berlin map travel

Map of Berlin - Interactive Map of Berlin

Information about the map.

Check out the main monuments, museums, squares, churches and attractions in our map of Berlin. Click on each icon to see what it is.

To help you find your way once you get to your destination, the map you print out will have numbers on the various icons that correspond to a list with the most interesting tourist attractions. This way, you’ll be able to see where each attraction is.

Icons on the Berlin interactive map

The map is very easy to use:

• Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators.
• Move across the map: shift your mouse across the map.
• Zoom in: double click on the left-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel upwards.
• Zoom out: double click on the right-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel downwards.

You may also be interested in

2-day itinerary

Make the most of your weekend by inspecting our 2-day itinerary of Berlin, and explore its top attractions, areas, museums in just 48 hours.  

General Information

This article includes up to date practical information and facts about Berlin to make the most of your trip, including the city's population, the official types of sockets and plugs, its history and several oddities that make this city unique.

Turn your dream vacation into reality

3 Days in Berlin (Ultimate Itinerary + Map)

• December 26, 2023

Berlin is the capital of Germany and its largest city. This multicultural metropolis is a city of contrasts, a place where history meets the modern.

Vibrant culture, dark history, alternative nightlife, fabulous food, Berlin has it all! No wonder why it’s one of the most popular destinations in Germany.

Planning a trip to Berlin could be overwhelming (especially for first-timers) but don’t worry, I got you covered! This Berlin itinerary is the only thing you’ll need to fully plan your trip. From must-see attractions, where to stay and eat, to getting around, you’ll find it all in this in-depth guide.

3 days in Berlin itinerary

This 3 days in Berlin itinerary is perfect for everyone visiting the city for the first time. It covers all the main attractions with helpful tips on how to skip the lines. You will also find some ideas for modifications (depending on your interests and if it’s a winter or summer city break).

Already have a hotel booked? Check if your hotel has a good location in my guide to Where to stay in Berlin first time .

Find a map of this 3-day itinerary for Berlin (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites) at the end of the blog post.

3 days in Berlin (perfect itinerary for first-timers)

• Day 1: TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral, East Side Gallery
• Day 2: Museum Island, Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, Gendarmenmarkt, Checkpoint Charlie
• Day 3: Charlottenburg Palace, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Topography of Terror, Natural History Museum, Historical Museum, Madame Tussauds

3 days in Berlin – Day 1

Have breakfast at gregory’s.

08:30 AM – 09:00 AM Start the first day with breakfast at Gregory’s . They offer great coffee, freshly squeezed juices and a variety of cakes and sandwiches.

See the city’s skyline from the Berlin TV Tower

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM The Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) is one of the most recognizable city’s landmarks. Towering 368 metres above Alexanderplatz, it’s the highest building in Berlin. You can visit the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city. Another option is to book a table at the Sphere restaurant , which is located at the top of the tower.

Please note that the Fernsehturm opens at 9 AM (March to October) and at 10 AM (November to February). So if you’re visiting in the winter, visit the Berliner Dom first and then the tower.

For an alternative view of Berlin that includes the Fernsehturm, visit the Panoramapunkt at Potsdamer Platz. Buy skip the line ticket for Panoramapunkt here .

Tour the Berlin Cathedral

10:15 AM – 12:15 PM Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is one of the most important city sites and a must-see while in Berlin. It is located on Museum Island (home to several museums, hence the name).

The cathedral is known as the Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church. In fact, it has never been a true cathedral, because it has never been the seat of a bishop. The current cathedral was constructed during 1894 – 1905 on the site of an old church from the 15th century.

In 1465 the Hohenzollern family needed a court church close to their new royal palace. For that purpose, they used the catholic St. Erasmus Chapel, located on the site of the Berlin Cathedral at that time. It was elevated to the status of Collegiate Church. In Germany, they called such collegiate churches Domkirche. This is how the Berliner Dom got its name.

The Hohenzollern family also used the church as a burial place. You can visit the crypt, which contains 94 coffins from the 16th to the 20th century.

For awesome 360° panoramic views over the city, take the 270 steps to reach the viewing platform of the dome. You can see the Museum Island, Gendarmenmarkt, Reichstag and Rotes Rathaus. During the climbing, you will pass along the cathedral’s museum. It presents drawings, photos and models of the history of the church.

The entrance fee covers the church, the Hohenzollern Crypt and the dome. Leave the visiting of the crypt for last, because once you exit the crypt you can’t go back to the church.

There are regular classical music concerts organized in the church ( see details and available dates ). 

Have lunch at Factory Girl

12:15 PM – 02:00 PM Factory Girl is one of my favourite places for lunch. They offer fantastic healthy brunch options. Don’t miss to try their famous dessert Coco Anjéla . It’s worth every single bite!

If you still crave something sweet, then make Woop Woop Ice Cream your next stop. The ice cream is freshly made with liquid nitrogen. It’s super fun to watch the preparation process in front of you.

See the remains of the Berlin Wall at East Side Gallery

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM To get to East Side Gallery take the S-Bahn (lines S5, S7 or S9) from Alexanderplatz to Ostbahnhof. From there it’s about 200m to the famous landmark.

The infamous Berlin Wall was about 140km long and it stood for almost 30 years. Its main purpose was to stop the emigration of East German citizens to the more liberal West Germany. The wall, in fact, was two concrete walls with a neutral space between them.

The East Side Gallery is the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall. Stretching to 1.3km, this open-air gallery is the longest in the world. More than a hundred paintings by artists from all over the world cover the wall.

The most popular works in the East Side Gallery are Dmitri Vrubel’s Fraternal Kiss and Birgit Kinder’s Trabant breaking through the wall.

To find out more about the story of graffiti, take this Street art and graffiti tour through some of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Take a boat cruise along the River Spree

A boat cruise along the River Spree is the perfect way to explore the city in a relaxing way. Plus, you’ll see many of the city’s popular landmarks, including Reichstag, Bellevue Palace, Museum Island, etc.

Have dinner at Schnitzelei

For a tasty Schnitzel, Schnitzelei is the place to go. The Schnitzels are huge and made using local ingredients. They also offer delicious German tapas and have an extended beer menu (plus craft beer).

3 days in Berlin – Day 2

Have breakfast at zeit für brot.

09:00 AM – 09:40 AM Zeit für Brot is my favourite bakery in all of Germany. Their speciality is sweet buns with a variety of fillings – chocolate, cinnamon, poppyseed, marzipan and many more. This is what heaven looks like for me. The sandwiches are also fantastic.

Explore Museum Island

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM You can easily spend not 2 hours, but 2 days here. The island houses a complex of 5 museums – Neues Museum, Altes Museum, Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum and Alt Nationalgalerie.

Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum) – closed for renovation until 2027 If you have to choose only one, visit the Pergamon Museum. It is the most popular one. The museum houses antiquity collections, Middle East collections and Islamic artworks. Among its treasures are the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Market Gate of Miletus.

New Museum (Neues Museum) Visit the Neues Museum for Egyptian and Early History collections. The most famous item on display is the bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti.

The Old Museum (Altes Museum) The museum features Greek and Roman art and sculptures. The exhibits in Bode Museum include collections of coins and medals, as well as art from the Late Antique and Byzantine periods.

Although it is not as popular as the previous two museums, if you’re visiting in the summer, I’d advise you to book your Altes Museum ticket in advance.

Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie) And if you’re an art lover, don’t miss the Old National Gallery. The featured collections include Romanticism, Impressionist and Neoclassical artworks. You can also find an amazing collection of masterpieces by Caspar David Friedrich.

Tickets are timed-entry, so if you’re visiting in the high season book your skip-the-line Alte Nationalgalerie ticket in advance.

Have lunch at Mogg & Melzer

12:30 PM – 02:00 PM For lunch stop at Mogg & Melzer Delicatessen . This little restaurant is famous for its home-cured and smoked pastrami. The portion size is generous, so it’s best to share a starter and one sandwich (unless you’re not super hungry).

Climb the Glass Dome at Reichstag Building

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Reichstag building (Reichstagsgebäude) with its iconic Glass Dome is the seat of the German Parliament. You can not only visit the building but climb the glass dome for fantastic views of the city. There is also a rooftop terrace with a nice restaurant.

It’s free to visit the Reichstag, but you have to make online registration at the German Bundestag Service Centre  in advance. To enter the building you need a passport or official identification card. Audio guides are available in 11 languages. The Reichstag is open daily from 8 AM until midnight.

Another option to visit the Reichstag is by reserving a table at Käfer , the rooftop restaurant at the Reichstag. The reservation includes not only free unlimited coffee and tea, but also a piece of cake!

You can reserve your table here .

See the iconic Brandenburg Gate

03:15 PM – 03:30 PM Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) is one of the city’s symbols and a must-see for every tourist. It was built in the 18th century replacing a former city gate. That gate stood on the road to the town of Brandenburg an der Havel. From here comes the current name of the gate.

Napoleon first used the gate for a triumphal procession after he captured the Prussian capital in 1806. After Napoleon’s defeat, it became a Prussian triumphal arch. Only the royal family was allowed to pass through the gate.

Later the Brandenburg Gate symbolizes the division of the city into West and East during the Cold War and then a reunified Germany. Don’t miss seeing it illuminated in the evening.

Pay respect at the Holocaust Memorial

03:30 PM – 04:00 PM Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is dedicated to the 6 million Jewish victims that lost their lives during the Holocaust. The memorial is composed of 2711 rectangular concrete blocks of different heights.

It’s free to visit the Holocaust memorial, as well as the underground Information Centre. There you can hear sobering stories of survivors of the Holocaust.

Admire the architecture at Gendarmenmarkt

04:15 PM – 04:45 PM Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful city’s squares. Surrounded by three gorgeous buildings, the square gives you a sense of how magnificent the city was in the past.

Here, you’ll find two identical churches facing each other – the French Cathedral and the New Church. The French Cathedral (Französischer Dom) dates from the 17th century, while the German Church (Deutscher Dom) – from the 18th century. Both churches are free to visit.

Visit Checkpoint Charlie

05:00 PM – 05:15 PM Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Its name comes from the NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie), as it was the third checkpoint opened by the Allies in Berlin.

Today, you can see a replica of the guardhouse and border crossing signs. And it’s the most touristy place in Berlin, so be prepared for crowds.

