Whether you’re a history fanatic, light-night owl or someone who enjoys being one with nature, knowing what to see in Berlin, Germany, while on vacation will help you build an easy-to-follow itinerary that everyone will love.
With so many incredible sights to see and things to do in Berlin, how do you prioritize them all? Explore one of the best cities in the world with our hand-picked list of the top 20 must-see sights and experiences.
1. Walk Through History at Brandenburg Gate
- Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin
- Time needed: 30 minutes to an hour
Undeniably, one of the top sights in Berlin for history buffs is Brandenburg Gate. This 18th-century triumphal arch is easily one of Berlin’s most well-known landmarks and is a current standing symbol of peace and unity for the city. Throughout the years, this monument has seen countless historical events and now serves as a gathering point for celebrations and cultural events.
2. Take in Panoramic Views from the Berlin TV Tower
- Address: Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
If you’re a fan of heights, visiting the Berlin TV Tower is for you. This is the tallest building in Germany, standing over 1,200 feet high, with an observation deck just over 660 feet off the ground. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see as far as 50 miles, giving you a true view of the city.
Not for the faint of heart, you can enjoy a gourmet meal or some drinks at The Sphere Restaurant, sitting at a jaw-dropping 679 feet up the tower.
3. Explore the Charming Courtyards of Hackescher Markt and Hackesche Höfe
- Address: Rosenthaler Straße 40–41, 10178 Berlin
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
If you’ve got time to spend without having to rush and are wondering what to do in Berlin, prioritize visiting Hackescher Markt. In this popular shopping area, shoppers can find trendy boutiques, independent shops and designer stores. This cultural hotspot is also home to several cafes, restaurants and bars — with so much to explore, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
Within Hackescher Markt is Hackesche Höfe, a network of interconnected courtyards. Here, you’ll find even more shopping opportunities and culinary delights and you can also explore several art galleries, theaters and even a puppet theater.
4. Climb the Dome of the Reichstag Building for Stunning City Views
- Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
One of the most popular things to see in Berlin is the Reichstag Building, home to the German parliament. The building, with a spectacular glass dome and roof terrace, is a must-see attraction — you can take an elevator ride to the roof and view the city from above, plus you can tour the building and Reichstag Library, where over 1 million books and other documents are kept.
5. Immerse Yourself in Culture on Museum Island
- Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin
- Time needed: Half-day to full day
Museum enthusiasts unite — Berlin has an entire island dedicated to artwork and sculptures. Located on Spree Island, Museum Island has five museums, including The Bode Museum and The Neues Museum. Each museum features art from different styles and eras, from Egyptian artifacts to Roman sculptures.
It’s important to note that one of the museums, The Pergamon Museum, is currently under construction until 2027. Still, be sure to bring some water and your walking shoes to explore everything this treasured island offers.
6. Admire Murals Along the East Side Gallery
- Address: Mühlenstraße, 10243 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Once upon a time, it was a section of the Berlin Wall. Now, it’s the East Side Gallery, one of the longest open-air art galleries in the world. Over 110 artists from 21 countries painted this section of what used to be the Berlin Wall to showcase more than 100 murals depicting themes from political messages to pop culture. At just under a mile long, this landmark is one of the things to do in Berlin that you shouldn’t miss.
7. Step Back in Time at Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens
- Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin
- Time needed: Half-day to full day
You can easily spend a half day or more exploring Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin’s largest palace, known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. Named after Sophie Charlotte, the first Queen consort in Prussia, this breathtaking sight gives visitors a glimpse into the past, with views of the staterooms and tableware dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
8. Relax by the River in Treptower Park
- Address: Puschkinallee, 12435 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
If relaxing outdoors is more your style, head over to Treptower Park, located on the banks of the Spree River. Here, you can take a walk or bike ride along the river, enjoy an outdoor picnic in one of the many greenspaces available or swim in the Badeschiff, a floating swimming pool.
In the middle of the park, you’ll find The Soviet Memorial, dedicated to fallen Red Army soldiers. Other notable attractions at the park include the Archenhold Observatory and Zenner beer garden.
9. Learn About Berlin’s Divided Past at the Berlin Wall Memorial
- Address: Bernauer Str. 111, 13355 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Running along both sides of Bernauer Strasse, the Berlin Wall Memorial pays tribute to the history of Germany and its division. As a visitor, you can walk along the preserved section of the wall that still stands, explore watchtowers used during the Cold War and learn about the history of the Berlin Wall with interactive exhibits.
You don’t have to be a history ace to appreciate one of the more explored things to do in Berlin — you can view it from the lens of art, documentation or religion.
10. Experience the Bustling Atmosphere of Alexanderplatz
- Address: Alexanderplatz 1, 10178 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
If you like the hustle and bustle of a big city atmosphere, visiting Alexanderplatz should be at the top of your Berlin agenda. This well-known city square is a popular tourist attraction, with landmarks like the Berlin TV Tower and Berlin Cathedral close nearby. You can also find a multiplex cinema, department stores and hotels in this city center, making it a must-stop on your list.
