Things to do in Berlin – The absolute must-sees
There are so many things to do in Berlin – this big but very beautiful spacious city. A city that has so much to offer whether you are a city explorer or a park enthusiast, a history buff or a raver who’s day begins at night or someone who’s top thing to do is governed by what they eat. And if you like all of this, then Berlin is going to make it hard for you to choose. Berlin is a city of contrasts, from its grand architectural buildings to its hipster cafes. If you are visiting Berlin for the first time, the first thing you will notice are the stark contrasts. It is a city of art, history and museums as well as it is a city that is defining future trends in lifestyle, music and art. With so many things to do in Berlin, here are some pointers on what are the must-sees in Berlin.
FREE TIP: There are some places in Berlin that you can visit that are literally FREE and unmissable. Scroll to the end of the article to find out more.
Top things to do in Berlin
1. Checkpoint Charlie
For nearly 30 years , Berlin lay divided between East and West Berlin by the infamous Berlin Wall. The Wall prevented East Berliners from defecting into West Berlin. During this time, there were three checkpoints from where West Berliners with a visa could enter East Berlin. Checkpoint Charlie was the most infamous crossing and was a symbol of the Cold War. This is the very place where the standoff between the US and Soviet tanks took place after the erection of the Berlin Wall. Close by Mauermuseum holds some exhibits of instruments that people from East Berlin used while trying to escape.
TOP TIP: During peak seasons, Mauermuseum can get very crowded, but it is open from 9am – 10pm, so why not go later in the evening to avoid the rush. Craving a coffee? Visit West Berlin Café, just by Checkpoint Charlie, for their excellent coffee and indulge in a slice of cake.
2. Brandenburg Gate
Probably one of the most iconic of landmarks in the city of Berlin, in its 200 years of existence Brandenburg Gate has seen it all and is a symbol for unity, peace and war and more recently the reunification of Germany.
TOP TIP: Walk on the historic boulevard, Unter den Linden, in the Mitte district towards Tiergarten. The boulevard is lined with beautiful architecture, shops and trees. Head into the impressive Hotel Adlon, this is the very place from where Michael Jackson dangled his baby from the hotel balcony. Stop to have a drink at their Lobby Bar under the hotel’s iconic dome.
3. Tiergarten & Berlin Zoo
Sprawling nearly 600 acres in the heart of Berlin city, Tiergarten is one of Berlins largest parks. A green oasis, Tiergarten is sprinkled with so many things to do. Be sure not to miss seeing the Soviet War Memorial, the Victory Column, the German Composers Monument, or the Global Rock Garden.
Berlin Zoo is one of the most famous in the world specially for its focussed program on Endangered Species. The zoo became more famous after the birth of Polar bear Knut.
TOP TIP: Don’t miss the Aquarium to see beautiful colourful jellyfish. Visit Berlin Zoo in spring to get a chance to see baby animals.
TOP TIP: All that walking made you hungry? Stop at a café and biergarten, Café Am Neuen See, at Neuer See lake to sit on wooden benches under trees overlooking the lake. Specialities here include German beer, homemade pretzels and meatloaf and sourdough bread.
4. Fernsehturn ( Berlin TV Tower)
The tallest building in Berlin, Berlin TV Tower was built in the late 1960s. Funny but the tower also has its own Instagram hashtag – that tower again – because it is pretty much visible from everywhere in Berlin. Getting up to the top of the tower is a very quick elevator ride. There is a rotating restaurant at the top from where you can enjoy some expansive views of the sprawling city below you. Did you know that the food you order at the restaurant is cooked in the kitchen downstairs and your dish will travel via a special elevator to the top?
TOP TIP: Skip the queues and buy your ticket online.
5. Museums – Museum Island & DDR Museum
Berlin is a magnet for museum buffs. With nearly 200 museums, there is something for everyone in Berlin. Some of the unmissable museums are located on ‘Museumsinsel’, the museum island and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be rewarded with a stunning collection of buildings and lovely walks by the river Spree. The art collection is amazing with the bust of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti, Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate and so many more.
TOP TIP: For the museum buff, the One Island – Five Museum ticket is perfect. It allows you access to Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie and Altes Museum. If you are planning to visit more than one museum, this ticket is the cheaper alternative. Remember, on busy days you will still need to queue to get in, however these queues tend to move quick.
