverse neighborhoods, including the southeast region around Friedrichstadt and Dorotheenstadt, as well as the northwest areas encompassing Moabit, Wedding, and Gesundbrunnen, all interconnected by the flow of the River Spree.

Neighborhood Overview

Mitte encompasses a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own historical and cultural identity. This central borough is the heartbeat of Berlin, where old meets new and the city’s history is most palpable. The River Spree runs through Mitte, providing a natural landmark that has shaped the area’s development.

• Friedrichstadt : Known for its baroque architecture.
• Dorotheenstadt : Home to many governmental buildings.
• Moabit : A melting pot of culture and demographic diversity.
• Wedding : Renowned for its vibrant community life.
• Gesundbrunnen : Offers a mix of green spaces and urban flair.

Southeast Mitte

In the southeast section of Mitte lies Friedrichstadt , an area steeped in history and characterized by baroque architecture. It reflects an era of pomp and grandeur, with wide boulevards and significant buildings such as the Gendarmenmarkt. Close by, Dorotheenstadt is another prominent neighborhood with its stately presence underscored by governmental buildings and embassies.

Northwest Mitte

As we turn our attention northwest, we find Moabit , an island bound by canals and the River Spree, notable for its industrial past and diverse communities. Further north, Wedding and Gesundbrunnen emerge with a predominantly residential fabric. In Wedding , the community’s dynamic social life brings vibrancy to its streets, while Gesundbrunnen presents an urban landscape softened by green spaces like the Volkspark Humboldthain.

Politics and Administration

In our exploration of Berlin Mitte, we find that the area functions within a structured framework of governance that defines its political and administrative landscape.

Borough Governance

Berlin Mitte, governed under the provisions of the Greater Berlin Act , is one of the central boroughs of Berlin. Mitte’s administrative bodies are responsible for the local implementation of legislation and policies. Below, we present the key components of the borough’s administrative structure:

• District Assembly (BVV) : Elected representatives draft and pass resolutions on local matters.
• District Mayor : Heads the district office and represents Mitte.
• District Councilors : Oversee various departments like education, finance, and urban development.
• Departments : Execute policies pertaining to their respective fields.

Mayor of Mitte

The office of the Mayor of Mitte holds significant influence in both political strategizing and administrative actions. Current leadership aligns with the borough’s goals for development and public welfare. The mayor’s responsibilities include:

• Representation : Acting as the face of Mitte both within and outside the district.
• Coordination : Ensuring smooth collaborations between the different departments.
• Policy Implementation : Enforcing the laws and policies as determined by the BVV and higher government echelons.

The office of the Mayor, along with the District Assembly, shapes the day-to-day experiences of Mitte’s residents and visitors through their governance.

Tourist Attractions and Landmarks

In Mitte, the historical heart of Berlin, we encounter an impressive array of landmarks that are not only iconic symbols of the city’s history but also hubs of cultural significance.

Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag

The Brandenburg Gate stands as a monumental entry to Unter den Linden, a grand boulevard lined with linden trees. This neoclassical triumphal arch was once a symbol of division but now signifies unity and peace. A short walk away is the Reichstag , home to the German parliament, renowned for its glass dome offering panoramic views of the city.

Checkpoint Charlie and Berlin Wall Memorial

Checkpoint Charlie , the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, evokes poignant memories, while the nearby Berlin Wall Memorial offers a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit against division and conflict.

Museum Island and Its Museums

Museum Island is a treasure trove of culture, housing five world-renowned museums. Pergamonmuseum boasts an extensive collection of classical antiquities, while the Neues Museum is home to the bust of Nefertiti. The Altes Museum and Alte Nationalgalerie showcase a variety of ancient and 19th-century art respectively.

Berlin Cathedral and Gendarmenmarkt

The magnificent Berlin Cathedral , with its grand dome and ornate interiors, provides a moment of reflection amidst the bustling city. Not far from the cathedral, Gendarmenmarkt stands out as one of the most stunning squares in Berlin, framed by the twin cathedrals and the Konzerthaus theater.

Transportation

In our journey through Mitte, we find ourselves at the heart of Berlin’s extensive transportation network, a hub that simplifies our connectivity within the city and beyond through efficient public transit systems and important thoroughfares.

Public Transit Network

We start by exploring the Public Transit Network , which is the cornerstone of our urban mobility in Mitte. Our options are vast: we can board the U-Bahn (Underground Subway), which operates from early morning hours until past midnight on weekdays, with around-the-clock service on weekends and public holidays. Especially handy is the fact that U-Bahn runs with a frequency of 5 to 10 minutes within the central areas. As night falls, night buses seamlessly take the baton to ensure continuous service.

For surface-level travel, the S-Bahn (Suburban Train) and Trams offer scenic rides through the district. These systems complement each other with multiple lines intersecting at various points, providing us with an intricate network that reaches even the most distant corners of Berlin. Mitte is particularly well-served by these lines, ensuring that we can effortlessly navigate the city.

• Bus Service : Efficient and economical, we find the bus network to be extensive, with routes such as Bus 100 offering scenic journeys past major attractions.
• S-Bahn Lines : Connecting broader cityscapes, it intersects with U-Bahn lines at key junctions like Friedrichstraße.
• U-Bahn Lines : Covering the underground travel, key stations in Mitte include Alexanderplatz and Hauptbahnhof.
• Tram Lines : Trams often complement the U- and S-Bahn by providing service to areas less accessible by rapid transit.

Major Roads and Waterways

Shifting our focus to Major Roads and Waterways , Mitte boasts some of Berlin’s most vital arteries. Streets such as Unter den Linden and Friedrichstraße serve as major veins for both local traffic and visitors, leading us to historic sites and commercial districts. For those preferring the tranquility and perspective of water-based navigation, the Spree River offers alternative routes. Here, water taxis and pleasure cruises present us with leisurely opportunities to absorb the views of Mitte’s skyline, reflecting the harmonious blend of transport modes coexisting in Berlin’s heart.

We embrace our district’s robust transportation infrastructure as a testament to Berlin’s dedication to accessibility and efficiency, ensuring that we can always find our way in and out of Mitte, be it by land or water.

Economy and Retail

In Mitte, we witness a dynamic blend of commerce and consumer culture. Our business district teems with economic activity, while the shopping destinations offer a diverse range of retail experiences.

Business District

Mitte stands as the central business hub of Berlin, boasting an impressive array of corporate offices and commercial enterprises. Notably, Potsdamer Platz and Alexanderplatz are frequented by professionals and visitors alike, establishing themselves as pivotal to our local economy. The district’s economic health is further bolstered by a selection of upscale bars and restaurants , catering to both business clientele and tourists.

Shopping Destinations

Shopping in Mitte provides an expansive retail therapy experience. Our Oranienburger Straße is well-known for its boutique stores and artisanal shops, offering unique finds and exclusive items. On the other hand, Hackescher Markt pulsates with life, hosting vibrant events and an eclectic mix of retail outlets, from trendy fashion stores to traditional arts and crafts. Nearby, several shopping malls amplify our retail offerings, presenting a vast selection for every preference and need. Whether it’s luxury brands or local favorites, our shopping destinations are integral to Mitte’s character.

For those exploring our locale, the range of options here sets the stage for a full day of engaging retail experiences and discoveries.

Arts and Entertainment

In Mitte, arts and culture pulsate through the streets day and night, offering an unrivaled combination of high-caliber museums and a vibrant nightlife scene. We’ll guide you through some of the most notable cultural institutes and leisure activities that define the heart of Berlin.

Cultural Institutes

Mitte is the core of Berlin’s art scene, home to a plethora of impressive museums . The area boasts historical treasures such as the Altes Museum , showcasing classical antiquities, and the cutting-edge Hamburger Bahnhof , dedicated to contemporary art. Furthermore, an array of galleries amplify the artistic vibe, with EIGEN+ART setting the standard for avant-garde and emerging art. Mitte is also a fashion hotspot where designer boutiques and high-street fashion converge, reflecting the district’s unique sartorial elegance.

• Museums: Altes Museum, Hamburger Bahnhof
• Galleries: EIGEN+ART

Nightlife and Leisure

As dusk falls, Mitte transforms into a hive of nightlife . Our district’s clubs range from the legendary techno hub Berghain to more intimate venues playing eclectic sounds. Leisure options abound; one can enjoy an equally lively scene at local cafés and bars that spill onto the pavements, offering perfect vantage points for people watching. Events and exhibitions frequently shake up the cultural calendar, ensuring that the heart of Berlin never skips a beat.

• Clubs: Berghain
• Cafés: Local favorites with outdoor seating

Mitte’s art and entertainment are as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. With a rich tapestry of cultural offerings and nocturnal delights, our district encourages exploration and engagement at every corner.

Educational and Scientific Institutions

In the heart of Berlin, Mitte is a central hub for various educational and scientific establishments that contribute to the area’s rich academic and cultural landscape. We’ll explore some of the key institutions that embody the district’s intellectual spirit.

Humboldt Forum

The Humboldt Forum represents an expansive venue that has assumed a significant role in Berlin’s cultural scene . Anchored in the reconstructed Berlin Palace, it houses exhibits and activities that encompass art and culture. This includes elements from the ethnological collections of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin and the extensive holdings of the Berlin State Library. The Forum acts as a space for scholarly exchange and public engagement, where the interplay of art and science flourishes.

University Facilities

Mitte is proud to host several prestigious university facilities, including the world-renowned Humboldt University of Berlin . A bastion of knowledge, Humboldt University provides comprehensive academic programs across various disciplines such as mathematics, computer science, humanities, and social sciences. Its central location in Mitte places it at the crossroads of historical prestige and contemporary research.

In our exploration of Mitte, it’s evident that the district’s educational and scientific institutions are instrumental in shaping a dynamic community that values knowledge, culture, and history. These establishments, from the Humboldt Forum to the academic halls of Humboldt University, offer a testament to Berlin’s steadfast commitment to education and scientific inquiry.

International Relations

In our engagement with the global community, Mitte actively fosters strong international relationships through both formalized sister city partnerships and extensive cultural exchange programs.

Sister Cities

We are proud to have established a sister city relationship with a number of international cities that enhances our political, economic, and cultural ties. Hanoi, Vietnam , for example, stands out as a significant sister city. This relationship allows us to encourage mutual understanding and share best practices in urban development and sustainability.

Cultural Exchange

Cultural exchange is another area where we thrive, hosting art exhibits, musical performances, and educational programs with our international partners. Our bond with Vietnam is particularly strong in this regard, opening avenues for exchange that enrich both Mitte and our Vietnamese counterparts on countless levels.

Through initiatives such as artist-in-residence programs, we invite international creatives to experience life in Mitte and in turn, send our local artists abroad to gain new insights and inspirations. The cross-pollination of culture is essential in fostering a vibrant, dynamic community that benefits all.

Contemporary Mitte

In recent years, Mitte has undergone a significant transformation, reshaping its urban landscape and community dynamics while upgrading its infrastructure to become a nexus of modern living in Berlin.

