berlin tourism plan

Berlin travel guide: what to see, do and eat in Berlin

This guide is for tourists who want to visit Berlin. If you want to move to Berlin, read my moving to Berlin guide .

Visa requirements

You might need a visa to visit Germany. It depends on your citizenship:

• EU , EEA and Swiss citizens You can visit Germany without a visa. You can stay as long as you want. You can also live and work in Germany.
• Other Schengen area residents You can visit Germany without a visa. You stay in Germany for 90 days in a 180 day period. 1 If you want to stay longer , or work in Germany , you need a residence permit .
• Citizens of other countries People from certain countries can visit Germany for 90 days without a visa. Other people need a Schengen Visa to visit Germany. A Schengen Visa costs 75 €. 2 You can apply for a Schengen visa at the German embassy or consulate in your country .

Visa requirements by country  – Federal Foreign Office

How to travel to Berlin

Fly to the Berlin Brandenburg airport . Use Kayak , Omio , Rome2Rio or Google Flights to book your flight.

To get from the airport to the city, you can…

• Use public transit (recommended) Take a train from BER airport to Berlin. It takes 30 to 45 minutes. Use Google Maps or BVG Fahrinfo . The airport is in zone C, so you must buy an ABC ticket. The ticket costs 4.40 €. You can buy tickets at the airport, near the train platform. You can pay with cash or a credit card. 3 Validate your ticket before you get on the train. –  How to use public transit
• Take a taxi There are taxis outside the BER airport. A ride from the airport to the city centre costs at least 50 €. 4 You can also book a taxi with Uber or FreeNow . You can pay with cash or a credit card. 5
• Rent a car You can rent a car at the airport. There are kiosks for different car rental companies. You can also rent a Miles car.

By intercity bus

Intercity buses are often cheaper than planes or trains. Use Rome2Rio or Omio to buy bus tickets. Some buses let you bring a bicycle.

Most buses have free Wi-Fi, power outlets and a small toilet.

Most intercity buses arrive at…

• Berlin Brandenburg airport , 45 minutes from the centre
• Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB), 25 minutes from the centre
• Alexanderplatz , in the centre

If you arrive at BER airport, you need an ABC train ticket to get to Berlin. It costs 4.40 €.

Intercity trains are more comfortable, but also more expensive. They arrive directly in the city centre. Most trains have free Wi-Fi, but it’s often unreliable. Some trains let you bring a bicycle.

Most trains stop at the central train station, Berlin Hauptbahnhof . This is in the middle of Berlin.

Use Rome2Rio , Omio , Bahn.de or Google Maps to find a train route. To pay less, use the Super Saver Fare or book your tickets long in advance.

By car or motorcycle

You can drive in Germany with a foreign driving licence. You might need a translation or an International Driving Permit.

Who can drive in Germany

Driving in Berlin is easy, but free parking is hard to find.

Most parking spaces in the centre cost 1 € to 4 € per hour. 6 Use Parkopedia to find a free or paid parking space. Most parking spaces outside of the central neighbourhoods are free. Motorcycles can park on the sidewalk for free.

You can also park outside the city and take the train to Berlin. There are free Park and Ride (P+R) car parks . You can park your car there for free, and take the train to Berlin. You can find them on this map (in Multi-mobility), or with this list .

The area inside the Ringbahn is an environmental zone . You need a green environmental sticker to drive in this area. You can get a green sticker at most gas stations around Berlin. Motorcycles don’t need a green sticker to enter this zone.

Information about the environmental zone  – Berlin.de

By car sharing

BlaBlaCar lets you ride with drivers who travel to Berlin. You meet them in one place, and drive together to another city. Car sharing is usually cheaper and faster than intercity buses, but it takes more planning.

How to get around in Berlin

How to find your way around berlin.

Google Maps works really well in Berlin. It also works offline. The BVG app and the Jelbi app let you see train schedules and buy train tickets, but it does not work offline. Maps.me and OsmAnd have offline maps and directions.

How to use public transit in Berlin

Berlin has very good public transit. It’s the best way to get around, even when you have a car. Just make sure you buy the right ticket and validate it . If you are caught with the wrong ticket, you will get a 60 € fine .

You can buy a 24 hour, 7 day or 1 month ticket. It’s cheaper than buying a ticket every time. There’s also the WelcomeCard , a ticket that gives you rebates on museums and attractions.

How to use public transit

How to rent a bicycle or a scooter

This is the best way to see Berlin . Berlin is very flat and has a lot of bike paths, so it’s easy to ride a bicycle or a scooter. You can rent them for around 10 € per day.

When I have visitors, this is my favourite way to show Berlin. I take my visitors along the river Spree and the Landwehrkanal.

Where to rent a bicycle

Where to rent an electric scooter

How to rent a car

You don’t need to rent a car in Berlin. It’s easier to use public transit. If you have an International Driving Permit or a EU driver’s licence, you can drive in Germany.

Where to rent a car

What to see and do in Berlin

Start with visitBerlin.de , WikiVoyage and Lonely Planet . To see what’s happening in Berlin, check tipBerlin and Mit Vergnügen (in German).

Main attractions

• Berlin Wall ( Berliner Mauer ) Some parts of the Berlin wall were preserved. There is preserved part of the wall and a free museum on Bernauer Straße . The East Side Gallery is another part of the wall that was turned into a gallery.
• Berlin Cathedral ( Berliner Dom ) The most famous church in Berlin. You can visit it, or relax on the grass in front of it. It’s on the museum island , close to many old museums.
• Berliner Unterwelten Bunker, tunnel and air raid shelter tours. The tours are in German, English, French, Spanish and more. I have done 3 of their tours. They are very interesting.
• Brandenburg Gate ( Brandenburger Tor ) The iconic gate on Berlin’s East-West axis.
• Christmas markets In November and December, you can visit Berlin’s Christmas markets. There are dozens of them. Many are in scenic locations. There are dozens of kiosks that sell hot drinks, food, sweets and home-made goods. The Christmas markets are open from the middle of November to the end of December.
• East Side Gallery A long mural painted directly on the Berlin wall.
• Flea markets Every Sunday, there are flea markets all over the city. You can find great souvenirs there. There are also weekly markets that focus on food. I like the one at Maybachufer on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Mauerpark Every Sunday, this park hosts a big flea market and an open air karaoke. Many musicians also play music there.
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Next to the Brandenburg gate is a large holocaust memorial and museum. You can walk through the memorial.
• Museum island ( Museuminsel ) Museum island is home to the Berliner Dom, and many of the biggest, oldest museums. If you like beautiful old buildings, it’s worth a visit.
• Oberbaum Bridge ( Oberbaumbrücke ) A beautiful bridge that goes across the river Spree. It’s right next to the East Side Gallery. You can also kayak on the Spree to get a really good view on the bridge.
• Palace of tears ( Tränenpalast ) A small, free museum about the border control between East and West Germany. It’s in the old border crossing point, right next to the Friedrichstraße train station.
• Reichstag building ( Reichstagsgebäude ) An iconic building. You can visit the cupola and the rooftop, and learn about the history of Berlin. It’s free, but you must make an appointment .
• Soviet war memorials There are many memorials to the Red Army, who liberated Berlin in 1945. There are big memorials in Tiergarten , Treptower Park , and in Schönholzer Heide . The biggest one is in Treptower Park.
• Tempelhof airfield ( Tempelhofer Feld ) This giant former airfield is where many Berliners go to relax, drink beer, skate, kite surf and cycle. It’s a great place to visit on a sunny day.
• Teufelsberg** Teufelsberg is an artificial hill. There is a cold war listening station at the top. It’s now an open air gallery with a really good view of Berlin. If you don’t want to pay to visit Teufelsberg, you can visit Drachenberg, the other hill next to it.
• TV tower ( Fernsehturm ) The TV tower in Alexanderplatz is visible from almost anywhere in Berlin. You can take an elevator to the top of the tower, and get a panoramic view of Berlin.
• Victory Column ( Siegessäule ) The Victory Column in Tiergarten sits on Berlin’s East-West axis. You can go up the tower and see Tiergarten, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building from above.

visitBerlin.de  – Official website with really good information

Find events on visitBerlin.de , Facebook , Berlin Events Weekly and Rausgegangen .

Find live music on Resident Advisor , Bandsintown , Songkick and Echtzeitmusik . @berlingig is a Telegram channel that posts cheap concerts every week.

• Berlinale film festival  – February This is the third largest film festival in the world, after Cannes and Venice. You can meet movie stars, and see all kinds of films.
• Cherry blossom  – April and May After the reunification, a Japanese TV channel donated 10,000 cherry trees to Berlin. Most of them were planted where the Berlin wall was. Every spring, the cherry trees bloom and cover the alleys in rose petals.
• Karneval der Kulturen  – May, during Pentecost A big cultural festival with street food, music and shows from all over the world. There is a parade on Sunday. Go earlier in the day, before it’s super crowded.
• Fête de la Musique  – June 21 A music festival in the entire city. There are musicians and concerts in every part of the city.
• Zug der Liebe  – End of August The Zug der Liebe is a big parade with techno, dance and a lot of happy people.
• Berlin Pride (CSD) – End of July A big LGBTQ+ parade with music trucks. It’s one of the largest Pride events in the world.
• Christmas markets  – Middle of November until end of December Germany is famous for its Christmas markets. Berlin has dozens of different markets, including alternative markets like the Japanese Christmas market and the Naughty Xmas Market.

Official event calendar

Public holidays in Berlin

Walking tours

Guided tours are a great way to discover Berlin. Use GetYourGuide or Airbnb experiences to find walking tours, or look at this list . I recommend the Berliner Unterwelten tours.

Outside of Berlin

If you have a bit more time, Potsdam and Wannsee are worth seeing. You can get there by train. Potsdam is in zone C , so you need an ABC ticket.

In the last week of April, you can also see the Baumblütenfest in Werder. It’s one of the largest folk festivals in Brandenburg .

Clubs in Berlin

Berlin is famous for its techno clubs. It can be hard to get into certain clubs. Clubs don’t let everyone in. For example, they often reject tourists, big groups, drunk people, and people under 21 years old. 7

In Berlin, people don’t wear fancy clothes to go clubbing. If you dress too nice, you won’t get in. 8 Ask the locals what the unofficial dress code is.

Most clubs have a cover charge. You must pay 5 € to 15 € to get in. Clubs in Berlin stay open until the morning. The party starts late, and the busiest time is around 2AM. You can buy presale tickets for club events on Resident Advisor . When you have tickets, it’s easier to get in. 9

Find club events on Resident Advisor , or follow clubs on Facebook and Instagram.

