best places to visit in east berlin

Sights to see in Berlin – The best places in East Berlin

• Gepostet am 8. November 2020
• last updated 31. October 2023
• , in: East Germany

Table of content

Berlin is one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world and has undergone a breathtaking transformation in recent years. This is true not only for the West, but especially for the East of the city, the former capital of the GDR. Since we at Wild East are focused on the East, we naturally present only the most beautiful East Berlin sights in keeping with the style. In addition to the many historic sites, some new ones have been added in the years since German reunification. Today we want to introduce you to the most important old and new sights to see in Berlin and take you on a trip to the capital. If you are interested in practical information about Berlin, you can find important tips for your trip here.

These are the top 15 Sights to see in Berlin

Alexanderplatz with TV tower

The “Alex” is one of the busiest squares in Berlin. Alfred Döblin set a literary monument to the former parade ground in 1929 with his book “Berlin Alexanderplatz,” capturing the feeling of life in Berlin in the 1920s like perhaps no other book. At the time, cabarets and modern department stores dominated the scene and attracted people from all over Germany. During World War II, the square and surrounding buildings were heavily destroyed.

World time clock and central square with hooker brooch

After the war, the GDR government decided to redesign the square on a large scale. A Centrum department store was built, but also the Fountain of Friendship between Peoples, known by Berliners as “Nuttenbrosche,” (“Hookers Brooch”) and the famous World Time Clock, today one of the city’s most popular meeting places. The Teacher’s House with its huge frieze showing various everyday scenes of GDR citizens also dates from that time. As you can see, there is a lot going on at the “Alex”!

Berlin TV Tower

The absolute eye-catcher, however, is the TV tower, which officially no longer belongs to the “Alex”. The “Telespargel” (“Television Asparagus”) is the highest building in the city. In the restaurant at a height of 200 meters you have the best view of the capital and do not even have to move for the panoramic view, because the restaurant circles around within 30 minutes! One floor below you can also enjoy a fabulous view of Berlin from the viewing gallery.

East Side Gallery

Not much is left of the Wall in Berlin – fortunately. The East Side Wall between Ostbahnhof and Oberbaumbrücke used to shield parts of Friedrichshain from neighboring Kreuzberg. In the spring of 1990, parts of the Wall were torn down.

At the East Side Gallery, it was decided to invite artists and let them create something to mark this historic event. 118 artists from 21 countries came. The result was what is now the largest open-air gallery in the world. Some of the artworks today stand iconically not only for the East Side Gallery, but as advertisements for the city of Berlin. Among the most famous and beautiful works are Dmitri Wrubel’s “My God, Help Me Survive This Fatal Love,” featuring the brotherly kiss of Honecker and Brezhnev, and Birgit Kinder’s “Test the Best.”

Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe has been commemorating the Jews killed by the Germans in the Holocaust since 2005. Until 1989, the area had served as part of the Berlin Wall. But since a central memorial was to commemorate the Shoah, the area not far from the Brandenburg Gate was chosen for it. There are now a total of 2711 concrete steles here of varying heights. Walking through them, one gets the feeling of walking into a labyrinth and almost being crushed by the cold concrete steles. The monument is one of the most impressive memorials and its composition is truly unique. Visiting this place is free of charge and there is also an exhibition under the memorial.

Karl-Marx-Allee

Built as Stalinallee in the early 1950s, today’s Karl-Marx-Allee is the largest continuous ensemble of buildings of socialist architecture in Berlin. This showcase street was meant to display the most modern and best buildings of the GDR. And indeed, it is a microcosm of GDR architecture. For even though the street was originally built in the style of Stalinist neoclassicism, there are also very functional and modern-looking buildings to be seen here. Among the most beautiful are Café Moskau, Kino International and Kino Kosmos, as well as the buildings around Strausberger Platz. Along the street there are many information boards that inform about the history and architecture.

The RAW site is located not far from the East Side Gallery and the Warschauer Straße S-Bahn and U-Bahn station in Friedrichshain. The former Reichsbahn repair works is now the largest cultural area in the city. There are countless bars and clubs here. Even a skate hall, a climbing tower and a swimming pool can be found here. On weekends, when Corona is not spoiling your fun, thousands of people pass through here. Food stalls feed the hungry mob. Flea markets are held frequently. Many buildings were designed by artists or are painted with graffiti.

Brandenburg Gate

Like hardly any other building, the Brandenburg Gate is so closely associated with German division and reunification. It stands at the end of East Berlin’s boulevard Unter den Linden and was built at the end of the 18th century in the style of classicism. The Quadriga, a bronze figure depicting Victoria, the goddess of victory, and her team of four horses, crowns the gate and is one of the city’s most popular photo motifs. This area of Berlin was also heavily destroyed during the war.

The rulers had only the Brandenburg Gate rebuilt. From 1961, the Berlin Wall ran directly behind the gate, making the Brandenburg Gate a symbol of the divided city. This tourist hotspot of Berlin should not be missing on our list of the most important sights to see in Berlin’s East.

Hackesche Höfe and Haus Schwarzenberg

At the beginning of the 20th century, several residential quarters were built west of Alexanderplatz. So far, so ordinary. But the Hackesche Höfe pursued a revolutionary concept: Germany’s largest residential and commercial courtyard complex at the time was planned for workers. They were not to be merely colorless tenements, but had heating and indoor toilets. They were also surrounded by green spaces, allowing a comfortable living on a budget. In 1997, the Hackesche Höfe were extensively renovated and have since been restored to their former glory. Today you can spend hours in the many restaurants, galleries and artists’ studios and then marvel at the impressive colorful facades. Next door is the Schwarzenberg House with a lot of street art.

Museum Island

A kind of “city within the city”, picturesquely surrounded by the Spree and Spree Canal, is located in the heart of the former capital of the GDR. Here you can find the most important museums in Germany. No matter what kind of art you are interested in, you will definitely not get bored here! There is so much to see here that you can probably only visit two museums in one day, but you could also easily spend days in just one of the houses. And if you want to relax, you can do so in the Lustgarten, which was originally designed by Peter Joseph Lenné and is now used by countless couples as a seating area in the summer.

The Old Museum (Altes Museum) was one of the first public museums in the country and has been delighting its visitors since 1830. Here you can see numerous ancient works of art, sculptures, vases and much more. Architecturally, the Old Museum also knows how to convince. The legendary Prussian master builder Karl Friedrich Schinkel was responsible for its construction. “There’s a Schinkel in every corner” is what people like to say about Berlin. The Altes Museum, with its portico perfectly echoing the ancient museum theme, is definitely one of the most beautiful of them all.

Where there is an Old Museum, there must of course also be a New Museum (Neues Museum). It was opened ten years after the Old Museum and was heavily destroyed during the Second World War. Restoration began shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the New Museum was officially opened in 2009. It is not modern art that is exhibited here, but the museum is home to the world-famous bust of Nefertiti. The mysterious beauty is one of the most important museum exhibits in Germany. In addition, you will find numerous other exhibits from ancient Egypt.

Pergamon Museum

You haven’t had enough of the ancient world yet? Then go to the Pergamon Museum . It was only built in the 20th century and shows Middle Eastern and Islamic art. The star of the exhibition is the famous Pergamon Altar, to which the museum owes its name. It was designed around 170 BC in what is now Turkey, and its detailed friezes are still in remarkable condition. To keep it that way, the altar will be restored until 2024. Until then, you can view a 3D model of the altar here .

Bode Museum

The Bode Museum , a historicist building, has captured the most beautiful spot on Museum Island. It stands on the northern tip of the island and can thus be seen from afar. Here you can admire the largest collection of sculptures in Europe, but you will also find many other works of art, mainly from the years 800 to 1800. The attached coin collection and the Byzantine Museum are also worth a visit.

Old National Gallery

The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) marks the end of our excursion to Museum Island. Just like the New Museum, the National Gallery was designed by Friedrich August Stüler, a student of Schinkel. The Alte Nationalgalerie reminds me a bit of an ancient temple and indeed it is a real temple of art, where you can marvel at countless paintings from the 19th and early 20th century.

Berlin Cathedral

The monumental Berlin Cathedral made of granite and sandstone is one of the largest Protestant churches in Germany. At the beginning of the 20th century, the house of worship was built at the behest of the emperor, this time Schinkel and Stüler were allowed to lend a hand together. Here you can admire not only the largest organ in Germany, but also those of some important representatives of the Hohenzollern family, because the church was built as the central burial place of the ruling dynasty, which provided not only the Prussian kings, but from 1871 also the German emperors.

Over a hundred coffins can be found here in the underground of the church. Our tip: Here you can download a free audio guide to the church. And if you don’t have time to visit the church, you can at least take a virtual tour there.

Gardens of the World

The Berlin district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf is not exactly an area that would attract a particularly large number of tourists. To mark the 750th anniversary of the city, a park was opened here that functioned under the name Berliner Gartenschau. But the biggest boost to the nearly 100-hectare site came when Berlin won the bid to host the 2017 International Garden Show, which was a huge success. The name Gardens of the World says it all. You can stroll through Chinese, Japanese, Balinese, Oriental and Korean garden landscapes here and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the manicured grounds. Or you can take a ride on the cable car to the Kienberg. Yes, you heard me right, this is also possible in East Berlin.

Rotes Rathaus

Rotes Rathaus (“Red City Hall”) is the seat of Berlin’s ruling mayor and was designed precisely for this purpose shortly before the founding of the Reich, coincidentally on the site where Berlin’s city hall already stood in the Middle Ages, as was discovered a few years ago during the construction of the U5 extension. The name refers not to the fact that the GDR bigwigs once guided the city’s fortunes here, but to the red brick facade. The Second World War also brought severe destruction here, but the reconstruction was closely oriented to the original building. Since it is a public building, you can stroll through the magnificent halls of the town hall today without being disturbed, and you don’t even have to pay an entrance fee.

Oberbaum Bridge

Speaking of beautiful red buildings: The Oberbaum Bridge is also a popular photo object and connects the south with the north bank of the Spree not far from the East Side Gallery. At the end of the 19th century, under the then Berlin building council Otto Stahn, the building, executed by the Siemens company, was erected in the neo-Gothic style, bringing a little medieval flair to this modern part of the city. In 1902, the first Berlin subway (today’s U1) was already running here on the bridge. You can explore the Oberbaumbrücke quite comfortably by strolling through the arcade, which looks like a medieval cloister.

Müggel Tower

Had enough of the hustle and bustle of the capital? The Berlin district of Köpenick is still part of Berlin, but seems more like a small town. It is Here you will find an observation tower built in the early 1960s on the edge of Müggelsee. Here on the Müggelberg there was already a tower from 1880, but it burned down during renovation works in the 1950s.

A new tower was needed and the result can still be seen today. Designed by students and financed by the people of Berlin, among others, a building was created that was not oriented towards the Socialist Realism style that had prevailed until then, but in a sense represented Berlin’s departure into modernity. The chic reinforced concrete building with its wide window fronts still offers a great view over the Müggelsee, the Müggelberge and the Langer See. Currently, another tower is planned to be connected with the old Müggel Tower.

Nikolaiviertel

This is literally where it all began: the Nikolai Quarter (Nikolaiviertel) in the Mitte district was the historic first part of Berlin to be settled. The quarter was almost completely bombed out during the Second World War. For a long time, it was difficult to develop a stringent development plan for this part of the city, but just in time for the 750th city anniversary in 1987, the time had come. The historic buildings Ephraim-Palais and Knoblauchhaus were joined by several prefabricated buildings that recall the historic heritage of this place and create a mix of styles that is as peculiar as it is worth seeing.

In the center of the quarter stands the Nikolaikirche, which you can’t tell that it only dates back to the 1980s in this form and which builds a structural bridge between the church from the 13th century that once stood here and its rebuildings in the 19th century. The quarter is therefore something for architecture fans and explorers and must not be missing from our list of the most important sights to see in Berlin.

Berlin Wall Memorial

Die Berliner Mauer trennte zwischen ihrer Errichtung 1961 und ihrem Fall 1989 nicht nur die westlichBetween its erection in 1961 and its fall in 1989, the Berlin Wall not only separated the western sectors from the capital of the GDR, but also became a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Europe. Many people lost their lives in the desperate attempt to overcome it and flee the GDR. Only parts of the Wall remain today. Sometimes they serve as a huge open-air art gallery, like the East Side Gallery, but here a different approach is taken.en Sektoren von der Hauptstadt der DDR, sondern wurde zum Sinnbild des Kalten Krieges und der Teilung Europas. Viele Menschen kamen bei dem verzweifelten Versuch, sie zu überwinden und aus der DDR zu fliehen, ums Leben. Von der Mauer sind heute nur noch Teile erhalten. Mal dienen sie wie die East Side Gallery als riesige Freiluft-Kunstgalerie, hier wird aber ein anderer Ansatz gewählt.

The Berlin Wall Memorial is the central place of remembrance for the division of Germany and the deaths at the Wall. Here, the history of the Wall is told in an exemplary way and you can get an impression of the former border fortifications that are still well preserved here. Definitely one of the most impressive experiences of your Berlin visit!

Book recommendations

You want to more information about Berlin? Then maybe our book tips on the subject will help you.

• Schulte-Peevers, Andrea (Author)

Classic tour guide about the city with all the practical information you need for your Berlin trip.

• Bennet Schulte (Author)

The bilingual book leads to the Berlin Wall sights and memorials.

• Orders are despatched from our UK warehouse next working day.
• MacLean, Rory (Author)

Great overview of Berlin’s history with a completely unusual approach

No products found.

A critically acclaimed biography of the Checkpoint Charlie and the division of the city

* – this link is an affiliate link. If you buy or order something here, we will receive a small commission. It won’t cost you a cent extra and we can continue to write new articles for you. Thank you for your support!

Markus Bingel

Other interesting articles.

Has anything changed in the information? Do you have any tips or questions? We look forward to your comment!

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Tours and Things to Do in East Berlin

This post is a review and comparison of Cold War-themed guided tours as well as a self-guided tour of things to see and do in East Berlin.

Scroll down in this post for a map that takes you to the highlights in East Berlin, accompanied with descriptions.

• Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Tours
• Checkpoint Charlie
• East Side Gallery

COLD WAR BERLIN WALKING TOURS

The best way to get up close and experience the history behind this moment in time is to take a walking tour.

Some of the most important locations tied to the Cold dWar are best experienced on foot.

If you don't want to miss anything significant, consider one of the following highly rated options.

Each of the tours mentioned below is only €14 for adults and includes a guided journey through Berlin's most historic neighborhoods.

Insider Walks

This is one of the most trustworthy tour companies in Berlin.

Their Cold War walking tour visits locations such as the Berlin Wall, the trail of the death strip, and Bernauer Strasse.

Discover how the Stasi kept Germans under surveillance, how many people tried to escape, and what it was actually like to live in this divided city.

Tours are offered Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday all year round.

Each trip begins at 10:00 am and lasts for approximately 4 hours with one planned stop for refreshments. They also offer 24-hour advance cancellation.

Insider Tours enjoys a full 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ) for their Cold War Berlin Tour.

Most guests were very impressed with their tour guides, leaving positive comments about their knowledge and passion for the subject. 

Ticket Prices

• €14 - Adults | €12 - Seniors/Students
• @ 10:00 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
• 24-hour advance cancellation for full refund
• More information and to book online .

An AB Zone Day Ticket is required for this tour

TIP: This tour is included for free with the Berlin Pass and 28% off with the Berlin Welcome Card .

Berlin Walks

Original Berlin Walks is one of the longest operating tour companies in the area with roughly 20 years of experience.

Their Cold War walking tour will take you to East Berlin, site of several important locations in the history of this city.

Your guide will point out areas of note such as the Brandenburg Gate, The Palace of Tears, The Death Strip and the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Much like their competitors, tours last approximately 4 hours and begin at 10:00 AM. They also offer 24-hour advance cancellation.

This company also has a full 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ).

It's pretty clear that most guests absolutely adore this walking tour. Many reviews indicate that their tour guides are both intelligent and informative.

Several customers were stricken by the emotionally powerful experience of visiting these locations and learning the sometimes dark history behind them.

• 4 hours 

An AB Zone Day Ticket is required for this tour.

Tip:  This tour is  25% off with the Berlin Welcome Card .

New Europe Tours

Much like their competition, New Europe Tours is also a highly respected service in Berlin. Their Cold War walking tour runs a bit shorter than the rest at an average rate of about 3 hours total.

On this trip, you will visit locations such as the Ghost Stations, the Berlin Wall, and the Death Strip. Unlike the other companies on our list, this tour is offered Tuesday through Sunday at 14:30 (2:30 pm). Like other companies, they offer 24-hour advance cancellation for full refund.

With a full 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ), this company falls in line with all of the other services on our list. Although their Cold War tour has received a handful of negative reviews, an overwhelming majority of customers have reported that their experience was excellent.

Some reviewers described this trip as fascinating, indicating that their guides were terrific. Most guests were very appreciative of everything they learned about on the tour. 

Ticket Price

• €14 for Adults | €12 for Students
• 14:30 (2:30 pm) Everyday but Mondays (Off-season has restricted schedule)

Tip: Save 30% off of this tour with the Berlin Welcome Card . 

Berlin Kompakt

If you're looking for a slightly shorter walking tour, this might be your best bet. Clocking in at only 2 hours in length, Berlin Kompakt's Divided Berlin tour is much shorter than the services offered by their competitors.

Ticket prices are very affordable and their tour guides provide commentary in English, German, Chinese and Russian. Visit important sites such as Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin Wall. 

Not only does this tour company enjoy a full 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide, but they also have yet to receive even one negative review.

To be fair, they haven't really been given that many reviews or ratings to begin with, but guests who have used their service were pleasantly surprised.

Most visitors were very impressed with their tour guides, referring to them as both kind and professional. As with most Cold War tours, this trip was very popular with couples.

• €12 for Adults | €9 for Children (6-15)
• every Sunday and Monday at 11 am

Brewer's Berlin Tours

In addition to their overview tours, this company also offers a trip which focuses specifically on the Cold War. While on this 2 ½ hour excursion, you'll visit sites such as the Berlin Wall, a Stasi guard tower, Ghost stations previously closed for decades and more.

This trek is offered every Sunday regardless of weather and children up to 12 years of age are invited to join in for free. This tour is only canceled in the rare event that there aren't enough guests to cover the costs.

Tickets are reasonably priced, falling in line with most of their competitors.

Much like their competition, Brewer's Berlin Tours currently has a 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor. Most guests are incredibly impressed with their tour guides, taking the time to mention them by name and thank them for the information they provided.

Although there were a few negative comments, they didn't seem to indicate any serious problems with the service. This company is especially popular among couples, friends and visitors who decided to go solo.

• €12 for Adults | €10 for Youth/Seniors
• 13:00 (1 pm) Every Sunday
• AB Transport Ticket Required
• Children under 12 tour for free

Self-Guided Exploration Games

If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional walking tour, these self-guided games will give you the opportunity to solve a mystery as you explore the city at your own pace.

There are currently two of these scavenger hunt style games available in East Berlin.

The first option puts you in the role of someone escaping the city in 1984, while the other focuses on the underground music scene in the area.

• Escape from East Berlin
• The Underground Music of East Berlin

COLD WAR BERLIN BIKE TOURS

If you don't feel like walking around Berlin for several hours, a bike ride might be an excellent alternative.

Surprisingly, these biking expeditions can last even longer than some of the walking tours listed above.

Another advantage to riding a bicycle is that you won't need a bus or train ticket to get from one location to the next.

Although admission prices can be a bit more expensive at an average of €25-€30, some guests may find this experience a bit more leisurely and comfortable.  

Be sure to check out our full post on Berlin bike tours .

Fat Tire Tours

This might be one of the most extensive Cold War tours in Berlin. Clocking in at a total of 5 hours, their bike ride will take you past some of the most significant sites in the city.

Travel alongside the Karl-Marx-Allee, see the East Side Gallery and visit the Treptow Soviet Memorial.

Each tour is conducted in English, making it easily accessible for many vacationers.

Although the ticket prices for adults are a bit high at €28, the length of this tour alone ensures that you're actually getting a pretty good deal.

Tours are available Thursday through Monday.

Fat Tire Tours currently has a full 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ).

Believe it or not, they have yet to receive a negative review for their Cold War bike tour.

Almost everyone who has taken this trip left very positive comments about their tour guides and everything they experienced along the way.

Guests indicated that there was enough time to explore Berlin's troubled history from multiple different perspectives. 

• €28 - Adults | €26 - Students/Seniors 
• Mondays and Saturdays at 10:00 am
• Includes bike rental for the trip.

TIP: This tour is included for free with the Berlin Pass and 25% off with the Berlin Welcome Card .

Free Berlin Bike Tours

Although they don't offer a tour exclusively dedicated to covering the Cold War, this company does provide a trip which includes a visit to the Berlin Wall.

On your journey , you will see memorials dedicated to the history of the wall and learn all about what life was like during this troubled period of the 20th century.

Additionally, you will also see various sites where the Third Reich once held power.

This excursion runs pretty much every day at 2:15 pm. Expect your trip to take approximately 3 hours.

We aren't sure why they call themselves Free Berlin Bike Tours, as it doesn't appear that they offer any free tours.

They also offer 24-hour advance cancellation for full refund.

Nevertheless, this company has an impressive rating of 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ).

Most comments focused on just how passionate the tour guides were, providing a perspective of history that they hadn't experienced before.