Urban Development

Mitte has experienced vigorous urban development , particularly in areas such as Spandauer Vorstadt and Rosenthaler Vorstadt. The district’s strategy focuses on balancing historical preservation with the construction of modern commercial and residential buildings. For instance, Friedrichshain has seen the rise of innovative architectural projects that harmonize with the historical character evident in districts like Kreuzberg .

• Prenzlauer Berg has been refurbished to include contemporary housing facilities while retaining its classic charm.
• In Scheunenviertel , there is a trend of converting older buildings into fashionable lofts and galleries, signifying a blend of the old and new.

Community and Living

In Mitte, the essence of community and living is articulated through a multicultural tapestry and elevated quality of life. Spots like Prenzlauer Berg have evolved into family-friendly neighborhoods, boasting a plethora of parks, cafes, and boutiques.

• Young professionals and creatives are drawn to Rosenthaler Vorstadt for its vibrant street life and cultural offerings.
• Scheunenviertel remains a melting pot, akin to its early days as a settlement, reflecting diverse backgrounds and fostering a rich, integrative community.

Infrastructure

Our district’s infrastructure is robust, underpinning the area’s rapid growth and high standards of living. With advancements in public transportation and services, we’ve ensured that Mitte remains well-connected and accessible.

• The availability of high-speed internet and the presence of startup hubs have made Mitte a desirable area for entrepreneurs, especially in Friedrichshain .
• Green spaces are meticulously maintained, and initiatives are in place to incorporate environmental sustainability into urban planning.

While Mitte does not boast traditional beaches, the urban landscape offers a variety of leisure activities that utilize natural and manmade spaces creatively to provide relaxation and recreation opportunities.

Guides and Recommendations

In our guidance, we focus on the essential information for visitors and residents to navigate the core attractions and sights of Mitte with confidence. From Karl-Marx-Allee’s historical grandeur to the resilience symbolized by Rotes Rathaus, we compile tips that are both insightful and practical.

Visitor Information

Mitte, embodying the historical and cultural heartbeat of Berlin, is a treasure trove of must-see attractions and sights . To make the most of your visit:

• Top Attractions: Must-visit spots include Museum Island for art aficionados, the Reichstag for history buffs, and the iconic TV Tower for panoramic city views.
• Things to Do: Explore a converted WWII bunker housing the private Boros Collection, or stroll along the stately Karl-Marx-Allee. Don’t miss the legendary bust of Nefertiti in the Neues Museum.

Visitors are encouraged to check out Culture Trip’s guide to Mitte , which provides a curated selection of activities and experiences.

Resident Tips

For residents, Mitte offers much more than tourist spots; it’s a vibrant district full of hidden gems and local favorites. Consider these:

• Dining: Find the best local cuisine by exploring recommendations from Berlin’s top food spots in Mitte .
• Local Culture: Engage with the community by participating in events near Rotes Rathaus and enjoying the architectural marvels along Karl-Marx-Allee.

Our advice is tailored to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Mitte, whether you’re piecing together your itinerary or seeking a deeper connection with your neighborhood.

I've spent years curating the perfect Berlin experience, from the history to the cutting-edge cool of its avant-garde art scenes. My blog is your all-access pass to the most exclusive spots, often missed by guidebooks and tours in Berlin. I also love data and publish open source data work about Airbnb.

View all posts

Berlin vs Frankfurt: Unveiling Best City Attractions & Features

Berlin vs New York: A Comparison of Two Iconic Cities

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question or a tip.

Get in touch about Berlin or request an interview

© 2024 Berlinbnb

MITTE BERLIN DISTRICT: WHERE TO STAY, WHAT TO SEE, HOTELS & SAFETY

Berlin Mitte District: all the must-see attractions of Berlin are within the walking distance.

If you are planning to stay in Berlin for 1-3 days, then the central Mitte district is the best choice. In this blog post: recommendations on where to stay, hotels, what to visit, and safety in Berlin Mitte district.

Berlin Mitte District: the Best District for Tourists

What to see in berlin mitte district.

Berlin Mitte is the historical part of Berlin where all the main attractions of the city are concentrated:

the Brandenburg Gate,

the Memorial to the Victims of the Holocaust,

the TV tower at Alexanderplatz square,

Unter den Linden boulevard,

the Ensemble of museums on the Museum Island,

Check Point Charlie,

Tiergarten park

and the Reichstag.

By choosing a hotel in the Mitte district, you can explore all of these attractions on foot, without the need to travel by taxi or public transport.

Where to stay in Berlin Mitte District

Accommodation prices in Mitte are slightly higher than in other areas, but you save time and money that would be spent on taxis and transport. 

On my last trip, I stayed near the Rosa Luxembourg Platz in the St. Christopher Inn Apartments . These are functional and bright apartments for 50-70 euros per night with excellent value for money. The location is awesome as it takes just a 5-minute walk to the Alexanderplatz and the TV tower. There are many restaurants in this area for every taste where you can have an affordable and tasty dinner.

Nearby there is a hostel from the same group St. Christopher Inn with a popular and atmospheric Belushi bar. The hostel has many private hotel-type rooms at bargain prices: 50-60 euros per night. If you are traveling solo, you will definitely make new friends here and have fun.

Moreover, every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, you can attend English-language stand-up comedy in the Bar 1820, in the basement club at Belushi's Bar.  

The entry ticket to the  Berlin Cosmic Comedy Show  includes comedy show, pizza and shots. 

Safety in Berlin Mitte District

Berlin Mitte is a calm and safe area, both during the day and in the evening.

But it can be noisy here due to the many bars where Berlin youngsters and tourists have fun. If you want peace in the evenings, it is worth choosing hotels and apartments with a view of the courtyard or without the bars on the ground floor.

As all the embassies are concentrated in Mitte, there is a lot of police on the streets taking care of the safety. Still, I don't recommend walking around Alexanderplatz or Museum Island at night because some homeless communities gather there.

Mitte is also the best district if you travel to Berlin with small children. You can walk everywhere, it's safe, there is a developed infrastructure with many restaurants and cafes and many options to feed and entertain your kids. 

MORE ABOUT BERLIN DISTRICTS:

Write a comment

• Scroll to top

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When:  Every day 10am & 12pm every day Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance. Price:  Free

Discover the Rich History of Mitte: Exploring Berlin’s Historic Heart

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | Original Berlin

Welcome to Mitte, the historic heart of Berlin! This neighborhood, which means “center” in German, is located right in the heart of the city and is an absolute must-visit for history lovers and culture enthusiasts. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, Mitte offers a glimpse into Berlin’s intriguing past.

Uncovering the Highlights of Mitte

As you wander through the bustling streets of Mitte, you’ll encounter a myriad of fascinating sights and landmarks. Let’s explore some of the highlights that you won’t want to miss:

1. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is undoubtedly one of Berlin’s most iconic sights. This neoclassical triumphal arch stands as a symbol of unity and has witnessed significant historical events throughout the city’s turbulent past. Don’t forget to snap a photo with this impressive landmark!

2. Museum Island

Located on the Spree River, Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to five world-renowned museums. Whether you’re interested in ancient artifacts, mesmerizing artworks, or archaeological wonders, Museum Island offers an enriching experience for history and art enthusiasts alike.

3. Berlin Wall Memorial

No visit to Berlin is complete without learning about the Berlin Wall and its impact on the city. The Berlin Wall Memorial provides a poignant reminder of Germany’s divided past and offers a comprehensive exhibition that tells the stories of those affected by this historic divide.

Immersing Yourself in Mitte’s Culture

Mitte is not just about historical landmarks. It’s also a vibrant hub for contemporary art, delectable cuisine, and exciting nightlife. Here are some cultural experiences you shouldn’t miss:

1. Contemporary Art at KW Institute for Contemporary Art

Visit the KW Institute for Contemporary Art to explore cutting-edge exhibitions and installations by local and international artists. This dynamic art institution pushes boundaries and provides a platform for thought-provoking contemporary art.

2. Currywurst and Beer

Indulge in a quintessential Berlin culinary experience by trying the famous “currywurst.” This delicious street food combines curry-flavored ketchup with a juicy sausage, often enjoyed with a refreshing pint of German beer. It’s a must-try for foodies!

3. Nightlife at Rosenthaler Platz

If you’re looking for a memorable night out, head to Rosenthaler Platz. This area is packed with trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering a vibrant and energetic nightlife scene. Dance the night away or enjoy a cozy drink in one of the bustling establishments.

Exploring Mitte’s Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-known attractions, Mitte is also home to some hidden gems that provide a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. Here are a few worth discovering:

1. Hackesche Höfe

Step into the bohemian atmosphere of Hackesche Höfe, a beautifully restored courtyard complex filled with shops, cafes, and galleries. Lose yourself in the maze of interconnected courtyards and soak up the artsy vibes of this hidden gem.

2. Nikolaiviertel

Explore the charming Nikolaiviertel, Berlin’s oldest residential area. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, marvel at the Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas’ Church), and savor a cup of coffee in one of the quaint cafes. This area is a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city.

3. Clärchens Ballhaus

Step back in time at Clärchens Ballhaus, a legendary dance hall that has been hosting parties since 1913. Experience the glitz and glamour of the past as you dance the night away in this beautifully preserved ballroom.

Getting around Mitte

Mitte is well-connected with excellent public transportation options, making it easy to navigate and explore. The U-Bahn (metro) and S-Bahn (suburban railway) provide convenient access to different parts of the neighborhood and the wider city.

To fully experience the charm of Mitte, consider exploring by foot or renting a bike. This way, you can take your time to soak in the architectural beauty, discover hidden gems, and capture the essence of this captivating neighborhood.

Mitte is a treasure trove of history, culture, and artistic delights. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this neighborhood offers a captivating journey through Berlin’s past and present. Whether you’re intrigued by history, fascinated by art, or simply love exploring vibrant neighborhoods, a visit to Mitte is an absolute must. So lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and embark on a memorable adventure through the streets of historic Mitte!

Table of Contents

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour ? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• 3.5 hours walking tour
• Berlin’s major highlights
• Brandenburg Gate
• Reichstag and Berlin Wall
• Historical sites

Check out our other cities

Berlin tours.

• Original Berlin Tours
• Berlin Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Berlin
• Free Berlin Tours
• More Berlin Tours
• Cold War Tour Berlin
• World War Tour Berlin
• Sachsenhausen Tour

Barcelona Tours

• Free Barcelona Tours
• Barcelona Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Barcelona

Budapest Tours

• Free Budapest Tours
• Budapest Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Budapest

Madrid Tours

• Madrid Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Madrid
• Nice Pub Crawl
• Nice Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Nice

Amsterdam Tours

• Amsterdam Pub Crawl
• Bar Crawl Amsterdam

Paris Tours

• Pub Crawl Paris

Dublin Tours

• Pub Crawl Dublin

Warsaw Tours

• Pub Crawl Warsaw

Stockholm Tours

• Pub Crawl Stockholm

Other Links

• Original Pub Crawls
• Be Original Tours
• Original Free Tours
• E-Ticket Trail

A self guided free walking tour of Berlin Mitte

There are lot of fantastic neighbourhoods to choose from when you visit Berlin but few rival Mitte. For me ‘Mitte’, the ‘middle’ and heart of Berlin is one of the best places to feel the pulse of this incredibly vibrant, hedonistic and cultural city. There’s a lot of history packed into the huge 39.47 km² area that Mitte covers. You have the best of Berlin in one area-from the Reichstag, to the Museum Island, the iconic TV Tower, the sprawling magnificent Tiergarten park and the ugly but pretty Potsdamer Platz. Plus there’s a ton of cool bars and places to eat here.

