self guided walking tour of berlin

Berlin Self Guided Walking Tour: Exploring the City’s Hidden Gems

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | Cold War Tour Berlin

Welcome to Berlin, the vibrant capital city of Germany! If you are looking for a unique and immersive way to experience Berlin’s rich history, diverse culture, and architectural wonders, then a self-guided walking tour is the perfect choice. This blog post will guide you through the essentials of planning your own self-guided walking tour in Berlin, allowing you to discover the city’s hidden gems at your own pace.

Planning Your Berlin Walking Tour

Before you embark on your Berlin adventure, it’s essential to do some planning. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Research and Map Out Your Route

Begin by researching the key attractions and landmarks you want to visit in Berlin. Sites like Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin Wall are must-sees. Once you have a list, use an online map or guidebook to plan your route. Consider grouping attractions together to optimize your time and minimize travel between locations.

2. Dress Comfortably and Wear Good Walking Shoes

Exploring Berlin on foot can involve covering substantial distances, so dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear. Choose shoes that provide support and cushioning, as you’ll likely be spending hours walking on various surfaces.

3. Pack Essentials

Prepare a small backpack with essentials such as a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and a portable charger for your devices. It’s also a good idea to carry a printed map as a backup in case your phone battery dies or you lose signal.

Must-See Sights on Your Walking Tour

Now, let’s dive into some of Berlin’s iconic sights and the stories behind them:

1. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of Berlin’s unity and a must-see landmark. This magnificent neoclassical monument dates back to the 18th century. Take a moment to appreciate its grandeur, and don’t forget to capture a photo!

2. Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery

A visit to Berlin wouldn’t be complete without exploring the remnants of the Berlin Wall. Head to the East Side Gallery, a section of the wall adorned with vibrant murals created by artists from around the world. Each artwork carries powerful messages of unity and freedom.

3. Museum Island

If you’re interested in art and history, make sure to visit Museum Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to several world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, and the Neues Museum. Each museum offers a unique perspective on different periods of history and hosts remarkable collections.

4. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie played a significant role during the Cold War, representing the border crossing between East and West Berlin. Today, it serves as a reminder of Germany’s divided past. Visit the adjacent museum to learn more about the intense times of the Berlin Wall.

Immersing Yourself in Berlin’s Culture

Berlin isn’t just about its historical landmarks. It has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene that deserves attention on your walking tour. Here are some recommendations:

1. Street Art in Kreuzberg

Kreuzberg is known for its vibrant street art scene. Take a detour from the main tourist spots and wander through the neighborhood’s colorful streets. You’ll encounter impressive graffiti, thought-provoking murals, and quirky installations.

2. Currywurst and Beer

No visit to Berlin is complete without trying the iconic local snack, currywurst. You’ll find numerous food kiosks throughout the city serving this delicious dish. Pair it with a refreshing German beer for the ultimate Berlin culinary experience!

3. Tiergarten Park

Escape the bustling city for a while and relax in Tiergarten Park. This vast green oasis offers peaceful walking paths, picturesque lakes, and charming picnic spots. It’s the perfect place to recharge and soak up the local atmosphere.

Staying Safe and Savvy

As with any travel experience, it’s important to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth trip:

1. Stay Hydrated

Walking for hours can be exhausting, so remember to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you and take advantage of the numerous public drinking fountains available throughout the city.

2. Use Public Transportation When Needed

Berlin has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. If you find yourself needing to cover longer distances or feeling fatigued, consider using public transportation to conserve energy and save time.

3. Be Respectful of Memorials and Historical Sites

Berlin has numerous memorials and historical sites that hold significant importance. Show respect by observing any rules or guidelines at these locations. Stay quiet, avoid climbing on structures, and be mindful of the solemnity of such places.

By following these tips and guides, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your own self-guided walking tour of Berlin. Remember to take your time, absorb the city’s history and culture, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!

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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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Discover Berlin Self-Guided Walking Tour

Rated out of 5 Read Reviews

Our 6 kilometre Discover Berlin Self-Guided Walking Tour will give you a great overview of some of the city's top attractions and landmarks with an actual walking time of a little over one hour.

If you only have time for one walking tour, this is the one we would recommend. It will give you a good overview and you can always plan to come back and spend more time exploring the attractions you found most interesting.

You start this walking tour from Bundestag Station as it is closest to the first attaction on the route, however, you can also start from Friedrichstraße Station which is slightly farther, but provides more transportation options.

Directions for the Discover Berlin Self-Guided Walking Tour

• Start at Bundestag or Friedrichstraße Station.
• From Bundestag Station head south on Konrad-Adenauer-Straße toward Paul-Löbe-Allee.
• From Friedrichstraße Station walk west on Dorotheenstraße and jump to step 6.
• Turn left onto Paul-Löbe-Allee.
• Turn right onto Friedrich-Ebert-Platz at the Reichstag Building .
• Head south on Friedrich-Ebert-Platz to Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz .
• Walk 4 minutes west on Bundesstraße into Tiergarten to see the Soviet War Memorial.
• Double-back on Bundesstrabe and turn right onto Ebertstraße.
• Continue south on Ebertstraße to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe located between Behrenstraße and Hannah-Arendt-Straße.
• Continue south on Ebertstraße to Potsdamer Platz .
• Go south on Potsdamer Platz and continue on Stresemannstraße.
• Turn left onto Niederkirchnerstraße and walk east. The Topography of Terror Museum and Berlin Wall will be on your right.
• Niederkirchnerstraß turns into Zimmerstraße.
• Continue walking east on Zimmerstraße.
• Turn right onto Friedrichstraße to see Checkpoint Charlie .
• Walk 3 blocks north on Friedrichstraße.
• Turn right onto Leipziger.
• In 2 blocks, turn left onto Markgrafenstraße.
• Walk north 2 blocks on Markgrafenstraße to Gendarmenmarkt .
• View the French Cathedral , German Cathedral and Konzerthaus in the square.
• Continue north on Markgrafenstraße.
• Turn right onto Behrenstraße.
• Turn left at Bebelplatz toward Unter den Linden.
• Turn right onto Unter den Linden.
• Turn left into Lustgarten .
• Head northeast through Lustgarten to Am Lustgarten and cross over to the park adjacent to the Berlin Cathedral .
• Angle through the park to Friedrichsbrücke (Friedrichs Bridge) and cross the Spree River.
• The tour ends on the Promenade across from Museum Island and the Bode Museum .
• You can cross the Spree again on the Monbijou Bridge and make your way west back to Friedrichstraße or Bundestag Station.

What You Will See on this Walking Tour

Historic Buildings and Landmarks that you will see on our Discover Berlin Self-Guided Walking Tour include the following:

As you follow the route, click the links below for more information and history about each landmark.

• See the complete line of Berlin Experiences on Viator

How to get to Discover Berlin Self-Guided Walking Tour by U-Bahn or S-Bahn

Nearest U-Bahn or S-Bahn Line(s): S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S9, S25, S26, U6, U55 Nearest U-Bahn or S-Bahn Station(s): U Bundestag or S Berlin Friedrichstraße

Photo Gallery

Berlin Stadtschloss (City Palace)

Berliner Dom & the Altes Museum

Old National Gallery & The New Museum

The Neue Wache: The Memorial to the Victims of War & Tyranny

Bebelplatz: The Englightenment and the 1933 Book Burning

Gendarmenmarkt

Friedrichstrasse & the Golden '20s

Checkpoint Charlie

The Berlin Wall

The Topography of Terror

The Holzapfel Family Escape

WWII Airforce HQ - Luftwaffe Headquarters

The People's Uprising of 1953

Hitler's Bunker

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Brandenburg Gate

The Reichstag

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Berlin

Berlin Highlights Tour

Start from Berlin Stadtschloss (City Palace), Berlin

Duration 150-155 min

Available offline

Discover a preview of the tour!

Listen to the first 30 seconds

The perfect tour for first-timers in Berlin! Get an overview of the city's most important sights on this 3-hour walk. From the Brandenburg Gate to Museum Island, from the Reichstag to Checkpoint Charlie, this tour will give you the basics of Berlin’s history. You’ll see where the world was divided at the Berlin Wall, explore the thought-provoking Holocaust Memorial, and see where Hitler’s bunker used to be. Explore Prussian, WWII, and Cold War history on this amazing tour today!

The perfect tour for first-timers in Berlin! Get an overview of the city's most important sights on this 3-hour walk. From the Brandenburg Gate to Museum Island, from the Reichstag to Checkpoint Charlie, this tour will give you the basics of Berlin’s history. You’ll see where the world was divided at the Berlin Wall, explore the thought-provoking Holocaust Memorial, and see where Hitler’s bunker used to be. Explore Prussian, WWII, and Cold War history on this amazing tour today! ... see all

Created by Jonny

Highlights ✨

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Travel guide for first time travellers to Stuttgart

Self-guided street art walking tour of berlin's kreuzberg district.

Moritzplatz

Start your tour by walking on Oranienstrasse and then take Rudi Dutschke Strasse. This area is known as a historic newspaper district during the German Empire and Weimar Republic times. Continue to Charlottenstrasse and notice building No. 13 at the street corner.

Building No. 13 on Charlottenstrasse

On the next corner turn right and you will see Checkpoint Charlie.

Checkpoint Charlie

"!" or Elephant mural

Location: Wilhelmstrasse 7

On the right of the Elephant mural, you will see a building completely covered with murals. It is Tommy Weissbecker House.

Tommy Weissbecker House

Location: Wilhelmstrasse 9

Location: Wilhelmstrasse 2-6

Mehringplatz

Location: Mehringplatz 28

Located nearby is also Don John's artwork Hoodie Birds .

Location: Mehringplatz 12

Then leave Mehringenplatz, turning onto Gitschiner Strasse. Along the way, you will see a monument to Maria Juhach in the small park of Hallesches Tor.

Monument to Marie Juchacz

Location: Hallesches Tor.

Brave Wall mural

Location: Gitschiner Strasse 64

The next artwork on your way is Daphne and Apollo .

