berlin travel stories

How to Spend Three Days in Berlin, Germany: My 2023 Itinerary

When I visited Berlin for the first time, it felt surreal. The capital city of Germany has undergone more transformative events than I can count, and throughout its own history has reached the bottom as well as the top.

And Berlin is a city that has so many stories to tell, from the fall of political regimes to creating an international culture full of diversity, acceptance, and independence. I always believe that every city has a life of its own. History, people, politics, architecture, opportunities: each city has a unique atmosphere that you can’t quite find anywhere else, and the deeper you look, the more the city comes alive for you.

And if there’s one thing I know after having spent some time in this wonderful city, it’s that Berlin knows how to rise from the ashes. In spite of its tumultuous past, Berlin is now the city you go to if you’re looking for open-minded people, a beautiful sense of diversity, and bustling life that burns so strongly that barely anything could douse it.  

And that’s probably what I love about Berlin the most. The acceptance of everyone, and the desire to do better, be better, and enjoy life while doing so. Berlin shows the world that even though it was almost destroyed in the war, even though there used to be a wall dividing its citizens, and even though the city lost so much… it also gained. It learned and grew and proved the world that you can rise up and make the world a beautiful place again. 

Before I get even soppier, let’s switch the focus to all of the great places you should visit if you’ve decided to spend some time in Berlin. With over 3.8 million inhabitants, Berlin is a huge city that plays an immense role in the European Union and is inevitably tied to European culture and heritage. There are numerous places in Berlin that are a must-see during your stay in the city, from the East Side Gallery to Berliner Fernsehturm to Museum Island. 

Berlin weaves the historical and the modern very well together, which means you get to visit a vast number of places that are both of historical value and exciting for people born in the 21st century. 

Oh, and while you’re in Berlin, I strongly recommend that you take the bus or subway in order to move between destinations. As I said, the city is really large, and if you attempt to walk it all on foot, you might not be able to get up from the bed the next day. I’m speaking from experience: getting from East Side Gallery to Charlottenburg on foot made me regret I hadn’t worked more on my fitness prior to the trip. 

That was the day I swore to myself it’d be the public transport or nothing whilst I’m in Berlin. I also took up jogging.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Berlin? 

Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Berlin.

With three days, you’ll be able to check out all of the city’s biggest highlights, as well as a few hidden gems, so will be able to leave without feeling as though you missed out on anything major.

I spent three days in Berlin back in 2018, then recently returned for another three days to show my partner everything I adored about it. What can I say? I really do love this city!

With that being said, it’s time to get started: here’s how to spend three days in Berlin.

Day 1: It’s All About The Historic Monuments 

Whenever I take a city break to somewhere in Europe, I kick off my adventure by heading to the most famous sites. After all, isn’t that why I came here? Yep, when I wake up, I’m ready to leave my hotel room and feel as though I’m unmistakably in the heart of Berlin.

Once you’ve had breakfast, then, take the U5 service directly to the Reichstag: the home of Germany’s parliament. This area can get super-crowded, but has a much more peaceful air in the early-morning, before all of the tour groups have gathered.

This, my friends, is where you can find some of the best views of Berlin.

Entrance to the building is free, and if you look at the photo above, you’ll see a glass dome on top of the roof. Because entrance is free, you’ll need to make a reservation to visit, and it’s regularly fully-booked. As in, you probably should have booked your slot on the Bundestag website two weeks ago. (Hopefully you’re reading this article before you touch down in Berlin!)

There are some same-day tickets available, but tickets are issued a minimum of two hours before your visit, so it’s kind of a pain to have to leave and come back. You can also visit as part of a guided tour, so that’s definitely an option if it’s all booked up — it’s just €15 for a 90-minute tour . You can check availability for that using the widget below:

Once you’ve finished up at the Reichstag, it’s time to make the three-minute stroll over to Brandenburg Gate, the most well-known landmark in Berlin.

Once a symbol of a divided city, it is now a national symbol of peace and unity. Again, the earlier the better to see this historic gate to avoid huge crowds. 

At night, there is a cool light show on the gate itself. It is a majestic landmark closely located next to lots of other attractions, so it makes a great stop on your sightseeing tour of Berlin’s history. 

Another two-minute walk is needed to visit the sombre Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. 

It is a place of respect consisting of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern. Situated on a former section of the Berlin Wall, it is one of the main tourist sites in Berlin since its inauguration in 2005. 

An attached underground ‘Place of Information’ writes the names of approximately three million Jewish Holocaust victims. 

Exuding a haunted, silent and sensitive aura, this is a place of commemoration and contemplation. Do not be tempted to sit on these memorial blocks or take excessive photographs. 

Located nearby is Tiergarten Park, a perfect escape for peaceful solitude. Translated loosely to Animal Gardens, I would personally recommend walking through the lush greenery to find an ideal spot for a lunch picnic. 

It is vast: 500 acres are filled with wildlife and greenery. It also holds the zoo towards the west end of the park, if you fancy a lunchtime peak at the animals (you have to book to enter). 

In the precise middle point of the Tiergarten, you will find the Victory Column. It is a monument, a giant pillar of Germany’s past military victories over France and Prussia. 

Only €3 to climb, it boasts amazing views of the whole city’s urban centre. Just to note, take care when climbing the narrow winding staircase – if you feel claustrophobic it is perhaps not the best option to climb this column. 

After lunch, venture to Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station, for one of the coolest street art tours I’ve ever taken.

Original Berlin Walks runs the tour, and will tell you all there is to know about street art in this city, as well as let you experience Berlin’s alternative urban art culture, taking you to secret spots around East Berlin. You will become well-versed in the history of the graffiti on the Berlin Wall. 

Perhaps most interesting is the exploration of culture and politics behind the street art galleries. 

The duration is three hours and is €20 per person – you get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Book your tour here and become an expert in street art. 

If after a street art tour you are feeling inspired to create some art yourself, there is a graffiti workshop held at a section of the Berlin Wall. 

It’s €105.50 per person and it is likely to sell out as it is a huge success and is great fun to unleash your inner Banksy!

They begin the workshop with an interesting discussion about graffiti culture, and afterwards, the entire group will paint together, having lasting memories with professional photographs taken of your artwork. 

Only lasting 1.5 hours, it is a great way to get some creative juices flowing, in between sightseeing Berlin’s marvellous places.

Day 2: East Berlin

Begin the day by searching for the Hackescher Markt hidden alley, one of the quirkiest spots in the city. To find it, however, maybe a bit tricky. 

Head to the Cinema Café on Rosenthaler Strasse where an unassuming alleyway runs alongside it. After a dark entrance, you are greeted with a vibrant courtyard. It is home to many hipster cafes, artsy stores and boutiques and, of course, captivating street art. 

For a respite from the sightseeing, I would recommend taking a look at the indoor market situated south of the river, parallel to the East Side Gallery. Markthalle Neun is an indoor market with international food vendors and shops. It occasionally puts on community events, but its street food to choose from is the winning prize for coming here. 

Berlin is very vegan and vegetarian friendly. Many of the stalls are fully vegan and there are plenty of plant-based options to choose from. In addition, you can find wild oysters, bone broth, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, artisan cheese, and of course, cocktails and craft beer. For a spot of lunch or a savoury mid-morning snack with an abundance of options, this is the perfect place to wander around before venturing on to the next stop. 

Now with a satisfied stomach and mind, head towards the Oberbaum Bridge to cross to the other side of the river. 

With a historic double-deck pathway overlooking the River Spree, you’ll find a landmark opened in 1896, a great bridge to snap a picture of the water’s reflection and the domed arches that accompany the bridge. Once you have arrived at the other point, the famous East Side Gallery awaits you. 

The East Side Gallery is a section of the Berlin wall which stands as a site of street art. It is 1316m long, sitting along the eastern bank of the Spree River and is considered the longest open-air gallery in the world. 

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, artists from 21 countries came to paint murals to celebrate Germany being reunited and to never forget the atrocities that occurred here in Berlin. 

I would recommend working your way from East to Central, stopping whenever you feel called to the artwork and its messages conveyed. From the end of the East Side Gallery, I would pick up an E-Scooter to explore the remaining parts of East Berlin before proceeding to the district of Kreuzberg. If scooting down the ordered streets of Berlin does not entice you, walking is always a good best option, or you can hire a bicycle instead. 

Full of artists, bars with outdoor seating, falafel and shawarma joints, and record and bookstores, Kreuzberg is a neighbourhood that is home to a large Turkish population, making it a bustling, diverse place with lots to see. 

Oraniestraße is a long street stretching from Kreuzberg to Checkpoint Charlie. You can either walk the whole way or take an E-Scooter or bike to sightsee but with added speed and some fresh air! 

Before visiting the Topography of Terror, Checkpoint Charlie is a historical landmark marking the boundary of east and west Berlin. You are greeted with a white sentry guard house and a cobbled border line. 

Tourists queue up to take a photograph with the guards, but I suggest you skip this part and simply admire the symbol of history that stands in front of you. 

To connect the dots of the story of the Third Reich, visiting the Topography of Terror will give you an insight into the troubled past. It is an open-air exhibition on excavated ruins of the headquarters of the Secret State Police, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office. 

If you do not end up visiting part of the Berlin Wall, this site includes 200m of the wall, marking the border between the districts of Mitte (East Berlin) and Kreuzberg (West Berlin). 

If you have time and want a deeper explanation and story of Berlin’s complex past, the Jewish Museum is a must-visit. Here, you can learn more about the personal stories of the Jewish community.

The building and museum were designed by Daniel Libeskind – this particular building became an important part of the city, its history and its attempt to understand its past. What is quite special about this museum is that it opens the floor for Jews to tell their personal stories, hearing anecdotes and real sentiments of that particular time in the flesh. 

Closing at 7 pm, you have plenty of time during the day or late afternoon to explore this striking contemporary building and what it has to offer. 

Day 3: Tours, Tours, Tours!

It’s the last day of your action-packed trip to Berlin, and we’re going to be spending the entirety of it in the northeast of the city, first beginning underground.

Yes, underground .

I was surprised to discover just how much this city has to offer to those who want to venture below the streets, from air raid shelters to escape tunnels that were dug beneath the Berlin Wall.

The tours are run by Berliner Unterwelton , who have four different options, all running every single day. My biggest tip is that you buy your tickets in advance, because they do sell out. My parents took Tour M — the one that takes you beneath the Berlin Wall — when they were in town and highly recommended it to me. I procrastinated, turned up to the ticket office an hour beforehand, and discovered it was sold out! Whoops . Learn from my mistakes and book your tour at least a week in advance.

Still, it wasn’t a huge disaster, as an alternative tour, Tour 1, had availability, so I jumped on that, and got to experience WWII bombing raids through the eyes of German civilians. It was fascinating .

I wrote an in-depth guide to my experience on Tour 1 , which included quite an embarrassing mishap part-way through!

Next on the itinerary is another tour, but this time exploring Berlin’s craft beer scene.   If you thoroughly enjoy craft beer, Berlin is the place for you. On Airbnb, you can find an experience to help you better explore beer culture. From €46 per person, the tour lasts 3.5 hours, meaning you will get an in-depth explanation of all there is to know about craft beer. 

Meeting in Prenzlauer Berg, you will head to a craft brewery built in 1893. You will inspect brewing kettles and understand the brewing process, getting the chance to taste the beer and learn about its history. Then, craft beer bar hopping is on the agenda, with the last one situated next to Berlin’s famous Mauerpark. If you are interested, book your tour ticket here .

On the way to the subway, you will find a Photoautomat, an old-school photo booth. Only costing €2, it is a great way to make a memory of your time here in Berlin. 

If you have time, I would recommend one last museum to visit. The Stasi Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the terrifying secret police, the GDR. It is estimated that one in 10 East Germans worked as an informant for the Stasi in 1949. The museum also highlights Orwellian brainwashing that took place in schools. 

After a long day of exploring the city, end your night by treating yourself to a cocktail at a speakeasy bar. If you are thinking of going out after to one of Berlin’s many clubs, you can treat this space as a place for starting your night in style, before a long night ahead. 

These particular types of bars are very common on the East side of Berlin and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The Becketts Kopf in Prenzlauer Berg is a chill spot where you can relax inside on red leather sofas. I must add that there is no standing allowed inside so show up relatively early to find a seat. To get in, there is a photograph of Beckett hanging in the window of the bar. Ring the buzzer and check for availability inside. 

If you are into techno, you can try to get into the infamous Berghain club. If that’s not your go-to option, yet you still want to enjoy the techno scene, I would recommend Tresor which is in Kreuzberg. 

Where to Stay: Boutique Hotel Mittendrin 

Where I stayed in Berlin is a repurposed apartment called the Boutique Hotel Mittendrin . 

It was glorious . Located in the bustling shopping district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, it is central to amenities and the historic hub of Berlin’s centre. 

Just a three-minute walk to Kurfürstendamm and the KaDeWe shopping mall, it was great to be surrounded by a huge number of restaurants, bars and shops. 

Not only this, but the train station for the underground is a five-minute walk away (U Wittenbergplatz). The U2 line was great for the east-west connection – it got us places in less than 20 minutes. 

The interior of the hotel was stunning. I was blown away by the mix of rustic and modern chic furniture. Being a historically characteristic old apartment house, the original unique features were still present. The rooms were airy and light, with big windows and a coloured accent wall (ours was a deep maroon!) The room came individually furnished: the seating area was a luxurious add-on, and it was perfect for relaxing before a goodnight’s rest. 

Perhaps the best thing about staying in this hotel was the breakfast service and our host Sabine. It was delicious and the quality of the food was fantastic. Each breakfast was a little different from the last. From 7.30 am till 10.30 am (which is perfect for a full day of exploring), the spread was generous, and it catered to all our needs. 

The most interesting aspect about this wonderful breakfast experience was that you are placed all together at one table, allowing a chance to bond with other guests from all over the world which fostered a genuine community feel in the three days we stayed there. 

Sabine, our host, was wonderful. She took care of us and every little detail. It was a beautiful relaxing stay at this little boutique hotel in West Berlin, a truly unique and intimate experience – perfect for a city break. 

The Best Time of Year to Visit 

Berlin is best to visit from late spring to early summer, or late summer to early autumn. 

From May through to September, the weather is ideal for strolling, sitting in outdoor cafes and taking walking tours of the city. 

Specifically, I would recommend May/June as the ideal month to travel to Berlin. The weather is glorious: sunny blue skies and not scorching temperatures just yet, the crowds are limited, and if you search for them, there are lots of festivals occurring in the month of May. 

In the summer, Berlin comes alive. The streets are packed with city dwellers enjoying locally sourced craft beer and iced lattes, basking in the heat and chatting with friends. The green, ordered streets are made even greener by the sun’s touch; everything is made vigorous and vibrant. 

One must know that summer is the rainiest season in Berlin because of the heat, but that shouldn’t stop you. Enjoy what Berlin has to offer! 

Transport: Getting Around the City 

Like every other major city in Western Europe, Berlin is super well connected. I would advise using the U-Bahn underground trains as your main source of transportation. It runs on 10 coloured routes throughout the city with trains coming every five to 10 minutes during the day. 

With sustained action from 4 am till 1 am on weekdays, and weekends the U- Bahn and S-Bahn operate 24 hours. 

If, on a weekday, you decide to explore Berlin’s nightlife scene, the Metro tram runs on a 24-hour basis, arriving in 30-minute intervals. Alternatively, there are night buses (N1-9) which follow subway routes. 

In terms of pricing, in the fare zone AB (which is the urban centre) it costs €3 for a single ticket. This includes a two-hour journey one-way, which means you will have to purchase another ticket for the return journey. 

For a 24-hour single ticket, it costs €8.80 and you can take as many trips as desired, and for a 24-hour group ticket, the price is €25.50. This includes up to five people including your dog! 

It is a symbol of the city’s organised and bureaucratic way of life. This is juxtaposed with the edgy, gritty aesthetic of the underground train stations: the names of the stations are written boldly on the wall, and yellow is the primary colour underground. 

The S-Bahn elevated trains are less frequent and not as well connected as the U-Bahn service. However, it is the preferred choice for travellers venturing to the outskirts of the city. 

Berlin also has an efficient bus system but is slower than the rail. Sometimes, it is considered unreliable by German standards. It must be stated that masks are still required on public transport. 

Of course, metered taxis can be hailed through the city streets or taxi apps such as Uber operates perfectly well in Berlin. It is said that in Berlin Uber is much cheaper than in the US and the UK! 

If you want a more cost-effective, sustainable way of travelling through the city, cycling is a great option. Visitors may choose from seven or eight different companies of bike hires which all operate as ‘dockless’ bikes. This means that riders can leave their bikes at their destination when they are finished, and not have to return the bikes to a docking station. You could also try an E-Scooter if you are feeling adventurous. 

You can choose from Lime, Bird, Tier and Bolt. All you have to do is download their app, enter your details and scan the specific bar code on the scooter and you’re off! It is as simple as that. This is a great option for when you don’t have to travel too far from one destination to another and to explore the city dynamically. Walking is always a safe bet, but if you are short of time, use the other options mentioned above.

Safety Advice: Beware of Fake Policemen

Compared with other major cities, Berlin is considered safe, however, there are some universal precautions that you still ought to bear in mind. Stick to busy, well-lit streets at night and beware of pickpockets, especially in busy touristic areas. 

