It can be intimidating to visit a city like Berlin for the first time. It can be difficult to choose where to go and what to see and do because there is so much to see and do. With some advice and our list of the top 10 things to do in Berlin on your first visit, we're here to help.
It is crucial to understand that Berlin is a large, open city. Yes, you can explore the city on foot, but that will not give you much time to see the sights and try out some of the most well-known and enjoyable activities. We advise purchasing tickets for the City Sightseeing Berlin bus because of this. Throughout the city, there are numerous bus stops where you can get on and off with your bus ticket to suit your needs and schedule.
At 203 meters (666 feet) and 234 meters (768 feet), respectively, the TV Tower has two observation decks. The lower observation deck is open-air, and the upper one is enclosed. Additionally, every half an hour, the 360-degree rotating Sphere restaurant offers a new perspective of the city.
There are lots of cafes and restaurants at Alexanderplatz's base of the tower, along with a few other entertaining attractions. For example, at Körperwelten - BODY WORLDS Berlin, you can view distinctive plaster casts of actual human bodies. Berlin's Odyssey, a virtual reality excursion through 800 years of Berlin history, is another entertaining attraction.
Germany's parliament is housed in the Reichstag, which has a turbulent past. From its position in the German Empire to the Weimar Republic, it faced difficulties during the Cold War and World War II. After the Berlin Wall fell, it was rebuilt and underwent changes that represented Germany's reunification and democratic renewal.
A comprehensive view of the city can be obtained from the Reichstag Building's dome. The dome is free to visit, but due to high volume and safety concerns, you must register in advance. Berlin attractions that are not to be missed are the Reichstag and the Gate.
Numerous Egyptian artifacts, including the well-known bust of Nefertiti, are housed at the Neues Museum. From sculptures to coins, the Altes Museum has an extensive collection of classical antiquities. Coins, Byzantine art, and sculptures abound at the Bode Museum.
Lastly, the Romantic and Impressionist eras are highlighted in the 19th-century European paintings and sculptures displayed at the Alte Nationalgalerie. When combined, these museums will transport you through human history and artistic achievement, making Museum Island a must-see location for history buffs and culture vultures alike.
The most well-known mural is "Brotherly Kiss," by Dmitri Vrubel, which shows East German leader Erich Honecker and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev locked in an intense embrace. Although it serves as a reminder of the GDR government's oppression, the East Side Gallery also represents freedom and hope. The East Side Gallery serves as a reminder of the ability of art to convey hope, joy, and sorrow in addition to being a well-liked tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can unwind and take in the beauty of Berlin urban landscape while you're away from the busy city streets by floating down the tranquil Spree River. This tour provides a novel opportunity to engage with Berlin's past and present while taking in a leisurely and educational journey through the city center of Germany.
The 67-meter-tall Victory Tower, also known as the Siegesäule, was constructed in the late 1800s to honor Prussia's victory over France in the Franco-Prussian War. There are two ways to reach the summit of the tower: a 30-second elevator ride or 285 steps. You will have fantastic views over the park, the Spree River, and the TV Tower from the top.
Berghain, a well-liked club in Berlin with a strict door policy and hard techno music, is one of the most popular venues. Other well-liked clubs to visit are Kater Blau, Watergate, and Tresor. If you're more of a bar person than a clubgoer, you should check out the Monkey Bar, Brlo Brwhouse, or Prater Garten.
Try the Berlin Icebar if you're searching for something a little different. This bar is kept at a freezing -10 degrees Celsius and is constructed completely of ice. You travel to the Arctic with The Icebar and become stranded on the ice.
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Gedächtniskirche) and the Hard Rock Cafe, with its collection of music memorabilia and classic American burgers, are two more attractions on Kurfürstendamm. This famous church, mostly destroyed during World War II, is now a symbol of harmony and peace. The restored ruins and the new church serve as a potent reminder of the city's past.
The DDR Museum features commonplace items and anecdotes from the period to provide an interactive look into life in East Germany. It provides visitors with views into the divided city's realities that are sometimes difficult to imagine in the modern era.
