The ultimate guide for your city break in Berlin: 3 days in this passionate city – from a local – for travelers that want to explore the real city.
If you want to explore a German city that has a lot of internationality to offer, you should definitely go to Berlin!
Day 1 – Arrive and Get a (Literal) Overview of This City
Arrive at either Berlin Tegel or Berlin Schönefeld
From Berlin Tegel, you can easily get to the city center with one of the buses, operated by the public transportation company “BVG”. From Berlin Schönefeld, you can use the urban railways (operated by DB) , regional railways (DB) or buses (BVG).
You can either go from the airport to the main station and then from there to your hotel or you go to your hotel directly. The easiest way to not lose yourself in this city is to ask for help at the airport.
City Center and Overview
After checking in to your hotel and finally realizing that you are in Berlin and your city trip will start, put on some comfortable shoes and travel to Alexanderplatz.
There, you will see the World Clock, showing the actual times in different cities all over the world. Maybe you can find yours on there, too!
“Berlin is a city condemned forever to becoming and never to being.”
Rory MacLean
Get yourself a coffee to go in one of the bars in the area or if you are a chocoholic, go to the “Cherie Chocolat” in the Shopping center Alexa.
Next up, go to the TV tower to get an overview of the city. The restaurant above the public area has a part that moves slowly, so that within one hour you can see everything without moving.
Red Town Hall and Nikolaikirche
Next to the TV tower, you will find the Red Town Hall. The name is coming from the red bricks that this building is made of. You can visit it and its collections Mo-Fri from 9-18, but due to events or security reasons, it can be closed on some days.
End your first day with a visit to the Nikolaikirche, a church from the 13th century that was destroyed during the Second World War and was only rebuilt years later.
Now it is transformed into a museum that hosts events regularly, like the 30 minutes organ concert every Friday at 17.00 o’clock, so if you are interested in this, come back tomorrow.
Dinner and Relaxation
For getting to know the German culture, go to the “Brauhaus Georgbraeu” and try the Hearty beef goulash with red cabbage and potato dumplings along with a “Georgbraeu hell” beer.
Day 2 – An Interesting Walk Through History
Cathedral
After a refreshing breakfast, continue where you left the day before. Walk through the Memorial Park “Marx-Engels-Forum” and cross the Liebknecht-bridge to get to the dome.
The dome is open from 9-19 on Monday to Saturday and from 12-19 on Sunday. If you want, you can join a guided tour that is included in the entry price, starting every 20 minutes. If there is an event, it might be that parts of the dome are closed to the public.
© Anthony Reungère
Museum Island
After the cathedral, you can decide to go to the museums on the so called “Museum Island”. There are five big museums and every one of them is an UNESCO-world heritage.
In the “Neues Museum” (New Museum) you can see a collection of Egyptian art, prehistoric objects and classical antiquities. Especially the bust of Nefertiti attracts a lot of people, but it also offfers interesting temporary exhibitions.
Unter den Linden to Brandenburg Gate
Walk along “Unter den Linden”, a street where you can find the famous Hotel Adlon, until you reach the Pariser Platz, where you can find the Brandenburg Gate.
Be careful there with your things, if there are a lot of people, it is easy for pickpockets.
The Brandenburg Gate is the only one left of the 18 city gates. It has a lot of historical meaning for the Germans, but the most recent one is the reunion of West and East Germany because the Brandenburg Gate was standing right at the frontier of East and West Berlin.
Reichstag
From there, go to the Reichstag, the parliament building with its glass dome.
After this, walk along the Spree river and cross it, for example over the “Weidendammer Brücke”, to arrive in Berlin Mitte. There, you will find the “Kartoffelkeller” Restaurant, a restaurant that has a lot of potato dishes to offer (some accompanied with meat, fish or something else).
Day 3 – Potsdam and Charlottenburg Palace
Start of the Tour
Take a half day tour to Potsdam, that you booked here.
After the (included) drive to Potsdam, you will enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Potsdam, before heading to the Sanssouci Palace and having a guided tour there.
“Berlin is a city that is trying to put its past behind it, but at the same time succeeds in having an extraordinary amount of energy.”
Daniel Barenboim
From April to October, the tour also includes time to walk through the magnificent palace garden. Depending on the season, the tour will end at 14.00 or 15.00 in Berlin.
Lunch
You will be dropped off at Kurfürstendamm. Go to Bier’s Kudamm 195 and enjoy the typical Berlin “Currywurst” (Sausage with Currysauce and fries).
Charlottenburg Palace
Use the bus or tram (or walk) to get to Charlottenburg Palace with its beautiful palace garden.
It’s closed on Mondays, but from Tuesday to Sunday it is opened, depending on the season.
Inside, you can see how the rooms were furnished back then and you will see an astonishing collection of artwork and pomposity.
After your visit, restore your breath while enjoying the well-kept palace garden.
A Final Dinner on the River
Walk along the river to have a last German dinner in the “Schnitzelei” in Röntgenstraße 7.
Fill your stomach before heading back to the airport (or take another short detour through the Berlin nightlife!)
Even if you are not a big fan of buzzing cities, you will most definitely come back. Berlin has way more for you to see and it is changing so fast, that there are always new things to see and discover. Maybe you’ll find some time on your flight home to plan your next stay.
