The 20 Best Things To Do In Berlin

Dive into Berlin's vibrant culture with our guide to Berlin tourist attractions, highlighting iconic landmarks, cool nightlife, and hidden gems that reveal the city's history and artistic flair within Germany's capital. Find out what to do in Berlin below:

One of the world's most creative cities, Berlin has so much to offer from major landmarks to cool nightlife.

1. Brandenburg Gate & The Reichstag

Brandenburg Gate is one of Germany’s best-known landmarks and one of the top things to do in Berlin. Historically, an old city gate, Brandenburg Gate was rebuilt around 250 years ago and still stands proudly today. A visit to the Brandenburg Gate offers a glimpse into Berlin's past and present, making it an essential stop for any traveller exploring the city's rich heritage.

While you're in the area, make sure to explore the nearby Reichstag. This iconic building not only houses the German Government but also boasts one of the most stunning glass domes in all the world. Open to the public, you can enter the dome and marvel at the impressive architecture and panoramic views from the top.

2. Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery

Discover the rich history of Berlin by visiting the Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery, important symbols of the city's past division. Running along the River Spree, the East Side Gallery features colourful outdoor paintings, capturing themes of freedom and unity. Explore this vibrant showcase of art and history, offering a meaningful experience for those seeking things to do in Berlin.

3. Museum Island (Museumsinsel)

No visit to Berlin is complete without a visit to Museum Island that sits in the middle of the River Spree. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Museumsinsel showcases art and cultural history from the Stone Age to the 19^th century.

Situated in the heart of the city, this unique ensemble of museums includes the Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and Altes Museum. Each museum showcases remarkable art, artifacts, and historical collections, providing an enriching experience for history and art enthusiasts.

4. Berlin Cathedral

Perched on Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, also known as Berliner Dom, is one awe-inspiring place to visit. The grand history and incredible architecture are jaw-droppingly beautiful and well worth a gander.

This building offers breathtaking views from its dome and showcases impressive interiors, including the Imperial Staircase and a magnificent altar. Immerse yourself in the cultural and religious heritage of Berlin by including Berlin Cathedral in your list of things to do in the city.

5. Tiergarten

Explore the lush greenery and tranquillity of Tiergarten, a sprawling park in the heart of Berlin, offering a delightful escape from the urban hustle. As one of the essential things to do in Berlin, Tiergarten boasts winding pathways, serene lakes, and charming meadows, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, a peaceful picnic, or a refreshing bike ride.

The park is adorned with iconic monuments, such as the Victory Column, and is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a rejuvenating retreat in the midst of the bustling city. Tiergarten invites you to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy a leisurely day outdoors.

Germany's capital also has plenty of quirky activities so here are some unusual things to do for your holiday like no other in Berlin:

6. Street Art Workshop And Tour

You probably already know that the city has some incredible street art. On this tour you get to discover the back streets with an expert on the local and international artists. You’ll hear about the street art culture in Berlin before heading to an abandoned factory to have a go at creating a similar contemporary masterpiece. If you have ever wanted to see what you could produce with a spray can, you need to book this workshop. It’s on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and the tour and workshop last around 4.5 hours.

7. Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm)

Experience Berlin from a whole new perspective at the iconic Berlin TV Tower, located in Alexanderplatz!
Rising 368 metres above the city, this architectural marvel offers breathtaking 360° views of Berlin's skyline. Take a high-speed elevator to the observation deck and enjoy panoramic vistas of famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and the sprawling cityscape below.

Indulge in a delicious meal at the Sphere restaurant here, where you can dine while marvelling at the city's beauty. Whether day or night, a visit to the Berlin TV Tower promises unforgettable moments on your trip to Berlin.

8. The Holocaust Memorial

A short walk from Brandenburg Gate, you’ll find a maze-like set of 2,711 concrete columns of various sizes. This serves as Germany's primary memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust from World War II. Officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, this site covers an entire city block, spanning 205,000 square feet.

Designed by American architect Peter Eisenman after an exhaustive 17-year planning period, the memorial's abstract layout provides no clear explanations or designated paths. If you are looking for unusual things to do in Berlin, taking a walk here feels like navigating through an eerie maze constructed of grey, tomb-like blocks.

9. KaDeWe - Kaufhaus des Westens

Discover luxury and culture at Kaufhaus des Westens, also known as KaDeWe, Berlin's renowned department store! As one of Europe's largest and most prestigious shopping destinations, KaDeWe offers an unparalleled experience for visitors.

Whether you're shopping for upscale fashion, gourmet treats, or simply soaking in the opulent ambiance, a visit to this downtown Berlin shopping mall is a must for indulging in some retail therapy on your trip to the city.

10. Monster Kabinett Berlin

Monster Kabinett Berlin (the monster cabinet) is an interesting collection of massive robotic creatures, metal sculptures and insect-like creations all contained within a warehouse. It's weird and spooky but compelling too.

This rundown amusement park comes to life with automaton sculptures and costumed actors for evening performances from Wednesday to Saturday. Part art gallery, part haunted house, you'll squeal at the leering arachnoid robots and jump back from the enthusiastic actors.