What to eat in Berlin

Typical berlin street food.

• Currywurst  – Currywurst is street food. It’s a pork sausage with a curry and ketchup sauce. It’s usually served with fries ( mit Pommes ) in a cardboard plate. Curry 36 is a good place to try a Currywurst mit Pommes . Konnopke’s Imbiss is another famous place.
• Döner kebab  – The standard street food in Berlin. The best kebab places are a secret, but the worst kebabs are usually in train stations and tourist areas.
• Gemüse döner (also called a chicken döner) – A döner kebab with chicken and fried vegetables. Mustafa’s , K’Ups and Rüyam are some of the most famous chicken Döner places.

Typical Berlin dishes

Cuisine of Berlin  – Wikipedia

Fleischerei Domke and Englers Unikat have cheap, traditional working class dishes. For something fancier, try Max und Moritz .

Tipping in restaurants

Most people tip in German restaurants, but it’s okay if you don’t. The waiter won’t be rude to you if you don’t tip. German waiters don’t need tips to survive, but it’s a big part of their income.

How to tip in Germany

Where to stay in Berlin

There is no “down town Berlin”. There are many popular neighbourhoods, and each one has a different personality. If you stay anywhere in the Ringbahn , you should be okay.

• Hotels: Booking.com
• Hostels: Hostelworld
• Vacation apartments: Airbnb or Wimdu
• Long term apartments: see How to find an apartment in Berlin

If you are more patient, you can also use CouchSurfing and BeWelcome . People host visitors for free, and spend time with them during their visit.

Shopping in Berlin

In Germany, shops and supermarkets close on Sundays . Most restaurants, tourist attractions, Spätis and gas stations stay open on Sundays.

Germans pay with cash, Girocard, Visa and Mastercard. Always have cash with you . Many restaurants only accept cash. Most street food kiosks and Spätis only accept cash.

Payment methods in Germany

If you live outside the European Union , you can get a refund for the VAT you paid in Germany. For example, if you buy a laptop in Germany and bring it home in the United States, you can get the 19% VAT back. It’s not easy to do.

VAT refund process  – Federal Foreign Office

Stay connected

If you visit from another EU country, your SIM card will also work in Germany. You make calls, send SMS and use mobile data without any extra costs.

German power outlets

Germany has Type F power outlets. They have a voltage of 230V, and a frequency of 50Hz. Before you visit Germany, check if your devices will work there. You might need a travel adapter to charge your devices.

Power sockets in Germany

Free Wi-Fi in Berlin

If you don’t have mobile data, you can find free Wi-Fi everywhere:

• All U-Bahn stations have free Wi-Fi. Look for the “BVG Free WiFi” network.
• Some S-Bahn stations also have free Wi-Fi. Look for the “WIFI@DB” network.
• REWE and Lidl supermarkets have free Wi-Fi. 10 Some Edeka supermarkets also have free Wi-Fi.
• Hotels and hostels have free Wi-Fi for their guests.

Map of public Wi-Fi hotspots  – publicwifi.eu

Prepaid SIM cards for tourists

If you want mobile data while you visit Berlin, you should get a temporary SIM card.

There are 3 ways to buy a SIM card:

• Buy a digital SIM card (eSIM)  This is the easiest way. Buy an eSIM from Airalo , and activate it when you arrive in Berlin. It’s very easy. I use it all the time when I travel. Your phone must support eSIMs.
• Get a SIM card at the airport Go to the mobile phone kiosks at the airport, and buy a SIM card. It takes 15 to 30 minutes, but it can take longer when it’s busy. Temporary SIM cards are more expensive.
• Get a SIM card at a mobile phone shop Buy a SIM card from a Vodafone, Telekom or O2 shop. Electronics stores like Saturn or MediaMarkt also sell and activate SIM cards. You must show your passport and a registration certificate to activate the SIM card, but store employees will just use your passport and the address of your hotel. 11

Google Maps works really well in Berlin. If you need offline maps, use OsmAnd or Maps.me . Google Maps also works offline , but you can’t get directions.

You should also download the BVG app or the Jelbi app to buy train tickets. They have more accurate train schedules. It’s easier than the ticket machines, and it’s in English. The Jelbi app also lets you book cars, scooters, bicycles and taxis.

Be a good tourist

You don’t need to speak German. People in the tourism industry often speak English. If you are not sure, ask first. Museum exhibitions are in German and English. Signs in tourist areas are also in English. If you want to live in Berlin , you should learn German . If you are just visiting, English is fine.

Do I need to speak German in Berlin?

In Germany, tipping is optional. In general, people tip up to 10% for good service, or round the amount on the invoice.

Things you should not do

• Do not walk on the bike paths The bicycle path is usually a 1 meter wide red brick path on the sidewalk. If you walk on the bike path, cyclists will ring their bell, shout at you or even bump into you.
• Do not put your glass bottles in the trash People collect empty bottles and return them for money . Don’t make people search for bottles in the trash. Put your empty bottles next to the bin. In some parks, bottle collectors ( Flaschensammler ) will walk around and ask for your empty bottles.
• Do not joke about Nazis and the war You probably shouldn’t joke about this. It’s not funny, and it’s not original.

Berlin is a safe city even at night, but crimes still happen. Pickpockets steal phones and bags in trains and restaurants.

Cannabis is illegal in Germany . You can still buy it from dealers in parks, but it’s a really bad idea. You will get bad weed, and it’s often contaminated with chemicals.

Magic mushrooms, cocaine and MDMA are also illegal. If you buy MDMA or ecstasy in Berlin, the KnowDrugs app can help you verify what you buy.

How to buy weed in Berlin

Emergency numbers in Berlin

Lost things

Where to find lost things in Berlin

Auswärtiges Amt   ⤴

bvg.de   ⤴

web.archive.org , berlin.de   ⤴

berlin.de   ⤴

berlin.de , hotel.de   ⤴

reddit.com/r/berlin , reddit.com/r/berlin   ⤴

reddit.com/r/berlin   ⤴

unternehmen.lidl.de , kaufda.de   ⤴

expatica.com , traveltomtom.net , teltarif.de , prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com   ⤴

Weather & Climate

Berlin's Airports

Neighborhoods to Know

Public Transportation

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Lakes & Beaches in Berlin

Berlin's Tiergarten Park

Top Museums in Berlin

Day Trips From Berlin

Food to Try in Berlin

Berlin's Best Restaurants

The Best Bars in Berlin

Breweries in Berlin

Your Trip to Berlin: The Complete Guide

Matthias Makarinus/Getty Images  

Berlin is the most visited city and capital of Germany , as well as the third most visited place in Europe . A fast growing tourist destination, it fascinates young and old, history buffs and art lovers, architecture aficionados and underground clubbers alike. Wherever you go, you experience the pulsating life of Berlin in its over 170 museums and art galleries, 300 clubs and 7,000 bars and restaurants — many of which are open around the clock.

With over 3.5 million inhabitants in the twelve distinct Bezirke (districts), visitors are struck by the size and variety of the city. Architectural styles range from palaces to the remnants of socialist buildings to modern skyscrapers and its citizens are wildly diverse with its ever-changing populace encompassing over 700,000 foreigners.

Plan your trip to the fascinating city of Berlin.

Planning Your Trip to Berlin

• Best Time to Visit : There is never a bad time to visit Berlin as there are festivals and events throughout the year. May is packed full of events and warming weather , with a sprawling summer of swimming and biergartens to look forward to. In December, visit the city's many Christmas markets .
• Language: German is the language of Berlin, but as an international city it is easy to get by in English.
• Currency: The euro is the currency of Germany  , as well as the rest of the European Union .
• Getting Around : Public transportation in Berlin is excellent and consists of subway (U-Bahn), city train (S-Bahn), trams, buses, rideshare, and even ferries. Transport runs at all hours and there are tickets to cover every situation with the basic fare starting at 2.90 euros. Take the double-decker bus #100 for a cheap tour of top sights in the city.
• Travel Tip: Despite its many attractions, Berlin can be a hard city to get a feel for. Read our top 10 things not to do in Berlin and take the time to get out of the city center .

Things to Do in Berlin

Berlin has some of the country's top attractions from historic sites like Brandenburger Tor and the East Side Gallery, to its world-class clubbing scene .

• The Reichstag is the seat of German Parliament   and symbolic of the rich history of the city. Visit the iconic dome — open to the public — and continue past Brandenburger Tor and the memorial to murdered Jews of Europe to the UNESCO site of Museumsinsel (museum island).
• Berlin's East Side Gallery is the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall between the former West ( Kreuzberg ) and East (Friedrichshain) sections of the city. The wall has become a canvas for some of the city's most respected street art . Also check out sections of the wall in Mauerpark and the memorial museum near Bernauer Strasse.
• You shouldn't leave Berlin without sampling some of its famed nightlife. Some of the world's most legendary night clubs are in this city, like the one-of-a-kind Berghain. There are also plenty of places to grab a casual drink like the best bars with a view , beach bars , and many biergartens .

Explore more of the best of Berlin with our full-length articles on the best things to do in Berlin , free things to do in Berlin , and Berlin with kids .

What to Eat and Drink in Berlin

The German food favorites of bratwurst, schnitzel, and spätzle can all be found here, but don't miss out on Berlin specific dishes. Berlin street foods like döner kebab and currywurst are elevated to another level and the best international and vegetarian food in the country is available in the capital.

Berlin is not only a typical German beer city , it is also the birthplace of German craft beer . Visit the city's best individual brewers, as well as sampling the many fine German wines and specialty mixed drinks at unique bars across the city.

Eat your way though the best restaurants in Berlin with our guide to Berlin street food , East German restaurants , and Berlin's best vegetarian restaurants .

Where to Stay in Berlin

As a top destination in Germany, there are a wide array of accommodation options in Berlin from 5-star hotels to funky hostels. While many people choose to stay in the center in Mitte, the city's superb public transport means everywhere is easily accessible and staying in trendy neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, Neukölln , and Prenzlauer Berg offer a local's view of the city. Also take note that there has been a crackdown on Airbnbs in Berlin and these are less available as they once were.

Explore the different Berlin neighborhoods where you might stay and our recommendations on the best hotels in the city.

Getting to Berlin

Frankfurt has the busiest airport in the country while Berlin's two small international airports struggle to keep up with capacity.

