Berlin Travel Guide - What to See, Do and Eat

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Germany is among the most visited countries in Europe. Tucked in central and part of western Europe, the country records an impressive number of visitors each year. Good climate, security, several attractions, and a vibrant economy are some of the reasons why Germany is a preferred tourist destination.

Berlin is the Capital of Germany and is the biggest city with many contrasts and war-torn history. Previously separated into East and West Berlin after World War II, the reunification of East and West Germany led to Berlin’s reinstatement as the German capital in 1990.

Berlin has many heritage sites and monuments that show off Germany’s Gothic architecture and culture. There are over 170 museums, religious buildings, and castles around that you can also view throughout the country.

If you are planning to make a trip to Berlin, you’ll need to know what awaits you. Below we’ll share our favorite spots to visit, eat, and drink in Berlin!

About Berlin

Language: German and English are spoken in Berlin.

Passports: Berlin is part of the Schengen area in Europe. Most passports are allowed to travel to Germany. US passports can visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days.

Currency: Berlin is mostly a cash city and uses Euros. Make sure you have an ATM card to withdraw cash. We recommend 60 euros per day. You’ll also see many Euronet ATMs. AVOID THESE at all costs! Find a legitimate bank and withdraw from there instead.

How to Get Around Berlin

You do not need a vehicle to get around Berlin. They have an affordable and reliable transit system.

We traveled to Germany by plane from Switzerland to Tegel Airport (TXL) (now defunct). You should book a flight into Berlin Schönefeld Airport or Berlin Brandenburg International Airport.

You also have the option of traveling to Germany by Flix bus. It’s inexpensive and comes with wifi.

Once in Berlin, we highly recommend getting around by bus or metro. Download the BVG app to buy tickets.

Best Things to Do in Berlin

Below, we’ve listed our favorite things to do in Berlin, Germany.

#1 See the Brandenburg Gate In Berlin

The capital city is filled with iconic monuments that are a reflection of Germany’s political past and current diversity.

A notable monument in Berlin that we highly recommend visiting is the Brandenburg Gate. The monument is of historical and political significance and has been in existence since its erection on order of King Frederick William II of Prussia in the 18th century.

You’ll often run into events and gatherings that end at the Brandenburg Gate. We were able to walk along the running path of a marathon while we visited Berlin in May 2019 and then visited the World Cup exhibit in 2024.

Brandenberg Gate

#2 The Berlin Wall

Visit the remnants of the Berlin Wall that was once a dividing point between eastern and western Germany after a political ideology standoff. The wall was demolished and marked the end of the Cold War. The wall now functions as a gallery with some sections featuring graffiti portraying different ideologies.

#3 Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the name given by the Western Allies to the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. It was first set up in August 1961 and only foreigners were allowed to cross.

November 9, 1989, signaled the end of a divided Berlin. Checkpoint Charlie remained in operation until seven months later, when the guardhouse was removed during a ceremony attended by French, British, American, German, and Soviet dignitaries. It is now displayed at the Allied Museum in Berlin and a replica sits in its place for tourists.

You have the option of taking a photo with the soldier actors and even getting your passport stamped for only 3 Euros.

#4 Ascend the Reichstag Building to see the Glass Dome

Reichstag Building

Ascending the Reichstag Building to explore the glass dome on top is a FREE activity!

The Reichstag is a Berlin government building. you won’t get to explore the floors within the building (becuase it’s only for government employees with clearance) but you can head up to the dome and dine at the restaurant onsite.

You can make an appointment online. Arrive 15 minutes ahead of time for your appointment.

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#5 Visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Visit and pay your respects at this somber landmark in Berlin. It’s a maze of cement blocks that resembles coffins.

Do not stand or sit on the blocks as it is considered disrespectful.

#6 Fernsehturm Tower

The Fernsehturm TV tower is owned by Deutsche Telekom. The tower broadcasts over 60 different radio and television programs via the tower’s antenna. The tower was erected in 1969 in Alexanderplatz, a popular shopping destination and tourist area.

The tower is the tallest building in Germany at 368 meters and only 400 people can be in the sphere at any time. The tower is visible from every point in the city.

Fernsehturm Tower

#7 Check Out Nikolaiviertel

Nikolaiviertel is a restored medieval neighborhood in Berlin. it has colorful buildings and is a great spot for photos.

#8 Visit All the Museums!

There are many museums worth visiting in Berlin, Germany. Museum Island in Berlin has dozens of museums that you can visit.

The ones we recommend visiting include:

Kunst im Bundestag
Pergamon Museum (temporarily closed)
Bode Museum
Topography of Terror
Jewish Museum Berlin (the world’s largest Jewish museum)
East Side Gallery – Remnants of the deprecated Berlin wall that now serves as a canvas for murals.

Kunst im Bundestag Art Museum

#9 Check Out a Club!

If you’re into dancing and partying all weekend long, Berlin is the place to be! We were able to get into the notorious Berghain club known for techno and industrial music and the “gay scene.” I felt it was overrated.

I REALLY enjoyed the chill atmosphere at Sisyphos, which is more like a mini Burning Man but much cheaper!

Just a heads up, you will be asked to cover your phone cameras because no photos are allowed! The clubs are exclusive but super fun!

Where to Eat in Berlin

Curry wurst from Curry at the Wall in Berlin Germany

Currywust

Berlin is filled with delicious food options. On the street, you’ll find the popular currywurst dish. We highly recommend trying it because it’s inexpensive and delicious!

We also recommend checking out these other restaurants:

Adana Grillhaus – Delicious grilled Turkish skewers and meats with heaping spoonfuls of yogurt. We loved it here!
Dong Xuan Center – Vietnamese warehouse dining scene with dishes from Northern Vietnam. The food is cheap and delicious!
Klunkerkranich – A makeshift rooftop bar on the top floor of an abandoned parking garage in the middle of Neukölln. It offers one of the best views of the city! It’s stocked with plenty of beverages and tasty snacks. Come here if you want a great time late at night and stick around for the awesome after-parties! It costs about 5 Euros to enter.
Curry at the Wall – Our preferred spot for currywurst! It’s near the Topography of Terrors exhibit which we HIGHLY recommend visiting.
Liu Noodle House – This Chengdu eatery is cash only but they have some of the best spicy noodles in Berlin! They have many options for you too choose from, including some non-spicy broths.
Markthalle Neun – An indoor market with loads of dishes to choose from. We recommend going on Thursday when additional vendors come to showcase their street food dishes.
Mutter Hoppe – We absolutely loved the food here! We dined during asparagus season and loved their special plates (veal with asparagus) and asparagus soup. The service is not so welcoming, but the food is excellent! They also have a downstairs area that opens up in the evening with live music.
Ornek Lahmahcun – Pronounced lah-ma-joon, this Turkish meat and veggie wrap is one of my favorite things to eat! Ornek makes their lahmacun wraps FRESH and packs them with meat and veggies. We are obsessed!!! They have three locations in Charlottenburg, Neukölln, and Wedding.
Toca Rouge – Asian fusion cuisine located in Mitte. Try their pre-fixe menu. You won’t be disappointed. Oh and while you’re here, go into the restroom. It’s a party!
Zur Letzten Instanz – One of Berlin’s oldest restaurants dating back to 1621. Come for classic German dishes and a beer garden.
Zur Gerichtslaube – Traditional German restaurant in a 13th-century building with vaulted ceilings. We highly recommend their schnitzel, Große Vorspeisenplatte (assorted sharing plate).