Some visitors even recommended this bike tour for younger riders, indicating that their group of teenagers had a blast. 

• €22 - Adults | €17 Youth (10-17) and  Students with ID | Children 9 and under €6
• Daily at 14:25 (2:25 pm)
• More info and to book online .
• Includes free bike rental for Adults, Students and Seniors

SELF GUIDED TOUR OF EAST BERLIN

Some basic history to know: After World War II, Germany and the city of Berlin were split among the victorious Allies, the United States, Great Britain, France and the USSR.

The Soviet-controlled zone was called the German Democratic Republic (GDR), but was a really controlled by the USSR.

Berlin was entirely within the GDR zone, but the Allies demanded that Berlin be divided among the Allies into four sectors.

The USSR’s communist regime conflicted with the values of the democratic Allies and made it hard, if not impossible for East Berliners to leave for the Western sectors.

And then suddenly on August 13, 1961, the GDR began building the Berlin Wall which ran through the center of the city.

A majority of the Wall was completed in just a few days and was heavily guarded by the East German police and military to keep East Germans in and Western democratic values out.

Many of the sites on this tour symbolize the dramatic, heart-breaking and sometimes deadly effect that the Berlin Wall had on millions of Berliners who found themselves on the wrong side of the Wall.

In 1989, the USSR’s growing loss of control over the East German government along with a growing grass-roots movement against the GDR caused the GDR to cave under pressure from the protest movement.

On November 9, 1989, the GDR announced relaxed travel regulations allowing East Germans to cross the borders.

Almost immediately hundreds of thousands of people gathered along the Berlin Wall border crossings.

This momentous night in history was the start of Berlin Wall being dismantled and a year later West and East Germany were unified into one country. Berlin was once again one city and the capital.

During our Berlin Wall tour, you will learn about the events, figures, and postwar principles that lead to the construction of the wall, and the consequences that were brought about even to this day.

This tour will shed some light and perspective onto both sides of the wall, and its impact on German culture and mindset, as well as on Berlin itself.

Stop A - Checkpoint Charlie

Friedrichstrasse 43 between Zimmerstrasse and Kochstrasse.

This is the most logical starting point of a tour of the formerly Communist sector of Berlin.

Until reunification in 1989, the only legal way to cross the border in and out of East Berlin was to pass through official checkpoints.

Checkpoint Charlie was the most important of these checkpoints because it served as the only entry and departing point for diplomats, journalists and non-German visitors.  

Check out our blog post for more information on the history of Checkpoint Charlie.

The location where the border house stood is free to visit and the ideal spot for a selfie. You can visit this site any time as it is a public street.

The infamous border crossing sign at the site is not the original. The original is located at the next site on this tour.

Stop B -   Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie

Friedrichstrasse 44 across from Checkpoint Charlie.

The museum contains artifacts used to escape over, under, and through the Berlin Wall, including escape cars, hot air balloons and even homemade mini-submarines.

The original Checkpoint Charlie sign is here as well as many photographs of the dramatic escape attempts along with the stories of the Germans who risked their lives (and some who lost them) to gain their freedom in the West.

• Hours: Open every day of the year (even on holidays) from 9:00am until 10:00pm (22:00).
• Admission: Adults €12.50, Students €9.50, Photo permission: €2.00; Audioguide: €3.50.
• Admission is free with the purchase of the Berlin Pass . 

Stop C -  Trabi-Museum

The Trabant (lovingly referred to as Trabi) was not the only car on East German roads during the Cold War, but it was the most famous car produced and owned in East Germany.

Owning a Trabi was more than just a means of transportation. Cars represented freedom of movement to people who were living in an totalitarian state.

This car was quite compact, but escape attempts sometimes involved hiding in the car’s trunk.

The Trabi is more than just a car, it’s an enduring symbol of East German’s struggle for freedom.

• Hours: Daily 10:00am-6:00pm (18:00). 
• Admission 5€, Free for children under 15 years.  
• Learn more or to purchase tickets .
• 50% off with the Berlin Welcome Card .

Stop D -  Brandenburg Gate

This massive neoclassical structure was built in 1791 and was originally part of a wall that surrounded Berlin.

It was the main entrance to the city and it is the only gate that remains today.

It was modeled after the “Propylaea,” the ancient entrance gate to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

On August 14, 1961, one day after the Berlin Wall was erected, the Brandenburg Gate was closed and became a symbol of a divided city.

When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, thousands of both West Berliners and East Berliners came together at the Gate and celebrated.

The Gate now stands for the unification of a people once separated for almost 30 years. Free to visit all hours.

For more detail and history see our blog post.

Stop E -  Reichstag Platz der Republik 

This apparently indestructible building is one of Berlin’s most famous icons. It was built in 1894 as the home to the German Empire’s government.

Bombings during World War II heavily damaged the building but it has since been restored and is now the seat of Germany's parliament.

Atop the Reichstag is a glass dome with incredible a 360-degree view of the city.

It is free to visit but advance registration required. Dome hours: 8am-12:00am (24:00). Last entry 10pm (22:00).

Note: Berlin City Pass has the option to choose a ‘Skip-the-Line’ Dome ticket .

Stop F -  Traenenpalast in the Friedrichstrasse Banhof Station

Built in in 1962, immediately after the Berlin Wall went up, the Friedriechstrasse railway station was the main departure hall for crossing from East to West Berlin.

For Berlin families and friends forced apart by the Cold War, this station was the scene of heartbreaking goodbyes accompanied by tears, hence the name Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears).

It is now a museum with displays about the impact of the division between East and West Berlin had on its people.

A short touching podcast from National Public Radio can be heard at "Berlin's 'Palace Of Tears,' A Reminder Of Divided Families, Despair" .

Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9 am-7 pm (19:00); Sat-Sun and public holidays 10 am-6 pm (18:00).

Admission: free.

Stop G -  Berlin Wall Memorial  

Bernauer Strasse from Gartenstrasse and Schwedter Strasse

The Memorial grounds run 1.3 km along with several sites along the way. Bernauer Strasse was chosen for the Memorial because it is the ultimate symbol of a divided city.

When the sudden construction of the Berlin Wall began on August 13, 1961, the effects of the swift and severe division of Berlin were especially vivid along this stretch of Bernauer Strasse.

Many apartment buildings located on the north side of the street formed the boundary between East and West Berlin. Overnight, families, friends, and neighbors who lived on this street were cut off from one another.

Before the East German government was able to relocate the buildings' residents and seal up the buildings, residents on the communist north side of the street attempted to escape (some successfully) to the democratic south side of the street by scaling down the buildings with rope or leaping from their windows into nets provided by the authorities of the democratic West Berlin.

The open-air exhibitions can be seen every day from 8am-10pm (22:00). Other sites have specific hours which we have listed below.  

There are no fees to visit any part of the Memorial grounds.

If you have less than 60 to 90 minutes to spend, we recommend the below sites.

For those with more time or interest in gaining a deeper history of the Wall, Memorial website offers maps for two other tours based on your interest and time-frame.

Start your tour at west end of the Memorial.

• The Visitor Center corner of Bernauer Strasse and Gartenstrasse  

The center offers information about the Memorial and other Berlin Wall sites in the city. They show two short films throughout the day about the history of the Berlin.

The center is free to enter and open daily 10am-6pm (18:00). Closed on Mondays.

Inside the Nordbahnhof S-Bahn station, you can see an exhibition about this former “ghost station”.

Prior to Wall’s construction, this station had exits on the East and West sides of Berlin and was used by East Berliners to attempt escaping to the West.

Eventually the Nordbahnhof station was sealed and heavily patrolled. It was no longer used and became a ‘ghost’ station.

The exhibition includes information about those who did successfully escape to the West through the station.  

Open to viewing during the hours of operation of the Nordbahnhof S-Bahn station.

• Berlin Wall Monument

This is the national monument dedicated to the “victims of Communist tyranny and to the memory of German division”.

The monument combines preserved remains of the original border fortifications on Bernauer Strasse with artistic design.

• Documentation Center and Viewing Platform

Here you can get background information on the history of the Berlin Wall through an audiovisual exhibition.

You can also visit the viewing platform from where you can see a long section of the border area, including an intact section of the wall, the security zone and the watchtower.

• Kapelle der Versöhnung  (The Chapel of Reconciliation)  

Built in 1894, this chapel stands on the site of the former Protestant Church of the Reconciliation Parish.

After the Wall was built in 1961, the Church of the Reconciliation was located in the “death strip”, the area between the inner Berlin Wall and the outer Berlin Wall.

The church was no longer accessible to anyone except East German military personnel who used it as a watchtower.

Eventually, its uselessness caused the GDR to destroy the church with explosives.  

After German reunification, the church property was returned to the Reconciliation Parish with the condition that it be used for religious purposes.

A new chapel was built and the original altar piece that survived the demolition now hangs above the exposed cellar staircase of the older church.

Stop H -  DDR Museum Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 1

This museum offers you the chance to leave politics behind and focus on the everyday life of East Germans.

This interactive museum gives you a chance to take a simulated drive in a Trabi, watch state-run TV in a socialist living room and experience what it was like to be interrogated by the dreaded Stasi.

• Hours: Daily 10am-8pm, except Saturday 10am-10pm (22:00).
• Admission: Adults 9.50€; Students: 6€.
• Learn more .

Stop I -  Nikolaiviertel

(Nearest transport to the quarter S-Bahn Alexanderplatz, U-Bahn Klosterstrasse). 

Nikolaiviertel (St. Nicholas Quarter) is a small neighborhood along the River Spree where Berlin was founded in the early 13th century.

Prior to World War II, the area had some of the oldest buildings in Berlin. Unfortunately, those buildings were destroyed during the war.

During the Cold War, this neighborhood was in East Berlin and remained a heap of burnt out buildings and rubble until 1979, when reconstruction of the neighborhood began for Berlin’s 750th anniversary.

What you now see in Nikolaiviertel is in fact a recreation of what it once was.

Although it may not be the real thing, it is a lovely, historic looking area to stroll along car-free streets and browse the quaint shops and restaurants along the River Spree.

Stop J -  East Side Gallery along Mühlenstrasse between Warschauer Strasse and the Ostbahnhof. 

This outdoor ‘art gallery’ is publicly accessible around the clock. This former 1316 meter stretch of the Berlin Wall is the opposite of what the Wall stood for- oppression of expression.

Now this section of the former wall offers the ultimate freedom of expression. In 1990, a united Berlin invited artists from all over the world to paint on the Wall.

The East Side Gallery has 106 paintings and this is one of the most dynamic, exciting and inspiration sites in all of Berlin.

Use our post, How to Visit the East Side Gallery , to find out how to get there, the best times to go and what you can expect from your visit.

Stop K -  Stasi-Museum Ruschestrasse 103, Haus 1

From 1950 until 1989, the East Germany’s secret police, known officially as the Ministry of State Security (Stasi), operated from this complex.

The Stasi kept tabs on anyone whom they believed to be a threat to the state.

The Stasi had agents in the post office reading people’s mail, they broke into homes and planted bugs and conducted surveillance on anyone who expressed any discontent with the GDR regime.

At the museum you can see low-tech, yet highly effective surveillance devices (think James Bond on a budget), lightless cells used for interrogation and the office of the obsessively tidy Stasi Director, Erich Mielke.

More importantly, you will get a sense of just how intimidating and sometimes deadly the Stasi could be.

Admission: Adults 6€; Students age 12+ 3€. Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am-6:00pm (18:00). Weekends and holidays: 11:00am-6:00pm (18:00).

This concludes your self-guided tour of East Berlin and the Berlin Wall.

There is so much more to see and do in Berlin and we offer tours and self-guided tours, as well as our blog with helpful information.

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Anne Wittig

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9 Tips for Visiting the East Side Gallery in Berlin +Map

This post contains links which earn me a small commission at no cost to you.

Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Do

If you’re coming to Berlin for the first time, visiting the East Side Gallery is probably high on your list for a trip to Berlin. It’s the most famous section of the Berlin Wall that’s still standing, and it’s really worth seeing in person.

Visiting the East Side Gallery is pretty straight forward, but it’s helpful to have some background information and some tips that will improve your experience at one of the most popular things to do in Berlin . I’ve also got a short video showing you how to get to the East Side Gallery from the two closest public transport stations, plus a look at the Wall itself.

What you'll find here

Where to stay near the East Side Gallery

If you’re interested in where to stay near the East Side Gallery, you have lots of options that are within 10 minutes away on foot or on public transport. Here are some recommendations for hotels near the East Side Gallery Berlin.

For a more detailed look at the different neighborhoods and our hotel recommendations, check out our guide to where to stay in Berlin .

Tours of the East Side Gallery

A tour can be a great way to learn about the history of a place from an expert. It can also help you see more places in less time than on your own.

Here are a few tours we recommend that involve visiting the East Side Gallery:

• 3-Hour East Berlin Walking Tour
• Alternative Berlin Bike Tour – Off the Beaten Tracks in Small Groups
• 2 hour 15 min Berlin Wall Self Drive Trabant Tour

About the Berlin Wall

For those of you who don’t know much about the Berlin Wall, it separated East and West Berlin for more than 28 years. After World War II, East and West Germany became two different countries, with the East backed by the Soviets.

Berlin was also divided into East and West, and after more than a decade of East German residents migrating to the West, the East German leadership tried to control the situation by putting up physical barriers in the city. On August 13, 1961, fences and barbed wire went up along the border dividing East and West Berlin.

These fences were quickly replaced by a concrete wall, and the border area became more and more fortified. That single Wall became multilayered and included a no man’s land, dubbed the death strip because it’s where people trying to escape could end up being shot to death.

Watch towers, guard dogs, and bright lights were used to detect people who were trying to escape across the border. In the late 1970s, the Berlin Wall was actually rebuilt for improved prevention and surveillance, which allowed leadership to remove a lot of the other barricades that were seen as bad for its international image.

>>Read: 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin

At various points along the border between East Berlin and West Berlin, many people tried to flee. Some were successful while others were caught and died.

When a new law regarding travel between East and West was accidentally announced on November 9, 1989, people rushed to the borders. Guards responded by opening the borders to those who wanted to cross.

This was essentially the beginning of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the East German dictatorship. And although most of the Wall has been torn down, there are still quite a few places in Berlin to see remnants of the Berlin Wall , including the East Side Gallery.

What is the East Side Gallery?

The East Side Gallery is a large section of the Berlin Wall that sits along the eastern bank of the Spree River in the Friedrichshain district. Fun fact : It’s considered the longest open air gallery in the world.

Shortly after the Berlin Wall fell, artists from 21 countries came here to paint murals to celebrate Germany being reunited, and also to remind the world of terrible things that occurred here. Over the years, the some of the art has changed and many of the original paintings have been redone and better preserved. It’s become one of the biggest Berlin bucket list sights for most visitors.

>>Read: Ultimate Itinerary for 3 Days in Berlin: Tips From a Local

How long is the East Side Gallery?

The East Side Gallery is 1.3km (0.8 mile) long. While it used to be a continuous section of the Berlin Wall, unfortunately a few sections were removed and relocated a few years ago to make room for apartment buildings.

How to Visit the East Side Gallery

Since the East Side Gallery is a long outdoor attraction, you should start at one end and work your way to the other end. Go slowly to appreciate the various pieces of art.

There are several pieces of art you’ve surely seen photos of, but some of the less famous ones are just as impressive. Don’t just skip ahead to the two or three you already know about because you might miss something excellent that simply isn’t as well known.

The East Side Gallery doesn’t have opening hours, so it’s accessible 24 hours a day. Early morning hours are usually less crowded, so if you can plan on visiting the East Side Gallery as your first or second stop of the day, you’ll have a better chance of enjoying it will less people.

That said, if you show up at peak time and there are a lot of people, you just might need a few extra minutes here and there. This is especially true at the famous pieces like the Fraternal Kiss (pictured at the top of this section) where people wait in line to take a picture or selfie.

East Side Gallery cherry blossoms

If you’re visiting Berlin in spring , or more specifically in late April or early May, you might get to see some gorgeous cherry blossom trees behind the East Side Gallery. This is one of several places to see cherry blossoms in Berlin .

They’re located near the Ostbahnhof end of the East Side Gallery in between the Wall and the river.

East Side Gallery Map

Here’s a helpful map I created to show you where the East Side Gallery is from one end to the other. Plus I’ve labeled the nearest transport stations, hotels, restaurants, and other things to do in the area.

I live somewhat nearby so I have quite a lot of restaurant recommendations for this area.

What to wear on your visit

Since the East Side Gallery is outdoors, and it’s 1.3km (0.8 mile) long, you’ll be on your feet a lot. Wear comfortable shoes, and dress for the weather at the time of year you’re visiting Berlin .

>>Read: What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List

How to get to the East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is located at Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, and it’s easy to get there. For example, you can get from Alexanderplatz to the East Side Gallery by Sbahn or Ubahn with no switches in just a few minutes.

If you’re using public transport, you have several options for directions to the East Side Gallery.

Video: East Side Gallery & How to Get There

Option 1: Ostbahnhof Train Station The Ostbahnhof train station is at one end of the East Side Gallery. To get here, you can take one of several Sbahns: S3, S5, S7, S9, or S75.

Then go out to the front of the train station, and the East Side Gallery is across the street.

Option 2: Warschauer Strasse S&U Station Near the other end of the East Side Gallery is S&U Warschauer Str. To get here, you can take the same Sbahn lines – S3, S5, S7, S9, S75 – or take Ubahn lines U1 or U3.

Note that the Warschauer Str station has a bit of a separation between the Ubahns and the Sbahns. This means if you end your East Side Gallery visit on this side and want to get on transport, you will get to the Ubahn station just before the Sbahn station.

The M10 tram also goes to S&U Warschauer Str, so that is another option depending on where you’re coming from. There’s a stop for the Warschauer Str Sbahn and another stop for labeled S&U Warschauer Str, which is closer to the Ubahn station.

The M13 tram also goes to Warschauer Str, but only the Sbahn station, which is a little bit farther than the stop labeled S&U Warschauer Strasse. If you’re using the M13, this is still reasonable and only adds a couple extra minutes of walking.

Warschauer Str is the last/first stop for all but the Sbahn lines, which have stops before and after.

From the Warschauer Str station, it’ll take you less than 10 minutes to walk south on Warschauer Str until you reach the East Side Gallery. You can’t really miss it, but if you get to the river, you’ve gone too far.

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Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Things to know before you go

Before you visit the East Side Gallery, here are a few more pieces of advice to help you enjoy this popular Berlin landmark .

How much does it cost to visit the East Side Gallery?

Often people ask what is the entrance price to visit the East Side Gallery. Well, luckily the cost to visit is zero – it’s free!

And it’s one of the most popular free things to do in Berlin .

East Side Gallery opening times

The East Side Gallery is outdoors with no barrier to entry, so you can visit any time day or night. However, it’s better enjoyed during daylight hours, and I recommend getting there early in the day to avoid crowds.

How long do you need at the East Side Gallery?

Since the East Side Gallery is less than a mile long, you can walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes or less. But this doesn’t account for stopping to enjoy the artwork, which adds a significant amount of time.

Most people spend about one hour at the East Side Gallery. There’s a lot of art to see here, and while not each piece will grab you, you should take your time to really see as many of them as possible.

>>If you like street art, you might be interested in reading about the free Urban Nation street art museum in Berlin .

East Side Gallery at night

Even though I think it’s nicer to visit during the day, you can enjoy the East Side Gallery at night. There are plenty of street lights so you can still see the artwork. It’s also a lively are with plenty of nearby hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars.

During Berlin summers , lots of people hang out in the park area between the Gallery and the river in the evenings. It’s a nice way to enjoy the view and and a bit of relief from the hot day. Check out other ways to enjoy Berlin at night .

East Side Gallery FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting the East Side Gallery in Berlin.

The East Side Gallery is 1.3km (0.8 mile) long.

Where is the East Side Gallery in Berlin?

The official address of the East Side Gallery is Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, which is in the Friedrichshain district. Mühlenstraße parallels the Spree River.

The closest transport stations are Ostbahnhof train station, which you can reach by Sbahn, and S&U Warschauer Str, which you can reach by Sbahn, Ubahn lines U1 and U3, and the M10 and M13 trams.

Where does the East Side Gallery start and end?

One end of the East Side Gallery is near the intersection with Warschauer Str, and the other end is near the Ostbahnhof train station. To see the East Side Gallery, you can start from either end and walk down the street towards the other end.

Is East Side Gallery free?

Yes, the East Side Gallery is free. You do not need any tickets to visit.

Is the East Side Gallery worth visiting?

Yes, the East Side Gallery is absolutely worth visiting. The artwork is creative and interesting to see, and since the Berlin Wall was such a big part of Berlin’s past, it’s worth seeing some of the sections that are still standing.

>>Read: Is Berlin Worth Visiting? 23 Reasons to Visit Berlin

Why is the East Side Gallery famous?

The East Side Gallery is famous for several reasons. Mostly it’s famous because of the many creative pieces of art that are painted on it.

It’s also famous for being the longest section of the Berlin Wall that still stands today. It’s a huge piece of history, and decades later, it still has an important message.

Is the East Side Gallery the original Berlin Wall?

Yes, the artwork is painted on original pieces of the Berlin Wall. However, they were painted after the Wall started to fall around the city, not during the time when Berlin was divided.

