Discover Berlin: A Guide to the City’s Best Attractions
Thirty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the German capital’s intoxicating mix of grit, glamour, and anything-goes expression born from historical repression has made it one of the most dynamic cities on earth. There’s no shortage of experiences—whether you’re sauntering through Prussian palaces, venturing into Nazi-era bunkers, or touring the world’s longest outdoor art gallery. Consequently, bring an open mind, pack your stamina, and get ready to dive into all the city has to offer.
Hackesche Höfe and Haus Schwarzenberg
Beneath its rough exterior, Berlin hides elegant urban courtyards behind the Altbau buildings that survived World War II. In the heart of Berlin’s central Mitte neighborhood, Hackesche Höfe is a cluster of eight café and boutique-filled public courtyards dating from 1907. Following a complete renovation, the labyrinth reopened in 1996. A short walk away, Haus Schwarzenberg offers a gritty, graffiti-covered glimpse of what much of Berlin looked like before gentrification.
Address: Rosenthaler Str. 39, Berlin 10178, Germany
Charlottenburg Palace
Constructed in 1699 as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, this massive baroque structure is Berlin’s largest palace. Damaged during World War II, it has been beautifully restored and is home to priceless collections, including royal porcelain and important 18th-century French paintings. The highlight remains the gardens, featuring orderly hedges, fountains, ponds, and tree-lined gravel paths.
Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, Berlin 14059, Germany
Berlin Wall Memorial
This free indoor/outdoor museum is the best place to learn about the Berlin Wall’s history, life in East Germany, and the heartbreaking attempts at reunification. As you stroll along Bernauer Strasse, an open-air exhibit features photographs and signs detailing stories from both sides of the barrier, alongside a preserved piece of the original wall and a visitor center chronicling the city’s division.
Address: Bernauer Str. 111, Berlin 13355, Germany
Mauerpark Flea Market
Located along a former part of the Berlin Wall, Mauerpark offers the city’s largest outdoor market every Sunday. Surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere filled with jugglers and picnickers, it features the world’s largest karaoke party, known as Bearpit Karaoke, making for an unforgettable experience.
Address: Bernauer Str. 63-64, Berlin 13355, Germany
Berghain
Perhaps no club in Berlin is more revered than Berghain. Situated in a former power station, it is the Holy Grail for techno fans, hosting legendary raves with top DJs from around the globe. Expect an exhilarating experience that resonates through your bones.
Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof, Berlin 10243, Germany
Reichstag Building
Once reduced to rubble, the Reichstag has stood as Germany’s parliament since 1999 and symbolizes national reunification. Featuring a stunning glass dome designed by Norman Foster, visitors can stroll along a ramp to enjoy sweeping views of the city. This landmark encapsulates the juxtaposition of Berlin’s troubled past and trendsetting future.
Address: Platz der Republik 1, Berlin 11011, Germany
Humboldt Forum
The Humboldt Forum’s vast collection includes the Ethnological Collection and Asian Art, showcasing around 20,000 objects. This modern museum critically examines the historical context of its artifacts, offering a unique lens on colonial history. Interactive exhibits engage visitors, alongside panoramic views from its rooftop.
Address: Schlossplatz, Berlin, 10178, Germany
Brandenburg Gate
This neoclassical arch stands as Berlin’s most recognizable monument and a symbol of German reunification. Nestled within walking distance of notable sites like Tiergarten Park and the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate serves as a central meeting place.
Address: Pariser Platz, Berlin 10117, Germany
Topography of Terror
Once the headquarters of the Gestapo, this site provides comprehensive indoor and outdoor exhibitions detailing the crimes of the Nazi regime. The outdoor exhibit walks visitors through the history of the period, and both indoor and outdoor sections are free to enter.
Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, Berlin, 10963, Germany
Museum Island
Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, housing five of Berlin’s finest museums. With exhibits spanning 6,000 years of art and history, the island offers visitors a fulfilling cultural experience in the heart of the city.
Address: Bodestrasse 1-3, Berlin 10178, Germany
Neue Nationalgalerie
This museum focuses on 20th-century art, featuring works from German Expressionists to renowned international artists. With ongoing exhibitions and a beautiful sculpture garden, it attracts art lovers from all over.
Address: Potsdamer Str. 50, Berlin, 10785, Germany
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Close to the Brandenburg Gate, this poignant memorial consists of 2,711 concrete columns, serving as a somber reminder of the Holocaust. With a design that invites reflection, it occupies an entire city block and is a significant site in Germany.
Address: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
East Side Gallery
As the world’s largest open-air art gallery, the East Side Gallery spans a 0.8-mile stretch of the Berlin Wall and showcases murals from international artists. This vibrant artwork encapsulates the spirit of freedom following the Wall’s fall.
Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, Berlin 10243, Germany
Tempelhofer Feld
Tempelhof Airport, once essential during the Allied Airlift, is now a massive urban park. People flock here to jog, bike, and enjoy the open space, showcasing a unique mix of nature and history.
Address: Tempelhofer Damm, Berlin 12101, Germany
Tiergarten
Berlin’s signature park, Tiergarten, serves as the city’s “green lung.” With beautiful lakes, hiking paths, and gardens, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation or recreational activities.
Prater Garten
Berlin’s oldest biergarten, Prater Garden, offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food options, making it a perfect spot to enjoy authentic Bavarian culture in the heart of the city.