Avoid falling asleep on the U-Bahn, especially at night, as wallets and phones are often stolen from sleeping passengers. ALWAYS keep valuables close to you. 

A scam known to most metropolitan cities is fake policemen. Beware of these characters as they are trying to steal from you in popular tourist attractions. They stop tourists under the pretence of searching for drugs or counterfeit money (they demand to see ID cards). 

If you are going out at night clubbing, watch out for drink spiking. Always keep your drink close to you. 

One thing to be aware of is protests. The youth of Berlin are inspiring and are actively standing up for worldly issues. Sometimes, however, they can get pretty tense, and people can get injured. Stay away to avoid these problems. 

If you decide to rent a bike, lock it up safely and securely when it’s parked. Watch out for cycle lanes when walking, and don’t walk on the wrong side of the pavement! 

What to Know Before You Go 

Politeness and manners are important. Saying good morning (Guten morgen ) and good evening (Guten Abend ) is important, as is knowing when to say it at the right time. 

Germans are sensitive about their past, so tread carefully and with the utmost respect. That being said, it is perfectly ok to be curious and ask questions about the past, to get a more well-rounded view of that specific period. Indeed, Young people nowadays in Berlin are open to being vulnerable and having honest conversations about their history and what atrocities have occurred. 

It must be mentioned that there is a strict code of conduct when it comes to do with traffic. Traffic rules are extremely important here in Berlin: Do not cross a road when the little man is red. 

This also goes for cyclists – if they do, a hefty fine is coming their way. This shows the other side of Berlin, the rule-bound and bureaucratic Berlin. 

Lastly, do not forget your European adapter if you are from the US or the UK! 

I hope I have explained everything there is to know about Berlin’s main tourist attractions and its quirky, edgy East side. It is truly a marvellous city, a city like no other in Europe. 

Enjoy your vibrant stay in Berlin! 

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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24 Hours in Berlin: A Whirlwind 1-Day Berlin Itinerary

Berlin is the capital and the largest city in Germany with approximately 3.7 million people. Berlin may conjure up thoughts of World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the Berlin Wall. But, spending 24 hours in Berlin is possible during a quick trip.

The city has a fascinating history of poetry, music, and education in the 1700 and 1800s. It was followed by a series of horrific wars and millions of lives lost in the Holocaust. And rather than being quiet about their sordid past, Berlin seems to embrace it, to learn from past mistakes and ensure they don’t happen again.

Today, you’ll find Berlin is a culturally diverse city bursting with energy and life. This colorful city is filled with delicious food, lively nightclubs, dark speakeasy bars, graffiti art on every surface, quaint boutiques, and people that are open, accepting, and super friendly. But, this is Germany, so they are still serious rule-followers.

We think you’ll find that 24 hours in Berlin isn’t nearly enough, but follow this 24-hour whirlwind itinerary to get the most out of your time in this spectacular city!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Berlin Travel Basics

Things to know before going to berlin:.

• Because Berlin is so culturally diverse, the predominant language spoken is English. So if you haven’t brushed up on your German lately, no worries here.
• The public transportation system in Berlin is massive. You’ll have no problem getting anywhere fast!
• Even though you’re not likely to be asked for your train ticket while using the trains in Berlin, it’s better to pay the small price for a ticket than the big fine if you get caught.
• The tap water is safe to drink and you should fill up on it often – bottled water truly is more expensive than beer in Germany!
• You’ll likely have to pay to use any public toilet in Berlin, so be sure you have some small change.
• Germans rarely jaywalk. Even if there isn’t a car around for miles, you’ll find loads of people waiting for the little man on the pedestrian light to turn green. Don’t risk a scolding from a stranger if you jaywalk in front of children.
• As one of the best cities in Europe , 24 hours in Berlin is not nearly enough to really experience this city. You could easily spend a week in this hip European capital. At a bare minimum, 3 days in Berlin will allow you to see all the top sights. Make sure you schedule another trip soon!

Where to Stay in Berlin

Berlin is a massive city and it can be quite overwhelming to decide where to stay. The best neighborhoods (in no particular order) are Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, Mitte, Charlottenburg, and Friedrichshain.

You really can’t go wrong staying in any of these areas. They are all full of great eating and drinking options while also providing easy access to Berlin’s main attractions. Here are a few of our favorite hotels in the city:

1. Hotel AMANO Grand Central

Hotel AMANO Grand Central  – The popular Mitte district is right smack dab in the heart of the city and Hotel AMANO Grand Central offers the most amazing city views from their green rooftop terrace. With sleek, modern rooms and plenty of drinking and dining options, you may never want to leave! But book this one well in advance – it fills up fast.

2. Hotel Augusta Am Kurfürstendamm

Hotel Augusta Am Kurfürstendamm  – This property offers unique, colorful rooms, a delicious breakfast spread, and the friendliest staff. Located in the trendy Charlottenburg district, you’ll be surrounded by cute boutiques and great restaurant options and super close to the U-Bahn!

3. Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection

Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection  – If you are looking for a luxurious 5-star hotel complete with spa and wellness center in a fantastic central location, Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection is absolutely the best-of-the-best in Berlin! It’s pretty spendy but if you’re only staying one night, it’s worth indulging yourself.

Sundays in Berlin

If your visit to Berlin happens to fall on a Sunday, you’ll find that pretty much everything in the city is closed all day. But fear not! Head to Mauerpark . It has delicious street food options and a market filled with everything from used furniture to original art to hipster jackets and everything in-between.

Wander around the park to find a variety of strange and fascinating happenings. You can experience sing-a-long karaoke in the “bear pit”, all sorts of live music on the grass, graffiti artists leaving their mark on the Berlin Wall, and an actual EDM rave to name a few. Buy a beer from one of the vendors and wander around, soaking in all of the crazy sights!

Complete 24 Hours In Berlin Itinerary

8:30 am – 9:30 am: fill up on a photographic brunch.

Serving up classic brunch as well as exotic concoctions, House of Small Wonders is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. The classic spiral staircase leading to the second floor is a favorite photo op for Instagrammers.

Try the eggs benedict (assuming they haven’t sold out) and the yummy sandwich, soup, and salad combo. It’s the perfect way to start your day – you’ve got a lot of exploring to do.

Check out these healthy food options around Berlin if you prefer something lighter for breakfast.

Hop on the S1, S2, or S25 from the Berlin Oranienburger Straße station for a 10-minute ride to the Brandenburg Gate for your next stop!

10 am – 1 pm: Take a Walking Tour of Berlin

I generally don’t love walking tours when I visit new cities. They make me feel like a nerdy tourist, but the free three-hour walking tour and history lesson offered by  Sandemans is truly worth every minute. You’ll meet at the Starbucks by the Brandenburg Gate where you’ll hear about the history of the gate. You’ll begin to learn about the destruction that the many wars waged in this city caused.

We’ve detailed the stops along the tour below in case you’d rather do a self-guided walking tour of Berlin.

Next, you’ll pass under the Brandenburg Gate and catch a glimpse of the Reichstag, home to Germany’s  Bundestag (Parliament). You won’t be visiting the Reichstag  on your walking tour today because it requires making reservations weeks in advance!

From there, you’ll wander through the controversial Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe . It is controversial for a few reasons… first of all, it’s quite confusing to understand what the artist was attempting to convey. It is a collection of cement blocks of varying heights, equally spaced in a large but uneven area. And there is no information to accompany it. Kids love to play here which can be quite disturbing.

Adding to the controversy, each block is coated with an anti-graffiti substance developed by the Degussa company. This company produced the Zyklon B gas that was used in gas chambers in Hitler’s death camps.

Take your time wandering through the site – it can feel a bit emotional when you’re deep inside.

You’ll stop at a nondescript parking lot, which is only significant because below it is the bunker where Adolf Hitler committed suicide as the city was being invaded by Soviet troops. Not only did he eat a cyanide pill, but he also shot himself in the head to make sure the act was completed.

He also left instructions for his body to be burned because he knew that it would be humiliatingly dragged through the streets. This also meant that it took some time to identify what was left of the body to ensure he didn’t escape. It’s a controversial stop on the tour as most would rather not acknowledge the spot or the man at all.

But, the best story of the tour is how the Berlin Wall accidentally came down at the end of the Cold War – ask your guide to tell you that gem!

From here, see the Topography of Terror , an outdoor/indoor museum. It contains a preserved section of the Berlin wall along with several exhibits focused on both the Nazi regime during World War II, and the division of Berlin during the ensuing Cold War.

Next is a quick stop at Checkpoint Charlie where a harrowing 16-hour showdown took place between 10 M-48 United States tanks and an equal number of T-55 Soviet tanks after US diplomat Allan Lightner was denied entry to East Berlin to attend the opera.  World War III was narrowly averted by a delicate phone call between US President John F. Kennedy and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.

Pass through Gendarmenmarkt Square, one of the most Instagrammable places in Berlin . Here you’ll find the Konzerthaus of Berlin (if you have time later, catch a show!) as well as a beautiful matching pair of French and German churches – the Französischer Dom and  Deutscher Dom .

If you happen to be visiting in December, you’re in luck because Gendarmenmarkt is home to one of Berlin’s best Christmas markets!

Your tour will end in the middle of the Bebelplatz  (Bebel Plaza) the infamous site of the Nazi book burning ceremony held on May 10, 1933, in which about 20,000 books were burned. There is a memorial in the center of the square – a clear square on the ground through which you can see empty bookcases below your feet that are large enough to hold the missing 20,000 books.

Be sure to thank your guide with a cash tip! 

1:10 PM – 2:25 PM: Prost at a Traditional Beer Garden!

No trip to Germany is complete without a stop at a beer garden for a pint with a side of boiled pork knuckle! There is no shortage of options in Berlin, but  Brauhaus Georgbraeur  is just a short 10-minute walk from Bebelplatz. If you have time, Prater Garten is the oldest and most famous beer garden in Berlin (but keep in mind that they close for the winter).

Now it’s just a short, 5-minute walk from Brauhaus Georgbraeur to Museum Island.

2:30 Pm – 4 pm: Visit Museum Island

Berlin has some incredible museums, and lucky for you most are generally in the same area, so it’s relatively easy to check them out if you have extra time.   Museumsinsel (Museum Island) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing five spectacular museums for your viewing pleasure: 

• If Greek Classical Antiquities is your passion, check out the Altes Museum (Old Museum), built in 1830.
• Egyptian artifacts more your style? Head to the Neues Museum (New Museum) which was destroyed during World War II, but rebuilt and reopened in 2009.
• Love Neoclassical, Romantic, Impressionist, and early Modernist artwork ? Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) will be right up your alley!
• Do you prefer to spend your time viewing sculptures, Byzantine art, coins, and medals ? Then the Bode Museum is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
• If you want to see the most visited art museum in Germany and one of the largest in the country, showcasing an antiquity collection, a Middle East museum, and a museum of Islamic art , check out the Pergamon Museum .

4 pm – 5:35 pm: Climb the Berliner Dom

The Berliner Dom is a gorgeous cathedral on a museum island. After viewing the cathedral, climb the 270 steps to the outer walkway of the dome for spectacular city views.

You must be getting hungry at this point, but just a few blocks away you’ll find the cozy and delicious Cocolo Ramen . The salty, delicious broth will help to get you hydrated for your big night out on the town! But make it quick – you’ve got a 25-minute train ride to your next destination!

Jump on the S3, S5, or S7 at S Hackescher Markt toward the East Side Gallery.

6 pm – 6:30 pm: Check out the East Side Gallery

This outdoor East Side Gallery consists of 105 paintings by artists from all over the world. It was originally painted in 1990 but has had several rounds of reconstruction due to vandalism.

Every painting is beautiful and interesting in its own way, but the most famous is painting #25 which shows Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing with the words “My God, help me to survive this deadly love”. The painting is a pretty straightforward reproduction of the photograph of the embrace when Brezhnev visited East Germany in 1979 to celebrate the anniversary of its founding as a Communist nation.

For an afternoon snack, grab a quick currywurst to-go from a local street food vendor to keep you going. Head to Berlin Ostbahnhof to catch the S3 or S5 toward Klunkerkranich. You’ve got a 30-minute commute ahead of you.

7 pm – 8 pm: Watch the Sun Set Over Berlin

When you’re walking through the Neukölln Arkaden shopping center parking lot on your way to Klunkerkranich , you’ll probably think we’re nuts for sending you here. That is until you find this trendy rooftop bar filled with locals and tourists alike – lounging on couches and listening to live music. Grab a Bier and a table with a view, and relax while the sun sets over the busy city below!

8 pm – 11:30 pm: Find one of Berlin’s Speakeasy Bars

There are few things as exhilarating as walking up to a nondescript door at an abandoned-looking building, ringing the doorbell, and hoping that the bouncer peering through the peephole will like the look of you and let you inside.

• Beckett’s Kopf – the only thing marking this bar is a portrait of Irish playwright, Samuel Beckett in the window. Ring the bell and if they have space, they’ll welcome you into this small, quiet bar with delectable cocktails and naughty paintings on the wall.
• Buck & Breck – ignore the “closed” sign above the door and ring the bell. It’s a small bar so if you go on a weekend you may have a bit of a wait to get in. The interior has low lighting, interesting decor, and expert bartenders. You’ll have to leave your purse at the front and their “no photography” rule is strictly enforced.
• Reingold Bar – this one is tricky as it is impossible to tell if they are closed or if you are simply being denied entry. Once you ring the bell someone inside will supposedly peer through the peephole and determine whether or not to let you in. You’ll either stand outside, vaguely confused for a while, or be rewarded by sipping cocktails in this lavish hidden gem.

11:30 pm – 8 am: Experience Berlin’s Famous Nightlife

Berlin is known for having a wild nightlife scene (just Google Kit Kat Club if you don’t believe me), so you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to at least have a drink or two out on the town! But first, make sure you note the “rules of the road” so to speak to avoid any embarrassing mishaps:

• Most bars in Berlin don’t open until late in the evening and many stay open until the wee hours of the morning. Don’t plan on going to a nightclub before 11 pm.
• Check the hours before you go – many bars are closed on Sundays and/or Mondays. Some are even closed all winter long.
• Bring cash!
• Nudity and even public sexual acts can be common in bars around Berlin. Check with the bouncer if you think this will make you feel uncomfortable.
• Check the dress code before venturing out for the evening. Some nightclubs expect costumes while others may expect your Sunday best. Being overdressed can also be a problem. Regardless, bouncers may deny you entrance for no reason whatsoever.
• Smoking is still allowed in most bars, pubs, and nightclubs in Germany.
• 5%-10% or just a rounding up of the bill is an acceptable tip for the bartender. Tip by saying the amount you want to pay in total when actually paying rather than after you’ve been given your change.

Popular Berlin Nightclubs

• Want to visit a famous techno club ? Head to Tresor . But act casual (and sober) while waiting in the queue to get in.
• For an intense light show while famous DJs spin accompanying EDM sets, check out Watergate .
• Looking for a lively, diverse crowd and good music ? Head to Old CCCP Bar .
• To try a variety of different absinthe concoctions , check out Druide Absinthe & Cocktail Bar .
• For themed nights like “Porno Karaoke” or “Circus Burlesque”, or even just want to play ping-pong in a strangely decorated bar, head to Toast Hawaii .
• If you really enjoyed  Klunkerkranich , head back that way to watch it transform from a chill sunset spot to a lively nightclub .
• To party all night long with the young and hip kids of Berlin , check out Kater Blau Nightclub but expect a long wait in line.

We hope this comprehensive 24-hour itinerary has helped you plan your trip to Berlin!

Looking for more details on what to see and do in Berlin? Enjoy our favorite guide books!

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Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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10 thoughts on “24 hours in berlin: a whirlwind 1-day berlin itinerary”.

wow this is a lot of information and some I did not expect such as the details on having children in Germany and the Hitler suicide! You seem to really have learned a lot about this city and its history during your time there! 🙂

The New Yorker in me would have trouble following the jaywalking rules but it would be totally worth it! Berlin has it all- what an eclectic, full day! House of Small Wonders seems like such a dreamy brunch destination. Can’t wait to visit!

Berlin is defo a city which is worth hitting up, but needs a lot more than 24 hours 😀 I found 4 days wasn’t enough. Aggghhhh… I need to go back 😀

I loved Berlin 10 years ago. Really have to get back there, its such a vibrant city. Love it how you describe everything to do in a day, very detailed. Muted Horn Craft Beer pub is also worthwhile.

So much to do in Berlin! Love your itinerary. If only!! I was also glad to hear that the nightlife hasn’t faltered in eccentricities and that English is spoken most everywhere. Can’t wait to visit.

So much info in one place! That restaurant staircase was pretty amazing, but the thing that stuck out to me was the memorial to all those burned books – sounds very moving. Hoping to get to Berlin someday soon 🙂 Thank you for the info!

Yes, for me Berlin is indeed all about those wars and subsequent wall. It is an old city with so much to explore and offers something to every kind of traveler. You have very well captured basics for first time traveler. Good to know that English works well there. Could you tell me, how is the hostel scene in Berlin? Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.looks intriguing. I may actually spend more time at east side gallery.

Berlin is on our list from long time and probably we will visit it in 2018. I must say this is a perfect guide to visit and experience the place completely. The beer museum, sunset city views, and night clubs is what we would love exploring.

