Forged from the fire of some of Europe’s darkest and most divisive moments, the German capital has emerged as a beacon of cultural diversity and individuality. From the street art-splashed remains of the Berlin Wall to the bohemian bars and boutiques of Kreuzberg, the modern-day metropolis is creative, free-spirited, and always ready to party. The best things to do in Berlin are as vast and varied as the city itself. Dig deeper into World War II and Cold War history, get your culture fix at Museum Island, then discover the city’s foodie hot spots.
To soak up the sunshine and enjoy outdoor explorations, it’s best to visit the city from May through September. The summer season is packed full of things to do, including a Caribbean festival, Karneval der Kulturen, and the Berlin International Film Festival (also known as Berlinale), which showcases film screenings all over the city. If visiting in December, get ready for a festive extravaganza, as the city has been known to have more than 50 different Christmas markets.
To get around quickly and cheaply, take public transport. The U-Bahn (underground subway) and S-Bahn (local railway) are your go-to options, especially if you’re focusing on the city center. Purchase a 24-hour single ticket if you plan on riding the U-Bahn or S-Bahn more than four times within a 24-hour window. It’s a better deal than purchasing individual fares which are only good for two hours. Most importantly, regardless of which ticket you purchase, make sure to get it validated before boarding. You’ll find the validation boxes (they’re red or yellow) on the subway platforms.
For anywhere not served by either of these lines, there are also extensive tram and bus networks. Alternatively, you can rent a bike and explore via bicycle path, or discover the city on foot. If you prefer to travel by car, your best bet is to take advantage of ride-hailing services like Uber.
Finally, if you want to see the city from the water, consider getting around by boat. You’ll find many river cruises for tourists on the Spree River, and there are several ferries that both commuters and tourists like to take. For example, riding the 150-passenger ferry to Peacock Island makes for a fun day. The island has a picturesque castle and is famous for its residents (think exotic animals).
Burgermeister is a local institution that many proclaim as the city’s best burger joint. The restaurant chain began slinging burgers and buns from an old, heritage-protected public restroom facility converted into a fast food kitchen. Despite the unconventional location, the restaurant rapidly gained a cult following. There are now multiple locations, but you can visit the original one under the Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn station in the edgy Kreuzberg neighborhood.
If you plan on visiting Checkpoint Charlie, where people from East and West Berlin could cross when the wall was up, there are a few things you should know. First, Stadtmitte and Kochstraße are the nearest U-Bahn stations. If you don’t want to take the train, hop on bus 200 which will deposit you at Stadtmitte. While you’re in the area, swing by the Topography of Terror, just one block west of Checkpoint Charlie. The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial) is also within walking distance and worth a visit.
While Friedrichstraße, Germany’s poshest shopping street, has all of the stores you’d expect to find in Paris, don’t sleep on the city’s open-air flea markets. You’ll find them everywhere from canalside to parking garage roofs and in front of churches. Some, such as the Komische Oper Berlin costume flea market and the Fietsenbörse bicycle flea market, are held once a year. Others are held every weekend. The city’s largest open-air flea market, Mauerpark Flea Market, takes place every Sunday in Prenzlauer Berg.
