free guided walking tour berlin

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The Most Complete Free Tour of Berlin (Guide + Headphones)

Overview of the tour in Berlin

All you need to know about Berlin in 3:15 h. On the most comprehensive tour of Berlin, we will explore the heart of this city and learn about its fascinating history from its beginnings, visiting its Medieval Quarter, walking through its narrow cobbled streets, to the present day, with its nuances of the hyper cosmopolitan and diverse capital that it is today, highlighting the most important events in its almost 800 years of life. The places you will see are... Alexanderplatz Rotes Rathaus TV Tower Nikolaivirtel district Humboldt Forum (Interior) Museum island Berliner Dom Unter den Linden Royal Residences Neue Wache Humboldt University Bebelplatz / Book burning / State Opera Gendarmenmarkt Konzerthaus Französischer Dom Deutscher Dom Checkpoint Charlie Berlin Wall Air Ministry / Luftwaffe Hitler Bunker Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust Brandenburg Gate And more... At the end of the tour, personalized recommendations and Latin tips on request ;) I'm waiting for you to discover Berlin together!

This activity includes:

• Nikolaiviertel
• Humboldt Forum
• Alexanderplatz
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• Brandenburg Gate
• Rotes Rathaus
• Berlin Wall Memorial
• Berlin State Opera

Meeting point

Azem bistro

Azem bistro, en la esquina del Rotes Rathaus, I'll be standing with a multicoloured umbrella.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Free Walking Tour Berlin

Explore berlin like a local.

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[email protected], matej eber, peterssteinweg 14 04107 leipzig.

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Welcome to Berlin!

Ah, Berlin! From humble village beginnings to the capital of the mighty kingdom, then empire, through darkness and division of the Nazi and Communist eras and back to its glory as the defining capital of European culture, trends and fanciness – what a place to tell stories about!

On our tour we will journey from the east to the west, crossing times, rivers and stories that, especially in the last 200 years, have shaped not only the city but the entire world. Let us tell you who that Alexander on the Platz was, is there really any medieval Berlin and what are the connections between American and German Martin Luthers. Add to that the Humboldt University, Checkpoint Charlie and our finishing point, the Brandenburg Gate with its memories from the time of the Wall and you will have learned the basics of Berlin’s identity.

We will also revisit the stories connected with the darkest moments of the city, nation and Europe: Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and the resulting war and the Holocaust – the Jewish Memorial will remind us of the fragility of the world around us.

On the upper note feel free to ask us about the local hip and party scene, many calling it the defining nightlife scene of Europe and the beginning of the world trends. Berlin has learned its lesson – let the feeling of inclusiveness, hundreds of cultures coexisting and shaping the world for better take you!

On the tour we will see and discuss:

• Red Town Hall and the remains of the old Berlin
• Museum Island and the Berlin Cathedral
• Unter Den Linden and Humboldt University
• Book Burning Site
• Checkpoint Charlie and Berlin Wall stories
• Adolf Hitler’s Bunker Site
• Jewish Holocaust Memorial
• Brandenburg Gate

After joining the general Berlin tour check out our Alternative Berlin and Communist & Socialist free tours to understand Berlin and its history much better! 

We loved our walking tour with Mark, he was so knowledgeable and friendly. My 12 year old son had lots of questions which Mark was happy to answer.

Mark kept everyone engaged throughout and ensured we saw the whole tour despite having to run across the half marathon to get to checkpoint Charlie.

I highly rec ommend this tour.

Packed loads in

Really great tour of Berlin and packed lots into the 3 hour tour. Mark is a great guide, really informative, interesting and knowledgeable. Happy to recommend this tour to anyone wanting get to know Berlin and its history. Thanks

An experience everyone should have.

Will was the best. He was very talkative, explanatory and knowledgeable. He mentioned facts that even the museums did not have. Even though it snowed during the tour, Will managed to keep us going and to make sure everyone was ok. Highly recommend!

Great tour with Jules!

The tour has been very interesting and Jules has been really engaging, ironic and very available for clarifications and advice!

Amazing Berlin tour

Amazing tour by British guy (forgot his name), his historically knowledge link with his storytelling skills made this discover of Berlin unique. I consider this performance one of the best tour I attend to.

Thank you very much!

This tour is also available as a Private Tour.

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Welcome to berlin free tour by walkative.