Things to do near the East Side Gallery

If you’re interested in spending more time in this area, there are lots of other things to do near the East Side Gallery. And besides the things I’ve listed below, you’ll have easy access to public transport, so you can get to another part of the city to see more of the top sights in Berlin .

The Wall Museum by the East Side Gallery

Near the southern end of the East Side Gallery is a museum focused on the history of the Berlin Wall. Here you can see exhibits about the beginning phases of the Wall, the death zone, how the Wall effected people’s lives and more.

The museum also honors those who died at the Wall between August 13, 1961 and November 9, 1989.

Oberbaumbrücke

Oberbaumbrücke , or Oberbaum Bridge, was built as a simple wooden bridge in the early 1700s. The fancier version you’ll see today was built in the late 1800s.

The bridge crosses the Spree River and connects the Berlin districts of Friedrichshain (former East) and Kreuzberg (former West), giving it an important position during the Cold War. Though it was damaged during World War II, the bridge was repaired enough to be used as a pedestrian crossing between East and West Berlin.

A few years after the Wall fell, the bridge was fully repaired and is used by cars, pedestrians, and the U1 and U3 Ubahn lines.

RAW-Gelände and Urban Spree

A few minutes north of the Warschauer Str station, turn right just before Revaler Str. This area is a great place to look for street art in Berlin, and offers a glimpse into the alternative artsy scene that Friedrichshain is known for.

You’ll find beer gardens, snack stands, night clubs, an art gallery focused on street art, a weekly flea market, and more. It stretches for several street lengths along Revaler Str, with the train tracks on the other side.

And if you’re visiting Berlin in the winter , check out the Historical Christmas Market located in this area.

Boxhagener Platz

If you’re visiting on the weekend, Boxhagener Platz holds a great fresh market on Saturdays and a fun flea market on Sundays. On other days, it’s a nice grassy park to relax in.

You’ll also find lots of good (and some not so good) restaurants, cafes, and bars in the Boxhagener area. And if you like shopping, there are lots of interesting boutiques and second hand stores in this areas.

Karl Marx Allee and Frankfurter Tor

Not far from the East Side Gallery and the Boxhagener area is Frankfurter Tor. This was once the location of a city gate, but today two impressive towers stand here.

The buildings along Karl Marx Allee, and for one block along Frankfurter Allee, were built during the Cold War in a very Soviet style of architecture. They have protection status, and they’re a unique group of buildings in Berlin stretching for a couple of kilometers.

Restaurants near the East Side Gallery

After spending some time checking out the East Side Gallery, you might be hungry for a snack or a meal. Here are a few suggestions for places to eat near the East Side Gallery. Also, see my full list of restaurants, bars, cafes, and beer gardens in Friedrichshain .

Mercedes Benz Arena and East Side Mall : These two places are near the East Side Gallery, and you’ll find lots of places to eat there, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a sit down meal. There are quite a few chain restaurants, like Five Guys, Tony Roma’s, and Einstein Kaffee.

You’ll also find a few of Berlin’s rooftop bars here. The views of the city and the river can’t be beat.

Seoulkitchen : This is a decent Korean restaurant on Warschauer Str not far from the East Side Gallery.

Döner : There are several Döner stands within a few minutes of the East Side Gallery, and they make for a great meal that’s quick, inexpensive, and something you should really try at least once while you’re in Berlin. I haven’t tried the ones right near the East Side Gallery, but a short walk up Warschauer Str is Mustafa Demir’s Retro Döner Kebap, and they are tasty.

>>Read: 51 Tasty German Foods to Try: What to Eat in Germany

Matanga : This is a Spanish and Latin American restaurant near East Side Gallery that serves empanadas, meat and vegan dishes, and wonderful cocktails.

Chipi Chipi Bombon : If you’re visiting Berlin during a warm time of year, ice cream might be just the trick. Chipi Chipi Bombon has some of the best ice cream in Berlin, and I highly recommend it. Try the Dulce de Leche.

Shakespeare & Sons : This is both a bookstore with English language books and a bagel shop with tasty bagels and bagel sandwiches.

Brammibal’s Donuts : For an elaborate tasty treat that’s also vegan, check out Brammibal’s Donuts, a Berlin chain with quite a fan base.

Mutzenbacher : For a nice dinner near East Side Gallery, I recommend Mutzenbacher, an Austrian restaurant just a few blocks away. Be sure to reserve a table, especially on weekends, because it’s a small restaurant.

Boxhagener area : If you wander up to Simon Dach Strasse and the other streets near Boxhagener Platz, you’ll find plenty of choices for food. Places with all night happy hours and cheap cocktails probably don’t have the best food, but there are a lot of other great options in this area.

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this guide to visiting the East Side Gallery in Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

Related Posts

What to do in Berlin on Monday: 25+ Museums & More

What to do in Berlin on Sunday: 15+ Ideas

Best Berlin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

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Berlin's Top 10 Attractions

Are you on a whistle-stop tour of the capital or just looking for the Berlin Top 10 ? Well look no further, because we've picked the top ten things to see and do in Berlin so you don't have to. The choice of the top 10 Berlin attractions was by no means easy - this city has so much to offer! But here are the top 10 attractions and places you do have to visit in Berlin.

Top pick 1: Reichstag & glass dome 

When the decision was made to move the Federal Government to Berlin, it was time to reawaken the Reichstag building from its long years of slumber on the Mauerstreifen, the military zone between the two sides of the Wall. The building has since been completely modernised, and today's visitors to the Reichstag can look out from the building's glass dome to get a bird's eye view of the hustle and bustle in the city. There are also a number of government buildings in the vicinity of the Reichstag, for example the Bundeskanzleramt ( Federal Chancellery ) and the Brandenburg Gate .

Experience the government district and many other highlights from the water with a boat tour:

Tickets for boat tours

Top pick 2: Brandenburg Gate - Berlin's signature attraction

Without a doubt, the Brandenburg Gate is Berlin's signature attraction. Built in 1791, it was just one of many old city gates around the city of Berlin which, at that time, was still a manageable size. The decorative Pariser Platz was laid at the foot of the gate and is now home to many of the city's important buildings, for example, the Hotel Adlon with its wealth of history and the Akademie der Künste (Academy of the Arts).

Jurassic World: The Exhibition in the Expohalle Urban Banks

Jurassic World: The Exhibition is an interactive experience for the whole family on around 2,500 square meters, based on one of the biggest blockbusters in film history. Visitors walk through the famous gates of "Jurassic World" and come face to face with life-size dinosaurs.

Mehr erfahren

Top pick 3: Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm) - Berlin's highest attraction

The Berlin Television Tower , which is known to locals as the Fernsehturm , and is instantly recognisable from the distance, stand outs of the skyline at 368m, making it the tallest building and by far highest tourist attraction in Berlin. Built in the 1960s, visitors to the tower can enjoy a unique 360° panorama of the city. Tip: Visit the TV Tower with the Berlin Welcome Card and save up to 25 per cent. The Berlin WelcomeCard enables free travelling with all public transport services to the Berlin visitors. With over 200 partners and outstanding discounts the Berlin WelcomeCard offers you a complete „carefree“ package. 

Tickets for TV-Tower & Restaurant Sphere

Berlin Welcome Card

Deutschlandmuseum

The immersive history experience! Travel through 2000 years of German history: sneak round a castle, operate Gutenberg’s printing press, dance in the roaring 20s and see the ruins of Berlin after WW2. Finish in the 1990s on a Berlin S-Bahn.

Top pick 4: Humboldt Forum - always a great place to visit

Directly opposite Berlin's Museum Island , a new cosmopolitan forum for culture, art and science is located: the Humboldt Forum . Visible from afar, it covers an area of around 30,000 square metres. The reconstructed baroque palace facades shine in bright quince yellow. State-of-the-art interactive exhibitions await you under one roof and spread over five floors. The world-famous collections of the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art are also on display here.

Also take a look around the corner from the Humboldt Forum: The Friedrichswerder Church , built by Schinkel, is now a very special museum, displaying sculptures of classicism in the high neo-Gothic church hall.

Top pick 5: Gendarmenmarkt - Berlin's most beautiful attraction

The Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most stunning squares in the city, located close to Friedrichstraße , Berlin's exclusive shopping street in the central Mitte district. Three of the most impressive examples of architecture in the capital city are to be found here: the Concert House designed by Schinkel and the German and French Cathedrals (the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom ).

Combine your visit to Gendarmenmarkt with a city tour and discover other top sights:

Tickets for Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Top pick 6: Kurfürstendamm - Berlin's most famous shopping street

Extending all the way from the ruins of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz to Berlin's elegant Halensee neighbourhood, the affectionately termed Kurfürstendamm is the most expensive address in the capital city and home to the most exclusive brands. Europe's biggest department store KaDeWe is also situated on the extension of the Ku'damm, on the street known to locals as the Tauentzien (short for Tauentzienstrasse). You will find many sights and top attractions along this famous shopping street. The little ones will just love the Zoo Berlin , Germany's oldest zoo.

Day-Tickets for Zoo Berlin

Top pick 7: Charlottenburg Palace

The magnificent Charlottenburg Palace is located just outside the city centre. Built by the Prussian head of state Frederick I around 1700 for his beloved and much-admired wife, Queen Sophie Charlotte, it lies in the middle of a picturesque palace park directly on the River Spree. If you don't fancy a stroll in the park, you can also visit first-class museums and a collection of casts of ancient sculptures directly opposite on Schloßstraße.

Top pick 8: Museum Island 

Berlin's Museum Island is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and home to the city's most important exhibition centres: the Altes Museum ( Old Museum ), the Neues Museum ( New Museum ) the Bode Museum , the Pergamon Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie ( Old National Gallery ). The collections in these buildings encompass over 6,000 years of art and cultural history. Unfortunately, the Pergamon Museum is closed for extensive renovation work.

Just opposite Berlin's Museum Island, the magnificent monumental Berlin Cathedral, an important landmark of Berlin whose history dates back to the 15th century, is also located on the Museum Island.

Tip: Visit Berlin's museums with the 3-day Berlin Museum Pass . For €32 (reduced €16), the museum pass guarantees free admission for all Berlin visitors on three consecutive days to many museums. Order now in the visitBerlin-Shop

Tickets for the Museum Pass

Top pick 9: The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre

The Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer ( Berlin Wall Memorial ) is located between the districts of Wedding and Mitte on Bernauer Straße. The large area houses an outdoor exhibition, a documentation centre, the memorial to the victims of the division and the Chapel of Reconciliation. The surviving section of the wall and watchtower enable visitors to get a real feel for the reality of the border facilities. A must see Berlin attraction, not only for visitors interested in Beriln's history.

Get to know more about the Berlin wall at the East Side Gallery .

Top pick 10: Victory Column - magnificent view on Berlin

The Berlin Victory Column is one of the most famous landmarks of the German capital. The 67-metre-high column, crowned by the golden Berlin Peace Angel visible from afar, stands in the middle of the Tiergarten. From the platform you have a magnificent view over the parklands of the Tiergarten and over the whole of Berlin. The Victory Column was erected in the 19th century and originally commemorated Germany's wars of unity. Today it has become a symbol of peace.

From the Victory Column you can walk in the Tiergarten but also walk to the nearby Brandenburg Gate , Potsdamer Platz or the Berlin Reichstag .

More about sights in Berlin:

Sightseeing in berlin.

• All sights in Berlin

Museums in Berlin

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Your Berlin guide with insider tips

The top sights, the best exhibitions and tickets for city tours – your must-do list for sightseeing in Berlin!

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From Museum Island to the DDR Museum

From great masterpieces to unusual exhibits – Berlin’s museums are home to stunning works of art and fascinating worlds.

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2 Days in East Berlin: What to do and See

I spent the first day of my trip to Berlin trying to get to acquainted with the city, zigzagging across the not-so-invisible boundary that used to divide the German capital into two halves. But on the second day I want to go beyond the wall, beyond the former border, where the memory of the pain is not gone despite the scars being no longer visible to the naked eye.

When I get off at Ostbahnhof , I cannot miss the mishmash of old and new: the station of the east, with its red-brick facade and the wrought-iron vaults on one side, and the ultra-modern, bright coloured blocks of flats on the other. I walk along the Mühlenstrasse towards the starting point of the East Side Gallery , which is probably the biggest open-air art gallery.

The wall is still intact along the East Berlin strip of street where hundreds of artists have left their brush strokes at the beginning of the Nineties. The nearly one mile long section of concrete is a powerful celebration of freedom against hate and oppression.

The works of art are ironic and colourful, like Birgit Kinder’s iconic Trabant crashing through the wall. Russian artist Dimitrji Vrubel copied the famous photo depicting Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker hugging and kissing to celebrate the DDR anniversary in 1979. Mein Gott, hilf mir, diese tödliche Liebe zu überleben , reads the tagline under the graffiti: My God, help me survive this deadly love. A deadly love that broke a country into two : this is how the liaison between the German Democratic Republic and the Soviet Union is often described.

A bunch of tourists are taking turns in posing for selfies next to the graffiti, maybe without seeing the awful sadness behind the bright colors on the wall. And it’s embarrassing how people fail to understand the true meaning of the picture.

I walk along the street until I reach another landmark of the east-west division: the Oberbaumbrücke , the red brick tower bridge. It’s imposing, with its lower bay supporting the street, and the upper one sustaining the railway lines. The red bridge is yet another symbol of a divided city , where one of the several checkpoints was set up during the Cold War .

From the Oberbaumbrücke I take a tram to Grünbergerstrasse . Months ago I read an article about some café that apparently hasn’t changed much since the era of the German Democratic Republic: a place where you can still bask in die Ostalgie , the communist regime nostalgia. But there’s no way of finding it: the article I had read was published about a year ago, so maybe the place has closed down.

I reach Boxhagener Platz , where the Flohmarkt , the flea market , takes place every Sunday. It’s the mirror image of many other street markets in other cities: its smells like dust and incense smoke. People walk lazily, like if they have no particular destination, rummaging through second-hand clothes and crochet handbags. Strolling along the side streets is much better, especially since it’s sunny and not that cold.

But there are more things I want to see, starting from the Karl-Marx-Allee , just round the corner. The monumental avenue runs through Friedrichshain and Mitte. There’s nothing particularly remarkable, but what makes me want to see the 300-foot-large, multiple lane street are the buildings and the so-called brutalist architecture of the Soviet Union.

I have never been to Russia , but the avenue matches the image of the USSR that I have made up in my mind: the two twin square towers, the imposing nine storey blocks of flats overlooking the avenue that until 1961 was know as Stalin-Allee.

I leave Stalin behind and walk to the Fernsehturm in Alexanderplatz . I remember seeing photos dating back to the Cold War, and in particular a black and white image of a man and a kid – possibly a grandfather with his grandchild – walking in the fog, with the Television Tower and the World Clock in the background.

The only other person was a man looking like a soldier, or at least dressed like one. The contraposition with this Sunday afternoon is so painful that it feels like a completely different place. The Nike’s, McDonald’s and Dunkin Donut’s neon signs are an eyesore.

It might be a different place, after all. I choose not to climb to the top of the tower because the line for the elevator goes round the block, so I walk to the Rotes Rathaus , the red city hall, which was the seat of East Berlin city council.

I cross the road from the city hall and find myself in Nikolaiviertel , the borough named after St. Nicholas’ church. Should I come back to Berlin, I could easily do without seeing this area again: the seemingly ancient feel of the houses and the streets is nothing but a swindle , since the entire district was built in the Eighties in mock 18 th century style.

Other than the Nikolaikirche , everything else screams a tourist trap – from the souvenir shops to the breweries whose waitresses are dressed up as Bavarian kellnerin . The set up is as unconvincing as a version of the Oktoberfest taking place on the French Riviera. Or like a Christmas parade on Bondi Beach.

My last stop of the day is the DDR Museum , just opposite the Berlin Dome. I am not sure whether the choice between the Dome and the museum is the right one, because I doubt that visitors really get the message the exhibition intends to convey.

For sure the Italian family made up of mommy, daddy and three screaming kids do not even figure out that there’s a message at all: because of them there’s a mile long line of people waiting to get on a restored Trabant. They seem to be under the impression that this is the Ferrari Museum or the Micro Machines theme park: the kids are on a roll, and so are the parents who keep suggesting that they should go faster .

I will never know what a Trabant smells like or how uncomfortable its seats are, but at least I know what the people’s apartments look like.   I walk through a static elevator coming from one of the actual council flats of East Berlin. I get a glimpse of what life was like back in the DDR times , when people were told what to wear, what to eat and what to do with their time . From the furniture, to the choice of kitchen appliances to the – scarce – food: everything was imposed by the regime.

This was how people in East Berlin were compelled to live until about fifty years ago, not centuries ago. They didn’t choose that kind of life, nor did they choose to wear the clothes hanging from their bedroom closet or to embellish their dining room with the yellowish blanket strewn across the sofa armrest. Choices were made and imposed on them. The message is loud and clear: life in the DDR was a synonym of hardship, near-starvation, repression and fear. Something that no human being should ever be forced to experience.

I live in a small town in Italy and I work in a small office on a secondary road. But I dream of living in Notting Hill, working in Williamsburg, having a glass of wine in Montmartre and dining in North Beach. And, why not, even doing some shopping in Fifth Avenue. I’m not able to cook but I love to eat, and through food and culinary traditions I explore new places and share what I found in my writings.

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3 thoughts on “2 Days in East Berlin: What to do and See”

Just wanted to comment on some of the dramatizations in your article:

Despite the GDR doubtlessly being a regime of illiberalism and repression, the government never told people what to wear or what to eat. Choices of clothes were merely limited by the market, which was not free. So if you managed to smuggle an Adidas track suit or your FRG relatives sent you sexy lingerie or whatever, nobody stopped you from wearing it. The only thing that could happen is that you wouldn’t get a job in public (service jobs, representative jobs). Same goes for food: you could have whatever food you wanted, as long as you could get it. Also, while it is true that there used to be shortages of certain foods on a very regular basis (to an extent that it apparently became very common to see people standing in endless lines because one of the shops had a shipment of rare goods coming in), even during the worst times (around 1986) starvation was never an issue, as opposed to other eastern European countries like Romania. Also, I’m not sure what you’re referring to when you say that people were told what to do with their time.

About “Ostalgie”: The case of actual nostalgia towards the actual regime exists, very very rarely though. The more common “Ostalgie” results from a certain nostalgia to the products, events, lifestyle. To understand this, you have to understand that all the experiences, truths, companies, culture became worthless within the blink of an eye, which led to people feeling like second class citizens. This again made them start to long for the past…

For the timespan: The GDR existed until about 30 years ago. Crazy, right?

As for the Trabant: Given you live in Italy, you kind of know what a Trabant smells like: like any dirty two-stroke scooter. Exactly the same. The seats are very uncomfortable if you are taller than 170, also they’re not reclinable or anything.

Love the flea market at Boxhagener Platz, I admit to being a little obssessed. Coming back to Berlin on another extended work trip so I’m going to do the co-living option vondereurope.com/location/Berlin again, I recommend it to anyone who will be staying for a bit longer and doesn’t want to be stuck with a choice of hotels or the impossible Berlin apartment finding hell.

What a condescending article! Had to stop reading it!!!

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18 Best Things to Do in Berlin

By Liz Humphreys and Krystin Arneson

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. Where else can you saunter through Prussian palaces, venture into Nazi-era bunkers, tour the world's longest outdoor art gallery, and lose yourself in Europe's most famous techno temple? (And that's just day one.) So bring an open mind, pack your stamina, and get ready to dive into all the city has to offer. Read on for the very best things to do in Berlin.

Read our complete Berlin travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider's experience of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.

Hackesche Höfe and Haus Schwarzenberg Arrow

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 to restore the interconnected höfs (courtyards) to their former glory, the labyrinth reopened in 1996. Several doors down on Rosenthaler Straße, Haus Schwarzenberg is Hackesche Höfe’s gritty, graffiti-covered brother, and it offers a fascinating glimpse of what much of Berlin looked like before gentrification swept in.

Charlottenburg Palace Arrow

Built in 1699 as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, wife of King Friedrich I, this massive, multi-winged baroque structure is Berlin’s largest palace. Heavily damaged in World War II and rebuilt and restored over several decades, the palace is home to a number of priceless collections, including royal porcelain and silver, crown jewels, and important 18th-century French paintings by artists such as Antoine Watteau. The rooms themselves, most of which were entirely reconstructed, feature ornate plasterwork, gilding, and frescoes, all based on original designs. The highlight is the gardens, created in the French and English style, with orderly hedges, fountains, ponds, and tree-lined gravel paths.

Berlin Wall Memorial Arrow

This free indoor/outdoor museum and memorial is the best place to learn how the Berlin Wall sprung up, practically overnight, what life was like in the former East German state, and the heroic (and heartbreaking) attempts people made to reunite with their families. As you walk along this one-mile stretch of Bernauer Strasse, an open-air exhibit features photographs and signs detailing the stories on either side of the barrier. There’s also a preserved piece of the original border wall and a watchtower, as well as an indoor visitor center with exhibits chronicling the political and historical events surrounding the city’s division.

Mauerpark Flea Market Arrow

Located along a former part of the Berlin Wall that was a militarized no-man’s land known as the “Death Strip,” the area that is now Mauerpark (“Wall Park") was where guards stationed in watch towers would shoot would-be escapees trying to flee from East Berlin to West. Today, the attack dogs and soldiers are gone, and in their place, the city’s largest and best outdoor market is held every Sunday. Surrounding the bustling market in the trendy green space is something of an anything-goes circus, filled with jugglers, picnickers and the world's largest karaoke party, known as Bearpit Karaoke.

