In a nutshell
- In this article, we share our 22 favorite highlights in Berlin — from iconic landmarks to the coolest neighborhoods.
- Our absolute favorites are walks through Berlin’s coolest neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Friedrichshain — they show a side of the city most tourists miss.
- For every attraction, we tell you honestly whether it’s really worth it and share our personal tips for visiting.
- At the end, we cover practical tips for getting around — including whether the Berlin WelcomeCard is worth it for your trip.
Must-Sees: Top 6 Highlights in Berlin
Brandenburg Gate
What do you need to know? The Brandenburg Gate is the last surviving gate of what was once a total of 18 city gates. Right in front of it is Pariser Platz, where the famous boulevard Unter den Linden comes to an end.
Is the Brandenburg Gate worth visiting? The Brandenburg Gate is THE landmark of Berlin — a photo here is an absolute must. But honestly, the lively buzz right in front of it is the real highlight. There’s always something going on!
Our tip: The Brandenburg Gate makes a great starting point for your sightseeing tour. Behind the gate you’ll find the Victory Column. Turn left for the Holocaust Memorial, Tiergarten, and Potsdamer Platz, and turn right for the Reichstag. All Berlin hop-on hop-off bus operators stop here too.
TV Tower
What do you need to know? Tall, taller, Berlin TV Tower! At 368 meters, it’s the tallest building in Germany. At 203 meters there’s an observation deck with the Sphere revolving restaurant.
Is the Berlin TV Tower worth visiting? Absolutely. The TV Tower is one of Berlin’s top attractions and the view from the top is not to be missed.
Our tip: Get your ticket in advance — that way you won’t have to wait in line. There’s a separate ticket for the restaurant, which includes a table reservation.
Heads up: Strollers, large bags, and suitcases are not allowed up top for safety reasons. Unfortunately, wheelchair users and people with mobility aids are also not permitted to go up the tower.
Book your online ticket for the Berlin TV Tower
Book your online ticket for the Sphere revolving restaurant
More tips for your visit to the Berlin TV Tower can be found here:
Reichstag
What do you need to know? German politics happens inside the Reichstag building. Its standout feature is the glass dome — 23 meters tall and 40 meters wide. There’s also a rooftop restaurant at the top.
Is the Reichstag worth visiting? Definitely one of Berlin’s must-sees. The tour through the glass dome gives you great photo opportunities and a free audio guide about the building and the work of the parliamentarians.
Our tip: Admission to the dome is free, but you still need to register in advance — best done on the German Bundestag website. Walk-ins are possible, but spots may already be taken. You can also book a guided tour and visit the plenary chamber.
Book a guided tour of the Reichstag
More tips for your visit to the Reichstag can be found here:
Berlin Cathedral
What do you need to know? The Berlin Cathedral stands on Museum Island, right on the Spree River. In the basement is the Hohenzollern Crypt, with ornate sarcophagi of the Berlin royal family.
Is the Berlin Cathedral worth visiting? It’s seriously beautiful. The walls, ceilings, windows, and organs are all magnificently decorated — and when you climb up to the dome, you get a wonderful panorama of the city.
Our tip: If you have the Berlin Cathedral on your list, plan a boat trip on the Spree while you’re at it. Many boat tours in Berlin start their cruise very close to the cathedral.
East Side Gallery
What do you need to know? The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall. Many artists have left their mark here, creating a 1.3-kilometer-long open-air gallery. The most famous work is the Fraternal Kiss, which you can see at the top of the picture.
Is the East Side Gallery worth visiting? The East Side Gallery absolutely cannot be left off your Berlin sightseeing list. It’s one of the city’s most well-known points of interest and the perfect mix of history and art.
Our tip: Right next to the East Side Gallery is Berlin’s most beautiful bridge: the Oberbaum Bridge. Especially in the late afternoon or at sunset, you can take stunning photos of the bridge from the banks of the Spree — that’s when the sun falls at an angle on the red brick towers.
