Welcome to Berlin, the most fascinating city in Germany! Berlin breathes history, with the enchanting legacy of the Berlin Wall and former communist East Germany hovering over the city like a vibrant cloud. But there’s so much more to discover! Here are our four essential tips for things to do in Berlin during your city trip.
And if you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city, we have something special for you – our Berlin Bike Tours! Hop on a bike and let our experienced guides take you on an adventurous journey through the historical and cultural highlights of Berlin.
Whether you want to admire the iconic Brandenburg Gate, wander through the historic streets of the Mitte district, discover the vibrant art scene in Kreuzberg, or explore the green oases of Tiergarten, our bike tours offer you the perfect way to experience the best of Berlin.
Check out our tips for things to do in Berlin
Here are 8 things to do in Berlin for you!
Boat ride on the River Spree
During the boat tour through Berlin’s canals, you’ll sail on the Spree. This river is an impressive 400 km long!
Cycling in Berlin is fun and has many benefits, but on the boat, you’ll experience a different side of the city. From the boat, you’ll see stunning Berlin architecture that you can’t discover from the land.
The boat tour also passes by must-see attractions before you head home! You’ll sail past the famous Moltkebrücke bridge, the modern ‘Berlin Hauptbahnhof’ station, and important buildings, including:
- Reichstag
- Bundespresseamt
- Fernsehturm
- Berliner Dom
- Alte Nationalgalerie and more.
The city cruise is enjoyable for both young and old. And don’t forget to bring your camera! :-)
- Tickets: Buy online
Visit the Pergamon, Neues Museum, or Alte National Galerie
Museum Island in Berlin is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts due to the unique and impressive collections it houses:
- Old Museum (Altes Museum): Designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, this building showcases an impressive collection of Greek and Roman art. Stroll through the marble halls and admire the classical antiquities.
- New Museum (Neues Museum): Visit the world-famous bust of Nefertiti and other Egyptian antiquities, alongside fascinating prehistoric and early historical artifacts.
- Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie): Admire masterpieces of 19th-century art, including works by Caspar David Friedrich and the French Impressionists.
- Bode Museum: Discover Byzantine art, sculptures, and coins in a beautiful building on the northern tip of Museum Island.
- Pergamon Museum: See monumental reconstructions like the Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate, offering an impressive glimpse into ancient civilizations.
Buy your tickets online to avoid queues and gain access to multiple museums with combined passes. Plan your visit and enjoy a cultural journey through Berlin’s rich history.
Visit Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace is the Versailles of Germany. A magnificent palace from 1699. The building served as the residence of Prussian Queen Sophie Charlotte and is one of the most impressive examples of Baroque architecture in Germany.
The gardens outside the palace are also beautifully landscaped. Charlottenburg was completely destroyed in World War II but was restored to its former glory in the years that followed.
Today, Charlottenburg Palace is a museum offering visitors the chance to admire the palace’s beautiful rooms and halls. It’s a great way to learn more about Berlin’s history and the royal families who lived in the palace.
One of the highlights of the palace is the stunning garden, which spans over 50 hectares. The garden is designed in the French style and features many beautiful fountains, statues, and pavilions. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Charlottenburg Palace is also a popular venue for concerts and events, including the annual Classic Open Air festival held here.
Take a bike tour or walk in Berlin
When asked what to do in Berlin, you’ll find plenty of answers in various city guides. However, a great option is to explore with a real-life guide and gather your information firsthand.
Berlin is a very bike-friendly city, and with the Berlin Highlights Bike Tour, you can cycle past all the city’s highlights. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the cityscape and learn about Berlin’s history.
A tour at the beginning of your stay ensures you get a good sense of the city’s layout and instantly provides you with the best tips on things to do in Berlin.
If you’re interested in a bike tour with a Dutch guide in Berlin, book one of the tours below quickly. Choose your favorite tour and book your spot on our Berlin Bike Tours today. An unforgettable journey awaits you!
- Berlin Highlights Bike Tour
- Berlin Wall Bike Tour
- Berlin Kreuzberg Bike Tour
- Berlin Private Bike Tour
Visit the Stasi Museum
Berlin epitomizes the two worlds that were once West and East Germany. One of the most well-known organizations associated with the division between the two countries was the so-called Stasi, the intelligence service of East Germany, now viewed as a criminal organization.
The Forschungs- und Gedenkstätte Normannenstrasse is the official name of what is colloquially known as the Stasi Museum. It’s almost a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand how the East German system operated.
Here, you can learn about East Germany’s secret police and how they spied on and controlled the population. It’s a fascinating and sometimes disturbing look at Berlin’s recent history.
Relax in Mauerpark
When it comes to free activities, Mauerpark is definitely worth a visit. What Vondelpark is to Amsterdam, Mauerpark is to Berliners. It gives you a glimpse of what locals do in Berlin. Barbecue, picnic, relax in hammocks, it’s all possible.
Mauerpark is a popular spot for both locals and tourists and hosts one of Berlin’s largest flea markets every Sunday. Here, you’ll find everything from vintage clothing to unique art and handmade souvenirs. It’s also home to a famous open-air karaoke, so if you’re brave enough, you can showcase your singing talents!
Visit the famous TV Tower
From Berlin’s TV Tower, also known as Fernsehturm or Alex Tower, you can enjoy the very best 360-degree views extending up to 40 km over the city. The tower stands 368 meters tall, with the observation deck at 203 meters. No worries for those less keen on climbing: the fast elevator takes you to the viewing point in just 40 seconds.
If your stomach starts to rumble while you’re enjoying the view, you don’t have to go back down. At the top of the tower, there’s a restaurant that rotates in half an hour. This way, you can enjoy different sights while dining, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz, and more.
- Tickets: Buy online
Discover Potsdam on an excursion
Potsdam suffered greatly during World War II and is the capital of the German state of Brandenburg. This artistic, cultural, and architectural city is definitely worth a visit. At a relaxed pace, you’ll discover all the highlights with a local guide.
Experience the Dutch Quarter and the Russian Colony ‘Alexandrowka’. You’ll also pass by the Sanssouci Palace, where you’ll learn about life in the former Prussian kingdom, and see more highlights of the city!
The Potsdam Excursion is a fun and educational morning activity. The enjoyable journey begins with a bus ride from the center of Berlin to Potsdam, followed by a walk through large, beautiful gardens past the highlights of this historic city! Finally, there’s also the opportunity to relax on a terrace while taking in the surroundings. :-)
- Tickets: Buy online
Sights and museums in Berlin
With the tips above, you can ‘only’ enjoy sights in Berlin from a distance. Are various palaces, important buildings, and/or interesting museums like the German Guggenheim, Hamburger Bahnhof, or the Neue National Gallery on your to-do list?
Then make sure you have a Berlin discount pass, which allows you to take a look inside faster and cheaper! With such a discount pass, you can skip the long lines and benefit from discounts.
- Tickets: Buy online