Berlin has been on my must see list for so long, I’m beginning to despair of ever getting there. But your post has re-inspired me to ensure I do, and soon! I’d love to spend a couple days exploring Museum Island in particular, as well as all of the incredible architecture and historic sites like the Brandenburg Gate and Berliner Dome.

I’m very glad that they embrace their mistakes and use them as a powerful teaching mechanism. I love the way you literally have the day planned hour by hour. I also giggled at the fact that you’ll get scolded for jaywalking. I jaywalk all the time – that’ll take getting used to for sure!

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Home » Europe » Germany » Berlin

INSIDER BERLIN ITINERARY for (2024)

Whether you’re spending a weekend in Berlin or planning a week-long trip, the city has an almost unrivaled diversity! In every corner of Berlin, you will find something fresh and exciting! From the historic buildings and a plethora of top-notch museums to vibrant outdoor galleries, your Berlin itinerary will be filled to the brim!

There are so many places in the world that are considered awesome to visit, but few are truly cool as Berlin. Germany’s capital city, with its thriving art scene, innovative cuisine, and spectacular architecture definitely deserves a spot on your travel wish list!

From the city’s dark and turbulent past, it has emerged as a warrior for social change and with a passion for remembering its history. One of the most remarkable things about this incredible city is the many memorials and Berlin landmarks which act as a reminder to forever learn from history.

And since there’s so much to do in this city, I’ve come up with the perfect Berlin itinerary for your visit. That way you can explore everything without the fear of missing out on the must-see attractions in Berlin.

Let’s get right to it!

A Little Bit about this 3-Day Berlin Itinerary

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Berlin’s history, architecture, foodie scene, and tendency to embrace the oddball has turned Berlin into a truly memorable city! It has something for every traveler, from sprawling parks to incredible museums and spooky tours, you’ll never run out of things to do in Berlin !

Whether you’re spending a one day in Berlin or planning an unforgettable Berlin itinerary, there are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! We’d personally suggest taking at least two-three full days to explore the city. If you want to see all of the important landmarks you might be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but that’ll guarantee a lot of stress. So do yourself a favour and set more time aside.

In this itinerary, you’ll find three days packed with action, culture, history and adventure. But don’t worry, you won’t have to rush from A to B, trying to fit everything in.

I’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot. Of course, you can add your own spots in, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration instead of a fixed plan to get the most out of your trip!

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3 Day Berlin Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Berlin Botanic Garden and Museum | Charlottenburg Palace | Reichstag Building | Brandenburg Gate | Berliner Philharmonie
• Day 2: Urban Spree | Museum Island | Berlin Cathedral | Berlin Story Bunker | Berlin Zoological Garden
• Day 3: Mauerpark | Molecule Men at Warschauer Straße | East Side Gallery | Spree River Boat Trip

With a Berlin City Pass , you can experience the best of Berlin at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

No matter how many days in Berlin you’ll spend exploring and enjoying the many sights the city holds, you’ll need somewhere fantastic to stay. Because there’s so much to see and do on your vacation in Berlin, it’s always a good idea to stay somewhere central and in an area that has what you’re looking for!

Berlin was divided by the Berlin Wall for so many years, which means that its layout is a tad complicated to navigate. However, this also means that there are multiple ‘mini hubs’ in the city, where you’ll find another batch of places to visit in Berlin! So, if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Berlin , I’ve got you covered with some of the city’s finest options.

Because the city is so diverse, every neighborhood has its own unique atmosphere and fantastic Berlin points of interest. So your decision of where to stay truly depends on what you want on your trip to Berlin!

Mitte is one of the go-to places if you’re interested in popular Berlin attractions , sightseeing and getting a feel for Berlin’s old-timey charm. This central location is filled with amazing things to do, including a ride in the AquaDom elevator where you’re surrounded by sea life!

Friedrichshain is another amazing choice! This popular, up-and-coming community is the perfect spot for creative travelers looking for something different. As one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berlin, there’s a fantastic array of accommodation. This urban spot is a night owl’s paradise and it’s also where you’ll find the fascinating Computer Games Museum!

Speaking of incredible places to stay in Berlin, Kreuzberg (or Xberg) is a lively cultural hotspot where river beaches combine with a vibrant nightlife and some amazing street art to create an unbeatable place to stay.

If you’re looking for something else entirely, the charming area of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is filled with family-friendly attractions to add to your Berlin itinerary! With world-class restaurants and a range of historic landmarks, this is the perfect spot for a diverse group of travelers. Check out the famous shopping street of Kurfürstendamm while you’re there!

As popular with budget backpackers as it is with seasoned luxury travelers, Belin boasts a diverse range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses, lively hostels, charming B&Bs , and homestays, you’re garanteed to have a perfect stay here.

Best Hostel in Berlin – PLUS Berlin

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Brilliantly located near the East Side Gallery, and nestled between some of Berlin’s prime nightlife spots, PLUS Berlin is one of the best party hostels in Berlin ! Complete with a swimming pool, sauna, and lovely garden, this hostel has it all. Enjoy the vibe at their Opera Bar and restaurant, or head out to the fantastic clubs just a stone’s throw away!

Best Airbnb in Berlin – Design loft with rooftop & pool

Chic and stylish with access to a shared pool and cool rooftop garden, this apartment is located in the heart of Berlin, in the neighborhood of Mitte.

The compact apartment has a modern kitchen and the large windows provide plenty of natural lighting. There’s a separate desk and dining table and the apartment has free Wi-Fi. The monochrome is the best place to stay in Berlin for a couple.

Best Budget Hotel in Berlin – Hotel Ludwig van Beethoven

Enjoy this 3-star hotel with a great price tag in a charming and vibrant neighborhood! With a 24-hour reception and delicious buffet breakfasts served on their rooftop breakfast patio, you’ll love every minute of your stay. Stop off at the fantastic local eateries or enjoy touring Berlin with uber-easy nearby transport options!

The first day in Berlin is going to start in nature, which is perfect if you just have a long journey behind you. Afterwards, you’ll head into the city to explore some of the most important monuments of the city. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and bring some snacks!

Being the massive and diverse city it is, Berlin also provides locals and visitors with a fantastic public transport system. One of the most popular ways to get around in Berlin is via the U-Bahn (the underground) or S-Bahn trains which run all over the city. You could also jump one of the city’s handy trams or buses. It’s very easy to get tickets for any of these modes of transport, just make sure you get your hands on a map so no time is wasted by getting lost!

While a lot of Berlin is super walkable, it doesn’t help with getting the most out of your trip. Perhaps the best thing to do is grab one of the city’s travel passes. You can get to your destination easily and spend more time exploring Berlin!

Wondering what to do in Berlin? Whether you love art, history, food, a happening nightlife scene, or you’re up for anything, I’ve put together a stellar Berlin itinerary that will make your trip unforgettable!

Take a look at some of the top-notch options for day one on our itinerary for Berlin! Get in touch with nature at the lush Botanic Garden, then take in a spot of history at some of the finest Berlin landmarks – Charlottenburg Palace, the Reichstag Building, and Brandenburg Gate. Then, finish off your day to the sound of the Berlin Philharmonic!

9am – Berlin Botanic Garden and Museum

If you love a splash of nature on a vacation in the city, enjoy a morning at the Berlin Botanic Garden. This oasis of lush greenery and incredible diversity is filled with stunning greenhouses, a sea of colorful flora and a chance to learn a little something as well!

Travel through this historic garden where you can enjoy a walk around Viktoriahaus, which is over one hundred years old! Explore the incredible collection of orchids, carnivorous plants (yikes!) and stunning white water lilies. Then, get lost in the tranquil arboretum where towering trees and the amazing Arbor of Roses right in the middle!

This immaculate garden is a fascinating place, especially thanks to the on-site museum where you can check out a range of models that give you an inside look into plant structures that are usually invisible to the naked eye. Think “forest in a matchbox”!

Insider Tip: The entrance ticket includes admission to the museum as well

• Cost – 6€ for adults
• Getting there – The S1 line stops directly at the garden
• How long should you stay – Give yourself 1-2 hours to enjoy the beauty of the garden and museum

11.30am – Charlottenburg Palace

Be greeted at the entrance by an impressive equestrian statue of King Friederich Wilhelm III – a fitting beginning to an incredible palace tour. Once a royal summer residence, the Charlottenburg Palace is Berlin’s largest and most magnificent royal house!

Spectacular paintings fill the walls and lofty ceilings of the palace, while amazing statues stand like sentinels as you explore the grounds. Don’t miss a look at the Belvedere former tea house and pavilion with amazing panoramic views, as well as the on-site mausoleum where the castle’s namesake was laid to rest. The palace was named after the beloved first Queen consort of Prussia, Sophie Charlotte.

The Goldene Galerie (the castles rococo ballroom) makes for quite the sight, and you’ll feel utterly regal as you admire its remarkable interior! The Old Palace and New Wing are both open to the public on your tour, while the grounds are free to explore.

Speaking of the garden, the palace’s impressive formal garden is surrounded by a lush woodland that makes it all the more royal!

• Cost: USD $23 for a full-access ticket.
• Getting there – Walk to the U9 and change to U7 at Berliner Straße
• How long should you stay – 60-90min

2pm – Reichstag Building

Add a significant and fascinating piece of history to your Berlin itinerary with a visit to the Reichstag Building!

Home to Germany’s parliament, this historical Berlin landmark has quite the history, from World War II and well into the Cold War. You can even get a peek at the current-day parliament at work!

Visitors can still see the Soviet graffiti on fire-touched walls after its occupation by the USSR. marked by history, the Reichstag Building was used for propaganda presentations and military purposes during WWII, and it became the main target in the 1945 Battle of Berlin. If you’re a history buff or have a love for politics, this is definitely one to add to your Berlin trip itinerary!

It also grew in popularity among tourists when it was home to the widely-praised Fragen an die deutsche Geschichte (questions to the German history). Now regarded as the second most visited landmark in Germany, visiting the Reichstag Building is a must on your Berlin vacation!

• Cos t – Free entrance!
• Getting there – Take the bus line M45 and change to line 100 at Berlin Zoologischer Garten railway station
• How long should you stay – 45-60min

3pm – Brandenburg Gate

As one of Berlin’s most well-known landmarks, Brandenburg Gate promises a lot! This 18th-century monument is built on the former city gate that marked the start of the road from Berlin to Brandenburg’s capital. This began the long and eventful history of Brandenburg Gate!

It also happens to be an actual gate into Unter den Linden, the famous boulevard of linden trees which leads directly to the spectacular Berlin City Palace of Prussian monarchs. The gate has become a symbol of unity and peace, and was the first piece to ‘Athen’s on the River Spree’ as you can see by its amazing design. Admire this incredible monument, which is adorned with a powerful statue and draws visitors from all over the world!

For the true history lovers, it was also here that Ronald Regan gave his iconic speech where he said, “Mr. Gorbachov, tear down this wall!” As a site of struggle, victory and celebration (it’s the popular finish line of the Berlin Marathon), the Brandenburg Gate definitely belongs on your Berlin itinerary!

Insider tip: visiting the Brandenburg Gate is especially atmospheric after dark!

• Cost: Free to see!
• Getting there – It’s a short walk from the previous stop
• How long should you stay here – 30min max

3.30pm – Unter den Linden

This boulevard takes you right from the Brandenburg Gate to the City Palace. It’s become one of the most famous streets in Berlin, alongside the Kufürstendamm which is located in the west. The straight street offers a cool view that moves straight through the city centre. It’s worth standing on either end and taking a few pics.

While strolling along the 1.5 km long road, you pass numerous important buildings such as the Humboldt University and the Staatsoper, and landmarks such as the Neue Wache and the Zeughaus. The boulevard also boasts restaurants, cafés and shops which is great for a quick afternoon snack.

You’ll also walk past monuments that we’ll have a closer look at on day two of the Berlin itinerary, such as the Museum Island and the famous cathedral.

• Cost – Free!
• Getting there – The boulevard starts right at the previous one!

6pm – Berliner Philharmonie

For classical music fans or anyone who enjoys the arts, a visit to this remarkable venue is a dream!

Situated in the beating heart of the city, the building is stunning on its own. With an incredible tent-like design and golden facade, the atmosphere is unreal. Then comes the performance by one of the world’s finest philharmonic orchestras.

The Berlin Philharmonic is anything but conventional! They deliver exquisite performances of the musical greats while giving it a sense of fun. As a fairly young orchestra, they’re open to performing jazz or show tunes and once started playing a completely different score much to their maestro’s bemusement.

The Berlin Philharmonic also has a forested venue on the city outskirts where you can enjoy one of their unbelievable performances. This award-winning orchestra is absolutely mandatory on your Berlin itinerary!

Insider tip: Be sure to get there early for their afternoon chamber music performance which they put on every Tuesday at 1pm, and they get filled up quickly!

• Cost –Tickets depend on seating but range from USD $12 for standing room to USD $325 for prime seats.
• Getting there – It’s a chill 20min walk from the Unter den Linden Subway station. You can also opt to take the bus!
• How long should you stay – Until the show is over – Make sure to check the schedule !

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Make your 2 days in Berlin memorable with a mixed bag of eclectic Berlin culture, a visit to the incredible Museum Island as well as an extra dose of nature with a trip to the zoo!

9am – Urban Spree

Get a taste for the legendary Berlin culture at this eclectic art gallery and the outdoor hub that surrounds it. If you’re looking for some incredible street art, themed clubs, and live music bars- you’ll find it all here!

Explore the amazing art gallery where stunning exhibits are on display. Then, enjoy a meander through the unbelievable collection of truly unique gems! Berlin has some of the best English bookshops where prints by featured artists are sold, as well as a fantastic array of rare books and zines.

Stroll through the patchwork of exhibitions, eateries, and a beer garden that’s just right for a relaxed day in Berlin. If you’re still hungry for more, there just so happens to be wall climbing available as well as one of Berlin’s tiniest discos.

Climb inside a converted phonebooth complete with dry ice, strobe lights, and a disco ball. You can even record your three-minute rave to some killer tunes (for the memories of course). If you’re after a glimpse inside Berlin’s epic street culture, this is the perfect place to start!

• Cost – It’s Free!
• Getting there – Take any public transport option to “Warschauer Staraße”
• How long should you stay – Around 60min

10am – Museum Island

If you thought Berlin couldn’t surprise you anymore, it’s done it again with an actual island covered in museums! This collection of world-renowned museums is home to an impressive array of artifacts and art, along with the promise of a fantastic experience.

Visit the Neues Museum, which is home to the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti as well as outstanding pieces from the Collection of Classical Antiquities. The Old National Gallery sits above the island like an old king on his throne and houses work by Manet, Menzel, and Monet, as well as paintings and sculptures from Romanticism to early Modernist art.

Altes Museum was the first on the island and showcases art and sculptures from classical antiquity including the busts of Caesar and Cleopatra. Then hit Bode-museum where you’ll find an extensive collection of sculptures dating all the way back to the medieval period to the late 18th century.

Last but not least, enjoy a walk through the Pergamonmuseum, which houses the Roman Market Gate of Miletus and the historic Tell Halaf facade. If you have a love for art, history and everything in between, definitely add Museum Island to your Berlin itinerary!

• Cost – The Museum Pass Berlin is USD $34, a one-day ticket to all exhibitions is USD $22.
• Getting there – Take the S1 towards Alexander Platz and take a quick walk to the Island.
• How long should you stay – Anything from 2-5 hours! Depending on how many Museums you want to have a look at.

1.30pm – Berlin Cathedral

After you have your fill of museums, hop on over the Berlin Cathedral which also sits on Museum Island! This major work of historicist architecture is quite the Berlin attraction and one of the most amazing landmarks on the city’s landscape.

First of all, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Berlin from the cathedral’s spectacular dome. Then, enjoy the incredible interior of this historic basilica. Crowned with a lantern and golden cross, the dome is flanked by four impressive towers! Drink in the stunning decor including ornamental mosaics, touches of gold, and amazing statues.

One of the cathedral’s most notable features is the marble and onyx altar, which draws the eye as soon as you walk in! The Imperial Staircase is another stellar feature, which was used for the entrance of an arriving royal couple. The cathedral also houses the Hohenzollern Crypt , the most prominent dynastic vault in the country!

Take in every corner of this stunning monument where historic beauty and an unreal atmosphere fill the hallowed halls. The cathedral also hosts a regular program of concerts, which are definitely worth seeing if you have the chance.

• Cost – USD $9 for adults and USD $7 for students.
• Getting there – It’s right across the Island.
• How long should you stay – 30-60min

2.15pm – Berlin Story Bunker

Get a unique insight into 800 years of Berlin history on a tour through the Berlin Story Bunker. Along with providing a detailed and vast background story, the bunker also houses the largest documentary on Adolf Hitler and his rise to power.

Journey through 30 fascinating, informative, and heartbreaking displays where you’ll learn all about how the Second World War came to be, why the Nazis brought the world to the brink and other prominent events in Berlin’s past!

Walk through the rooms of a real-life war bunker, where the unheard stories of Berlin residents are shared, giving a new understanding to the city’s turbulent past. The tour is also self-guided (with the help of an audio track), so you’ll be able to move through the museum at your own pace and find the exhibits that truly pique your interest.

You’ll also have the chance to see a fantastic miniature model of the entire city where you can track where you’ve been, where you’ll go next, and how this sprawling city fits together.

