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Berlin   Travel Guide

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20 Best Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

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

• All Things To Do

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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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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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Berlin

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Lura Seavey Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Berlin, the capital of Germany and the country's largest city, is also a major center of politics, culture, media, and science.

Noted for its cultural attractions, Berlin is home to the world-famous Berlin Opera and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, while its diverse art scene encompasses numerous events, galleries, and museums , including those on Museum Island , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite the devastation of WWII, and following decades of decay to the east of the infamous Berlin Wall, the city has been rebuilt in a way that celebrates its successes while acknowledging a dark past.

Today, Berlin has earned a reputation as something of a youthful, hip tourist destination that offers an eclectic mix of places to visit, including new and classic architectural landmarks, dynamic entertainment, shopping, and a wide variety of sports and cultural institutions.

Whatever your interests, to help you get the most out of your sightseeing adventures, be sure to refer often to our list of the top tourist attractions in Berlin, Germany.

1. The Brandenburg Gate

2. the rebuilt reichstag, 3. museum island, 4. the berlin wall memorial, 5. german historical museum, 6. berliner fernsehturm: berlin's television tower, 7. mauer museum (checkpoint charlie museum), 8. charlottenburg palace and park, 9. gendarmenmarkt, 10. jewish museum berlin, 11. the german museum of technology, 12. memorial to the murdered jews of europe, 13. grosser tiergarten and the victory column, 14. pergamon museum, 15. the humboldt forum, 16. berlin cathedral church, 17. the topography of terror, 18. berlin zoological gardens, 19. tierpark berlin, 20. berlin-dahlem botanical garden and botanical museum, 21. ddr museum, 22. the nikolai quarter, 23. kaiser wilhelm memorial church, 24. französischer dom and the huguenot museum, where to stay in berlin for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to berlin, berlin, germany - climate chart.

Berlin's most famous historic landmark is undoubtedly the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor). Once a symbol of a divided nation, it now stands as a symbol of unity and peace.

This impressively large Neoclassical gate was commissioned by King Frederick Wilhelm II in 1788, and its design was inspired by the Propylaea in Athens' Acropolis. The sandstone monument is 26 meters tall, standing in the Mitte district's Pariser Platz , just a block from the Reichstag building.

During the Cold War, its physical and symbolic position as a blocked gate along the Berlin Wall made it a frequent site for demonstrations by West Berliners. It's also famous for being the backdrop of US President Ronald Reagan's 1987 entreaty to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the wall.

It was also the scene of a poignant gesture in 1999, when political leaders from a variety of countries—including Germany's Angela Merkel, Russia's Mikhail Gorbachev, and Poland's Lech Walesa—together walked through the gate to commemorate the tearing down of the Berlin Wall 10 years earlier.

Visiting the Brandenburg Gate at night is a special treat, and undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in Berlin .

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117, Berlin

The Reichstag (Reichstagsgebäude) was originally completed in 1894 where the Neo-Renaissance palace served as the home of the German Empire's Imperial Diet until it burned in 1933. It was not used again until after the reunification of Germany, at which point it underwent a 10-year reconstruction and finally became the home of the German Parliament in 1999.

A highlight of this magnificent reconstruction is the replacement dome, the Kuppel. Made of glass, it offers superb views of the surrounding city, especially at night from the Rooftop Restaurant. If you're visiting in the summer months, be sure to check into the schedule of light shows and film nights for a memorable Berlin experience.

Note that entry to the Dome and Terrace is ticketed, and due to demand, it's recommended that tickets be requested in advance . While registration is available on the day, you should expect a two- or three-hour wait. Free English language audio guides are available.

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011, Berlin

Sandwiched between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben in a 400-meter-long canal, Spree Island—better known as Museum Island (Museumsinsel)—is one of the city's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

Here, you'll find many of Berlin's oldest and most important museums , including the Old Museum (Altes Museum), built in 1830 to house the Crown Jewels and other royal treasures.

The New Museum (Neues Museum), destroyed during WWII, was rebuilt and opened again in 2009. It serves as the home of extensive collections from the Egyptian Museum, the Papyrus Collection, and the Collection of Classical Antiquities.

The Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie), opened in 1876, displays Neoclassical sculpture and paintings from 1815-1848, as well as Impressionist and early Modernist pieces. The Bode Museum houses a collection of Byzantine art, as well as a large sculpture collection spanning from medieval times to the late 1700s.

The city's most popular museum, the Pergamon features a Museum of Islamic Art, the Ishtar Gate, and reconstructed historic buildings from the Middle East. The newest museum attraction, the Humboldt Forum opened here in 2019 and houses the Ethnological Museum of Berlin and the Museum of Asian Art.

Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin

The Berlin Wall originated in 1961 when East Germany sealed off that half of the city to prevent citizens from fleeing to West Germany. By the time it was torn down in 1989, the four-meter-high wall extended 155 kilometers, dissected 55 streets, and possessed 293 observation towers and 57 bunkers.

Today, only small stretches of this graffiti-covered travesty remain, including a 1.4-kilometer stretch preserved as part of the Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer). It stands as a chilling reminder of the animosity that once divided Europe.

Highlights of a visit include the Marienfelde Refugee Center Museum, with its exhibits relating to the one-and-a-half million people who passed through Berlin as refugees; the Günter Litfin Memorial, a former watchtower now set up as a memorial, which pays tribute to the first civilian killed trying to cross from east to west; and the Monument in Memory of the Divided City and the Victims of Communist Tyranny.

Be sure to also check out the Window of Remembrance and the Visitor Center with views over the remains of the wall. Guided tours are available in English.

Address: Bernauer Straße 111, 13355 Berlin

Established to mark Berlin's 750th anniversary in 1987, the German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum, or DHM) is a must-visit for those interested in learning more about the city's remarkably rich history.

This much-visited attraction consists of a number of historic exhibition halls jam-packed with fascinating displays of artifacts relating to various periods and events from the country's founding right up to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Other highlights include exhibits relating to medicine, fashion, religion, printing, art, and photography. Military buffs are also well catered to with the museum's vast collection of historic armor, weapons, and uniforms.

There's also a cinema located on-site, and a research library that's open to the public. English language guided tours are available, and for those expecting a longer stay (you'll want to, there's that much to see), there's a handy cloakroom and café.

Address: Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin

Despite its age—it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020—the 368-meter-tall Berliner Fernsehturm (Berlin Television Tower) has lost none of its appeal to visitors to the city.

Since opening in 1970, Europe's third-tallest freestanding structure has attracted over 60 million visitors, most of them drawn for the spectacular views over Germany's capital.

Originally constructed to mark the prowess of communism (it's located in the former East Berlin district), the landmark can be picked out from pretty much every corner of the city, making it more significant as a symbol of the city's reunification in the 1980s.

Be sure to include the structure's observation deck in your visit, and if you're able to linger awhile, book a reservation at the 207-meter-high revolving restaurant.

Address: Panoramastraße 1 A, 10178 Berlin

Also of interest is the Checkpoint Charlie Museum (Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie). Marking the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin, this fascinating tourist attraction features numerous displays and artifacts tracing the history of human rights, along with exhibits dealing specifically with the history of the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie.

Situated next to the original guardhouse, the museum also highlights some of the most interesting attempts made by those trying to escape communist rule. These include an original homemade air balloon used in one successful attempt.

Also of interest is the nearby open-air BlackBox Cold War exhibit , which features sections of the Berlin Wall and related information stations.

Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10969 Berlin

Berlin's oldest and largest Prussian estate, the late 17th-century Charlottenburg Palace was for decades the primary residence of German royalty.

Now beautifully restored, this huge palace has many extraordinary features, including a massive 50-meter-high central dome, opulent Baroque and Rococo décor throughout its expansive rooms, and a large garden that was inspired by the gardens at Versailles.

A highlight of the property's tour program is a visit to the New Wing , with its State Apartments and fine Banqueting Halls. Built in 1746, it's here visitors get a glimpse of the splendor in which the Prussian Kings and Electors lived, from Frederick I's bedroom and study with their fine furnishings and paintings, to the State Dining Room and 42-meter-long Golden Gallery with its rich, gilded stucco.

Over in the Old Palace is the Porcelain Cabinet, a room dedicated to a large historic porcelain collection and special exhibits, including the Crown Jewels and other royal items.

Other highlights are the Palace Park dating from 1697 and home to the New Pavilion (Neue Pavilion), built in 1788 in the style of a Neapolitan villa, and the Belvedere Teahouse with its fine collection of Berlin porcelain.

Be sure to visit the Mausoleum with its royal tombs, as well as the Grand Courtyard with its large statue of the Great Elector, Frederick William of Brandenburg. One of the top things to do in Berlin in winter is visit the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market , a spectacular display of more than 250 vendors and artisans exhibiting seasonal wares.

Address: Spandauer Damm 10, 14059 Berlin

The Gendarmenmarkt, one of Berlin's largest squares, is dominated by three historic landmark buildings: the Konzerthaus, the French Cathedral (Französischer Dom), and the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom).

This picturesque 17th-century square is now one of Berlin's top tourist attractions and hosts numerous public events each year, including classical concerts on the steps of the Konzerthaus theater in the summer.

Come winter, the entire plaza becomes one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany .

Konzerthaus : The Konzerthaus , built in 1821, is as famous for its architectural splendor as it is for the first-rate performances of Konzerthausorchester Berlin, one of the country's most popular symphony orchestras.

In front of the building stands a statue of the German poet Friedrich Schiller surrounded by four female figures who represent the artistic elements of Lyric Poetry, Drama, History, and Philosophy.

Cathedrals: The cathedrals are so named for their domes ("dom" is also the German word for cathedral) and are in fact not churches. The French Cathedral is home to the Huguenot Museum , and the German Cathedral exhibits the history of the German Parliament.

Alexanderplatz : Another well-known square in Berlin, Alexanderplatz was the center of East Berlin life and is now home to the World Time Clock, a popular meeting place. Nearby is the Television Tower (nicknamed Telespargel) with panoramic views of the city.

Address: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin

Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the Jewish Museum Berlin (Jüdisches Museum Berlin) features a distinctive zinc-paneled exterior that makes it one of Berlin's most striking landmarks.

It was established in 2001, and inside visitors will find a wide range of historical artifacts and donated collections that illustrate the long history and struggle of Jewish Germans, from the Middle Ages to the present.

Exhibits include artwork, religious objects, and 24,000 photographs that have been preserved and recovered. Especially poignant is The Memory Void, where you'll find an installation called "Shalekhet," or "Fallen Leaves," a collection of some 10,000 iron faces spread across the ground. Sobering, to say the least.

The museum is also home to an extensive library and archives at the Academy of the Jewish Museum Berlin , where there are frequent educational programs. Museum galleries include sections dedicated to Hanukkah, anti-semitism, Middle East conflict, the history and culture of Jerusalem, and the life of Munich rabbi Leo Baerwald.

A variety of themed tour options are available, along with English language audioguides.

Address: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin

The must-see German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin) was established in 1983 to showcase and celebrate Germany's industrial and technological prowess.

There are plenty of fun things to do for kids and families in this popular museum, including taking in displays related to the Industrial Revolution, getting some hands-on experience in a reconstructed workshop. In addition, the museum offers a fascinating look at the vehicles that evolved alongside this rise in mechanization.

There are plenty of vehicles and aircraft on display, including a number of preserved steam engines dating back as far as 1843. Other highlights include riding in a vintage 1930s train from the museum to its locomotive depot on the weekends.

Guided tours are available in English. For those wanting to make a day of it (which is recommended), there's a restaurant and picnic spot located on-site.

Address: Trebbiner Straße 9, D-10963 Berlin-Kreuzberg

A remarkable testament to the people of Germany and their commitment to never turn a blind eye to the atrocities of the past, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas)—also known as the Holocaust Memorial —is another Berlin landmark that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Sitting on the eastern side of Tiergarten, this collection of 2,711 concrete slabs covers 19,000 square meters of uneven ground. Below the sprawling memorial is an information center that houses the letters, diaries, and photographs of Holocaust victims. An audioguide is available in English.

Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin

Literally translated as the "Large Animal Garden," Berlin's Grosser Tiergarten has long been a major tourist attraction. Originally a royal hunting reserve in which deer, wild pigs, and other game were kept, it was transformed into a public park in 1700.