• Tegel: The main international airport located in the northwest corner of the city within the AB zone. It is connected to the rest of the city by bus.
• Schönefeld: This busy airport also caters to international travelers and shares a runway with what will (hopefully) be the new airport. It is in the southeast of the city in the C zone (requires an extension ticket) and is accessible by S-Bahn, train, bus, or roadway.

Their small size does make them easy to navigate and accessible by public transport to the rest of the city, with plenty of options for taxis or car rentals for the auto obsessed . The city is also well-connected by train to the rest of Germany as well as greater Europe. Deutsche-Bahn , the national railway, offers fast and easy service as well as occasional discounts , or you can travel by bus on a number of providers for bargain-basement prices and decent comfort levels.

Culture and Customs in Berlin

Berlin has a well-earned reputation as a tough city, but the people – perhaps unfairly — are also known as being rude. Gritty and industrial like the city itself, visitors should know the people's bark is worse than its bite. Berlin is very safe for such a major city with the main concern being petty crime and theft.

When eating out or engaging in any kind of customer service, prepare for a lower standard than that of North America. That said, you should also tip at lower levels (around 10 percent) . Also know that dining out is usually a leisurely experience where there really is no rush. When you are ready to pay, ask for " Die Rechnung, bitte " (the check, please).

Money Saving Tips in Berlin

There is no reason to break the bank when visiting Berlin. The city is famously inexpensive and some of its top attractions and experiences come free of charge.

• Many of the city's historical sites in Mitte are available free of charge from the Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe (as well as the various Holocaust memorials along the Tiergarten ) to Potsdamer Platz .
• The city's many green spaces also offer a low-cost reprieve from city life. Visit Tempelhof Park , the former airport and site of the Berlin Airlift that is now one of the city's largest parks.
• Follow the route of the Berlin Wall from the memorial center at Bernauer Strasse throughout Prenzlauer Berg down to the East Side Gallery.
• Berlin's many churches tell the history of the city. Most notably, the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche in Charlottenburg was kept in a semi-ruined state after WWII and visitors can enter what is left for free.

Learn more about the cheapest ways to have fun by reading up on the best free things to do in Berlin .

European Commission. "Germany and the Euro."

Central Intelligence Agency. "The World Fact Book: Germany."

Visit Berlin. "Etiquette & Tipping."

Berlin's Mitte Neighborhood: The Complete Guide

15 Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

Berlin's Potsdamer Platz: The Complete Guide

Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin

Berlin's Reichstag: The Complete Guide

48 Hours in Berlin: The Ultimate Itinerary

10 Things Not to Do in Berlin, Germany

Where to Swim in Berlin

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Berlin

Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation

Your Guide to Berlin's Neukölln Neighborhood

The Brandenburg Gate

Germany Guide: Planning Your Trip

Regensburg: Planning Your Trip

Lübeck: Planning Your Trip

How to Visit Munich on a Budget

Plan Your Trip to Berlin: Best of Berlin Tourism

Explore Berlin

Travel advice, essential berlin.

How to do Berlin in 3 days

A guide to queer Berlin

Browse collections

More cities with an eclectic arts scene

Berlin Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing berlin.

Berlin is quite cheap to be fair, the travel tickets are 34 euros for five days and covers all areas of the city. U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, trams and mainline trains around the city. The ticket is called the Berlin Welcome Card and not only does it provide deals, it also gives you massive discounts on a huge scale for all attractions in the city.

Buy a 72-hour Berlin Welcome Card. This includes transport on all metro and bus lines, plus a 50% discount at most of Berlin's cultural sights.

If you buy a ticket at the machines on the platforms, you must validate them before boarding the train. The tickets you buy on buses have a time stamp already.

I loved the easy to use and efficient transport system. The German people seemed friendly and helpful and there are loads of things to see and do in Berlin. I will definitely visit again.

Not the old fashioned, post-war government town at all. Great nightlife. Obviously an enormously interesting history both in the city sights and, in particular, the museums. Culturally diverse and lots of great restaurant options on both ends of town. Highly recommend this as a trip for families, particularly with teenaged kids who are able to appreciate the rich texture that is life in today's Berlin.

Berlin is one of my favorite European destinations. From the city's energy and distinctive vibe to its role as an epicenter of both World War II and Cold War history, this is a city that can't be missed!

What is the best way to get there?

Berlin is served by two airports; Berlin Tegel (TXL) in the northwest and Berlin Schoenefeld (SXN) in the southeast.

If arriving in Berlin by train from other major cities in Europe, you’ll disembark at Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). To plan your route and check timetables, use this link.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Berlin from outside of the EU, check if you need a visa  here.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer (May-September) For weather that’s ideal for sitting in beer gardens and wandering around Berlin’s parks, visit during the summer of months of May to September. To avoid peak crowds, head to the capital outside of the European summer school holidays, which span July and August.

Berlin hosts an exciting program of cultural events throughout the year as well, including the Festival of Lights and Jazzfest Berlin in October. Or, travelers can browse postcard-worthy Christmas markets in December, and, of course, don’t miss the Berlin International Beer Festival in August.

For more information on Berlin’s weather and when to go, check out some tips  here.

Public buses in Berlin are regular and easy-to-use. The double-decker 100 bus passes top Berlin sights such as Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Berlin Zoo, and Tiergarten. Check this website for more info on bus timetables.

Berlin has both a U-Bahn (subway and underground ) and S-Bahn (light-rail) network. To plan your journey, go here.

Berlin has a tram network that’s interlinked to the trains and bus systems. The vending machines for tram tickets only accept cash.

ridesharing

Drive2Day, WunderCar, and Uber are all readily available in Berlin.

On the ground

What is the time zone.

Central European Standard Time.

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in Berlin is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Associated plug types are C (two round pins) and F (two round pins with two earth clips).

What is the local currency?

Are atms readily accessible, are credit cards widely accepted.

Most places accept credit cards but it's also a good idea to carry some cash.

Is it easy to find a bank?

How much do i tip.

In restaurants and for tour guides, a 10% tip is expected.

Are there local customs I should know?

Public transport.

The general rule for the escalators to and from metro stations is to stand on the right and walk on the left.

Try to speak the language

Learn a few basic phrases as a sign of respect. Locals will often switch to English for your ease and comfort, but they appreciate the effort.

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

• The Mandala Hotel
• Grand Hyatt Berlin
• Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
• Hilton Berlin
• Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz Hotel
• Mustafa's Gemuese Kebab
• Restaurant Buschbeck's
• Reichstag Building
• Topography of Terror
• Pergamonmuseum
• Museum Island
• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour
• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin
• Third Reich Berlin WalkingTour Hitler and WWII
• Big Bus Berlin Hop on Hop off sightseeing tour
• Explore Berlin's Top Attractions 3-hour English Walking Tour

14 of the best things to do in Berlin

Jul 8, 2023 • 7 min read

Experience the best of Berlin with this guide to the top things to do © Westend61 / Getty Images

For a scene-stealing combo of glamor and grit, poised to mesmerize anyone keen to connect with vibrant culture, bold architecture, global food, intense parties and an easy-going vibe, head to Berlin .

Whether your tastes run to posh or punk, you can sate them in the German capital. Here are the best experiences Berlin has to offer.

1. See the treasures of Museum Island

Berlin’s "Louvre on the Spree", this imposing cluster of five treasure-houses is an undisputed highlight of the city’s impressive landscape. Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1999, Museumsinsel showcases art and cultural history from the Stone Age to the 19th century.

Feast your eyes on antiquities at at the Pergamonmuseum  and  Altes Museum , take in 19th-century art at the Alte Nationalgalerie and lean in for close-ups of medieval and Renaissance sculptures at the Bode-Museum . The  Neues Museum  is famous as the residence of the exquisite but controversial bust of Nefertiti which has been the subject of repatriation requests from Egypt for almost a century.

Planning tip:  As part of the ambitious  Museum Island Master Plan , the Pergamonmuseum will be completely closed to visitors starting October 23, 2023. The institution is not scheduled to partially reopen until spring 2027 – with some sections of the museum, including the famous  Ishtar Gate , scheduled to stay closed until 2037.

2. Follow the legacy of the Berlin Wall

Few events in history have the power to move the entire world. If you were alive and old enough for the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, you will probably remember the crowds of euphoric revelers cheering and dancing at the Brandenburg Gate . Although little is left of the physical barrier, its legacy lives on in the imagination and in such places as Checkpoint Charlie , the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial) and the East Side Gallery  with its colorful murals.

3. Party at Berlin's world-famous clubs

Berlin’s reputation for intense and unbridled nightlife is rooted in the libertine 1920s when everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Christopher Isherwood partied like it was 1999. Since the fall of the Wall, Berlin’s club culture has put the city firmly back on the map of music-lovers everywhere .

The edgiest clubs can be found in locations like power plants, abandoned apartment buildings and other repurposed locations, especially in Kreuzberg & Neukölln and Friedrichshain . Electronic music dominates at cult favourites like ://about blank , Kater Blau and Griessmühle , while Prince Charles has made a name for itself as a hip hop mecca, fetish-focused KitKatClub is a must, and the local punks mosh away at SO36 .

Planning tip: Some of Berlin's best parties are its daytime raves: here's how to hit the clubs in the afternoon .

4. Enjoy drinks outdoors

Whether its beer gardens, rooftop bars or some casual drinks in parks and by the Landwehrkanal, Berliners take a relaxed approach to drinking and socializing outdoors. While Berlin has something to offer all year round, the city in the warm weather has a special buzz around it.

5. Be dazzled by the grandeur of Schloss Charlottenburg

An exquisite baroque palace,  Schloss Charlottenburg evokes the onetime grandeur of the Prussian royals. It is particularly special to visit in the summer when you can fold a stroll, sunbathing session or picnic in the lush palace park into a day of peeking at royal treasures.

6. Book ahead to visit the Reichstag

It’s been burned, bombed, rebuilt, buttressed by the Berlin Wall, wrapped in fabric and finally turned into the modern home of the German parliament, the Reichstag  is one of Berlin’s most iconic buildings. Designed by Paul Wallot in 1894, this is where the German parliament, the Bundestag, has been hammering out its policies since 1999.

Planning tip:  Reserve online in advance  to visit the striking glass dome  for free . This is a government building and you will need to provide identification to gain access.

7. Shop and eat at Markthalle Neun

This delightful 1891 market hall was saved by dedicated locals in 2009. Not only do local and regional producers present their wares but also, on Street-Food Thursday, they're joined by aspiring or semipro chefs, who set up their stalls to serve delicious snacks from around the world. There’s even an on-site craft brewery, Heidenpeters .