Try the currywurst at Maximilians Berlin

For an authentic German experience, have dinner at Maximilians Berlin . It’s a huge restaurant with great ambience, where all the waiters are dressed in traditional costumes.

Try Bratwurst or Currywurst (the most popular food in Berlin). The latter is a sliced fried pork sausage, served with ketchup seasoned with curry.

3 days in Berlin – Day 3

Tour the royal charlottenburg palace.

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg) is the most magnificent palace in Berlin. It was built in the 17th century during the reign of the Hohenzollern Dynasty. The palace served as a summer residence of Sophie Charlotte, the first queen of Prussia.

If you like classical music, don’t miss the Berliner Residence Orchestra concert in the Great Orangery. Enjoy a great evening while listening to the most beautiful works of the Baroque era by candlelight.

The admission to the palace includes an audio guide, while the gardens are free to enter.

You’ll find the Belvedere tea house and the Mausoleum within the gardens area. The Belvedere houses a large collection of porcelain. The Mausoleum is the final resting place of Queen Louise. It was built by her husband, King Friedrich Wilhelm III after she died aged just 34.

Take a look at the ideas below to fill the last afternoon from your 3 days in Berlin.

You can also take a half-day trip to Potsdam, Wannsee or Sachsenhausen concentration camp (more info further in the guide). In this case, you better do in the morning and leave the visit to Charlottenburg Palace for the afternoon.

See the unique Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche) is the most unique church in the city. Built in the 19th century, it was badly damaged by bombing raids during WWII. Rather than fully reconstructing the church, it was decided to intercorporate the ruins into a new church.

Today, the church is a memorial that reminds of the horror of the war.

Learn more about WWII at the Topography of Terror

The Topography of Terror is located at the same place where the headquarters of the Gestapo and SS once stood. The museum traces the history of WWII, featuring an indoor and outdoor exhibition.

In the outdoor exhibition, you’ll find one of the few large remaining sections of the Berlin Wall. And the best part is that the museum is completely free!

Find out how people lived in East Berlin

To get a real feel of what it was like to live in the former DDR, visit the DDR Museum. The interactive exhibits include reconstructed apartments and items from daily life. You can even climb into an original Trabant!

Book skip the line ticket for DDR Museum here . 

See the dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum

If you like dinosaurs, don’t skip a visit to the Natural History Museum. The exhibits feature an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, as well as lots of stuffed animals and reptiles.

You can book tickets for the museum here . 

Discover the German history at the Historical Museum

German Historical Museum is a must-visit for every history buff. Here, you’ll find 2000 years of history packed. The exhibitions take you from the early Middle Ages to the present day.

See the celebrities at Madame Tussauds

Don’t miss this opportunity to take a photo with your favourite celebrity stars. Book your ticket for Madame Tussauds here .

Berlin TV Tower – book in advance, as tickets are sold for a certain time slot. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait in line first to buy tickets and then – for your time slot (which can be hours ahead). You can reserve your ticket to the tower here .

Museum Island – the most popular museum is the Pergamon Museum (closed for renovation until 2027). Again, tickets are valid for a certain time slot, so book your tickets in advance here . 

Reichstag building – you need to reserve in advance online at the German Bundestag Service Centre . And for the rooftop restaurant at the Reichstag, you can reserve a table here .

How to save money on your 3-day Berlin itinerary

If you plan to visit more than one museum, buy the 3-Day Museum Pass in any case. The pass includes free entry to over 30 different museums, including the ones on Museum Island.

To show you how much you can save using the pass following my itinerary, I did the math for you.

Museum Island (Pergamon Museum) – €19 Museum Island (Neues Museum) – €12 German Historical Museum – €12

Total without the pass – €43 if you use the pass – €29 Total savings – €14

As you can see you’re starting to save at the second museum.

However, if you plan to explore only the museums on Museum Island, buy this 1-Day Museum Pass . It’s valid for one day, only for the museums on Museum Island. The price is the same as the entrance fee to the Pergamon Museum, so it’s a real deal.

3 days in Berlin in winter

If you’re visiting the city in the winter, follow the first and second day of this Berlin travel itinerary. For the third day – visit the Charlottenburg Palace in the morning, but skip the gardens. Devote the rest of the day to the Christmas markets (there are more than 80).

Getting around in Berlin

Berlin is a huge city, so even if you stay right in the city centre, for some of the landmarks, you’ll need to use public transport. Don’t worry, the city has an excellent metro system called S-Bahn and U-Bahn. You can even use the S-Bahn to get to Potsdam and Sachsenhausen. To plan your route use this route planner .

You can find a detailed map of the itinerary here . 

I tried to group the landmarks for the first 2 days in such a way that you can explore the city with minimal use of public transport. You’ll need to use the metro only to get to East Side Gallery and back to the city centre.

For the third day (especially if you plan a half-day trip to Potsdam) I recommend you buy a day pass. You’ll need Tageskarte Berlin ABC – if you want to visit Potsdam. If you plan to use it only within the city, buy Tageskarte Berlin AB. This pass can also be bought for 4 or 7 days.

The ABC zone also covers the Brandenburg Airport, while AB only includes areas within the city boundary. So, if you use it on the day of your arrival, buy the pass directly from the Tourist Information Office at the airport.

An alternative to the day pass is the Berlin Welcome Card . The card offers free public transportation (including Potsdam and the Brandenburg Airport). You’ll also benefit from discounts at 200 attractions.

You can also use the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus for easy and convenient transportation around the city.

How to get to Berlin

The Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) is located in the city centre, close to Brandenburg Gate. It is well-connected by S-Bahn and U-Bahn to the rest of the city. Check timetables and book tickets online at Deutsche Bahn official site .

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is located 18km southeast of the city. There are a few options to get to the city centre from the airport:

• take the airport express trains (FEX, RE7 and RB14) to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (trains every 30min or hour)
• the S-Bahn (lines S9 and S45) is more regular than the express trains (every 20min) but slower

The fastest and cheapest option for you depends on where exactly you’re staying, as the city centre is huge ( see here all options ).

Day trips from Berlin

Sachsenhausen concentration camp.

If you’re interested in WWII, Sachsenhausen is a must-visit. This concentration camp was used primarily for political prisoners till the end of the Third Reich. After its fall, the Soviets used the camp for anti-Communists and Russians.

There is no entrance fee, but you have to pay for an audio guide or to join a guided tour.

How to get to Sachsenhausen The easiest way is to take a Sachsenhausen Memorial guided tour from Berlin. The advantage is that you won’t deal with how exactly to get there. Plus, you’ll learn in-depth the dark history of the concentration camp.

Another option is visiting the camp individually. Take S-Bahn line S1 to Oranienburg Station. From there it’s about a 2km walk to the site. For more visitor information click here .

Potsdam was the royal city of the Prussian kings until 1918. Today, you can explore the huge palace complex and gardens. Don’t miss the New Palace and Sanssouci Palace (known as the German Versailles).

Potsdam can be done in half a day if you visit only these two palaces and part of the gardens. Yet, it’s best if you have more time to explore the city as well (it’s really nice). For more information take a look at my complete Potsdam itinerary .

How to get to Potsdam The easiest way is to take a Sanssouci Palace guided tour from Berlin. Advantages: bus transfer directly from the city centre, guided tour of Potsdam and tour of Sanssouci Palace.

To get there by yourself, take the S-Bahn or the RE trains (it depends on where you’re staying) to Potsdam train station or Charlottenburg station.

Take a cruise

If you’re visiting the city in the summer months, don’t miss the opportunity to take a cruise and explore the beautiful countryside.

Take a cruise along the River Spree to Müggelsee, one of the seven largest lakes in the city. Explore the idyllic park landscape of the old town of Köpenick and see its impressive palace.

Take this Berlin-Wannsee cruise and explore one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage regions. You’ll cruise through the palaces of Potsdam and Berlin and experience Prussia’s great history.

This beautiful Baroque city is known as Florence at the Elbe. Located about 2h by train from Berlin, the city is a great option for a long day trip. Yet, I’d recommend staying overnight, especially if you’re a museum lover. Don’t miss seeing the Zwinger (a gorgeous Baroque palace) and Frauenkirche.

How to get to Dresden

Take a train from Berlin Central train station to Dresden train station (2h journey). The Old Town is just a short walk from the train station.

How many days in Berlin

Are 3 days in berlin enough.

3 days in Berlin is the perfect amount of time to explore the city and see the highlights. You’ll even have time for one half-day trip (like Potsdam or Sachsenhausen).

The itinerary is designed in such a way, that you’ll see the city’s essentials during the first 2 days. The third day includes the Charlottenburg Palace and a few interesting museums.

If you want to make any day trips from Berlin, you can easily modify the last day of the itinerary. Potsdam, Wannsee or Sachsenhausen concentration camp make great half-day trips. You can combine any of them with a visit to Charlottenburg Palace or a museum (in the afternoon).

What if I don’t have 3 full days in Berlin?

If you have less than 3 days in Berlin, skip the last day of the itinerary. Even though Charlottenburg Palace really deserves a visit, it’s out of the city centre. So, if you’re short on time you’d better leave it for another time.

2 or 3 days in Berlin?

Although it’s possible to visit Berlin in 2 days, I’d recommend 3 days (or at least 2 days and a half).

If you’re not into museums, 2 days is enough time to see the city’s highlights. Yet, if you are a museum lover or a WWII buff, I’d recommend you to spend at least 3 (or even 4) days in Berlin. There are some super interesting museums and a lot of WWII sites to explore.

Best time to visit Berlin

For nice weather, visit the city from May to October. Winters are very cold, so unless you’re visiting Berlin for the Christmas markets, avoid the period.

Long Night of Museums (Lange Nacht der Museen) takes place in the last week of August. From 06:00 PM to 02:00 AM more than 70 museums open their doors to visitors. 

During October, the Festival of Lights and Berlin Leuchtet take place and the city becomes a scene of illumination and light art. Berlin Leuchtet is also held at the beginning of March.

In December, the city becomes home to more than 80 Christmas markets! No wonder why the city is called the capital of the German Christmas markets.

Follow now for exclusive content

About the author

Hi there, fab itinerary! We are looking to go for the Christmas markets in December and was wondering if you have any tip on where to stay for this? Many thanks

Hi, thanks! 🙂 You can take a look at my post about the Best Christmas Markets in Berlin , in which you’ll find the best area to stay for the Christmas markets + a few recommended hotels.

