Berlin is a city that has something for everyone. As an expat living in Berlin, I have explored its history, culture, art, and nightlife, and I want to share with you the best attractions and activities that the city has to offer. But with so many options, it can be hard to decide what to see and do in Berlin. That’s why I have compiled a list of 20 highlights that you should not miss when you visit Berlin.
These are the best sights and experiences that Berlin has to offer, from the iconic Brandenburger Tor to the alternative Kreuzberg. I also give you my personal tips and recommendations for each attraction, so you can make the most of your time in Berlin. Ready to discover the amazing city of Berlin? Then read on and find out what to see and do in Berlin!
Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate
Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: The gate is open 24 hours a day, but the surrounding buildings have different opening hours.
The Brandenburg Gate is the most iconic symbol of Berlin and a must-see for any visitor. The gate was built in the 18th century and was the scene of many historical events, such as Napoleon’s entry, the division of the city, and the fall of the wall. Today, it is a symbol of peace and unity. You can admire the gate from the Pariser Platz, where you can also find the Hotel Adlon, the Academy of Arts, and the US Embassy. Behind the gate, you can explore the Tiergarten, the largest park in Berlin, where you can find the Victory Column, the Soviet War Memorial, and the Bellevue Palace.
Berlin TV Tower
Address: Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 9 AM-12 AM
If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, you should head to the Berlin TV Tower, the tallest building in Germany. The tower is located at Alexanderplatz, a lively square in the heart of Berlin. You can take an elevator to the observation deck, which is 203 meters high, and see the city from a different perspective. You can also dine at the rotating restaurant Sphere, which offers a 360-degree view and a variety of dishes. Make sure to book your ticket in advance to avoid long queues.
Reichstag
Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 8 AM-12 AM
The Reichstag is the seat of the German parliament and one of the most important buildings in Berlin. It was built in the 19th century and witnessed many historical events, such as the fire of 1933, the bombing of 1945, and the reunification of 1990. The most striking feature of the Reichstag is the glass dome, which was added in 1999 by the architect Norman Foster. The dome offers a stunning view of the city and the parliament hall below. You can also learn about the history and function of the Reichstag through an audio guide. To visit the dome, you need to register online in advance and bring your ID.
The Holocaust Memorial is a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazis against the Jews of Europe. The memorial consists of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights, arranged in a grid pattern. The slabs create a sense of disorientation and claustrophobia, symbolizing the oppression and persecution of the Jews. Beneath the memorial, there is an underground information center, where you can learn more about the victims and the history of the Holocaust. The memorial is open 24 hours a day and the admission is free.
East Side Gallery
Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: The gallery is open 24 hours a day and the admission is free.
The East Side Gallery is a unique attraction in Berlin, as it is the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall. The wall was painted by 118 artists from 21 countries in 1990, after the fall of communism. The paintings express the hope and joy of the people for a peaceful and united future. The gallery stretches for 1.3 kilometers along the Spree River and features some of the most famous images of the wall, such as the kiss between Brezhnev and Honecker, the Trabant breaking through the wall, and the face of Gorbachev. The gallery is open to the public and free of charge.
Museum Island
Address: Bodestraße 10178 Berlin Opening Hours: The opening hours vary depending on the museum.
Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive museum complexes in the world. It is located on an island in the Spree River and houses five museums, each with a different focus and collection. You can visit the Pergamon Museum, which displays ancient artifacts from the Middle East and Greece, such as the Ishtar Gate, the Pergamon Altar, and the Market Gate of Miletus. You can also visit the Bode Museum, which exhibits sculptures, coins, and Byzantine art. The Old National Gallery, which showcases paintings from the 19th century, such as those by Caspar David Friedrich, Edouard Manet, and Claude Monet. The Old Museum, which presents classical antiquities, such as the bust of Nefertiti, the Berlin Gold Hat, and the Praying Boy. And the New Museum, which displays prehistoric and Egyptian artifacts, such as the Berlin Green Head, the Golden Hat of Schifferstadt, and the Berlin Skull. You can buy a single ticket for each museum or a combined ticket for all of them.
Berlin Cathedral
Address: Am Lustgarten 10178 Berlin Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday: 12 noon to 5 p.m.
The Berlin Cathedral is the largest and most beautiful church in Berlin. It was built in the late 19th century in a neo-Renaissance style and features a magnificent dome, a richly decorated interior, and a large organ. You can admire the frescoes, mosaics, and stained glass windows of the cathedral, as well as the tombs of the Prussian royal family. You can also climb the 270 steps to the dome, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Museum Island. The cathedral is open daily and charges a small entrance fee.
