The 15 things to do in Berlin

Visiting Berlin is plunging into the heart of an eclectic capital, which radiates both its history and the richness of its culture. Discover our selection of unmissable experiences to live in this surprising city!

Germany’s capital, Berlin attracts many tourists every year, but especially culture and noctambula. Destination renowned for its alternative dimension, Berlin is a mix of modernity and history. It stands as a must-have city in Europe.

We visit her for her famous wall, for its emblematic monuments, as well as for the cultural attractions that animate her, starting with her many museums and his street art. He is also loved for his avant-garde general atmosphere, which stands out for other German cities.

In short, Berlin is a city apart, with lots of surprises. Are you planning to go there soon? We have selected 15 things to do and see for a first stay!

1. See the Berlin Wall

You can't miss this must-see tourist attraction in the city. And it’s understandable when you know the history (very recent) of the Berlin Wall. Symbol of the opposition between the East Block and the West Block, the latter was destroyed in the night of November 9-10, 1989, but a stretch remained standing.

The most famous and important part of the wall is 1.3 kilometers long. Located east of the city, in the Friedrichschain district, it is named East Side Gallery , with reference to the many works of street-art who dress it.

Would you like to learn more about the history of the Berlin Wall and this period of division? See you at .

2. Visit the Palace of the Reichstag

Built at the end of the 19th century, during the creation of the first German Reich, the Reichstag Palace is an emblematic monument of the city. Located Platz der Republik, in the Tiergarten district, it houses the Bundestag , Parliamentary Assembly of the Federal Republic of Germany, whose role is to represent the people.

A symbol of democracy, a witness to the history of the country, the Reichstag also surprises with its architectural beauty. You can visit it and discover many works, a memorial, as well as the stigmats of the Nazi party.

3. Admire the Brandenburg Gate

Another must-see monument in the city of Berlin: the Brandenburg Gate. Built between 1788 and 1791 by the Prussian architect and builder Carl Gotthard Langhans in honour of the King of Prussia Frédéric-Guillaume II, she dominates the Pariser Platz and was one of the old gates of the city.

Once representative of the division of the country, it was an integral part of the wall. It was only in 1989, when the latter fell, followed by reunification, that it regained a status of symbol of peace, thus becoming the emblem of the unity found.

From the top of its 26 meters high, the Brandenburg Gate is inspired by the neoclassical style of the Propylée of the Acropolis of Athens. It is an obligatory passage during your next visit!

4. Stop at Checkpoint Charlie

The most famous border post of the Cold War era, marking the border between West Berlin and East Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie was a strong symbol of the city’s political division. Until the fall of the Wall, it was the most important transit place for diplomats, foreigners, but also prisoners.

For the little story, his name comes from the NATO phonetic alphabet: Charlie refers to the letter "C". Today, Checkpoint Charlie is a must-see tourist spot, where many visitors are rushing to take the pose.

5. To gather at the Holocaust Memorial

Many memorials are subtle, like the multiple bronze pavers in front of each Berlin apartment that housed a deported Jewish inhabitant. But if you come to visit Berlin, know that Memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe , better known as the Holocaust Memorial, has nothing of this.

It consists of 2711 steles of different sizes, which constitute a kind of labyrinthic cemetery. Impressive, highly symbolic, it is to be visited in parallel with the information centre that completes it: a space of 800 square meters containing resources and testimonies of one of the darkest periods of history.

To learn more about the rise in power of the Third Reich and the transformation of Germany under Nazi domination, leading to the genocide of the Jews, do not fail to make a .

6. Offer a breathtaking view at the top of the Tour de la Télévision

What to do in Berlin for a breathtaking view of the city? Upstairs the famous Fernsehturm , alias the TV Tower! With its 368 meters high, it is the highest building in the German capital. From its observatory, offer a panoramic view of the roofs of Berlin.

Better: delight yourself from the view of a delicious meal at Sphère, the turnaround restaurant of the Tour. You can enjoy it . A tip: think to book in advance!

7. Walking in the garden of Tiergarten

A true green lung in Berlin, the Tiergarten is ideal to escape the city’s brouha. The premises are there to stroll around any season, on foot or by bike, in relaxation mode or for a sports session.

Located in the diplomatic (and eponymous) district of the capital, it includes many points of interest. Among them, Café am Neuen See , Kulturforum and southwest, the uncontourable Berlin Zoo the oldest in the country. Our recommendation? Discover the hidden corners of the famous park during a !

8. Getting to Tempelhof Park

Once an international airport, now transformed into a giant park, Tempelhof is a must-see tourist site during your visit to Berlin. Its surface area of 380 hectares and its atypical atmosphere attract many curious people each year, excited about walking on the old airstrips!

Among the many sports and activities you can practice on this site: sailing tank or kiteboarding. Want something more traditional? Walk in front of the community gardens then let yourself be tempted by a picnic in a musical atmosphere. The Berlin Music Festival takes place here!

9. Visit the CharlottenBurg Castle

You come to visit Berlin and do you want castles? Don't miss Charlottenburg's! Located west of the city, this baroque-style monument is the largest palace in Berlin. It was built between 1695 and 1699, by order of Queen Sophie Charlotte, wife of Frédéric III , then voter of Brandenburg and Duke of Prussia.

