Cool Things to Do and Tourist Attractions to Visit in Berlin

September 10, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 6348 Views

Berlin is the national capital of Germany and also the largest city in the country. The city has played an important role in shaping the history of Europe as well as the world. Some of the biggest events of human history have occurred in Berlin. The places to visit in Berlin have witnessed incredible moments which have shaped the course of modern world. The city today is a lively metropolis, yet Berlin tourist attractions tell a historic tale from amidst the modern structures. It is one of the primary business hubs of the country, yet there are several top things to do in Berlin for leisure as well.

There are several best places to visit in Berlin to begin your journey as a tourist. The first Berlin tourist attractions to visit is the famous as well as infamous Berlin Wall. The fall of Berlin Wall was one of the biggest events in history of the world. It is overwhelming to see the monument in person. Among the best things to do in Berlin is pay respects to those who had suffered during dark days at the Wall. Almost each section of the Wall has several stories associated with this Berlin attraction. A visit to the Wall is also among free things to do in Berlin. There are no charges for Berlin sightseeing along the Wall except for some spots. Another major Berlin tourist spot depicting darker days of the city is Topography of Terror Museum. Though there are several things to see in Berlin reminiscent of Nazi Power and Holocaust. None of the Berlin tourist attractions depicts the severity of those days as Topography of Terror Museum. It is not among fun things to do in Berlin, but it is definitely an important part of the region’s history.

Besides Berlin Wall and Topography of Terror there are many Berlin top attractions to explore concerning history, art, and culture. You can explore the places to see in Berlin at Museum Island. The island comprises of 5 incredible museums. This Berlin tourist attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should bask in sculpted glory of Brandenburg Gate among best places to visit in Berlin. You can then explore Reichstag Palace and Fuhrer Bunker as well. Both are historically significant Berlin tourist attractions. You can see several other best things to do in Berlin as you read the article. Among top places to visit in Berlin are museums, palaces, and art galleries.

On the lighter side of Berlin travel, it is one of the most popular party hub in Europe. People visit Berlin for happening clubs, inexpensive alcohol, and a groovy vibe. The people of Germany enjoy top things to do in Berlin at night with locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy Berlin sightseeing during the day and kick back at a club, bar or lounge for things to do in Berlin at night. Another reason to explore Berlin points of interest is the food and the beer. Germany is well known for brewing some of the tastiest beer in the world. You can try variety of local beers among top things to do in Berlin.

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Table of Contents

5 Days Trip Itinerary of Berlin Tourist Attractions

This section gives an outline of popular Berlin tourist attractions which you can explore in a span of 5 days.

Day 1

1. St. Mary’s Church (Marienkirche)

The church was established in year 1250 as a Roman Catholic Church and was later transformed into a Lutheran Protestant Church. You will see differences in interior design and architecture of the church from the time of its transformation. You would need about 20 to 30 minutes for this church.

2. Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

This baroque cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city and among top places to visit in Berlin. The baroque style church is well known for its dome, interior mosiacs, architecture and a large church organ. It is among the most beautiful things to see in Berlin. You will need about an hour to explore this church.

3. Altes Museum (Old Museum)

The museum is well known, not only for its collection but also for its Neo-classical architecture. The collection of this museum primarily consists of classical antiques and art works. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should Book your Entrance Ticket of Altes Museum in advance.

4. Neues Museum (New Museum)

This museum exhibits collection of items from Pre-history and Early history. It also boasts an impressive collection of Egyptian history. You will again need 2 to 3 hours to explore the various exhibits of this museum.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket of Neues Museum in advance.

5. Pergamonmuseum (Pergamon Museum)

The museum is named after Pergamon Alter Frieze which was excavated in 1886. It also holds several interesting things to see in Berlin including works of islamic art and other antiques collected from Middle East. It will take you at least 2 hours to explore this museum entirely.

I suggest you should book your Entrance Ticket of Pergamon Museum in advance.

6. Bebelplatz

This square is where the first infamous books burning event took place under the reign of Adolf Hitler. You will need 30 minutes at this square.