Attractively laid out with an abundance of trees and shrubs and expanses of grass and flower borders, the Tiergarten covers 210 hectares and is a favorite spot for relaxation, walking, and boating.

The park also contains numerous statues and monuments, including the 1880 Statue of Queen Luise , which depicts her with a relief recalling her care of wounded soldiers during the War of 1806. There's also an 1849 Monument to Frederick Wilhelm III , with reliefs reflecting the King's peace-loving disposition.

The most famous of the Tiergarten's monuments is the massive Victory Column (Siegessaule), a 70-meter-tall structure crowned by an eight-meter-high gold statue of Victoria. The statue, dubbed Golden Lizzy by locals, was completed in 1873.

It's well worth climbing the 285 steps to the top of this magnificent monument for the views over the Tiergarten . And if you look closely, you'll still see evidence of bullet damage caused during WWII.

Address: Str. des 17. Juni, 10785 Berlin

The Pergamon , the most visited of the Museum Island attractions, is also one of Berlin's top sightseeing destinations. It is home to three main galleries, each occupying a wing of the massive building, including the Middle East Museum, the Islamic Art Museum, and the Antiquity collection.

The artifacts, which narrowly escaped harm during WWII, were collected by German archaeologists during the 19th and 20th centuries from excursions to Egypt, the Middle East, and Asia.

Primarily focused on architectural marvels, including ornate façades and gates, some of the museum's most famous pieces are the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the Roman Market Gate of Miletus, and the Mshatta Façade. A café and bookshop are located on-site.

One of the most popular attractions on Museum Island—a place that's already busting at the seams with great sightseeing opportunities—is the newly opened Humboldt Forum .

Established in 2019, this remarkable feat of construction sees two of Berlin's leading museum collections —the Museum of Ethnography (Ethnologisches Museum) and the Museum of Asian Art Museum (Museum für Asiatische Kunst)—now housed under a single roof: that of a completely reconstructed Berlin Palace. Both are considered to be the equal of leading museums around the world.

Visitors can now easily explore Germany's largest collections of non-European treasures , including a trove of more than 400,000 artifacts from across the globe.

Notable highlights include displays of ancient art from Asia, along with sizable collections focusing specifically on China. In addition to its theaters, the facility houses two restaurants and a shop.

Address: Schloßpl. 1, 10178 Berlin

Located on Museum Island next to the Lustgarten , the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is one of the complex's most imposing buildings thanks to its 75-meter-high dome.

Built in the New Baroque style, the building is the largest church in Berlin and is divided into three main sections: the Memorial Church, the Baptismal and Nuptial Church, and the Parish Church. After decades of painstaking work to repair war damage, the church has been returned to its former glory.

Highlights of a visit include the Imperial Staircase, decorated with bronze cornices and 13 tempera paintings by Berlin landscape painter Albert Hertel in 1905. You should also plan to see the Imperial Gallery with its splendid views of Berlin.

Another popular feature is the Hohenzollern Crypt, which contains nearly 100 sarcophagi, coffins, and monuments from the 16th to 20th centuries.

Try to time your visit for one of the cathedral's many concerts, organ recitals, or special visitor services, and be sure to climb the 270 steps to the Dome for superb views over Museum Island. English language guided tours are available, and a café and shop are located on-site.

Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin

Also known as the Museum of the Gestapo, the Topography of Terror (Topographie des Terrors) occupies the buildings that were once the central offices and prison of the Secret State Police and the headquarters of Gestapo operations during WWII.

The main exhibit focuses on the SS and police during Nazi rule, highlighting the terrible crimes that were committed and giving visitors a sense of the constant state of terror that was everyday life for Europeans under their control.

Exhibits include documents, photographs, audio, and film, and explore various themes, including persecution and extermination, occupied countries, and the postwar era.

Visitors are also invited to tour the historic grounds, which include remains of the Berlin Wall and the outdoor exhibition Historic Wilhelmstraße. Informative English language tours are available on Sundays.

Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin

Berlin Zoological Gardens (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is the oldest zoo in Germany and remains one of Berlin's most popular attractions, welcoming 3.5 million guests each year.

Established in 1844 and completely rebuilt after WWII, the zoo has earned a reputation for its many successful breeding programs and is known for providing authentic habitats for the animals.

The zoo is home to nearly 20,000 animals big and small, from Arctic wolves to zebras. Famous residents include a pair of giant pandas, two species of giraffe, and a flock of diminutive African penguins.

The Zoological Gardens are also home to Europe's biggest aviary, as well as Aquarium Berlin , where you can watch more than 9,000 creatures swim in its 250 tanks, including reef and tiger sharks, jellyfish, tropical fish, reptiles, and insects.

Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin

Another zoo of interest is Tierpark Berlin . Spread across 400 acres and home to some 7,250 animals from 846 different species.

Opened in the 1950s, it's very nearly the equal of Berlin Zoo and is well worth a visit, especially if you're traveling with kids. Star creatures include its elephants (the zoo is known for its breeding program), polar bears, as well as a large herd of muskox.

If you're visiting in summer, be sure to time your visit to coincide with one of the regular late openings. And check out the zoo's website for details of special kids' programs, feeding schedules , as well as tours and unique animal experiences.

Address: Am Tierpark 125, 10319, Berlin

Originally the kitchen and herb garden of the Royal Palace, the Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum (Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin-Dahlem) was built in 1679 on the instructions of the Grand Elector.

Covering 126 acres, it is one of the world's largest botanical gardens , home to more than 20,000 species of plants that represent the flora of not only Europe but also tropical and subtropical environments in the Great Tropical House.

There are also gardens of medicinal plants and a large pond forming the centerpiece of the biotope for marine and marsh plants.

If you can, try to visit at Christmas, or during the attraction's annual "Botanical Night" event, considered one of the most romantic things to do in Berlin in winter.

Also worth seeing is the Electoral Garden with its 17th-century garden greenery, the garden restaurant, and the excellent Botanical Museum with its herbarium featuring more than two million plants and an extensive library.

Address: Königin-Luise-Strasse 6-8, 14195 Berlin

One of Berlin's newer tourist attractions, the DDR Museum opened in 2006 and offers a sobering look at life in East Berlin under communist rule.

Located in the old government district of East Berlin, this popular attraction features a variety of hands-on, interactive exhibits related to such areas of life as surveillance, the privations of everyday life, as well as a replica tower block.

Other highlights of a visit include a replica prison cell, interrogation room, cinema, along with accompanying information. Be sure to try out the Trabant simulator, which provides a realistic driving experience along the Berlin Wall in a classic East German vehicle.

A large collection of authentic artifacts from this time period are also on display.

Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin

Berlin's Nikolai Quarter (Nikolaiviertel) is in the heart of the old city, and is where you'll find many of its oldest and most popular attractions, as well as plenty of interesting things to do beyond the usual places to visit.

This pedestrian-friendly quarter is known for its many small buildings set along narrow streets full of nooks and crannies, home to restaurants, cafés, and shops, along with craft workshops selling everything from basketry to wooden crafts.

Highlights include the district's many old fountains, lanterns, and lattice-windows on the older houses and historic buildings such as Ephraim Palace , built in the 1760s, which has exhibits dedicated to Berlin's rich artistic and cultural history, as well as an exquisite grand staircase.

Also of note is Knoblauch House , built in 1760 and representative of the former homes of the city's wealthy Jewish merchants and tradesmen.

Another favorite tourist spot is Berlin's most famous street, Unter den Linden . This broad avenue stretches some 1,400 meters and connects Pariser Platz in front of the Brandenburg Gate to the Lustgarten.

Today, the two car lanes on the Unter den Linden are separated by a wide, central pedestrian area that extends much of the street's length and provides a wonderful place to relax and take in the bustling city around you. Popular attractions are the Gendarmenmarkt , the Opera House , and St. Hedwig's Cathedral .

Address: Nikolaikirchplatz, 10178 Berlin

One of Berlin's most interesting landmarks, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche) is in many ways two churches: the ultra-modern new church designed in 1961, and next to it, the ruins of the original, including most of the 63-meter-high tower.

Completed in 1895 in honor of Emperor Wilhelm I, the original was destroyed in 1943, but its remains were incorporated into the new complex.

The result is now a major Berlin landmark that also serves as a war memorial, with exhibits installed containing mosaic remains, architectural remnants, and photos. The centerpiece is a figure of Christ from the old church and a Cross of Nails from Coventry Cathedral, destroyed by German bombs earlier in WWII.

Guided tours are available, and visitors are welcome to participate in Sunday services; Evening Music Services featuring cantatas, organ recitals, and choral music; and regular weekday services. A very popular Christmas Market is held outside the church each winter.

Address: Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin

The Französischer Dom (French Cathedral) was constructed in 1705 by and for French Calvinists (Huguenots) who came to Berlin in the late 17 th century seeking religious freedom. Its ornate dome was later added in 1785, and repaired in the 20 th century after sustaining damage during WWII.

The church's tower is one of the best places to get a bird's-eye view of the city of Berlin , offering panoramic views over the Gendarmenmarkt and nearby landmarks like the Berliner Dom and Pergamonmuseum on Museum Island.

The freshly renovated Huguenot Museum is located in the tower of the cathedral, dedicated to the history of those who were forced to relocate as a result of the Reformation. The exhibits focus on the contributions made by these immigrants who, at the time the church was built, made up around 25 percent of the city's population.

The museum includes paintings, photographs, books, and furniture, and also hosts lectures and special programs throughout the year. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 12 noon to 5pm.

Address: Gendarmenmarkt 7, 10117 Berlin,

For those wanting to be within walking distance of top attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island, the best place to stay is Berlin's Mitte district, the city's historic center. Here are some highly rated hotels to consider in or near this area:

Luxury Hotels:

• One of Berlin's most iconic hotels is the magnificent SO/Berlin Das Stue , centrally located and overlooking the western section of the beautiful Tiergarten. This boutique hotel features the Michelin-starred Cinco restaurant, as well as high-end amenities like electric vehicle charging, on-site spa services, and in-room breakfast.
• At the Tiergarten's opposite end, the Regent Berlin and Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin are just steps away from the historic Brandenburg Gate and are perfectly positioned to explore the city's famous Museum Island. Both are also just a short walk from the tree-lined Unter den Linden, famous for its boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Just minutes away from the Tiergarten and close to excellent dining and shopping, the Hampton by Hilton Berlin City West is a great base from which to explore other areas of Berlin thanks to its proximity to the city's excellent subway (U-Bahn) system.
• Another popular option is The Circus Hotel , just minutes from Museum Island. Renovated in 2020, this eco-conscious boutique hotel offers a lovely garden courtyard, as well as a rooftop terrace.
• Also of note is the funky, modern Hotel Gat Point Charlie , which as its name suggests, is adjacent to one of Berlin's most famous landmarks. It's also just steps away from the Friedrichstrasse shopping area, and guests can rent bicycles on-site for exploring the city.

Budget Hotels:

• For those on a tight budget, city-center options worth considering include the Ibis Berlin Kurfurstendamm Hotel , a short walk from the Tiergarten, and Motel One Berlin-Hackescher Markt , not far from the city's museum district.
• A fun stay can be enjoyed at the unique CUBE Lodges Berlin Mitte , a collection of bungalow-style "cubes" capable of sleeping up to four people and set around activities including volleyball courts and bike rentals, all just a short walk from the Berlin Wall Memorial.
• Sightseeing: There are several great ways to see Berlin, whether by bus, bike, or on foot. One of the easiest ways to get around the city and learn a little about the history is on a double-decker, open-air Berlin City Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour . This tour offers 20 stops at various points of interest, with the option to get off or stay on the bus. For a more in-depth, feet-on-the-ground experience, the Explore Berlin Walking Tour offers a three-hour guided walking tour that includes major attractions, from the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie to Hitler's former bunker. If you really want to get active, take a 4.5-hour guided Berlin Bike Tour to see the city's top attractions and learn about their history along the way.
• Day Trips: The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour from Berlin is a six-hour day trip to one of the first concentration camps established by the Third Reich. Today, it is a national memorial. This is a historian-led tour and includes admission to the site. If you would like to visit iconic tourist attractions like Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche, the Dresden Day Trip from Berlin provides an opportunity to get a guided walking tour of the historic city and then enjoy the afternoon exploring Dresden and the banks of the River Elbe at your leisure.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Germany's Other Big Cities : The old imperial city of Frankfurt should be on your Germany itinerary, and in addition to is lovely setting on the River Main is well known for its cultural events, including being home to the Frankfurt Book Fair. Historic Munich is also a must-visit, especially for its stunning cathedral and Marienplatz , the city's central square, popular for people watching and enjoying a picture-perfect, pedestrian-only experience. In the north of the country, the port city of Hamburg -the country's second biggest city-is a delight to explore on foot, especially its old historic quays, canals, and docks.