Walkative was established in 2007 by a group of young enthusiasts who also happened to be licensed tour guides. Today, we operate in 20 cities in countries across all of Europe and beyond, including France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Ukraine and Israel. We have already guided more than 3 million tourists, with more than 350 000 in 2023 only! Despite this growth, we stay true to our values: be local and present the history of our cities in a professional, yet entertaining way, accessible for everybody, regardless their budget. We provide service not only in big, well established places like Berlin, Paris or Krakow, but also smaller, less known, yet no less fascinating locations, like Nice, Toruń or Lublin. We cooperate with highly trained, professional guides providing both engaging tip-based and regular fixed-price tours. And most importantly - we know our cities by heart! Join us and stay Walkative!

GW Originals free walking tours are chosen by our staff among the best and are unique tours that you will only find on GuruWalk .

• Free booking and cancellation Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Berlin is without any doubts one of the most interesting and important cities in the world. Our tour will give you a good understanding of the city, its history and the many ideas born in Berlin that shaped this city and the entire world! We will journey in time from the humble medieval beginnings, through the capital of a mighty kingdom and empire, revolution, dark times of nazism, destruction and communist divisions up to today – the trendiest and hottest city in the world. That was truly a spectacular transition, one you should not miss! 

On the tour we will see and discuss:

• Red Town Hall and the remains of the old Berlin
• Museum Island and the Berlin Cathedral
• Unter Den Linden and Humboldt University
• Book Burning Site
• Checkpoint Charlie and Berlin Wall stories
• Adolf Hitler’s Bunker Site
• Jewish Holocaust Memorial
• Brandenburg Gate

The last stop for this tour is Brandenburg Gate. Look for the yellow umbrella at the meeting point! ℹ️ ⚠️ ATTENTION - booking rules The tour is fit for pets, but one site, the Holocaust Memorial, is only allowed to walk around (so you see it, but not walk through). Please have that in mind.

Please note that our free tours are designed for individual travelers and small private groups only. Hence, we do not accept parties of 8 or more people on regular free tours and guides have the right to deny participation to such groups. If you travel in a party of 8 or more please book a private tour in advance.

If you show up at the meeting point with the bigger group our guide will ask you for the payment (12 eur/person) before the tour or cancel your reservation on the spot. To confirm your reservation please arrive 10 minutes before starting. We can not guarantee participation when you will be late.                                   Please note that multiply bookings (under different names) for 7 people who belong to one group will still be treated as one organized group and the guide has the right to deny participation to such parties.

This policy is implied in the best interest of our individual visitors. 

Please respect our rules.     

What will we visit on this tour?

In front of the Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus) - look for the yellow umbrella!

• 1 Outside visit Rotes Rathaus
• 2 Outside visit Berliner Dom
• 3 Outside visit Humboldt-Universität in Berlin Show 2 more stops
• 4 Outside visit Gendarmenmarkt
• 5 Outside visit Brandenburg Gate

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price , instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

Tour opinions (4295)

The tour was everything - interesting, fun, diverse. We had a great time and would 100% recommend!

A great tour. Would highly recommend!

Great tour! For three hours we saw many places and attractions in Berlin and learned a lot of interesting facts and valuable information. Would definitely recommend!

Who is this tour for?

What should you know, others tours from this guru, others cities to visit after berlin.

Find similar guruwalks in Berlin

Where are you traveling to?

• Santiago de Chile
• Santiago de Compostela

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN BERLIN

• PRIVATE TOURS

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Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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Discover the many faces of Berlin with a passionate local guide

Berlin is a city like no other. Our tours take you through some of the most dramatic scenes of global history to show you how Berlin has emerged from its dark past to become one of the world’s most exciting cities.

The original  Free Tour of Berlin  covers many of Berlin’s top attractions, including the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. After you’ve got the overview with the free walking tour, delve deeper with us.

For those wanting tours of the Nazi era, the  Third Reich Tour  takes you to the Nazi government district, former Jewish district, and the area covering memorials to the Nazi’s victims. We also believe everyone should visit a concentration camp at least once in their lives, and so the  Sachsenhausen Memorial Tour  runs every day.

Of course, when the Third Reich fell the Cold War began, and the SANDEMANs Red Berlin Tour  will take you to some of Berlin’s most fascinating areas, including the Berlin Wall Memorial. But Berlin is not just known for its history! Some of the top areas of Berlin are covered in our  Alternative Berlin Tour , including street art, squats and underground clubs.

If you want some nature, explore the most beautiful area near Berlin with a  day trip to Potsdam , where you’ll see palaces, gardens and the infamous Bridge of Spies. After all those walking tours, you’ll need a drink! Experience the best of German beer with the  Berlin Beer Tour , or if you’re looking for a party, join us every night of the week for the best bar crawl in Berlin, our top-rated Pub Crawl , TripAdvisor’s number one nightlife activity!

