There is hardly any other city in the world that has been the scene of such important historical events so often in the last century as the German capital Berlin.
From the Weimar Republic, the Second World War, the construction of the Berlin Wall to the reunification of West and East Germany: all these events are inextricably linked to what is now the most populous city in the European Union (approx. 3.6 million inhabitants).
Today Berlin is the seat of government, cultural center, a tourist magnet, and cosmopolitan city. The city shows more facets than almost any other city in the world and has incredible charisma. Berlin is a melting pot of different cultures and religions – there are more than 10,000 immigrants living in Berlin belonging to over 25 groups.
I will now take you on a tour of the ten most important places in Berlin. To explore each destination fully, you should take at least two days. I’ll also give you an example itinerary.
You’ll also find more information on admission fees, websites, and transport. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Day 1
1. Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is THE landmark of Berlin – you cannot visit this city without taking a photo here. The gate was built in the 18th century and is modeled on the Athens Acropolis. It is geographically in line with Bellevue Palace, the Victory Column, and Alexanderplatz.
On the top lies the quadriga – an ancient two-wheeled chariot with four draught horses.
During the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate was not open to the public because it was located in a restricted area between the East and West. Today it stands a sign for German reunification like no other place.
- Entry fee: free
- More information: visitberlin.de
2. Reichstag
The Berlin Reichstag has been the seat of the German Parliament (Bundestag) since 1990 and was built in the late 19th century. The building was regularly the scene of historical events. In 1918 the Weimar Republic was proclaimed here and in 1933 the National Socialists instrumentalized the legendary Reichstag fire for their own purposes.
On top of the Reichstag, there is an 800-tonne dome made of glass and steel with a diameter of 40 meters, which can be visited by tourists just like the entire building. On the inside of the dome, two spiral paths wind their way upwards, leading visitors to a viewing platform.
You can visit the roof terrace and dome of the Reichstag Building, which offer spectacular views of the parliamentary and government district and Berlin’s sights.
- Entry fee: free
- Opening times: Daily from 8:00 to 21:45 hrs (admission every quarter of an hour)
- Online registration: Bundestag.de
3. Holocaust Memorial
The “Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe”, as the official name of the memorial opened in 2005, covers an area of approximately 19,000 square metres and is located in the immediate vicinity of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. It is an installation consisting of an undulating field of 2711 stelae.
The memorial is the central Holocaust memorial in Germany and is intended to make visitors think, not least through its unusual external form. It can be entered from any side and admission is free.
Below the field is a “place of information”, where an exhibition documents the persecution and extermination of European Jews by the Nazis. Admission to the exhibition is also free.
- Entry fee: free
- More information: Holocaust Memorial
4. Potsdamer square
In the heart of Berlin lies the Potsdamer Platz. Formerly crossed by the Berlin Wall, the square now offers opportunities for shopping, going out, and experiencing the culture.
Some of the most important places to go are the Filmhaus in the Sony Center, where the Berlin Film Festival – the Berlinale – takes place every year, the Kulturforum on the south side of Potsdamer Platz, including the Philharmonic Hall, State Library and Museum of Musical Instruments, and the remains of the Berlin Wall.
In wintertime, Potsdamer Platz is transformed into a huge winter wonderland with Christmas markets, Europe’s largest toboggan run, curling, and après-ski huts.
- More information: Potsdamer Square
- Instagram: @potsdamer_place
- Facebook: @potsdamerplatz
5. Checkpoint Charlie and Wall Museum
Checkpoint Charlie
At the corner of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße, the former border crossing with the nickname “Checkpoint Charlie” is a reminder of the Cold War and divided Berlin. With its barrier, control house, US flag, and sandbags, this sight is a popular photo motif. The name comes from the fact that this was the third checkpoint used by the Allies in and around Berlin and that “Charlie” comes third in the international spelling alphabet (after “Alpha” and “Bravo”).
Wall Museum
Since 1962, the Wall Museum has been located directly at Checkpoint Charlie. There, the experiences of GDR citizens who fled and the history of the Berlin Wall are presented. Highlights of the permanent exhibition are original Wall pieces, an escape car with a hiding place in the boot as well as fake and genuine travel documents.