Day 2

1. Checkpoint Charlie

This checkpoint stood between east and west Germany during the cold war and is among the most important places to visit in Berlin. The checkpoint also serves as a museum exhibiting artifacts and stories from one of the darkest period in the city’s history. You would need about an hour at this Museum.

I suggest you must try Walking Tour of Cold War in Berlin.

2. Gendarmenmarkt

This square is included among the most beautiful squares in Europe. It is surrounded by 3 of most famous historical Berlin tourist attractions, namely Konzerthaus, the Franzosischer Dom and the Deutscher Dom. You would need about an hour at this square.

3. Unter Den Liden

This long boulevard is lined with trees on either side. This long route has several important Berlin attractions along its side which you can explore. If you plan to explore this entire route, you will need at least an hour.

4. Madame Tussauds Museum Berlin

This museum doesn’t need much introduction as such. It is a collection of wax statues depicting some of the most famous and accomplished people in their respective fields. It is very popular among people who visit Berlin. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

I suggest you should get Admission Ticket of Madame Tussauds Museum in advance.

5. Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)

This memorial is dedicated to Jewish people who were murdered in Europe during the Nazi reign. The monument was designed by architect Peter Eisenman and is among the most important places to visit in Berlin. You will need about an hour at this monument.

6. Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)

This famous gate used to be the entrance to the ancient city of Berlin. Later is was also the point of division for the city. Today it is one of the most visited Berlin tourist attractions. You will need 30 minutes to admire this grand gate.

7. Reichstag (Reichstagsgebäude)

This is the building of German Parliament. It is included among top sights in Berlin for its impressive architecture and the huge dome atop the building. There are only a certain parts of the building which are open to public, so you won’t need more than 30 minutes here.

I suggest you should try a Tour of Reichstag Battlefield in Berlin

8. Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde)

This is the Natural History Museum of the city. This museum boasts an impressive collection of 30 million exhibits. It is definitely among top things to visit in Berlin and will require about 2 hours of your time.

I suggest you should book your Entrance Ticket of Natural History Museum in advance.

Day 3

1. Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie)

Also known as the Old National Gallery, this art museum is among top Berlin points of interest. Majority of the exhibits in the gallery are sculptures and artworks from the 19th century. You will need at least an hour to explore this gallery.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Ticket of Alte Nationalgalerie.

2. Bode Museum

This museum has one of the most varied art collection in the city. It is among the top places to see in Berlin for its collection of art and artifacts of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance periods. You will need one hour or more to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book a Skip-the-Line Ticket of Bode Museum in advance.

3. DDR Museum

This museum shows what life was like during the cold war period, especially in East Germany. This museum is among best places to visit in Berlin to get an insight into that dark period of separation. You will need about an hour at this museum.

I suggest you should book your Entry Ticket of DDR Museum in advance.

4. Berlin Television Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm)

This 360 meter tall television tower is one of the best spots in the city for Berlin sightseeing. You would need 20 to 30 minutes at this tower.

I suggest you should book Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket of TV Tower in Berlin.

5. Alexanderplatz

This square used to be the center of East Berlin. It is a popular place for shopping among top things to do in Berlin as well as an important landmark to visit among Berlin sights. You will need about an hour at this square.

6. Markisches Museum

Established inside a Red-Brick built church, this museum is dedicated to the culture and life-style of the people who lived on this land at different points of time. It is one of the must see places in Berlin for the unique aspect it unravels about the city. You will need about an hour at this museum.

7. East Side Gallery

This gallery is on the most significant part of what remains of the infamous Berlin Wall. The wall has been covered in artwork by several different artists and speaks volumes about the cold war period on East Side of the city. It is one of the most famous places in Berlin. You will need at least an hour here.

I suggest you should try Audio Guide Tour of East Side Gallery.

Day 4

1. German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin)

Also known as the Deutsches Technikmuseum, this museum exhibits variety of innovations in technology from different periods in history as well as many astonishing contemporary technologies. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

2. Topography of Terror

This museum is established at the former Nazi SS Headquarters. It exhibits the atrocities committed during the reign of the Nazi and presents various analyses of the period. It is among top Berlin tourist spots for people interested in that part of the history. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

3. Potsdamer Platz

This square is the hub for some of the best things to do in Berlin in terms of shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife. You should keep aside 30 minutes for this square.