Where to stay in Berlin Mitte: Circus Hostel Berlin

I’ve had the good fortune of living in this part of town for awhile now but if you are looking for a tip of a place to stay in Berlin Mitte then I’d shamelessly like to plug the Circus Hostel. The hostel has a great location just beside Rosenthaler Platz U-Bahn station-you’re right in the heart of Mitte. The spacious dorms and private rooms have been recently refurbished and offer a high level of comfort and ensuite facilities. Other star features include their fabulous Behind the Iron Curtain walking tours and also their excellent onsite coffee Shop where you can enjoy great coffee and snacks throughout the day. They offer a great value breakfast buffet ( till 1pm on weekends!) and their basement bar offers some of the best beers in town. Plus you have the only museum in the world dedicated to David Hasselhoff. Curious to know more- checkout my full review of Circus Hostel Berlin

Back to our self guided walking tour of Berlin Mitte…

Over the course of my last year I’ve learnt a few secret spots and cool places to eat and drink in Mitte. Following the success and popularity of my earlier self guided free walking tour guide of Edinburgh ,  I’d thought I’d share this information with you in the form of a self guided free walking tour. You can customise the guide to suit your interests but all the locations referenced here are within close walking distance of Circus Hostel. Hope you find the guide useful and thanks for reading.

World Time Clock, Alexanderplatz

1. Alexanderplatz

A short walk from Wombats Berlin Hostel is Alexanderplatz , lovingly referred to by locals as ‘Alex.’ Once upon a time the heart of Berlin’s nightlife in the roaring 20’s, Alexanderplatz is nowadays a bustling transport hub and also home to some hulking ugly concrete buildings , a hangover from the GDR era. Still, if you want to get a feel of what socialist Berlin might have been like pre reunification, come here.   Another cool feature to checkout here is the World Time Clock , a continually rotating installation that shows the time throughout the globe.

2. Berlin TV Tower

One of the icons of the GDR era and also with the unique distinction of being the second largest building in the European Union is the beloved Fernsehturm (TV Tower) which is a symbol of the city (and as a fantastic point of reference for lost tourists), visible for miles around. I warn you in advance that its pricey but from the top of the tower you get an incredible 360 degree panorama of the city. Come early here if you want to avoid the long queues or alternatively you can prebook your entry time online but it does cost few euros more. If you want to linger longer there is a restaurant Sphere to dine from.

Top tip: An alternative view that costs far less ( but opens at a later hour ) and also offers great views of the tower is the Panorama Terrace of the Park Inn Radisson Hotel. It costs just €4 (Hours: Summertime: 12 noon – 10 pm, Wintertime: 12 noon – 6 pm )

Haus des Lehrers

3. Haus des Lehrers ( Alexanderplatz 9 )

There’s a few other landmarks to checkout when you are in the area. One of my favourite murals in the city can be found slapped against a dreary modernist skyscraper built in 1964 -known as Haus des Lehrers aka House of Teachers this 125m long mural is one of the largest murals in Europe. Created by Walter Womacka, ‘Unser Leben’ (Our Life) gives you an idea of what life was like in the GDR era.

4. Kino International ( Karl Marx Allee )

Another place to checkout if you are looking for a feeling of Berlin pre-unification is the fabulous Kino International. During the GDR era this was the cinema theatre where all the film premieres take place and the last one was rumoured to take place on the day the Wall fell (Heiner Carow’s ‘Coming Out’ ) The architecture of the building is fantastic and love the nostalgic ambience of the place- you feel you could be in some 1960’s styled Wes Anderson movie. The cinema has a regular programme of films plus also the ‘Representation Room’ where state and party leaders celebrated before and after film premieres is now host to Kino International’s gay and lesbian club.

Hackescher Markt

5.Hackescher Markt

Short stroll from Alexanderplatz is another cool hub of shops, bars and restaurants known as Hackescher Markt . One of the most interesting parts of visiting this area is the sprawling complex of elegant courtyards with impressive Art Nouveau facades known as Hackesche Höfe . The area was home to one of the biggest Jewish communities in Berlin. Neue Synagoge on Oranienburger Strasse, just a few hundred yards from Hackesche Höfe is worth checking out.

Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt

Other interesting but not so well known landmarks here include the Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt , formerly the site of a 1940’s workshop owned by Otto Weidt that employed blind and deaf Jewish people to manufacture brooms and brushes. During the Holocaust, Otto fought to protect his Jewish workers against deportation and the museum tells the extraordinary story of how Otto defied the Nazis. It is a really moving haunting museum- on the walls you can observe framed photographs of people who have hidden in the Weidt workshop and also witness the small, windowless hideout room in the furthest corner of the building-this has been kept in its original condition.

Also worth checking out at Friedhof Große Hamburger Straße is the nearby Jewish cemetery-the second oldest Jewish cemetery in Berlin. Dating back to the 1600’s this was destroyed by Nazi’s in WWII. Behind the locked gate you can see a replica of the headstone from Moses Mendelssohn who was an important part of the Berlin Jewish community. On Koppenplatz to the northern entrance of the cemetery you can find Karl Biedermann’s bronze sculpture ‘The Deserted Room’ that commemorates the Holocaust.

Friedhof Große Hamburger Straße

Also definitely worth spending time in The Dead Chicken Alley where you will find bars ( Escschloraque with its crazy interior decor and cool music is a belter) , exhibitions, workshops and a ton of great artworks and graffiti.

Dead Chicken Alley

Also if you are in the mood to catch a movie later, highly recommend checking out the programme at Hackesche Höfe Kino , one of the best cinemas in town showing a good selection of independent, art house and mainstream movies showing in English.

Currywurst at Curry 61!

Also, if you are coming to Berlin, you can’t leave without having the city’s iconic dish, the Currywurst . Its basically a diced up classic german wurst with a lot of ketchup on top and dollops of curry powder on top-might sound too appetising but its tasty. One of the decent places to try this is Curry 61   in Hackescher Markt. They also have a vegan version plus their fries are not too shabby.

Cupola of the Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin

Museum Island

6. Museum Island

Berlin has an astonishing 175 museums but arguably the best collection of museums can be found in the stunning Museum Island. The northern half of an island in the Spree river, the Museum Island is a collection of 5 world-renowned museums.

I would definitely make time for the Pergammon Museum to see the beautiful Ishtar Gate which was apparently the gate to the kingdom of Babylon and later check in to the Neues Museum to see the famous bust of the Ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti. If you love art then a visit to the Alte Nationalgalerie is a must with is an impressive collection of art that includes works by the amazing Caspar David Friedrich, Monet, Van Gogh, Constable and Courbet.

You can get admission to all the 5 museums with a combined ticket which costs €18 (€9 reduced) It is pricey but really worth the investment if you are a culture vulture.

After visiting the museum, don’t forget to take a picture of the Spree river, the TV tower in the distance from the enchanting Friedrichsbrucke bridge in the heart of the Museum Island.

Reichstag ( Image borrowed under Creative Commons License. Link: https://bit.ly/2vpbRxx )

7. Unter Den Linden

Now turn right from the Museum Island and walk up the grand boulevard of Unter den Linden with it’s layers of rich history and beautiful buildings.

On your right you will see the Neue Wache ( free entry) which has the iconic Mother and Son sculpture by Kathe Kollwitz, one of my favourite monuments in the city. I love the light and sombre mood of the Neue Wache. Originally a guardhouse for Prussian King Frederik William II, in 1969 the remains of an unknown soldier and concentration camp prisoner were laid to rest here, serving as a memorial to the victims of war and tyranny.

After exiting Neue Wache and strolling further up Unter den Linden you’ll find yourself back in Lustgarten with the majestic Berliner Dom on the right in the background. This is the perfect place for relaxing with a book and watching the world go by. This green oasis has been through many reincarnations. From a site for political demonstrations during the Weimar republic to a venue for Hitler’s mass rallies (when it was paved over) to it’s happy current form.

On your left opposite the Lustgarten you will see Bebelplatz where the Nazis burnt the books of those they persecuted and ostracized. There’s an installation there , ‘a library with empty shelves’ by Micha Ullman.

Walking further up then brings you to the majestic Brandenburg Gate -one of 20 original gates whereby you could enter the city back in the day. Once a symbol of a divided city, the Brandenburg Gate is now the iconic symbol of Berlin and of the reunified Germany. It’s worth hanging around the elegant Pariser Platz in front of the Brandenburg Gate to just observing the flow of tourists and also colourful characters that seem to congregate here.

After passing through the Brandenburg Gate on the right you will see the Reichstag , the German Parliament with it’s beautiful glass dome.

It is free to enter but you have to apply in advance for tickets. Views are fantastic here plus you can choose to dine in their rooftop restaurant here.

Goldelse aka Golden Lizzy to your left captured during this year’s CSD parade

Top Tip: Best viewpoint in Berlin

If you have time, one of my favourite viewpoints of Berlin ( other than the view from the bar of the Wombats Hostel Berlin ) is from the iconic ‘Goldelse’ (nicknamed by locals as ‘Golden Lizzy’)

Barack Obama addressed 200,000 locals from this spot during his visit to Berlin in July 2008. The column is also an icon in popular culture. Film buffs will recognize the golden lady as the spot where the angels of the Wim Wenders classic, ‘Wings of Desire’ would congregate and talk. Climb the 270 steps (Entrance fee €3.50, reduced: €2.50 ) and from the top you can admire Golden Lizzy upclose and get panoramic views of the green, lush Tiergarten, the Soviet War Memorial plus the Brandenburg Gate in the distance.

Holocaust Memorial ( Image borrowed under Creative Commons License. Link: https://bit.ly/2LTrS9e )

8. Holocaust Memorial

After Reichstag continue to your left and you’ll find yourself in front of the Holocaust Memorial , another moving and symbolic architectural gem of Berlin.

The memorial’s 2,711 concrete slabs or “stelae” of the memorial are arranged in a grid pattern and varying in height from 0.2 to 4.8 m help create a confusing, disorientating and claustrophobic ambience which was the creator, Peter Eisenman’s intention. The memorial is one of those places that you have to experience yourself to fully realize it’s meaning.

While visiting, you can visit the subterranean underground museum (Entrance: € Free, but donations are welcomed) which reveals the painful and disturbing history of the Jewish Holocaust victims. The museum has a database of all the victims. Visitors can go online and query names of the victims., or record them

Potsdamer Platz

After that, you walk straight to the iconic Potsdamer Platz . End the walk in style by nipping into the Ritz Carlton for cocktails at the fabulous Curtain Club- pricey but probably one of the most best craft cocktails I have ever tasted.

Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer

Top tip: Get the full picture of the Berlin Wall at the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer

For those of you who are keen to learn more about what life was like behind the wall, I highly recommend a visit to the very moving and haunting Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial) : A memorial to the victims of the Berlin Wall, this stretches for 1.4km along Bernauer Strasse, along the actual course of the Wall. This is probably the best place to learn how all the elements of the hated barrier and the death strip fit together, how the border fortifications were enlarged and perfected over time, and what impact they had on the daily lives of people on both sides.

Clarchens Ballhaus

Cool places to eat and drink in berlin mitte.

Once you’ve finished your walk, have a drink or bite at some of my recommended places below.

Tadshiksche Teestube

This Tajikistani themed tea room with a very cool Oriental ambience is a nice place to come and drink some tea and chill. Recommend requesting the ‘Russian Tea Ceremony’ here. Bring cash plus there is a weekly story telling event very Mondays at 19:30.

Vintage retro mirrored dance hall where you can find people dancing tango and eating simple hearty German cuisine-this is a real local institution and atmospheric place.

Where to drink beer in Mitte?

Really important question. For beers, I am not a huge craft beer fan but I love going to Brewdog outpost in Berlin Mitte ( Ackerstrasse 29) As a huge fan of Liverpool FC and football in general, I do spend a lot of my time and money at the excellent FC Magnet Bar just off Veteranstrasse (26) Czech beers on tap and they show most of the Premier league and Bundesliga games. Plus obviously don’t forget the basement bar of the Circus Hostel. 

Zeit fur Brot

Vegan friendly and amazing cinnamon rolls right near Rosa Luxembourg Platz.

Monsieur Vuong

T heir menu changes daily so there’s always new dishes to try but I usually plump for the tried and tested Bún bò Huế or bún bò, a popular Vietnamese soup containing rice vermicelli and beef. It is delicious, easy on the wallet and usually wash this down with some Tiger beer.

Banh Mi Deli

I’m also a huge fan of the Vietnamese sandwich -“bánh mì” : A product of French colonialism in Indochina, this sandwich mixes ingredients from the French like their crispy fresh baguettes, pâté, jalapeño and mixes them with native Vietnamese ingredients such as coriander, cucumber, and pickled carrots and daikon (đồ chua). For me, for taste and flavour this is the best sandwich in the world. Whenever I am in Berlin, I try to visit the wonderful unassuming Banh Mi Deli just off Rosenthaler Platz (Rosenthaler Str. 2)

Cuore Di Vetro

One of the best ice-cream parlours in town. Try their pistachio gelato. Lots of vegan options too.

Top tip: Visit a Späti

If the weather is nice, especially in the summer, locals love to grab a beer and go to the park. The beer’s here are also nice and cheap and range from €1-3. You’ll find beers at a Späti . Also known as spätkaufs, these late-night stores are an icon of the Berlin streetscene. Some of the spätis during the summer will have often have tables outside for you to drink beer. Some they even have their own bathrooms. Sometimes they even have their own impromptu raves. They pretty much replace any bar if you’re super strapped for cash. My favourite Späti in Mitte is the one on the beginning of Weinbergsweg -cheap beers with lots of outdoor benches plus its perfectly located to watch the crowds and chaos of Rosenthaler Platz.

Shopping in Mitte?

Not my speciality but ……if you are a lover of a good graphic design and coffee, pay a visit to the Type Hype Store & Milchbar- this design concept store and coffee shop is located under the hotel Lux11 on Rosa Luxembourg strasse. The design of the store is very Art Deco with lots of minimal structure – it’s a type house. Lots of letters, shapes and structure. Also if you love books , pay a visit to the lovely Ocel ot bookstore ( Brunnenstrasse 181) -probably my favourite local bookstore in the city. Great selection of travel books plus they do good coffee.

Further Berlin resources and guides to checkout 

• 7 of the best budget places to stay in Berlin
• 15 Free Things to do in Berlin
• 10 Cool things to do in Berlin on a budget
• 1 0 Movies that inspired me to visit Berlin
• How to hack to Berlin Transport System
• 6 free iPhone apps for exploring Berlin
• Cheap eats guide to Berlin
• Latest Posts

Hi I am Kash aka the BudgetTraveller I'm the Luxury Hostels guy and for the last 14 years are sharing ways of how you can travel in style on a budget. Say hello to me here or on Instagram/Twitter. Lets connect!

Day trips from Rome for under €50

• Baja California Sur: Welcome to the edge of civilisation
• My perfect walk in Leipzig: Karl Heine Strasse

You may also like

Where to eat in Thessaloniki, food capital of Greece

A free, self guided food walking tour of Seville

iPhone and iPad as a travel planning tool- 9 tips and hacks

Next House Copenhagen Hostel review

Best sunset cruise in Lisbon? Try FRS Portugal

• Pingback: Read This Before Visiting Berlin, Germany: Travel Guide, Things To Do, Restaurants
• Pingback: 6 of the best budget places to stay in Berlin -

Would definitely have to make a trip to the Museum Island!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

More Stories

45 money-saving travel tips from the experts

With January being a particularly harsh month on the wallet, I joined forces with the lovely Skyscanner folk and a few other budget travel…

4 Days in Berlin: Perfect Berlin Itinerary to Experience the City

This post contains links which earn me a small commission at no cost to you.

Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Do

Do you have 4 days in Berlin ? I get super excited any time I hear someone is planning on visiting Berlin for 4 days or longer because it means you’ll get to see so much and experience so much. It’s enough time to dig a little deeper and see parts of the city most people don’t get to.

To experience Berlin in 4 days , I still think it’s worth getting to some of the most popular things to do in Berlin . After all, they’re popular for a reason.

But with a 4 day Berlin itinerary , you can take more time to enjoy a museum, or a few museums. You can take one or two day trips from Berlin. Heck, you can take a break from sightseeing to relax at a cafe, catch your breath, and do a little people watching.

Keep reading to take a look at my suggested Berlin 4 day itinerary .

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin has lots of great neighborhoods for you to stay in and explore. If you’re visiting Berlin for the first time, it might be best for you stay somewhere central.

Many of the attractions are in Mitte or easily connected to Mitte by Berlin’s public transport , so you should stay somewhere in that region. Here are a few hotels we recommend.

BUDGET: Circus Hostel Popular hostel with a bar/brewery downstairs

MIDRANGE: Circus Hotel Centrally located near restaurants & transport

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Centrally located, can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Luxury hotel where you can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

APARTMENT: Adina Apartment Hotel Kitchenette; near grocery stores, shopping, Museum Island

For a more detailed look at the different neighborhoods and our hotel recommendations, check out our guide to where to stay in Berlin .

Or read my full review of the 25Hours Hotel in Charlottenburg with fantastic views of the Zoo and Tiergarten.

What you'll find here

Berlin Walking Tours

City sightseeing tours and walking tours can be a great way to see a lot of things in a short amount of time. The information travel guides provide can really make exploring a city more enjoyable.

Even though 4 days in Berlin is a good amount of time, taking a walking tour could make sightseeing a little less stressful and free up some time for other exploration.

Here are a few Berlin tours I recommend:

• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour : Informative walking tour that includes Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, the Topography of Terror, and more
• Berlin Highlights Small-Group Bike Tour : Explore Berlin on two wheels, including Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, Holocaust Memorial, Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery, and more
• Berlin City Highlights Walking Tour : This walking tour also includes lots of Berlin attractions such as Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Government district, Museum Island, and more

Berlin 4 Day Itinerary

With 4 days in Berlin, you have a lot of flexibility. I’ve written this itinerary so that you can see as many of Berlin’s top sights as possible, but hopefully without too much rushing around.

I’ve also included time for one or two day trips because even though you certainly can spend your full 4 days in Berlin, sometimes it’s nice to see someplace else.

Where possible, I’ve grouped sights to minimize time in transport, but some of Berlin’s bucket list attractions simply are spread out, so I recommend getting a day pass for public transport each day that you’re here.

This itinerary includes plenty of iconic sights in Berlin as well as some lesser known attractions. If you’re wondering what to do in Berlin in 4 days, this itinerary has more than enough activities and sights to give you a feel for the city.

Whenever possible, I highly recommend booking tickets ahead of time. This will save you time, especially if the ticket comes with a skip-the-line option. Losing an hour of your vacation standing and waiting in line is no fun.

It’s also important to decide when is the best time to visit Berlin based on your preferences for weather, crowds, and more.

And make sure you know how to get from the Berlin airport to the city center before you arrive.

Let’s get started on how to discover Berlin in 4 days .

Places to visit in Berlin in 4 days

With so many amazing landmarks in Berlin , you’ll never run out of things to do. Even after years of living in Berlin, I’m still discovering new-to-me places – it’s part of what’s so great about the city.

But there are certain places to visit in Berlin that every first time visitor should see.

Berlin is one of the hippest and quirkiest cities in Europe, and it’s a city of tasty food. People visit Berlin to learn about the city’s dark past as well as experience its unique modern vibe.

There’s a lot to take in if you only have 4 days here. Here’s my suggestions for attractions and sights to see in four days in Berlin.

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is by far the most famous section of the Berlin Wall that still stands . At 1.3km (0.8 mile) this is considered the longest open air gallery in the world, and you’ll find it along the Spree River in the former East.

After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, artists from around the world came here to paint murals on the Wall celebrating Germany being reunited and reminding the world of terrible things that occurred here. Over the years, some of the art has changed several times.

Read my full guide to visiting the East Side Gallery in Berlin .

Closest transport is the Ostbahnhof station (Sbahn) or the Warschauer Str S&U station.

Standing at 368 meters (1,207 feet) tall, the Berlin TV Tower is one of the tallest structures in Germany and the European Union. It’s one of the most famous sights in Berlin, and it’s so tall, you’d have to try to not see it.

The TV Tower was inaugurated on October 3, 1969, and it was intentionally built to be seen from almost anywhere in Berlin. This holds true today, and you’ll see it pop out unexpectedly when you round a corner.

Located in the former East, the TV Tower was meant to represent the strength of communist East Germany. But today it symbolizes the reunification of Germany and is a symbol of Berlin itself.

The Berlin TV Tower , or Fernsehturm in German, is a great place for views of Berlin since it’s so tall. The elevator takes you to the viewing platform at about 200 meters high for fantastic 360 degree views of the city.

There’s also a revolving restaurant on a different level where you can enjoy the views while eating a nice meal.

If you’re only in Berlin for four days, buy priority tickets online ahead of time to reduce your wait. Waiting to buy your ticket at the door could mean standing around for an hour or more.

Book your tickets here .

Important info Observation deck opening hours: November – March 10 am to 10 pm

April – October 9 am to 11 pm

Closest transport is S&U Alexanderplatz where you can get the U2, U5, U8, S3, S5, S7, S9, a variety of regional trains, and tram lines M4, M5, M6.

Brandenburg Gate

Built in the late 1700s, Brandenburg Gate , or Brandenburger Tor in German, is Berlin’s last standing city gate. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Germany .

When Berlin was split into East and West, Brandenburg Gate was in the East, but only barely. Because of how close it was to the border, the Wall was built around it, and Brandenburg Gate was inaccessible to both sides.

