Why should you visit Berlin ? Berlin as one of the top must-see destinations in the world , 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 flair, Berlin is home to the world famous Berlin Opera and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, while its diverse art scene encompasses hundreds of galleries, events, and museums, including those on Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This are just some of the reasons you should visit the Berlin.
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. Berlin offers an eclectic mix of new and classic architecture, dynamic entertainment, shopping, and a wide variety of sports and cultural institutions. To get the most out of your sightseeing, be sure to refer often to our list of the top tourist attractions in Berlin. top destinations
Berlin's most famous historic landmark is the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), once a symbol of a divided nation and now a symbol of unity and peace. This 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. Isn't that worth of visiting Berlin ?
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, and it is 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 when German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Russia's Mikhail Gorbachev, and Poland's Lech Walesa walked through the gate in 1999 to commemorate the tearing down of the Berlin Wall 20 years earlier.
Visiting the Brandenburg Gate at night is a special treat, and undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in Berlin. top destinations
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. top destinations
A highlight of this magnificent reconstruction is the replacement dome, the Kuppel, made of glass and offering superb views of the surrounding city, especially at night from the Rooftop Restaurant. top destinations
Note that entry to the Dome and Terrace is ticketed, and due to demand, it's recommended that tickets be requested in advance (registration is available on the day, but 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 is better known as Museum Island (Museumsinsel), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll find many of the city'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 as the home of extensive collections from the Egyptian Museum, the Papyrus Collection, and the Collection of Classical Antiquities. Tourist love to visit this side of Berlin.
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. This is what makes Berlin one of top destinations.
Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin top destinations
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. top destinations
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), 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; the Monument in Memory of the Divided City and the Victims of Communist Tyranny; the Window of Remembrance; and a Visitor Center, with views over the remains of the wall. Guided tours are available in English.
Address: Bernauer Straße 111, 13355 Berlin top destinations
Established to mark Berlin's 750th anniversary in 1987, the German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum, or DHM) is a must-see place for those interested in learning more about the city's remarkably rich history. This much-visited tourist 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, as well as a cinema, and a research library that's open to the public.
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.
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 top destinations
Despite celebrating 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. So it is one wortt to visit this tourist attraction.
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 top destinations
Also of interest is a must-see 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 Just something to consider when you about to visit Berlin.
Situated next to the original guardhouse, the museum also highlights some of the most interesting attempts made by those trying to escape communist rule, including 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 top destinations
Berlin's oldest and largest Prussian estate, the late 17th-century Charlottenburg Palace was for decades the primary residence of German royalty. Beautifully restored, this huge palace has 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. top destinations
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. top destinations
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 top destinations
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, hosting numerous public events each year, including classical concerts on the steps of the Konzerthaus theater in the summer, while each December the entire plaza becomes the city's famous Christmas Market.
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. top destinations
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.
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's (Jüdisches Museum Berlin's) distinctive zinc-paneled exterior makes it one of Berlin's must-see 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. top destinations
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 top destinations
Discover Berlin’s shopping miles
Stroll down Kurfürstendamm or through the shopping malls at Potsdamer Platz. Discover small individual boutiques with hip fashion in Mitte. Simply wander from one window display to the next.
This is why you should visit Berlin. Unlike other German cities, Berlin does not have a central pedestrian zone. In addition to the two most famous shopping miles, Kurfürstendamm and Friedrichstraße, there are many quarters with their own individual character. We’ve created an overview for you.
Shopping at Potsdamer Platz & Leipziger Platz
The new city centre on and around Potsdamer Platz has resulted in many new shopping opportunities in the heart of the city. Discover the unlimited options in the two major shopping centres: Mall of Berlin on Leipziger Platz and Potsdamer Platz Arkaden.
