Things to do in Berlin: Discover all its attractions and history
Don't waste any more time! Head on to Berlin for a formidable adventure and explore all the cool activities you can do and the amazing sights you can't miss!
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What the heck can I do in Berlin?”, look no further. This German metropolis is buzzing with history, culture, art, and nightlife that’s off the charts. From ancient monuments to hip art hubs, and fancy restaurants to lively street markets, Berlin has it all for every type of traveler. No wonder the Berlin tourist card is a total hit among tourists in Germany.
In this post, we’ll spill the beans on all the top-notch experiences this city has for you. So, be prepared to uncover Berlin’s secrets and dive into its thrilling vibe.
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What to see and do in Berlin?
Berlin is a city that switches things up depending on the season, giving you all sorts of cool experiences all year round. When it’s summer, you got to hop on a boat ride along the Spree River, hit up the parks, or chill with a picnic at the epic Tempelhofer Feld Park, which used to be an airport! Autumn in Berlin is prime time for checking out the museums on Museum Island or drinking some coffee in those cute and cozy cafés scattered around the city. And when winter comes, you can’t miss the Christmas markets, ice skating on the frozen Wannsee Lake, or attending a concert at the Berlin Philharmonic Hall. During springtime, it’s all about visiting the beautiful gardens at places like Charlottenburg and Sanssouci or taking a bike ride along the iconic Berlin Wall.
While you’re out and about exploring all these remarkable spots, why not stay connected with an eSIM for Berlin from Holafly? You’ll have the internet on your phone wherever you go, which means sharing your adventures, finding your way around, and keeping in touch with your loved ones is a piece of cake. And hey, it’s not just Berlin, you can get an eSIM for +200 countries, so you’ll be sorted when you’re off to discover the wonders of Paris or anywhere else your heart desires!
1. Best squares in Berlin
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is renowned for its historic squares that show off its imposing history and culture. Each of these squares is like a little time capsule giving you a peek into life in this lively city.
Alexanderplatz
First, we have Alexanderplatz, or “Alex” as the locals call it. It’s one of the biggest and busiest squares in Berlin, situated in the Mitte district. Check out the Berlin TV Tower, the Urania World Clock, and the Fountain of Friendship between Peoples. Getting there is easy by train, streetcar, bus, or subway. And once you’re there, it’s all about shopping, trying out delicious local food, and absorbing in the city’s energy.
Potsdamer Platz
Then, we have Potsdamer Platz, another iconic square that’s undergone some major changes over the years. It’s right in the heart of the city and you can get there by subway, bus, or train. This plaza is all about modern architecture, like the Sony Center and the Potsdamer Platz 1 skyscraper. Plus, you can hit up the German Film Museum and catch a movie in the IMAX theater.
Gendarmenmarkt
Next on the list is Gendarmenmarkt, considered one of the most stunning squares in Berlin. It’s in the Mitte district too and boasts three super impressive buildings: the Konzerthaus Theater and the French and German Cathedrals. You can easily get there by subway or bus. And when you’re hanging out at Gendarmenmarkt, experience a concert at the Konzerthaus or visit the beautiful cathedrals.
Pariser Platz
Last but not least, we find Pariser Platz. This square is super famed for the legendary Brandenburg Gate, situated at the end of the famous Unter den Linden Avenue. Getting there is easy by bus, train, or subway. Capture some impressive pics of the Brandenburg Gate, maybe pay a visit to the nearby Berlin Concert Hall, or just chill out around the square.
2. Museums to visit in Berlin
Berlin, the city that’s all about history and culture, is packing some seriously fascinating museums. They’ve got everything from modern art to nature and tech exhibitions, so there’s something for everyone, no matter your taste or age. Check out these cool museums you absolutely can’t miss on your trip to Berlin!
Pergamon Museum
The Pergamon Museum is like a magnet for tourists visiting Berlin. Just think about the mind-blowing turquoise Ishtar Gate and the epic Market Gate of Miletus from way back in the day. This place on Museum Island is seriously majestic and will blow your mind. This museum has a fantastic collection of ancient artifacts, Middle Eastern art, and items from Islamic culture. And getting there is easy-peasy with public transportation.
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Friday – Sunday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Adult ticket: 12 dollars
- Child ticket: Free
Museum of Natural History
The Natural History Museum it’s a total heaven for science and nature fanatics. You and your kids can dive into the epic world of dinosaurs. They’ve got the biggest skeleton ever, towering over 13 meters tall! Moreover, you’ll enjoy thousands of zoological specimens and mind-blowing facts about evolution, the cosmos, and the whole solar system. You can find this epic spot at Invalidenstraße 43, and to get there just hop on a streetcar or bus, and you’re set!
- Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. – 06:00 p.m.