Trip to Berlin Without Final Itinerary
The Tale of Two Berlins: East and West
Berlin’s unique history is deeply intertwined with the story of East and West Berlin. During the Cold War, this vibrant city was split into two, with the infamous Berlin Wall serving as a tangible representation of the ideological divide between the communist East and the capitalist West. Walking through the streets during your 3 days in Berlin, visitors can still feel the echoes of this divide, with each side boasting its own set of attractions and stories.
In West Berlin, you’ll discover a rich cultural scene complemented by iconic landmarks. The Charlottenburg Palace stands as a centerpiece of its historical sites. It offers a baroque marvel that showcases the grandeur of Prussian kings. Moreover, the luxurious rooms and sprawling gardens give a glimpse into royal life during its prime.
Meanwhile, East Berlin presents a different ambiance. The city’s skyline is dominated by the Berlin TV Tower and TV Tower, both of which serve as proud testimonials to the architectural prowess of East Germany. Venturing inside, you’ll find exhibits detailing the tower’s construction, history, and its significance during the era.
Journeying Through the Berlin Itinerary
A typical 3 days in Berlin itinerary should undoubtedly start at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. More than just an architectural marvel, this neoclassical monument has played host to numerous pivotal moments in history. As a symbol of unity and peace, especially during the challenging times of World War and World War II, it has stood tall, bearing witness to revolutions, parades, and historical speeches.
Just a few streets away, Checkpoint Charlie serves as a portal back in time. Once the primary gateway for foreigners between East and West Berlin, today it stands as a museum documenting escape attempts, Cold War tensions, and the brave souls who dared to challenge the status quo. Original items, photos, and heart-wrenching stories line its walls, reminding us of the city’s turbulent past.
Museum Island and Berlin’s Rich Cultural Tapestry
If you’re wondering how to enrich your 3 days in Berlin experience, Museum Island is the answer. This island is home to five world-renowned museums, all within walking distance of each other. Among them, the Alte Nationalgalerie is a standout. With its vast collection of 19th-century art, visitors are treated to works from Classical Antiquity, the Romantic era, and even pieces from celebrated artists like Monet and Manet.
Murals and Memories: The East Side Gallery
Perhaps one of the most Instagrammable spots during your 3 days in Berlin is the East Side Gallery. This 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall has been reborn as an open-air mural gallery. International artists have adorned it with over 100 paintings, each echoing themes of freedom, hope, and peace. It’s not just a visual treat but also a place of reflection, where the world’s painful division becomes a canvas for artistic unity.
The Weight of History: Holocaust Memorial and WWII Echoes
The Holocaust Memorial serves as a chilling, unforgettable pause during any Berlin visit. Spread across a vast expanse near Brandenburg Gate, the 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights create a maze-like experience. As you walk through, the ground undulates, invoking feelings of disorientation and unease—a symbolic reminder of the atrocities of World War II.
A Glimpse from Above: The Reichstag Building
Your 3 days in Berlin should culminate with a visit to the Reichstag Building. This architectural masterpiece marries history with modernity. Its iconic glass dome is not only an architectural marvel but is also symbolic of Germany’s commitment to transparency and democracy. As you ascend the spiral walkway, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the city, a perfect way to reflect on your Berlin journey.
The Fusion of Past and Present in Berlin’s Streets
As you wander through the streets during your 3 days in Berlin, the city offers an intoxicating mix of old and new. This unique blend can be attributed to the way Berlin has consistently rebuilt and redefined itself post World War II.
Historic buildings have been restored to their former glory, while contemporary architecture dots the skyline. This contrast tells a tale of a city that remembers its past while forging ahead into the future.
Musical Berlin and Its Legendary Nightlife
Berlin is not just about historic monuments; it’s also a city that dances to its own beat. Home to a legendary electronic music scene, Berlin’s nightlife is unparalleled. Over the course of 3 days in Berlin, visitors can explore iconic clubs that reverberate with the beats of world-renowned DJs. These clubs, often found in repurposed industrial buildings, serve as symbols of Berlin’s ability to transform and evolve.
Gastronomic Delights of Berlin
Your 3 days in Berlin would be incomplete without indulging in its culinary scene. From traditional German fare like currywurst and schnitzel to a burgeoning international food scene, Berlin is a gastronomic paradise. Enjoy a hearty brunch in the quaint cafes of West Berlin or indulge in authentic Doner kebabs, a staple fast food born in this vibrant city.
Berlin’s Lesser-Known Treasures
While the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate might get the lion’s share of attention, the city also houses lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. The floating gardens of Tempelhofer Feld, a repurposed airport, offers a tranquil escape. Or perhaps explore the underground bunkers, remnants of a city prepared for the worst during the Cold War era.
Art and Literature: Berlin’s Creative Pulse
Artists and writers have long flocked to Berlin, drawn by its bohemian spirit and freedom of expression. During your 3 days in Berlin, visit one of its numerous indie bookshops or join a literary tour. Delve deep into Berlin’s art scene, where countless galleries showcase avant-garde pieces, street art adorns every corner, and artists from around the world contribute to the city’s dynamic creative pulse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
Berlin, like every city has a whole lot to offer. If it is culture, food or simply just the mentality of the people and the aura of its places.
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