12 Best Things To Do in Berlin, Germany

Visiting Brandenburg Gate, exploring Museum Island, and enjoying the views from the TV Tower are among the best things to do in Berlin, Germany. Germany’s capital is a popular tourist destination best known for its historic landmarks, exciting attractions, and vibrant cultural scene.

However, it’s also praised for offering travelers a diverse range of activities. As one of Europe’s most visited capitals, Germany’s cultural powerhouse offers an unmatched mix of history, art, and lively nightlife.

One day, you’re having fun at Berlin Zoo and admiring the Reichstag Building. Next, you’re walking along Kurfürstendamm or visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial. In other words, you’ll find something to do no matter what you like.

To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve curated 12 must-see attractions in Berlin based on traveler insights, expert recommendations, and local favorites.

Table of Contents

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Berlin is packed with must-sees, but if you could only do ONE, what’s your pick? Choose wisely.

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European Countries Ranked by Pickpocketing Risk_Berlin, Germany

Visit Brandenburg Gate 1/5

Best Things To Do in Berlin Germany Photograph the Reichstag Building

Photograph Reichstag 2/5

Best Things To Do in Berlin Germany Enjoy the Views From Berlin TV Tower

Views from TV Tower 3/5

Best Things To Do in Berlin Germany See the Animals at Berlin Zoo

See Berlin Zoo 4/5

Must-Visit Capitals in Europe Berlin, Germany

Explore Museum Island 5/5

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Visit Brandenburg Gate

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Photograph Reichstag

7 0

Views from TV Tower

7 0

See Berlin Zoo

7 0

Explore Museum Island

7 0

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Highlights at a Glance

Luxury Hotel in Berlin: DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku’damm offers elegantly renovated rooms, a fitness facility, and modern dining, all in a prime location near the Memorial Church and public transport.
Mid-Range Hotel in Berlin: Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz offers stylish rooms with marble bathrooms, a spa, three restaurants, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, all in a central location near Museum Island.
Budget Hotel in Berlin: Leonardo Hotel Berlin KU’DAMM offers spacious rooms in a historic building, a terrace on Kurfürstendamm Boulevard, and easy access to public transport in Charlottenburg.

Visit Brandenburg Gate – Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s most famous attraction.
Explore Museum Island – This UNESCO World Heritage Site has five museums.
Enjoy the views from Berlin TV Tower – Berlin TV Tower is the highest point in the city.

Visit Brandenburg Gate

Visiting Brandenburg Gate is the most popular thing to do in Berlin. Prussian emperor Frederick William commissioned this 18th-century neoclassical triumphal monument in the late 1700s. The gate once served as an exclusion zone that divided East and West Berlin.

However, after the fall of the Berlin Wall in the 1980s, the gate stopped symbolizing division and instead represented unity and peace. Brandenburg Gate is 85 feet (26 meters) tall and 215 feet (65 meters) wide. It’s made of sandstone and topped by Quadriga, a sculpture of a chariot being pulled by four horses.

The gate is free to visit 24/7, 365 days a year. You can admire the Brandenburg Gate, illuminated by bright lights at night.

Visit at Sunrise or Late at Night: This iconic landmark gets crowded during the day. Arriving early in the morning or late at night allows for a more peaceful experience and better photos.
Explore Pariser Platz: The square surrounding Brandenburg Gate is home to historic buildings, embassies, and the famous Hotel Adlon, where notable figures like Michael Jackson and Albert Einstein have stayed.

Explore Museum Island

Exploring Museum Island is one of the best things for history buffs to do in Berlin. Located on Spreeinsel (Spree Island), in the city’s heart, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an island with five fascinating museums. The five museums on the island are as follows:

Altes Museum
Neues Museum
Alte Nationalgalerie
Bode Museum
Pergamon Museum

These museums were built on the island between 1824 and 1930, so their architecture is exceptional. However, the exciting collections inside will blow you away. For example, the Neues Museum’s North Dome Hall houses the 3,000-plus-year-old bust of Nefertiti.

Meanwhile, the Bode Museum’s sculpture collection contains masterpieces like Donatello’s ‘Pazzi Madonna.’

Check Restoration Schedules: Some exhibits, like parts of the Pergamon Museum, may be closed for renovations. Always check the official website for updates before your visit.
Take a Guided Tour: A guided tour can enhance your experience by providing historical context and insights into the most famous artifacts, like the Bust of Nefertiti and the Ishtar Gate.

Enjoy the Views From Berlin TV Tower

The Berlin TV Tower is the best place to find panoramic city views in Germany’s capital. It is also one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks and the highest point in the city. Built between 1965 and 1969, it stands at an impressive 1,207 feet (368 meters) tall.

The observation deck, at 666 feet (203 meters), offers magnificent 360-degree city views. You can see Brandenburg Gate, Spree Island, and the Reichstag from the tower. Tickets for the observation deck cost €23.50 ($24.60). Alternatively, you can buy a day and night ticket that grants you access to the observation deck twice for €43 ($45).