4. Museum of Film and Television

This museum depicts the history of Films and Television industry across the world. It is one of the most interesting Berlin tourist attractions and will require an hour to explore.

5. Gemaldegalerie

This art museum exhibits several paintings created between 13th and 18th century. The collection of this museum is considered one of the most prestigious in Europe. It is among the best places to visit in Berlin for those who admire art. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket of Gemaldegalerie in advance.

6. Tiergarten (Großer Tiergarten)

This urban park is a beautiful place to spend some leisurely hours when you visit Berlin. You should keep aside an hour’s time for it.

Day 5

1. Potsdam

Potsdam is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The area is known for numerous top Berlin tourist attractions including Palaces and Stately Houses which used to be homes to Prussian Royalty at one point of time. You will need at least half a day to explore this area entirely.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of City and Castles of Potsdam.

If you are staying in Berlin for more than 5 days, still there are many other things to do and see in Berling. You can check out our below list of different activities and things to do in Berlin.

Things to do in Berlin

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Berlin

Brandenberg Gate
Berlin Wall
Reichstag Building
Museum Island
Pergamon Museum
Berlin Cathedral
Checkpoint Charlie
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Charlottenburg Palace
Victory Column
Sanssouci Palace
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Neues Museum
Berlin Jewish Museum
Wall Museum
Altes Museum
DDR Museum
Alte National Galerie
Bode Museum
Topography of Terror Museum
German Historical Museum
Oberbaum Bridge
Berlin National Gallery
Hamburger Bahnhof Contemporary Art Museum
New Palace
Rotes Rathaus Town Hall
Berlin Olympia Stadium
German Museum of Technology
Bellevue Palace
Stasi Museum
Neue National Galerie
St. Nicholas Church Museum
Gemalde Galerie Fine Art Museum
Museum fur Naturkunde
World Time Clock
French Cathedral
Bauhaus Archive
Spandau Citadel Museum
Soviet War Memorial Treptow
Bebelplatz Square
Berlin Palace
Cecilienhof Palace
Nikolaiviertel Architecture
Berlinische Galerie
Madame Tussauds Berlin
Neue Kirche Church
Fuhrer Bunker
Neue Wache Memorial
Soviet War Memorial
Kulturforum Art Museum
Kulturbrauerei Complex
Berlin Hohenqschonhausen Museum
Babelsberg Palace

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Berlin

Muggelsee Lake

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Berlin

East Side Gallery
Berlin Zoo
Spree River & Canal
Tiergarten Park
Mauer Park
Berlin Botanical Garden & Museum
Sanssouci Park
AquaDom & Sea Life Aquarium
Berliner Philharmonie Concert Hall
Badeschiff Floating Swimming Pool
Pfaueninsel Island
Gardens of the World
Victoria Park
Sony Store Berlin
Berlin Dungeon
Treptower Park
Volkspark Friedrichshain
Legoland Discovery Center
German Chancellery
Haus der Kulturen der Welt Art Center
Martin Gropius Bau Hall
Dutch Quarter
Britzer Garden
Aquarium Berlin
Filmpark Babelsberg
Babelsberg Park
Potsdam New Garden

Shopping in Berlin

Gendarmen Markt Square
Friedrich Strasse Street
Kaufhaus des Westens
Hackescher Markt
Potsdamer Platz
Leipziger Platz
Kurfurstendamm Street
Alexander Platz
Hackescher Markt
Schloss Strasse
Markthalle Neun
Arminiusmarkthalle
Tauentzien Strasse
Bikini Berlin Mall
Mall of Berlin
Mauer Park Sunday Flea Market
The Corner Berlin

Sightseeing in Berlin

Alexander Platz Plaza
Berliner Fernsehturm Tower
Potsdamer Platz
Unter den Linden Boulevard
Kurfurstendamm Street
Teufelsberg Hill
Hackescher Hof Building
Tempelhofer Feld Airport Field
Karl Marx Alley
Landwehr Canal
Funkturm Tower
Panaromapunkt

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Berlin

Mustafas Gemusedoner
Chicago Williams
The Bird
Zweistrom
Curry 36
Konnopkes Imbiss
Lebensmittel Mitte
Villa Rodizio
Grill Royal
Maria Bonita
DaDa Falafel
Beakers
Cadadia
La Bolognina
Le Bon
Kin Dee
Frea
Madame Ngo
Panama

Where to Stay in Berlin?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Berlin. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Berlin.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Berlin

How to Reach Berlin?

