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Berlin is a city of contradictions. Edgy and derelict in some ways but with a cosmopolitan flair, its juxtaposition of past and present stands for all to see. You’ll find reminders of Berlin’s painful Holocaust and Cold War history everywhere in the form of landmarks and memorials. Colorful murals now decorate the last remaining sections of the wall that once divided the East and West, while elsewhere, old Soviet Bloc architecture looms over thriving community gardens. Germany’s capital also has incredible art and culture scenes, with world-class museums, contemporary galleries, and exhibition spaces galore. Shopping runs the gamut from vintage stores to luxury designer boutiques. The hard-partying metropolis is famous for nightlife, from high-octane mega clubs that don’t let out until daylight to speakeasy-style cocktail bars and chill biergartens. And it’s far from a sausage-and-pretzels food destination, thanks to a wave of international restaurants and spots that elevate German cuisine to new heights.
Needless to say, there’s more than enough happening to warrant a lengthy trip. But if you only have a few days, that’s when the challenge of narrowing down the long list of activities and attractions comes into play. To help you craft the ultimate itinerary and pack in as much as possible, we tapped local concierges to break down the best things to do in Berlin.
Museum Island
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Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning complex that’s home to five major museums. Julien Gentle, head concierge at Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel, suggests prioritizing the Neues Museum, where you can admire Egyptian art like the famous bust of Nefertiti, and the Alte Nationalgalerie, which has an outstanding collection of 19th-century paintings and sculptures by German artists.
Berlin Wall Memorial
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“The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse is a moving tribute to the division of Berlin and the victims of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) regime,” explains Gentle. “The open-air exhibition and documentation center share profound and tangible insights into the layout and construction of the Berlin Wall, most notably the former Death Strip.”
Brandenburg Gate
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Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany. “Once a symbol of division between East and West, since 1989 it’s come to symbolize reunification and freedom,” explains Martin Werner, concierge at Hotel Adlon Kempinski.
KaDeWe
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Kaufhaus des Westens, or KaDeWe, is one of the largest and most famous department stores in Europe — it’s up there with Harrods in London. The Berlin institution spans six stories and sells an impressive selection of luxury goods, from designer clothing and cosmetics to bedding and kitchen wares. Don’t forget to visit the gourmet section on the 6th floor.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
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The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, designed by New York architect Peter Eisenman, honors the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust. It’s without question one of the most significant — and devastating — sights in Berlin. Werner encourages visitors to pay 3 euros for the audio guide, which includes emotional and informative audio commentaries.
Berliner Unterwelten
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Berliner Unterwelten is a private collective that operates a variety of fascinating tours through the city’s secret bunkers, tunnels, and Flak Towers built by the Nazis. It’s a fascinating way to gain unique insights into Berlin’s history, particularly during World War II and the Cold War.
Schloss Charlottenburg
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Built by Frederick I, the largest palace in Berlin is a splendid example of Baroque architecture. Schloss Charlottenburg’s extensive palace gardens and Orangerie invite visitors to take long walks, while the interior boasts magnificent rooms and an impressive art collection. Pro tip: If you’re visiting over the holidays, be sure to check out the Christmas market.
East Side Gallery
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In 1990, artists from around the world transformed the longest intact section of the Berlin Wall — between the Berlin Ostbahnhof and the Oberbaumbrücke, along the Spree River — into a permanent open-air exhibition that symbolizes peace and freedom over oppression.
Reichstag Building
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With its spectacular glass dome, riverside location, and political importance, it’s no wonder the Reichstag Building is one of the most visited sights in the city. In the summer months, Werner says, Berliners and tourists alike flock to the large lawn in front of this governmental meeting place.
Tempelhofer Feld
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Originally a parade ground and later an airport, Tempelhofer Feld now acts as a vast open space for recreation and leisure activities. Visitors can bike, skate, barbecue, marvel at the urban gardening section, or simply enjoy the freedom and expansiveness of this uniquely Berliner location. Gentle recommends “a tour of the old Nazi terminal building that’s shrouded in mystery and conspiracy.”
Berlin Philharmonic
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Music lovers shouldn’t miss a chance to see a concert at the iconic Berlin Philharmonic, an architectural and acoustic marvel that plays host to one of the world’s leading orchestras.
Tiergarten
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Berlin’s largest inner-city park and a green oasis in the heart of the urban sprawl, Tiergarten sits on the former hunting grounds of the royal family and comprises sprawling lawns, ponds, and monuments — notably the Victory Column, a commemoration of the wars of German unification leading up to 1871. According to Gentle, it’s one of the city’s most popular spots for walks, jogging, and picnics.
Viktoriapark
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Located in Kreuzberg, Viktoriapark attracts locals and visitors with its picturesque landscapes (including an artificial waterfall) and stunning views of the city from the top of the hill.
Mauerpark Flea Market
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At Mauerpark Flea Market, a lively and colorful marketplace held every Sunday, visitors can find everything from vintage clothing and antiques to handmade crafts from local makers. The adjacent park is famous for its street musicians, open mic karaoke, and exuberant atmosphere.
House of the Wannsee Conference
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In 1942, the Nazis planned their “Final Solution” — the systematic extermination of European Jews — at the House of the Wannsee Conference. Today, the site serves as a memorial and a chilling educational center, providing insight on the logistics of one of the greatest tragedies in human history. It’s both painful and incredibly important.
Teufelsberg
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Teufelsberg is a man-made hill in western Berlin, topped by the ruins of a former U.S. listening station used during the height of the Cold War. The site offers not only historical tours but also spectacular views over the city. It’s also a popular spot for street art and murals and is one of the places Berliners go to cool off in the hot, humid summers.
Nikolaiviertel Boat Tour
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A historic boat tour through the Nikolaiviertel, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, takes visitors along the Spree River for a fascinating perspective on its medieval and baroque history. “Because most of Berlin’s historic center was destroyed during WWII, this district is really the closest thing to an Old Town,” notes Gentle.
Klunkerkranich
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Starting in March and through the summer months, hipsters gather on the roof terrace of Klunkerkranich, a cultural center in the district of Berlin-Neukölln, to sip drinks and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. In addition to cocktails, visitors can enjoy casual vegan food and live music.
Kreuzberg Food Tour
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“A food tour through Kreuzberg gives visitors the chance to discover the culinary diversity of this multicultural district, from Turkish specialties to innovative fusion cuisine,” says Gentle. On Tuesdays and Fridays a sprawling market lines the banks of the Maybachufer. It’s a great place to stock up on Turkish snacks and all sorts of other tasty treats.
Holzmarkt
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Holzmarkt is a creative and cultural center on the banks of the Spree River in the New East that’s awash with edgy bars, art installations, and indie shops. “It’s become a popular meeting place for locals and tourists looking to experience Berlin’s more alternative scene,” adds Gentle.
Natural History Museum Berlin
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The Natural History Museum Berlin is famous for its impressive dinosaur skeletons, including a well-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex named Tristan Otto as well as the earliest known bird.
Berlin Zoo
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Germany’s oldest zoo is home to a diversity of different species. With its historic aquarium and expansive habitats, it’s one of the most popular attractions for families, children, and animal lovers of all ages. Insider tip from Gentle: You can enjoy a coffee and look directly into the monkey cages from the nearby Bikini concept mall.
Gendarmenmarkt
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Arguably Berlin’s most beautiful square, Gendarmenmarkt houses the monumental Neue Kirche, Duomo dei Francesi (the French Cathedral), and the Konzerthaus Berlin. Planning a trip in the winter? Don’t miss the Christmas market.
Gardens of the World
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A little further afield in Marzahn, the Gardens of the World (Gärten der Welt) fuels a sense of wanderlust for travelers and locals alike. The public park, which opened in May 1987, comprises 250 acres of ornamental gardens, ranging from a peaceful Japanese garden to a riad-style Islamic garden. There’s also a cable car that floats above and supplies panoramic views.
Nightclubs
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“The legendary techno clubs — most notably Berghain — are known for strict door policies. While people have been scratching their heads for years trying to figure out a way to trick the system, getting rejected from one of the city’s hottest nightlife venues has become almost a rite of passage — so much so that it’s considered an essential part of the true Berlin experience for many visitors,” says Gentle. Of course, there’s always a chance you might gain access. In that case, debauchery and dancing well past dawn await.
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