“Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei.“
Translation: “Everything has an end, only the sausage has two.”
Route Map & Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Berlin
Both Spring and Autumn in Berlin offer mild temperatures averaging 10-15°C. Visit in spring to attend the renowned Berlin International Film Festival – the Berlinale.
Summer temperatures heat up to 20-25°C, welcoming open-air concerts and street festivals. Events, like the Fête de la Musique, transform the streets into a massive celebration, with live music performances ranging from classical to contemporary. The Carnival of Cultures features parades, showcasing the diversity of the city, while the Berlin Art Week turns the city into an open-air gallery with exhibitions, installations, and performances across various neighborhoods.
Brace for Berlin’s chilly winter temperatures, ranging from 0-5°C. Thousands of visitors still defy the cold to experience the city’s award-winning Christmas markets. Cross over in style by joining the New Year’s Eve festivities at Brandenburg Gate, where the night sky comes alive with dazzling firework displays.
Leaving the Airport/Train Station
Berlin boasts excellent connectivity to Europe and beyond, with an international airport as well as a network of major train stations and bus routes.
From Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the City Center:
1. Airport Express Train (FEX, Flughafen-Express): This connects directly to the city center, within approximately 40 minutes. Please note that other express train services (RE/RB trains) can also get you to the city center just as quickly. However the exact trains operating may vary due to Berlin’s regular engineering works. Check Citymapper or Google Maps for the latest and most accurate directions.
2. S-Bahn (Suburban Train): The S9 and S45 S-Bahn lines also provide a swift connection between the airport and central Berlin. Running frequently, these trains offer a direct ride to bustling city centre neighbourhoods, such as Friedrichstraße and Alexanderplatz.
3. Taxis: If you prefer the convenience of a direct ride, taxis (as well as Uber & FREENOW) are readily available outside the airport terminals. The journey to the city center typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Where to Stay in Berlin
Ideal for first-time visitors, Mitte is at the heart of Berlin. It hosts iconic landmarks like Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Alexanderplatz. The area also offers great transportation links and dining options.
Tree-lined streets, cozy cafes, and a family-friendly atmosphere make Prenzlauer Berg an excellent choice for a relaxed stay while still being close to the city’s attractions.
Booking.comItinerary
Day 1: Cultural Immersion
Dive into the deep end of history and culture at Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, packed with a rich collection of art and artifacts. There are five museums on the Island:
- The Altes Museum, designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, was the first museum on the island. It opened in 1830 and primarily houses collections of classical antiquities, such as Greek and Roman artifacts.
- The Neues Museum, partially destroyed during World War II and later meticulously restored, showcases prehistoric, early historic, and ancient Egyptian cultures. Its most famous exhibit is the bust of Nefertiti.
- The Alte Nationalgalerie, designed by Friedrich August Stüler, focuses on 19th-century European art. Its collection includes works by prominent artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Adolph Menzel, and Auguste Rodin.
- The Bode Museum, known for its impressive dome, is named after its first curator, Wilhelm von Bode. It houses a vast array of sculptures, Byzantine art, and a numismatic collection.
- The Pergamon Museum is is one of the world’s most visited museums. It is renowned for its monumental reconstructions of ancient architecture, including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Pergamon Altar. However, due to long-term renovations, Pergamon is scheduled to be shut until spring 2027.
Make sure to book any tickets a few weeks in advance as they do often sell out .
Next on our itinerary is the Berlin Cathedral. The cathedral’s dome and intricate mosaics reflect the opulence of the Hohenzollern dynasty. Originating in the 11th century, the Hohenzollerns rose to power and became rulers of Brandenburg and later Prussia, ultimately evolving into the German Empire.
During the imperial era, the Hohenzollerns endorsed various cultural and architectural initiatives, such as the construction of the Berlin Cathedral between 1894 and 1905.
Pro Tip: Take a moment to explore the Hohenzollern Crypt, the final resting place of Prussian kings and German emperors.
Congratulations if you’ve made it off the Island! Keep roaming towards Alexanderplatz, a bustling square at the heart of Berlin. Spot the Dreiecks-Beete (Triangle Beds) in the park in front of the Berlin City Hall and make sure to look up at the iconic Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower), which dominates the city’s skyline. The tower was completed in 1969 by the German Democratic Republic as a symbol of socialist superiority and technological achievement during the Cold War era. Originally built for broadcasting television signals, it stands at a height of 368 meters (1,207 feet). The distinctive spherical structure at its top, houses a revolving restaurant and an observation deck.