Daphne and Apollo

Location: Wassertorstrasse 65

Then look for the next artwork on your way.

Mural The red thread that holds us together

Location: Wassertorstrasse 64

Sweet Sin mural

Location: Prinzenstrasse 19

This map might come in handy during your walk.

Want to explore more street art in Berlin? Visit the East Side Gallery ! You can also check out my other articles about street art in different countries, including Bushwick Collective in New York City, a street art tour in London , and bright and colourful street art in Bogota and Medellin , Colombia.

What did you think? Have you visited Berlin? I would love to hear from you, so please add your comment below.

• Published by Anita on May 05, 2023

Author: Anita Sane

About the author Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia,  travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years.  She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new  experiences. Follow her on Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Pinterest ,  Twitter  and Bloglovin .

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Explore Berlin on a Self-Guided Walking Tour

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | World War Tour Berlin

Are you ready to discover the vibrant history, unique culture, and stunning architecture of Berlin? Look no further than a self-guided walking tour! Exploring the city by foot allows you to experience its hidden gems at your own pace. In this guide, we’ll take you on an exciting journey through the must-see attractions and lesser-known spots that make Berlin a truly extraordinary destination.

Start Your Journey at Brandenburg Gate

Begin your adventure at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. This impressive neoclassical monument has become a symbol of Berlin and is a perfect starting point for your self-guided tour. Admire its stunning architecture and learn about its historical significance. Don’t forget to take some memorable photos!

Venture into History at the Berlin Wall Memorial

No visit to Berlin is complete without learning about its tumultuous past. Make your way to the Berlin Wall Memorial, where you can see remnants of the wall and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s division during the Cold War. Take a moment to reflect on the significance of this historic site.

Wander Through the Historic District of Mitte

Continue your journey by exploring the charming district of Mitte. Marvel at the magnificent Berlin Cathedral and its stunning dome. Immerse yourself in history at the Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses several world-class museums. Take a leisurely stroll along Unter den Linden, a famous boulevard lined with beautiful trees, historic buildings, and renowned landmarks.

Visit Checkpoint Charlie

One of the most famous spots in Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie, was the border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Get a glimpse into the city’s divided history and explore the Checkpoint Charlie Museum for a more in-depth understanding of this checkpoint’s significance.

Discover the Impressive Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is another must-visit landmark in Berlin. Delve into its fascinating history and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from its iconic glass dome. Don’t forget to book your free visit in advance, as it’s a popular tourist attraction.

Experience vibrant Berlin at Potsdamer Platz

Make your way to Potsdamer Platz, a bustling square that showcases modern architecture and represents the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll find the Sony Center, a hub of entertainment and shopping. Take a break and relax in a nearby park to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this lively city.

Uncover Hidden Gems in Kreuzberg

If you’re looking for a more alternative and artsy Berlin experience, head to Kreuzberg. This neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art scene, cozy cafes, and multicultural atmosphere. Indulge in delicious international cuisine or browse through independent boutiques. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the East Side Gallery, which features a section of the Berlin Wall covered in colorful murals.

Relax in Tiergarten Park

Escape the bustling city and unwind in Tiergarten, Berlin’s largest park. Take a leisurely walk, rent a bike, or have a picnic surrounded by beautiful greenery. Make sure to visit the Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism, a somber reminder of the city’s history.

A self-guided walking tour in Berlin allows you to explore the city’s rich history, diverse culture, and architectural wonders at your own pace. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the vibrant neighborhoods of Kreuzberg, each step presents an opportunity to discover something new. Grab a map, put on some comfortable shoes, and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the streets of Berlin!

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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.

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Berlin Wall Walk

Home » Europe » Germany » Berlin Wall Walk

By Vicky · Published Feb. 1st, 2024 · Updated Feb. 2nd, 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.

Follow this free self-guided Berlin Wall Walk between Mauerpark and the East Side Gallery, along the most interesting section of the wall.

Page Contents:

This walk starts from the Mauerpark on the north side of central Berlin. There are several options to reach this park on public transport, including the metro to Eberswalder Straße U-Bahn or the bus/tram to Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark.

Berlin Wall Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Tips for Walking along the Berlin Wall

• At every junction there is a signpost – look out for these as they can be easy to miss! A double row of little cobbles also marks the path that the wall follows and can be another marker when you’re trying to stay on the route.
• If you want to shorten the walk, the least interesting section is between Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery – take public transport instead.
• Check out other walks and city guides on our Germany Hiking Page .

Top Sights along the Berlin Wall Walk

On this free, self-guided walking tour along the central section of the Berlin Wall, you’ll see several interesting sights, detailed below. If you prefer a guided walk, this tour * takes in several of the main sights along the central section of the wall.

• Berlin Wall Memorial
• Memorial Günter Litfin
• Invalids’ Cemetery
• Parliament of the Trees
• Brandenburg Gate
• Memorial to the Fallen Jews
• Potsdamer Platz
• Topography of Terror
• Checkpoint Charlie
• East Side Gallery

Berlin Wall Walk Route

This walk along the central section of the Berlin Wall starts from the Mauerpark.

Directions: Walk northward into the Mauerpark.

1. Mauerpark

The Mauerpark (Wall Park) follows a former straight section of the Berlin Wall. You can’t see much of the actual wall today, but there are some information signs about the history of it. Just next to the road at the beginning of the park is an information panel (in German and English) about this section of the wall together with a few archaeological remains. On Sunday afternoons there’s a great flea market in the park, with loads of stalls, music, food trucks and a fun atmosphere.

Directions: Walk as far into the Mauerpark as you want before returning to the road and crossing to the other side. Take a right behind the buildings on a small walkway parallel to the main road. There are several signs along the path documenting the history of the wall. Soon you’ll enter an open space and the next stop.

2. Berlin Wall Memorial

Key Information: Mainly outside with free entry and unlimited opening hours. Documentation Centre and visitor’s centre open Tue-Sun,10am-6pm. To read and see everything, you could spend a couple of hours here.

The Berlin Wall Memorial covers a section of the former wall along Bernauer Street. In several places, iron poles have been put up to represent where the walls stood, and you walk along the ‘Death Strip’ in the middle. There are some small outdoor exhibits here, along with a Chapel of Reconciliation and several large murals and photos on the buildings showing how the area changed over time.

Inside the Documentation Centre is an overview of the history of the Berlin Wall, the division of Berlin and the consequences of the Cold Wall. There are multimedia exhibits, including a film about the wall’s history.

Directions: At the Documentation Centre, head up some steps into the narrow park on the opposite side of the road and turn right. There used to be a train station here, but it was closed when the wall was built right through it. At the end of the park, leave down the steep steps to your right and turn left to the roundabout. Take the first left, past two cemeteries, and cut across the park just before the next road junction. Take the first left down Boyenstrasse. At the end, turn right and then left to reach the canal and then left along the canal banks.

3. Memorial Günter Litfin

In front of the first buildings you reach, you’ll see a former watchtower on the Berlin Wall. It’s now a memorial to all those killed by the East German border troops as they tried to cross over the wall. Specifically, it’s named after Günter Litfin, the first person to be shot and killed when attempting to cross the wall, in the summer of 1961.

Directions: Continue following the canal and into the park.

4. Invalids’ Cemetery

The Invaliden Cemetery is a historic cemetery and final resting place for various notable figures as well as for many soldiers killed in battle. The Berlin Wall was built through the cemetery in the 1960s, and many graves were destroyed. Today you can still see many graves, memorials, and a section of the Berlin Wall running through the middle.

Directions: Walk further along the canal, across the road, and back to the canal bank. Head along the road beneath the train tracks and you’ll reach the banks of the River Spree on the other side. Turn left past the Futurium (a fun free museum about technology and the future) and keep walking past the first bridge. Soon you’ll see a small park on the left side of the road.

5. Parliament of the Trees

In this small park there are 16 trees representing the 16 federal states of Germany, all planted in 1990 to celebrate the reunification of Germany. There’s also an original stretch of the Berlin Wall at the back, covered in paintings and quotations. Today it’s a monument against war and violence, but also a reminder that we have to take care of nature to take care of ourselves.

Directions: Continue walking along the river and head over the next bridge before heading right and to the front of the large Reichstag building.

6. 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: From the Reichstag follow the road to the famous Gate.

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: Continue down the main road between the gate and the Tiergarten.

8. 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 Potsdamer Platz.

9. 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.

Directions: Head along the main street, which bends slightly left. Turn left on the first main street, called Niederkirchner Strasse. You’ll see a large, fancy building on the right, the Martin-Gropius-Bau Art Museum, and the next stop on the Berlin Wall Walk is just past this.

10. Topography of Terror

Key Information: Free entry. Indoor exhibits are open daily 10am to 8pm, the outdoor area closes when it’s dark (or 8pm at the latest). Audioguides are available.

The Topography of Terror Museum is a free, popular museum. It’s located both next to the Berlin Wall and at the former headquarters of the Nazi Gestapo and SS. There are three main parts to this site: 1) the indoor museum, 2) the outdoor exhibition trench, and 3) a walk around the grounds with information panels.

The indoor museum consists of informative panels, photographs, documents, and artifacts that chronicle the history of the Nazi security apparatus and its victims. The outdoor exhibition trench runs along the remains of the Berlin Wall. It’s not actually about the Wall or the Cold War, but about life in Berlin from 1933 until the end of the Second World War, and how the Nazis came to power.

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

11. 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. Presently, 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

Key Information: Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets cost €17.50/9.50 per adult/child.

The Wall Museum – Checkpoint Charlie (or Mauermuseum – Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie) showcases 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

Key Information: Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets cost €11/5 per adult/child.

THE WALL – asisi Panorama is an immersive museum revolving around a 360-degree panorama displaying a normal day in the life of Berlin citizens living near the Wall. There are also a couple of photo exhibits and films about the wall and daily life.

Get tickets to THE WALL – asisi Panorama *

Cold War Black Box Checkpoint Charlie

Key Information: Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets cost €5/3.50/free per adult/teenager/child.