Insider tip: The tour is quite graphic in parts making it unsuitable for most children.  Keep this in mind if you are particularly sensitive to traumatic images as well.

• Cost – Tickets starts from 13$
• Getting there – Take the S3 from Hackesche Märkte and to Friedrichstraße and change onto the S2

3.30pm  – Berlin Zoological Garden

As the most visited zoo in Europe, the Berlin Zoological Garden has some spectacular habitats, animals, and highlights to show off!

Some of their most famous residents include the giant pandas, hippos, adorable penguins, gorillas, and a polar bear called Knut. The zoo also has some unique feature exhibits including the Eagle canyon- venture past a cascading waterfall and discover the eagle’s world. If you love watching birds as they flutter from tree to tree, the World of Birds canopy trail is perfect!

You can also spot some amazing black and Indian rhinos as well as a herd of red deer! The zoo is also in collaboration with other zoos and research groups to promote healthy breeding programs which safeguard endangered species!

The on-site aquarium is also a must-see, with 3 stories filled with over 9,000 animals from across the world. Stroll through the cool, shimmering hallways where you can see the likes of tropical fish, amphibians, an incredible shark tank, and a host of billowing jellyfish! You can also check out a fascinating ant enclosure where you can watch the little creatures at work.

The aquarium also works hard to promote healthy sea life by including educational features and a display of plastic amongst the incredible marine life.

Insider tip: The joint ticket includes access to the aquarium!

• Cost – USD $18 for adults and USD $10 for children.
• Getting there – Take the M29 bus to Europa-Center
• How long should you stay – You can spend the rest of the day here!

PLUS Berlin

Brilliantly located near the East Side Gallery and nestled between some of Berlin’s prime nightlife spots, PLUS Berlin is one of the best hostels in Berlin!

• 24 Hour Reception

Now that you’ve had a whirlwind weekend in Berlin , it’s time to find out what to do in Berlin in 3 days. From epic markets to trips down the amazing Spree River, you’ll be spoiled for choice when you travel to Berlin!

The end of day three is optional but I’d highly recommend it. Exploring Berlin’s nightlife is a must! It’s one of the biggest and well-known nightlife scenes in Europe and since it’s the last day on our itinerary, you might as well go out with a bang!

9am – Mauerpark

Throughout Berlin, Mauerpark is known as one of the best places to hang out in the city. Built in what used to be a militarized death strip, the lush and fun-filled park is now a social hub in Berlin.

You can enjoy a stroll through the stunning landscape, have a picnic in the birch grove, join in a game of boules or basketball, or watch musicians and performers put on a show in the amphitheatre. Heck, why not do it all?

Get a real feel for Berlin and its community in this gorgeous oasis where you may even get to know some locals! Enjoy snacks and treats from a range of food stalls that set up camp in the park, or browse the many stalls selling artworks, handicrafts and trinkets.

Mauerpark almost feels like a music festival in the summer, when the street performers are in full swing and vendors fill the air with delicious aromas!

I’ve saved the best for last – the park also hosts an open-to-all karaoke fest every second Sunday, which is beyond fun and a great way to connect with the city!

• Getting there – Head to Eberswalder Straße Station with any public transport option.
• How long should you stay – 1-2 hours depending on whether you’re coming for the fleamarket as well

12pm – Berlin Wall Memorial

A visit to Berlin wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Berlin wall – it’s probably THE thing to do in Berlin. Retrace the surviving 3-miles of wall and get transported back to a pivotal moment in recent history. Parts of the wall have been rebuilt, others are exactly how they used to be.

This site is more informative than other museums and will teach you all about the history of the Berlin Wall. It’s the ideal place for history nerds that really want to dig in deep.

The memorial serves as a reminder of the divided city and the victims of communist tyranny, as well as the “Window of Remembrance. You can also find the Chapel of Reconciliation here, along with the exposed foundations of a former apartment house, the façade of which made up part of the Wall until the early 1980s.

• Cost – Free! The museum is 12.50€
• Getting there – Take the M1 tram to U Bernauer Straße.
• How long should you stay – 30-45min

1pm – East Side Gallery

Berlin’s East Side Gallery is one of the most well-known open-air galleries in the world, and with a remarkable history as well!

The incredible gallery consists of a series of murals painted onto the final remnant of the Berlin Wall. As a marker for decades of turmoil, this historic space is now filled with powerful portraits, graffiti and slogans by artists from across the globe!

You can see images like an opened wall filled with a sea of faces, young children being watched over and a curriculum vitae with significant years in the city’s history. You can also spot a giant “Berlin” on one section of the wall alongside other powerful phrases and messages.

While the gallery has been defaced over the years, it remains an icon of change and is definitely deserves a spot on your 3-day Berlin itinerary!

• Getting there – Take the U8 to Jannowitzbrücke and change to the S3 to Berlin Warschauer Straße
• How long should you stay – 45min

2.30pm – Molecule Men at Warschauer Straße

This unexpected and eclectic landmark makes a fun addition to your Berlin itinerary! Stroll along the lanes around Warschauer Straße where you’ll find amazing art galleries, fun bars, and the unreal Molecule Men . This monumental statue stands in position in the middle of Spree River, which used to mark the border between East and West Berlin.

This incredible sculpture forms part of a series of aluminium creations that have been placed around the world. Symbolically, the Molecule Men represent the intersection of the then three districts of Berlin, but they also make for an epic photo opportunity!

The 100-foot-tall statue is quite the sight on its own, but you can also enjoy some spectacular architecture in the area as well as an amazing view of Oberbaum Bridge. Definitely pay this Berlin landmark a visit at night when the bridge and surrounds are bathed in light!

• Getting there – Take the S9 to S Treptower Park
• How long should you stay – 20-30min

4pm – Spree River Boat Trip

Add a fun and fascinating riverboat tour to your 3-day itinerary in Berlin! Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the waters of Spree River as you enjoy the sights and sounds of Berlin!

Learn all about the German capital as you pass by the Federal Chancellery and Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the President of Germany since 1994. You’ll also have the chance to admire the Victory Column which commemorates the Prussian wins in various wars and has become a symbol of unity.

Cruise past Charlottenburg Palace, the Westhafen Canal and the Hamburger Bahnhof, which is a terminal-turned museum that has an impressive collection of contemporary art! Take in the gorgeous views of Berlin as you toast to a fantastic holiday!

• Cost – Starting from $20
• Getting there – Take the S9 to Am Weidendamm 1, 10117 Berlin
• How long should you sta y – The tour takes 1 hour but there are 2.5h tours available as well

9pm until late – Berlin nightlife

You can’t visit Berlin without hearing about the city’s insane nightlife. While it’s not technically a place to visit, there are just too many amazing venues to decide which one is the best. You can get bars, clubs, and hidden hotspots all over Berlin and each of them offers a different vibe. One of the most famous nightclubs is Berghain but there are plenty of other and more unique nightlife places to visit.

Dance the night away until your feet hurt – and then keep going. Go nude at Pornceptual, party through the weekend at Sunday Club, choose from all sorts of music genres at Hoe_Mies or dive into the techno scene at Suicide Circus or Tresor. There are endless options and trust us, you’ll struggle to decide where to go to! It’s the perfect end to a 3-Day Berlin Itinerary!

• Cost – Depends on the club!
• Getting there – Depends on where you want to go!
• How long should you stay – Depends on your endurance!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

When you’re planning a trip to Berlin, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the seasons and get an idea of when to visit Berlin!

The best time to visit the city is between May and October when Berlin is bathed in sunshine and has the perfect weather for checking out the many Berlin attractions. May brings along the blooming of cherry blossoms and is one of the most beautiful months to visit. Keep in mind that many people travel at that time, so it’s important to book your accommodation ahead. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing hostels in Berlin , so you’ll almost always find a comfy place to rest your head.

August and September are especially pleasant months, with the International Berlin Beer Festival as well as the famous Lollapalooza music festival where some epic performances take place! However, the middle of summer does get very humid, so heading to Berlin in early spring or late summer to early autumn is also a fantastic choice!

High season in Berlin is between mid-June to August, during Oktoberfest and, of course, the Christmas season when Berlin is lit in exquisite lights and filled with festivals. You can also experience the city’s legendary Christmas markets during December!

January can get some stunning snow, which makes Berlin even more dreamy and there are some fantastic New Year’s celebrations including food, drinks, and live music along Berlin’s Party Mile.

For the most budget-friendly time to visit, early June is quiet and accommodation prices decrease, while the winter months of November to March are pretty cold and overcast but have some fantastic deals!

It’s no surprise that Berlin is a pretty big city with loads of interesting neighbourhoods. Luckily, you can find a super well developed public transport network spread throughout all parts of the city. The public transport here also makes taking one of the many day trips from Berlin super easy too.

To put that into numbers for you, there are 120 kilometres of tram lines, 473 kilometres of railway track, and more navigable waterways than Amsterdam, Stockholm and even Venice – put together! And Berlin makes good use of it all. Whether it’s by tram, S-Bahn, subway or simple bus system, you can get from A to B within no time.

The public transport in Berlin is straightforward, clean and reliable. It’s also pretty affordable, especially if you opt for taking the bus.

Another great way to get around is to rent a bicycle. There are bike stations spread throughout the city, the most popular ones are Nextbike and Donkey Republic. Both of them are rentable by app which makes it super handy and efficient.

The German capital has one of the highest rates of bicycle commuting in the world, with an average of 710 bicycles owned per 1,000 Berliners. There are plenty of bike paths and dedicated cycle lanes — in fact, there are 620 kilometres of them.

Coming prepared is one of the most important parts of travelling, no matter where you want to go.

Although it’s the largest and most populated city in Germany, Berlin is generally quite safe. However, when you’re traveling to a new city, especially one as large as this, it’s a good idea to follow some tried and tested safety tips .

• Be particularly vigilant in touristy areas like the Kurfürstendamm and Gölitzer Park.
• Public transport is also a hotspot for petty crime, so hold tight to your belongings for any journeys you take.
• It is generally quite safe to walk around popular areas at night, but keep an eye out for dodgy characters.

As you are likely traveling in a foreign country, ensure you have access to emergency numbers in case of an accident or problem. It’s also always a good idea to have travel insurance in the event of a problem. To enjoy your Berlin itinerary to the fullest, keep these travel tips in mind and enjoy safe travels!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Berlin itinerary.

How many days should you stay in Berlin?

You can cover a lot of ground in 3 days. However, 4-5 days are ideal if you’re looking to discover more of Berlin’s epic nightlife scene.

What should you include on a 3 day Berlin itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these awesome places: – Brandenburg Gate – Museum Island – East Side Gallery – Holocaust Memorial

Where should you stay for a weekend in Berlin?

If you’re only in Berlin for a short time, finding accommodation in Mitte is your best bet. It’s super central, putting you within easy reach of Berlin’s top attractions and bars.

What are the best day trips from Berlin?

If you’ve got the time, make sure to check out Dresden, the Azalea and Rhododendron Park, Potsdam, or Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

When you think about Berlin, it probably brings to mind historical buildings, incredible museums, and an up-and-coming creative scene that has some spectacular things to offer!

There’s incredible variety in Berlin, so it’s the perfect place for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday filled with leisurely strolls through charming streets, an action-packed European getaway where you’re always looking for something exciting, or a true taste of history – Berlin has everything you could ask for!

Along with top-notch public transport and events galore, Berlin is filled to the brim with landmarks and attractions to explore! Enjoy a stay at world-class accommodation, get a taste for the international cuisine that fills Berlin with flavor, and take your pick from an impressive list of things to do in Berlin.

There’s so much to do on your Berlin itinerary, so jump into this unbelievable city with both feet and enjoy!

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Home » Europe » Germany » Berlin

Travel blogs, travel photos and features from Berlin — the most hip city in Europe

Berlin Travel Guide

The ultimate guide to the best things to do and see in berlin.

Without a doubt, Europe’s coolest city, Berlin has it all: 24-hour-nightlife, food from all over the world, affordable prices and is full of beautiful people. It’s not a typical European city with a historical centre (that was largely destroyed in the war), but rather has many vibrant and distinct districts to explore.

Whether you’re coming for a weekend, a week or planning to move here, start here with my basic Berlin travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest Berlin travel blogs .

Popular Berlin Travel Blogs

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When to Visit

Berliners say that to deserve the summer, you have to stay through the winter, which can be long indeed! Berlin summers can be glorious, with long nights, perfect weather to sit outside in the many parks and loads of things happening outside.

Being such a big city with so many interesting things going on, visiting any time in the year will guarantee there’s something fascinating happening! It can be rainy pretty much any time of year in Berlin, though, so make sure to bring at least a light rain jacket, even in the summer!

Cool Things To Do

Bauhaus Archiv –  Documenting the history of the Bauhaus design movement from the early and mid 20th century, this museum is unlike many of the others in Berlin (even the quirkier ones ) and a must for any lovers of design and architecture. The collection includes teaching materials, models, plans, photographs and a library, all fully open to the public and giving you a fascinating insight into this iconic period of German design.

Sunday brunch –  Berliners take their Sunday brunch very seriously. Anywhere from 11am till 3pm, you’ll find most cafés and restaurants full to the brim with locals lazily eating, drinking and chatting. Many places offer all-you-can-eat buffets, several with vegan brunch offerings where you can easily spend the first part of your Sunday recovering from the night before.

Berghain  – This iconic club, and perhaps the ‘coolest in the world’ is not to be missed if you’re a lover a techno and unabashed hedonism. Surprisingly, perhaps the best time might be to go on Sunday afternoon after brunch, as it stays open all weekend long and is by then in full swing without the three hour line to get in.

Just make sure to dress mostly in black, don’t turn up drunk or in a large group and don’t stare at your phone while waiting to be let in.

LGBTQ – Gay Berlin Travel Guide

Gay-friendly businesses can be found all over Berlin, though historically the neighborhood of Schöneberg was the center of gay life. Nowadays there are gay bars all over the city, even in the places you might least expect.

The new gay Berlin is now mostly centered in Neukölln where you’ll find gay clubs, queer bars and even occasional drag shows. These are a few of the best things you should know about:

“London Calling” at Schwuz – Every first Friday of the month, this indie Brit-pop night at one of Berlin’s most laid-back gay clubs is my favorite night there. The crowd is pretty mixed, but tends to be mostly cute alternative boys.

Silver Future –  One of the queerest bars in Berlin, this cosy spot in Neukölln (where else?) is ideal for meeting some new people, having an intimate chat or starting a night out. With its quirky and oh-so-Berlin style, it’s guaranteed to get you in the mood.

Der Boiler –  Perhaps the nicest gay sauna in Europe, Boiler is the perfect place to come and relax, by yourself, on a date or with friends. Of course, you can find some action here (especially in the steam room) but it’s also nice enough of a space that coming just to use the sauna facilities is just as worthwhile!

More gay travel resources here.

Berlin Hotel Deals

Berlin has plenty of cool and quirky hotels, as well as all the big chains you’d expect. They can get full when there’s a conference or special event in town, so consider booking in advance. I’ve found that using Booking.com, Agoda.com or Hotels Combined can be useful for finding last-minute deals.

Follow @ travelsofadam on Instagram for more travel tips!

Berlin Travel Blogs

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6 of the Best Cities for Hipsters in 2024 (Excluding Brooklyn & Portland)

After exploring vintage shops, bookstores, bars & cafés around the world, these are some of the world’s most hipster cities & neighborhoods

Berlin for Foodies: Neighborhood Guide to the Best Places to Eat in Berlin

Dicover three of Berlin’s best foodie neighborhoods with my personal recommendations on local favorite restaurants, bars and cafés

Hackescher Markt in Berlin – Where to Find the Coolest Shops

That is, if you can find them! This neighborhood in Berlin is a maze of cool shops & quirky places to hang out

The Only Guide You Need to Berlin’s Best Neighborhoods

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24 Hours in Berlin

Just one day in Berlin? Discover the best things to see and do with just 24 hours in Berlin in this one-day itinerary for Europe’s coolest city…

The Berghain Nightclub – My Experience inside Berghain for the first time

A few weekends ago, on just a typical Saturday night out in Berlin, I decided to take a few steps into the unknown. My night out started normal enough with a party at a friend’s apartment in Friedrichshain. The party music streamed through 8tracks, wine, cheap beer & food (including some delicious hummus). It was …

A Crazy Night Out at Kit Kat’s Gegen Party

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That Berlin Style

Berlin is oh-so-cool but how do you describe what the city style is like? These 5 places are worth visiting for their cool, understated Berlin atmosphere

What You Need to Know About Gay Berlin

Berlin is one of the world’s most gay-friendly cities for LGBT tourists – here’s what you need to know to get the most out of a gay Berlin holiday

Things To Do On Your First Trip To Berlin

With just a few days in Berlin, here are a few tips on what to see and do, great tours to book, plus some of my favourite places to eat in the city!

As you’ll have seen in my recent blog, I’ve just got back from Berlin! I was there for four days and spent one of them exploring the IGA Berlin 2017 – the huge garden show that’s on until October. It was my first time in the city and I was REALLY excited to see and do as much as possible.

The history of Berlin is complex, but one I’d recommend reading up on. It’s multi-layered and obviously has very dark patches, but despite not being a history buff, I enjoyed learning what the city had been through. As I explored on foot, I felt like the city made more sense to me.

While I did some research on where to go, I also let myself explore, you know… get lost! The result? Some great places to eat, views, and spots to recommend to you guys.

