Is Berlin Worth Visiting?

Is Berlin Worth Visiting? We share the top reasons to visit Berlin, as well as the best things to do in Berlin, so you can plan your next trip to Germany.

Berlin is a city full of fascinating history, where you can visit the remains of the Berlin Wall and then head to the Brandenburg Gate. 

Explore the Reichstag building, visit the checkpoint, Charlie Museum, and then Delvin, into the solemn history at the Holocaust memorial. 

But Berlin is more than just historic sights, which is why we are answering is Berlin worth visiting, With these reasons to visit Berlin!

Is Berlin Worth Visiting?

The Cultural Diversity 

The city of Berlin is a dynamic place to explore with a vibrant art scene shown through its many galleries and theatres.

Head to the east side, gallery adorn with Streetheart, and then attend a performance at the Berlin Philharmonie.

The Museums 

Known as Museums Island, Berlin has a collection of world-class museums all in one area. This is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and worth spending a day exploring.

This is a collection of art museums sharing works from across various periods and the need museum, which showcases artifacts, ranging from prehistory to the early 20th century.

The Nightlife 

Berlin offers a fantastic variety of things to do in the evening. The city is known for its electronic music scene, and you can listen to these at one of the many nightclubs.

Restaurants and food markets stay open till late so you can eat plenty of street food and delicious meals or you can take in the city skyline by taking an evening river cruise.

The city offers live music venues where you can listen to all types of musical performances from indie music to classical.

You could also find observation decks for a nighttime view of the city places, like the TV tower, or head to one of the bars, comedy, clubs, or film screenings.

The Green Spaces 

Berlin has many sprawling parks like Tiergarten and Volkspark. This can be a refreshing escape from the urban hustle and bustle of the city, and the perfect place to take a stroll or enjoy a picnic, especially in the warmer months

The food 

Germany has a diverse range of local foods and you can try them all luxury. In Berlin, of course, begin with the iconic Berlin Street food Currywurst, fried pork sausage typically served with curry ketchup and curry powder.

Berlin has strong Turkish influences so you can enjoy Donna kebabs in most areas of the city, but also make sure to try schnitzel a classic German dish that consists of breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet often served with potatoes or side salad.

The Shopping 

Gemma may not be your first thought when you are thinking about the best places to shop in the world, but Berlin caters to a diverse range of shopping tastes. I’m luxury boutiques are quirky markets. There is something for every budget and style in Berlin. 

The Architecture 

In Berlin, you can see a blend of historical and modern architecture, which come together to make a unique interesting skyline.

See the historic Brandenburg Gate and then appreciate the glass dome at the Reichstag building.

See the impressive Berlin Cathedral, and then head up the modern TV tower for a great view of the Berlin skyline.

The Day Trips 

Not only are there plenty of things to see and do in Berlin itself, there are also lots of interesting day trips to choose from.

Potsdam is a short train ride away and offers beautiful places and parks, whilst Dresden is a historic destination you can explore.

You could also take a sobering day trip to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.

The festivals and events 

Whether is the Berlin Film Festival, the Christopher Street de Parade, or Oktoberfest plenty of fun, festivals and events to enjoy in the city.

Check the dates of your chosen festival that you wish to attend and make sure to book those hotels and flights into Berlin early as prices do rise around these popular.

Best things to do in Berlin

Berlin Wall

One of the most iconic things to see in Berlin is the Berlin Wall. Built during the Cold War, the wall divided the city of Berlin, breaking apart communities and families. In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell and only some parts of the wall remained but visit Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery, and the Berlin Wall Memorial to learn more about the history surrounding this famous wall. 

Brandenburg Gate

This Neoclassical monument is a historic and famous landmark in Berlin, standing stall since the 18th Century The gate is a symbol of separation between East and West Berlin and is one of the most significant landmarks in the city. 

Reichstag Building

This famous parliament building has survived wars, fire, bombing, and the country’s division, making it an iconic symbol in German politics. Entrance to the building is free and you can even take a trip to the top of this building but you must book in advance.

Museum Island

Berlin is home to many museums but none of as famous or impressive as those found on Museum Island. This is a collection of five world-famous museums, located in the center of the building, with the entire complex being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Holocaust Memorial

The Holocaust Memorial is a moving memorial that remembers those who lost their lives during the Holocaust. This is an open space structure in which you can freely walk around and pay your respects. 

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour

From Berlin, you can head out of the city to visit one of the notorious convention camps in Nazi Germany. See the remains of the site, hear the chilling tales, and explore the camp with an expert historian. 

Topography of Terror

Built on the site of the former headquarters of the Secret State Police during the Third Reich, the Topography of Terror is a unique, permanent exhibit. This information, sobering museum documents what went on in Germany during the Second World War. 

TV Tower Berlin

The Berlin TV tower, also known as Fernsehturm Berlin, offers 360-degree views of the city. Head to the top for sunset to enjoy some amazing colors or any cocktail or meal in the revolving restaurant. 

Berlin Cathedral

Also known as the Berliner Dom, the Berlin Cathedral is a Neo-Renaissance-style building, built over 100 years ago. The inside of this cathedral is stunning and entrance is included in the Berlin Pass if you want to save money on sightseeing tickets. 

Try some Currywurst

Of course, a trip to Germany wouldn’t be complete without trying some German food. It is said that curry-wurst was created in East Berlin when someone missed ketchup and curry powder together. Whether this story is true or not, you need to enjoy some of the famous sausages and sauces whilst you are in Berlin. 

Charlottenburg Palace

This 300-year-old palace is slightly further outside of the city, taking you around 5 minutes via metro. However, if you have the time on your trip, spend a morning visiting this gorgeous palace to appreciate the gorgeous architecture and take a stroll through the surrounding gardens. 

The Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Garden Berlin is a beautiful place to visit in the city. Here you can find over 22,000 species of plants, including waterlilies, orchids, cache, and bamboo. Walk around the greenhouses, admire the beautiful flora, and enjoy a break from the busy city life. 

Things to Know Before You Go to Berlin

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Berlin is September and October, when the weather us comfortable and hotel prices are lower than the summer months. You can also pair an October trip with the Oktoberfest celebrations in Germany. 

Language: Although most touristy areas will have English speakers, it is still a good idea to learn some German before visiting. You could use apps or translate videos to help you pick up the basics before you visit, giving you a better understanding and opportunities for communication whilst you are in the city.

Getting There: There are two airports in Berlin, both offering transport into the city center. From the US, you can fly directly from New York City or take a one-stop flight from Chicago, Washington, Dallas, and Philadelphia.  You can also catch a direct flight from Toronto and most cities in the UK. 

Ryanair offers affordable direct flights from Venice, Budapest, and Bratislava whilst trains to Berlin are available from Cologne and Brussels. 

Getting around: The best way to travel around Berlin is by catching the U-Bahn underground trains or the S-Bahn regional trains. The U-Bahn has different colored routes with over 170 stops across three zones, meaning you can travel to most attractions in the city via the underground rail system. 

Berlin also offers an efficient bus and tram system, although slower than the underground. Buses do take you to some of the attractions that are further afield. You can hail a taxi on the street or use Uber, but bear in mind Uber operates under a different name in Germany. 

There are also quite a few bike-sharing programs to choose from if you wish to save some money and travel around the city by yourself. 

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