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Discover Berlin

Berlin's top attractions

Time to relax

Reichstag & Brandenburg Gate

Potsdamer Platz & Museum Island

Home to the lower house of Germany's parliament, the Reichstag is perhaps one of Berlin's most historically significant buildings. It was completely reconstructed in 1999, and now features a huge glass dome which offers panoramic views of the city. Just a stone's throw from the Reichstag is the Brandenburg Gate, perhaps the most iconic of Berlin's attractions. Built in 1971, the gate lies at the top of the Pariser Platz, which is home to many of the city's important buildings, such as the Academy of the Arts, and the opulent Hotel Adlon, which has a rich history of its own to discover.

The history of Potsdamer Platz has been eventful to say the least - it went from being the bustling heart of the city before the Second World War, then up until the fall of the wall it became a no man's land. Nowadays, it's home to the Sony centre, sleek skyscrapers, and plenty of shopping, not to mention a hub for A-listers. Berlin's Museum Island, by contrast, has always been a big deal. In fact, it's so culturally significant that in 1990, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sitting between the banks of the river Spree, it's made up of five large museums built under Prussian rulers, as well as the modern James Simon Gallery. It's also home to the world-famous bust of Nefertiti, which is over 3000 years old.

Museums

Berlin is famous for its museums - there are around 170 for you to choose from during your stay. We've already talked about the Humboldt Forum and Museum Island, but what else is there to see? The answer: a lot. Popular choices include the Old Museum, which has the largest collection of Etruscan art outside of Italy; the Deutsches Technikmuseum, which takes you on a journey through time through machinery; the Museum of Photography; or the Jewish Museum, which is both educational and architecturally striking.

Plenty to see and do

Ready to go?

Gendarmenmarkt & Charlottenburg Palace

The Gendarmenmarkt is arguably one of Berlin's most beautiful squares, with three of the city's most impressive architectural examples: the Concert House, which was designed by the renowned Prussian architect Schinkel, and both the German and French cathedrals (the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom). For another example of stunning architecture, head a little outside of the city centre to Charlottenburg Palace. This magnificent building was once a royal summer residence, and is home to extensive collections of china and paintings, set in beautiful landscaped gardens.

Go beyond the city centre and discover some of Berlin's hip neighbourhoods. Berlin is divided into 12 different districts, called Kiez, each with their own unique vibe. If you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, then we suggest Neukölln. This neighbourhood in southeast Berlin is a melting pot of culinary delights from all over the world. Tuck into Middle Eastern pastries, veggie burritos, Vietnamese snacks, and Basque specialities. If you're a fan of authentic Italian cuisine, then check out Lavanderia Vecchia, located in an old laundry in the Schiller neighbourhood. Of course, you can also grab a more traditional bite to eat, too - try Buchholz Gutshof Britz for delicious German fare.

Hang out by the water

Berlin is also home to lots of waterside restaurants - top picks include the Alte Liebe restaurant ship, which dates back to 1912 and serves fresh seafood; the elegant RIVO Spreeterassen in Kreuzberg, which has stunning views across the river Spree and the beautiful Oberbaum bridge; and the Cafe am Neuen See, a long-established beer garden serving Bavarian bites by the lake in the Tiergarten park.

Take a tour

Despite its popularity with couples and its legendary nightclub scene, Berlin is also a great choice for family holidays. There are lots of child-friendly attractions to see, including Europe's largest landscape zoo, the Museum of Natural History, the Computer Games Museum, and Legoland. See more of the city as a family on a hop-on/hop-off bus tour with audio commentary: we recommend route 100, which takes you past the Victory Column, the Reichstag, Museum Island, and other top sights.

Berlin by bike

This is a great city for cyclists, too. It's very flat, which makes it easy to get around on two wheels, plus there are plenty of different routes to try. If you're a street art fan, you can cycle along the Spree and through Friedrichshain, which will take you past the famous East Side Gallery, as well as a number of other impressive murals. If you want to learn while you pedal, you can even go on a cycling sightseeing tour, or if you fancy hiring a bike for the duration of your stay, there are lots of bike-friendly hotels to stay at.

Going local

Over on the west side of the city is Steglitz-Zehlendorf, which is all about getting outdoors. Think woodland walks, beautiful botanical gardens, and idyllic country estates. To the north, you'll find the creative and cosmopolitan borough of Pankow. This leafy neighbourhood is home to restored pre-war buildings with cute cafes, an upscale farmers market, and the Kulturbrauerei - a former brewery that's been turned into a complex of trendy shops, clubs, and a cinema.

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Did you know that Berlin has over 600 lakes and more bridges than Venice? If you visit in the summer, you're never too far from a great spot to go for a dip. The Strandbad Wannsee has been the place for bathing culture for over 100 years - since 1907, Germans have flocked to this lake to cool off in the summer, and if you head there now you'll be greeted with 1275 metres of sandy beach, deckchair rental, beach volleyball, boat rental, and even a waterslide. Another great summer spot, especially for families, is the Island of Youth. This idyllic garden is right in the middle of the river Spree, and has a sunbathing lawn, a children's playground, canoe rental, and homemade ice cream.

