April 2, 2025

Visiting Berlin, Germany? You need to check out my top 10 activities in this bustling capital city.

Get ready to learn all about World War II and the Cold War and visit some important landmarks that help tell the stories of Berlin throughout history.

Berlin is filled with importance: memorials that remind of us horrors and tragedies, the results of nuclear war threats and a divided county, and the aftermath of it all.

It all is, and feels, very important when you get to be in the place where it happened.

While you can learn about these topics from anywhere, being in Berlin made it so much more meaningful.

Being able to learn about the Cold War from inside a bomb shelter the Germans constructed? The message of their imminent fear and political unrest seemed to get across a little bit better in that setting.

Don’t forget to add these must-dos to your Berlin itinerary.

1. Brandenburg Gate

• What is it? Former city gate of Berlin, and probably the most recognizable Berlin monument.
• Where: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany
• How long to spend there: 15 minutes
• Cost: Free

2. Berlin Cathedral

• What is it? Historic and exquisite Catholic church established in the 15th century.
• Where: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany
• How long to spend there: 15 minutes outside, 30 minutes inside
• Cost: Free to observe, 10 euros to go inside

3. Historical walking tour

• What is it? An in depth historical walking tour of significant locations in the city with tips about how to make the most of your visit to Berlin. Look for a tour here.
• Where: Various landmarks, monuments, and important spots in the city
• How long to spend there: 2-3 hour tours
• Cost: 20 – 40 euros

4. Bomb Shelter Tour

• What is it? An epic underground tour of Cold-War era bomb shelters with a knowledgeable guide. Get ready to go deep underground to learn about an intriguing part of world history. (An absolutely unforgettable experience!)
• Where: Dresdener Str. 44, 10179 Berlin, Germany
• How long to spend there: 90 minute tour
• Cost: 17 Euros

No photos are allowed inside, but check out their website for a sneak peak!

5. Holocaust Memorial and Information Bureau

• What is it? A twenty-first century memorial dedicated to the Jews murdered during the Holocaust. Next to the memorial is an information center with important historical content that educates visitors about the horrors of the Holocaust.
• Where: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
• How long to spend there: 1 – 1.5 hours
• Cost: Free

6. Berlin Wall Memorial

• What is it? An outdoor memorial that includes the last remaining part of the Berlin wall, and a museum that details the history of the rise and fall of the Berlin wall.
• Where: Bernauer Str. 111, 13355 Berlin, Germany
• How long to spend there: 1 – 2 hours
• Cost: Free

7. Markthalle Neun

• What is it? A German food hall with dozens of different vendors with just about every cuisine you can imagine.
• Where: Pücklerstraße 34, 10997 Berlin, Germany
• How long to spend there: 45 minutes to an hour
• Cost: Free to enter, prices vary

8. Berlinische Galerie

• What is it? Exquisite modern art museum established in Berlin in 1975.
• Where: Alte Jakobstraße 124-128, 10969 Berlin, Germany
• How long to spend there: 1-2 hours
• Cost: 10 euros

9. Charlottenburg Palace

• What is it? Elegant baroque palace located in Charlottenburg that dates back to the 17th century. Surrounded by bright gardens and shops.
• Where: Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin, Germany
• How long to spend there: 30 mins – 1 hour
• Cost: Free to observe

10. Haribo Store

• What is it? A Haribo store (a German candy brand) with so many more Haribo candy options than in the US! Makes for a fun and tasty souvenir.
• Where: Tauentzienstraße 2-3, 10789 Berlin, Germany
• How long to spend there: 15-30 mins
• Cost: Free to enter! All different prices for gummies.

Don’t miss these visits that are unique to Berlin!