Enjoy authentic local experiences

Berlin is part of the SANDEMANs NEW Europe network, one of the largest walking tour companies in the world. Offering daily tours in English, Spanish and German, we believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Berlin's best local tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style.

Aside from the Free Tour, in Berlin you’ll also find unforgettable tours and experiences. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

Tours & activities across Europe, Israel & USA

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• Over 160,000 five-star reviews
• Over 100 tours daily, rain, hail or shine
• Top quality tours with local guides, whatever your budget

Things to do in Berlin

Ready to start exploring Berlin? Check out these useful tips and don't miss any of the city's main attractions

The best accommodation in town

Finding the right place to stay can be difficult - that's why we have sorted you out with a list of our favourite hostels and hotels in Berlin

The best places to eat in Berlin

Don't fall into any tourist trap! Here's a list of the top places to eat in Berlin recommended by locals

The greatest bars in the city

Discover our selection of popular spots among the locals to taste from craft beer to delicious cocktails

The best shopping in Berlin

Find everything you are looking for with this guide to the best shops, markets and shopping streets in Berlin

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, its staff members, nor any of the freelance guides we work with will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides and tour leaders reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day at 10am & 12pm Where: The meeting point is in front of Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz, Otto-Braun-Straße 65, 10178 Berlin, Germany. Next to the Entrance. Reservation Fee: There is a €1 reservation fee required to secure your place on the tour.

Explore Berlin’s rich history and modern charm with our Free Walking Tour. This tour covers famous Berlin attractions, influential historical sights, stories of past wars, urban legends, and the city’s triumphs and tragedies.

The tour also includes visits to important sites like Unter Den Linden (Humboldt University), site of the Nazi book burning, and Gendarmenmarkt. Learn about Berlin’s transformation from a small fishing village to the Prussian Empire, the Nazi Third Reich, and the Soviet Rule.

Contact us at [email protected] for group or private bookings.

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From Berlin: The Original Free Walking Tour

Uncover Berlin’s Hidden Gems with Our Top-Rated Free Walking Tour! Delve deep into the heart of Berlin’s rich history and vibrant culture. This tour is more than just a walk; it’s a captivating voyage through iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate , Reichstag , Holocaust Memorial , Luftwaffe HQ , Checkpoint Charlie , Unter den Linden (Humboldt University), the notorious site of the Nazi book burning , Gendarmenmarkt , and so much more.

Guided by our enthusiastic and well-informed local experts, this tour offers an engaging blend of facts and stories. If post-tour plans of a delicious meal, thrilling dance, or soulful live music are on your mind, we’ve got the best insider tips just for you. Dive into Berlin’s unique allure – book your spot now!

Berlin Free Walking Tour: Essential Details

Walking tour details.

Price: Free (The tour is free, but tips for the guide are appreciated.)

Times: Daily at 10am & 12pm.

Location: The meeting point is in front of Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz, Otto-Braun-Straße 65, 10178 Berlin, Germany. Next to the Entrance.

This Walking Tour Includes

• The Reichstag
• Berliner Dom
• WWII Battlefields
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Surviving sections of the Berlin Wall
• Brandenburg Gate
• Intriguing tales from Berlin’s history
• Local legends and urban myths
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
• And many more captivating sites …

Additional Information

• A break is included in the tour.
• The route through the historic Mitte district can vary based on weather, the guide, and the group’s dynamics. This ensures each tour is distinct, promising a one-of-a-kind experience with our engaging and knowledgeable guide.

Free Tour Berlin: Why Tour With Us?

Free and insightful.

Be Original Tours offers engaging walking tours that merge education with entertainment.

Discover Berlin's Best

Explore the top attractions of Berlin with Be Original Tours’ free walking adventure.

Daily Tours

We offer free walking tours every day, making it easy for you to fit one into your plans.

We're Here to Help

Got questions or worries while traveling? Don’t hesitate to reach out; we’re always ready to assist and guide you.

Free Walking Tour Berlin: Explore Berlin’s Rich History

Join us on a memorable journey through Berlin’s storied past. Experience the city’s evolution from a quaint fishing village to the bustling heart of the Prussian Empire. Engage with tales from the Nazi era, the Cold War, and the iconic moments surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Our free Berlin walking tour  experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, taking you through landmark locations: Alexanderplatz, Saint Marienkirche, Berliner Dom, Unter den Linden, Bebelplatz, Checkpoint Charlie, and beyond. Discover the powerful stories behind the remnants of the Berlin Wall and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

Concluding at the majestic Brandenburg Gate, our knowledgeable local guide from the Berlin free tour community will happily share suggestions for the rest of your Berlin adventure.