Exhibits and displays at the former border crossing point, Checkpoint Charlie, tell the story of daring escapes and the tense atmosphere of the Cold War. From the horrors of World War II and the division of the Cold War to the resiliency and unification of the city, these sites collectively tell part of Berlin's turbulent past, providing visitors with a profound understanding of its evolution and the human stories that shaped it.
Döner Kebab is another appetizer worth trying. It's a culinary gift from the Turkish community in Berlin and consists of meat wrapped in flatbread with fresh vegetables and sauces. Lastly, the Berliner Pfannkuchen is a round, jelly-filled doughnut topped with powdered sugar that you really shouldn't miss. These three snacks offer a taste of history, international fusion, and local comfort all in one, perfectly capturing Berlin's varied influences and fast-paced lifestyle.
It is crucial to understand that Berlin is a large, open city. Yes, you can explore the city on foot, but that will not give you much time to see the sights and try out some of the most well-known and enjoyable activities. We advise purchasing tickets for the City Sightseeing Berlin bus because of this. Throughout the city, there are numerous bus stops where you can get on and off with your bus ticket to suit your needs and schedule.
1. Admire the panorama from Berlin TV Tower
The highest building in Germany, the Berlin TV Tower, provides sweeping city views. You can see for up to 70 kilometers on a clear day. The Reichstag, the Berlin Wall, and the Brandenburg Gate are just a few of the city's most famous landmarks that can be seen from the summit's breathtaking views.At 203 meters (666 feet) and 234 meters (768 feet), respectively, the TV Tower has two observation decks. The lower observation deck is open-air, and the upper one is enclosed. Additionally, every half an hour, the 360-degree rotating Sphere restaurant offers a new perspective of the city.
There are lots of cafes and restaurants at Alexanderplatz's base of the tower, along with a few other entertaining attractions. For example, at Körperwelten - BODY WORLDS Berlin, you can view distinctive plaster casts of actual human bodies. Berlin's Odyssey, a virtual reality excursion through 800 years of Berlin history, is another entertaining attraction.
2. View the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate
The distance between these two well-known Berlin landmarks is just five minutes on foot. One of Berlin's most well-known landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate has a rich historical significance. Its image became synonymous with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany in 1989, although it had previously stood as a symbol of the division between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.Germany's parliament is housed in the Reichstag, which has a turbulent past. From its position in the German Empire to the Weimar Republic, it faced difficulties during the Cold War and World War II. After the Berlin Wall fell, it was rebuilt and underwent changes that represented Germany's reunification and democratic renewal.
A comprehensive view of the city can be obtained from the Reichstag Building's dome. The dome is free to visit, but due to high volume and safety concerns, you must register in advance. Berlin attractions that are not to be missed are the Reichstag and the Gate.
3. Take a look around the remarkable establishments on Museum Island.
Museum Located in Berlin, the Island is home to five internationally recognized museums and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each provides a distinctive window into history, culture, and the arts. Prominent archaeological artifacts, such as the Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate, are on display at the Pergamon Museum.Numerous Egyptian artifacts, including the well-known bust of Nefertiti, are housed at the Neues Museum. From sculptures to coins, the Altes Museum has an extensive collection of classical antiquities. Coins, Byzantine art, and sculptures abound at the Bode Museum.
Lastly, the Romantic and Impressionist eras are highlighted in the 19th-century European paintings and sculptures displayed at the Alte Nationalgalerie. When combined, these museums will transport you through human history and artistic achievement, making Museum Island a must-see location for history buffs and culture vultures alike.
4. Trace the East Side Gallery on foot.
The longest remaining portion of the Berlin Wall and the longest open-air gallery in the world is the East Side Gallery. It is situated in Berlin-Friedrichshain, on the northern bank of the Spree River. 118 artists from 21 nations painted murals spanning 1,316 meters (4,314 feet) on the Berlin Wall following its fall in 1989. The murals were vibrant and provocative.The most well-known mural is "Brotherly Kiss," by Dmitri Vrubel, which shows East German leader Erich Honecker and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev locked in an intense embrace. Although it serves as a reminder of the GDR government's oppression, the East Side Gallery also represents freedom and hope. The East Side Gallery serves as a reminder of the ability of art to convey hope, joy, and sorrow in addition to being a well-liked tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Go on a Spree cruise.
