5 tourist sites in berlin

• Contrast Contrast

Berlin's Top 10 Attractions

Are you on a whistle-stop tour of the capital or just looking for the Berlin Top 10 ? Well look no further, because we've picked the top ten things to see and do in Berlin so you don't have to. The choice of the top 10 Berlin attractions was by no means easy - this city has so much to offer! But here are the top 10 attractions and places you do have to visit in Berlin.

Top pick 1: Reichstag & glass dome 

When the decision was made to move the Federal Government to Berlin, it was time to reawaken the Reichstag building from its long years of slumber on the Mauerstreifen, the military zone between the two sides of the Wall. The building has since been completely modernised, and today's visitors to the Reichstag can look out from the building's glass dome to get a bird's eye view of the hustle and bustle in the city. There are also a number of government buildings in the vicinity of the Reichstag, for example the Bundeskanzleramt ( Federal Chancellery ) and the Brandenburg Gate .

Experience the government district and many other highlights from the water with a boat tour:

Tickets for boat tours

Top pick 2: Brandenburg Gate - Berlin's signature attraction

Without a doubt, the Brandenburg Gate is Berlin's signature attraction. Built in 1791, it was just one of many old city gates around the city of Berlin which, at that time, was still a manageable size. The decorative Pariser Platz was laid at the foot of the gate and is now home to many of the city's important buildings, for example, the Hotel Adlon with its wealth of history and the Akademie der Künste (Academy of the Arts).

Jurassic World: The Exhibition in the Expohalle Urban Banks

Jurassic World: The Exhibition is an interactive experience for the whole family on around 2,500 square meters, based on one of the biggest blockbusters in film history. Visitors walk through the famous gates of "Jurassic World" and come face to face with life-size dinosaurs.

Mehr erfahren

Top pick 3: Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm) - Berlin's highest attraction

The Berlin Television Tower , which is known to locals as the Fernsehturm , and is instantly recognisable from the distance, stand outs of the skyline at 368m, making it the tallest building and by far highest tourist attraction in Berlin. Built in the 1960s, visitors to the tower can enjoy a unique 360° panorama of the city. Tip: Visit the TV Tower with the Berlin Welcome Card and save up to 25 per cent. The Berlin WelcomeCard enables free travelling with all public transport services to the Berlin visitors. With over 200 partners and outstanding discounts the Berlin WelcomeCard offers you a complete „carefree“ package. 

Tickets for TV-Tower & Restaurant Sphere

Berlin Welcome Card

Dali Surreal - The immersive exhibition experience.

This exhibition is a newly conceived multimedia spectacle that presents the world-famous artworks of Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989) in a way never seen before.

Top pick 4: Humboldt Forum - always a great place to visit

Directly opposite Berlin's Museum Island , a new cosmopolitan forum for culture, art and science has opened in the heart of the capital: the Humboldt Forum . Visible from afar, it covers an area of around 30,000 square metres. The reconstructed baroque palace facades shine in bright quince yellow. State-of-the-art interactive exhibitions await you under one roof and spread over five floors. Since September 2021, the world-famous collections of the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art are also on display here.

Also take a look around the corner from the Humboldt Forum: The Friedrichswerder Church , built by Schinkel, is now a very special museum, displaying sculptures of classicism in the high neo-Gothic church hall.

Top pick 5: Gendarmenmarkt - Berlin's most beautiful attraction

The Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most stunning squares in the city, located close to Friedrichstraße , Berlin's exclusive shopping street in the central Mitte district. Three of the most impressive examples of architecture in the capital city are to be found here: the Concert House designed by Schinkel and the German and French Cathedrals (the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom ).

Combine your visit to Gendarmenmarkt with a city tour and discover other top sights:

Tickets for Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Deutschlandmuseum

The immersive history experience! Travel through 2000 years of German history: sneak round a castle, operate Gutenberg’s printing press, dance in the roaring 20s and see the ruins of Berlin after WW2. Finish in the 1990s on a Berlin S-Bahn.

Top pick 6: Kurfürstendamm - Berlin's most famous shopping street

Extending all the way from the ruins of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz to Berlin's elegant Halensee neighbourhood, the affectionately termed Kurfürstendamm is the most expensive address in the capital city and home to the most exclusive brands. Europe's biggest department store KaDeWe is also situated on the extension of the Ku'damm, on the street known to locals as the Tauentzien (short for Tauentzienstrasse). You will find many sights and top attractions along this famous shopping street. The little ones will just love the Zoo Berlin , Germany's oldest zoo.

Day-Tickets for Zoo Berlin

Top pick 7: Charlottenburg Palace

The magnificent Charlottenburg Palace is located just out of the centre of the city. The beautiful palace hosts fine collections of china and paintings and is situated in the middle of a picturesque palace garden right next to the river Spree. If you don't fancy a walk in the park, you can feed your mind instead in the Charlottenburg museums located directly opposite. Make sure to go on a stroll through the extensive park after visiting this very royal Berlin attraction.

Top pick 8: Museum Island 

Berlin's Museum Island is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and home to the city's most important exhibition centres: the Altes Museum ( Old Museum ), the Neues Museum ( New Museum ) the Bode Museum , the Pergamon Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie ( Old National Gallery ). The collections in these buildings encompass over 6,000 years of art and cultural history. Unfortunately, the Pergamon Museum is closed for extensive renovation work.

Just opposite Berlin's Museum Island, the magnificent monumental Berlin Cathedral, an important landmark of Berlin whose history dates back to the 15th century, is also located on the Museum Island.

Tip: Visit Berlin's museums with the 3-day Berlin Museum Pass . For €29 (reduced €14.50), the museum pass guarantees free admission for all Berlin visitors on three consecutive days to many museums. Order now in the visitBerlin-Shop

Tickets for the Museum Pass

Top pick 9: The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre

The Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer ( Berlin Wall Memorial ) is located between the districts of Wedding and Mitte on Bernauer Straße, consisting of the Memorial to the Victims of the Wall, a Documentation Centre and the Chapel of Reconciliation. The surviving section of the wall and watchtower enable visitors to get a real feel for the reality of the border facilities. A must see Berlin attraction, not only for visitors interested in Beriln's history.

Get to know more about the Berlin wall at the East Side Gallery .

Top pick 10: Victory Column - magnificent view on Berlin

The Berlin Victory Column is one of the most famous landmarks of the German capital. The 67-metre-high column, crowned by the golden Berlin Peace Angel, the "Goldelse", visible from afar, stands in the middle of the Tiergarten. From the platform you have a magnificent view over the parklands of the Tiergarten and over the whole of Berlin. The Victory Column was erected in the 19th century and originally commemorated Germany's wars of unity. Today it has become a symbol of peace.

From the Victory Column you can walk in the Tiergarten but also walk to the nearby Brandenburg Gate , Potsdamer Platz or the Berlin Reichstag .

More about sights in Berlin:

Sightseeing in berlin.

• All sights in Berlin

Museums in Berlin

Do you know what is planned in the historic centre of Berlin and which new openings are coming up? Find out on our infographic:

Berlin's new cultural centre

• Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
• Share on X Share on X
• Share by email Share by email
• Print page Print page

You might find this also interesting

Your Berlin guide with insider tips

The top sights, the best exhibitions and tickets for city tours – your must-do list for sightseeing in Berlin!

Show details

From Museum Island to the DDR Museum

From great masterpieces to unusual exhibits – Berlin’s museums are home to stunning works of art and fascinating worlds.

Experience Berlin (almost) for free.

Low Budget Sightseeing in Berlin

Berlin is exciting, Berlin is diverse and surprising for a capital city, Berlin isn't expensive. For visitors on a low budget the city is a

Berlin   Travel Guide

Courtesy of jotily | Getty Images

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.

Popular Tours

All-in-One Berlin Shore Excursion from Warnemunde or Rostock Port

(113 reviews)

from $ 164.65

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin.

(2736 reviews)

from $ 31.94

Private Berlin Complete History All Day Walking Tour

(380 reviews)

from $ 215.48

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.

Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

(6494 reviews)

from $ 22.10

Berlin Food Walking Tour With Secret Food Tours

(536 reviews)

from $ 99.00

Berlin Third Reich and Cold War 2-Hour Walking Tour

(206 reviews)

from $ 21.99

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 .

Perfect Berlin Shore Trip from Warnemünde Port

(30 reviews)

Berlin & Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour from Warnemünde and Rostock Port

(18 reviews)

from $ 219.90

Private Custom Berlin Sightseeing Tour in a Minivan: East and West Berlin

(82 reviews)

from $ 414.39

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.

Big Bus Berlin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

(508 reviews)

from $ 26.85

Berlin City Tour in a Mini Hotrod

(189 reviews)

from $ 109.40

River Cruise with Tour Guide in Berlin. Hadynski

(52 reviews)

from $ 21.00

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. 

Things to Do in Berlin FAQs

Explore more of berlin.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

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 January 2015 and updated July 2023

Explore related stories

Nov 1, 2023 • 15 min read

Our fave Christmas markets offer chestnuts roasting on an open fire, copious amounts of mulled wine and some of the best hot chocolate ever.

Aug 16, 2023 • 5 min read

Jul 27, 2023 • 9 min read

Jan 17, 2022 • 5 min read

Sep 28, 2021 • 5 min read

Jul 30, 2021 • 6 min read

Jan 10, 2020 • 5 min read

Oct 31, 2019 • 2 min read

Oct 4, 2019 • 6 min read

Aug 15, 2019 • 6 min read

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

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

25 Top Tourist Attractions in Berlin

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.

Share this post:

Where to Stay in Berlin: Best Areas & Hotels

Day at the Museums: Berlin’s Museum Island

15 Best Museums in Berlin

7 Best Day Trips from Berlin

What to Do in Berlin in a Rainy Week

The 7 Coolest Parks in Berlin

How to Spend 3 Days in Berlin: The Perfect Itinerary

Best Time to Visit Berlin: Month-by-Month Guide

How to Visit Potsdam on a Day Trip from Berlin

Where to Stay in Cologne: 8 Amazing Hotels

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Attractions
• Berlin TV Tower
• Alexanderplatz
• Museum Island
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Reichstag Building
• Arrival in Berlin
• Public Transport
• Best City Pass
• Lifestyle Guide
• Shopping Guide
• Restaurant Guide
• Nightlife Guide
• Central Station
• Districts in Berlin
• 3 Days Itinerary
• Conference Hotels
• Central Hotels
• Wellness Hotels
• Trade Fair Hotels
• City Guides
• Executive Transfers
• Conference Rooms
• Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery
• Wrinkle Treatment
• Injectable Dermal Fillers
• Plasma Therapy
• Mesotherapy
• Skin Renewal
• Non Surgery Operations
• Tours & Tickets

Top 50 Things to Do in Berlin [+ Tickets]

With its checkered past, culinary diversity, and flashy nightlife, it's no wonder millions of tourists flock to the German capital every year.

Whether you're looking for the city's top attractions or special insider tips, you're sure to find what you're looking for on this page with the 50 best things to do in Berlin. But that's not all! We have also picked out the most popular tickets, so you can save yourself the long queue and gain valuable time.

Now let's discover what hip Berlin has to offer!

Tip: Looking for something out of the ordinary? If you're looking to experience something really special in Berlin, check out our article with 25 unusual attractions in Berlin . From quirky museums to hidden treasures, this list is packed with offbeat experiences you won't find in your typical travel guide!

• To make your experience unique, you can check out our  Spree Boat Tour  and Museum Island  sites and purchase the most affordable ticket options.

1. Brandenburg Gate

Let's kick off our list of the top 25 tourist attractions in Berlin with the iconic Brandenburg Gate,  a symbol  of Germany's unity and  one of Berlin's most recognizable landmarks.  Completed in 1791, this neoclassical triumphal arch stands tall at the end of the grand  Unter den Linden boulevard ,  and  is the only preserved city gate of the original 18 city gates of Berlin.

Inspired by the   Acropolis in Athens, it f eatures 12 Doric columns and a striking sculpture of Victoria, the goddess of victory. But the Brandenburg Gate is more than just a monument; it's a living witness to the country's journey  to democracy and reunification.  With its fascinating historical significance, visitors can admire its beauty while also reflecting on its role in the country's tumultuous past.

• Read more details about this attraction in our  guide to the Brandenburg Gate .

Popular Ticket Options:

• Discover Berlin Walking Tour
• Guided Walking Tour of the Parliament District Berlin
• Discover Berlin: Historical Walking Tour
• Tickets for Berlin: City Rally
• Berlin Wall Walking Tour from Checkpoint Charlie to the Brandenburg Gate

2. Reichstag Building

The Reichstag building on the Platz der Republik was built between the years 1884 and 1894 by the architect Paul Wallot in neo-Renaissance style. It is one of the most important sights not only of Berlin, but of all Germany. Since 1999, the architecturally impressive building has been the seat of the German Bundestag. The glass dome has become a much-visited attraction in the city.

The dome, roof terrace and the restaurant there can be visited. You can also attend a session in the plenary hall and take one of the guided tours of the Reichstag building. All this is free of charge, but only possible with prior registration.

• For more information, please visit our page about the  Reichstag Building .
• Guided Tour of the Reichstag Building and the Government District
• Reichstag Tour with Visit to the Building
• Berlin Walking Tour: World War II & the Third Reich
• Reichstag Battlefield: Guided Walking Tour
• Berlin City Bike Tour

3. Museum Island

Museum island on Spree river and Alexanderplatz TV tower in center of Berlin, Germany

Berlin's Museum Island is the  largest museum ensemble in the world  and has been a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  since 1999. With the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, the Altes Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, and the Bode Museum, there are no less than five world-famous museums located here.

• You can read the detailed history of these 5 museums located on  Museum Island ,  see photos taken by visitors , and  explore ticket options in detail .

Nefertiti , the  Pergamon Altar , and the  Ishtar Gate  are some of the most important exhibits. Since 2019, guests of the Museum Island are welcomed in the  J ames Simon Gallery  as the central entrance area.

• Have a look at our complete  guide to Museum Island for more details about the museums.
• Check out the best Museum Island Tickets .
• Museum Island Tickets + Public Transport
• Pergamon Museum Ticket
• Tickets for Neues Museum
• Tickets for Pergamon Museum – The Panorama: Exhibition by Yadegar Asisi
• Tickets for Altes Museum
• Tickets for Bode Museum
• Tickets for Alte Nationalgalerie
• Tickets for Guided Tour of Berlin's Historic Centre with Humboldt Forum, Museum Island

4. Berlin TV Tower

You won't want to miss out on the unforgettable experience that is the Berlin TV Tower. Standing tall as the  tallest building in Germany , it attracts over 12 million visitors annually for good reason. From its  observation deck at 203 meters high , you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city that will leave you in awe. But that's not all. The real highlight of the Berlin TV Tower is the  Sphere restaurant.  Imagine indulging in a delicious meal while slowly rotating around its own axis, giving you an  unparalleled view of Berlin's stunning skyline . This one-of-a-kind dining experience is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy a memorable evening with friends or loved ones.

