This post highlights 21 of the most fun things to do in Berlin, according to twenty one different travel bloggers. Let us take you on a German adventure.
This post is chock full of 21 of the most fun things to do in Berlin. Berlin is one of the most eclectic cities in all of Germany. From museums to tours to learning about the rich history, you will never be bored in this northern German city.
This post is a collaboration of my favorite blogger’s ideas of places to see in Berlin in 2 days or more. I hope it helps you to plan your next trip to this amazing city!
21 Fun Things to Do in Berlin
1. Visit a Closed Airport
From Kristin Addis of Be My Travel Muse
Tempelhof is an old airport right in the city with a fascinating history. What began as one of the busiest airports in Europe soon became a lifeline to West Berlin during the years that the city was divided, and these days it truly embodies the spirit of Berlin – repurposing something old into something quirky and cool.
The airport was closed to air traffic in 2008 and today, locals fill the park to have summer BBQs, fly kites, or windsurf on the old tarmac. It’s pretty cool to be walking through a city, to happen upon an old airport, and to see someone with a kite cruising down the asphalt just like planes did back in the day.
This is one of many weird and amazing things in the city of Berlin, where something old and something new seems to spring up all the time.
2. Spend A Sunday Relaxing in Mauerpark
From Val at the Wandering Wheatleys
Sundays in Berlin tend to be lazy days. Many shops and other attractions are closed and as a tourist, you may find yourself wandering around wondering what to do with yourself all day. Well lucky for you there is a huge outdoor bazaar held at Maurerpark in the Prenzlauer Berg district.
Food trucks with unique, savory creations gather in one area and flea market booths are nearby selling creative handmade goods as well as second-hand apparel. You’ll find young hipsters shopping for vintage lamps alongside families with children chomping down waffles – anyone and everyone can find something to enjoy at Mauerpark.
When you finish shopping and are too full to sample any more of the delicious fare, head out to the grassy area where local musicians are singing power ballads or mixing beats for impromptu dance parties. Others are simply lounging on the grass, sipping a cold beer and enjoying the sunshine.
The most action of the area can be found in the “bear pit” where you’ll find a huge crowd sitting in stadium-style seating as one lone brave soul belts out their favorite karaoke song from center stage. The crowd sings along and cheers after every performance.
And up the hill is where artists try their hand at adding graffiti to a section of the Berlin Wall. Not only is it allowed to spray paint over the existing artwork, but it’s also encouraged!
3. Take in Some History at the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial
From Ali at Travel Made Simple
Berlin is packed with history, but what most people want to learn about is the history relating to the Berlin Wall. I’ve been living in Berlin since 2015, and I believe the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial is the best place to visit in the city for the Berlin Wall and Cold War history.
Bernauer Strasse is a street that sits on the border between East and West Berlin. When the Wall went up, one side of the road was in the East, and right across the street was the West. Homes on the East became a prime spot for escaping until officials bricked up the windows and kicked people out of these homes. The Memorial is a one-mile outdoor monument that tells stories of what life was like before and after the Wall went up. You can see outlines of homes, escape routes, and even where a church and cemetery were before authorities displaced them.
At the midway point, there is a museum with a tower where you can look out over a piece of the Wall that still stands and into the former death strip. The visitors center plays two short films (alternating English and German) about the Wall and the border between East and West Germany.
I highly recommend watching these films before you start exploring the Memorial itself. The Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial is between the Bernauer Strasse Ubahn station and the Nordbahnhof Sbahn station. Entrance to the Memorial is free, but check the opening hours for the indoor sections.
4. Enjoy a Romantic Meal at the Fernsehtrum TV tower
From Stefan and Sebastien at The Nomadic Boys
One of our favourite things to do in Berlin is visit the famous Fernsehturm TV tower and have a romantic meal at the revolving restaurant there. The TV Tower is in itself one of the city’s most iconic monuments across the skyline, visible from pretty much any part of Berlin, so eating there makes it even more special.