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Mark Ellwood

Alex Erdekian

Berghain Arrow

Perhaps no club in Berlin (or the world, for that matter) is more hallowed than Berghain. Set in a former East German power station, this cavernous, nondescript warehouse is the Holy Grail for techno fans, hosting three-day-long debauchery-induced raves. Every weekend, the club attracts some of the best DJs from all over the planet to spin and pump beats so intense that they ring in your bones instead of your ears.

Reichstag Building Arrow

Reduced to rubble after one of history's most infamous fires in the 1930s, and then rebuilt decades later, the stately Reichstag is arguably Germany's most iconic landmark . The building has been home of Germany’s parliament (the Bundestag) since 1999 and now serves as a symbol of the country’s reunification. Today, a glistening glass dome designed by starchitect Norman Foster sits atop the grand old structure, and anyone with an advanced booking can ascend its 755-foot-long ramp for sweeping views over the city. The Reichstag dome is one of the most enriching free experiences for first-time visitors to the city, where a troubled past exists side by side with a trendsetting future. Few places employ this juxtaposition quite as well as this monument to freedom and openness, which was literally built atop the site that saw Nazis rise to power.

Humboldt Forum Arrow

The Humboldt Forum’s collection is vast and varied—and honestly more than a little overwhelming. The main exhibit is the Ethnological Collection and Asian Art, which displays about 20,000 objects from Berlin’s former Ethnological Museum and Museum for Asian Art of the State Museums. What’s most interesting here is that many objects are examined in a critical context—for instance, looking at how they were taken from African nations during colonial rule, with descriptions in both German and English. The fascinating, if sprawling, Berlin Global exhibit examines Berlin’s impact on the world in six categories: Boundaries, Entertainment, Fashion, Interconnection, Revolution, Space, and War. The After Nature (Humboldt Lab) exhibition critically examines the interplay between climate change and democracy in countries around the world. Then there are a few exhibitions reminding you of the building’s complex history: a Sculpture Hall displaying fragments of the original palace as well as six large 18th-century sculptures; the Palace Cellar below ground that includes part of the medieval Dominican monastery originally on the site as well as preserved sections of the Berlin Palace’s foundations; and a large-scale video panorama about the history of the site (“800 years of history in just 14 minutes!”) Plus, a panoramic rooftop on the fourth floor (accessible with an extra fee) offers lovely views of the Berlin rooftops. Also of note: As befits a modern museum, a good number of exhibits are interactive, with buttons to push, videos and virtual reality stories to watch, and audio to listen to.

Brandenburg Gate Arrow

This triumphant neoclassical arch is Berlin’s most famous monument and the only remaining gate of the 14 that originally surrounded the city when it was a proud Prussian metropolis. Since then, Napoleon and Hitler have stormed through it and the world watched as thousands of Berliners swarmed the site with sledgehammers to topple the nearby Wall in 1989. Ever since, this Acropolis-inspired 1791 monument has come to symbolize German reunification. Conveniently located within easy walking distance of a trio of boldfaced Berlin sites ( Tiergarten Park , the Reichstag , and The Holocaust Memorial ), the Brandenburg Gate serves as a central meeting place for tourists.

Topography of Terror Arrow

You’re on the site of the headquarters of the Gestapo, Nazi Germany’s secret police force between 1933 and 1945, where many political prisoners were tortured before being sent to concentration camps and prisons. The Reich Security Main Office, created by Nazi paramilitary organization Schutzstaffel (SS) head and chief of the German police Heinrich Himmel—which was responsible for organizing the Holocaust—was also headquarted here starting in 1939. Indoor and outdoor exhibitions walk visitors through the history of these organizations and the crimes that they committed. Especially moving is the outdoor exhibit “Berlin 1933-1945. Between Propaganda and Terror” that looks at how the Nazis came to power in Berlin; it’s displayed amongst excavated sections of the fomer building (visible through glass panels) where the Nazis planned their crimes against humanity. The comprehensive inside exhibit goes into even more depth, using photos and stories to tell the story of when the Nazis came to power and the crimes they committed until World War II ended. Both exhibits, plus regularly rotating temporary ones, are free to visit. For even more history, to the site’s north you’ll find the longest section of the Berlin Wall still remaining in the city center.

Museum Island Arrow

Berlin's Smithsonian on the Spree, Museumsinsel (“Museum Island”) is a UNESCO-inscribed collection of five world-class museums and a must-see for anyone coming to Berlin. Spanning 6,000 years of art and history, the island’s ensemble of museums (The Altes Museum, Neues Museum , Alte Nationalgalerie, Pergamonmuseum , and Bode Museum) represent the pinnacle of Germany’s museum collection. Here, visitors can come face to face with Nefertiti; ascend an ancient altar dedicated to Zeus; and marvel at Monet, Cézanne, and Degas’ landscapes before crossing the bridge back to mainland Berlin.

Neue Nationalgalerie Arrow

All of the Neue Nationalgalerie’s art dates from the 20th century. The museum’s permanent collection is strong on German Expressionism—think Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Max Beckmann, and Emil Nolde— along with Cubist and Dada works, plus worthy pieces by such 20th-century art world luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, Piet Mondriaan, Joan Miró, and Wassily Kandinsky. Though the permanent exhibition space on the lower floor is large, it only holds about 250 pieces, so selections from the museum’s collection of about 5,000 artworks rotate throughout the year. (A new, larger “berlin modern” museum is under construction next to the Neue Nationalgalerie to display more of the artworks; however, its planned opening in 2027 is in question, as it’s already behind schedule and millions over budget.) When the Neue Nationalgalerie reopened in 2021, the permanent exhibition space featured art from 1900 to 1945; from late 2023 through October 2025, the museum is displaying works from 1945 to 2000, with such artists as Barnett Newman, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, and Louise Nevelson. Visitors also have the chance to catch the Gerhard Richter Art Foundation, which has loaned 100 works from the renowned German artist to the museum until at least 2026. You can hit the highlights in 60 to 90 minutes, but it will be a bit rushed. Two hours will give you a much more relaxed pace to explore the permanent and temporary collections, and to maybe even spend some time enjoying the lovely sculpture garden, if the weather’s nice.

Sammlung Boros Arrow

A renovated Nazi-era bunker in the now-posh Mitte district houses this private collection of contemporary art, owned by Christian and Karen Boros (who actually live in an apartment on the roof). The selection of sculpture, paintings, photographs, and installations by international artists rotate every four years, but have recently featured contemporary artists like Katja Novitskova, Guan Xiao, and Kris Martin. A guided tour across its five floors reveals not only the impressive collection but also the long history of the bunker, which was used as a Nazi air raid shelter and later became an underground techno club (you can still see vestiges of fluorescent paint in some rooms and stairwells). Tours (required) book up months in advance, so plan accordingly.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Arrow

A short walk from Brandenburg Gate , this sprawling, maze-like set of 2,711 concrete columns is a haunting reminder of the atrocities and toll of World War II and Germany’s main memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Officially called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the site occupies an entire 205,000-square-foot city block and was designed by American architect Peter Eisenman after an exhaustive 17-year planning process. The memorial’s abstract design offers no explanation or prescribed walking path, but simply invites visitors to enter and become swallowed in its tomb-like slabs.

East Side Gallery Arrow

With more than 100 paintings, the East Side Gallery is the world's largest (and longest) open-air art gallery. The 0.8-mile stretch of the Berlin Wall, which runs parallel to the Spree River, once trapped East Germans inside. But when the rest of the Wall came crumbling down in 1989, this stretch remained and became a concrete canvas for international artists, who splashed it with murals between February and June of 1990.

Tempelhofer Feld Arrow

Built by Hitler’s henchmen and used as a lifeline by some two million people during the Allied Airlift, Tempelhof Airport is now a sweeping urban playground that’s larger than Central Park . On sunny days, thousands of Berliners come to jog down the abandoned runways, bike under the old radar station, and grill next to grounded Cold War-era planes. Stay long enough and you’ll see beekeepers in the lawn, windsurfers on the runway, cricket players by the tarmac, zipliners in the forest, and much more.

Tiergarten Arrow

Berlin's signature park and "green lung," Tiergarten Park is a leafy 519-acre oasis that was once used as the hunting grounds of Berlin’s rulers (“Tiergarten” means “animal park”). These days, the boars and pheasants have moved on, and in their place a series of lakes, hiking paths, English gardens, and even a biergarten attract joggers, cyclists, and sunbathers. Towering over the center of the park, the gilded Siegessäule (Victory Column) is the most famous of Tiergarten’s many monuments and commemorates Prussian war victories. Nearby, the white Schloss Bellevue palace is where the German president lives. Elsewhere, don’t miss the manicured English Garden and teahouse, and Berlin’s most attractive and romantic biergarten, Café am Neuen See, where lovers can enjoy a pint, a pizza, and a paddle aboard a rowboat on the lake. It would take you days to see all of hte park—we recommend downshifting and taking your time here with a bike, a blanket, and a book.

Prater Garten Arrow

Prater Garden, Berlin's oldest biergarten, comprises almost a full acre of communal tables and benches. Although Germany’s capital city doesn't have the biergarten culture of Bavaria, this gem has been around since 1837—and has withstood the multiple tests of time for good reason. Like most biergartens, the atmosphere is relaxed and convivial: People focus on their company first and their drinks (think Pils and housemade dark beer) second. This is also Berlin's best spot for a bratwurst fix; nothing goes better with sun and bier than a grilled sausage, so choose from spicy or standard. Bavarian pretzels make for great beer-side snacks, too.

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1. Apple Valley Creamery

2. East Berlin Community Park

3. dylans restaurant and bar.

• Apple Valley Creamery
• Dylans Restaurant and Bar
• East Berlin Community Park

17 Best Places To Visit In Eastern Germany

• David Angel

About the Author: David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian with 30+years experience exploring Europe. His work regularly appears in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Guardian.

From the Baroque towers and palaces of Dresden to the Berlin Wall, this is my guide to the best places to visit in Eastern Germany.

I’ve been visiting this fascinating part of Germany for over 25 years. I have always found it one of the most compelling regions to visit.

Beyond Berlin, it’s still relatively off the beaten path for many international travellers – it’s nowhere near as widely known as Bavaria or the Black Forest. Quedlinburg or Goslar are every bit as enchanting as the much more famous Rothenburg – it’s just that far less people have discovered them.

And there is also a whole layer of history – when the region was Communist East Germany – to uncover.

I hope you enjoy my guide and find these places as fascinating as I have.

These are the best places to visit in Eastern Germany.

Table of Contents

1. Berlin  

Berlin is the capital of Germany and, by some distance, the largest city in the country. It’s gritty rather than pretty, but one of the most absorbing cities in Europe, and the world for that matter. 

Berlin is where the longest conflict of the 20 th century, the Cold War, played out. The Berlin Wall divided the city for 28 years, and its fall in 1989 was the sign that the Iron Curtain that divided Europe for so long was also about to fall. 

Many of the main Berlin landmarks are from this period and the turbulent Nazi reign that preceded it.  But beyond these, it’s a city with a wealth of architecture, from the splendid Baroque Schloss Charlottenburg to the Stalin-era Socialist Realist Karl-Marx-Allee. 

Since the fall of the Wall, Berlin has attracted a huge community of artists from around the world. The city’s arts scene is outstanding, reflected in the street art in the likes of Kreuzberg and Schoneberg.   

It’s also home to many superb museums, from the older World Heritage-listed institutions on Museum Island to the amazing Jewish Museum.  

Top things to see and do in Berlin:  Brandenburg Gate; Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery; Reichstag Building and its glass dome; Museum Island, especially the Pergamon Museum; Jewish Museum; Berlin Story with the Bunker; Checkpoint Charlie 

Good to See :  Leave time to explore some of the different Kieze (neighborhoods) Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukolln, and Prenzlauer Berg with their lively markets, street art, cafes, architecture, and shops. 

As for eating out in Berlin, Turkish, Lebanese, and Syrian food is some of the best in the world.   Lakes, forests, outdoor bars, restaurants, and festivals in summertime.  

How Much Time Do You Need:  If it’s your first time in Berlin, 3-4 days is ideal to cover the major sights, but a week is ideal to immerse yourself fully in the city’s culture, history, and nightlife. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Visit the Berlin Zoo, one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse zoos.  Or take a boat tour on the Spree River. Also, glimpse life under Communism at the excellent DDR Museum and visit the excellent Spy Museum. 

See Also: Photographing Berlin – 15 Fantastic Photo Locations Around Berlin 

2. Dresden  

Dresden has been recognised as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe for centuries.  Its Baroque skyline is breathtaking – small wonder it was known as the Florence of the Elbe.  

Dresden has always been popular with Germans and Central Europeans but remains relatively undiscovered to international visitors. The historic centre of the city was destroyed during an Allied bombing raid in 1945, and it took 60 years for it to be rebuilt. The final element of this reconstruction is the soaring Baroque Frauenkirche, one of the most beautiful churches in Europe.  

There are also several other churches in Dresden to visit, including the ornate Catholic Cathedral next to the river. The city is home to several outstanding museums. The Zwinger Palace is best known for its Old Masters Gallery (Alte Gemaldegalerie). And the Residenzschloss *(Royal Castle) across the street is renowned for its amazing collection of jewels and treasures in the Historic Green Vault (Grünes Gewolbe). 

If you’re planning a Central Europe trip, especially between Prague and Berlin, then I strongly suggest stopping at Dresden. It’s a stunning city and a great base, with day trips from Dresden to places like the Bastei Bridge, Meissen, and Moritzburg Castle. 

Top Things to See and Do: Visit Frauenkirche, the iconic baroque church and climb the dome for amazing views; Zwinger Palace, with its galleries and museums, Old Masters Gallery, and Porcelain Collection; Semperoper, the famous opera house ; Residenzschloss, The Green Vault, and New Green Vault, two unique treasure chambers; walk along the Brühlsche Terrasse and enjoy the views along the River Elbe; Military History Museum. 

Good To See:  Stasi Museum Dresden ; the world’s oldest funicular railway in the suburb of Loschwitz, the Elbe Castles overlooking the river; explore the cafes, bars, and courtyards of Dresden Neustadt. 

How Much Time Do You Need: Two to three days to explore the main attractions.  Allow longer if you want to take some day trips to Meissen, Gorlitz, Saxon Switzerland, or Leipzig. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Visit Dresden Zoo. Explore the Dresden Transport Museum and the Hygiene Museum, and enjoy the Great Garden (Großer Garten), a large park with a miniature railway. 

3. Leipzig  

Leipzig is the largest city in eastern Germany outside Berlin, and the one that has possibly changed the most along with Berlin since Germany was reunified in 1990. This has been helped along in recent years by the arrival of more and more creative people, squeezed out of Berlin by soaring rents.  

For over 300 years, Leipzig has had an astonishingly rich musical heritage. It’s best known as the former home of Johann Sebastian Bach, who was choirmaster at St Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) for over 20 years. Richard Wagner was also born in the city, and Robert Schumann also lived and worked in Leipzig. Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy also lived in Leipzig for six years.   

The renowned Gewandhaus Orchestra, the 800-year-old St Thomas’s Boys Choir, and the Leipzig Opera are musical institutions of world renown. 

Leipzig also made an enormous contribution to the fall of the GDR (Communist East Germany) in 1989. Peaceful weekly gatherings at the Nikolaikirche (St Nicholas Church) gradually grew, and by October 1989 the crowds were in their thousands. The church authorities asked both protesters and state security forces to avoid violence.

They did so, and the gatherings grew exponentially in the following few weeks. The Communist authorities had lost control. Within a month the Berlin Wall was down, and German reunification was within reach.

How Much Time Do You Need: Two days to see the highlights. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Leipzig Zoo, one of the oldest and best zoos in the world.  Away from the city centre, explore the lively Plagwitz and Lindenau.  

See Also: Runde Ecke Stasi Museum Leipzig – One Of The Best Museums On East Germany

4. Potsdam  

Potsdam is the most popular day trip from Berlin, a fascinating small city just an hour away from the centre of Berlin by S-Bahn train. 

It’s the capital of the Land (state) of Brandenburg, and was formerly a favoured residence of Prussian kings and princes eager to show off their wealth. And they left an extraordinary architectural legacy.   

Potsdam is most famous for its World Heritage-listed Sanssouci Palace and Park, on the edge of the city centre. The Park takes a few hours to explore, and includes the Neues Palais, a much larger and grander affair than the Sanssouci. THere are more superb buildings around the park, from the Italian-inspired Peace Church to the gorgeous Chinese Teahouse. 

The small city centre is also rich in architecture. There you’ll find one of master architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s most famous churches, the beautiful red-brick Dutch Quarter and the Russian-inspired wooden houses of the Alexandrovka village. 

Anyone with an interest in the Cold War should also visit Potsdam. The Potsdam Conference of 1945 decided on the division of Germany (between West and East, with the latter under Soviet control) after World War II. The Conference, at the Cecilienhof Palace, effectively set the stage for the raising of the Iron Curtain and Cold War.   

How Much Time Do You Need:   2 days are ideal to visit the main attractions, A single day trip from Berlin wasn’t enough for me, so I had to go back. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Exploring the Babelsberg Film Studio Park.  Visiting the Biosphere Potsdam, a tropical greenhouse with over 20,000 plants. Enjoying a boat tour on the lakes around Potsdam. 

5. Saxon Switzerland National Park  

The Saxon Switzerland National Park is the more alluring name of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains to the south-east of Dresden. Together with the Bohemian Switzerland National Park across the border in the Czech Republic, it forms one of the most remarkable landscapes in Europe.  

The mountains got their name from two Swiss artists who worked at the Dresden Academy of Arts in the late 18 th century. The mountains reminded them of the Swiss Jura, and the name stuck!  

Much of the landscape consists of what the Czechs call ‘rock cities’, amazing labyrinths of sandstone pinnacles. There are some phenomenal hiking trails through and around these.

The most famous landmark in Saxon Switzerland is the 19 th -centrury Bastei Bridge , built across the highest pinnacles in the National Park to reach the remains of a rock castle, Felsenburg Neurathen. 

It’s also easy to explore across the border. You can catch the train to Schöna, the ferry to Hřensko on the Czech side, then hike or catch a bus to Pravčička Brana, a stunning natural rock arch. 

Top Things to See and Do:  Bastei Bridge , offering spectacular views, especially at sunrise in summer;  Königstein Fortress , one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe;  Pravčická brána , Europe’s largest natural sandstone arch ; Hiking the Malerweg , a scenic trail through the park ;  Boat trips on the Elbe River ’  Hiking to the Bastei Bridge at sunrise for breathtaking sandstone formations and the Elbe River views. 

How Much Time Do You Need:   Most people come for a day trip. But you could easily spend a week exploring the many hiking trails, including the Malerweg, which connects places in the region that inspired artists.

6. Erfurt  

Erfurt, the capital city of Thuringia, is off the international travellers’ beaten track. This is ironic as it was on the Via Regia, one of the major trans-Europe trade routes of the Middle Ages. And it’s even harder to figure out when it’s one of the best-connected cities in Germany by rail!

Erfurt suffered very little damage during World War II, so is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany. It’s a wonderful city to wander, home to some outstanding churches, cobbled streets and squares, many timber-framed houses and colourful Renaissance buildings. 

One of the best-known Erfurt sights is the Krämerbrücke (Merchants’ Bridge), one of just four bridges in Europe lined with shops. The Domplatz, with the Cathedral and St Severus Church, is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe . And Erfurt’s Old Synagogue (Alte Synagoge) is a recently inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Mikveh (Bath House). 

Erfurt is also an important stop on the Martin Luther trail, as he studied and was later ordained there. 

Good to see: Topf & Söhne Memorial, a fascinating exhibition in the office building of the company that built the incinerators for the crematoria at the Auschwitz death camp.  

How Much Time Do You Need: Two days to explore the main sights and soak in the medieval atmosphere. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Climb the Agidienkirche church tower for fantastic views over Erfurt. Visit Egapark Erfurt, a large botanical garden with wonderful playgrounds. 

7. Weimar  

Weimar has often been regarded as the cultural capital of Germany. It was the epicentre of Germany’s 18th-century enlightenment, and home to two of its greatest writers, Johann  Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, lived. It is also where Goethe wrote Faust, his most famous work.

Many more greats from the s of arts, literature and philosophy have lived in Weimar including Franz Liszt, Friedrich Nietzsche and Wassily Kandinsky.

In the 20 th century, Weimar was also the birthplace of the influential Bauhaus architecture and design movement, and the Bauhaus Museum is an essential stop if you’re interested in early 20th-century architecture.

Top Things to See and Do:  Goethe’s House and the Goethe National Museum; Duchess Anna Amalia Library – UNESCO listed library, Schloss Tiefurt – UNESCO country house, Park An der Ilm, Friedrich Schiller’s House.

Nice to see: The Neues Museum, the Bauhaus Museum, Hoffman’s – one of Germany’s oldest bookstores, Liszt-Haus — House where Hungarian composer Franz Liszt lived in the summers from 1869 to 1886.   

How Much Time Do You Need:  One to three days depending on how many museums you wish to see..The15-minute train ride from Erfurt makes for an easy day trip. 

Best Things to Do with Kids:  Exploring the Park an der Ilm, Visiting the Weimarhaus, a museum that presents the city’s history in an engaging way. 