• For more information on tickets, highlights and history, check out our complete guide to the  Berlin TV Tower .
• Another way to visit the TV Tower from a different perspective is by taking a Spree Boat Tour .

5. Berliner Dom

The magnificent Berlin Cathedral is one of the most beautiful attractions of the German capital. With a total height of 116 meters on a floor space of almost 6800 square meters, it is the  largest Protestant house of worship in Germany .

The  mighty dome  can certainly be understood as a Protestant answer to the Catholic St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The monument is barrier-free and is home to one of the most important dynastic burial sites in Europe, the  Hohenzollern Crypt .

• Note : Although it is a church, you will have to pay an entrance fee to visit the Berlin Cathedral. 
• Read more details about this monument in our complete guide to the  Berlin Cathedral .

6. East Side Gallery & Wall Museum

Get ready to immerse yourself in Berlin’s history with a visit to the East Side Gallery, the  longest standing section of the Berlin Wall  that still exists today,  measuring a staggering 1,316 meters in length. This open-air gallery features  106 vibrant and striking works of art  created by 118 artists from 21 different countries, all painted in the months following the fall of the Wall.

You won't want to miss iconic pieces like the  socialist brotherly kiss of Honecker and Brezhnev  or the  Trabant breaking through the concrete . You can continue your journey through Berlin’s past at  The Wall Museum,  located in the former watchtower Mühlenspeicher. Learn here about this chapter and the impact the Berlin Wall had on its citizens.

• Find out more information about this attraction in our complete guide to   East Side Gallery .

7.  Alexanderplatz

Located in the northern end of the Berlin-Mitte district, Alexanderplatz sees more than 360,000 people a day. It is not only one of the most visited places in Berlin, but the  largest square in Germany  and the fourth-busiest square in Europe.

It is home to the  Berlin TV Tower,  the  World Clock , the  Fountain of Friendship between Nations , the  Alexanderhaus  and the  Berolinahaus , a shopping mall, a cinema, a department store, as well as stores and restaurants. Here stands also the  Park Inn Hotel, which offers the thrilling opportunity to try base flying - a heart-pumping rapid descent down the hotel's exterior facade. 

• Read more details about this sight in our guide to  Alexanderplatz .

8. Spree River

Next up on our list is the stunning Spree River, a natural wonder that runs through the heart of the city. A popular spot for locals and visitors alike, the Spree River offers a  serene escape from the bustling city streets,  with its picturesque waterfront promenades, lush green parks, and charming boat tours.

Stroll along the riverside pathways, or even better,  take a leisurely Spree River Tour  to see the city's iconic landmarks, such as Museum Island , Berlin Cathedral, Nikolai Quarter, and Reichstag, from a unique perspective. Learn fascinating facts from the on-board loudspeaker or the  "Berlin River Cruise" app from YourMobileGuide.  Be sure to add this natural gem to your list and experience the tranquil beauty of Berlin's most famous river!

• By the way,  the Spree River is crossed by exactly 50 bridges in Berlin, 14 of which you can see during the one-hour boat ride. For more information on this topic, check out our article  Spree River Cruise .
• Read more details about this sight in our complete guide to the  Spree River .
• Check out the best Spree Boat Tour tickets .

9. Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany . During the Cold War, the military checkpoint of the American occupation forces was the scene of fierce political tensions and even served as a backdrop for Hollywood spy thrillers like "James Bond - Octopussy". Today it is a tourist attraction with great appeal and a very popular photo motif, although the control barracks , the turnpike and the sandbags are merely faithful reproductions of the original. To get an insight into the lives of the people who lived in East Berlin during the Cold War, it is worth visiting the " Mauermuseum - Haus am Checkpoint Charlie ", which is located here.

• Read More about Charlie Checkpoint in Berlin

10. DDR Museum

Take a  trip back in time   to the former GDR ! In the DDR Museum you will learn everything about life in the German Democratic Republic. You are invited to expand your knowledge in an entertaining way and experience history up close.  Authentic originals  and worldwide unique interactive installations are waiting to be touched and tried out.

Don't miss the faithfully furnished  Plattenbau   apartment  with five rooms, the monumental mural "In Praise of Communism" and the opportunity to touch many of the  interactive exhibits and games.  The absolute crowd puller, however, is the  Trabi  driving simulation in an original Trabant P 601,

• Read More :  DDR Museum
• DDR Museum Tickets
• Tickets for DDR Museum
• 75-minute Trabi Safari in a legendary Trabant

11. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe - Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is  Germany's central Holocaust memorial , commemorating the up to six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The memorial is an undulating " field of stelae"  with a total of 2711 cuboid stelae.

Due to the fact that the memorial is freely accessible,  you can experience and feel  the Holocaust memorial by walking through the field of stelae. This walk is meant to make you think, but also to remind you of the horror and the victims. Due to the uneven, supposedly swaying ground, a sense of confusion is often evoked in the visitor.

In addition to the field of stelae, you can also visit the underground  Information Center,  which is part of the memorial. Here, the persecution and extermination of the Jews of Europe and the sites of these crimes are documented. 

• Find out more details about this sight in our complete guide to the  Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial).
• If you want to get a deeper understanding of Germany's past, continue your journey through Berlin's history by joining a Third Reich & Cold War Walking Tour.  Book the most popular small-group walking tour here !

12.  Nikolaiviertel

The idyllic Nikolai Quarter is the  oldest residential area in Berlin . This underrated gem, consisting of narrow streets, historic buildings, picturesque houses and traditional German pubs and restaurants, is the  historical founding place of the city  and also known as the "old Berlin".

In the 13th century, the first merchants and craftsmen settled on the eastern bank of the Spree River and built  St. Nicholas Church  as the center of the settlement, probably between 1230 and 1250. The listed church is the oldest preserved building in Berlin. The narrow winding streets with their small houses, the  Knoblauchhaus , the  Ephraim-Palais  and the  bronze   statue depicting St. George  as the dragon slayer are worth seeing, among many other sights.

• Read more details about this place of interest in our guide to the  Nikolaiviertel .

13. Berlin Wall Memorial

During the time of the inner-German division, the Berlin Wall ran along Bernauer Strasse. Over the course of time, the former border strip was the scene of numerous escape attempts and dramatic events. Today, the historic site on Bernauer Strasse is the  central place of remembrance for the division of Germany and for the victims of death at the Wall .

The Berlin Wall Memorial is divided into four thematic areas and covers a length of 1.4 km on 4.4 hectares. It contains the  last section of the Wall , which has been preserved in its depth and can give you a good impression of the structure of the former border fortifications.  Admission is free  to all areas of the memorial.

• Be sure to take a look at our complete guide on the  Berlin Wall to learn more about the history and the remaining Wall remnants in Berlin.

14. Avenue  Unter den Linden

The grand avenue Unter den Linden connects the Brandenburg Gate with the Schlossbrücke Bridge, which leads to the Museum Island. The boulevard was initially just a bridle path. The  first linden trees were planted in 1647 . From 1701, the linden trees were developed into a boulevard for the splendor of Frederick the Great.

Important sights of the city , such as the State Library, the Humboldt University, the Neue Wache, the German Historical Museum in the Zeughaus, the Kronprinzenpalais, the  Bebelplatz  with a building, the Alte Palais as well as the equestrian statue of "Alter Fritz" line the eastern end of the boulevard. Stores, restaurants and cafés line the approximately 1.5-kilometer-long avenue in the direction of the Brandenburg Gate.

• For more details about this attraction, read our article  Unter den Linden .

15. Topography of Terror

At Topography of Terror, on the  site of the former Nazi terror headquarters , you can explore Germany's darkest chapter. With around 1.3 million visitors, the documentation center, which retraces the terror of the National Socialists under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, especially during the period of rule from 1933 to 1945, is  the   most visited museum in Berlin. 

The exhibitions, to which you have free admission, focus on the following:

• Topography of Terror. Gestapo, SS and Reich Security Main Office in Wilhelm- and Prinz-Albrecht-Straße.
• Berlin 1933-1945. Between Propaganda and Terror
• The historical site Topography of Terror. A tour via 15 stations
• For more details about this attraction, read our complete guide to  Topography of Terror.

16. Gendarmenmarkt

Welcome to Gendarmenmarkt,  Berlin's most magnificent square  and one of the city's must-visit attractions. This historic square is surrounded by three impressive buildings, the  Konzerthaus  (Concert Hall), the  Französischer Dom  (French Cathedral), and the  Deutscher Dom  (German Cathedral), which create an unparalleled architectural ensemble. As you explore the intricate details of these historic buildings, you'll also find plenty of charming cafes and restaurants where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere of this elegant square. However, Gendarmenmarkt is not only a feast for the eyes, but also  a hub for cultural events and festivals,  such as the  Christmas market , which transforms the square into a magical winter wonderland every year.

• You can find more information about this attraction in our main article  Gendarmenmarkt .
• Experience the grandeur of Gendarmenmarkt and  more on a thrilling 3.5-hour Bike Tour,  exploring the fascinating history of Berlin on two wheels.  Book your Sights and Highlights bike tour here!

17. Victory Column

Standing tall and proud in the heart of Berlin's Tiergarten park, the Victory Column ( Siegessäule ) is an awe-inspiring monument that is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The 67-meter-high column, topped by a bronze statue of the goddess of victory, Victoria, was erected in the 19th century to  commemorate the Prussian victory in the Danish-Prussian War.

The path to the founding of the German Empire is shown on the  bronze reliefs and mosaics  in the colonnade. From the top of the column at about 51 meters above sea level, you can enjoy  panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape,  including the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building. While the climb via a spiral staircase with 285 steps may be a bit of a workout, the stunning views are definitely worth it. 

• Read more details about the history, tickets and more, in our guide to the   Victory Column .

18.  Potsdamer Plat

As one of the  busiest squares in Berlin,  Potsdamer Platz is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Once a desolate no-man's land between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, the square has been transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. Here you will find the Sony Center, the Potsdamer Platz Arkaden shopping center, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shop.

Don't miss the opportunity to see the remains of the Berlin Wall that still stand nearby, a stark reminder of the city's turbulent past. Another popular attraction is the  Kollhoff Tower with the  Panoramapunkt Potsdamer Platz viewing platform,  a panorama café with sun terrace and a  permanent exhibition  on the history of the square.

• Check out our complete guide to  Potsdamer Platz  for more details about this attraction.
• Get your Panoramapunkt Skip the Line Tickets in advance!

19. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Marvel at the awe-inspiring resilience of Berlin at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a magnificent structure that has stood the test of time and bears witness to the city's enduring spirit. Originally built in the 1890s and later destroyed during WWII, the church  stands today as a poignant reminder of the devastation of war and the importance of peace .

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church serves not only as a place of worship, but also as a  memorial against war and destruction  that draws visitors from around the world. Step inside where you will be welcomed by a  blue radiant light , creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. Afterwards, visit the Hall of Remembrance in the Old Tower, with beautiful mosaics and reliefs. 

• Read more:   Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin

20.  Humboldt Forum

Since July 20, 2021, the Humboldt Forum has  expanded the Museum Island's offerings  with collections from the Ethnological Museum Berlin, the Museum of Asian Art, the non-European art collection, the Berlin Exhibition and the Humboldt Lab.

Built in eight years, the building, seen from the outside, is a  faithful replica of the Berlin City Palace,  which stood on the same site until 1950 and was considered a major work of northern German Baroque architecture. Visible from afar, the museum covers an area of around 30,000 square meters. The construction costs amounted to 677 million euros. This makes the Humboldt Forum the  most expensive cultural building in Germany .

• Read more details about this sight in our complete  guide to the Humboldt Forum.

21. Bebelplatz

From the Enlightenment to the burning of books, Bebelplatz experienced highs and lows in German history. It was laid out in 1740 as part of the Forum Fridericianum planned by Frederick II. In the center of the square, set into the ground, the Memorial to the Book Burning on May 10, 1933, 1933, commemorates one of the city's darkest chapters .

The square consists of a smaller green area to the east and a larger open area with cobblestones to the west of the  Berlin State Opera  Unter den Linden , which forms the center. Around the square are  important buildings of the city  such as the Prinzessinnenpalais, St. Hedwig's Cathedral, the Alte Palais, the Alte Bibliothek and the noble accommodation Hotel de Rome, the former business headquarters of the Dresdner Bank.

• Read more details about this sight in our guide to the Bebelplatz .

22.  Hackescher Markt & Hackesche Höfe

If you're looking for a trendy and creative district in Berlin, then you can't miss the Hackescher Markt and the newly designed Hackesche Höfe. This  historic complex of eight interconnected courtyards  is home to apartments, cultural institutions, cafés, stores, and even a cinema.

The facades in the first courtyard are a sight to behold, and the rest of the complex offers an array of design and fashion stores, small manufactories, and restaurants. At night,  the area comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene,  offering everything from theater and cinema to variety shows, clubs, and bars.

• Read more details about this sight in our main article  Hackescher Markt .

23. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

All the tourist attractions we have described so far, and many more,  can be viewed   comfortably from your seat  on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. You can h op on and off at any stop  to see your favorites up close or visit them from the inside.

You can choose between  24-hour or 48-hour tickets . Many tourists like to buy the combined ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off bus ride and one hour boat tour on the Spree River. For the combined ticket, we recommend our partners Stromma and BWSG.

• Check out the  best Spree Boat Tour + Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour in Berlin combo ticket options .

24. Charlottenburg Palace

With Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism - Charlottenburg Palace awaits its visitors with no less than three architectural styles that reflect the taste of the respective eras in which the palace was inhabited.

Built in several sections from 1695 to 1791, the former  summer residence of the Hohenzollern dynasty , including the palace garden, Belvedere, Mausoleum and New Pavilion, is the  most important palace complex in Berlin  and is now home to the Palace Museum with the crown treasure of the Hohenzollern dynasty.

• Read our  guide to Charlottenburg Palace and get all the information you need for your visit, including how to get there.

25.  Olympiastadion Berlin

When Berlin was named the site of the 1936 Olympic Games in 1931, the Nazis immediately recognized the prestige value of this international event and arranged for the planning of the Reichssportfeld with the Olympiastadion for 110,000 spectators.

You can easily reach the observation deck of the Olympic Bell Tower near the stadium by elevator. It offers a wonderful view from Spandau to Alexanderplatz and, on a clear day, even to Potsdam and the Müggelberge mountains.

• Tickets for the  guided tour of the stadium
• Read more the attractions, the history and tickets in our complete guide to the  Olympiastadion Berlin .

26. Sanssouci Palace & Palace Park  / Neues Palais

We conclude our list of Berlin's top sights with a site that officially does not belong to Berlin at all, but  Potsdam . We are talking about the fairy-tale Sanssouci Palace complex, which has been part of the  UNESCO World Heritage Site  since 1990. In addition to the Sanssouci Palace and Park, the magnificent  Neues Palais  ("New Palace") also awaits you here within walking distance.

Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam was built between 1745 and 1747 by order of and according to the sketches of King Frederick II. As the name Sanssouci suggests -  without a care  - the small summer palace on the famous vineyard terraces was intended to serve as a retreat for Frederick the Great, who was also buried here at his own request.

Over the years, a  masterpiece of art of international standing  was created on the grounds. No wonder the palace grounds are often described as a  Prussian Versailles . 

• Find out more about this attraction in our complete guide to  Sanssouci Palace and Park Potsdam / Neues Palais .

27. Berlin Zoological Garden and Aquarium

Opened in 1844 next to the eponymous train station and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Zoological Garden is Germany's oldest zoo . Some 20,000 animals from over 1,000 species greet you on the 33-hectare grounds. The main attraction and favorite of all children is the panda couple Meng Meng and Jiao Qing. Of course, the various animal feedings and individual guided tours, where visitors can get closer to the animals, are very popular.

Aquarium Berlin is the largest show aquarium in Europe and is considered one of the most species-rich facilities of its kind in the world. In addition to swimming creatures, which are of course the undisputed stars, you can also discover reptiles, insects and amphibians here.

28. Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History (Museum für Naturkunde) is one of the largest museums in Germany dedicated to natural history. Visitors can marvel at some 30 million objects here.

Highlights include one of the best-preserved skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus Rex , the superstar among dinosaurs, the dinosaur Diplocodus, the Archaeopteryx Lithographica, a three-meter-high multimedia globe showing animations and film sequences on the topics of plate tectonics, volcanism, the impact of asteroids and meteorites, mountain building and the atmosphere, and a mobile projection sky that tells the story of the universe .

29. Friedrichstraße

Created in the 17th century and named after the Elector Frederick III of Brandenburg, Friedrichstraße is one of the most famous and historic streets in Berlin . The 3300 meter long street runs on a north-south axis through Berlin Mitte. Amusement palaces, theaters and varietés turned the street into a notorious amusement mile.

After the division of the city, Friedrichstraße had two border crossings. The train station Friedrichstraße to the north, in the immediate vicinity of which is the Tränenpalast (“Palace of Tears”), and the legendary Checkpoint Charlie to the south of the street. Today, Friedrichstraße is a popular strolling and shopping street . The main attractions for shoppers are the Friedrichstadt-Passagen with the French department store Galerie Lafayette and the Quartiers 205 and 206 with many upscale boutiques.

• Check out our guide to shopping in Berlin.

30. Kurfürstendamm & KaDeWe

Kurfürstendamm is affectionately known as Ku'damm and begins at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church . Created in the mid-16th century as a bridle path, it was expanded 300 years later at the request of Reich Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, following the French model. A 53-meter-wide boulevard with theaters, cafés and stores was created; Kurfürstendamm was born. The synonym for the "Golden Twenties" lost its significance during the Nazi era. It was only after the division of Berlin that Kurfürstendamm was developed into the "shop window of the West" and symbol of the "economic miracle".

Today, large department stores and stores of exclusive noble brands are lined up here. The KaDeWe , one of the largest department stores in Europe, is particularly famous. The delicatessen department is a special attraction of the store. In addition, the many restaurants and cafes, especially the Hard Rock Cafe Berlin, attract visitors.

31. Deutsches Technikmuseum

The German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum), founded in 1983, is committed to presenting technical developments in their interaction with social, economic and political history. The thematic focus is placed on the three major areas of transportation: rail, air and sea . The permanent exhibition awaits visitors with 19 technological themes and several special exhibitions that change annually.

In the adjacent Science Center Spectrum, children and teenagers can explore phenomena in a playful and independent way. The motto is "Play and marvel," "Look and try," and "Laugh and learn." The world of experiments consists of eight thematic areas.

32. Mauerpark

The Mauerpark ("Wall Park") was created on the site of the former death strip and is located not far from the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse. In this oasis of calm in densely populated Prenzlauer Berg, you can discover remaining remnants of the Hinterland security wall, which are regularly sprayed over with new works by graffiti artists. In the meantime, the park has developed into a multicultural meeting place that attracts masses of locals as well as tourists from all over the world, not least because of its unique atmosphere.

You can experience the Berlin lifestyle here, especially on Sundays. There are snack stands and drink stands. In the afternoon, anyone interested can meet for informal open-air karaoke . In addition, you can look for treasures and bargains at the flea market .

• Read More : Check out our Berlin Wall Guide

33. Kulturforum

Situated between Potsdamer Platz and the Landwehr Canal, the Kulturforum is a multifaceted art and cultural ensemble that has been growing steadily since the 1960s, and not just in architectural terms. The Philharmonie was the first building to be erected here in 1963. Architecturally, the modern buildings form an overwhelming contrast to the classicist and neo-baroque buildings on Museum Island. The St. Matthew's Church , which has been in place since the 19th century, is especially eye-catching.

Museum goers get their money's worth, as there are no less than six museums here, including the Neue Nationalgalerie (New National Gallery), the Musikinstrumenten-Museum (Museum of Musical Instruments), the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts), the Kupferstichkabinett (Museum of Prints and Drawings), the Kunstbibliothek (Art Library) and the Gemäldegalerie (Picture Gallery). The Museum der Moderne is under construction. Other facilities of the Kulturforum include the Philharmonic Hall, the Kammermusiksaal, the second building of the Berlin State Library.

34. AquaDom & SEA LIFE Berlin

You can discover more than 5,000 animals of the underwater world in 35 true-to-life pools in the AquaDom & SEA LIFE Berlin. True to the motto "From the sources of the Spree to the depths of the Atlantic" you will experience an exciting journey through the different waters of our world and admire a fascinating variety of species from sharks, rays and octopuses to coral fish, seahorses and jellyfish.

The AquaDom is the largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium in the world . The acrylic tank is 16 meters high, 11.5 meters in diameter and filled with one million liters of water. It is home to around 1500 fish from nearly 100 different species. In the middle of the cylinder, visitors can take a very unusual ride through the interior of the aquarium in an elevator. The interactive animal feedings are particularly popular with children.

35. Futurium

The Futurium is a project initiative of scientific institutions and networks of business enterprises and foundations in cooperation with the German government. It defines itself as a "place for presentation and dialogue on science, research and development".

"How do we want to live?" This is the question posed by the Haus der Zukünfte (House of the Future) with its exhibition on the upper floor, and it attempts to provide answers with various thinking spaces on the topics of mankind, nature and technology. You can touch, participate and try things out in the Future Lab in the basement. Workshops and various events complete the program of the house.

36. Berlin Hohenschönhausen Memorial Site

Opposition members, escapees and political prisoners served time in the former Hohenschönhausen Stasi prison during the GDR era. Today, the memorial site recalls the history of the buildings, most of which have been well-preserved and give an authentic impression of the prison conditions between 1946 and 1990.

The permanent exhibition features around 300 photos and nearly 500 objects, providing numerous testimonies of political persecution . A separate part of the exhibition examines the world of the perpetrators . Changing special exhibitions shed light on details of the GDR, the Stasi and political persecution. Admission to the memorial, which has more than 400,000 visitors annually, is free.

37. Tiergarten

Berliners love their Tiergarten as much as New Yorkers love Central Park, Londoners Hyde Park and Munichers the English Garden! Located directly in the city center, the 210-hectare park is the green lung of the metropolis and an oasis of calm in the midst of the hectic city bustle. There are some interesting sights to discover in and around the Tiergarten. 

The Tiergarten is a popular destination for picnics, outdoor sports, and leisurely walks in the summer. During the winter months, visitors can also enjoy ice skating on the frozen ponds.

• Read more details about this attraction in our Tiergarten guide .

38. Madame Tussauds

Interested in a selfie with pop icon Michael Jackson? Or would you prefer one with soccer idol Messi? At Madame Tussauds Berlin, you can pose with national and international stars from film and sports, big names from politics, science and art, as well as Berlin personalities from 100 years of city history.

In addition to the classic wax figures, interactive areas await you with fun activities. How about an IQ test against Albert Einstein, for example? Or why not take a scavenger hunt into the world of wax art and learn how wax figures are made?

39. New Synagogue Berlin

Built between 1859 and 1866 in Moorish-Byzantine style, the New Synagogue in Berlin was the largest house of prayer in Germany at the time. On the night of November 9-10, 1938, the Reich Pogrom Night, synagogues burned all over Germany. The New Synagogue Berlin was fortunate in its misfortune.

Unfortunately, the magnificent building fell victim to bombing by the Allied air forces only a few years later. In 1958, the burned-out main room was blown up because of the danger of collapse. The parts of the building facing the street were preserved as a memorial against war and fascism.

As of 1988, the Jewish house of worship was partially rebuilt, but not rededicated as a synagogue. Today, the synagogue's golden dome shines far and wide over Berlin's rooftops and is one of the city's most beautiful structures .

• The Centrum Judaicum , a Jewish cultural, documentation and event center, can be visited with prior registration .

40. Oberbaum Bridge

The most beautiful bridge in the city is undoubtedly the Oberbaum Bridge. Originally, it was built in 1724 as a wooden construction. It was only after two construction measures in 1894 and 1992 that it received its current appearance as a stone structure with the two striking towers in the neo-Gothic style .

During the Battle of Berlin, German troops destroyed significant parts of the Oberbaum Bridge by blowing it up. With the construction of the Berlin Wall, the Oberbaum Bridge was closed and became a silent witness to the first fatal border incident after the division of the city into East and West Berlin. Since 1998, the Oberbaum Bridge has been the site of the annual "vegetable battle" between Friedrichshainers and Kreuzbergers, in which people argue, festival-like, about who has the upper hand between the two merged districts.

Another way to visit the Oberbaum Bricke from a different perspective is by taking a Spree Boat Tour .

41. Palace of Tears

The check-in hall at Friedrichstraße station, built in 1962, was used for departures from East to West Berlin. This meant saying goodbye to friends and family, and so many tears flowed. The place of painful separations was soon christened the Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears) in the vernacular.

The glass and steel building, which reflects the architecture of the time, was only accessible to passengers traveling to West Berlin by S-Bahn, U-Bahn or long-distance train. The permanent exhibition "Place of German Division" documents the history and fates at the Palace of Tears from 1962 to 1990 through interviews, biographies and 570 original objects. Admission is free.

42. Tempelhof Airport/ Tempelhofer Feld

In 1933, Adolf Hitler initiated the expansion of Tempelhof into a civilian and military airport, which as a "world airport" was to meet the latest standards of the time, but at the same time also serve the propagandistic self-promotion of the National Socialists. During the Battle of Berlin in April 1945, the building was occupied by the Soviet Army. In July, American troops took over the airport and used it as an air base until 1993.

At the "Check-In" visitor center , you can visit the exhibition "A Wide Field" free of charge and learn more about the significance of Tempelhof Airport and field during the Nazi era. Guided tours through the airport building , which the Americans left their mark on for decades, will take you to many a hidden place.

At 355 hectares, Tempelhofer Feld is the largest inner-city open space in the world and also Berlin's largest city park . Where once planes took off all over the world, there has been a green open space for a wide variety of activities since 2010.

43. Red City Hall

The building owes its name neither to the political sentiments of the ruling mayor, nor to those of the Berlin Senate , who direct the city's fortunes from here. No, it is simply the bricks with which the Red City Hall was built in the 1860s.

The town hall, with its 247 rooms and three courtyards, can be visited free of charge when not in session. The Coat of Arms Hall, the Great Banqueting Hall and the Hall of Columns are worth seeing. The permanent exhibition "Berlin in Plaster 1790 - 1850" presents an exceptional selection of plaster works by Berlin sculptors from these years in the Säulensaal . The carillon of the tower, which is almost 74 meters high, rings every quarter of an hour from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in tone C and on the hour in tone D.

44. Bergmannstraße

The 1300-meter-long street Bergmannstraße is the center of the Bergmann-Kiez. According to residents and business owners, it is the "most colorful street in Berlin" in an "intact neighborhood with good infrastructure and a high quality of life." The multicultural promenade is popular with Berliners and tourists because of its many small stores, cafés, restaurants and bars. A real magnet for the public is the historic Markthalle XI, in front of which a flea market is held on weekends.

Every summer, the street festival "Kreuzberg jazzt !" ("Kreuzberg jazzes!") takes place in the western Bergmannstraße with over 300,000 visitors and three stages with over 50 bands. Running parallel to this is the " Kreuzberg kocht !" ("Kreuzberg cooks!") event at Chamissoplatz, where top local chefs serve up culinary delights.

45. Tierpark Berlin

With an area of 160 hectares and over 10,000 animals from more than 650 different species, Tierpark Berlin in Berlin's Lichtenberg district is the largest zoo in Europe . Since after the division of Berlin, the famous Berlin Zoo was in the western part of the city, the GDR government created this zoo in 1955 in what was then East Berlin. A real highlight, especially for the little ones, are the animal feedings.

On the grounds of the zoo, on the western edge, is Friedrichsfelde Palace , construction of which began in 1695. Reconstructions took place during the 18th and 19th centuries, including the addition of Baroque elements to the early Classicist pleasure palace in the Dutch country house style. A permanent exhibition provides exciting insights into the 400-year history of the palace as well as into the history of Berlin. Admission to the palace is included in the ticket for the zoo.

46. Treptower Park

The banks of the Spree, large meadows, hustle and bustle and lively eateries; this is the 84-hectare Treptower Park, which is a very popular destination for Berliners , especially in the summer months. Highlights include the offshore Insel der Jugend (Island of Youth), pedal boats, rowboats and even barbecue boats on the Spree River, a sailboat restaurant and a seaplane for a bird's eye view of Berlin.

At the Soviet Memorial in the park, which commemorates Red Army soldiers who died in World War II, over 7000 of the Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Berlin are buried. Particularly striking is the statue on the hill, which is 30 meters high with pedestal.

47. Spandau Citadel

Spandau Citadel is one of the best preserved Renaissance fortresses in Germany and all of Europe . The oldest buildings of the castle complex date back to the Middle Ages. As early as 1197, there was mention of a Spandau Castle, built by the Margrave of Brandenburg on the site of a Slavic settlement. Between 1559 and 1594 the electors had a fortress built, which was heavily destroyed during the wars of liberation against Napoleon in 1813. The Imperial War Treasure was stored in the Julius Tower from 1874 to 1919. The Nazis housed poison gas laboratories in the citadel.

Today, the citadel is the landmark of the Spandau district and the scene of regular events such as knight fights or concerts. In addition, the armory of the citadel houses the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum ("Museum of Spandau City History"). A walk through the old town of Spandau with the St. Nikolai Church, the Gotisches Haus, the Wendenschloss and the city wall is also worthwhile.

48. Little BIG City

In the Little BIG City in Berlin-Mitte, the history of the last 750 years of Berlin has been brought to life in miniature with over 100 historic buildings and more than 6,000 inhabitants. 30 beamers, 15 holograms, countless projections, mechanical movements, and modern light and sound effects bring the historic sites back to life .

Engage in seven eras of Berlin's history interactively in the miniature city located in the base building of the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz. Experience the city's beginnings in the 12th century, the later Industrial Revolution and the Weimar Republic. Witness the roaring times of the Golden Twenties and the Reichstag fire. View tanks rolling through the city after the end of World War II. Listen to J.F. Kennedy's famous speech in front of the City Hall, and follow the "leap to freedom" of an NVA soldier. Finally, bring down the Berlin Wall yourself at the push of a button.

49. Volkspark Friedrichshain

During the summer, the 49-hectare Volkspark Friedrichshain is a popular place for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, biking, and playing sports like Frisbee and beach volleyball. Visitors can also enjoy picnics, barbecues, or watch a movie at the open-air cinema in the evening. During winter, the park is still a beautiful place for a stroll, with its many monuments and sculptures adding to the serene atmosphere.

Berlin's first municipal green space, dating back to 1846, is also an authentic place of Berlin history . For example, you can find a memorial to the 3000 interbrigadists of the Spanish Civil War and a monument to the joint struggle of Polish soldiers and German anti-fascists. The World Peace Bell, the bronze bust of Frederick the Great and the Märchenbrunnen (Fairy Tale Fountain) with popular Grimm fairy tale characters , such as Hansel and Gretel, Puss in Boots and Snow White, are other gems of the green area.

50. Viktoriapark

A waterfall in a park in the middle of Berlin? Yes, that exists! A 24 meter high waterfall awaits you in the almost 13 hectare Viktoriapark.

At the highest point of the park, the famous architect Schinkel built the neo-Gothic National Monument to the Wars of Liberation , which was inaugurated in 1821. Emperor Frederick III wanted to give the monument a worthy environment and in 1888 he had the park created, to which he gave the name of his wife Victoria, the daughter of the legendary Queen Victoria of England.

Today, on hot summer days, the picnickers' tables and chairs are sometimes placed in the pond into which the waterfall pours, just like in the Mediterranean. Or you can treat yourself to a cool beer in the large beer garden at the foot of the park . And the "Wolfsschlucht" in the eastern part of the park transports visitors for a moment to the Black Forest.

Map & Locations

By loading the map, you agree to Google's privacy policy. Learn more

Always unblock Google Maps

(Link to the map)

Berlin Tours & Tickets

Discover Berlin today with the most preferred tours & tickets without waiting in line.

Related Articles:

26 extraordinary attractions in berlin [with tickets], 27 things to do for kids in berlin [with map & tickets], berlin in the rain: 21 bad weather activities for day & night [+tickets], museum island berlin: attractions, highlights & insider tips [with map & tickets].

• teilen    
• teilen  
• merken    

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!

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

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

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here .

An email you’ll actually love

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.

Need somewhere to stay?

The best Airbnbs in Berlin

Need somewhere to rest your head in Berlin? We've found the best Airbnbs in the city

The 20 best hotels in Berlin right now

Whether your budget is five-star luxury or chic boutique, our pick of the best hotels in Berlin has you covered

More great hotel options

Craving currywurst here’s where to head next....

The 15 best restaurants in Berlin

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.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Mobile applications
• Time Out Worldwide

15 Must-See Sites in Berlin

15 Must-See Sites in Berlin | Small group tours Germany Berlin, capital of Germany, venue of the Berlinale, seat of the German Parliament, and location of UNESCO-protected Museum Island, occupies a place of prominence as…

9 Dec 19 · 4 mins read

15 Must-See Sites in Berlin | Small group tours Germany

Berlin, capital of Germany, venue of the Berlinale , seat of the German Parliament, and location of UNESCO-protected Museum Island, occupies a place of prominence as a cultural and economic powerhouse.

The city dates back to the 13th Century and has served as capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg, a principality of the Roman Empire, and later the Kingdom of Prussia. After the fall of Germany in World War II, the country was divided into zones each controlled by a victorious superpower. The city itself was divided into East and West Berlin. West Berlin became a state of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG, or West Germany) while East Berlin became the capital of the Soviet-controlled German Democratic Republic (GDR or DDR, Deutsche Demokratische Republik, East Germany). The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, sealing off all access between the two halves of the city and reinforcing the division between eastern communism and western democracy. Berlin’s status as capital of the whole of Germany was restored with the fall of the Wall and the country’s subsequent reunification in 1990.

Now, Berlin is a major tourist destination, with endless places to discover. November 9, 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a significant milestone, as “the Wall will have been down longer than the 28 years it stood” (Paul Sullivan on the Guardian ). Berlin marks the anniversary with a festival week filled with exhibitions, 3D video projections, art installations, guided tours, and important discussions tackling the Cold War and Germany’s reunification.

Let’s look at the 15 must-see sites to visit in the city, especially for those visiting Berlin for the first time. If you are interested in joining a tour, consider joining Odyssey Traveller’s small group tours to Germany . Odyssey Traveller’s tours are especially designed for active senior travellers and offers flexibility for the over-50s eager to see the world.

After reading about these 15 landmarks in Berlin, you might want to take a look at some of our other articles:

• A history of Berlin for Tourists
• The Oberammergau Passion Play
• The Bauhaus Movement
• Destination: Germany
• Ten books to read about Berlin
• Ten of the best art galleries in Europe

Brandenburg Gate

Easily reached, the 18 th Century Brandenburg Gate, modelled after the Propylaeum of the Acropolis in Athens, was commissioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II as an entrance to the boulevard Unter den Linden which led to the Prussian palace. Now hailed as a symbol of German reunification, Berlin’s remaining town gate has seen its share of historic events, from Napoleon’s army stealing the quadriga statue depicting the goddess of victory on top of the Gate, to West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl walking through it to meet East German Prime Minister Hans Modrow during the Gate’s reopening in 1989.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

This memorial sits close to the Brandenburg Gate on a site covering 19,000 square metres. The 2,711 concrete slabs of differing heights give a sense of unease and uncertainty and offer space for visitors to contemplate the senseless violence of the Holocaust. There is an underground information centre where visitors can find information on the victims, as well as photographs, diaries, and letters.

Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery, and the Treehouse at the Wall

Visitors who want to learn more about the Berlin Wall can head to the Berlin Wall Memorial, an open-air exhibit situated on the former border strip on the south side of Bernauer Strasse. The memorial is 1.3 kilometres long and spans 4.4 hectares, preserving traces of the Wall and providing a commemorative site—the “Window of Remembrance”—for the victims of the border regime. A new permanent exhibition explaining the Wall’s political history entitled “1961 | 1989. The Berlin Wall” was unveiled in 2014, the 25 th anniversary of the fall of the Wall, and can be viewed in the documentation centre.

The sombre atmosphere of the memorial is a contrast to the colourful East Side Gallery, a stretch of the Berlin Wall featuring more than 100 mural paintings and street art from artists all over the world. One iconic artwork is the painting by Russian artist Dmitry Vrubel showing Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East Germany’s Eric Honecker sharing an intimate moment. You can go on a walking tour or bike tour of the Wall to see the artwork.

A little-known monument is the Baumhaus an der Mauer (Treehouse at the Wall), a tree house and garden built on “ a triangle of East Berlin on the western side of the wall ” by a Turkish immigrant near the Wall. The property still stands on the border of Mitte (formerly East Berlin) and Kreuzberg (formerly West Berlin) surrounded by modern apartments. The tree house’s original builder has passed on, but it is tended by his family.

When the Wall came up no one could use the triangle of land because West Germany didn’t own it, and the East German government, which technically owned the land, couldn’t get to it. As the empty plot quickly turned into a rubbish pit, construction worker Osman Kalin decided to clean it up and plant a garden. He even planted fruit trees! When the West Berlin police confronted him, Kalin did not give way. The East Berlin police saw the exchange and decided to protect Kalin and his property no matter what, if only to annoy the West Berlin officers further. Kalin even ended up (unknowingly) taking water from West Berlin’s emergency reserves to water his vegetables–with West Berlin ending up waiving his fine. Read more about his fascinating story here .

Palace of Tears (Tränenpalast) 

After the construction of the Wall, the GDR erected a check-in hall at Friedrichstraße railway station in 1962, to be used by passengers crossing from the former East Germany to West Berlin. For most travellers, this meant being permanently separated from loved ones. Signs at the border crossing point have been preserved, giving visitors a glimpse of the structure’s oppressive atmosphere. An exhibition, “Border Experiences. Everyday Living in Partitioned Germany”, gathers interviews, biographies, and more than 500 original artefacts of divided Germany from 1962 to 1990.

DDR Museum and Museumswohnung WBS 70

What was life like in the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR, German name for the GDR)? The DDR Museum offers some answers in the form of an immersive and interactive museum experience. Highlights include a simulated drive in an original Trabant P601, the most common vehicle used in the former East Germany, and an authentic reconstruction of an East German flat, complete with furniture that visitors can touch, hold, and interact with. This huge, diverse exhibition covers a space of 1,000 square metres.

If you want a more intimate experience, visit the Museumswohnung WBS 70 (museum apartment), a small, five-room apartment in the former East Berlin neighbourhood of Hellersdorf. This apartment is trapped in time, showing the furnishings and even the cleaning products during the GDR era.

Charlottenburg Palace

From explorations of a divided and reunified Germany, step back to the grandeur of Berlin’s Prussian rulers through this 18 th Century baroque palace, named in honour of Sophie Charlotte, the first Queen consort in Prussia. Queen Charlotte was the younger sister of George Louis of Hanover, who was crowned George I of England. In 1684, she married Friedrich III (later King Friedrich I of Prussia), the Elector of Brandenburg and the then Duke of Prussia. He gave her a large estate, which became the site of this summer residence. Located in the village of Lietze, it was originally known as Lietzenburg Palace. The palace and the surrounding area were renamed Charlottenburg by Friedrich in honour of his wife, who died at the age of 36. The palace holds a display of the Prussian crown jewels and has a stunning garden.

Gendarmenmarkt

This elegant square, said to be the most beautiful in all of Europe, was built by Friedrich I at the end of the 17 th Century. It is enclosed by three buildings: the Franzözischer Dom (French Cathedral), the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral), and the Konzerthaus (Concert House). This was where the French Protestants or Huguenots settled when they were granted asylum in the Prussian capital, hence the French origin of the name—”Gens d’arms”, which is a Prussian regiment consisting of Huguenot soldiers. In summer, visitors stay for the Classic Open Air series, where the orchestra plays on the steps of the Konzerthaus, and visit the charming Christmas market in winter.

Museum Island

Berlin has its own island of museums, sitting in the middle of the River Spree. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island consists of five museums built between 1824 and 1930, with collections spanning 6,000 years. The island has the Altes Museum (1830), Germany’s oldest museum, and the Bode Museum, which contains collections of Byzantine art.

Berlin Cathedral

Sitting with the museums on Museum Island is the Berlin Cathedral, its magnificent green dome one of the recognizable landmarks of the city. Dating back to the 15th century, the Berlin Cathedral was the court church to the Hohenzollern Dynasty, the rulers of Prussia and who later became the German Emperors. Today, the church serves the Protestant community in Berlin and the surrounding areas. As such, the Berlin Cathedral is not a “cathedral” in its strictest sense (a Christian church containing the seat of a bishop), but it has been called the Dom (cathedral) through the centuries. Its lavish interior—featuring a marble and onyx altar and the elaborate sarcophagi carved for Friedrich I and Sophie Charlotte—is not to be missed.

Museum of Things (Museum der Dinge)

It is exactly what its name describes—a museum of everyday things, presented as they are. It’s a study of German daily life through objects, and a great place to visit for those interested in industrial and product design. Housed in a factory building, the museum centres around the work of the Deutscher Werkbund, established in 1907 by artists and entrepreneurs who were passionate about functional and efficient design.

Reichstag Building

The Reichstag building is home to the German Parliament, but the public can access its rooftop terrace and impressive glass and steel dome. The Reichstag dome, which sits directly above the debating chamber, offers a view of the parliamentary proceedings and Berlin’s government district. Visitors can also relax on the grass in front of the Reichstag.

Berlin’s Movie Theatres: Babylon/Moviemiento/Kino International

As the venue of the Berlinale, Berlin is home to numerous alternative cinema theatres. Babylon was built in 1929 in the Art Deco style and shows silent movies accompanied by a cinema organ, providing the films’ soundtracks the old-fashioned way. Moviemiento is Germany’s oldest cinema with three auditoriums and a lounge, and screens art house and mainstream films. Kino International , located on Karl-Marx-Allee in the former East Germany, was the GDR’s premiere cinema and is now one of the venues of the Berlinale. It still uses hand-illustrated film posters.

Tempelhofer Feld

This 386-hectare military-parade-grounds-turned-airport-turned-park is one of the largest public spaces in Europe. Berlin reclaimed the open space after the closure in 2008 of the Tempelhof Airport, which was used by the Nazis during World War II and served as a commercial airport after the war. It is a great place for picnics, kite flying, and barbeques. The old runways are used for cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, and jogging.

Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm)

Constructed in the 1960s, the TV Tower served as a symbol of East German socialism for decades. It remains the tallest building in Berlin. Visitors can climb up to the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. There is also a restaurant which revolves once around its axis every 60 minutes.

Café-Restaurant Wintergarten Im Literaturhaus Berlin

All that walking and exploring will surely leave you famished. Rest your feet and enjoy afternoon tea at this tranquil garden cafe, Café-Restaurant Wintergarten. The cafe is connected to the Literaturhaus Berlin, which houses the Kohlhaas & Company book shop. This 19th century townhouse has gone through numerous transformations over the years. It served as a military hospital during World War I, became a soup kitchen, a centre for foreign students, a brothel, a nightclub, and finally an important literary venue in Berlin. The Literaturhaus holds regular readings and literary events around the fireplace in the parlour.

Visit Germany with Odyssey Traveller

Odyssey Traveller offers a variety of tours dedicated to Germany, while a number of our Europe tours include Germany as a key destination.

Our Germany tours include:

• Contemporary Germany : This tour captures the diversity of contemporary Germany, ranging from north to south, and taking in Germany’s most important cities: Munich, Dresden, Berlin and Cologne. If you’re interested in getting out of the cities and into Germany’s beautiful scenery (including a Rhine River cruise) this is the tour for you!
• Discovering Berlin : Over twenty days living in the city, this tour of Berlin gets off the beaten path. We delve into Berlin’s fascinating and often troubling history, uncover hidden gems, and experience the cutting-edge local culture. We also offer a 12-day walking tour of Berlin . We stay in Berlin and delve into its fascinating and often troubling history, uncover hidden gems, and experience the cutting-edge local culture. On our city tour, like in our other tours, we have the services of an Odyssey Program Leader and a local guide. Our Berlin city sightseeing will include special tours into historical monuments and free time to relax in a cafe or beer garden.
• Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle : For lovers of Wagner’s music, this tour gives you the opportunity to see four performances of his music in his home city, Leipzig.
• Bach, the man and his music : Another tour for classical music fans. This cultural tour is based around the Bach Music Festival in Leipzig, but includes visits to other cities lived in by Bach.