How To Travel Around Berlin

Hurrah, a city with a great transport network! I used Google Maps to navigate the city, and other than not always being sure which side of the road I needed to catch the tram from, it was an easy experience. The U Bahn (subway system is really simple to understand, and trains come regularly (every few mins in peak times). There are trams and buses too.

The part I found strange was that you don’t show tickets very often or pass through barriers to enter public transport. I’ve heard that people buy tickets as there are strong penalties if you’re caught without – so just don’t risk it!

I’d recommend picking up a  Berlin City Pass . Along with discounts at many attractions in the city, it also covers your public transport for the duration of your trip. It also includes travel to and from the airport. I ordered mine in advance, printed it at home, and used it right from the start of my trip from Berlin Airport.

Berlin City Sights

There’s SO much to see and do in Berlin, and at times it feels so big (particularly with there not being just one centre). As mentioned, the transport system is excellent, so you really can see a lot, even if you only have a short time.

Head to the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate. If you apply in advance you can visit the beautiful dome of the Reichstag (find out how here ). The Monument To The Murdered Jews is so moving, and a walk through the towering columns is something I’d urge anyone to experience as part of their trip.

Museum Island is another must-see and I also loved exploring the many courtyards of Hackesche Höfe . Tucked away, this really is one of the city’s hidden gems! Close by is a street covered in murals and graffiti,  just next to the Anne Frank Museum.

To be honest, I love just how walkable Berlin is. If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend taking yourself on a free walking tour of Berlin Mitte ,  which allows you to check out the key sights in your own time.

Visit The East Side Gallery

Over 100 Artists from all over the world were invited to paint murals on the remaining section of the Berlin Wall in 1990. It’s now a brightly-coloured, outdoor gallery and while most are a direct comment on the political state of the world when the wall came down, some seem as relevant today as they did back then.

Take your time looking at each mural – they have so many incredible details, and are worth more than the photo-and-go that the coach loads of tourists do.

Check latest prices and availability for the Cold War Tour of Berlin including a visit to the East Side Gallery

Mauerpark Fleamarket

After my time in the city, I’d say this Sunday market is so quintessentially Berlin! There are hundreds of stalls selling everything from vintage clothes and antiques, to handmade jewellery and the most random of nic-nacs. There’s also a huge street food section with plenty of great smells to lure you in!

Then in the park area you’ll find performers, street artists and the legendary Sunday karaoke (which draws huge crowds!) It was one of my highlights of my time in Berlin.

Berliner Fernsehturm

Berlin’s tallest building offers the best (and most central) views of the city. Once in the lift, you’ll venture upwards at speeds of 6m per second to the observation deck – a height of 203m.

Top tip – check out their offers . When I visited they were running a fast view ticket, with coffee and cake served in Sphere Restaurant for just 20.50 EUR. Considering a fast view ticket on its own is 19.50 EUR, it’s a great deal, but it only runs between 2-4pm on weekdays.

Check latest prices and availability for a trip up the   Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower)

Bite Berlin Food Tour

I am a strong believer that you learn a lot about a place by eating your way around it… so for me, the way to learn about the best things to eat in Germany  is by taking a food tour. The tour I took with Sam from Bite Berlin came highly recommended and was excellent.

She showed us the best place for currywurst, took us to her favourite Vietnamese restaurant and then for tasty cinnamon buns. I learned plenty about the history and culture of the city too, and rolled back to my hotel full and ready for a nap!

Check latest prices and availability for the Bite Berlin Food Tour

Withlocals Urban Jungle Tour

This was another great tour, showcasing the gritty, urban, alternative side to the city. Betty from Withlocals  showed me some of the city’s best street art and took me to parts of the city I’d never have found on my own. We even popped along to Berlin’s smallest disco.

Check latest prices and availability for the Urban Jungle Alternative Tour Of Berlin

If you have a few more days in Berlin, here are a few other tour suggestions to check out…

Berlin Segway Tour – Segway tours are so much fun, and a great way to cover a lot of ground when time is limited. On this segway tour of Berlin you’ll see the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Reichstag, Gendarmenmarkt and the East Side Gallery, while hearing stories about the city’s complex history.

Check latest prices and availability for a  segway tour of Berlin

Evening Berlin Food Tour by Bike – Nothing like burning a few calories on two wheels to justify eating more on your holiday! This tour takes you around the vibrant neighbourhood of Prenzlauer Berg with stops at some of the best restaurants in the area.

Check latest prices and availability for the Berlin food tour by bike

Berlin lunch cruise  OR  Berlin dinner cruise  –  A cruise along the River Spree is a great way to soak up the history of the city, while snapping some beautiful photos. Even better with a nice meal to tuck into! I love taking boat trips, so I’ll definitely check one of these cruises out next time I’m in Berlin!

Check latest prices and availability for a  Berlin lunch cruise  OR a Berlin dinner cruise

Berlin Bike Tour  – I’m a little wobbly on two wheels so tend to avoid bike tours, but for many of my friends (and Berliners too) this is a fave way to travel. On this 4.5 hour tour you’ll hear the full history of Berlin, while speeding past the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, the Spree River and Tiergarten Park. Plus, when you start to feel tired, there’s the opportunity to stop by a beer garden too.

Check latest prices and availability for a  Berlin bike tour

Nightlife Tour through Alternative Berlin with Local Guide  – As I was travelling solo, I was tempted to book onto a tour like this! I’m not usually brave enough to go to bars or clubs late at night solo, unless I know the lay of the land. On this tour you’ll find out where the locals drink, and party with them! From goth bars to craft beer spots, you’ll explore Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukölln and Wedding, and feel like a true Berliner by the end!

Check latest prices and availability for the  Berlin nightlife tour

3-Hour Berlin Beer Tour  – Beer is a big deal in Berlin, and beer lovers will be excited by the range of craft beers on offer in the city. On this tour, you’ll find out about Germany’s brewing industry, “biergartens” and try some great pints along the way.

Check latest prices and availability for the  Berlin beer tour

Where To Eat In Berlin

House Of Small Wonder – An Instagrammable delight, this café serves up healthy salads and tasty brunch-style food. Expect zucchini noodles, Japanese salads, katsu and watermelon with feta.

District Mot  – There is a very large Vietnamese population in Berlin (as I learned on my food tour) so with that comes great food around the city! I loved this restaurant, which specialises in a street food vibe and great flavours. The bao burgers have won awards and are particularly worth a try!

Curry 61 – THE place for currywurst in the city. It’s not gourmet but you have to try it when you come to Berlin!

Cocolo Ramen – Expect to queue at this tiny ramen joint serving up tasty and authentic tonkotsu and gyozas. I waited for 45 minutes and am still debating whether it was worth it, but it was pretty good! I’m sure if you go during the day you’ll beat the queues!

Madang – This Korean restaurant serves up tasty hot pots and grills. Part of the fun is in sharing lots of dishes and the theatre of the huge grill trays! The spicy tofu grill was delicious, especially once the sauce caramelised!

Neumanns – I really loved walking around Friedrichshain, and decided this was the café for my final lunch. I wasn’t disappointed! Along with it’s hipster interior, their coffee is great and topped-sourdough dishes make a delicious lunch.

Woop Woop Ice Cream – A bit of novelty, this ice cream shop opened earlier this year and makes four flavours of ice cream using liquid nitrogen. Have it in a cup or a bubble waffle and watch the magic happen in front of your eyes!

Where To Stay In Berlin

The Circus Hotel – Funky, stylish, quirky and well-located, this hotel was perfect for my stay. There are U-Bahn and tram stops right outside at Rosenthal Platz, plus plenty of lovely restaurants and boutiques nearby. The breakfasts downstairs at Commonground are excellent too.

This blog was produced in association with the GNTB but as always, opinions are my own.

Enjoyed this post? Why not pin it for later…

Chloe gunning.

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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Welcome to Berlin!

Berlin is a unique city filled with fascinating history, delicious food, quirky vibes, and much more.

I’ve lived in Berlin since 2015, and I want to show you what this amazing city has to offer on this Berlin travel blog and travel planning guide.

From the iconic sights to the lesser known gems, you can find everything you need to plan a trip to Berlin right here .

Most popular posts:

• 101 Things to Do in Berlin
• Ultimate Itinerary for 3 Days in Berlin: the Perfect Berlin Itinerary by a Local
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• How to Get From Berlin Airport to City Center: Stress-Free Tips
• 13 Best German Restaurants in Berlin: Where to Eat German Food

Where To Stay

What To Pack

Getting Around

Beyond Berlin: Day Trips & Germany Travel

Seasonal Berlin

What To Eat & Drink

Featured: seasonal berlin.

What to Wear in Berlin in Spring: Berlin Packing List March, April, May

23 Spectacular Things to do in Berlin in Spring

What to Wear in Berlin in Summer: A Packing List for Summer in Berlin

15 Best Beer Gardens in Berlin

41 Fun Things to do in Summer in Berlin

25 Fun Outdoor Activities in Berlin

Recent posts

What to do in Berlin on Monday: 25+ Museums & More

What to do in Berlin on Sunday: 15+ Ideas

How to Get From Berlin to Vienna: Train, Bus, Flight Options

Who’s behind berlin travel tips.

They even bought an apartment in Berlin in 2021 – Berlin is definitely home now!

Ali’s goal is to show you everything you need to know for enjoying a trip to Berlin. Learn more here!

Ali is originally from the US, but she’s been living in Germany since 2011.

In 2015, she and her husband moved to Berlin where they now live with their small dog. They even bought an apartment in Berlin in 2021 – Berlin is definitely home now!

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The Berlin Stories

Little less than a century old, christopher isherwood’s classic book still sheds light on the city that’s its star….

A ficionados of Slow Travel know that to get to the soul of a place you don’t necessarily have to explore its heart. Tourists gathering around London’s Trafalgar Square or Rome’s Trevi Fountain may feel that they have come face to face with a city’s history, but these are landmarks, nothing more, ignored by locals to whom they represent little.

The soul of a city isn’t found in the symbols constructed by its dignitaries but in its very fabric, and it’s this that has led Christopher Isherwood’s The Berlin Stories – actually two short novels, Mr Norris Changes Trains and Goodbye To Berlin – to become essential to all those who want to understand Germany’s capital a little better.

Eighty years on, despite the devastation wrought upon the city by World War Two  and its subsequent division, Isherwood’s Berlin remains identifiable to those tramping its streets from tourist destination to tourist destination.

‘Berlin is a city with two centres,’ he writes, ‘the cluster of expensive hotels, bars, cinemas, shops round the Memorial Church, a sparkling nucleus of light, like a sham diamond, in the shabby twilight of the town; and the self-conscious civic centre of buildings round the Unter Den Linden , carefully arranged. In grand international styles, copies of copies, they assert our dignity as a capital city—a parliament, a couple of museums, a State bank, a cathedral, an opera, a dozen embassies, a triumphal arch; nothing has been forgotten.’

As Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr memorably said, ‘ plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose ‘. But this is not the Berlin in which Isherwood is interested. As he immediately adds, ‘they are all so pompous, so very correct,’ qualities he clearly disdains. Isherwood’s Berlin is more than the sum of its monuments.

An early mentor to poet W. H. Auden, in turn mentored by E. M. Forster, the British colonel’s son moved to Berlin in 1929 to teach English and write, and as a young gay man found the city’s bohemian lifestyle perfect for his tastes.

It’s this world that he describes in a series of interrelated sketches that remain recognisable to anyone who has spent time immersed in Berlin’s subculture. What makes The Berlin Stories so fascinating is precisely that they explore the very spirit of what makes the city special—and highlight how little has changed.

The inspiration for John Van Druten’s play I Am A Camera , and subsequently the unforgettable Liza Minelli vehicle Cabaret , The Berlin Stories are populated with eccentric characters carving a tenuous existence in sometimes less than noble fashions amidst locations that may be long gone but whose ambience remains familiar.

Those accustomed to Berlin’s relaxed smoking laws will grimace at how ‘the cigarette smoke made my eyes smart until the tears ran down my face’, and those who’ve spent time in cafés people-watching or working will understand barman Bobby’s complaint about customers who ‘order a beer and think they’ve got the right to sit here the whole evening’.

Meanwhile Isherwood may be writing of The Troika, one of his favourite haunts, when he describes ‘dancers, locked frigidly together, swayed in partial-paralytic rhythms under a huge sunshade suspended from the ceiling and oscillating gently through cigarette smoke and hot rising air’, but he could be portraying any one of the many nightclubs currently packing them in at weekends.

The city of which he writes is timeless: National Socialism , with all its attendant evil, may be rising around his characters, but it’s the day to day minutiae in which Isherwood is absorbed, and the trivia he shares remains telling.

It’s not just the city’s social life that he deconstructs. ‘Lying in bed in the darkness,’ he recalls, ‘in my tiny corner of the enormous human warren of the tenements, I could hear, with uncanny precision, every sound which came up from the courtyard below. The shape of the court must have acted as a gramophone horn…Straining my ears, I heard, or fancied I heard, the grating of the key in the lock of the big street door. A moment later, the door closed with a deep, hollow boom… Somewhere on the other side of the court a baby began to scream, a window was slammed to, something very heavy, deep in the innermost recesses of the building, thudded dully against a wall.’

Any long term residents of Berlin will be more than accustomed to such mysteries: the vast apartment blocks in which we live may seem impenetrable fortresses, but they fail to shield inhabitants from often intimate moments in the lives of others elsewhere in the building.

Those passing through the city, however, might never know that such episodes regularly colour its darkness and influence how its citizens interact. Isherwood’s remarkable eye for detail – he is, after all, ‘a camera with its shutter open, quite passive, recording, not thinking’ – offers a shortcut to the city’s nervous system. His colourful characters may be what are most celebrated by fans of the book, but it’s the world they inhabit, and how they do so, that makes The Berlin Stories so indispensable.

Though 1930s Berlin may share certain characteristics with 21 st- Century Berlin, Hitler cast a long shadow over its culture. But this doesn’t detract from the book’s contemporary relevance: Isherwood lets us see the political turmoil of the times through the eyes of the locals struggling to make a living amidst this gradual but nonetheless shocking transformation rather than making it his central concern.

‘This was Frl. Schroeder’s History of World War II,’ he writes of one of his characters in the introduction, ‘and its only moral was: “Somehow or other, life goes on in spite of everything”.’

Berliners know that more than most, and anyone seeking to understand the city’s mentality could do worse than to start with that dictum. What took place subsequent to Isherwood’s departure in 1933 continues to haunt the city today.

‘It is strange enough to see a vast city shattered and dead,’ he ruminates in the book’s introduction, his observations as relevant now as they were eight decades ago. ‘It is far stranger to see one that is briskly and teemingly inhabited, amidst its ruins. Berlin seemed convinced it was alive; and, after a few hours there, you began to agree that it certainly was.’

What gave Berlin that life was what Isherwood sought to record and, remarkably, as Berliners should be proud to admit, little has changed: it’s not the Brandenburger Tor that lends Berlin its unrivalled ambience, but the citizens who swarm within every Kiez .

You don’t read Isherwood’s tales to pinpoint the city’s heart: streets may be named, but it’s not the locations that are important. You read The Berlin Stories to get to grips with the city’s soul, the habits and personalities that define it, the celebrations it’s enjoyed and the horrors it’s endured.

Though it drifts from scene to scene, from character to character, without any clear narrative purpose, this is much like life itself, and Berlin’s life is unique. The Berlin Stories brings you one step closer to understanding it…

The original English language version of The Berlin Stories is published by W. W. Norton & Co.

By Wyndham Wallace on June 25, 2010, in Historical Berlin , Literature Updated on: June 23, 2023 More Wyndham Wallace 6 minutes

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Beyond the Brandenburg: An Expert’s Guide to Berlin's Unseen History

An aerial view of Tiergarten in Berlin

By: John Owen

Berlin is a city famous for its history. Almost to a fault. 

For visitors to the German capital, the city’s most famous sights–the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and the Holocaust Memorial–are “must sees.” But all three of these most famous sights sit within around 300 metres of each other. What makes Berlin such a fascinating place to visit is the ubiquity of its history even in the most unexpected places. 

Today, I’ll show you around–virtually, of course–some of the sites that a lot of visitors miss, including an extremely important part of history that lies just beyond my very own doorstep. Let’s explore, shall we?

The Tiergarten's Hidden History

Within the centre, and around famous sights, the layers of history reveal themselves if you look hard enough. Take Berlin’s biggest park, the Tiergarten, for example. It sits just to the west of the Brandenburg Gate and is bordered by lots of the city’s other most famous landmarks.

The park’s usage has changed over time from being the Prussian royal family’s hunting grounds to becoming a public park just outside the city walls in the 18th century. It was very late in history–1920 to be exact–that the Brandenburg Gate ceased to mark the formal limit of Berlin. Within 30 years, it would return to sitting on the edge of a city, this time in East Berlin with the Tiergarten acting like a kind of buffer zone on the edge of West Berlin. 

If you walk around the Tiergarten today, you are likely to be impressed by its bucolic beauty. Heavily forested, it is a habitat for a vast number of rabbits and the goshawks that prey on them, while in spring every year its small copses emanate the distinctive call of nightingales. It is in many ways a surprisingly natural place amidst the artificiality of a modern city. However, should you look closer, you will see that there are essentially no old trees across the park. You will be able to wrap your arms around the vast majority. For a park that has existed for close to 500 years in a country with a deep romantic attachment to forests, this is somewhat surprising. 

