The capital of Germany never disappoints. With a rich history and world-famous nightlife, there’s something for everyone. Once a symbol of division, Berlin is now become the Capital of Cool.
Whether you fancy trying your luck getting into Berghain, or can’t wait to take snaps at the East Side Gallery, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to travel around Berlin. Try it for yourself…
Location: Berlin, Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany
Language: German
Population of city: 4.7 million
Nearest airport: Berlin Schoenfeld OR Berlin Tegel
Main train/bus station(s): Berlin HauptBahnhof
Best time to visit? All year round
Budget level? ££
Best for: Landmarks, History & Museums, Art & Culture, Nightlife.
You could spend a year in Berlin and still not run out of things to do… in this city, there’s something going on every day. You may not have quite enough time for that, but allow 3 or 4 days to explore.
Berlin is very well connected by train and coach. You can reach almost any part of Europe from here, including Southern Germany, Central Europe, France, The Netherlands, Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Eastern Europe.
At 1.3km long, this elaborately decorated section of the Berlin Wall has become an ‘international memorial for freedom’. The 101 murals that adorn the walls of the East Side Gallery were created by 118 artists from 21 different countries. Among the graffiti is the famous kissing mural and a depiction of a Trabant breaking through the wall. Frequented by 3 million visitors a year, the exhibit has become one of Berlin’s most Instagram worthy attractions!
Checkpoint Charlie is a reminder of Berlin’s fascinating past. Once the third crossing point between East and West Berlin, it’s become the setting for several blockbuster spy films. The checkpoint became the most famous of the border crossings in October 1961 when it became the scene of a tank confrontation. Nowadays, you can pose with the checkpoint’s actors or visit the adjoining museum to learn about the escapes from East to West.
The Berlin Cathedral, otherwise known as the Berliner Dom, is a beautiful, baroque monument which can be found in the Mitte borough. Take a guided tour of the Cathedral and climb the 270 steps to the Dom’s outer walkway for incredible views over the German capital. Don’t forget to check out nearby Museum Island while you’re there. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to five world famous museums, each connected by an underground promenade.
Visit Alexanderplatz if you’re in need of a bit of retail therapy or you’re looking for an array of restaurants. Germany’s biggest square is also home to the World Time Clock and is just around the corner from the TV Tower. At 368m high, the TV Tower has become one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. Take the lift and admire the views from the observation deck or, if you’re feeling fancy, dine at the tower’s revolving restaurant.
A recent addition to Berlin’s huge selection of museums in the Jewish Museum. With exhibits detailing the political, social and cultural history of Jewish residents of Germany, the museum has become one of Europe’s most important Jewish Museums.
The German Historical Museum, located in the Mitte District, is the German equivalent of the National History Museum. The permanent exhibition outlines German history from the fall of the Berlin Wall. This year, the museum’s temporary exhibitions include virtual reality view of the wall.
Having once spanned the border between East and West Germany, Berlin’s central district is a mix of vibrant neighbourhoods. From the huge Tiergarten park and the grand streets surrounding the Brandenburg Gate, to the cool boutiques and bars near Alexanderplatz, there’s a huge variety of attractions to discover.
Known as one of Berlin’s coolest districts, this trendy neighbourhood stands in one of former West Berlin’s poorest areas. Thanks to it’s vibrant multicultural population, Kreuzberg is home to some of Berlin’s most famous food. If you’re passing through the area, the queue at Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebab is well worth the wait! For those who are just a bit too hungry to queue for the famous Turkish kebab, the street food at Markthalle Neun is another iconic culinary scene that’s not to be missed.
Charlottenburg is an upmarket, elegant district in the west of the City. It’s home to high-end shops, a host of museums and the Berlin Opera. Head to Charlottenburg Palace and Park to visit the oldest palace in Berlin!
Prenzlauer Berg is one of the most laidback neighbourhoods in Berlin. Stop for a coffee in one of the many hipster cafes that line the streets of this charming district or browse the independent boutique shops. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, the flea market at Mauerpark is a great place to hunt for a bargain.
The heart of Berlin’s LGBTQ+ scene, Winterfeldtplatz is full of vibrant bars with diverse nightlife. In the summer, the area is home to Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ street festival, attracting around 400,000 visitors.
Party by the river at some of the city’s coolest clubs.
Alternative bars and industrial style clubs, including Berghain.
