One of the top Berlin tourist attractions, The Brandenburg Gate is the first Greek revival building in the city built between 1788 to 1791. This beautiful building was inspired by the monumental gateway located at the Acropolis in Athens, designed by architect Carl Gotthard Langhans. This iconic structure is 26 metres in height, 65.5 metres long surrounded by two rows of six Doric columns.
One of the top places to see in Berlin, the Rebuilt Reichstag is home to the parliament and is a symbol of democracy. One of the most fascinating facts about the building is its efficiency to produce energy. The dome of the building is designed and built to help the building use natural lighting and ventilation. The Rebuilt Reichstag is also one of the most important art venues in the city with an amazing art gallery with permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Visit one of the most unique museum complexes which is home to five museums in the city. This UNESCO world heritage site is located on a spree island and is one of the most important historical centers of Berlin. The five museums which make up Museum Island are the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, the Bode Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and the Pergamon Museum.
Located in the centre of the city, the Berlin Wall memorial is a memorial site that is dedicated to the German division. Extending 1.4 km along the border strip, the wall memorial was constructed to stop the violence on the Bernauer Strasse. Visit the outdoor exhibition where you can learn more about the history of the division and the victims of the division.
One of the top Berlin tourist attractions, the German Historical Museum is the most important building in Berlin with Baroque architecture. One of the most important attractions of the museum is its permanent exhibition which depicts the history of Germany. The exhibition has over 6000 objects on display including many paintings and artefacts. The museum is also known to host many temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Also known as Berlin Television tower, Berliner Fernsehturm is one of the most iconic symbols and landmarks in the city. Visit the tallest building in Europe which is open to the public at a height of 368 metres above the ground. One of the top attractions of the tower is its viewing platform which will help you witness an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Visit the revolving restaurant in the tower which is a perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal.
The Checkpoint Charlie Museum is one of the popular museums in the city which showcases the stories of the history of the Berlin Wall and people escaping East Germany. Built-in 1963, the museum was created in a two-room house which displayed photographs from the Berlin wall. The museum has many artefacts such as photographs, videos and miniatures that depict the details of the inhabitants trying to cross the border.
Visit one of the most beautiful Berlin tourist attractions, the Charlottenburg Palace And Park which is a beautiful baroque garden. Enter the palace and admire the beautiful halls, rooms, and collection of paintings by 18th-century French artists. Visit the Oak Gallery, where you can witness the family portraits of the Royals. You can stroll across the gardens filled with ponds, fountains, and beautiful sculptures.
Visit one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin which is known for some of the most famous buildings in the city. You can witness the three popular buildings: the German cathedral, the French cathedral, and the concert hall located here. Witness the statue of the most popular and renowned port in Germany, Friedrich Schiller, located at the square. Opened in the 17th century, the square was built to accommodate 20,000 protestors who had been expelled from France.
Opened in 2001, the Jewish museum is one of the most popular museums featuring the social, political, and cultural history of the Jews who lived in Germany. The museum is also home to a permanent exhibition that showcases the life of the Jews in Germany through various artefacts. You can witness many artworks, documents, photographs, and videos dating back to the 1940s.
The German Museum Of Technology is one of the top Places to see in Berlin where you can learn more about the history of technology. Visit all 14 sections of the museum where you can witness the development of energy and communication technology throughout the years. Enter the Spectrum Science Center where you can witness the new Aeronautic and Space Collection which will help you learn more about the fundamentals of science and technology.
Also known as the Holocaust memorial, the Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe is dedicated to Jewish victims who lost their lives in the Holocaust. One of the most popular attractions of the memorial is the 2711 concrete slabs of different sizes designed to create an impression of instability. Enter the museum where you can learn more about the story of the Holocaust terrors and many artefacts relating to the tragedy.
Also called "Animal Garden", Grosser Tiergarten is one of the most famous public parks in the city. One of the top tourist attractions, the park is popular among tourists and locals for various activities like jogging, skating, and cycling among many others. This is also one of the most popular spots for picnicking and ball games. One of the most popular times to visit the park is during summer when you can enjoy the sound of music played by a carillon.
The Humboldt Forum is a museum located right across from Museum Island. Witness the amazing architecture of the building which is a combination of ultra-modern building elements and sculptural façades of Berlin’s former Baroque palace. One of the most popular attractions in the museum is the sculptor hall on the ground floor where you can witness original sandstone figures.
One of the top places to visit in Berlin, the Cathedral church is a beautifully decorated church with fascinating architecture and history. One of the top attractions of the church is its dome which is the main landmark of the city. The church has an interesting history dating back to the 15th century when it was a part of the Berlin city palace. The Palace was transformed into a church in the 19th century by architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel.
Lustgarten is one of the popular public parks in the city which is located on Museum Island. The park originally started as a kitchen garden in the 16th century, then became the residence of the elector of Brandenburg. The Lustgarten was later turned into a royal garden in the 17th century by garden designers Michael Hanf and Johann Sigismund Elsholtz.
