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It might be difficult for travelers with a limited amount of time to decide what to see in Berlin.
Amble along with me as my Berlin blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Berlin.
An itinerary of 5 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Berlin. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Let me share with you the best things to do in Berlin and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum
Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum is a large expanse of green located in the very heart of Berlin.
Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum is maintained by horticulturalists and gardeners specialist in their work.
Plants belonging to different climatic conditions can be found here – tropical, subtropical and savannah. Flora and fauna from all parts of the world are on display here.
Address: Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, 14195 Berlin, Germany
2. Brandenburg Gate
An important important in Berlin, Brandenburg Gate symbolizes the country’s victory.
Located on far end of the wide boulevard, this enormous arch celebrates the triumphs of the wars. The names of military personnel from the time period are inscribed onto the pillars.
This 18th century archway features a statue of goddess on top of 12 Doric columns.
A natural crowd puller, Brandenburg Gate is right up there in the list of best things to do in Berlin.
3. Museum Island
Located in the central Mitte district, Museum Island is an island in the Spree river hosting a number of museums.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 8.6 ha, it was designated as World Heritage Site in 1999.
4. Reichstag Building
This majestically built building is the seat of the country’s government.
The parliament building is open for visitors when not in session.
The guided tour takes you to the most important sections and gives you insight on the history of the building.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Renaissance architecture style that you see is credited to the architects Norman Foster, Paul Wallot.
- The construction started in 9 June 1884 and it took few years to complete.
- The highlight of the place includes fantastic city views from the top of the glass dome.
- The security remains very tight due to obvious reasons, please carry an ID, preferably a passport.
Without a doubt this wonderful parliament is one amongst the top things to do in Berlin.
Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany
5. Berlin Wall Memorial
An original part of the city wall conserving an important piece of Berlin’s history. It honors the lives lost as a result of the wall’s separation of Berlin. The Federal Republic of Germany and the Federal State of Berlin erected the memorial in 1998..
Quick Facts:
- 1998.
Address: Bernauer Str. 111, 13355 Berlin, Germany
6. Potsdamer Platz
Potsdamer Platz, as it is officially known, is the beating heart of the old town.
Since long Potsdamer Platz’s central square has been the city’s economic, and administrative hub.
As the square remains busy at all times, it is a fantastic site to experience everyday life. A meal in this lovely plaza will be unforgettable.
Quick Facts:
- It is Renzo Piano who conceptualized and turned it into a reality.
With so much to offer, no wonder Potsdamer Platz is one of the top things to do in Berlin.
Address: Potsdamer Platz, 10785 Berlin, Germany
7. Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz is a magnificent town square located in a popular district of Berlin.
It was rebuilt after the war and now hosts the landmark TV tower.
A monument is erected bang in the center, worth checking out. Alexanderplatz is where the Berlin’s daily lives of urban residents revolves around.
8. Pergamonmuseum
An informative museum located in Berlin.
The museum comprises of numerous rooms housing archaeological collections, items of art and numismatics belonging to the region.
Quick Facts:
- While Ancient Roman and Greek art collections, Pergamon Altar constitutes the highlights of history museum, Persian and Babylonian antiquities is also worth a look.
- Founded in 1910, it was Alfred Messel, Ludwig Hoffmann who designed this history museum.
- Be as earliest as the queues can get long.
An incredible sight, Pergamonmuseum scores high in the list of the best things to do in Berlin.
Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany
9. Victory Column
Victory Column is an elegant monument located in the center of the Berlin city.
A landmark of Berlin, the Victory Column requires a bit of walking and hiking to get to the top, but believe me it is all worth the climb.
Quick Facts:
- It is built in a mix of architectural styles namely Renaissance architecture.
- Built in Neoclassical architecture style, it is eye pleasingly pretty site to look at.
- 1873.
- This 67 m tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
10. Kurfürstendamm
Kurfürstendamm, the boulevard that runs through the heart of Berlin, is an excellent spot to get your bearings.
The street is pedestrian-friendly, with easy access to all of the local attractions, souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.
This long pedestrianised steet is lined with high-end retailers and some of the big named department stores. And when you get tired, the cafés along the strip offer outside sitting as well as there are public benches.