- Saturday to Sunday 10.00 a.m. – 06:00 p.m.
- Adult ticket: 12 dollars
- Child ticket: Free
Jewish Museum Berlin
This museum’s all about diving into the rich history of German-Jewish culture. The museum’s architecture is next-level amazing and reflects the vibe of this mind-blowing theme. Visitors can follow the incredible journey of Jews in Germany from the Middle Ages up to the present, all in an interactive and multimedia immersion. Plus, you’ll get a great insight into the diverse and beautiful world of Jewish culture. You can find this epic spot at Lindenstraße 9-14 and to get there, just take the subway or hop on a bus.
- Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Admission: 8 dollars for the public
German Museum of Technology
You won’t believe your eyes when you see all the historic airplanes, ships, and steam locomotives they’ve got on display in this museum. It’s like stepping back in time. This place is huge! We’re talking 26,500 square meters, making it one of the biggest tech museums in all of Europe. This museum is located at Trebbiner Straße 9 and you can get there on a subway or by bus.
- Hours: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- General admission: $14
- Children and youth from 6 to 17 years old: $4.5
- Children under 6 years old: Free.
For a comprehensive experience, consider exploring travel apps that can guide you to discover more museums and cultural gems to enjoy during your unforgettable trip to Berlin.
3. Places to visit in Berlin
Berlin is a city bursting with history, culture, and all-around awesomeness. Every corner of this place has something epic to offer – from ancient monuments to cool art centers and lush green spaces. Check out these highlights you got to hit up on your trip to Berlin:
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is an iconic symbol of German unity. Find it at Pariser Platz and no worries about getting there, just hop on a bus, train, or subway. This monument is stunning at night when it’s all lit up. And the best part is that it won’t cost you a penny.
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a piece of the Berlin Wall turned into an epic open-air art gallery. Head to Mühlenstraße and catch a train or bus. It’s covered in more than 100 mind-blowing murals painted by artists from all over the globe. And guess what? It’s free!
Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace – the grandest palace in Berlin, boasts some incredible Baroque architecture! It’s on Spandauer Damm, and you can easily get there by bus or train. You can explore its lavish interiors, take a stroll in the gardens, or pop into the museum. There’s a fee for entry to the palace, but the gardens are free!
Berlin TV Tower
The Berlin TV Tower, or Fernsehturm – is the tallest building in the city, offering fantastic views of Berlin. Find it at Alexanderplatz and jump on a train, streetcar, bus, or subway to get there. You can climb up and enjoy the epic sights or have dinner in the revolving restaurant. FYI, there’s a fee to climb the tower.
4. Activities to do in Berlin
Berlin is the city that never sleeps! There’s never a dull moment in this city because it has something happening around every corner. That’s why you won’t want to miss out on these highlights:
Berlin Wall Tour
Paying a visit to this city’s wall is mandatory. Walk or bike along the remnants of the famous Berlin Wall, visit the memorials, and soak in the history of how the city was once divided. The best part? It’s free! But if you prefer a guided tour, you can do so for a few bucks.
Spree River Cruise
Get ready for a whole new perspective of Berlin! Get on a cruise along the Spree River and catch some impressive views of the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, and the Reichstag. Prices for the cruise vary based on how long you want to sail and what services you’re after.
Mauerpark Flea Market
This spot is a total hit with both locals and tourists. Every Sunday, visit the Mauerpark Flea Market and discover a treasure filled with cool items, from antiques and vintage threads to awesome art and tasty local grub. Plus, it won’t cost you a dime!
Gastronomic Tour
Berlin’s food scene is known for its deliciousness. A gastronomic tour is the perfect way to taste all the local and international treats, from the iconic currywurst to yummy Turkish and Vietnamese dishes. Prices for these tours vary depending on the operator and the food you’re into.
Tips for an Enjoyable Trip to Berlin
Berlin is a city bursting with history, culture, and non-stop action. But to make the most of your trip, here are some tips you got to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead: Berlin is a city where you can wander spontaneously, but having an idea of the spots you want to visit will help you make the most of your time.
- Public Transport Pro: Berlin is huge, so get cozy with its public transportation system. It’s efficient and covers every corner of the city.
- Stay connected with Holafly eSIM: You got to stay in the loop while exploring Berlin! With a Holafly eSIM, you can stay connected to the internet on your phone wherever you go! Look up info, share your epic experiences in real-time, and keep in touch with your loved ones back home – all without stressing about roaming costs. It’s a win-win!
- It’s all about partying! In daylight, you can visit museums, monuments, and parks. But, when the sun goes down, Berlin turns into a party paradise. Don’t miss out on the legendary nightlife – hit up bars, and clubs, or just stroll around under the city lights. Just be cool, respect the local rules, and have a blast responsibly!