Also called the gardens of the world, Gärten der Welt is a recreational park spreading across 21 hectares. The Beijing Institute for Classical Garden Architecture was responsible for creating the "Garden of the world" and used materials from China to build the entire structure. Inaugurated in 1987 in Berlin, the garden is divided into various sections like Japanese, Balinese, Oriental, Korean and Christian gardens.
Potsdamer Platz is a famous shopping area with a nightlife district located in West Berlin. One of the top attractions in the city, the square was completely damaged during the second world war. The Potsdamer Platz was restored back to its original form after the fall of the Berlin wall. The area was also known to be one of the most important places for commercial activity in the 19th century.
1. Visit the impressive Brandenburg Gate: Around 250 years old city structure, Brandenburg Gate proudly reflects the neoclassical architecture and is the center of attraction of the city. Visiting this famous landmark must be on the top of your bucket list of things to do in Berlin and will leave you stunned with its immense beauty.
Located in Pariser Platz Square, the Brandenburg Gate has been part of the city's history, including Napoleon's invasion, Nazi parades, Cold Wars, and many more. It is a symbol of Germany's peace & unity. Also a famous New Year’s Eve party destination, it is visited by millions of locals and tourists to welcome new year in a unique style.
Location: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany
2. Have an art appreciation session on Museum Island: Exhibiting the history of Berlin, Byzantium, and ancient Egypt, Museum Island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Sitting in the middle of the River Spree, it is home to the five best museums in the world, each one different from the other and displaying exquisite artworks.
Explore the collections at the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Bode-Museum, and the Pergamonmuseum and learn about the city's rich heritage and art culture. Even if you are short of time, you can stroll around the island and appreciate the impressive architecture of the buildings and gorgeous gardens.
Location: Spree Island, Mitte district, Berlin
3. See the sunset on the top of the TV Tower Berlin: The highest structure in Germany, TV Tower Berlin offers not only panoramic views of the city but amazing scenery of the setting sun. Witnessing the views from the height of 368 meters is unquestionably mesmerizing.
Moreover having a drink of your choice at its Bar 203 or relishing authentic Berlin recipes at the revolving Sphere Restaurant is amongst the most delightful things to do in Berlin.
Location: Alexanderplatz, Berlin
4. Visit the Reichstag building: Discover the city's history and learn different architecture styles of the late 20th to late 21st centuries with a visit to the Reichstag building, the seating house of the German government.
Be mesmerized by the unmatched elegance of the glass dome that not only serves as a source of light and ventilation but also has solar panels on its roof that power a great part of the Reichstag building. Visit the place to witness the panoramic views of the city from the top of the dome and capture stunning scenery.
Location: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany
5. Admire the Berliner Dom: Visiting Berliner Dom, the famous cathedral of Germany, is amongst the most interesting things to do in Berlin. The cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture and serves as the religious centre for the Protestant community in Berlin.
Located on Museum Island, the church offers several attractive sights such as its main nave, dome, and Baptismal and Matrimonial Chapels. The cathedral also hosts several concerts and events and visiting this church during any of these events is full of great experiences.
Location: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany
6. Time travel through East Side Gallery’s paintings: If you are an art admirer and wondering about what to do in Berlin, the East Side Gallery is the place that will fulfil your wishes. Plan a visit to this world's longest and largest open-air art gallery and be amused by its more than 100 impressive paintings.
The 0.8-mile stretch of the Berlin Wall that was left unharmed during its crash in 1989 became a solid canvas for international artists. They painted several beautiful murals on this part of the wall between February and June of 1990 that now serves as a pretty backdrop for selfies.
Location: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany
7. Drive around the city in a Trabi: Want to explore the city at your own pace and in a unique way? Go for a Trabi or Trabant drive! Riding this slow car through the streets of Berlin is like exploring the city in bygone East Germany style and is absolutely entertaining.
A guide will escort you in his/her car and will be in touch with you through radio call. The tour will take you to major sightseeing points and will definitely be fun-filled and exciting. Do include this one of the most thrilling things to do in Berlin in your itinerary and mark your trip with cherishable memories.
8. Visit Holocaust Memorial: The Holocaust Memorial is a memorial built for the Murdered Jews of Europe and showcases the tragic effects of the Nazi regime. Plan a visit to this astonishing place be impressed with its wavy architecture and 2,711 concrete columns of different heights.
After exploring the concrete open-air structure, do visit its underground visitors' information center that lets the tourists learn about victims through old photographs, diaries, and other items. The center also has in the collection several short biographies of the victims and short video footage of the tragedies.
Location: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
9. Take a photo at CheckPoint Charlie: CheckPoint Charlie was the crossing point between West and East Germany during the Cold War. It still has several original sandbags and signs depicting the partition, including the famous sign “YOU ARE ENTERING THE AMERICAN SECTOR'' written in different languages.
Do include visiting this site in your, what to do in Berlin list and don't forget to click a picture to share on your social handles or with friends.