Many wonders are to be discovered inside the palace, but also outside, including the Golden Gallery, the Silver Chamber, the Mausolée or the Belvedere. You can also dinner and a concert at the Charlottenburg Castle , in order to enjoy the magic of the rococo and be totally immersed in the time of Sophie Charlotte of Hanover!

10. Participate in the giant karaoke of the Mauerpark

In the heart of Berlin, in the bohemian district of Prenzlauerberg, the Mauerpark is a must-see for music lovers and relaxed hippie accents.

The must-see attraction of the park takes place every Sunday afternoon at 3pm: this is the Bear Pit karaokeun A giant karaoke that brings together nearly 1,000 people! You will have the opportunity to attend as a spectator but also to push the songnette, if the heart tells you...

As a bonus, the Mauerpark also offers a flea market and numerous spaces appreciated by Sunday sportsmen and artists of all kinds, including street artists. And if you let yourself be tempted by one ?

11. Discover the Island of the Museums

Museum Island, in German Museumsinsel , was created on the initiative of the king Frédéric-Guillaume III at the beginning of the 19th century.

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, it includes the Berlin Cathedral aliases Berliner Dom , main historical Protestant church of the city. But above all, it brings together a set of 5 must-see museums in Berlin:

• The Bode Museum
• L’Altes Museum
• The Neues Museum
• L’Alte Nationalgalerie
• The Pergame Museum

12. Visit the Pergame Museum

Located on the Island of the Museums, it deserved to have its own paragraph: for yes, visiting Berlin necessarily includes making the Pergame Museum, to discover some of the most beautiful treasures of Antiquity. With more than 1 million visitors a year, it is the most visited museum in the city and the most visited German art museum in the world!

In addition to the collection of antiques, you can discover, among other things, very beautiful masterpieces that value the Islamic arts and other cultural delights of the Near East.

13. Dress a kebab döner at Mustafa Gemüse Kebab

Difficult to talk about the must-sees in Berlin without stopping on the most famous Berlin kiosk in street food: Mustafa Gemüse Kebab. Reputed as being the best kebab in Berlin , it is located in the very trendy district Kreuzberg . Far from the salad-tomate-onion triptych, Mustafa kebabs surprise with their flavour and freshness: grilled vegetables, feta, lemon, mint, stirred little apples, a meat that melts in the mouth, in short, the recipe of happiness (you will have understood it, at the redac, we especially liked this address).

Good to know: 2 steps away is found Curry 36 , another gourmet kioske that honours a Berlin street-food speciality: Curry wurst (literally sausage with curry).

14. Go out to Berghain

Berlin is renowned for its night life and especially for its electronic music clubs. If there is one to remember, it is the Berghain. Considered as one of the most famous clubs in the world , the Berghain attracts the curiosity of many tourists... We've got to get in there again!

The reputation – sulphur – of the establishment is such that it displays a dick every weekend that would demortize more than one. Counselling: arm yourself with patience. And if you think you can share bits of the club’s electro atmosphere to your friends, don’t even think about it: photos and videos are strictly forbidden. It is well known: what happens in Berghain remains in Berghain. Good hearer...

15. Explore the city's undergrounds

There is much more to visit in Berlin than we believe. During the Cold War, many bunkers and shelters were built to protect the inhabitants from nuclear radioactive fallout. In particular, you can visit the underground world with Berliner Unterwelten e.v. an association that identifies, enhances, and makes discover the Berlin underground heritage.

There is also a multitude of discotheques in the basement of the city.

How to get to Berlin?

You can reach Berlin easily by car, however, the fastest way remains the plane. Since October 31, 2020, Berlin-Brandenburg Willy-Brandt Airport is the only international airport in service to the city. There you will find many flights, including low-cost flights, thanks to the airlines that do not miss. Direct flights will also be offered at attractive prices, provided you anticipate a minimum.

In any case, the best way to find the right offer for your budget is to use a comparison of flights like Ulysses .

Where to stay in Berlin?

The German capital is full of youth hostels and this is a big advantage: the city is rather accessible. Do not hesitate to read our article to know the best area where to stay in Berlin . Whatever your lifestyle, you will find your happiness: the Mitte district will delight culture enthusiasts, Kreuzberg, festivities, Prenzlauer Berg, artists, Friedrichshain, students, Ku’Damm and Charlottenburg, the largest wallet.

To easily find a hotel in Berlin, you can use a Compare hotels . You can also go directly to Airbnb .

How to move to Berlin?

Berlin being particularly large, we advise you to visit it on foot. On the other hand, the bike remains a very pleasant way to discover the streets of Berlin in slow mode.

On the public transport side, Berlin has a very dense network with a subway (U-Bahn) , a network Urban trains (S-Bahn) , but also trams and buses. Notorious for the noctambuls: the metro runs all night during the weekends.

If you intend to use public transport for a period of 2 to 6 days, opt for the Berlin WelcomCard . It provides free access to transport (ABC areas), while enjoying exclusive benefits: discounts on more than 200 attractions, – 50% on most museums in the city... You can order it directly .

Finally, if you plan to explore the city and its surroundings by your own means, opt for a car rental. We recommend that you book online, for example on the website Rentalcars .