The capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin is a sensational city. Gigantic, calm and lively at the same time, multicultural and historically rich, it has everything to surprise and amaze you.
In this article, we invite you to discover our selection of the 10 must-see things to do in Berlin. 10 visits not to be missed, 10 sites not to be missed, in short 10 things to do that will make your stay in Germany simply unforgettable!
How do I get to Berlin?
Planning a trip to Berlin? From Prague, you can easily cover the 350 kilometers that separate the two cities. Whether by bus or car, you’ll need just a few hours to get there.
You can also take the train. However, there is likely to be a connection, particularly in Dresden. The journey takes between 7 and 8 hours.
From Paris, on the other hand, we strongly recommend flying to Berlin. For a non-stop flight (which is common), you’ll need to allow around 1h30 for a ticket costing around 45 euros. Some airlines, such as EasyJet, make it easy to reserve your seat.
What are the must-do activities in Berlin?
Want to find out more about what to do in Berlin? In the rest of this article, we invite you to discover our selection of 10 must-do activities in the German capital. By following our advice, you can be sure that you’ll see absolutely everything there is to see in this city of 3.6 million inhabitants.
1. The Reichstag
The Reichstag is where Germany’s political life is organized. The modernized parliament building is best known for its incredible glass dome.
A breathtaking sight. It is close to many of the city’s cultural, political and historical landmarks, including the Bundeskanzleramt (Federal Chancellery) and the Brandenburg Gate. The 47-meter-high building is located at Platz der Republik, 1.
2. Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) is probably Berlin’s most famous monument! It symbolizes the unity of the German people. Inspired by the columns of the Acropolis in Athens, it measures no less than 26 meters.
Close to the Reichstag, it stands on Pariser Platz in the Mitte district. We recommend a visit by day or night. Illuminated, it seems to stand alone in the middle of nowhere. One of the best things to do in Berlin, in our opinion.
3. The Berlin Wall Memorial
Built in 1961? The Berlin Wall was demolished in 1989. It stretched for 155 kilometers. There’s not much left of it now, apart from a few kilometers as a reminder. (Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer).
Ideal for remembering what this construction represented at the time. There’s also an old watchtower and other monuments to the victims who tried to cross the border. Nearby, you’ll find some of Berlin’s best cafés and bars.
4. Checkpoint Charlie
The Checkpoint Charlie Museum (Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie) is another highlight of your visit to the Berlin Wall. It is the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin.
A fascinating museum that also showcases those who managed to escape the Communist regime. Please note, however, that today’s Checkpoint Charlie is just a few meters from the original.
5. The Television Tower
The Fernsehturm (Television Tower) is 368 meters high. Easily recognizable, it can be visited and, once at the top, offers a bird’s-eye view of sprawling Berlin. Located at Panoramastraße, 1A, it’s the ideal spot for those wishing to immortalize their stay with a series of stunning shots.
6. Museum of German History
Located at Unter den Linden, 2, Berlin’s Museum of German History is one of the country’s most impressive museums. Here you’ll find numerous exhibits, art objects and unusual stories about Germany.
A more modern section offers insights into medicine, fashion, religion, printing, art and photography. Tours are available in several languages, so don’t hesitate!
7. Potsdamer Platz
Potsdamer Platz has a checkered history. Once bustling, it was deserted during the war before being reborn. Nowadays, it’s a somewhat stuffy place, giving way to shops, brands and other outlets. Skyscrapers, boutiques, cinemas – in short, you’ll have plenty of time to spend here.
8. Charlottenburg
Just outside the city center, you’ll find Charlottenburg Palace. It’s worth a visit. You’ll appreciate its collections of paintings and porcelain. Its garden is also well worth a visit. For decades, this palace served as the principal residence of German kings.
Some of them are buried here. The mausoleum is well worth a visit. If you’re in Berlin in winter, this is where you’ll find one of the most attractive Christmas markets in Berlin.
9. Berlin Jewish Memorial and Museum
The Jüdisches Museum Berlin was officially opened in 2001. On a visit, you’ll discover many objects of art, literature and even photographs that have been recovered and preserved.
Several themes are explored during the visit, making for a truly interesting experience. Then move on to Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, where you can see the Holocaust memorial. 2,711 concrete slabs covering 19,000 square meters.
10. Berlin’s museums
Whether you’re visiting the Museum of Technological Arts, the Pergamon Museum, the Zoological Garden, the Botanical Museum or the GDR Museum, Berlin is an extremely culturally rich city. Don’t hesitate to take the opportunity to discover all that the capital has to offer.
Where to eat in Berlin ?
Discovering the local gastronomy is, of course, an integral part of the must-do activities. You can take the opportunity to try out some Curry Wurst and other typical recipes.
You can also visit one of Berlin’s many typical restaurants and discover all that German cuisine has to offer. A rich cuisine, sometimes a little heavy, but sure to please.
Where to stay in Berlin?
Discover our selection of the best hotels in Berlin to organize your trip and sleep in a quality hotel. The ideal place to relax in the evening, after a long day of walking, exploring and learning.
Top 10 things to do in Berlin: our opinion
Berlin is an absolutely magnificent city. It has so much to offer. If you’d like to go one step further and discover new activities, don’t hesitate to read our article on unusual activities in Berlin, those off the beaten track. These are less frequented tourist spots, for a quieter, more local and therefore more intimate experience of the German capital.