Berlin in 3 Days: A Realistic Guide 🇩🇪

Day 1: The Weight of History 🦅

After dropping off your bags at the hotel, we start strong. Head straight to the Brandenburg Gate. It is the ultimate symbol of German unity. Most Free Tours depart from here, and they are the most efficient way to see the historic core in 2-3 hours.

The free tour we joined starts at the Brandenburg Gate (essential Berlin tour). For over three hours, it covers some of the most significant sites of 20th-century history 🏛️. If you prefer to do the route in reverse starting at the Rotes Rathaus, check out this free tour through the heart of Berlin.

The Concrete Maze

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a place to walk through in silence, losing yourself among its 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights. The ground is intentionally uneven to create a sense of disorientation.

Nearby, although it is just a parking lot today, you will pass the location of Hitler's former Bunker. Only a solitary information panel marks the spot to prevent pilgrimages.

Checkpoint Charlie & Topography of Terror

Head down towards Checkpoint Charlie. Although it is very touristy today, it was the most famous border crossing of the Cold War. Right next door, don't miss the free museum 'Topography of Terror', located on the former grounds of the Gestapo headquarters.

Sunset at Alexanderplatz

In the afternoon, catch public transport to Alexanderplatz. You will see the famous World Clock and the TV Tower. From there, head into the Jewish Quarter (Scheunenviertel). Get lost in its courtyards (Hackesche Höfe) and look for the New Synagogue.

Whatever plan you choose, to end the first day, nothing beats a German pork knuckle. We went to Das Lemke, a craft brewery under the train tracks. Authentic, loud, and delicious.

Day 2: The Wall, Street Art & Nightlife 🧱🎨

Today we explore Berlin's contrasts: from Soviet monumentality to rebellious street art. Get your camera ready and wear comfortable shoes.

Soviet Architecture & The Wall

Start your morning at Karl-Marx-Allee. This immense Stalinist-style boulevard was designed to impress with grand military parades. We suggest renting electric scooters to ride down part of it and truly feel the scale of the buildings.

Heading down towards the Spree River, you'll reach the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining section of the Wall (1.3 km), now an open-air art gallery. It's an absolute must-see.

Food Stop

After the walk, it's time to refuel. We recommend lunch at Creasian, a Vietnamese spot where you must try specialties like crispy duck with peanut sauce and avocado.

For dessert, stopping by Sammy’s Berliner Donuts for a local treat is almost mandatory.

Crossing into Kreuzberg

With a full stomach, cross the Oberbaumbrücke. Its red brick architecture is stunning, and it used to serve as a border crossing. Crossing it brings you into Kreuzberg, the city's alternative heart, full of vintage shops, graffiti, and cafes with real character.

To make things easy, we suggest joining the tour “Berlin Poor but Sexy”. This route explores the city's underground side: street art, artist collectives, and the counter-culture that has defined Berlin since the twenties.

You will visit spots like Dead Chicken Alley, the Oberbaum Bridge, and the Friedrichshain district, an epicenter for murals. You might stop at Drinkhall, a bohemian bar perfect for a quick drink. The tour explains the famous slogan coined by former mayor Klaus Wowereit: “Berlin ist arm, aber sexy” (“Berlin is poor but sexy”).

Underground Evening

As evening falls, head to the RAW-Gelände area. These are former train repair workshops now buzzing with life, street art, skate parks, and bars. The atmosphere is unique.

For a quick and cheap dinner (Berlin style), nothing beats a kebab at Dunya Gemüse Kebab.

To end the night, we suggest Minimal Bar, an intimate spot famous for its ping-pong table. If you're feeling adventurous and want a wilder experience, you can try getting into the famous KitKatClub, known for its hedonistic vibe and strict dress code.

Day 3: Choose Your Finale (Culture or History) ⚖️

On a 3-day trip, choices must be made. We propose 3 options for your final morning depending on your interests:

Option A: Museum Island (Culture)

If you love ancient art, stay in the center. Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Neues Museum to see the Bust of Nefertiti (it's hypnotic, and no photos are allowed) or the Pergamon Museum. Buy tickets online to skip the lines.

On the island also stands the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), the city's main Protestant church. Its imposing green dome and Neo-Baroque style make it one of the capital's great architectural symbols. It is worth paying the entrance fee to climb to the dome; the views of the center and the river are priceless.

We chose to visit the Neues Museum, famous for its antiquities collection. Beyond the Bust of Nefertiti, other treasures stand out:

• The Ishtar Gate of Babylon (Note: Located in the Pergamon Museum, which is currently undergoing long-term renovation).
• The Berlin Gold Hat, an enigmatic Bronze Age artifact that functioned as an astronomical calendar.
• A vast collection of sarcophagi, sphinxes, and daily life objects from Ancient Egypt.

Option B: Sachsenhausen (Hard History)

If you want to grasp the horror of the Holocaust, take the train to Oranienburg (45 min) to visit the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. It is a tough but necessary visit. We strongly recommend going with a guide to understand the context.
👉 Book guided tour here.

Option C: Potsdam (Royal Palaces)

If you prefer gardens and palaces, escape to Potsdam (the German Versailles). Visit Sanssouci Palace and the Dutch Quarter. It is ideal for a sunny day.

It is easily reached by train, a trip included in the Welcome Card. We recommend booking a walking tour to maximize your time. 👉 Essential Potsdam tour here. In about three and a half hours, you will cover its most iconic spots:

• The Old Market Square (Am Alten Markt), dominated by St. Nicholas Church.
• The Dutch Quarter, with its unique red brick architecture.
• The Unity Square (Platz der Einheit), home to the old synagogue.
• The Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam, a monument older than its Berlin counterpart.

For the last supper, if you're up for a Bavarian party, go to Hofbräu Berlin: liters of beer, live music, and traditional outfits right in the middle of Berlin.