8. Tour Berlin's art scene

Art aficionados will be truly spoilt for choice in Berlin. Home to hundreds of galleries, scores of world-class collections and thousands of international artists, the city has assumed a pole position on the global artistic circuit. Its main contemporary art showcase is the Hamburger Bahnhof , a vast museum housed in a former railway station whose loft and grandeur are the perfect foil for this top-notch collection of paintings, installations, sculptures and video.

Local tip:  If you’d prefer something even more Berlin-centric, try Urban Nation in Schöneberg . A relative newcomer to Berlin’s array of galleries, this street art celebration turns the concept of a museum on its head and celebrates art in a unique way.

9. Get to know Jewish history and culture at Jüdisches Museum

Berlin’s Jüdisches Museum  presents an eye-opening and emotional journey through 2000 years of Jewish history in Germany, not just the 12 years of Nazi horror that such exhibits often focus on. Find out about Jewish cultural contributions, holiday traditions, the difficult road to emancipation, outstanding individuals like the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn and jeans inventor Levi Strauss, and the fates of ordinary people and families.

10. Wander or cycle the paths of Tiergarten

Berlin’s rulers used the grounds to hunt boar and pheasants in the rambling Tiergarten until master landscape architect Peter Lenné landscaped the grounds in the 18th century. With its sweeping lawns, shaded paths, woodsy groves, romantic corners, ponds and creeks, the Tiergarten is one of the world’s largest city parks and a wonderful retreat from the city bustle.

Planning tip:  In summer, several charming beer gardens beckon, including Café am Neuen See and the Teehaus im Englischen Garten.

11. See urban renewal at Potsdamer Platz

Despite the name, Potsdamer Platz is not actually a square but an entire city quarter, forged in the 1990s from terrain once bisected by the Berlin Wall. A collaborative effort by the world's finest architects, it is considered a showcase of urban renewal.

Planning tip:  The area itself is rather compact and quickly explored – unless you stick around to see Berlin from above from the Panoramapunkt or dive into German film history at the Museum für Film und Fernsehen .

12. Pose for a photo at the historic Brandenburg Gate

Prussian emperors, Napoleon and Hitler have marched through this neoclassical royal city gate that was once trapped east of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989 Brandenburg Gate  has gone from a symbol of division and oppression to the symbol of a united Germany. The elegantly proportioned landmark is at its most atmospheric – and photogenic – at night, when light bathes its stately columns and proud Goddess of Victory sculpture in a golden glow.

13. Go shopping along Kurfürstendamm

No trip to Berlin would be complete without a saunter along Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm for short) in Charlottenburg . Along with its continuation, the Tauentzienstrasse, it is the city’s longest and busiest shopping strip, lined with high-street chains and designer boutiques. Don’t miss the KaDeWe , continental Europe’s biggest department store with a mind-boggling food hall, or the cutting-edge concept and flagships stores at Bikini Berlin , a revamped 1950s landmark near Zoo Station.

Local tip:  Take a moment to look up. Amid all this, the majestically ruined Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church) stands quietly as a poignant reminder of the absurdity of war.

14. Explore the exhibits of the Topographie des Terrors

In the spot where the most feared institutions of Nazi Germany (the Gestapo headquarters, the SS central command and the Reich Security Main Office) once stood, this compelling exhibit documents the stages of terror and persecution, puts a face on the perpetrators, and details the impact these brutal institutions had on all of Europe. A second exhibit outside zeroes in on how life changed for Berlin and its people after the Nazis made it their capital.

This article was first published Jan 28, 2015 and updated Jul 8, 2023.

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How do I get to my hotel from the main station? How far is Alexanderplatz from the Brandenburg Gate? Where is the Ku’damm and the Gedächtniskirche? Whether by car, on foot or by bus and train, the Berlin map is an absolute must in all luggage, for orienting yourself on the Berlin streets.

Those wanting to step off the tourist trail and immerse themselves in typical city life in the capital won’t get lost when they have the Berlin city map and its enclosed directory on hand. There are tips about leisure activities, museums, palaces and memorials including a short description, addresses and opening times on the Berlin city map for all those looking for additional inspiration for their day trips. Plus the map lists info about city sightseeing tours, bike rides and boat trips. 

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Berlin Travel Guide

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Berlin is a place of stark contrasts. On one hand, reminders of its turbulent past are everywhere. But it's also a modern megalopolis—that's geographically nine times bigger than Paris—with exciting new attractions and an inherent subversiveness. This juxtaposition makes it a destination unlike any other.

The big question for most travelers when venturing to Germany's once war-torn capital then becomes how to navigate the past while living in the present. It's essential to confront the heavier aspects of the city's history. However, that doesn't mean a visit to Berlin is all memorials and museums. (Though, it bears repeating that you should absolutely carve out ample time to do all that.) The contemporary side of things very much deserves exploration, too.

An artsy mecca with a slew of galleries and eccentric installations, Berlin transformed the last pieces of the wall that once divided it into a permanent open-air exhibition.

This sprawling city also has a wild side with nightlife at its center. There are hedonistic drinking dens with cabaret acts, swanky speakeasies and anything-goes clubs where people party for 48 hours (that's not an exaggeration). Add to that picturesque parks, a thriving food scene that's garnered international acclaim of late, a world-class zoo and a cool aesthetic sensibility with homegrown designers making a global name for themselves.

Overwhelmed? Berlin tends to have that effect on out-of-towners. Bookmark this guide to help plan your first (or next) trip.

CEST (Central European Summer Time)

Best Time to Go

May through October is the peak travel period in Berlin. Temperatures tend to be moderate, making it a lovely time to walk around, see the historic sites, hang out in the many green spaces and enjoy al fresco dining. Winter isn't the season that most tourists visit due to the less welcoming weather. However, holiday festivities—notably the fabled Christmas markets—are a bright light in the middle of what can feel like a very long, grey few months.

Things to Know

Currency: Euro (Check the current exchange rate )

Language: German

Calling Code: +49

How to Get Around

U-Bahn: The most convenient and efficient way to navigate Berlin, the U-Bahn , or subway system, has a total of 10 lines stopping at 173 stations. During the day, the iconic yellow U-Bahn trains depart every five minutes. At night, they leave in 10-minute intervals. Tickets are also valid across the Transport Association Berlin-Brandenburg VBB-operated S-Bahn, buses and trams.

S-Bahn: The S-Bahn is a network of suburban train lines that covers 15 lines and nearly 170 train stations. In the city center, it mostly runs above ground.

Buses: Metro buses M11 to M85 run 24/7. Day bus lines 100 to 399 connect the suburbs and city center. Night buses —which are marked with an N—cover the day bus and U-Bahn routes that cease operating overnight.

Trams & Metrotrams: Upwards of 20 tram lines extend the network of the U-Bahn through the eastern part of Berlin. The difference between trams and metrotrams is frequency, with the latter running more often.

Taxis: Public transport in Berlin is fantastic—and would be our recommendation. That said, if you'd rather take a car, taxis are widely available.

Rideshare: Prefer to hail an Uber? That's also an option.

Bicycles: Bike sharing is a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around thanks to companies like Nextbike and Donkey Republic. While electric bikes are available to rent through Wheels, Jump and LimeBike.

Best Hotels

Hotel de rome.

Address: Behrenstraße 37, 10117 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 4606090 Website

Located on Bebelplatz in historic East Berlin, Hotel de Rome occupies what was once the headquarters of 19th-century Dresden Bank. Brilliantly, this prestigious Rocco Forte property preserved many of the building's most spectacular original features—most interestingly the jewel vault that's now an indoor swimming pool. While sleek furnishings and colorful accents add modern flair to the mix.

Orania.Berlin

Address: Oranienstraße 40, 10999 Berlin, Germany

Phone: +49 30 69539680

Website: orania.berlin

An upscale addition to the edgier side of Kreuzberg, Oriana.Berlin is a boutique stay with an elevated yet totally laid-back sensibility. It's impossible to pinpoint the singular thing that makes this hotel so stellar, however, the subtle Asian influences—headboards swathed in elephant-printed fabric and signature crispy-skinned duck at the restaurant—as well as jazz in the open-concept lobby, definitely play a part.

Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection

Address: Steinpl. 4, 10623 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 5544440 Website

The same air of glamour and sophistication that lured the likes of Brigitte Bardo to Hotel am Steinplatz remains today. Sure, the decor is different—not that anyone would complain about the gorgeously refreshed interiors (or the upgraded amenities for that matter)—but the distinctive Art Nouveau details endure. Plus, it's within walking distance of Tiergarten, Potsdamer Platz and the Berlin Zoo.

SO/ Berlin Das Stue

Address: Drakestraße 1, 10787 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 3117220 Website

Upon arrival, SO/ Berlin Das Stue looks incredibly posh. The 1930s neoclassical edifice, built by KaDeWe architect Johann Emil Schaudt, certainly gives off a regal first impression. Inside the former Royal Danish Embassy, it's just as resplendent with an eye-catching white marble staircase and dazzling, larger-than-life chandelier. Direct access to the Berlin Zoo is a bonus.

25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

Address: Budapester Str. 40, 10787 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 1202210 Website

Hip, youthful, off-beat, and affordable—25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin serves up major cool factor. It's the type of place you'd go to hang out even if you weren't a guest. Of course, staying at this urban oasis does come with a bunch of perks such as enjoying the jungle-themed rooms and skipping the line for the rooftop cocktail bar.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Address: Unter den Linden 77, 10117 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 22610 Website

Boasting (arguably) the most desirable addresses in Berlin, Hotel Adlon Kempinski sits directly across the way from Brandenburg Gate. Enviable location aside, this five-star property is a revered landmark for so many other reasons. From the opulent lobby and spacious suites to the Michelin-starred restaurant, grandeur and elegance are the very heart of everything.

Best Restaurants

Hackethals (german).

Address: Pflugstrasse 11, 10115 Berlin Germany Phone: +49 30 28387765 Website

When in Berlin, you must try traditional German food. Hackethals is a cozy gastropub that does classics right. Order the sauerkraut, potato dumplings, schnitzel, and slow-cooked venison. Be sure to leave room for apple strudel. To wash it down? Beer, of course.

Restaurant Tim Raue (Fine Dining)

Address: Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 26, 10969 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 25937930 Website

Berlin-born chef Tim Raue needs no introduction. Neither does the elevated Asian-inspired menu at his Michelin-rated restaurant, which continually receives rave reviews from critics and diners alike. Needless to say, reservations are required.

