On a city trip to vibrant Berlin

Berlin is both the capital and the largest city in Germany. Berlin boasts a mix of both old and modern buildings. The city boasts many must-see historical monuments. You'll also find charming eateries, street art, and vintage shops, especially in the southeastern part of the city.

Where to stay?

The heart of Berlin is the Mitte district, where most of the famous sights are located. From here, you can easily plan your city break, but personally, I would choose the charming neighborhoods of Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg.

Kreuzberg is known for its creative atmosphere and is located south of Mitte, while Friedrichshain, east of the city center, is popular for the East Side Gallery and its vibrant nightlife. Both districts are lively and full of great restaurants, shops, and bars, and from here you can easily travel to the rest of the city.

Tip: buy a day pass for the U-Bahn (subway), so you can hop on and off all day and effortlessly explore other Berlin neighborhoods.

The highlights of Berlin

Things to do in Berlin

Berlin exudes history, reflected in the impressive buildings and monuments throughout the city. From remnants of the Berlin Wall to iconic architecture and memorials, these places tell the story of a city rebuilt time and again.

Must-see monuments and buildings

Berlin Wall: The East Side Gallery is the longest and most famous section of the wall and has been painted by various artists. Remnants of the Berlin Wall can also be seen in several other places in the city, for example, on Bernauer Strasse.

Holocaust Memorial: The impressive memorial consists of 2,711 concrete blocks that you can walk through. It's a place for reflection and remembrance, where the concrete blocks leave a powerful impression.

Reichstag: The parliament building is located on Platz der Republik. From the lawn, you can admire the exterior of the building. For a fee, you can also visit the interior. Most people visit the Reichstag for the view. After its reconstruction, a glass dome was added to the building, offering a panoramic view of the city.

Fernsehturm: This television tower really shouldn't be missing from this list, as it's visible from almost anywhere in the city and therefore impossible to miss. The tower is an iconic landmark of Berlin, and from its viewing platform, you have an impressive view of the city.

Brandenburg Gate: The Brandenburg Gate is another unmissable monument in Berlin. Atop the twelve-columned gate stands a statue of a chariot with a goddess. It's a symbol of unity and history, attracting both tourists and locals daily who admire its impressive architecture.

OOH! Cookies

If you're on your way to see the monuments, stop by OOH! Cookies for a delicious cookie to take with you.

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Shopping at Mauerpark

During the week, Mauerpark is a fairly "normal" park with lawns and trees, where people gather to relax or exercise. On Sundays, especially in summer, the park is completely transformed by one of Berlin's most famous and busiest flea markets: the Flohmarkt. The grounds are reminiscent of a large festival, with rows of stalls, live music, and a lively atmosphere.

Besides the market, bands and street musicians perform, and karaoke is often held in the afternoon, with spectators singing along en masse. A must-do activity during a summer city break to Berlin. The market is also open in winter, though the selection is smaller and the atmosphere is much quieter.

Great places to eat and drink near Mauerpark:

Cafe Neue Liebe

For delicious coffee, avocado toast, or a breakfast with a variety of sandwiches and toppings, Cafe Neue Liebe is the place to be. This charming coffee shop is about a 20-minute walk from Mauerpark.

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KASCHK by BRLO

This cozy brewpub is about a 20-minute walk from Mauerpark. They have a wide selection of craft beers, and the staff is friendly. They sell things like croissants and olives if you'd like a little snack with your beer.

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Zeit für Brot

Zeit für Brot is also nearby. This bakery makes delicious cinnamon rolls, and they also sell a vegan version.

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Culture at the RAW-Gelände site

This former industrial site boasts a vibrant mix of clubs, restaurants, and terraces. During the day, there's a relaxed, creative atmosphere, and in the evening, the area transforms into a bustling hotspot for music and nightlife. Around the site, you'll see impressive graffiti and large murals. The typical Berlin contrast makes this a special place that's definitely worth a visit.

Every Sunday, you can stroll through a small but charming flea market, where you'll quickly lose track of time among vintage clothing, records, handmade jewelry, and curiosities. During the winter months, the site takes on a completely different atmosphere when it hosts an atmospheric Christmas event, with lights, mulled wine, and stalls where you can play various games. It is a lot smaller than the large markets in the city centre, but that is precisely why it feels cozy and intimate.

Discover all the Photobooths in Berlin:

Spot the Photo Booths

Berlin boasts no fewer than 78 Photo Booths. At one of the entrances to RAW-Gelände, you'll also find a booth where you can take a fun photo and create a lasting memory of your Berlin city break for only €3,-.

Nice lunch spot near Räw-gelande:

Milch&Zucker

In this coffee house near RAW-Gelände you will find delicious breakfast plates, such as the 'vegan platter' or the 'cheese platter'.

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Watching a movie at the Freiluftkino

Berlin boasts a wide variety of open-air cinemas, a wonderful activity for a balmy summer evening. Here, you can watch films in a relaxed atmosphere, often with a drink in hand, among the friendly crowd of both locals and tourists.

There are several cinemas, but the largest is located in Volkspark Friedrichshain, where hundreds, or even well over a thousand, visitors can enjoy a film under the stars. A smaller, more intimate open-air cinema can also be found in the courtyard of the Bethanië art district in Kreuzberg.

From early May to late September (depending on the location), screenings are regularly held here. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Note: Most films are dubbed into German or shown in German with English subtitles.

Relax in the Tempelhofer Feld public park

Many people come to the site of the former Berlin-Tempelhof Airport to relax, picnic, or simply enjoy a drink on the grass. Thanks to its long, flat, and paved runways, it's also an ideal spot for skating, cycling, or running. The park also features a section with flower and vegetable gardens, and you can even admire a real airplane up close.

Tempelhof is a particularly busy place in summer, where the vast open space creates a sense of freedom in the heart of the city. But even in winter, when the landscape feels quieter and more expansive, it's wonderful for a long walk.

Delicious food near the Tempelerhof:

Alaska bar

Near the park on Reuterstraße, you can enjoy truly delicious vegan tapas. The cauliflower is highly recommended!

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With monuments, markets and parks, Berlin is the perfect destination for a diverse city trip.

Useful information

• Official language: German

• Currency: Euro

• Area: 891.8 km²

• Best time to travel: From May to September, you have the best chance of nice, dry weather. If you want to visit the Christmas markets, November and December are the best times to go.