Skip the standard guidebooks and be part of the free Berlin tours that offer an authentic glimpse into the city. Embark on this unique exploration with us. Reserve your place today!

From Berlin: The Original Free Walking Tour Berlin

Berlin, a city brimming with history and culture, magnetizes countless travelers. Dive deep into its essence with Be Original Tours. Our free walking tour, renowned as one of the best in Berlin, promises an unparalleled and genuine experience. Guided by our well-informed and captivating experts, you’ll explore not just the famous landmarks but also those tucked-away treasures often overlooked by tourists. Experience Berlin’s authentic charm with us! Secure your place by booking now!

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Free Walking Tour Berlin

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

An Insider’s Guide to Berlin: Free Walking Tours

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

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to Berlin and want to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks, free walking tours are a fantastic option. These guided tours provide a unique and immersive experience that allows you to discover the city at your own pace while learning from knowledgeable local guides.

Why Choose a Free Walking Tour?

Free walking tours offer several advantages for beginners exploring Berlin:

• Cost-effective: As the name suggests, these tours are free. Instead, the guides work on a tip-based system, allowing you to decide the appropriate amount to reward their efforts based on your satisfaction.
• Insider knowledge: Local guides are passionate about their city and provide valuable insights into Berlin’s history, culture, and hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.
• Flexible schedules: Free walking tours are offered multiple times a day, providing flexibility for you to choose a time that suits your itinerary.
• Meet fellow travelers: Joining a walking tour is an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals from around the world and make new friends.

How to Choose the Right Tour

With numerous walking tour options available in Berlin, it’s essential to select one that aligns with your interests and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

• Focus and theme: Different walking tours cater to various aspects of Berlin’s history, such as World War II, Cold War, street art, or general city highlights. Choose a tour that matches your interests.
• Duration: Tours typically last between 2-4 hours. Consider the time you have available and how much walking you’re comfortable with.
• Reviews and reputation: Check online reviews and ratings to gauge the quality and reliability of the tour operator. This helps ensure a positive experience.
• Meeting point: Verify the meeting point in advance and plan accordingly. Most free walking tours start from popular landmarks like Brandenburg Gate or Alexanderplatz.

Tour Highlights

While each walking tour in Berlin offers its own unique itinerary, there are several popular attractions commonly included:

• Brandenburg Gate: A symbol of Berlin and a significant historical site.
• Reichstag Building: The impressive German Parliament building with a glass dome offering panoramic views of the city.
• Checkpoint Charlie: The famous Cold War checkpoint between East and West Berlin.
• East Side Gallery: A stretch of the Berlin Wall adorned with vibrant street art.
• Museum Island: Home to several world-class museums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Practical Tips for a Great Experience

Make the most of your free walking tour in Berlin by following these practical tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes: Berlin is a city meant for walking, so choose comfortable footwear to keep your feet happy during the tour.
• Check the weather: Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day of your tour. Bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed.
• Stay hydrated: Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during summer months.
• Bring a camera: Capture the stunning sights along the tour route and create lasting memories.
• Engage with your guide: Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek recommendations, and engage in discussions with your knowledgeable guide.

A free walking tour in Berlin is an excellent way for beginners to explore this fascinating city, immerse themselves in its history and culture, and discover its iconic landmarks. The combination of expert guidance, flexible schedules, and cost-effectiveness makes it an ideal choice for all types of travelers. So, lace up your shoes, choose a tour that sparks your interest, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the streets of Berlin!

Table of Contents

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

WHAT TO EXPECT

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

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Guided walking tours

Guided walking tours & individual tours

On a city tour of Berlin, you will experience the most exciting sights of the metropolis up close. Trips through individual neighborhoods or individual guided tours on foot will show you the capital. If you want to immerse yourself in Berlin's eventful history, you can get to know the highlights in four hours on a guided walking tour.

On different tours you choose the main focus according to your interest. Would you like to discover Berlin's backyards or get to know the colorful street art scene ? On the city tours, the guides will bring you closer to Berlin in all its fascinating facets.

Conveniently book your tickets for city tours & walking tours in Berlin online.

2-hour tour through Berlin's hidden backyards in Berlin Mitte

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The Best Walking Tours in Berlin

Berlin is a moveable feast. The sprawling German capital has remarkable restaurants (serving cuisines from all over the world), amazing bars, some of the best clubs in the world, cool third-wave coffee spots, world-class museums, an eclectic mix of architectural styles, one of the most diverse populations in Europe , and a real mix of quirky subcultures.

To help you explore this complex history, there is a legion of guided tours you can take to get an up-close and personal view of this Central European metropolis — from walking tours to eating to drinking tours to biking to driving around in a Trabant, the kitschy Communist-era cars. Walking tours are my favorite way to see cities because you have a local guide you around who can answer your questions and share their insider tips.