Cold War Black Box is a fun and interactive little museum that covers the history of the wall chronologically. You’ll learn about its construction, Checkpoint Charlie and events that happened there, the Cold Wall, and the eventual fall of the wall in 1989. There are films to watch and accounts to listen to, artefacts, a section of the wall and much more.

Detour: Jewish Museum

Key Information: Open daily 10am-7pm. Free admission.

The Jewish Museum is a really interesting museum about 10 minutes walk south of Checkpoint Charlie. It has a small section on the Holocaust but most of it is about the history of Jewish people and their beliefs and customs. The museum is well laid out and well-explained, with interactive exhibits and lots of things to keep you engaged. The building itself is unusual and fun, with hardly any right angles. On the lowest floor, the corridors are inclined and you can easily get a bit confused and disoriented, which is the idea of the design.

Directions: From Checkpoint Charlie to the East Side Gallery it’s about 4 km walk with not that many features. The first 2 km is through a residential area of Berlin with both older and newer apartments, while the second 2 km is through a park area passing two large churches and a poorer neighbourhood of Berlin.

Directions: Keep your eyes peeled for the Berlin Wall Walk signs and the double row of cobbles on the floor that will lead you along the correct route. There are good views as you cross the bridge over the River Spree. From here, the East Side Gallery is not far along the road to your right.

12. East Side Gallery

Key Information: The wall is in a public area so free to access anytime. The eastern side of the wall (away from the river) is fully covered in graffiti, while the western side is only covered in places.

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: The East Side Gallery is the end of this Berlin Wall Walk. From here you can take the bus, metro or tram back, or head on to a couple of museums about the Stasi. Alternatively, you can continue walking along the wall 1 km further to see an old DDR watchtower. Treptower Park (not on the wall) is another interesting place nearby, with some former Soviet monumental architecture and statues.

Exploring Further

Stasi museum.

Key Information: Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, weekends 11am-6pm. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat guided tour in English at 3pm (extra €5 per person). Tickets cost €10/7.50. Audioguides are €2 per person.

The Stasi Museum is located in the former headquarters of the Ministry for State Security. This was the official state security service of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) during the Cold War. In the museum, you can gain insights into the extensive network of surveillance and control maintained by the Stasi, as well as the methods employed to monitor and suppress dissent.

Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial

Key Information: The permanent exhibition is open every day 9am-6pm and is free. Guided tours in English are every day at 10:40, 12:40 and 14:40 and cost €8/4. These tours are highly recommended, and it’s best to book in advance during busy periods.

The Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial is a former secret Stasi prison, now a museum and memorial. It used to be a central institution for political persecution in East Germany. Many individuals arrested for political reasons were interrogated and detained here. Today the museum and tours (by former inmates) provide insight into the methods used by the Stasi for surveillance, interrogation, and psychological pressure.

Treptower Park

Treptower Park is almost 2 kms walk from the East Side Gallery. Head across the bridge, along the wall to the former watchtower, and further along the road. There are several interesting features within the park including a monumental Soviet War Memorial, an old Soviet observatory, a riverside beer garden on a little island, a nice riverside walk and boat rentals.

Guidebooks to explore more of Germany

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

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Free Walking Tours Berlin

This is an overview of the free walking tours in Berlin that are available to you, including pay-what-you-wish, self-guided, as well as GPS-led audio tours. ( auf Deutsch )

We are local walking tour guides who want to share our inside knowledge and the history of Berlin and Germany with you.

In the video below, Steve, a local tour guide with us, Free Tours by Foot, gives a virtual tour of the Brandenburg Gate.

While you can find 100% free, self-guided, or audio-guided tours in Berlin, what most people think of when they hear free tours are actually pay-what-you-wish guided tours.

These tours are free to sign up for and are technically free to take.

However, it is recommended that you pay your guide what you felt the tour was worth, or what you could afford, at the end of the walk.

In Berlin, you can find free tours not just for a city orientation , but also on topics such as street art , the Third Reich , and the Cold War .

There is even a free bike tour (sort of).

• Intro to Berlin
• Street Art + Graffiti
• Third Reichh + WW2
• Cold War (GDR)
• Free Tours with Tourist Passes
• Tours en Español

Free Tours with Tourist Passes and Bus Tours

Keep in mind that if you are considering purchasing a tourist attraction discount pass , several of these passes include free (not pay-what-you-wish) walking tours. 

Likewise, the major hop-on-hop-off bus companies in Berlin also offer free walking tours (not pay-what-you-wish) with paid tickets.

BERLIN CITY CENTER (INTRO TO BERLIN TOURS)

These pay-what-you-wish walking tours concentrate on Berlin’s Friedrichstadt neighborhood with the Mitte district.

They are the go-to tours to get your feet wet and to see the top sights in the capital of Germany.

Top Attractions on the Berlin City Centre Tour

• Brandenburg Gate
• Unter den Linden
• Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Potsdamer Platz
• The Topography of Terror
• Humboldt University
• Museum Island
• Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral)
• The Berlin Palace

Every tour company in Berlin offers tours here and most cover all of these stops and more. Starting points and times vary.

Holders of either the Berlin Pass or the Welcome Card All-Inclusive already have a free tour of this area included.

This company with its yellow umbrellas offers a tour every day, usually 3x a day. The tour starts in Alexanderplatz and ends at the Brandenburg Gate.

• Check the calendar above for an updated schedule.

New Berlin Tours

New Berlin offers a pay-what-you-wish Berlin city center tour.

Clocking in at approximately 2 ½ hours, this excursion will take you past locations such as TV Tower, Luftwaffe HQ, and Brandenburg Gate. 

This walking tour is offered in English, German, and Spanish.  

Availability: Daily ( fewer tours may be offered due to the Covid-19 pandemic )

• 13:00 (1 pm)
• 14:00 (2 pm)
• 16:00 (4 pm)
• Check the calendar  for an updated schedule.

With a 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor, New Berlin Tours is quite popular despite often having very large group sizes. 

They also offer a wide range of Berlin tours , including the Third Reich, Cold War, and Royal Potsdam Tours.

FREE STREET ART TOURS - ALTERNATIVE BERLIN

These pay-what-you-wish walking tours concentrate on Berlin’s alternative scene with a focus on street art and graffiti.

These tours tend to visit parts of the city less frequented by visitors.

Many are led by single tour guides who promote their tours in various locations.

It's best to consult our calendar above for the most up-to-date schedule.

There is even one graffiti and street art workshop .

Top Attractions and Artworks on the Berlin Street Art Tour

• Hackescher Markt
• Dead Chicken Alley
• Kottbusser Tor
• Astronaut - Space Crusader 

Small-Group Tours

And as with most free tours, this tour can get very crowded, particularly in the tourist high season.

You might consider a small-group tour which costs around €14 per adult.

We also offer a free Berlin street art tour that is self-guided.

FREE THIRD REICH (WW2) TOURS BERLIN

These pay-what-you-wish walking tours concentrate on the Nazi and World War II era of Berlin.

There is currently one company offering regularly scheduled pay-what-you-wish tours.

As we mentioned earlier, if you are considering either the Berlin Pass or the Welcome Card All-Inclusive , you already have a completely free tour included in both passes.

Top Attractions on the Third Reich Tour

• Sinti Memorial
• Ministry of Propaganda
• Memorial to Soviet Soldiers
• Bebelplatz (Location of the Book Burnings)
• Monument to Homosexuals Persecuted under National Socialism
• The Location of Hitler's Bunker

Self-Guided Exploration Games

These games are an excellent alternative to tours, allowing you to solve a mystery using clues that will take you to some of the most notable WW2 landmarks in the city.

Berlin War Tour

Although this game isn't free, at under €10, the price is about what most people would tip their guide during a pay-what-you-wish walking tour.

Related Posts:

• How to Find the Site of Hitler's Bunker
• Berlin Bunker Tours
• How to Tour Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
• Self-Guided Third Reich Berlin Tour

COLD WAR (GDR) TOURS BERLIN

These pay-what-you-wish walking tours concentrate on Berlin's GDR era, Soviet rule, and the Cold War.

Top Attractions on the Cold War Tour

• The Berlin Wall Memorial
• East Side Gallery
• Self-Guided Cold War Berlin Tour

And as with most free tours, this tour can get very crowded, particularly in the tourist high season. You might consider a small-group tour which costs around €14 per adult.

If you're looking for an interesting way to discover East Berlin or learn the history of the Cold War, there are two games available that allow you to solve a mystery using clues from around the city.

These outings are not free, but at €10 or less, they cost about as much as you might tip your guide for a pay-what-you-wish walking tour.

• Escape from East Berlin
• The Underground Music of East Berlin

FREE TOURS WITH TOURIST PASSES

If you are considering purchasing one of the tourist attraction discount passes in Berlin, then keep in mind that they already include free walking tours (not pay-what-you-wish) with small groups.

These passes work by bundling together entry fees for popular tours and attractions and can save you up to 50% off the retail prices.

Walking Tours Included in Each Pass

Both the Berlin Pass and the Berlin Welcome Card All-Inclusive include the following free tours

• Berlin Orientation
• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

The Berlin Pass also includes the following:

• Cold War Berlin
• Third Reich Berlin
• Street Art and Graffiti
• Queer Berlin
• Jewish Berlin

In addition to free walking tours, these passes also include bike and bus tours as well as boat cruises, not to mention numerous attractions.

Learn more about how you could save money with a tourist pass .

OTHER TYPES OF TOURS

In addition to walking tours, there are other ways to explore Berlin - by bus, boat, bike & more.

• Alternative Berlin Street Art Tours
• Berlin's Best Pub Crawls and Night Tours
• Berlin Boat Tours + River Cruises
• Which Berlin Bike Tour Is Best?
• Berlin Audio Tours (GPS-enabled)
• Which Berlin City Tour Is Best?
• Berlin Graffiti and Street Art Tour
• Berlin River Cruise Tour

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Self-guided walking tour “Berlin Before and After the Wall: How the West Won (and Where It Got Them)”

Ever wonder was the purpose of the Berlin Wall? Why was the Berlin Wall built? After intense research and lots of visiting, I want to express some thoughts and a few Berlin Wall facts for all of you thinking about visiting this multicultural city.

