16 Things To Do in Berlin, Germany

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, quickly became one of my favourite European cities. Picking the top things to do there was difficult for multiple reasons. It has the most amazing vibe, architecture, a very rich history, and countless places to eat and have fun.

However, I’m sure of one thing when it comes to Berlin. It’s just the perfect city break destination as the city definitely offers something for everybody and you won’t go home disappointed.

The first time I visited Berlin was back in 2014 as part of a university research trip, but I always wanted to return. So, in 2018 my husband and I decided to come here to celebrate his birthday and it was a great decision! 

Always come prepared and make sure to check out some useful tips before visiting Berlin. But now let’s see what the top things you shouldn’t miss when visiting Berlin are…

16 Things to Do in Berlin

1. Enjoy the view of / from the Reichstag Building

Home of the German parliament, the Reichstag Building is a well visited sight in Berlin. The most popular part of the building is its dome – which can be visited by the public – and offers some stunning views of the city.

Even though it’s free to enter, make sure you book a time slot in advance of your visit. You might get lucky and manage to arrange your visit at a service centre just outside the building. However, it is unlikely there will be any available slots for that day remaining! I went up to the dome in 2014 but unfortunately there weren’t any available slots left for the duration of our stay in 2018. So don’t make the same mistake as us and book a time slot in advance! 

2. Visit the Brandenburg Gate both day and night

You cannot miss visiting Berlin’s iconic landmark, the Brandenburg Gate. This 18th-century neoclassical monument was built by the king of Prussia and was a site for many historical events. Now it is considered a national symbol of peace and unity. 

It can get really busy during the day so if you’d like to take photos without a lot of people in them make sure you get there for sunrise. I also recommend visiting the gate at night too when it’s all lit up. 

3. Find the perfect brunch spot

Thanks to Instagram I discovered this café called House of Small Wonder. The name couldn’t be more accurate as it isn’t just gorgeous but is definitely an Instagrammable place to eat. Just look at the entrance and the stairs leading up to the actual eating area.

4. Visit the Holocaust Memorial

The Holocaust Memorial consists of concrete slabs placed at different heights near Brandenburg Gate in memory of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. It opened in 2005 and is officially called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. 

Make sure to be respectful during your visit and I recommend skipping taking selfies here!

5. Try to get the Fernsehturm (TV-Tower) in one shot

Located close to Alexanderplatz, the 368m-tall TV-tower is visible from pretty much anywhere in Berlin. I guess you won’t be surprised if I say it has a viewing area over 200 m high providing a panoramic view of the city. You can buy your ticket, which costs €18.50, on the day or you can purchase it online.  If you’d like to make your visit extra special, you can book to dine in the rotating restaurant. (It’s definitely not a cheap experience so I decided to come back and do it another time)! 

Whether you go up or stay on the ground make sure you try to take a photo of the whole tower without using a special lens. I bet you’ll struggle a little! 

6. Eat curry wurst and drink beer

I think that says it all. You cannot come to Berlin (or to Germany in general) and not have a beer and try a curry wurst from a stand! 

Make sure you pick the spot where you can enjoy both your food and the sunset at the Brandenburg Gate.

7. Check the time at Alexanderplatz

Stop at Alexanderplatz to check the time in 148 cities around the world on the World Clock. This public square is named after the Russian Tsar Alexander I. 

A little warning: As Alexanderplatz (and in particular the World Clock) isn’t just a popular tourist attraction, but also a favoured meeting place, you might struggle to take a great photo during the day. Solution: Come early if you can!

8. Admire the murals at the East Side Gallery

This 1.3 km long open-air gallery is a remnant of the Berlin Wall so definitely a must see if you’re in Berlin.  It’s located in the formal East Berlin along Mühlenstraße and is considered the world’s longest open-air gallery.

The wall is covered in over one hundred mural paintings so make sure you walk along it and admire them all.

9. Find a different sunset spot every day

Somehow sunsets in Berlin are just fantastic no matter where you watch them from. However, I highly recommend picking a different spot every night during your stay. 

My favourite sunset spots were around Museum Island, from the front of Berliner Dome, around the Reichstag Building, at Brandenburg Tor and along River Spree. 

Like I said, you’re spoiled for choice!

10. Take a photo of the Berliner Dom from every angle

Another iconic Berlin landmark is located on the Museum Island. Berliner Dom/Cathedral is a Neo-Renaissance protestant church and also home to the crypts of the Hohenzollern dynasty. 

It’s such an amazing building and you can definitely take a photo from every angle of it. If you’d like to get the best view, make sure you find a place called Humboldtbox just across from the Cathedral. Head to the top floor which is a terraced restaurant and snap a few photos of the Dom. 

11. Listen to musicians at Gendarmenmarkt

Why wouldn’t you walk around the most beautiful public square in Berlin? 

Gendarmenmarkt consists of the Concert Hall building with a statue of Friedrich Schiller in the middle and the French and German Cathedrals on either side. Make sure you spend a little time here and admire these magnificent buildings. It’s also a great photo spot!

12. Take your time at the Topography of Terror Museum

I think visiting this outdoor and indoor museum is a must in Berlin. It is located at Niederkirchnerstraße where the headquarters of the Secret State Police, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office were located. There is no entry fee which is amazing. Use one of the lockers they offer for your belongings so you can comfortably walk around the museum. 

The permanent exhibition has three sections, each providing a detailed account of what led to Nazi aggression, the Holocaust and the Berlin Wall.

13. Check out Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was a border crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. You can find the checkpoint booth, flag, and sandbags reflecting how the original site must have looked at the corner of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße. 

14. Explore Museum Island

Even if you’re not a museum fan, I still recommend exploring the museum complex called Museum Island. After all it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and consists of the following museums:

• Pergamon Museum;
• Bode-Museum;
• Neues Museum;
• Altes Museum; and
• Alte Nationalgalerie.

Make sure you at least take a photo of these magnificent buildings.

15. Step into chocolate heaven at Ritter Sport

Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, then you have to visit the world of chocolate. This three-floor shop is located on Gendarmenmarkt square. Other than buying all the chocolate, you can learn how the final Ritter Sport product is produced. 

Have fun picking out your favourite flavours! 

16. Walk around Potsdamer Platz

Once known as the death-strip, Potsdamer Platz is now a very popular business and leisure centre of Berlin. The place that used to divide east and west Berlin is now home to three major developments: the Sony Centre, Daimler City and the Beisheim Centre.
This once lifeless place is now buzzing with people seeking leisure, retail and business experience so make sure you stop here and experience it yourself. 

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Berlin

This was my second trip to Berlin, and I still enjoyed revisiting the things I did back in 2014 whilst also managing to find new things to do. Have you ever been to Berlin? What else would you add to my list of things to do there? Let me know in the comments below.