Here’s my list of the best walking tours in Berlin to help you make the most out of your time in this cool capital!

Best Overall Tour

Insider’s Third Reich and Cold War Tour

If you want to see Berlin’s main highlights and learn about the turbulent past of Germany’s capital, take this Third Reich and Cold War tour . Run by expert local guides, it’s the best-paid tour for budget travelers looking to learn more about Berlin, its violent and complicated past, and how the city came to be. I can’t recommend it enough!

Best Free Tour

This free two-hour walking tour starts at the iconic Brandenburg Gate and slowly makes its way around the main sites of the city, including the striking Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Hitler’s former bunker, a swath of the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie, giving you a nice introduction on the 20th-century history of Berlin. Just remember to tip at the end!

Here are a few more walking tour options to help you make the most of your time in Berlin:  

1. Original Berlin Tours

Meet at the fountain near the Park Inn on Alexanderplatz and get ready for a fun, free tour of Berlin. With groups of 10 people or fewer, these walking tours will ensure you have access to the guide as you make stops at Reichstag, the Berliner Dom, Checkpoint Charlie, and various World War II places of battle. The itinerary is up to each guide, so you never know where she or he might take you. But you’ll learn a lot no matter what!

2. Secret Tours

Berlin has a lot of secrets — and Secret Tours wants to share them. Choose to head out to Teufelsberg , a Cold War-era base for US Army wiretapping programs on the edge of the former West Berlin; or explore Charité, the city’s weird and wonderful centuries-old hospital. You can also go on a walking tour through the backyards and courtyards of Mitte apartment buildings , an opportunity you would not get if you were trying to do it on your own. If you want something unique and niche, this is the company for you.

Tours from 20 EUR.

3. Trabi Safari

Tired of trudging through the city? Then hop in a Trabant, or Trabi, as they’re called in Germany. These diminutive automobiles were a Communist-era automobile staple in Germany. The body of the cars were made from plastic. Today they are a nostalgic symbol of the erstwhile East Berlin. And this tour company offers a drive around Berlin in a Trabi while you see the sights and learn about the history of the city. Best of all, you get your very own Trabi to drive during the tour.

Tours from 59 EUR.

4. Alternative Berlin Tours

If you’ve heard everything there is to know about Hitler and Bismarck and you want to skip the typical highlights and see a different side of Berlin, this free walking tour is for you. The informative guides regale tour-takers with stories about the squatting culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the legendary techno club scene, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and punk rock culture. Tours last around three hours and they end at a riverside “beach bar” where you can have a beer with the guide.

5. Fork and Walk

If you’re a foodie like me, this tour company does guided tours that combine food, street art, and history as well as tours for vegans (Berlin is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world). But if you take the “Trends & Classics” tour you’ll get to sample the iconic currywurst, sip some schnapps, drink some local brews, and eat German pastries, among other delectable things. Just make sure to bring an appetite!

Tours from 69 EUR.

6. Berliner Unterwelten

These fascinating walking tours take you underground. And I’m not just talking in metaphors. You literally stroll under the streets of Berlin, exploring various Cold War and World War II-era bunkers; gawking at the few remnants of Germania, the utopian metropolis that Hitler wanted to build; and walking through sub-terrestrial tunnels that were used for secret and nefarious purposes — including the tunnels that were dug under the Berlin Wall.

Tours from 16 EUR.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Berlin: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• Meininger Berlin Tiergarten .
• Heart of Gold Hostel

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here’s a longer list of my favorite hostels in Berlin .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Berlin? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Berlin for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Best of Berlin in One Day

Home » Europe » Germany » Best of Berlin in One Day

By Vicky · Published Feb. 2nd, 2024 · Updated Feb. 4th, 2024

When you buy through links highlighted with an asterisk (*) on this site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Discover the best things to see in Berlin in one day on this walking tour, from Alexanderplatz to the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and more.

Page Contents:

This walking tour starts from the World Time Clock (Weltzeituhr) on Alexanderplatz. It’s just next to Alexanderplatz Bahnhof, which has trains, U-Bahn, bus and tram services.

Best of Berlin in One Day Walking Tour Map

Tips for the best of berlin in one day.

• Many museums in Berlin are closed on Monday, while all the shops are closed on Sunday.
• Get tickets to the Berliner Fernsehturm * in advance, especially in the summer, as tickets can sell out.
• Gendarmenmarkt is under renovation until at least 2025.
• Check out other walks and city guides on our Germany Hiking Page .

