46 Best things to see & do in Berlin

An extraordinary UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site home to five world-class museums, covering 6,000 years of cultural and art history. An essential stop on any Berlin itinerary.

A tour de force of treasures amassed by German archaeologists. The superb site pulls together three previous museums covering Islamic art, classical antiquities and the ancient Near East.

Impressive, history-laden 18th-century triumphal arch that today stands as the great symbol of reunified Germany.

Germany’s most fertile art city spans all eras, from ancient treasures to cutting-edge contemporary. One of the world’s great art destinations.

The first museum to be built on Museum Island set in a stunning neoclassical building, houses exhibits from the Collection of Classical Antiquities. The permanent Greek collection is displayed on the ground floor, with special exhibitions on the second.

The famous Iron Curtain border crossing – now a fascinating museum full of daring and poignant escape tales. A Berlin must-see.

Visually captivating, mile-long segment of the former Wall, now adorned with paintings by 118 artists. The largest open-air gallery in the world.

This gallery showcases one of the world’s largest collections of 19th-century sculpture and paintings, with additional collections of neoclassical, Romantic, Impressionist and early Modernist artwork.

This field of 2,711 concrete slabs is a stark and unsettling memorial to the millions of Jews tragically murdered in Nazi Germany – including the murder of over one million children.

One of the world’s finest collections of European art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance (13th-18th centuries). Caravaggio, Raphael, Rubens and Titian and 16 exceptional works by Rembrandt.

One of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps during World War II is now a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust – and the importance of learning from history.

Fascinating guided tours that explore Berlin’s vast underground network of bunkers, tunnels and vaults – offering an insight into the city’s unique wartime past.

Berlin’s stunning parliament building, boasting an astonishing glass dome designed by Norman Foster. Go inside and peer down on a live parliament session.

A 290-hectare park featuring exquisite gardens, palaces, and grand monuments. Designed in the 18th century as a summer retreat for King Frederick the Great of Prussia.

Award-winning, hands-on museum dedicated to life in the former East German Republic.

Museum Island’s Neues Museum houses prehistoric and early historic collections, notably an excellent Egyptian Collection – including the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti.

Reopened in 2006 after a major refurbishment, the museum now houses a fine collection of Byzantine art, coins, medals, and most notably, one of Europe’s finest collections of sculpture.

One of the world’s largest and most significant public collections of contemporary art, housed in an architecturally impressive neoclassical building which used to be one of Berlin’s main railway stations.

An impressive collection of 20th-century artworks up until the 1960s, with masterpieces by artists such as Picasso, Kandinsky, and Warhol, among others.

This former prison of the Stasi, the notorious East German secret police, is a chilling memorial to the brutality of the Cold War, and a poignant testament to the appalling acts humans can commit against one another.

A massive exhibition covers German history from the Dark Ages to the modern day in an entertaining fashion. History buffs could spend all day here, but the rest should head straight for the most interesting sections devoted to the 19th-century Weimar and Nazi eras. Open daily.

Join the culture crowd and explore over 600 private galleries clustered in Mitte’s artistic heart, with art from students to masters, struggling to world-famous.

Every Sunday, Mauerpark public park is the venue for this popular Sunday flea market, attracting locals and tourists alike with its eclectic mix of vintage clothing, antiques, and unique treasures. Street performers, musicians, and food vendors adding to the vibrant ambiance.

A museum dedicated to the harrowing operations of the ‘Stasi’, East Germany’s dreaded secret police. Located in the Stasi’s chilling former headquarters.

Berlin’s Museum für Naturkunde, dedicated to exploring the wonders of the natural world, houses exhibits that encompass geology, palaeontology, zoology, and botany. Its extensive collection of specimens spans millions of years, and includes dinosaur skeletons, ancient fossils, intricate minerals, taxidermy displays of animals from around the globe, and an impressive array of plant specimens.

A unique and extraordinary collection of surrealist and fantastical art, with artworks by renowned artists such as Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, and Rene Magritte.

One of the largest Jewish museums in Europe, displaying two millennia of German Jewish history.

Housed in a 6,500-square-metre World War II air raid shelter, this immersive museum takes you on a journey through the city’s turbulent and sometimes chilling history, including the rise of the Nazis and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Guided tours allow you to access to the preserved underground sections and see a reconstruction of Hitler’s study.

This car museum, housed in a beautifully restored historic tram depot, showcases a stunning collection of classic cars and motorcycles, including meticulously restored vintage vehicles, rare collector’s items, and iconic automotive icons. A paradise for automotive enthusiasts and vintage car aficionados.