The iconic TV tower is 368m (1,207 ft) tall, making it the highest structure in Germany and also one of the tallest in the EU. It was constructed between 1965-69 by the government of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It’s so famous, it even has its own hashtag on Instagram – #thattoweragain
The “Telecafé” restaurant is located at 207m (679ft) high and revolves in a full circle over 1 hour. It’s also the highest-revolving restaurant in Germany.
We recommend coming to the Telecafe at sunset for the best 360-degree views across Berlin. On a clear day, you can even see the distinctive dome of the Tropical Islands theme park, which is over 60km (37 miles) away.
5. Run the Berlin Marathon
From Jackie Szeto and Justin Huynh at Life of Doing
Every year on the last weekend of September, over 41,000 avid runners take over the streets in Berlin to run the Berlin Marathon. Completing a marathon is challenging and rewarding when crossing the finish line at 26.2 miles (42.195 km). The Berlin Marathon is one race to experience as it’s organized and has many highlights for runners. It has the prestige as a “World Marathon Majors,” along with London, Tokyo, New York City, Chicago, and Boston.
We enjoyed the flat course and started and finished near the Brandenburg Gate. Running through the residential and tourist areas and passing by historic buildings was a unique way to see the city. We loved the energetic volunteers, cheer squads, and the bands along the course. It was an amazing feeling once we finished the run, although, we were a bit tired after running our personal best times! The event also has a roller skating, handbike, and wheelchair race option.
If you would like to participate in this event, register for the entry drawing from October to November one year before the event. Participants will be notified if they win a spot in the beginning of December. If you like running, consider participating in the Berlin Marathon in the future!
#6. Dine at one of the Best Restaurants in the World
From Pamela at Travel Like a Chieff
Instead of having the usual Wiener Schnitzel and a pint of beer why not splurge on a memorable meal at one of the best restaurants in the world? That’s precisely what we did, on top of having several Wiener Schnitzels of course, because that is also a must when visiting Germany.
Restaurant Tim Raue is No. 37 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and is a must if visiting Berlin. This two-Michelin star restaurant by Chef Tim Raue and his wife Marie-Anne, the restaurant’s maître d’ and sommelier, is the least pretentious fine dining restaurant we’ve ever experienced. The Asian-inspired cuisine is full of flavours, and each dish will leave you wanting more. I opted for the signature menu which highlights all the classics along with the wine pairing.
Tim Raue’s story is very inspiring, and despite his difficult childhood, he has risen to the top of the culinary industry and has become a world-renowned chef. Reservations are a must, and I would advise you to do so in advance to avoid disappointment.
#7 One of the Best Things to do in Berlin at Night is drink!
From Erin & Ryan at downbubble
Our vote for one of the best things to do in Berlin goes to Dicke Wirtin! This pub is a must-visit for its multifaceted appeals including but not limited to; menus full of traditional German food and excellent drinks including plenty of German draft beers with Dunkel (dark) beers featuring most prominently plus the nearly 30 different housemade schnapps!!!
On any night of the week, you’ll find it beckons with a lively, mostly local, atmosphere. We loved this place for its signage and branding: Dicke Wirtin means “fat landlady” which was how the original proprietress was referred to by the local university students who were fond of her and her establishment for its cozy atmosphere and good prices.
It’s been located in the same spot in Charlottenburg on Savignyplatz since the ‘60s and it still welcomes students and is well-priced and cosy today!
#8 Soak in some history at the Brandenburg Gate
From Alex at Swedish Nomad
“Brandenburger Tor, or the Brandenburg Gate as it’s known in English is one of the major tourist attractions in Berlin. It’s an 18th-century neoclassical monument built on the orders of Prussian king Frederick William II.
It has been an important site for various historical events, and today it’s regarded as a symbol of European unity and peace. The gate is standing at the square of Luizenplatz, at the western end of Brandenburger Strasse. This iconic attraction is something to put down on your list of stops while visiting Berlin. It’s very impressive and beautiful.
#9. Check out the Buzzing Coffee Scene
From Colin and Heidi at Our Tiny Corner
A coffee hotspot is not something that necessarily springs to mind when you think about Berlin, but that’s exactly what it has become.
Over the past 5 years or so, the city has become a hotbed of roasters and coffee shops, offering a diverse selection of places to grab an espresso, drip, siphon, cold-brew, or any other caffeine treat that takes your fancy.
The Barn (Auguststrasse, Mitte) is one of the most famous coffee houses in the city, thanks to its first-class coffee, superb cakes, and trendy, minimalist décor. Common Ground on Rosenthaller Strasse is friendly and buzzing and is another handily placed spot to incorporate into sightseeing. Also producing great java is Ben Rahim on Sophienstrasse, and Cafe 9 on Eisenbahnstrasse, but there are so many great places to choose from in this modern, vibrant city. There’s also a burgeoning annual coffee festival if you are in the city in September.
The Third Wave of Coffee movement has become a key part of Berlin culture, and it’s here to stay.
#10 Feel Like a Kid Again at the Computerspiele Museum
From Margherita at The Crowded Planet
If you happen to be visiting Berlin in winter when it’s freezing and rainy, fear not – there are plenty of cool museums and indoor attractions to see! My favourite is the Computerspiele Museum, dedicated to the history of video games, from Pac-Man to the most modern VR games.
And what is even better, there are loads of games you can play for as long as you like! I’m not a game nerd but I was a child in the 80s when the first videogames became popular, and visiting the Computerspiele Museum was a real journey into my childhood – I ended up spending about 4 hours playing all my favourite 80s games in a makeshift arcade, before heading to the Nintendo station to play the original Super Mario like I used to do with my Dad as a child.
There are games for everyone, and those who are not into gaming as such might enjoy learning about the history and how games developed. I think the Computerspiele Museum is perfect for those visiting Berlin with children, but not only. We saw many grown-ups (including ourselves) having the time of their lives!
#11 Chill out in Potsdamer Platz – one of the free things to do in Berlin at night
From Halef and Michael at The Round the World Guys
One of the most enjoyable places to hang out in Berlin is the Potsdamer Platz. This popular square is not too far from other Berlin attractions, like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and the Tiergarten Park.
Potsdamer Platz is the shopping and nightlife district of Berlin – and there is plenty to do here. You can enjoy IMAX shows in one of the biggest cinema complexes in Germany, as well as browse through the retail section of the district. There are many shops and restaurants around the area that you can enjoy.
If you just feel like chilling out, simply join the many office workers who take advantage of the relaxing environment around one of the grassy sculptures, not far from the Arkaden. You can bring a picnic with food and beverages, and enjoy the atmosphere of Potsdamer Platz.
My biggest draw to Potsdamer Platz was the SONY Center, which is one of Berlin’s more famous landmarks. There, you can see the modern steel and glass architecture of the massive tent-like structure.
#12 Marvel at the Artwork at the East Side Gallery
From Claire at Tales of a Backpacker
The Berlin Wall is an important part of Germany’s history, and when in Berlin, you have to visit at least part of the remains of the wall. The East Side Gallery is the longest section of the wall that is still standing, over 1300 metres stretching along the Spree River on Mühlenstrasse.
After the wall fell in 1989, artists from all over the world came to paint murals on the east side of this part of the wall, as a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives trying to cross. The East Side Gallery is free to visit, as it is in the open air, but unfortunately, there is some graffiti on some of the murals. There is an ongoing project to preserve and restore the damaged murals, although their message still stands out loud and clear.
Most of the paintings are colourful and bright, although some are certainly more macabre, with images of people climbing over the wall, and one of 136 flowers around each year the wall stood, representing the 136 people who died attempting to cross the wall.
Probably the most famous mural is of Leonid Brezhnev (the Soviet leader from 1964 to 1982) and Erich Honecker (head of the German Democratic Republic from 1971 to 1989) kissing as painted by Dmitri Vrubel, although there are plenty more murals along the wall to see and admire.