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Fun for all the family

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Berlin Wall Memorial & Kurfürstendamm

What was once the border between East and West Berlin is now a moving memorial to a previously divided city. You can learn all about the history of the Berlin Wall at the open air exhibition, which also has a visitors centre and observation tower. For some retail therapy, you can head to the Kurfürstendamm (known by locals as the Ku'Damm), which is essentially the Champs-Elysees of Berlin. This elegant avenue is the most expensive address in the city, and is lined with designer boutiques. After browsing the boutiques, you can also check out Europe's largest department store, KaDeWe, or visit Zoo Berlin, Germany's oldest zoo.

Berlin WelcomeCard

Original Berlin Walks

Arise

Humboldt Forum

TV Tower

ARISE Grand Show

The ARISE Grand Show is a story of a photographer, Cameron, who loses his muse and the love of his life. He experiences first-hand that love withstands the test of time in a show that is all about not giving up, and keeping the faith - with incredible stage performances, costumes, and effects. If you're a fan of cabaret, this isn't one to miss.

Friedrichstraße 107 10117 Berlin

Blue Man Group

The Blue Man Group originated in New York in 1987, but has since become a global phenomenon. Berlin is currently the only place in Europe you can see the show, which has played to more than 35 million people of different ages, languages, and cultures. Show highlights include paint drums and a unique instrument called a drumbone - half drum, half trombone.

Stage BLUEMAX Theater Marlene-Dietrich Platz 4, 10785 Berlin

Humboldt Forum

Named after the Prussian scholars, Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt, this museum is dedicated to human history, art, and culture. Many of its exhibitions and events are free to the public, so have a look at what's on before you go. Plus, you can top it all off with drinks and dinner on the rooftop terrace, which has fabulous city views.

Schlossplatz 1 10178 Berlin

Original Berlin Walks

Original Berlin Walks has been operating walking tours in Berlin for over 20 years. They have a range of different tours for all different interests and abilities. Discover Berlin's street art, Prussian palaces, and wartime history - or learn about the women that shaped the city, or it's LBGTQIA+ history on a Queer Berlin tour. Plus, if you have to reschedule, you can do so at any time - or if you have to cancel, you'll get a 100% refund, no questions asked.

Neue Promenade 3, 10178 Berlin

Berlin WelcomeCard

To make the most of your trip, we recommend getting a Berlin WelcomeCard. You can snap up discounts of up to 50% on top attractions, plus it doubles as a travelcard that you can use on buses, trams, and trains, so you can get around the city with ease. You can buy different durations of passes depending on how long you're in the city for (passes range between 2-6 days). Plus, families will be pleased to know that all accompanying children under the age of six, and up to three children under the age of 15 can get public transport for free.

TV Tower

Berlin's TV Tower is an iconic staple of its skyline - in fact, it's Germany's highest building, so you're guaranteed the best views from up here. Learn about the tower (and the city's) fascinating history, go on a virtual reality journey, have dinner in the revolving restaurant, or simply savour the 360-degree views with a cocktail.

Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin

Blue Man Group

If you're looking for the best panoramic views of the city, then look no further than Germany's highest building. Berlin's TV Tower has a 203-metre high observation deck, a swanky bar, and a revolving restaurant. You can also go on Berlin's highest sightseeing tour, as well as a culinary journey through the history of the past 50 years of both the tower and the city. Find out more here.

Dinner with a view

What better way to explore a city, than with the help of a local guide? Original Berlin Walks was founded by a pair of historians in 1993 as a fun side project, and has since blossomed into one of Europe's leading walking tour companies. They run multiple tours every day, and were even voted as the best thing to do in Germany on TripAdvisor. Find out more here.

Go on a walking tour

You've probably heard of the world-famous Blue Man Group, but did you know you could watch them in Europe? Berlin currently has the only show on the continent, and it's been running for over 16 years, making it one of the most successful long-running shows in the city. Expect a concert atmosphere fused with comedy and incredible special effects to create a uniquely thrilling stage show. Find out more here.

See the Blue Man Group

Having undergone a €650 million refurbishment in July 2021, what was once a Prussian palace is now the Humboldt Forum: a space for art, science, and culture. Learn about the site's chequered history, as well as the ideas of the Humboldt brothers, and Berlin's position on the global stage. Many of its exhibitions and events are free of charge, so have a look at what's on before you go. Top it all off with a meal and city views on the rooftop terrace. Find out more here.

The Humboldt Forum

The Daily Express calls the ARISE Grand Show "the most spectacular show in Europe" - and if you head to the Friedrichstadt-Palast, you'll see why. Watch over 100 dancers, musicians, and artists perform on one of the world's biggest theatre stages, with extravagant costumes, breathtaking stage sets, and artistic excellence aplenty. Find out more here.

Catch a cabaret show

Experience it all for less

There's something for everyone in Berlin. This vibrant city combines cutting-edge entertainment, cool neighbourhoods that are easy to explore on foot, and world-class museums (a whole island, in fact!). Last week, we showed you our top five things to do in Berlin. This week, we've taken an even deeper dive into what Germany's capital of cool has to offer. Scroll down to see all our recommendations, or click here to see our best package holiday deals, which have been hand-picked by our deal experts.

The perfect city break

cultured, creative, cool

Berlin Welcome Card

To make the most of your trip, we recommend getting a Berlin Welcome Card. You can snap up discounts of up to 50% on top attractions, plus it doubles as a travelcard that you can use on buses, trams, and trains, so you can get around the city with ease. You can buy different durations of passes depending on how long you're in the city for (passes range between 2-6 days). Plus, families will be pleased to know that all accompanying children under the age of six, and up to three children under the age of 15 can get public transport for free. Find out more here.

Take a look at our selection of Berlin deals