12 Awesome Things to do in Berlin
Exploring the streets of Berlin was a fun experience for me. It is a modern city with a mix of culture and an interesting history. It has some spectacular sites to explore, and it’s a vibrant city to hang out in.
This city is very diverse, and you can find many expats from all over the world calling this place home. There is so much to do, from museums to castles, memorials, historic buildings, and cathedrals. You will not get bored!
Although it has a dark history that is far from pleasant, it is now a vibrant city full of color, diversity, unity, and a feeling of peace. Keep reading for 12 things to do in Berlin during your visit.
12 Awesome Things to do in Berlin
Table of Contents
1. Go to the Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is a historical monument and national symbol of peace and unity. This landmark is where thousands of people showed up to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
It was built over 250 years ago and is now one of the most visited places in the city.
It once was only a passageway for royals. Then, in 1833, Hitler rose to power and Nazis marched through the gate in celebration. Later, when the wall fell, it became the symbol of unity.
There have been speeches from important figures here as well as essential protests. The gate attracts tourists from all over the world for its striking architecture and history.
2. Walk the Holocaust Memorial
Where the Berlin Wall once stood is a beautiful memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe. Peter Eisenman designed it.
These 2,711 slabs of concrete vary in size, and the ground is formed in waves and alleys. It feels confusing and uneasy as you walk through, which is what it’s meant to do.
It is an outdoor memorial, meaning you can go at any time. You can find details about the location, victims, letters, and more at the information center. Details here.
3. Appreciate the Reichstag Building
Germany’s Parliament (or the government) is located at the Reichstag building. This building has an impressive glass dome on top where visitors can look out to the panoramic views of the city.
There is a free audio tour with background information about the building and the ones around it. Admission is free, but you must register in advance here.
4. Visit Museums at Museum Island
At Museum Island, you can immerse yourself in art and culture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has five museums on a small island in the Spree River of Berlin.
The museums all have beautiful architecture and are fascinating to explore. At the edge of Museum Island, you find the gorgeous Berlin Cathedral, the largest in the city.
It has a turquoise dome that is easily recognizable from far away. If you want to view the city at 360 degrees, you can climb the 270 steps to the top of the dome.
The breathtaking views will make it worth it. For a fee, you can tour the inside with a guide or on your own.
5. Learn History at the Berlin Wall Memorial
This open-air exhibition commemorates the division of Berlin and the people who died here.
Parts of the wall are still preserved here, and you can see the rusted metal bars that once divided the east and the west as you walk through the lawns.
This part of the Berlin Wall is educational, whereas the Eastside Gallery is part of the Berlin wall but turned into art murals. Then, you can head over to the visitor center to learn more about the history.
6. Admire the East Side Gallery
One of my favorite spots in the city is the East Side Gallery. It is an open-air gallery consisting of over 100 murals of what remains of the Berlin wall.
The memorial is dedicated to past and current struggles and is filled with colorful and meaningful art by artists from all over the world. The wall is 1.3 km long, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes to explore it all.
7. Eat at the Mercedes Benz Arena
This modern arena not only holds sports events and entertainment, but it’s also a great hang-out spot to eat after visiting the Eastside Gallery. I loved the water fountains placed in the middle for people to enjoy while dining.
8. Walk Around Mauer Park
Mauer park also referred to as The Wall Park, is another favorite spot in the city! It’s located in the Prenzlauer Berg district.
It was once a border area when Berlin was divided into occupation zones during the Second World War. It was once the “Death Strip.”
The park is between to concrete walls that formed the Berlin Wall. A section of the park has a wall with graffiti with messages of peace.
Young people come to hang out at this park to listen to live music, have a picnic, play sports, or walk around the flea market in the park.
I found the park to have a hipster and hippie vibe, and it was interesting to walk around or sit to watch people.
9. Check out Alexanderplatz
This transportation hub in Berlin is a bustling commercial area. It has shops and restaurants and holds a Christmas market every year.
There are other tourist attractions nearby, such as the TV Tower, an iconic structure with views of Berlin’s skyline at its observation deck.
10. Visit the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
The Sachsenhausen concentration camp was built in the summer of 1936 and once held more than 200,000 people considered racially or biologically inferior, such as Jews, homosexuals, career criminals, political opponents, and more.
About 90% were foreigners brought from nearby territories. The majority came from the Soviet Union and Poland. At the camp, there was forced labor.
It was considered a model camp with special status used for training guards.
When visiting this concentration camp, it can be a bit emotional to learn the history. Be ready to see the places where people slept and worked.
11. Try Different Foods
Berlin is very diverse. Therefore, you will also find a varied and eclectic mix of food to try from around the world. Anything your heart desires, you will find.
12. Enjoy the Nightlife
Berlin has a crazy nightlife. Perhaps the wildest I’ve seen. With such a young and diverse population, the city becomes a vibrant place to enjoy nights out.
How to Get Around
Berlin has excellent public transportation and is quite affordable in comparison to other European cities. The city is divided into three tariff zones, AB, BC, and ABC.
I suggest you purchase the Berlin Welcome Card and choose the AB or ABC card. These tickets allow you to travel on the S-Bahn (overground) and U-Bahn (underground) buses and trams.
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Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
12 Awesome Things to do in Berlin