Germany is also visited on these Europe tours:

• Theatre, Opera, Ballet and Classical Music: This tour gives travellers the opportunity to attend performing arts concerts across four leading European cities: Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris and London.
• The European Ballet : This tour takes in ballet concerts in cities across Germany and France.
• Discover Beethoven’s life and music : This tour traces Beethoven’s life and historical context across the cities of Bonn and Vienna. We also attend several performances of Beethoven’s work, including opening night at the Beethovenhalle in Bonn.
• Baltics Small Group Tour : This tour uncovers the history of the Baltic states: Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. In order to understand these countries caught between German, Scandinavian and Russian spheres of influence, the tour also includes Berlin, Poland, Helsinki and St. Petersburg.

In 2020, three of our tours – Contemporary Germany ; The Habsburgs ; and our Berlin tour – include a performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play .

In 1634, in the midst of a plague that swept across Europe, the residents of Oberammergau, a small town in the Bavarian Alps, promised God that if they were spared from plague they would perform a passion play every ten years. The residents have kept their pledge, performing the play every ten years. Today, the Oberammergau Passion Play attracts visitors from all around the world, and can sell out – so make sure to get into a tour quickly if you want to join us for the performance!

Updated on December 10, 2019.

Related Tours

Bach Classical European Music Festival small group tours

Visiting Germany

Enjoy the best of Bach travelling with mature couples or solo travellers in a small group tour . We take time to appreciate not just the music but also to explore Bach's history and influences in Germany. The program spends 16 days visiting the locations that where influences on his life as well as attending the Bach Music festival in Leipzig .

From A$13,340 AUD

Discovering Berlin Small Group Tour | 20 days living in Berlin

Experience Berlin while living there for almost three weeks in an apartment. From one of the best small group tour companies for Europe enjoy an escorted tour learning about the city's history and experiencing it like a Berliner. This holiday is for like minded people, mature couples or solo travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten track and exploring with some adventure.

From A$11,650 AUD

Berlin walking tour

Enjoy an escorted walking tour of Berlin. This small group holiday is for like minded people, mature couples or solo travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten track and exploring with some adventure. The itineraries set for each day follow sections of the Berlin Wall, whilst local guides realise authentic experiences found in this amazing city.

From A$7,950 AUD

Architecture

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

56 Best Tourist Attractions in Berlin

A city that has changed and grown more in a few decades than most places do in centuries, the German capital has become synonymous with the hip and innovative, while still maintaining plenty of its classic touches.

And while you’ll never run out of things to do in Berlin , there are some spots that simply can’t be missed, capturing the essence of this complicated town as it’s grown and shifted.

So bring a camera and your sense of curiosity, as we peruse the best tourist attractions in Berlin !

1 – Berlin Cathedral

A grand tribute to tradition, the Berlin Cathedral is a place where spirituality, music, and architecture blend with ease.

Since 1454, the ornate church has towered over the city, providing a home for worshippers of all stripes – and an irresistible destination for walking tours in Berlin.

And don’t miss the organ recitals, where you can hear the traditional instruments in their full, booming glory!

• walking tours in Berlin

2 – Berlin Wall

As one of the city’s most powerful historic symbols, the Berlin Wall casts a large shadow over German culture, decades after its dismantling.

There are still many great spots around town where you can see remnants of the once-ubiquitous structure, and learn about the tragic divide it fostered.

The East Side Gallery is particularly enlightening; as the longest section of the wall still intact, it has been repurposed into a massive outdoor art project, with vivid murals completely covering the once-imposing facade.

• Berlin Wall tours

3 – Reichstag

As the main house of Parliament, Reichstag is the perfect place to delve into the city’s complex political world… and it’s quite pretty to boot!

The magnificent building first opened in 1894, just in time to bear witness to some of the country’s most turbulent eras.

Through successive empires and world wars, it was the place where ideas were formed and put into practice; and even when it was in disrepair, it still served as something of a civic symbol.

Explore the inside and learn about the many policies that were born here, then head up to the massive observation dome for sweeping views of the city that was shaped by these moments.

• Reichstag tours in Berlin

See also: Reichstag Dome Tickets & Tours – Everything you Should Know

4 – Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

It may be one of the most sobering spots in the city, but the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is also one of the best tourist attractions in Berlin – and a critically important one.

The vast field of cement markers pays tribute to the more than 6 million Jewish people that were murdered during the Holocaust, and as you walk between their tomb-like forms, you’ll get a sense of the scale of the tragedy.

Be sure to stop by the Information Center before you leave to dive deeper into the scope and scale of the tragedy – at once massive and deeply individualized.

5 – Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Named for one of Germany’s most prominent rulers, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church mixes the old and new as only Berlin can.

Originally built in 1891 and overhauled in 1959, the gorgeous building is most famous for its mosaics and war memorial, which add some more modern context to this old space.

Be sure to check the calendar before visiting, because they also offer some unique versions of standard religious services, from choral performances and retrospectives on the Reformation to sermons accompanied by lively jazz music.

6 – Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Another somber but compelling spot, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was one of the closest sites to the city and has the dubious distinction of being the earliest facility of its kind in Nazi Germany.

It was originally opened in 1936, and over 200,000 victims perished there before the liberation of 1945.

Walking through the actual offices and yards where the atrocities took place, you’ll get a real sense of the human suffering that occurred here, as well as the efforts to stop it.

• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp tours

7 – Aquadom & Sea Life

The halls of Aquadom & Sea Life are bursting with enough color and beauty to fill any gallery; but this time, the wonders are natural!

From tiny seahorses and rainbow-hued corals to majestic stingrays and sharks weaving their way through the water, the thousands of creatures here will give you a chance to peer into the depths of rivers and oceans… no snorkel required!

• Aquadom & Sea Life tickets

8 – Museum Island

Nerds of all stripes can rejoice over the hottest destination in town…. Museum Island!

Tucked in the midst of the Spree River, houses some pretty amazing institutions covering a whole spectrum of cultures and visual delights.

There’s the Pergamon Museum for fans of ancient Middle Eastern artifacts, or the Neues Museum for a peek into Ancient Egypt.

Check out the art of various empires at the Bode Museum , or the seemingly endless canvases of Alte Nationalgalerie .

And don’t forget about Altes Museum , which houses a treasure trove of artifacts from ancient coins to stunning portraits of world rulers.

It’s a never-ending feast for the eyes and the mind!

• Museum Island tickets

9 – Panoramapunkt

25 stories in the air, Panoramapunkt provides some splendid views of the city – and getting there is half the fun!

After all, it isn’t every day that you can zip to your viewing spot in Europe’s fastest elevator; and as you whizz to the top, the skyline will rush past you in a dizzying, thrilling fashion!

Then take in the “Views of Berlin” exhibition, which offers up plenty of stories about the wonders perfectly laid out below you.

• Panoramapunkt tickets

10 – Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum

Peruse the plants, enjoy some downtime, or get some aesthetic inspiration… your options are endless at the Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum !

This tranquil space is packed with all manner of species, from mosses and herbs to medicinal cuttings, fragrant flowers, and swampy specimens.

And along with all of the vibrant living things, you can also stop into the museum section to learn about how these different strains of flora have been used over the years by local humans.

Take in all of the awesome plants and their many uses, or just enjoy the beautiful visuals!

11 – Jewish Museum

Paying homage to the long and complex history of one of the region’s most prominent cultures, the Jewish Museum covers a story full of triumphs and tragedies.

As the largest space of its kind on the continent, the museum focuses on Jewish art, history, and culture in Germany, from the creative movements of the early 1900s to the Holocaust to the many influences in the present day.

Even the shape of the building is part of the narrative; the zagging shapes of the main structure were designed to represent the complicated connection between Jewish and German cultures.

It’s a moving and comprehensive look into the people and their history.

• Jewish Museum tickets

12 – Hackescher Markt

By day this bustling square is filled with foot traffic and the steady beep of various vehicles. FIX

By night, it thrums with an energy of a different sort, the soundtrack shifting to endless music and revelry from the many clubs and bars.

On Thursdays and Saturdays, you can even enjoy the enticing produce and wares at the bustling pop-up markets.

But no matter when you go, you’ll surely feel energized just by being near this dynamic neighborhood!

13 – World Balloon

If you want a slightly more whimsical sightseeing option, then hop in a basket and set your sights on the skies with some of the memorable hot air balloon rides in Berlin!

After rising into the air, you’ll have amazing views of the town in all of its multifaceted glory, and get to enjoy the delight of the vessel itself as it bobs through the sky.

There’s a little bit of whimsy and a whole lot of beauty on display here!

• hot air balloon rides in Berlin

14 – Hop on Hop off Bus Tours

Taking care of transit, tourism, and adventure all in one go, the hop on hop off bus tours in Berlin is an utterly enticing adventure!

The premise is pretty simple; you “hop on” wherever is most convenient, and enjoy a guided excursion through the city and its finest sights; then “hop off” at any spots that catch your eye, and spend some time exploring until the next bus arrives.

It’s an adventure on your own terms!

• hop on hop off bus tours in Berlin

15 – Markthalle Neun

Every Friday and Saturday, the Kreuzberg neighborhood springs to life with food, vendors, and all the finest elements of the farm in the big city.

It must be Markthalle Neun day!

From bread and meats to fresh fish, cheeses, veggies, and coffee, you can get a whole meal here and then some; and of course, the lively atmosphere is half the fun!

Best of all, there are similarly scrumptious offerings throughout the week; Street Food Thursday is a particularly great opportunity to try a whole smorgasbord of new flavors!

• food tours in Berlin

16 – Alexanderplatz

As one of the most popular neighborhoods in the entire city, this massive public venue is home to many of the most iconic landmarks, including the TV Tower (see #17) and the Kaufhof department store, plus a massive assortment of malls and shopping areas.

It also boasts a fascinating history; originally built in the 1600s, the area has long been known as a hub for passing royalty, including Tsar Alexander I, the Russian czar for whom the space was named.

Like so many other parts of town, it became somewhat stagnant during the Cold War years, before getting revived and reenergized into a dynamic hub of city life.

Take some time to people-watch and wander around, and soak up the local vibes!

17 – TV Tower

Shooting up above the skyline at an imposing 368 meters (1,207 feet) high, the TV Tower is hard to miss; and while it would work merely as a visual gem, it’s another place that also serves a powerful cultural purpose.

The gorgeous vistas at the top offer a breathtaking perspective on the city; and the tower itself is equally impressive, with its long history as a communications hub prior to becoming one of the best tourist attractions in Berlin.

Zip up and look around, then grab a cocktail at Bar 203 or grab a meal at the gently rotating Sphere Restaurant, and continue to enjoy some superb scenery!

• TV Tower tickets

See also: Berlin TV Tower Tickets Price – Everything you Should Know

18 – Kreuzberg

Showing off some of the cooler, quirkier sides of the city, Kreuzberg is a neighborhood practically made to be explored at length… and there are rewards around every corner!

This is a wonderful place to absorb the multicultural aspects of the town, as well as its endless succession of monuments and historic buildings that bring the old and the new into sharper focus.

Enjoy some eye-popping public art, take in a hip-hop performance, or take side trips to Turkey and the Caribbean as you stroll through some of the capital’s most diverse areas.

There are few parts of town more magical and enticing!

• Kreuzberg tours in Berlin

19 – Sightseeing Cruise

This is certainly a place where the waterways are as impressive as the walking paths; and when you embark on a sightseeing cruise, you’ll get to experience a whole new angle of the capital!

Putter along in style down the River Spree and admire the beautiful architecture and cultural attributes, including the Berlin Cathedral (see #1), Museum Island (see #8), and more.

Sit back and enjoy the beautiful views and cool facts to match!

• sightseeing cruises in Berlin

20 – Trabi Safari

Sometimes, sightseeing is made even better by the vehicle you use, and that’s certainly the case with Trabi Safari!

Hop into the adorably tiny cars that were once common throughout Communist Germany, and roll through town in style and on your own terms, admiring all the landmarks along the way.

The peculiar size makes it easy to traverse the winding city streets, bustling public squares, and crowded areas with ease; and as exciting as the views are, learning to handle one of these quirky machines is half the fun!

• Trabi Safari in Berlin

21 – Gardens of the World (Gärten der Welt)

From the moment you enter the charming tram cars that will take you to Gardens of the World , you’ll be drawn into another world – one filled with greenery and endless delights!

You’ll find beautiful realms patterned after some of the world’s best green spaces, from the careful constructions of China to the magnificent designs of the artisan gardens, which are patterned after some of the most innovative techniques from around the globe.

Come for the gorgeous decor, stay for the fascinating cultural accents!

22 – Friedrichstadt-Palast

Friedrichstadt-Palast has long been known for its incredible lineup of shows, but there’s one production in particular that puts this theater over the top!

Epic and inspiring, ARISE Grand Show puts on a display that’s nothing short of epic, with hundreds of musicians, dancers, and other performers bringing the space to life and showing off their talents.

Enjoy a show with Broadway-level scale… and pure German-style adventure!

• Friedrichstadt-Palast tickets

23 – Neue Nationalgalerie

A true temple to design and its attributes, Neue Nationalgalerie presents some of the most amazing artworks of the 20th century in fine form.

Take in the splendor of pieces by Lotte Laserstein, Otto Dix, and Ernest Ludwig Kirchner, and absorb the amazing history of German art through various wars and innovative movements.

You’ll get the history, the creativity, and the beauty, all in one go!

• Neue Nationalgalerie tickets

24 – Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde)

Time to travel a little further back, and hang out with some dinosaurs!

Journey millions of years into the past and back again, as you explore the rocks, creatures, and minerals that have shaped the very foundations of the planet.

Exciting, interactive, and deeply informative, the Natural History Museum will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a time machine!

25 – Madame Tussauds

Rub elbows with movie stars, monarchs, and sports stars… all in one afternoon!

At Madame Tussauds, you’ll get the delightful opportunity to hang out with some of the world’s most famous figures in impressively lifelike form; and just because they’re made of wax doesn’t make them any less impressive!

Tour the various galleries and enjoy some quality photo ops with your favorites… it’s a pretty lovely souvenir!

• Madame Tussauds Berlin tickets

26 – Illuseum Berlin

Vacations are all about getting out of your comfort zone… and at Illuseum Berlin, you can transcend the normal bounds of reality!

While you’re here, you might end up hovering in mid-air, roaming through vortexes, or changing your size, all thanks to the power of illusions.

Take some time to slip into this bizarre alternate universe – you’ll have a heck of a time!

• Illuseum Berlin tickets

27 – DDR Museum

Commemorating the full intensity of the Communist era, the DDR Museum provides an interactive glimpse into daily life in these challenging times.

Test-drive one of the unusual cars of the era, explore authentic apartment recreations and delve into the many nuances of daily life in these challenging times.

You may even get interrogated by the secret police – but don’t worry, these ones are just actors!

It may not be a world you’d want to linger in, but it’s well worth visiting.

