City: Berlin
Top Things to do in Berlin
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Berlin, Germany
Berlin is an edgy city, from its fashion to its architecture to its charged political history. The Berlin Wall is a sobering reminder of the hyper-charged postwar atmosphere, and yet the graffiti art that now covers its remnants has become symbolic of social progress. Check out the Weltzeituhr (world time) Clock, topped by a model of the solar system, then turn back time by dining at the historic Zur Letzten Instanz, a 16th century restaurant that was frequented by Napoleon and Beethoven.
Restaurants in Berlin
1. Reichstag Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35,103 reviews
Situated just north of the Brandenburg Gate, this building houses the German Parliament and was the seat of the Weimar Republic government until it was seized by the Nazis in 1933.
Reviewed By lauren35323 - Toronto, Canada
The Reichstag has this amazing opportunity that lets you dine in their rooftop restaurant for breakfast - incredible food, amazing view, the chance to walk around the German parliament, what more could you ask for?
2. Museum Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,925 reviews
Home to three famous museums - the Pergamon, the Altes and the Bode.
3. Topography of Terror
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19,169 reviews
Since 1987 a permanent exhibition at the site where the headquarters of the Secret State Police, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office were located during the “Third Reich” has been providing information to the public about the most important institutions of National Socialist persecution and terror. The documentary exhibition conveys the European dimensions of the Nazi reign of terror.
Reviewed By timntoots - Melbourne, Australia
Great opportunity to see the remaining bit of the Berlin Wall, the free museum is interesting and you can get free tours and information. Also Checkpoint Charlie is only 2 blocks away. This is a great museum and you can open as much as or little time you want to see this historic site.
4. Brandenburg Gate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45,948 reviews
Located in no-man's land between East and West Germany during the Cold War, this famous monument, built during the 18th-century reign of Friedrich Wilhelm II, has long been a defining symbol of Berlin and both the city's division and unification.
Reviewed By highlandninja - Forfar, United Kingdom
This is another one of Europe’s iconic landmarks. I first saw this in 1988 from a trip to the East side back then there was nothing built on either side or around it and the wall directly behind it. The return to the city 30 years later I expected a lot to be different and a lot of changes, I was not wrong. The area has now been heavily developed on both sides. However the status of the gates itself is fabulous. In great condition they are a true status symbol. I visited at night and during the day for photos and you get a different view of them at each different time of the day I have to say that we were lucky in the fact that on this occasion due to CV there were little to nobody about and got photos with very few people in them. On a normal day this place would be crawling with tourist. You can get through the gates and into the park now and the opportunities for photos are endless if you have a little imagination. We walked everywhere and this is a good 20 minute walk from (Alexanderplatz) but you pass so much on the way so I advise walking . The tube is easy to work out and travel on but you see nothing on the way. Brandenburger Tor station was also closed this day so made no odds to me. Advise is to go more than once given the chance at night it’s lit up daytime sun shines through the pillars even got photos in the rain an iconic landmark of Europe recommended any time of the day during the year.
5. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,569 reviews
The ruins of this famous landmark, damaged during World War II bombings, serve as a symbol of the destruction of war.
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
At famous Kurfürstendamm Avenue, at the center of Breitscheidplatz, and not far from iconic KaDeWe Department Store and the "Broken Chain" sculpture, you will find another landmark of Germany and Berlin: "Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church"! This Evangelical church, built in 1890 in the neo-romanesque style by German architect Franz Schwechten, was almost all destroyed by air bombings in 1943. A damaged spire was kept - to do not let us forget the horrors of World War II, as well as of any other war - and a beautiful new church was built on its side. Fantastic blue stained glass inlays, inspired on France's Cathedral of Chartres, create an atmosphere of peace, reflection and self-communion. Stop a minute, say a prayer, light a candle and devote this unique moment to all your beloved ones and to the memories of all those killed by infamous wars all over the world (and that unfortunately continue happening). "Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church" symbolizes the revival of a city and should not be missed. Enjoy!
6. Pergamonmuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20,507 reviews
The Pergamonmuseum is a three-wing complex. The museum houses three of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin’s collections: the Antikensammlung, Vorderasiatisches Museum, and the Museum für Islamische Kunst. The impressive reconstructions of massive archaeological structures – the Pergamon Altar, Market Gate of Miletus, the Ishtar Gate and Processional Way from Babylon, and the Mshatta Facade – have made the Pergamonmuseum famous throughout the world, with the result that it is the most visited museum at the Staatliche Museen and in Germany as a whole.
Reviewed By bsandrs - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
The Jewels of Museum Island in the centre of the City are the Pergamon and the Neue buildings and we enjoyed an excellent three hour guided tour from an expert on the collections, who whilst now living in Berlin, originated from the Isle of Wight, just off Portsmouth which was a strange coincidence. The contents of the Pergamon are mind blowing and you can only scratch the surface on a day visit. With the Pergamon Altar itself closed for the next few years, the undoubted highlights are the Ishtar Gate and Lion Approach from Babylon, together with the Miletus Roman Facade and we rightly spent most of our available time studying those. However, the whole Museum is packed with great artefacts and we simply must return.
7. Berliner Dom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,471 reviews
Reviewed By Johnbelfast123 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Superb adventure with fantastic views over Berlin - well worth the climb to the top. Looking down into the cathedral is breathtaking
8. Gemaldegalerie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,096 reviews
We are more than happy that starting from 12th of May 2020 we can reopen several of the museums belonging to the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin – among them the Gemäldegalerie! Please note that during your visit you have to follow some special hygiene and safety measures. All important information about visiting the museum can be found on our website. // The Gemäldegalerie boasts one of the world’s most important collections of European painting ranging from the 13th to 18th century. Masterpieces from all epochs in the history of art are on permanent display here, including paintings by Jan van Eyck, Pieter Bruegel, Albrecht Durer, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, and Jan Vermeer van Delft. The gallery is especially proud of its strong collection of German and Italian painting from the 13th to 16th century and painting from the Low Countries dating from the 15th to 17th century.
Reviewed By Cynicoren - Beersheba, Israel
The Gemaldegalerie in Berlin contains one of the world's leading collections of paintings covering the period from the 13th to the 18th centuries, including an exceptional collection of works by great German artists - as the website notes: "including paintings by Jan van Eyck, Pieter Bruegel, Albrecht Dürer, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, and Jan Vermeer van Delft." Since I was teens I had to cut my tour short, but still enjoyed it immensely.
9. Gendarmenmarkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,567 reviews
This picturesque town square is surrounded by several historic structures.
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Gendarmenmarkt is a public square in Berlin and quite possibly the most beautiful square in Berlin. Three sides of the square are dominated by the architectural ensemble of the Berlin concert hall, the French Cathedral and the German Cathedral, with a monument to Friedrich Schiller on the centre of the square. Worth coming here to see four major Berlin landmarks in one go.
10. East Side Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,538 reviews
This mile-long stretch of the Berlin Wall is one of the largest remaining portions of the former divide between East and West Germany.
Reviewed By Kate9099 - Chicago, United States
I love street art and urban walks, this is an excellent venue for the the voice of artists from around the world to express historical viewpoints on East/West Germany as well as contemporary social expression. It's literally the longest remaining part of the wall, preserved and patched I would assume. Its free and easy to get to, not too far to walk and cabs are readily available if you prefer. The walk is gritty and in my opinion, part of the experience. Stop by the outside food market on the way, it's a very "Greenwich Village" feel and a good place to grab some street food and drink.