Germany's Incredible Scenery : Picture Germany, and you'll no doubt conjure up the kind of images associated with picturesque Bavaria , the country's largest state and home to the kind of traditional sights of forests, mountains, and quaint little villages. The Black Forest is another area often visited by tourists, and is as famous for its thick forests as it is for its old farmhouses and pretty villages. For the country's most dramatic scenery, head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen , a mountainous region as popular with skiers in winter as it is hikers and mountain bikers in the summer.

Top Germany Travel Ideas : For a look at old Germany, be sure to include the romantic town of Rothenburg on your travel itinerary, as famous for its old walls and towers as it is for its remarkably preserved medieval architecture. The magnificent Rhine Valley region also makes for a great German vacation, especially one that takes in a Rhine River cruise through the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Rhine Gorge. A similar experience can be enjoyed in the equally attractive Mosel Valley , home to the old Roman city of Trier.

More on Germany

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The 16 best attractions in Berlin

The German capital can be a little overwhelming, so where do you start? These are the best attractions in Berlin

While we’ve managed to keep this collection of the best attractions in Berlin to a concise 16, the German capital is a never-ending source of fascination, excitement and entertainment. Berlin is one of the modern world’s most important cities, a place whose reputation routinely sees it top bucket lists and best-ofs alike, as people from all over the world head here to see the famous buildings, explore the incredible museums and overindulge in Europe’s most exciting nightlife .

Berlin is a city that does it all and does it in an undeniably unique manner. This is Berlin, and don’t you forget. The restaurant scene is dizzyingly diverse, and shopping here is a white-knuckle experience all in itself.

Here to guide you through it all is Berlin local Anna Geary-Meyer. It can be easy to find yourself making plans to move to Berlin, but don’t forget to embrace your inner tourist and experience the classic attractions that this place has to offer.

RECOMMENDED: 📍 Full guide to the best things to do in Berlin 🏡 The best  Airbnbs in Berlin 🛏 The best hotels in Berlin

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Best attractions in Berlin

1.  Brandenburger Tor

• Historic buildings and sites

The Brandenburger Tor (or The Brandenburger Gate if you're not so great with German) is an absolute must-see attraction if you're visiting Berlin. Fun fact: From 1814 until 1919, only the royal family and members of the aristocratic Pfuel Family were allowed to travel through the centre archway. Which wouldn't have been so fun for us normal folk. Now, it no longer causes divisions. It's said to represent peace and unity and is one of Germany's best known landmarks. 

Time Out Tip:  for the best pics, take ’em from the east side so that you can see Tiergarten between the pillars. 

2.  Neues Museum

After a long period of restoration, from suffering severe damage during World War III, the Neues Museum got back up and running back in 2009. It's now arguably one of the best museums to visit from Berlin’s UNESCO-listed Museumsinsel (Museum Island). It's an unforgettable home for a whole host of different artefacts from ancient history to the present day. From Egyptian art to unique prehistoric objects. This museum will feed your curiosity and is a great way to expand your world knowledge.

Time Out Tip:  be sure to properly take in the building itself. All those rennovations have turned the Neues into a fully-fledged architectural gem. 

3.  Holocaust Memorial (Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas)

• Monuments and memorials

Architect Peter Eisenman’s Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is intentionally disorienting: it’s a striking sculptural statement that invites visitors in, only to create a feeling of unease. There’s no vantage point or overview; to fully engage with the structure you need to walk into it. It’s haunting in places, especially on overcast days and near the middle of the monument, where it’s easy to feel a sense of confinement. Early criticism often focused on the monument’s lack of specificity – there are no stars of David here, no obvious symbolism or recognition of German culpability – but it has since won grudging recognition from many former critics.

Time Out Tip:  be sure to get there when the visitor centre is open (Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm). Its exhibitions are exceptionally informative.

4.  East Side Gallery

Running along the River Spree for 1.3km (0.8 miles) from Oberbaum Bridge to Ostbahnhof is one of Berlin’s most photographed tourist sights. This is the largest remaining section of the Wall still standing, decorated with 101 paintings by international artists from 1990. Dmitri Vrubel’s striking portrait depicting Brezhnev and Hönecker’s kiss – a Soviet sign of great respect – is easily its most iconic image. In 2017, in an attempt to prevent the sort of vandalism that had plagued it in recent years, a metre-high metal fence was erected around the perimeter of the Wall, an irony not lost on visitors.

The riverside views are great, too, and best enjoyed with a cold späti beer. There aren’t many places in Berlin where you’re encouraged to engage in shameless, unironic photo-taking, so this is definitely the place to whip out the selfie stick.

5.  Botanischer Garten & Botanisches Museum

• Parks and gardens

The Berlin Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum were landscaped at the beginning of the 20th century. Today it’s home to 18,000 plant species, 16 greenhouses and a museum. The gardens make for a pleasant stroll, but the museum is a bit dilapidated and there’s no information in English. Every Monday, they run a wild mushroom advice workshop, so feel free to forage away in the nearby forests.

6.  Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen

First the site of a canteen for the Nazi social welfare organisation, this building housed a remand prison which the Soviets turned into ‘Special Encampment No.3’ and which the Stasi later expanded. Excellent guided tours are led daily by ex-prisoners; their personal testimony adds chilling immediacy to the bureaucratically spare interrogation rooms, the concrete ‘tiger cage’ in which 30 minutes of walking per day was permitted and the cramped cells where prisoners were forced to sleep in a mandated position. The museum houses a permanent exhibition, which reveals the stories of former prisoners, and there are also temporary exhibitions, often curated from the memorial’s own collection of 15,000 GDR artefacts. 

7.  Jüdisches Museum

Named as the largest Jewish museum in Europe (38,000 square feet of floor space to be exact), Daniel Libeskind’s beautiful, yet deliberately oppressive building houses a masterful museum devoted to the turbulent history of Judaism in Germany. It was opened in 2001, with a permanent exhbition that tells the stories of prominent Jewish figures and their impact. Here, you'll also be able to find out about Jewish   holiday traditions, the difficult road to emancipation and more. Side note: this museum is a popular one so arrive in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds!

8.  Philharmonie

Berlin’s most famous concert hall, home to the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, is also its most architecturally daring: a marvellously puckish piece of organic modernism. Designed by Hans Scharoun, the golden building with its distinctive vaulting roof opened in 1963. Its reputation for superb acoustics is accurate, but it does depend on where you sit. Behind the orchestra, the acoustics leave much to be desired, but in front (where seats are much more expensive), the sound is heavenly. The Berlin Phil gives about 100 performances in the city during its August-to-June season, plus 20 to 30 concerts around the world.

9.  Soviet Memorial (Sowjetisches Ehrenmal am Treptower Park)

One of Berlin’s most impressive public monuments, this memorial to Soviet soldiers killed in the Second World War (one of three in Berlin) and military cemetery is located in a peaceful park in the east of the city. It’s as bombastic and intimidating as you would expect. Treptower Park covers a huge area and is visit-worthy in itself, so combine your stop with a bike ride along the Spree or a stroll to the nearby Karpfenteich (carp pond). In summer, you can enjoy a riverside coffee at one of the park’s restaurants and cafés.

10.  Haus am Checkpoint Charlie

Once the flashpoint between East and West, today the former Checkpoint Charlie border crossing offers tacky souvenir stalls, coach-loads of trippers and actors pretending to be US and Soviet guards, but it also features this fascinating little museum which is sure to please children and adults alike. The founder of Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, Dr Rainer Hildebrandt, opened it as a non-violent protest against the Wall, with the purpose of recording the events that were taking place at the best-known crossing point. He believed it was essential to be ‘as close as possible to the injustice itself, where human greatness fully unfolds’. Today the museum tells of heroic escapes, successful and unsuccessful, with great sensitivity. 

11.  Tempelhofer Feld

Famous for its Nazi and Cold War history, Tempelhof airport ceased operation in 2008. Now, you can stroll down the runways where Second World War ‘Stuka’ dive bombers took off and where, during the famous Berlin Airlift after the Soviets blockaded West Berlin in 1948, the Western Powers landed supplies for the city’s 2.5 million residents in one of the greatest feats in aviation history. Today the 368-hectare open space of runways and grasslands is much enjoyed by walkers, kite-surfers, cyclists, runners and skaters alike.

12.  Rixdorf

A short walk from the busy shopping street of Karl-Marx-Strasse in Neukölln, you'll find the iconic and charming village of Rixdorf, centred around Richardplatz. Here, you'll find an ancient church among beautiful early 18th-century buildings. Plus, there’s even a horse-and-carriage business still in operation which will allow you to take a lovely your around the grounds. There is also an annual Christmas craft market held in the square. So, plenty to do and see in this small but intriguing village.

13.  Museum für Naturkunde (Natural History Museum)

Berlin’s Natural History Museum will be a sure-fire hit with any under-10s. The biggest (literally) draw is the skeleton of a Brachiosaurus dinosaur, which weighed 50 tonnes at death and stands proud at four storeys high. But don’t miss the creepy ‘research collections’, which show off some of the museum’s store of over a million pickled animals suspended in jars of alcohol. Berlin’s most famous polar bear, Knut, who died in 2011, is also stuffed and on display.

14.  Kaufhaus des Westens (Department Store of the West)

KaDeWe, the legendary department store, is more than a century old and has stood at the heart of the city’s shopping scene through thick and thin. It stocks an impressive range of high-end designers and has tried to shed its stuffy image by bringing in upbeat younger labels. As opulent as ever, the space is also home to the quintessential luxury food-hall experience in a city otherwise teeming with budget supermarkets. With delicatessens, butchers, pâtisseries and grocers, and plenty of prepared foods to take away, the olfactory experience as you move between sections is a delight in itself. Head up another level to reach a cavernous glass-roofed restaurant with a fine view of Wittenbergplatz below.

15.  Prater Biergarten

• Bars and pubs
• Prenzlauer Berg

Temporarily closed

In the mid-16th century, brewing beer during summer was outlawed in Bavaria due to the drink’s rapid deterioration in the heat. Instead, brewers were encouraged to build cellars next to the River Isar in which to store beer for summer drinking, and thus, the Biergarten was born. Situated in leafy Prenzlauer Berg, Prater Garten is decidedly more Munich than Berlin and lures an appreciative crowd with beer, sausage and pretzels.

16.  Spandau

There’s a running joke among Berliners (though not an especially clever one) that Spandau, the westernmost of the city’s twelve districts, isn’t really part of the capital. Whatever the case may be, this picturesque area is absolutely worth a day trip. Spread out along the River Havel, Spandau’s old town is the site of a gorgeous Christmas market each winter, and the medieval Zitadelle is one of Europe’s best-preserved fortresses.

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This city’s 28 collective Michelin stars speak volumes: from venerated institutions like Mitte’s Grill Royal to the burgeoning foodie scene in once-gritty Neukölln, there are some downright life-changing meals to be had here.

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25 Top Tourist Attractions in Berlin

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital city of Germany is rich with history and culture. Badly fractured during World War II and the cold war, Berlin has recreated itself into an international city with diverse cultures and architecture. Explore the top tourist attraction in Berlin that still bears the scars of the recent past.

Map of Berlin

25. Oberbaum Bridge

The Oberbaumbrücke, or Oberbaum Bridge, spans the Spree River. The bridge is two stories high, and it links the districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. It ties together the former East Germany with the West, making it a historically significant as well as architecturally beautiful structure.

The Oberbaum Bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in the whole city. It’s a sign of unity, a way to bridge the east and the west in the once divided Berlin. You can cross the bridge on foot, but the best views are further along the Spree from either side of the river.

