Berlin, the capital and administrative city of Germany, is not only known to have hospitable citizens and rich history, but also numerous impressive landmarks, luxurious restaurants, and world-class markets. Whether you intend to visit the city during summer, winter, spring, or autumn, you will definitely get a lot of things to do and see. The following are some of the best things to see and do in Berlin, one of the most vibrant & interesting cities in Germany.
As it's easy to get around by public transport, you can select any of the affordable hotels in Berlin. There's always heaps to do and see in the area where you'll be sleeping and going to another suburb is easy. Our list of the 10 best things to do and see in Berlin isn't in a particular order.
Berlin has so much to offer and each item on the list is just as awesome. So no worries, the lower part of the list is just as fun or interesting as the upper part. You'll have a great time in Berlin. There's more to see and do than just this list. Check out these activities and organised tours in Berlin. Our top 1o list is just the tip of the iceberg.
1. Holocaust Monument
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is an impressive must-see when visiting Berlin. It is a reminder of horrible things that happened in the past that should never ever happen again. Lest we forget. More info about the monument.
2. Wall Museum (Mauermuseum)
Also referred to as the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, Mauermuseum is one of the oldest and biggest museums not only in the city but also in Germany. It is surrounded by other notable attractions such as German Guggenheim, Jewish Museum, and Berlinische Gallery. Its exhibitions provide a detailed history of the Berlin Wall as well as the dramatic incidents surrounding it including the escape attempts made by GDR citizens using chairlifts, hot air balloons, mini U-boats, and getaway cars.
3. Siegessäule & Brandenburger Tor
Two interesting things to do in Berlin in one go. First, visit and climb the Berlin Victory Column (Siegessäule), a monument to mark the Prussian victory in the Danish-Prussian War. Enjoy the views of the area. Then walk to the famous Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) via the Street of 17 June (“Straße des 17. Juni”). Don't forget to visit the Soviet War Memorial on the way.
5. Oberbaum Bridge
Oberbaumbrücke is a large double-deck bridge linking the Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg boroughs separated by River Spree. The bridge's lower deck is for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The upper deck is for trains operating between Schlesisches Tor and Warschauer Straße stations. It is surrounded by a number of luxurious hotels such as Comfort Hotel Alter Markt, Hotel Pariser Eck, Hotel Jorena, Berolina Airport Hotel, Hotel Spree-idyll, and Hotel Boelsche 126.
4. Play at the Video Game Museum
No geek can visit Berlin without going to the Video Game Museum (Computerspielemuseum). Game consoles and computers like the Commodore 64, Atari ST series can be found there. It's an interactive experience as there are heaps of classic video games to be played there.
6. Street Art Tour: alternative must-do in Berlin
Not a big fan of guided tours? Neither are we… But the Alternative Berlin (Street Art) Tour is a must-do when visiting Berlin. It's free. At the end you just pay or tip with you think it's worth. The guides will take you on a walking (and public transport) tour through the city to show you some of the best pieces of street art. They take you to places you normally wouldn't go to and they show you street art you normally wouldn't see or notice. We loved the Alternative Berlin tour.
7. East Side Gallery
While we are on the topic of street art… Make sure to visit the East Side Gallery as well. It's what's left over of the Berlin Wall. Big pieces of the Berlin Wall covered in street art are placed along the banks of the river Spree. A free and interesting thing to see in Berlin. Read more about it.
8. Shop at Hackischer Markt
Hackischer is one of the city's biggest and busiest shopping centres. It is full of vendors selling a wide variety of products including jewellery, clothes, shoes, electronics, and furniture. It also has restaurants and bars offering delicious meals and an assortment of drinks.
9. Transmediale International Festival
Transmediale is an outstanding annual event for digital culture and media art usually held at the end of January the beginning of February. The one-week event usually brings together well-known filmmakers and media companies from different parts of Europe to showcase and discuss the latest digital technologies and how they are continuing to change people's lives in the world of today. The participants demonstrate their work through various publications, conferences, performances, exhibitions, and film and video programmes. See for more info the official event website.
10. Relax at the beaches
Beaches in a city like Berlin? Yes, there are several temporary summer beaches in Berlin. For instance Charlie's Beach near Checkpoint Charlie. Sit on a deck chair while enjoying the famous curry sausage & chips. Or go to “Strand auf BeachMitte” in the suburb Mitte. Lots of beach activities and sports can be done there, both for adults and kids. It's a day packed with fun for the family. See for more info.
What's your favourite to see or do in Berlin?
We could only list 10 of the best thing to do in Berlin on this list, but there's so much more to see in this amazing city. What's your favourite thing to do or see in Berlin? Let us know and we might add it to our next blog post(s). We'll be publishing heaps more about Berlin as it is one of our favourite European cities. In the meantime check out how yummy Berlin is for vegetarians.
