Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

Berlin, Germany's dynamic capital, is a city where history and modernity collide in the most fascinating ways. From the remnants of the Berlin Wall to cutting-edge art galleries, from world-class museums to underground techno clubs, Berlin offers an unparalleled urban experience. The city bears witness to pivotal moments in 20th-century history while simultaneously pushing boundaries in art, culture, and nightlife. Today's Berlin is a vibrant metropolis that attracts creative minds from around the world. Its diverse neighborhoods each tell their own story - from the government quarter with its impressive architecture to the alternative scene in Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. The city's green spaces, including the massive Tiergarten park, provide peaceful respites from urban exploration, while its renowned museum collections house some of the world's most important artifacts and artworks.

Top Things to Do in Berlin

Historical Walking Tour

Explore Berlin's complex history through guided walking tours that cover major sites like Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and remnants of the Berlin Wall. These tours provide essential context for understanding the city's role in World War II and the Cold War. Expert guides bring history to life with personal stories and lesser-known facts about Berlin's transformation.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours are available but expect to tip €10-15 per person. Paid tours (€15-25) often provide more intimate groups and specialized themes. Book morning tours to avoid crowds at popular sites, and look for guides with history degrees or local expertise.

Museum Island Visit

Museum Island houses five world-renowned museums including the Pergamon Museum with its spectacular ancient architecture reconstructions and the Neues Museum featuring the famous bust of Nefertiti. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents one of the most important museum complexes in the world. Plan a full day to properly explore the incredible collections spanning 6,000 years of human history.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost €19 and cover all museums on the island. Book online in advance, especially for the Pergamon Museum which often sells out. Consider the Museum Pass Berlin (€32) for 3-day access to over 60 museums citywide. Early morning or late afternoon visits have fewer crowds.

Street Art Tour

Berlin's street art scene is legendary, with vibrant murals and graffiti telling stories of rebellion, creativity, and social commentary. Tours typically cover areas like the East Side Gallery, Hackescher Markt, and alternative neighborhoods where street art thrives. You'll learn about different artists, techniques, and the cultural significance of this urban art form in Berlin's identity.

Booking Tip: Tours cost €15-25 per person and last 2-3 hours. Look for guides who are active in the local art scene or former street artists themselves. Some tours include art supplies for creating your own legal graffiti. Afternoon tours offer better lighting for photography.

Beer Garden and Brewery Experience

Berlin's beer culture extends far beyond traditional beer halls to include innovative craft breweries and historic beer gardens. Experience local brewing traditions while sampling everything from classic Berliner Weisse to modern craft creations. Many tours include food pairings and visits to multiple venues, providing insight into German beer-making traditions and contemporary innovations.

Booking Tip: Beer tours range from €35-60 including tastings at 3-4 venues. Book tours that include traditional beer gardens for the full cultural experience. Evening tours often have better atmosphere but book afternoon tours if you want to continue exploring afterward. Look for small group tours (under 15 people) for more personalized experiences.

Cold War Sites Tour

Delve deep into Berlin's Cold War history with specialized tours covering Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and former East German sites. These tours explore the divided city's daily life, escape attempts, and the political tensions that defined Berlin for nearly three decades. Many include visits to underground bunkers or former Stasi locations for an immersive historical experience.

Booking Tip: Specialized Cold War tours cost €25-45 and often include entrance fees to historical sites. Book tours that include underground locations or former restricted areas for unique access. Some tours offer authentic Trabant car rides through former East Berlin. Look for historians or former East/West Berlin residents as guides for authentic perspectives.

Getting There

Berlin is easily accessible via two main airports: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), the city's primary international hub located 18km southeast of the center, and the smaller Schönefeld Airport. The Airport Express train connects BER to central Berlin in 30 minutes for €3.60. Berlin is also excellently connected by rail, with high-speed ICE trains linking it to major German cities and international destinations like Prague, Warsaw, and Amsterdam. The city's central train station, Hauptbahnhof, is a major European rail hub. For those driving, Berlin is accessible via several major autobahns, though be aware that the city center has environmental zones requiring special emission stickers.

Getting Around

Berlin's public transportation system is extensive and efficient, consisting of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban rail), buses, and trams that operate from early morning until late night, with some weekend night services. A day pass (€8.80) covers all zones within the city and represents excellent value for tourists. The city is also very bike-friendly with dedicated bike lanes and numerous rental options including nextbike and Lime e-scooters. Walking is pleasant in central areas, and many major attractions are within reasonable walking distance of each other. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available but public transport is generally faster and more economical.

Where to Stay

Mitte

Prenzlauer Berg

Kreuzberg

Friedrichshain

Charlottenburg

Hackescher Markt

Food & Dining

Berlin's food scene reflects its multicultural population and creative spirit, offering everything from traditional German cuisine to innovative international fusion. The city is famous for its street food, particularly currywurst and döner kebab, which can be found at stands throughout the city. For traditional German dining, look for restaurants serving schnitzel, sauerbraten, and local Berlin specialties like Eisbein (pork knuckle). The city has embraced the craft beer movement alongside its traditional breweries, and many restaurants offer extensive local beer selections. Berlin also boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants and a thriving vegan scene, making it one of the most vegan-friendly cities in Europe. Food markets like Markthalle Neun offer artisanal products and international cuisines in a vibrant atmosphere.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Berlin is from May to September when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring beer gardens and outdoor attractions, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds and often better hotel rates. Winter can be cold and gray, but the city takes on a cozy atmosphere with Christmas markets from late November through December, and indoor attractions like museums and galleries are less crowded. Berlin's cultural scene remains vibrant year-round, so any season can offer rewarding experiences depending on your interests.

Insider Tips

Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, but expect larger crowds

Berlin's club scene doesn't get started until after midnight, and some venues stay open until Monday morning

The city has numerous free walking tours, but always tip your guide as they work primarily for tips

Things to Do in Berlin