The only guide you need for a weekend in Berlin

The only guide you need for a weekend in Berlin

Make the most of a long weekend in Berlin, from sights like the Brandenburg Gate to hidden gems in Kreuzberg.

In Germany’s vibrant capital, you can visit the former Berlin Wall in the morning, chill at a hip café in Neukölln for lunch, and dance at Berghain by night — all in one day. This guide to a weekend in Berlin is packed with classic sights such as Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island, plus offbeat gems like the quirky East Side Gallery and flea markets at Mauerpark. A long weekend in Berlin gives you time to experience the culture, grab a currywurst, and even try a techno club that doesn’t let you in unless you look like you didn’t try too hard.

Know before you go to Berlin

Why you should go: A dynamic food and coffee scene, pumping nightlife and Cold War history on every corner.

Don’t miss: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin TV Tower, Berlin Wall, and Museum Island.

Best way to get around: Berlin’s public transportation is reliable and affordable, but many people cycle in the city.

Best time to go: Berlin has the best weather in summer, but it feels most magical in December.

Insider tip: Most Berlin museums are free on the first Sunday of every month, so make that your museum day.

Weekend highlights in Berlin: Browse vintage treasures at Mauerpark’s flea market and catch open-air performances at the Berlin Philharmonic’s free summer concerts.

Day 1: Kick off with a history tour of the city

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The Brandenburg Gate transformed from a symbol of division to a symbol of unity after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Morning

Visit the Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden

Begin your weekend at Brandenburg Gate, one of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of reunification. From there, stroll along Unter den Linden, a historic boulevard lined with monuments, museums, and grand architecture.

Walk to the Holocaust Memorial

A short walk from Brandenburg Gate is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. This powerful site features a grid of concrete stelae and an underground museum with exhibits about the victims of the Holocaust.

Explore things to do at the Holocaust Memorial

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Photo: Oskar Minin

Ascend to the roof of Berlin’s glass and steel political hotspot with epic city views.

Afternoon

Have lunch in Mitte

Enjoy lunch in Hackescher Markt in Mitte, where you’ll find an array of casual cafes and restaurants, street performers, and a lively atmosphere.

Explore the Reichstag Dome and Museum Island

Head to the Reichstag to visit its impressive glass dome, offering panoramic city views. After, cross over to Museum Island, home to five world-renowned museums. From ancient treasures at the Pergamon Museum to the Neues Museum to see the famous bust of Nefertiti, there’s something for every interest. Focus on one or two museums to keep the afternoon light.

Explore museums and exhibitions on Museum Island

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Photo: Philip Hiscocks

Wander a maze of courtyards hidden in plain sight, filled with art, boutiques, and quirky cafes.

Evening

Explore Hackesche Höfe

In the late afternoon, explore the Hackesche Höfe, a network of art nouveau courtyards with boutique shops and galleries. Wrap up the day with dinner nearby, enjoying the creative side of Berlin’s dining scene.

Day 2: Explore the creative side of Berlin

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A Cold War icon turned tourist favorite—come for the history, stay for the wildly out-of-place McDonald’s.

Morning

Breakfast at a local market

Start your day in Kreuzberg with breakfast at Markthalle Neun, where you can grab fresh pastries and coffee while experiencing local life.

Visit Checkpoint Charlie

Head to Checkpoint Charlie, one of the most famous Cold War sites, marking a former border crossing between East and West Berlin. Visit the outdoor exhibition to learn about the history and take some photos of the iconic guardhouse.

Explore the Kreuzberg district on foot

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A 1.3 km canvas of hope, history, and stunning murals — proof that Berlin knows how to turn a wall into a wonder.

Afternoon

See political art at East Side Gallery

Walk along the East Side Gallery, a remaining section of the Berlin Wall covered in murals from artists worldwide. This open-air gallery captures themes of freedom and resilience, giving visitors a moving glimpse into Berlin’s past.

Lunch along the Spree

Enjoy lunch at a spot along the Spree River. From here, you can view the river and surrounding cityscape, including landmarks such as Berlin Cathedral and the red-brick Gothic design of Oberbaum Bridge. Due to its location on the former border, the bridge used to be a crossing point, though only for residents of the West who were visiting the East.