Checkpoint Charlie
What do you need to know? Checkpoint Charlie was one of the most important border crossings between East and West Berlin. During the Cold War, Soviet and American soldiers stood face to face right here. Nothing remains of the original border crossing, though — even the guardhouse is a replica.
Is Checkpoint Charlie worth visiting? A quick stop here is simply part of the experience. It’s one of the city’s most important historical sites — just be prepared for a lot of tourists on-site.
Our tip: Come early in the morning or in the late afternoon when it’s a bit less crowded than at midday. You can also easily combine Checkpoint Charlie with our next Berlin highlight: Kreuzberg. The neighborhood is right next to the border crossing.
The Most Popular Neighborhoods in Berlin
Kreuzberg
What do you need to know? Kreuzberg is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Berlin — alternative, multicultural, and full of young, international people. Berlin shows a completely different side of itself here than in the tourist-heavy city center. Colorful, loud, and totally authentic.
Is Kreuzberg worth visiting? For us, Berlin’s neighborhoods are the real highlight of the city, and Kreuzberg is one of the coolest. So make sure to plan a visit.
Our tip: You can eat incredibly well at Markthalle Neun. After that, take a stroll through the neighborhood — good starting points are Oranienstraße, Mariannenplatz, or the Bergmannkiez. Or join a Berlin city tour through the area.
Book a tour through Kreuzberg here
Friedrichshain
What do you need to know? Friedrichshain is diverse and energetic, but also calm and laid-back. Around Simon-Dach-Straße you can eat your way around the world and bar-hop at night. Boxhagener Platz has a more family-friendly vibe — and the highlight is the flea market at Boxi, as the locals call it.
Is Friedrichshain worth visiting? Absolutely! Especially if culture, markets, and nightlife are your thing.
Our tip: Check out the RAW-Gelände, a former industrial site on Warschauer Straße. You can browse a flea market, experience Berlin’s nightlife, or photograph some seriously impressive street art.
Book a guided bike tour through Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg
Here are more tips for Friedrichshain:
Prenzlauer Berg
What do you need to know? Prenzlauer Berg used to be a typical working-class neighborhood. Today it has a very family-friendly and relaxed feel — you can browse small boutiques or settle into one of the many great cafés and restaurants.
Is Prenzlauer Berg worth visiting? For us, it’s one of Berlin’s most beautiful neighborhoods. We’d suggest a stroll along Kastanienallee, around Kollwitzplatz, and through the park at the Wasserturm.
Our tip: If you’re there on a Sunday, don’t miss Mauerpark. That’s when the weekly flea market takes place, with lots of performance artists and musicians. One of the absolute highlights is the Mauerpark karaoke — just follow the noise and you’ll find it.
Book a guided tour of Prenzlauer Berg here
Neukölln
What do you need to know? Neukölln is in the south of Berlin. You’ll find a wonderfully multicultural atmosphere here, restaurants with delicious food, and a super relaxed vibe.
Is Neukölln worth visiting? Neukölln is just cool. If you want to discover a different side of Berlin, a visit is absolutely worthwhile. Great spots include Weserstraße, the Schillerkiez, and Maybachufer. For the best view, head to Klunkerkranich, a cozy rooftop bar.
Our tip: Set aside enough time for Tempelhofer Feld. The former airport grounds, with their massive open space, are a playground for everyone: cycling, flying kites, grilling, mini golf, or soaking up the sun — all of Berlin gathers here on beautiful summer days.
Our tips on where you absolutely have to go in Neukölln:
Viewpoints in Berlin
Victory Column
What do you need to know? The Victory Column is one of Germany’s most important national monuments. It stands in the middle of Großer Stern, a large roundabout in the Tiergarten, and you can climb up inside it.
Is the Victory Column worth visiting? The view of Berlin from the top is great, so it’s worth the climb. That said, if you’re claustrophobic, we’d advise against it — it’s very narrow inside the column.
