With its checkered past, culinary diversity, and flashy nightlife, it's no wonder millions of tourists flock to the German capital every year.
Whether you're looking for the city's top attractions or special insider tips, you're sure to find what you're looking for on this page with the 50 best things to do in Berlin.
But that's not all! We have also picked out the most popular tickets, so you can save yourself the long queue and gain valuable time.
Now let's discover what hip Berlin has to offer!
Tip: Looking for something out of the ordinary? If you're looking to experience something really special in Berlin, check out our article with 25 unusual attractions in Berlin. From quirky museums to hidden treasures, this list is packed with offbeat experiences you won't find in your typical travel guide!
1. Brandenburg Gate
Let's kick off our list of the top 25 tourist attractions in Berlin with the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of Germany's unity and one of Berlin's most recognizable landmarks. Completed in 1791, this neoclassical triumphal arch stands tall at the end of the grand Unter den Linden boulevard, and is the only preserved city gate of the original 18 city gates of Berlin.
Inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, it features 12 Doric columns and a striking sculpture of Victoria, the goddess of victory. But the Brandenburg Gate is more than just a monument; it's a living witness to the country's journey to democracy and reunification. With its fascinating historical significance, visitors can admire its beauty while also reflecting on its role in the country's tumultuous past.
- Read more details about this attraction in our guide to the Brandenburg Gate.
Popular Ticket Options:
2. Reichstag Building
The Reichstag building on the Platz der Republik was built between the years 1884 and 1894 by the architect Paul Wallot in neo-Renaissance style. It is one of the most important sights not only of Berlin, but of all Germany. Since 1999, the architecturally impressive building has been the seat of the German Bundestag. The glass dome has become a much-visited attraction in the city.
The dome, roof terrace and the restaurant there can be visited. You can also attend a session in the plenary hall and take one of the guided tours of the Reichstag building. All this is free of charge, but only possible with prior registration.
- For more information, please visit our page about the Reichstag Building.
Popular Ticket Options:
3. Museum Island
Museum island on Spree river and Alexanderplatz TV tower in center of Berlin, Germany
Berlin's Museum Island is the largest museum ensemble in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. With the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, the Altes Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, and the Bode Museum, there are no less than five world-famous museums located here.
Nefertiti, the Pergamon Altar, and the Ishtar Gate are some of the most important exhibits. Since 2019, guests of the Museum Island are welcomed in the James Simon Gallery as the central entrance area.
- Have a look at our complete guide to Museum Island for more details about the museums.
Popular Ticket Options:
- Museum Island Tickets + Public Transport
- Pergamon Museum Ticket
- Tickets for Neues Museum
- Tickets for Pergamon Museum – The Panorama: Exhibition by Yadegar Asisi
- Tickets for Altes Museum
- Tickets for Bode Museum
- Tickets for Alte Nationalgalerie
- Tickets for Guided Tour of Berlin's Historic Centre with Humboldt Forum, Museum Island
4. Berlin TV Tower
You won't want to miss out on the unforgettable experience that is the Berlin TV Tower. Standing tall as the tallest building in Germany, it attracts over 12 million visitors annually for good reason. From its observation deck at 203 meters high, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city that will leave you in awe.
But that's not all. The real highlight of the Berlin TV Tower is the Sphere restaurant. Imagine indulging in a delicious meal while slowly rotating around its own axis, giving you an unparalleled view of Berlin's stunning skyline. This one-of-a-kind dining experience is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy a memorable evening with friends or loved ones.
- For more information on tickets, highlights and history, check out our complete guide to the Berlin TV Tower.
5. Berliner Dom
The magnificent Berlin Cathedral is one of the most beautiful attractions of the German capital. With a total height of 116 meters on a floor space of almost 6800 square meters, it is the largest Protestant house of worship in Germany.
The mighty dome can certainly be understood as a Protestant answer to the Catholic St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The monument is barrier-free and is home to one of the most important dynastic burial sites in Europe, the Hohenzollern Crypt.
- Note: Although it is a church, you will have to pay an entrance fee to visit the Berlin Cathedral.
- Read more details about this monument in our complete guide to the Berlin Cathedral.
6. East Side Gallery & Wall Museum
Get ready to immerse yourself in Berlin’s history with a visit to the East Side Gallery, the longest standing section of the Berlin Wall that still exists today, measuring a staggering 1,316 meters in length. This open-air gallery features 106 vibrant and striking works of art created by 118 artists from 21 different countries, all painted in the months following the fall of the Wall.
You won't want to miss iconic pieces like the socialist brotherly kiss of Honecker and Brezhnev or the Trabant breaking through the concrete. You can continue your journey through Berlin’s past at The Wall Museum, located in the former watchtower Mühlenspeicher. Learn here about this chapter and the impact the Berlin Wall had on its citizens.
- Find out more information about this attraction in our complete guide to East Side Gallery.
7. Alexanderplatz
Located in the northern end of the Berlin-Mitte district, Alexanderplatz sees more than 360,000 people a day. It is not only one of the most visited places in Berlin, but the largest square in Germany and the fourth-busiest square in Europe.
It is home to the Berlin TV Tower, the World Clock, the Fountain of Friendship between Nations, the Alexanderhaus and the Berolinahaus, a shopping mall, a cinema, a department store, as well as stores and restaurants. Here stands also the Park Inn Hotel, which offers the thrilling opportunity to try base flying - a heart-pumping rapid descent down the hotel's exterior facade.
- Read more details about this sight in our guide to Alexanderplatz.
8. Spree River
Next up on our list is the stunning Spree River, a natural wonder that runs through the heart of the city. A popular spot for locals and visitors alike, the Spree River offers a serene escape from the bustling city streets, with its picturesque waterfront promenades, lush green parks, and charming boat tours.
Stroll along the riverside pathways, or even better, take a leisurely Spree River Tour to see the city's iconic landmarks, such as Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, Nikolai Quarter, and Reichstag, from a unique perspective. Learn fascinating facts from the on-board loudspeaker or the "Berlin River Cruise" app from YourMobileGuide. Be sure to add this natural gem to your list and experience the tranquil beauty of Berlin's most famous river!
- By the way, the Spree River is crossed by exactly 50 bridges in Berlin, 14 of which you can see during the one-hour boat ride. For more information on this topic, check out our article Spree River Cruise.
- Read more details about this sight in our complete guide to the Spree River.
9. Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany. During the Cold War, the military checkpoint of the American occupation forces was the scene of fierce political tensions and even served as a backdrop for Hollywood spy thrillers like "James Bond - Octopussy".
Today it is a tourist attraction with great appeal and a very popular photo motif, although the control barracks, the turnpike and the sandbags are merely faithful reproductions of the original. To get an insight into the lives of the people who lived in East Berlin during the Cold War, it is worth visiting the "Mauermuseum - Haus am Checkpoint Charlie", which is located here.
- Read More about Charlie Checkpoint in Berlin
10. DDR Museum
Take a trip back in time to the former GDR! In the DDR Museum you will learn everything about life in the German Democratic Republic. You are invited to expand your knowledge in an entertaining way and experience history up close. Authentic originals and worldwide unique interactive installations are waiting to be touched and tried out.
Don't miss the faithfully furnished Plattenbau apartment with five rooms, the monumental mural "In Praise of Communism" and the opportunity to touch many of the interactive exhibits and games. The absolute crowd puller, however, is the Trabi driving simulation in an original Trabant P 601,
- Read More: DDR Museum
Popular Ticket Options:
11. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe - Holocaust Memorial
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is Germany's central Holocaust memorial, commemorating the up to six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The memorial is an undulating "field of stelae" with a total of 2711 cuboid stelae.
Due to the fact that the memorial is freely accessible, you can experience and feel the Holocaust memorial by walking through the field of stelae. This walk is meant to make you think, but also to remind you of the horror and the victims. Due to the uneven, supposedly swaying ground, a sense of confusion is often evoked in the visitor.
In addition to the field of stelae, you can also visit the underground Information Center, which is part of the memorial. Here, the persecution and extermination of the Jews of Europe and the sites of these crimes are documented.
- Find out more details about this sight in our complete guide to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial).
- If you want to get a deeper understanding of Germany's past, continue your journey through Berlin's history by joining a Third Reich & Cold War Walking Tour. Book the most popular small-group walking tour here!
12. Nikolaiviertel
The idyllic Nikolai Quarter is the oldest residential area in Berlin. This underrated gem, consisting of narrow streets, historic buildings, picturesque houses and traditional German pubs and restaurants, is the historical founding place of the city and also known as the "old Berlin".
In the 13th century, the first merchants and craftsmen settled on the eastern bank of the Spree River and built St. Nicholas Church as the center of the settlement, probably between 1230 and 1250. The listed church is the oldest preserved building in Berlin. The narrow winding streets with their small houses, the Knoblauchhaus, the Ephraim-Palais and the bronze statue depicting St. George as the dragon slayer are worth seeing, among many other sights.
- Read more details about this place of interest in our guide to the Nikolaiviertel.
13. Berlin Wall Memorial
During the time of the inner-German division, the Berlin Wall ran along Bernauer Strasse. Over the course of time, the former border strip was the scene of numerous escape attempts and dramatic events. Today, the historic site on Bernauer Strasse is the central place of remembrance for the division of Germany and for the victims of death at the Wall.
The Berlin Wall Memorial is divided into four thematic areas and covers a length of 1.4 km on 4.4 hectares. It contains the last section of the Wall, which has been preserved in its depth and can give you a good impression of the structure of the former border fortifications. Admission is free to all areas of the memorial.
- Be sure to take a look at our complete guide on the Berlin Wall to learn more about the history and the remaining Wall remnants in Berlin.
14. Avenue Unter den Linden
The grand avenue Unter den Linden connects the Brandenburg Gate with the Schlossbrücke Bridge, which leads to the Museum Island. The boulevard was initially just a bridle path. The first linden trees were planted in 1647. From 1701, the linden trees were developed into a boulevard for the splendor of Frederick the Great.
Important sights of the city, such as the State Library, the Humboldt University, the Neue Wache, the German Historical Museum in the Zeughaus, the Kronprinzenpalais, the Bebelplatz with a building, the Alte Palais as well as the equestrian statue of "Alter Fritz" line the eastern end of the boulevard. Stores, restaurants and cafés line the approximately 1.5-kilometer-long avenue in the direction of the Brandenburg Gate.
- For more details about this attraction, read our article Unter den Linden.
15. Topography of Terror
At Topography of Terror, on the site of the former Nazi terror headquarters, you can explore Germany's darkest chapter. With around 1.3 million visitors, the documentation center, which retraces the terror of the National Socialists under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, especially during the period of rule from 1933 to 1945, is the most visited museum in Berlin.
The exhibitions, to which you have free admission, focus on the following:
- Topography of Terror. Gestapo, SS and Reich Security Main Office in Wilhelm- and Prinz-Albrecht-Straße.
- Berlin 1933-1945. Between Propaganda and Terror
- The historical site Topography of Terror. A tour via 15 stations
- For more details about this attraction, read our complete guide to Topography of Terror.
16.Gendarmenmarkt
Welcome to Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin's most magnificent square and one of the city's must-visit attractions. This historic square is surrounded by three impressive buildings, the Konzerthaus (Concert Hall), the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral), and the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral), which create an unparalleled architectural ensemble.
As you explore the intricate details of these historic buildings, you'll also find plenty of charming cafes and restaurants where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere of this elegant square. However, Gendarmenmarkt is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a hub for cultural events and festivals, such as the Christmas market, which transforms the square into a magical winter wonderland every year.
- You can find more information about this attraction in our main article Gendarmenmarkt.
- Experience the grandeur of Gendarmenmarkt and more on a thrilling 3.5-hour Bike Tour, exploring the fascinating history of Berlin on two wheels. Book your Sights and Highlights bike tour here!
17. Victory Column
Standing tall and proud in the heart of Berlin's Tiergarten park, the Victory Column (Siegessäule) is an awe-inspiring monument that is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The 67-meter-high column, topped by a bronze statue of the goddess of victory, Victoria, was erected in the 19th century to commemorate the Prussian victory in the Danish-Prussian War.
The path to the founding of the German Empire is shown on the bronze reliefs and mosaics in the colonnade. From the top of the column at about 51 meters above sea level, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, including the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building. While the climb via a spiral staircase with 285 steps may be a bit of a workout, the stunning views are definitely worth it.
- Read more details about the history, tickets and more, in our guide to the Victory Column.
18. Potsdamer Plat
As one of the busiest squares in Berlin, Potsdamer Platz is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Once a desolate no-man's land between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, the square has been transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. Here you will find the Sony Center, the Potsdamer Platz Arkaden shopping center, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shop.
Don't miss the opportunity to see the remains of the Berlin Wall that still stand nearby, a stark reminder of the city's turbulent past. Another popular attraction is the Kollhoff Tower with the Panoramapunkt Potsdamer Platz viewing platform, a panorama café with sun terrace and a permanent exhibition on the history of the square.
- Check out our complete guide to Potsdamer Platz for more details about this attraction.
- Get your Panoramapunkt Skip the Line Tickets in advance!
19. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Marvel at the awe-inspiring resilience of Berlin at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a magnificent structure that has stood the test of time and bears witness to the city's enduring spirit. Originally built in the 1890s and later destroyed during WWII, the church stands today as a poignant reminder of the devastation of war and the importance of peace.
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church serves not only as a place of worship, but also as a memorial against war and destruction that draws visitors from around the world. Step inside where you will be welcomed by a blue radiant light, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. Afterwards, visit the Hall of Remembrance in the Old Tower, with beautiful mosaics and reliefs.
- Read more: Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin
20. Humboldt Forum
Since July 20, 2021, the Humboldt Forum has expanded the Museum Island's offerings with collections from the Ethnological Museum Berlin, the Museum of Asian Art, the non-European art collection, the Berlin Exhibition and the Humboldt Lab.
Built in eight years, the building, seen from the outside, is a faithful replica of the Berlin City Palace, which stood on the same site until 1950 and was considered a major work of northern German Baroque architecture. Visible from afar, the museum covers an area of around 30,000 square meters. The construction costs amounted to 677 million euros. This makes the Humboldt Forum the most expensive cultural building in Germany.
- Read more details about this sight in our complete guide to the Humboldt Forum.
21. Bebelplatz
From the Enlightenment to the burning of books, Bebelplatz experienced highs and lows in German history. It was laid out in 1740 as part of the Forum Fridericianum planned by Frederick II. In the center of the square, set into the ground, the Memorial to the Book Burning on May 10, 1933, 1933, commemorates one of the city's darkest chapters.
The square consists of a smaller green area to the east and a larger open area with cobblestones to the west of the Berlin State Opera Unter den Linden, which forms the center. Around the square are important buildings of the city such as the Prinzessinnenpalais, St. Hedwig's Cathedral, the Alte Palais, the Alte Bibliothek and the noble accommodation Hotel de Rome, the former business headquarters of the Dresdner Bank.
- Read more details about this sight in our guide to the Bebelplatz.
22. Hackescher Markt & Hackesche Höfe
If you're looking for a trendy and creative district in Berlin, then you can't miss the Hackescher Markt and the newly designed Hackesche Höfe. This historic complex of eight interconnected courtyards is home to apartments, cultural institutions, cafés, stores, and even a cinema.
The facades in the first courtyard are a sight to behold, and the rest of the complex offers an array of design and fashion stores, small manufactories, and restaurants. At night, the area comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, offering everything from theater and cinema to variety shows, clubs, and bars.
- Read more details about this sight in our main article Hackescher Markt.
23. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
All the tourist attractions we have described so far, and many more, can be viewed comfortably from your seat on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. You can hop on and off at any stop to see your favorites up close or visit them from the inside.
You can choose between 24-hour or 48-hour tickets. Many tourists like to buy the combined ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off bus ride and one hour boat tour on the Spree River. For the combined ticket, we recommend our partners Stromma and BWSG.
24. Charlottenburg Palace
With Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism - Charlottenburg Palace awaits its visitors with no less than three architectural styles that reflect the taste of the respective eras in which the palace was inhabited.
Built in several sections from 1695 to 1791, the former summer residence of the Hohenzollern dynasty, including the palace garden, Belvedere, Mausoleum and New Pavilion, is the most important palace complex in Berlin and is now home to the Palace Museum with the crown treasure of the Hohenzollern dynasty.
- Read our guide to Charlottenburg Palace and get all the information you need for your visit, including how to get there.
25. Olympiastadion Berlin
When Berlin was named the site of the 1936 Olympic Games in 1931, the Nazis immediately recognized the prestige value of this international event and arranged for the planning of the Reichssportfeld with the Olympiastadion for 110,000 spectators.
You can easily reach the observation deck of the Olympic Bell Tower near the stadium by elevator. It offers a wonderful view from Spandau to Alexanderplatz and, on a clear day, even to Potsdam and the Müggelberge mountains.
- Tickets for the guided tour of the stadium
- Read more the attractions, the history and tickets in our complete guide to the Olympiastadion Berlin.
26. Sanssouci Palace & Palace Park / Neues Palais
We conclude our list of Berlin's top sights with a site that officially does not belong to Berlin at all, but Potsdam. We are talking about the fairy-tale Sanssouci Palace complex, which has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. In addition to the Sanssouci Palace and Park, the magnificent Neues Palais ("New Palace") also awaits you here within walking distance.
Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam was built between 1745 and 1747 by order of and according to the sketches of King Frederick II. As the name Sanssouci suggests - without a care - the small summer palace on the famous vineyard terraces was intended to serve as a retreat for Frederick the Great, who was also buried here at his own request.
Over the years, a masterpiece of art of international standing was created on the grounds. No wonder the palace grounds are often described as a Prussian Versailles.
- Find out more about this attraction in our complete guide to Sanssouci Palace and Park Potsdam / Neues Palais.
27. Berlin Zoological Garden and Aquarium
Opened in 1844 next to the eponymous train station and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Zoological Garden is Germany's oldest zoo. Some 20,000 animals from over 1,000 species greet you on the 33-hectare grounds. The main attraction and favorite of all children is the panda couple Meng Meng and Jiao Qing. Of course, the various animal feedings and individual guided tours, where visitors can get closer to the animals, are very popular.
Aquarium Berlin is the largest show aquarium in Europe and is considered one of the most species-rich facilities of its kind in the world. In addition to swimming creatures, which are of course the undisputed stars, you can also discover reptiles, insects and amphibians here.
28. Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History (Museum für Naturkunde) is one of the largest museums in Germany dedicated to natural history. Visitors can marvel at some 30 million objects here.
Highlights include one of the best-preserved skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, the superstar among dinosaurs, the dinosaur Diplocodus, the Archaeopteryx Lithographica, a three-meter-high multimedia globe showing animations and film sequences on the topics of plate tectonics, volcanism, the impact of asteroids and meteorites, mountain building and the atmosphere, and a mobile projection sky that tells the story of the universe.
29. Friedrichstraße
Created in the 17th century and named after the Elector Frederick III of Brandenburg, Friedrichstraße is one of the most famous and historic streets in Berlin. The 3300 meter long street runs on a north-south axis through Berlin Mitte. Amusement palaces, theaters and varietés turned the street into a notorious amusement mile.
After the division of the city, Friedrichstraße had two border crossings. The train station Friedrichstraße to the north, in the immediate vicinity of which is the Tränenpalast (“Palace of Tears”), and the legendary Checkpoint Charlie to the south of the street. Today, Friedrichstraße is a popular strolling and shopping street. The main attractions for shoppers are the Friedrichstadt-Passagen with the French department store Galerie Lafayette and the Quartiers 205 and 206 with many upscale boutiques.
- Check out our guide to shopping in Berlin.
30. Kurfürstendamm & KaDeWe
Kurfürstendamm is affectionately known as Ku'damm and begins at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Created in the mid-16th century as a bridle path, it was expanded 300 years later at the request of Reich Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, following the French model. A 53-meter-wide boulevard with theaters, cafés and stores was created; Kurfürstendamm was born. The synonym for the "Golden Twenties" lost its significance during the Nazi era. It was only after the division of Berlin that Kurfürstendamm was developed into the "shop window of the West" and symbol of the "economic miracle".
Today, large department stores and stores of exclusive noble brands are lined up here. The KaDeWe, one of the largest department stores in Europe, is particularly famous. The delicatessen department is a special attraction of the store. In addition, the many restaurants and cafes, especially the Hard Rock Cafe Berlin, attract visitors.
31. Deutsches Technikmuseum
The German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum), founded in 1983, is committed to presenting technical developments in their interaction with social, economic and political history. The thematic focus is placed on the three major areas of transportation: rail, air and sea. The permanent exhibition awaits visitors with 19 technological themes and several special exhibitions that change annually.
In the adjacent Science Center Spectrum, children and teenagers can explore phenomena in a playful and independent way. The motto is "Play and marvel," "Look and try," and "Laugh and learn." The world of experiments consists of eight thematic areas.
32. Mauerpark
The Mauerpark ("Wall Park") was created on the site of the former death strip and is located not far from the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse. In this oasis of calm in densely populated Prenzlauer Berg, you can discover remaining remnants of the Hinterland security wall, which are regularly sprayed over with new works by graffiti artists. In the meantime, the park has developed into a multicultural meeting place that attracts masses of locals as well as tourists from all over the world, not least because of its unique atmosphere.
You can experience the Berlin lifestyle here, especially on Sundays. There are snack stands and drink stands. In the afternoon, anyone interested can meet for informal open-air karaoke. In addition, you can look for treasures and bargains at the flea market.
- Read More: Check out our Berlin Wall Guide
33. Kulturforum
Situated between Potsdamer Platz and the Landwehr Canal, the Kulturforum is a multifaceted art and cultural ensemble that has been growing steadily since the 1960s, and not just in architectural terms. The Philharmonie was the first building to be erected here in 1963. Architecturally, the modern buildings form an overwhelming contrast to the classicist and neo-baroque buildings on Museum Island. The St. Matthew's Church, which has been in place since the 19th century, is especially eye-catching.
Museum goers get their money's worth, as there are no less than six museums here, including the Neue Nationalgalerie (New National Gallery), the Musikinstrumenten-Museum (Museum of Musical Instruments), the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts), the Kupferstichkabinett (Museum of Prints and Drawings), the Kunstbibliothek (Art Library) and the Gemäldegalerie (Picture Gallery). The Museum der Moderne is under construction. Other facilities of the Kulturforum include the Philharmonic Hall, the Kammermusiksaal, the second building of the Berlin State Library.
34. AquaDom & SEA LIFE Berlin
You can discover more than 5,000 animals of the underwater world in 35 true-to-life pools in the AquaDom & SEA LIFE Berlin. True to the motto "From the sources of the Spree to the depths of the Atlantic" you will experience an exciting journey through the different waters of our world and admire a fascinating variety of species from sharks, rays and octopuses to coral fish, seahorses and jellyfish.
The AquaDom is the largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium in the world. The acrylic tank is 16 meters high, 11.5 meters in diameter and filled with one million liters of water. It is home to around 1500 fish from nearly 100 different species. In the middle of the cylinder, visitors can take a very unusual ride through the interior of the aquarium in an elevator. The interactive animal feedings are particularly popular with children.
35. Futurium
The Futurium is a project initiative of scientific institutions and networks of business enterprises and foundations in cooperation with the German government. It defines itself as a "place for presentation and dialogue on science, research and development".
"How do we want to live?" This is the question posed by the Haus der Zukünfte (House of the Future) with its exhibition on the upper floor, and it attempts to provide answers with various thinking spaces on the topics of mankind, nature and technology. You can touch, participate and try things out in the Future Lab in the basement. Workshops and various events complete the program of the house.
36. Berlin Hohenschönhausen Memorial Site
Opposition members, escapees and political prisoners served time in the former Hohenschönhausen Stasi prison during the GDR era. Today, the memorial site recalls the history of the buildings, most of which have been well-preserved and give an authentic impression of the prison conditions between 1946 and 1990.
The permanent exhibition features around 300 photos and nearly 500 objects, providing numerous testimonies of political persecution. A separate part of the exhibition examines the world of the perpetrators. Changing special exhibitions shed light on details of the GDR, the Stasi and political persecution. Admission to the memorial, which has more than 400,000 visitors annually, is free.
37. Tiergarten
Berliners love their Tiergarten as much as New Yorkers love Central Park, Londoners Hyde Park and Munichers the English Garden! Located directly in the city center, the 210-hectare park is the green lung of the metropolis and an oasis of calm in the midst of the hectic city bustle. There are some interesting sights to discover in and around the Tiergarten.
The Tiergarten is a popular destination for picnics, outdoor sports, and leisurely walks in the summer. During the winter months, visitors can also enjoy ice skating on the frozen ponds.
- Read more details about this attraction in our Tiergarten guide.
38. Madame Tussauds
Interested in a selfie with pop icon Michael Jackson? Or would you prefer one with soccer idol Messi? At Madame Tussauds Berlin, you can pose with national and international stars from film and sports, big names from politics, science and art, as well as Berlin personalities from 100 years of city history.
In addition to the classic wax figures, interactive areas await you with fun activities. How about an IQ test against Albert Einstein, for example? Or why not take a scavenger hunt into the world of wax art and learn how wax figures are made?
39. New Synagogue Berlin
Built between 1859 and 1866 in Moorish-Byzantine style, the New Synagogue in Berlin was the largest house of prayer in Germany at the time. On the night of November 9-10, 1938, the Reich Pogrom Night, synagogues burned all over Germany. The New Synagogue Berlin was fortunate in its misfortune.
Unfortunately, the magnificent building fell victim to bombing by the Allied air forces only a few years later. In 1958, the burned-out main room was blown up because of the danger of collapse. The parts of the building facing the street were preserved as a memorial against war and fascism.
As of 1988, the Jewish house of worship was partially rebuilt, but not rededicated as a synagogue. Today, the synagogue's golden dome shines far and wide over Berlin's rooftops and is one of the city's most beautiful structures.
- The Centrum Judaicum, a Jewish cultural, documentation and event center, can be visited with prior registration.
40. Oberbaum Bridge
The most beautiful bridge in the city is undoubtedly the Oberbaum Bridge. Originally, it was built in 1724 as a wooden construction. It was only after two construction measures in 1894 and 1992 that it received its current appearance as a stone structure with the two striking towers in the neo-Gothic style.
During the Battle of Berlin, German troops destroyed significant parts of the Oberbaum Bridge by blowing it up. With the construction of the Berlin Wall, the Oberbaum Bridge was closed and became a silent witness to the first fatal border incident after the division of the city into East and West Berlin. Since 1998, the Oberbaum Bridge has been the site of the annual "vegetable battle" between Friedrichshainers and Kreuzbergers, in which people argue, festival-like, about who has the upper hand between the two merged districts.
41. Palace of Tears
The check-in hall at Friedrichstraße station, built in 1962, was used for departures from East to West Berlin. This meant saying goodbye to friends and family, and so many tears flowed. The place of painful separations was soon christened the Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears) in the vernacular.
The glass and steel building, which reflects the architecture of the time, was only accessible to passengers traveling to West Berlin by S-Bahn, U-Bahn or long-distance train. The permanent exhibition "Place of German Division" documents the history and fates at the Palace of Tears from 1962 to 1990 through interviews, biographies and 570 original objects. Admission is free.
42. Tempelhof Airport/ Tempelhofer Feld
In 1933, Adolf Hitler initiated the expansion of Tempelhof into a civilian and military airport, which as a "world airport" was to meet the latest standards of the time, but at the same time also serve the propagandistic self-promotion of the National Socialists. During the Battle of Berlin in April 1945, the building was occupied by the Soviet Army. In July, American troops took over the airport and used it as an air base until 1993.
At the "Check-In" visitor center, you can visit the exhibition "A Wide Field" free of charge and learn more about the significance of Tempelhof Airport and field during the Nazi era. Guided tours through the airport building, which the Americans left their mark on for decades, will take you to many a hidden place.
At 355 hectares, Tempelhofer Feld is the largest inner-city open space in the world and also Berlin's largest city park. Where once planes took off all over the world, there has been a green open space for a wide variety of activities since 2010.
43. Red City Hall
The building owes its name neither to the political sentiments of the ruling mayor, nor to those of the Berlin Senate, who direct the city's fortunes from here. No, it is simply the bricks with which the Red City Hall was built in the 1860s.
The town hall, with its 247 rooms and three courtyards, can be visited free of charge when not in session. The Coat of Arms Hall, the Great Banqueting Hall and the Hall of Columns are worth seeing. The permanent exhibition "Berlin in Plaster 1790 - 1850" presents an exceptional selection of plaster works by Berlin sculptors from these years in the Säulensaal. The carillon of the tower, which is almost 74 meters high, rings every quarter of an hour from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in tone C and on the hour in tone D.
44. Bergmannstraße
The 1300-meter-long street Bergmannstraße is the center of the Bergmann-Kiez. According to residents and business owners, it is the "most colorful street in Berlin" in an "intact neighborhood with good infrastructure and a high quality of life." The multicultural promenade is popular with Berliners and tourists because of its many small stores, cafés, restaurants and bars. A real magnet for the public is the historic Markthalle XI, in front of which a flea market is held on weekends.
Every summer, the street festival "Kreuzberg jazzt!" ("Kreuzberg jazzes!") takes place in the western Bergmannstraße with over 300,000 visitors and three stages with over 50 bands. Running parallel to this is the "Kreuzberg kocht!" ("Kreuzberg cooks!") event at Chamissoplatz, where top local chefs serve up culinary delights.
45. Tierpark Berlin
With an area of 160 hectares and over 10,000 animals from more than 650 different species, Tierpark Berlin in Berlin's Lichtenberg district is the largest zoo in Europe. Since after the division of Berlin, the famous Berlin Zoo was in the western part of the city, the GDR government created this zoo in 1955 in what was then East Berlin. A real highlight, especially for the little ones, are the animal feedings.
On the grounds of the zoo, on the western edge, is Friedrichsfelde Palace, construction of which began in 1695. Reconstructions took place during the 18th and 19th centuries, including the addition of Baroque elements to the early Classicist pleasure palace in the Dutch country house style. A permanent exhibition provides exciting insights into the 400-year history of the palace as well as into the history of Berlin. Admission to the palace is included in the ticket for the zoo.
46. Treptower Park
The banks of the Spree, large meadows, hustle and bustle and lively eateries; this is the 84-hectare Treptower Park, which is a very popular destination for Berliners, especially in the summer months. Highlights include the offshore Insel der Jugend (Island of Youth), pedal boats, rowboats and even barbecue boats on the Spree River, a sailboat restaurant and a seaplane for a bird's eye view of Berlin.
At the Soviet Memorial in the park, which commemorates Red Army soldiers who died in World War II, over 7000 of the Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Berlin are buried. Particularly striking is the statue on the hill, which is 30 meters high with pedestal.
47. Spandau Citadel
Spandau Citadel is one of the best preserved Renaissance fortresses in Germany and all of Europe. The oldest buildings of the castle complex date back to the Middle Ages. As early as 1197, there was mention of a Spandau Castle, built by the Margrave of Brandenburg on the site of a Slavic settlement. Between 1559 and 1594 the electors had a fortress built, which was heavily destroyed during the wars of liberation against Napoleon in 1813. The Imperial War Treasure was stored in the Julius Tower from 1874 to 1919. The Nazis housed poison gas laboratories in the citadel.
Today, the citadel is the landmark of the Spandau district and the scene of regular events such as knight fights or concerts. In addition, the armory of the citadel houses the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum ("Museum of Spandau City History"). A walk through the old town of Spandau with the St. Nikolai Church, the Gotisches Haus, the Wendenschloss and the city wall is also worthwhile.
48. Little BIG City
In the Little BIG City in Berlin-Mitte, the history of the last 750 years of Berlin has been brought to life in miniature with over 100 historic buildings and more than 6,000 inhabitants. 30 beamers, 15 holograms, countless projections, mechanical movements, and modern light and sound effects bring the historic sites back to life.
Engage in seven eras of Berlin's history interactively in the miniature city located in the base building of the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz. Experience the city's beginnings in the 12th century, the later Industrial Revolution and the Weimar Republic. Witness the roaring times of the Golden Twenties and the Reichstag fire. View tanks rolling through the city after the end of World War II. Listen to J.F. Kennedy's famous speech in front of the City Hall, and follow the "leap to freedom" of an NVA soldier. Finally, bring down the Berlin Wall yourself at the push of a button.
49. Volkspark Friedrichshain
During the summer, the 49-hectare Volkspark Friedrichshain is a popular place for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, biking, and playing sports like Frisbee and beach volleyball. Visitors can also enjoy picnics, barbecues, or watch a movie at the open-air cinema in the evening. During winter, the park is still a beautiful place for a stroll, with its many monuments and sculptures adding to the serene atmosphere.
Berlin's first municipal green space, dating back to 1846, is also an authentic place of Berlin history. For example, you can find a memorial to the 3000 interbrigadists of the Spanish Civil War and a monument to the joint struggle of Polish soldiers and German anti-fascists. The World Peace Bell, the bronze bust of Frederick the Great and the Märchenbrunnen (Fairy Tale Fountain) with popular Grimm fairy tale characters, such as Hansel and Gretel, Puss in Boots and Snow White, are other gems of the green area.
50. Viktoriapark
A waterfall in a park in the middle of Berlin? Yes, that exists! A 24 meter high waterfall awaits you in the almost 13 hectare Viktoriapark.
At the highest point of the park, the famous architect Schinkel built the neo-Gothic National Monument to the Wars of Liberation, which was inaugurated in 1821. Emperor Frederick III wanted to give the monument a worthy environment and in 1888 he had the park created, to which he gave the name of his wife Victoria, the daughter of the legendary Queen Victoria of England.
Today, on hot summer days, the picnickers' tables and chairs are sometimes placed in the pond into which the waterfall pours, just like in the Mediterranean. Or you can treat yourself to a cool beer in the large beer garden at the foot of the park. And the "Wolfsschlucht" in the eastern part of the park transports visitors for a moment to the Black Forest.
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