24. German Historical Museum

The German Historical Museum, also known as the Deutsches Historisches Museum, is a fantastic place to visit if you want to see what Germans have been up to for the past two millennia. The museum covers all of German history up until the present day, and exhibits are laid out in a way that is easy to understand and highly entertaining.

The museum is housed in two adjacent buildings: The more traditional Armory, or Zeughaus, and the modern Exhibition Ball designed by I.M. Pei. You can browse through posters from World War II, see maps from the 19th century or admire contemporary sculpture done by modern German artists.

23. Kurfurstendamm

Kurfürstendamm, known to locals at Ku’damm, was built as a German answer to the Champs-Elysee in Paris. The wide road was lined with trees and ornate buildings were built along both sides. It is the heart of former West Berlin, and is still the city’s most popular shopping boulevard.

The side streets of Tauentzienstraße and Fasanenstraße are lined with malls and high-end flagship stores. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out KaDeWe, or the Kaufhaus des Westens. This is the largest department store in all of Europe, and it boasts virtually anything you might want to purchase from expensive shoes to fresh produce.

22. Berlin TV Tower

Located near the Alexanderplatz is the Berlin TV Tower, better known to locals at the Berliner Fernsehturm. This tower is the tallest structure in all of Germany, and its observation deck offers an incredible vantage point for amazing views over much of the city.

The Berlin TV Tower was built in the 1960s, and it is one of the most significant mid-century modern buildings in Germany. At the time of its construction, it was also a true engineering marvel. Just below the main observation deck, there is an upscale restaurant where you can enjoy the view with a drink or a full meal.

21. DDR Museum

The DDR Museum is appropriately located in the heart of the former government district of East Germany, and it is devoted to the history of the DDR, or the Deutsche Demokratische Republik.

When you visit, you can see what life was like in former East Germany. See the apartments people lived in, put on some of the most common clothing items from the period and check out the covert listening devices, or bugs, used to spy on citizens. Exhibits are in English as well as German.

20. Treptower Park

Alongside the river Spree, south of central Berlin, you’ll find Treptower Park. If you’re interested in WW2 history, then the park is a must-see destination in Berlin. The park is home to a large military cemetery as well as the enormous Soviet War Memorial that was built in 1949 to commemorate the Soviet soldiers who fell in the Battle of Berlin.

There are a number of plates set around the park, each of which memorializes certain battles. Beyond the historical significance, Treptower Park is an awesome place to walk along the paved pedestrian pathways, rent a rowboat for some time on the water or just have a drink in the park’s biergarten.

19. Berlin Wall Memorial

There are many different ways to see the Berlin Wall while in the city. If places like Checkpoint Charlie feel too touristy, head to the Berlin Wall Memorial, known in German as the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer. It’s a memorial to the countless men, women and children who died while trying to get across the wall.

There is also an adjacent documentation center on Bernauer Straße with additional exhibits and information, although much of it is in German. From the viewing platform, you can see what once was the no-man’s land between East and West Berlin.

18. Unter den Linden

This beautiful boulevard lined with linden trees is one of the main east-west routes through Berlin. The trees were first planted in the mid 1600s and are cared for and cultivated by the city. Over the centuries the boulevard has been extended and now stretches from Museum Island to the Brandenburg Gate.

Greatly damaged during the war, Unter den Linden has been renovated and is currently lined with many architectural sites and other tourist attractions in Berlin including the German Historical Museum, the Staatsoper, Altes Palais and the Palace Bridge.

17. Berlin Cathedral

There are many wonderful churches to see in Berlin, but the Berlin Cathedral is the largest and one of the most impressive. It was built at the start of the 20th century as a way to express the imperial power of Germany. The brick, neo-Renaissance cathedral is located in the area of Museum Island in the district of Mitte.

The enormous organ is a major point of pride in the cathedral, and it is still used for religious services. If you visit, you can climb to the top of the dome and enjoy views from the cathedral after touring the interior.

16. Alexanderplatz

If you visit Berlin, you’ll almost certainly spend some time in Alexanderplatz. This large public square is right in the heart of the Mitte district, and it is the major hub for transport in Berlin. Today, it is also home to some of the most popular historic attractions in the city.

From the Alexanderplatz, you can see the Berlin TV Tower dominating the skyline, the World Clock and the Neptune Fountain. There are also plenty of local shops, restaurants and even a casino. The plaza is also home to the Galeria Kaufhof, one of the busiest shopping spots in the area.

15. Charlottenburg Palace

If you like touring palaces, then don’t miss the Charlottenburg Palace. This is the largest palace in Germany, and it is found in Berlin’s City West district. Charlottenburg Palace was constructed at the end of the 17th century, and the entire community of Charlottenburg grew around it.

Built in the Baroque style, and boasting beautiful gardens and outdoor sculptures, the palace is now open to the public. You can tour restored rooms and see the extravagant, rococo style in the apartments of Frederick the Great, and you can also see collections of porcelain, crown jewels and royal silver.

14. Victory Column

The Siegessäule, or Victory Column, was built toward the end of the 19th century in celebration of several Prussian military triumphs. The column originally stood in front of the Reichstag but was moved to the middle of Tiergarten by the Nazi government as part of a major urban redevelopment plan.

At the very top of the column is an angelic, winged figure that represents Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. At the top of the Victory Column is an observation deck that allows for panoramic views over the city. There’s just one catch: There is no elevator. If you’re feeling up for it, take on the 285 steps to get to the top.

13. Gendarmenmarkt

The Gendarmenmarkt is a major public square in Berlin that dates all the way back to the 17th century. Although many of the historic buildings in the Gendarmenmarkt were destroyed in World War II, several major landmarks remain.

With a visit to the Gendarmenmarkt, you’ll be able to see the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom, or French Cathedral, which was built by the Huguenots in the early 18th century. The Gendarmenmarkt is also home to the beautifully reconstructed Konzerthaus, where the Berlin Orchestra performs. During the winter, Christmas markets are a major highlight at the square.

12. Topography of Terror

One of the more poignant attractions in Berlin is the Topography of Terror. This is an indoor and outdoor museum located on the exact site of the former Nazi government’s SS Reich Main Security Office.

Within view of the Berlin Wall, former prisons cells were excavated to showcase the tragedies and horrors of the Nazi regime. Exhibits explore the Jewish ghettos of Berlin, the criminals brought to justice at the Nuremberg Trials and a memorial to all those who perished at the hands of the Nazis. It can be emotionally tough to explore the Topography of Terror, but it an important historical stop to make.

11. Pergamon Museum

In Berlin’s Museum Insel you’ll find the fascinating Pergamon Museum. The whole museum is named for the Pergamon Altar, which is one of its most valued attractions on display. The Pergamon Museum is the most visited art museum in Germany, and it boasts an incredible collection of antiquities and treasures.

Touring the museum is a way to bring the ancient world to life. Some of the most notable attractions in the Pergamon include the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the Mschatta Façade from a desert castle in Jordan and the Roman Market Gate of Miletus, which dates back to the 2nd century.

10. Hackesche Hoefe

Located at the far end of Oranienburger Strasse in the Scheunenviertel, the Hackesche Höfe is a complex that includes eight interconnected courtyards. It was designed and built by the architect Kurt Berndt, and the Art Nouveau façade was the work of August Endell.

As with many Berlin courtyard buildings, the complex was used for a mixture of offices, shops and flats. The buildings were only partially damaged during the WW2, but were mostly neglected while Germany was partitioned. Only after reunification, starting in 1993, was the complex extensively restored and it now looks better than it ever has.

Inside the Höfe you’ll find a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and shops that attract tons of locals and visitors each day. As you travel from one courtyard to the next to see more vendors, you’ll understand the unique nature of this complex.

9. Tiergarten

Once the hunting grounds of the Brandenburg elite, the Großer Tiergarten is now an urban park in central Berlin. Commemorating a Prussian victory, the Berlin Victory Column stands in the park and is surrounded by a street circle.

Pedestrians can reach the column by using any of four underground tunnels. Near the Column sits Schloss Bellevue, the Beautiful Palace, which is the official residence of the President of Germany.

Occupying the southwest corner of the Tiergarten, the Berlin Zoo houses around 14,000 animals. The open-air habitats have made it one of the most popular zoos in Europe.

8. Check Point Charlie

One of the best known crossing points of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie resonates with emotional and historical significance. Named by the Western Allies, the border crossing bore an ominous sign stating “You are leaving the American Sector”.

This was the single crossing point for members of the Allied forces and foreigners. The guardhouse which once stood here is now on display at the Allied Museum in Berlin-Zehlendorf.

A replica of a U.S. Army guardhouse stands at the crossing, and cobblestones are used to designate the former border spot. The best documentation on escape attempts and the original Checkpoint sign can be found in the museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie.

7. Potsdamer Platz

Art, entertainment and shopping can all be found in this vibrant corner of Berlin. The square was completely destroyed after the war but has been rebuilt into a modern plaza with landmark towers and a shopping arcade.

The area is seen as symbolic reconnection of the two halves of Berlin, joining the residents of both sides in a completely new part of the city. A replica of Germany’s first traffic light stands in the center with sleek, modern office buildings surrounding the platz.

The DaimlerChrysler Atrium offers a changing art exhibit while the Sony Centre features a Cinema Complex and Film Museum, a shopping mall and a 3D IMAX theater.

6. Memorial Church

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is in the center of the Breitscheidplatz in Berlin. The original church was built between 1891 and 1895 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. During WWII the church burned down after it was hit by an allied bomb, only the broken west tower of the church was still standing.

In 1961 a new church, consisting of 4 buildings, was constructed around the remains of the old church. The concrete and glass structure is a fascinating counterpoint to the neo-Romanesque old church that it surrounds. Photos of the original church can be found in the remaining west tower along with some of the original mosaics.

5. Museum Island

Five museums comprise Museum Island which is located between the Spree River and Kupfergraben. As with many of the structures in Berlin, the old museum buildings were nearly destroyed during the Second World War but are now open.

The Altes Museum displays ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, while the Alte Nationalgalerie houses the largest collection of 19th century paintings and sculptures in Germany. The Nues Museum houses prehistoric pieces and Egyptian art, including the bust of Queen Nefertiti.

The Pergamon Museum contains another display of Greek and Babylonian antiquities. The Ishtar Gate and Pergamon Altar are here. Finally, the Bode Museum displays a large collection of sculptures, numismatic (coin) collections and a number of paintings.

4. East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is the longest stretch of the Berlin Wall still in existence. Often described as a memorial to freedom, it showcases paintings of artists from around the world.

The artwork, which began appearing in 1990, documents the changing time after the fall of the Berlin Wall as well as expressing hope for the future. Sections of the wall have been moved to facilitate construction and other portions have been damaged by erosion and vandalism.

3. Holocaust Memorial

Near the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial is a simple, but powerful tribute to the Jews that died as a result of Hitler’s extermination plan. The 2,711 slabs are arranged in a wave-like pattern over 205,000 square feet.

Each stone is unique, varying from ankle high to over six feet tall. The paths between the slabs undulate with the overall effect being one of instability and disorientation.

There is no set pattern and visitors may walk in any direction through the peaceful, quiet stones. At the base of the memorial an underground information center offers information and personal stories of people affected by the actions of the Nazi party.

2. Reichstag

The Reichstag is the seat of the German Parliament and an historic landmark. A fire in 1933 and air raids during the Battle of Berlin in 1945 caused a great deal of damage.

The Reichstag sits near the Brandenburg Gate and was not fully restored until after the deconstruction of the Berlin Wall and the German reunification. Some historical scars, such as graffiti left by Soviet soldiers, were left as a tribute to the building’s difficult past.

The original building was designed by several architects and the mix of styles in the completed structure was somewhat controversial at the time, but now is appreciated by thousands of visitors each year. The glass dome at the top of the building provides a magnificent view of the city and visitors must register in advance to enter it.

1. Brandenburg Gate

Built in the late 1700s, the Brandenburg gate is the only surviving city gate of Berlin. The gate is in the western part of Berlin and marks the entrance to Unter den Linden. Used as one of the Berlin Wall crossings, the gate became a site of protest during the division of Germany and a place of celebration when the wall fell in 1989.

The gate was severely damaged in World War II and underwent extensive renovation in the early 2000s. Today it is fully restored and is the symbol of not only the turbulent history of the region, but also the reunification of East and West Berlin.

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Reader interactions.

February 3, 2021 at 7:46 pm

I was in front of the Brandenburg gate in 1958 . A Russian soldier was walking back and forth in front of the gate. I was stationed at Babenhausen.

January 14, 2019 at 4:29 pm

A good list of Berlin cultural and historic sites. Thank you

September 21, 2018 at 12:51 am

I am visiting Berlin in a couple of days and your travel guide will be useful to me.

May 20, 2015 at 6:13 am

I will be visiting Germany soon and would like to know the best way to spend 2 to 3 days in the country.

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18 Best Things to Do in Berlin

By Liz Humphreys and Krystin Arneson

Thirty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in 1989, the German capital's intoxicating mix of grit, glamour, and anything-goes expression born from historical repression has made it one of the most dynamic cities on earth. Where else can you saunter through Prussian palaces, venture into Nazi-era bunkers, tour the world's longest outdoor art gallery, and lose yourself in Europe's most famous techno temple? (And that's just day one.) So bring an open mind, pack your stamina, and get ready to dive into all the city has to offer. Read on for the very best things to do in Berlin.

Read our complete Berlin travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider's experience of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.

Hackesche Höfe and Haus Schwarzenberg Arrow

Beneath its rough exterior, Berlin hides elegant urban courtyards behind the Altbau buildings that survived World War II. In the heart of Berlin’s central Mitte neighborhood, Hackesche Höfe is a cluster of eight café- and boutique-filled public courtyards dating from 1907. Following a complete renovation to restore the interconnected höfs (courtyards) to their former glory, the labyrinth reopened in 1996. Several doors down on Rosenthaler Straße, Haus Schwarzenberg is Hackesche Höfe’s gritty, graffiti-covered brother, and it offers a fascinating glimpse of what much of Berlin looked like before gentrification swept in.

Charlottenburg Palace Arrow

Built in 1699 as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, wife of King Friedrich I, this massive, multi-winged baroque structure is Berlin’s largest palace. Heavily damaged in World War II and rebuilt and restored over several decades, the palace is home to a number of priceless collections, including royal porcelain and silver, crown jewels, and important 18th-century French paintings by artists such as Antoine Watteau. The rooms themselves, most of which were entirely reconstructed, feature ornate plasterwork, gilding, and frescoes, all based on original designs. The highlight is the gardens, created in the French and English style, with orderly hedges, fountains, ponds, and tree-lined gravel paths.

Berlin Wall Memorial Arrow

This free indoor/outdoor museum and memorial is the best place to learn how the Berlin Wall sprung up, practically overnight, what life was like in the former East German state, and the heroic (and heartbreaking) attempts people made to reunite with their families. As you walk along this one-mile stretch of Bernauer Strasse, an open-air exhibit features photographs and signs detailing the stories on either side of the barrier. There’s also a preserved piece of the original border wall and a watchtower, as well as an indoor visitor center with exhibits chronicling the political and historical events surrounding the city’s division.

Mauerpark Flea Market Arrow

Located along a former part of the Berlin Wall that was a militarized no-man’s land known as the “Death Strip,” the area that is now Mauerpark (“Wall Park") was where guards stationed in watch towers would shoot would-be escapees trying to flee from East Berlin to West. Today, the attack dogs and soldiers are gone, and in their place, the city’s largest and best outdoor market is held every Sunday. Surrounding the bustling market in the trendy green space is something of an anything-goes circus, filled with jugglers, picnickers and the world's largest karaoke party, known as Bearpit Karaoke.

Matt Ortile

Siobhan Reid

Kinza Shenn

Lauren Burvill

Berghain Arrow

Perhaps no club in Berlin (or the world, for that matter) is more hallowed than Berghain. Set in a former East German power station, this cavernous, nondescript warehouse is the Holy Grail for techno fans, hosting three-day-long debauchery-induced raves. Every weekend, the club attracts some of the best DJs from all over the planet to spin and pump beats so intense that they ring in your bones instead of your ears.

Reichstag Building Arrow

Reduced to rubble after one of history's most infamous fires in the 1930s, and then rebuilt decades later, the stately Reichstag is arguably Germany's most iconic landmark . The building has been home of Germany’s parliament (the Bundestag) since 1999 and now serves as a symbol of the country’s reunification. Today, a glistening glass dome designed by starchitect Norman Foster sits atop the grand old structure, and anyone with an advanced booking can ascend its 755-foot-long ramp for sweeping views over the city. The Reichstag dome is one of the most enriching free experiences for first-time visitors to the city, where a troubled past exists side by side with a trendsetting future. Few places employ this juxtaposition quite as well as this monument to freedom and openness, which was literally built atop the site that saw Nazis rise to power.

Humboldt Forum Arrow

The Humboldt Forum’s collection is vast and varied—and honestly more than a little overwhelming. The main exhibit is the Ethnological Collection and Asian Art, which displays about 20,000 objects from Berlin’s former Ethnological Museum and Museum for Asian Art of the State Museums. What’s most interesting here is that many objects are examined in a critical context—for instance, looking at how they were taken from African nations during colonial rule, with descriptions in both German and English. The fascinating, if sprawling, Berlin Global exhibit examines Berlin’s impact on the world in six categories: Boundaries, Entertainment, Fashion, Interconnection, Revolution, Space, and War. The After Nature (Humboldt Lab) exhibition critically examines the interplay between climate change and democracy in countries around the world. Then there are a few exhibitions reminding you of the building’s complex history: a Sculpture Hall displaying fragments of the original palace as well as six large 18th-century sculptures; the Palace Cellar below ground that includes part of the medieval Dominican monastery originally on the site as well as preserved sections of the Berlin Palace’s foundations; and a large-scale video panorama about the history of the site (“800 years of history in just 14 minutes!”) Plus, a panoramic rooftop on the fourth floor (accessible with an extra fee) offers lovely views of the Berlin rooftops. Also of note: As befits a modern museum, a good number of exhibits are interactive, with buttons to push, videos and virtual reality stories to watch, and audio to listen to.

Brandenburg Gate Arrow

This triumphant neoclassical arch is Berlin’s most famous monument and the only remaining gate of the 14 that originally surrounded the city when it was a proud Prussian metropolis. Since then, Napoleon and Hitler have stormed through it and the world watched as thousands of Berliners swarmed the site with sledgehammers to topple the nearby Wall in 1989. Ever since, this Acropolis-inspired 1791 monument has come to symbolize German reunification. Conveniently located within easy walking distance of a trio of boldfaced Berlin sites ( Tiergarten Park , the Reichstag , and The Holocaust Memorial ), the Brandenburg Gate serves as a central meeting place for tourists.

Topography of Terror Arrow

You’re on the site of the headquarters of the Gestapo, Nazi Germany’s secret police force between 1933 and 1945, where many political prisoners were tortured before being sent to concentration camps and prisons. The Reich Security Main Office, created by Nazi paramilitary organization Schutzstaffel (SS) head and chief of the German police Heinrich Himmel—which was responsible for organizing the Holocaust—was also headquarted here starting in 1939. Indoor and outdoor exhibitions walk visitors through the history of these organizations and the crimes that they committed. Especially moving is the outdoor exhibit “Berlin 1933-1945. Between Propaganda and Terror” that looks at how the Nazis came to power in Berlin; it’s displayed amongst excavated sections of the fomer building (visible through glass panels) where the Nazis planned their crimes against humanity. The comprehensive inside exhibit goes into even more depth, using photos and stories to tell the story of when the Nazis came to power and the crimes they committed until World War II ended. Both exhibits, plus regularly rotating temporary ones, are free to visit. For even more history, to the site’s north you’ll find the longest section of the Berlin Wall still remaining in the city center.

Museum Island Arrow

Berlin's Smithsonian on the Spree, Museumsinsel (“Museum Island”) is a UNESCO-inscribed collection of five world-class museums and a must-see for anyone coming to Berlin. Spanning 6,000 years of art and history, the island’s ensemble of museums (The Altes Museum, Neues Museum , Alte Nationalgalerie, Pergamonmuseum , and Bode Museum) represent the pinnacle of Germany’s museum collection. Here, visitors can come face to face with Nefertiti; ascend an ancient altar dedicated to Zeus; and marvel at Monet, Cézanne, and Degas’ landscapes before crossing the bridge back to mainland Berlin.

Neue Nationalgalerie Arrow

All of the Neue Nationalgalerie’s art dates from the 20th century. The museum’s permanent collection is strong on German Expressionism—think Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Max Beckmann, and Emil Nolde— along with Cubist and Dada works, plus worthy pieces by such 20th-century art world luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, Piet Mondriaan, Joan Miró, and Wassily Kandinsky. Though the permanent exhibition space on the lower floor is large, it only holds about 250 pieces, so selections from the museum’s collection of about 5,000 artworks rotate throughout the year. (A new, larger “berlin modern” museum is under construction next to the Neue Nationalgalerie to display more of the artworks; however, its planned opening in 2027 is in question, as it’s already behind schedule and millions over budget.) When the Neue Nationalgalerie reopened in 2021, the permanent exhibition space featured art from 1900 to 1945; from late 2023 through October 2025, the museum is displaying works from 1945 to 2000, with such artists as Barnett Newman, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, and Louise Nevelson. Visitors also have the chance to catch the Gerhard Richter Art Foundation, which has loaned 100 works from the renowned German artist to the museum until at least 2026. You can hit the highlights in 60 to 90 minutes, but it will be a bit rushed. Two hours will give you a much more relaxed pace to explore the permanent and temporary collections, and to maybe even spend some time enjoying the lovely sculpture garden, if the weather’s nice.

Sammlung Boros Arrow

A renovated Nazi-era bunker in the now-posh Mitte district houses this private collection of contemporary art, owned by Christian and Karen Boros (who actually live in an apartment on the roof). The selection of sculpture, paintings, photographs, and installations by international artists rotate every four years, but have recently featured contemporary artists like Katja Novitskova, Guan Xiao, and Kris Martin. A guided tour across its five floors reveals not only the impressive collection but also the long history of the bunker, which was used as a Nazi air raid shelter and later became an underground techno club (you can still see vestiges of fluorescent paint in some rooms and stairwells). Tours (required) book up months in advance, so plan accordingly.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Arrow

A short walk from Brandenburg Gate , this sprawling, maze-like set of 2,711 concrete columns is a haunting reminder of the atrocities and toll of World War II and Germany’s main memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Officially called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the site occupies an entire 205,000-square-foot city block and was designed by American architect Peter Eisenman after an exhaustive 17-year planning process. The memorial’s abstract design offers no explanation or prescribed walking path, but simply invites visitors to enter and become swallowed in its tomb-like slabs.

East Side Gallery Arrow

With more than 100 paintings, the East Side Gallery is the world's largest (and longest) open-air art gallery. The 0.8-mile stretch of the Berlin Wall, which runs parallel to the Spree River, once trapped East Germans inside. But when the rest of the Wall came crumbling down in 1989, this stretch remained and became a concrete canvas for international artists, who splashed it with murals between February and June of 1990.

Tempelhofer Feld Arrow

Built by Hitler’s henchmen and used as a lifeline by some two million people during the Allied Airlift, Tempelhof Airport is now a sweeping urban playground that’s larger than Central Park . On sunny days, thousands of Berliners come to jog down the abandoned runways, bike under the old radar station, and grill next to grounded Cold War-era planes. Stay long enough and you’ll see beekeepers in the lawn, windsurfers on the runway, cricket players by the tarmac, zipliners in the forest, and much more.

Tiergarten Arrow

Berlin's signature park and "green lung," Tiergarten Park is a leafy 519-acre oasis that was once used as the hunting grounds of Berlin’s rulers (“Tiergarten” means “animal park”). These days, the boars and pheasants have moved on, and in their place a series of lakes, hiking paths, English gardens, and even a biergarten attract joggers, cyclists, and sunbathers. Towering over the center of the park, the gilded Siegessäule (Victory Column) is the most famous of Tiergarten’s many monuments and commemorates Prussian war victories. Nearby, the white Schloss Bellevue palace is where the German president lives. Elsewhere, don’t miss the manicured English Garden and teahouse, and Berlin’s most attractive and romantic biergarten, Café am Neuen See, where lovers can enjoy a pint, a pizza, and a paddle aboard a rowboat on the lake. It would take you days to see all of hte park—we recommend downshifting and taking your time here with a bike, a blanket, and a book.

