For a scene-stealing combination of glamor and grit, poised to mesmerize anyone keen to connect with vibrant culture, bold architecture, global food, intense parties, and an easy-going vibe, head to Berlin.
Whether your tastes run to posh or punk, you can sate them in the German capital. Here are the best experiences Berlin has to offer.
See the Treasures of Museum Island
Berlin’s “Louvre on the Spree,” this imposing cluster of five treasure-houses is an undisputed highlight of the city’s impressive landscape. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Museum Island showcases art and cultural history from the Stone Age to the 19th century.
Feast your eyes on antiquities at the Pergamonmuseum, take in 19th-century art at the Alte Nationalgalerie, and lean in for close-ups of medieval and Renaissance sculptures at the Bode Museum. The Neues Museum is famous as the residence of the exquisite but controversial bust of Nefertiti, which has been the subject of repatriation requests from Egypt for almost a century.
Planning tip: As part of the ambitious Museum Island Master Plan, the Pergamonmuseum will be completely closed to visitors starting October 23, 2023. The institution is not scheduled to partially reopen until spring 2027, with some sections of the museum, including the famous Ishtar Gate, scheduled to stay closed until 2037.
Follow the Legacy of the Berlin Wall
Few events in history have the power to move the entire world. If you were alive and old enough for the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, you will probably remember the crowds of euphoric revelers cheering and dancing at the Brandenburg Gate. Although little is left of the physical barrier, its legacy lives on in places like Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the East Side Gallery with its colorful murals.
Party at Berlin’s World-Famous Clubs
Berlin’s reputation for intense and unbridled nightlife is rooted in the libertine 1920s, when everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Christopher Isherwood partied like it was 1999. Since the fall of the Wall, Berlin’s club culture has put the city firmly back on the map for music lovers.
The edgiest clubs can be found in locations like power plants, abandoned apartment buildings, and other repurposed locations, especially in Kreuzberg & Neukölln and Friedrichshain. Electronic music dominates at cult favorites, while hip hop can be enjoyed at dedicated venues.
Enjoy Drinks Outdoors
Whether it’s beer gardens, rooftop bars, or casual drinks in parks and by the Landwehrkanal, Berliners take a relaxed approach to drinking and socializing outdoors. While Berlin has something to offer all year round, the city has a special buzz during warmer weather.
Be Dazzled by the Grandeur of Schloss Charlottenburg
An exquisite baroque palace, Schloss Charlottenburg evokes the onetime grandeur of the Prussian royals. It is particularly special to visit in the summer when you can combine a stroll, sunbathing session, or picnic in the lush palace park into a day of exploring royal treasures.
Visit the Reichstag
This iconic building has undergone numerous transformations over the decades. Originally designed by Paul Wallot in 1894, it has served as the home of the German parliament, the Bundestag, since 1999. Don’t miss the chance to see the striking glass dome, which offers fantastic views of the city.
Shop and Eat at Markthalle Neun
This delightful 1891 market hall was saved by dedicated locals in 2009. Local and regional producers present their wares, and on Street-Food Thursday, aspiring chefs set up stalls to serve delicious snacks from around the world. There’s even an on-site craft brewery.
Tour Berlin’s Art Scene
Art aficionados will be truly spoiled for choice in Berlin. Home to hundreds of galleries and world-class collections, the city has assumed a pole position in the global artistic circuit. Its main contemporary art showcase is the Hamburger Bahnhof, a vast museum housed in a former railway station.
Get to Know Jewish History and Culture at Jüdisches Museum
This museum presents an eye-opening journey through 2000 years of Jewish history in Germany, highlighting cultural contributions, holiday traditions, and the fates of ordinary people and families.
Wander or Cycle the Paths of Tiergarten
With its sweeping lawns, shaded paths, and picturesque ponds, the Tiergarten is one of the world’s largest city parks and a wonderful retreat from the urban bustle.
See Urban Renewal at Potsdamer Platz
Potsdamer Platz represents a collaborative effort by the world’s finest architects and is considered a showcase of urban renewal. This vibrant area has become a hub for entertainment and culture in the heart of Berlin.
Pose for a Photo at the Historic Brandenburg Gate
This neoclassical royal city gate has transformed from a symbol of division to a symbol of a united Germany. The elegantly proportioned landmark is particularly atmospheric at night when it’s beautifully illuminated.
Go Shopping Along Kurfürstendamm
No trip to Berlin would be complete without a stroll along Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm), the city’s longest and busiest shopping strip, lined with high-street chains and designer boutiques. Don’t miss KaDeWe, continental Europe’s biggest department store.
Explore the Exhibits of the Topographie des Terrors
This compelling exhibit documents the stages of terror and persecution during Nazi Germany, detailing the profound impacts these institutions had on all of Europe.