Quick Facts:
- The boulevard stretches for a length of around 3.5 km.
With so much to offer, no wonder Kurfürstendamm is one of the top things to do in Berlin.
11. Neues Museum
Neues Museum is an interesting museum located in Berlin.
The collection includes artefacts related with the history of the region.
This grand museum houses an extensive collection of archaeological finds and Egyptian artwork.
Quick Facts:
- Founded in 1855, the highlight include bust of Queen Nefertiti.
- U6 Friedrichstraße is the nearest public transit access to it.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany
12. Topography of Terror
Documenting the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime, This modern center is located at the same site where Gestapo headquarters once stood.
An incredible sight, Topography of Terror scores high in the list of the best things to do in Berlin.
Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin, Germany
13. Mauer park
Mauer park is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Berlin.
This fabulous park was developed with the sole aim to promote the good health of the citizen.
As a former section of the Berlin Wall and Death Strip, the park’s name translates to ‘Wall Park’ in German.
The Mauer park is a hub of leisure activities, walk, jog, bike, swim or boat – choose your own adventure. The park has a small lake where you can spot ducks swimming enjoying their day.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 15 hectares, the park is located in Prenzlauer Berg district.
Address: Gleimstraße 55, 10437 Berlin, Germany
14. Friedrichstraße
Friedrichstraße is a long shopping strip located in the central Berlin.
It connects the northern portion of the historic Mitte area with the Hallesches Tor.
For those who aren’t up for a long shopping spree, you may rest your legs in a cafe and marvel at the crowds as you sip your coffee.
Quick Facts:
- The shopping street stretches for a length of around 3.3 km.
15. Kaufhaus des Westens
Spread across multiple floors, Kaufhaus des Westens is a popular shopping destination in Berlin.
Also known as KaDeWe, the department store is second only to London’s Harrods..
.
Quick Facts:
- With a great effort gone into it, it was 1905 when it was founded.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Berlin trip.
Address: Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin, Germany
16. Bode Museum
Bode Museum is an interesting museum located in the Berlin city.
The Byzantine art and sculpture collection that it houses is simply fantastic.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Bode Museum is located in museum island.
- It is actually Ernst von Ihne who is credited with designing this whole place.
- The construction of the museum was completed on 1904.
Address: Am Kupfergraben, 10117 Berlin, Germany
17. Großer Tiergarten
Großer Tiergarten is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Berlin.
It is a good way to reconnect with nature – relax under the shady trees, watch the kids play.
The Großer Tiergarten is composed of numerous different sections including abundant lawns, fountains, a monument, shady trees and a variety of flower beds. The gardens are beautiful in nearly every season, but if there’s one time of year to visit, it’s around spring season..
Add it to your Berlin trip if you have time.
Address: Str. des 17. Juni, 10785 Berlin, Germany
18. German Historical Museum
A great place to discover and understand country’s history, the immersive exhibitions lead you on a walk through the worst and best of times..
Quick Facts:
- The tickets cost around € 4-8.
Address: Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin, Germany
19. Treptower Park
Treptower Park is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Berlin.
Take a walk through this lovely park and simply enjoy the outdoors.
park.
Treptower Park allows you to spend time actively – engage yourself in walking, running or cycling. One of my favorite thing to do here is simply grabbing a book, and lying down on the lap of green.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Treptower Park is located in Treptow-Köpenick district.
- Also worth seeing here are an observatory, Soviet war memorial.
Add it to your Berlin trip if you have time.
Address: Alt-Treptow, 12435 Berlin, Germany
20. Berliner Fernsehturm
Berliner Fernsehturm is a soaring TV tower located in Berlin city.
If you are in mood for a romantic meal, give the revolving restaurant at 207m height a try.
The observation deck gets you the most fabulous views of Berlin. The Berliner Fernsehturm is a highly visible structure, no matter from which direction you look.
Quick Facts:
- 1969.
- This 368 meters tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
Address: Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin, Germany
21. East Side Gallery
Berlin’s East Side Gallery is an open – air art gallery.
A 1,316-meter-long section of the Berlin Wall, situated in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Berlin, is the subject of a series of murals painted directly on the wall. The gallery has been designated as a Denkmal, or historic monument, by the German government.