Prater Garten Arrow

Prater Garden, Berlin's oldest biergarten, comprises almost a full acre of communal tables and benches. Although Germany’s capital city doesn't have the biergarten culture of Bavaria, this gem has been around since 1837—and has withstood the multiple tests of time for good reason. Like most biergartens, the atmosphere is relaxed and convivial: People focus on their company first and their drinks (think Pils and housemade dark beer) second. This is also Berlin's best spot for a bratwurst fix; nothing goes better with sun and bier than a grilled sausage, so choose from spicy or standard. Bavarian pretzels make for great beer-side snacks, too.

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What to see in Berlin?

The 22 best sights you have to see in berlin.

Latest update: March 6, 2024

In a nutshell: Our top highlights in Berlin

• Berlin’s top highlights you should not miss: the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, Checkpoint Charlie, and East Side Gallery.
• And for all the culture lovers out there, don’t skip the Museum Island . It’s a must-see!
• Our personal favorite is a walk through the neighborhoods , like Kreuzberg, Schöneberg, and Prenzlauer Berg. You’ll get a real feel for the city.
• And for the best view in town , head to the TV Tower or Panorama Point.

That’s our top 4 highlights of Berlin, but if you’re looking for more, keep on reading! You’ll get a full rundown of the 22 best sights in Berlin and some practical travel tips.

General tips: How to best visit the sights of Berlin

Before we start in on the attractions, we have a few tips that will make your sightseeing tour through Berlin easier.

#1 Traveling with public transportation

You’ll get around Berlin best by bus and train. The public transportation here is considered among the best in the world, and is actually much better than its reputation would have you think.

All of the attractions are found near an U-Bahn (subway) or S-Bahn (suburban train) station, so you can easily leave your car behind. In general, it’s difficult to find a free parking space in the inner ring of Berlin, let alone a cost free one.

Definitely pay attention then to finding accommodation that’s close by to an U-Bahn or S-Bahn station. You’ll find out which city neighborhoods and which hotels are particularly worthwhile in this article:

The best areas to stay in Berlin

Alternatively to U-Bahns and the like, there are also a variety of sharing providers, from which you can rent cars, mopeds, e-scooters or bikes through apps.

#2 Buy the Berlin Welcome Card

If you intend to visit museums or other ticketed highlights, it’s worth it for you to get the Berlin Welcome Card.

It comes in a few varieties and it enables you to freely go by bus or train, and it allows you to get a 20-50% rebate off over 200 attractions.

There’s a Berlin Welcome Card for 48 or 72 hours, or for 4, 5, or 6 days, and you can comfortably order them online:

To the Berlin Welcome Card

#3 Do a guided tour

Guided tours are always worth it when you want to see as many sights as possible in a short time and also want to learn some interesting background information. You’ll do that best with a local guide.

There are many interesting tours through Berlin, for example tours about special themes, culinary tours or the totally classic sight-seeing tours.

Here are a few of the most interesting:

Sightseeing tour by foot of the most important attractions Small group tour about the Cold War and Third Reich Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tour with live commentary

If you’re instead on the search for some tours that are more unusual and that take you off the tourist’s typical beaten path, then take a look at our article:

Unusual tours and guided tours through Berlin

But enough with the introduction. Now we’ll get to the 22 best attractions in Berlin.

What to see in Berlin: Our highlights on a map

For a first overview of the city, we’ve put together the sights on a map for you.

You can also save the map onto your computer or phone:

Click here to download our Berlin sights map as a PDF.

#1 Brandenburg Gate

As the iconic landmark of Berlin, no tourist can miss the Brandenburg Gate. No other structure is as closely bound to the history of the city as the Brandenburg Gate.

In fact, there used to be a total of 18 city gates, but just the one survived.

Right in front of the Brandenburg Gate you’ll find the always well visited Pariser Platz, where the famous Unter den Linden boulevard ends.

Just behind the Brandenburg Gate awaits already the next attraction.

If you go straight out of the Gate, the Straße des 17. Juni (Road of the 17th of June) leads you directly to the Victory Column (Siegessäule). On the left of the gate you’ll find the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust-Mahnmal), Tiergarten and Potsdamer Platz, and if you go to the right, you’re just a few minutes away from the Reichstag.

The Brandenburg Gate is definitely then a good starting point for a sightseeing tour of the city.

Google Maps

#2 Reichstag

German politics come to life in the building of the Reichstag, surrounded by the Tiergarten and the Spree river. Not only are you close to political happenings here, but you’re also in the midst of a fascinating architectural work.

Belonging to the Reichstag is a 23 meter high and 40 meter wide glass dome, which you can visit for free. In this dome, you can also find a rooftop restaurant.

Attention: You can only visit the dome with a reservation. You can do this online on the German Bundestag website . Alternatively, you can also register on-site at the service center of the Visitors’ Service, but that would only work if there’s still free spaces available. We would definitely recommend then that you make a reservation beforehand.

On the rooftop terrace, there’s a free audio guide for anyone who wishes, which is 20 minutes long and shares information about the German Reichstag building, the dome and the work of Parliament.

Alternatively, you can also book a guided tour through the dome and the government quarter. The reservation for the Reichstag dome happens directly with this:

To the guided tour through the government quarter and Reichstag dome

Admission to the dome can in some cases be cancelled on short notice, and then even visitors who have a reservation can’t enter anymore. This can happen due to either bad weather, security or parliamentary events.

To the Website

#3 The Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) can be found on Museum Island (Museuminsel). Some say that it’s one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Germany.

Entrance costs 7 euros and can be paid on-site. You’re allowed to climb into the dome, where you can expect to see another gorgeous view of Berlin.

The walls, ceiling and windows of the cathedral are splendidly decorated in the Baroque style, with marble elements, mosaics and four huge organs.

The Hohenzollern Crypt can be found in the basement, which is one of the most important burial places of a dynasty in Europe. Here you can see the ornate sarcophagi of Berlin’s royal family from the 17th to 20th century.

Directly in front of the cathedral is the Lustgarten, with its romantic fountain. This is a nice place to relax and sit on the grass, by the way.

#4 TV Tower and Alexanderplatz

High, higher, Berlin TV Tower! The TV tower, with its height of 368 meters, is actually the tallest construction in Germany at this time. Some claim that Berliners lovingly call the tower the Imposing Club, the Show-off Stalk, St. Walter, or Tele-asparagus. But to be honest, no one does that.

The Fernsehturm is one of the most distinctive highlights of Berlin’s skyline, and the view from the top belongs to the best that Berlin has to offer. At 203 meters high on the tower, you can grab a drink or snack at the Bar 203. If you want to eat at the revolving restaurant “Sphere,” you need an extra ticket, through which you’ll also get a table reservation.

You can get tickets online or on-site. Because the Fernsehturm is one of the most popular attractions in Berlin, you can only rarely just walk in. Instead, you’ll be given a time slot on-site, which is usually for several hours later.

So, it’s worth it to book a ticket online and avoid the wait.

Going up the tower with an online ticket costs 24.50 euros per person, and a ticket on-site costs 21.50 euros per person.

To a ticket without the wait for the Berlin Fernsehturm. To a ticket without the wait for the Berlin Fernsehturm, with windows eating at the revolving restaurant.

Attention: Strollers, large bags and luggage are not allowed in due to security reasons. Wheelchair users and people using walkers are unfortunately not allowed up the tower for the same reasons.

Right at the Fernsehturm you can find the enormous Alexanderplatz, which Berliners call Alex for short. Many find it really ugly, but at a closer glance, it’s not at all.

All around Alexanderplatz are some fascinating examples of GDR architecture. The most well-known is the World Clock, where you can read the local time at several places around the world.

The only abysmally ugly building is the Alexa shopping center, which is luckily a bit hidden away on the edge of Alex.

from €21.50

#5 The Victory Column

A lavish pedestal, a tall column and a crowned Victoria on the top – that’s the Berlin Victory Column (die Berliner Siegessäule). Berliners also call the statue “Goldelse,” or “Golden Else,” and in comparison to the so-called nicknames of the Fernsehturm, that’s really true.

The Victory Column is on of the most significant national monuments of Germany.

It’s found in the middle of the “Großer Stern” (The Great Star). The Großer Stern is a centrally located square in the middle of the Tiergarten. It’s surrounded by a busy traffic circle and connects some of the most important streets of Berlin together.

To get to the Victory Column, you’ll go through one of four pedestrian underpasses, which will safely take you under the streets to the monument.

For only 3 euros, you can go into the structure and climb up a spiral staircase, where another fantastic view of Berlin awaits you.

Attention: Inside the column it’s very narrow, and so it’s not for people with claustrophobia.

#6 Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace goes back to the time of the Prussians and stands as the biggest and most magnificent palace of Berlin. Even the palace garden, in the English style and with an adjoining nature park, is itself really worth seeing.

Within the Palace facilities, you can visit the Old Palace, the New Wing, the Mausoleum of Queen Louise, the Belvedere and the New Pavilion.

The Old Palace is the largest main building. The New Wing is an addition built by Queen Louise and King Frederick III for their personal apartments.

The Belvedere is a garden house with a view of the Spree and a large porcelain collection. An art exhibit is housed in the New Pavilion, showcasing paintings from the 18th and 19th century.

You can visit all parts of the palace for 17 euros per person, or you can also visit only the Old Palace or New Wing for 12 and 10 euros respectively.

The Charlottenburg Palace is also an event space. Orchestras occasionally play in the Orangerie, and a Christmas market also takes place there every year.

Mondays closed

#7 East Side Gallery and Oberbaum Bridge

The East Side Gallery is an open air monument and is today one of the most famous sights of Berlin.

Right on the Spree, on the border between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, you can find the longest still standing section of the Berlin Wall. On the west side of the wall, a number of artists have immortalized themselves, creating a 1.3 kilometer long open-air gallery.

Probably the most well known artwork on the East Side Gallery is the fraternal kiss (der Bruderkuss). It shows the heads of state from the Soviet Union and the GDR, Leonid Breschnew and Erich Honecker, in a brotherly embrace.

The very photogenic Oberbaum Bridge is found on the south end of the East Side Gallery. From the banks of the Spree, on the river’s edge of the East Side Gallery, you’ll have a gorgeous view of the most beautiful bridge in Berlin.

Our tip: The Oberbaum Bridge is particularly nice to photograph during the late afternoon or during sunset. The sun falls against the bricks of the bridge, and the water of the Spree turns into a beautiful dark blue.

#8 Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie remembers the period of the Occupation Zone and the Cold War. At the same time, it’s also probably the most touristy place in Berlin, full of souvenir stores and masses of people, day or night. A detour here is still worth it though, because Checkpoint Charlie is still a historically significant place in the city.

It’s one of the most important border crossings from the time of the German Division.

Much did not survive the transition, and the small control house is a new construction from the year 2000. Around Checkpoint Charlie you’ll now find actors dressed up as American soldiers, who you can take a photo memento with for a few euros.

#9 Under den Linden

Unter den Linden is a famous, 1.5 kilometer long street in Berlin’s center. It connects the Berlin Cathedral with the Brandenburg Gate, and as you stroll along it, you’ll pass by more sights of the city.

Among other things, you’ll find the just recently rebuilt Berlin Palace, Museum Island, Humboldt University, the State Opera, the Neue Wache, multiple embassies, and the German History Museum. All the way at the end is Pariser Platz and the Brandenburg Gate.

It’s also worth a visit to the Bebelplatz in front of the State Opera. During Nazi times, book burnings took place here, which is remembered there today.

By the way, Unter den Linden crosses, among other streets, Friedrichstraße, one of the most well known shopping streets of Berlin.

#10 Kurfürstendamm

Kurfürstendamm, which Berliners call Ku’damm for short, is the most well known shopping street of Berlin. Here you’ll find one store after the next.

From exclusive designer brands to more affordable stores like H&M, everything’s here that a shopper could dream of.

The Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church) is worth seeing, which is found directly on Ku’damm. The half-destroyed church reminds us of dark times and today serves as a memorial.