• DDR Museum tickets

28 – Charlottenburg Palace

Buckle up for a different type of time travel – one that will fling you back to some of the city’s most ornate days!

Step into Charlottenburg Palace, and you’ll find yourself swept up into a classical era full of music, elegance, and charm…. complete with some amazing concerts!

Enjoy soothing orchestral sounds, and explore the lavish realms of what was once one of the region’s most popular castles.

From gorgeous galleries to massive halls that hosted all manner of revelry, this Rococo wonder will surely thrill you!

• Charlottenburg Palace tickets & tours

29 – Legoland

A playground, a factory, a theme park built on innovation…. Is there any better family-friendly adventure than a trip to Legoland Berlin? We think not!

There are more than five million unique bricks utilized in the play areas and plenty of other super-imaginative spaces.

From the high-octane Ninjago section to the immersive 4D movies and the awesome factory where you can craft your own works, every section of this park celebrates different elements of the famous block and its uses…. and all of these areas promote a spirit of fun!

• Legoland Berlin tickets

30 – Brandenburg Gate

As one of the most famous visual gems in the city, Brandenburg Gate practically begs to be explored at length…. and admired!

It appeared on the scene in 1791 and has served as a symbol of imperial power ever since, as well as a remarkable visual icon known the world over.

Take plenty of time to admire the soaring pillars and commanding statues at the top, which form an unforgettable image that has maintained its power through all manner of social change.

As you pass through it, you can almost feel previous generations moving alongside you!

• Brandenburg Gate tours

31 – Urban Nation

The contemporary side of the city’s thriving creative scene finds a suitable home in Urban Nation , which showcases some of the more unique art forms that thrive in the city.

From graffiti to massive murals, every piece is bursting with cool designs and lively aesthetics, bringing you into contact with a totally different part of the culture.

It’s a side of the capital that’s loud, proud, and maybe a little gritty; but that’s a large part of the appeal!

32 – Spy Museum

Rooms full of lasers, secret codes, quirky gadgets, and mysterious missions… this isn’t your average day out on the town!

As soon as you enter the Spy Museum, you’ll be swept into a world of multi-century intrigue, exploring all of the different ways in which various societies have utilized their own secret agents.

Then it’s time to try out your own skills, as you hack websites and navigate obstacles like a proper James or Jane Bond!

• Spy Museum tickets

33 – Berlin Zoo

Follow the sound of roars, grunts, chirps, and squeaks, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the wild, wonderful Berlin Zoo !

Parrots and penguins, seals and giraffes, hippos and jaguars – plus the only panda in Germany – are just some of the motley crew that you’ll meet here.

And with tons of keeper talks and unique animal encounters, you can get closer to the action than ever before!

34 – Hamburger Bahnhof

Back on the artsy side of things, you can admire the joys of Hamburger Bahnhof, and enjoy samples of some of the most acclaimed creators of the 20th century.

Works by Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol, and Gerhard Merz all await you, with a style and flair all their own.

It’s a sophisticated and intriguing outing into works that still maintain their ingenuity and power to this very day!

• Hamburger Bahnhof tickets

35 – Berlin Story Bunker

Step into the Berlin Story Bunker , and descend into a past filled with tragedy… and hope! NOPE

In each exhibit, you’ll learn how the dynamic, liberal city of Berlin became the center of the brutal Nazi regime – and how it rebounded better than ever in the modern day.

And it’s all housed in an authentic World War II bunker, adding an extra level of power to the narrative.

36 – Gendarmenmarkt

In the 1600s, this bustling square first blossomed to life as a hub for the French immigrant population; but nowadays, it’s an authentically German spot!

Home to the spectacular Konzerthaus and the German and French Cathedrals, it’s a mecca for classic architecture; and with its wonderful spots to eat and drink, it has plenty of modern delights to offer as well!

37 – Kunstgewerbemuseum

Unique design movements are something of a specialty in Europe, and at Kunstgewerbemuseum, you’ll get to see just how broad the spectrum is!

From fashionable clothing to Art Deco building accents, there’s a seemingly endless parade of artifacts and exhibits to admire, and each of them provides a different perspective on the decorative elements that spice up our daily lives.

• Kunstgewerbemuseum tickets

38 – Berlin Dungeon

Part historical tour, part haunted house, Berlin Dungeon provides a wonderfully macabre perspective on the capital.

Wander through centuries of history, coming face to face with murderers, revolutionaries, and plague doctors… and maybe even a ghost or two!

Actors, special effects, and world-class storytelling come together to create one dungeon you’ll never forget!

• Berlin Dungeon tickets

39 – Selfie Museum

And while we’re on the subject of great photo ops….

Taking the modern trend to new levels, the Selfie Museum is packed with fun settings that encourage imaginative shots.

Whether you want a glamorous photoshoot in a fake airplane or some fun-filled antics in rooms full of balloons and amazing light displays, this is one of the best places to visit in Berlin for a bit of photographic magic!

• Selfie Museum tickets

40 – Tempelhofer Feld

Chattering birds, sporting pitches, and walking paths filled with information and beautiful views…. there’s anything and everything at Tempelhofer Feld !

At an astounding 355 hectares (877 acres), it’s the city’s largest natural space, creating a wonderful world full of entertainment and wonderfully preserved landscapes in equal measure.

Try some new games, enjoy a picnic in the grass, then discover the many beautiful natural aspects of the space, from skylark nesting sites to flocks of sheep grazing in the fields!

41 – TimeRide Berlin

There’s no shortage of historic spots in the city… but how often do you get to fully immerse yourself in the bygone world, alive and well?

Well, put on one of the headsets at TimeRide Berlin, and you can do just that!

Cross from one side of the Berlin Wall to the other and back again, hearing personal accounts and seeing the stark differences in lifestyles on either side of the Iron Curtain.

While the actual locations are amazing to see, there’s something particularly moving about experiencing the effect of Communist Germany in a real – or almost real – way!

• TimeRide Berlin tickets

42 – Deutsches Historisches Museum

When you’re ready to get the biggest and best view of the country’s past, pop over to the Deutsches Historisches Museum , and prepare for an amazing journey to the past and back!

With more than a million different items here, you’ll get a dizzying display of Germany’s amazing evolution, rife with different cultures, ideas, and artistic movements.

Learn about wars and design ideas, the growth of cities, and the thrilling exploits of medieval knights, and see all kinds of delightful oddities along the way; seriously, when’s the last time you got to stand next to Napoleon’s hat?

43 – Berlin Underworld

Any city of this magnitude has to have great, often unseen systems powering it – and in this case, you can visit!

Take a thrilling adventure below the streets in the intriguing maze of Berlin Underworld , where you’ll get to discover the many structures that have helped the town function over the years, from bomb shelters to utility lines.

You’ll be stunned at how much is going on right beneath your feet!

44 – Checkpoint Charlie

For decades, Checkpoint Charlie served as one of the most intense transition zones in the world, marking the border between East and West Germany.

And it’s still standing today, complete with a museum filled with authentic objects from this strange era.

Quirky Soviet vehicles, household items, and reams of official documents show exactly how different these worlds were; and of course, you can recreate the once-perilous crossing for yourself.

It’s little wonder that this destination is prominently featured among the best Berlin tours !

• Checkpoint Charlie tours

45 – Beer tasting

It’s not a proper trip to Germany without a hearty brew, and the beer tastings in Berlin will certainly make it easier than ever to sample the finest suds!

Hop between massive breweries and charming little venues, and discover the amazing stories behind the lovingly crafted beverages.

It’s a fun-filled (and delicious) excursion!

• beer tastings in Berlin

46 – Classic Remise Berlin

Grab your best driving gloves and head to Classic Remise Berlin , where the cars are wonderful retro… and always a sight to behold!

But this is no mere museum; it’s a working restoration and sale area, where you can see some of the coolest classic vehicles around in all of their sparkling glory.

And if you want a particularly charming keepsake from your trip, you can even swing by one of the shops and pick up a scale model of one of the many gorgeous cars!

47 – Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial

Walking under the shadow of sharp fences and looming buildings, you’ll feel the true power of the  Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial in its prime; as the main political prison in East Germany, it was a place where thousands of victims suffered away the years, awaiting justice.

While the site itself is fascinating, it’s also well worth exploring the exhibits scattered around, as they add extra analysis and context to the brutal government and the equally harsh imprisonment process.

48 – Prenzlauer Berg

From pastoral, windmill-filled fields to trendy shops and clubs…. Prenzlauer Berg has certainly undergone some changes!

And this quirky legacy – combined with some amazing post-Modernist landmarks and former factories repurposed into hip new spots – make it an utterly appealing area to stroll around!

Discover unique buildings and venues, and enjoy the energy that emanates from every doorway!

• Prenzlauer Berg tours in Berlin

49 – Sony Center

This may technically be an office space, but trust us… it’s more than your average corporate hangout!

In fact, the Sony Center is one of the best tourist attractions in Berlin, blending amazing cuisine, lively shops, and thriving social areas into one stylish spot… oh, and they even managed to throw some offices in there!

Stop by to enjoy the views and a bite or two at some of the city’s best restaurants!

50 – Kurfürstendamm Street

When you’re ready to get into some serious retail therapy, this is the spot to go!

Amble up and down the stately 3.5-kilometer (2.2-mile) thoroughfare, taking in all of the different stores available to you: galleries, clothing shops, and stylish boutiques of every shape and size.

And if you need a little buying break, you can just admire the amazing sculptures and historic buildings that line this beautiful boulevard.

51 – Berliner Philharmonie

You can find a lush, wonderfully upscale soundtrack for all of your adventures with a trip to Berliner Philharmonie , which has been the city’s premier classical music spot since 1882.

Whether you’re listening to individual chamber music ensembles or the full power of the orchestra, you’ll be treated to some of the best tunes in town, in a setting that’s equally stunning.

52 – Mall of Berlin

Time for new shoes, nice watches, fun fashions, and dining spots from all over the world; just part of a regular day at the Mall of Berlin !

The diverse lineup of shops in this massive venue will keep everyone happy and busy, especially after grabbing a good meal afterward.

As both a deeply German and proudly global spot, it’s well worth exploring!

53 – Topography of Terror

Rarely has bureaucracy been so chilling as during the Nazi era, when meticulous paperwork helped run the horrendous genocidal regime.

And Topography of Terror captures this element in perfect detail, making it one of the best tourist attractions in Berlin for understanding the effect of the empire.

Make your way through the former offices and police stations that were used to enforce the brutal Holocaust, and see how the plans were executed; it’s a truly powerful experience!

54 – KaDeWe – Kaufhaus des Westens

With its gorgeous building and abundance of fine garments, KaDeWe is more than your average department store!

More than 60,000 square meters of excellence await you, from fine fragrances and chic accessories to outfits that will make shoppers of every age feel phenomenal.

Stop by and break out your wallet… this is well worth it!

55 – Computer Games Museum

Whether you’re a digital fanatic or more of a casual clicker, you’ll find some fascinating and nostalgic treasures at the Computer Games Museum!

Exploring the earliest origins of a relatively new medium, this serves as both an archive and an arcade, offering the chance to play iconic games like Space Invaders and Pong.

You can even see the first specimen ever made, which got its start in this very city!

• Computer Games Museum tickets

56 – Humboldt Forum

Taking the academic mentality out of the classroom and into the public sphere, Humboldt Forum welcomes the curious and intellectually adventurous with its ambitious programming.

While there are some traditional museum collections here – covering arenas as diverse as ethnographies, art history, and the humanities -, the big focus is on dialogue and public engagement, with public talks, research presentations, and special tours providing insight into all manner of disciplines.

Dive into this world of exciting intellectual endeavors… you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll learn!

Visiting Berlin on a budget?

The best parts of the city – complete with unique local insights – can be yours, as soon as you lace up your shoes!

The free walking tours in Berlin will take you through some of the most unique and intriguing neighborhoods, showing off how this iconic metropolis functions on a day-to-day level.

And if you want to know where to start, take a look at some of the best free walking tours in Berlin !

You can also broaden your horizons without shrinking your funds courtesy of the Berlin WelcomeCard ,  which lets you mix and match some of the coolest attractions in town into one combo pass that’s both convenient and affordable.

You’ll also get some great discounts on tours, restaurants, and transit, making your holiday easier than ever!

Final thoughts

Filled with the vitality of a long-running, perpetually reinventing town, this German gem is tailor-made for travelers!

And while you’re absorbing all the emotions that the best tourist attractions in Berlin can stir up – from the poignant to the joyful and everything in between -, you’ll almost certainly be overcome with wonder.

After all, how could a place like this not capture your heart?

Fritzguide Die besten Reiseziele – Wir versorgen euch täglich mit den besten Reisedeals und interessanten Reisetipps.[:en]The Best Destinations – We provide you with the best travel deals and interesting travel tips every day.

50 Top Tourist Attractions in Berlin

Did you know that there are more than 140 museums and more than 1,400 bridges in the German capital? There are also more than 100 sights in Berlin . There are different attractions to explore in Berlin for every taste and every age. There are also numerous famous historical buildings that have played an important role in German history.

Although you can no longer see much of the Berlin Wall on the streets, the division of the city is shown in numerous exhibitions. The legendary party and club scene and the beautiful, water-rich surrounding area alone make Berlin one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

Regardless of which district you are in, there are cultural and historical attractions close together. Often the sights mentioned below can be combined into a personal route or bucket list. With a little planning, you can immerse yourself in the Berlin party life after an enlightening sightseeing tour in the evening or end the day with a cold beer in a beer garden.

Let’s take a look the main attractions in Berlin.

1. The Berlin Reichstag

The Reichstag in Berlin was built by Paul Wallot in 1884-1994 and is the seat of the German Bundestag or the federal government. With its new glass cupola, the Reichstag became one of the biggest crowd pullers in Berlin. Its colorful past reflects the turbulence in German history since the 19th century.

This eliminates the need to wait for hours in front of the Bundestag building. From 1994 to 1999 the Reichstag was rebuilt and expanded by the architect Sir Norman Forster. He opted for an accessible, transparent dome that can be walked through and seen when political decisions are made. True to the motto: “We (the government) want to show that we have nothing to hide”. Under Reichstag in Berlin: History and Info you can find more information about this monumental building.

Reichstag Berlin Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin www.bundestag.de/besucher

2. Friedrichstrasse, Berlin

Friedrichstrasse is the most legendary street in the whole city. It combines the architecture of New Berlin with the tradition of the “Roaring Twenties”. In the 1920s there were amusement palaces, cafés, theaters and variety theaters such as the famous “Winter Garden” in the 3.5 km long street.

After the city was divided, the Berlin Wall also broke through this street. The world-famous Checkpoint Charlie was located on the border between the Kreuzberg and Mitte districts and thus on the border between East and West Berlin. Not only visitors, but also the employees of the new, chic offices, agencies and media centers enjoy the urban spirit and the New York flair of the new Friedrichstrasse.

