Top 10 things to do in Berlin, by a Local
Below are my top 10 things to do in Berlin that will ensure you tick off the highlights, avoid some of the tourist traps and discover some of the coolest local neighbourhoods.
When I moved to Berlin, I instantly fell in love with the sheer variety of things to do here. You’re spoilt for choice year-round, with incredible museums and architecture, fascinating history, and some of the best night life in the world. I’ve put together the destinations I recommend to my friends and family when they come to visit me.
1. Go on a free walking tour to learn about WWII and the Cold War in Berlin
As a history buff and walking tour guide, I might be a little biased here, but I honestly think that any trip to Berlin isn’t complete without delving into the darker side of the city’s past. On top of being a great way to orientate yourself on arrival, a walking tour will also help you tick off a lot of Berlin’s landmarks, including Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Platz, the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and more. Book your Free Walking Tour here to kick-start your visit the best way possible.
2. Visit Museum Island
Museum Island, as you’ve probably guessed, is a literal island in the centre of Berlin with five of the city’s best museums. My personal favourites are the Old National Gallery and the Neues Museum, which has a huge Egyptian art collection, including the bust of Nefertiti (you can also still see bullet holes inside the Neues Museum from WW2). To get the most out of your visit, I’d recommend getting a day pass and committing to spending the day there, or you can pace yourself with a 3-day pass.
3. Explore the Jewish Museum
Both a moving memorial and architectural masterpiece, the Jewish Museum is free to visit and definitely worth it. It provides both a historical overview of the holocaust as well as personal stories from those who were there at the time. There’s also a wonderful interactive exhibition on modern-day Jewish life and culture as well as an entire exhibition aimed at kids. If you’re particularly interested in Jewish history in Berlin, you can also visit the free information centre at the Holocaust Memorial.
4. Shop at a local market
If you’re here on a weekend and looking for a market to visit, Mauerpark is often one of the top recommendations, and while it’s got a great vibe, it’s also packed with people. For a more local experience, I’d recommend heading to the Arkonaplatz market (just around the corner on a Sunday), or my favourite market along the Maybachufer. Along the canal at Maybachufer there’s a great farmers’ market on Tuesdays and Fridays, plus a wonderful market on Saturdays with crafts and the types of things you’d expect to see in a Turkish Bazaar (always check before you go if it’s running though). Pick up some fresh bread and fruit and enjoy a picnic by the river.
5. Take in the view at these alternatives to the TV Tower
You’ve probably got the Berlin TV Tower on your list of things to do, and while it does give you a great view, it’s a bit pricey and usually pretty crowded. For a more affordable and quieter option, I’ve got a few recommendations: for a free view with an audio guide, you can climb up the Reichstag Dome (be sure to book about 2 weeks in advance of your visit to get the timeslot you want); for 4 euros (cash), you can brave the narrow and steep climb up the Victory Column; and for 10 euros, you can visit the Berlin Cathedral and enjoy some gorgeous views over Museum Island.
6. Attend an opera or orchestra performance
As a legacy of Berlin being split in half for several decades, we now have double the number of cultural institutions that most cities can boast: 2 operas, 2 philharmonics, 2 of basically everything, which means competition to attract customers. This means high quality and great prices. Id’ recommend catching a show at the Berlin Philharmonic or the State Opera House. Also make sure you check out exhibitions at Kraftwerk – one of Berlin’s former power stations, which has been converted into an eerie, atmospheric light/sound exhibition space.
7. Walk along the Berlin Wall and view the East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a free, public street art exhibition along the remains of the Berlin Wall, and it’s also right around the corner from some of Berlin’s coolest neighbourhoods. While you’re there, combine your day with a trip to the RAW- Gelände complex, with its mix of cultural uses and nice beer bars and gardens. From there, you can head to Boxhagener Platz for some food (bring cash) or go south towards the St Thomas Church down Oranienstrasse, where you’ll find some great bars, music venues and independent shops.
8. Visit the free museum in the Kulturbrauerei
If you’re looking for more insights into what life was like in East Germany, skip the over-priced DDR Museum and instead head to the free museum in the Kulturbrauerei. In my opinion, the free museum is more informative and charming, as it’s in an old brewery that sometimes hosts local markets and events. It’s also close to Kollwitzplatz as well as Oderberger Strasse, both of which have plenty of nice places to go for a meal after your visit.
9. Check out some contemporary art at Urban Nation
For more free contemporary art (think street art), make sure you add Urban Nation to your list. Only open since 2017, it’s quickly become one of the coolest galleries in Berlin. Their mission is to bring urban art to a wide audience and champion new generations of talent around the world. Just 10 minutes up the road by train, you can also visit the Museum of Photography for 10 euros, which has a permanent collection of work by the renowned 20th-century fashion photographer Helmut Newton.
10. Spend a night out at some of Berlin’s countless bars
Berlin is known for its nightlife and bar scene, and if you’re a party person, you could quite easily spend your entire trip exploring the various themed bars, going to club nights, and tasting German beers. Luckily, I’ve already down the legwork and put together this list of the best bars in Berlin. During the day though, when the weather is nice, one of my favourite places to hang out is Holzmarkt 25 – a creative community with a few bars and restaurants (hole-in-the-wall-type places) by the river. It's also legal to drink in public in Berlin, so if you’re on a budget, you can do as the locals do and take a picnic rug out to one of the city’s many parks to chill for an afternoon – with or without a drink.
11. Bonus: do a day trip
If you’ve got time and fancy some royal finery, then a day trip to Charlottenburg Palace will scratch the fairytale itch. While you’re there, you can also visit the Käthe Kollwitz Museum. Kollwitz was an artist, a strong campaigner for peace during wartime, and was the first woman to be elected to the Prussian Academy of Arts and receive honorary professor status.
Alternatively, if you’re after a more sombre experience, you can join a day trip to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp – one of the most important camps during the Nazi regime.
If you want more tips on things to see and do in Berlin, book your Free Tour with us today!
Berlin has so much to offer and I hope to have inspired you with some suggestions! If you’d like more local recommendations and the best introduction to Berlin, be sure to join one of our Free Walking Tours. Your guide will be able to provide more local tips and give you all the background knowledge to really make the most of your Berlin adventure.
I hope to see you on a tour soon! - Natalie