A Spree River cruise in Berlin provides a distinctive and charming viewpoint of the city's remarkable architecture and well-known sites. You'll be able to see important sights like the Berlin TV Tower, Museum Island, the Reichstag, and the Berlin Cathedral as you glide along the water. It is simple to combine your Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket with your cruise ticket.You can unwind and take in the beauty of Berlin urban landscape while you're away from the busy city streets by floating down the tranquil Spree River. This tour provides a novel opportunity to engage with Berlin's past and present while taking in a leisurely and educational journey through the city center of Germany.
6. Take a stroll around Tiergarten and ascend the Triumph Column
One of the most well-liked parks in the city is Tiergarten, which is a terrific place to unwind and get away from the bustle of the metropolis. It is well-known for its beer gardens, expansive open areas, lakes for boating, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Along with a host of other attractions, the park is home to the Berlin Zoo and the Siegessäule.The 67-meter-tall Victory Tower, also known as the Siegesäule, was constructed in the late 1800s to honor Prussia's victory over France in the Franco-Prussian War. There are two ways to reach the summit of the tower: a 30-second elevator ride or 285 steps. You will have fantastic views over the park, the Spree River, and the TV Tower from the top.
7. Take in the nightlife of Berlin
The nightlife of Berlin is legendary. Regardless of your taste in music—techno, house, hip hop, or something else entirely—there is something for everyone. Numerous clubs, bars, and other venues can be found throughout the city, and the party scene lasts well into the wee hours of the morning.Berghain, a well-liked club in Berlin with a strict door policy and hard techno music, is one of the most popular venues. Other well-liked clubs to visit are Kater Blau, Watergate, and Tresor. If you're more of a bar person than a clubgoer, you should check out the Monkey Bar, Brlo Brwhouse, or Prater Garten.
Try the Berlin Icebar if you're searching for something a little different. This bar is kept at a freezing -10 degrees Celsius and is constructed completely of ice. You travel to the Arctic with The Icebar and become stranded on the ice.
8. Visit Kurfürstendamm for shopping
Kurfürstendamm, also known as Ku'damm, is one of Berlin's most well-known avenues and is famous for its upscale dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. The largest department store in continental Europe, Kaufhaus der Westens, is where you'll find the best shopping. It offers many high-end items, apparel, cuisine, and other things.The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Gedächtniskirche) and the Hard Rock Cafe, with its collection of music memorabilia and classic American burgers, are two more attractions on Kurfürstendamm. This famous church, mostly destroyed during World War II, is now a symbol of harmony and peace. The restored ruins and the new church serve as a potent reminder of the city's past.
9. Explore the modern history of the city.
Discovering Berlin's contemporary past brings you to moving sites and thought-provoking yet entertaining museums. The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, is made up of 2,711 concrete slabs that are arranged in a grid pattern and vary in height. It pays poignant and solemn homage to the millions of Jews who perished in the Holocaust during World War II.The DDR Museum features commonplace items and anecdotes from the period to provide an interactive look into life in East Germany. It provides visitors with views into the divided city's realities that are sometimes difficult to imagine in the modern era.
Exhibits and displays at the former border crossing point, Checkpoint Charlie, tell the story of daring escapes and the tense atmosphere of the Cold War. From the horrors of World War II and the division of the Cold War to the resiliency and unification of the city, these sites collectively tell part of Berlin's turbulent past, providing visitors with a profound understanding of its evolution and the human stories that shaped it.
10. Sample your favorite regional snacks
Locals in Berlin can be seen enjoying a few favorite snacks that highlight the city's unique culinary scene. And you must try these regional favorites if you're a first-time visitor. The #1 favorite is the Currywurst, a delightfully straightforward dish of sliced sausage covered in ketchup with a hint of curry flavor.Döner Kebab is another appetizer worth trying. It's a culinary gift from the Turkish community in Berlin and consists of meat wrapped in flatbread with fresh vegetables and sauces. Lastly, the Berliner Pfannkuchen is a round, jelly-filled doughnut topped with powdered sugar that you really shouldn't miss. These three snacks offer a taste of history, international fusion, and local comfort all in one, perfectly capturing Berlin's varied influences and fast-paced lifestyle.