By Air

Main airport for Berlin travel is Tegel International Airport. The airport is located northwest of the city about 11 kms from the city center. It is the primary airport for international travelers to visit Berlin. The airport is served by several international airlines including Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, and so on. You can get a direct flight visit Berlin tourist attractions from several major cities across the world via Tegel International Airport. Once you get to the airport you have the option to take a train, bus or cab to reach all the best places to visit in Berlin.

Second alternative for Berlin travel is Schnofeld Airport which is served by domestic and Eastern European airlines. The airport is commonly used for Berlin day trips by travelers from nearby countries. You have options to travel by train, bus or cab from Schnofeld Airport for Berlin sightseeing.

You can get direct flight to visit Berlin from almost all major cities of Europe. You can also get intercontinental flights from Canada, China, USA, UAE, Qatar, and Moscow. Berlin attractions bring tourists from across the world to the majestic German capital.

By Road

After flights, the second fastest means of transport to visit Berlin is trains. The European rail network is commonly used for Berlin day trips from other European countries or vice versa. The train network connects Berlin with several European cities with direct or connecting trains. You can get over night trains to cities such as Amsterdam, Zurich, Vienna, Budapest, Warsaw, Paris and so on. You can also get direct train from Russian cities such as Kaliningard, Minsk, Moscow, and Saint Petersburg. Through Russia, you can get connecting trains for Berlin travel from Kazakhstan and China as well.

If you are planning to travel by bus to visit Berlin, you better be in Europe. Otherwise you are in for a long and tedious journey for Berlin sights. You get direct bus for Berlin travel from over 350 destinations in Europe. Almost every major European city would provide this facility for Berlin sightseeing.

To visit Berlin by road, you will first have to reach motorway A10. This expressway encircles the city and is connected by several other routes in different directions. You are connected to A10 by motorway routes A 2, A 9, A 13, A 11, A 111, A 115 and A 24. Any of these routes would take you to Germany’s capital city and subsequently to Berlin tourist attractions.

By Water

The nearest coast in about 200 kms away from Berlin. So there are no direct water routes for Berlin travel.

Image Reference

St. Mary’s Church (Marienkirche) – Jens Junge / PixaBay
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) – Dion Hinchcliffe / Flickr
Altes Museum (Old Museum) – Joan / Flickr
Neues Museum (New Museum) – Richard Mortel / Flickr
Pergamonmuseum (Pergamon Museum) – Photomat / PixaBay
Bebelplatz – Carla Wosniak / Flickr
Checkpoint Charlie – Piet van de Wiel / PixaBay
Gendarmenmarkt – Bernd Petrikat / PixaBay
Unter den Linden – Bill Kasman / PixaBay
Madame Tussauds Berlin – Times / Wikimedia Commons
Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe) – Gianni Crestani / PixaBay
Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) – Nina Christine Schwarz / PixaBay
Reichstag (Reichstagsgebäude) – Karlheinz Pape / PixaBay
Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde) – pschulz / PixaBay
Alte Nationalgalerie – Bernd Petrikat / PixaBay
Bode Museum – Pixaline / PixaBay
DDR Museum – Andreas Praefcke / Wikimedia Commons
Berlin Television Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm) – Bernardo Ferreria / PixaBay
Alexanderplatz – reginasphotos / PixaBay
Märkisches Museum – Axel Mauruszat / Wikimedia Commons
East Side Gallery – Photomat / PixaBay
German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin) – Sergey Galyonkin / Flickr
Topography of Terror – Ron Porter / PixaBay
Potsdamer Platz – Bernd Stritzke / PixaBay
Museum for Film and Television – Lessormore / Wikimedia Commons
Gemäldegalerie – Anagoria / Wikimedia Commons
Tiergarten (Großer Tiergarten) – Miodrag Asenov / PixaBay
Potsdam – Bernardo Ferreria / PixaBay