11. Badeschiff

Open from May to September, Badeschiff Berlin is a floating swimming pool. In the tradition of old riverside open-­air baths, Badeschiff is a converted 30-metre barge on the River Spree by the East Harbour in the city centre. The pool is connected to the river bank by a footbridge where there is a 'beach area' with a bar and restaurant with evening DJs. Badeschiff is open daily from 8am to 10pm and you could easily spend a full day here.

When it closes for the season, look out for the winter opening dates when there are saunas available too.

12. Jewish Museum

Jewish Museum is not your typical museum. The first exhibits are intentionally designed to unbalance and disconcert visitors, with sloping floors, slanted walls, and stark, industrial aesthetics. Navigating through these spaces is a memorable highlight of the visit. Following this, you’re transitioned into a more conventional museum setting, to explore artifacts and learn about the rich history and culture of the Jewish history and culture.

13. Free Lunchtime Concerts

The Berliner Philharmonie concert hall puts on world-class chamber music performances for free in the main foyer of the Kammermusiksaal. The 45-minute lunchtime concert season is from September to June with concerts at 1pm on Tuesdays. The number of visitors to the lunch concerts is limited to 1,500 and you will be surprised how quickly it fills up. While you are there, do consider taking a guided tour too.

14. Tempelhof Airport Tour

This abandoned airport closed in 2008. Built between 1936 and 1941, there was no other building of this magnitude in Europe in the 1930s. The construction work wasn't completed due to the Second World War. Even today, thirteen stair towers, which were intended as stairways to the planned rooftop gallery for more than 80,000 spectators, are in their shell form.

The heritage-protected building of Tempelhof Airport reflects the eventful history of Berlin. On the one hand, it is an expression of Nazi ideology and was used for arms production in the Second World War using forced labour. However, Tempelhof is also a symbol of freedom; the airlift of 1948/49 made the airport world-famous.

You can take a 2-hour tour of the most interesting parts of the huge building. English tours are at 1.30pm on Wednesdays to Sundays.

15. Day Of Open Mosques

Every year on 3^rd October, on the same day as the Day of German Unity, Berlin's mosques offer an open day. You can take guided tours, listen to lectures and see exhibitions as well as enjoy invitations for food.

16. Spreepark

This derelict amusement park is now overgrown with nature. Spreepark in southeastern Berlin has been closed since 2002 so is a photographer's paradise with a rusting Ferris wheel and collapsed dinosaurs.

The park was constructed by the communist government in East Germany in 1969 as the VEB Kulturpark Plänterwald. A private operator ran the park from 1991 but it only lasted another 10 years. Since 2016 it has been owned by the City of Berlin and there are regular weekend tours that run from the end of March to the start of November. Tickets are already sold out until the end of August 2019. On 1st August 2019 the presale starts for the tours in September and October. English tours are available every other weekend.

17. Subterranean Berlin

Berliner Unterwelten (Subterranean Berlin) was founded in 1997 to explore, document and preserve the city’s subterranean architecture. It’s a museum that offers a unique perspective on Berlin’s history from its base in a former air raid bunker at the Gesundbrunnen train station. Across four floors below Berlin are dozens of bunkers, tunnels, walkways, canals, the route of a pneumatic postal system, bomb and ammunition storage plus abandoned subway stations.

You can take a selection of themed guided tours through the network of secret tunnels used to smuggle people out of East Germany.

18. Thaipark

On Sundays between April and October, Berlin's Preußen Park (Prussian Park) in Wilmersdorf becomes Thaipark. If you like southeast Asian meals, you will delight in the freshly-cooked streetfood on offer here. Under a canopy of colourful umbrellas, you will find stalls selling Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino and Laotian dishes. Enjoy papaya salad, spicy noodle soups and banana fritters as well as fried insects and Asian sweet treats.

19. The Futurium

Explore the future at Futurium, Berlin's innovative museum! Dive into interactive exhibits and immersive
experiences that inspire ideas. Engage in dialogue with experts and ignite your imagination as you explore the endless possibilities of what lies ahead. A visit to Futurium promises to ignite curiosity, spark creativity, and provide fun things to do for families with kids of all ages in Berlin.

20. Black Light Mini Golf

Did you know you can play blacklight mini golf in Görlitzer Park (known as ‘Görli’ to the locals)? Five rooms in the basement of the park café have an 18-hole, blacklight golf course, complete with neon renderings of the city's most famous landmarks.

Where to stay in Berlin

Located on Museum Island, Capri by Fraser Berlin, serviced hotel apartment in Berlin centre, offers a stylish and convenient stay just steps away from the best things to do in Berlin. The contemporary hotel combines modern design with comfort, providing a welcoming haven for business travellers and family holidays.

With easy access to iconic attractions and cultural landmarks, Capri by Fraser Berlin ensures a seamless experience for guests exploring the city. Enjoy fully-furnished rooms and state-of-the-art facilities, making your stay a perfect complement to your Berlin adventure. Discover the allure of the Germany’s capital from the doorstep of our centrally located hotel.