Entrance fees at the Wall Museum:
- 17.50 EUR for adults
- 11.50 EUR for students
- 9.50 EUR for pupils (7-18 years)
- free admission for children under 6 years
- More information: Wall Museum
- Facebook: @CheckpointCharlieMuseum
Day 2
6. Bellevue Castle and Victory Column
Bellevue Palace
Bellevue Palace has been the first and only seat of the German President (currently Frank-Walter Steinmeier) since 1994. The palace owes its name “Bellevue” to its picturesque location directly on the banks of the Spree and on the edge of Berlin’s Tiergarten.
The palace was built at the end of the 18th century in a transitional style between baroque and classicism. Since the palace is the actual official residence of the Federal President, it can only be visited from the inside by prior appointment. The registration period depends on the schedule of the Federal President and can last several months.
- More information: Bellevue Palace
Berlin Victory Column
The Berlin Victory Column is located in the direct vicinity of Bellevue Palace. The monument, built in the middle of the 19th century, commemorates the German unification wars in the 19th century.
The Victory Column is 67 meters high. A spiral staircase with 285 steps leads to the viewing platform at a height of 51 meters. Before his election as president, Barack Obama already held a speech at the foot of the Victory Column in 2008.
Admission prices Victory Column:
- 3.50 EUR for adults
- 2.50 EUR for pupils and students
Opening Times Victory Column:
- Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- More information: Victory Column
7. Berlin Zoo
The Zoological Garden Berlin is one of the oldest zoos in Germany and offers one of the greatest variety of species worldwide. More than 18,600 animals live on the 33-hectare area in the immediate vicinity of the railway station of the same name and the Berlin Memorial Church.
Founded in the middle of the 19th century, the zoo is home to about 1,400 animal species, including the aquarium. Apart from the animals, the entrance gates (Löwentor at Hardenbergplatz and Elefantentor at Budapester Straße) are also extremely worth seeing.
Entrance fees (vary according to the day):
- From 15.50 EUR for adults 16+
- From 7 EUR for children from 4 to 15 years
- Free for children under 4 years
More information: Berlin Zoo
- Instagram: @zooberlin
- Facebook: @ZooBerlin
8. East Side Gallery
One of the most iconic landmarks in Berlin, the East Side Gallery is a 1.3-kilometer stretch of the Berlin Wall that has been transformed into an open-air gallery adorned with striking murals. Located along the Spree River in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, this outdoor art gallery is a celebration of freedom and creativity. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, artists from around the world descended upon this section to create murals that reflect themes of hope, unity, and the desire for a better future.
As you stroll along the East Side Gallery, you’ll encounter over 100 murals, each with its own unique story to tell. From political statements to abstract expressions of emotion, the artwork here is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. Don’t miss iconic pieces like Dmitri Vrubel’s “Fraternal Kiss” and Birgit Kinder’s “Trabant Breaking Through the Wall.”
- Fee: there is no entry fee.
- Opening times: open 24 hours a day.
- More information: East Side Gallery
9. Museum Island
The Berlin Museum Island is of breathtaking architectural beauty and high cultural value. Between Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz, a total of five museums display important works of art from Egypt, Byzantium, and Berlin.
The Berlin Museum Island has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. In addition to the world-famous Nefertiti, the most important exhibits include the Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate.
Museums
- The Old National Gallery
- The Old Museum
- The Bode Museum
- The James-Simon Gallery
- The New Museum
- The Pergamon Museum. The Panorama
Entrance fees: you can buy a ticket per museum or a combo for all (one ticket is valid for all museums)
- 24 EUR for adults
More information: Museum Island
- Instagram: @state museum magic
- Facebook: @State Museums of Berlin
Extra: sometimes there are salsa nights by the park on the side of the museums.
10. Alexanderplatz with television tower
Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz is the largest square in Berlin and is located in the eastern centre of the city. Named after the Russian Tsar Alexander I, the “Alex”, as it is popularly known, first served as a parade and drill ground for the military in the 19th century. Today there are many shops, cinemas and restaurants. The Alex is also a central traffic junction.
