Berlin can be quite overwhelming for first time visitors, especially if your time in the German capital is short. I hope this list will help you to plan you sightseeing tour! Have fun exploring the must-visit sightseeing spots in Berlin!
Quick Tip: Take the bus 100 instead of a typical tourist bus to save some money and still see most of the main sights.
1. Television Tower
You will quickly notice the 368 meters tall tower in the center of the city. This popular attraction offers visitors an amazing view from above over Berlin. You will be able to spot other sightseeing spots like the Potsdamer Platz or the Reichstag.
Location: Alexander Platz – Mitte
2. Berlin Cathedral
This is probably one of my favorite buildings in the city and when you stand in front of it, you will know why. You can take a tour inside this church, but I would rather suggest that you spend some time outside of it to enjoy the view.
Location: Unter den Linden – Mitte
3. Brandenburg Gate
This well-known sight is a must-see for every ! The former city gate is considered a symbol of the tumultuous history of Berlin and Germany since the 18th century.
Location: Unter den Linden – Mitte
4. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
If you’ve been shopping at Ku’damm, you have probably noticed the church with the damaged roof. During the second world war, a bomb destroyed the roof and since then it has been considered a memorial to peace.
Location: Kurfürstendamm – Charlottenburg
5. Checkpoint Charlie
It is the best-known border crossing between East and West until the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989. Nearby is the Berlin Wall museum, which I can recommend to anyone interested in history.
Location: U-Bahn Kochstraße – Mitte / Kreuzberg
6. Holocaust Memorial
The impressive memorial dedicated to the Jewish victims of the second world war consists of over 2000 rectangular grey blocks and it includes a documentation about families and individuals affected by the genocide.
Location: Near Brandenburg Gate – Mitte
7. Charlottenburg Palace
The palace, which was constructed in the 17th century, is the largest and only surviving royal residence in Berlin. If you visit it during spring or summer, make sure to take a stroll through its beautiful garden.
Location: U-Bahn Richard-Wagner-Platz – Charlottenburg
8. Museum Island
This cultural ensemble is a part of the UNESCO would heritage and consists of five museums: the Old Museum, the New Museum, the Pergamonmuseum, the Bode-Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie.
Location: Near Unter den Linden – Mitte
9. The Reichstag
The seat of the German parliament was build in the 19th century and reflects the German history. The highlight is the glass dome, which can be visited on the top of the building.
Location: Near Brandenburg Gate – Mitte
10. East Side Gallery
This 1,3 km long painted former Berlin wall is the largest open-air gallery of the world and serves as a reminder of freedom. The most famous painting shows two politicians kissing each other.
Location: Near S & U-Bahn Warschauer Straße – Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain
If you have some spare time in the city and are keen to see Berlins modern architecture, then consider to visit my extra tip that I sneaked in.
11. Potsdamer Platz
These modern buildings combine office space and entertainment. You can find two cinemas, two shopping centers, several restaurants, bars and hotels for day-to-night activities.
Location: S & U-Bahn Potsdamer Platz – Mitte
Amazing post and such beautiful pictures!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Such a great list! My husband and I were in Berlin this past September. The Pergamon Museum and Holocaust Memorial really stood out to me. We also took the train over to Potsdam, and that was absolutely beautiful.