A short guide to Berlin
If you have an extra day or two to spend in Berlin, here are 5 things to do while in the vibrant capital of Germany.
We have also included 3 mapped runs if you're the type who likes to explore the city while getting some exercise.
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1. Explore the history of Berlin
Brandenburg Gate through time
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s most famous landmark. Built in the 18th century, this neoclassical monument has stood through key moments in German history. It saw Napoleon march through its arches, witnessed the rise and fall of Nazi Germany, and later became a powerful symbol of the peaceful reunification of East and West Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Berlin’s history is full of major events and transformations. The city has seen it all - from medieval times to playing a major role in world events of the 20th century. It was divided by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, symbolising the split between East and West. But in 1989, the Wall fell, leading to Berlin’s reunification and its transformation into the modern, vibrant city it is today.
2. Ich bin ein berliner
The glass dome
Reichstag Building
The Reichstag, the heart of German politics since the 19th century, has seen fires, wars, and reunification. Its glass dome, added after reunification, symbolises a new era of transparency and democracy. Visitors can visit the glass dome for a 360-degree view of Berlin.
To relax like a Berliner, head to Tempelhofer Feld on a sunny afternoon. This former airport, now a sprawling public park, is where Berliners go to relax, fly kites, skate, or have a picnic. You can rent a bike or simply walk along the runways. It’s a favourite spot for locals to unwind and enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
The Marolles Flea Market seen on a sunny and busy day
The "You are leaving the american sector" sign and the picture of former US army tuba player Jeff Harper
Checkpoint Charlie
Once the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie was a symbol of the Cold War. Today, it is a museum where visitors can explore the history of the Berlin Wall, the tense standoffs between superpowers, and the daring escape attempts made by East Berliners seeking freedom.
3. Berlin by Foot, Bike, or Boat!
Explore Berlin on Foot
If you’re looking to explore Berlin on foot, consider joining one of the many free walking tours available throughout the city. One such tour, offered by New Europe Tours, is a great way to see Berlin’s top historical sites. This 2-hour walking tour is led by knowledgeable local guides and operates on a tips-based model, allowing you to pay what you feel the tour was worth.
Key Locations on the Tour:
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Brandenburg Gate
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Hitler’s Bunker
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Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
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Berlin Wall Remnants
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Checkpoint Charlie
4. Enjoy the local food
Featured here is a list of recommendations:
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Curry61 – Famous currywurst made in a family-owned business. Located at Oranienburger Str. 6, 10178 Berlin.
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Schnitzelei – Cozy spot offering traditional Schnitzel and German beers. Located at Röntgenstraße 7b, 10587 Berlin.
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Maximilians Berlin – Traditional Bavarian cuisine including Schnitzel. Located at Friedrichstraße 185-190, 10117 Berlin.
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Zur Letzten Instanz – Berlin’s oldest restaurant offering classic German dishes. Located at Waisenstraße 14-16, 10179 Berlin.
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Bäckerei Siebert – Bakery famous for their delicious Berliner Pfannkuchen. Located at Schönfließer Str. 12, 10439 Berlin.
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Burgermeister – Legendary burger joint in a former public toilet under the U-Bahn. Located at U1 Schlesisches Tor, Oberbaumstraße 8, 10997 Berlin.
Berlin’s cuisine is shaped by a mix of traditional German dishes and international influences, reflecting the city’s diverse population. Here you will find everything from hearty comfort foods to innovative meals that blend different cultures.
Currywurst: Sliced pork sausage topped with curry-flavoured ketchup, a beloved Berlin street food enjoyed with fries and beer.
Schnitzel: Breaded and fried pork or veal cutlet, a staple of German cuisine, often served with lemon and potato salad.
Berliner Pfannkuchen: Traditional doughnut filled with jam, a sweet treat commonly enjoyed during festive occasions, dusted with powdered sugar.
Discover Berlin by Bike
Berlin’s flat terrain and extensive bike lanes make it ideal for exploring by bicycle. Renting a bike is easy and gives you the freedom to cover more ground and visit both well-known and hidden spots across the city. You can rent using bike-sharing services such as Call a Bike or Donkey Bike.
Popular cycling routes include:
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Tiergarten Park: A ride through Berlin’s largest park.
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East Side Gallery: Cycle along the Berlin Wall’s longest remaining section.
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Kreuzberg to Treptower Park: A scenic route along the Spree River.
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Maybachufer: Ride along the canal in the Kreuzberg district.
5. Berlin’s best spots for drinks
See Berlin by Boat
Given Berlin's many waterways, a boat tour is a unique and relaxing way to see the city. The 1-Hour Berlin City Tour by Reederei Hadynski is a great option, offering panoramic views and insightful commentary as you cruise along the Spree River.
Priced at €18, this tour covers key landmarks including:
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Chancellery
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Television Tower
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Victory Column
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Government District
Berlin offers a range of options for enjoying drinks in the city, whether you’re after a view, a beer, or some live music.
Sphere bar
For stunning view and creative cocktails, head to Sphere Bar. This restaurant located in the iconic TV Tower (Fernsehturm) offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Berlin as the tower slowly rotates. Enjoy a cocktail while taking in the city’s skyline from one of the highest vantage points in the city.
6. Running around Berlin
If you are up for a run, Berlin has some fantastic routes that combine sightseeing with exercise. We’ve mapped out a few runs that let you explore the city’s landmarks while getting in a good workout.
Route 1: Berlin city centre (11.92 km)
Start at Alexanderplatz and run through the heart of Berlin, passing landmarks like Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, and Brandenburg Gate. This route offers a mix of history and urban life, making it a great introduction to the city.
Brandenburg Gate
Museum Island
Route 2: Berlin Wall memorial (5.09 km)
Begin your run at Bernauer Strasse and follow the path of the former Berlin Wall. This shorter route takes you through the Berlin Wall Memorial, offering a reflective journey into the city’s divided past.
Berlin Wall Memorial
Berlin Wall
Route 3: Charlottenburg Palace and Tiergarten (10.62 km)
Start your run at Charlottenburg Palace, moving through the palace gardens. The route then follows the Spree River and passes through Lietzenseepark. Finally, the run concludes in the expansive Tiergarten, offering a mix of historical landmarks, water views, and lush green spaces.
Tiergarten Park
Charlottenburg Palace
Ishtar Gate in the Pergamon Museum
Museum Island
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Museum Island houses five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum. Here, you’ll find treasures like the Ishtar Gate, a masterpiece of ancient Babylon that brings a piece of ancient history into modern Berlin.
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, now transformed into an open-air gallery. After the fall of the Wall, over 100 artists from around the world painted murals along this 1.3-kilometre stretch, expressing colourful messages of hope, peace, and freedom.
Prater Garten
For a more traditional, chill atmosphere, visit Prater Garten - Berlin’s oldest beer garden. Established in 1837, this spot offers a tranquil setting under chestnut trees where you can unwind with a classic German beer.
Yorckschlösschen
If you’re in the mood for live music, Yorckschlösschen is the place to be. This historic venue in Kreuzberg has been serving up jazz, blues, and soul music since 120 years, offering a warm and intimate atmosphere paired with excellent drinks and hearty German cuisine.