President Reagan gave his famous “Tear down this wall!” speech while standing in West Berlin near the gate. This strategic location meant people in East Berlin could hear his powerful speech.

Brandenburg Gate is someplace you shouldn’t miss if you have 4 days in Berlin.

Important info Open 24 hours a day. Closest transport is the Brandenburger Tor S&U station where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U5.

Berlin Cathedral

Located on Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral, or Berliner Dom in German, is a gorgeous Protestant cathedral that should definitely be on your Berlin bucket list .

The cathedral was originally built in the 15th century, though it has been rebuilt and restored several times. It was in the East during the Cold War, and although there was some restoration work, the cathedral was not fully restored from its war damage until a few years after the Wall fell.

Tours are available (not during religious services) and included with the admission fee if you are interested in hearing about the history of the cathedral. You can also climb 270 stairs for lovely panoramic views of Berlin.

With 4 days in Berlin, you probably have time to take the tour and go to the top. At the very least, you should at least stop by to admire the outside.

Important info Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday: 12 – 4 p.m.

Last admission in each case 60 minutes before. Guided tours are at specific times.

Closest transport is the Museumsinsel Ubahn station where you can get the U5.

Museum Island

Museum Island is the name of a complex of five museums loaded with history and culture. It’s one of Berlin’s 3 UNESCO Sites , and it includes the Altes Museum (Old Museum), the Neues Museum (New Museum), the Alta Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), the Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum.

You could easily spend hours in just one of these museums, so if you’re spending 4 days in Berlin, you should be able to make time for at least one of the museums here. If you’re not a huge museum person, admiring the architecture from the outside of these impressive buildings is still worthwhile.

Check out my guide to visiting Museum Island for tips and more details about each museum.

Important info Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm, closed Mondays. Holiday hours may differ.

The Museum Island Welcome Card gives you a 72 hour transport pass, free entry to all museums and collections on Berlin’s Museum Island (Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and Neues Museum), and discounts at many other museums and attractions.

Another option is the normal Welcome Card which gives you discounted entrance to the museums on Museum Island plus discounts at many other museums and attractions. It also includes a transport pass with an option for either 48 hours, 72 hours, 4 day, 5 day, or 6 day.

Reichstag Building

Opened in 1894, the Reichstag Building is the seat of the German government, and it’s quite a unique building with a glass dome top. One of the most popular free things to do in Berlin is to take the free tour of the Reichstag Building .

The tour includes an audio guide that tells you about the history of the building and the German government, as well as other interesting information about Germany. You’ll get some nice views of the city from the glass dome, too.

Important info Plan ahead because advanced booking is required and opening hours vary.

Closest transport: About halfway between the Bundestag Ubahn station (U5) and the Brandenburger Tor Sbahn and Ubahn station (S1, S2, S25, S26, U5).

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is often referred to as the Holocaust Memorial , and it honors the large number of Jewish people who were killed by the Nazi regime in the 1930s and 1940s.

This somber memorial consists of 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights, and the ground they sit on is an uneven slope similar to a wave. The information center showcases letters, diaries, photographs, and biographies of the victims to help personalize the experience.

Important info Entrance is free for both the outside memorial and the inside information center. The outside memorial is open 24/7.

The information center is open October – April, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm, and May – September, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 8pm.

Photography is allowed (no flash inside) but please be respectful. Do not sit on or climb on the cement slabs or take selfies. This is a place to reflect and remember those who were murdered.

Closest transport: The memorial is located about halfway between S&U Brandenburger Tor where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U5 and S&U Potsdamer Platz where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U2.

Topography of Terror

Between 1933 and 1945, the headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS was located in central Berlin. They organized the persecutions and killings of Nazi opponents and coordinated the genocide of Jews, Roma, and Sinti here.

Today this location is the Topography of Terror Museum, which serves as a place to remember history and warn us from repeating the terrors of the past. The exhibits here use photographs and documentation to tell visitors about the crimes that were organized here.

You’ll also see excavation sites where you can view through glass windows. It also happened to be at the border between East and West Berlin, and there’s still a long section of the Berlin Wall that still stands here.

Topography of Terror is just a few minutes from Checkpoint Charlie, which is also on many people’s lists of must-see attractions in Berlin. It’s actually a cheesy site today, but it’s right near the Ubahn station, so you can get a quick glance before walking to the Topography of Terror museum.

I often feel like Topography of Terror is a tight squeeze on a shorter itinerary, but if you’re in Berlin for 4 days, it’s easy to make time for this interesting sight. Check out my full guide to visiting Topography of Terror Museum .

Important info Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 8 pm. Holiday hours may differ. Entrance is free.

Closest transport is Kochstraße where you can get the U6; Anhalter Bahnhof where you can get the S1, S2, S25, or S26; or Potsdamer Platz where you can get the S1, S2, S25, or S26, or the U2.

Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse

The Berlin Wall was an important piece of the city’s history, and even today, it still plays a big role in the city’s character. Although there are lots of different places to learn about the Wall, I think the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse is one of the best.

This 1.4km (0.87 mile) section of road includes one of the last remaining pieces of the Wall. The Wall divided Bernauer Strasse, with buildings on one side of the street in the East and buildings on the other side in the West.

Placards describe what it was like living on the eastern side before and after the Wall went up, how it affected the neighborhood, how people tried to escape, and more. Markers on the ground show you where apartment buildings once stood and where escape tunnels were built.

Climb the tower in the building located about halfway down the street. From this view point, you can see over the Wall and into the death strip.

At the visitors center, you can watch two short films (alternating time slots for German and English) depicting the Wall in the city as well as what it was like out in the countryside where the Wall divided East and West Germany.

In my opinion, this is the best Cold War Era site in Berlin . It can take time to see all the different sections, so with four days in Berlin, you should be able to spend a decent amount of time here.

Important info Visitors Center opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Documentation Center opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Opening hours of the outdoor sections are listed as Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., although there is no gate barring you from wandering around outside of these hours.

Closest transport to the Visitors Center is the Nordbahnhof Sbahn station where you can get the S1, S2, S25, or S26. The M10 tram also stops at Nordbahnhof, Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (where the tower is), and you can get the M10 or U8 at the Bernauer Str station.

Palace of Tears

The Palace of Tears, or Tränenpalast in German, is located at Friedrichstraße train station and was constructed in 1962. It was originally used by the East German dictatorship as a departure terminal for people visiting East Berlin from West Berlin.

At this location, many people were denied access to the border, and border guards forced people to leave their families and friends in tears. Today, the museum is a reminder of the separation of Germany and all the tears that were shed in connection with it.

When you visit the Palace of Tears, you can see the exhibition featuring documents, films, original objects and interviews from affected individuals. It’s small, but I found it to be well organized and interesting.

Check out my full guide to visiting Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears) Museum in Berlin .

Important info Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday: 9 am – 7 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm. Holiday hours may differ. Entrance is free.

Closest transport is the Friedrichstraße Sbahn and Ubahn station where you can get the S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S9, S25, S26, and U6, as well as trams 12 and M1.

Tiergarten is one of the most popular parks in Berlin , and even though it’s located right in the middle of the city, it’s huge. It was a royal hunting ground, dating back to 1527, but today this vast green space is a much loved public park for Berliners.

Throughout the park you’ll see statues, memorials, ponds, tree-lined thoroughfares, and lawns. When the weather’s warm in Berlin, people come here for leisurely walks, picnics, and generally hanging out with friends.

The park is located just west of Brandenburg Gate, so it’s easy to include a quick stroll in Tiergarten on your 4 day Berlin itinerary. Or you can spend a little longer enjoying the park by wandering farther from Brandenburg Gate or starting from a different section.

Check out my guide to visiting Tiergarten Park in Berlin for more details about what to see here.

Important info The park is open 24 hours a day.

It’s a large park, so there are multiple transport options depending on what part of the park you want to reach. The section closest to Brandenburg Gate is easiest to access from the Brandenburger Tor S&U station where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U5.

Victory Column

Berlin’s Victory Column (Siegessäule in German) is one of the more recognizable monuments in the city, and one you should see while spending 4 days in Berlin.

The Victory Column was constructed as a monument to Prussia’s victory in the Franco-German war, and it was originally placed in front of the Reichstag Building. In 1938 Hitler had it moved to its current location in the middle of Tiergarten at a roundabout where a few major roads intersect.

The Victory Column stands at 67 meters (about 220 feet) tall, and for a small fee, you can climb 285 stairs to the observation deck for excellent views of Berlin. If you enjoy views from high places, this is one of my favorites, even if you’re also going to the top of the TV Tower.

Since the TV Tower can be a bit pricey, this is a good alternative for people traveling to Berlin on a budget .

Read my full guide to visiting Victory Column in Berlin .

Important info You can see this landmark any time of day, but if you want to climb the tower to the viewing platform, the opening hours are:

April to October: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM, Sat & Sun till 7 PM November to March: Mon-Sun 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

The entrance fee is 4 euros, cash only. Closest transport is the Hansaplatz station on the U9, or the Großer Stern bus stop.

Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is one of the prettiest squares in Berlin. This historic square is home to an impressive trio of buildings: the Französische Dom (French Cathedral), the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral), and the Konzerthaus (Concert House).

Gendarmenmarkt is a great place to wander and see some of Berlin’s beauty. If you’re here over the holidays, you can visit one of the most popular Christmas markets in Berlin here.

I also recommend climbing to the top of the French Cathedral for some wonderful views of the square and much of central Berlin.

Important info The square is open 24 hours a day. The buildings located have different opening hours, please check them individually if you want to go inside.

Closest transport is the Hausvogteiplatz station on the U2, but it’s also not far from the Stadtmitte station on the U2 and U6.

Charlottenburg Palace

Built in 1695, this Baroque palace served as the summer palace for Sophie Charlotte and was named for her after her death. It’s a gorgeous palace with ornate interiors and excellent gardens, and it was inspired by the Palace of Versailles.

Visit the museums inside to learn more about the palace’s history and enjoy the gardens. It’s well worth going inside for a visit, but if the insides of palaces and castles aren’t your thing, you can still wander through the grounds and see the gardens for free.

Important info Palace museum opening hours: November – March Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 4:30 pm

April – October Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 5:30 pm

Closest transport is the Schloss Charlottenburg bus stop on the M45 bus.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

This famous landmark is one of the most important churches in Berlin. The original church was built here in the 1890s, but it was damaged in 1943 in WWII air raids.

Rather than rebuild the church, it has been left much as it was as a reminder of the destruction of war. Its been nicknamed by Berliners as Der Hohle Zahn—literally “The Hollow Tooth”.

Check out my list of World War II sites in Berlin .

Important info Opening hours: 9am to 7pm

Tours are offered several times a day, and though they are free, the church does ask for a donation of at least 5 euros.

Closest transport is S&U Zoologischer Garten or U Kurfürstendamm.

One of Berlin’s most interesting green spaces is Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport that is now a huge park. It can be a little out of the way if you’re visiting for a shorter amount of time, but with 4 days in Berlin, you can easily make your way to Tempelhof.