8. Rügen Island

The Baltic Sea is where Germany goes to the beach, and Rügen Island is perhaps the best place to do it.  I have long rated it one of the most beautiful islands in Europe.  My highlight is the glorious Jasmund National Park, especially hiking along the coast and beaches with the iconic white cliffs. One of the best is the Pirate’s Gorge (Piratenschlucht), leading to a pebble beach with amazing cliffs. 

There are also plenty of fantastic beaches on Rügen. Don’t miss Sellin – with its wonderful Pier – and nearby Binz, on the east coast of the island. Away from the coast, there is also a superb treetop walkway near Prora. 

And for history buffs, Prora is one of the most bizarre places you will ever visit. The Nazis built this vast complex of seaside apartments for the masses, but they were never completed or used. The complex was the work of the Kraft durch Freude (Strength Through Joy) movement. It was all part of their attempt to mould German society – it boils down to ‘brainwash them with a beach holiday’!  

One of the apartment blocks has been preserved as a museum, while the other surviving buildings have been converted to apartments.  

How Much Time Do You Need:   3-4 days to enjoy the best of the beaches, hikes, and historical sites. But it’s somewhere you could linger far longer. 

Best Things to Do with Kids:   Visiting the Dinosaur Land Rügen, the treetop walk at Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen. And, of course, the beaches and promenades. 

9. Meissen  

Meissen is one of the best places to visit in Eastern Germany. This small city on the River Elbe is gorgeous, its riverfront dominated by the citadel of the Albrechtsburg Castle and the twin spires of Meissen Cathedral next door. 

Meissen was a seat of power in the early Middle Ages, holding sway over much of Saxony. Its magnificent Old Town reflects this, the steep streets lined with fine merchants’ and burghers’ houses. The splendid Markt is one of the most beautiful squares in Germany, with a splendid Rathaus (Town Hall) the focal point. 

And all of this before I mention Meissen porcelain. Meissen is the first place in Europe where the Asian art of creating porcelain was perfected. You can see it being made in the Meissen Porcelain Factory just outside the Old Town, and some superb examples. I recommend combining this with a visit to the extraordinary Porcelain Collection in the Zwinger Palace in Dresden. 

Ideas for Traveling with Kids: The porcelain painting workshop at the Meissen Porcelain Factory is a fun and creative activity for families. 

How Much Time Should You Spend in Meissen? A day trip is enough to see all the main sights in Meissen.  

10. Görlitz  

Görlitz is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. It’s the easternmost city in Germany, sitting on the border with Poland. Indeed, part of Görlitz – Zgorzelec – is across the River Neisse in Poland. 

Görlitz somehow escaped the bombs that wrecked so many German cities during World War II. Görlitz is still in its original condition, with stunning details like its carved doorways and the beautifully preserved Renaissance entrance to the Ratscafe.  

Every street is endowed with gorgeous medieval or Baroque houses. Unsurprisingly, it has become a popular film location, so much so that it has been called Görliwood. The best-known film shot there is probably The Grand Budapest Hotel , filmed in the Kaufhaus, the city’s Art Nouveau former department store.   

Top Things to See and Do:

Explore the beautifully preserved Old Towna and visit the Görlitz Department Store, the inspiration for The Grand Budapest Hotel;.Walk across the bridge to Zgorzelec, Poland; St. Peter and Paul Church, with its stunning Sun Organ; Görlitz Zoo. 

How Much Time Do You Need:

Two days is ample, but one full day would give you enough to see the main sights.  

Best Things to Do with Kids

Meeting the animals at the wonderful Görlitz Zoo – one of the best small zoos we have ever visited.  And take them on a quick cross-border trip over the bridge to Poland. 

11. Harz Mountains  

The Harz Mountains are one of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany. These hills and forests straddle Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Lower Saxony. They gently rise from around 200 metres above sea level to the highest point, the Brocken, at over 1,100 metres above sea level.

Much of the Harz is wilderness, though there are hundreds of hiking trails across the National Park.  You could opt for hikes through the pristine Bode Gorge near Thale, or take the more leisurely way around the Harz on the network of narrow-gauge steam trains.

The highlight is the Brockenbahn service to the summit of the Brocken, an amazing experience especially in winter.  The less frequent service from Nordhausen (to the south) is the most scenic route, but the route from Wernigerode to the north is also spectacular.

The Harz region is also famous for its beautifully preserved UNESCO medieval towns, some of which are long-established UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  

Top Things to See and Do:  Ride the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways to Brocken, the highest peak; Explore the medieval towns of Wernigerode Quedlinburg and Goslar; Hiking or mountain biking through the national park.Visit the mines of Rammelsberg (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

How Much Time Do You Need: 2-3 days to enjoy the natural beauty, with additional time if you’re keen on extensive hiking or visiting multiple towns. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Sommerrodelbahn Bocksbergbob, a not-too-taxing bobsleigh ride for kids and families;    the Brockenbahn steam train ride is also a hit with families, as are the region’s numerous fairy-tale trails and adventure parks. 

12. Wernigerode  

Wernigerode is a gorgeous medieval town on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains, and the closest town to the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz and Northern Germany. It’s one of the most enchanting of the half-timbered towns in Germany, with a beautiful late Gothic town hall (pictured) and a fairytale castle on the hill overlooking the town.  

The town also has a wealth of half-timbered houses, many of which date from around the late 16 th and early 17 th centuries. And don’t miss the Brockenbahn, which offers trips to the summit of the mountain, year-round.

Top Things to See and Do: Wernigerode Castle;.The historic Town Hall and the old town’s timber-framed houses. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway, which offers trips to the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains especially magical in winter. Harz Museum. 

How Much Time Do You Need:  One to three days to explore the town, the castle, and take a day trip on the steam railway the Harz area. 

Best Things to Do with Kids:  The Harz Narrow Gauge Steam Railway; the Miniature Park to see the Harz Mountains region in miniature.  The road train ride up to Schloss Wernigerode is also magical;  Wildlife Park Christianental;

The Wernigeröeder Maerchenweg (aka Fairytale Trail) is a 2.5 km hike that starts at  Hasseröder Ferienpark , with  Rapunzel’s Tower at the end. 

13. Quedlinburg  

Quedlinburg is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe in the beautiful Harz Mountains.   The town is more than 1.000 years old, completely preserved, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 1,200 half-timbered buildings.

The town is on the eastern edge of the Harz Mountains, and even the Communist East German government (known for once blowing up a 13 th -century church to suit its political ends) held Quedlinburg in high regard.

The 12 th -century Collegiate Church of St Servatius is one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches in Germany. It houses the 10 th -century tomb of Henry I the Fowler and his Queen Mathilde, and is also home to one of the oldest tapestries in Europe, dating from the 12 th century.

Don’t miss the town’s exquisite Marktplatz (main square) and the half-timbered houses of the Altstadt (Old Town), particularly along Breite Strasse.

Top Things to See and Do:  E xplore the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, home to over 1200 timber-framed houses. Don’t miss Breite Strasse for its beautiful houses and Schuhhof, the narrowest street leading to the timber-framed houses of Hölle, Pölle, and Stieg.  Quedlinburg Castle (Schloss Quedlinburg) and the Collegiate Church of St. Servatius and the Quedlinburg Treasure.

Nice to see: The oldest half-timbered house in Germany is located at Wordgasse 3 and is now a half-timbered museum;  The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, for trips into the Harz Mountains. 

How Much Time Do You Need:  One day is enough to explore the town – two to three days if you wish to see more of the Harz Mountains. Check out my guide to the best Things To Do In Quedlinburg for more information.

Best Things to Do with Kids : Take a ride on the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways. 

See Also: The 6 Best Churches in Quedlinburg To Visit

14. Goslar  

Goslar is a stunning town located on the northwestern edge of the Harz Mountains in Lower Saxony.  Goslar’s Old Town is a treasure trove of over a thousand half-timbered houses from various periods, with narrow streets, and charming squares. 

For many, Rothenburg ob der Tauber has become shorthand for ‘historic Germany’ but we think Goslar could stand in for it just as well. Its medieval houses are remarkable – full of amazing detailed carvings, often a little rude and ribald!

The  UNESCO World Heritage Site  on the north-western edge of the Harz Mountains includes not only the Goslar Old Town, the Upper Harz Water Management System but also the  Rammelsberg  ore mine. This is the only mine in the world to have been in continuous operation for over 1,000 years. 

Top things to see and do in Goslar: The Marktplatz ( Market Square), one of the best-preserved medieval squares in Germany, and stroll through the Old Town with its beautiful half-timbered houses.  Explore the Rammelsberg Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Imperial Palace of Goslar.     

See Also: 16 Best Things To Do In Goslar Germany

15. Bautzen  

Bautzen is one of the hidden gems of Eastern Germany.  It’s known to Germans, but the English-speaking world is yet to cotton on. 

This is surprising as it’s got more than a large helping of medieval magic.  Don’t miss the stunning view of the Old Town and its skyline of towers from the bridge above the River Spree. When I first saw it, it reminded me of the Tuscan hilltown of San Gimignano, with its many towers. Bautzen’s old town is every bit as picturesque. 

The town is an hour east of Dresden, and is the capital of the Upper Lusatia region close to the Polish and Czech borders. It’s also the cultural capital of the Sorbs, a minority Western Slavic people living in eastern Saxony. You can discover more about their history in the Sorbian Museum in the grounds of the Ortenburg Castle in the Old Town. 

The name Bautzen had different connotations throughout the history of Communist East Germany. It was home to two of the regime’s most feared prisons, and Bautzen II – now the Bautzen Memorial – was run by the regime’s much-feared secret police, the Stasi.  

Top Things to See and Do in Bautzen:  The medieval town center with its impressive fortifications; Dom St Petri – Bautzen’s unusual ‘double cathedral’ ; Ortenburg Castle. ; The Sorbian Museum showcases the culture and traditions of the Sorbian minority. ; The leaning Reichenturm tower. 

How Much Time Do You Need:   One to two days, perfect for a thorough exploration of the town’s historic and cultural sites. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Dinosaur Park Kleinwelka, just outside Bautzen, and enjoying outdoor activities at the Bautzen Reservoir. 

See Also: Bautzen Germany – The 10 Best Things To Do   

16. Colditz Castle  

Colditz Castle was off the tourist trail until fairly recent times, just one of a great many medieval castles to Germans I know.  However, it is widely known among aficionados of World War II history in Western Europe and English-speaking countries because of its history as a prison camp during the War. One of my school friends even had an Escape From Colditz board game! 

Colditz served as a camp for captured Allied officers and previous escapees,  and was known as OFLAG-IVC. It was meant to be the most secure prison camp in the Nazi network.  

However, by putting these people together, the Nazis essentially created a brains trust determined to break free of the confines of Colditz. Many did, and it took incredibly ingenious methods to do so, from home-made gliders to tunnels. 

There is an Escape Museum within the castle, documenting these many daring escapes, and also a wider guided tour of the Castle, exploring its history as a POW camp. 

You can also stay in the Castle – part of it now serves as a Youth Hostel. 

How Much Time Do You Need: Half a day to a full day on a day trip from Leipzig. 

17. Chemnitz  

Chemnitz is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Eastern Germany.  In the 19th century, this city at the foot of the Ore Mountains was called the Manchester of Saxony because of its thriving textile industry.  

Like Dresden, the historic centre of Chemnitz was largely destroyed by Allied bombing raids in 1945. However, its fate was very different. There was to be no meticulous rebuild of Chemnitz. Instead, a new city centre was built, with grand large open spaces and modernist buildings.  

It also had a new name foisted upon it. For most of the history of Communist East Germany, it was known as Karl-Marx-Stadt. It had no connection with the political philosopher, but that didn’t matter to the GDR regime. Nor did it to the Soviets, who helped themselves to the city’s tram tracks but gave a monolithic slab of Marx as a gift to the city that then bore his name. 

Chemnitz’s revival has been much slower than Dresden’s, but it’s slowly building. It resumed its old name in 1990, and there are pockets of beauty around the city, including the Art Nouveau houses of the Kassberg district and the splendid Old Town Hall.  In 2025, Chemnitz will be the European Capital of Culture. 

Top Things to See and Do in Chemnitz: Chemnitz Old Town Hall; Majolica Art Nouveau houses; Karl Marx Monument; Natural History Museum; Chemnitz Industrial Museum; Saxon Railway Museum 

How Much Time Do You Need : One day is enough, allow two days if you would like to visit one of the superb Saxon castles nearby (Klaffenbach, Rabenstein, or Kriebstein). 

Best Things to Do with Kids : Visiting the Chemnitz Zoo., Saxon Railway Museum, or Natural History Museum 

Best Places To Visit In Eastern Germany – Final Words

I hope you have enjoyed my guide to the best places to visit in the eastern part of Germany.

If you’re interested in seeing more of the country, check out my guide to the best places to visit in Germany , which covers the entire country. Don’t miss my article on visiting Naumburg Cathedral , a stunning World Heritage-listed church a short distance from Leipzig.

I have written many more guides to different parts of Germany. Take a look at my guide to the best Rhine River Castles to visit, and the accompanying feature on the best Rhine River Towns .

If you’re curious about visiting other cities around Germany, check out my guides to One Day In Nuremberg and One Day in Hamburg for short break ideas.

For even more ideas, check out my Germany Travel Guide .

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

5 East German Towns Worth Visiting

Herb Dehler/Getty Images 

When people think about East Germany , they usually picture East Berlin. The Berlin Wall . The Plattenbauten . The DDR prisons. It was the largest East German city with a population of 1.2 million in 1988.

But Berlin has moved on. The country has moved on. Though there are plenty of reminders of the time behind the Wall, the country is never content to stand still.

Looking east, Leipzig and Dresden are the biggest cities and a great example of past and future. But there are plenty of smaller towns notable for their DDR past, unique architecture, and Sorbian population.

Here are five East German towns worth a visit, but don't forget to check out other cities like Lindau .

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

With medieval walls, a historic altstadt (old town) and several museums (dedicated to everything from senf   and Sorbs), Bautzen is worth a stop.

It's pretty, but beneath the prettiness is an unpleasant history under the DDR. The city was infamous during that time for its prisons. Bautzen I, nicknamed Gelbes Elend (or Yellow Misery) was an official prison complex, but Bautzen II was a secret prison used for prisoners of conscience. Bautzen I is still a prison, but Bautzen II has been made into a memorial (much like Berlin-Hohenschönhausen).

Karl-Marx-Stadt

Originally known as Chemnitz, this was the fourth largest city in East Germany. It was left in ruins after World War II and reconstructed in the emerging style of the DDR. Along with the ever-present Plattenbauten , they erected a sizeable 7 meter Karl Marx monument. The bust was promptly nicknamed Nischel (a Saxon word for head) by locals.

By 1990, the Wall had fallen and the city re-emerged under its original name. The typical shopping centers now crowd the Altstadt but much of the DDR architecture still stands alongside modern structures, including the watchful eye of Karl Marx.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Halle (Salle) is full of attractions. Castles  like  Giebichenstein Castle and Moritzburg add medieval elegance. Halloren Chocolate Factory is Germany's oldest chocolate factory still in use, and the Market square holds four impressive towers — a symbol of the city along with Roter Turm (Red Tower). Marktkirche is from 1529, St. Mary's Church is from the 12th century, and St. Gertrude's Church dates back to the 11th century. Also, look for the 13th-century statue of Roland.

The University of Halle-Wittenberg is also here, the largest university in Saxony-Anhalt and one of the oldest universities in Germany, meaning there are plenty of cheap places to eat, drink, and dance.

The Neustadt (known as HaNeu ), is southwest of Halle (Saale) and is another fine example of a DDR city. Towering Plattenbauten line the S-Bahn lines and artistic details and murals set this town apart.

Eisenhüttenstadt

This 1950s DDR factory town was first named Stalinstadt. Eventually, the name was changed to Eisenhüttenstadt (ironworks city) to reflect its industrial, not political, nature. Located in east Brandenburg (the state surrounding Berlin ), it lies on the border of Poland.

It was planned as a model workers’ community with plentiful Plattenbau (East German apartment) and job opportunities in the steel mill. The style was actually quite modern, designed by architect Kurt Walter Leucht.

The city has since seen a steady decline. Its population is dwindling and jobs have all but dried up. On the city website , it appears the most exciting thing to happen is a visit from American movie star, Tom Hanks . Here — as in other sites on the list — you will find not a thriving town, but a life-sized museum piece to life in the DDR.

Once a small Sorbian village named Gorelic, today's Görlitz has blossomed, then wilted, then flourished under the spotlight once again.

Held at certain times by the Holy Roman Emperor, Kingdom of Poland, and Duchy of Bohemia, the town was largely forgotten under DDR rule. This served it well as some of its most beautiful buildings were left perfectly preserved. Buildings such as the 1913 Jugendstil Görlitzer Warenhaus (a department store in the city center). It was cast as the interior of the hotel in Wes Anderson's " The Grand Budapest Hotel " which showcased such spectacular features as original chandeliers and a stained-glass ceiling.

Even older, Oberlausitzische Bibliothek der Wissenschaften is a magnificent library with over 140,000 volumes. It holds materials ranging from legal texts to natural sciences to historical literature.

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11 Must-Visit Berlin WW2 Sites | Amazing Time-Travel Journey for the History Buffs

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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

Tracing World War II history in Berlin can be a challenge. During the conflict, the city was extensively bombed, and by the time it was over, much of Berlin lay in rubble, including the Reichstag, the seat of the German government. Some places in Berlin that survived were later demolished, as the Soviets who occupied the city worked to erase or destroy anything connected with Germany and the Second World War. However, several World War II sites survived and are now open to visitors.

These World War II sites in Berlin carry the ghosts of World War II. They include memorials to those who suffered, restorations of Berlin treasures, and even bullet marks in a sculpture, but they all give a sense of the immense struggle that centered here in the dark days of the war.

Most of these highlights lie in central Berlin. You can see many of them in a day or two, either by walking or by hopping on a bus. Others are located just a short distance outside the city.

Sharon Odegaard

11 Must-Visit Berlin WW2 Sites | Journey Through Time for the History Buffs

For a quick summary of these top places to visit check out this slideshow or continue on and read to learn about each in more detail:

1. The Reichstag

The Reichstag in Berlin was once a symbol of power. Completed in 1894, it housed the government for several decades. In 1933, a famous fire destroyed part of the building shortly after Hitler became chancellor. He blamed others for the fire and closed the building, using the situation to take more power for himself. Perhaps he actually engineered the fire? No one knows.

Russian troops rushed into the Reichstag in April of 1945, determined to topple this last bastion of Nazi rule. A fierce battle ensued before the Russians captured the Reichstag. Severely damaged, the building lay abandoned until 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell. When the Communists left the city, the new, unified German government moved into the Reichstag. The interior of the building is modern, with the notable addition of the iconic glass dome over the original building.

On your tour, note the wall written on by Russian soldiers at the end of World War II. The Germans decided to leave this wall exposed during the repairs as a reminder of the building’s history.

Free tours of the building are given daily. An audio guide is included. Register online for your tour before you arrive in Berlin. Bring your original ID (not a copy). This is the seat of the German government, and security is taken seriously.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near The Reichstag

2. Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe

Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial is made of plain cement blocks, or stelae, laid out in neat rows on undulating ground. You’ll find no writing, no names, and no explanations. The stelae are of different heights and lengths. It’s surprising, but even the site’s official name, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , is somewhat vague. Certainly, the Holocaust of World War II is memorialized here, but earlier pogroms are as well.

To help connect the memorial with its purpose, be sure to take a tour of the almost-hidden underground Information Center . It’s at the far end of the memorial, away from the street side where you enter. This small museum tells the stories of individual people affected by the genocide. At the entrance, six large portraits of lost Jews hang, larger than life. These represent the six million Jews murdered in the World War II era. This theme of individuals affected by the war continues throughout the museum.

One room is dedicated to families, with photos and words that speak for themselves. You’ll see notes hastily scribbled and thrown from trains. In the Room of Names, individual names line the walls, and you’ll hear a voice reading about each person and telling their story.

The Information Center is open every day except Monday. The Memorial is open to busy streets and always accessible. Allow about a half hour to see the Memorial and an hour to tour the Information Center. There’s a similar museum dedicated to the Holocaust in Washington, D.C .

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe

3. Topography Of Terror Museum

The Topography of Terror is a Berlin documentation center that opened in 2010 to inform all who visit about the Nazi reign of terror. A visit to the Topography of Terror takes you to the very place where the war originated and where countless people suffered.

It’s an outdoor and indoor exhibit built along the exposed walls of what was once the headquarters of the Secret State Police, the SS, and the Reich Main Security Office. Work your way along the chronological displays outside. This excellent overview of the rise and fall of the German empire in the Nazi era is built along the original cellar walls.

Inside the documentation center, you’ll see displays memorializing the victims of terror, commemorating those who worked to end the terror, and explaining the events that transpired in Berlin from 1933 to 1945 and afterward. The center shows how Berlin went from one oppressive Nazi regime to another; the Berlin Wall cut through this same place just a few years later, bringing a different kind of suffering to Berliners.

The documentation center is open daily and is free of charge. Tours lasting one hour are also free and cover different topics.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Topography Of Terror Museum

4. Site Of Hitler’s Bunker

When visiting Berlin, the site of Hitler’s bunker is a must-see.In the final days of the war in Europe, Adolf Hitler, his mistress Eva Braun, and members of the Nazi inner circle retreated to an underground bunker in Berlin. The former air raid shelter served as their final headquarters. On April 29, 1945, Hitler married Braun, and a day later, they committed suicide.