After the Gedächtniskirche, Kurfürstendamm turns into Tauentzienstraße. On this street stands the most famous department store in Germany and the largest of continental Europe: Kaufhaus des Westens, KaDeWe for short. In KaDeWe you’ll find over 60,000 square meters of an enormous selection of fashion, cosmetics, homeware, and a top floor full of delicious food and treats.

#11 Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin.

The gorgeously designed square is made up of three monumental buildings, each centuries old: the Deutscher Dom, Französischen Dom, and the Concert House.

There are numerous fancy restaurants and hotels in and around the square, and events regularly take place in the square itself. Among them, for example, are the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market and the Classic Open Air concert series, which happens during the summer.

Our tip: The square is always beautiful, but it’s particularly striking in the evening when all the buildings are illuminated. Besides that, there’s also way less going on then.

#12 Potsdamer Platz

Another highlight for many of Berlin’s visitors is Potsdamer Platz. You’ll not only find an important point of connection for Berlin’s S-Bahn, but also quite a few skyscrapers around this square.

To compare it with cities like New York is of course silly, but you don’t see something like it so often in Germany.

Potsdamer Platz was a border area during the time of Germany’s division. In the 90s, major construction and transformation projects began, and the square was for a long time the largest construction zone in Europe.

Particularly interesting to see is the Sony Center, with its spectacular roof structure. Despite all of its modernity, Potsdamer Platz also has a monument, which remembers old times: the first traffic light of Germany and one of the first in Europe. It’s been here already since 1924.

A visit to the Kollhoff-Towers is also worthwhile. On the 24th and 25th stories is the Panoramapunkt, an observation deck with a cafe, the Panoramacafé, which is in the style of the 30s. You’ll reach it with the fastest elevator in Europe.

This elevator, though, always has a waiting line, but with an online ticket you can go directly up.

To the ticket for the Berlin Panoramapunkt that skips the line .

#13 Museum Island

If you’re fascinated by culture, art and history, then you can easily spend a few days on Museum Island. We’re talking about the most important museums complex in Europe, Museum Island, which of course also belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Here, you’ll find five museums that are all very worth the visit: the Altes Museum, the Neue Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum, and the Pergamonmuseum.

Altes Museum

The Altes Museum (Old Museum) is dedicated to the art and culture of the ancient Greeks, as well as the Etruscans and Romans. Here you can view, among other things, sculptures, weaponry, gold jewelry and silver treasures from the aforementioned cultures.

To the ticket for Altes Museum

Neues Museum

A particularly interesting exhibit is kept in the Neues Museum (New Museum), namely the Bust of Nefertiti. In addition, the New Museum includes the Egyptian Museum, Papyrus Collection, as well as exhibits on the Pre- and Early History of humans.

To the ticket for Neues Museum

Alte Nationalgalerie

The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) exhibits first and foremost sculptures and paintings. Among other things, you’ll find paintings by Kasper David Friedrich and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.

To the ticket for Alte Nationalgalerie

Bode-Museum

The Bode-Museum houses artifacts of Byzantine art, Italian and German sculptures, coin collections and some paintings.

To the ticket for Bode-Museum

Pergamonmuseum

The Pergamonmuseum is made up of three wings and houses an Antiquity Collection, the Middle East Museum, and the Islamic Art Museum. The huge Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus and the Ishtar Gate are highlights of the museum.

To the ticket for the Pergamonmuseum

Our tip: There’s a practical Day-Ticket for Museum Island that costs 18.90 euros, which allows you to visit all the museums on the island in one day.

To the Ticket for all exhibitions on Museum Island (3 days)

#14 Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum is found in Kreuzberg and is the biggest Jewish museum in Europe. The focus of the museum is Jewish history and culture, such as migration and diversity in Germany.

In the museum, you can view exhibits and collections or can take part in events. The extensive offerings also include guided tours, workshops, lectures, concerts and readings.

During the visit, you’ll continuously encounter the era of the National Socialists and their impact on Jewish life in Germany, Europe and Israel.

The museum is not only interesting because of its content, but also because of its extraordinary architecture by Daniel Libeskind and the beautiful museum garden.

Our tip: the museum is really big, so you should give yourself at least three hours there.

#15 Topography of Terror

The Topography of Terror (Die Topographie des Terrors) is an exhibition project that you can visit for no cost. It’s dedicated to the documentation and processing of the terrors of National Socialism in Germany, with a focus on the period from 1933 to 1945.

Before, the headquarters of the Secret State Police (Gestapo) were found exactly where the exhibition stands today, and other important Nazi facilities were located nearby, which gives the project even more significance.

The exhibition contains an indoor and outdoor area. In the museum, there are original photos, posters and other documents from the Nazi period displayed, which provoke visitors to think about the horrors of that time.

In addition to two permanent exhibitions, you can go on an informative tour. There’s also always temporary exhibits going on.

#16 GDR Museum

Directly across from Museum Island is the interactive GDR Museum, which shows life and everyday culture from the GDR in a permanent exhibit.

This period, which lasted around 40 years, is vividly and descriptively presented, so you can imagine yourself in that era really well.

Above all, the interactive elements of the museum make it an experience for young and old alike.

For example, you can print out old recipes in an original GDR kitchen set in a replicated prefabricated building, so that you can make the recipes at home. Or, you can sit in an original Trabant and take a virtual ride through East Berlin.

Our tip: This museum is always well visited, and the wait line is long. With the online ticket, you can get in without the wait.

To the ticket for the GDR Museum

#17 Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Berlin played a central role during the time of National Socialism, so in the capital you’ll find probably the most important memorial for the Jews of Europe who were murdered by the Nazis.

The memorial, which lies between the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, is a wave-shaped, 19,000 square meter large field, on which 2,711 rectangular concrete stelae stand. The field is accessible from all sides, and through its abstract forms and grey tones, it is meant to reflect the powerlessness and despair of European Jews during that time.

Beneath the field of concrete slabs, there is an information center, which is an underground building reachable by stairs. There, information is provided across a large presentation area about the persecution and murder of European Jews.

Exhibition: Mondays closed

#18 Hackesche Höfe

The Hackesche Höfe are found in the district of Mitte, around the square that goes by the same name, Hackescher Markt.

The Hackesche Höfe are a total of eight unique, interconnected inner courtyards, where there are a number of shops, ateliers and cafes to discover.

There are two entrances to the courtyards, one on Sophienstraße and the other on Rosenthaler Straße. A stroll through the Hackeschen Höfe is always a must for us on any visit to Berlin.

#19 Kreuzberg

We’re often asked, “which sights in Berlin do you have to have seen?” Of course, you have to see the classics like the Brandenburg Gate. But what really makes Berlin is its neighborhoods.

We always suggest that you simply take a wander through some neighborhoods. For us, that’s actually the highlight of Berlin. One of these neighborhoods is Kreuzberg.

Kreuzberg is a popular, notorious district of Berlin and is celebrated by many as the coolest area of the city.

For a long time, Kreuzberg was a rather neglected quarter, home to many guest-workers and the alternative scene of West Berlin.

Kreuzberg is as alternative as ever, even though many houses today have gotten spruced up, and the rent prices aren’t affordable anymore for many long-time Kreuzberg residents.

The crowd here is predominantly young, international and alternative – still Kreuzberg! Between Oranienstraße, Mariannenplatz and Bergmannkiez you’ll quickly find a colorful mix of cultures, the likes of which exists barely anywhere else in Germany.

Particularly worth a visit is Markthalle Neun, where you can get some delicious food. Besides that, you’ll find some of the hippest clubs of the city in Kreuzberg.

You can of course do Kreuzberg on your own. But if you want to learn a little more about its background, then you can do that with a local guide.

To a guided tour through Kreuzberg.

#20 Prenzlauer Berg

Another great district to see in Berlin is Prenzlauer Berg, Prenzlberg for short, which is in the northeast of Berlin.

The district directly borders Mitte and so it’s very centrally located. Prenzlauer Berg was a typical working class area during the time of East Berlin, but it was also a cultural and alternative center. After the turn and return to unity, the cheap rent of the run down old buildings attracted many students, artists and alternatives, who had long characterized the area.

In the meantime, the creatives have almost entirely given way to young families and those with higher incomes. The old buildings were lavishly renovated and there are now many restaurants and small shops.

In Prenzlauer Berg, there are over 300 buildings under historic preservation protection. Particularly interesting here are the Kastanienallee, Kollwitzplatz and Helmholtzplatz, with their many restaurants and bars.

Another gem is the Kulturbrauerei. It’s set in a decommissioned brewery from the 19th century that today houses many cafes, shops, a theater and a cinema. In December, there’s also one of the nicest Christmas markets in Berlin here.

Our tip: In case you visit Prenzlauer Berg on a Sunday, you should definitely swing by Mauerpark. The weekly flea market takes place there, and there’s always a bunch of performance artists and musicians bustling around the park’s meadow. One of the absolute highlights is Mauerpark Karaoke. Simply follow the noise, and you’ll discover it.

#21 Friedrichshain

Friedrichshain, like Kreuzberg, is another quarter of the city with an alternative personality, with many bars, restaurants, flea markets and nightclubs.

Some central focal points are Simon-Dach-Kiez and Boxhagener Platz.

Friedrichshain is also home to the Berghain, probably the most infamous techno club in the world. The East Side Gallery is found in this district too. You’ll also find some interesting East German architecture, above all on Karl-Marx-Allee, where it looks like time stood still.

For alternative art and culture, you should see the RAW-Gelände in Friedrichshain. The focus here is on intercultural projects, exhibitions, and marketplaces, as well as the numerous clubs and bars in the area.

You can also reach Friedrichshain’s most interesting corners on a guided bike tour, which also brings you into Kreuzberg:

To the guided bike tour through Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.

#22 Boat ride on the Spree

A nice way to discover Berlin is via boat ride on the Spree. Starting from various piers, you can experience Berlin’s attractions from a whole new perspective.

There are different tours that vary greatly in length. The journeys vary from 1 to 3 hours long.

To the 1 hour boat ride To the 2.5 hour long boat ride

On the journey, you’ll pass different Berlin attractions. Among them, you’ll find for example the East Side Gallery, the Oberbaum Bridge in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, the government district, or the 30 meter high Molecule Man.

Every passenger gets a free audioguide, which shares information about the different attractions in German and other languages.

That was our 22 favorite attractions in Berlin! Do you also know Berlin and have a few more tips about the highlights of the city? Feel free to share them below or leave a comment!

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Table of Contents [ Show ]

• 1. Brandenburg Gate
• 2. Cologne Cathedral
• 3. Museum Island
• 4. The Berlin Wall
• 5. The Rhine
• 6. Miniatur Wunderland
• 7. Schloss Neuschwanstein
• 8. The Black Forest
• 9. The Island of Rugen
• 10. Königssee, The King’s Lake

Germany's main tourist attractions offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From historic cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg to the quaint villages nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, there's no shortage of places worth visiting.

Venture to the majestic Bavarian Alps, the serene Black Forest, or the enchanting Rhine Valley for unforgettable recreational experiences. Delight in the sight of ancient cathedrals and grand palaces, while immersing yourself in the centuries-old traditions still practiced in many towns and villages, especially during festive seasons like the traditional Christmas markets.

Berlin, the cultural heart of Germany, boasts an array of museums and galleries, making it an ideal base for exploring the country's diverse offerings. Whether you're drawn to urban exploration or outdoor adventures, Germany's famous places promise a truly memorable vacation experience.

1. Brandenburg Gate: Gateway to Berlin's Rich History

The iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is a great place to start if you are wondering to visit famous spots in grmany. The sandstone monument was erected in 1791 and is fashioned after the Acropolis in Athens. This neoclassical monument from the 18th century provides a stunning backdrop for photographs.

Standing 26 meters tall, the magnificent sandstone building is topped by the captivating Quadriga, a four-horse chariot adorned with the goddess of victory. Six enormous columns form the gate's flanks and five imposing passages that once held royal carriages and heavy traffic.

The Brandenburg Gate is a lasting symbol of Berlin's rich history and resiliency, even after withstanding the destruction of World War II and acting as a somber representation of the city's division during the Cold War. Without a doubt, put it on your list of places worth visiting in Germany.

2. Cologne Cathedral: Where Faith Meets Magnificence

One of the top tourist destinations in Germany is the Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Cologne's grandeur is embodied in the Cologne Cathedral, which stands majestically on the banks of the Rhine.