At 679 feet (207 meters), the Berlin TV Tower also features a revolving restaurant due to reopen in 2025.

Check for Visibility: Before heading up, check the weather forecast. Foggy or rainy conditions can obstruct the panoramic views.
Explore Nearby Attractions: After your visit, take a short walk to Alexanderplatz or Museum Island, both located nearby and worth exploring.

See the Animals at Berlin Zoo

Seeing the animals at the Berlin Zoo is one of the most exciting things to do with children in Berlin. First opened in 1844, Berlin Zoo claims to be Germany’s oldest and most visited zoo. It also prides itself on having the largest variety of zoo species worldwide.

The zoo is home to 20,000 animals from 1,200 species. You could spend an entire day at the zoo and still not see it all. Therefore, we recommend heading straight for the most notable species. Germany’s only giant pandas are a highlight.

Other must-see species include the greater one-horned Rhinoceros, Amur tiger, and African lion. You can attend one of the many feedings and trainings during your visit, including the panda talk at 11:00.

Save Money with a Combo Ticket: If you’re also planning to visit the Berlin Aquarium, consider purchasing a combo ticket. It offers discounted entry to both attractions.
Use the Zoo’s App: Download the Berlin Zoo app to check feeding times, find your favorite animals, and navigate the large zoo more easily.

Photograph the Reichstag Building

Keen photographers must photograph the Reichstag Building during their Berlin city break. This remarkable world-famous legislative government building on Platz der Republik was primarily constructed between 1884 and 1894. Its unique design combines Neoclassical, Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque, and Postmodern architectural styles.

The stunning facade, designed by Paul Wallot, features stone columns, arched windows, intricately carved sculptures, and reliefs. Meanwhile, Sir Norman Foster designed the 800-ton, 77-foot (23.5-meter) steel dome.

The dome is made up of approximately 3,000 glass panels. You can see it up close by visiting the Recihstag’s rooftop terrace, which also offers scenic city views.

Book Your Visit in Advance: If you want to visit the Reichstag’s glass dome and rooftop terrace, you must register online in advance. Same-day slots are limited, so booking ahead ensures entry.
Visit at Sunset: For the best photos, visit in the evening when the dome is beautifully illuminated, and you can capture stunning panoramic views of Berlin’s skyline at golden hour.

Walk Along Kurfürstendamm

Best Things To Do in Berlin Germany Walk Along Kurfurstendamm — © Marek Sliwecki / Wikimedia Commons CC BY SA 4.0

Kurfürstendamm is the most famous street in Berlin, so walking along it is a must during your trip. This elegant 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometer) long boulevard begins at Breitscheidplatz and ends at Rathenauplatz. Right the way along the iconic street, you’ll find shops, international fashion brands, hotels, and restaurants.

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Kurfürstendamm is often considered the Champs-Élysées of Berlin, which might give you a sense of the boulevard’s luxury. Shopping enthusiasts will likely want to visit famous brands like Apple and Tommy Hilfiger. Meanwhile, food lovers might want to tuck into a juicy burger at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a more traditional hamburger at Kreuzburger. Otherwise, you can simply soak up the atmosphere and beautiful architecture.

Visit KaDeWe: The Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe) is Europe’s second-largest department store and a must-see for shopping lovers. Don’t miss the gourmet food hall on the 6th floor for delicious treats.
Explore the Side Streets: While Kurfürstendamm is famous for luxury shopping, nearby streets like Fasanenstraße offer charming cafés, art galleries, and historical sites like the Literaturhaus Berlin.

Learn More About the Berlin Wall at the Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin Wall Memorial is one of the most historic things to see in Germany’s capital. Located on Bernauer Straße, the Berlin Wall Memorial commemorates the division of Berlin with an open-air exhibition and memorial where the wall once stood. For those who don’t know, the Berlin Wall was a concrete barrier that encircled West Berlin between 1961 and 1989.

This memorial and exhibition center is an excellent place to learn more about the history of the wall and to pay your respects to those who died. The exhibition is divided into four areas, each featuring information boards with pictures and stories.

Must-visit points of interest include the visitor center, the observation tower, and a 229-foot (70-meter) stretch of the original wall.

Visit the Documentation Center: This museum provides in-depth historical context, personal stories, and multimedia exhibits about the Berlin Wall. It’s free to enter and offers a great starting point for your visit.
Climb the Observation Tower: For a unique perspective, head up the tower near the visitor center. It provides a clear view of a preserved section of the former border strip, including the death strip and watchtower.

Pay Your Respect at the Holocaust Memorial

One of the most important things to see in Berlin is the Holocaust Memorial. Officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, this somber memorial is dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. If you didn’t already know, the Holocaust was the genocide of European Jews during World War II.

Between 1941 and 1945, an estimated six million Jews were murdered across Nazi-occupied Europe. The memorial was designed by architects Peter Eisenman and Buro Happold. Spread over 4.7 acres (1.9 hectares), it features 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern.