A must-see Potsdamer Platz Arkaden not only offers shops from well-known brands, but also a number of small, independent shops together with many restaurants and places offering snacks to satisfy your hunger and rest your feet. The high-end Mall of Berlin, one of the largest shopping centres in the city, features an exclusive selection of 270 quality shops and boutiques and an extensive food court for the perfect place to take a break from all the shopping. Take a visit to Berlin and buy everything you desire. top destinations
A number of other shops line the streets around the two shopping centres, including a large UNIQLO on Leipziger Platz. The Sony Center on Potsdamer Platz may only hold a few shops, but what it does offer is very special. The shop at the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre is a proper paradise for all Lego® fans, no matter what age. Technology fans will want to check out the Sony Store, the only one of its kind in all of Germany. And avid readers, cineastes, and lovers of all things Berlin will want to check out the Dussmann bookstore and museum shop.
What's the best way to get to Potsdamer Platz?
Potsdamer Platz is easily reached by S-Bahn or by the U2 (Potsdamer Platz). Visitors to the Mall of Berlin might also want to get off at Mohrenstraße. Bus lines 200, M48, and M85 also stop at Potsdamer Platz. There are also parking garages at the Mall of Berlin, under the Sony Center, and under Potsdamer Platz Arkaden.
Shopping at Friedrichstraße
Tourist attraction Friedrichstraße is one of Berlin's higher-end shopping streets lined with elegant boutiques and designer shops. Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette has brought French style and fashion to Berlin. The stylish department store with the striking cone-shaped atrium offers not just fashion and cosmetics, but also bistros and a fine foods department downstairs with typical French specialities on offer.
Next to Galeries Layette is Quartier 206 in its elegant Art Deco style. Exclusive boutiques invite you to spend a few hours browsing and buying. Many international fashion labels shops on and around Friedrichstraße. As you head north and cross Unter den Linden, you'll come to Dussmann, the self-style "department store of culture". It offers a massive selection of books, stationery, DVDS, and CDs. You can easily browse the shelves here for hours and forget the time.
What's the best way to get to Friedrichstraße?
The Friedrichstraße station (both S-Bahn and U-Bahn) is one convenient starting point for a shopping excursion. You can also reach the southern half of Friedrichstraße with the U2 to Stadtmitte or the U6 to Französische Straße, the latter offering direct entry to Galeries Lafayette. Parking is available in Mitte at a price. Galeries Lafayette does have a car park.
Shopping at Kurfürstendamm
The best known and most popular shopping street in Berlin runs from Breitscheidplatz to Halensee and is home to multiple department stores and shops for major chains. As you move west towards Halensee, the boutiques become classier and the window displays more luxurious. Stroll past the showcases of international fashion designers such as Armani, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent and be inspired by the latest trends. Behind Breitscheidplatz is the newest and most original shopping centre in the city, the Bikini Berlin. This stylish building from the 1950s combines trendy shops and temporary pop-up stores.
Stroll in the other direction along Tauentzienstraße to Wittenbergplatz and you'll come upon Berlin's largest department store, KaDeWe. KaDeWe offers six storeys of designer fashion, accessories, beauty, design, and everything else your heart could desire. The gourmet department on the sixth floor offers the finest foods from around the world to take home to your kitchen or to enjoy right there.
While shopping Kurfürstendamm, also make sure to check out the side streets. Small streets like Knesebeckstraße, Bleibtreustraße, and Fasanenstraße offer many upper middle-class townhouses dating back more than a century that now house many fine boutiques and cafés. If you take a detour towards Kantstraße at Uhlandstraße, you'll come the home furnishings store stilwerk and numerous other furniture and design shops.
Shopping at Alexanderplatz
Combine sightseeing and shopping in the shadow of Berlin's famous TV Tower. There are several shopping centres, department stores, and shops on and around Alexanderplatz. The Alexa is probably the first that will catch your eye. Its red façade is a play on the Art Nouveau style. Inside, there are about 180 shops, including international brands not represented anywhere like Billabong and Bianco Shoewear. The Galeria Kaufhof is a large department store in sandstone found on Alexanderplatz. Primark, meanwhile, draws in a primarily younger crowd with its popular discount fashion. Athletes' hearts love checking out Decathlon in the Rathauspassageshopping centre where just the right equipment for each sport is on offer. And, if you're looking for a fancy dress costume, you'll want to head to Deiters, also in the Rathauspassagen.