When we visit Berlin, we always eat our currywurst at a typical snack bar, preferably at Curry Wolf on Ku’Damm or directly at the Brandenburg Gate. Perfect to briefly interrupt sightseeing and fortify yourself.

Thanks, I will give it a try the next time I visit Berlin! 🙂

Hello, hope you are fine. I will be visiting Berlin next month, I have gone through this article thoroughly. I must appreciate your efforts making this super itinerary. I have a question are there any new attractions or newly opened places that are not listed in this article? Or this article is updated to date? Thank you.

My itineraries usually cover only the most popular attractions and I try to update them regularly with the latest changes. I last updated this article a year ago. However, there are many off-the-beaten-path places or newly opened temporary exhibitions, which I usually don’t include in my itineraries. You can check for such events or newly opened places at the official website of Visit Berlin . Have a great time in Berlin! 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

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

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

I accept the privacy policy

Post Comment

Visit A City is having some trouble loading.

Please try again in a couple of minutes or send us an email to [email protected] .

Berlin travel guide: what to see, do and eat in Berlin

This guide is for tourists who want to visit Berlin. If you want to move to Berlin, read my moving to Berlin guide .

Visa requirements

You might need a visa to visit Germany. It depends on your citizenship:

• EU , EEA and Swiss citizens You can visit Germany without a visa. You can stay as long as you want. You can also live and work in Germany.
• Other Schengen area residents You can visit Germany without a visa. You stay in Germany for 90 days in a 180 day period. 1 If you want to stay longer , or work in Germany , you need a residence permit .
• Citizens of other countries People from certain countries can visit Germany for 90 days without a visa. Other people need a Schengen Visa to visit Germany. A Schengen Visa costs 75 €. 2 You can apply for a Schengen visa at the German embassy or consulate in your country .

Visa requirements by country  – Federal Foreign Office

How to travel to Berlin

Fly to the Berlin Brandenburg airport . Use Kayak , Omio , Rome2Rio or Google Flights to book your flight.

To get from the airport to the city, you can…

• Use public transit (recommended) Take a train from BER airport to Berlin. It takes 30 to 45 minutes. Use Google Maps or BVG Fahrinfo . The airport is in zone C, so you must buy an ABC ticket. The ticket costs 4.40 €. You can buy tickets at the airport, near the train platform. You can pay with cash or a credit card. 3 Validate your ticket before you get on the train. –  How to use public transit
• Take a taxi There are taxis outside the BER airport. A ride from the airport to the city centre costs at least 50 €. 4 You can also book a taxi with Uber or FreeNow . You can pay with cash or a credit card. 5
• Rent a car You can rent a car at the airport. There are kiosks for different car rental companies. You can also rent a Miles car.

By intercity bus

Intercity buses are often cheaper than planes or trains. Use Rome2Rio or Omio to buy bus tickets. Some buses let you bring a bicycle.

Most buses have free Wi-Fi, power outlets and a small toilet.

Most intercity buses arrive at…

• Berlin Brandenburg airport , 45 minutes from the centre
• Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB), 25 minutes from the centre
• Alexanderplatz , in the centre

If you arrive at BER airport, you need an ABC train ticket to get to Berlin. It costs 4.40 €.

Intercity trains are more comfortable, but also more expensive. They arrive directly in the city centre. Most trains have free Wi-Fi, but it’s often unreliable. Some trains let you bring a bicycle.

Most trains stop at the central train station, Berlin Hauptbahnhof . This is in the middle of Berlin.

Use Rome2Rio , Omio , Bahn.de or Google Maps to find a train route. To pay less, use the Super Saver Fare or book your tickets long in advance.

By car or motorcycle

You can drive in Germany with a foreign driving licence. You might need a translation or an International Driving Permit.

Who can drive in Germany ➞

Driving in Berlin is easy, but free parking is hard to find.

Most parking spaces in the centre cost 1 € to 4 € per hour. 6 Use Parkopedia to find a free or paid parking space. Most parking spaces outside of the central neighbourhoods are free. Motorcycles can park on the sidewalk for free.

You can also park outside the city and take the train to Berlin. There are free Park and Ride (P+R) car parks . You can park your car there for free, and take the train to Berlin. You can find them on this map (in Multi-mobility), or with this list .

The area inside the Ringbahn is an environmental zone . You need a green environmental sticker to drive in this area. You can get a green sticker at most gas stations around Berlin. Motorcycles don’t need a green sticker to enter this zone.

Information about the environmental zone  – Berlin.de

By car sharing

BlaBlaCar lets you ride with drivers who travel to Berlin. You meet them in one place, and drive together to another city. Car sharing is usually cheaper and faster than intercity buses, but it takes more planning.

How to get around in Berlin

How to find your way around berlin.

Google Maps works really well in Berlin. It also works offline. The BVG app and the Jelbi app let you see train schedules and buy train tickets, but it does not work offline. Maps.me and OsmAnd have offline maps and directions.

How to use public transit in Berlin

Berlin has very good public transit. It’s the best way to get around, even when you have a car. Just make sure you buy the right ticket and validate it . If you are caught with the wrong ticket, you will get a 60 € fine .

You can buy a 24 hour, 7 day or 1 month ticket. It’s cheaper than buying a ticket every time. There’s also the WelcomeCard , a ticket that gives you rebates on museums and attractions.

How to use public transit ➞

How to rent a bicycle or a scooter

This is the best way to see Berlin . Berlin is very flat and has a lot of bike paths, so it’s easy to ride a bicycle or a scooter. You can rent them for around 10 € per day.

When I have visitors, this is my favourite way to show Berlin. I take my visitors along the river Spree and the Landwehrkanal.

Where to rent a bicycle ➞

Where to rent an electric scooter ➞

How to rent a car

You don’t need to rent a car in Berlin. It’s easier to use public transit. If you have an International Driving Permit or a EU driver’s licence, you can drive in Germany.

Where to rent a car ➞

What to see and do in Berlin

Start with visitBerlin.de , WikiVoyage and Lonely Planet . To see what’s happening in Berlin, check tipBerlin and Mit Vergnügen (in German).

Main attractions

• Berlin Wall ( Berliner Mauer ) Some parts of the Berlin wall were preserved. There is preserved part of the wall and a free museum on Bernauer Straße . The East Side Gallery is another part of the wall that was turned into a gallery.
• Berlin Cathedral ( Berliner Dom ) The most famous church in Berlin. You can visit it, or relax on the grass in front of it. It’s on the museum island , close to many old museums.
• Berliner Unterwelten Bunker, tunnel and air raid shelter tours. The tours are in German, English, French, Spanish and more. I have done 3 of their tours. They are very interesting.
• Brandenburg Gate ( Brandenburger Tor ) The iconic gate on Berlin’s East-West axis.
• Christmas markets In November and December, you can visit Berlin’s Christmas markets. There are dozens of them. Many are in scenic locations. There are dozens of kiosks that sell hot drinks, food, sweets and home-made goods. The Christmas markets are open from the middle of November to the end of December.
• East Side Gallery A long mural painted directly on the Berlin wall.
• Mauerpark Every Sunday, this park hosts a big flea market and an open air karaoke. Many musicians also play music there.
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Next to the Brandenburg gate is a large holocaust memorial and museum. You can walk through the memorial.
• Museum island ( Museuminsel ) Museum island is home to the Berliner Dom, and many of the biggest, oldest museums. If you like beautiful old buildings, it’s worth a visit.
• Oberbaum Bridge ( Oberbaumbrücke ) A beautiful bridge that goes across the river Spree. It’s right next to the East Side Gallery. You can also kayak on the Spree to get a really good view on the bridge.
• Palace of tears ( Tränenpalast ) A small, free museum about the border control between East and West Germany. It’s in the old border crossing point, right next to the Friedrichstraße train station.
• Reichstag building ( Reichstagsgebäude ) An iconic building. You can visit the cupola and the rooftop, and learn about the history of Berlin. It’s free, but you must make an appointment .
• Soviet war memorials There are many memorials to the Red Army, who liberated Berlin in 1945. There are big memorials in Tiergarten , Treptower Park , and in Schönholzer Heide . The biggest one is in Treptower Park.
• Tempelhof airfield ( Tempelhofer Feld ) This giant former airfield is where many Berliners go to relax, drink beer, skate, kite surf and cycle. It’s a great place to visit on a sunny day.
• Teufelsberg** Teufelsberg is an artificial hill. There is a cold war listening station at the top. It’s now an open air gallery with a really good view of Berlin. If you don’t want to pay to visit Teufelsberg, you can visit Drachenberg, the other hill next to it.
• TV tower ( Fernsehturm ) The TV tower in Alexanderplatz is visible from almost anywhere in Berlin. You can take an elevator to the top of the tower, and get a panoramic view of Berlin.
• Victory Column ( Siegessäule ) The Victory Column in Tiergarten sits on Berlin’s East-West axis. You can go up the tower and see Tiergarten, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building from above.

visitBerlin.de  – Official website with really good information

Find events on visitBerlin.de , Facebook , and Berlin Events Weekly .

Find live music on Resident Advisor , Bandsintown , Songkick and Echtzeitmusik . @berlingig is a Telegram channel that posts cheap concerts every week.

• Berlinale film festival  – February This is the third largest film festival in the world, after Cannes and Venice. You can meet movie stars, and see all kinds of films.
• Cherry blossom  – April and May After the reunification, a Japanese TV channel donated 10,000 cherry trees to Berlin. Most of them were planted where the Berlin wall was. Every spring, the cherry trees bloom and cover the alleys in rose petals.
• Fête de la Musique  – June 21 A music festival in the entire city. There are musicians and concerts in every part of the city.
• Zug der Liebe  – End of August The Zug der Liebe is a big parade with techno, dance and a lot of happy people.
• Berlin Pride (CSD) – End of July A big LGBTQ+ parade with music trucks. It’s one of the largest Pride events in the world.
• Christmas markets  – Middle of November until end of December Germany is famous for its Christmas markets. Berlin has dozens of different markets, including alternative markets like the Japanese Christmas market and the Naughty Xmas Market.

