What to do in Berlin in a day?

Written by Guillaume Ouvrard

Published on February 27, 2024, modified on May 14, 2024

Arriving in Berlin by Train

The German capital is accessible by rail from several French cities such as Paris, Lille, or Strasbourg. Direct night trains from Paris Gare de l’Est allow you to connect the two cities, taking about 13 hours to reach Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). Alternatively, you can also depart during the day from Lille with a connection at Brussels station. Or from Paris or Strasbourg with a connection in other German cities such as Cologne, Frankfurt, or Munich. This gives you the opportunity to continue your journey to other cities after spending 24 hours exploring Berlin!

Berlin's train station is located in Mitte, an ultra-central district, which will allow you to quickly access public transportation, trams, buses, and subways. A high-performance network that will enable you to easily move around the different neighborhoods of the city. You can purchase tickets from vending machines at the stations or buy them online. Another eco-friendly mode of transportation is cycling, particularly popular among residents. Like a true Berliner, opt for bike rental and set off to explore the numerous cycle paths that crisscross the city.

Historical Berlin

Berlin retains traces of its heavy historical past while evolving, transforming into a true trendy European capital geared towards the future! Berlin is both a modern and bustling city, while also maintaining the memory of World War II. We strongly recommend visiting these essential memorial sites that will help you better understand Berlin's history.

The Reichstag Building

As a symbol of the government, the Reichstag is one of the most recognizable and iconic monuments in Berlin. It houses the seat of the German Parliament. You can climb its magnificent glass dome and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Advance booking of time slots is highly recommended.

Le Palais du Reichstag

The Holocaust Memorial

Preferably opt for a guided tour of this memorial monument to better understand the rise of the Third Reich, Nazi Germany, and the Jewish genocide. Poignant. Then, don't forget to visit Checkpoint Charlie, a symbolic crossing point between former East and West Germany during the Cold War.

The Brandenburg Gate

A true postcard of the city, you'll inevitably pass through the majestic Brandenburg Gate, a must-visit during a trip to Berlin.

La Porte de Brandebourg

The East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is an outdoor artistic work where colorful street art frescoes cover parts of the remains of the Berlin Wall, which fell in 1989. A true ode to freedom!

Cultural Berlin

Museum Island

Museum Island is a pleasant tree-lined promenade, home to a vast complex of five museums, with the most popular being the Neues Museum, which houses the famous bust of Nefertiti (please note that photography is not allowed). We also recommend visiting the cathedral (Berliner Dom) and climbing its dome to enjoy a superb view of the city.

Tiergarten Park

Tiergarten Park is Berlin's green lung and one of the most beloved green spaces by residents. In fine weather, you can stroll or have a picnic under the trees, away from the city hustle, have a pint of beer at Café Am Neuen See, one of the city's most famous beer gardens, or visit the zoo.

Tempelhof Park

This is the unusual visit you shouldn't miss if you're passing through Berlin. Tempelhof Park is actually the former international airport, which became too small over the years. Today, the former takeoff and landing runways have become a vast urban green space open to the public. Whether by bike, rollerblades, or skateboard, you can even see land yachts here!

Le parc de Tempelhof

Taste a Traditional Currywurst

You'll find it on every corner: the famous Currywurst, "curry sausage," is the quintessential Berlin specialty. A classic, tasty, and cheap street food served with fries. Currywurst even comes in a veggie version!

Alternative Berlin

In former East Germany, especially in the Kreuzberg district, many disused places have been transformed into trendy alternative spots. Between hidden bars and electro nights, Berlin's wild nights are known worldwide! In summer, the party happens outdoors, on the banks of the Spree. The must-visit address for partygoers? Berghain, the temple of clubbing nights in Berlin. Photos and videos strictly prohibited inside.

In a more chill atmosphere, we recommend Minimal Bar. A bar divided into several cozy lounges and equipped with... a ping-pong table! Tournaments are freely improvised between drinks. Good vibes and guaranteed encounters! (rackets available for rent at the bar).