Curry 61 (German)

Address: Oranienburger Str. 6, 10178 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 40054033 Website

Currywurst (pork sausage smothered in curried ketchup and served alongside fries) is an extremely popular street food in Berlin. You can sample it all over the city, but Curry 61 makes one of the best versions of this crowd-pleasing dish. Try it and thank us later.

Eins44 (Modern European)

Address: Elbestraße 28/29, 12045 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 62981212 Website

Sublime isn't a word that we toss around a lot. However, it's the most accurate way to describe the entire experience at Eins44. Enter the industrial-inspired eatery, inside an old distillery, and prepare to have your taste buds tickled by an unfussy interpretation of modern European fine dining.

Panama (German)

Address: Potsdamer Straße 91, 10785 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 983208435 Website

Oftentimes, you have to choose between Michelin-starred fare and a fun vibe. That couldn't be less true of Panama. The modern German cuisine, lively two-floor space and service are fantastic. Did we mention the craft cocktails and interesting wine list?

Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap (Turkish)

Address: Mehringdamm 32, 10961 Berlin, Germany Website

Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap in Kreuzberg is one of those places that's just universally adored. The only downside? Depending on when you visit, the queue might stretch an entire city block. We promise it's worth waiting just to dig into a juicy döner kebab.

Things to Do

East side gallery.

Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 2517159 Website

What was once a symbol of division now reflects the spirit and resilience of the city. Perched along the banks of Spree River in Friedrichshain, the 4,318-foot-long East Side Gallery showcases a collection of colorful murals painted on the surviving pieces of the Berlin Wall. It's a beautiful metaphor that's so very Berlin.

Reichstag Building

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 22732152 Website

Like so much of Berlin, the Reichstag Building has lived many lives. Today, it again houses the German parliament. Admire the neo-Baroque edifice from the outside or book in advance to step inside the Sir Norman Foster-designed glass dome.

Brandenburg Gate

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany Website

One block south of the Reichstag Building stands Brandenburg Gate. Widely considered to be Berlin's most iconic landmark, it's a shining symbol of freedom and reunification after four decades of Cold War division.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 2639430 Website

Designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineer Buro Happold, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe honors the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. It's a heartbreaking and incredibly important reminder of what happened that should be mandatory to visit.

Tempelhofer Feld

Address: Tempelhofer Damm, 12101 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 700906710 Website

An abandoned airport turned 355-hectare public park, Tempelhofer Feld delivers that telltale mashup of past and present in the most Berlin way possible. You can stroll, cycle, or skate down the concrete runways where WWII dive-bombers took off, while feet away dogs run after frisbees and bikini-clad Berliners sunbathe.

Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof, 10243 Berlin, Germany Website

Berliners love to party. As such, there are a lot of after-dark venues to do just that. But none compare to Berghain. The world's most infamous club invites revelers to leave their inhibitions behind, dance to techno beats and give in to every debaucherous whim.

Museum Island

Address: Bodestraße 1-3 10178 Berlin, Germany Website

On a small island in the Spree River sits a collection of five prominent museums. This UNESCO-listed, architecturally striking complex is known as Museum Island—and it's a must for any culture lover.

Best Shopping

Kaufhaus des westens.

Address: Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 21210 Website

At a sprawling 650,000 square feet and with some 380,000 items for sale at any given time, Kaufhaus des Westens—typically abbreviated to KaDeWe—holds the title of Berlin's most famous retail space. It's actually the second-largest department store in all of Europe after Harrods in London.

Sing Blackbird

Address: Sanderstraße 11, 12047 Berlin, Germany Website

Berlin isn't lacking in vintage stores. Sing Blackbird sets itself apart thanks to an expertly curated selection of pre-loved pieces, plus a stylish café.

Kurfürstendamm

Address: Kurfürstendamm 10707 Berlin, Germany Website

Often compared to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Kurfürstendamm in Charlottenburg is lined with high-end designers like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. If you don't have that kind of cash, it's also a great place for window shopping.

The Amazing Crocodile Design Store

Address: Raumerstraße 23, 10437 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 40006930 Website

Fancy an upside-down geometric pendant lamp or neon pink floor mirror? You'll find both at The Amazing Crocodile Design Store, the buzziest spot to buy quirky, refined, and oh-so-chic homewares in Berlin.

Address: Oranienstraße 24, 10999 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 61651119 Website

A progressive, forward-thinking undercurrent has permeated its way into the Berlin aesthetic of late. Insert Voo Store, a contemporary concept shop meets specialty coffee roaster that's tucked away on the ground floor of a former locksmith in Kreuzberg.

Antique Jewellery Berlin

Address: Linienstraße 44, 10119 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 20689155 Website

Antique Jewellery Berlin offers a vast array of vintage baubles. Whether you're in the market for a signet ring or enamel earrings, we'd be willing to bet it's sitting in the case at this beloved retailer.

Neighborhoods to Know

Berlin has 12 administrative districts ( Bezirk) , subdivided into 23 neighborhoods ( Kiez ).

Mitte: Keen to stay in the heart of the action? Mitte (which literally means "middle") lies in the center of the city. Not only is this sprawling borough chock-full of top sights—including Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Tiergarten—but also cafes, bars, and shops. Another major selling point? Public transport. Basically, every train line runs through the main railway station, Berlin Hauptbahnhof.

Kreuzberg: People often liken bohemian Kreuzberg to Brooklyn, but there's really no accurate comparison. Of late, a spate of hip bars and trendy restaurants have popped up at a breakneck pace. Yet much of Kreuzberg still clings to its grittiness like a badge of honor. On one corner, a beautiful community garden and art installation. Veer left and you'll arrive on a gentrification-resistant street scattered with broken beer bottles and graffiti-covered buildings. And that's the beauty of this enigmatic, multicultural hood.

Charlottenburg: Charlottenburg could accurately be categorized as the more upscale side of Berlin. Graceful pre-war buildings, five-star hotels, top-rated restaurants, and designer boutiques dot the litter-free boulevards. The stately Charlottenburg Palace has ornate interiors and manicured gardens, while Berggruen Museum displays an incredible collection of modern art.

Neukölln: A diverse district known for its eclectic, international vibe, the bustling streets of Neukölln brim with Middle Eastern bakeries, vegan eateries, bars, breweries, and artists studios. Check out a poetry slam at Heimathafen Neukölln and shop for fragrant spices at the Turkish Market.

Schöneberg: The epicenter of nightlife back in the 1920s, today Schöneberg is the hub of LGBTQIA culture. It's home to an array of bars, cafes, galleries and shops, including Kaufhaus des Westens, as well as Natur-Park Südgelände.

Things begin to thaw in the spring. As the months move ahead, the temperature rises. Summer is warm, but rarely hot. Pack a light jacket and be prepared to layer as it moves later into fall. When winter rolls in, expect some clouds, rain, sleet and snow.

The following are average Fahrenheit highs and lows by season.

Spring: 65°F / 47°F

Summer: 74°F / 57°F

Fall: 57°F / 44°F

Winter: 39°F / 30°F

Apps to Download

Berlin Subway: U-Bahn and S-Bahn maps and route planner iOS | Android

berlinHistory: Berlin history by location iOs | Android

Going Local Berlin: Insider travel tips iOs | Android

accessBerlin: Route planner; online and offline maps; restaurant, hotel and activity recommendations iOs | Android

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Berlin's history of battling ideologies makes for some of the most fascinating sightseeing in Europe. Explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery , which has been transformed by colorful murals into the largest open-air

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Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: A nice souvenir video of the Brandenburg Gate can be captured by taking a taxi on the northbound road (Bundesstraße 2) that loops around the Brandenburg Gate. Keep your camera steady out the window, and you’ll have an impressive panoramic video. – Michael Cappetta

Inspired by the Acropolis entrance in Athens , the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) is one of the most-photographed sites in Berlin. Located in Pariser Platz (Paris Square), one of the city's most famous squares, the Brandenburg Gate was built for King Frederick William II starting in 1788. Designed by royal architect, Carl Gotthard Langhans, the sandstone structure stands 85 feet high.

Reichstag Building Reichstag Building free

A symbol of Germany's past, present and future, the Reichstag, or Parliament Building, is a blend of different architecture styles from the late 20th to late 21st centuries. It symbolizes the country's path from a dark past to a brighter future.

Originally constructed between 1884 and 1894, the building was destroyed by arson in 1933, an act that marked a turning point in the history of the Third Reich. It was then bombed during World War II and didn't become the seating house of government again until 1999, when the distinguishing glass dome was added. Today, a visit to the dome is popular among travelers thanks to the stunning views it provides, particularly of the Tiergarten . If you're interested in a more in-depth history lesson, heed the advice of past travelers and take advantage of the free audio guide available to visitors.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe free

The Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas  (which translates to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe or, more simply, Berlin's Holocaust Memorial) consists of a sloping, wave-like grid of 2,711 concrete pillars constructed to memorialize the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Some of the pillars stand as tall as 15 feet.

Many visitors choose to simply walk among the gray slabs, but if you're interested in learning more about the history, you can descend to the underground visitor center, which displays information about the victims, including photographs, diaries and farewell letters. Recent travelers said they felt incredibly moved by the sheer size of the memorial (it spans more than half a square mile), and most highly recommended a visit when in Berlin. Reviewers note the memorial is within a five-minute walk of the Brandenburg Gate and across the street from Tiergarten Park , making it easy to visit all three top attractions.

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Topography of Terror Topography of Terror free

The Topography of Terror ( Topographie des Terrors ) museum sits on the site of the Gestapo and SS Police's former headquarters during World War II. By walking the grounds and touring the documentation center, travelers can learn about the atrocities committed by the German officers that once worked at this very site. In addition to the WWII history on display here, you’ll also see part of the Berlin Wall in the front of the building.

Other interesting exhibits that detail Berlin between 1933 and 1945 are found on the grounds, including excavated portions of the old building. For a more in-depth look at the museum, you can take the free English-speaking tour, which is offered Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. (Most exhibits are listed in German and English.) You'll want to sign up at the reception desk 30 minutes before the tour starts. 

Berlin Wall Memorial Berlin Wall Memorial free

Located in the center of Berlin, the Berlin Wall Memorial stretches for a little less than a mile along what was once the border that divided the city in two. Upon arriving at the memorial, you can stop into the visitor center to watch a short film on the history of the Berlin Wall, as well as explore a handful of exhibits. Visitors will learn about the political and historical context that led to the wall’s construction, its fall and the reunification of Germany.