When the Russians took over this sector of Berlin after the war, they attempted to blow up the bunker but failed. After the Berlin Wall went up nearby, no further demolition attempts were made. Later construction excavated some of the bunker. A parking lot covers the area today.

It’s amazing that this historical site featured no plaque until 2006. The bunker remains closed to the public, but you can visit and see how close to the Reichstag and other Berlin landmarks it is. A lawn borders the parking lot, so you can safely stay as long as you’d like.

Before I went to Berlin , I figured I would skip standing in this parking lot, since nothing of the bunker is visible. But when I went, I found that just standing on the site and reading the plaque was an interesting experience. It’ll only take 10 minutes or so to take in this piece of Berlin history.

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5. Berlin Cathedral

The impressive Berlin Cathedral , with its magnificent dome, sits among the stately museums on Museum Island, with the Spree River flowing nearby. The baroque-style cathedral is the largest Protestant church in the area and dates to 1905. Kaiser Wilhelm II wanted to build a cathedral to rival Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome and Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London.

After suffering bomb damage in World War II, the Berlin Cathedral sat in disrepair for decades. The restoration was finally completed in 1993. Be sure to climb the 267 steps up to the dome for a magnificent panoramic view of Berlin.

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6. German Historical Museum

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Berlin has no major museum dedicated to World War II, but a section of the large German Historical Museum used to cover the subject. On the ground floor, you were able to find an exhibit titled The Nazi Regime and Second World War . Videos as well as objects and documents covered what transpired in Germany from 1933 to 1945. While not large, the exhibit was fascinating for anyone interested in World War II.

An hour was more than enough time to tour the exhibit. The museum is adjacent to the Berlin Cathedral, so you can plan to visit both of these in about 3 hours.

Due to the renovations, the German Historical Museum’s permanent exhibition is now closed. It is expected to open again at the end of 2025. The adjacent Pei Building’s daily opening hours in December 2023 are 10 am to 6 pm, (Thursday 10 am to 8 pm). It will be closed on 24 December

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7. Tiergarten

The Tiergarten in central Berlin, an oasis of greenery and ponds amid glass and chrome, provides 500 acres of park. During World War II, bombs damaged the Tiergarten. Then, with so much of Berlin suffering after the war, people cut down the trees in their desperation for firewood. Most of the green growth in the Tiergarten today dates only from the 1950s.

World War II shows up in the Tiergarten in the form of a massive Soviet war memorial. This commemorates the Russian soldiers who died liberating Berlin from the Nazis. The marble used to build it came from Hitler’s Chancellery. Two T-34 tanks are on display, and a statue of a Soviet soldier rises into the air, standing guard over the memorial.

Also look for the impressive sculpture honoring composers Beethoven, Haydn, and Mozart. When you get close, you can observe the bullet holes from the battles of World War II still in the marble. The memorial was taken down in 2000, restored, and reinstalled in its place of honor among the tall trees.

With its World War II sites and Berlin Wall markers, Berlin is an intense city. After a day of touring, amble through the Tiergarten, clear your mind and relax for a while by the peaceful pond.

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8. House Of The Wannsee Conference

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History buffs may want to include a day trip to the town of Wannsee, just a 30-minute train ride from central Berlin. The mansion where the Wannsee Conference took place in 1942 is open to visitors. This is where German leaders, called together by Reinhard Heydrich, met to decide how to implement the Final Solution.

The House of the Wannsee Conference became an official museum and education center on the 50th anniversary of the conference in 1992. Exhibits inside the house reveal what happened at the fateful conference. Documents, propaganda posters, and leaflets are on display. You can also peruse archival materials from Eastern Europe that became available in the 1990s after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

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9. Sachsenhausen Memorial And Museum

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About 20 miles by train outside Berlin, the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum was once the site of a large concentration camp. Opened before the beginning of the war, the camp held a total of more than 200,000 prisoners by the time it was liberated and closed in 1945. Knowing that the Soviets were on their way in the spring of 1945, the German SS special units tried to evacuate the camp, forcing inmates to participate in death marches. Only the sick were left behind to greet their liberators.

Today, the camp is a memorial to those who suffered and lost their lives here. The barracks have been reconstructed so that visitors can get an idea of what life was like during the war. The tour includes the voices of 20 prisoners talking about work, violence, and living with their memories. It’s a sober place, but those who run the museum and memorial make it a place of remembrance to honor those lost.

I highly recommend the organized tour of Sachsenhausen. Make the most of your visit by learning the background of the camp and hearing the stories of the prisoners as you go. The official on-site tour is about 3 hours long.

Berlin is a complex city with layers of history on display. Modern architecture and quirky culture are easy to find. Signs of World War II are all around in Europe , ready to be discovered and explored.

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10. Bebelplatz

The site of the famous Nazi book-burning campaign of 1933 is an interesting World War II sight to see in Berlin. When you stroll across Bebelplatz you’ll see a glass plate set in the paving stones and below it an underground room with empty bookshelves.

Heinrich Heine’s foreboding words: “Those who burn books will in the end burn people,” is one of the most frequently quoted phrases in recent history. These sobering words grace the bronze plaque you will find at your feet in the center of Bebelplatz Square. 

The 20.000 burnt books were chosen according to blacklists made by the librarian Wolfgang Herrmann, which were then used to plunder private bookshelves, public libraries and academic collections.

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11. Olympic Stadium

Built by renowned architect Werner March, this geometric masterpiece has a dark history. 

At the dawn of the war, the German company Blaupunkt produced primers for anti-aircraft weapons here, but among the general public, the Reichssportfeld was known for hosting propaganda events. 

Today, the stadium is an open-air venue used for concerts and other large events. On event-free days, visitors can take a tour of the stadium and learn about its role during WW2.

For more to see and do in Berlin, visit this page .

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What Month Is Best to Visit Berlin WWII Sites?

The best time to explore Berlin is from May through September. You will enjoy good weather, sunshine, and moderate temperatures. Long days and calm and warm evenings are ideal conditions for exploring Berlin. 

How Many Days in Berlin Is Enough To See WWII Sites?

4 days in Berlin should be enough for first-time visitors. But Berlin is the biggest city in the European Union and there is plenty to see and do here, so plan your trip carefully to make sure you get the most out of your time.

Can I See Bullet Holes in Berlin?

Yes, you can see bullet holes on the Victory Column, beneath the arches near the Friedrichstraße S-Bahn station and Alexanderplatz. They can also be observed on the columns of the presently closed Pergamon Museum and the Bode Museum, as well as along the embankments of Museum Island.

How Much of Berlin Was Damaged in WWII?

80% of Berlin’s city center was destroyed over five years of bombing. The German capital was hit by 67,607 tonnes of TNT over five years of bombing which, coupled with intense street fighting, destroyed most of the constructed area in Berlin.

Can I Go on a Tour of the WWII Sites in Berlin?

Yes. Experiencing any of the WWII sites tours in Berlin is something quite different than watching films and documentaries. Putting yourself in the middle of a landscape that hosted some of the worst acts of humanity is much more overpowering.

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

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Home » Europe » Germany » Berlin

29 BEST Places to Visit in Berlin (2024)

Germany’s capital city Berlin has been through a lot over the last century, and yet it’s still determined to move forward while remembering the past. It’s a place where history, an alternative lifestyle, modern innovations and a really interesting fashion scene clash together.

While Berlin’s history can be a little intimidating, don’t let that stop you from diving deep into the city’s quirky corners and interesting attraction. It’s got an overall friendly and welcoming vibe and it also seems determined to make itself a center for great food, a vibrant culture, and an exciting nightlife.

Walking through the streets of Berlin feels refreshing but you’ll always feel the weight of the past. This makes it one of the most unique cities to visit in all of Europe. And of course, there are plenty of amazing places to explore in Berlin.

So many, that you might feel a bit overwhelmed. But don’t worry, I’ve collected the best places to visit in Berlin in this insider guide below, so that you definitely won’t miss out on all the must-sees and hidden gems that the city has to offer.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Berlin:

These are the best places to visit in berlin, faq on the best places to visit in berlin, final thoughts on the coolest places to visit in berlin.

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

Today a wealthy part of the city, it has several family-friendly attractions and activities as well as things that will apply to broader groups of travellers.

• Learn more about the area’s history and culture at the child-friendly Museum Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.
• See the official home of the German president at Bellevue Palace.
• Descend into an old underground bunker to learn more about Berlin’s history at the Story of Berlin.

Before we start, make sure you know where you want to stay in Berlin . The city is pretty big and there are plenty of unique neighbourhoods that all offer a different vibe. If you’re here to explore as many sights as possible, make sure you base yourself close to the city centre and public transport network. Alternatively, you could also get your hands on the Berlin City pass for discounted entry tickets to plenty of attractions and free use of trams and buses.

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#1 – The Brandenburg Gate – The Absolute Must-Visit!

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• A must-visit place
• Expect quite a few visitors
• Represents the unity of Germany

Why it’s so awesome: Most people who are alive today know something of the trauma and sadness in Berlin’s history. For 30 years it was divided down the middle, and this monument existed in the land between the two sides of the city. It was also the backdrop for the celebrations of Berlin’s unification, which is why it must be part of your Berlin itinerary.

Of course, the dark history of the Brandenburger Torn doesn’t make it a super fun attraction, but it’s an incredible insight into the past and an important reminder of what happened not that long ago.

What to do there: If you don’t know a lot about Berlin’s history, this is your chance to learn some more. It is one of the most famous – if not THE most famous – attractions of Germany’s capital city, so be prepared to share the attraction with plenty of other tourists.

You can admire the massive structure, take the typical Instagram pics in front of it or admire a cool light show at night. While there are plenty of signs around that talk about the time before Berlin’s sides were united, it’s best to go visit with a local city guide if you want to know more about the details behind the construction, its history and other cool facts.

Insider tip: The gate is free of charge! If you can, visit at night to avoid the crowds and get a really sick picture of the lit-up monument.

#2 – Berlin’s Nightlife – A Diverse and Exciting Place to Visit

• Best party-scene in Europe
• Endless options
• Famous around the world
• Big queer community representation

Why it’s so awesome: You can’t visit Berlin without hearing about the city’s insane nightlife. While it’s not technically a place to visit, there are just too many amazing venues to decide which one is the best. You can get bars, clubs and hidden hotspots all over the city and each of them offers a different vibe. One of the most famous nightclubs is Berghain but there are plenty of other and more unique nightlife places to visit.

What to do there: Dance the night away until your feet hurt – and then keep going. Go nude at Pornceptual, party through the weekend at Sunday Club, choose from all sorts of music genres at Hoe_Mies or dive into the techno scene at Suicide Circus or Tresor. There are endless options and trust me, you’ll struggle to decide where to go to!

#3 – Holocaust Museum

• Simple but impressive architectural masterpiece
• A place of respect

Why it’s so awesome: There are some landmarks that you need to see when visiting or backpacking Berlin just because they’re important to the whole of humanity – and this is one of them. This memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a part of Berlin’s attempt to come to grips with its own past. And this is clearly reflected through the solemnity and gravity of the site. It’s also a sobering reminder of the dangers of giving in to fear, hatred and mistrust.

What to do there: This isn’t a place to come to chatter and take photos. And in fact, you’ll probably find that you don’t want to. This monument is deliberately created to invite people in, and then has a distinctly uneasy vibe that suits the subject matter. Parts of the site are extremely haunting, in a way that’s hard to describe, and once you get to the center of it the sense of confinement is hard to take and extremely memorable.

When you visit, make sure to be respectful. Some of the blocks that are further on the outside might look like a great spot to sit or climb on, but be aware that there is plenty of police around to stop people from using this site as a playground.

Insider tip: Bring a snack with you. There are plenty of benches around where people can sit down and admire the impressive monument. It’s the perfect place to sit back and just appreciate your life for a while.

#4 – The Judisches Museum – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Berlin

• Definitely not ideal for kids
• Worth a visit just for the interesting design

Why it’s so awesome: The idea of a Jewish museum in Berlin was first floated in 1971, on the 300th birthday of the formation of the city’s Jewish community. After a lot of time, it finally opened in 2001. The building and the museum were designed by Daniel Libeskind and became an important part of the city, its history, and its attempt to understand its own past.

What to do there: Next to the Brandenburger Tor, this is another one of the most important landmarks in Berlin, mainly because it opens the floor for the Jews to tell their own story through their own words. It’s an intensely personal museum that fights to tell the stories of how the Jews contributed to their communities and how their culture adapted to life in Berlin. This story obviously takes a tragic turn, and the strength of the stories makes it feel very close, real and personal in a way that shouldn’t be missed.

Insider tip: Since this is a popular and important attraction, be prepared to share the museum with quite a few other visitors. It’s best to purchase tickets online so you can skip the line.

#5 – Tiergarten – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Berlin

• Berlin’s version of Central Park!
• A great place to relax all year-round

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re looking for a great and cheap place to spend an afternoon, then this is the perfect place. Tiergarten is an enormous garden right in the middle of the city. It was once used by the Kaiser as hunting grounds and is now one of the largest urban gardens in Germany.

What to do there: This is the type of place where you can relax and do whatever you like to do in parks. Walk around and explore the sites. There’s a Victory Column in the middle of the park, which commemorates a Prussian victory, and an ornate palace at the garden’s edge. If you don’t feel like walking, just take some friends and a picnic and hang out, enjoy the sun, and relax. It’s seriously one of the best free things to do in Berlin !

Insider tip: If you have a full itinerary for the day, this is the perfect place to sit back and let your feet relax a little bit before heading to the next attraction. You’ll see plenty of people bring blankets and frisbees during the summer months.

#6 – Neues Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Berlin

• Full of interesting history
• Actually pretty cool just to look at too

Why it’s so awesome: With the drama and sadness of Berlin’s more recent history, you could be forgiven for forgetting that it actually has a much longer history filled with tragedy, significance for the future, and majesty. But this museum will remind you! It’s on Berlin’s UNESCO listed sites and holds artefacts from early and ancient history. If you want to learn about more than just the city, this is the place to go.

What to do there: A trip to this museum is the perfect answer to an otherwise slow museum. This is where you’ll learn about the earliest inhabitants of Berlin, Germany, and Europe as a whole. Make sure you check out the ancient Egyptian bust of Queen Nefertiti, one of the most famous women in the very long history of humanity.

While this might not be the most interesting place to visit for everyone, it is a great spot to explore on a rainy day. Tickets start from 6 Euros per person but you can easily purchase them online for easy and super fast access.

Insider tip: Neues Museum is part of Berlin’s Museum Island, a museum complex in the northern part of the historic city centre. If this is not the right spot for you, there are plenty of other things around that you could explore.

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#7 – The East Side Gallery

• The largest open-air gallery in the world.
• Consists of 105 paintings
• Paintings or ON the Berlin wall
• A whole 1.3 kilometres of history and art

Why it’s so awesome: This huge gallery features a long stretch of the Berlin Wall that has amazing works of art across it. After the wall fell in 1989, 118 artists from 21 countries went to work on this section, using the wall as a backdrop for their political and social commentaries.

What to do there: You can’t travel to Berlin without experiencing and thinking about all the turmoil this city has been through over the last century. And this wall will show you another side of that unrest. So, spend some time contemplating the artworks and the artist’s chosen canvas. It’s an interesting commentary on the issues of the time and the beliefs of the people who lived through it.

Insider tip: If you’re big on Instagram game, this is going to be a great place to shoot a couple of epic and unique shots. Keep in mind that you won’t be the only one wanting to take pics, so be sure to come at an earlier time of the day.

#8 – Museum Island – A fascinating educational place to visit in Berlin

• A UNESCO World Heritage site
• Multiple museums combined
• Day-worth of exploring

Why it’s so awesome: Museum island is a complex that includes a lot of different museums. The site itself has been named a UNESCO world heritage site and includes some of the most visited museums in Europe. The Neue Museum, which I talked about before, is also part of the Museum island. You’ll also find the famous cathedral perched on the island.

What to do there: You’ll find a museum for all tastes at this site including the world-famous Pergamon museum where you can see Islamic Art, the Ishtar Gate, and the Bode Museum for sculptures and art from the ancient world. If you plan to go to more than one museum then you should get the 3-day museum pass and make a day of it.

Alternatively, you could also just get individual tickets for each museum, just keep in mind that you might have to wait in line since the Museum Island is a very popular attraction, especially during Berlin’s peak tourist season.

Insider Tip: Make sure you take your own food and drink to the island, as there are very few shops that sell food and water and they do so at a very high price.

#9 – Berlin Zoo – More than just a cage!

• Great place for families and kids
• Highly ethical zoo
• Massive area
• Bring snacks!

Why it’s so awesome: The Berlin Zoo is one of the biggest and most important zoos in all of Europe. It provides safe homes for countless endangered species. Unlike other zoos, this place actually works on reintroducing animals to their natural habitat. With over 35 hectares and over twenty thousand animals, it’s one of the most comprehensive collections of species in the world.

What to do there: You can walk through the zoo and learn about all types of different animals. This is the perfect place to bring your kids and teach them about nature. It’s also a great way to inform yourself about how to respect nature and animals correctly. The zoo offers special programs for kids, such as feeding times and tours.

Insider tip: Please note that the Berlin Zoo isn’t just a regular zoo. It’s a home for endangered species and lives up to high ethical standards, so you can visit without any worries.

#10 – The Berlin Cathedral – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Berlin

• The largest and most famous church in the city
• Architecturally striking and opulent

Why it’s so awesome: This building is the largest church in the city and it’s also one of the hotspots in Berlin for tourists. It has a striking green dome that looks amazing in photos and is surrounded by lush green areas that are great for a picnic and contrast nicely with the church. It’s taken decades to renovate the church, but now it’s returned back to its former glory and impresses with amazing architecture and a great play of colour.

What to do there: The best thing to do around the cathedral is to take a blanket and some snacks with you and have a picnic while admiring the beauty of the building. In fact, many locals spend the sunny afternoons around the monument. Make sure to take lots of pictures and tour the inside of the cathedral as well.

The Berlin cathedral is located just opposite the famous Museum Island, so you could even spend all day here just exploring what this part of the city centre has to offer.

Insider tip: For a small fee, you can climb the 270 steps up to the top of the dome and take in the great views over Museum Island, which is another cool attraction I’m gonna get to shortly.

#11 – Mauerpark – One of the most amazing places in Berlin!

• Great weekend hotspot!
• Holds events and flea market

Why it’s so awesome: This area used to be part of the Cold War era death strip but since then it’s been turned into a place of fun and nature. This seems to be a fitting memorial, to have so much beauty and joy where there was once so much pain, and it’s a great place to escape from the city during the week or to enjoy events pretty much any time. It also has a flea market on Sundays that locals and tourists alike swear by.

What to do there: This is an extremely popular part of Berlin, so expect large crowds, especially over the weekend. If you’re in the city on Sunday, make sure you turn up for the flea market, which is an absolute city favorite for locals and visitors alike. During the warm summer months, there are a lot of fun, free events held here as well, so find out what’s on and just show up! Also, try the Bearpit Karaoke for a few laughs!

#12 – The TV Tower

• Hands down the most popular place to go in Berlin
• Take your camera with you
• Really crowded, so expect lines

Why it’s so awesome: As a fascinating and unique relic of the city’s Communist past, The TV Tower (Fernsehturm) is now one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. You can see pretty much the whole city from the viewing deck of this tower. Over 1.2 million people visit a year, which makes it one of the most popular attraction in the city. It also acts as a handy landmark for orientating yourself due to its sheer size.

What to do there: Take the elevator to the observation deck. You’ll be 203 meters up in the sky and be able to see the whole city from that vantage point. This is the perfect place for that iconic photo of you in Berlin, so make sure you take advantage of it and bring your camera!

Since this is a super popular attraction all year long, you can expect to share the view with quite a few other visitors. In order to reduce the waiting time in line, be sure to purchase your tickets online beforehand.

Insider tip: If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even make a reservation for a window table at the TV Tower restaurant. It’s not the cheapest place to eat, but the view definitely makes up for it. It’s one of the most unique experiences you can have in Berlin.

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#13 – Checkpoint Charlie

• A border crossing between East and West Berlin
• Setting for many thrillers and spy novels

Why it’s so awesome: If you want a slightly creepy, more personal view of what the city was like when it was divided by the Berlin Wall then you need to visit this site. This is the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin and until 1989 it signified the border between capitalism and freedom and communism and confinement. It’s also the site of a few stand-offs between America and the Soviet during the Cold War.

What to do there: Visit the site and try to imagine what it was like for people who had to move through the checkpoint. There’s a sign above it that reads “You are now leaving the American sector’, a warning that’s incredibly ominous in this context. Over the years, this checkpoint has become almost a symbol of the conflict during the Cold War, which is why it’s one of the most important points of interest in Berlin today.

#14 – Berlin Wall Memorial

• Partly steel reconstruction
• Remembrance for the victims of the Berlin Wall
• 1.4km long, 12-foot-high

Why it’s so awesome: This site is more informative than other museums and will teach you all about the history of the Berlin Wall. It’s the ideal place for history nerds that really want to dig in deep. This wall split the city in two and stretched 1.4 kilometers across the city. You’ll be able to see the fortifications that once stood along this wall as well as the infamous ‘death strip’.