In 1948-1949 during the Berlin Blockade, this airport was the hub of the Berlin Airlift. This was how West Berlin was able to keep receiving supplies while land routes were blocked.

Tempelhof Airport continued to operate even after the Berlin Wall came down and East and West Germany reunited. It wasn’t until 2008 that the airport closed.

In 2010, it reopened as a public park, and the runway and airport building remain. Today you can enjoy walking, running, roller blading, cycling, kite surfing, and more all on a former airport runway.

There are grassy areas where you can have a picnic, gardening areas, fenced dog areas, bird protection areas, and more. This park is a Berlin favorite.

Important info Opening hours: The park hours vary by month, but in general the park is open from dawn to dusk. Entrance is free, though most of the airport building is only accessible on a tour.

Closest transport: This is a huge park with multiple entry points, so there are several different S&U stations near the park.

• Southwest: S+U Tempelhof on the S41, S42, S45, S46, S47, and U6 lines. This station is the closest to a park entrance.
• West: Paradestraße on the U6 line.
• East: Leinestraße or Boddinstraße on the U8 line. You won’t immediately see the park from these stations, but it’s not too long of a walk.
• Northwest: Platz der Luftbrücke on the U6 line. This will get you near the airport building, but it’s probably the least convenient station for the actual park.

Day trip options

With 4 days in Berlin, you might want to take a day trip to see someplace else. Berlin is wonderful, and there’s more than enough to do here to fill 4 days, but sometimes a change of scenery is good.

I have a full blog post about day trips from Berlin you can read through, but two of the top choices are Potsdam and Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

Potsdam is well known for its gorgeous palaces, and the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most interesting palaces in that collection, such as Sanssouci Palace, the New Palace, and Charlottenhof Palace, are located in the city of Potsdam.

The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was an important concentration camp during the Holocaust. It’s located just outside the city limits, and even though this is a somber site, it’s important to learn about the history and those who suffered and died here.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin : Learn about the tragic history of this concentration camp located north of Berlin.

• Potsdam Half Day Tour : See Potsdam’s wonderful palaces and gardens on this half day walking tour.
• Potsdam Bike Tour with Rail Transport from Berlin : Explore Potsdam’s treasures on this fun cycling tour.

Join our Facebook group!

Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Berlin Itinerary Day One: Top Sights in Mitte

Start your day in Mitte with the most iconic landmarks in Berlin . These are the attractions Berlin is most famous for and include those postcard photos you’ve been looking forward to.

I’ve got a lot packed into this day, so feel free to move a few things to another day on your itinerary if you want to go a little slower.

>>Read: What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List

Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz was the main square in East Berlin and today is one of the central transportation hubs in Berlin. Three ubahn lines, multiple sbahn lines, several regional trains, and several trams and buses run through Alexanderplatz.

Right outside the station, this big square often hosts events throughout the year, such as Christmas markets and other festivals. You’ll also find lots of shopping here.

On the opposite side of the Alexanderplatz station is the famous Fernsehturm, or TV Tower . This is a fantastic place to get views of Berlin from above.

This is the highest viewpoint in the city, so lines can be long, even early in the day. Therefore you should book a skip-the-line ticket ahead of time .

As you walk around the viewing platform of the TV Tower, you can see photos and info so you know what you’re looking at. Different buildings and other landmarks are pointed out for your reference.

Here are our recommendations for TV Tower tickets:

• Berlin TV Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Berlin TV Tower Window Seat Restaurant Ticket & Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Berlin TV Tower Breakfast at Revolving Restaurant Ticket & Skip-the-Line Ticket

Museums and monuments

After you’ve had your fill of views from the TV Tower, walk by the Neptune Fountain and the Marx-Engels-Forum. Then make your way to Karl-Liebknecht-Str, which becomes Unter den Linden as you cross the Spree River.

If you want to save a few minutes, you could go back into Alexanderplatz and take the U5 towards Hauptbahnhof and get out at the Museumsinsel station. It’s just a few minutes from Alexanderplatz.

At Museum Island, you’ll see the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) and the Lustgarten park in front of the cathedral, and the impressive buildings that make up the Museum Island complex. With a 4 day Berlin itinerary, you should have time to take the Berliner Dom tour and/or go into at least one of the museums here.

If you do decide to spend a few hours in the museums, you’ll probably have to move a few of attractions listed on day 1 to day 2 or day 3 of your 4 day Berlin itinerary. You might have to cut a few things out, but you know what your sightseeing priorities are, and it’s ok if you can’t get to everything.

Also nearby is the DDR Museum is on the east side of the river. This museum will give you a glimpse at how people lived in East Berlin during the Cold War when the city was divided.

Across the street from the cathedral is the Humboldt Forum, an art and cultural museum located in the reconstructed Berlin Palace. It’s also technically on Museum Island.

As you walk across the river, you’ll see the German History Museum where you can learn about different time periods in Germany’s past.

>>Check out these fun facts about Berlin .

Unter den Linden

Unter den Linden is a street in Mitte that’s packed with history and attractions. On a sunny day, it’s nice to walk its length while stopping occasionally to enjoy a monument or museum.

This pretty, tree-lined boulevard makes for a good stroll through many of the city’s centrally located attractions, and many others are just a short detour from this street.

From Museum Island, continue down Unter den Linden, and stop at Bebelplatz. Here you’ll see a memorial to Nazi book burning.

Learn more about what to do along Unter den Linden .

Take a detour south a few blocks from Unter den Linden to see Gendarmenmarkt . This lovely 18th century square is home to the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom (German Cathedral and French Cathedral) and Schinkel’s Konzerthaus (concert hall), though the two cathedrals are now museums.

Gendarmenmarket is undoubtedly one of Berlin’s prettiest squares. This square often hosts events, such as a popular Berlin Christmas market in December and open air concerts in the summer.

From Gendarmenmarkt, walk south on Friedrichstr and either continue for about 5-6 blocks or at the Stadtmitte Ubahn station, hop on the U6 going south for one station, and get out at Kochstr. This is where you’ll see Checkpoint Charlie.

Today Checkpoint Charlie is basically a cheesy hut in the middle of the street, though it does have historic significance. Grab a quick photo (note: those fake guards you’ve seen in photos are no longer allowed to be there) and then walk west to Topography of Terror.

Here you’ll learn more about the Nazi era and where they planned out their evil. It’s quite an in-depth museum, with an outdoor and an indoor section, so the amount of time you spend here depends on how much reading you want to do.

You can also see a long section of the Berlin Wall on Niederkirchnerstrasse.

The Checkpoint Charlie area has a few other attractions that might interest you, including the Checkpoint Charlie Wall Museum, Die Mauer Panorama Wall Museum, the Gropius Bau art museum, the Disgusting Food Museum, and the Weltballon (helium balloon for views of Berlin).

Memorial to the Murdered Jews

Next make your way to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews. This somber memorial honors the Jewish victims of the Holocaust .

The outdoor memorial was designed to give visitors the feeling of uncertainty. Some people feel the memorial is very moving while others feel the design missed the mark. Entrance is free.

It’ll take about 15 minutes to walk from Topography of Terror to the Holocaust Memorial. The route goes through Potsdamer Platz, so allow a few extra minutes if you’d like to see the small section of Berlin Wall there.

Finally check out Brandenburg Gate , which was once one of the city’s old city gates. It’s one of the most recognizable sights in Berlin and all of Germany.

Though inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, it was built in the late 1700s. It also sits at the former border between East and West Berlin. Today it is a symbol of unification of Berlin and Germany.

On the walk from the Holocaust Memorial to Brandenburg Gate, you’ll see Tiergarten park to your left. I have more time dedicated to Tiergarten listed on day 3 of the itinerary, but if you have time, it’s easy to walk through the eastern edge of the park for a few minutes here.

Berlin Itinerary Day Two: Reichstag Building, Berlin Wall, Tempelhof

Today’s Berlin itinerary involves fewer stops but a little more transportation. I suggest buying a transport day pass for more flexibility as you explore the Berlin Wall and more of the city.

The Reichstag Building is the seat of the German Parliament, and it’s quite an impressive building. It’s sort of the equivalent of the White House in Washington, DC.

The building is topped by a glass dome that you can visit, and it’s one of the most popular free things to do in Berlin .

As you walk around the spiral path in the glass dome, the audio guide tells you interesting information about the German Parliament, the building itself, some of the nearby areas, and more. The free tour is available in English and several other languages and lasts about 20 minutes.

To visit the Reichstag Building, you must register ahead for a time slot. Even if you can’t get a spot on the free tour, don’t miss seeing this important German landmark .

From the Reichstag Building, you can walk to the Palace of Tears in 15 minutes or less. It’s a pretty walk along the Spree.

Just outside the Friedrichstr S&U station is the Palace of Tears Museum where you can learn about this important border crossing and what life was like in a divided city.

Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial

From the Friedrichstr S&U station, take the Sbahn (S1, S2, S25, or S26) from Friedrichstr to Nordbahnhof to see the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial.

Take a quick look at the Ghost Stations exhibit in the Nordbahnhof station, and then walk to the visitors center across the intersection. Upstairs you can see two short films that tell the story of the Wall, one about Berlin itself and one about the Wall farther out that separated East and West Germany.

I highly recommend watching these films (alternating in English and German, so you can plan your timing ahead) for a great look at an important piece of Berlin’s history. The German version is on the hour, and the English version is on the half hour.

Next make your way down Bernauer Str, reading the info placards along the way. About halfway down the road is the documentation center building which has a viewing platform a few floors up. The viewing platform looks over a remaining section of the Wall so you can see the death strip and how the Wall looked towards the end.

In my opinion, the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse is one of the most fantastic sights in the city to truly understand the effects the Wall had on Berlin communities.

Prenzlauer Berg

Once you’ve reached the end of the memorial, walk a few more blocks, or hop on the M10 tram for two stops, and check out Mauerpark. The name of the tram stop here is Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark.

Mauer means Wall in German, and the Berlin Wall used to run through this park, hence the name. It’s a local favorite but certainly attracts a fair amount of tourists due to the location.

There’s an ever-changing graffiti wall (a remaining section of the Berlin Wall) in one section. Big open grassy sections make for a nice picnic or lounging space.

On Sundays, there’s karaoke in one area, and the most famous flea market in Berlin dominates the park. If you’re in Berlin on a Sunday, I highly recommend coming here.

This is probably high on your list of things to do in Berlin. The East Side Gallery is a series of street art pieces painted onto a remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, and it’s considered the longest outdoor art gallery in the world.

Some of the pieces will look quite familiar to you, while others aren’t so famous. Plus some of them change from time to time.

Because the East Side Gallery is so popular, it can get quite crowded. Try to be patient if a lot of people are trying to take pictures of the same sections.

You can either start at the south end near Warschauer Str and walk northwest up Mühlenstr, or start near the Ostbahnhof train station and walk southeast until you reach Warschauer Str. For this itinerary, it’s easier to minimize backtracking if you end at Warschauer Str.

To get here from the Bernauer Str Wall Memorial or from Mauerpark, make your way back to the Bernauer Str Ubahn station. Take the U8 south (towards Hermannstr) and get out at Jannowitbrücke where you will switch to the S3, S5, S7, or S9 for one stop to Ostbahnhof.

To know which is the right direction for these Sbahn lines, make sure the end/destination listed is one of the following: S3: Erkner S5: Strausberg Nord S7: Ahrensfelde S9: Flughafen BER

Basically if any in the group on your platform have the word “West” in them, don’t go that way. You want to travel east.

Feels too confusing? You can get out at Jannowitbrücke and walk 15-20 minutes along Holzmarktstr, which becomes Stalauer Pl. Keep the river on your right, and you will eventually see the beginning of the East Side Gallery.

>>Check out our list of the best World War II and Cold War attractions in Berlin .

Friedrichshain

Once you’ve had your fill of the East Side Gallery, talk a walk down Warschauer Str a few blocks away from the river. Once you get past the train tracks, go for a wander through Friedrichshain.

RAW-Gelände is an alternative area of bars, clubs, restaurants, and more. You’ll find lots of interesting street art here, and on Sundays there’s a big flea market. It’s also a popular place for nightlife in Berlin .

A little farther, the Boxhagener Platz area and over to the Ostkreuz station is lively and nice to wander through. Plus you’ll find lots of options for food, and Boxhagener Platz itself has a great fresh market on Saturdays and a flea market on Sundays.

>>Interested in street art? I highly recommend this street art tour which shows you popular and lesser known pieces in Berlin, along with interesting stories about the art and artists.

Tempelhof Field

After World War II, Berlin ended up with three main airports, one of them being Tempelhof. This is where the Berlin Airlift took place.

But eventually after the Wall came down, the city didn’t need this airport and it was closed. Today what remains has become one of Berlin’s most loved parks .

The runway, taxiways, and even the airport building still remain. People come here to run, ride bicycles, have BBQs with friends, enjoy gardening, let their dogs play in designated fenced areas, and much more. You can even take a tour of the airport building.

Grab some food to go from a nearby restaurant and a few beers from a Späti, and enjoy a leisurely dinner at the end of your day of sightseeing.

To reach Tempelhof from Friedrichshain, it depends on where exactly you are. From Ostkreuz, hop on the S41 and get out at the Tempelhof station. The S41 is the Ringbahn going clockwise, so that exact number only goes in that direction.

If you’re closer to Warschauer Str, get to the Warschauer Str Sbahn station (NOT the Ubahn) and take either the S3, S5, or S7 to Ostkreuz and switch to the S41. Or you can take the S9 to Treptower Park and switch to the S41 from there.

Berlin Itinerary Day Three: Tiergarten, Charlottenburg

Even though Berlin has been one reunited city for over 30 years, the city still feels very different on the east vs on the west. Many, but not all, of the sights you saw on days one and two were in East Berlin. Today let’s see some more of the West.

This huge leafy park in the center of Berlin is another local favorite. Hundreds of years ago, Tiergarten was a royal hunting ground but is now a sprawling, tree-filled park that brings some much needed peace in the middle of the busy city.

In the eastern part of the park, the section closest to Brandenburg Gate, you’ll see ponds and fountains, statues and memorials. There’s a Soviet War Memorial, various memorials honoring victims of the Holocaust aside from Jews (homosexuals, Sinti, Roma), a memorial honoring Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart, and more.

Towards the center of the park at a large roundabout, you’ll see the Victory Column, or Siegessäule in German. This well known attraction is another great place to climb for city views, but it’s stairs only, so get ready for a little workout to earn those views.

The western end of the park has a small lake, a few more statues, and a cafe. Just beyond this section you’ll see the Landwehr Canal and into the Berlin Zoologicher Garten, the city’s zoo in the West. (There’s also a zoo in the east called Tierpark.)

The Berlin zoo is a must if you enjoy zoos or if you’re visiting Berlin with kids . Or from Victory Column, walk north past the Bellevue Palace and through the English Garden to reach the Bellevue Sbahn station, where you can catch an Sbahn to Zoo Station.

A short distance from the Zoo and the Zoo S&U station, you’ll find Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, which stands a church in ruins.

Check out more Berlin World War II attractions .

Shopping and KaDeWe

If you’re a fan of shopping, this neighborhood is the place for it. Near the Zoo station is the Bikini Mall, which has chain stores and unique Berlin boutiques, plus views into the zoo.

Just south of the Zoo is Kurfürstendamm, a big shopping street that has been compared to Champs-Elysees in Paris. Here you’ll find high end shops, such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and the Apple Store.

At the eastern end of the street the name changes to Tauentzienstraße, but the shopping continues. Just before you reach Wittenbergplatz is the famous Kaufhaus des Westens, or KaDeWe for short.

This department store shopping complex includes Tiffany, Gucci, Hermes, Chanel, Burberry, and more. The upper level is where you’ll find gourmet food, which is really fun even if you’re not a huge shopper.

To reach Charlottenburg Palace from the Zoo station, hop on the M45 bus towards Johannesstift/Spandau. Or if you’re farther west on Kurfürstendamm, take bus 109 towards U Jakob-Kaiser-Platz. From either bus, get out at Luisenplatz/Schloss Charlottenburg.

You can visit the Old Palace and the New Wing separately, but if you want to see both, buy a combo ticket. The gardens and surrounding park are also worth wandering through, especially in warmer weather.

If you prefer the outsides of castles, you’ll be happy to know that it is free to visit the gardens and park, even if you don’t buy a ticket to go inside Charlottenburg Palace.

Book a tour for your trip to Berlin

• Third Reich Berlin Walking Tour – Hitler and WWII
• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

Berlin Itinerary Day Four: Day Trip

Since you’re in Berlin for 4 days, I think it’s a great option to take a day trip on one of the days you’re here. While there are so many wonderful choices for day trips from Berlin , let’s look at some details of two of the most popular ones, Potsdam and Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

Potsdam day trip

If you’re interested in palaces, Potsdam is the perfect place to visit. This city is located southwest of Berlin, just outside the city limits, and the biggest reason to visit is its collection of historic palaces.

Sanssouci Palace is the most famous, and it certainly is gorgeous. But don’t skip the New Palace, Marble Palace, Charlottenhof Palace, Orangery Palace, Cecilienhof Palace, and more.

Plus Potsdam old town is lovely. Check out the Dutch Quarter, Neue Markt, Nauener Tor, Jägertor, Brandenburger Tor (which is actually older than the Brandenburger Tor in Berlin), and several beautiful churches.

On the edge of Potsdam near its border with Berlin, check out Glienicke Bridge. During the Cold War, this bridge was used to exchange spies and agents, and it was the basis for the Tom Hanks movie, “Bridge of Spies”.

If you’d prefer to take a tour to Potsdam, here are a few we recommend:

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Germany’s dark past is an important part of its history, and concentration camps in various places have been turned into a place of remembrance. The Sachsenhausen Concentration camp is located north of Berlin, and it’s a good day trip for history buffs and those looking to learn a little more about the Holocaust.

After your day trip

You can spend many hours and use most of a day at either of the day trip options listed above. But if you get back to Berlin and still have some time, here are a few ideas for things to do with the rest of your day.

More viewpoints : Do you love views of cities from above? I do! The TV Tower is great, but check out these other wonderful places with views of Berlin .

Food tour : I love taking food tours when I travel because they’re a great way to learn about the connection between the cuisine and the culture. Try this East Berlin food tour from Eating Europe .

Trabi tour : Trabis were the most common car in East Germany, and now you can take a fun sightseeing tour while driving one. Check it out this Berlin Trabi tour .

Museums : Berlin is loaded with museums. You could go back to Museum Island and visit one you didn’t get to earlier in your itinerary. Or try something else like the Jewish Museum, Photography Museum, Spy Museum, German Technical Museum, Disgusting Food Museum, Stasi Museum, and more.

Anything else you missed : Itineraries are tough to write because no one travels the same as anyone else. If you went a little slower and didn’t get to everything, now’s your time to squeeze in one or two sights you missed early during your 4 days in Berlin.

Where to eat in Berlin

Berlin is a huge city, and where you eat depends in part on where you are at meal times. And remember, this is a multicultural city, and there’s really delicious food of all kinds, not just German food.

• Schnitzelei : Possibly the best Schnitzel I’ve ever had. This links to their Mitte location, and they have one in Charlottenburg.
• Gaststätte Sophieneck : Traditional German pub atmosphere, in Mitte.
• Lemke : Brewery with a full menu, 2 locations in Mitte and 1 in Charlottenburg.
• Schwarzwaldstuben : German cuisine from the Black Forest region, in Mitte.
• Jäger & Lustig : Rustic German restaurant with a large beer garden, in Friedrichshain.

For more restaurant recommendations check out these articles:

• German Restaurants in Berlin
• Restaurants in Berlin Mitte
• Restaurants in Friedrichshain Berlin

4 days in Berlin itinerary FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about spending 4 days in Berlin and planning a Berlin itinerary.

Is 4 days in Berlin enough?

You could always see more, but I think 4 days in Berlin is actually a really great amount of time. This gives you plenty of time to see the major sights and some less popular ones, plus even take a day trip.

It’s a huge city with an endless amount of sights, activities, and culture, so you could easily find things to do with more time. But you won’t feel rushed in Berlin in 4 days.

How do you spend 4 days in Berlin?

With 4 days in Berlin, you can see the popular sights, like the TV Tower, Brandenburg Gate, Berliner Dom, Museum Island, Holocaust Memorial, East Side Gallery, and Reichstag Building. You also have time for the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial, Tempelhof, Charlottenburg Palace, and more.

Four days in Berlin also means you can take a day trip, most likely to Potsdam or Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. You can really see a lot with a 4 day Berlin itinerary. See above for more details.

Is 5 days in Berlin too long?

If you have 5 days in Berlin, I think that’s fantastic. Berlin is a big city with lots to see and do, so you can always find something else to add to your itinerary.

Can I see Berlin in 3 days?

If you don’t quite have enough time to come to Berlin for 4 days, 3 days is also a really good amount of time. Check out my 3 day Berlin itinerary for details.

Is 4 nights in Berlin too much?

No, I don’t think 4 nights in Berlin is too much. Depending on when you arrive and leave, you’ll have either 3 days or 4 days in Berlin. This is a great amount of time to experience the city, its history, culture, food, and more.

3 or 4 days in Berlin?

I think more time is always better when it comes to Berlin. With 3 days, you can see the major sights and attractions and visit several neighborhoods.

But with 4 days in Berlin, you have time for all of that plus a day trip.

Is it walkable in Berlin?

Yes and no. Many of the sights are located in the Mitte district, and it’s reasonable to walk to a lot of sights there.

But some attractions, like the East Side Gallery, Bernauer Strasse Memorial, Charlottenburg Palace, Tempelhof, and several others, are located a bit farther away. It would take too much time to walk to all of them, so I recommend using public transportation.

Should I go to Munich or Berlin?

This is tough! They are both amazing cities, but very different from each other. For the best experience, go to both. Check out my one week in Germany itinerary for Berlin and Munich .

Is Berlin cheap for tourists?