It is one of the biggest Catholic churches in Europe, measuring 6,166 square meters and featuring 56 enormous pillars that add to the building's already impressive grandeur. The expansive vista from the south towers highlights the location's significance even more.

There are amazing gold artworks throughout the interiors, including a 12th-century stained-glass window. The cathedral's magnificence endures despite the effects of time and war, inspiring awe and reverence in everyone who sees it.

Entry Tickets for Cologne Cathedral

3.museum island: where berlin's cultural legacy comes alive.

Berlin is unquestionably among the famous locations in Germany. The notorious Museumsinsel, also known as Museum Island, is one of its many treasures. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is one of the top tourist destinations in Germany with an Entry fee of €24 (INR 2160.23).

Nestled between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben Canal, Berlin's famed Museum Island is a cultural oasis that is home to some of the oldest and most important museums in the city. The area offers a rich tapestry of art and antiquities, from the magnificent Old Museum displaying royal treasures to the stunning architecture of the New Museum.

The masterpieces at the National Gallery and the historic collections at the Bode Museum enthrall visitors. The magnificent Pergamon, which features restored historic structures from the Middle East, is a highlight. Take a walking tour of Germany’s main tourist attractions to get a deep understanding of Berlin's cultural heritage.

Also Read: Complete Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Berlin

Opening Hours for Museum Island

4. the berlin wall: echoes of history, unity, and freedom.

The famous Berlin Wall must be on your list of famous sights in Germany. Some of the Berlin Wall's sections have been well preserved, and some are even covered in vibrant graffiti, making it one of the most visited tourist destinations in Germany.

The remnants of the Berlin Wall stand as a place worth visiting in Germany for any visitor. Erected in 1961 and symbolizing the Cold War era, its 155-kilometer stretch was a stark manifestation of division until its fall in 1990. The Berlin Wall is open throughout the week from 10 AM - 6 PM except on Mondays.

The graffiti-clad segments serve as poignant reminders of over 70 lives lost in escape attempts from the East. Preserved sections, like those at Checkpoint Charlie and Humboldthafen, solemnly honor the wall's victims, offering visitors a somber reflection on history and the pursuit of freedom.

Try exploring the Culture of Germany. Read to find out more about ‘ Germany: Inclusive Culture ’

5. The Rhine: Where Beauty Flows with Every Bend

The Rhine Valley, the most important and stunning body of water in Europe, is a famous spot in Germany’s Itinerary. The Rhine River traverses Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Along the river's course are 40 castles and close to 60 medieval towns that are just begging to be explored.

Among its many German gems, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley emerges as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its 65-kilometer stretch. Whether by river cruise or road trip, this picturesque region promises unforgettable exploration. Begin your adventure in the historic town of Bingen, where the Rhine carves through dramatic gorges.

Ticket Prices for The Rhine

Look for Where Germany stands in the List of 10 Most Visited Countries in the World in 2024

6. Miniatur Wunderland: A Tiny World of Grand Adventures

Hamburg is a very stylish city that you must include on your list of famous tourist places in Germany. While you are here, be sure to check out Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway attraction in the world.

In the heart of Hamburg's historic Port lies the awe-inspiring Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway captivating visitors of all ages. Spanning over 9.5 miles of meticulously crafted track, it showcases miniature marvels from the USA, England, Scandinavia, and Hamburg itself.

With over 1,300 trains, 50,000 twinkling lights, and 400,000 tiny figures, it's a mesmerizing world to explore. From lifelike airports to bustling cities and serene rural landscapes, every detail is intricately designed. Don't miss the chance to embark on a behind-the-scenes tour, especially enchanting under the cover of night.

Entry Tickets for Miniatur Wunderland

7. schloss neuschwanstein: fairytale majesty amidst alpine splendor.

Nestled between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps, Füssen serves as a charming gateway to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria from 1869-86, this fantasy fortress, adorned with numerous towers and battlements, is famed as the inspiration behind Disney's fairytale castles.

The world is aware of Germany for the abundance of its castles and the surrounding architectural styles. The well-known German King Ludwig II is thought to have left behind the Neuschwanstein Castle. Perched atop the German Alps, it stands as a testament to every folktale that has ever been told about the region.

The surrounding scenery of the castle is simply too beautiful to be overlooked. Admire its magnificent interior, which includes the Throne Room and the spacious Singers' Hall, and take in the breathtaking views of the Bavarian countryside.

Ticket Prices for Schloss Neuschwanstein

Flying to Germany? Get to know all about the Visa Process by Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Germany Tourist Visa From India

8. The Black Forest: Where Nature's Secrets Await in Every Shadow

The enchanted Black Forest is among the most amazing and captivating places to visit in Germany. This heavily forested hill is one of the most famous locations in Germany and offers a wealth of amenities, including a luxurious spa, panoramic views, skiing, hiking, and more.

The Black Forest, nestled in southwestern Germany, entices visitors with its enchanting, densely wooded hills stretching 160 kilometers from Pforzheim to Waldshut. A haven for hikers, it boasts lush valleys on its western slopes descending to the Rhine, while the east offers gentler terrain leading to the Neckar and Danube valleys.

From Germany's oldest ski area in Todtnau to the spa havens of Baden-Baden and Bad Liebenzell, the region is teeming with attractions. Embark on the scenic Black Forest Railway journey, renowned for its falls and open-air museum, or follow the Black Forest Panoramic Route, unveiling breathtaking vistas and medieval towns.

Entry Fees for The Black Forest

9. the island of rugen: where tranquility meets coastal charm.

In addition to being the biggest, Rügen is also Germany's most picturesque island. The island's varied terrain, which includes flat farmlands, hills, forests, sandy beaches, a peninsula, and lagoons, contributes to its beauty. There’s no doubt that it stands atop the list of Germany’s famous places

Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it offers outdoor enthusiasts a haven in the Jasmund Peninsula, home to the Jasmund National Park renowned for its rich wildlife. Explore the stunning Stubnitz beech forests within Königsstuhl National Park, where dense woodlands meet the dramatic cliffs of Konigstuhl.

Explore Germany & Check Out: Ultimate Guide to Living in Germany as an Expat

10. Königssee, The King’s Lake: Serenity on the Shores of Majesty

A visual feast for the eyes is this picturesque Bavarian Lake, Konigssee. The lake can be explored on foot via its lovely promenades or by boat on a ship built in the seventeenth century. There are well-known mountain resorts near the lake where you can spend time while traveling.

Nestled in the picturesque Berchtesgadener Land region of Bavaria, Königssee enchants visitors with its serene beauty. Known as the King's Lake, this idyllic spot near Salzburg beckons hikers and bikers to explore its extensive network of trails.

Follow the scenic footpath along the eastern shore to Painters' Corner, boasting breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Embark on a boat trip to the 17th-century Pilgrimage Chapel of St. Bartholomew at the southern end, and continue your journey to the tranquil Obersee.

Cost for Shipping in Konigssee

You May Also Like: 10 Best Places to Travel in the World: A Complete Tourism Guide

Chalk Out Your German Adventure with GetGIS

This concludes our list of the Top 10 Most Visited Tourist Destinations in Germany in 2024. Traveling to Germany's main tourist attractions offers a multitude of opportunities, such as wonderful climates, an abundance of natural resources, and high standards of living.

Surprisingly, though, each of these places has something special to offer, so you have to wonder which one is truly worth your time and effort in terms of earning a living. GetGIS can take care of everything for you if you require assistance planning your next vacation!

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More From Forbes

Music brought the world to renowned bassist leland sklar.

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Many famous musicans have recruited bassist Leland Sklar to play on their albums or be part of their bands, and his bass playing has been a gift to music fans for decades. Sklar’s musicianship has also brought him a gift outside the world of music.

“One of the greatest gifts this business has given me is the gift of travel,” says Sklar, whose current band, the Immediate Family, released a new album Skin in the Game in February. “I've gone to places I would never have seen if I was doing it on my own.”

Sklar, who has played with James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Phil Collins and other greats, believes he has performed in every state except Alaska. He treasures his travels abroad, particularly Phil Collins's First Final Farewell Tour in 2004.

Bassist Leland Sklar has traveled throughout the world, but this vintage 1980s photo shows he also ... [+] treasures his home in Pasadena, California.

“The whole idea of that tour was to go to places we had never been before,” Sklar recalls. “We were in Israel, Lebanon, Dubai, Russia, Scandinavia, Latvia and Estonia and visited areas where we hadn't been. I would sit there and think that, if it wasn't for music, I would never have seen these places."

During his spare time while performing abroad, Sklar likes to get out of the hotel and experience what foreign cities and countries offer. He has been to Japan many times and can’t relate to other American musicians who stay in their hotels and don’t venture outside.

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A storm of 3 000 ukrainian bomblets blew up four russian jets at their base in crimea, samsung galaxy s24 series users really want to turn off one of its best features.

Sklar recalls a chance meeting in a hotel lobby with guitarist Larry Carlton, who was on tour in Japan with the Crusaders. Carlton told Sklar that other musicians chose to stay in their rooms instead of the world outside.

Sklar responded: "What? Are you kidding me?" Then, “I grabbed him,” Sklar says, “and we spent the day jamming all over Japan. I'd been there enough and knew how to use the subway system, and we had a great time. I took him to Akihabara to see the stores that have the latest electronics that we weren't going to see for a couple of years in the States.”

Travelers who buy electronics in Japan, Sklar cautions, should make sure the products are compatible with U.S. electrical systems and can be serviced in the USA.

“I remember buying something there, bringing it home and realizing they hadn't given me the export model,” he recalls. “I couldn't plug it in or use it.”

Germany’s Berlin Wall is another travel memory.

“I remember playing in West Berlin, going through Checkpoint Charlie into East Berlin and experiencing what the people were going through there,” recalls Sklar, who lives in Pasadena, California. “We spent a day just wandering around East Berlin. A couple of years later, I went back, and the Wall had come down. I went back to the same East Berlin areas and saw a Tiffany's where there was squalor before. I ended up taking a little chunk of the Wall home with me that sits in my library.”

The Berlin Wall begins to fall in Berlin, Germany, in November 1989. (Photo: Patrick ... [+] PIEL/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Sklar has performed in numerous cities for decades, so memories of many concerts are now a blur. But he remembers great restaurants he visited in various cities and recommends them to other travelers.

He is particularly fond of a soufflé restaurant in Paris that he introduced to French singer-songwriter Véronique Sanson, who was married to Stephen Stills and is the mother of musician Chris Stills. Sanson and other local musicians balked at Sklar’s suggestion to go to the restaurant for dinner because of its location.

“Le Soufflé is a soufflé specialty restaurant that's right near the Rue de Rivoli, just off of the main park, but it's in an incredibly touristy area,” Sklar says. “When I told them where it was, they said, ‘Are you kidding? That's the tourist trap area.’ I said, ‘Trust me.’ Then we went there, and it blew their minds. It's a fabulous restaurant — my go-to place. As soon as I get to Paris to work, I make a beeline there for dinner, and they do savory and dessert soufflés that are really mind-boggling.”

Another Sklar favorite is Rendezvous in Memphis, a restaurant that has been serving dry-rub ribs for more than 75 years. It is located in a basement down an alleyway across from the Peabody Hotel, a historic hotel known for its five resident mallard ducks that march twice daily through the lobby.

“I stopped eating meat a number of years ago, but Rendezvous has the best barbecue,” Sklar says. “You can smell it a block away.”

Travel has also been rewarding because of the people Skalr has met at his concerts.

At Michigan’s Pine Knob Music Theatre, Sklar met a concertgoer who worked at General Motors and invited him to the company’s wind tunnel where automobiles are tested. Sklar says he was impressed by the wind tunnel and an area where future Corvettes were sculpted with clay.

On tour in Indianapolis with James Taylor, swimmer Greg Louganis attended the concert and invited Sklar to an adjacent aquatic training center where Louganis was training for the Olympics.

“He took us up on a high-dive platform and suddenly disappeared,” Sklar recalls. “We had to climb down the ladder, because there was no way I was going to jump off that platform.”

Sklar says he could tell 1,000 interesting stories about his travel adventures and learning about other cultures in foreign countries. “Travel and the music,” he says, “really opens up a whole world to you.”

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UEFA EURO 2024

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