#13. Have Some Fun on the David Bowie Tour
From Sara at the Travel Continuum
‘We can be heroes, just for one day.’ David Bowie’s poignant lyrics to Heroes, written during his famed period of prolific creativity in Berlin, conjure up images of those star-crossed lovers, risking all at the Berlin Wall just to snatch a few moments together.
If you’re a fan of either Bowie himself or his musical heritage in general, there’s nothing quite like standing in the recording studio where those songs grew form and substance or gazing through the window to where that now-demolished socio-political barrier used to be.
This is where Berlin Music Tours comes in. Run by former record producer Thilo Schmied, Berlin Music Tours offer the ardent music fan a range of options, from a multi-media tour of Berlin and its musical hotspots over the decades to an evocative visit to the iconic Hansa Studios, where Bowie, Iggy Pop and so many others trod (and continue to tread) the polished floorboards.
Whichever option you take, Thilo brings it all dynamically to life with great knowledge, enthusiasm, and occasional impulsiveness. So go on, stop by Bowie’s former flat at Hauptstraße, listen to the studio acoustics that carried Bowie’s voice, and visit some of his favourite social haunts of the time. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of the Thin White Duke himself.
#14. Go to Thailand… In Berlin!
From James at This Travel Guide
Thai Park is a weekly weekend outdoor street food market that takes place in Preußen Park in Berlin’s Wilmersdorf neighborhood during the summer months.
The event is completely unorganised or properly authorised by the Berlin council, but has been taking place in Berlin for many years. It began when some local Berlin residents began speaking to picnicking Thai families and offering to buy some of their delicious picnics. Sensing a financial opportunity, the families came back the next week, set up a stall, and Thai Park was born.
Today, it’s one of the most popular weekend events for local Berlin residents. You can find all of the favourites like Pad Thai, Thai Green Curry, and Mango Salad, as well as more unusual things like deep-fried insects. As well as Thai food, you can also occasionally find other Asian cuisines particularly Korean and Vietnamese.
Thai Park takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from around 11 am until 8 pm. It is is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Berlin, particularly a Sunday when most shops are closed and the city is otherwise fairly quiet.
#15. Explore the Street Scene
From Sam and Veren at Alternative Travelers
Berlin is known as a unique, quirky city, and one great way to experience this firsthand is by exploring the city’s street art! Many artists come from all over the world to contribute their works of art to the city’s streets, so you can see a wide variety of interesting perspectives and techniques reflected in the art.
Many pieces are colorful and thought-provoking murals, but there are also a large number of street artists producing less traditional pieces, such as metal sculptures, paste-ups, and even knitted animals.
Some great streets and areas for street art include Dircksenstrasse, Dead Chicken Alley, RAW Gelande, and of course the East Side Gallery, which is a long section of the Berlin Wall covered in beautiful murals. You can explore these spots by yourself or join a street art walking tour, where a guide will explain some of the more famous pieces and tell you a bit about Berlin street culture.
Check out Alternative Travelers’ list of alternative things to do in Berlin for more Berlin travel tips!
#16. Be Impressed at the Reichstag
From Veronika at Travel Greekery
Reichstag, a.k.a. the Bundestag, or the Parliament in English, is one of the most notable buildings in Berlin and cannot be missed when visiting. The building comes from 1894 when it was built to house the Parliament. In World War II it was badly damaged and received a vast renovation only once the unification of Germany happened.
The current design features an impressive glass dome by Norman Foster, the famous British architect. Just the way how the modern dome perfectly marries the older stone structure looks amazing. In reality perhaps even more than in photos. Inside, it’s equally mesmerizing and you can’t leave the German capital without seeing it with your own eyes.
However, it’s not just about coming up to the Reichstag and lining up to see it. You have to book your visit in advance. The entrance is free, but unregistered visitors cannot enter. Check out Veronika’s article for more details on how to register and visit the Reichstag.
#17. Take a Boat Cruise Through Berlin
From Arzo at Arzo Travels
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Germany´s capital. Walking around and exploring the city on foot can be exhausting, so a great way to relax and see a lot is to hop on a boat and do a Spree River Cruise.