And all on a self-guided walking tour around a central location, the Wombat’s Hostel in Berlin (The hostel doesn’t exist anymore in Berlin, but they have other locations in Europe). Here are my words on Berlin before and after the wall.

First of all, this wonderful adventure, which I used to pursue my social and cultural differences curiosity, was part of a Wombat’s Hostel project. They have nothing to do with my content, but it was my starting point and made my days so much fun. Happy to have been their guest. I just had to say that, as I always have to be honest about everything I do.

Berlin is big. Berlin is diverse.

And that is why I decided to talk about my experience and tell you how you can take a self-guided tour in Berlin exploring “Berlin and after the wall” in three pretty big but inspirational posts. A guide for any traveler to some of the hot spots and some of the not-so-known places in Berlin.

This is the first guided tour from a series of 3 self-guided walking tours. This tour starts in Berlin Mitte, and it’s called “Berlin before and after the wall 1: How the West Won and Where It Got Them”.

Even though the hostel I stayed at in 2018 doesn’t exist anymore, I still recommend staying in Berlin Mitte area. Check out available accommodations in Berlin Mitte .

This was my second time in Berlin, and it was just perfect. After visiting all the very touristic places for the first time, I now wanted to explore more the connection between their heavy and bloody history and the hipster and eccentric city overindulging in pop culture at every street corner.

As my hostel, the Wombat’s City Hostel Berlin had an awesome location. I will guide you through this cultural exploration journey, combining East Berlin culture and German culture facts, all within walking distance from the Wombat’s Hostel.

Here are 3 options of self-guided tours, starting from the Wombat’s City Hostel in Berlin, which will help you discover Berlin before and after the wall. I hope your feet hold you for all of them.

• Berlin Before and After the Wall: How the West Won and Where It Got Them (this post)
• Berlin Before and After the Wall: Central Berlin  
• Berlin Before and After the Wall: Berlin’s Culture

Don’t try to do it all, but my advice is to do what is of interest to you, what you want to really do, not just to tick off places from your list. Travelling is about discovering, but firstly, I believe is about self-discovery while discovering the world.

Berlin before and after the wall: How the West Won (and Where It Got Them)

Why was the berlin wall built, 1. berlin wall memorial (gedenkstätte berliner mauer).

To find out more about this, you have to take a 20 min walk from the Wombat’s Hotel. You will get to the  Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial) , which is the memorial site of the German and Berlin division. Here is a touristic centre, free of charge, an elevated platform to see the former border strip (with tower and everything in place). This is the place to see how life survived in Berlin before and after the Wall appeared.

From there, you can walk down on Bernauer Street to the Visitor Centre of the Berlin Wall Memorial, visit the Protestant cemetery, Friedhof Sophien II.

What was the purpose of the Berlin Wall? You can read/hear all about their history and Berlin interesting wall facts at the Berlin Wall Memorial ( Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer).

The Berlin Wall was built to divide both physically and ideologically the city and its population. And it did so between 13 August 1961 until November 1989. Why was the Berlin wall built? Simply put, the wall was a symbol of the Cold War, of the fight between the Americans and the Russians. That’s how I understand it. I need to keep things simple.

The East was controlled by the German Democratic Republic (GDR). They used the wall to “protect its population” from the fascists, which was said to be a conspiration to kill the “will of the people” in building a socialist state in East Germany.

Numerous stories of broken families, ingenious plans to escape the East, through tunnels, or jumping from the second or third floor of a building, still stand as a testimony of the past. The wall still has parts of it in place, while a huge strip is marked by steel.

Why did the Berlin Wall fall?

Why did the Berlin wall fall? You are in the right place to find out some of the Berlin wall key facts. Somehow, in 1989, the communist influence declined. All around Europe were revolutions that ended with a change in the form of government.

Coincidentally, or not, a series of political revolutions chance the map of Europe in just a few years. Germany, the way it is today, was reunited on 3rd October 1990.

It is a place to learn about people’s stories and see how contemporary artists have incorporated this into today’s urban life. Discover their sad stories, notice their perseverance, and don’t leave without taking a minute to reflect on true human values, which help people worldwide survive even the worst punishments.

Berlin before and after the wall stands today. Praise it with your visit.

2. Mauerpark

After visiting the wall memorial, walk along Bernauer Street towards Eberswalder Street (you can take the tram). Observe that, as the remains of the wall remain behind, the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood arises and gives room to the creative contemporary Berlin.

A piece of advice any local will give you is to stop at Mauerpark, especially if it’s a Sunday.

Mauerpark literally means Wall park, and it is the former border zone of the Berlin Wall, which used to separate the city. The park is what they used to call the “death strip”, which was the space between the 2 walls built by the East to keep people from escaping to the West. As you already know what that looks like, from seeing the remainings from your first stop, the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Today is a park that inspires freedom and joy, a place where everyone is welcomed. If you are lucky enough to be in Berlin on a Sunday, this is the place to be. Grab some beers to go from a Späti (a small local shop open until late at night, where locals stop to grab a beer, usually ..to go) and bring them with you.

There is a nice and pretty big flea market, people having a good time with their friends, cultures from all over the world being expressed, and the biggest open-air karaoke. Around one thousand people were probably willing to have a good time and listen to whoever wanted to sing. Joy and smiles all around.

That was when I realized how Berlin before and after the wall had influenced the lives of those who were there to see it and those who later came to live this life. Everyone is welcome.

This park is an important ambassador of Berlin’s multiculturality, diversity, creativity , and art.

What happened to East Berlin after the Berlin Wall fell

3. prenzlauer berg.

This was part the East Berlin and was famous for its diverse cultural site. It was the place where artists, Christians and the gay community would create a huge contrast to the mainstream society, the Socialist Republic of Germany.

Since then, it has gone through many changes, as many buildings occupied by squatters are now home to more elegant shops and inhabitants.

There was a slow transition from street art, which was representing the bohemian character of the neighborhood, to what exists today. I felt relaxed and relieved (It’s hard to explain feelings, and you have to see it for yourself) to walk around the streets of Prenzlauer Berg.

Like its history, Prenzlauer Berg is today known for its bars and restaurants and remains an area of Berlin associated with youth. Welcoming any international culture, such as Arabic, Turkish, Vietnamese, Italian, and many other cultures, can be smelled and tasted on its streets.

Prenzlauer Berg is a perfect place to admire much of Berlin’s architecture before the war. Its streets are paved with chic cobblestone. Ah, what a peaceful place Prenzlauer Berg is now.

Prenzlauer Berg is one of the most popular neighbourhood. People from Australia, North America, Spain are eager to move in. And Scandinavians.

Apparently, the cost of living and accommodation is attractive compared to other big cities of the world. So don’t be surprised to see lots of families with children speaking all kinds of languages—even of Asian descent. In my mind, I was wondering which languages will those children learn.

There you can visit some historic buildings like the Prater Beer Garden in KastanienAllee, the “Fat Hermann” water tower near Kollwitzplatz (the first water tower in Berlin), and the former brewery Pfefferbräu in Schönhauser Allee to help you picture the Berlin before the Wall.

Prater Beer Garden

The “Fat Hermann” water tower

Vegan Restaurants (Good and tasty food in Berlin)

Assuming you are hungry (as I always am, but I like to save myself for really nice and vegan restaurants), there are two vegan suggestions in the area:  Lucky Leek , which opens at 6 pm and  Lia’s Kitchen – 100% Vegan  (opens from 12 pm). I really enjoyed this tasty and vegan burger, which is just 10 min walk from the Wombats Hostel. I must admit, I believe Berlin is the vegan heaven.

Jüdischer Friedhof (Jewish Cemetery from Schönhauser Allee 25)

We all have heard of the horrors the Jews have gone through. The Jews had big communities all across Europe, and Berlin had 2 Jewish Cemeteries. Since you are in the neighborhood, visit the one on the  Schönhauser Allee. Also known as the Jewish Cemetery Prenzlauer Berg.

Pfefferbräu

This is the site of a former brewery, founded in 1841 that today is the home of the Pfefferbräu microbrewery and brewpub.

After all this walking and admiring, comparing Berlin before and after the wall, you can rest for a while (if you want). I was staying in a hostel in the Mitte area. I truly recommend this area in Berlin as there are many places within walking distance.

Check out hotels and hostels in Berlin Mitte area .

The next self-guided walking tour is “Berlin before and after the Wall: Central Berlin.”

Iulia Vasile

Iulia is a travel expert, blogger, engineer, freelance copywriter, and a curiosity-driven personality. She sees travel as the ultimate tool for self-improvement and personal growth, and that's the main topic of her blog, Juliasomething.com.

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[…] 1. How the West Won […]

[…] ago when I first visited, and now I love it even more. I wrote 3 walking tours for Berlin, about the Berlin wall, the central Berlin and culture in Berlin. I cannot wait to go back and see even more of Berlin […]

[…] And since you are in Europe, or you are considering visiting around, I recommend you also check out other cool countries. Germany has the capital of love, Berlin and you can seek adventure for yourself there, with the Before and After the Wall self-guided walking tours.  […]

[…] If you are heading to Berlin, then make sure to check out the Berlin Before and After the Wall self-guided walking tours. […]

[…] 1. Berlin Before and After the Wall: How the West Won (and Where It Got Them) 2. Berlin Before and After the Wall: Central Berlin  3. Berlin Before and After the Wall: Berlin’s Culture  […]

[…] 1. Berlin Before and After the Wall: How the West Won (and Where It Got Them) 2. Berlin Before and After the Wall: Central Berlin  3. Berlin Before and After the Wall: Berlin’s Culture (this post) […]

[…] Berlin Before and After the Wall: How the West Won (and Where It Got Them) 2. Berlin Before and After the Wall: Central Berlin (this post) 3. Berlin Before and After the […]

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3-Day Berlin Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days in Berlin, Germany

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Berlin. Just the mention of the name conjures images of division and unity, war and peace, angst and optimism. While visiting the city, the horrific history is palpable, yet the mood is brightened by the vibrant and expressive side of Berlin. The sprawling center is teeming with sights: museums, memorials and parks – and we pack it all into our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary.