Admission to the memorial is free, and the site is accessible 24 hours a day. However, the information center is only open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Explore the Information Center Below the Memorial: Many visitors miss the underground Information Center, which provides historical context, survivor testimonies, and details about individual victims. It’s free to enter and adds depth to your visit.
Be Respectful of the Site: The memorial is a place of remembrance, so avoid climbing on the concrete slabs or making excessive noise. Treat it with the solemnity it deserves.

Take Your Photograph In Front of Checkpoint Charlie

Europe's Most Overrated Tourist Traps The Wall Museum - Checkpoint Charlie (Berlin, Germany) — © Eintracht123 / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Taking a photograph in front of Checkpoint Charlie is one of the most unique things to do in Berlin. Another historical site, Checkpoint Charlie, is a reminder of the former border crossing and the partition of Berlin. Located on the corner of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße, this checkpoint was the best-known border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.

Today, it symbolizes what life was once like in Berlin. Its name comes from the NATO phonetic alphabet. The checkpoint is a fascinating place to take a photograph because it stands out in the middle of the road, surrounded by modern Berlin.

It’s also one of Berlin’s most famous historic sites, so it’s worthy of your scrapbook.

Visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum for Historical Context: While the checkpoint itself is a great photo spot, the nearby museum (Mauermuseum – Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie) provides in-depth stories, artifacts, and escape attempts related to the Berlin Wall. It’s well worth a visit to understand the site’s significance.
Be Aware of Tourist Traps: The actors dressed as border guards and the surrounding souvenir stands can be fun for photos but are mostly for tourists. If you want a more authentic Cold War history experience, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial or the DDR Museum.

Go On a Tour of Berlin Cathedral

To explore more of the city’s breathtaking architecture, you must tour Berlin Cathedral. Constructed between 1894 and 1905, this stunning German Protestant church is on Museum Island. The cathedral’s gorgeous Renaissance and Baroque design is dominated by a green dome.

This iconic dome is crowned with a lantern and a golden cross. Four towers surround the 321-foot (98-meter) high dome. Inside, Berlin Cathedral features vibrant mosaics, colorful stained-glass windows, the Hohenzollern Crypt, and a grand organ with 7,269 pipes.

Your entry ticket includes a 20-minute guided tour of the cathedral. Tickets cost €10 ($10.40) for adults, and children are free. Tours typically run between 9:00 and 18:00.

Climb to the Dome for Breathtaking Views – If you’re up for a bit of exercise, take the 270-step climb to the top of the dome. From there, you’ll get an incredible panoramic view of Berlin, including Museum Island, the TV Tower, and the Spree River. It’s one of the best viewpoints in the city.
Attend an Organ Concert for a Unique Experience – Berlin Cathedral is home to an impressive Sauer organ with over 7,000 pipes. If you visit during a scheduled organ concert or a religious service, you’ll get to experience its powerful sound in a breathtaking setting. Check the cathedral’s official website for concert dates and ticket availability.

Enjoy a Stroll Through Tiergarten

Tiergarten is one of the best places to walk in Berlin. Spanning 520 acres (210 hectares), this vast open green space is Berlin’s largest and most popular park. Popular with locals and tourists, it’s an excellent place to walk, cycle, and run.

It’s also a fabulous place to enjoy a picnic. That said, we highly recommend buying some groceries and finding somewhere scenic in the park to relax for an hour or two. Or, you could enjoy a refreshing drink in the beer garden at the lakeside Café am Neuen See.

You’ll also want to see various things in the park. This includes the vibrant Rosengarten, the Victory Column, and the Soviet War Memorial.

Visit Early for Tranquility: Tiergarten is busiest in the afternoon. Arriving in the morning lets you enjoy the park’s beauty with fewer crowds.
Explore by Bike: Rent a bike to cover more ground and see landmarks like the Victory Column and Soviet War Memorial with ease.

Watch Hertha BSC or 1. FC Union Berlin in Action

Watching either Hertha Berlin or 1. FC Union Berlin in action is one of the best things for sports fans to do in Berlin. Berlin is blessed with two successful soccer teams, so watching either team play is a treat. While Hertha BSC is considered the biggest club, Union Berlin plays in the Bundesliga.

Meanwhile, Hertha BSC are in the 2. Bundesliga. Union Berlin plays at the 22,012 Stadion An der Alten Försterei, while Hertha BSC plays in the 74,475 Olympiastadion Berlin. You can buy tickets to watch one of the two clubs in action through their official websites.

Alternatively, you could take a tour of the Olympiastadion Berlin instead. Apart from on matchdays, tours run daily from 10:00 until 16:00.

Buy Tickets Early: Hertha BSC tickets are available on their website, while 1. FC Union Berlin prioritizes members in a lottery system. Check official sites in advance.
Use Trusted Resellers: If tickets sell out, platforms like SeatPick or Viagogo may have options, but always verify seller authenticity to avoid scams.