Top 9 Things to See and Do in Berlin

Berlin is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it has a very rich legacy, along with a plethora of remnants from times long gone. Yet despite that, Berlin was able to evolve over the past century to become one of the must-see places in the world. It’s widely known for its innovation, artistic prowess, but also the incredible business and growth opportunities. The city is known for being the epitome of resistance and growth, creativity, and self-expression. That’s why visiting Berlin can be an extraordinary idea.

We have to keep in mind that over the past 8 decades alone, Berlin has transformed quite a lot. Despite its challenging past, the city continues to establish and maintain a very powerful identity. Granted, it is home to many corporations and businesses, but aside from the economic side, there’s also a side that tourists can enjoy. That’s because Berlin has incredible places to check out, not only historical ones but also many embedded in the city’s art, culture, and economy. Here are some of the main things you should consider doing and seeing while in Berlin!

Things to see in Berlin

Explore sites from the Cold War

While the Cold War is not talked about that much, it is a part of history, especially when it comes to modern times. If you go to Berlin, it’s a great idea to check the various relics from that era. Checkpoint Charlie is a must-see here because it separated West and East Berlin for many years. It also gives you an insight into how much of a challenge it was to live in Berlin during those times and how difficult it was for people to live during those times as well.

Right near Checkpoint Charlie, you can find the adjacent museum. It’s worth visiting that museum as well, mainly because it helps showcase personal stories from locals, objects from that time, and so on. Not only that, but you can also visit the Stasi Museum. If you visit this particular place, you can learn more about the secret police in Eastern Germany.

And, of course, you could also visit the Berlin Wall Documentation Center. It’s a great place to explore for anyone interested in the city, its unique identity, and the role of that Wall during these pressing times. If you enjoy the idea of exploring local history, this is one place you do not want to miss.

Go to the Museum Island

Museum Island is a very popular spot in Berlin, and that’s for a very good reason. On Museum Island, you can find a plethora of incredible museums that are all in pretty much the same region. What’s great about this particular “island” is that you don’t have only a single type of museum. The Island was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, and there are plenty of museums here.

• The Neues Museum has a wide array of historical artifacts, especially from ancient times. They feature Nefertiti’s bust along with a large variety of other unique relics.
• Alte National Galerie is another excellent place to visit since you can see many art pieces. Those impressive landscapes made by Caspar David Friedrich will surely impress you here.
• Altes Museum should also be a must-see as well. Here, you can find the incredible pantheon of Roman and Greek gods, an incredible way to delve into ancient history and learn more about it.
• The Berlin Cathedral is also a part of the Museum Island, and it’s both a dynastic tomb and a stunning protestant Church. It opened in 1905, and it has an astonishing look. If you go to the dome at the top, you can enjoy an amazing view of Berlin. Provided that, of course, you will climb the 270 steps needed to reach the dome.

These are only a few of the many things you can see in the Museum Island region. There’s even the Asisi Panorama and the famous Pergamonmuseum, although check and see if it’s still being restored before you visit it.

Museum Island

Explore Charlottenburg Palace

The Charlottenburg Palace is one of those royal spots that will impress you right from the start. It’s a palace built in the Baroque style, and it impresses you with its luxury, stunning architectural design, and visual style. Another thing to note here is that you can see the royal history of the country, along with the stunning pieces of furniture and unique elements that the governing royals were using during that time.

Its exterior is just as impressive as the interior, as you might expect. The landscape space outside the palace is very well maintained, and it’s perfect for photos. And you can find beautiful pathways, even a few fountains as well. It’s important to check out the Charlottenburg Palace if you want to experience a great blend of art and history, but also an incredible spot to relax. The tours are informative and you get to learn a lot about the royals and their lives.

Go to Potsdamer Platz

During the Cold War, Potsdamer Platz was a square without a lot of foot traffic. But these days, it’s a very important cultural hub that we think is well worth a look. Here, you can find the Sony Center, which is an extraordinary, visually astonishing masterpiece of architecture and engineering. Many things impress here, from the glass roof to the numerous spaces for live events, shops, cinemas, and restaurants.

Aside from being an exciting place to visit and peruse, you’ll also be taking a lot of photos, not to mention it’s extremely interesting and you can go shopping for hours on end. We think that this is an exciting place for everyone who loves history, architecture, but also modern conveniences, shopping, and food. You can spend as much or as little time as you want here. Near it, you can find the Brandenburg Gate, which is a symbol of unity these days, even if it was used to divide the city decades ago.