We understand how overwhelming planning a trip to Berlin can be –  there are an extraordinary number of things to do in Berlin. We’re helping by sharing our detailed Berlin 3-Day Itinerary. It is ideal for first-timers to Berlin who want to see as much as possible. Our itinerary for 3 days in Berlin includes everything you need to plan your trip!

About Our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary

Before we dive right into what to do in Berlin in 3 days, we have a few tips for using our itinerary. Understanding how we set up our 3 Day Itinerary in Berlin will help you prepare for your visit.

Self-Guided Berlin Walking Tour and Map Directions

The sights in our itinerary for Berlin are listed in order and in the form of a walking tour over three days of sightseeing. We provide a pin drop to each location as well as a summary map at the end of each day. Additionally, we include a complete Berlin Map of Sights, as well as an interactive version for you to follow along with at the end of the article.

Berlin Things To Do and Attractions

There is a broad range of top things to do in Berlin, Germany – from art to history to architecture. Each Berlin sight listed includes a brief summary and additional information, if appropriate.

When there is a charge to visit the Berlin attractions on our list, it is noted. If it is not indicated whether a sight requires a ticket or is free, it is open public space.

Berlin Food and Drinks

Of course, local fare and German beers are not to be missed on a trip to Berlin – so we made sure to include those in our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary as well!

Berliners have an affection for kebabs and currywurst. While German beer consistently ranks as some of the best in the world, in Berlin, young brew masters are enhancing the tradition with a new wave of craft beer.

The route of our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary incorporates getting a taste of kebabs, currywurst and craft beer, including specific restaurant and Berlin food tour recommendations.

Berlin Sightseeing Pace

We have packed our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary to the brim with the best things to do! While possible to see each day’s activities in one day, timing will vary based on your walking pace and how long each sight holds your interest. Be aware of opening and closing times and adjust according to your Berlin travel schedule accordingly.

How Many Days in Berlin

Deciding how many days to spend in Berlin can depend on many factors. We designed our Itinerary for Berlin for 3 days, because that is just enough time to see the top highlights. However, we know other travelers might have more (or less) time. Therefore, we offer additional Berlin sightseeing tips at the end of the article.

Pro Tip:  Get organized for your Vacation to Europe by using our Trip Planning Templates !

Berlin Itinerary 3 Days

Set out on foot to explore the iconic sights of Berlin in 3 days. In our Berlin Itinerary, you will see the most poignant memorials, best museums, historic sites and lush parks.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Berlin Travel Guide to plan your trip to Germany!

Day 1: Berlin City Center Sights

Start your 3-Day Berlin Itinerary in Pariser Platz at the Brandenburg Gate and discover some of the top things to do at Berlin. Station: Brandenburger Tor.

Brandenburg Gate

MAP . Start your tour of Berlin in Pariser Platz at Brandenburg Gate. It is, perhaps, Berlin’s most famous landmark and one of the best places to visit in Berlin.

The Brandenburg Gate has marked the entrance to the city since 1791, although it was blocked by the Berlin Wall that surrounded West Berlin from 1961 until 1989. The gate, with six columns and topped with a horse-drawn chariot carrying Victoria , has served as the backdrop for historical speeches (like President Reagan’s 1987 ‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’ speech) and political demonstrations.

Pariser Platz is home to both the US and French embassies, as well as the iconic – and high-priced – Adlon Hotel. The hotel opened in 1907 and, today, the Royal Suite fetches more than $27,000 a night. Many dignitaries and celebrities have been guests of the hotel – like the late Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama. Michael Jackson has also stayed at Adlon Hotel…and it’s where he so infamously dangled his baby from the second-floor balcony.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe 

MAP . The memorial acknowledges and remembers the estimated 6,000,000 Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. The expansive Holocaust memorial, which was completed in December 2004, is unusual and striking. It is one of the most poignant things to see in Berlin. 

There are 2,711 concrete slabs of various heights arranged in a grid that cover more than 4.5 acres of land. The pathways created between the concrete slabs allow visitors to walk through the memorial and contemplate the events of the Holocaust.

On the east side of the memorial, stairs descend into the Information Center. The center may be small, but the exhibitions are powerful. Visitors can review a timeline of the events and terrors that occurred between 1933 and 1945 at the hands of the National Socialist Party (Nazis) and then read letters and diary entries left from victims.

One room features the stories of 15 Jewish families and how they were impacted by the Holocaust. In another room, the names of the victims, along with a short biography, are read for every known Jewish Holocaust victim. To listen to the names and stories of every victim on the list in its entirety would take 6 years, 7 months and 27 days.

Note: The Information Center is free to enter, but it is important to be aware opening times . 

Fuhrerbunker Berlin

MAP . Hitler’s bomb shelter, the Fuhrerbunker, is where he spent the last months of his life and ultimately committed suicide.

The bunker was partially destroyed and sealed from public entrance. Apartment buildings and a mundane parking lot were constructed over the bunker in an effort to dismiss the notion that the site was of any particular significance.

It wasn’t until 2006 that a small plaque was erected at the corner of the parking lot acknowledging the site. While we hesitate to call the site one of the must-see Berlin tourist attractions, it is certainly hard to argue that it is a significant location in history. 

Potsdamer Platz

MAP . The contemporary Potsdamer Platz with sleek, soaring high-rise buildings has come a long way since it was a trading post in the 1600s. In the 1850s, a railway ran through the center of Potsdamer Platz and, in the 1920s, it was it was the buzzing center of Berlin.

The square was destroyed in World War II and laid a wasteland during the Cold War when the Berlin Wall divided it (which is now marked by a double-line of bricks and a few panels of the concrete wall).

After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the square was revitalized with contemporary buildings, including the Sony complex and Kollhoff Tower. Panoramapunkt – a viewing platform accessed by Europe’s fastest elevator – is located in Kollhoff Tower.

Topography of Terror 

MAP . Free Entry. The Topography of Terror documentation center is located on the previous site of the Secret State Police Office (Gestapo), the SS (Protection Squad) and the Reich Security Main Office. The complex also housed a prison.

Today, it’s where to go in Berlin to learn about totalitarian Nazis. Inside the building that once housed their offices is now a permanent exhibition documenting the rise of the Third Reich, the crimes they committed once they established power and the consequences at the end of the war. 

From spring until fall, a second exhibit is displayed outdoors in front of the remaining cellar walls. Above the exhibit, on ground level, a 650-foot portion of the Berlin Wall stands.

Checkpoint Charlie

MAP . Checkpoint Charlie – or Checkpoint C (as there was also Checkpoint A and B, among other crossings) – was the best-known transfer point between East and West Berlin during the 28 years that the Berlin Wall stood.

Today, Checkpoint Charlie is a bit of a tourist ruse, but it does help to illustrate how former East German residents were kept from entering West Germany in the heart of Berlin.

A replica Checkpoint Charlie hut stands near the original border crossing – complete with actors holding American flags who will pose with visitors for photos in exchange for a few euros. The shack sits under an image of a Russian soldier…with the image of an American soldier facing the opposite direction.

On the northwest corner of the intersection is The Wall Museum. The Yadegar Asisi Panorama exhibition details the life of the artist in Berlin during the Cold War. The adjacent Black Box Museum detail the history of East-West confrontation through multi-media displays, photographs and even a model of a Soviet tank.

LUNCH at Hasir

MAP . It’s time for lunch and, in Berlin, that means a kebab. Hasir opened in 1984 (this location in Kreuzberg is the original location, but there are now multiple restaurants in the city) – and many Berliners and visitors swear they make the best Berlin kebab. It’s even recommended by international foodies, like the late Anthony Bourdain.

Gendarmenmarkt Berlin

MAP . Origins of Gendarmenmarkt date to the late 1600s when the square was used as a marketplace. However, it wasn’t until about 100 years later, in 1773, that the buildings surrounding the square were enhanced by the grand architecture.

The centerpiece of the spacious and elegant square is the Concert Hall, which is flanked by two nearly identical churches (the French Church on the north side and German Church on the south side). The Concert Hall – which is known as one of the best acoustical halls in the world – is home to the German Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, and is free to visit.

A statue of German poet, Friedrich Schiller, stands in the middle of Gendarmenmarkt. During World War II, the concert hall and German church were heavily damaged. At Christmas, Gendarmenmarkt is the site of one of Berlin’s best Christmas Markets.

St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cathedral 

MAP . Free Entry. St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cathedral is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome…just on a smaller scale. It was the first Catholic church built in (then) Prussia post-Reformation. Inside, an organ clings like a barnacle to the wall above the entrance. In the lower church, there are several small chapels and a museum of artifacts.

Bebelplatz 

MAP . Bebelplatz was designed in the 1740s and today is ringed by St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cathedral, Humbolt University and the Opera House. It was in 1933, however, that it gained infamous status as the site of a Nazi book burning ceremony. On the occasion, 20,000 books by authors such as Heinrich Mann, Karl Marx and Albert Einstein, were burned.

In the middle of the square, a memorial below ground level can be viewed through a glass pane: a room of empty bookshelves that could hold 20,000 books. A plaque next to the memorial displays an ominous quote written 100 years prior to the book burning event. It reads: “That was only a prelude; where they burn books, they will in the end also burn people.”

Humbolt University was founded in 1811 and is one of Berlin’s oldest universities. In its time, the university has either produced or employed 40 Nobel Prize winners – including Albert Einstein. Today, the university library holds 6.5 million volumes, making it one of the largest university libraries in Germany.

The Berlin State Opera House (Staatsoper Unter den Linden – or Lindenoper) was first built in 1741. Through the many years, the building has suffered damage by fire and war; as a result there have been several reconstructions as well as a number of name changes.

Berliner Dom 

MAP . ( Ticket required. ) Berliner Dom – or Berlin Cathedral – is, in fact, not a cathedral, as it has never been the seat of the bishop. The formal name of the Evangelical church is Oberpfarr- und Domkirche zu Berlin – or Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church of Berlin.