Our tip: You reach the Victory Column via one of four underpasses, since there’s a four-lane roundabout surrounding it. Don’t try to get there any other way.
Panorama Point
What do you need to know? The Panorama Point is an observation platform in the Kollhoff Tower at Potsdamer Platz. You get up there via the fastest elevator in Europe.
Is the Panorama Point worth visiting? Absolutely! The big advantage over the TV Tower: you can photograph the Berlin skyline with the TV Tower in the frame. There’s also an outdoor observation deck with no glass in front of your lens.
Our tip: Come at sunset. It looks stunning as the colors shift across the sky and the lights of Berlin slowly come on.
Book a skip-the-line ticket for the Panorama Point
Teufelsberg
What do you need to know? Teufelsberg is an artificial hill built from the rubble of World War II. During the Cold War, it was used as an American listening station. Today, the former radar station is a fascinating lost place in Berlin — full of art, graffiti, and great views.
Is Teufelsberg worth visiting? If you have more time in Berlin, this side trip is really worth it. The vantage point gives you a completely different perspective than any overlook in the city center. If you’re only in Berlin for the weekend, the journey out there takes too long.
Our tip: Bring some food and a blanket and enjoy a picnic with a view.
Here are even more great viewpoints for you:
Markets and Market Halls in Berlin
Markthalle Neun
What do you need to know? We already mentioned Markthalle Neun as a tip for Kreuzberg. The hall offers delicious international and regional products, from fruits and vegetables to handmade specialties.
Is Markthalle Neun worth visiting? Absolutely — especially if you enjoy trying something new. There are also always different events happening here, like cooking classes and pop-up markets. Just a heads-up: it gets really packed. Be prepared for that.
Our tip: If you’re there on a Thursday, don’t miss Street Food Thursday. There’s incredibly delicious food from all kinds of countries: pitas, samosas, burgers, and much more.
Arminiusmarkthalle
What do you need to know? The Arminiusmarkthalle is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building in Berlin’s Moabit neighborhood. It offers delicious regional and German products, as well as food from international cuisines.
Is the Arminiusmarkthalle worth visiting? It’s especially worthwhile if you want to get away from the tourist hustle. Everything here is a little more low-key than in other market halls — that’s its charm, and for us it’s a great alternative to Markthalle Neun.
Our tip: The Saturday brunch at the market hall is fantastic! Make sure to reserve a spot in advance.
Mauerpark Flea Market
What do you need to know? The flea market at Mauerpark is one of the most well-known in Berlin and takes place every Sunday. You’ll find a huge selection of secondhand goods, vintage clothing, and artwork, plus regular live musicians and street performers.
Is the Mauerpark flea market worth visiting? It’s one of the best things to do in Berlin on the weekend. It does get crowded quickly, though. If that’s not your thing, we’d recommend our next pick instead: the flea market at Boxhagener Platz.
Our tip: Don’t be shy about haggling — it’s totally normal at flea markets. And make sure you have cash on you. Most vendors don’t accept cards.
Boxhagener Platz Flea Market
What do you need to know? This flea market takes place every Sunday at Boxhagener Platz in the Simon-Dach-Kiez. Around the square you’ll find stalls with secondhand goods, antiques, and handmade products, plus great restaurants and small cafés surrounding the market.
Is the Boxhagener Platz flea market worth visiting? It’s especially great for families because the atmosphere is really relaxed. That said, we’d always combine a visit with a tour through Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg — it’s not quite worth the trip just for the flea market alone.
Our tip: Visiting Berlin with kids? Your little ones can let off steam at the playground right next door when they’ve had enough of shopping.
You'll find even more great flea markets here:
Museums in Berlin
Museum Island
What do you need to know? Museum Island sits in the middle of the Spree River and truly lives up to its name. It’s home to five of the most famous museums in Berlin: the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, and the Altes Museum.