Location: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin, Germany
10. Bike your way to the corners of Berlin: Discover the best of Berlin while paddling through the alleys of Berlin and explore not only its famous landmarks but some hidden gems as well. Opt for a self-bike tour or choose any guided bike tour, no matter what you choose, the experience is full of thrills and happiness. While passing through the city, you will get to learn the rich history of the city through its different monuments or modern life with the latest malls and buildings.
During the trip, try different street food recipes or refresh yourself with a tin of local beer at the famous beer garden. The city offers very well-paved bike paths and exploring it on a bike is indeed one of the most memorable things to do in Berlin.
1. Indulge in Live Escape Games: Are you an adventure buff and thinking of what to do in Berlin to feel the gush in adrenaline? Live escape games are the answer to your queries that will definitely entertain you to the core. These games comprise computer games and room escapes transformed into real-life adventures.
Play with your own team or challenge another team to reach a goal by solving problems, riddles, puzzles, or decoding number locks, or finding clues or physical keys, and feel extremely thrilled.
2. Test your height fear with Base Flying: A thrilling combination of bungee and base jumping adventures, Base Flying is indeed full of excitement. This adventure involves reaching the rooftop terrace of the Park Inn Hotel and diving from there in the air tied with only a rope and a hook.
Enjoy the rush in your adrenaline while falling freely from 125 meters above Alexanderplatz and don't forget to take a video clip of your fall to share your vigor with your friends.
3. Take a Hot Rod City-Tour: Zip across Berlin City with a guided tour of Soap Box (Hot Rod) cars that are incredibly powerful due to their 14 horsepower motors. These small cars can accelerate up to 88 km/h and will let you enjoy a really insane driving experience.
Do try your skills at Soap Box Tour, a great way to discover Berlin's beauty and feel like celebrities on Berlin roads.
4. Off Road Quad Biking: Still wondering what to do in Berlin to enjoy something different but breathtaking? Don’t fret; test your strength with off road quad biking. Head to Berlin Brandenburg, board your quad and enjoy an hour full of muddy thrills.
Forget about driving rules and enjoy to the fullest while zipping through the puddle at full speed. Feel excited with each drift and round and relish real fun while crossing the muddy paths or uneven terrains.
Berlin is a safe city; rather it is one of the safest cities in the world. But you should be aware while touring isolated places or when out at night.
Blessed with grand museums, world-class beer, artistic cultural landmarks, rich history, majestic green spaces, and electrifying nightlife, Berlin is a city full of attractions and activities. Also, it is known for its Nazi connection, art, Graffiti, and friendly natives.
No trip can be complete without some shopping and Berlin is no exception. It offers a range of items that you can take back home as souvenir or gift for loved ones such as:
- Chocolate Covered Lebkuchen
- Blutwurst
- Frau Toni's Perfumes
- Berlin Belts
- Ein Berliner
- Berlin Buddy Bear
- Königliche Porzellan Vases
- Askania Watches
- Prussian Schnapps
- Football Scarf
- Collectible Dolls
- Berliner Weisse
- Currywurst
- East Berlin Jewelry
- Christmas ornaments
Several air carriers run regular flights from India's metro cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, etc. to Berlin's Tegel (TXL) airport. A flight to Berlin from India takes about 9 to 10 hours depending upon the carrier and number of stops. But keep in mind that you have to procure a Schengen tourist visa for traveling to Berlin.
However, it depends on your interests, yet a minimum of three days are required to explore its famous landmarks and indulge in one or two activities. But if you want to enjoy the city to the max, do plan your trip for at least 5 days that will let you cover most sights and activities in Berlin.
1. Kurfürstendamm: Shopping in this largest retail district in Berlin is one of the most entertaining activities in Berlin and lets you buy international designer articles and accessories.
2. Tauentzienstrasse: Home to several well-known high street stores, the Europa-Centre mall, an Irish pub, and the departmental store Kaufhaus des Westens, this market is good for local to branded shopping.
3. Humana: Famed for second-hand clothes, the place is for those who are on a tight budget. The store is divided into different sections where you can find clothes of different eras, including the German Democratic Republic (GDR) section having vintage pieces.
4. Mauerpark: The largest and most famous flea market in Berlin, it offers a wide range of items such as antiques, apparel, artifacts, accessories, jewelry pieces, handmade items, as well as local street food. Here you can also enjoy karaoke in the open-air amphitheater nearby.
1. Stranbad Wannsee: Located along the eastern shore of Lake Grober Wannsee, this beach is known for having the biggest interior pool in Europe.
2. Freibad Plotzensee Beach: One of the famous Berlin beaches, it is visited by locals to tourists for its recreational activities such as water sports, swimming, sunbathing, etc.
3. Tiergarten Beach: Blessed with extraordinary natural beauty, this beach is famous for Monday Male Homosexual parties and night salsa dance parties.
4. Strandbar Mitte Beach: The best beach in the municipal areas of Berlin, it is great to have some pleasurable moments with your partner, friends, or family.