What to do there: This is an incredibly important historical site, so make sure you take the time to explore it. Marvel at the watchtower and ‘death strip’ and learn more about the sites through the interactive displays that are dotted throughout the area. Just remember that not all of the displays are safe for children, so be careful if you bring them to this site.

Insider Tip: The Berlin Wall is usually part of most Berlin Walking Tours, so if you want to find out directly from a local guide be sure to join one.

#15 – Kurfürstendamm

• The Champs-Élysées of Berlin
• Shopping and hotel street
• Great for people watching too

Why it’s so awesome: If you’ve got some spare money, Kurfürstendamm is one of the best spots to go to in Berlin. It’s a massive avenue filled with all sorts of shops and plenty of charming cafes. It’s also a place to see and be seen. This is where you can find cool designer boutiques right next to high-end fashion stores. While staying on Kurfürstendamm is insanely expensive (think 5-star hotels), it’s perfect for shopping or a chill afternoon stroll.

What to do there: Spend all the money you got! But if you’re not keen on that, walking down the avenue for window-shopping is just as cool. There are an insane amount of designer shops and even some automobile exhibitions that can be visited. This is Berlin’s best most famous shopping street, right alongside “Unter den Linden” so you’ll share the boulevard with plenty of other visitors.

#16 – Charlottenburg Palace

• Stately baroque palace
• In the heart of Berlin
• Stunning architecture

Why it’s so awesome: You might not think of Berlin in connection with palaces, but this residence will teach you otherwise. It was built in the 18th century for the Prussian rulers and is a perfect example of the baroque still that’s been so popular through the ages.

What to do there: Take pictures of the palace inside and out and then spend some time in the gardens. The green spaces surrounding the palace are almost better than the building itself and many people say that they’re one of the most beautiful gardens in the city as well. You can also find a Tea House and the Orangery in the garden which are worth a visit as well.

#17 – Reichstag

• One of the most famous places in Berlin
• Berlin’s seat of power and home to the German parliament

Why it’s so awesome: This stately building is the seat of power in Germany and it also has a turbulent history behind it. In 1933, there was a fire at the site which prompted the persecution of political opponents and it also took a lot of damage in World War II. The completion of repairs took until after the fall of the Berlin Wall, but now it’s intact and still functions as a place of power in Berlin.

What to do there: You can book an appointment online to tour the building and enjoy the lush and stately rooms as well as a visit to the top of the building’s glass dome. This will give you some amazing views across the city, so it’s well worth making the extra effort. Simply walking past the monument is also pretty worth it since the building is quite an attraction in itself.

#18 – The Park Inn Hotel – Not your typical activity…

• For the thrill seekers
• Not ideal if you’re afraid of heights

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re looking for something more exciting than museums, then take a trip to this hotel. It’s located in Alexanderplatz, one of the city’s centers, and is 125 meters high. After a quick chat to the desk clerk, you can take the elevator to the top and then jump off the building. Yes, literally. It’s called base flying and it’s similar to bungee jumping, as well as a lot of fun.

What to do there: You can go base flying during the day or at night for some amazing views. Onlookers are welcome, so you’ll have someone there to witness your courage and take photos of your screaming face as you jump. You can also get an official view of your jump or take your own video camera and have someone record the action for you.

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#19 – The Botanical Garden – A nice quiet place to see in Berlin

• Enjoy stunning nature
• Holds 22,000 different plant species
• Combined with a museum
• Indoor and outdoor space

Why it’s so awesome: When you spend all your time in a city you need a place where you can connect with nature. This botanical garden is absolutely huge, with plenty of room for everyone who wants to breathe in some fresh air and looking at artistic flower and plant displays.

What to do there: This is the perfect place to just wander around and enjoy the scenery. You’ll see ivy-covered buildings, giant bamboo and a profusion of colorful waterlilies sure to delight gardeners and non-gardeners alike. There are over 22,000 different species of plants in this garden, so you’ll need to put aside a bit of time to see everything.

#20 – Berliner Unterwelten

• Unique place to visit
• Explore the secret underworld

Why it’s so awesome: When the tide started to turn during the Second World War and defeat looked possible, the authorities started to build bunkers under the city. This eventually became an underground system of tunnels and bunkers that both sides used during the Cold War. In fact, during this period a lot of money was spent creating multi-use rooms like subway stations and underground car parks to keep the population safe from a nuclear war.

What to do there: There are more than 3,000 shelters under Berlin, so make sure you have a guide who can lead you to the most interesting ones and give you some background on the sites as well. After spending a little time in this underground maze, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most unusual things to do in Berlin and one of the most popular as well! There are a few different types of tours through the tunnels, so choose the one that appeals to you the most.

Insider Tip: For now, there are no available tours online. If you want to find a private guide, be sure to check with your Berlin accommodation for help.

#21 – Monster Kabinett

• Part art gallery, part haunted house.
• Not ideal for kids
• A bit creepy
• But also pretty fascinating

Why it’s so awesome: Created by an art collective called the Dead Pigeon Collective, this is a warehouse full of strange art. It contains metallic masterpieces as well as costumed people ready to put on a show on Thursdays and Friday nights. During these events, you’ll be confronted with skittering spider robots, malformed sculptures, and more in a weird and very effective modern version of a haunted house.

What to do there: This is one of the most unusual things to do in Berlin and the location fits with that as well. The gallery is in a dark alley and you can’t really tell that you’ve reached it until one of the members of the collective greets you. It’s obviously a safe place to visit, but it is very scary, so leave the kids behind and show up on a Friday or Thursday night year-round for a fun evening out.

#22 – Liquidroom – One of the more unique places to visit in Berlin!

• Great place to relax
• Saltwater pool
• Cool inside and outside design

Why it’s so awesome: This complex looks like a collection of tents, a design meant to evoke its past as a train station around the time of the Second World War. But these days, the building is far more modern and contains top of the line spa facilities and saunas where you can relax with the latest wellness technologies.

What to do there: If you love spas then you simply must experience this one. The baths and saunas are great and perfect for heating and relaxing all the tension from your bones, but you definitely can’t miss the saltwater floating pool. The pool is in an architecturally fascinating room with high arches and multi-colored lights and music plays constantly. The music ranges from classical to techno and it’s designed to be heard underwater while you relax and float. This could be very relaxing, but it might also remind you of movies about mind control, so try to keep an open mind when you take your time in this pool.

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#23 – Kreuzberg

• Popular district
• Full of unique cafes
• Great for shopping

Why it’s so awesome: Berlin is one of the most beautiful places in Germany – in its own way -and neighborhoods like this one are the reason why. It’s filled with amazing shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and bars. So, no matter what you enjoy doing, you’ll have a great time when you spend an afternoon or evening in this area.

What to do there: This is one of the best places in Berlin when you don’t have an itinerary or a clear goal. Instead, just wander and see what you find. The buildings and streets are beautiful, the vibe is upbeat and modern, and when you get tired you can stop in at one of the cafes or restaurants for a tasty drink or snack!

Insider Tip: Kreuzberg used to be one of the sketchier neighborhoods in Berlin, but has since changed thanks to students, young entrepreneurs and a very chilled out community.

#24 – The Pergamon Museum

• Part of the UNESCO World Heritage
• Controversial exhibitions

Why it’s so awesome: Located on the Museum Island, this museum houses reconstructed, monumental buildings that were taken from Turkey. Since its opening in 1930, there has been ongoing pressure to return these cultural treasures to their home as the legitimacy of the acquisition is a little suspect. But while the Pergamon Altar and the Market Gate of Miletus are in Berlin, you absolutely must go to see these spectacular displays.

What to do there: This is a display of history that you need to see while you’re visiting Berlin. The museum itself was damaged during the Second World War and many of its displays were taken by the Red Army. Some were returned, however, which gives extra history and weight to the already staggering pieces on display. Make sure you check out the south wing, where the Professional Way of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate and the Market Gate of Miletus are kept.

Insider tip: The Pergamon museum is the most popular one on Museum island. Therefore, you can expect quite a few visitors. While you can enter the museum with an individual ticket, it’s also part of the city pass I spoke about earlier.

#25 – The Museum of Unheard of Things – Quite the quirky place in Berlin!

• Quirky place
• Only for the open-minded ones
• Small but interesting

Why it’s so awesome: The objects in the collection are arranged all over the walls of this museum, but each of them tells a strange tale or myth that’s both fantastic and almost convincing. Don’t expect to hear about facts, this is a super creative place that allows your imagination to run freely. The stories are incredibly entertaining, if not a bit confusing sometimes but if you appreciate that kind of art, you should really stop by.

What to do there: Like any other museum, you need to explore the items at this museum and read their descriptive labels. But there the resemblance stops because this is unlike the majority of museums. Make sure that you check out the ‘petrified water’, the story about the cow-pie worshipping community, and how sacramental wine lost its color. The curator of the museum has gathered and created stories of all different types, and it’s an absolute pleasure to visit the imaginative and slightly strange world that has resulted.

#26 – The DDR Museum

• Interactive exhibitions
• Depicts life in the former East Germany

Why it’s so awesome: This museum isn’t so much awesome as fascinating and unsettling. When Berlin was divided, the eastern side became known as the DDR or Deutsche Demokratische Republik. This police state existed between 1949 and 1990 and was ruled by fear and suspicion. Some people estimate that one in ten people in that state worked as an informant for the Stasi and this museum explores the relics of that history.

What to do there: There are more than 200,000 relics in this museum, but the reason why it’s worth seeing is because it’s been set up to allow you to become immersed in the world behind the Berlin Wall. You can walk into an East German apartment and watch a television show created by the state, or pick up the telephone and hear the click of someone listening in. This sounds like a claustrophobic world, and it is, but it’s also a unique look into a very different way of life that most westerners can’t even imagine.

Insider Tip: While this place carries quite a dark history, it’s actually one of the best places to visit with slightly older kids if you want them to learn about the harsh past in the most gentle way possible.

#27 – The Museum für Naturkunde – A fascinating educational place to visit in Berlin

• The biggest natural history museum in Germany.
• Great for kids!

Why it’s so awesome: This museum contains amazing collections of minerals, paleontology exhibits, and zoology displays. Some of the displays go back thousands, if not millions of years, and include the oldest bird known to have existed, extinct animals, and the world’s largest chunk of amber. So, if you’re interested in the history of the natural world, this museum is a Berlin must see.

What to do there: While you’re in Berlin, make sure that you put aside a few hours or even an afternoon to check out the marvels on display. Check out the mounted dinosaur, which is the tallest in the world even if that includes the bones from other dinosaurs and the wet collection. The wet collection contains thousands of fish and sea creatures preserved in glass jars, many of the jars more than 100 years old. This collection fills an entire room that’s been specially designed for them, and because of the way the lights are designed, the whole place shines with a beautiful, yellowed glow.

#28 – The Gendarmenmarkt

• One of the largest squares in Berlin
• Cool events during summer
• Includes three beautiful and historic buildings

Why it’s so awesome: This picturesque square is one of the most popular attractions in Berlin for tourists and it’s easy to see why. It plays host to a variety of public events throughout the year including classical concerts and the world-famous Christmas market in December. But even when there’s nothing going on, the stately 17th-century square still contains a number of important buildings and landmarks that are worth exploring.

What to do there: First, check out if there are any events in the square while you’re in the city and make sure you attend. There’s nothing like being part of everyday life in Berlin and this is a great way to do it. If there’s nothing on, spend some time in the square to explore the French and German Cathedrals and the Konzerthaus theater. They’re all architecturally amazing and you’ll be able to get some great photos in front of them!

Insider Tip: Just like the Alexander Platz, this place is ideal for people watching!

#29 – The Museum of the Gestapo (Topography of Terror)

• Outdoor & Indoor exhibitions
• Explore the old Nazi ideology
• Old Nazi headquarter

Why it’s so awesome: The Topography of Terror occupies the buildings that were used as offices and prisons by the Gestapo and the Secret State Police during the Second World War. The exhibits don’t shy away from this history, instead, they focus on giving visitors a good idea of how terrifying it must have been to be under the control of such a violent and capricious military force.

What to do there: You might want to avoid this museum if you struggle with graphic displays as they can be found everywhere in this museum. If you do go, make sure you check out the videos, photographs and audio from this time. They explore issues like persecution, extermination, and occupation and they also address the time after the war, when Berlin was struggling to recover from the atrocities. This is an important and memorable display, but it definitely isn’t a comfortable one.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Berlin

What is the most visited place in Berlin?

The Reichstag and Museum Island are the most visited attractions in Berlin.

Are 3 days enough time to visit Berlin?

There are a lot of things to see and do in Berlin. I would say three days is enough time to see the highlights.

What is Berlin best known for?

Berlin is known for its museums and thriving art scene.

Is Berlin worth visiting?

If you’re travelling to Germany, you should definitely make sure to see Berlin for its historical and cultural importance for the country.

Berlin is a city with an interesting and sometimes tragic history that shouldn’t be forgotten. That’s why it’s so important that as many people as possible experience the best places to visit in this city. It’s a reminder of the dangers of hatred, confinement, and segregation.

And Berlin’s determination to move forward is also a reminder of the strength of the human spirit. So, make sure you have the trip of a lifetime while you’re in this city by choosing the attractions you’re most interested in seeing from my complete list. If you’re looking for even more things to do when visiting the city, check out some of the amazing Berlin day trips too.

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capitalism and freedom had me in a fit of laughter!!!!!! it was fascism not communism

also the city of berlin being the most iconic landmark of the city of berlin.. genius never wouldve thought! Great list 🙂

Communism reigned over East Germany from 1949 until 1989, Sara.

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Where to see Berlin's best street art and celebrate freedom of expression

Feb 11, 2022 • 6 min read

Dmitri Vrubel's iconic East Side Gallery mural is one of the most famous symbols of Berlin © LordRunar / Getty Images

Berlin has a long history as a vibrant hub for freedom of expression, from landmark art museums showcasing the German contribution to modern art to the era-defining street art etched by anti-government protestors in the 1960s.

Berlin is still a city that attracts artists from all over the world. No matter where you walk in Berlin, you'll see the impact of art everywhere in this once-divided, now boldly progressive city.

Berlin's street art tells the story of the city in vivid color, from playful murals designed to spark imagination to powerful political pieces tackling pressing social issues. Here’s our guide to the top places to admire Berlin’s street art.

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is not only one of the best places to see street art in Berlin, it's also one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The "canvas" for this 1.3km (one mile) open-air art gallery on the east bank of the Spree River is the longest-surviving section of the Berlin Wall.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in the winter of 1989, 118 artists from 21 different countries traveled to East Berlin to paint colorful murals depicting the wave of political change sweeping across the world.

Unfortunately, many of the original works have been lost over time, but replicas have been put up in their place. Preservation efforts are in place to protect the handful of original pieces that have survived the three decades since reunification. 

From the rounded, colorful cartoon heads daubed by artist, Thierry Noir , to political pieces celebrating the reunification of Germany, these works of art capture the spirit of what it means to be a Berliner.

Essential Experience: Admiring the iconic “Fraternal Kiss”

More widely known as the “Fraternal Kiss,” Dmitri Vrubel's My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love is probably Berlin’s most iconic piece of street art. This powerful statement portrays socialist politicians Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing – a real-life scene from the 30th anniversary of the founding of the German Democratic Republic in 1979.

RAW Compound

Right in the heart of Berlin’s busiest nightlife area and not far from the East Side Gallery, the RAW Compound has it all. Set in the derelict buildings of a former train repair depot, RAW is the perfect stop for a quick bite to eat in the middle of the day and is home to some of Berlin’s hippest clubs once the sun goes down. It's also the setting for a busy flea market at weekends.

What many visitors miss amongst the plethora of activities is the fascinating collection of street art on display in this former industrial wasteland. From easy-to-miss miniature sculptures hidden on corners to majestic murals decorating the entrances to dance clubs, the RAW compound is a lively hub for all sorts of counterculture creativity. 

This is the kind of place to simply wander around with your camera, searching for artworks on the facades of each building; bring a wide-angle lens to capture larger works.

Essential Experience: Taking a street art walking tour

Every piece of art in the RAW Compound has a history, and there’s no better way to learn the back story of this creative complex than to take a walk with the experts. Whether you book a private guided tour or tag along on a free walking tour , be ready to spend a few hours at the RAW compound discussing and learning about the impact of street art on the city.

From the Pergamon to the Bode, Berlin's best museums tell the story of Germany's history

Bülowstrasse (Bülowstraße)

Formerly considered a no-go zone after dark, the Bülowstrasse was a hotbed of prostitution and drug dealing in the 2000s. That was then – today, the street is the perfect example of how street art has been used to gentrify and revitalize formerly run-down districts in Berlin.

The modern Bülowstrasse is colorful, full of life and adorned with modern art. From political statements to decorative pieces conjured from the imagination of the artists, there are eye-catching works of art to discover all the way along the street.

Travelers strolling along the Bülowstrasse will find two gigantic murals from world-renowned artist Shepard Fairey and the brilliant Urban Nation Museum, Germany's first museum dedicated to street art. 

Essential Experience: Diving into urban art at the Urban Nation Museum

An indoor museum for street art? What sounds like a contradiction in terms is actually a wonderful celebration of the art form. The Urban Nation Museum in the Schöneberg district opened its doors in 2017, showcasing the best of Berlin street art, and it quickly became one of the best museums in the city.

From graffiti, murals and canvas paintings to sculptures and art installations, Urban Nation exists to promote all types of street art. You can admire the works of top international street artists such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey and Martin Whatson, as well as Berliner graffiti artists such as the 1UP crew.

Teufelsberg

Initially intended to be a Nazi-era military-technical college, Teufelsberg was turned into a National Security Service (NSA) listening station during the Cold War, before being abandoned for over a decade.  Street artists soon took over the buildings as a new urban canvas.

In 2012, the space was selected as the venue for the Berlin Artbase event, and professional and semi-professional artists were invited to create on the concrete walls. The event was canceled when the city government refused to issue a permit, but it planted the seeds of Teufelsberg's creative future.

Teufelsberg has become one of Berlin’s most colorful and beautiful open-air street art galleries, attracting hundreds of tourists during the summer months. Located outside the city center on top of a hill, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip combining hiking and art appreciation.

Essential Experience: Climbing the dome at Teufelsberg 

Ascend the pitch-black stairwell in the center of the ruined complex at Tesfelsberg and you'll come face-to-face with a massive painting of a man stretching out his arms, covering almost the entire inside of the dome once used to monitor Soviet communications.

It's one of the oddest pieces of art in the whole complex, with eerie religious overtones. While it can seem ominous at first, the longer you stay inside, the more appealing it becomes.

The 8 best day trips from Berlin

Mehringdamm

While the whole district of Kreuzberg is studded with street art – including some of Berlin’s most beautiful pieces – Mehringdamm is the hidden gem. To get there, walk from the Hallesches Tor U-Bahn station to Checkpoint Charlie . There you'll stop in your tracks at the sight of stenciled political messages, community artworks and complex and creative murals making powerful statements.

Untitled by Spanish creative duo PichiAvo and Make Art, Not War by the influential Shephard Fairey are two of the most emblematic pieces in this area, but there are many more standout works here, including the captivating Elephant Playing With a World Balloon by Jadore Tong (aka S.Y.R.U.S). 

Essential Experience: Appreciating the artistry of Elephant Playing With a World Balloon

The premise of this stunning mural is simple; flanking a tarmac basketball court, a huge elephant adorned with colorful rosettes holds a balloon in the shape of the earth in its trunk. This gigantic and intricately designed piece, located at Wilhelmstraße 7 in Berlin Mitte, is considered by many to be the most outstanding street mural in Berlin. But don’t take our word for it – visit and stand in awe by its grandeur.

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Art and Culture

Jan 28, 2022 • 7 min read

Read on for our guide to the best of Berlin’s over 200 museums, including our picks for art museums, history museums, contemporary-art galleries and more.

Oct 20, 2021 • 5 min read

Sep 28, 2021 • 5 min read

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May 17, 2021 • 2 min read

Jan 1, 2021 • 4 min read

Nov 19, 2020 • 6 min read

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Feb 25, 2020 • 6 min read

Jan 22, 2020 • 2 min read

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Where to stay in Berlin: the city’s best areas

Heading to Europe’s coolest capital and don’t know where to stay? Take a look at our pick of the best neighbourhoods in Berlin

Visitors from around the world flock to the German capital year-round to dive into its cutting-edge contemporary art , the worldly flavours of its culinary scene and its seemingly endless supply of parties of all shapes and sizes. And while neighbourhoods like Neukölln and Kreuzberg are beloved by cool-hunters and club kids visiting from abroad, there’s far more to the city.

In fact  Berlin is divided into twelve boroughs (or  Bezirke ) made up of nearly 100 neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct feel, pace and attractions.  Each of these neighbourhoods offers a different perspective on the once-divided city. And if you’re on the lookout for the best place to stay in Berlin, here are the neighbourhoods you need to know about –  whether you’re after old-world tranquility or a weekend hitting some of Europe’s best clubs.

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Where to stay in Berlin

At the heart of the city, Kreuzberg is hard to put in a box. It’s filled to the brim with bustling markets and bar streets, but also rich with slower residential sprawls.

Unlike Tiergarten or Charlottenburg (see below), Kreuzberg is a popular thoroughfare for tourists and expats from around the world, as well as the multi-generational families in diaspora who made it their home throughout the twentie th  century.  And with train connections to nearly every district in Berlin, Kreuzberg is never far away from what you want to see.