Quick Facts:
- With a great effort gone into it, it was 28 September 1990 when it was founded.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Berlin trip.
Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany
22. Berlin Cathedral
Berlin Cathedral is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Berlin, Germany.
In the Berlin Cathedral’s chapel you will find beautiful embellishments and exquisite stuccowork by some of the most renowned artists of the time. You’ll be in awe by the amount of intricacy and design that has gone into creating the beautiful interiors.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Renaissance architecture style that you see is credited to the architects Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Julius Raschdorff, Jan Bouman, Otto Raschdorff, Martin Heinrich Böhme.
- Easy to get to Berlin Cathedral is located in Museum Island.
- The cathedral stretches for a length of around 114 metres.
- It cost a total of 11.5 million marks to construct it.
Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany
23. Checkpoint Charlie
A landmark from the cold-war days, Checkpoint Charlie is a well-known crossing point between East and West Berlin of the past.
Today you will find here a sentry guard house and a cobblestone border line separating Berlin’s east and west halves.
Quick Facts:
- Though the site is of historic importance, but there isn’t much to see here today.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Berlin trip.
Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin, Germany
24. Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace is a beautiful palace located in Berlin, Germany.
Quick Facts:
- Done in Baroque style, it was Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, Johann Friedrich Eosander von Göthe who designed it.
- The construction started in 1695 and took few years before the site was ready.
Address: Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin, Germany
25. Sanssouci Palace
Sanssouci Palace is a royal palace, a heritage from Germany’s grand olden days.
Journey back in time as you wander through, these are the very halls the imperials of Berlin used to gather.
Located in in Potsdam Sanssouci Palace served as a summer residence of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. It is often termed as Versailles of Germany.
A tour to this residence of the monarchy will leave you impressed. It’s over time Sanssouci Palace has been transformed into what you see today, a symbol of Berlin’s opulence.
Quick Facts:
- Done in rococo style, it was Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, Friedrich Ludwig Persius, Jan Bouman who designed it.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Berlin trip.
Address: Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
26. Unter den Linden
Unter den Linden, the boulevard that runs through the heart of Berlin, is an excellent spot to get your bearings.
The street is pedestrian-friendly, with easy access to all of the local attractions, souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.
It runs from the City Palace to the Brandenburg Gate and is known for the linden trees that border the grassed pedestrian street.
As you walk the lenght of Unter den Linden, you will come across one high-end brand after the other. Can’t afford to buy? Well, window shopping doesn’t cost a buck!
Quick Facts:
- The boulevard stretches for a length of around 1.48 km.
27. Berlin Zoo
A nice city zoo sheltering a myriad of animals.
The zoo is divided into different sections mostly based on the geography where the animal belongs to. You’ll meet a wide array of primates including gorillas, orangutans and chimpanzees.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 35 hectares, it is difficult to take-in all in one go.
- It is built in a mix of architectural styles namely Renaissance architecture.
- 1844.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Berlin trip.
Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany
28. Oberbaum Bridge
Considered a landmark of Berlin, it is a picturesque double-deck bridge built on river Spree.
Quick Facts:
- The construction of the bridge started in 1894 and was architected by Santiago Calatrava, Otto Stahn.
- The bridge stretches for about 124 m in length.
29. Rotes Rathaus
Rotes Rathaus is a historic town hall located in the old town of Berlin.
The Berlin’s town hall stands as the centerpiece of the old town’s architecture.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Rotes Rathaus is located in mitte district.
- It doesn’t take an expert to see that it is built in a neo Renaissance style.
Add it to your Berlin trip if you have time.
30. Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum for Contemporary Art
If browsing through quirky art displays interests you, Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum for Contemporary Art is the one you should head to.
The museum presents well the contemporary works of the local as well as the international artists.
The museum is housed in an erstwhile 19th-century railway station.
The multimedia exhibits with a clever mixe of sound and light is a must watch. The collection is speread out amongst the art pieces belonging to quirky installations, electronic art experiences and experimental photography.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum for Contemporary Art is located in Moabit district.
- It is Josef Paul Kleihues who conceptualized and turned it into a reality.
- 2 November 1996.
Address: Invalidenstraße 50-51, 10557 Berlin, Germany
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Berlin. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Berlin for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Berlin. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Berlin, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.