Visit Berlin: 33 Awesome Things to Do That You Won't Want to Miss
Berlin has it all – history, art and vibrant nightlife all vie for the attention of the city’s visitors. But when you’re short on time and don’t want to get caught up in the tourist traps, the choice of things to do in Berlin can be overwhelming.
Germany’s dynamic capital, Berlin, has long been mesmerising visitors with its eclectic cultural life, storied history and buzzing party scene. Must-dos in any Berlin guide include visiting Museum Island, hitting the city’s hottest clubs and discovering the best of Berlin’s street art.
Take to the streets to experience Berlin’s urban art
Architectural Landmark
If you are looking for a hit of high culture, the Gemäldegalerie houses one of the world’s leading collections of European paintings from the 13th to the 18th centuries, while those more into modern art will want to check out the collections at Hamburger Bahnhof and KW Institute. But while the city has an exceptional array of galleries, Berlin’s art scene is by no means confined to interior spaces: Berlin is a living, breathing canvas in itself. Just take a walk around the streets of Kreuzberg or Prenzlauerberg to find large-scale murals, provocative political statements and Art Deco portraits from famed artists such as Mein Lieber Prost, Blu, XOOOOX and SOBR – famed for his ‘It’s time to dance’ series. Look out for this mural series of partygoers dancing in a cloud of glitter – once you see it, you’ll start to notice them on walls all around the city.
Admire views over the city from a hidden rooftop bar
Bar, Cafe, Pub Grub
Dance the night (or the entire weekend) away
Music Venue
Experiencing Berlin’s nightlife is a rite of passage for any visitor to the city. The clubs here stay open over the entire weekend, and their strict door policies are something of an urban legend: fickle bouncers guard their doors fiercely, with a particular penchant for turning away large groups, tourists and anyone having a little too much drink-fuelled fun in the queue. You might want to think carefully about where to go before you head straight to the infamously hedonistic Berghain and get turned away after waiting in a queue for two hours. Try Kater Blau for a wacky, colourful mix of disco, techno, drag karaoke and an open-air mini-beach by the river. Just here for the hardcore techno? Head to Griessmuehle for pumping music in a former factory building that has maintained its industrial feel.
Bag a bargain and find vintage gems at a flea market
Market, Park, Shop
Sample diverse local delicacies
Architectural Landmark
Leave the schnitzel and strudel to Bavaria – Berlin’s multicultural population is echoed in its eclectic food scene, with the best foodie spots a little way from the tourist centre. Share some Middle Eastern platters full to the brim with fresh falafel, hummus and shawarma at Azzam in Neukölln; try a selection of freshly baked Italian pizzas for under €10 at Stranero in Wedding; and sample authentic Vietnamese food at Fam Dang on Huttenstrasse in Moabit – notably the crispy duck and tofu satay. Friedrichshain is a haven for any connoisseurs of vegan cuisine, with Vöner and 1990 Vegan Living among the best. In terms of fast food, the famous Currywurst and doner kebab are also Berlin institutions, and you’re never too far from a stall if you fancy a quick bite.
Swap the pub for Späti
Bar, German
Cycle around a former airfield
Historical Landmark
Tour royal palaces in nearby Potsdam
Historical Landmark
If you feel like taking things a bit more slowly, take the train to Potsdam. Just half an hour from Berlin’s centre, Potsdam’s Rococo and Baroque-style palaces give the impression that you are stepping into a fairy tale. Potsdam was home to the Prussian kings and the German kaiser until 1918, and as such is the site of many grand palaces, castles and historical monuments. A short walk from the station through the quaint centre will lead you to Sanssouci Park, the largest World Heritage Site in Germany, which holds several royal residences that are open to the public.