Wrap up your first day at Hackescher Markt. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, bars and cafes. Discover hidden courtyards and alleys filled with street art and food stalls, or perhaps catch an impromptu performance by local musicians.
Day 2: Historical Landmarks of Berlin
Begin your second day in Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s renowned shopping district. This 3.5-kilometre-long boulevard, often referred to as Ku’damm, gets its name from the prince-electors who rode along it to hunt in Grunewald. These days, it’s full of shoppers on the hunt for the latest fashion and designer items or the best bargains.
At one end of the boulevard lies the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The original church, built in the late 19th century, was heavily damaged during World War II. The remaining spire and ruins have been preserved as a memorial, and a modern church, with distinctive blue glass walls, constructed alongside it.
Our journey continues to the Reichstag Building , which is the seat of the Bundestag (the German federal parliament). Constructed between 1884 and 1894, the building initially housed the Imperial Diet of the German Empire. However, its history took a dark turn in 1933 when the Reichstag fire became a pretext for the Nazis to seize power.
During World War II, the Reichstag suffered extensive damage, especially during the Battle of Berlin in 1945. The building, located in West Berlin after the war, remained partially restored as the functions of the German federal parliament moved to Bonn during the division of Germany. It wasn’t until the reunification in 1990 that the Reichstag regained its central role. Architect Norman Foster oversaw the restoration, introducing a modern addition—the glass dome, which was completed in 1999.
The iconic Brandenburg Gate is a neoclassical masterpiece and hub of activity. Built in the 18th century, the gate has witnessed significant historical events, including the division of Berlin during the Cold War and the joyous reunification celebrations in 1989. Depending on when you visit, there will almost certainly be some kind of street performance, festival, market, or even protest.
Conclude your day at the Victory Column situated in the heart of Tiergarten. Commissioned by Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of the German Empire, the column was constructed between 1864 and 1873 to commemorate Prussian victories. Initially placed in front of the Reichstag, it was relocated in 1938 to its current prominent position. The Victory Column stands at approximately 67 meters tall, topped with a bronze statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory.
Tiergarten, Berlin’s central park, surrounds the column, providing a tranquil escape, with its serene pathways and lakes. Sprawling over 210 hectares, take a moment here to recharge your internal batteries.
Day 3: Solemn History Lessons
Commence Day 3 at Checkpoint Charlie, a former border between East and West Berlin. The checkpoint received its name from the NATO phonetic alphabet, where “Charlie” represents the letter C. It was the third crossing point along Friedrichstrasse and became a vital gateway for diplomats, military personnel, and foreign visitors moving between the two opposing sides of the city. The Checkpoint Charlie Museum nearby houses exhibits that detail the history of the checkpoint as well as ingenious escape attempts.
Proceed onward to the Topography of Terror, built upon the remains of the Gestapo and SS headquarters. The center houses exhibitions that detail the history of the Nazi regime, its key figures, and the devastating consequences of its policies. Archival materials, include photographs, documents, videos and personal accounts.
The Holocaust Memorial, also known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a moving tribute to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Designed by architects Peter Eisenman and Buro Happold, it consists of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field. There is also an Information Center, which provides personal narratives, emphasizing the importance of remembrance for future generations.
Nearby is the Berlin Wall (Memorial), which was erected virtually overnight on August 13, 1961. Its aim was to stem the mass emigration from East to West Berlin as Cold War tensions increased. The wall evolved over the years, becoming a complex barrier with multiple layers of fencing, watchtowers, and a “death strip” equipped with traps and obstacles.
On November 9 1989, the wall fell after peaceful protests and a changing political climate. Today, the memorial site preserves a section of the original wall. Within the memorial complex, on the former “death strip,” the Chapel of Reconciliation stands as a symbol of hope and healing.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, wild vegetation began to reclaim the landscape. Communities came together to plant trees on Falkplatz and the adjacent hill next to the stadium. In 1994, with funding from the Allianz Environmental Foundation, Mauerpark began to take shape.
Since then, every Sunday the park buzzes with creativity, welcoming buskers, market sellers, tourists and artists. On one side of the park there is a market, selling second hand goods, food, drink and clothing, while on the other side there is open park space with live music, basketball courts, and the famous Bearpit Karaoke. Part of the Wall can still be seen within the park, and is now used as a canvas by graffiti artists.
Day 4: Iconic Bridges
All too soon, it is our last day in Berlin! Cross the historic Oberbaumbrücke, a stunning bridge that gracefully spans the River Spree. Originally built in the late 19th century, it features iconic red-brick towers and intricate design.
