Berlin combines world history with a fiercely creative present. Here are the 20 best things to do. Many are free.
History and landmarks
- The Brandenburg Gate: the symbol of reunification.
- The Reichstag dome: a free glass dome with city views, booked in advance. See our guide.
- The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, with its underground information centre.
- The Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse: the preserved death strip, free.
- The East Side Gallery: 1.3 km of murals on the Wall, free.
- Checkpoint Charlie and the free Topography of Terror museum.
- The DDR Museum: hands-on East German life.
- The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church: a bombed-out church kept as a memorial.
Museums and culture
- Museum Island: the Neues Museum (Nefertiti), the Altes Museum and the Bode Museum. The Pergamon is under long-term renovation.
- The Jewish Museum Berlin: a striking Libeskind building.
- The Gemäldegalerie: old masters.
- The Berlin TV Tower at Alexanderplatz: a 203 m viewing deck.
- The Berlin Philharmonie: a world-class concert hall.
Neighbourhoods and parks
- Tempelhofer Feld: a former airport turned giant park.
- The Tiergarten and the Victory Column.
- Kreuzberg: the Landwehr Canal, Markthalle Neun and street food.
- Prenzlauer Berg: the Mauerpark Sunday flea market and karaoke.
- Nightlife: legendary techno clubs and bars in Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.
Day trips and food
- Potsdam: Sanssouci Palace and gardens, 30–40 minutes by train.
- Currywurst and döner kebab, Berlin’s signature street foods.
Compare Berlin walking tours, Cold War tours and the Berlin WelcomeCard.
Tips
- Book the Reichstag dome and TV Tower slots ahead.
- Many museums close on Mondays.
- Carry some cash for smaller cafés and bars.
For events, opening hours and official visitor information, see visitBerlin, the official tourism site.
More Berlin guides
- Berlin travel guide
- Berlin itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Berlin
- Reichstag dome: free tickets and registration
- Berlin Christmas markets 2026
- BER Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Berlin
FAQ: Things to do in Berlin
What is free to do in Berlin?
The Reichstag dome (with registration), the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, the Berlin Wall Memorial, the East Side Gallery, the Topography of Terror, Tempelhofer Feld and the Tiergarten.
Is the Pergamon Museum open?
The main building is closed for a long-term renovation. Check the Berlin State Museums website for any partial openings and temporary exhibitions.
What is Berlin famous for?
Its Cold War history and the Berlin Wall, its museums, its creative culture and its nightlife.
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