How to See Attractions for Free in Berlin?

Berlin, the German capital and one of the most diverse cities in Europe, has plenty of iconic attractions to visit. From its rich and varied history to its many street art hotspots and outdoor cinemas, there’s a lot for visitors to do and experience—and it doesn’t necessarily have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are plenty of ways to take in the best that Berlin has to offer without spending a dime. Here’s a guide to some of the best attractions to see in Berlin for free.

Brandenburg Gate

Arguably Berlin’s most iconic landmark, the Brandenburg Gate is a magnificent piece of neoclassical architecture that has seen much of the city’s turbulent history. Built in 1791 by Prussian King Frederick William II, it was originally a city gate that marked the start of the road leading eastward out of Berlin along the former Unter den Linden boulevard.

Today, it’s a symbol of peace and unity, with a design inspired by Greek classical architecture and commemorating both the 18th-century peace and bygone days of the unified German empire. Visiting the Brandenburg Gate is free—and it’s conveniently located in central Berlin, near many other popular attractions and Berlin’s main shopping district, Kurfürstendam.

Berlin Wall Memorial

Another important landmark in Berlin is the Berlin Wall Memorial, located on Bernauer Strasse. For decades from 1961, this was the site of the Berlin Wall and its various sections, watchtowers, and guard posts that divided East and West Berlin. Today, the site is an open-air memorial and museum that celebrates freedom, with sections of the wall still standing alongside an informational center with information on the wall’s history and impact on citizens living in both East and West Germany. The museum also includes an exhibit on the wall’s escape tunnels. Admission to the museum is free, but you should plan to allocate at least two hours for a full tour.

Museum Island

Still on the subject of free attractions in Berlin, you won’t want to miss Museum Island, located at the confluence of the Spree and Havel Rivers in Central Berlin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises several museums offering many different types of cultural experiences. From Roman antiquities to classic art and, even prehistoric artifacts, there’s something here for everyone.

The oldest museum here is the Alte Nationalgalerie, with its romantic 19th-century European art, while other museums here include the Pergamon Museum with its archeological finds and Ägyptisches Museum (Egyptian Museum) with its extensive Egyptian artifacts. The Neues Museum is also worth visiting for its collections of Egyptology, pre-history, and classical antiquities. With free admission on the first Sunday each month for visitors over 18, you can explore these incredible sites and learn more about Berlin’s cultural heritage without spending a penny.

Berlin Cathedral

Berlin Cathedral—or Berliner Dom—is worth visiting for its religious history as well as ornate architecture dating back over 700 years. The Baroque-style building features stunning white marble façades adorned with Christian iconography on both its exterior and interior. Inside, highlights include the multicolored dome, intricate mosaics, and marble altar pieces. It’s worth visiting just to admire some of Berlin’s most exquisite architecture, but you can also join one of the organ concerts taking place here throughout the year (for a fee), or take part in one of the Sunday services to experience religious life in Germany’s capital. Entry to the church itself is free and it’s open to visitors year round.

Berlin Parks

Berlin offers an array of city parks ideal for leisurely strolls or just relaxing with a book or a picnic lunch. Two of the most popular parks include Tiergarten—a vast park with its own lake—which is perfect for early morning jogs or afternoon perusal; and Tempelhofer Park—the site of the former Tempelhof Airport—which is now home to miles of cycling tracks and places for kite-surfing enthusiasts. Kleiner Tiergarten park is another tranquil oasis featuring a beautiful pond with swans and ducks gliding across its surface; while Viktoriapark offers Instagram-worthy views over Kreuzberg’s neighborhood rooftops. Best of all? After initial admission fees are paid at some parks, entry is free all day long.

Street Art in Berlin

Berlin is also home to some world-famous street art. The outdoor art scene has exploded in recent decades due to many international artists making their way here as well as local talents leaving their mark on cities walls and buildings. Some popular areas for street art in Berlin include Boxhagener Platz in Friedrichshain; Oberbaumbrücke at Warschauer Strasse; Brunnenstrasse in Prenzlauer Berg; Bethaniendamm near Kreuzberg; and Paul-Lincke Ufer along the canal near Kreuzberg. For more information on specific locations as well as guided walking tours, visit velorista.de.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to take in some of Berlin’s best attractions without spending a penny. Whether you prefer to appreciate iconic architecture or explore some of Berlin’s vast parks and cultural sights, there are plenty of options here that won’t break your bank balance. So get out there and start exploring!