The church parish dates to 1451, but the church as it stands today was built in 1905. It is the largest church in the city of Berlin. Berliner Dom is located on ‘Museum Island’, a small strip of land in the middle of the Spree River that is home to five Berlin museums (which you will visit on Day 2).

Part of the church was damaged during the war in 1940 and 1944 – and further damaged under communist reconstruction (including the removal of crosses and the demolition of an entire wing). In addition to services and concerts, Berliner Dom can be toured, including a climb up to the dome and down to the crypt.

Radisson Hotel Lobby and AquaDom SeaLife

MAP . ( Ticket required for entry to SeaLife ) While the Radisson Hotel isn’t exactly a Berlin attraction, the lobby is worth a quick peek inside for one distinctive feature: the world’s largest freestanding aquarium, AquaDom.

​The 80-foot-tall cylindrical aquarium holds more than 1,500 fish – and a 2-story, glass elevator is installed in the middle of it. The AquaDom is part of a bigger attraction, SEA LIFE Berlin (which you may want to squeeze into your 3 Day Berlin Itinerary, if you have time). Getting a look at the AquaDom from the Radisson lobby is free; if you are staying longer than a moment to take a photo, consider purchasing a coffee or drink from the lobby bar.

UPDATE: On December 16, 2022 the AquaDom collapsed. The majority of the fish died, two people were injured and the Radisson Hotel Berlin lobby was destroyed. It is uncertain if or when the aquarium will be rebuilt. 

Hackescher Market

MAP . Featuring boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, Hackescher Market is a hub of activity for locals and tourists alike. An outdoor market is held on every Thursday and Saturday. Make your way to Hackesche Hofe, which is a series of eight connected courtyards featuring specialty shops and accessed via the archway at Rosenthalerstrasse 40 .

Classic Berlin Food and Beer at Das Lemke

MAP . Cap off your first day of Berlin sightseeing with a local craft beer and currywurst at Das Lemke. Beer and currywurst are two of things that Berlin does best! And there’s no better way to get an introduction to these tasty German treasures than at Das Lemke.

We recommend getting a tasting platter of beers and the currywurst with homemade sauce (but the sausage platter is excellent, as well). Das Lemke is one of the fun places to eat and drink in Berlin! 

Tips and Maps for Day 1 of our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary

A few alternate ideas along with maps for our 1 Day Berlin Itinerary.

Berlin Tour Tips

• If a self-guided tour of Berlin isn’t your style, join a Berlin Walking Tour to explores the highlights, history and hidden sights of the city.
• Looking for a craft beer tour in Berlin? Check out the original evening Craft Beer Tour !
• How about a Secret Berlin Food Tour? Read views and get all the details !

Berlin Map Routes

• Google Map for Berlin sightseeing in the morning (before lunch)
• Map for sightseeing Berlin in the afternoon (after lunch)

Day 2: Berlin Museums, Art and Architecture

Hopefully you got a good night rest! Day 2 of your 3-Day Berlin Itinerary is big one that begins in the city center.

Museum Island

MAP . Ticket required for entry, cost varies/combo ticket available, including Museum Day Pass with Skip-the-line access and tour . The northern tip of the island that sits in the middle of the Spree River houses a complex consisting of 5 museums – and together they are listed as a Berlin UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These Berlin museums can be visited with individual tickets, a combination Berlin Museum Pass or for free with a Berlin City Card (more about cost-saving cards at the end of the post). 

Spend the morning visiting one or several museums – or simply wandering the grounds and admiring the architecture. Below is a list of the Berlin museums on Museum Island along with additional information.

• Pergamon Museum – Open 10am to 6pm, but closed on Monday. Top features are the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Market Gate of Miletus. Collections include Antiquity, Middle East and Islamic Art.
• Bode Museum – Open 10am to 6pm; closed Mondays. Exhibits include sculptures and art from the late Antique and Byzantine periods, as well as a collection of coins and medals.
• ​ Neues Museum (New Museum) – Open daily 10am to 6pm and closed Monday. The Neues Museum building dates to 1859, but was destroyed during World War II and was only reconstructed in 2009. On display are Egyptian, Prehistory and Early History collections. The most notable item is the bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti.
• ​ Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) – Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm; closed Mondays. The featured collections include Neoclassical, Romantic, Biedermeier, Impressionist and Modernist artwork.
• ​ Altes Museum (Old Museum) – Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm; closed Mondays. The building dates to the 19th century and is best known for the Collection of Classical Antiquities.

Note : Berliner Dom is also located on Museum Island; if you didn’t have time to visit on Day 1, visit on Day 2.

Alexanderplatz & Fernsehturm Berlin TV Tower

MAP . Originally a cattle market, today Alexanderplatz is a busy Berlin transportation hub (including arrival and departure points via U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus) and pedestrian zone.

The top attraction on Alexanderplatz is the easy-to-spot TV Tower, Fernsehturm.  Standing over 1,200 feet tall, it features a viewing platform along with a rotating restaurant in the bulbous sphere. The tower has been a symbol of Berlin and Germany since it was built in the 1960s.

It still ranks as the tallest structure in Germany and the fifth tallest television tower in Europe – and offers spectacular views over Berlin. Also on Alexanderplatz is the cylindrical World Time Clock, which displays all 24 times zones and the major cities in each zone.

LUNCH – Tekbir Doner

MAP . For a completely different-tasting kebab experience, head to Tekbir Doner for lunch. We got a tip from a local to dine at Tekbir Doner – and it didn’t disappoint. The small shop has only a few seats and everyone in the place will surely know each other.

The meat is veal – no chicken here – and the toppings are basic, but they combine to make an incredible kebab. Oh – and a cup of the Turkish tea is included!

Treptower Park and Soviet War Memorial

MAP . Treptower Park, which lies to the southeast of Berlin along the west bank of the Spree River, was the location of the 1896 Great Industrial Exposition of Berlin. The main feature today – in addition to the open space and plentiful pathways – is the dramatic Soviet War Memorial (Sowjetisches Ehrenmal Treptow).

​The vast monument was designed as a cemetery for 5,000 Soviet soldiers and to commemorate the 80,000 Soviet soldiers who died fighting in the Battle of Berlin. The memorial includes a 40-foot-tall statue of a Soviet soldier carrying a German child while standing over a broken swastika, as well as 16 sarcophagi featuring carved depictions of war scenes and quotes from Stalin. Controversial, but certainly an important Berlin sight to visit.

Oberbaumbrucke Bridge

MAP . The double-towered, double-decked bridge crossing the Spree River is one of Berlin’s most striking landmarks. Originally built in the 1700s and named for the tree trunk barriers that used to prevent smugglers from crossing at night, the wooden bridge was replaced in 1896 with the brick bridge.

Oberbaumbrucke connects the neighborhoods of Kreuzberg (in the west) and Friedrichshain (in the east), which were once separated by the Berlin Wall. During the time that the wall stood, the bridge was used as a pedestrian crossing…for West Berlin residents only.

East Side Gallery

MAP . In 1990, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, artists from around the world were invited to create works of art on the east side of a ¾-mile-long stretch that had not been dismantled. The project included individual murals from 105 artists that depict scenes of freedom and hope.

Named the East Side Gallery, walking the section of remaining, decorated wall is one of the best things to do Berlin. 

Among the most popular is the painting by Dmitri Vrubel of Leonid Brezhnev (General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union) and Erich Honecker (General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany) engaged in an open mouth kiss, with the words, “God, help me stay alive among this deadly love,” written in Russian.

As time has passed, much of the open-air art has been defaced (by hooligans) or removed and destroyed (by developers). An effort to preserve and restore the art has been undertaken, but not without controversy. 

Friedrichshain Berlin

MAP . Developed in the 1920s as a working-class neighborhood, Friedrichshain is now a trendy area benefiting (and suffering from) gentrification. Wander the streets aimlessly or join a guide on a walking tour of Friedrichshain.

Stay in the neighborhood for dinner and drinks, you will find great options near Boxhangener Platz. Friedrichshain is also home to many famous Berlin bars – as well as several popular Berlin nightclubs.

Tips and Map for Day 2 of our 3-Day Berlin Itinerary

Top Tip: If you are keen on learning more about the artistic side of Berlin, we suggest taking the Berlin Street Art  tour. 

Map: Google Map for Sightseeing on Day 2 in Berlin

Day 3: Berlin Parks and German Reichstag

Okay, let’s start the last day of your 3-Day Berlin Itinerary! We’ll begin south of the city at…

Natur-Park Sudgelande 

MAP . Ticket required for entry, 1 euro per person. Natur-Park Sudgelande, which opened in 1999, is set in an abandoned railyard. The water tower – once used to power steam engines – is covered in rust and trees have taken root between tracks.

The railyard was built in 1889, but was closed in 1952 and was left to the mercy of nature. Besides the many lines of overgrown railroad tracks, a 1940 train engine and an original railyard turntable are top features of the park.

Berlin Tempelhofer Feld Park  

MAP . The Tempelhofer Feld Park is one of Berlin’s most historic places and a popular adaptive re-use projects. The first Tempelhof Airport opened in 1923, but plans for an improved airport were already in the works by 1936. During WWII, construction ceased – and then it was used in 1940-41 as a forced labor camp. After the war – from 1945 until 1993, the airport was used as a base by the US Air Force.

In 1948, when the Soviet Union imposed a food and supply blockade on West Berlin, the airport was used as an ‘air bridge’ to fly in provisions needed for the people living in West Berlin. Tempelhof Airport became an evacuation point for Berliners who wanted to flee the region and reestablish their families and lives elsewhere in Germany and Europe.

In the 1960s and 70s, the airport functioned as a civilian airport – in 1971 the airport saw 5.5 million passengers, but closed when Berlin Tegel Airport opened to commercial flights in 1974. Due to increased travel through Germany in the 1980s, the airport was reopened. However, in 2008, the Tempelhof Airport closed permanently.

