Planning to explore Berlin over an extended weekend? Great idea!
Even though the city is quite large, this timeframe allows you to create a rich itinerary.
Between monuments, museums, alternative neighborhoods, and vibrant nightlife, Berlin has a thousand faces to offer you.
In this article, we suggest a balanced itinerary so you won’t miss the must-sees, while also taking the time to stroll around and soak up the city’s unique vibe.
To start your trip, head to the heart of Berlin!
Begin with the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic monument that is a must-see.
Right next to it, you can visit the Holocaust Memorial. Composed of 2,700 massive concrete blocks, this monument powerfully commemorates a terrible period the people of Berlin have vowed never to forget.
The Holocaust Memorial
Continue your walk along Unter den Linden boulevard, which will take you to the Reichstag, the German Parliament. It’s highly recommended to book in advance to visit the glass dome and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city.
Next, head to Museum Island. It’s impossible to visit everything... But you can pick a museum based on your interests. Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, or Alte Nationalgalerie — in any case, you’ll be amazed!
After that, you’ll probably want to relax. Hackescher Markt, with its courtyards, designer boutiques, and lively cafés, is not far away. But if you prefer to explore old Berlin, you can end the day in Nikolaiviertel.
The pretty Nikolaiviertel district
For this second day, dive into recent history by starting at the East Side Gallery, a portion of the Berlin Wall transformed into an open-air street art gallery.
East Side Gallery
Take your time admiring the murals before crossing the Oberbaum Bridge, one of the most photogenic in the city.
Oberbaum Bridge
This bridge will take you to Kreuzberg, THE neighborhood emblematic of Berlin’s alternative culture. You’ll find thrift stores, cafés, galleries... It’s the perfect place for a kebab or currywurst lunch.
In the early afternoon, head north to Checkpoint Charlie, the former border crossing between East and West Berlin. The adjacent museum provides a detailed look at the Cold War era.
End the day along the Spree River, or settle on a terrace in Friedrichshain, another young and lively district.
Today, get ready for an action-packed day... Start with a visit to Charlottenburg Palace, a magnificent baroque palace that really stands out in Berlin!
Charlottenburg Palace
At lunchtime, take a gourmet break at KaDeWe, the legendary department store with an entire floor dedicated to gastronomy, or relax in a Biergarten for a more laid-back atmosphere.
In the afternoon, discover Tempelhof, a former airport converted into an urban park. You can walk on the old runways and picnic in the sun!
Finally, if you want to experience Berlin’s famous nightlife... this is your chance! After a warm-up in Friedrichshain, you’ll have countless options... Sisyphos and Berghain are the most famous clubs, but getting in isn’t always easy! Otherwise, there are plenty of other fun places, like the legendary KitKat Club. This club is quite unique! Check out Bonjour Berlin for more details.
After a wild night, you might be a bit tired... So finish your trip gently by strolling through Mitte, with its art galleries, concept stores, and cozy cafés. If you’re here on a Sunday, don’t miss the Mauerpark flea market, with its vintage stalls, street performers, and festive atmosphere.
You can also relax in Neukölln, a bohemian district with multicultural influences. It’s the perfect spot for lunch or one last coffee.
The television tower at Alexanderplatz
Before you leave, create some final memories... Climb the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz or enjoy a last panoramic view from Viktoriapark, with its charming vista over Berlin’s rooftops.