Snap photos of murals at East Side Gallery
Museum
Experience the best city views from the TV Tower
Architectural Landmark
Get lost in the Pergamon Museum
Museum
Discover beautiful sculptures at the Bode Museum
Museum
Immerse yourself in works of art at the Alte Nationalgalerie
Art Gallery, Museum
Discover ancient cultures at the Neues Museum
Building, Museum
Learn about Germany’s history at the DDR Museum
Museum
Visit the Topography of Terror
Museum
Learn about Berlin’s Jewish heritage at the Jewish Museum Berlin
Museum
Opened in 2001, Europe’s largest Jewish museum is an important part of Berlin’s Jewish heritage and a must-stop for any visitor to the city. Not only is its comprehensive walk through Jewish cultural history fascinating and sobering, but interacting with Daniel Libeskind’s architectural addition to the museum is a powerful part of the experience. Get the most out of your time at the museum by stopping there as part of a guided tour. Recommended by Krystin Elise Arneson.
Grab a beer at Teufelsberg
Building, Forest
Enjoy a bite to eat at the Reichstag
Building
Satisfy your curiosity at the Natural History Museum
Museum
A visit to the city’s Museum für Naturkunde, or Natural History Museum, begins with a dinosaur and continues through exhibition halls covering themes such as the cosmos, minerals, evolution in action and even more dinosaurs. In the museum’s so-called “wet collection” alone, there are more than 1 million animals preserved in alcohol. It’s definitely a great place to spend the day with the kids. However, to maintain critical levels of sanity, purchasing a skip-the-line ticket, complete with an audio guide and cloakroom access, is a good idea. Recommended by Krystin Elise Arneson.
Wander through Charlottenburg Palace
Park, Shop, Historical Landmark
Berlin Wall Memorial and Potsdamer Platz
Historical Landmark
However, if you want to see the real face of the Wall in its entire monstrosity, you need to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial – an open-air exhibition north of the city center. Especially moving here is the Window of Remembrance – a touching reminder of the victims. A piece of the Berlin Wall – otherwise entirely covered with chewing gum – at the relatively new Potsdamer Platz features an exhibition describing the current Wall sites and future related projects; small pieces of the Wall – claimed to be authentic – are sold in all the souvenir shops. Recommended by Paulina Gono.
Stop off at Checkpoint Charlie
Memorial
Marvel at the Brandenburg Gate
Building
Explore trendy Kreuzberg
Architectural Landmark
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Church, Memorial, Building
Holocaust Memorials
Memorial, Museum
Museum Island
Museum, Archaeological site, Historical Landmark
Enjoy the live music scene
Bar, Nightclub, German
Beyond techno, there is a thriving live music scene in Berlin. Ranging from jazz to classical or punk and many styles in between, there is a music experience for everyone. With venues dotted across the city, favourites include Berlin’s oldest jazz club, Quasimodo and SO36, which held concerts from the likes of David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Recommended by Alice Dundon.
Enjoy the laid-back cafe culture
Cafe, Coffee Shop, German, Tea , Vegetarian
Taking a break for coffee and cake, or kaffee und kuchen, is a beloved social ritual in German culture. It’s common to spend an afternoon in one of Berlin’s cosy cafes playing chess, reading a book and catching up with friends. You can explore the city’s culture scene by neighbourhood, as many locals do, or according to your sweet tooth. Recommended by Alice Dundon.
Go to the cinema
Cinema
Berlin is home to many quirky and cute art house cinemas. These local gems transport you back in time and let you experience current blockbusters or delve into the indie film scene. With a range of special screenings, Q&A’s with directors and a world-famous film festival, Berlinale, the Berlin film scene is rich, diverse and sometimes pretty saucy. During the summer, the city also has a huge range of open-air cinemas. Recommended by Alice Dundon.
Experience local comedy nights
Theatre
Berlin is known as a mecca for artists of all kinds, and its small, international comedy scene is a testament to this. Still seen as underground, there is a range of weekly comedy nights around the city, mostly in the trendy neighbourhood, Neukölln. Recommended by Alice Dundon.
Relax in the sauna
Spa
Germans are passionate sauna-goers and Berlin has some luxury, yet affordable spas to meet this demand. Liquidrom is a favourite, where aside from sweating it out in the sauna, visitors can have a truly Berlin experience and listen to underwater techno music as they float in a salt water pool. Recommended by Alice Dundon.