What's the best way to get to Alexanderplatz?
Tourist attraction Alexanderplatz is well connected to public transport. Take the S5, S7, and S75 or regional trains to Alexanderplatz. The U2, U5, and U8 also stop at Alexanderplatz. You can park in the Alexa parking garage or in the Q-Park garage on Alexanderstraße.
Shopping at Hackescher Markt
This neighbourhood in Mitte is not just a popular spot for nightlife, but also a fashionable shopping district with a charm all its own. This is the perfect spot to shop looks made and designed right here in Berlin, including pieces by many young designers. You'll want to check out the famous Hackesche Höfe, Neue Schönhauser Straße, and Oranienburger Straße. The entire neighbourhood has an old-school Berlin charm, with narrower streets, less tall buildings, and an overall friendly atmosphere. The Hackesche Höfe are a piece of an old Berlin that remains. The complex with nine courtyards was extensively restored in the 90s. Stroll through the Art Nouveau courtyards and browse through the many charming boutiques and small shops found here. The adjacent Rosenhöfe have been elaborately decorated in a floral design. Neue Schönhauser Straße, meanwhile, is home to many trendy shops and cool fashion labels. You'll also want to walk along Alte Schönhauser Straße to Mulackstraße and back. If you walk along Oranienburger Straße in the other direction, don't miss having a look at Auguststraße with its many art galleries, the perfect spot to explore the current art scene and be inspired. Also take a look around the cosy Heckmannhöfe between Auguststraße and Oranienburger Straße. And finally, you can easily add a visit to one of the many restaurants in the area to your shopping excursion. We have put together tips for the nightlife on and around Oranienburger Straße.
What's the best way to get to Hackescher Markt?
Take the S-Bahn S5, S7, or S75 to Tourist attraction Hackescher Markt
or you can take the S1, S2, or S25 to Oranienburgerstraße. Motorists would be better off leaving their cars behind, because there are only a few, very expensive parking spots. There is a parking garage a short walk way on Alexanderplatz.
Where to eat in Berlin
1. Mustafas Gemüsedöner Don’t let this name fool you (gemüse = vegetables), 90% of people order the Tourist attraction Gemüsedöner with chicken in it.
But what sets Mustafas Gemüsedöner apart from any other Döner in the world?
What is it that makes people line up for 1 hour or more just to get a Mustafas? Why is Mustafas Gemüsedöner worth to visit Berlin ?
Why make a 30 minute commute rather than just going to the next döner place around the corner?
Why do you happily suffer queueing up in the cold just to hold this beauty in your hands?
The answer to all these questions is the same: Because Mustafas Döner is the best döner in the whole wide world.
But how do they manage to keep quality and the buzz that high?
Well, first of all, their chicken meat is thinly sliced and spiced with a secret sauce before they stuff it in your grilled döner bread, together with a mix of deep fried potatoes, peppers and carrots.
On top of this, they add some fresh cabbage, onions, sheep’s cheese and a sprinkle of lemon that gives Mustafas that ultimate little touch.
And even if you are on a low budget, you will always have money for a Mustafas, as they have not used their fame to cash in (although they must make a fortune with this one Döner-Bude), keeping their prices reasonably low.
Oh and have we mentioned the nice and happy staff that works their ass off day after day?
They’ve even starred in an advert, showing locally at a famous cinema in Berlin before the movies. Isn't that worth to visit Berlin ?
Oh Mustafas, what would we pay for a delivery service so that there would be no need for a 30 minute commute on the Ubahn plus over an hour lining up in the cold…
Location: Mehringdamm 32 2. Mixed BBQ platter at Chicago Williams BBQ
For this one we just assume that you are a meat lover such as we are.
Chicago Williams is serving some of the best American BBQ style meats outside of the US.
Their offer such BBQ classics from their smoker such as BBQ pork ribs, beef briskets or smokey BBQ chicken.
But let’s come back to those BBQ pork ribs that are just exceptionally soft (the meat of course falls off the bone without any problems) tender and juicy.
Let’s move on to the tourist attraction beef briskets that are almost unmatched anywhere in this world (dare we say? Yes we dare!) Isn't that worth to visit Berlin ?
You might ask what’s in it for me if I don’t feel like meat? Well honestly the meat is what sets Chicago William apart from most other BBQ places.
However their veggie sides (not forgetting to mention the free spicy corn soup served to shorten the waiting time) are also very tasty.
Of course they serve some classics such as mac and cheese or homemade cole slaw.
Location: Hannoversche Str. 2, 10115 Berlin
3. Any Burger from the Bird
Did you ever eat a burger so big, that you could not get your mouth around it?
And no matter how hard you tried – in vain, may we add – not to make a mess, half of the cheese and salad dropped on your plate? top destinations
If not, then it is time to pay a visit to The Bird in Prenzlauer Berg.
Or if you are around the Schönhauser Allee visit the first branch of The Bird BBQ they have opened in Berlin. Oh, and if you are in Mitte check out The Bird Express, which is close to Hackescher Markt.
The burgers at each of the Bird’s restaurants are all made with freshly ground meat of the highest quality (the kind of meat you would buy for a barbeque for a very special occasion only).
Then they are grilled to perfection, leaving the middle warm and pink (but not bloody, unless you ask for it) and crispy and hot on the outside.
Their buns are very small and also grilled, so that everything in this burger is focused on the meat and not the bread. top destinations
Burgers are accompanied by hand cut french fries (don’t forget to ask for their special homemade steak sauce) and a slice of lettuce.
For the bravest of people out there, they also offer very, very spicy chicken wings called ‘napalm wings’, but only try them if you are used to very hot food.
Otherwise, you will not be able to taste any of the burger afterwards, which would be a shame. For even more information keep reading about The Bird in Prenzlauer Berg.
4. Mixed Meat Platter at Zweistrom
When you are missing the taste of the Orient we have the perfect solution for you.
Already a very well know institution in Prenzlauer Berg, Zweistrom offers some of the finest Middle Eastern dishes you will get in Germany. This is why you should visit Berlin.
Honestly just look at the picture, there are so many good things on one plate we don’t even know where to start.
The Falafel is still so juicy and soft, not the least dry and hard as you often get them here in Berlin.
The chicken meat is also juicy and perfectly seasoned while the Couscous tops this tasty dish off.
Make sure to be there early around lunch time as all the office worker from around there are heading out at the same time and seats, especially in winter, are very limited.
Location: Kollwitzstrasse 104 top destinations
5 Currywurst mit Pommes at Curry 36 or Konnopkes Imbis
This is probably sacrilege and we hope no Berlin natives read this, but when it comes to Currywurst mit Pommes (mit Pommes = with french fries) there are 2 great options to choose from.
And depending on whether you grew up in West Berlin or East Berlin, you will get two different answers on where you can get the best Currywurst with Pommes in Berlin.
Curry 36 West Berlin
Make sure to plan for a 20 minute wait in line to get this beauty of a Currywurst.
The meats are of superior quality and the choices are endless when it comes to how you want your Currywurst, with skin or without, and how spicy you want it.
Usually Berliners go for with skin (I am not going to mention what this “skin” is made of here) and mildly spicy. top destinations
Freshly prepared french fries round up this not really healthy but tasty dish, which is in the end covered with curry sauce (the base containing ketchup and some spices) to give it its distinct taste.
Oh, and have we mentioned the best thing already? This is right next to Mustafas, so if the line is too long at Curry 36, you can always change your plan.
Location: Mehringdamm 36