The Kunstgewerbemuseum showcases decorative arts and design, with an extensive collection of objects spanning various historical periods and artistic styles. Exquisite displays of ceramics, glassware, and furniture, complement those of textiles, jewellery, and other decorative items. The museum’s collection encompasses both European and non-European works, providing a comprehensive perspective on global decorative arts.

An intriguing museum that delves into that secretive world of espionage, exploring the history, techniques, and gadgets used in intelligence and counterintelligence operations throughout the years.

This renowned art institution houses the impressive modern and contemporary art collection of Heinz Berggruen, a German-American art collector. It spans various artistic movements, including Cubism, Surrealism, and German Expressionism and includes works by prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, and Alberto Giacometti.

Berlin’s main foodie hub is this vibrant food market showcasing a wide array of fresh local produce and international delicacies. Downstairs, you’ll find craft brewery Heidenpeter’s.

A contemporary urban art and street art museum showcasing a diverse range of artworks, installations, and murals created by renowned street artists from around the world. With its ever-evolving exhibitions, they explore the intersection of art, culture, and the urban environment, promoting artistic expression and cultural exchange.

Located in the heart of the city and dating back to 1844, Berlin’s zoo is one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the world. It houses a diverse range of 20,000 animals representing over 1,500 species from around the globe, in beautifully designed enclosures and habitats that provide a comfortable and natural environment for the animals.

The Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin is a verdant oasis nestled within the bustling city. Spanning over 43 hectares, this botanical paradise is home to a remarkable collection of plants from around the world. Visitors can explore themed gardens, including a tropical greenhouse, an Alpine garden, and an arboretum. For nature lovers and anyone wanting a fascinating exploration of the botanical world.

A museum that celebrates the art and history of photography through a rich and diverse collection of iconic works from renowned photographers around the world. Temporary exhibitions highlight various genres, techniques, and historical periods of photography, from black-and-white classics to cutting-edge contemporary pieces.

A museum showcasing the technological history and achievements of Germany. With exhibits covering various fields such as aviation, transportation, communication, and industrial technology, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of German innovation. Visitors can admire historic aircraft, vintage cars, locomotives, and even explore a replica of a coal mine.

This repurposed cargo container moored in the Spree river is Berlin’s quirkiest swimming option. Daytime is perfect for a relaxed swim and sunbathing. DJs are let loose in the beach bar after nightfall, when parties spill over from the Arena disco opposite. In winter, it transforms into a spa with heated pool, two Finnish saunas and cocktail lounge under a series of tunnel-like tents. Open daily, all year round.

A mind-bending and interactive museum that challenges your perceptions and stimulates the senses through an entertaining variety of optical illusions, mind-bending visual tricks, puzzling exhibits, gravity-defying experiences, and sensory experiences. Great fun for families.

Built in 1969 in the former East Berlin as a symbol of German Democratic Republic (GDR)’s technical prowess, this distinctive, 368m tall Fernsehturm telecommunications tower has become an iconic landmark soaring above the city skyline. The observation deck features floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a 360-degree view of Berlin’s skyline, plus informational panels and audio guides that provide interesting facts about the city’s history and landmarks.

Prestigious museum showcasing the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Islamic world. through a mightily impressive collection of over 15,000 artifacts, spanning more than a millennium. Marvel at exquisite examples of Islamic art, including intricate calligraphy, illuminated manuscripts, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and architectural elements.

A charming and vibrant courtyard complex located in the Mitte district, comprising of eight interconnected courtyards filled with a variety of shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and theaters. It’s an atmospheric spot, popular with Berliners, who sip coffee and chat while admiring the fine Art Nouveau and Jugendstil architecture.

Located on the site of the former headquarters of the Gestapo and SS, this museum offers a compelling exploration of Nazi Germany’s reign of terror, and a chilling insight into the crimes and atrocities committed during the Nazi regime. Informative exhibits, photographs, and archival documents explain the mechanisms of power, propaganda, and oppression that characterized this period. A sombre reminder of the importance of remembrance and vigilance against tyranny.

This renowned techno nightclub has become an iconic institution in the city – and Europe’s – nightlife scene. Housed in a former power plant, it’s known for its industrial aesthetics, massive dance floors, an exceptional sound system, and a strict door policy – leading to its reputation as one of the most exclusive and selective clubs in the world.

This thrilling and immersive attraction takes you on a journey through the darker side of Berlin’s crime and punishment history, with live actors, special effects, and interactive storytelling bringing chilling tales of the past to life. Expect medieval torture chambers, plague-infested streets, and witch trials. Min age 5 years, but we’d advised 13+.