Berlin is a scene-stealing combo of glamour and grit that mesmerises anyone who's ready to embrace its vibrant culture, bold architecture, global food, intense parties, and easy-going vibe.
If you’re a culture vulture, the city is jam-packed with galleries for every taste. For art lovers, the Hamburger Bahnhof - the biggest contemporary museum in Europe - is worth a visit.
Reichstag
The Reichstag, or Parliament Building, is a must-see for any Berlin visitor. Located on Platz der Republik, this historic building has been the center of German politics since 1894.
The building suffered a major fire in 1933 and was at the heart of the final battle of World War II. However, after extensive reconstruction, it is still used today as the seat of the German parliament, the Bundestag.
During this tour, you can learn about the history of the building and its transformation into one of the most modern parliament buildings in the world. You’ll also get to see the dome, which was designed by British architect Norman Foster.
The reconstructed Reichstag is an interesting blend of the past and the future. As you walk through the dome, you’ll be reminded of the tumultuous history of Germany, with its many conflicts between monarchism and democracy. But you’ll also be able to enjoy the beautiful views of Berlin from up above.
Museum Island
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Berlin experience, Museum Island (also known as Spreeinsel) is worth the visit. It’s a cluster of five world-famous museums and the Baroque-style Berliner Dom cathedral that sit on a tiny island in the River Spree.
The UNESCO site comprises the Old Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum and Pergamon Museum. Together they trace a panoramic history of art and culture, spanning from Mesopotamia to Greece and Rome.
You can visit each of these museums on your own or by booking a tour that takes you around them. Most tours discuss the buildings’ significance and the prized pieces they house.
You can also purchase the Berlin Welcome Card: Museum Island that includes admission to more than 30 Berlin museums and discounts for over 200 other attractions. This is a great value option, especially if you plan to visit more than just Museum Island on your trip.
Tiergarten
The rambling Tiergarten is Berlin’s largest urban park. It’s adored by locals and visitors alike, and is perfect for a stroll, jog or bike ride.
Its countless avenues, pathways and lawns are dotted with ponds, flower beds and landscaped gardens. Benches are tucked away for peaceful contemplation, and you can easily cycle, jog or hop on a Velotaxi around the park’s curves.
After WWII, restoration of the park got underway focussing on restoring as much vegetation as possible, including wilder areas. The result is a very diverse landscape to discover, with lots of winding paths, quaint bridges and countless statues to enjoy.
It’s a great place to take a walk, run, bike, sit in a park and relax on a sunny day. You can also visit many historical monuments and art galleries, including the House of World Cultures. The Victory Column (Siegessaule) is another must-see, and the Tea House offers a beautiful terrace. If you have time, you can explore other nearby attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall Memorial.
Berliner Fernsehturm
Berlin is a great place for a city trip with lots of sights and museums, and the Berliner Fernsehturm is one of its most iconic attractions. At 368 meters high it is the tallest building in Germany, and its observation deck offers amazing views of the entire city.
- You can also prebook a VIP ticket to the Sphere restaurant on top of the tower which includes a table reservation and entrance without queuing. You can then dine or drink on the sphere while watching the world go by!
- The viewing platform has display panels that highlight the main landmarks of Berlin, and you can even see remains of the former Berlin Wall. It’s a great way to get to know the city and its history.
- Visiting the museum is free, but you can also pay to join a guided tour. This is a great way to understand more about the history of Berlin, and it will help you get an idea of what the museum is like.
