Things to do in Berlin

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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.

Things to do


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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Humboldt University Sitaet building with classical architecture, including statues and columns.

What to do in Berlin


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Where to stay in Berlin

Find the best Berlin areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Berlin
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Mitte

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

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.

Charlottenburg

Zoo Berlin and Deutsche Oper 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.

Kreuzberg

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

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.

Popular day trips from Berlin

Frequently asked questions

Is Berlin worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Berlin is explore Zoo Berlin. Tick this leading attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's golfing and nightlife.
How do I spend a day in Berlin?
Start your adventures with a visit to Zoo Berlin and Kurfürstendamm. Then, check out different parts of Berlin for a quick bite and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Berlin?
Zoo Berlin is one of the top tourist attractions in Berlin and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Berlin?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city sights, such as Zoo Berlin, Kurfürstendamm and Friedrichstrasse. The average stay in Berlin is three days. If you have the urge to extend your adventure, Schoenefeld isn't far away.
Is Berlin a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to do and see in Berlin. Several key attractions, like Zoo Berlin and Kurfürstendamm, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Berlin's neighborhoods, Mitte is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Charlottenburg is 3 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Berlin with kids?
What to do in Berlin for adults?
Mercedes-Benz Arena and Max-Schmeling-Halle are just a couple of the things to do in Berlin. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Berlin?
In Berlin, Kurfürstendamm is a popular spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's an easy way to explore the best free things to do in Berlin.

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