Berlin, a city that has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in history, stands today as a symbol of resilience, diversity and innovation.
It is a place where the past and the future converge, creating a unique tapestry of experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Let’s explore 10 interesting and enriching things to do in Berlin that capture the essence of this city!
10 things to do in Berlin
1. Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate, or Brandenburger Tor in German, is an iconic neoclassical monument. It has witnessed Berlin’s tumultuous history and now serves as a beacon of unity and peace. This majestic structure is not just a photo opportunity; it is a portal to the city’s soul, much like flipping through Mixbook photo calendars filled with personal milestones. It invites you to delve deeper into its storied past.
It was built between 1788 and 1791 by King Frederick William II of Prussia. Designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans, it was inspired by the Acropolis in Athens. The gate has witnessed significant historical events, including Napoleon’s occupation and the Nazi era.
During the Cold War, it stood behind the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the division of East and West Berlin. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the gate became a symbol of German reunification and peace. Today, it remains a powerful emblem of European unity.
The Brandenburg Gate is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated, making it a must-see landmark for anyone traveling to Berlin and definitely one of the many things to do in Berlin.
2. Reichstag Building
A stone’s throw away from the Brandenburg Gate lies the Reichstag Building, a historic edifice and home to the German parliament, or Bundestag in German.
Constructed between 1884 and 1894, it was designed by architect Paul Wallot in a neo-Renaissance style. The building was severely damaged by fire in 1933, an event that marked a pivotal moment in Nazi Germany’s rise to power.
After World War II, it fell into disuse until Germany’s reunification, when it was renovated by architect Norman Foster. The addition of a glass dome offers a panoramic view of the city and symbolizes transparency in government.
Today, it is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of German democracy.
You have to register to visit the dome of the Reichstag Building, admission is free.
3. Museum Island
For those with a penchant for the arts, Museum Island is a cultural treasure trove.
Museum Island in Berlin is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the northern part of Spree Island. It has 5 internationally renowned museums: the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode-Museum and Pergamonmuseum.
Each museum offers unique collections, from ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the famous bust of Nefertiti, to classical antiquities and 19th-century art.
The island’s architectural ensemble reflects the evolution of museum design over the 19th and 20th centuries. Despite ongoing renovations, it still is one of the things to do in Berlin because Museum Island remains a cultural treasure trove, attracting visitors from around the world.
4. East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery in Berlin is a 1.3-kilometer-long section of the Berlin Wall that has been transformed into an open-air gallery.
Established in 1990, it features over 100 murals painted by artists from around the world, celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. The gallery stands as a symbol of freedom and hope, preserving the historical significance of the Wall while showcasing artistic expressions of joy and unity.
It remains one of Berlin’s most visited landmarks, reflecting the city’s turbulent history and its journey towards reunification.
If you are interested in other famous WWII places, you should also visit Checkpoint Charlie. Another very popular things to do in Berlin!
5. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin is also known as the Holocaust Memorial.
It commemorates the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Designed by architect Peter Eisenman, it consists of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field. Opened in 2005, the memorial is located near the Brandenburg Gate on the former “death strip” of the Berlin Wall. The abstract design invites personal reflection on the atrocities of the Holocaust.
An underground information center provides historical context and personal stories of the victims, enhancing the memorial’s role as a place of remembrance and education. Visiting is free.
If you want to know more about the Holocaust, visiting the Jewish Museum is also one of the things to do in Berlin. It was designed by the renowned American architect Daniel Libeskind. His building design is known as “Between the Lines”.
You need to buy tickets to visit the Jewish Museum.
6. Mauerpark
For a change of pace, the bustling Mauerpark is absolutely one of the things to do in Berlin.
The park comes alive every Sunday.
Mauerpark in Berlin is a vibrant public park located on the former “death strip” of the Berlin Wall. It has transformed into a lively cultural hub. The park also features an amphitheater that hosts the popular Bearpit Karaoke, attracting crowds every weekend.
Additionally, Mauerpark offers green spaces for picnics, sports facilities, and areas for street performers. The best time to visit is on Sundays, when the park is bustling with activity and the flea market is in full swing where visitors can find everything from vintage items to local crafts.
7. Berliner Unterwelten
The Berliner Unterwelten is an organization that offers guided tours of Berlin’s underground structures, including bunkers, tunnels and air-raid shelters.
These tours provide a unique perspective on the city’s history, covering periods from World War II to the Cold War. Visitors can explore hidden parts of Berlin and learn about the city’s past through detailed explanations and historical artifacts.
If you are fascinated by history and enjoy exploring unconventional sites, the Berliner Unterwelten is definitely one of the things to do in Berlin. Absolutely worth visiting.
It offers an educational and immersive experience, making it a memorable attraction for both tourists and locals.
8. Underground music and art scene
Berlin’s street art and music scenes are deeply intertwined, reflecting the city’s vibrant and rebellious spirit.
When David Bowie and Iggy Pop lived in Berlin during the late 1970s, the city was a vibrant hub of artistic and musical innovation. Berlin’s divided status and underground culture fostered a unique atmosphere of creativity and experimentation. Bowie and Iggy were deeply influenced by the local electronic music scene, including bands like Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream. This period saw the creation of Bowie’s “Berlin Trilogy” and Iggy’s albums “The Idiot” and “Lust for Life.”
Bowie and Iggy used to share an apartment at Hauptstrasse 155. You should also visit the Paris Bar where both friends liked to spend hours. It is still popular with artists.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 catalyzed a cultural explosion, with abandoned buildings becoming canvases for graffiti artists and venues for underground music. The techno scene, in particular, flourished, transforming Berlin into a global hub for electronic music. Influences from punk, new wave and electronic music shaped the city’s soundscape.
Street art, with its bold and beautiful murals and political messages, continues to thrive, making Berlin a dynamic and ever-evolving center for creativity and expression.
For an immersive experience in Berlin’s street art and underground art scene, head to Kreuzberg. This vibrant district is a melting pot of cultures and creativity, known for its alternative vibe and rich artistic expression. Stroll along Oranienstrasse and Wrangelstrasse to discover unique graffiti and vibrant murals that tell the story of the city’s dynamic history and social movements.
Another hotspot is Friedrichshain, particularly the RAW-Gelände, a former industrial site now brimming with street art, galleries, and eclectic nightlife. These neighborhoods offer a glimpse into Berlin’s rebellious spirit and its thriving underground art culture.
If you are into street art, this is definitely one of the things to do in Berlin!
9. Tiergarten
Tiergarten, Berlin’s expansive urban park, offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle.
Originally a hunting ground for Brandenburg’s nobility, it now serves as a lush green oasis. Visitors can explore winding paths, picturesque lakes, and charming bridges. Key attractions include the iconic Victory Column, offering panoramic views, and the Berlin Zoo, one of the world’s oldest and most diverse.
The park is also home to various statues and memorials, such as the poignant Soviet War Memorial. Whether you’re picnicking, cycling, or simply strolling, Tiergarten provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of Berlin.
The Tiergarten is Berlin’s green lung and one of the things to do in Berlin for those seeking tranquility amidst the urban landscape,. This sprawling park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or even a boat ride on its serene lakes, offering a natural retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
10. Food scene
Lastly, no visit to Berlin is complete without indulging in its culinary delights.
From traditional German dishes like Currywurst and schnitzel to international cuisines, the city offers a culinary adventure for every palate.
Trendy neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Neukölln are hotspots for innovative eateries and street food markets, where you can savor everything from proper German classics and Korean hotpots to Turkish döner kebabs and vegan delights. Michelin-starred restaurants sit alongside cozy cafes and bustling food trucks, making Berlin a paradise for food lovers.
Berlin is renowned for its Turkish cuisine due to the significant Turkish immigrant population that settled in the city after the 1960s. This community brought their rich culinary traditions, leading to a vibrant food scene featuring iconic dishes like döner kebabs and baklava, now integral to Berlin’s culinary identity.
The city’s dynamic food culture is constantly evolving, embracing new trends and flavors from around the world.
KaDeWe, or Kaufhaus des Westens, is Berlin’s iconic department store, renowned for its luxury goods and gourmet food hall. Spanning 60,000 square meters, it offers an unparalleled shopping experience with high-end fashion, beauty products but most importantly exquisite culinary delights. Fresh pastries, cheese, wines, seafood and such are on offer. There is even an oyster and champagne bar.
Prices are elevated, however visiting KaDeWe is definitely one of the things to do in Berlin for foodies.
So, enough things to do in Berlin!
Enjoy!