Things to do in Berlin

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

The Brandenburg Gate at night with illuminated columns and statues.
A riverside promenade with people, trees, and a tower in the background.
A large, ornate building with two domes and a central archway, surrounded by a fountain and people walking.
A busy urban street with a modern glass building, a Gerry Weber restaurant, and a yellow bus.
A colorful mural on a concrete wall with a bicycle parked nearby.

Berlin Attractions

Berlin, one of the oldest and most storied cities in Europe, offers a variety of local places, attractions, and activities any tourist can enjoy. The city is full of historical attractions, outside cafes, and a nightlife that's hard to beat.

Because there are so many things to do in Berlin, Expedia recommends you carry a map of the area at all times with you. If you're unsure about where to go, try taking an aerial tour of the city first. The city's main attractions, including the Reichstag, the Parliament and parts of the Berlin Wall, can all be seen from above. Berlin tours from the air also offer an extra audio package for individuals who wish to learn about the city's history at the same time.

After experiencing breathtaking views of the city, a visit to Museum Island should be a must see on everyone's list on their Berlin excursions. While there are many top museums located in this UNESCO heritage site, the Neues Museum, which houses some of the best Egyptian artifacts to date, is a place that cannot be missed.

Germany is famous for its loud-singing and friendly citizens, and there is no other place like Mauer Park where this rings true. Mauer Park is one of the most well-known local spots in Berlin and offers tourists an excellent way to experience some German festivities. Once you're there, however, you will have so much fun you may never want to leave.

There are so many attractions in Berlin that many people often have a hard time figuring out which ones to visit. While many tourists only plan to spend a weekend in this wonderful city, the amount of Berlin activities available will keep you here for much longer than anticipated.

Things to do

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Berlin Tickets

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Berlin Tickets

$24
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Berlin Tickets
Berlin: 1-hr Boat Tour with Bilingual Live Guide

Berlin: 1 h rainproof Boat Tour + Bilingual Guide DE/EN

$24
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Berlin: 1 h rainproof Boat Tour + Bilingual Guide DE/EN
Madame Tussauds Berlin Admission Ticket

Madame Tussauds Berlin Admission Ticket

$30
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Madame Tussauds Berlin Admission Ticket
Berlin walking tour at Museum Island

Explore Berlin: See All The Iconic Sights & Some Hidden Gems

$19
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Explore Berlin: See All The Iconic Sights & Some Hidden Gems
Berlin Dungeon

Berlin Dungeon

$28
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Berlin Dungeon
Berlin's Best: 2 Hour Walking Tour Third Reich and the Cold War

Berlin's Best: 2 Hour Walking Tour Third Reich and the Cold War

$28
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Berlin's Best: 2 Hour Walking Tour Third Reich and the Cold War
Potsdam: Palace Tour by Boat

Potsdam: Palace Tour by Boat

$27
per adult
Potsdam: Palace Tour by Boat
Berlin: Highest Swing in Europe

High Swing Berlin

$58
per adult
High Swing Berlin
Berlin Combination: Hop on Hop off bus tour & Icebar

Berlin Combination: Hop on Hop off bus tour & Icebar (including 3 drinks)

$42
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Berlin Combination: Hop on Hop off bus tour & Icebar (including 3 drinks)
See all activities in Berlin
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Berlin must see attractions

1. Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz is a pedestrian and transport hub, including everything from high-end shopping to panoramic views of the city. Named after the Russian Csar Alexander I and later becoming the center of East Germany during the Cold War, today's "Alex" includes all the luxuries of a Western metropolitan center.
Learn more
A tall tower with a spire, a church with a green roof, and modern buildings in the background.

2. Brandenburg Gate

The history of Brandenburg Gate – an enormous, sandstone, neoclassical arch – is inextricably linked with the history of Berlin and Germany. Built in 1791 to mark the entrance to Unter den Linden, Berlin's grandest boulevard, the arch was originally created as a symbol of peace. Standing 85-feet (30-meters) high, the Brandenburg Gate was modeled on the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens. When Napoleon defeated the Prussians in 1806, he marched triumphantly through the gate into Berlin, before taking the gate’s crowning statue, Victoria, the Goddess of Victory, back to France as a spoil of war. Victoria was later returned and once again sits atop the gate driving her chariot of horses.
Learn more
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, with its classical architecture and large columns.

3. Zoo Berlin

Berlin Zoo, or Zoologischer Garten in German, covers 84 acres (34 hectares) in the impressive Tiergarten park in the city center. The zoo opened in 1844 and was almost completely decimated in World War II. Now one of Europe's great zoological gardens, it’s home to nearly 18,000 animals from 1,500 species. It's attracted its fair share of celebrity too. It was here the polar bear Knut became an international star a few years ago, idolized through merchandise and TV appearances, before sadly passing away in 2011.
Learn more
A traditional Chinese gate with red and green roofs, flanked by stone lion statues, leading to a courtyard with tiled flooring.

4. Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is one of the world’s great success stories in urban renewal. After World War II, when Berlin was divided along political lines, Potsdamer Platz (Potsdam Square) became a no-man's-land. Once the busiest traffic intersection in Europe, it was suddenly stranded between East and West Berlin. When the Wall came down, the reunified city was desperate to return the square to its former glory. Design competitions were held and the entire area became Europe’s largest building site. Today it’s filled with daring architecture, corporate headquarters, residential areas, shopping plazas, cinemas and public spaces. Most importantly it has created a healing link between the once divided city.
Learn more
A city square with a green clock tower, modern buildings, and people walking.