But as it so often happens in Berlin, there is an answer in the city’s traumatic 20th-century history. Allied bombing and the felling of trees for firewood during the war and its immediate aftermath led to the deforestation of the park. Indeed the park was so devoid of trees for a while that the British (in whose occupation zone it fell) turned large tracts of it into farms for Berliners to grow food. As a result, it was only really “reforested” in the late 1940s with different sections taken on by different West German cities. Without looking at the trees, it would be easy to miss these additional layers of Berlin’s history. 

History on the Wannsee

Almost every corner of Berlin has an interesting history. Sometimes this can be jarring. Out on Berlin’s western edge, the huge Wannsee lake stretches out with sailors and swimmers enjoying its waters in the summer. Tucked away in the forest surrounding it is the shooting club which housed the 1936 Olympics shooting events. 

But the name of this lake is generally known for a much darker event that happened here. On 20 January 1942, a group of senior Nazi functionaries and civil servants met in a villa on the lake where, over the course of just 90 minutes, they discussed the logistics for the genocide of Europe’s Jewish population. This was cryptically referred to as the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question.” This lakeside villa is now a memorial museum, which you can visit. 

Just a few hundred metres down from the villa, there is a grim reminder of the consequences of this genocide. In the very same row of villas on the lakeshore sits a house that once belonged to the great German Jewish painter Max Liebermann. He was so successful by the early 1930s that he lived in a building right next to the Brandenburg Gate. Liebermann died of natural causes in 1933, but his wife Marthe committed suicide in 1943 once the threat of deportation to Theresienstadt concentration camp became concrete.  A couple of plots further down, two oars stand outside a rowing club in memorial to the Jewish members murdered during the Shoah.

Divisions on the Glienicker

There are not many cities which have these kinds of jarring juxtapositions as part of their normal life, and it is one of the reasons Berlin is so compelling. Just a short distance from Wannsee is another, less well-known, Berlin lake–the Glienicker See. It and its near neighbour, the Sacrower See, are two of the best lakes to swim in in the whole city. Swimming in lakes is very much part of life in Berlin, and (although the vast majority of tourists don’t do it) should be seen as an essential part of any trip to the city. 

If they live near enough today, Berliners will make weekly - even daily - trips out to lakes in the summer. However, for 27 years, families on the western side of the Glienicker See (which confusingly was part of East Germany while the eastern side belonged to West Berlin) could not access its water. The Berlin Wall ran along its shore, and the second “internal” wall coursed through their gardens.They would hear the shouts of West Berliners enjoying the water but could not partake themselves.

For some years, I worked as a historian and guide at a house on the Glienicker See. Built by a German-Jewish family in 1927, it has recently been restored by their descendants (now largely Brits). Over my time working there, I was lucky enough to conduct interviews with people who had experienced the lake from both sides.

One West Berliner told me he had learned to windsurf on the lake using the border buoys (the border actually ran through the middle of the lake) as a good way to train his skills in straight-line surfing. If he made a mistake, he would occasionally hear a warning shot from the border guards.

Another insisted (although I barely believe him) that his yearning to enjoy the water became so great that he once succeeded in scaling the Wall, swimming across to the western side, having a beer and returning. For people like this the Wall was not just the obviously geopolitical boundary between two political systems - it was a part of their daily life; and one that was ripe to be mocked or played with.

Explore the History Hiding in Wedding 

On another level, little places in Berlin can often tell big stories. I live in an area of Berlin called Wedding, often referred to as “red Wedding” for its leftist politics. You are unlikely to come here as a tourist on your first visit, but were you to do so, you could tell a good part of the story of twentieth socialist politics in Berlin within about a 20-minute walk of my front door. 

Just a few hundred metres away sits a building previously donated to the great German socialist thinker Karl Liebknecht. (Members of Parliament were previously required to own land to hold their government position.) Liebknecht was an idealist and revolutionary who was murdered in the aftermath of World War One. He never lived to see a socialist state be attempted in Berlin, but someone who grew up very near his former house did. 

The man who would go on to be head of East Germany’s repressive secret police, Erich Mielke, grew up just a short walk from Liebknecht’s house. His Berlin was a violent one where political ideas clashed in street fights around the streets of northern Berlin. A few years later, when socialism had won at least part of the fight for the city, the Wall he and his colleagues planned cut him off from the very streets where he had come of age, both literally and politically. .

The Start of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

Not only did two of the most important figures in its history live in this area, but on 9 November 1989 at a border crossing between Wedding and an area in the east called Prenzlauer Berg, the same Wall opened for the first time - just a few minutes walk from where Mielke grew up. East Germans began swarming across into the West in a party mood, greeting an end to the reign of terror his secret police had held over their lives. 

Today, little marks the spot where one of the most momentous events in the twentieth century happened. If you did not know, you would probably pass by without a glance. There are a few placards, but most of what was once the border crossing point is taken up by a Lidl supermarket–an example of where history in Berlin sometimes has to give way to the practicalities of modern life.

Surprising Ties to Japan

If you were to walk down the steps by this supermarket, you’d find yourself on a path lined with cherry trees. Again, trees in Berlin can act as a relatively tacit key to the history. This grove of cherry trees comes alive in the spring with beautiful pink blossoms. 

It is about as close to getting to the Japanese sakura season that you will get in Berlin. And the connection to Japan is real–these trees were donated by viewers of a Japanese TV programme who wanted to give Berlin something to celebrate the fall of the Wall.

Discover Berlin’s Layered History

Berlin is a place dripping in history, much of it very recent and extremely traumatic. At the same time, it is simultaneously a great fun, liberal, cheap, and buzzy modern city. This stark contrast is something Berliners get used to, but it makes it a fascinating place to visit.

And if you stop to look around, almost every feature on the map has a story to tell. So I invite you to come and experience this complex and constantly confounding city. Enjoy its famous corners but make sure to explore and find some of the city’s hidden trauma and hidden treasures. Sometimes you have to turn on your radar to find the myriad of ways that history appears in even the most unlikely places. 

About John: John studied History and German at the University of Oxford, eventually specializing in German-Jewish history and the history of the Third Reich. He started visiting Berlin as a teenager and eventually moved to the city permanently. He now resides in Wedding, a suburb of Berlin. The tangibility of history in Berlin and Germany, especially that of the twentieth century, never ceases to thrill him.

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Berlin Travel Guide

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Berlin is a place of stark contrasts. On one hand, reminders of its turbulent past are everywhere. But it's also a modern megalopolis—that's geographically nine times bigger than Paris—with exciting new attractions and an inherent subversiveness. This juxtaposition makes it a destination unlike any other.

The big question for most travelers when venturing to Germany's once war-torn capital then becomes how to navigate the past while living in the present. It's essential to confront the heavier aspects of the city's history. However, that doesn't mean a visit to Berlin is all memorials and museums. (Though, it bears repeating that you should absolutely carve out ample time to do all that.) The contemporary side of things very much deserves exploration, too.

An artsy mecca with a slew of galleries and eccentric installations, Berlin transformed the last pieces of the wall that once divided it into a permanent open-air exhibition.

This sprawling city also has a wild side with nightlife at its center. There are hedonistic drinking dens with cabaret acts, swanky speakeasies and anything-goes clubs where people party for 48 hours (that's not an exaggeration). Add to that picturesque parks, a thriving food scene that's garnered international acclaim of late, a world-class zoo and a cool aesthetic sensibility with homegrown designers making a global name for themselves.

Overwhelmed? Berlin tends to have that effect on out-of-towners. Bookmark this guide to help plan your first (or next) trip.

CEST (Central European Summer Time)

Best Time to Go

May through October is the peak travel period in Berlin. Temperatures tend to be moderate, making it a lovely time to walk around, see the historic sites, hang out in the many green spaces and enjoy al fresco dining. Winter isn't the season that most tourists visit due to the less welcoming weather. However, holiday festivities—notably the fabled Christmas markets—are a bright light in the middle of what can feel like a very long, grey few months.

Things to Know

Currency: Euro (Check the current exchange rate )

Language: German

Calling Code: +49

How to Get Around

U-Bahn: The most convenient and efficient way to navigate Berlin, the U-Bahn , or subway system, has a total of 10 lines stopping at 173 stations. During the day, the iconic yellow U-Bahn trains depart every five minutes. At night, they leave in 10-minute intervals. Tickets are also valid across the Transport Association Berlin-Brandenburg VBB-operated S-Bahn, buses and trams.

S-Bahn: The S-Bahn is a network of suburban train lines that covers 15 lines and nearly 170 train stations. In the city center, it mostly runs above ground.

Buses: Metro buses M11 to M85 run 24/7. Day bus lines 100 to 399 connect the suburbs and city center. Night buses —which are marked with an N—cover the day bus and U-Bahn routes that cease operating overnight.

Trams & Metrotrams: Upwards of 20 tram lines extend the network of the U-Bahn through the eastern part of Berlin. The difference between trams and metrotrams is frequency, with the latter running more often.

Taxis: Public transport in Berlin is fantastic—and would be our recommendation. That said, if you'd rather take a car, taxis are widely available.

Rideshare: Prefer to hail an Uber? That's also an option.

Bicycles: Bike sharing is a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around thanks to companies like Nextbike and Donkey Republic. While electric bikes are available to rent through Wheels, Jump and LimeBike.

Best Hotels

Hotel de rome.

Address: Behrenstraße 37, 10117 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 4606090 Website

Located on Bebelplatz in historic East Berlin, Hotel de Rome occupies what was once the headquarters of 19th-century Dresden Bank. Brilliantly, this prestigious Rocco Forte property preserved many of the building's most spectacular original features—most interestingly the jewel vault that's now an indoor swimming pool. While sleek furnishings and colorful accents add modern flair to the mix.

Orania.Berlin

Address: Oranienstraße 40, 10999 Berlin, Germany

Phone: +49 30 69539680

Website: orania.berlin

An upscale addition to the edgier side of Kreuzberg, Oriana.Berlin is a boutique stay with an elevated yet totally laid-back sensibility. It's impossible to pinpoint the singular thing that makes this hotel so stellar, however, the subtle Asian influences—headboards swathed in elephant-printed fabric and signature crispy-skinned duck at the restaurant—as well as jazz in the open-concept lobby, definitely play a part.

Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection

Address: Steinpl. 4, 10623 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 5544440 Website

The same air of glamour and sophistication that lured the likes of Brigitte Bardo to Hotel am Steinplatz remains today. Sure, the decor is different—not that anyone would complain about the gorgeously refreshed interiors (or the upgraded amenities for that matter)—but the distinctive Art Nouveau details endure. Plus, it's within walking distance of Tiergarten, Potsdamer Platz and the Berlin Zoo.

SO/ Berlin Das Stue

Address: Drakestraße 1, 10787 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 3117220 Website

Upon arrival, SO/ Berlin Das Stue looks incredibly posh. The 1930s neoclassical edifice, built by KaDeWe architect Johann Emil Schaudt, certainly gives off a regal first impression. Inside the former Royal Danish Embassy, it's just as resplendent with an eye-catching white marble staircase and dazzling, larger-than-life chandelier. Direct access to the Berlin Zoo is a bonus.

25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

Address: Budapester Str. 40, 10787 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 1202210 Website

Hip, youthful, off-beat, and affordable—25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin serves up major cool factor. It's the type of place you'd go to hang out even if you weren't a guest. Of course, staying at this urban oasis does come with a bunch of perks such as enjoying the jungle-themed rooms and skipping the line for the rooftop cocktail bar.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Address: Unter den Linden 77, 10117 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 22610 Website

Boasting (arguably) the most desirable addresses in Berlin, Hotel Adlon Kempinski sits directly across the way from Brandenburg Gate. Enviable location aside, this five-star property is a revered landmark for so many other reasons. From the opulent lobby and spacious suites to the Michelin-starred restaurant, grandeur and elegance are the very heart of everything.

Best Restaurants

Hackethals (german).

Address: Pflugstrasse 11, 10115 Berlin Germany Phone: +49 30 28387765 Website

When in Berlin, you must try traditional German food. Hackethals is a cozy gastropub that does classics right. Order the sauerkraut, potato dumplings, schnitzel, and slow-cooked venison. Be sure to leave room for apple strudel. To wash it down? Beer, of course.

Restaurant Tim Raue (Fine Dining)

Address: Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 26, 10969 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 25937930 Website

Berlin-born chef Tim Raue needs no introduction. Neither does the elevated Asian-inspired menu at his Michelin-rated restaurant, which continually receives rave reviews from critics and diners alike. Needless to say, reservations are required.

Curry 61 (German)

Address: Oranienburger Str. 6, 10178 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 40054033 Website

Currywurst (pork sausage smothered in curried ketchup and served alongside fries) is an extremely popular street food in Berlin. You can sample it all over the city, but Curry 61 makes one of the best versions of this crowd-pleasing dish. Try it and thank us later.

Eins44 (Modern European)

Address: Elbestraße 28/29, 12045 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 62981212 Website

Sublime isn't a word that we toss around a lot. However, it's the most accurate way to describe the entire experience at Eins44. Enter the industrial-inspired eatery, inside an old distillery, and prepare to have your taste buds tickled by an unfussy interpretation of modern European fine dining.

Panama (German)

Address: Potsdamer Straße 91, 10785 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 983208435 Website

Oftentimes, you have to choose between Michelin-starred fare and a fun vibe. That couldn't be less true of Panama. The modern German cuisine, lively two-floor space and service are fantastic. Did we mention the craft cocktails and interesting wine list?

Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap (Turkish)

Address: Mehringdamm 32, 10961 Berlin, Germany Website

Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap in Kreuzberg is one of those places that's just universally adored. The only downside? Depending on when you visit, the queue might stretch an entire city block. We promise it's worth waiting just to dig into a juicy döner kebab.

Things to Do

East side gallery.

Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 2517159 Website

What was once a symbol of division now reflects the spirit and resilience of the city. Perched along the banks of Spree River in Friedrichshain, the 4,318-foot-long East Side Gallery showcases a collection of colorful murals painted on the surviving pieces of the Berlin Wall. It's a beautiful metaphor that's so very Berlin.

Reichstag Building

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 22732152 Website

Like so much of Berlin, the Reichstag Building has lived many lives. Today, it again houses the German parliament. Admire the neo-Baroque edifice from the outside or book in advance to step inside the Sir Norman Foster-designed glass dome.

Brandenburg Gate

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany Website

One block south of the Reichstag Building stands Brandenburg Gate. Widely considered to be Berlin's most iconic landmark, it's a shining symbol of freedom and reunification after four decades of Cold War division.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 2639430 Website

Designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineer Buro Happold, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe honors the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. It's a heartbreaking and incredibly important reminder of what happened that should be mandatory to visit.

Tempelhofer Feld

Address: Tempelhofer Damm, 12101 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 700906710 Website

An abandoned airport turned 355-hectare public park, Tempelhofer Feld delivers that telltale mashup of past and present in the most Berlin way possible. You can stroll, cycle, or skate down the concrete runways where WWII dive-bombers took off, while feet away dogs run after frisbees and bikini-clad Berliners sunbathe.

Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof, 10243 Berlin, Germany Website

Berliners love to party. As such, there are a lot of after-dark venues to do just that. But none compare to Berghain. The world's most infamous club invites revelers to leave their inhibitions behind, dance to techno beats and give in to every debaucherous whim.

Museum Island

Address: Bodestraße 1-3 10178 Berlin, Germany Website

On a small island in the Spree River sits a collection of five prominent museums. This UNESCO-listed, architecturally striking complex is known as Museum Island—and it's a must for any culture lover.

Best Shopping

Kaufhaus des westens.

Address: Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 21210 Website

At a sprawling 650,000 square feet and with some 380,000 items for sale at any given time, Kaufhaus des Westens—typically abbreviated to KaDeWe—holds the title of Berlin's most famous retail space. It's actually the second-largest department store in all of Europe after Harrods in London.

Sing Blackbird

Address: Sanderstraße 11, 12047 Berlin, Germany Website

Berlin isn't lacking in vintage stores. Sing Blackbird sets itself apart thanks to an expertly curated selection of pre-loved pieces, plus a stylish café.

Kurfürstendamm

Address: Kurfürstendamm 10707 Berlin, Germany Website

Often compared to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Kurfürstendamm in Charlottenburg is lined with high-end designers like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. If you don't have that kind of cash, it's also a great place for window shopping.

The Amazing Crocodile Design Store

Address: Raumerstraße 23, 10437 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 40006930 Website

Fancy an upside-down geometric pendant lamp or neon pink floor mirror? You'll find both at The Amazing Crocodile Design Store, the buzziest spot to buy quirky, refined, and oh-so-chic homewares in Berlin.

Address: Oranienstraße 24, 10999 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 61651119 Website

A progressive, forward-thinking undercurrent has permeated its way into the Berlin aesthetic of late. Insert Voo Store, a contemporary concept shop meets specialty coffee roaster that's tucked away on the ground floor of a former locksmith in Kreuzberg.

Antique Jewellery Berlin

Address: Linienstraße 44, 10119 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 20689155 Website

Antique Jewellery Berlin offers a vast array of vintage baubles. Whether you're in the market for a signet ring or enamel earrings, we'd be willing to bet it's sitting in the case at this beloved retailer.

Neighborhoods to Know

Berlin has 12 administrative districts ( Bezirk) , subdivided into 23 neighborhoods ( Kiez ).

Mitte: Keen to stay in the heart of the action? Mitte (which literally means "middle") lies in the center of the city. Not only is this sprawling borough chock-full of top sights—including Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Tiergarten—but also cafes, bars, and shops. Another major selling point? Public transport. Basically, every train line runs through the main railway station, Berlin Hauptbahnhof.

Kreuzberg: People often liken bohemian Kreuzberg to Brooklyn, but there's really no accurate comparison. Of late, a spate of hip bars and trendy restaurants have popped up at a breakneck pace. Yet much of Kreuzberg still clings to its grittiness like a badge of honor. On one corner, a beautiful community garden and art installation. Veer left and you'll arrive on a gentrification-resistant street scattered with broken beer bottles and graffiti-covered buildings. And that's the beauty of this enigmatic, multicultural hood.

Charlottenburg: Charlottenburg could accurately be categorized as the more upscale side of Berlin. Graceful pre-war buildings, five-star hotels, top-rated restaurants, and designer boutiques dot the litter-free boulevards. The stately Charlottenburg Palace has ornate interiors and manicured gardens, while Berggruen Museum displays an incredible collection of modern art.

Neukölln: A diverse district known for its eclectic, international vibe, the bustling streets of Neukölln brim with Middle Eastern bakeries, vegan eateries, bars, breweries, and artists studios. Check out a poetry slam at Heimathafen Neukölln and shop for fragrant spices at the Turkish Market.

Schöneberg: The epicenter of nightlife back in the 1920s, today Schöneberg is the hub of LGBTQIA culture. It's home to an array of bars, cafes, galleries and shops, including Kaufhaus des Westens, as well as Natur-Park Südgelände.

Things begin to thaw in the spring. As the months move ahead, the temperature rises. Summer is warm, but rarely hot. Pack a light jacket and be prepared to layer as it moves later into fall. When winter rolls in, expect some clouds, rain, sleet and snow.

The following are average Fahrenheit highs and lows by season.

Spring: 65°F / 47°F

Summer: 74°F / 57°F

Fall: 57°F / 44°F

Winter: 39°F / 30°F

Apps to Download

Berlin Subway: U-Bahn and S-Bahn maps and route planner iOS | Android

berlinHistory: Berlin history by location iOs | Android

Going Local Berlin: Insider travel tips iOs | Android

accessBerlin: Route planner; online and offline maps; restaurant, hotel and activity recommendations iOs | Android

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Berlin: travel tips for first-time visitors

Ali Garland

• Berlin travel tips

Berlin is Germany's capital city, but it has a unique culture and is quite different from the rest of the country. It's an amazing city to visit, but a few local tips will go a long way to helping you enjoy your trip.

You can skip Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is the most famous former border crossing between East and West Germany. It has a really interesting history, which you can learn about at the nearby Checkpoint Charlie Museum. However, the attraction you'll see today is rather boring.

It's basically a little hut with a sign in the center of the street. There used to be a few guys in uniforms that would pose for pictures with you, but even they have been banned now. With so many other great sights to include on your Berlin itinerary , you can easily skip this one.

Berlin is not a dressing up city

The advice for many major cities in Europe is to dress a little nicer in order to fit in. That's not the case in Berlin. This is a city where anything goes, and you can really be yourself. So if you love dressing up, go for it, but you really can be casual here. Many clubs won't actually let you in if you're dressed too nicely. As for sightseeing, wear comfortable shoes and dress how you feel most comfortable. And if that means walking around in fuzzy slippers, you won't be out of place.

Berlin is well connected by public transportation

Berlin has an extensive public transportation system. The Sbahns are mostly above ground trains, the Ubahns are mostly underground trains, and then there are trams and buses. There are even a few ferries in Berlin. Just about every tourist attraction is within a few minutes walking distance from a stop or station. Don't forget to validate your ticket though. Public transport runs on the honor system, but ticket checkers do come around often enough, and they don't care if you're a tourist.

Make sure you have cash in Berlin

Germany isn't quite as credit card friendly as you might expect from a modern country. Cash is still king here, and it's important to be prepared for restaurants and shops that don't take plastic. Even in some places that do take cards, it's often only local bank cards, so your foreign credit or debit card won't be accepted everywhere. Especially when shopping at flea markets, fresh markets, and locally run restaurants and shops, expect to pay in cash.

Berlin is a great city for international food

Berlin is a city of many nationalities, languages, and cultures. During the Cold War, people from Turkey came to West Berlin, while people from Vietnam came to East Berlin. More recently, people from all over the world have come here for various reasons, and this diverse city has a wonderful food culture as a result. You'll find plenty of Turkish and Vietnamese restaurants, but also almost anything else you can imagine from Thai to Mexican, from Peruvian to Sudanese, and much more. This is not a city for only eating German food, so branch out while you're visiting.

One of the most popular parks was an airport

Tempelhof Airport is famous for its role in the Berlin Airlift, a period during the Cold War when West Berlin was blocked from being able to receive goods over land. When the airport finally ceased operations in 2008, locals fought to prevent the city from building on the land. Instead it became a giant park that's now one of the best in the city.

The runway and taxiways remain, and the airport terminal building still stands. People come to this park to grill or have a picnic, to run or cycle, and there are designated gardening areas, bird protection zones, and fenced-in dog runs.

Leave your bottles by the trash can

Most bottles have a deposit on them, so if you buy a soda or water or beer while exploring the city, you'll pay an extra 8 to 25 cents for a deposit. As a tourist, it's often not worth your time to find a grocery store to return the bottle for such a small amount of money. Instead of throwing it out, put the bottle on the ground next to the trash can, and someone will pick it up. There are people who walk around collecting these bottles in order to cash out on a whole bunch of them, so yours won't sit near the trash can for more than a few minutes.

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Author - Ali Garland

Ali Garland is a full time blogger from the US, but she and her husband have been living in Berlin since 2015. She made it to all seven continents before her 30th birthday, travels carry-on only, and runs Berlin Travel Tips and two other blogs.

Last Updated 6 September 2021

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What’s New 2022

Berlin, Back in Full Swing

Berlin’s 178 museums, seven symphony orchestras and three opera houses are once again up and running, along with a flourishing restaurant and nightclub scene.

By Charly Wilder

No city was fun in the darkest days of the pandemic, but there may be nowhere that could compete with Berlin for sheer gloom during that first Covid winter. Even in good times, the city’s funereal grayness, its scant daylight and collective penchant for gallows humor and blunt negativity known as the Berliner Schnauze (literally: Berlin snout), is only barely compensated for in the colder months by its abundant cultural offerings, thriving cafe and restaurant scene, and what is arguably the best nightlife in the world. Berlin in lockdown was not pretty.

But in the summer of 2022, the city is back in full swing. Berlin’s 178 museums, seven symphony orchestras and three opera houses are once again up and running. Bars, clubs and restaurants are operating at full capacity, and, with the exception of a mask mandate on public transportation and in medical facilities, virtually all Covid restrictions have been lifted since March 20. Germany’s entry restrictions were also dropped — at least until the fall, when there’s been talk of renewed requirements if case numbers creep upward.

A few fraught openings and an extraordinary museum

Perhaps the biggest opening in town was the new airport, Berlin-Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport , a blunder-riddled, 30-year project that opened at the end of 2020 after at least six missed opening dates and a budget that ran billions of dollars in the red. And now that it’s finally here? Of course, everyone seems to hate it. The design is outdated. Logistics are dismal, food options grim. Clunky buses run between plane and terminal. At least there seem to be more trans-Atlantic flight options and the airport is somewhat better connected with the city center. But overall? Not a huge win.

Another fraught, long-awaited opening was that of the Humboldt Forum , the neo-Baroque reconstruction of Berlin’s long-dead City Palace conceived as Germany’s answer to the Louvre or British Museum. The museum, which opened virtually at the end of 2020 and began its phased physical opening in 2021, has elicited criticism from the beginning for everything from its tacky design to its insufficiently investigated links to the country’s colonial past . Still, there are worthwhile exhibits to explore. In addition to covering the site’s history and contemporary topics like climate change, exhibits include the German state’s extensive collection of non-European art, including impressive holdings from the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art, much of which was acquired through imperialist plunder.

Visitors may be better advised to check out the extraordinary Neue Nationalgalerie , the iconic modern art museum designed by the Bauhaus pioneer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe that reopened last summer after a six-year, $164 million refurbishment by David Chipperfield. Dedicated to art of the 20th century, the museum is particularly strong on early German modernism, from the Expressionist Berlin street scenes of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner to Hannah Höch ’s political photomontage and the glitter and doom of the New Objectivity portraiture masters: Otto Dix , George Grosz and Max Beckmann . Current exhibitions include works by Sascha Wiederhold , whose graphic, psychedelic abstractions were suppressed by the Nazis, almost into obscurity.

A flourishing food scene

While the pandemic was inarguably rough on local businesses, particularly as rents in the city continued to spike, extensive government support helped stave off much of the damage — part of Germany’s 130-billion-euro ($155 billion) stimulus package . Covid certainly didn’t stop the ascent of the city’s food scene, which is flourishing like never before as new restaurants and pop-ups by innovative chefs make it increasingly hard to remember that only a decade ago, it was legitimately hard to find a great meal in Berlin.

Much of the recent action is concentrated in Prenzlauer Berg, the former East Berlin workers’ district turned bougey family enclave. Opened in July 2021 by Samina Raza and Ben Zviel, the duo behind the Berlin stalwart Mrs. Robinson’s, Frieda is an all-day restaurant that takes a similarly locavore, nose-to-tail approach to accessible fine dining, with a daily changing menu featuring faultless dishes like line-caught tuna “chateaubriand” in a black pepper reduction with triple-cooked fries, or heirloom tomatoes from a regenerative farm in Brandenburg served with AAA Cantabrian anchovies drizzled in olive oil. Above all, Frieda is vibey, with its cinematic open kitchen, on-tap natural wines and custom hi-fi sound system pumping vintage house and jazz vinyl (dinner for two with drinks, from 140 euros, or about $144).

Other new Prenzlauer Berg standouts include Bar Normal , a smart wine bar and restaurant opened this year by the young Vietnamese restaurateur Van Anh Le (dishes from 5 to 25 euros), and Markthalle Pfefferberg , a food market on the ground floor of the Pfefferberg industrial complex that includes an organic butcher , a fresh pasta maker , a Mexican grocery and, most notably, the first decent taco spot in Berlin, Taqueria el Oso (lunch for two from 25 euros). Also in the neighborhood is Otto , the three-year-old contemporary German restaurant whose young Berliner chef, Vadim Otto Ursus, has been at the vanguard of the city’s restaurant renaissance (dishes range from 10 to 25 euros). Its Covid-era spinoff, Otto Pantry , offers fermented products, bottled drinks and preserves.

In Mitte, the Dutch team behind Lode & Stijn opened another European fine dining spot in the building of the Suhrkamp Verlag publishing house called Remi (dinner for two with drinks from 160 euros). More exciting is San , which serves what must be the best sushi in Berlin in a low-key minimalist dining room on a quiet Mitte side street (dinner for two from 100 euros; a 50-euro prepayment is required per person to reserve). Other notable additions include ChungKing Noodles , the cultish Sichuan noodle joint opened in Kreuzberg by the Chinese chef Ash Lee after a series of celebrated pop-ups (dinner for two from 45 euros)‌‌; La Côte , a Mediterranean bistro in Neukölln’s Schillerkiez known for its oysters and wine list (dishes range from 3.50-euro oysters to a 28-euro octopus dish); and Julius , the slightly dressed-down sister restaurant of the Michelin-starred fine dining establishment Ernst, just down the block in Wedding. Julius offers similarly Japanese-inflected, meticulously sourced cuisine, but at a slightly lower price point and level of accessibility (75 euros per person without wine pairing).

The past year has also brought a handful of exciting pop-ups and roving culinary concepts, like Gaia , a women-run, farm-to-table project based in Berlin and Brandenburg (lunch for two from 70 euros), and Ember , a project founded by the young German chef and Noma alum Tobias Beck that serves inventive multicourse wood-fired cuisine in interesting locations throughout the city (dinner is 110 euros per person without wine pairing).

New and coming hotels

The city’s hotel scene has not been nearly as fertile as its gastronomic counterpart. The hotel group Amano opened a new location in Friedrichshain (doubles in August start at 121 euros), and the architectural team behind the Former Jewish Girls School project in Mitte opened a boutique hotel called Wilmina in the Charlottenburg district that might have been appealing were it not housed in a former Nazi prison where women dissidents were jailed and interrogated by the Gestapo.

But anticipation is high for two hotels by local culinary institutions opening later this year in Mitte: Château Royal , a 93-room interpretation of the classic grand hotel by the team behind Grill Royale (doubles in September start at 195 euros), and Telegraphenamt , a hotel and members club by the owners of the 150-year-old Gendarmenmarkt dining establishment, Borchardt (rooms from 200 euros).

Night life returns

Then there’s the club scene, perhaps Berlin’s biggest tourism draw. Even before Covid, concern that rising rents and rampant property development were threatening the city’s landscape of clubs rooted in its queer techno underground had led to a new term: Clubsterben, or club death. These worries heightened as the pandemic forced all of the city’s clubs to close, remaining shuttered even when shops, museums and galleries began to open with restrictions. Some clubs were repurposed as Covid testing centers or vaccination hubs. Berghain, the techno temple itself, reopened as an art exhibition that saw the former power plant filled with works by local artists from the private Boros Collection.

Rumors abounded that Berghain would never reopen as a club, that nightlife in the city would never fully recover. But the rumors, it seems, were unfounded. After a bizarre “Footloose”-esque period when clubs were allowed to operate but only under a Tanzverbot, or dancing ban, the city’s nightclubs were eventually given the go-ahead to resume regular operation.

In the end, not a single Berlin club closed for good because of the pandemic, thanks in large part to government grants and advocacy by the Berlin Club Commission, a trade organization. Newer venues, like open-air clubs Oxi Garten and Æeden, and especially the culturally adventurous Trauma Bar und Kino , are breathing fresh energy (and much-needed diversity) into the city’s nightlife.

And the forest raves that spread through the Brandenburg countryside during that first locked-down summer? They seem to be one Covid-era development with staying power. There’s no telling what the fall might bring, but at least in the summer of 2022, there’s more dancing in Berlin than ever before.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2022 .

An earlier version of this article misspelled the name of a publishing house in Berlin. It is Suhrkamp Verlag, not Suhrkam. The article also misspelled the name of a hotel. It is Château Royal, not Chateau Royale.

An earlier version of this article misspelled the name of a square in Berlin. It is Gendarmenmarkt, not Gendamenmarkt.

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Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the principal gateway for foreigners and diplomats between the two Berlins from 1961 to 1990. Unfortunately, this potent symbol of…

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Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer

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For an insightful primer on the Berlin Wall, visit this outdoor memorial, which extends for 1.4km along Bernauer Strasse and integrates an original…

Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart

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Europe’s fastest lift, Panoramapunkt yo-yos up and down the red-brick postmodern Kollhoff Tower in 20 seconds. From the bilevel viewing platform at a…

The successor of the legendary Bar25, Kater Blau showers freewheeling club-goers with fine electro in a rambling indoor-outdoor playground, featuring two…

Jüdisches Museum

In a landmark building by American-Polish architect Daniel Libeskind, Berlin’s Jewish Museum offers a chronicle of the trials and triumphs in 2000 years…

This ‘kitty’ is naughty, sexy and decadent, listens to electro of all stripes and fancies extravagant get-ups (or nothing at all). Berlin’s most (in…

Griessmühle

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Hansa Studios

Complete this analogy: London is to Abbey Road as Berlin is to…Well? Hansa Studios, of course, that seminal recording studio that has exerted a…

Tränenpalast

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With its jaunty towers and turrets, crenellated walls and arched walkways, the Oberbaumbrücke (1896) gets our nod for being Berlin’s prettiest bridge…

RAW Gelände

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Sowjetisches Ehrenmal Treptow

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Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin

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Why didn’t Chris and Dan get into Berghain? (Part 2‪)‬ Search Engine

We travel to Germany to trace techno's history from Detroit to Berlin. The story of how, after the Wall fell, Berlin exorcised its brutal past with a very strange, decade-long party. A mission that takes us all the way to the gates of Berghain.  Music Credits: Original composition in this episode by Armen Bazarian. Additional Tracks: Game One - Infiniti, Dead Man Watches The Clock - Marcel Dettmann & Ben Klock, The Call - Marcel Dettmann & Norman Nodge, Quicksand - Marcel Dettmann. Full playlist here. Sven von Thüle: https://soundcloud.com/svt // Der Klang der Familie Gesine Kühne: https://soundcloud.com/wannadosomething Support the show at searchengine.show! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Red, white and mostly blue skies expected as record number of americans set to travel for july 4th.

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The grill isn’t the only thing firing up this Fourth of July.

Record travelers will hit the highways for Thursday’s holiday but won’t escape the heat as much of the country will see historic highs — and thunderstorms that threaten to rain on some parades.

“A portion of the country will see nature’s fireworks, which will provide their own show of showers and thunderstorms,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Mays told The Post.

Thunderstorms will likely span Montana, the Dakotas and Ohio to Virginia and Maryland, Mays said, and could reach New York City and southern New England.

“But it’s not going to be a total washout,” Mays added.

It will feel over 100 degrees in the south and out west, where heightened wildfire risks are prompting officials to consider fireworks and campfire bans.

Aside from a possible afternoon shower on Independence Day, the Big Apple is in for muggy temperatures in the low 90s.

The days leading up to the Fourth will remain in the 80s and the following weekend will see thunderstorms and temperatures lingering near 90.

Beachgoers should beware of dangerous rip currents along south-facing beaches on Long Island, Fox Weather reported.

Approximately 5.7 million New Yorkers hightail it out of the humidity for the holiday, contributing to a July 4th projected to be the busiest ever in terms of travel, according to AAA .

Over 70.9 million total travelers will head 50 miles or more from home, up 5% from last year and 8% from 2019. More than 60 million will go by car while air travel is also expected to set a new record.

The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 32 million people between June 27 and July 8, a 5.4% increase from last year.

Friday was the 4th busiest day ever, with just under 3 million people passing through airports nationwide, the TSA reported.

“Summer vacations are in full swing, and with the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Alec Slatky, public and government affairs director for AAA Northeast.

The worst traffic delays are expected on Wednesday, July 3, and Sunday, July 7, according to data analytics firm INRIX.

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Can a European sleeper train replace a pricey hotel? We tested it out.

After three nights on the rails, the verdict was clear.

On an overnight train journey in Europe , I slept — or at least tried to — through sections of Germany, Switzerland and Hungary tucked under a dark sky. Through the snores of travelers inches from my face and the antics of schoolkids ignoring their chaperones. Through the morning rush for the bathroom and the exodus of passengers.

When I finally woke up, I was in Berlin, Zurich, Budapest . It was as if I had checked into a hotel and discovered a secret transporter behind the shower curtain.

In Europe , sleeper trains are experiencing a boom. Railway companies are introducing inaugural routes, expanded service and modernized cabins. Train enthusiasts are thrilled by the overnight train movement, of course, but so are environmentalists, slow travel advocates, budget warriors and politicians tackling climate change.

“People who take sleeper trains are fed up with the airport and airline experience,” said Mark Smith, who founded the Man in Seat 61 , an online train guide, “and they want to cut their carbon emissions.”

Overnight trains resemble a mobile hostel. Similar to a stationary room, the sleeping quarters provide varying levels of privacy and cushiness, and fit a range of budgets. Whether you stay in a private cabin with a shower or bunk with six strangers and share a bathroom, the upshot is the same. You can sleep through the travel portion of your European vacation and be awake for what matters most: the destination.

“Overnight trains are at the frontier of travel,” Smith said. “The problem is now a lack of capacity. They are just not building them fast enough.”

The last time I overnighted on a train, I was in college. I nursed a neck crick and lack-of-sleep hangover for most of the trip. Decades later, I was ready for another sleepover on the rails. So, in early June, I boarded the first of three sleeper trains. The ultimate test was: Would I bound out of my compartment ready to explore each new city, or would I wish for a hotel bed I could crawl into?

Get your eight hours of sleep

The overnight train rewrites the rules of travel. Shorter isn’t always better, for instance. At the very least, the length of the trip should cover the recommended amount of sleep — seven or eight hours. You should also factor in extra time to get settled into your cabin and enjoy breakfast before disembarking. Other considerations: You don’t want to board too late and risk nodding off in the station, or arrive too early in the new city and have to wait around for restaurants, shops and attractions to open.

“ If the night train leaves at 7 or 8 in the evening, you can have a bit of time to open a bottle of wine and read a book by the glow of your berth light,” Smith said. “And you don’t want to arrive at 6 in the morning.”

For my journey, my latest boarding time was at 10:30 p.m. (Amsterdam), and my earliest arrival was 6:30 a.m. (Berlin). My excuse: It was my first outing.

The other critical decision is the type of accommodations, which range from totally private if you’re willing to purchase the whole cabin to shared among as many as six strangers. (Women-only rooms are available.) You will probably want a bed, which is not a big ask: The majority of compartments cater to people who sleep horizontally. However, if you’re the resilient type, you can book a cabin with seats and sleep upright.

The experience: Leg 1 to Berlin

For my train experiment, I booked three straight nights, starting in Amsterdam . I had a full day (plus early evening) in each destination: Berlin, Zurich and Budapest. I checked my luggage at the train station and, when necessary, washed up there, too. I could drop into hotels , but only to charge my phone and cool off — no catnapping allowed.

I booked the first leg on European Sleeper , a community-owned start-up that debuted in May 2023. In March, it extended its Brussels-to-Berlin service to Prague , a nearly 16-hour trip.

I had booked the top-tier accommodations, a sleeper cabin with a real bed. A few days before my departure, I received an apologetic email informing me that I had been downgraded because my cabin was broken. The company didn’t specify what exactly was busted.

An employee later told me the cars date from the 1950s to the ’90s. He said new cars can cost $5 million to $8 million each, so railways often refurbish or retrofit used ones.

“The fact that this train is still rolling is nothing short of a miracle,” he said.

In my new digs, I had three female bunk mates, the same number and gender as my original booking. But I was now in a “couchette” — train lingo for a room with seats that convert to beds. I also lost many of the other hotel-caliber comforts, such as the duvet (now a paltry blanket), the en-suite sink (now a basin in the bathroom shared by everyone in my car), the welcome glass of wine or soda (a carton of water), and the towel and toiletries (had to bring my own).

Upon entering the cabin, I placed my hand on the upper bunk and felt something soft and warm. It was my roommate, who had boarded two hours earlier in Brussels. My other cabin mate, who hailed from The Hague, had an early-morning meeting in Berlin. She wasted no time transforming her seat into a single bed, laying down the sleep sack, thin gray blanket and pillow.

Before crawling into her cocoon, she stretched an arm across the narrow space separating our beds and handed me a wad of cotton containing wax earplugs.

“I’m a snorer,” she said. “I brought you these.”

I wasn’t tired, so I went in search of a diversion, a challenge on a train whose primary activity is sleeping. I found the cabin attendant in her cubbyhole and inquired about a cafe car . She pointed behind her, at a kettle and basket of tea and coffee. She flashed me a sympathetic look and offered me a free coffee.

“Because I was downgraded?” I asked.

“No, because you are nice,” she replied.

I resumed my wanderings and settled in the bike storage area, the only open space. A procession of Canadians passed through, toting cans of beer. A member of the entourage joined me on the floor. Toby said his group of 18 were on their eighth annual surprise trip. Only the two organizers knew the itinerary. He never asked where I was going, keeping the secret to the end.

Eventually, a staff member making the rounds ordered us back to our cabins. I tiptoed into my compartment, installed my earplugs and wriggled into the sleep sack that had as much charm as a laundry bag.

At 5:45 a.m., the cabin attendant appeared at our door with coffee and an update: We were ahead of schedule and had to idle in order to ensure a punctual arrival in Berlin.

The experience: Legs 2 and 3

For my second and third overnights, I booked passage through Nightjet, which is owned by the Austrian rail company ÖBB . For the Berlin-to-Zurich trip, I reserved a sleeper car, the highest-end option, which cost about $214 per person. (On this particular train, the cushiest choice was still shared among up to three guests and didn’t have a private shower.) Still, after the spartan night on the European Sleeper, I greeted each amenity like an old friend that I’d missed terribly.

While I was digging through my goody bag — slippers, earplugs, eye mask, Tutti Frutti candies — a steward entered my compartment to take my breakfast order. He said I could choose six items off the menu. I consulted with my neighbor, a Dane who lives in Berlin and does not like to fly. She didn’t have her glasses on, so I helped her read the tiny print on the menu: calf’s liver pate, Gouda slices, muesli yogurt, salami.

“The trains have really stepped it up,” she marveled. “Breakfast used to be a dry roll and bad coffee.”

I was cooing over my bathroom vanity when the cabin attendant returned with a bottle of German sparkling wine. I asked him if anyone was occupying the other two beds. He said he would know in Leipzig, adding, “I hope they don’t come, so you can just rest.”

To pass the time, I poked around my section of the train. My cabin’s beds were stacked like shelves. I scaled the ladder to the top bunk, which was protected with a safety net. I peered down and wished I had a climbing harness. I played with the mood lighting before heading to the front of the car, where I could connect to the train’s internet and watch Railnet TV.

At midnight, I proclaimed the cabin was all mine. I celebrated by brushing my teeth in my private sink.

In the morning, I opened my eyes to discover a Bernese mountain dog strolling by my window. We were in Basel, about 90 minutes from Zurich. The attendant dropped by with my vegan breakfast — green tea, two slices of Mestemacher bread and a pot of raspberry jam — which I ate in bed as scenes of Switzerland flickered by.

After the morning rush, the shared shower was available. I stepped inside the stall and tried to close the door. It fell off its hinges, so I brought it inside with me. I had just lathered up when the water stopped flowing. I returned to my cabin to rinse off in the sink. My door was locked.

I tracked down the cabin attendant, who opened the door for me. He didn’t ask any questions.

I wanted to stay forever in the sleeper car, but alas, it was sold out on my final leg. For the Zurich-to-Budapest voyage, I chose the next best option, the couchette carriage. Four of the six beds were set up. My cabin mate, who had teased bangs and a sweet smile, helped me make up mine — fitted sheet, top sheet, brown blanket, pillow — across from hers. She didn’t speak English, but her body language said she was ready to call it a night.

Similar to the other trains, there was no communal area, but the corridor was outfitted with pull-down seats. I claimed one and waved at a mom with a baby sitting a stool away.

In Buchs, our last stop in Switzerland, we had an hour layover. Adult passengers and kids on a field trip spilled onto the platform to smoke and dance, respectively. I chatted with an employee who explained that I was in the Hungarian section of the train and he was in the Austrian half. He said I was welcome to hang out in his car, which was brighter and more modern. However, I would have to return to my cabin by 3 a.m. or I would be bound for Vienna instead of Budapest, since the trains were set to detach mid-trip.

In the morning, I woke up to a pair of feet dangling in my face. The other two roommates had arrived late in the night and quietly crawled up the ladder into bed. They lived in Liechtenstein but were visiting Budapest, the hometown of one of the women.

From up high, she shouted down recommendations for Budapest. She strongly recommended the Szechenyi Baths in Heroes’ Square, where I could soak in peace.

The takeaway

After three nights on sleeper trains, I am ready to quit hotels and planes. Though I was a little sleep- and shower-deprived, the sacrifice was worth it. (If you require a solid eight hours and a luxurious soak, you would probably disagree.)

First and foremost, I saved a bundle. The most I paid was $218 for the Berlin-to-Zurich trip, a fragment of the cost for a flight, hotel and transportation to the city center. I had a few additional expenses, such as luggage storage and the bathroom fee at the train station, but they didn’t add up to much.

Experience-wise, I appreciated the ease of boarding the train. No security checks, baggage limits or liquid restrictions. I explored my trio of cities until a half-hour before departure time, an impossible feat if I had traveled by plane.

Along the way, I picked up some nuggets of wisdom. For the next time, I would stick with the sleeper car and, if possible, travel with friends or family members who can provide a doctor’s note asserting they don’t snore. I would follow Smith’s advice and catch an earlier evening train — maybe closer to dinnertime — so I could enjoy the onboard experience more. And I would remember to take the room key before heading down the corridor for a shower.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: Take our destination quiz to choose your own adventure. Then read about 12 dream destinations at the top of our wish list — without the crowds.

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: Explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Trace a route along the southern coast of Puerto Rico . See how jamón gets made in the heartland of Spanish pork .

Russian saboteurs burned down a Berlin factory to hit weapons supplies to Ukraine. Just one problem — the facility made car parts.

• A massive fire at a factory in Berlin last month was set by Russian saboteurs, per WSJ.
• They were targeting the flow of arms to Ukraine, the outlet reports.
• But the factory, owned by Diehl Metal, makes parts for cars and electrical systems, not weapons.

In early May, scores of German firefighters massed at a metal technology plant in southwest Berlin as it burned. Some 200 firemen were deployed to battle the blaze that Friday morning amid concerns that the flames could interact with chemicals in the factory.

It was a major event for the neighborhood in Lichterfelde , with residents told to shut their windows and stay home as the rooftop belched a steady column of black smoke. At least four floors of the facility were eventually burned through.

A month later, The Wall Street Journal reports that the fire at the Diehl Metal factory was an arson attempt carried out under Russia's auspices.

Citing unnamed security officials, the outlet reported on Sunday that a NATO intelligence agency had intercepted communications showing Russia's involvement and passed it to German authorities.

German outlet Bild also reported on the intercepted messages.

The Journal reported that Russia intended to hit arms supplies to Ukraine. Diehl Metal's parent company also manufactures the IRIS-T anti-air systems given to Kyiv.

Related stories

But Diehl Group's arms manufacturer, Diehl Defence, only lists a representative's office in Berlin , and its factories and major facilities are spread across southern Germany.

Meanwhile, the Diehl Metal factory that burned down instead makes parts "primarily for the automotive and electrical industries," according to its website.

The Journal reported, citing the unnamed security officials, that Germany hasn't blamed Russia for the fire because the intercepted messages aren't admissible in German courts.

Still, the fire at the Diehl Metal factory has added fuel to concerns of Russian sabotage attempts on civilian infrastructure and military installations among Ukraine's European allies.

Suspected targets in recent months include a warehouse in the UK that was set on fire and US military bases in Germany.

The Financial Times reported Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs saying the spate of incidents and attempts was "testing our response" and that NATO was still determining how best to act.

US State Secretary Antony Blinken said on May 31 that the alliance has been tracking sabotage attempts closely.

"I can tell you that in the meeting of foreign ministers today virtually every ally was seized with this intensification of Russia's hybrid attacks," he said at a press conference in Prague. "We know what they're up to, and we will respond both individually and collectively as necessary."

Diehl and the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent by Business Insider outside regular business hours.

Watch: Video footage shows the moment of a massive explosion at a factory near Moscow

• Main content

Hurricane Beryl a 'very dangerous' Category 3 storm as it roars toward Caribbean

Rapid intensification was likely in the next 24 hours and beryl could soon become a category 4 storm..

Beryl − the first hurricane of the 2024 season − strengthened Sunday into a powerful Category 3 storm packing 115-mph winds as it barreled toward the Caribbean.

Beryl, which was 420 miles east-southeast of Barbados on Sunday, "is now a very dangerous ... hurricane. Life-threatening winds and storm surge are expected in the Windward Islands beginning early Monday," the National Hurricane Center said.

Rapid intensification was likely in the next 24 hours, the center said, and Beryl was "expected to become an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane" that could deliver a devastating strike on the Windward Islands.

Wind speeds on the islands could be up to 30% stronger on the tops and windward sides of hills and mountains, possibly even higher, the center said.

Hurricane warnings, meaning hurricane conditions are expected in the area, were in effect Sunday for Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands, Grenada and Tobago. A tropical storm warning was in effect for Martinique; a tropical storm watch is in effect for Dominica.

Beryl could bring 1 to 4 inches of rain to southeastern Puerto Rico on Monday night and into Tuesday. 

Fueled by warm water: Hurricane Beryl, super-charged by warm seas, stuns experts

Beryl is the first hurricane of what is expected to be an extraordinary 2024 season . Tropical Storm Alberto , the first named storm of the season, left at least four people dead in Mexico after it made landfall on June 20.

The storm is the easternmost hurricane and major hurricane (Category 3) to form in the Atlantic during the month of June, according to Weather.com. Beryl developed quickly after it was declared a tropical depression and then a tropical storm on Friday.

Track Beryl's path: Tropical storm Beryl expected to become first Atlantic hurricane of 2024 season

What is rapid intensification?

Rapid intensification is a process in which a storm undergoes accelerated growth: The phenomenon is typically defined to be a tropical cyclone (whether a tropical storm or hurricane) intensifying by at least 35 mph in a 24-hour period.

"Rapid intensification occurs when a tropical storm or hurricane encounters an extremely conducive environment," Colorado State University hurricane researcher  Phil Klotzbach said . "Typically, this environment consists of very warm water, low vertical wind shear and high levels of midlevel moisture."

Life-threatening storm surge, flooding likely

Swells from Hurricane Beryl should begin reaching the Windward and southern Leeward Islands by late Sunday, and are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. The storm surge as the hurricane arrives on Monday may reach 5 to 7 feet above normal tide levels and bring "large, destructive waves" to the coast, the hurricane center said.

Rainfall could cause flooding, and is expected to dump 3 to 6 inches in Barbados and the Windward Islands Sunday night into Monday.

The hurricane center urged anyone living in the central and western Caribbean to monitor the storm's progression given the uncertainty of the forecast.

What is the outlook for the 2024 season?

Federal forecasters have predicted a hurricane season unlike any other, with as many as 25 named storms possible.

It is the most storms the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has ever predicted in a preseason outlook. "All the ingredients are in place for an active season," National Weather Service director Ken Graham said in May.

NOAA director Rick Spinrad said the Atlantic hurricane season is shaping up to be "extraordinary" − an 85% chance for an above-average year. "The forecast … is the highest NOAA has ever issued for the May outlook," he said.

See the path of Hurricane Beryl

Current weather advisories in the u.s..

Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver, Doyle Rice, Mike Snyder; USA TODAY.