Berlin City Palace
Address: Schloßplatz 10178 Berlin Opening Hours: The palace is not yet open to the public, but it is expected to open in 2023.
The Berlin City Palace is one of the most controversial and ambitious projects in Berlin. It is a reconstruction of the original palace that was demolished by the communist regime in 1950. The palace was the residence of the Prussian kings and German emperors for centuries and was a symbol of the German history and culture. The new palace, which is expected to be completed in 2023, will retain the historical facade of the old palace, but will have a modern interior and a new name: the Humboldt Forum. The forum will be a cultural center that will host exhibitions, events, and research on the topics of art, culture, and science. The forum will also house the collections of the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art, which were previously located in Dahlem.
Potsdamer Platz
Address: Potsdamer Platz 1, Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: The square is open 24 hours a day, but the shops and attractions have different opening hours.
Potsdamer Platz is a modern and dynamic square in Berlin, where you can find a mix of entertainment, shopping, and culture. The square was once the busiest intersection in Europe, but was destroyed during World War II and divided by the wall. After the reunification, the square was rebuilt with futuristic buildings and skyscrapers, such as the Sony Center, the Daimler City, and the Beisheim Center. You can visit the Panorama Point, which offers a 360-degree view of the city from a 100-meter-high platform. You can also visit the Legoland Discovery Center, the Cinestar IMAX cinema, the Casino Berlin, and the Stage Theater. The square is also home to the annual Berlin International Film Festival, which attracts celebrities and film lovers from all over the world.
Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It was the scene of many dramatic events, such as the stand-off between the Soviet and American tanks in 1961, the escape attempts of the East Germans, and the exchange of spies. Today, you can see a replica of the original guardhouse and sign, as well as a museum that documents the history and stories of the checkpoint. You can also take a photo with the actors dressed as soldiers or buy some souvenirs from the nearby stalls. The checkpoint is open 24 hours a day and the museum charges a moderate entrance fee.
Gendarmenmarkt
Address: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: The square is open 24 hours a day, but the buildings have different opening hours. You can find more information [here].
The Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful and elegant squares in Berlin. It is surrounded by three impressive buildings: the French Cathedral, the German Cathedral, and the Concert Hall. The cathedrals were built in the 18th century and served as places of worship for the French and German communities in Berlin. The concert hall was built in the 19th century and is the home of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. You can visit the cathedrals and the concert hall, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the square, which hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Classic Open Air Festival, the Festival of Lights, and the Christmas Market.
Charlottenburg Palace
Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: The opening hours vary depending on the season and the part of the palace.
The Charlottenburg Palace is the largest and most splendid palace in Berlin. It was built in the 17th century as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of King Frederick I of Prussia. The palace was expanded and embellished over the years, and reflects the styles of the baroque, rococo, and neoclassical periods. You can visit the lavish rooms of the palace, such as the Porcelain Cabinet, the White Hall, the Golden Gallery, and the Oak Gallery. You can also visit the New Wing, which houses the apartments of King Frederick II and Queen Louise. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful park, where you can find the Belvedere, the Mausoleum, the Orangery, and the Pavilion. The palace is open daily and charges a reasonable entrance fee.
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Address: Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 9 AM-7 PM, Sun 12 PM-7 PM
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is a striking landmark in Berlin, as it is a contrast between the old and the new. The church was built in the late 19th century in honor of Kaiser Wilhelm I, the first German emperor. The church was severely damaged by the bombing of 1943 and only the ruined spire remained. Instead of demolishing the spire, it was preserved as a memorial and a symbol of peace. Next to the spire, a new church was built in the 1960s, consisting of four blue glass towers and a hexagonal hall. The new church has a modern and minimalist design, but also incorporates some elements from the old church, such as the mosaic ceiling, the baptismal font, and the cross. You can visit both the old and the new church, as well as the museum that displays the history and photos of the church. The church is open daily and the admission is free.
Berlin Wall Memorial
Address: Bernauer Straße 111, 13355 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 8 AM-10 PM
The Berlin Wall Memorial is a comprehensive and informative site that commemorates the division of Berlin and the victims of the wall. The memorial is located along the former border strip on Bernauer Strasse, where you can see the remains of the wall, the death strip, and the watchtowers. You can also visit the Visitor Center, the Documentation Center, the Chapel of Reconciliation, and the Window of Remembrance, which display the history, stories, and photos of the wall and its impact on the people. The memorial is open daily and the admission is free.