- More information: Alexander Platz
Television Tower
Not only the Alex, but the entire city is dominated by the Berlin Television Tower, which is one of Berlin’s most important landmarks and, at 368 meters, the tallest publicly accessible building in Europe. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy a unique 360-degree view of the city and beyond.
Entrance fees to the television tower:
- 22.50 EUR for adults
- 28 EUR Fast View Ticket for adults (without waiting times)
- More information: TV-turm.de
Social Media
- Instagram: @berliner_television tower
- Facebook: @BerlinerTower
Transport
Many roads lead to the same goal – and this is also true in Berlin. There are various ways to get from A to B, for example, by public transport or car-sharing. Below is a selection of means of transport:
a. S-Bahn
The Berlin‑ SBahn network‑ comprises 330 kilometers and 15 lines stopping at a total of 170 stations in the region.
Information on timetables and tickets can be found HERE.
b. Subway
Berlin’s famous subway system serves a total of 173 subway stations, distributed over a network of 146 kilometers and 10 lines. Both underground and on elevated railway lines, a trip on the U-Bahn is indispensable when visiting Berlin.
Information about tickets and timetables can be found HERE.
c. Buses
Where you cannot get by suburban train or subway, there is guaranteed to be a bus. From the upper deck of the characteristic double-decker buses, you’ll have a wonderful view.
Information about line networks, stops, and tickets can be found HERE.
d. Car-Sharing
Those who like to drive themselves can take advantage of one of the many car-sharing offers in Berlin. Within the city limits, cars can be rented and parked flexibly.
Information on the various offers and providers can be found HERE.
e. Bikesharing
Those who prefer to explore the city in an environmentally friendly way sitting on a bicycle can take advantage of one of the various bike-sharing offers.
More information about providers and conditions can be found HERE.
Where to stay in Berlin?
I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Berlin and absolutely loved it! It’s perfectly located in Berlin Mitte close to all top attractions.
Read more about My stay at the Grand Hyatt Berlin
More Information on best things to do in Berlin
You can find more information on places and activities in and around Berlin on the official websites of the city of Berlin and visitBerlin:
a. City of Berlin
- Website: berlin.de
- Instagram: @capital portal
- Facebook: @Capital Portal
- Twitter: @BerlinOfficial
b. visitBerlin
- Website: visitberlin.de
- Instagram: @visit_berlin
- Facebook: @visitberlin
- Twitter: @visitberlin
Are you interested in traveling around the world? In the Travel Section you can find detailed travel guides for different cities, touristic activities, recommendations, tips, and much more!
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I just wanna go there now. it’s all amazing places. I hope you enjoyed it very well from this tour. car busses and everything you show in your post, I wanna travel there. This was so cool, felt like I was on a virtual tour. Definitely want to experience the Berlin Zoo and The Brandenburg Gate, among so many other places. looks like a great place filled with so much history and beautiful cities.
hey, I just wanna go there now. it’s all amazing places. I hope you enjoyed it very well from this tour. car busses and everything you show in your post, I wanna travel there. This was so cool, felt like I was on a virtual tour. Definitely want to experience the Berlin Zoo and The Brandenburg Gate, among so many other places. looks like a great place filled with so much history and beautiful cities.
Hello!
you gave such a gorgeous idea to visit the place. I just wanna go there now. it’s all amazing places. I hope you enjoyed it very well from this tour. car busses and everything you show in your post, I wanna travel there. I will plan a tour there as soon as possible. looks like a great place filled with so much history and beautiful cities.
you gave such a gorgeous idea to visit the place. I just wanna go there now. it’s all amazing places. I hope you enjoyed it very well from this tour. car busses and everything you show in your post, I wanna travel there. I will plan a tour there as soon as possible. looks like a great place filled with so much history and beautiful cities.
I missed Berlin the last time I was in Germany so would love to head back to visit Reichstag and the Holocaust Museum. It is such a rich city filled with so much history and culture
I have a friend who lives in Germany and I so badly want to visit there! This was so cool, felt like I was on a virtual tour. Definitely want to experience the Berlin Zoo and The Brandenburg Gate, among so many other places
I’ve never been but maybe once this shutdown is over I’ll finally get to plan my trip abroad…looks like a great place filled with so much history and beautiful cities. Thanks for sharing!