Once you are finished in the visitor center, head across the street to see preserved remnants of the border strip. In addition to part of the Berlin Wall itself, you will find the Chapel of Reconciliation, a rebuilt structure that serves as a place of remembrance for the lives that were lost at the wall.

East Side Gallery East Side Gallery free

The East Side Gallery refers to the longest intact section of the Berlin Wall, which stretches for nearly a mile. If you want to experience the wall for the first time, this is the place to do it. After the Berlin Wall's fall in 1989, more than one hundred international artists congregated here, painting murals that depicted the world's joyous and optimistic reactions to the end of the Cold War era. What exists today forms the world's largest open-air gallery, featuring more than 100 murals.

Despite its distance from the main tourist attractions (a little less than 5 miles), the East Side Gallery still wins high praise from past travelers, who say it’s worth the side trip to see this history up close. Recent visitors suggested going early in the day to avoid crowds.

Museumsinsel (Museum Island) Museumsinsel (Museum Island)

Museumsinsel (or Museum Island) is the name given to a group of five museums, the Baroque-style Berlin Cathedral and large gardens clustered on a tiny island in the River Spree. Built between 1823 and 1930, some museums present a different aspect of German history and art, while others spotlight global arts and antiques, such as the Egyptian Museum and Pergamon Museum .

When you visit, see if you can guess which museum hangs which art; there's the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), the Altes Museum (Old Museum), the Neues Museum (New Museum), the Bode-Museum and the very popular Pergamon Museum.

Tiergarten Tiergarten free

The expansive Tiergarten sprawls 519 acres from central Berlin westward and attracts visitors looking for respite from the city's clamor. The name of the park translates to "Animal Garden," and it is also known as "Berlin’s Green Lung." The land where the park sits previously served as a royal hunting ground for select Germans during the late 17th century. Nowadays, visitors can still get a glimpse of animals by visiting Zoologischer Garten (the Berlin Zoo) located within the park. You can also stroll, jog or bike through the most popular green space in Berlin. For many locals, no visit to Tiergarten is complete without stopping at its two beer gardens, in particular Café am Neuen See, which occupies a picturesque lakefront perch.   

The Tiergarten also houses the Victory Column, which was erected in 1873 to commemorate Prussia's victory in the Franco-German War. Visitors can climb to the top of this monument to enjoy great views of Berlin.

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Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg) Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg)

Beginning its life as a summer home for the royal family in the late 17th century, Schloss Charlottenburg became a lavish palace after Frederick the Great commissioned some 18th-century upgrades and additions. Now the complex can take more than a day to tour from top to bottom. Located 6 miles east of Berlin’s city center, this is a popular destination for tourists interested in history and architecture. 

Inside the baroque palace, you can view Frederick I and Sophie Charlotte's living quarters, the chapel and the Neuer Fluegel (New Wing) where Frederick the Great once resided. You can also venture outdoors to the Royal Gardens, the family mausoleum and even an ornate teahouse.

Berlin Cathedral Berlin Cathedral

Located in the Museum District of Mitte, the Berlin Cathedral spans more than 67,000 square feet, making it the largest Protestant church in Germany. Along with its size, the cathedral is also recognized for its beauty – it shares a similar design to Rome ’s St. Peter's Basilica . Its interior features gold accents, intricate mosaics and imperial staircase. Along with the cathedral’s dome, which is accessible to visitors via a set of 270 steps, another highlight is the marble and onyx altar. More than one million visitors stop by the Berlin Cathedral annually for worship services, tours, concerts and special events. Visitors traveling with children should review the cathedral’s event calendar to see if any kid-friendly activities, such as family concerts, align with your visit.

Recent visitors use words like “peaceful” and “iconic” to describe the cathedral. Some reviewers complained about the admission costs, but others said it’s worth the price to be able to view the stunning interior and climb the dome for outstanding views of the city.

TV Tower (Fernsehturm) TV Tower (Fernsehturm)

U.S. News Insider Tip: The TV Tower is conveniently located near the Alexanderplatz station and shopping district. Schedule some extra time to visit some of the unique local shops. During the holiday season, this area is also home to a beautiful Christmas market. – Michael Cappetta

For the ever-popular panorama of the city, the Berliner   Fernsehturm (TV Tower) is a great place to go. Originally constructed in the late 1960s to widely broadcast television signals across Germany, the TV Tower is still the tallest structure in Germany (standing at 1,207 feet), and it's guaranteed to provide quite the view. Visitors can take one of two elevators to the top. If the 40-second trip makes you hungry, stop by the rotating Sphere Restaurant or Bar 203 for some light refreshments.

Pergamon Museum Pergamon Museum

Note: The Pergamon Museum will be closed beginning in October 2023 for extensive renovations. It will reopen in spring 2027, according to the museum’s website .

The Pergamon Museum, located on Museumsinsel (Museum Island)  on the River Spree, is one of travelers' favorite museums. Recent visitors used words like "remarkable" and "jaw-dropping" to describe the museum, which was completed in 1930 and houses many works that are important to the development of ancient art and architecture. Filled with an impressive collection of Greek, Roman, East Asian and Islamic art, exhibits include pieces like the reconstructed Ishtar Gate from Babylon and the Pergamon Altar – a massive monumental Greek temple that is believed to date back to 180 B.C. Other highlights include the Market Gate of Miletus, which dates back to the second century and the Mshatta Façade, which hails from a Jordanian desert castle.

Friedrichstadt-Palast Friedrichstadt-Palast

Friedrichstadt-Palast is home to the world’s largest theater stage. The theater’s roots date back to 1867, though the building that is used today opened in 1984 after the original theater had to be demolished in 1980 for safety concerns. Since its reopening, the theater has been used for entertaining circus performances, vaudeville acts, comedy and musicals. Every February, the theater hosts film screenings as part of the Berlinale, or Berlin International Film Festival.

Recent travelers enjoyed the theater’s beauty. Travelers also added that the theater’s location is very convenient as it sits within walking distance of other major tourist attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstagsgebäude .

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Berlin Beer Gardens Berlin Beer Gardens

No trip to Berlin is complete without visiting a classic biergarten (beer garden). Biergartens in Berlin are popular with locals for summer afternoon and evening activities – plan ahead so you don’t end up in a long queue on a hot day.

One of the most popular beer gardens is Prater Biergarten, which is located just 2 miles north of the city center. The historic beer garden first opened in the mid-1800s. Open daily starting at noon, Prater offers a classic menu of pilsners, along with tasty grilled sausages from the region of Thuringia. Other classic snacks included baked potatoes with cheese curds and pretzels. Before visiting the biergarten, make sure to check the weather forecast: it’s only open weather permitting.

Berlin Christmas Markets Berlin Christmas Markets free

The festive Christmas markets in Berlin attract thousands of travelers each year for their unique food, shopping, beverages and holiday cheer. With dozens of Christmas markets to choose from, it is important for travelers to take the time to research which area they would like to visit, and which theme they would like to experience.

One of the most historical and romantic Christmas markets in Berlin is located at the Charlottenburg Palace . Christmas lights and decorations adorn the largest palace in Berlin to welcome visitors to a winter wonderland. Hundreds of vendors exhibit booths in the palace's plaza, where guests stroll through for holiday gifts and treats. A more classic Christmas market, which has historically opened on Nov. 21 and runs through Dec. 22, is located in the town of Spandau, which is located approximately 10 miles from Berlin’s city center and a 30-minute ride on public transit. At the Spandau Christmas markets, travelers navigate a large plaza that is decorated with Christmas lights and trees to shop hundreds of vendors from around the world. The charm of being in the middle of Spandau's town square adds to the enchantment of shopping at a classic German Christmas market. 

Berlin Story Bunker Berlin Story Bunker

The Berlin Story Bunker is an immersive museum spread across five floors that invites visitors to explore centuries of Berlin and German history. World War II and Hitler are a major focus of the museum (a recreation of Hitler’s personal study and a model of the bunker where he died by suicide in 1945 are among the displays). In fact, the 70,000-square-foot museum is housed within a concrete World War II bunker that’s connected to the Anhalter railway station. Open since 2014, the museum contains multimedia displays, large-scale photographs, short films, sculptures and other art installations.

Recent visitors said the information was well-presented and called the museum a must for history buffs. Because of its size and the amount of reading required, it’s recommended that you set aside at least three hours for your visit.

Potsdamer Platz Potsdamer Platz free

Pre-World War II, Potsdamer Platz was Berlin's main plaza – and a bustling one, at that – but the ensuing wars left it ravaged. After the Berlin Wall fell and the Cold War ended, companies like Sony and Daimler moved in and built their headquarters on the square, thus revitalizing the area.

But global companies weren't the only ones credited with rejuvenating the plaza: Attractions like the Deutsche Kinemathek, a museum dedicated to German film and TV, the Boulevard der Stars – Berlin's answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and the Theater am Potsdamer Platz, the largest show stage in Berlin, also set up shop. Families will enjoy the nearby LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Berlin and a sizable mall, The Playce. Plus, with a casino and one of Berlin's largest movie theaters, the entertainment possibilities are nearly endless.

Checkpoint Charlie Checkpoint Charlie

Many say a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie border crossing should not come without a visit to the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, or the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Checkpoint Charlie was the most popular border crossing between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. It has also had a starring role in major films, including the James Bond franchise.

Experts and travelers say the museum gives context to what's left of the border crossing, and indeed you will find chilling stories of those who escaped from East to West via the Berlin Wall – as well as stories about those who didn't. You'll also get a thorough history of the Berlin Wall.

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Mauerpark Mauerpark free

Mauerpark is a 37-acre park that was officially opened in 1994. The park's name translates to "Wall Park:" It's located on the land in between the walls that separated East and West Berlin, formerly known as “death strip.” Don’t let that sinister name deter you; the park is now known for its "open-air culture in the middle of Berlin" and it provides a great activity space for travelers. What's more, the park has several barbeque areas, making it a perfect spot to prepare an outdoor meal during the summer.

If your visit to Berlin overlaps with a Sunday, set aside time to visit Mauerpark to peruse its flea market. It’s one of Berlin's largest second-hand shopping events, and features hundreds of vendors selling unique antiques, clothing, furniture, products and other wares. In addition to the flea market, live music, pick-up sports games and other events take place on weekends.

