Things to do in Berlin

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Brandenburg Gate featuring a city, heritage architecture and night scenes
Berlin which includes street scenes and a river or creek as well as a large group of people
Berlin Cathedral showing a fountain, chateau or palace and heritage architecture
Kurfuerstendamm which includes street scenes
Mitte which includes a small town or village, a ferry and a river or creek

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.


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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.
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Berlin Skyline tv tower Alexanderplatz Alexander square panoramic view in Germany

2. 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.
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Explore the vibrant Potsdamer Platz with towering buildings and lively atmosphere in Berlin, Germany during a sunny day

3. 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.
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Berlin Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), Berlin, Germany, Shutterstock ID 490048132, Purchase Order: SP-1506 Go Guides, Order Number: , Client/Licensee: Faa Praharnpap, Other: Hcom budget

4. 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.
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Berlin zoo, Germany

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.
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Kurfuerstendamm which includes signage and a hotel

6. Berlin TV Tower

See a bird’s-eye view of of Berlin from Alexanderplatz’s iconic TV Tower (Fernsehturm). The distinctive Berlin landmark reaches 1,207.3 feet (368 meters) into the sky and is the tallest structure in Germany. The tower’s viewing platform offers 360-degree views at 666 feet (203 meters) above the ground. Take in the view while enjoying a meal at Fernsehturm’s revolving restaurant.
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Aerial view of Berlin skyline with famous TV tower at Alexanderplatz in city center. Popular travel destination and tourist attraction, Germany

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!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Berlin

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Berlin

Mitte which includes modern architecture and a city

Mitte

4.5/5(1,853 area reviews)

Explore the vast Großer Tiergarten park, admire modernist architecture at Kulturforum, and visit iconic sites like Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island. Easily navigate with ample public transport options.

Mitte
Kreuzberg which includes outdoor art as well as an individual femail

Kreuzberg

4/5(169 area reviews)

Gentrified and artsy, Kreuzberg boasts diverse cultural life and alternative lifestyles. Must-visit spots include the Jewish Museum Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie, and the annual Carnival of Cultures.

Kreuzberg
Friedrichshain showing outdoor art

Friedrichshain

4/5(139 area reviews)

Experience trendy Friedrichshain, home to design and media companies like MTV Central Europe. Enjoy peaceful Volkspark Friedrichshain, riverside walks, and diverse dining options, while shopping at Frankfurter Allee and Ring-Center mall.

Friedrichshain
Prenzlauer Berg showing a city

Prenzlauer Berg

Famed for its vibrant art scene and nightlife, this centrally-located neighborhood boasts prewar architecture, trendy shopping areas, and diverse dining options. Must-see spots include Gethsemane Church, Rykestrasse Synagogue, and Mauerpark.

Prenzlauer Berg
Explore the tranquil beauty of Tiergarten in Berlin during autumn with vibrant foliage and peaceful reflections on the water

Tiergarten

4/5(2 area reviews)

Berlin’s “great escape” is a peaceful expanse of forests, meadows and ponds, right next to the city center.

Tiergarten
West Berlin Centre showing a garden and a fountain as well as a small group of people

West Berlin Centre

Travelers choose West Berlin Centre for its interesting museums. Hop aboard the metro at Uhlandstrasse U-Bahn or Savignyplatz S-Bahn and check out top sights like Theatre of the West.

West Berlin Centre

 

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Popular day trips from Berlin

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.

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