3. Checkpoint Charlie, former border crossing in Berlin

From 1961 to 1990 Checkpoint Charlie was the only border crossing the border on the Berlin Wall for foreigners, diplomats, and officials of the GDR. And it was the place where Soviet and American tanks faced each other and the scene of spectacular escapes from East Berlin to the west. The GDR refugee Peter Fechter lost his life here on August 17, 1962, when he was bleeding to death in front of Western observers.

The most famous border crossing in Berlin was the third allied checkpoint used by the Americans. The names were given according to the spelling alphabet. Accordingly, the checkpoint on Friedrichstrasse was given the name „Charlie“. The border crossing in Helmstedt was named “Alpha” and the checkpoint at the Dreilinden motorway crossing was called “Bravo”.

Today Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most popular tourist attractions and one of the best-visited sights in Berlin.

Checkpoint Charlie Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin

4. Berlin Cathedral

The impressive building of the Berlin Cathedral was once the court church of the Hohenzollern dynasty. It was also conceived as a Protestant response to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and was built during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II at the end of the 19th century.

After extensive damage to the building in World War II, a simplified reconstruction took place between 1975 and 1993. The baptistery and marriage chapel contains the altarpiece “Whitsun miracle” by K. Begas the Elder. In the royal crypt of the Hohenzollern there are around 100 resting places from five centuries.

Berliner Dom Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin www.berlinerdom.de

5. Alexanderplatz

The Berliners lovingly call it “Alex” and it is the most famous square in Berlin. This Place was almost completely destroyed in World War II and expanded into a spacious pedestrian zone in the 1960s. In the square, there is the large television tower , the fountain of international friendship, and the world clock. In the southwest is the park by the television tower with the Neptune fountain, Marienkirche, and the Red City Hall.

With more than 360,000 passers-by every day, Alexanderplatz is one of the liveliest squares in Europe. There are more visitors here every day than in City West around Kurfürstendamm and Tauentzienstrasse. It is a popular starting point for tourists because they can reach many sights such as the TV tower, the Nikolaiviertel, and the Red City Hall from the S-Bahn and U-Bahn.

6. Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm)

With a height of 368 meters, the Berlin TV-Tower is the tallest building in Berlin and one of the biggest attractions. With over a million visitors it is one of the most popular sights in Berlin and all of Germany.

In addition to its main function as a radio transmitter for radio and television, the “telecommunications tower 32” also serves as an observation tower. Anyone who drives up to the viewing platform at a height of 203 meters has an unforgettable view of the whole city from the revolving restaurant.

Fernsehturm Berlin Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin tv-turm.de

7. Brandenburger Tor in Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate is the symbol of the city of Berlin. Since it was in no man’s land just behind the Berlin Wall, it also became a symbol of the division of the city. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the gate was reopened on December 22nd, 1989.

Fortunately, the Brandenburg Gate has been closed to cars, taxis, and buses since October 22, 2002. So now you can better enjoy the renewed beauty of Pariser Platz. It connects the Brandenburg Gate and the magnificent „Unter den Linden“ boulevard.

8. Unter den Linden

The „Unter den Linden“ avenue is known as the splendid boulevard of Berlin. The road was originally surrounded by trees, but this was not always the case. Hitler ordered the linden trees to be felled in order to widen the street and integrate it into the east-west axis. However, by the end of the Second World War, the street was in ruins. Today, there is not much left to tell about this dark part of history. „Unter den Linden“ was beautifully rebuilt and well developed and reconstructed.

9. Museumsinsel, Berlin

When you consider that there are more than 140 museums in Berlin, this area is only a small part of it. The museum found on Museum Island, however, is a unique cultural heritage that combines five important museum buildings into a heterogeneous but harmonious ensemble on the Spree. The oldest museum complex in Berlin was more than 70% destroyed in World War II. The laborious restoration is far from over.

The island contains the following five buildings:

• Altes Museum,  opened its doors in 1830. The interior, especially the arched rotunda, creates a wonderful atmosphere for the sculpture on display and the collection of ancient works of art.
• New Museum,  was built in 1843-1859 to relieve the old museum. The interior design presents the history of mankind. It is decorated in historical styles that relate directly to the objects on display and the eras they represent.
• Alte National Galerie, was built in 1867-1976 as the “Temple of Science”. The building with its large outside staircase and the bronze statue of Friedrich Wilhelm IV on horseback was rebuilt in the 1950s and has been extensively restored since 1997.
• Bodemuseum,  was established at the end of the 19th century. With its imposing dome and magnificent entrance hall, the building appears to cross the Spree like a ship. Inside there are several rooms that are individually designed in a style corresponding to the exhibited era.
• Pergamon Museum,  was built in 1930, 100 years after the island was first built. It contains the Roman gate of Miletus, the altar of Zeus of Pergamon and the processional avenue, and the gate of Ishtar of Babylon.

If you want to see more than just these four museums, the cheaper 3-Day Museum Pass is recommended. The ticket costs 12 euros (reduced: 6 euros) and you can use it to visit 70 of Berlin’s 140 museums on three consecutive opening days. But please check again, around 40 museums are also included in the Berlin Welcome Card including some sights in Potsdam. After all, you don’t want to pay twice, pay twice.

www.museumsinsel-berlin.de

10. Gendarmenmarkt

The Gendarmenmarkt is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and one of the sights in Berlin that you should definitely visit. The approximately 3.3 hectare area is framed by three impressive historical buildings: the Konzerthaus , the German Cathedral and the French Cathedral .

The square was built from 1688 according to the plans of J.A. Nering built. It was originally known as Linden Markt, then Friedrichstädtischer Markt or Neuer Markt. Since the square was used by a Kurassian regiment “gens d’arms” with guard boxes and stables from 1736–82, the name Gendarmenmarkt was created. From 1777 the square was developed according to uniform plans by Georg Christian Unger. It was badly damaged in World War II. On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Academy of Sciences in Prussia, it was renamed “Platz der Akademie”. In 1991 the previous name was restored.

11. Konzerthaus

The Konzerthaus is the new building erected by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, which replaces the National Theater built in 1817 by Karl Gotthard Langhans from 1800-02, which was burned down in 1817. The conception of the concert hall integrates the remains of Langhan’s rectangular building, adding a taller, wider, gable-top in the center, complete with an Ionic portico jutting forward.

After its destruction in World War II, the building was initially only secured and the systematic restoration of the original design did not begin until 1979. Since its reopening in 1984, it has not served as a theater, but as a concert hall.

12. Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral)

The German Cathedral was built between 1701 and 2008. Herr Grünberg planned it and Giovanni Simonetti built it. During the redesign of the Gendarmenmarkt from 1780-85, Carl von Gontard added the dome tower to the cathedral. The cathedral was also destroyed in World War II. However, it was reconstructed and rebuilt. The reopening took place on October 2nd, 1996, five years after reunification.

13. Französischer Dom (French Cathedral)

The French Friedrichstadtkirche was built by Cayart in 1701-05. He designed the church for the Berlin Huguenot community. From 1780 to 1785 the imposing tower became the French Cathedral. This took place as part of the redesign of the Gendarmenmarkt according to the plans of Unger and Gontard. The cathedral was badly damaged during World War II. From 1977, however, it was rebuilt and rebuilt.

14. Topography of Terror

With over 1.38 million visitors a year, the “Topography of Terror” is one of the most popular sights in Berlin. The project shows the terror in the time of National Socialism in Germany between 1933 and 1945 in various exhibitions. The area is located between Potsdamer Platz and the Anhalter Bahnhof S-Bahn station and was the headquarters of the Gestapo.

Topographie des Terrors Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin www.topographie.de

15. Holocaust-Mahnmal in Berlin

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, or the Holocaust Memorial for short, is located right next to the Brandenburg Gate in the Mitte district. On around 19,000 square meters, there are 2,711 concrete steles of different heights, a design by the New York architect Peter Eisenman. The memorial is supplemented by underground themed rooms that show historical film and photo material on the victims and the places of persecution and extermination.

16. Oberbaumbrücke in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

The Oberbaum Bridge is truly the most beautiful bridge in Berlin. The former border crossing connects the districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. The name Oberbaum hides the old function of the Oberbaum as a Berlin water gate over the Spree. From the 13th century, piles narrowed the Spree in the course of the city fortifications in order to prevent ships from passing through without paying the customs duty. This pile structure was also known as a tree. In 1893 the conversion to a railway bridge was commissioned.

At the end of the Second World War, German troops blew up large parts of the central arch in the Battle of Berlin. Only after the German reunification was the bridge extensively restored and put back in place immediately. Today the building is one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks. The two striking 34-meter-high towers that span the middle arch of the bridge are popular motifs for photos and postcards.

17. The new Synagogue Centrum Judicaium

The new synagogue in the Mitte district is the eye-catcher in the Oranienburger Straße, one of the most popular streets in Berlin. The New Synagogue from 1866 survived the pogrom night of 1933, but was destroyed in the Second World War. The restored building is now called Centrum Judaicum and is now an information point and houses an exhibition on the history of the synagogue.

Neue Synagoge Oranienburger Str. 28-30, 10117 Berlin www.centrumjudaicum.de

18. Schloss Charlottenburg

Charlottenburg Palace gave the district of Charlottenburg its name. From 1695 it was for Sophie Charlotte, wife of Elector Friedrich III. built-in the village of Lützen. In her honor, Lützen was renamed Charlottenburg. The castle can be visited.

The castle park is just as worth seeing as the castle. It was originally laid out in 1695. Queen Luise, who died young, rests in a mausoleum. Other buildings in the park are the Belvedere and the New Pavilion. All of these buildings can be visited.

Schloss Charlottenburg – Altes Schloss Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin Tickets: 12.00 – 8.00 pm Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 16:30 Uhr Montays closed

19. Jüdisches Museum, Berlin

Even the architecture of the Jewish Museum is extraordinary. A modern building in the shape of a broken Star of David and an old chamber court from 1736 form the ensemble. Inside you can expect 2000 years of German Jewish history. The Holocaust Tower is oppressive and terrifying.

Jüdisches Museum, Berlin Daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin www.jmberlin.de

20. Berlin Tiergarten Park

The Tiergarten is the largest park in Berlin and comparable to Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London. It was a former hunting ground for the electors – hence the name. There are five things you should definitely do there. Climb the Victory Column, visit the government district and Bellevue Palace. Then drink a beer either in the Café am Neuen See or in the Schleusenkrug , the beer garden in the Tiergarten.

21. East Side Gallery

Every year almost 1 million people visit the East Side Gallery between Ostbahnhof and Oberbaumbrücke. This makes the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall one of the most popular sights in Berlin. 118 artists from 21 countries designed the 1.3 km long section of the wall and made it the longest open-air gallery in the world. Today the East Side Gallery is a symbol of the joy of overcoming the division of Germany and at the same time a historical testimony to the inhumane GDR border regime. www.eastsidegalleryberlin.de

22. Pergamon Museum

One of the most fascinating places on Berlin’s Museum Insel is the Pergamon Museum. The main attraction of the exhibition is the Pergamon Altar, after which the museum is named. With 750,000 visitors a year, it is the most visited art museum in Germany and has an incredible collection of historical treasures. Other notable attractions in Pergamon include the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the Mshatta facade of a desert castle in Jordan, and the 2nd century Roman market gate of Miletus.

23. The Victory Column at Tiergarten Park

The Berlin Victory Column is located on the Großer Stern in the Großer Tiergarten. The Goldelse, as it is affectionately known by Berliners, is one of the most important sights in Berlin. Originally, the 60.5-meter monument was erected to commemorate the Wars of Unification. The column carries the gilded figure of Victoria, which can be seen far above Berlin when the weather is nice.

Inside the building, a spiral staircase with 285 steps leads to a viewing platform. From there you have a magnificent view of the Great Zoo, Potsdamer Platz, and the Brandenburg Gate.

24. Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s promenade

The Ku’damm is Berlin’s shopping promenade in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district. Here you can go shopping or visit the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz. Numerous hotels and cafes are located on Kurfürstendamm as tourist focal points in City West. If you head north from Breitscheidplatz, you can get to the Berlin Zoo and Tiergarten in just a few minutes. You can also walk to the Victory Column, Brandenburg Gate, and Fan Mile from here.

25. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Berlin

Another attraction in Berlin is the Kaiser Wilhelm Church . It was built in the 1890s in neo-Romanesque style on today’s Breitscheidplatz. The church was part of the emperor’s nationwide construction project to ward off the growing labor movement and was named after his grandfather.

The church was badly damaged in a bombing raid in 1943. After the war, there was a big debate about whether it should be demolished or rebuilt. As a compromise, the architect Egon Eiermann designed an impressive modern church next to the old main tower. The 71-meter high ruin was structurally secured and preserved as a memorial against the war.

The new building has walls covered with more than 20,000 blue stained glass that were consecrated in 1961. The preserved, damaged tower of the old church serves as a memorial and shows an anti-war exhibition with a crucifix made of nails from the cathedral in Coventry, which was destroyed in 1940 by German air raids.

Opening hours:

• Church: daily 9 am – 19 pm
• Memorial hall: 10 am – 18 pm, sundays 12 am – 17:30 pm
• Church service: sutterdays 18 pm, sundays 10 am and 18 pm

www.gedaechtniskirche-berlin.de

26. Bebelplatz

The Bebelplatz is a square on Berlin’s magnificent boulevard Unter den Linden . The historical place is framed by the opera house, the Prinzessinnenpalais, the St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, the old library, and the old palace. In addition, a memorial commemorates the book burning of the National Socialists in 1933.

27. Potsdamer Platz

The Potsdamer Platz connects the old inner city in the east and the new west of Berlin. This is where the districts of Mitte and Tiergarten meet. Before the Second World War, Potsdamer Platz was one of the liveliest squares in Europe. After the Allied air raids, however, almost nothing remained but rubble. A wasteland was created where the Soviet, British, and American sectors came together. The so-called Dreiländereck was, so to speak, no man’s land and border area.

After the wall came down, plans were drawn up for the development of the huge area. During the 1990s, Potsdamer Platz became the largest inner-city construction site in Europe. The most modern futuristic buildings such as the Sony Center, the Deutsche Bahn Tower, and the Atrium Tower were built. The Berlinale takes place every year in the Theater am Potsdamer Platz, next to it is the casino.

And in the Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, you can shop endlessly. The fastest elevator in Europe takes you up to the 100-meter-high panorama point in just 20 seconds and has a magnificent view of the city. Many city tours stop here. Together around 100,000 tourists visit Potsdamer Platz every day.

potsdamerplatz.de

28. The Berlin Government District

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, a huge border strip became free around the Reichstag building. Three modern buildings were erected on the 12,000 m² sites. This is how the “Paul-Löbe-Haus”, the “Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus” and the Jakob-Kaiser-Haus were built in the so-called Spreebogen. Together with the Reichstag and the Federal Chancellery, the ensemble forms the largest government district in the world and one of the most beautiful sights in Berlin.

A stroll through the government district of Berlin is particularly worthwhile in the evening. The futuristic buildings are illuminated by light installations. The Reichstag and its glass dome are also illuminated. In between, you can find segments of the Berlin Wall that are supposed to remind of the time of the division of Berlin.

29. Olympiastadion Berlin

The Olympiastadion Berlin is located in the Westend district and is the home stadium of the Bundesliga soccer team Hertha BSC. The stadium and the surrounding Olympic Park are an architectural masterpiece and were the National Socialists’ first major construction project. For the Olympic Games in 1936, the large stadium was supposed to present the splendor of the Third Reich. Today, in addition to the sporting events and football matches, there are also major concert events.

Since the renovation and reopening in 2004, the Berlin Olympic Stadium has been a tourist attraction. Around 300,000 tourists from all over the world make the five-star stadium one of the most visited sights in Berlin. Interesting tours through the history of sports are offered on various tours through the area of ​​the Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Park. In addition to the Hertha tour, there are also guided tours that explain the history and architecture of the building. Another good idea is the birthday tour, where 6 to 12-year-olds can show what they can do in terms of sport.

olympiastadion.berlin

30. Nikolaiviertel

Only a stone’s throw from Alexanderplatz is Berlin’s oldest residential area around the Nikolaikirche . Almost completely destroyed in World War II, the district was rebuilt in the 1980s. A number of historic houses from the 16th to 18th centuries have been reconstructed according to old plans. The most important is the Ephraim-Palais, the Gasthof Zum Nussbaum, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing’s house, and the Knoblauchhaus. The Nikolaikirche is the oldest preserved building in Berlin and today houses a museum for sacred sculptures.

At the shores of the Spree you will find a number of great cafes and restaurants with a view of the water and the Berliner Stadtschloss (City Palace) opposite. In addition, some wonderful Spree Tours start from the steamer landing stage at Nikolaiviertel, which are very popular with tourists, especially in summer.

31. Zoologischer Garten (Berlin Zoo)

The Berlin Zoo is the most species-rich zoo in the world and the oldest in Germany. It has been there since 1844. Besides monkeys, lions, elephants and the like, you can also watch exotic animals in the nocturnal animal house, which is located in the basement of the predator house. In the dark you can observe different animals, in the evening, when all visitors have left the zoo, the lights are switched on and the animals sleep. It’s a little different in the nocturnal animal house than it is in humans.

32. German Spy Museum

The German Spy Museum, which opened in 2015, is located directly at the Potsdamer Platz underground station. With 342,000 visitors in 2018, it is now one of the top 10 most popular Berlin museums.

The history of espionage and secret services around the world is shown in an interactive and multimedia exhibition. In particular, the history of espionage in Berlin during the Cold War and current developments are the focus of the museum.

www.deutsches-spionagemuseum.de

33. Berlin Wall Memorial

Just a short walk north of Alexanderplatz is the Berlin Wall Memorial between the Scheunenviertel and the Brunnenviertel. Some of the most memorable images from the early days of the Berlin Wall were taken here on Bernauer Strasse, which is now a memorial to this famous border.

The wall here is 70 meters long, including the death strip in between and a watchtower next to the road. This entire section is a permanent memorial to the victims of the Berlin Wall who lost their lives between 1961 and 1989. On the other side of Bernauer Strasse is the visitor center, which shows the wall from its first enforcement to its ultimate destruction.

Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The memorial site can be visited daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

berliner-mauer-gedenkstaette.de

34. Glienicker Brücke ( Bridge of Spies )

The Glienicke Bridge connects Königstrasse in Wannsee with Potsdam. The state border between Brandenburg and Berlin and the city border with Potsdam run across the middle of the bridge.

The bridge to Potsdam on the southwestern tip of Berlin was not only a checkpoint between West Berlin and the GDR, it was also a symbol of the confrontation between East and West, a place for the exchange of international spies and a gloomy backdrop for numerous spy novels and films.

During the division of Germany, three agent exchanges with a total of 40 people took place at Glienicke Bridge. That is why the agent bridge is also called the “bridge of spies”. In 2015 the film “Bridge of Spies” was shot here, in which Tom Hanks played the leading role.

35. DDR Museum

The GDR Museum, which opened in 2006 directly opposite the Berlin Cathedral, is a comprehensive archive for the German Democratic Republic and documents the good, the bad, and the downright kitsch of the East German regime.

Among other things, you can visit the furnishings and fittings of a typical apartment in an East German prefabricated building and see what it was like to drive a Trabant.

In 27 subject areas, you will find memorabilia from the Free German Youth (FDJ), recordings of East German music, and a reproduction of a classroom. There is also information about the notorious Stasi secret service and its efforts to spy on the lives of thousands of citizens.

DDR-Museum Berlin Daily from 10 am – 20 pm Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin www.ddr-museum.de

36. Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears)

Another attraction in Berlin is the Tränenpalast. This is what Berliners call the former exit hall of the only border crossing point to West Berlin at Friedrichstrasse station. West Berliners who were visiting in the east were tearfully bid farewell here.

Today the old terminal is an exhibition, with reports from contemporary witnesses describing the strict security measures and customs controls between 1962 and 1990. You can also see the control and check-in counters with original signs and signs.

Tränenpalast, Berlin Thursday – Friday: 9 am –19 pm Sutterday and Sunday: 10 am –18 pm Bhf. Friedrichstraße, Reichstagufer 17, 10117 Berlin Tel. (030) 46 77 77 9-11 Tränenpalast

37. Berliner Unterwelten ( Berlin Underworlds )

The Berlin Underworlds is currently one of the most spectacular sights in Berlin . Various sightseeing tours lead visitors through Berlin’s history and underground structures. A guided tour of the bunker shows underground dormitories, which were supposed to offer protection from air raids during World War II, and old subway shafts with wall breakthroughs, which were created during attempts to escape from the GDR to the West. berliner-unterwelten.de

38. Trabrennbahn Mariendorf und Karlshorst

The trotting track in Mariendorf was built in 1913 and is located in Berlin’s Tempelhof-Schöneberg district. Since the 1920s, the facility has been one of the largest and most popular trotting tracks in Germany. Another very well-known equestrian facility is the harness racing track in Karlshorst. In addition to the regular weekly racing days, various major events such as the German-Russian Festival take place here.

39. Tempelhof Airport

The monumental structure was built by the Nazis between 1936-1941. Berlin Airport became famous when the cherry bombers landed here during the Berlin blockade and saved the lives of many Berliners. Not only is the neoclassical one impressive, there are also guided tours, trade fairs, and sporting events that take place on the premises. In addition, the airport is also the venue for the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA.

40. Tempelhofer Feld

One of the most popular excursion destinations in Berlin for young people is the Tempelhofer Feld . On the site of the former Tempelhof Airport, a large recreational area with a wide range of leisure activities has been created.

41. Die Rooftop-Bar des Weekend Clubs

The number one destination for young people is the roof terrace of the Weekend Club. From the roof garden of the night club you have a fantastic panoramic view over the whole of Berlin. weekendclub.berlin

42. asisi Panorama Berlin

The 360-degree panorama painting by Yadegar Asisis on the divided Berlin is located at the former border crossing Checkpoint Charlie on Friedrichstrasse. The giant panorama with a height of 15 meters and a circumference of 60 meters takes its visitors to Kreuzberg in the 1980s when the capital was still divided. It shows a view over the Berlin Wall to East Berlin to a sea of ​​houses made of gray facades.

asisi Panorama Berlin Friedrichstraße 205, 10117 Berlin Tickets 4 – 10 Euro Daily 10 am – 18 pm www.asisi.de

43. Treptower Park

Treptower Park is located in the southeast of Berlin directly on the Spree. The English-style park, laid out in 1884, extends over 84 hectares and consists of lush lawns, tree groves, and a rose garden. It was Berlin’s first public park and freely accessible to all citizens.

Immediately after the Second World War, a huge memorial and cemetery for the 80,000 Soviet soldiers who perished in the Battle of Berlin were erected in the complex. The 12-meter high statue of the Soviet soldier holding a German child and standing on a smashed swastika was the largest war memorial in the GDR.

As in the city’s three other large parks from the 19th century, wide, curving paths meander through large, sunny lawns. The park is most beautiful in summer, because you can stroll along the Spree or rent a boat for a paddle tour.

44. German Technology Museum, Berlin

If you don’t know what to do with the children in Berlin, just go to the German Museum of Technology . The exhibitions on printing, news, production and film technology are visited by around 600,000 people annually. In addition, the museum invites you on a journey through traffic and industry in the past decades.

Steam and diesel locomotives and historical aircraft in a huge aviation hall are shown on around 6000 square meters. There are daily live demonstrations of papermaking and typing for newspapers. Children can take part in experiments on electricity, light and magnetism in the Science Center.

45. Botanical Garden & Botanical Museum

Berlin’s 100-acre botanical garden is a paradise for horticulturists and gardeners with over 22,000 plant species. At the same time, these landscape park is also a popular place for recreation and relaxation.

The garden is located in the Dahlem district in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district. The former royal hop garden was subordinated to the Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Berlin at the beginning of the 19th century and moved from the city center to the southwest of Berlin between 1897 and 1910. At that time, the Great Tropical House, the largest of the park’s 15 greenhouses, was built in the graceful Art Nouveau style and the park was expanded to include an arboretum.

Those who are thirsty for knowledge can visit the Botanical Museum and collect a lot of additional background knowledge about the flora.

Botanischer Garten Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, 14195 Berlin Täglich von 9-20 Uhr Botanischer Garten: 6,00 €/erm. 3,00 € Botanisches Museum: 2,50 €/erm. 1,50 € www.bgbm.org

46. Grunewald

The city forest of Berlin is only a few minutes’ walks from the Olympic Stadium in the west. The Grunewald extends over 3,000 hectares and is one of the largest green spaces in Berlin.

To the west, the Grunewald forest is bounded by the Havel and is crossed by a chain of smaller lakes. The largest of these are the Grunewaldsee, the Schlachtensee, and the Krumme Lanke. So in summer, you have to pack your swimming trunks and cycle out into the Grunewald, because swimming is allowed on the lakes.

On the banks of the Grunewaldsee lies the Grunewald hunting lodge, the oldest palace in Berlin. It is one of many historic houses that are either in the forest or on the edge of the forest. The Grunewald Tower on the Havelchaussee is also worth seeing. In the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Tower, there is a good excursion restaurant with a magnificent view of the Havel.

Fährt man noch ein Stück weiter, kommt man auf dem Weg zum Strandbad Wannsee am Kronprinzessinnenweg vorbei. Die Straße ist für den Autoverkehr gesperrt und  eine wichtige Teilstrecke für Radfahrer zum Wannsee. Viele Skater nutzen den asphaltierten Weg als Trainingsstrecke.

47. Teufelsberg – „Lost Places“ in Berlin

The Teufelsberg is a mountain of rubble at the northernmost end of the Grunewald and the second highest elevation in the urban area. In the 1940s, the shell of the defense technology faculty stood on the artificial hill, which was blown up after the war and filled with 26 million cubic meters of rubble from 1950. In the 1950s the US Army built a bugging system on the mountain.

After the occupation forces withdrew, the surveillance station buildings were empty and the ruins became one of the best photo hotspots in Berlin. Because from the hill you have a magnificent view over the nature reserve Grunewald and the Havel.

48. Kurfürstendamm (Kudam)

To the west of the Memorial Church in Berlin’s dazzling promenade, which was laid out on behalf of Otto von Bismarck in the 1880s. The tallest building on Kurfürstendamm is the Europa-Center, which also houses Berlin’s oldest shopping center.

In the Roaring Twenties, Kurfürstendamm was the hippest entertainment district in Berlin. A few “Theaters and Comedy on Kurfürstendamm” still bear witness to this time. The most famous café on Kudam is the Kranzler, which was also known as the Café des Westens. The coffee house opened in 1825 by a Viennese confectioner journeyman has been a meeting place for Berlin intellectuals and writers for many years.

49. Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe)

The Kaufhaus des Westens KaDeWe is the most famous shopping center in Germany and the second largest in Europe. The eight-story building was opened in 1907 and offers luxury goods on around 60,000 square meters of retail space. The huge delicatessen department has been a special attraction since the late 1920s. The huge delicatessen hall on the 6th floor is also known as the “Feinschmeckeretage” and is the second-largest food department in a department store in the world.

Another attraction at KaDeWe is the winter garden on the 7th floor. The self-service restaurant with the glass dome has space for 1000 guests.

50. Berlin Radio Tower

The 150-meter radio tower is a steel frame construction that was built in 1926 according to plans by the architect Heinrich Straumer. The tower is one of the most striking sights in Berlin and is affectionately known by the locals as the “Lange Lulatsch”. The publicly accessible building has a tower restaurant at a height of 50 meters. From the viewing platform at the top of the tower, you have a magnificent view over the whole of Berlin.

Basilicata shines at Berlin's ITB travel trade show

(ANSA) - ROME, APR 5 - The Basilicata region presented its tourist attractions once again this year with a stand at Berlin's ITB travel trade show. Its tourist offering, so niche it has been described as 'punctiform', plays on nature and Italian passions and 'roots' - three elements beloved by German tourists, Marcella Di Feo of the region's Agency of territorial promotion (Apt) has told ANSA. "Basilicata never misses Berlin's ITB" and is always present "at the Enit Italia pavilion with other regions", said Marcella Di Feo, who is responsible for international marketing at the Apt agency. "And, obviously, we expect to always maintain a well-structured and consolidated relationship with the tourist market" in Germany, she added, speaking from the Fair's pavilion 1, which is mainly occupied by Italy. German tourists "always remain among the top 10 of our arrivals and visits" and are "the most complete", filling "all niches of demand" and "tourist offers that Basilicata can have", said Di Feo. In particular, Di Feo cited "green" tourism, which "is very much liked by the average German tourist". It was developed during the Covid pandemic crisis, although it "will be improved", explained the official, who was at the regional stand featuring the logo "Basilicata State of Mind". Basilicata "can boast five natural parks" (including two national and three regional parks), she added. "We have a series of offers, thanks to the network of private tour operators connected to open-air" and "active vacations" that are "well-liked by Germans", as presented at a press conference in Berlin by the Basilicata official, who was at the fair held on March 5-7. Stressing that "we want 'guests', given that everybody else has 'tourists'", Di Feo went on to explain that the region is investing "on niche tourism" - rather than "mass tourism" - which she described as "punctiform" and "high quality". Such tourism can be defined "by passions", including sailing or other seaside activities, as well as literature, "fairy tales and magic", noted Di Feo, adding that "private professionals" create "special offers" for "passionate guests". Moreover, she stressed, the region is aiming to attract visitors who are fascinated by the cultural roots of the territory: this "is the year of Italian roots in the world", and "we can boast that we are already prepared" to welcome back Italian emigrees or their children and descendants who often don't travel alone "but rather with tourist packages organized by tour operators". Initiatives will also be presented at the Roots-IN 2024, the Roots Tourism International Exchange scheduled to take place on November 18-19 this year in Matera, concluded Di Feo. (ANSA).