Is Museum Island worth visiting? It’s an absolute must for history buffs. But even if history or art isn’t really your thing, Museum Island is still worth a visit — in that case, we especially recommend the Bode Museum.
Our tip: If you want to visit several museums on the island, look into the Berlin Welcome Card Museum Island. It also covers public transportation and gets you discounts on many other attractions in Berlin.
All the info on the Berlin Welcome Card
Jewish Museum
What do you need to know? The museum is the largest Jewish museum in Europe. It covers Jewish history and culture, as well as the diverse cultures in Germany more broadly.
Is the Jewish Museum worth visiting? Absolutely. Not only because of the fascinating exhibits, but also because of the extraordinary building and the beautiful garden.
Our tip: The museum is really large, so plan on spending at least three hours here.
Humboldt Forum
What do you need to know? Today’s Berlin Palace is a reconstruction of the old Berlin City Palace, which was rebuilt, bombed, torn down, and rebuilt again multiple times. The Humboldt Forum, with its art and culture from around the world, is now an important part of the palace.
Is the Humboldt Forum worth visiting? If you enjoy museums and appreciate art and culture, we’d recommend a visit. If you only have time for one museum, though, we’d personally go to the Jewish Museum instead.
Our tip: Take a little time to head up to the rooftop terrace. You can grab something to eat and enjoy the view of Museum Island.
Typically Berlin
Explore the Hackesche Höfe
What do you need to know? Around Hackescher Markt in Berlin Mitte, there are eight interconnected courtyards lined with boutiques, studios, and cafés. The most well-known are the Hackesche Höfe, accessible from Rosenthaler Straße.
Are the courtyards worth visiting? Yes! A walk through Berlin’s courtyards at Hackescher Markt is simply part of any Berlin visit for us.
Our tip: Try to get tickets for the Chamäleon Theater in the Hackesche Höfe. The shows are great and the setting is extraordinary.
Eat a Berlin Currywurst
What do you need to know? What’s a must on any city trip to Berlin? Currywurst, of course! The classic spots are Curry36, Konnopke’s, and Bier’s.
Is a currywurst in Berlin worth it? For us, that’s not even a question. A currywurst — or two or three — is simply part of your Berlin experience.
Our tip: The curry stand at Gesundbrunnen, Lange’s Imbiss, and the vegan currywurst at Curry 61 are definitely among our insider tips for Berlin.
Getting Around Berlin
Berlin is huge! But don’t worry — almost all the attractions in Berlin are relatively close together in the city center.
To give you a better overview, we’ve marked all the sights on a map.
Practical Travel Tips for Berlin
Finally, here are a few tips to make your sightseeing tour through Berlin easier.
How do you get to Berlin's sights?
Buses and trains will get you around Berlin just fine. Public transit is actually much better than its reputation.
All of Berlin’s attractions are near a U-Bahn or S-Bahn station, so you can simply leave your car behind. Inside the Berlin Ring, you’ll find barely any parking spots — and certainly none that are free.
So make sure your accommodation is close to a U-Bahn or S-Bahn station.
Speaking of which: still looking for a place to stay in Berlin? Our Berlin hotel guides will definitely point you in the right direction:
As an alternative to the subway and co., Berlin has various sharing services where you can rent cars, scooters, e-scooters, or bikes.
Is the Berlin WelcomeCard worth it?
If you plan on visiting museums or other paid attractions, the Berlin WelcomeCard is worth it. It lets you ride buses and trains for free and get discounts of 20 to 50% at 200 Berlin sights and attractions.
It comes in several versions: for 48 or 72 hours and four, five, or six days. You can order it online:
Are there good city tours of Berlin?
Berlin has a ton of great city tours. You get a knowledgeable local guide who either shows you the classic Berlin sights or takes you through the city on a special theme.
Here are some of the best tours:
Classic tour of the most important sights
Walking tour through wild Kreuzberg
Tour of the dark side of the capital
Here are some more cool city tours through Berlin:
