The city of Berlin is well-known as a city of culture, history, and creativity and is, of course, Germany’s capital.
Recognised as a UNESCO City of Design, there are two other world heritage sites in the city – Museum Island and The Prussian Palaces and Gardens.
Berlin is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, offering an eclectic mix of neighbourhoods, world-class museums, galleries and theatres, and a unique blend of old and new that attracts visitors from around the globe.
Whether you’re having a short stopover or a longer stay, here is how you can make the most of your visit. From historic landmarks to local eateries, this guide will help you navigate the city’s key sights and experiences.
Day 1
1pm – Arrive in Berlin
Berlin is a well-connected transport hub, with many direct flights from major cities across Europe and via international airports. The journey to central Berlin from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) takes about an hour.
Navigating the subway system, which is colour-coded and numbered, is reasonably straightforward, and the locals are always forthcoming with directions if you get lost or confused and will efficiently point you in the right direction. You can also access the city by bus or train from other European cities.
3pm – Check in at Hotel Oderberger
Located in the heart of Berlin, Hotel Oderberger is the perfect place to stay for your adventure in the city. Set within a beautifully restored historic building, the 70-room boutique hotel has a unique combination of modern luxury and old-world charm. The property was once a public bathhouse, and this heritage is reflected in the conversion of the building to a comfortable hotel.
Start your time in Berlin at the hotel’s lobby bar, Kaminbar, which is open daily from 5pm. The cosy bar is complete with a fireplace and offers an extensive wine and cocktail list. There are also basic snacks available here.
For dinner, step out of the hotel and head to a nearby pub. Enjoy some hearty German comfort food such as goulash, bratwurst or schnitzel, paired with a cold local beer. It’s a traditional and easy way to introduce yourself to the city, and there are plenty of choices within walking distance of the hotel. Try Zum Schusterjungen, a 90-year-old pub that’s famous for its home-style food and local beer.
Day 2
8am – Early morning swim and breakfast
Start your day with a refreshing swim in the hotel’s stunning pool. What makes this pool so unique is that it was once part of the ancient public baths that served the local community. Guests can swim at a reduced rate as part of their hotel stay and enjoy the modern amenities.
After your swim, enjoy the hotel’s extensive breakfast buffet including a waffle station and juice bar, and enjoy eggs your way which are cooked to order.
10am – Historic city walking tour
Make your way into the city by train or tram to join an historic walking tour. There are many tours to choose from and Get Your Guide offers an informative Third Reich and Cold War two-hour walking tour.
Your guide will take you past iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, and the remaining Berlin Wall. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s fascinating history, from its Prussian roots to the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Throughout the tour your guide will point out key sites that you can return to in your own time.
The tour ends near one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks: Checkpoint Charlie. Once a crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, it has become a symbol of the city’s divided past. Take a few moments to snap some photos and reflect on the history that unfolded here. It is a popular site so be prepared for some crowds.
12.30pm – Lunch at Maximilians
For lunch visit Maximilians, a classic German restaurant located in the city centre.
This lively spot serves traditional German fare. Choose from hearty traditional sausages, a selection of schnitzel, or a bowl of comforting potato soup. And be sure to save some room for the delicious apple strudel!
Meals are best paired with one of the locally made German beers for a true Berlin experience.
2pm – Visit the Jewish Museum
After a hearty lunch, make your way to the Jewish Museum, an architectural masterpiece designed by Daniel Libeskind. The museum tells the story of more than 2000 years of Jewish life in Germany, with exhibits that are extremely informative.
The building itself is a work of art, with its sharp angles and intriguing design that mirrors the complexities of the history it represents. There is an array of interactive exhibits and art installations for visitors to explore.
4pm – Late afternoon shopping
Berlin is a hub for shopping. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion or quirky, independent boutiques, the city is a shopping haven.
The Mitte district is full of trendy shops and local designers, while the Kurfürstendamm boulevard boasts 3.5km of diverse retailers. The Mall of Berlin, open Monday to Saturday, is home to many luxury and mainstream brands and is an undercover shopping experience perfect for inclement weather.
Visit the seasonal Christmas markets (if visiting from November to early January)
If you happen to be in Berlin during the winter months, don’t miss the city’s famous Christmas markets. These festive markets are scattered throughout Berlin, offering everything from handmade gifts to delicious seasonal treats.
Sip on mulled wine, try a warm pretzel or currywurst, and browse the artisan stalls to get into the holiday spirit. The markets are especially magical when lit up at night, adding an enchanting touch to the evening.
Day 3
9am – Breakfast at Hotel Oderberger
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before your final day of sightseeing.
Whether you prefer a traditional German breakfast with bread, cheese, and cold cuts, or something more international, the hotel breakfast buffet is extensive and provides plenty of fuel for the day ahead.
11am – Spend the day museum hopping with a Berlin Museum Pass
Berlin is home to more than 170 museums, and with the Berlin Museum Pass, you can access more than 30 of these world-class museums across the city.
Some highlights include the Pergamon Museum, the Altes Museum, and the Bode Museum. With the Berlin Museum Pass, visitors get guaranteed free admission on three consecutive days and avoid queueing for tickets.
Getting around Berlin
The city’s transport system is efficient, with trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (subway) connecting all major attractions.
The Berlin Welcome Card gives you free access to all buses, trains and ferries, and can be purchased for 48 hours and up to 6 days. The card also offers discounts at leading attractions.
Getting to Berlin
Berlin is easily accessible via most European cities, with many offering direct flights into Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The airport has its own railway station, under Terminal 1, where you can quickly and easily change to S-Bahn or regional trains. There are also several bus lines that take you into the city centre, as well as various express buses.
If travelling via train, you can take the Deutsche Bahn. Common arrival stations include Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station), Berlin-Südkreuz, Berlin Ostbahnhof, Berlin-Gesundbrunnen and Berlin-Spandau. There are plenty of direct trains from surrounding European cities such as Paris, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Zurich which makes it easy if you’re coming from or travelling to your next European destination.
There are also options to arrive via coach, such as Flixbus, Regiojet and BlaBlaCar Bus.
Disclaimer: The writer was hosted by Visit Berlin, Hotel Oderberger, Berlin Pass, and Museum Pass.