In 2010, the runways and vast land of the airport were opened as a massive Berlin city park. While taxiway signs and runway markers remain, the pavement is now utilized by joggers, bikers and stroller-pushers. The grassy lawn is used for lounging and BBQ’s in the summertime. Both history and aviation aficionados will want to put Tempelhofer Feld Park on their Berlin To Do list!  

LUNCH – Mustafa’s Kebab 

MAP . Mustafa’s Gemuese Kebab stand is perhaps the tastiest of all the kebabs in Berlin. The line at Mustafa’s is sure to be long and full of selfie-taking tourists, but the kebabs are phenomenal and well worth the wait.

The menu is short and the only meat is chicken (although veggie kebabs are also available). We highly recommend ordering the Durum with everything. The kebabs at Mustafa’s rank as some of our favorites in the world!

Pro Tip : Need something to snack on for the 30-minute wait? Continue walking 1 minute south to Curry 36 and order a currywurst snack as an appetizer!

German Reichstag Building 

MAP . Free entry;  pre-registration required ; the free tour of the glass dome includes a (free) audio guide, a small display on the history of the Reichstag Building and spectacular 360 degree views over Berlin.

​In 1894, Berlin’s Reichstag Building opened as home of the German Parliament, which it remained until 1933 when the building was almost completely destroyed by fire. The fire – and accusation that it was a plot by Communists – was used by Hitler to further advance the establishment of the Nazi Party and led to the subsequent signing of the Enabling Act.

The building was not reconstructed after the fire and fell into a state of ruins after it was targeted during the Battle of Berlin in 1945. When the war ended, the West German government moved to Bonn – and the building, which was no longer being used, was only minimally restored. After Germany’s reunification, the decision was made to move Parliament back to Berlin.

The Reichstag Building was completely restored in 1999 – including the glass dome, which was a key feature of the original design that represents the transparency of Germany’s government.

Tiergarten Park and Victory Column 

MAP . Tiergarten is Berlin’s 520-acre, inner-city park. It was originally designed in 1527 as hunting grounds for royalty. As the desire to hunt waned and the city grew, the land was converted into Berlin’s first public park. Wide paths, statues and monuments were added to the open space.

The most notable – and visible – monument is the Victory Column (Siegessaule). The bronze ‘Victoria’ that tops that column is 27-feet tall. The column was erected in 1873 to celebrate Prussian victories, but was moved to its current location in the 1930s.

Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church 

MAP . Free entry. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church – also known as the Gedachtniskirche – was built in the late 1800s. After being damaged by bombs in 1943, it was debated whether the church should be completely demolished or salvaged. In the end, it was decided that the damaged spire would be preserved – so that today the church contains both new and historic elements. The church is one of Berlin’s many notable landmarks.

Mauerpark 

MAP . The name – Mauerpark – directly translates to Wall Park. During the years that the Berlin Wall stood, the long strip of land was known as the Death Strip. The Wall blocked access from East to West, but the area around the wall was often referred to as No Man’s Land – or the Death Strip.

Watchtowers manned by armed guards looked over the land where sand, traps and spikes were placed to deter East Berliners from attempting escape into West Berlin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the open space was converted into a park.

Today, the park is well-known for the Sunday flea market, where shoppers can find almost anything imaginable. The park is also the site of the famous Sunday summer Bearpit Karaoke Show. Crowds – which often number into the thousands – gather around the small amphitheater to cheer and jeer the brave karaoke singers.

Volkspark Humboldthain

MAP . Berlin’s northern park, Volkspark Humboldthain, opened in 1872, featuring greenhouses, a church and the city’s first park playground. Near the end of World War II, the park was the site of two Flak Towers, built to defend Berlin from aircraft attacks and to serve as above-ground bunkers (they could accommodate 15,000 people).

After the war, in which much of the park was devastated, one tower was destroyed and reduced to rubble, while the other remains partially standing and serves as a viewing platform. A tour of the interior of the tower is possible by guided tour, but only in the summer, as it is a sanctuary for bats in the wintertime.

If you are hungry for a snack, walk to Curry Baude ( MAP ) on the northeast side of the park. Located at the Gesunderbrunnen Station, Curry Baude has been making currywurst since 1989 – using a sauce based on a secret family recipe. The spot is a local favorite – and some claim it is the best currywurst in Berlin. Try the Special Currywurst, which comes with corn, paprika and sauce.

Berlin Wall Memorial

MAP . A memorial to the Berlin Wall – called Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer – is an open-air museum that illustrates how the city was divided by the Berlin Wall. Part of the actual wall remains – as does a guard tower. 

Visitors are invited to walk the length of the wall, while taking in the informational plaques, photographs and stories with an audio guide. Furthermore, guests who want a personal introduction can join one of the guided tours for a small fee. 

Berlin Craft Beer: The Castle Berlin Mitte

MAP . For a final taste of some of Berlin’s finest beer, head to Castle Bar for a pre-dinner pint. Opened in 2013, Castle Pub serves craft beer from Berlin and beyond. Featuring local brewers, Castle Pub has more than 20 taps and an extensive menu of bottled beers and a big outdoor beer garden. 

German Dinner at Schnitzelei Mitte

MAP . For a taste of different German food, enjoy your final meal at Schnitzelei Mitte. In the cozy space, feast on German style tapas to sample several different kinds of typical food from Berlin…or dig into one of the signature schnitzels! 

Tips and Map for Day 3 

Tip: If you’ve tired of currywurst and German fare or are simply craving a change to something international – head to the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood. The international restaurant options are endless. In the mood for burgers? We recommend eating at The Bird .

Map: Google Map for Berlin Sightseeing on Day 3

Berlin Tour Map

Use this Google Map for an interactive version to all the Best Things To Do in Berlin map below! The Blue markers indicated Berlin activities for Day 1. Purple markers show Day 2 sights in Berlin. The Green markers feature what to see on Berlin Day 3.

What To Do Berlin Beyond the City Center

We have highlighted the top Berlin things to do in the city center that are easily accessed on foot and public transport. However, there are a few Berlin attractions that are outside the city center worth visiting, too. We are highlighting a few of the best places that you might want to add to your Berlin 3 Day Itinerary. 

Charlottenburg Palace

MAP . One of the top places to see in Berlin, Schloss Charlottenburg is a Baroque palace that dates to the 17th century. Visitors can go inside the palace (with tickets) to see the opulently decorated rooms. The palace gardens are also not to be missed – and they are always free to enter. 

For a truly unique experience, attend the Evening of Dinner and Music at Charlottenburg Palace – it’s one of the romantic things to do in Berlin!

Berlin Botanical Garden and Museum

MAP . The Berlin Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum (called Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum) offers visitors the chance to ‘tour the world’ in their gardens. With 15 greenhouses featuring plants from around the globe and a museum, guests can plan to spend at least half a day at the gardens.

Tierpark Berlin Zoo

MAP . The Tierpark Berlin ranks as the largest zoo in Europe…and it’s nestled right into a forest. Top zoo attractions are the polar bears, monkey houses and petting zoo. Visitors also enjoy the lush grounds and the Friedrichsfelde Palace. 

KaDeWe – Kaufhaus des Westens

Reigning as the second largest department store in Europe (after Harrods in London ), shopping at Kaufhaus des Westens – or KaDeWe, for short – is one of the fun things to do in Berlin. 

The luxury mall opened in 1907 and features 8 floors of retail space. The 6th floor is a dedicated food hall, offering an array of scrumptious fare, while the top floor hosts a restaurant with floor to ceiling windows for exceptional views. 

Berlin Day Trips

With different interests (or more time in the city), consider including a full day trip from Berlin in your 3 Days in Berlin Itinerary. There are several excursions from the city, so we are pointing out just a few of the most popular Berlin Day Trips. 

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Learn about the atrocities that occurred at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp – one of the first camps established by the Third Reich Nazis. Visitors will hear stories about the prisoners and see what remains of the camp, which stands a national memorial to the victims. Reserve your spot .

Walk the route of Prussian kings and German royalty on a full-day tour from Berlin to Potsdam. See palaces, gardens and historical sights that hosted events which shaped the future of Germany. Book your seat!

Spending a day in Dresden is just long enough to see the top sights of the beautiful city (but read our 3-Day Dresden Itinerary to see why you might want to stay longer than a day!). Tour guests travel by bus to Dresden and get a guided walking tour of the city that is nicknamed ‘The Jewel Box’. Find out more!

Berlin: How Many Days?

We created a 3-Day Itinerary in Berlin because we think three days are just enough time to get to know the city. However, we understand that other visitors may have more – or less – than 3 days in Berlin. Use our Berlin travel planner tips below to plan your perfect trip. 

Berlin One-Day Itinerary

If you are trying to create a plan of things to do in Berlin in one day, we advise following our tips from Day 1…and perhaps adding the Reichstag and Tiergarten into your sightseeing. 

2 Days in Berlin Itinerary

To create a Berlin 2-Day Itinerary, we think it is best to simply follow Days 1 and 2 of our above Three Days in Berlin Itinerary (but, again, add the Reichstag and Tiergarten into your first day, if possible!). 

Alternate 3 Days in Berlin Itinerary

In our outlined 3 Day Trip Plan for Berlin, we recommend that Day 3 be spent visiting some of the historic parks and sights around the city that date to World War II. Those more interested in learning about a different time in Berlin may want to visit the Charlottenburg Palace instead. 

4 Days in Berlin Itinerary

With 4 days in Berlin, we recommend adding a sight – like the Charlottenburg Palace or one of the above day trips from Berlin – to your Berlin trip itinerary. 

5 Days in Berlin Itinerary 

To create a balanced 5-Day Itinerary Berlin spend one day on a day trip. For example, go to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp to learn about the darkest time of German history or go to Potsdam for an education on German royalty. 

History of Berlin, Germany

To really appreciate Berlin attractions, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the history of the city. Although Berlin has a relatively short timeline by most European standards, the history is complex and profoundly marked by events of the 20th century.

Berlin City Origins

Originally settled by the Slavs, Berlin officially became a city in the year 1237 under the rule of the Margraves of Brandenburg. The city quickly grew and, in 1451, it became the royal residence of the Brandenburg electors. In the late 1500s, many citizens fell victim to Bubonic plague and died – and in the early 1600s, half of Berlin’s population was lost in the Thirty Years’ War. By the mid-1600s, under Elector Frederick William, the population surged due to open policies regarding immigration and religion.

In 1701, when Elector Frederick III named himself King of Prussia, Berlin became the capital of the kingdom. He was succeeded by his son, King Frederick William – also known as The Soldier King, who ruled from 1713 until his death in 1740. At that time, his son – who became known as Frederick the Great – became king and ruled until he died in 1786. 

Throughout the 1700s, not only did Berlin see the construction of many churches and buildings (some that survive today), but also the rise of education, transportation and the arts. The strong economic growth seen in the early 1800s attracted an influx of immigrants to Berlin, which resulted in much of the population suffering from poverty and ultimately led to a middle-class revolution in 1848.

The German Empire

In 1871, the German Empire (or German Reich) was established and the nation became the most powerful in all of Europe – and Berlin became the center of European politics. The industrial city boomed until World War I, when supplies and morale were both running short. At the end of WWI, the monarchy was overthrown and in 1918 Germany became the Weimar Republic, with Berlin remaining as the capital. Political unrest ensued.

To pay reparations owed by Germany as agreed to in the Treaty of Versailles, the German government simply started printing money – and inflation peaked in 1923 when 1 US dollar equaled 4.2 trillion German marks (that’s 4,200,000,000,000!). However, things turned around in 1924 and Berlin became a cultural center of Europe highlighted by exhibitions and a vibrant nightlife…until 1929 and the Great Depression.

Bankruptcy and unemployment led to demonstrations and chaos in the German government. In 1933, Adolf Hitler was named Chancellor and the Nazis took control of the nation. In the same year, the boycotting of Jewish-owned businesses was organized, book burning ceremonies took place and the first concentration camps were constructed – all while Hitler continued toward his goal of Welthauptstadt Germania (World Capital Germany). Jewish citizens continued to be targeted, terrorized and killed.

World War II

On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany declared war on Poland – and thus the start of World War II. Berlin was first bombed in August of 1940, but it was during the Battle of Berlin (November 1943-March 1944) that nearly half of the city was destroyed. World War II came to end in April/May 1945 when the Soviets captured Berlin and Hitler committed suicide.

Berlin: A City Divided

The city of Berlin was subsequently divided into four sectors to be administered jointly by The United States, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union. As the Western Forces banded together, relations with the Soviet Union dissolved and the city of Berlin was soon divided into East Berlin (Soviet/Communist) and West Berlin (Western Allied Forces) – and, thus, became the focus of the Cold War.

As East Berlin conditions deteriorated under a suffering economy, East Berlin residents fled to West Berlin. In order to prevent a complete mass exodus, in 1961 the East German government began building the Berlin Wall encircling West Berlin. Checkpoints allowed for Westerners (with the proper paperwork) to pass through into East Berlin, but East Berlin residents were not permitted into West Berlin.

German Reunification

The Berlin Wall stood for 28 years – separating the city, families and friends – until November 1989 when the Berlin Wall fell. The city was reunited and the Cold War ended. Since the reunification of the city, Berlin has experienced rapid growth and has become a center of business development and international investment.

Travel Tips for your 3-Day Berlin Itinerary

Berlin is a sprawling metropolis with sights spread throughout. Visitors who want to see the top Berlin sights in 3 days will need to get around efficiently. We have a few tips on how to do just that!

Berlin Transportation

Berlin is well-connected with public transportation. In our Berlin Sightseeing Guide, we recommend using public transport to get to many of the sights. It is helpful to have a basic understanding of Berlin’s public transportation system, BVG , prior to arriving.

Tickets (single ride, daily, weekly or monthly) can be purchased at U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations or on buses and trams. Some Berlin Visitor Cards also offer free or discounted transportation options.

Routes can easily be determined using the Berlin Journey Planner or by using Google Maps (with the links we have provided to each sight). 

WiFi Connection

In order to use the links while sightseeing in Berlin, you will need a Wi-Fi connection (although carrying a Berlin City Map is also very useful).

To stay connected we use a GlocalMe Mobile WiFi device. This Pocket WiFi Device is fantastic for international travelers – especially those exploring as a family or in groups – and can be much cheaper than paying for international data plans through cell phone providers.

Berlin City Cards

Berlin Traveler city cards are a great way to save money on entry admissions and public transport. There are a few different types of city cards in Berlin that are available to tourists. 

Berlin Welcome Card

Tourists visiting Berlin will most likely benefit from purchasing a Berlin Welcome Card , which includes all public transportation and various discounts for the specified number of days. The Berlin Welcome Card Museum Island has the additional benefit of museum entry.

With the Berlin Card, we never had to worry about buying or stamping tickets – which made using public transportation a breeze. We wouldn’t go to Berlin without a Welcome Card! 

For more information about sightseeing in Berlin with the Welcome Card, go to Visit Berlin , the official Berlin Tourist site.

Easy City Pass Berlin

The Easy City Pass Berlin is similar to the Welcome Card, offering both public transportation and discounts to major sights. We have not used this pass, but it does get great reviews – learn more ! We recommend comparing the two passes to find out which one will be most beneficial for your trip.

Plan a Trip to Berlin

Now that you know what to see in Berlin in 3 days, we have a few more travel tips and packing hacks for your visit!

Where To Stay in Berlin, Germany

Choosing what area to stay in Berlin can be overwhelming. We highly recommend selecting somewhere central – and near a Berlin subway station (U-Bahn). 

During our visit to Berlin, we stayed in an  Airbnb Apartment . We have found that staying in apartments is often less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and, usually, more space (just watch for fees on short stays!). That said, if you are planning 3 full days of sightseeing and eating delicious German fare at the best Berlin restaurants, then a hotel is likely more convenient.  

Hotels in Berlin

There are many Berlin hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center. Berlin accommodations are available in a range of price points. We are sharing a few top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip to Berlin. Be sure to read our tips for Booking the Hotels at the Best Prices first!

Casa Camper Berlin

The Casa Camper Berlin Hotel gets exceptional ratings from guests! They get particularly high scores for the location (just around the corner from a subway station), the comfortable beds and cleanliness. Check rates for your stay!

Regent Berlin

Regent Berlin Hotel is one of the classic hotels in Berlin that offers outstanding service and large rooms. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to get around on foot. Check rates and availability!

Hotel am Steinplatz

Located on the west end of Tiergarten Park near a subway station, Hotel am Steinplatz gets rave reviews for the comfortable rooms and modern amenities. Check availability for your stay!

Berlin Hostels

Guests traveling on a budget may want to check availability at one of the many hostels in Berlin. Top picks by fellow travelers are the Minimal Hostel , The Circus Hostel and EastSeven Berling Hostel . 

Getting To Berlin, Germany

Berlin can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. The new Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) opened in October of 2020 and is now the city’s sole airport.

We flew to Berlin from London and departed via bus to Dresden . Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSettingFools, after all!) and we start our search for the Best Deals on Tickets by launching Skyscanner .

In Europe, our preferred bus company is FlixBus – as it is reliable, economical, clean and comfortable. While we aren’t keen on driving abroad, renting a car can often save time, money (especially when traveling with more than two people) and a car rental allows for greater discovery.

Best Time To Visit Berlin

There are advantages to visiting Berlin in every season…and a few downsides, too. We are highlighting the pros and cons to help you decide when it is the best time to visit Berlin for your trip. 

Summer in Berlin

Many visitors go to Berlin in summertime. The weather is warm (highs in the high 70s Fahrenheit) – which is great for spending time in the city parks, outdoor cafes and in the Berlin beer gardens. It can, however, get crowded in the summer and prices for Berlin hotels will likely be higher than in other seasons. 

Visit Berlin in Autumn

We love traveling in the fall. Temperatures cool off but are usually still warm enough for the outdoors. Better yet, crowds start to thin and prices tend to drop. It is still a good idea to book early though if you are seeking the best Berlin budget deals. Oktoberfest and Jazzfest are two fun Berlin festivals that take place in the autumn.

Wintertime in Berlin

Brrrrrrr-lin. That’s how we pronounced it as we were there in the middle of winter. It was freezing cold and snow blanketed the city, but it didn’t keep us from exploring! With the well-connected Berlin public transportation and bevy of museums, churches and pubs, we stayed plenty warm. 

While many people may not think winter is the best time to visit Berlin, the top reasons for going during the colder months is fewer crowds and less expensive accommodations. 

We missed the Berlin Christmas Markets that dot the city, but some say it is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe . If you are visiting Berlin in the winter, pack clothing that can be layered and good, winter shoes or boots. 

Berlin during Spring

Springtime is still shoulder season in Berlin, which can mean great hotel deals and easy access to top sights and attractions. However, it can be gray and wet – so be sure to pack a travel umbrella and raincoat ! 

What To Pack for your 3 Days in Berlin

Ready to travel to Berlin? Super! We have just a few final packing tips for your Berlin vacation. Grab your FREE Packing Checklist and off we go!

Durable Shoes

Our Berlin 3-Day Itinerary covers some ground! Make sure to pack comfortable city walking shoes for your trip. I like to wear these shoes by Columbia or comfortable everyday trainers and Kris prefers to wear Merrell trail shoes.

Travel Camera

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your Berlin getaway. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens , which takes beautiful pictures, comes with loads of fun accessories and is an excellent value budget camera .

Whether you prefer to travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you’ll also want to be prepared with a great day bag . We use the small backpacks for keeping all our everyday travel items organized and safe!

Germany Travel Insurance

Trip insurance that may help cover costs associated with cancelled flights, lost luggage or even unexpected illness on your trip to Berlin. If you haven’t purchased coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Germany ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Visiting other Top Cities in Germany? We’ve got you covered! Read our detailed guides for Frankfurt , Munich , Dusseldorf , and Freiburg !

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