From a city divided by thick walls to a populous metropolis, hardly any travel destination in Europe has changed as much as Berlin in recent decades. In addition to top sights such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, the TV tower, and Kurfürstendamm, there are now new highlights—the Humboldt Forum or the Bikini House.
In the former no man’s land of the divided city, many green oases are now waiting to be explored and loved. For example, in the park at the Gleisdreieck or on the banks of the Spree, at the former Tempelhof Airport, and, of course, the traces of the Berlin Wall taking you back to the dark ages.
There is so much to explore in Berlin that it might take more than a lifetime to comprehend. Still, we tried our best to build up a quick guide to some of the most monumental destinations in Berlin if you are on a one-day trip. So, let’s get started.
TV Tower
You will be starting from the TV Tower—visiting the world-famous television tower at Alexanderplatz is the ideal place to begin your sightseeing tour of Berlin Mitte. Enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from a height of 270 metres and admire the diversity of Berlin from a lofty height. A particular recommendation, especially for your first visit! There are also a few casinos around in the area. And if you are in the mood to play a slot while you visit the most popular sites in Berlin, you can find the best German online casinos on this website.
Berlin Mitte
After visiting the television tower, you are ready for an extensive tour of Berlin Mitte. Right at Alexanderplatz, more or less at walking distance from the television tower, begins Unter den Linden—one of the most beautiful streets in Berlin. You will be amazed at the density of sights and activities on this cultural promenade. Starting at the Berlin Cathedral and the Altes Museum am Lustgarten, the road takes you to Bebelplatz on your left and the main building of the Humboldt University on your right. The medium-green boulevard then takes you straight to the Brandenburg Gate, the ultimate symbol of the city. This is where Unter den Linden ends. By now, you will have reached the Brandenburg Gate, the last spot on Unter den Linden.
Reichstag
On a short distance from Brandenburg Gate is the Reichstag. Here you can get on the politicians’ heads: Visitors can look at the city’s hustle and bustle from the roof terrace and the imposing glass dome on the Reichstag. Many government buildings around the Reichstag, such as the Federal Chancellery, are worth a view. Experience the government district and many other highlights from the water with a quick boat tour.
Markets
Next, let yourself be carried away in the capital’s junk and flea markets and rummage through traditional market halls for the best organic products or clothes. Many flea markets have a long tradition and are very popular with tourists and locals—a bargain for books, records, works of art, antiques, fashion, and jewellery. The best-known flea markets include the ones at Mauerpark and Boxhagener Platz.
Anyone specifically interested in high-quality clothing should pay a visit to the Nowkoelln flea market on Maybachufer, the border between Kreuzberg and Neukölln.
By now, it would be time for lunch, and the Berlin markets also have a lot to offer for the foodies out there. Here you will find many street-side tea and coffee shops where you can sit and have a quick lunch.
The Museum Island
After recharging your energy with a nice lunch, you can go to the UNESCO World Heritage Site—The Museum Island. It is one of the central sights of Berlin, and rightly so. Millions of culture enthusiasts worldwide flock to the exhibitions of the five museums annually. The ensemble includes the Old Museum, the New Museum, the Old National Gallery, the Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum. With a combined ticket (absolutely recommended for autumn and winter), you can discover collections on prehistory, antiquity, and ancient Egypt, sculptures from the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Water Boat
After well-versing yourself in history, it’s time to take a fast boat to enjoy the calm pre-evening vibe of Berlin waters. Although Berlin is a gigantic urban melting pot, it offers a wealth of attractions on the water. Cooling off is especially good in the hot summer months. Book a city tour along the Spree and experience sightseeing from a new perspective. If that’s not enough for you, you can get to know the noble southwest of Berlin on a tour of the Havel lakes. But the southeast also has a lot to offer.
Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial is located on Bernauer Strasse between the districts of Wedding and Mitte. It consists of a memorial to the victims of division, a documentation centre, and the Chapel of Reconciliation. Thanks to a preserved wall section with a watchtower, you can still see the border installations today. It looks both stunning and disturbing in the golden shadow of the melting sun in the evening.
A Visit to the Parks
After spending a heart-melting hour at the Berlin Wall memorial, it’s time for you to relax and refresh your mind with the greenery of Berlin. Time and time again, Berlin lives up to its reputation as the green capital. As soon as a few rays of sunshine break through the sky over the capital, the gardens and parks of the metropolis fill up. The Tiergarten, Viktoriapark, Mauerpark, Schlossgarten Charlottenburg, or Görlitzer Park in Kreuzberg are in the immediate city area. Some parks are more on the outskirts, but the visit is definitely worth it. Try the botanical garden in Steglitz. Or drive to the beautiful Peacock Island between Wannsee, Potsdam, Berlin, and Brandenburg. With the Gardens of the World in Marzahn. Besides, an exciting theme recreation park awaits you and your family. Enjoy the finest Far Eastern and Oriental horticultural art in various themed gardens. Pick a quiet, open space to witness the sunset.
Potsdamer Platz
With the sun down, it’s time to visit Potsdamer Platz, right in the middle of Berlin, connecting the western part with the eastern one and offering several highlights. The Sony Centre is particularly striking, with its vast tent roof that spans the entire square. Here you will find cinemas, cafés, and restaurants for a high-end dinner. If you are in the mood to showcase your dance moves, you will also find the remains of quite a few nightclubs in the area. You will discover two musical theatres, the Berliner Spielbank, another cinema, and the Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, a shopping centre. Finally, opposite and next to the Sony Centre are several building complexes housing offices and hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, and Grand Hyatt, where you can end your day trip and spend a night in Berlin.