For the most part, Berlin can be cheap for tourists. Your hotel or hostel is likely to be the most expensive part of your Berlin budget, but the rest of your expenses should be low.

The city has loads of inexpensive options for food. There are plenty of free things to do in Berlin , and lots of great cheap things to do too.

Check out my tips for traveling to Berlin on a budget .

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this itinerary for 4 days in Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

Related Posts

What to do in Berlin on Monday: 25+ Museums & More

What to do in Berlin on Sunday: 15+ Ideas

Best Berlin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Where to stay in Berlin

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• where-to-stay-in-berlin-germany

written by Dre Roelandt

updated 13.12.2023

Of all Europe’s capitals, Berlin carries the biggest buzz. In the three decades since it was reunified, the city has developed into a heady meld of grit and glamour that’s vastly different from anywhere else in Germany – or the rest of the world for that matter. Today, this is a city of distinct districts, and deciding where to stay may be your most important choice. Whatever kind of trip you’re planning, here’s the lowdown on where to stay in Berlin.

Mitte and Hackescher Markt: where to stay in central Berlin

Potsdamer platz: to see the brandenburg gate, prenzlauer berg: for a hip and youthful part of town, charlottenburg-wilmersdorf: near the berlin zoo, schöneberg: for shopping and more, friedrichshain: for a stay in former east berlin, kreuzberg: where to stay in berlin for a grungy, vibrant feel, neukölln where to stay for a multicultural feel.

The information in this article is inspired by Pocket Rough Guide Berlin , your essential guide for visiting Berlin .

Mitte (in English, middle) serves as Berlin's "downtown" area. This is a vibrant but touristic part of the city that's dense with boutiques, bars and restaurants. This is the most obvious area to choose when deciding where to stay in Berlin, particularly if you’re after a major hotel.

This area is also home to many world-class museums. The Berlin Jewish Museum and DDR Museum are both found here for example. Hackescher Markt is also within walking distance from Museum Island, an aptly named small island and hub for educational institutions. Don't miss the Pergamon Museum or Berlin Cathedral when in this part of town

Where to stay near Hackescher Markt:

• For a centrally located hotel: Casa Camper Berlin . Located metres away from the U Bahn station and walking distance from Aleksander Platz, and museum island this comfortable hotel with modern rooms is worth staying in.
• For a stay with character: The Circus Hotel. This boutique hotel offers rooms with lovely and quirky decor. Have a drink at the hotel's bar.
• Or browse hundreds of accommodations in Mitte for any budget.

Hackescher Markt is a must when visiting Berlin © canadastock/Shutterstock

The Potsdamer Platz area is a great place to stay in Berlin if you are looking to see some of Berlin's most iconic tourist attractions. Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo with the Brandenburg gate, or to see the Reichstag.

For budget travellers, don't miss the option to see the Berlin Philharmonic, which plays free at lunchtime on Wednesdays.

Potsdamer Platz is within walking distance from the Berlin Wall Memorial, The Holocaust Memorial, and many other major Berlin historical sites. For many, the Potsdamer Platz area is an important reason to visit Berlin.

Where to stay near Postdamer Platz

• For a luxurious stay: Grand Hyatt Berlin . This five-star hotel offers clean, comfortable air-conditioned private rooms. Take a swim at the stunning city-view indoor pool.
• For a budget friendly stay: Alper Hotel at Potsdamer Platz. This bright and modern hotel is centrally located and comes with a breakfast buffet.
• Or browse hundreds of accommodations near Potsdamer Platz .

Our Berlin and Potsdam trip takes you through many of the historic sites this area has to offer, including the Berlin Wall, Museum Island and Checkpoint Charlie. Our trips are completely customisable and are crafted by local craft experts.

Potsdamer Platz — where to stay in Berlin Mitte (city center) © Shutterstock

If you prefer a hipper and less touristic neighbourhood, Prenzlauer berg is where to stay in Berlin. A bit more residential, Prenzlauer Berg is known for its delicious food and Alt Berlin atmosphere.

Built-in the nineteenth century as a working-class district, the area has seen huge gentrification. Today’s refurbished buildings and handsome, cobbled street make for a fantastic place to have a few drinks. The energy in this part of town is one part bourgeoisie, one part bohemian.

It is beloved by wealthy creative types and middle-class families. Try a stroll through laidback squares like Helmholtzplatz and Kollwitzplatz. There are plenty of independent bars and cafes nearby, as well as a buzzy Sunday flea market at Mauerpark.

Where to stay in Prenzlauer berg:

• For a trendy stay: Vienna House Easy Berlin . This boutique hotel offers cosy, and brightly decorated chic rooms. Located centrally in Prenzlauer berg.
• For an easy place to stay: Holiday Inn Berlin City Center . This chain hotel offers fantastic rooms and included breakfast buffet.
• Or find your dream accommodation in Prenzlauer Berg .

Prenzlauer berg — where to stay in Berlin © Shutterstock

The glittering heart of former West Germany, Charlottenburg is known for its wealthy residents and expensive shops. A great residential area, and very family-friendly. You won't want to miss the Charlottenburg Palace or the large park around it. Or take a day to visit the historical Berlin Zoo.

You’ll find plenty of options in every category here, although it’s a little away from Berlin’s brightest lights, so nightlife is very thin. Visitors in search of a more relaxed trip might be well suited to lodgings here. That said, the restaurant scene is generally very good and public transport links first-class.

Where to stay in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf:

• For a modern stay: Hampton by Hilton Berlin City West . This hotel in west Berlin is bright, funky, and comfortable. You won't want to miss the buffet breakfast.
• Or find your dream accommodation in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

Looking for a place to stay? Don't miss our list of the world's weirdest hotels.

Gate to the Charlottenburg palace in Berlin, Germany © Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

This Berlin district is located in former West Germany, and is an affluent residential area that is great for shopping. You won't want to miss the chance to have oysters at the top of KaDeWe, Berlin's premier department store. Or try the dizzying amount of chocolates available at Winterfeldt Schokoladen — a vintage and beautifully ornate chocolatier.

The most visited historic landmark in this district in the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church, a symbolic area of West Berlin. This church is partially in ruins after being destroyed in second World War. The church remains intentionally destroyed as an anti-war memorial.

Where to stay in Schöneberg:

• For a hotel near KaDeWe: Riu Plaza Berlin . This chic hotel offers modern rooms and breakfast buffet. Located directly on Kurfürstendamm.
• Best for a step back in time: Hotel Pension Funk . This historic hotel is an interesting re-creation of a prewar flat, with furnishings from the 1920s and 1930s, when Danish silent-movie star Asta Nielsen lived here.
• Or browse many accommodations in Schöneberg.

Our Capitals of Europe trip takes you through Berlin, Prague, and Vienna. Our trips are completely customisable and are crafted by local craft experts.

Famous Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin © Shutterstock

This former east Berlin neighbourhood is known for being a magnet for lefties, anarchists and students. It has managed to resist the same levels of gentrification thanks to an organised squatter scene, activist demos and the occasional car-burning frenzy.

The area is most popular for bar-hopping and clubbing – which can be an important factor when considering where to stay in Berlin. The German capital is home to some of the most famous European clubs, and there's a good concentration of them in Friedrichshain. So if you're a night owl, Friedrichshain is where to stay in Berlin.

But the area does offer some heavyweight public monuments, too. The world-famous East Side Gallery — the largest section of the Berlin Wall to still survive is found here.

Where to stay in Friedrichshain:

• For a boutique hotel in Friedrichshain Hotel Indigo Berlin . This modern hotel faces East Side Gallery and is nearby the U Bahn and other public transport.
• Best for warehouse cool: Michelberger Hotel . Modern, trendy and relaxed haunt with anything but workaday accommodation.
• Or find your perfect accommodation in Friedrichshain

Berlin Wall East Side Gallery Berlin Germany © TK Kurikawa/Shutterstock

Kreuzberg is one of Berlin's most colourful districts. It has proved a magnet for left-wing anarchists, the LGBTQ community, Turkish immigrants (it’s sometimes called little Istanbul) and, increasingly, hipsters and tourists.

Kreuzberg maintains a grungy, vibrant feel. Its energy and atmosphere is fuelled by an ever-expanding series of cool bars, excellent international cuisine, and independent clubs. The street art here is one of its main attractions.

Spend a lazy afternoon at Görlitzer Park, or try shopping at Oranienstrasse.

• Best for flashpacking: Eastern & Western Comfort Hostelboat. The hostel boat features cosy cabin rooms with their own bathrooms. There are great views of the Oberbaum Bridge from its spacious deck area.
• Best for beatnik beds: Baxpax. Cheerful beatnik hostel in a happening area of Kreuzberg.
• Or browse hundreds of accommodations in Kreuzberg

Travelling on a budget? See our guide to the best things to do in Berlin for free .

Kreuzberg at Oberbaumbrücke (Oberbaum Bridge) © AdobeStock

The up-and-coming Neukölln is known for its multicultural scene. Some of the city's best Syrian and Turkish food can be found here. There aren't many tourist attractions in this part of town, but it is a great place to visit if you wish to have a relaxed trip.

Walk down the extremely trendy Weser Strasse for some of the city's best vintage shopping and natural wine bars. Or, spend time at one of the area's many dive bars. Or, spend time as many of the locals do by lounging by the canal.

Where to stay in Neukölln

• For a stay that is well-connected: Estrel Hotel. This large luxury hotel is also a convention centre and is centrally located near public transport.
• For a cottage stay: Easy Lodge . Easy Lodges Berlin offers modern cottages in a green area in Berlin's Neukölln district.
• Or browse hundreds of accommodations in Neukölln

Neukölln, a trendy and up and coming part of town © Shutterstock

When planning a trip to the German capital, check out our list of things to do in Berlin .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Berlin without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

Ready for a trip to Berlin in Germany ? Check out the snapshot Pocket Rough Guide Berlin . If you travel further in Germany , read more about the best time to go , the best places to visit and best things to do in Germany. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Germany and our local travel experts . A bit more hands on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

• Architecture
• Where to Stay
• Inspiration
• Where to stay

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Germany

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Germany

• Eating and drinking in Germany
• Travel Tips Germany for planning and on the go
• Culture and Etiquette in Germany
• Getting around Germany: Transportation Tips
• How to get to Germany
• Shopping tips for Germany
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Germany
• Travelling with children in Germany
• Best time to visit Germany

Find even more inspiration for 3 here

Ready to travel and discover germany, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice
• Itineraries

• Contrast Contrast

2nd Easter market on Potsdamer Platz

Spring comes to colorful life in the middle of the capital! From March 28th to April 14th, the "2nd Easter Market on Potsdamer Platz" in Berlin-Mitte invites you to celebrate Easter. Every day from 11 a.m., visitors can expect market houses, restaurants, Sorbian Easter traditions, live music and a large beer garden to enjoy the spring atmosphere.

Image gallery

Ostermarkt Potsdamer Platz

• Events for foodies
• City of music
• Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
• Share on X Share on X
• Share by email Share by email
• Print page Print page

Festivals & Markets

Easter Knights Festival