5. Kurfürstendamm

Head to Charlottenburg’s famous boulevard to experience the glamour of old Berlin coupled with the style of contemporary cosmopolitan Europe. The historic Kurfuerstendamm is one of the city’s oldest streets and was built as a route to a prominent hunting lodge now on the outskirts of the city. Today, exclusive boutiques, major department stores and luxury hotels line Kurfuerstendamm, or Kudamm as locals sometimes call the street. At its eastern end find a somber reminder of the bombings of Berlin during World War II.
Learn more
Street signs for Joachimsthaler Str. and Kurfürstendamm, a modern building with a swissotel sign, and a tall building with a statue.

6. Friedrichstrasse

Lined by some of Germany’s most exclusive department stores and surrounded by major historical attractions, the Friedrichstrasse cultural and shopping precinct in Berlin’s Mitte district has undergone extreme change since the fall of the Berlin Wall. However, at its center find one of the city’s most unusual tourist attractions, throwing you back into the Cold War era. Friedrichstrasse is today one of Berlin’s most visited streets. It is home to Checkpoint Charlie, one of the very few Cold War border crossings between East and West Berlin.
Learn more
The Humboldt University Sitaet building with classical architecture, including statues and columns.

Recommended things to do in Berlin

Number of things to do
433
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Germany: giga! Travel eSIM: $3
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Berlin

Free Things to Do in Berlin

Sightseeing on a budget in Berlin? Spend time instead of cash on awesome experiences.

Deutsch-Russisches Museum Berlin-Karlshorst - Check if there are any special exhibits or tours on at this fascinating museum.

Yellow Man Mural - Feed your artistic and cultural cravings here and witness creativity and talent at work.

Shell-Haus - Architecture fans will certainly enjoy marveling at the modern design of this landmark.

Gedenkstätte Deutscher Widerstand - Roam around this historic attraction and find out a few secrets from long ago.

Parisier Platz - Amble down the streets and immerse yourself in the vibe of this bustling local haunt.

Museum Island - Take things at a slower pace and enjoy some relaxation time near the water.

Victory Column - Introduce yourself to a local and learn why many tourists stop to visit this place.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church - Get a deeper understanding of the local beliefs at this place of worship.

Teufelsberg - Unwind and let the natural surroundings here restore your mind.

Körnerpark - Nurture your green thumb and be wowed by the beautiful and diverse plants on display.

Things to Do in Berlin with Kids

Berlin is a fantastic place for a family getaway. Bring the kids along and have a go at these family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Berlin? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Berlin attractions

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, with its classical architecture and large columns.

Brandenburg Gate

9.2/5 (15,764 reviews)
Berlin's iconic symbol of unity stands majestically at the end of Unter den Linden boulevard. Witness history where East met West, and stay after dusk to see the gate beautifully illuminated against the night sky.
See properties

Where to stay in Berlin

Find the best Berlin areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Berlin
Learn more about Berlin
A large, modern glass structure with a radial design and multiple levels.

Mitte

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mitte. Check out top attractions like Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz, and jump on the metro at Unter den Linden Station or S+U Friedrichstraße Tram Stop to see more of the city.

A colorful building with balconies and a restaurant named 'Restaurant Breslau' on the ground floor.

Prenzlauer Berg

Consider a visit to Velodrom and take some time to enjoy the lively bars during your time in Prenzlauer Berg. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Thomas-Mann-Straße Tram Stop or Greifswalder Straße-Ostseestraße Tram Stop.

A grand palace with a central tower, symmetrical gardens, and a clear sky.

Charlottenburg

Kurfürstendamm and Zoo Berlin are top sights in Charlottenburg, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Richard Wagner Place U-Bahn or Bismarckstrasse U-Bahn to see more sights in the area.

A historic bridge with two towers and a yellow train passing over it.

Kreuzberg

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Kreuzberg. Top attractions like Oranienstrasse and Jewish Museum Berlin are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Prinzenstrasse U-Bahn or Kottbusser Gate U-Bahn to see more of the city.

A colorful graffiti mural on a brick wall with text and symbols.

Friedrichshain

Known for its great bars and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Friedrichshain. You can visit top attractions like Simon-Dach-Strasse and Boxhagener Platz, and jump on the metro at Frankfurter Gate U-Bahn or Bersarinplatz Tram Stop to see more of the city.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Berlin

A grand building with a large dome and statues on the roof at dusk.

Potsdam

A river with boats, a bridge, a church with a clock tower, and trees along the riverbank.

Brandenburg an der Havel

A calm lake with a wooden dock extending into the water, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

Zeuthen

A stone church with a tall steeple and a clock.

Blankenfelde-Mahlow

A marina with boats docked, a bridge, and trees in the background.

Hennigsdorf

Industrial chimneys and a metal structure.

Rudersdorf

A tall stone monument with inscriptions and a clock, surrounded by trees and buildings.

Grossbeeren

A rural landscape with houses, a grassy field, and a clear sky.

Hoppegarten

Frequently asked questions

Is Berlin worth visiting?
With a blend of golfing and nightlife, there's no shortage of things to do in Berlin. When you're here, visit Zoo Berlin, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Berlin?
Zoo Berlin and Kurfürstendamm are two awesome places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Berlin while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Berlin?
Don't go home without exploring Zoo Berlin, rated the top tourist attraction in Berlin.
Is three days enough to stay in Berlin?
You can easily visit top attractions like Zoo Berlin, Kurfürstendamm and Friedrichstrasse with a three-day trip to Berlin. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Schoenefeld.
Is Berlin a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Berlin. Several top sights, including Zoo Berlin and Kurfürstendamm, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Berlin's best neighborhoods, Mitte is 2 miles away from downtown, while Charlottenburg is 2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Berlin with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Berlin with kids.

What to do in Berlin for adults?
Mercedes-Benz Arena and Max-Schmeling-Halle are just two of the things to do in Berlin. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Berlin?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Berlin is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Kurfürstendamm is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia