The 13 Best Things to Do in Berlin + 2 Things I’d Skip

Berlin is hands down my number one city to visit in Germany. I’m not saying the other big cities aren’t great (they are), but Berlin just has the most to offer.

The city is absolutely packed with things to do, whether it’s standing under the Brandenburg Gate, walking along what’s left of the Berlin Wall, diving into world-class museums, or staying out way too late in some of the most notorious nightlife spots in Europe.

I grew up in Germany, not anywhere near Berlin, but I’ve visited the capital more times than I can count. Sometimes it was for sightseeing, other times for a long party weekend, and plenty of times just solo exploring. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know Berlin in all kinds of ways.

So in this guide, I’m sharing what I think are the 11 best things to do in Berlin. It’s a mix of the must-sees you simply can’t skip and some of my personal favorites that might fly a little more under the radar. And, because not everything is worth the hype, I’ll also tell you about two things I wouldn’t bother with.

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The 13 Best Things to Do in Berlin + 2 Things I’d Skip

Things to Do in Berlin Germany – My Experience

For this guide, I thought I’d put together a list of my favorite activities in Berlin in general. On my most recent visit (in December), I couldn’t do all of these, some I did years ago, others more recently, but overall, these are basically my personal favorites, mostly things I’ve actually done myself.

When I visit Berlin, I always try to strike a balance. On one hand, there’s sightseeing: museums, tours, and the big landmarks you can’t miss. On the other hand, there’s the atmosphere, the part of Berlin that’s less about what’s written in a guidebook and more about just hanging out in its neighborhoods.

I love wandering around Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukölln, or Prenzlauer Berg. For me, this is where Berlin really shines: the cafés, restaurants, markets, thrift shops, bars, pubs, and little community events that make the city what it is.

Because I think that “local life” is such a big part of Berlin, this list is a mix. You’ll find the classic sightseeing spots here, but also some more random activities and places I just had a really good time at.

These are my personal highlights, not a comprehensive list of every single museum and landmark in Berlin (because let’s be honest, that would be 100 pages long). So with that, let’s dive into my favorite things to do in Berlin.

My Top Things to Do in Berlin

These Are My Top Things to Do in Berlin

1. Visit The Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s most iconic landmark. Built more than 230 years ago, it’s basically the face of the city, you’ll see it on postcards, souvenir shops and every guidebook.

Every time I’m in Berlin, I make a point of stopping by. On my last visit, I wandered over just to take in the atmosphere and remind myself, yep, still standing, still impressive.

The gate sits in a really interesting part of the city, right on Pariser Platz, at the edge of the Tiergarten park and the government district. So even if the gate itself isn’t the most thrilling stop on repeat visits, the area around it is always worth a stroll.

I’ve also joined a couple of walking tours that included the Brandenburg Gate, and that’s something I really recommend if it’s your first time in Berlin. Having a guide explain its history and how it became a symbol of both division and reunification definitely give it a little more depth, rather than just looking at it.

2. Reichstag Dome Guided Tour

Right around the corner is one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks: the Reichstag, the government building with the iconic glass dome.

I’ve been here quite a few times, mainly because so many of my school trips to Berlin included a guided tour of the Reichstag. Back then, as a teenager, I didn’t exactly appreciate it but these days, I really do.

I can highly recommend booking a guided tour yourself. It’s not just about the building, it’s about the history. You’ll learn about how the Soviets took over the Reichstag in WWII, and you can even see original Soviet graffiti that’s still on the walls today, preserved as a reminder of the past. Honestly, it’s super interesting and pretty powerful.

And of course, climbing up into the glass dome is a highlight. The views over Berlin are fantastic, especially on a sunny day.

Click Here: Guided Tour Reichstag Berlin

3. Berlin Wall Memorial + East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall and the East Side Gallery are absolute must-sees in my book. I’ve been many times over the years, even though I skipped them on my most recent trip, I went a couple of years ago on a guided walking tour and thought it was fantastic.

Our guide, Jonas, was excellent, he really knew his stuff, explained everything with so much passion, and happily answered every question people threw at him. The tour we did lasted about three hours and covered a lot of Berlin’s iconic sights along the way, which I loved. If that sounds too long, don’t worry, there are plenty of shorter tours you can join too.

Quick bit of background: the Berlin Wall divided East and West Berlin during the DDR era, which was one of the darker chapters in Germany’s history. At the Wall itself, apart from the Berlin Wall Visitor Center, there isn’t a ton of explanation or context, so for me, joining a guided tour really made it worthwhile. Otherwise, you’re essentially just looking at a wall.

Click Here: Guided Walking Tour Berlin

4. Museum Island UNESCO World Heritage Site

Museum Island is home to five of Berlin’s most famous museums, all over 100 years old, and honestly, the whole area is stunning even if you never step inside a single one. The museums here are: the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum. Yes, five heavy-hitters all crammed onto one little island right in the middle of the Spree, pretty impressive.

I’ve been here multiple times. Sometimes I went into the museums, sometimes I just wandered around, and honestly, I think it’s worth visiting either way. The architecture alone is gorgeous, and right next door you’ve got the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), which is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, plus the Berlin Palace (Humboldt Forum). So even if museums aren’t your thing, the whole area is still worth a walk.

On my most recent trip, though, I finally went inside the Pergamon Museum, and wow, hands down one of the best museum experiences I’ve had. The collection is insane. We’re talking the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the Market Gate of Miletus, and other incredible reconstructions of ancient architecture.

The scale of it all is just so wild, you literally stand in front of entire gates and temples transported (stone by stone) into this museum. Even if you don’t usually consider yourself a “museum person,” this is one of those places that will change your mind. My tip: go on a weekday morning if you can, it gets busy, and for good reason.

Click Here: Tickets for Berlin Museum Island

5. Topography of Terror

Another museum I’d really recommend is the Topography of Terror. I’ve actually been here twice now, once a few years back and then again more recently, and both times it left a huge impression on me.

It’s one of the most moving and most brutal World War II museums in Berlin, with exhibitions that go into detail about the crimes of the Nazi regime. Walking through it felt both fascinating and incredibly shocking at the same time.

Even on my second visit, I found myself stopping to really take in the stories and photographs,it’s heavy, but in my opinion, an essential place to visit if you want to understand Berlin’s history more deeply.

6. Sunset at Klunkerkranich

It doesn’t have to be sunset, but that’s when Klunkerkranich really shines. Imagine a rooftop bar but make it Berlin: quirky art installations everywhere, mismatched furniture, a little bit of grit, and an atmosphere that feels more like an art project than just a bar. They serve drinks, there’s plenty of seating, and on a warm summer evening it’s one of my favorite places to hang out in Berlin.

I haven’t been in a while, but the last time I went I had such a fun night, especially watching the sun go down over the city skyline. It’s definitely gotten more popular (and touristy) since then, and they charge an entrance fee now, probably to stop people from just coming up, snapping a picture, and leaving. Still, I think it’s worth it for a drink or two, especially if you want that classic “Berlin rooftop in summer” vibe.

7. Christmas Markets in Berlin

On my most recent trip, I actually spent Christmas in Berlin and honestly, I had the best time hopping between Christmas markets. I’ve always loved them, but Berlin’s Christmas Market scene is a bit of a mixed bag.

Some of the Christmas markets right in the city center felt a little too commercial for my taste, not exactly the cozy, fairy-tale vibe you might be hoping for. But head a little further out to the neighborhoods, and you’ll find ones that feel much more authentic, quirky, and full of local charm.

I spent a long weekend visiting as many as I could, drinking more than my fair share of mulled wine, and just enjoying the Christmas vibe. It was festive, fun, and honestly one of my favorite Berlin experiences in recent years. If you’re visiting in December, I’d say make time for at least a couple of markets (and if you want more detail, I’ve got a full guide to the best Christmas markets in Berlin).

8. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was once the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It was the spot where foreign visitors and diplomats were allowed to cross, and over time it became one of the most tense and symbolic sites of the divided city.

These days, it’s definitely one of the more touristy places in Berlin. There’s a replica of the old guardhouse, signs warning you that you’re “leaving the American sector,” and usually a crowd of people taking photos.

I’ve only ever visited as part of a walking tour, and that made all the difference. Our guide explained the history, the escape attempts, and what life was like here during the Cold War, which really made a difference to how I experienced it..

If you just show up on your own, I can see how it might feel a bit like a tourist trap. My advice: visit with a guide if you can. If that’s not your thing, this might be one of those spots you can skip.

Click Here: Guided Walking Tour Berlin

9. Tempelhofer Feld

Tempelhofer Feld is maybe one of my favorite places in Berlin, and I’ve come here plenty of times in the summer, just like the locals do. Honestly, if you visit as a tourist, you might feel like the only one, because this spot is very much a Berliners’ hangout.

It used to be the old Tempelhof Airport (which isn’t operating anymore) and is now basically the city’s biggest open-air playground. The old runways are still there, so you can skateboard, rollerblade, cycle, or just go for a massive walk across the airstrip. I usually come here with friends, bring a picnic, or grab something from the coffee carts and little pop-up cafés around in summer. Sometimes we’d just grab a cold beer and hang out. It’s the perfect way to slow down, do nothing, and enjoy the outdoors, especially since Berlin can feel like such a concrete jungle at times.

10. RAW Gelände

RAW Gelände is one of those places that’s hard to explain but somehow feels very Berlin. It’s a former train repair yard that’s been transformed into a creative space, and now it’s covered in graffiti, alternative art, and all sorts of quirky projects. The vibe is super liberal, edgy, and a bit chaotic.

I’ve been here a few times and it always feels different depending on when you go. In summer, the whole area comes alive with outdoor bars, food trucks, and people just hanging out. Around Christmas, they even set up a super cool Christmas market with handcrafted things and, yes, a random petting zoo. There are also clubs, skate halls, concerts, and pop-up events happening here all the time. It’s not nice or polished at all, but that’s kind of the point, and that’s what makes it worth visiting.

11. Food Tour in Kreuzberg

I’ll be honest: I have pretty mixed feelings about German food in general. Internationally, Germany isn’t exactly known for its cuisine but Berlin is the big exception. The city is such a melting pot of cultures and influences that you can find pretty much anything here.

One of my absolute favorites is the Middle Eastern and Turkish food. Kreuzberg especially is packed with incredible spots, and doing a food tour there is a great way to taste a bit of everything while also learning more about the neighborhood. I’ve done it and loved every bite, come hungry because you’ll want to try it all.

Click Here: Kreuzberg Food Tour

12. Mauerpark on a Sunday – Flea Market + Legendary Bearpit Karaoke

This one is a little random and very Berlin. I went a few years back with some friends who live in the city, and it turned into one of the most hilarious afternoons I’ve ever had here.

Basically, there’s this amphitheater in Mauerpark where people just… get up and sing karaoke in front of a massive crowd. It’s chaotic, it’s fun, and it’s kind of iconic. Everyone brings their own drinks, the atmosphere is super laid-back, and the crowd is so supportive that even the worst singers get cheered on.

They also run a flea market there, which I’ve heard is fantastic (though it wasn’t on the day I went). Bearpit Karaoke usually happens on Sundays at 3 p.m. but double check their Instagram because it can be canceled if the weather’s bad.

13. Charlottenburg Palace & Gardens

Last but definitely not least, Charlottenburg Palace. And don’t let its place on this list fool you, it’s honestly one of my favorite things to do in Berlin.

Berlin as a whole can feel pretty gray and heavy with all its concrete and history. Charlottenburg, though, is like stepping into another world: elegant, leafy, and almost royal in atmosphere.

I only visited for the first time recently (still don’t know why it took me so long), and I loved it. The palace itself is gorgeous, the gardens are absolutely stunning in summer, and going inside was even better than expected. I booked my ticket in advance, which I’d recommend doing just in case, it makes the whole experience smoother.

2 Activities in Berlin I’d Skip

Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)

The Holocaust Memorial is, of course, incredibly important as a reminder of Germany’s dark past. But as a visitor, it’s worth knowing that it’s essentially just the memorial itself, rows and rows of concrete blocks. There’s no visitor center or in-depth explanation on-site, so it can feel underwhelming if you don’t already know the history.

The real issue, though, is the way people behave here. I’ve seen way too many tourists climbing the blocks, posing like it’s an Instagram playground, and it honestly feels disrespectful given what the site represents. By all means, visit, but do it with the right mindset.

Berghain Berlin

Now, I know half of you have “go to Berghain” on your Berlin bucket list, but hear me out. Unless you’re fluent in German club culture (and maybe actually fluent in German), your chances of getting past the bouncers are slim. I’ve seen people wait in line for hours only to be turned away, and honestly, Berlin’s nightlife is so diverse that you don’t need Berghain to have an unforgettable night out.

There are plenty of other clubs, bars, and parties where you won’t spend half your evening freezing in line wondering if you’ll even get in.

FAQs About What to Do in Berlin

What to do in Berlin?

Berlin is packed with things to do, whether it’s exploring world-class museums, joining a food or walking tour, ticking off the city’s most famous landmarks, or simply wandering through its many unique neighborhoods. You’ll never run out of ways to fill your days here.

What are the best things to do in Berlin with kids?

I’d say the Natural History Museum is always a big hit with kids (dinosaurs never disappoint), but rollerblading or biking at Tempelhofer Feld, the old airport turned public park, is also such a fun and memorable activity for families.

Is Berlin worth visiting?

Absolutely. Out of all the major German cities, I think Berlin has the richest mix of history and culture. It’s raw, fascinating, and constantly evolving, definitely worth the trip.

What are the best free things to do in Berlin?

Lots! Many landmarks, like Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and Museum Island, are free to visit from the outside and give you a great sense of the city without spending a cent. Tempelhofer Feld and Mauerpark are also excellent free spots to hang out like a local.

Final Thoughts on the Best Activities in Berlin

This guide on my favorite things to do in Berlin is just a slice of what the city has to offer. Honestly, you could live here for years and still keep discovering new things.

Some of my best memories are from simply wandering through neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, or Prenzlauer Berg, grabbing good food, stumbling upon quirky thrift shops, and ending the day with a beer at a cozy bar. That’s when Berlin really shines for me.

Of course, I also loved my museum visits. The Topography of Terror and the Pergamon Museum especially stood out to me, they’re two places I’d recommend if you want to understand the city on a deeper level.

I hope this guide gives you a good idea of the best activities in Berlin and helps you plan your own trip to one of Europe’s most unique and exciting cities.