Berlin, the capital of Germany, is one of the most exciting cities in Europe and it’s featured in our best cities to visit in Europe post. It’s my personal favourite European travel destination Berlin’s got everything: fascinating museums, lots of tasty food, interesting locals and of course, the legacy of a truly up and down history. I’ve collated the best things to do in Berlin, written by members of the Europe a la Carte blogging team to help you plan your trip to the German capital.
Best Museums in Berlin
Museum lovers will be in their element in Berlin. Heather recommends the Pergamon Museum, saying it’s one of the best Berlin museums on the Museuminsel (Museum Island).
Part of the Ishtar Gate at the Pergamon Museum by luisvilla
Less well-known but equally inspiring, Lindsay says the Käthe Kollwitz Museum gave her a lot of food for thought.
Inside the Käthe Kollwitz Museum by Lindsay Sydenham
Heather also suggests visiting the Jewish Museum and the Anne Frank Museum. Personally, I’d say the Jewish Museum is the best museum in Berlin, and well worth at least an afternoon.
Part of the intriguing Jewish Museum by Goodnight London
Best Street Art in Berlin
What would a visit to Berlin be without finding part of the Berlin Wall? Marcus shared his experience at the East Side Gallery.
A famous panel of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery by qyphon
Best Views in Berlin
One of my favourite outings in Berlin is a walk up into the spiral dome of the Reichstag. Not only do you get to enjoy its impressive architecture, but you also get great views over the city.
Inside the dome of the Reichstag by pit-yacker
Best Shopping in Berlin
Berlin’s a great place to shop, and the Ku’damm or Kurfürstendamm is definitely the hotspot – and Heather lists some nearby sights if shopping gets too much.
The Kurfürstendamm by night by Schrottie
Lindsay recommends a visit to the Art Nouveau style Hackesche Höfe complex consisting of eight interlinked courtyards.
Jugendstil courtyard at the Hackesche Hofe by paularps
Best Free Attractions in Berlin
It costs nothing to enter the Berlin Cathedral, says Lindsay, who claims it’s one of her favourite spots in Berlin.
The impressive Berlin Cathedral by ilm19
Best Food in Berlin
Lindsay suggests that a traditional Turkish döner is a delicious typical Berlin food to try – thanks to the influence of the city’s large Turkish population.
Ready to eat: a Turkish döner by andynahman
Best Transport in Berlin
To get a quick overview of where many of the main Berlin attractions are, Heather recommends a rickshaw ride.
Rickshaws parked near Brandenburg Gate by swamysk
Best Day Trips from Berlin
If you want to escape the city, head to Sanssouci Palace, enjoyed by Marcus as a relaxing getaway.
World Heritage site Schloss Sanssouci by Gertrud K
Your Berlin Tips
@Welcome Beyond on Twitter: ‘Berlin Underworld’ is also worth visiting: http://bit.ly/adUMeQ
Where to Stay in Berlin
Guides to Other German Cities
Our Europe city guides cover:
Tips for What to Do in Germany
We’ve lots of travel tips for what to do in Germany.
Hi Amanda,
great post on Berlin! Just thought of another really great museum/tour. Berlin Unterwelten (‘Berlin Underground’) does tours of underground structures, bunkers, civil defence shelters built during the cold war or escape tunnels built while the wall was still dividing Berlin.
Best,
Chris
Thanks Chris, that’s something I’ve actually never done in Berlin – sounds really interesting though! I will put it on my must-do-next-time list!
Pingback: The Europe a la Carte Dream European Travel Itinerary | Eurotunnel Train Schedule.com
Interesting to know the Dom is free now; they were charging an entrance fee last time I was there. One of my favorite churches in Europe – I’ll have to go back!