With a rich history and vibrant cultural scene, the capital city of Germany has lots to offer. So here’s my 6 best things to do in Berlin.
1. Berlin Cathedral
Located on Museum Island in Central Berlin, the majestic Cathedral is one of the most prominent landmarks in Berlin.
A popular tourist attraction, the cathedral can be recognised by its huge central dome that’s topped with a magnificent lantern and golden cross.
The stunning interior of the cathedral has been beautifully restored with lots of Baroque and Neo Renaissance styles evident.
Inside you can visit a museum detailing the history of the cathedral. Also, in the main chamber it’s possible to view the tombs of German Emperors and their consorts.
In addition, you can climb the 270 steps to the top of the cathedral and get a full 360 walk around the base of the dome. The climb is definitely worth the effort as the views across the city are amazing!
Entry is €9 per adult, which includes a guided tour. This beautiful, historic cathedral has to be on the list of best things to do in Berlin.
To get around Berlin, and in particular to the cathedral, the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Live Commentary is perfect.
2. Jewish Memorial
Opened in May 2005, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is located in the central Berlin borough of Mitte.
Built precisely 60 years after the end of World War II, this is a haunting reminder of what happened not so long ago and is an educational place to visit for any age.
The wave-shaped field consists of over 2700 standing concrete blocks, each differing slightly in height.
The undulating ground levels make for a strange sensation as you walk through the pathways. With the blocks rise up alongside you, you can definitely, as intended, get lost here.
This thought provoking memorial is a very peaceful place to visit and most importantly gives you an opportunity to remember the many people that lost their lives.
For those really interested in the history that affected Berlin, there are many guided tours available including A Third Reich Walking Tour.
The memorial is a must on your Berlin itinerary!
3. Brandenburg Gate
Built between 1788 and 1791, the magnificent Brandenburg Gate is located in the centre of Berlin on Pariser Platz.
As one of the city’s most important monuments, with over two hundred years of history, this great sandstone gate attracts more tourists that any other sight in Berlin.
Interestingly, when the Berlin Wall was built in 1961, the Brandenburg Gate was located in the restricted area and could not be visited by East or West Germans.
Subsequently, after the fall of the Wall in 1989, the gate became a symbol of German unity.
Standing proudly on top of the Brandenburg Gate you will see the so called Quadriga. A sculpture depicting a two-wheeled chariot pulled by four horses and meant to symbolise peace entering the city.
As Berlin’s most famous landmark, Brandenburg Gate is a must-see for all visitors.
Again, the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Live Commentary is perfect to get you to this attraction or you could take a Discover Berlin Walking Tour.
4. East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery memorial in Berlin-Friedrichshain is an open-air gallery on a surviving section of the Berlin Wall in Mühlenstraße.
Quite a walk from the city centre, a Berlin WelcomeCard will come in handy as the best option is to jump on the underground to Warschauer Straße. From here it’s just a 10 minute walk.
This 1316m stretch of open-air gallery is possibly the most famous of its kind in the world. With some of the more photographed murals recognised around the world.
In addition, the East Side Gallery is an iconic symbol of the Cold War period of Berlin and the following unification of Germany.
So, to visit the site of such an important moment in history as well as see some great art, then this has to be a must.
If you’re looking for a guide to the East side of the city then the East Berlin and the Wall: Walking Tour is probably your best option.
5. Museums
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Berlin is Museum Island, located on the northern half of an island in the Spree river.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with five museums of archaeology and art.
If you are a museum fan and plan on visiting some whilst in Berlin, then I recommend the Museum Pass Berlin: 3-Day Entry to Over 30 Museums.
The pass allows you to enjoy free entry for 3 days to over 30 museums and exhibitions.
The five museums on Museum Island are:
- Pergamonmuseum (Pergamon Museum)
- Bode-Museum
- Neues Museum (New Museum)
- Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery)
- Altes Museum (Old Museum)
My favourite was Bode Museum, not only for the amazing sculptures inside, but for the views from the outside/river front.
6. Try Currywurst
If you want to try the real traditional food whilst visiting Berlin, I recommend you grab yourself a Currywurst.
With the word ‘Wurst’ translating directly to sausage, you can only imagine how good these steamed (then fried) curry covered sausages taste!
This typical dish originating from Berlin, can be found on every street corner in the city so you won’t have any trouble finding one.
They even have veggie and vegan options available such as tofu or seitan Currywursts. Add a side of fries and you’re good to go!
With plenty of tours and taster sessions available, here are a couple of the most popular:
Berlin: 3-Hour Secret Food Tour
Berlin: 3-Hour Beer Tasting Tour
Where To Stay In Berlin
Luxury – Radisson Blue Hotel
This unique hotel features a spa area with pool and free WiFi.
It is centrally located opposite Berlin Cathedral, 750 yards from Alexanderplatz Square.
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin offers stylish, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and laptop safes. High-quality toiletries and a hairdryer are provided in the modern bathrooms.
All rooms are non-smoking and many have a balcony. Guests can enjoy drinks at the Atrium Bar.
The elegant HEat restaurant serves international dishes and a daily breakfast buffet, and also has a terrace.
Mid-Buget – NH Collection Berlin
This 4-star-Superior hotel enjoys a prime on the world-famous Friedrichstrasse in .
It is next to and only a from the .
All at the NH Collection Berlin Friedrichstrasse offer a flat-screen TV, a marble-finish , hypoallergenic bedding and hard floors.
All rooms have a minibar, satellite TV, a , complimentary high-speed WiFi, and soundproofed windows.
Budget – Generator Berlin
Centrally located in Berlin, this hostel features a , a 24-hour front desk, and free throughout the property.
Oranienburger Strasse S-Bahn and Oranienburger Tor U-Bahn are within 550 yards.
Generator Berlin Mitte offers brightly decorated rooms with en suite bathrooms. On-site laundry facilities are available at a fee.
Additional conveniences include luggage storage and safety deposit boxes.
Guests at Generator Berlin Mitte can order a continental breakfast at the hostel. Local bars and restaurants are within a 5 minute walk.
For more places to stay in Berlin, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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