Olympiastadion Berlin Olympiastadion Berlin

U.S. News Insider Tip: Review the upcoming schedule of events for Olympiastadion Berlin and try to catch a Hertha BSC football match – the energy is electric! – Michael Cappetta

Olympiastadion Berlin is a large, majestic stadium in Berlin's Olympischer Platz neighborhood that has the capacity to host up to 74,000 fans. The stadium is known as the home of Hertha BSC, a popular German soccer team, and host to a variety of special events throughout the year, including Lollapalooza Berlin, an annual music festival held in September. It's also known for its dark history. The stadium originally opened in 1936 for the Summer Olympics, often referred to as the "Nazi Olympics" for the widespread Nazi propaganda on display during the games. 

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• Cover Features

GREEN BERLIN – THE FUTURE OF TOURISM

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF, VISITBERLIN

© visitberlin, Photo: Philip Koschel

I t’s not a secret that Berlin is one of Europe’s top destinations. While the city is leading in many areas, including the music and fashion industry, the German capital also knows how to reconcile sustainability and tourism in a clever way.

In a time when more and more tourists are travelling the globe, making destinations more prominent and ultimately busier, having a sustainable tourism strategy has become increasingly important for cities. Since the ‘90s, the development of Berlin’s tourism sector has been a major success story. The German capital has become one of the top travel destinations in international city tourism. With tourism spending contributing €11.6 billion to the capital and providing 235,000 full-time jobs, tourism has long been one of the main pillars of the city’s economy. Today, tourism in Berlin is a major influence on the cityscape and urban culture, so much so that this sector is also strategically important for the entire city’s development and the quality of life of its residents.

© visitberlin, Photo: Dagmar Schwelle

According to the Global Destination Sustainability Index, in 2022, Berlin was one of the 30 most sustainable destinations in the world and ranked fifth among the world’s metropolises. The Index’s aim is to promote the sustainable development of international metropolises and to promote responsible tourism by evaluating four areas: urban environmental strategy and infrastructure, social sustainability performance of the city, support for suppliers such as restaurants, hotels or convention centres, as well as destination management strategies and initiatives.

Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin, said: “Sustainability is a core concern for Berlin. This year’s fifth place in the international sustainability ranking – after metropolises such as Glasgow and Melbourne and almost on a par with Montreal, Paris and Sydney – bears testimony to this. It is well deserved – the ranking shows that Berlin is on the right track and is developing into a climate-friendly, innovative destination worth living in. We are doing everything we can to ensure that Berlin’s visitor economy continues to set its course fit for the future.”

Overall, 30 top destinations were listed on the Index – and Berlin was again counted among these sustainable destinations, ranking 26th out of all participating cities worldwide and achieving an overall performance of 74 per cent. This is an increase of eight percentage points and thus two places in the overall ranking compared to the 2021 ranking. In a year-on-year comparison, the proportion of sustainably certified suppliers in Berlin has improved this year most notably: it is now 34 per cent of Berlin hotels (in 2021 it was 23), 22 per cent of Berlin venues (in 2021 it was 18) and 19 per cent of agencies in the German capital (in 2021 it was 9).

© visitberlin, Photo: Wolfgang Scholvien

Part of a global sustainability movement

Since 2020, visitBerlin has been a member of the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDSM). The GDSM is a collaborative platform that various destination management organisations have joined. The common goal is to drive the change towards a sustainable tourism and events industry. Berlin also wants to be fit for the future and become one of the most sustainable and city-friendly tourism and MICE destinations in Europe. The sustainability strategy of visitBerlin, the Berlin tourism concept with a more sustainable focus and the promotion of quality tourism, among other things, play a key role in achieving this goal.

The central question of quality tourism: What contribution can tourism make to the people who live in Berlin? The goal is to increase the quality of life: tourism should increase the social and economic benefits from tourism and minimise the ecological footprint of tourism. Social and ecological benefits arise from good coexistence and enriching encounters between Berliners and guests and from a fair distribution of costs and benefits from tourism. Quality tourism will continue to provide the framework for the targeted destination marketing of Berlin. The so-called ‘Berlin Tourism Plan 2018+’ aims to lay out a roadmap for long-term moderate growth in tourism. In doing so, it is committed both to continuity and change: continuity in brand positioning and marketing for Berlin’s core target groups, and change in the sense of sustainability and city-compatible policies as basic principles in ensuring long-term acceptance and preserving resources.

As part of the plan, the city seeks to preserve the diversity in city districts and neighbourhoods, while taking measures to ensure the interests of residents, businesses and visitors are suitably balanced. Interestingly, four main goals have been communicated. First of all, Berlin needs to become a more attractive and enjoyable experience for visitors. However, this needs to go hand in hand with increasing the quality of life for residents as well. Secondly, Berlin tourism has to be further developed, with the aim of achieving moderate and stable qualitative growth. Thirdly, a differentiated view of tourism is needed for different urban areas; the special attractions, features and requirements in the individual boroughs need to be clearly elaborated, and then taken as the basis for deriving the requisite measures for developing tourism. Last but not least, sustainability needs to become a maxim for action to ensure Berlin tourism continues to develop in a way that is compatible for the city – economically, ecologically and socially. The plan puts special emphasis on redefining quality tourism, for example. For Berlin, sustainable growth in tourism stands, first and foremost, for two things: more quality and more value added. To achieve these objectives, the previous emphasis on efforts primarily directed at quantitative growth (more visitors) has to be replaced with goals formulated to foster quality and value added. By implication, this also means that tourism’s influence on sales and incomes will, in future, have to be secured more through enhanced quality and less through quantitative increases.

Another important pillar of the plan is to shape the city’s compatibility together directly with the participation of Berlin’s residents. They, after all, are the ones creating that Berlin life so much in demand with tourists. The Berliners also use their city’s own tourist services in their leisure time, are directly affected by tourism and know where services and infrastructures can be improved to increase the quality of life and experience. The aim is to permanently integrate this valuable local expertise in developing Berlin’s tourism – and do so, on the one hand, as a source of inspiration for opening up new potential (Berliners as pioneers for new urban tourism) and, on the other, as an early warning system for the first signs of tourist overload.

Charlottenburg Castle. © visitberlin, Photo: Dagmar Schwelle

Sustainable events

Berlin has also shown how meetings, congresses and events can be planned and implemented in a sustainable manner. And it certainly holds true with the online platform ‘Sustainable Meetings Berlin’, an initiative of the Berlin Convention Office and the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Operations. All MICE partners in the city are welcome to become part of this community. They stand to benefit from free workshops, events and consultations. The Sustainable Partner audit is also free of charge. With these support services, the initiative is sure to move Berlin even further up the ‘Global Destination Sustainability Index’.

Berlin’s first vegan lifestyle market. © visitberlin, Photo: Mo Wüstenhagen

What visitors can do

Sustainability is not only trend in Berlin, it has long been part of the Berlin way of life in all its facets. Here you can dine vegetarian and vegan almost everywhere, shop fairly and sustainably and stay in certified organic and eco hotels.

© visitberlin, Photo: Mo Wüstenhagen

In addition to extensive parks and gardens, open and green spaces, forests and urban gardening projects, you will also find numerous projects in the capital that actively implement climate protection in urban spaces: solar-powered ferry connections, restaurants that send their composted food scraps back to the organic farmer or events like the Greentech Festival. Berlin also demonstrates commitment in the social sphere and has been designated a Fair Trade City. By the way: With the Bahnhit Deal you can travel to Berlin comfortably, cheaply and with a low carbon footprint from every German city. Or if you’d rather, you can also explore Berlin by bike or on foot without leaving a carbon footprint. You can also get around the city sustainably and with low emissions on the public transport network – and with the WelcomeCard you have free travel. In addition, the practical tourist ticket gives you discounts on over 180 attractions. In addition, the practical tourist ticket gives you discounts on over 180 attractions.

With a raft, kayak, SUP board or a solar-powered ferry, you can also discover Berlin sustainably from the water. Get insider tips for Berlin directly on your smartphone with visitBerlin’s digital city guides, the apps ‘Going Local’ and ‘ABOUT Berlin’. They are completely paperless and environmentally friendly, and include directions and maps, as well as audio offers such as the ‘Berlin Unboxed’ podcast.

In the German capital, travellers can find eco hotels with sustainability standards, parks and gardens, gastronomy- and shopping offers, sustainable places or bicycle tours. And the concept of the 15-minute city also opens up exciting new perspectives for sustainable tourism in Berlin: Gastronomic, cultural and shopping highlights are located within a 15-minute walk of a hotel joining in the initiative. This way, Berlin’s guests can travel in an environmentally friendly way and at the same time experience the life of the city up close.

© visitberlin, Photo: Dirk Mathesius

Find out more about a sustainable city trip to Berlin: www.visitberlin.de/de

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Tourism | Tourism oversight board backs $17B Disney World…

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Tourism | Tourism oversight board backs $17B Disney World development plan

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s board voted unanimously for the 15-year agreement, which outlines how Disney World will grow in the future. It will need a final vote on June 12 to take effect.

“The development agreement will enable us to continue to invest significantly in the district,” said Woody Rodriguez, director of external affairs for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

Disney officials haven’t provided specifics on what is in the works, but the company says in the proposal it will invest up to $17 billion over the next 10 to 20 years. The agreement includes a commitment of $8 billion during the first 10 years.

District officials are committing to fund road and other infrastructure projects to support the new development.

In the deal, Disney also agrees to provide $10 million for affordable housing projects and a “buy local initiative” with at least half of construction goods and services going to Florida businesses.

The agreement covers about 17,300 acres owned by Disney, according to a legal announcement. It authorizes a maximum of five major theme parks, one more than Disney operates in Central Florida now.

Company officials have not announced a fifth theme park, although industry insiders are speculating they could with Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe opening next year.

The agreement also allows a maximum of five minor theme parks, such as a water park, nearly 1.3 million square feet of office space, 1.7 million square feet of restaurant/retail space and 53,467 hotel rooms.

The proposal marks a new chapter in the relationship between Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis. A Disney-DeSantis feud erupted in 2022 over the company’s opposition to what critics called the “don’t say gay” bill, which limited classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The dispute then entered the courts with lawsuits filed over who would control the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which oversees roads and other government services for Disney World.

In February 2023, DeSantis sacked the district board’s five Disney loyalists and replaced them with his political allies. Lawmakers renamed Reedy Creek the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

In March, Disney and the DeSantis-appointed district board settled a lawsuit in state court over development agreements. A federal lawsuit filed by Disney is still pending, but district officials plan to discuss that suit on June 12.