Take a boat cruise on the Spree River

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Photo: Neuköllner

Kreuzberg’s walls aren’t just walls—they’re canvases for graffiti legends

Evening

Wander the streets of Kreuzberg

Kreuzberg’s vibrant street art and nightlife are famous. Take a guided tour or explore the area independently to see its murals and graffiti. Then, experience the district’s nightlife, whether you’re in the mood for a buzzing bar, a cozy hidden garden in a pub, or an iconic dance venue on Oranienstrasse.

Discover street art in Kreuzberg

Day 3: See Berlin’s architecture from old to modern

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Explore Berlin’s royal past with baroque halls, dramatic chandeliers, and gardens that feel straight out of a period drama.

Morning

Visit Charlottenburg Palace

Start your day in West Berlin at Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin’s largest royal palace. Wander through its baroque gardens and tour the palace to learn about the life and legacy of Prussian royalty.

Explore Charlottenburg Palace

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Stroll, picnic, or bike through this massive park in the city’s heart.

Afternoon

Take a walk in Tiergarten

Enjoy a peaceful walk in Tiergarten, Berlin’s sprawling central park. Be sure to stop by the Victory Column or Siegessäule, at its center, for great views after a short climb to the top.

Lunch near Potsdamer Platz

Grab lunch near Potsdamer Platz, a lively area with plenty of food options and modern architecture. Explore the area’s impressive transformation from a barren space divided by the Berlin Wall to a hub of activity.

Discover Tiergarten on foot

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360° views at 1207 feet (368 meters) — because nothing says “Berlin” like a giant retro disco ball in the sky.

Evening

See the Berlin Cathedral and Alexanderplatz

Conclude your Berlin weekend itinerary with a visit to Berlin Cathedral, an architectural wonder with stunning interiors and a dome with one of the best views of the city. A short walk away, the lively Alexanderplatz is perfect for last-minute shopping.

See the sunset at the TV Tower

Finish your Berlin trip with a visit to the historic TV Tower. Head up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city, where you can spot all the landmarks you’ve visited over the weekend. If you time it around sunset, you’ll get a stunning perspective as Berlin lights up at night.

Find entrance tickets to the TV Tower

Weekend in Berlin: FAQs

How many days is enough to see Berlin?

Three days in Berlin is perfect. Plan one day for the must-see landmarks like Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall, another for exploring Museum Island and quirky neighborhoods, and a third for experiencing Berlin’s famous nightlife and the must-try dishes of Berlin’s food scene. You could easily spend a long weekend in Berlin and still find spots to discover.

What is the best time of year to visit Berlin?

The best time to visit Berlin is late spring or early fall. The weather is ideal for strolling the parks and outdoor cafes, and the crowds are more manageable than in the summer. Still, if you want to visit in the warmer months, there are many ways to stay off the beaten path in Berlin, from picnicking beside a waterfall in Viktoriapark to traveling through different cultural gardens at Gardens of the World. If you don’t mind the crowds, Berlin in December is as Christmassy as it gets.

What is the cheapest time to visit Berlin?

If you’re after a budget-friendly weekend in Berlin, winter after the holiday season is your friend. January and February see lower accommodation rates, fewer tourists, and plenty of indoor activities, so you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

What is the busiest month in Berlin?

Summer is the busiest month in Berlin, with tourists flocking to the city for festivals, outdoor concerts, and perfect weather. The streets, parks, and major attractions can get crowded, but it's an electric time to visit if you're into the hustle and bustle.

What is the prettiest area in Berlin?

Prenzlauer Berg is probably the prettiest area in Berlin. The trendy district is filled with picturesque pastel-colored streets with cafes, shops, and historic buildings joined by leafy squares. Its mix of old and new attracts people from all walks of life, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Berlin. Visit the Kulturbrauerei, a brewery turned entertainment complex, and stop at Mauerpark to see a section of the Berlin Wall once known as the Death Strip.

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