Severed during the Cold War when the Berlin Wall divided East and West Berlin, the bridge now stands as a reminder of the city’s reunification in 1989.
To conclude our Berlin adventures, embark on a walk along the East Side Gallery. It’s not just a collection of paintings; it’s a testament to Berlin’s spirit of resilience and artistic expression. Artists from around the world have transformed this 1.3-kilometer-long stretch of the Berlin Wall into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Look out for iconic artworks like Dmitri Vrubel’s “Fraternal Kiss” and Birgit Kinder’s “Test the Best.”
Nightlife in Berlin
Berlin is synonymous with techno, and a visit to iconic clubs such as Berghain, Tresor, and Watergate promises an unforgettable night of electronic music marathons. These clubs often operate strict door policies, with patrons often queuing for hours to get in. Make sure to wrap up warm, especially in winter, before heading for a night out.
Berliners are renowned for their dedication to partying, even willing to queue up for club entry as late (or early) as 6 am on a Sunday.
For those seeking a more avant-garde experience, KitKat has a reputation for boundary-pushing performances and an “anything goes” ethos. The club’s commitment to inclusivity and acceptance creates an atmosphere where guests can explore their wildest fantasies without judgment.
For those that prefer afrobeats, hip-hop, and trap, House of Weekend and Gretchen are your go-to spots. Stay updated on the latest city events by keeping an eye on the Instagram pages of Freak de l’Afrique and Afro Haus Berlin.
Berlin’s nightlife is more than just music; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Engage with the local crowd, be open-minded, and allow yourself to be swept away by the city’s unique energy.
Food
The currywurst is a simple yet profound creation; Chips and succulent sausages smothered in a tangy ketchup, dusted with curry powder. This street food makes a great snack, and is surprisingly filling.
You might have had a doner kebab, but have you ever had a Berliner Döner Kebab? This fusion masterpiece is born from a blend of Turkish flavors with German precision. Expect succulent meat, fresh veggies, and an array of mouthwatering sauces. Our favourite spots are Dönerturm and Nefis Gemüse Kebap.
Our top recommendation for a Boozy (or not) Berlin Brunch is Geist im Glas. Picture this: tasty food, large portions, strong mimosas and a cozy interior. Be prepared for long queues, but trust us, the wait is totally worth it. Geist im Glas dishes out an awesome experience that makes a trip to Reuterkiez totally worth the hype!
Berlin’s food scene mirrors its cosmopolitan nature. Roam through neighborhoods to uncover diverse cuisine – from classic German meals to handcrafted pastries, Asian eats and more. Take a peek at our Google Map above for an extensive list of recommendations.
The Chat
Sim: What’s the weather like right now in Berlin?
Kat: It’s cold. It’s freezing. It’s snowing.
Sim: It’s snowing already?
Kat: Yeah, it sure is! Well, at least it adds a nice touch to the Christmas Markets.
Sim: Does Berlin ever have blue skies and sun, though?
Kat: A few days in the summer if you’re lucky.
Sim: Ok, so when going to Berlin, always prepare for cold. And wear black clothes and platform boots.
Kat: And leather. Show off your tattoos and piercings if you have any.
Don’t be scared to express yourself in Berlin. That’s the essence of the city – a place where everyone can express themselves, regardless of who you are or what you believe in. Berlin is huge, and that’s why, while you’re checking off the touristy must-dos, you should also allow time to get lost in the city.
Sim: I take it there’s a lot of independent art galleries, bars and cafes.
Kat: From cute galleries to abandoned graffiti-ed warehouses that will deliver the best experience of your life.
Sim: Are people friendly? Or does it feel awkward and intrusive going into these spaces?
Kat: Berlin’s quite cosmopolitan, so chances are you’ll run into people who share your interests.
Sim: What are your top three recommendations for Berlin – food, nightlife, and tourist attractions?
Kat: When it comes to food, brunch at Geit Im Glaas is a must. It’s rare to find such hearty and soulful food in Berlin.
The Topography of Terror was a moving experience for me. It was well-documented and thoughtfully laid out.
As for nightlife, House of Weekend is a constant favorite. It always has great music, and I know I can dance the night away.
I’ll keep repeating it, and I’ll keep saying it: when you’re in Berlin, if you get the chance, just go out and explore. Keep an open mind, try new things. Sure, have your itinerary, but stay open to unexpected adventures.
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