Official event calendar ➞

Public holidays in Berlin ➞

Walking tours

Guided tours are a great way to discover Berlin. Use GetYourGuide or Airbnb experiences to find walking tours, or look at this list . I highly recommend the Berliner Unterwelten tours.

Outside of Berlin

If you have a bit more time, Potsdam and Wannsee are worth seeing. You can get there by train. Potsdam is in zone C , so you need an ABC ticket.

In the last week of April, you can also see the Baumblütenfest in Werder. It’s one of the largest folk festivals in Brandenburg .

Clubs in Berlin

Berlin is famous for its techno clubs. It can be hard to get into certain clubs. Clubs don’t let everyone in. For example, they often reject tourists, big groups, drunk people, and people under 21 years old. 7

In Berlin, people don’t wear fancy clothes to go clubbing. If you dress too nice, you won’t get in. 8 Ask the locals what the unofficial dress code is.

Most clubs have a cover charge. You must pay 5 € to 15 € to get in. Clubs in Berlin stay open until the morning. The party starts late, and the busiest time is around 2AM. You can buy presale tickets for club events on Resident Advisor . When you have tickets, it’s easier to get in. 9

Find club events on Resident Advisor , or follow clubs on Facebook and Instagram.

What to eat in Berlin

Typical berlin street food.

• Currywurst  – Currywurst is street food. It’s a pork sausage with a curry and ketchup sauce. It’s usually served with fries ( mit Pommes ) in a cardboard plate. Curry 36 is a good place to try a Currywurst mit Pommes . Konnopke’s Imbiss is another famous place.
• Döner kebab  – The standard street food in Berlin. The best kebab places are a secret, but the worst kebabs are usually in train stations and tourist areas.
• Gemüse döner (also called a chicken döner) – A döner kebab with chicken and fried vegetables. Mustafa’s , K’Ups and Rüyam are some of the most famous chicken Döner places.

Typical Berlin dishes

Cuisine of Berlin  – Wikipedia

Fleischerei Domke and Englers Unikat have cheap, traditional working class dishes. For something fancier, try Max und Moritz .

Tipping in restaurants

Most people tip in German restaurants, but it’s okay if you don’t. The waiter won’t be rude to you if you don’t tip. German waiters don’t need tips to survive, but it’s a big part of their income.

How to tip in Germany ➞

Where to stay in Berlin

There is no “down town Berlin”. There are many popular neighbourhoods, and each one has a different personality. If you stay anywhere in the Ringbahn , you should be okay.

• Hotels: Booking.com
• Hostels: Hostelworld
• Vacation apartments: Airbnb or Wimdu
• Long term apartments: see How to find an apartment in Berlin

If you are more patient, you can also use CouchSurfing and BeWelcome . People host visitors for free, and spend time with them during their visit.

Shopping in Berlin

In Germany, shops and supermarkets close on Sundays . Most restaurants, tourist attractions, Spätis and gas stations stay open on Sundays.

Always have cash with you . Some restaurants and businesses only accept cash and Girocards . Most street food kiosks and Spätis only accept cash. Cards are rarely accepted for small transactions.

If you live outside the European Union , you can get a refund for the VAT you paid in Germany. For example, if you buy a laptop in Germany and bring it home in the United States, you can get the 19% VAT back. It’s not easy to do.

VAT refund process  – Federal Foreign Office

Stay connected

If you visit from another EU country, your SIM card will also work in Germany. You make calls, send SMS and use mobile data without any extra costs.

German power outlets

Germany has Type F power outlets. They have a voltage of 230V, and a frequency of 50Hz. Before you visit Germany, check if your devices will work there. You might need a travel adapter to charge your devices.

Power sockets in Germany ➞

Free Wi-Fi in Berlin

If you don’t have mobile data, you can find free Wi-Fi everywhere:

• All U-Bahn stations have free Wi-Fi. Look for the “BVG Free WiFi” network.
• Some S-Bahn stations also have free Wi-Fi. Look for the “WIFI@DB” network.
• REWE and Lidl supermarkets have free Wi-Fi. 10 Some Edeka supermarkets also have free Wi-Fi.
• Hotels and hostels have free Wi-Fi for their guests.

Map of public Wi-Fi hotspots  – publicwifi.eu

Prepaid SIM cards for tourists

If you want mobile data while you visit Berlin, you should get a temporary SIM card.

There are 3 ways to buy a SIM card:

• Buy a digital SIM card (eSIM) This is the easiest way. Buy an eSIM from Airalo , and activate it when you arrive in Berlin. It’s very easy. I use it all the time when I travel. Your phone must support eSIMs.
• Get a SIM card at the airport Go to the mobile phone kiosks at the airport, and buy a SIM card. It takes 15 to 30 minutes, but it can take longer when it’s busy. Temporary SIM cards are more expensive.
• Get a SIM card at a mobile phone shop Buy a SIM card from a Vodafone, Telekom or O2 shop. Electronics stores like Saturn or MediaMarkt also sell and activate SIM cards. You must show your passport and a registration certificate to activate the SIM card, but store employees will just use your passport and the address of your hotel. 11

Google Maps works really well in Berlin. If you need offline maps, use OsmAnd or Maps.me . Google Maps also works offline , but you can’t get directions.

You should also download the BVG app or the Jelbi app to buy train tickets. They have more accurate train schedules. It’s easier than the ticket machines, and it’s in English. The Jelbi app also lets you book cars, scooters, bicycles and taxis.

Be a good tourist

You don’t need to speak German. People in the tourism industry often speak English. If you are not sure, ask first. Museum exhibitions are in German and English. Signs in tourist areas are also in English. If you want to live in Berlin , you should learn German . If you are just visiting, English is fine.

Do I need to speak German in Berlin? ➞

In Germany, tipping is optional. In general, people tip up to 10% for good service, or round the amount on the invoice.

Things you should not do

• Do not walk on the bike paths The bicycle path is usually a 1 meter wide red brick path on the sidewalk. If you walk on the bike path, cyclists will ring their bell, shout at you or even bump into you.
• Do not put your glass bottles in the trash People collect empty bottles and return them for money . Don’t make people search for bottles in the trash. Put your empty bottles next to the bin. In some parks, bottle collectors ( Flaschensammler ) will walk around and ask for your empty bottles.
• Do not joke about Nazis and the war You probably shouldn’t joke about this. It’s not funny, and it’s not original.

Berlin is a safe city even at night, but crimes still happen. Pickpockets steal phones and bags in trains and restaurants.

Cannabis is illegal in Germany . You can still buy it from dealers in parks, but it’s a really bad idea. You will get bad weed, and it’s often contaminated with chemicals.

Magic mushrooms, cocaine and MDMA are also illegal. If you buy MDMA or ecstasy in Berlin, the KnowDrugs app can help you verify what you buy.

How to buy weed in Berlin ➞

Emergency numbers in Berlin ➞

Lost things

Where to find lost things in Berlin ➞

Auswärtiges Amt   ⤴

bvg.de   ⤴

web.archive.org , berlin.de   ⤴

berlin.de   ⤴

berlin.de , hotel.de   ⤴

reddit.com/r/berlin , reddit.com/r/berlin   ⤴

reddit.com/r/berlin   ⤴

unternehmen.lidl.de , kaufda.de   ⤴

expatica.com , traveltomtom.net , teltarif.de , prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com   ⤴

Popular Destinations

East Central

Destinations

East berlin.

Treptow-Köpenick

Steglitz-zehlendorf.

Reinickendorf and Spandau

Tempelhof and Neukölln

Notable Places in the Area

Brandenburg gate.

Pergamon Museum

Fernsehturm Berlin

Localities in the Area

Schillerpromenade

• Email: [email protected]
• Type: City with 3,770,000 residents
• Description: federated state, capital and largest city of Germany
• Postal codes: 10967 and 13347
• Neighbors: Brandenburg and Potsdam
• Categories: seat of government , metropolis , integrated municipality , Einheitsgemeinde of Germany , Hanseatic city , urban municipality in Germany , town divided by border , city-state , independent city in Berlin , largest city , big city , capital city , federated state of Germany and locality
• Location: Germany , Central Europe , Europe
• View on Open­Street­Map

Berlin Satellite Map

Popular Destinations in Germany

Escape to a random place.

Berlin Printable Tourist Map

Berlin Map: The Attractions

Brandenburg Gate

Reichstag Building

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Berlin Wall

Berlin Cathedral

Gendarmenmarkt

Wall Museum

Potsdamer Platz

Alexanderplatz

Berlin TV Tower

Sygic travel - a travel guide in your pocket.

More Tourist Maps

• Privacy Policy
• STOCK 360° TRAVEL VIDEOS

Bucket list adventures while climbing the corporate ladder

get access to our

free travel resource library now

by popping in your email below

Berlin Attractions Map – 12 Unique Things to do in Berlin

Berlin is one of my all time favorite cities – and by the time you finish this post, I bet you’ll be dying to visit! Julien and I loved walking around Berlin, but it can be quite confusing since the city is huge! Thats why we put together this Berlin attractions map to help you plan your trip to the German capital and jot down a few things to do in Berlin!

Berlin Attractions Map – Things to Do in Berlin:

• See the East Side Gallery
• Climb the Reichstag Building 
• Visit the Holocaust Memorial
• Let loose at Mauerpark
• Sunrise at the Brandenburg Gate
• Marvel at the Berliner Dom
• Get some peace at Tempelhof 
• Sunset at Klunkerkranich
• Take a walk in the Tieregarten
• Brunch at House of Small Wonder
• See a free concert at the Philharmonie Foyer
• Hang out on Museum Island

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read more on our Disclaimer Page.

Berlin Attractions Map

This map of Berlin city centre shows all of the Berlin things to do that are outlined below!

You can use it to decide what things you want to do and group them together on the same day – depending on what activities are closest together!

Then add them to your Google maps and you can even use it as an offline Berlin map!

You deserve to travel more!

Travel planning is hard. But it doesn’t have to be. Get access to our free travel resource library to start crossing things off your bucket list!

IT ONLY TAKES 5 SECONDS!

Is Berlin Safe?

I get asked this question a ton by friends and family traveling to Berlin.

And as far as I know – yes, Berlin is relatively safe.

Julien and I stayed in Berlin on our first visit for about 4 days, and we had no issues walking around anywhere in the city – even at night, and even when we got lost at night.

That being said, you should always use caution when traveling to a new city, and Berlin is no exception!

