Things to do in Berlin: top sights, museums and practical tips
Quick answer
The essentials of Berlin are the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag dome (free, with advance registration), the Holocaust Memorial, Museum Island and the remains of the Wall. The Pergamon Museum remains closed until 4 June 2027. Two to three days cover the highlights.
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More Berlin guides
- Berlin in one dayA one-day route through Berlin: Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag dome, Holocaust Memorial, Museum Island and the Wall, with times, lunch spots and tips.
- Berlin in 2 daysA 2-day Berlin itinerary: day 1 Mitte, Reichstag and Museum Island, day 2 the Wall, Kreuzberg and Charlottenburg, with times, tickets and tips.
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Berlin's must-sees
Berlin is sprawling and has no single centre. Group what you visit by area and use public transport between them.
- 1
Mitte
Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz
The symbol of the city, which stood next to the Wall until 1989. It is free and lit at night. From here a short walk takes you to the Reichstag.
- 2
Platz der Republik
Reichstag dome
Germany's parliament, with Norman Foster's glass dome. The visit is free, but you must register first on the Bundestag website with each visitor's name and date of birth, and bring photo ID.
- 3
Near the Brandenburg Gate
Holocaust Memorial
A field of 2,711 concrete slabs by Peter Eisenman. Free and always open; the underground information centre has its own hours.
- 4
Mitte
Museum Island
A UNESCO site with five museums. The Neues Museum holds the bust of Nefertiti; the Alte Nationalgalerie, 19th-century painting; the Bode-Museum, sculpture. The Pergamon Museum is closed until June 2027, so don't plan on seeing the Pergamon Altar.
- 5
Friedrichshain and Mitte
Wall remains: East Side Gallery and Bernauer Straße
The East Side Gallery is a 1.3 km stretch painted by artists; the Bernauer Straße memorial shows how the border worked. Both are free.
- 6
Mitte
Gendarmenmarkt and Unter den Linden
One of the most elegant squares, between the German and French cathedrals and the Konzerthaus. A good spot to stroll and eat.
- 7
Mitte
TV Tower and Alexanderplatz
The Fernsehturm dominates the skyline of former East Berlin. Take the observation deck with a timed ticket to avoid lines.
Neighbourhoods to explore
- Mitte: the historic centre, with Museum Island, the Brandenburg Gate and Hackescher Markt.
- Kreuzberg: multicultural and alternative, with street food, markets and nightlife.
- Prenzlauer Berg: quiet streets, cafés and weekend markets.
- Friedrichshain: bars and clubs next to the East Side Gallery.
- Charlottenburg: elegant and western, with the palace and Kurfürstendamm.
Museums and art
Besides Museum Island, the Gemäldegalerie and the Neue Nationalgalerie are worth a visit. About the Pergamon: the museum has been closed since October 2023 and the north wing reopens on 4 June 2027, with parts still under works afterwards. To identify any painting, sculpture or monument without hunting for the label, point the AnyArt camera at it and listen to its story.
Tickets, transport and when to go
- Register for the Reichstag dome ahead on the official Bundestag site; it's free and slots run out. If there is space you can request a same-day slot at the visitor centre, at least two hours before.
- Many state museums close on Mondays; check each one's schedule.
- Buy Museum Island tickets on smb.museum; there is a day ticket covering several museums.
- Public transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams) covers the whole city on a single AB-zone ticket.
- Berlin is big: group your day by district to avoid wasting time travelling.
- In summer it stays light late, ideal for the Wall and the parks.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Berlin?
Two days for the essentials and three to add museums and districts at a relaxed pace. Berlin is large, so use public transport.
Is the Reichstag dome free?
Yes, it is free, but you must register in advance on the official Bundestag website and bring photo ID. Phone registration is not possible.
Is the Pergamon Museum open?
No. It is closed for renovation and the north wing, with the Pergamon Altar, reopens on 4 June 2027. On Museum Island you can visit the Neues Museum, Altes Museum, Bode-Museum and Alte Nationalgalerie.
What is free in Berlin?
The Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, the Topography of Terror, the Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery, plus the Reichstag dome with prior registration.
When is the best time to visit Berlin?
May to September for the weather and terraces; December for Christmas markets, in intense cold.