Lodging is in no short supply in Kreuzberg, and budget travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to more affordable hotels and hostels. Try Three Little Pigs or Die Fabrik to stay close to the action. If you want a slightly more refined experience, GINN City & Lounge is a great option.

In an area as broad and busy as Kreuzberg, eating out is always a treat. Stop by La Maison or Brammibal Donuts for a breakfast pastry, Chung King Noodles or Mama Shabz by Paul-Linke-Ufer for lunch, and Il Casolare or Tenur for a particularly tasty dinner.

Bergmannkiez, Reichenburgerstrasse, and the area around Schlesisches Tor are hotspots for barflies from Berlin and abroad. Swing by Ankerklause for a drink by the water, then head to Paloma Bar for a night on the town.

Try out a few rounds of nine-pin bowling at Tante Lisbeth, but be sure to call ahead to make a reservation. And i f you’re looking to meet and mingle (with locals and tourists alike), Kreuzberg is home to a number of clubs with more relaxed dancefloors and door policies than elsewhere in the city: Lido, Bohnengold and Club der Visionäre are just a few.

If you only do one thing…

The canalside markets at Maybachufer are lively and vibrant, so be sure to drop by for fresh fruit and snacks on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Charlottenburg

For a quieter stay in Berlin, Charlottenburg has your back. Located in the former West Berlin, the area is best known for its sophistication and its history as a cultural centre. Here, you’ll be amongst the city’s more refined (read: moneyed) residents and the upscale businesses that cater to them.

The locals can be friendly, but they’re generally less used to tourism, so be sure to brush off your rudimentary German to order a  Milchkaffee or ein Bier vom Fass . A little bit of effort goes a long way in a neighbourhood as rich in luxury and tradition as Charlottenburg.

Indulge in a night at Wilmina for a taste of peace and quiet. The hotel is just off Kantstrasse, a bustling city street, but its grounds are an island of serenity. If you’re after top-of-the-line accommodation that’s buzzing with energy, you’ll find Sir Savigny Hotel just down the road.

Charlottenburg is known for its Chinese food – and for good reason. Go window shopping on Kantstrasse to find a spot that suits your taste, or drop into one of the very many Japanese, Thai or Korean restaurants that line the central avenue instead.

Pop into Rum Trader for a cocktail served with style. If you’re looking for a spot for people-watching, Schwarzes Cafe is your best bet – the bar has a long history as a hub for movers and shakers on the city’s various culture scenes.

Charlottenburg is the place to get classy. Suit up for a grand night out and head to the Deutsche Oper Berlin to check out a world-class stage performance, or visit the framed Prussian palace Schloss Charlottenburg for a tour of its many lavish wings.

Take a long stroll through Savignyplatz if the weather cooperates. It’s a gorgeous part of the neighbourhood year-round, but in the sun, it’s something special.

You’ll find Tiergarten just around the corner from Charlottenburg. The neighbourhood takes its name from the sprawling park at the centre of Berlin, where you can take in the massive Victory Column or traipse through the endless greenery. And when you’re ready to venture further, Zoologischer Garten station is connected to train lines running across the city.

If you’re looking to shop, look no further than Kurfürstendamm, or Ku’damm as it’s often called. With high-street locales alongside designer boutiques and the momentous KaDeWe shopping complex, there’s something to be found for everyone on your souvenir list.

The contemporary 25Hours Hotel at Bikini Berlin has one of the best views in the neighbourhood, across the city zoo and the trees of the Tiergarten. For a taste of old glamour, try a night or two at Hotel Zoo around the corner.

When the weather’s warm, grab a pint and a plate of classic German beer garden fare at Schleusenkrug to make the most of a day in the sun. Or, head to Café am Neuen See for dinner with a stunning view of the park’s endless waterways.

Monkey Bar is a fan favourite for drinks with a view, especially amongst the international crowd. For a quieter night, stroll a little further to Victoria Bar, where you’ll find perfectly polished cocktails and a cosy, elegant atmosphere. (It’s set to reopen in spring 2023, so check before you go.)

Explore the world at Haus der Kulturen der Welt, the national centre for contemporary arts that features live performances, installations, temporary exhibitions and talks. Or if you’d rather look into the past, browse the Bauhaus Archive instead.

Window-shop at Kaufhaus des Westens – KaDeWe for short. It’s one of Europe’s largest department stores, with luxury retailers spilling across its eight floors and an in-house oyster bar to boot.

Mitte is Berlin’s central borough, an area that’s as broad and diverse as the people who live there. Here, you’ll find embassies and art galleries, skyscrapers and former squats. Take a tour of the area to get a feel for how the city once was before, during and in the years since World War II, or stop off at any of Mitte’s many museums.

Be sure to double-check transport connections before booking your accommodation. While Mitte is bustling with things to do, some lodging is deceptively far from the main sites, so it’s handy to suss out the trains, trams and buses you’ll need beforehand.

Luxury hotels are aplenty in Berlin’s central borough, including Hotel Adlon Kempinski , Hotel de Rome and even the local Soho House branch. For something more affordable, check out Circus Hostel , St Christopher’s Inn or Selina Berlin . 

Steer clear of the tourist traps at Alexanderplatz and the surrounding areas. Instead, join the line at LIU 成都味道面馆 Nudelhaus – it’s always out the door, and for good reason. If you’re looking for something more upscale, Grill Royal and all-vegetarian Cookies Cream will be right up your street.

Café Cinema is a charming spot for a pick-me-up or a nightcap. Neue Odessa Bar and Mikkeller are also popular stops for the city’s younger crowd, while Mein Haus am See is a reliable spot for a night throwing shapes.

There are museums and memorials aplenty to see in Mitte, including the Natural History Museum ( Naturkundemuseum ), the Topography of Terror (commemorating victims of the Nazi Gestapo) and the Pergamon Museum. The Jewish History Museum on the southern border of the district is particularly powerful.

KW Institute for Contemporary Art has enjoyed a reputation as a leading cultural centre since the early ’90s, and its shows are still popular amongst art fans – and artists.

Friedrichshain

If you’re looking for a place to crash between back-to-back parties, Friedrichshain is hard to beat. It’s home to a packed roster of nightlife hotspots ranging from historic institutions like Berghain and Wilde Renate to cosier clubs like Cassiopeia and Crack Bellmer. Be sure to make a back-up plan if you’re turned away at the door of your club of choice: after all, in Friedrichshain there’s always somewhere new to try.

With heavy footfall of tourists around the calendar, Friedrichshain is rich in budget hotels and hostels: Sunflower Hostel , BackpackerBerlin and U inn are worth checking out. For a longer visit, the STAYERY has everything that you might need, and for an upscale visit to the city, the Michelberger Hotel is hard to beat.

There are a lot of exciting spots around Boxhagener Platz, especially for vegans and vegetarians. BURGERAMT is a tried and true favourite, and more recent arrivals offer their own delights. Check out the smokey, wood-fired Thai flavours at Khwan, or stop by 44 Brekkie for the fluffiest egg sandwich in the city.

You’re never far from a bar in Friedrichshain, so finding a spot to perch is often the biggest battle. Noble Rot and Hops & Barley offer an upscale take on wine and beer, and HOME Bar is a lovely spot for a cool, calm weeknight drink.

If you’ve come to Berlin for the clubs, you’re in the right place. Shop around online to see who’s playing where, then put on your dancing shoes – trainers, not heels.

Berlin is famous for its kebabs, and Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebab is famous for its queue, which can stretch a hundred meters down the pavement at the original stand near Mehringdamm. But if you want to try the juicy, oily, overflowing mix of meats and veg without the wait, head to Mustafa Demir’s Gemüse Kebap on Warschauer Strasse – it’s just as good, and you’ll rarely wait long.

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The Best Cities and Towns to Visit in Eastern Germany

Eastern Germany is a source of endless delight for travelers enthusiastic about history, art, and architecture. The opulent cities in this part of the country boast spectacular skylines made of ancient palaces, soaring church towers, medieval fortifications, and many great museums. Alongside these cultural treasures, it is also a paradise for nature lovers. Let’s take a look at the most interesting cities in Eastern Germany.

Dresden is famous for its treasure of art and architecture. An architectural tour of Dresden must include Zwinger (an ensemble of stunning buildings), the neo-Renaissance Royal Palace, the Albertinum with an admirable collection of art, the imposing Cathedral, and the Frauenkirche. Dresden’s countless museums of history, art, automobiles, and more infuse a generous dose of culture into your holiday. Saxon Switzerland National Park is a very popular and easy getaway from Dresden.

The historic city of Leipzig is rather unsung, but has the potential to emerge as one of the most exciting cities in Germany owing to its diverse attractions and vibrant cultural life . The two churches, St. Thomas and St. Nicholas, add a lot of exquisite beauty to Leipzig’s skyline. For an uninterrupted view of the city, climb to the top of the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, which is also a very important landmark in itself.

Bautzen is located on the bank of the River Spree, and is a popular day trip option from Dresden. Bautzen oozes medieval charm and keeps travelers busy with its many attractions, including Ortenburg Castle, Alt Wasserkunst, and St Peter’s Cathedral. If you are traveling with kids, make a stop at Saurierpark Kleinwelka adventure park, which has dinosaur replicas along with climbing ropes, slides, and more.

Potsdam, dubbed the Versailles of Germany , is certainly one of the most stunning cities in all of Europe. After all, it’s hard to beat a UNESCO-listed site with over 150 magnificent pieces of architecture and 500 acres of parkland. The most famous landmark of Potsdam is easily the opulent Sanssouci Palace sitting in a sprawling park. Other sights in Potsdam worth exploring are Neues Palais, Altes Rathaus, Film Museum, Babelsberg , Nauen Gate, Brandenburger Gate, Glienicke Bridge, and Nikolaikirche.

Görlitz, with its stunning Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, holds immense appeal for architecture lovers. A tour of the architectural wonders of this town would include St Peter and Paul’s Church, St. Marienthal Abbey and Fat Tower. It also has a very well-maintained historic Old Town and several nice museums.

Weimar’s claim to fame lies in the fact that legendary personalities like Luther, Cranach, Bach, Goethe , Schiller and Nietzsche called it home at different times, and for also being the cradle of the Bauhaus Movement. Weimar is also admirably rich in culture, as evident in its series of great museums like Belvedere Palace, Goethe Museum, Bauhaus Museum, Duchess Anna Amalia Library, Castle Museum, Widow’s Palace and the UNESCO-listed Goethe and Schiller Archive, among others.

Zwickau is an offbeat choice, but one that just might surprise you with its unique attractions. For automobile enthusiasts, the August Horch Museum alone is worth the effort of making a stop at Zwickau. Additionally, it doesn’t really take a deep understanding of architecture to be wowed by the charismatic Gothic structure of St. Mary’s Cathedral. In Zwickau, you also get a chance to pay tribute to famous German composer and music critic Robert Schumann at the Robert Schumann Haus. Also, grab the rare chance of watching performing arts at a former gasometer .

Magdeburg, lapped by the Elbe River, holds immense significance in European history, and has witnessed devastating destruction more than once in its lifetime. The most famous landmark of Magdeburg is the highest church in Eastern Germany, the 104-meter-tall (341 ft) Lutheran Cathedral of Saints Catherine and Maurice. The city is also home to Europe’s longest water bridge over water, the Magdeburg Water Bridge, and several other beautiful churches and parks.

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Best places to visit in germany.

Full of culture, lively locals and great beer, Germany is home to many captivating travel destinations. Whether you're looking to soak up art, architecture and history or imbibe at Oktoberfest, this country appeals to a variety of tourists. U.S. News weighed factors like sights, food, culture, accessibility and value, in addition to expert and traveler opinions, to create the best places to visit in Germany. Vote for the destinations you love below to help shape next year's ranking.

Neuschwanstein

Garmisch-partenkirchen, black forest, berchtesgaden, rüdesheim am rhein.

Germany's capital city is akin to Paris and London in that you just can't visit the country without going. Like many large cities, Berlin offers something for everyone, from a lively nightlife scene to restorative green spaces. Those looking take in the arts can explore the impactful East Side Gallery (on the Berlin Wall) or visit the more traditional art galleries at Museum Island. Berlin also pays homage to its ominous past with powerful and humbling attractions. Must-visit historical sites include the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.

Visitors flock to Munich every fall to take part in Oktoberfest, a two-week-long ode to Bavarian traditions featuring Germany's best beers and bratwurst. But Munich, one of the largest German cities, offers so much more than just this festival. The city is home to beautiful gardens, exquisite churches and engaging museums worth exploring. Wander around Munich's charming neighborhoods and spend some time in Marienplatz, a central square that's home to the world-famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel and hosts a popular Christmas market.

Though Neuschwanstein Castle was never meant for visitors, it has become one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions. King Ludwig II commissioned the castle as a place of refuge from public life. Today, more than 1 million people stroll through the property every year. The castle's Romanesque Revival-style is certainly romantic; in fact, it inspired Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. But what elevates this castle to bucket list status is its unbelievable setting, perched in the Bavarian Alps. From the castle, travelers can get an eyeful of the surrounding mountains, Alpine lakes and striking foliage (especially during fall).

This scenic mountain town in the Bavarian Alps calls to adventure-hungry travelers. In winter, Garmisch-Partenkirchen draws skiers looking to hit the slopes and learn about the Winter Olympics that were held here in 1936. In summer, hikers descend upon the town hoping to climb Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak (the summit is also reachable via cable car). Other can't-miss attractions include Lake Eibsee and Partnachklamm, a narrow gorge characterized by steep rock walls and roaring rapids. Meanwhile, if you're looking to unwind, take a stroll through Historic Ludwigstrasse or explore the grounds of Linderhof Palace and Park.

One of the best places to see Germany's natural splendor is the fairy-tale-inspiring Black Forest. This section of Baden-Württemberg encompasses more than 2,000 square miles of enchanting waterfall-filled forests, rolling hills and lengthy valleys dotted with half-timbered villages. A great introduction to the Black Forest is driving along its scenic namesake highway (Schwarzwaldhochstrasse); be sure to start or end your journey in the spa town of Baden-Baden to benefit from its thermal springs. You'll also want to save time for visiting gorgeous natural wonders like the picture-perfect Triberg Waterfalls, Lake Titisee and the Feldberg, the Black Forest's highest peak.

Dresden is made for architecture enthusiasts. The city, which is located in eastern Germany near the Czech border, features remarkable facades and edifices adorned with ornate architectural details. Though you'll have your pick of stunning structures, make sure you visit the Dresden Zwinger (a Baroque-style palace) and Dresden Royal Palace (a Renaissance landmark where the Fürstenzug, the world's largest porcelain mural, resides). If you prefer modern architecture, head to Kunsthofpassage to gaze at its quirky buildings, one of which has singing drainpipes. And those visiting during festive season can't miss Striezelmarkt, Germany's oldest and largest Christmas market.

For a memorable vacation in the Bavarian Alps, visit Berchtesgaden. This destination, which sits on the Austrian border, captivates visitors with its massive peaks, cascading forests, deep valleys and Alpine lake and river that make up Berchtesgaden National Park. Start your journey driving the scenic Rossfeld Panoramastrasse before traveling south to awe-inspiring Lake Königssee and the Eagle's Nest, a mountaintop beer garden. If you enjoy skiing, arrive in winter when Jenner Mountain is blanketed with snow.

First-time visitors to this historic German city should make a beeline for Cologne Cathedral – this breathtaking example of Gothic architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city's most popular landmark. Meanwhile, travelers with a sweet tooth should make time in their schedule for a tour of Cologne's Chocolate Museum. Other activities include relaxing on the lawn at Rheinpark, exploring Cologne's Old Town, cruising the Rhine River and taking in spectacular city views from a cable car. Visit in February or March when Cologne's annual Carnival celebration takes place, an event featuring festivities like masked balls, parades and parties.

Go off the beaten track on your next getaway by heading to this Bavarian city in southeast Germany. Boasting centuries-old architecture and a prime location along the Danube River, Regensburg is known as one of Germany's oldest and best-preserved medieval cities. Most of Regensburg's top attractions can be found in the city's UNESCO-listed Old Town, including landmarks like St. Peter's Cathedral, Haidplatz Square and the Stone Bridge. Other sights worth visiting include the Thurn und Taxis Palace and Walhalla, a hall of fame honoring exemplary German-speaking figures throughout history.

This city in southwestern Germany is well known for housing the country's oldest university. However, its good looks and superb location along the Neckar River also make it a great destination to enjoy old-world character and a small-town ambiance. To see as much of this beautiful city as possible, take a long stroll through Heidelberg's old town and across its picturesque Old Bridge. Then, ride the funicular railway to Heidelberg Castle, and continue on to Königstuhl for impressive views. Additional must-see sights to add to your vacation itinerary include the Philosopher's Walk, Heidelberg Zoo and the Student Prison at Heidelberg University.

Boasting elaborate churches and palaces around every corner, Würzburg is a photographer's paradise. From the Baroque-style Residence Palace to the Romanesque St. Kilian Cathedral, there are countless buildings worth exploring. Not only can travelers enjoy beautiful architecture, they can expect manicured gardens and parks, such as Ring Park and the University of Würzburg's Botanical Garden, along with numerous vineyards and estates offering wine tastings (Würzburg is located in Germany's Franken wine region). When you're not sipping on delicious vino, consider visiting the grand Marienberg Fortress or snapping a photo of Würzburg's iconic Old Main Bridge.

Primarily known for its winemaking capabilities, Rüdesheim am Rhein is a small village located at the base of Germany's Rhine Valley. While you'll surely want to spend the majority of your time here sampling Rüdesheim am Rhein's famous riesling, you should save time for other activities as well. The restaurant- and market-lined Drosselgasse alley is a perfect place to hear live music, and you'd be remiss to skip the one-of-a-kind Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet during your trip. Another worthwhile activity is a castle cruise along the Rhine River.

Frankfurt is best known as the financial capital of the eurozone thanks to it housing the European Central Bank, but don't assume the city is nothing more than a concrete jungle. Frankfurt doubles as a tourist-friendly destination with all kinds of attractions. Here, you'll find the Frankfurt Museum Embankment, a riverside perimeter that comprises more than a dozen museums, including the popular Städel Museum. Other noteworthy sights include the city's colorful old town, the Main Tower observation deck and the Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden.

Located less than 22 miles southwest of bustling Berlin, Potsdam makes for a perfect daytrip. The city offers a quieter, more serene atmosphere complete with parks and eye-catching historical landmarks. The city's most popular attraction, Sanssouci Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so breathtaking that it is often compared to Versailles. The palace's name means "without a care," so plan on spending unhurried hours there taking in its splendor and the surrounding grounds. You'll also want to save time for visiting Cecilienhof Country House – where the historic Potsdam Conference took place – and strolling through the charming Dutch Quarter.

Home to Germany's largest cruise port, the Elbe river and hundreds of canals flowing through the city center, Hamburg is a great place to explore by boat. But for those on foot, many top attractions are clustered in the heart of the city, including the Alter Elbtunnel and Planten un Blomen park. Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting, offers Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway system that enraptures visitors of all ages. Plus, Hamburg is a haven for music lovers with its impressive Elbphilharmonie complex, which features two concert halls and a plaza with sweeping city views.

The second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a must-visit destination due to its well-preserved history (both medieval and more recent). The city's darker World War II connections are on display at the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials museum. Go further back in time with a visit to the vast, all-encompassing Germanisches Nationalmuseum, which includes artwork from prehistoric times to today. Then, wind your way through old town's endearing streets, where you'll find half-timbered houses, a four-story fountain and the imposing Imperial Castle, which dates back to the days of the Roman Empire.

Head to this small medieval city in northern Bavaria to feel as if you've stepped back in time. Bamberg is famous for housing notable Enlightenment-era writers and philosophers like E.T.A. Hoffmann and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Plus, Bamberg boasts a gorgeous location along the Regnitz river and a collection of exquisite architectural beauties, including the Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. But no visit would be complete without seeing the dreamy rose garden at the New Residence palace.

Upon first glance, Lübeck might look like any other mid-size German city. However, this northern destination with Nordic beauty holds plenty of historical significance, so much so that UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site. Between the 12th and 16th centuries, Lübeck was considered one of Europe's most important trading ports. The city still remains a hub for maritime commerce with its location on the Baltic Sea. After learning more about Lübeck's maritime roots at the European Hansemuseum, travelers can check out the stately Holsten Gate in the city's charming old town or explore its many waterways during a boat tour.

Sitting on the banks of the Rhine River about 80 miles northwest of Frankfurt, Koblenz is overlooked by the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This idyllic setting is an added bonus to the city's strong cultural offerings, which range from institutions like the DB Museum Koblenz and the Ludwig Museum to monuments like the German Corner. You should also make time for a ride on the Koblenz Cable Car, which offers panoramic views of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Plus, with access to both the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz is an excellent destination for a river cruise (many routes take travelers past vineyards, castles and more).

Situated about 10 miles east of Germany's border with Luxembourg, the country's oldest city draws history buffs in droves. Trier was founded by Romans in 16 B.C. and is filled with some of the best-preserved ruins from that era. Must-see Roman relics include St. Peter's Cathedral, Porta Nigra, the Basilica of Constantine and the Imperial Baths. When you need a break from learning about Trier's ties to the Roman Empire, explore old town's colorful Hauptmarkt square, visit Karl Marx's birthplace or take a scenic boat tour along the Moselle river.

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