Brandenburg Gate

Reach the top of the Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is the meeting place of the parliament in Germany. The reason why you want to go to the top of the Reichstag Building comes from the view you’re getting here. Once you reach the top of the building, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind 360-degree view of the city, which is unheard of. You can go there at any time, although it’s said that twilight seems to be the ideal time for this.

However, the Reichstag Building is open from 8 AM until midnight, so you can pick the right time based on your schedule. A good tip here would be to reserve your spot a day in advance. That’s because there are a lot of tourists and even locals coming here often, and you might end up having a hard time getting a spot. Thankfully, you can book your spot online, something that will relieve some of the pressure and make the process much easier.

Reichstag Building

Enjoy shopping at the Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is an extraordinary square in Berlin, and it’s widely seen as one of the best places where you can shop in the city. There are also other things to enjoy here, such as exhibition visits and concerts at the Konzerthaus. It’s a great idea to check it out, especially if you want to take some great pictures. With that being said, the nearby shops vary when it comes to their incredible offerings and features, so it’s definitely worth taking into account if you are passionate about getting some souvenirs for your loved ones.

Enroll in the Berliner Unterwelten

The Berliner Unterwelten is a private collective that offers various tours to help you explore the underground tunnels, bunkers, and even the flak towers found underneath the city. It’s definitely a very different way of exploring Berlin, and it offers a lot of insights into German history. So, if you want to learn more about WWII, the Cold War, and also the various structures found underneath Berlin, this is an amazing and very interesting activity that you shouldn’t miss.

Tempelhofer Feld

What’s interesting about the Tempelhofer Feld is that it’s a massive open space that can be used for leisure and recreational activities. Its history is also quite impressive because, at first, it was a parade ground, and then it became an airport. These days, Tempelhofer Feld is a large space for everyone who wants to bike, skate, and perform various sports.

Not only that, but you can also enjoy barbecuing in this spot as well. They even have a large urban gardening section, along with plenty of space where you can walk and relax. Right near Tempelhofer Feld, you have a very old Nazi terminal building, which you can get a tour of if you want.

Get a ticket for the Berlin Philharmonic events

The Berlin Philharmonic is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe, and here, you can enjoy some extraordinary concerns. Whether you enjoy classical music or you’re looking to immerse yourself in the architectural beauty of this establishment, there’s a lot to enjoy here. The orchestra here is exceptional, and they are extremely talented. That makes every concern exciting and it’s definitely worth it to give it a try.

Berlin Philharmonic

Pick a great restaurant in the Prenzlauer Berg

Prenzlauer Berg is a very interesting neighborhood because you have access to tons of things, from galleries to shops, restaurants, and so on. Another thing you’ll like here is that there’s no shortage of historic buildings. The neighborhood was a part of East Germany until the early 90s, but even today, it continues to have that old-school, unique vibe that many tourists are looking for.

Bonus tips: other great things to do and see while in Berlin

Sticking just to 9 ideas can be difficult, and that’s because Berlin is such an expansive city and the epitome of many cultures and beliefs. Not only that, but the city has evolved a lot, especially in the last century. There are a few other things that we recommend doing while in Berlin!

• Tiergarten is a massive park that will impress you with its size, but also the different structures and tranquil vibe. Here, you have a beautiful lake; there’s also the Berlin Zoo you can visit here, and the Victory Column, which is a massive winged statue. Plus, nearby there are designer shops and galleries as well.
• The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is another great thing to visit because it was built during the late 1800s, although WWII air raids did damage it quite a bit. Most buildings in Berlin were repaired, but this is one of the few that was left in its original state. It showcases the devastation of WWII and how the city was partially destroyed during that time, yet people were able to bring it back and create a stunning metropolis.
• Die Hackeschen Hofe is a very popular spot for those who want to enjoy great nightlife in Berlin. Aside from that, it’s also an amazing spot for those that want to dine in Berlin, or go shopping.
• Enjoying local meals like the currywurst will always be a great idea, because you get to enrich yourself with culinary prowess and also try out something new. It’s a small meal, but one that will give you enough fuel to explore the city.
• If you visit Berlin, it does make sense to check out the Jewish Museum. The museum itself is quite different from what you would expect. The design and architecture of the exhibits will unbalance you, and it’s a very distinctive experience. With that in mind, there are various Jewish relics and items that you can learn more about.

Conclusion

Whether you want to explore the local history, go shopping, or immerse yourself in the stunning culture of the city, there’s no denying that Berlin can offer all of that and so much more. It’s a very distinct, unique city that has evolved immensely over the past century despite the numerous mishaps and challenges that it had to face. One thing is certain: there’s never a dull moment while visiting Berlin because there are so many incredible things to do and stuff to see. That’s why we highly recommend checking it out, as the city can be an amazing destination for your upcoming vacation!