Tips for Visiting Berlin

Here are a few things to keep in mind when traveling in Berlin:

• The bus & metro can get a little complicated, so always stay calm and keep an eye on your belongings
• Give yourself some extra time to relax during your day – Berlin has so much to do and it can get a little hectic!
• Traffic is pretty organized, but always use cross-walks and never cross in the street, jaywalking is actually illegal and can get you a pretty hefty fine!
• Berlin has plenty of well-lit areas around the city at night, so be sure to stay near main areas and avoid dark backstreets (obviously)
• Always pay for train and bus tickets – even if you think no one is checking, they do come around every once in a while and if you don’t have a ticket you’ll be in some trouble with the police!

12 Unique Things to do in Berlin

1) see the east side gallery.

The East Side Gallery is my favorite place to see the Berlin Wall, simply because it’s home to so many amazing art displays!

And while the Berlin Wall hasn’t actually separated East and West Germany since 1989, it continues to be a reminder of previous eras and now serves as a global symbol of freedom, after it’s fall many years ago.

So grab yourself some ice cream at the stand nearby, and a good pair of walking shoes, and take a stroll along the wall, admiring the political artwork that lines the wall!

2) climb the Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building serves as the historical parliament building and is a tribute to Berlin’s extensive history. Plus, the dome of the Reichstag Building boasts one of the best views of Berlin!

Just remember to book a time slot ahead of time as walkins are not permitted. You can book a free time slot, or even a tour on the official website.

3) LET LOOSE AT MAUERPARK​

Head to Mauerpark for a great boho Berlin experience. It really is one of the coolest places in Berlin, IMO.

The space itself is a large open park which also houses a flea market and a mini bar. Head over there on a Sunday afternoon to watch (or even join) the mass karaoke event that takes place in front of hundreds of people!

4) Visit the Holocaust Memorial

The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin is officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and officially opened in 2005.

And while this is definitely an interesting thing to add to your Berlin to do list, always remember to be respectful while visiting and never walk or sit on the concrete slabs – selfies at the Memorial aren’t encouraged either.

5) Sunrise at the Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is gorgeous at any time of day, but when we visited at sunrise, we had it all to ourselves!

Make sure to go before the dawn, so you get to watch the sun come up from behind the gate, which makes for some stunning photos and some even better memories!

6) Marvel at the Berliner Dom

The Berlin Cathedral, or the Berliner Dom as it’s known, is located on Museum Island and is such a beautiful site!

Whether you go inside for a dom-tour or you marvel at the architecture from the front lawn, it’s definitely worth a visit while you’re in Berlin!

7) Get some peace at Tempelhof

The Tempelhof Airport & field is actually no longer an airport at all, but rather has been converted into a park, complete with picnic tables and a place to ride bike!

The airport itself used to serve as the site for Nazi rallies and to test out some of the first ever air crafts, but since it’s official closure in 2008, it’s become a public structure and has even been the set of many major films!

Take the train over to Tempelhof and enjoy a peaceful place to just hang out for a bit!

8) Sunset at Klunkerkranich

Klunkerkranich is actually a roof-top bar located at the top of a mall parking garage.

And if that’s not interesting enough, the space is actually a garden, dance area, and indoor/outdoor bar.

Plus if you get there right before sunset, you can have some amazing views over all of Berlin!

Just don’t fret if you get a little lost trying to find it – even our GPS didn’t know how to get there! 

9) Take a walk in the Tieregarten

You would never guess that there’s an entire forest-like park in the middle of Berlin!

The Tieregarten park used to be the royal hunting grounds, but has now become home to leisurely gardens, several cultural and political memorials, as well as a beer-garden with a beautiful lake in the back!

So if you need a break from the busy city, take a stroll through the park and you’ll feel like you’re in a completely different place!

10) Brunch at House of Small Wonder

If you’re looking for a cute little cafe for brunch, then you absolutely need to visit House of Small Wonder! This quaint living room like feel makes the perfect brunch spot and the food is delicious too!

11) free concert at the Philharmonie Foyer

During these free lunchtime concerts , you can take a much needed break from exploring the city and relax for about 45 minutes with some great music!

So whether you absolutely love classical music, or just need a place to relax for a bit, head over to the concert hall for a free concert – just keep in mind that seats are limited so it may be worth getting there a tad bit early!

12) hang out on museum island

If you like museums, then you will love Museum Island. 

This complex, which is technically an island but you wouldn’t realize it, is home to 5 museums and was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

So if museums are your thing, book your Museum Island ticket which gives you access to all 5 museums for one price!

Berlin Attractions Map & Things to do in Berlin

Now it’s your turn – use this list of things to do in Berlin to make your own personal Berlin attractions map!

And for more travel resources, subscribe to our  free travel resource library!  It will help you plan your Germany trip like a pro and it  only takes 5 seconds!

Happy travels!

– Veronica

Pin Berlin Attractions Map!

Related Posts

25 Must Know German Phrases with Pronunciation

The Complete Guide to Oktoberfest

10 Places to Visit in Munich in 1 Day – Things You Must Do in Munich

2 Responses

I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your information. The article has really peaked my interest. I will bookmark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too. Raye Bartolemo Lawson

I love reading through an article that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment! Valry Arturo Andriana

Add a Comment Cancel reply

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

Stay in Touch

Disclaimer & privacy policy, work with us, going to germany.

Travel planning is hard.

Get access to our travel resource library and spend time on what really matters…

making epic Germany memories

14 of the best things to do in Berlin

Jul 8, 2023 • 7 min read

Experience the best of Berlin with this guide to the top things to do © Westend61 / Getty Images

For a scene-stealing combo of glamor and grit, poised to mesmerize anyone keen to connect with vibrant culture, bold architecture, global food, intense parties and an easy-going vibe, head to Berlin .

Whether your tastes run to posh or punk, you can sate them in the German capital. Here are the best experiences Berlin has to offer.

1. See the treasures of Museum Island

Berlin’s "Louvre on the Spree", this imposing cluster of five treasure-houses is an undisputed highlight of the city’s impressive landscape. Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1999, Museumsinsel showcases art and cultural history from the Stone Age to the 19th century.

Feast your eyes on antiquities at at the Pergamonmuseum  and  Altes Museum , take in 19th-century art at the Alte Nationalgalerie and lean in for close-ups of medieval and Renaissance sculptures at the Bode-Museum . The  Neues Museum  is famous as the residence of the exquisite but controversial bust of Nefertiti which has been the subject of repatriation requests from Egypt for almost a century.

Planning tip:  As part of the ambitious  Museum Island Master Plan , the Pergamonmuseum will be completely closed to visitors starting October 23, 2023. The institution is not scheduled to partially reopen until spring 2027 – with some sections of the museum, including the famous  Ishtar Gate , scheduled to stay closed until 2037.

2. Follow the legacy of the Berlin Wall

Few events in history have the power to move the entire world. If you were alive and old enough for the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, you will probably remember the crowds of euphoric revelers cheering and dancing at the Brandenburg Gate . Although little is left of the physical barrier, its legacy lives on in the imagination and in such places as Checkpoint Charlie , the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial) and the East Side Gallery  with its colorful murals.

3. Party at Berlin's world-famous clubs

Berlin’s reputation for intense and unbridled nightlife is rooted in the libertine 1920s when everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Christopher Isherwood partied like it was 1999. Since the fall of the Wall, Berlin’s club culture has put the city firmly back on the map of music-lovers everywhere .

The edgiest clubs can be found in locations like power plants, abandoned apartment buildings and other repurposed locations, especially in Kreuzberg & Neukölln and Friedrichshain . Electronic music dominates at cult favourites like ://about blank , Kater Blau and Griessmühle , while Prince Charles has made a name for itself as a hip hop mecca, fetish-focused KitKatClub is a must, and the local punks mosh away at SO36 .

Planning tip: Some of Berlin's best parties are its daytime raves: here's how to hit the clubs in the afternoon .

4. Enjoy drinks outdoors

Whether its beer gardens, rooftop bars or some casual drinks in parks and by the Landwehrkanal, Berliners take a relaxed approach to drinking and socializing outdoors. While Berlin has something to offer all year round, the city in the warm weather has a special buzz around it.

5. Be dazzled by the grandeur of Schloss Charlottenburg

An exquisite baroque palace,  Schloss Charlottenburg evokes the onetime grandeur of the Prussian royals. It is particularly special to visit in the summer when you can fold a stroll, sunbathing session or picnic in the lush palace park into a day of peeking at royal treasures.

6. Book ahead to visit the Reichstag

It’s been burned, bombed, rebuilt, buttressed by the Berlin Wall, wrapped in fabric and finally turned into the modern home of the German parliament, the Reichstag  is one of Berlin’s most iconic buildings. Designed by Paul Wallot in 1894, this is where the German parliament, the Bundestag, has been hammering out its policies since 1999.

Planning tip:  Reserve online in advance  to visit the striking glass dome  for free . This is a government building and you will need to provide identification to gain access.

7. Shop and eat at Markthalle Neun

This delightful 1891 market hall was saved by dedicated locals in 2009. Not only do local and regional producers present their wares but also, on Street-Food Thursday, they're joined by aspiring or semipro chefs, who set up their stalls to serve delicious snacks from around the world. There’s even an on-site craft brewery, Heidenpeters .

8. Tour Berlin's art scene

Art aficionados will be truly spoilt for choice in Berlin. Home to hundreds of galleries, scores of world-class collections and thousands of international artists, the city has assumed a pole position on the global artistic circuit. Its main contemporary art showcase is the Hamburger Bahnhof , a vast museum housed in a former railway station whose loft and grandeur are the perfect foil for this top-notch collection of paintings, installations, sculptures and video.

Local tip:  If you’d prefer something even more Berlin-centric, try Urban Nation in Schöneberg . A relative newcomer to Berlin’s array of galleries, this street art celebration turns the concept of a museum on its head and celebrates art in a unique way.

9. Get to know Jewish history and culture at Jüdisches Museum

Berlin’s Jüdisches Museum  presents an eye-opening and emotional journey through 2000 years of Jewish history in Germany, not just the 12 years of Nazi horror that such exhibits often focus on. Find out about Jewish cultural contributions, holiday traditions, the difficult road to emancipation, outstanding individuals like the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn and jeans inventor Levi Strauss, and the fates of ordinary people and families.