Hackescher Markt
Address: Rosenthaler Straße 40/41, 10178 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: The area is open 24 hours a day, but the shops and attractions have different opening hours.
Hackescher Markt is a lively and trendy area in Berlin, where you can find a variety of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. The area is especially popular for its courtyards, which are connected by narrow alleys and offer a hidden world of art, culture, and fashion. You can explore the courtyards, such as the Hackesche Höfe, the Rosenhöfe, and the Haus Schwarzenberg, and discover the galleries, studios, theaters, and cinemas that are housed there. You can also admire the street art and graffiti that cover the walls and buildings of the area. The area is open 24 hours a day and the admission is free.
Kurfürstendamm
Address: Kurfürstendamm, Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: The boulevard is open 24 hours a day, but the shops and attractions have different opening hours.
Kurfürstendamm is the most famous and elegant boulevard in Berlin, where you can find the best shopping and entertainment options in the city. The boulevard stretches for 3.5 kilometers and is lined with luxury boutiques, department stores, hotels, and restaurants. You can shop at the KaDeWe, the largest department store in Europe, which offers a wide range of products and services, as well as a gourmet food hall. You can also visit the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Europa Center, the Bikini Berlin, and the Theater des Westens, which are some of the landmarks and attractions along the boulevard. The boulevard is open 24 hours a day and the admission is free.
The Topography of Terror is a sobering and educational site that documents the crimes and atrocities committed by the Nazis during their reign of terror. The site is located on the former headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS, where thousands of people were tortured, killed, or deported. The site consists of an indoor and an outdoor exhibition, which display the photos, documents, and testimonies of the victims and the perpetrators. You can also see the remains of the wall, the prison cells, and the excavations of the site. The site is open daily and the admission is free.
Tiergarten
Address: Straße des 17. Juni, 10785 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day, but the attractions have different opening hours.
Tiergarten is the largest and most popular park in Berlin, where you can enjoy nature, recreation, and culture. The park covers an area of 210 hectares and offers a variety of landscapes, such as meadows, forests, lakes, and gardens. You can walk, bike, or picnic in the park, or visit some of the attractions that are located within the park, such as the Victory Column, the Soviet War Memorial, the Bellevue Palace, the Carillon, and the English Garden. The park is also home to the Berlin Zoo, the oldest and most diverse zoo in Germany, which houses over 20,000 animals, including pandas, elephants, and polar bears. The park is open 24 hours a day and the admission is free. The zoo is open daily and charges a moderate entrance fee. You can book your online ticket [here].
Tempelhof Airport
Address: Platz der Luftbrücke 5, 12101 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 6 AM-10:30 PM
Tempelhof Airport is a unique and historic site in Berlin, as it is a former airport that was converted into a public park. The airport was built in the 1920s and was one of the first and largest airports in the world. It was also the site of the Berlin Airlift, which was a humanitarian operation that supplied the city with food and supplies during the Soviet blockade of 1948-1949. The airport was closed in 2008 and was opened to the public in 2010. You can visit the airport building, which is a protected monument and offers guided tours of the architecture, history, and secrets of the airport. You can also enjoy the park, which covers an area of 300 hectares and offers a variety of activities, such as cycling, skating, kite flying, gardening, and barbecue. The airport building is open daily and charges a small entrance fee. You can book your online ticket [here]. The park is open 24 hours a day and the admission is free.
Mauerpark
Address: Gleimstraße 55, 10437 Berlin, Germany Opening Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day, but the flea market and the karaoke show are only on Sundays.
Mauerpark is a fun and lively park in Berlin, where you can experience the urban and alternative culture of the city. The park was once part of the death strip of the wall and was transformed into a green space after the reunification. The park is especially popular on Sundays, when it hosts a huge flea market, where you can find all kinds of vintage, handmade, and second-hand goods. You can also enjoy the street performers, musicians, and artists that entertain the crowds in the park. The highlight of the park is the karaoke show, which takes place in the open-air amphitheater and attracts hundreds of people who sing, dance, and cheer. The park is open 24 hours a day and the admission is free.
I hope you enjoyed this post and found it useful for your trip to Berlin. Berlin is a city that has something for everyone, and I am sure you will have a great time exploring its sights and attractions. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
About the Author: Elle Johnson, travel writer living in Germany, an avid explorer fueled by wanderlust, uncovers Germany's hidden treasures. From mountains to luxury hotels, spontaneous trips to meticulous planning, she embraces diverse experiences. Join her in unraveling Germany's wonders and creating lifelong memories.
