Berlin Travel Guide – Fun Things To Do

Berlin is a historic city with a complex past, but it is also an exciting and vibrant city that offers plenty of exciting attractions and activities. Whether you’re visiting Berlin for the first time or you’re a returning visitor, there’s always something new to explore. From exploring the city’s unique history and culture to enjoying its amazing nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Berlin. So if you’re planning a trip to Berlin and want to make the most of your stay, read on for some of the best things to do in Berlin.

Berlin – A Brief Overview

Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany, located in the country’s northeast. It has a population of over 3.7 million people, making it the second most populous city in the European Union after London. Berlin is known for its rich history and culture, and it has been a major cultural centre since the 19th century. It was once divided into East and West during the Cold War, but with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 it was reunited as one city. Today, Berlin is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a diverse population and plenty of attractions and activities to explore.

Berlin’s Historic Sights and Landmarks

Berlin is home to many historic sights and landmarks that date back centuries. One of the most iconic sights in Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate, located at the Pariser Platz square. This grand neoclassical structure was built in 1791 and was originally part of the city’s fortifications. Today, it is one of Berlin’s most recognisable landmarks.

Another famous sight in Berlin is the Reichstag building, located near the Brandenburg Gate. This grand building was the seat of German government from 1871 until 1933, when it was heavily damaged during World War II. It has since been restored and today it serves as a popular tourist attraction.

The Holocaust Memorial is another popular tourist destination in Berlin. Located near the Brandenburg Gate, it is a series of concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern that commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. The memorial also contains an underground information centre with photos and other documents related to the Holocaust.

The Berlin Wall is another important landmark in Berlin. Built in 1961 and running through the middle of the city, it was once a physical barrier between East and West Berlin. Today, parts of the wall have been preserved as a memorial to its history.

Museums and Galleries

Berlin is home to many world-class museums and galleries. The Pergamon Museum is one of the most popular museums in Berlin, located on Museum Island in the Mitte district. It houses a collection of classical antiquities from antiquity, including the famous Ishtar Gate from Babylon and the Altar of Zeus from Pergamon.

The Jewish Museum Berlin is another popular museum located in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district. This museum chronicles Jewish history in Germany from medieval times to present day, and includes a permanent exhibition on the history of Jews in Germany as well as temporary exhibitions on topics such as Jewish culture and religion.

The Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) is located in the historic Zeughaus building on Unter den Linden boulevard. It houses a collection of artefacts related to German history from ancient times to present day, including paintings, sculptures, weapons, coins and jewellery.

The Hamburger Bahnhof is a former railway station turned modern art museum located in Moabit district. It houses one of Germany’s largest collections of modern art, including works by contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst, Anselm Kiefer and Gerhard Richter.

Outdoor Activities

Berlin has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy if you’re looking for some fresh air. One of the best ways to explore Berlin is by bike – there are many dedicated bike paths throughout the city which make it easy to get around without having to worry about traffic. Alternatively, you can rent one of the city’s many water bikes and take a leisurely ride down one of Berlin’s canals or rivers.

If you fancy a hike, head out to Grunewald Forest on the western side of Berlin. This ancient forest is full of lakes, hills and trails perfect for an afternoon walk or jog.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore Berlin from a different perspective – paddling along one of its canals or lakes is a great way to see the city from a different angle.

Nightlife

Berlin has long been known for its vibrant nightlife scene. If you’re looking for a night out on the town, head to Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain for an evening of fun – these areas are known for their vibrant bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open well into the night.

Berlin also has plenty of cultural events to offer – from theatre performances to live music shows, there’s something for everyone here. If you’re looking for something more low-key, head to one of Berlin’s many beer gardens or outdoor cafes – these are great spots to relax with a beer or two while admiring some of the city’s most iconic sights.

Example Tour: East Side Gallery Tour

Berlin’s East Side Gallery is an outdoor art gallery located on what was once part of the Berlin Wall along Mühlenstraße in Friedrichshain district. This open-air gallery features over 100 murals painted by international artists from around the world – depicting everything from satirical political messages to portraits and abstract artworks – making it one of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions. A guided tour of this unique gallery will give you an insight into Berlin’s vibrant street art scene as well as its turbulent history. You will learn about the history behind each mural as well as their cultural significance and how they have been used as symbols of freedom and hope throughout Germany’s history. The tour lasts around two hours and can be booked here.

Example Tour: Cold War Tour

The Cold War Tour is an interesting tour that takes you back in time to explore how life was during the Cold War period in Berlin. You will visit iconic landmarks such as Checkpoint Charlie – once one of Berlin’s most famous crossing points between East and West – as well as other sites such as Bernauer Straße which was once divided by barbed wire fences before being reunited during the fall of the wall in 1989. The tour also gives you an insight into life in East Germany – including visits to sites such as East German offices, prisons and Stasi headquarters – giving you an insight into how life was during this tumultuous period in history. The tour lasts around three hours and can be booked here.

Example Tour: Nightlife Pub Crawl

If you’re looking for an evening out on the town, why not join a Nightlife Pub Crawl? This exciting tour takes you through some of Berlin’s most vibrant bars and clubs – including venues such as Watergate, Kater Blau and Ritter Butzke – giving you an insight into some of Berlin’s best nightlife spots. The tour includes free shots at each venue as well as discounts at some bars so you can save money while exploring some of Berlin’s best drinking spots! The tour lasts around four hours and can be booked here.

Conclusion

No matter what your interests are, Berlin has something for everyone. From exploring its rich culture and history to enjoying its amazing nightlife scene there’s plenty to do in this vibrant city. So if you’re planning a trip to Berlin make sure you take time to explore some of its iconic sights, visit its world-class museums and galleries and enjoy some outdoor activities or have a night out on the town – you won’t be disappointed!