DDR Museum depicts life under socialism in GDR Berlin. Experience everyday life by living in an apartment in the 80s in East Berlin, drive a tiny East German car, sit in the interrogation room or just listen to the old German radio stations. If you are interested in life during the Cold War, don’t miss going to this museum.
TOP TIP: Buy DDR Museum tickets online to skip the long queues.
7. East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is the longest still standing stretch of the Berlin Wall, which is now an open air gallery showcasing the works of some amazing street art. There are 105 paintings from international artists depicting the beginning of the end of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War and that of peace, war and freedom. Most famous are the kiss between Leonid Breznev and Erich Honeker and the Trabant breaking through the Berlin Wall.
TOP TIP: After visiting East Side Gallery, walk over to the Oberbaumbrücke bridge, which is double decker bridge crossing the river Spree linking Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. Once you are on the other side, follow the bridge and you will be taken to one of the best burger places in Berlin – Burgermiester sitting under the U-bahn tracks. Originally a train station bathroom, this snack shack is a must visit. The burgers are amazing here.
8. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
A memorial needed to be experienced than just seen or ‘ticked off the list’. At first sight, it is a vast area in the centre of Berlin with concrete towers of varying heights rising. You can walk through the grey concrete towers and at some points you are almost dwarfed by them. The feeling is almost of loosing your self and thinking deeper about the horrific crimes committed on hundreds of thousands of Jews.
9. Reichstag Building
The Reichstag is a building that isn’t just known for its beautiful architecture or the fact that it is the seat of the German parliament but more so because it is steeped in history mainly for its role in Nazi Germany. Today, the building flaunts a new glass dome offering 360º views of the city and is one of the top things to do in Berlin.
TOP TIP: Admission to the glass dome is FREE but advance registration is mandatory. To register, click here.
10. Eat like a Berliner
As they say when in Rome. You have to try the ever so popular Currywurst when in Berlin. A hot sausage covered in ketchup and drizzled with a curry powder sprinkling. Comfort food doesn’t get any better than this! Apart from the usual pork sausage, many places also tend to offer vegan sausages. If you want to learn all about the origins of the humble Currywurst, head to the Currywurst Museum.
Things to eat in Berlin range from freshly baked pretzels to tender juicy veal Schnitzels served with potato salad. And all this food needs a drinking companion – German Beer! Head to a biergarten to enjoy crispy pork knuckle with a beer stein. Go into a deeper food coma ending your meal on the perfect sweet note with either a Berliner – a jam-filled doughnut or a slice of Black forest gateau.
More FREE things to do in Berlin
Mauerpark Flea Market on Sunday
Be a Berliner for a day by visiting Mauerpark Flea Market on Sundays. This is where everyone is on a Sunday, especially if it is a sunny one. The flea market offers a range of brick-a-brack, vintage clothes and bikes. There is an open air karaoke which is super fun, you are free to go and perform if you like. If you are lucky you might hear some really good music. There is a large picnic area, so don’t forget to get your snacks and laze around in the park.
Kreuzberg
Walk around in the Kreuzberg, a quirky bohemian Berlin neighbourhood exploding with graffiti and an anti-establishment culture. Kreuzberg boasts of some excellent cafes, music venues and vintage shops. Kreuzberg is home to a large Turkish community and has the largest Turkish market in Berlin. Visit on a Tuesday or Friday to experience this market in all its vibrancy. Need more choice, head to Markthalle Neun, another food market showcasing Berlin’s diverse food scene.
Walk on the runway at Tempelhof airport
No, I am not joking. You can actually walk on the runway of this abandoned airport. Tempelhof airport was a legendary airport operational during World War II, however today it’s airfield is a place to relax, cycle, walk or even play a piano on.
Get the best view of Berlin
Do you want an aerial view of Berlin that also includes the Berlin TV Tower? Then head to the 40th floor of the Park Inn at Alexanderplatz. For just 4€, you can get the best view of Berlin from the viewing decks.
TOP TIP: When you get to hotel, take the lift to the Panorama Terrace on the 37th floor and buy your ticket here. The last few floors are only accessible by foot.
