YOUR ULTIMATE TRIP PLANNER
Plan a trip to Berlin
About Berlin
With rich history, vibrant nightlife, world-renowned cuisine, and amazing museums, there is something for everyone in Germany's capital.
Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.
It seems that Berlin was first mentioned in the 13th century. Although the origin of the name is not quite clear, Berlin seems pretty close to the word for “bärlein: which in German means “little bear”. That is how the bear became the mascot/symbol of the city. In the year 2001 the “lone bear” developed into the Berlin Buddy Bears, a fiberglass sculpture of bears and it seems that they have become unofficial ambassadors of Berlin.
At the end of WWII Berlin was divided between two German states, so the government offices were moved from Berlin to Bonn, and that is how it was for the next forty years. The “Berlin Wall” was erected as a divider in 1961 and came down in 1989, where it stood is a magnet for tourists today as they walk along the street Friedrichstrasse. Check Point Charlie was the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947–1991). Since then, the graffiti that was painted on the walls along with the Brandenburg Gate symbolize a reunified Germany and are witnesses to the past. The monument, 18th-century neoclassical Brandenburg Gate was erected by the Prussian King Frederick William II, copying the gate by the same name at the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens.
You can see the tall, 26-meter statue from the wide boulevard called Unter den Linden, from the City Palace right up to Platz Pariser where the Brandenburg Gate stands. The boulevard is so called because of the Linden trees that line the street.
Note: During the time of Napoleon the famous statue that is atop of the gate, the Quadriga, which is a chariot drawn by four horses, was removed but when it was returned a decade later it became a symbol of victory for Germany.
On the northern side of the boulevard is The Museum Island. This is one of the most popular visited sites in Berlin, as well as one of the most significant museum complexes in all of Europe. Situated on Spree Island it includes five museums: The Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum and the Pergamonmuseum.
A sixth building has been added - The James Simon Gallery (James-Simon-Galerie) which is a visitor center and art gallery.
Take note that there is an important ‘treasure’ on the island: The Berlin Cathedral, aka The Berliner Dom. It was built by Kaiser Wilhelm II in a Renaissance and Baroque style and besides being a magnificent building, it is probably one of the most important Protestant churches in Berlin.
Note: Dom - Many people think this is the German word for “dome” but it means cathedral.
We suggest that you join the locals and take a break and some leisure time in the Pleasant Garden (Lustgarten), a neoclassical luscious, green park that is in front of the Altes Museum and near the majestic Berliner Dom at the other end.
Secret: A main attraction in the garden is a huge seventy-ton, granite bowl. Around 50 people were seated in the bowl at a special breakfast to inaugurate this bowl. The Berliners call it “The Berlin Soup Bowl”.
Berlin's famous Tiergarten, Grosser is located in the heart of Berlin and close to the Brandenburg Gate. It is a magnificent park with spacious green areas – just as popular as Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London. This park spreads out for about 500 acres with tree-lined paths leading to Berlin’s oldest zoo and the zoo-aquarium.
Secret: In the summer months on Sunday evenings you just might be on time to hear the bells from the Carillo, which is the bell tower, 40 meters in height, situated next to the House of World Cultures (Haus der Kulturen der Welt - HKW). The HKW has presentations, concerts, films conferences and a variety of cultural activities and exhibitions throughout the year.
Everyone knows that Berlin is one of the best places for shopping! They have great shopping centers and outlet centers with an endless range of products from latest fashion in clothing to the latest consumer goods.
The culinary scene in the city is world-famous and varies from traditional German food such as potato pancakes, pea soup with sausages, potato stew to ethnic food that has been integrated into the local cuisine. There are many diverse eating establishments, food stalls and of course the finest of restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of beer houses and bars that serve beers and drinks of all types. However, the well-known “White Beer” (Weisse Beer) so called because it is calls for at least 50% wheat to barley malt, which makes for a light colored top-fermenting beer. It is the most popular beer enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for its unique taste.
Popular Itineraries
Traveled by thousands
Berlin
With rich history, vibrant nightlife, world-renowned cuisine, and amazing museums, there is something for everyone in Germany's capital.
Things to do in Berlin
Berlin, the vibrant and dynamic capital of Germany, is famous for eclectic character, thriving on contrasts and embracing diversity.
Book hotels through RoutePerfect. Secure rooms and rates – free cancellation available. Enjoy Booking.com Genius loyalty program and get travel perks worth up to $300.
Genius Discounts
Travel Perks
Berlin Hotels
by
Book activities in Berlin
with
Looking for some interesting things to do in Berlin? Here are some recommended attractions and sights for you.
tours, sightseeing & cruises
outdoor activities
Attractions in Berlin
- Historic Center, Berlin
- Museum Island, Berlin
- Pergamon Museum, Berlin
- Kulturforum, Berlin
- Berlin Zoological Garden
- Charlottenburg, Berlin
- Egyptian Museum, Berlin
- Dahlem Museums of World Art and Culture, Berlin
- Gemaldegalerie (Picture Gallery), Berlin
- DDR Museum, Berlin
- Old Museum, Berlin
- Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery, Berlin
- Zeughaus, Berlin
- Bode Museum, Berlin
- Scheunenviertel, Berlin
Berlin events and occasions
Berlin City voice guide
with
Voice guided walking tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can start walking at any time and stop whenever and wherever you like, for as long as you like. For RoutePerfect customers with our partner VoiceMap's mobile app.
A Walk through Time on Museum Island
Former East Berlin: A walking tour through 400 years of history
In and Around Alexanderplatz
Into the Heart of Berlin
Ku'damm: Haute Couture and Currywurst
Memorials and Monuments: A walking tour from the Reichstag to Potsdam Square
Nicolai Quarter: A Tour of Berlin’s Medieval Heart
Representing a New Germany: An Architectural Photography Tour
Silk, Sin and Stages: In and Out of Northern Friedrichstraße
Splendid Spandau: A Tour of Berlin‘s Other Medieval Heart
Stumbling Through the Past: A Tour of Berlin's Jewish Quarter
Take the U Train: The Story of Berlin's Oldest Elevated Railway Line Part I
Templars, Bunkers and Prussian Glory: A Walking Tour of West Kreuzberg
The Berlin Wall: A Walking Tour Along the Former Death Strip
The Dönerkebab: A Short History
Witches, Riots and the Cold War - A Walk Through Wedding
Popular Itineraries in Germany
11-15 days6-10 days6-10 days9 days10-15 days16-18 days11-13 days12-15 days12-13 days12-13 days12-13 days18-20 days18-20 days18-20 days12-14 days12-14 days12-14 days11-13 days11-13 days11-13 days12-13 days18-20 days12-14 days11-13 days7-8 days7-8 days7-8 days13-15 days13-15 days13-15 days13-15 days12-13 days12-13 days12-13 days12-13 days9-14 days9-14 days9-14 days9-14 days8-9 days8-9 days8-9 days8-9 days6-7 days6-7 days6-7 days6-7 days