If you have hop-on and hop-off sightseeing tickets, the one-hour cruise is probably already included – if not, I recommend buying a ticket and seeing Berlin from a boat. Tours often start next to the main train station – so when you are at the Hauptbahnhof, take your time and head to the boat station.
The river flows through the city center of Berlin, allowing you to see many beautiful places and sights from a different perspective. There are many lovely places you will see while sitting on the boat deck – is there a more relaxed way to explore Berlin?
On sunny days, you will see people sitting at the river promenade and having a drink – but seriously, if you are on a boat, you have the best seat of all.
#18. Discover the Beauty inside the Berliner Dom
From Lee and Stacey at One Trip at a Time
From the outside, the Berliner Dom in Berlin probably wouldn’t attract your attention as a stunning place to visit as it is grimy and in need of a good clean. However, don’t let that put you off, because inside is, well, a whole different story.
Jaw-dropping is not overselling it as you enter the main church to witness the stunning interior, possibly helped by the choir that was practising during our visit. With plenty of gold leaf behind the altar and on the painted dome, the stunning wood of the pulpit and pipe organ, and amazing paintings and beautiful mosaics, it is a sight to behold.
Once you’ve marveled at the main body of the church, the self-guided tour takes you to the very top and outside for fantastic views across Museum Island, and a close-up of the grime! After you’ve taken in the panoramic views, you can head back down to the crypt where several important people are interred, some in sarcophagi that have seen much better days, but others which are beautifully ornate.
#19. Go Back in time at the DDR Museum
From Shweta at Zest in a Tote
The Unesco Heritage Museum Island comprises five conveniently adjacent museums, all located along the river Spree. It is a beautiful area to walk around. In the same area, just behind the Berliner Dom is a gem, a lesson in history, an interactive space to touch and feel and see what life was like in the GDR (German Democratic Republic).
This is the DDR museum. Some traveller tipped me about this one when I was complaining about the difficulty of keeping my 6-year-old engaged in cultural museums in Berlin.
A good tip, this turned out to be. From the economy to the military to goods to the schooling system to jobs, this museum tells you a lot about life in East Germany. The presentation style is kickass. Visitors are encouraged to touch, hold, and interact with a range of objects and installations, from products used in East Germany to the workings of the Stasi to a fresco in praise of Communism.
My daughter and I even sat in a Trabant – the car produced then and used in East Germany – and drove it virtually through video footage of roads back then.
#20. Spend the day at the Jewish Museum
From David and Faye at Travel with the Little One
The Jewish Museum in Berlin is unlike any other museum I’ve ever visited.
It’s the way that the story of the Jews is told is so different. There are some threads of narrative, either giving you basic facts or parts of the stories of individual Berliners, and some objects to illustrate the history, as you would expect at most museums. However, I found I learned most through what I felt, what was evoked by a series of what are essentially art installations.
The striking modern main building was designed by Daniel Libeskind, and there’s also an old building through which you currently enter.
The installation that had the most profound effect on me was the Memory Void, a deep chamber whose floor is filled with metal discs. Holes representing eyes, noses, and mouths are cut out of each disc, so that they resemble faces, and many of these have wide open mouths, as if they are howling in pain.
You then have to walk across this floor full of faces, each footstep emitting a loud metallic clanking sound. Each footstep became more harrowing, and I could barely look down at the sea of faces I was walking on. It’s an incredibly powerful, deeply troubling evocation of the Holocaust.
#21. Explore Berlin on a bike!
Last but not least, one of the most fun things to do in Berlin, is to take a bike tour through the city. I used the company Berlin on Bike and went on the “Berlin’s Best” tour. The tour was informative and the guide kept us entertained and safe at all times. I was having so much fun that I forgot to snap a pic of the bikes!
You will ride past the old Berlin Wall, and the beautiful Museum Mile, take several breaks, and have an overall amazing day. You can pick out your bike before you ride and they make sure your seat is at the correct level.
Each bike has a basket so you can leave water or your bag and not have to hold it. It is truly one of the most fun things to do in Berlin!
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