Things to do in Berlin: Attractions and places to visit

1. Reichstag

The Reichstag is an imposing building that skilfully combines old and modern. Originally built in 1884, the building was almost destroyed several times before and during the 2nd World War. After the reunification of Germany, the building was extensively renovated and supplemented with the now world-famous glass dome. This can be visited daily, the beautiful view over the city is free of charge.

If you want to delve deeper into history and everyday political life, you can join a guided tour. These take place regularly, the registration takes place online. The extensive green spaces in front of the Reichstag invite you to linger. In summer they are a popular picnic spot, not only for tourists.

2. Brandenburg Gate

No visit to Berlin without a photo with the Brandenburg Gate. The probably most famous landmark of the city is today a symbol for the reunification of Germany. Built around 1790, it was completed in 1793 with the Quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses. In 1806 Napoleon brought the Quadriga to Paris as a sign of his triumph.

Only in 1814, after the victory over the French emperor, did she return to her ancestral place, on the roof of the Brandenburg Gate. During the division of Germany, the Brandenburg Gate lay exactly on the border. Neither Berliners nor visitors were able to approach the restricted area. On 22 December 1989 the gate was officially reopened and since then the annual New Year’s Eve party has taken place here.

3. Berlin Underworlds

The tours of the Berlin Underworlds offer a completely different insight. As the name already promises, the participants are led into the underground. The tours belong to the absolute highlights of this city, not only in bad weather.

Whether air-raid shelters, which served as a refuge for the population during World War II, or old test tunnels, history is still alive down here. Thanks to the competent guides, history is experienced up close and at the latest when the light is switched off, the guests get an impression of what life underground must feel like.

4. Checkpoint Charly

During the Cold War and the separation of Germany, the checkpoint was part of the Innerberliner border. Known from numerous films, it is still a popular photo motif today. The control barracks, plus the corresponding tollgate, were rebuilt true to the original. The place is not only a witness of the Cold War, it was also the scene of numerous desperate escape attempts.

Some of the often daring escape attempts were successful, but often they failed because of the ingenious border guards. The story of these desperate attempts is told in an open-air exhibition near the checkpoint. In the vicinity there are various other museums that deal with this dark chapter of history and impressively illustrate it.

5. Television Tower Berlin

With its 368m, the Berlin television tower is the highest building in Germany and one of the most famous sights in Berlin. Since the 1960s, the television tower has towered over the city and was once regarded as a symbol of socialist strength.

Today the tower at Alexanderplatz is a popular destination for excursions. At an altitude of 203m, a viewing floor awaits the visitor, which guarantees a breathtaking view over Berlin. In addition, a bar and a restaurant invite you to linger and enjoy.

6. GDR Museum

Here history is not only exhibited, the museum invites you to experience history. Visitors dive into the past with all their senses. Whether it’s a simulation ride in a satellite, or exploring a prefab apartment, the visitors are always right in the middle.

On over 1000 square meters the everyday life in the GDR is told and thanks to the many interactive installations, the museum is an experience for the whole family. Special exhibitions are held again and again, which present the individual areas of life of the GDR citizens in greater depth.

7. CARDeWe

The Department Store of the West, KaDeWE for short, is the largest department store on the European mainland. With its more than 60,000 square metres, it invites you to an extensive shopping experience. For more than 100 years, Germany’s best-known department store has offered luxury articles and high-quality food in particular. Every day it is frequented by around 40,000 visitors.

Even if you are not looking for something special, a visit is always worthwhile. It’s easy to get lost here, and some people stay longer than planned. Particularly worth seeing is the delicatessen department on the 6th floor. In addition to delicacies from all over the world, numerous restaurants and cafes await visitors here.

8. Boat trip on the river Spree

A relaxed way to discover the city is to take a boat trip on the Spree. During about 2.5 hours you will walk through the middle of Berlin, past well-known sights such as the Museum Island or the Berlin Cathedral. The leisurely ride first takes you through the historic city centre, before the government quarter and with it the Reichstag come into view.

During the whole trip, the passengers are provided with information about what they have just seen, and one or two funny anecdotes are not to be missed. In addition, numerous special trips are offered, the program varies depending on the season.

9. Prenzlauer Berg

Prenzlauer Berg belongs to the Pankow district, one of 12 districts of Berlin. Once the Prenzlauer Berg was a notorious quarter, which was mostly inhabited by workers. Nowadays the composition has changed drastically, it is now one of the hippest quarters of the city. If you are looking for an aimless stroll, this is the place for you.

The old buildings with their numerous restaurants and bars invite you to stroll and linger. A visit to Bernauer Strasse and the Berlin Wall Memorial is a must. Here is, among other things, the last completely preserved piece of the Wall that divided Berlin into two halves for so many years.

10. Hackesche Courtyards

The Hackesche Höfe are located in the Spandauer Vorstadt, but the name is deceptive. The so-called suburb has long since become part of Berlin’s inner city and is not only a tourist magnet, but also popular with the scene walkers. Originally the Scheunenviertel was used to store hay and straw. Today, the imposing buildings with Art Nouveau facades house a multitude of small shops and restaurants and invite you to discover and linger.

On weekends, night becomes day here. A new starting scene has emerged around the Hackesche Höfe, and unlike other major European cities, Berlin has no curfew. Some of the clubs are open well into the morning. The well-developed public transport system brings the night owls home safely at all times.

Best time to visit Berlin

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Berlin:

May, June, July, and August

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Berlin.