10. Wander or cycle the paths of Tiergarten

Berlin’s rulers used the grounds to hunt boar and pheasants in the rambling Tiergarten until master landscape architect Peter Lenné landscaped the grounds in the 18th century. With its sweeping lawns, shaded paths, woodsy groves, romantic corners, ponds and creeks, the Tiergarten is one of the world’s largest city parks and a wonderful retreat from the city bustle.

Planning tip:  In summer, several charming beer gardens beckon, including Café am Neuen See and the Teehaus im Englischen Garten.

11. See urban renewal at Potsdamer Platz

Despite the name, Potsdamer Platz is not actually a square but an entire city quarter, forged in the 1990s from terrain once bisected by the Berlin Wall. A collaborative effort by the world's finest architects, it is considered a showcase of urban renewal.

Planning tip:  The area itself is rather compact and quickly explored – unless you stick around to see Berlin from above from the Panoramapunkt or dive into German film history at the Museum für Film und Fernsehen .

12. Pose for a photo at the historic Brandenburg Gate

Prussian emperors, Napoleon and Hitler have marched through this neoclassical royal city gate that was once trapped east of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989 Brandenburg Gate  has gone from a symbol of division and oppression to the symbol of a united Germany. The elegantly proportioned landmark is at its most atmospheric – and photogenic – at night, when light bathes its stately columns and proud Goddess of Victory sculpture in a golden glow.

13. Go shopping along Kurfürstendamm

No trip to Berlin would be complete without a saunter along Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm for short) in Charlottenburg . Along with its continuation, the Tauentzienstrasse, it is the city’s longest and busiest shopping strip, lined with high-street chains and designer boutiques. Don’t miss the KaDeWe , continental Europe’s biggest department store with a mind-boggling food hall, or the cutting-edge concept and flagships stores at Bikini Berlin , a revamped 1950s landmark near Zoo Station.

Local tip:  Take a moment to look up. Amid all this, the majestically ruined Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church) stands quietly as a poignant reminder of the absurdity of war.

14. Explore the exhibits of the Topographie des Terrors

In the spot where the most feared institutions of Nazi Germany (the Gestapo headquarters, the SS central command and the Reich Security Main Office) once stood, this compelling exhibit documents the stages of terror and persecution, puts a face on the perpetrators, and details the impact these brutal institutions had on all of Europe. A second exhibit outside zeroes in on how life changed for Berlin and its people after the Nazis made it their capital.

This article was first published January 2015 and updated July 2023

Explore related stories

Nov 1, 2023 • 15 min read

Our fave Christmas markets offer chestnuts roasting on an open fire, copious amounts of mulled wine and some of the best hot chocolate ever.

Aug 16, 2023 • 5 min read

Jul 27, 2023 • 9 min read

Jan 17, 2022 • 5 min read

Sep 28, 2021 • 5 min read

Jul 30, 2021 • 6 min read

Jan 10, 2020 • 5 min read

Oct 31, 2019 • 2 min read

Oct 4, 2019 • 6 min read

Aug 15, 2019 • 6 min read

Berlin   Travel Guide

Courtesy of jotily | Getty Images

Berlin Neighborhoods

Berlin is one of the largest cities in Europe (about nine times the size of Paris ), so traversing this gigantic metropolis in a limited period of time can seem daunting. Attractions are spread out along the old political boundaries of east and west Berlin, with most of the popular sights on the city's east side.

Accessible via the Klosterstraße, Brandenburger Tor and Potsdame Platz U-Bahn stops.

Perhaps the most central of Berlin's districts, Berlin Mitte contains some of the most famous German landmarks; it was a pivotal locale for several of the 20th-century's most important – and, oftentimes, most devastating – global events. Covering a large swath of the city, the Mitte district can be broken down into several smaller neighborhoods.

Several attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate ,  Tiergarten and the shopping street, Friedrichstraße, hover near the Unter den Linden, Berlin's main boulevard. Just south of the Brandenburg Gate is the famous Potsdamer Platz public square, perhaps the most commercial evidence of Berlin's post-Cold War development. Here you'll find the Sony Center, one of the largest buildings in Berlin and home to several offices, museums, restaurants and a movie theater. Also, south of the Brandenburg Gate is one of the more arresting sites in Berlin Mitte: the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , a 4.7-acre site in the middle of the city.

Just north of Unter den Linden is the famous Reichstag (Parliament Building), the imposing renaissance-style government building constructed as a parliamentary house in the late 19th century. East of Unter den Linden is the famously recognizable Fernsehturm, a 1,200-foot TV tower in Alexanderplatz that some have lovingly dubbed Telespargel (television asparagus).

Berlin Mitte also holds many of Berlin's best museums, many of which are located on Museumsinsel , an island on the Spree River. One such museum is the Bode Museum, which has a majestic and historical architecture from when it opened in 1883. Travelers should take note that Pergamonmuseum will be closed beginning in October 2023 for renovations, and won’t re-open again until spring 2027, according to the museum’s website .

Friedrichshain & Kreuzberg

Friedrichshain is accessible via the Weberwiese, Frankfurter Tor and Warschauer Straße U-Bahn stops; Kreuzberg is accessible via the U-Bahnhof Prinzenstraße and U-Bahnhof Hallesches Tor U-Bahn stops.

East of Mitte, the Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg boroughs offer many more iconic sites of World War II and the Cold War. In Kreuzberg, you'll find Checkpoint Charlie, the former border gate that marked the American sector of Berlin after World War II. Checkpoint Charlie remains a significant tourist spot today, as well as the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie ( Checkpoint Charlie Museum ), dedicated to chronicling the events that happened around the checkpoint, including many Berliners' attempts to reach the American zone from the east. Also, in Kreuzberg is the Topography of Terror museum, a collection of photographic and textual evidence of Gestapo and Nazi brutality mounted on the walls of former government buildings.

Some of Berlin's most eclectic elements are housed here, too, including the city's thriving LGBTQ+ scene, artists and even Little Istanbul, a community of Turkish immigrants who comprise some of Berlin's vast immigrant population. For nightlife in these neighborhoods, check out Friedrichshain's Boxhagener Platz, a small park adjacent to several popular bars and restaurants.

Charlottenburg

Accessible via the Sophie-Charlotte-Platz, the U-Bahnhof Richard-Wagner-Platz and Kurfürstendamm U-Bahn stops.

Southeast of Tiergarten in the borough of Charlottenburg, you'll find the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the famous church turned anti-war memorial after it was bombed by the British in 1943. Only the spire and entrance hall remains, but a new house of worship was built alongside it in 1961; together the two churches are yet another stark reminder of Berlin's violent history.

Here, you'll also find the Schloss Charlottenburg , one of the largest and oldest palaces in the area. Yet another famous architectural landmark is the Olympiastadion , a Nazi-era stadium that played host to the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.

Accessible via the Pankow U-Bahn stop .

For a glimpse at the rapidly gentrifying Berlin, head to this district in the northeast. Filled with Bohemian cafes and nightclubs that welcome revelers throughout the night, Pankow is frequented by students and local artists. Travelers especially recommend Kastanienallee and Oderberger Strasse, which locals refer to as “Prenzlauer Berg” – two streets with small boutiques and cafes perfect for people-watching.

In general, pickpocketing tends to be a Berlin tourist's main safety concern. Watch out for pickpockets on public transportation, especially during rush hour and at major tourist attractions. Berlin’s tourism website advises travelers to also be aware of fake police officers who will try to steal cash or credit cards. Also, visitors should be aware that prostitution is legal in Germany, and a percentage of Berlin's sex workers are victims of human trafficking.

Explore More of Berlin

Things To Do

Best Hotels

When To Visit

You might also like

# 1 in  Best Christmas Vacations

# 15 in  Best Places to Visit in Germany

# 13 in  Best Places to Visit in Germany

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

• BERLIN TOURS
• BERLIN TICKETS
• BERLIN TIPS
• CULINARY BERLIN
• CHRISTMAS MARKETS
• PARKS & PALACES
• ZOOS & AQUARIUM
• TOP 10 BERLIN SIGHTS
• MUSEUMS IN BERLIN
• OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Berlin Dungeon, TV Tower, Madame Tussauds etc. ... Don’t stand in line for hours!

Berlin Welcome Card with Berlin map and travel guide

Buy the Berlin Welcome Card before your stay in Berlin. The ticket for bus, tram and train including discounts and travel guides

Services - from 20 €

Including public transportation, guide with map, special offers for over 200 sights and attractions.

Explore Berlin at your own pace with a 48-hour, 72-hour, 4-day, 5-day, or 6-day Berlin WelcomeCard. Ride public transport in the AB or ABC zones, receive discounts of up to 50% with over 200 partners, and find your way around with the pocket travel guide.

At a glance

Berlin welcome card with berlin map and travel guide from 20 €.

• Public transportation in the AB or ABC zones • English- and German-speaking guide with map • Special offers for over 200 sights and attractions

Foto Galerie

Highlights berlin welcome card with berlin map and travel guide.

Sights, tours and tickets ... on Tripadvisor.

Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, Pergamon Museum and many other landmarks & sights make a visit to Berlin unique.

Here you can find Berlin tours.

World Clock - Alexanderplatz

Madame Tussauds in Berlin

A walk through the big Tiergarten

Neptune Fountain in Berlin

Berlin Reichstag: Lunch on the roof of the Berlin Reichstag

The Heartbeat of Berlin: Discovering Kreuzberg's Unique Char

Berlin Travel Guide - Peacock Island

5 Berlin Lakes Perfect for Paddle Boating in Summer

Our “Top 5 Cafés in Berlin”

Oberbaum Bridge in Berlin

An oasis in Kreuzberg - the Viktoriapark

Street art differently - the little cork men of Berlin

Holocaust Memorial in Berlin

Flea market and karaoke in Mauerpark

Olympic Stadium in Berlin

The Wall Museum - House at Checkpoint Charlie Berlin

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin

Hohenzollern Residence in Berlin - Charlottenburg Palace

Dinner on the Roof of the Berlin Reichstag Building

Palace Bellevue - Official residence of the German Federal P

Discover Berlin

• Berlin Deals
• Berlin Tours
• Berlin Tickets

Lifestyle & Tips

• Berlin Tips
• Culinary Berlin
• Berlin Nightlife
• Christmas Markets

Sightseeing

• Parks & Palaces
• Wildlife Parks
• Museums & Artscene
• Places & Buildings
• Other Attractions
• Privacy policy

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Lakes & Beaches in Berlin

Berlin's Tiergarten Park

Top Museums in Berlin

Day Trips From Berlin

Food to Try in Berlin

Berlin's Best Restaurants

The Best Bars in Berlin

Breweries in Berlin

Weather & Climate

Berlin's Airports

Neighborhoods to Know

Public Transportation

Berlin's Public Transportation: The Complete Guide

fhm/GettyImages

Berlin 's public transportation is comprehensive and covers all corners of this sprawling city. It takes you over, under and through Berlin and connects travelers to greater Germany and beyond.

The all-inclusive system consists of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams. It's run primarily by the media-savvy Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe or BVG (pronounced beh-fow-gey). A single ticket grants access to an array of transport options and most people use several modes of public transport on any given day.

Though the system is well-organized, spacious, safe , and fairly punctual, it's massive and takes practice to understand. Use our complete guide to Berlin's public transportation to navigate the capital city.

How to Ride Berlin's U-Bahn

The U-Bahn (underground) operates mostly below ground within Berlin city limits (AB zone). The first stations opened in 1902 and have operated consistently with periodic closures, improvements and expansions.

An illuminated "U" marks the entrance with the station name in a variety of traditional scripts. Enter the platform and once you have a ticket (bought from a machine on the platform or BVG distributor), stamp it and board your U-Bahn.

Maps are present on the platform, with electronic boards notifying travelers of the next trains and estimated arrival.

Lines on Berlin's U-Bahn

The U-Bahn contains over 170 stations in 10 lines, including the famed U2 line  (not associated with the band). The bright yellow cars and colorful stations provide plenty of material for Instagram-lovers.

• U1 (Warschauer to Uhlandstraße): This line includes many of the oldest stations and travels from near East Side Gallery in Friedrichshain through Kreuzberg to Wilmersdorf in the west.
• U2 (Pankow to Ruhleben): This long line runs south to Alexanderplatz, then west through major destinations.
• U3 (Nollendorfplatz to Krumme Lanke ): Beginning in Schöneberg, this line continues out to one of the most popular lakes.
• U4 (Nollendorfplatz to Innsbrucker Platz): One of the shortest lines stays within Schöneberg, touching on Tempelhof .
• U5 (Hönow to Alexanderplatz): Begins in a village in Brandenburg and runs to the center of the city. Eventually it will connect to the U55.
• U55 (Brandenburger Tor to Hauptbahnhof): The shortest line connects only three stations between popular tourist points like the Brandenburg Gate and main train station.
• U6 (Alt-Tegel to Alt-Mariendorf): Connects the charming town of Tegel near the airport in the north to Alt-Mariendorf in the south.
• U7 (Rathaus Spandau to Rudow): Snakes its way through the city from the west to southeast.
• U8 (Wittenau to Harmannstrasse): Runs north to south from Reinickendorf/ Wedding to Neukölln .
• U9 (Osloer to Rathaus Steglitz): Another north to south line.

Major transfer hubs include Alexanderplatz, Nollendorfplatz, Zoologischer Garten, and Friedrichstrasse.

Hours of Operation for Berlin's U-Bahn

Berlin's U-Bahn runs from 4:30 a.m. till 12:30 a.m. on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays there is 24 hour service with reduced frequency.

It runs every 5 to 10 minutes within the city center. The U-Bahn runs every 10 to 15 minutes after 8 p.m. with night buses taking over at night.

How to Ride Berlin's S-Bahn

The city's S-Bahn or Stadtbahn (city train) is the local rail which runs primarily above ground. Distance between stations is greater than the U-Bahn and it is the quickest way to travel the city and to the outskirts like Potsdam and Wannsee . Unlike most of Berlin's transport, the S-Bahn is operated by Deutsche Bahn (German rail company ). The same tickets offer access to the S-Bahn as the rest of Berlin's public transport.

S-Bahn stations can be identified by the green and white "S" symbol. Enter the platform without barrier and once you have a ticket, stamp it and board the S-Bahn. Maps are available on the platform and electronic boards provide information on the next arrival.

Important Lines on Berlin's S-Bahn

The S-Bahn covers 15 lines with almost 170 train stations.

• S41 & S42 : The Ringbahn (circular railway) encircles the city center and carries 400,000 passengers a day. The S41 travels clockwise, while the S42 goes counter-clockwise. It stops at 27 stations and it takes about 60 minutes to circle the city. Major crossing points are Gesundbrunnen in the north, Ostkruez in the east, Sudkreuz in the south, and Westkruez in the west.
• S5, S7 and S75 : Busy lines running from west to east between Westkreuz (west cross) and Ostkreuz (east cross). The most visited stations are between Zoologischer Garten and Alexanderplatz where there are plenty of tourists sights like the Siegessäule (Victory Column) within the Tiergarten , Museumsinsel (Museum Island) and Hackescher Markt .
• S1, S2 & S25 : Main north-south-lines. The S1 runs between Oranienburg and Wannsee, S2 between Bernau and Blankenfelde, and S25 from Teltow to Hennigsdorf.

Hours of Operation for Berlin's S-Bahn

During the week, the S-Bahn runs from 4:30 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. On weekends and holidays it runs 24 hours a day.

Trains run at least every 10 minutes, with frequency slowing to 10 and 20 minutes outside of peak hours and every 30 minutes at night.

 How to Ride Berlin's Buses

Berlin's buses add even greater coverage to the city's already impressive network. Though a slower mode of transport, Berlin buses minimize walking in this rambling city. They can also be a great way to tour the city as many travel right by top sights and provide exceptional views from their double-decker levels. Buses are more common in former West Berlin as they "modernized" by tearing out earlier tram lines.

Bus stops are marked by a circular sign with a green "H". They often have a small shelter and electronic sign updating on arrivals, as well as a posted regular schedules and routes. Tickets are purchased from machines at S- or U-Bahns, BVG ticket-sellers, or directly from bus drivers. If you have an undated ticket, stamp it with the machine near the entrance.

Berlin's Most Important Bus Lines

There are more than 350 routes and over 2,634 bus stops.

• Buses are numbered 100 to 399
• MetroBus lines begin with an M
• ExpressBus is a rapid or express bus service with fewer stops marked by an X. There is ExpressBus service to/from both Berlin airports (X7 for Schönefeld and X9 for Tegel).
• Line 100 (and 200) are great tourist routes from Alexanderplatz to Zoologischer Garten
• NightBuses take over when other modes of transport shut-down. They are marked by the letter N and depart every 30 minutes

How to Ride Berlin's Trams

Mostly in former East Berlin, trams travel at street-level, winding their way throughout the city. Tickets can be purchased beforehand or at machines on the train.

MetroNetz, marked with a "M", offer higher frequency service (about every 10 minutes) and operate 24 hours a day. At night, trams run every 30 minutes.

Berlin's Most Important Tram Lines

There are over 20 tram lines with 377 stops in the city. MetroTrams include:

• M1 : Niederschönhausen to Am Kupfergraben in Mitte
• M2 : Heinersdorf to Alexanderplatz
• M5 : Hohenschönhausen to Hackescher Markt
• M6 : Hackescher Markt to Hellersdorf
• M8 : Hauptbahnhof to Landsberger Allee/Petersburger Straße
• M10 : Hauptbahnhof to Warschauer Straße including Eberswalder Straße (nicknamed the "party tram")
• M13 : Wedding to Warschauer Straße
• M17 : Falkenberg to Schöneweide

Tickets on Berlin's Public Transport

Regular tickets cost 2.90 euros and allow for travel on all forms of transport. They are valid for two hours with unlimited transfers in one direction. For example, you can travel around the city on a single ticket for 120 minutes from the time the ticket was stamped/purchased, but you can't go in one direction then come back the same way. Children under six years old do not need tickets and reduced fare is available for children six to 14.

Fares are subject to length of your trip and which zones you travel. The city is divided into zones A, B, and C. Most of the city is in the A and B zone. A is inside the ringbahn , B just outside, and C up to 15 kilometers (9 miles) around Berlin. Regular tickets include the A and B zone, but you can buy ABC tickets (usually only necessary if you are going to Schönefeld Airport or Potsdam). You can also buy an AB pass and get a C extension if you are taking a single trip to the C zone.

Ticket machines are available on U & S-Bahn platforms, can be purchased in small shops with a "BVG" signs, buses, or with the BVG app . (Tickets from the app should be purchased before boarding transport.)

You must be in possession of a valid ticket on public transport and it's largely on the honor system. However, you need to show a ticket when entering buses and when ticket controllers — both uniformed and plain clothes — ask to see your ticket by saying " Fahrscheine , bitte" (Ticket, please). If caught without a ticket, you are subject to a 60 euro fine and controllers are infamously unsympathetic.

Use the BVG website to plan your trip and find real-time departure/arrival information.

Other Berlin Ticket Options:

• Berlin Welcome Card : This tourist ticket offers access to transport and discounts on attractions from 48 hours to 6 days.
• Tageskarte : Day passes for 7 euros (AB zone) are available for unlimited travel from time of purchase until 3:00 a.m. the next day. Up to three children (6 to 14) are included in the ticket.
• Wochenkarte: There are weekly (34 euros) and Monatskarte ( monthly ) tickets (84 euros). A major advantage for these tickets are they allow you to take 1 adult and 3 children under 15 with you after 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and all day on weekends.
• 10-Uhr-Karte : An alternative to the regular monthly ticket is the 10 a.m. ticket. It costs 61 euros and allows for unlimited travel after 10 a.m. Note that you cannot take additional passengers with you.
• Kurzstrecke : For three (or less) stops on S-Bahn or U-Bahns, or six stops on buses and trams with no transfers, buy a short trip ticket for 1.90 euros.
• Fahrradkarte : You can take your bike on S-Bahn, U-Bahn or tram (not bus) but you must buy a ticket for 1.90 euros.

For more ticket options, refer to the BVG's ticket site .

Accessibility on Berlin's Public Transportation

Entrance to the U-Bahn and S-Bahn is barrier-free and escalators and elevators service many stations—but not all. Maps indicate accessibility.

Newer trains offer level-entry boarding with a gap of no more than two inches between train and platform. A ramp (manually set-up by the conductor) can be provided. Look for doors marked with wheelchairs/strollers to mark the best cars for wheeled travelers (for example, second door on the bus).

BVG offers information for riders with disabilities .

Other Modes of Transport in Berlin

• Ferries: Berlin is the land of lakes and there are several ferries included in public transport marked with an F.
• Bikes: Biking is one of the best ways to travel around this exceptionally flat city. Second-hand bikes are inexpensive, although you should also get a receipt as bike theft is rampant. If you need a bike briefly, use one of the many bike-sharing programs. Helmets are not required and bike lanes are plentiful.
• Taxis: Taxis are available throughout the city at taxi stands, airport and train stations or by reserving ahead. Taxis are cream with a “TAXI” roof sign. A Kurzstrecke options allows for short trips of up to two kilometers at a flat rate of six euros, while longer journeys are two euros per kilometer (up to seven kilometers, or 1.50 euros per km after that).
• Car Rentals: Renting a car is not recommended for travel within Berlin, but can be helpful if traveling around the country and sampling the world famous Autobahn . Refer to our full guide on car rentals in Germany .

Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation

Where to Swim in Berlin

Berlin's Mitte Neighborhood: The Complete Guide

Munich Airport Guide

Your Trip to Berlin: The Complete Guide

Guide to Berlin's Airports

Berlin's Potsdamer Platz: The Complete Guide

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Visit Munich on a Budget

Getting Around Vienna: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Munich: Guide to Public Transportation

Berlin's Alexanderplatz: The Complete Guide

Getting Around Beijing: Guide to Public Transportation

Your Guide to Berlin's Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain Neighborhood

Getting Around Nuremberg: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel From Frankfurt to Berlin by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

• Contrast Contrast

Berlin's Top 10 Attractions

Are you on a whistle-stop tour of the capital or just looking for the Berlin Top 10 ? Well look no further, because we've picked the top ten things to see and do in Berlin so you don't have to. The choice of the top 10 Berlin attractions was by no means easy - this city has so much to offer! But here are the top 10 attractions and places you do have to visit in Berlin.

Top pick 1: Reichstag & glass dome 

When the decision was made to move the Federal Government to Berlin, it was time to reawaken the Reichstag building from its long years of slumber on the Mauerstreifen, the military zone between the two sides of the Wall. The building has since been completely modernised, and today's visitors to the Reichstag can look out from the building's glass dome to get a bird's eye view of the hustle and bustle in the city. There are also a number of government buildings in the vicinity of the Reichstag, for example the Bundeskanzleramt ( Federal Chancellery ) and the Brandenburg Gate .

Experience the government district and many other highlights from the water with a boat tour:

Tickets for boat tours

Top pick 2: Brandenburg Gate - Berlin's signature attraction

Without a doubt, the Brandenburg Gate is Berlin's signature attraction. Built in 1791, it was just one of many old city gates around the city of Berlin which, at that time, was still a manageable size. The decorative Pariser Platz was laid at the foot of the gate and is now home to many of the city's important buildings, for example, the Hotel Adlon with its wealth of history and the Akademie der Künste (Academy of the Arts).

Jurassic World: The Exhibition in the Expohalle Urban Banks

Jurassic World: The Exhibition is an interactive experience for the whole family on around 2,500 square meters, based on one of the biggest blockbusters in film history. Visitors walk through the famous gates of "Jurassic World" and come face to face with life-size dinosaurs.

Mehr erfahren

Top pick 3: Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm) - Berlin's highest attraction

The Berlin Television Tower , which is known to locals as the Fernsehturm , and is instantly recognisable from the distance, stand outs of the skyline at 368m, making it the tallest building and by far highest tourist attraction in Berlin. Built in the 1960s, visitors to the tower can enjoy a unique 360° panorama of the city. Tip: Visit the TV Tower with the Berlin Welcome Card and save up to 25 per cent. The Berlin WelcomeCard enables free travelling with all public transport services to the Berlin visitors. With over 200 partners and outstanding discounts the Berlin WelcomeCard offers you a complete „carefree“ package. 

Tickets for TV-Tower & Restaurant Sphere

Berlin Welcome Card

Deutschlandmuseum

The immersive history experience! Travel through 2000 years of German history: sneak round a castle, operate Gutenberg’s printing press, dance in the roaring 20s and see the ruins of Berlin after WW2. Finish in the 1990s on a Berlin S-Bahn.

Top pick 4: Humboldt Forum - always a great place to visit

Directly opposite Berlin's Museum Island , a new cosmopolitan forum for culture, art and science is located: the Humboldt Forum . Visible from afar, it covers an area of around 30,000 square metres. The reconstructed baroque palace facades shine in bright quince yellow. State-of-the-art interactive exhibitions await you under one roof and spread over five floors. The world-famous collections of the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art are also on display here.

Also take a look around the corner from the Humboldt Forum: The Friedrichswerder Church , built by Schinkel, is now a very special museum, displaying sculptures of classicism in the high neo-Gothic church hall.

Top pick 5: Gendarmenmarkt - Berlin's most beautiful attraction

The Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most stunning squares in the city, located close to Friedrichstraße , Berlin's exclusive shopping street in the central Mitte district. Three of the most impressive examples of architecture in the capital city are to be found here: the Concert House designed by Schinkel and the German and French Cathedrals (the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom ).

Combine your visit to Gendarmenmarkt with a city tour and discover other top sights:

Tickets for Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Top pick 6: Kurfürstendamm - Berlin's most famous shopping street

Extending all the way from the ruins of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz to Berlin's elegant Halensee neighbourhood, the affectionately termed Kurfürstendamm is the most expensive address in the capital city and home to the most exclusive brands. Europe's biggest department store KaDeWe is also situated on the extension of the Ku'damm, on the street known to locals as the Tauentzien (short for Tauentzienstrasse). You will find many sights and top attractions along this famous shopping street. The little ones will just love the Zoo Berlin , Germany's oldest zoo.

Day-Tickets for Zoo Berlin

Top pick 7: Charlottenburg Palace

The magnificent Charlottenburg Palace is located just outside the city centre. Built by the Prussian head of state Frederick I around 1700 for his beloved and much-admired wife, Queen Sophie Charlotte, it lies in the middle of a picturesque palace park directly on the River Spree. If you don't fancy a stroll in the park, you can also visit first-class museums and a collection of casts of ancient sculptures directly opposite on Schloßstraße.

Top pick 8: Museum Island 

Berlin's Museum Island is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and home to the city's most important exhibition centres: the Altes Museum ( Old Museum ), the Neues Museum ( New Museum ) the Bode Museum , the Pergamon Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie ( Old National Gallery ). The collections in these buildings encompass over 6,000 years of art and cultural history. Unfortunately, the Pergamon Museum is closed for extensive renovation work.

Just opposite Berlin's Museum Island, the magnificent monumental Berlin Cathedral, an important landmark of Berlin whose history dates back to the 15th century, is also located on the Museum Island.

Tip: Visit Berlin's museums with the 3-day Berlin Museum Pass . For €32 (reduced €16), the museum pass guarantees free admission for all Berlin visitors on three consecutive days to many museums. Order now in the visitBerlin-Shop

Tickets for the Museum Pass

Top pick 9: The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre

The Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer ( Berlin Wall Memorial ) is located between the districts of Wedding and Mitte on Bernauer Straße. The large area houses an outdoor exhibition, a documentation centre, the memorial to the victims of the division and the Chapel of Reconciliation. The surviving section of the wall and watchtower enable visitors to get a real feel for the reality of the border facilities. A must see Berlin attraction, not only for visitors interested in Beriln's history.

Get to know more about the Berlin wall at the East Side Gallery .

Top pick 10: Victory Column - magnificent view on Berlin

The Berlin Victory Column is one of the most famous landmarks of the German capital. The 67-metre-high column, crowned by the golden Berlin Peace Angel visible from afar, stands in the middle of the Tiergarten. From the platform you have a magnificent view over the parklands of the Tiergarten and over the whole of Berlin. The Victory Column was erected in the 19th century and originally commemorated Germany's wars of unity. Today it has become a symbol of peace.

From the Victory Column you can walk in the Tiergarten but also walk to the nearby Brandenburg Gate , Potsdamer Platz or the Berlin Reichstag .

More about sights in Berlin:

Sightseeing in berlin.

• All sights in Berlin

Museums in Berlin

Do you know what is planned in the historic centre of Berlin and which new openings are coming up? Find out on our infographic:

Berlin's new cultural centre

• Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
• Share on X Share on X
• Share by email Share by email
• Print page Print page

You might find this also interesting

Your Berlin guide with insider tips

The top sights, the best exhibitions and tickets for city tours – your must-do list for sightseeing in Berlin!

Show details

From Museum Island to the DDR Museum

From great masterpieces to unusual exhibits – Berlin’s museums are home to stunning works of art and fascinating worlds.

Experience Berlin (almost) for free.

Low Budget Sightseeing in Berlin

Berlin is exciting, Berlin is diverse and surprising for a capital city, Berlin isn't expensive. For visitors on a low budget the city is a

All Mars Resources

Perseverance’s ‘Bunsen Peak’ Sample

NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover captured this image of a sample cored from a rock called “Bunsen Peak” on March 11,…

NASA’s Curiosity Rover Reaches Gediz Vallis Channel (360 View)

360-degree panorama provided by NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover. This view was captured at Gediz Vallis channel, a feature that formed…

Animation of Mars Helicopter Flight Test

This animation shows a simulation of the response of NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter to the system identification, or “Sys-ID,” process.…

Rover, Helicopter Locations in Jezero Crater

This map shows the locations of NASA’ Perseverance rover (white star) and Ingenuity Mars Helicopter (cyan star) on Dec. 19,…

Sol 4132: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity took 31 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4130: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 31 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4128: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Perspective

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 30 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4128: Left Navigation Camera, Vertical Projection

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 30 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Left Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4128: Left Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Perspective

Sol 4128: Left Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

Sol 4128: Mast-Mounted Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Perspective

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 30 image pairs in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4128: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

Sol 4125: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 52 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4123: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 51 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…

Sol 4118: Right Navigation Camera, Cylindrical Projection

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity took 49 images in Gale Crater using its mast-mounted Right Navigation Camera (Navcam) to create this…