Since this area is pedestrian-friendly, parking is hard to find. It’s best to take public transportation into and out of Alexanderplatz — taking the S-Bahn or U-Bahn will get you there.
11. Reflect at the Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)
- Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
While Berlin sightseeing, take some time to reflect on the country’s troubled history and the many losses of the Holocaust by visiting the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. This tribute showcases 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights, meant to “represent the chaotic and disorienting nature of the Holocaust.”
You can choose to self-tour the memorial or take a two-hour guided tour to learn more about the memorial and the events of the Holocaust. Although this landmark is one of the more somber ones that Berlin offers, it’s not one to miss, which is why it’s rated one of the top places to visit in Europe.
12. Marvel at the Olympiastadion Berlin (the Olympic stadium)
- Address: Olympischer Platz 3, 14053 Berlin
- Time needed: 2 hours
If you love sports, stopping at the Olympiastadion Berlin should be one of your must-see pitstops. Built for the 1936 Summer Olympics, this historic sports stadium has hosted countless major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup in 1976 and 2006.
Visitors can take an unguided tour around the stadium grounds and learn about the history and special features via different displays. While visiting, check out the onsite museum showcasing the stadium’s complex history and sporting achievements.
13. Discover the Legacy of War at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
- Address: Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Those interested in history and architecture should visit the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, which is one of the things to do in Berlin, Germany. This historical monument is composed of the church's ruins destroyed in World War II. Now, it serves as a place of contemplation, open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with free admission.
14. Stroll or Bike Through the Open Spaces of Tempelhofer Feld
- Address: Tempelhofer Damm, 12101 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
No Berlin sightseeing trip is complete without a visit to Tempelhofer Feld, formerly Tempelhof Airport. This park covers over 700 acres, making it the largest public park in Berlin.
Some activities you can do while enjoying the outdoors include bike riding, attending an outdoor concert and visiting the Tempelhof Gallery, which hosts artwork by local artists. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the area, allowing you to make a full day out of relaxation at the park.
15. Enjoy a World-Class Performance at the Berlin Philharmonic
- Address: Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, 10785 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
If you’re a culture buff and love music, don’t pass up the opportunity to visit the Berlin Philharmonic. This German orchestra is one of the most popular ensembles in the world, known for its excellent musicianship and famous conductors.
Prices vary by show and they sell out quickly, so it’s best to buy tickets ahead of time if possible.
16. Relive Cold War History at Checkpoint Charlie
- Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin
- Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Whether you’re a history fanatic or simply want to see one of the most well-known checkpoints during the Cold War, add Checkpoint Charlie to your Berlin itinerary. What was the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin is now a world-famous tourist attraction, with over 4 million people visiting annually.
17. Experience Modern Berlin at Potsdamer Platz
- Address: Potsdamer Platz 1, 10785 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
If you want to take a step back from the history of Berlin and instead experience the modern city it is today, make a pit stop to Potsdamer Platz. Here, the city comes to life with iconic landmarks like the Sony Center and Panoramapunkt, which has the fastest elevator in Europe.
Adorned with several shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, there’s something for everyone to explore in this popular shopping and nightlife district.
18. Climb to the Dome of Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) for Spectacular Views
- Address: Am Lustgarten 1, 10178 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
You can’t miss the majestic dome of the Berlin Cathedral — you can see it throughout most of the city of Berlin. The interior of this beautiful structure has mosaics and stained glass windows, but even more fascinating is the number of tombs and memorials it houses.
While admission to the cathedral is free, a small fee applies to climb to the top of the dome to see panoramic views of Berlin.
19. Shop and Dine Along the Luxurious Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm)
- Address: Kurfürstendamm 226, 10719 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
For the shopping aficionado, stopping along the Kurfürstendamm is a must-do. This street is one of the longest shopping streets in Europe, filled to the brim with high-end streets, restaurants, historical landmarks and even a zoo. While traveling along this popular road is free, store and restaurant prices will ultimately vary depending on your purchase.
20. Escape to Nature in Tiergarten Park
- Address: Straße des 17. Juni 100, 10557 Berlin
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
Spanning an impressive 518 acres, Tiergarten Park is the heart of every outdoor enthusiast in Berlin. From ponds and lakes to playgrounds and even historical sights, there’s something for everyone at Tiergarten Park.
While entrance to the park itself is free, there are fees to climb the Victory Column and visit the Tierpark Berlin, the zoo within the park.
Plan Your Berlin Adventure with AAA
There are so many things to do in Berlin — from enjoying the monumental historical landmarks to spending time on the world-famous shopping avenue, Berlin has much to offer any type of traveler. Booking your trip with Trip Canvas ensures you find the best hotel deals and the top things to do for an excellent vacation.