Best Things to do in Berlin in One Day

• Alexanderplatz
• Humboldt Forum
• Berlin Cathedral
• Neues Museum
• Gendarmenmarkt
• Brandenburg Gate
• Memorial to the Fallen Jews
• Potsdamer Platz
• Topography of Terror
• Checkpoint Charlie
• East Side Gallery

This free, self-guided walking tour leads to you all the best sights of Berlin. If you prefer a guide, there are many great options for a guided walking tour of Berlin *. You can complete this walk in one day, but if you have more time in Berlin you’ll be able to visit more museums and explore the different areas in more detail – check out the posts below!

Museum Island & Central Berlin Walking Tour

Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag Walking Tour

Alexanderplatz & Around Walking Tour

Schloss Charlottenburg & Around

Berlin Wall Walk

Potsdamer Platz & Around Walking Tour

Best of berlin in one day walking tour route.

This walking tour starts from the Weltzeituhr on Alexanderplatz.

1. Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz is one of the most famous squares in Berlin, named after the Russian Tsar Alexander I. Within the large square, which extends to the river, are several sights of interest, listed below.

Directions: Head towards the obvious Fernsehturm, then right towards the old church and finally to the impressive red city hall.

Berliner Fernsehturm

The Fernsehturm (TV Tower, open every day 10am-11pm, tickets from €22.50), opened in 1969, is one of Berlin’s most iconic structures and a symbol of Berlin. It has panoramic views and a revolving restaurant near the top.

St Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s (open every day 10am-4pm, free entry) is one of Berlin’s oldest churches, surviving various wars, with the original structure dating back to the 13th century. The most notable element inside is the famous Totentanz (Dance of Death), a medieval fresco.

Rotes Rathaus

The Rotes Rathaus (free entry, open weekdays 9am-6pm) is a striking red-brick building from the late 19th century. There’s a small exhibition inside including sculptures and a Lego model of the building.

Directions: Head to the bridge to the left of the cathedral. On the other side, head left to walk through the fancy building of the Humbolt Forum.

2. Humboldt Forum

Key Information: Exhibitions open Wed-Mon 10:30am-6:30pm. Most exhibitions are free of charge.

The Humboldt Forum is located in the rebuilt Berliner Schloss, or Berlin Palace, constructed in the 15th century. The Prussian Kings and German Kaisers lived here, but the building was severely damaged in World War II. It’s definitely worth wandering through the middle passageway of the building and into the courtyard at the back to see the architecture. Inside there are several things to see, including the Ethnologisches Museum, Asian Art Museum, Palace Cellar & Video Panorama about the history of the Berlin Palace, a glass dome you can climb up, plus special exhibits.

Directions: Walk back to the impressive Cathedral.

3. Berlin Cathedral

Key Information: Open weekdays 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. Tickets cost €10/7.50.

The Berlin Cathedral , or Berliner Dom, is an icon of Berlin and a symbol of Germany’s Protestant Church. Construction began in 1894 and the final result is an impressive blend of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Today the cathedral’s ornate façade, crowned by a massive copper dome, dominates the skyline. If you pay to go in, you can explore the richly decorated interior, featuring intricate mosaics, impressive sculptures, and beautiful stained glass windows. You can also climb up to the dome, from which you get great views of the impressive museum buildings and the rest of central Berlin.

Directions: Turn right as you leave the cathedral to pass to the right of the Neoclassical Altes Museum. On the other side of the road are the Alte Nationalgalerie, which looks like an Ancient Greek Temple, and the Neues Museums, which doesn’t look quite so impressive.

4. Neues Museums

Key Information: Open Tue-Sun from 10-6pm, tickets cost €14.

The most popular museum on Museum Island was the Pergamonmuseum, but this is closed until 2027. So, if you have time to just visit one museum, make it the Neues Museum. This showcases an impressive array of Egyptian, Prehistoric, and Classical antiquities. The most famous exhibit is the iconic bust of Queen Nefertiti, created around 1345 BC, and considered one of the most beautiful works of art from the ancient world. Alternatively, visit the Pergamonmuseum: Das Panorama, which displays a sample of exhibits from the Pergamonmuseum.

If you’re in Berlin for more than one day, it’s worth getting a Berlin WelcomeCard: Museum Island & Public Transport *. This costs €54, is valid for 3 days, and includes public transport, all museums on Museum Island plus gives you discounts at many other Berlin attractions.

Directions: Head across the bridge towards the centre of Berlin and turn left on the other side. Turn right on the large Unter Den Linden Strasse.

Unter den Linden Strasse

This large street is one of the main thoroughfares through Berlin and is lined by fancy old buildings. The German Historical Museum (or Deutsches Historisches Museum) is the first building on your right, but it’s currently closed for renovations. After this, you’ll pass the Neue Wache , or New Guard House. This is a memorial to those who died in war. It’s free to enter and inside you’ll find a sorrowful statue created by Käthe Kollwitz of a mother holding her dead son. The next building is the Humboldt University of Berlin , one of the most famous universities in Germany.

Directions: Cross over the road and into the square opposite the university.

5. Bebelplatz

Bebelplatz gained infamy as the location of the Nazi book-burning ceremony. The event was organised by the Nazis to burn books that were deemed “un-German” and contrary to their ideology. Today there’s a memorial consisting of a glass plate set into the cobblestones, allowing visitors to peer into an underground room filled with empty bookshelves.

Bebelplatz is surrounded by several prominent buildings, including the State Opera, St. Hedwig’s Cathedral , and the former Royal Library (now Humboldt University Law Faculty).

Directions: Walk through the square, turn right at the end, then take the first left. You’ll see the large square of Gendarmenmarkt before you. It’s undergoing renovation until 2025, so if you want to skip it, return directly to Unter den Linden Strasse.

6. Gendarmenmarkt

There are several lovely buildings on this square, however the square is undergoing renovation until at least 2025. The Konzerthaus Berlin occupies the centre of the square, while there are two almost identical churches on either side:

The Französischer Dom (open Tue-Sun 11am-4pm, tickets for the tower cost €6.50/4.50, audio guide an extra €3.50) was built to serve the Huguenot community (members of the French Protestant Church) in Berlin. Today there’s a museum about the Huguenots and you can climb the tower for great views of the surroundings.

The Deutscher Dom (open Tue-Sun 10-7pm in summer, until 6pm in winter, free admission, exhibitions in German only) houses an exhibition on the history of German parliamentary democracy.

Directions: Leave the square towards Unter den Linden Strasse, and then turn left on this main street. Keep walking until you reach the next stop.

7. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of both the city and German history. It was built in the late 18th century by King Frederick William II of Prussia as a neoclassical triumphal arch. During the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate became a powerful symbol of the division between East and West Berlin. The gate was located in the no man’s land of the Berlin Wall, and its image was often associated with the separation of the city and the ideological conflict between the communist and capitalist blocs.

Directions: Head through the gate and right towards the Reichstag. Walk around the back to see the building from all sides. The security check before you can enter is near the Tiergarten.

8. Reichstag

Key Information: Free entry, but you have to book timeslots in advance from the official website . Book at least one day before your visit as it takes some time to get the confirmation. Bring your official ID with you. It’s open daily from 8am to 9:45pm. There’s also a free audioguide.

The Reichstag is the seat of the German parliament. The main attraction is the Reichstag Dome, a large glass dome at the top with panoramic views over Berlin. It’s free to enter (but book in advance), and you can walk up the spiral ramp to the top while enjoying views of the city and the parliamentary chamber below. The audioguide will guide you around, and there’s also a small exhibit about the history of the building and the German government.

Have lunch at the Reichstag rooftop restaurant *

Directions: Cut through the park back towards the Brandenburg Gate and turn right along the edge of the park.

9. Memorial to the Fallen Jews

The Memorial to the Fallen Jews, commonly known as the Holocaust Memorial is a somber memorial in the centre of Berlin. It was built in 2005, and consists of 2,711 concrete slabs or stelae of varying heights arranged in a grid pattern over a sloping field. You can walk through the maze-like arrangement of slabs, and the idea is to feel a sense of unease and disorientation while at the same time allowing for solitude and quiet reflection. On the far side is an underground information centre that provides more information about the memorial.

Directions: Continue walking down the main street to reach Potsdamer Platz. Alternatively, if you don’t want to walk much further or are running out of time, you can catch a bus from near hear to the last stop – the East Side Gallery. There’s a direct bus (Bus 300) from Behrenstrasse/Wilhelmstrasse Bus Stop to Berlin Ostbahnhof, which is a five-minute walk from the East Side Gallery. Buses leave every 20 minutes and the journey also takes about 20 minutes.

10. Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is a bustling square known for its modern architecture, entertainment options, and historical significance. During the division of Berlin, Potsdamer Platz became a “no man’s land” and a desolate area due to its location at the border between East and West Berlin. Today there’s a short section of the Berlin Wall here and several information panels explaining the wall’s history in this area.

Directions: Head onward down the main road and take the next road to your left.

11. Topography of Terror

Key Information: Free entry. Indoor exhibits are open daily 10am-8pm, the outdoor area is officially closed when it’s dark. Audioguides are available.

The Topography of Terror Museum (free entry, open daily 10am-8pm) is a popular museum located at the former headquarters of the Nazi regime of terror. It’s also next to the Berlin Wall, though the exhibits concentrate on the Nazis rather than the Cold War. There are three main parts to this site: 1) the indoor museum that chronicles the history of the Nazi regime, 2) the outdoor exhibition trench about life in Berlin from 1933 to 1945, and 3) a walk around the grounds with information panels.

Directions: Walk along the main road for another block, past the touristy big air balloon, and to the next road junction.

12. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the renowned border crossing linking East and West Berlin within the Soviet and American sectors. It held significant political symbolism throughout the Cold War era, reflecting the heightened tensions between the opposing sides. Today, a reconstructed checkpoint booth stands along with the iconic sign declaring “You are leaving the American Sector” in English, Russian, French, and German.

Apart from the checkpoint itself, there are several museums surrounding the old checkpoint:

Wall Museum – Checkpoint Charlie

The Wall Museum – Checkpoint Charlie (open daily 10am-6pm, tickets cost €17.50/9.50 per adult/child) tells the history of the Berlin Wall, escape attempts, and the broader context of the Cold War.

Get tickets to the Wall Museum *

THE WALL – asisi Panorama

THE WALL – asisi Panorama (open daily 10am-6pm, tickets cost €11/5 per adult/child) is an immersive museum revolving around a 360-degree panorama showing a day in the life of Berlin citizens.

Get tickets to THE WALL – asisi Panorama *

Cold War Black Box Checkpoint Charlie

The Cold War Black Box (Open daily 10am-6pm, tickets cost €5/3.50/free per adult/teenager/child) is a small, engaging museum that takes you through the chronological history of the wall.

Directions: From here, take public transport to the East Side Gallery. There are several routes you can take, including buses, metros and trains. Most of the quickest routes take you to Berlin Ostbahnhof, a five-minute walk from the East Side Gallery.

13. East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is an open-air gallery of the longest section of the Berlin Wall (about 1 km). It’s covered in interesting graffiti by over 100 artists from around the world. They were invited to paint murals on the east side of the Wall shortly after it fell.

The most famous artwork is of two old men kissing – these are the General Secretaries of the Soviet Union and the Socialist Unity Party of East Germany (Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker). This mural can be found on the east (road) side of the wall near the Oberbaum Bridge (the fancy bridge).

Directions: This is the end of the Best of Berlin in One Day Free Walking Tour. From here there are many public transport options to take you elsewhere. If you’re staying in Berlin for more than one day, check out our more detailed guides below.

Explore Berlin Further

Museum Island & Central Berlin Walking Tour – find out more about the museums and monuments in the heart of Berlin

Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag Walking Tour – discover more of the Government District on this short walk

Potsdamer Platz & Around Walking Tour – visit the Kulturforum for plenty of artwork and find a great panorama viewpoint

Alexanderplatz & Around Walking Tour – find out that there’s more to just the famous square on this side of central Berlin

Berlin Wall Walk – walk the central and most interesting 15 km of the Berlin Wall to discover more of its history and how it divided the city

Schloss Charlottenburg & Around – take a half-day trip to the suburbs of Berlin to wonder at this opulent palace with pleasant grounds

Guidebooks to explore more of Germany

For more city walking tours and hikes in Germany, see our Germany hiking page .

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A self guided free walking tour of Berlin Mitte

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

Where to stay in Berlin Mitte: Circus Hostel Berlin

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

Back to our self guided walking tour of Berlin Mitte…

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

World Time Clock, Alexanderplatz

1. Alexanderplatz

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

2. Berlin TV Tower

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

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

Haus des Lehrers

3. Haus des Lehrers ( Alexanderplatz 9 )

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

4. Kino International ( Karl Marx Allee )

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

Hackescher Markt

5.Hackescher Markt

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

Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt

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

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

Friedhof Große Hamburger Straße

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

Dead Chicken Alley

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

Currywurst at Curry 61!

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

Cupola of the Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin

Museum Island

6. Museum Island

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

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

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

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

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

7. Unter Den Linden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Tip: Best viewpoint in Berlin

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

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

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

8. Holocaust Memorial

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

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

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

Potsdamer Platz

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

Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer

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

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

Clarchens Ballhaus

Cool places to eat and drink in berlin mitte.

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

Tadshiksche Teestube

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

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

Where to drink beer in Mitte?

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

Zeit fur Brot

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

Monsieur Vuong

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

Banh Mi Deli

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

Cuore Di Vetro

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

Top tip: Visit a Späti

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

Shopping in Mitte?

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

Further Berlin resources and guides to checkout 

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

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

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

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Anne Wittig

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