“We’re heading toward a brand new day, and I think we’re all very excited about where this is going for the employees and residents of the district and business people and really just for the people of Central Florida,” said Charbel Barakat, acting chairman of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s board.

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Japan billionaire Maezawa cancels moon trip due to uncertainty over SpaceX rocket development

FILE - Space flight participant Yusaku Maezawa attends a news conference ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts’ Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 14, 2021. Japanese billionaire Maezawa on Saturday, June 1, 2024, cancelled his planned flight around the moon on a Space X spaceship because of uncertainty about when it may be possible. (Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP, File)

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TOKYO (AP) — Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa on Saturday canceled his planned flight around the moon on a SpaceX vehicle because of uncertainty about when it may be possible.

The tycoon in 2018 launched plans for the lunar flyby voyage. He bought seats for eight traveling companions in 2022 for what would be his second space journey after his 12-day trip to the International Space Station on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 2021.

Maezawa was aiming the moon trip for 2023, a target seen by most space observers as overly optimistic given the progress of SpaceX’s Spaceship mega-rocket project. It would have been the first private flight around the moon.

That project became “unfeasible,” said the mission organizer on Saturday in a statement posted on its website. “Without clear schedule certainty in the near-term, it is with a heavy heart that Maezawa made the unavoidable decision to cancel the project.”

“To all who have supported this project and looked forward to this endeavor, we sincerely appreciate it and apologize for this outcome,” it said.

Maezawa had selected eight people for his “dearMoon” project from 1 million applicants. They included a lead rapper for the K-pop group Big Bang, and Americans DJ Steve Aoki and filmmaker Brendan Hall.

Separately on Saturday, Maezawa said in his message on X: “I can’t plan my future in this situation and I feel terrible making the crew members wait longer, hence (I made) the difficult decision to cancel at this point in time.”

“I apologize to those who were excited for this project to happen,” he said.

He said he signed the contract with SpaceX in 2018 assuming the launch would be possible by the end of 2023. “It’s a developmental project so it is what it is, but it is still uncertain as to when Starship can launch.”

SpaceX’s two test flights of its mega-rocket last year ended in explosions minutes after liftoff. In a third test in March , its spacecraft was lost as it descended back to Earth.

Maezawa and his producer in December 2021 became the first self-paying tourists to visit the space station since 2009.

Maezawa made his fortune in retail fashion, launching Japan’s major online fashion mall, Zozotown.

Kakadu's Jeffrey Lee plans to invite tourists to Koongarra despite ongoing park closures

After years of frustration about the  lengthy closures  of key attractions across Northern Territory's Kakadu National Park, visitors may soon get the opportunity to see an area that has never been opened to the public.

A decade after persuading the federal government to add his uranium-rich land into Kakadu, Djok traditional owner Jeffrey Lee wants to start inviting tourists to Koongarra.

He refused to accept hundreds of millions of dollars in uranium mining royalties because he wanted to protect the rock art, springs, plants and animals he would like to show travellers.

"There's a lot of other ways we can make money, than destroying country, by getting visitors from overseas and Australia," he said.

"I'd like visitors to come and learn about our rock art and culture and have a swim."

The 55-year-old retired park ranger said initially he wanted to permit small numbers to visit Koongarra, on guided tours he would lead.

But first he needed advice about how to establish a small tourism business.

"This is my first time, and this is where I'm looking where I can get advice from other family who already got tourism on country," Mr Lee said.

"I don't know much about that tourism side."

The potential of opening another area of Kakadu to tourism is exciting to tour operator Greig Taylor.

Visiting Mr Lee's Burrungkuy Nourlangie Rock area, which is already open to the public, is one of his tour highlights.

"Any access that we can get to any part of Kakadu is a bonus, and the tourism industry is looking for partnerships," he said.

"If Jeffrey is keen to engage and work with the industry in developing a product, we're right there."

Mr Lee said he might consider a partnership, but would prefer his and most other Kakadu operations to be run by its Bininj and Mungguy people.

"In future I'd like to see more Bininj running their own tour," he said.

"We want more Bininj rangers to be stepping up the ladder; I want to see Binning running the park."

Mr Taylor is particularly keen to see more areas of Kakadu opened to tourism because two of its most popular attractions, Gunlom Falls and Twin Falls, have been closed for five years.

The federal government's Parks Australia, which jointly manages Kakadu with traditional owners, has also struggled in recent years to repair wet season road damage and remove crocodiles from other popular sites including the Jim Jim Falls in time to get them open for the peak tourist season starting in June.

"Last year we didn't even get those areas until the second week of the school holidays, that's just not acceptable or sustainable from a tourism perspective," Mr Taylor said.

"So there needs to be more human resources, and maybe they need to replan their work scope so we can get these sites open to visitors."

In a statement, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said: "Part of the reason the park is opening later is due to the wet season running later."

The wet season did run later in Kakadu in 2023 and 2022, but not in 2021 or 2020.

Queensland tourist Kristy Hendrie said finding some areas closed had been disappointing.

"It's been beautiful, but a lot of the waterfalls and the waterholes that we wanted to go to were closed," she said.

On Wednesday, Parks Australia announced it would plead guilty in Darwin Local Court to prosecution by the NT's sacred sites watchdog.

Director of national parks Ricky Archer released a statement offering "deep and sincere apologies to traditional owners for the wrongs of the past" and an assurance "lessons learned from this situation will improve how Parks Australia executes projects".

Wurrkbarbar senior Gunlom custodian Joshua Hunter said traditional owners were now considering reopening Gunlom, possibly next year, but first wanted assurances they would get compensation and other financial assistance.

"We've sacrificed our area to provide a visitor friendly place for everyone to visit so we're really looking forward to what the government will put on the table before we re-open Gunlom," he said.

"We've lived our two decades in poverty, there were times when my own mother lived in a caravan just outside of the Gunlom road, and they preferred to spend money on fixing the road for our visitors, while traditional owners lived many years in poverty.

"We're in this deal together, and they should come to the table with better living standards, better funding and better opportunities for us to thrive as indigenous people."

Ms Plibersek said she "will take all steps necessary to repair the relationship with the traditional owners of Kakadu".

She added her government is "fixing 212 homes in Kakadu" and its May budget included "$11 million for remediation of Jabiru".

Asked whether it is assisting traditional owners start more tourism businesses, Parks Australia provided a statement that it has facilitated "workshops between the tourism industry and Bininj and Mungguy and business development workshops".

The Gunlom dispute has heightened tension over the park's joint management among traditional owners who have felt they have not been given enough say about how Federal Government funding is spent in Kakadu.

Traditional owners closed the popular Ubirr lookout for the 2021 season.

Parks Australia said "Bininj and Mungguy are consulted on park management in accordance with consultation guidelines developed by the Kakadu Board".

Jeffrey Lee said he was watching how the government was prepared to deal with traditional owners now.

"We can close things; we can close half the park," he said.

"If I say I want to close my area, it can be very difficult."

But the Djok traditional owner said he would prefer to work with the federal government to achieve his tourism plan.

"If people from Canberra can walk with us, and help us mob start our business, and look after country the way we want to look after country, that will change a lot of things.

"I know it takes time, but in the future, it's going to happen."

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Joanna reports on airlines and travel in Europe, including tourism trends, sustainability and policy. She was previously based in Warsaw, where she covered politics and general news. She wrote stories on everything from Chinese spies to migrants stranded in forests along the Belarusian border. In 2022, she spent six weeks covering the war in Ukraine, with a focus on the evacuation of children, war reparations and evidence that Russian commanders knew of sexual violence by their troops. Joanna graduated from the Columbia Journalism School in 2014. Before joining Reuters, she worked in Hong Kong for TIME and later in Brussels reporting on EU tech policy for POLITICO Europe.

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Disney's new development deal with DeSantis could pave the way for a Disney World expansion of mythic proportions

• The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is set to vote on a development plan with Disney.
• The plan would greenlight $17 billion in development at Walt Disney World over 10 to 20 years.
• It could herald the arrival of the much-rumored fifth theme park in Florida.

Rumors that Walt Disney World may build a fifth theme park in Central Florida have persisted for years. Now, there's some good news for anyone hoping those rumors are true.

A potential development agreement between Central Florida's tourism board and The Walt Disney Company could usher in the expansion.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is set to host a public hearing on Disney's development plan during a meeting next week before voting on June 15.

If approved, the agreement would be a major thaw in relations between Disney and the tourism board, which Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration effectively commandeered from Disney last year. DeSantis appointed five people to the tourism board, but two have since left their positions.

As now written, the agreement would allow Disney to spend $17 billion to further develop Walt Disney World over the next 10 to 20 years, according to a statement from the tourism board.

"With Walt Disney World's substantial investments, we anticipate economic growth, job creation, and support for local businesses, alongside environmental stewardship and workforce housing initiatives, benefiting Central Florida's community," the district administrator, Stephanie Kopelousos, said in a statement to Business Insider.

The tourism board said the agreement would require Disney to find local contractors for any construction and award a minimum of 50% of all construction work to Florida businesses. It would also require Disney to fund "attainable" housing projects.

Disney officials haven't detailed how the billions would be spent, but an industry insider told the Orlando Sentinel that a fifth theme park could join its roster of existing properties.

Magic Kingdom opened to the public in 1971, followed by Epcot in 1982, Disney's Hollywood Studios in 1989, and Animal Kingdom in 1998.

Disney CEO Bob Iger skirted a question about a new Florida theme park during an earnings call in February, the Sentinel reported.

"We're already hard at work at basically determining where we're going to place our new investments and what they will be," Iger said. "You can pretty much conclude that they'll be all over, meaning every single one of our locations will be the beneficiary of increased investment."

Representatives for The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney World didn't respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

DeSantis vs. Disney

The pending development agreement between the tourism board and Disney follows a contentious legal battle that was initiated in 2022.

The battle began when Disney publicly opposed DeSantis' so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill . DeSantis lashed out at the entertainment conglomerate and attempted to upend a long-standing arrangement that allowed Disney to self-govern through its Reedy Creek Improvement District.

DeSantis gained control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District in February last year. His administration renamed it the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, and DeSantis appointed its board supervisors, effectively removing Disney's autonomy over development in the area.

The former Reedy Creek Improvement District board members tried to push through a development deal before they were ousted. But after a series of court battles, Disney and the new tourism board finally reached a settlement in March.

That settlement nullified the last-minute deal that the former Reedy Creek board members pushed through. The settlement then suggested Disney and the new board work together on a new development deal.

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