3 Days in Berlin Things to Do and Must Sees, Hotels and Where to Stay

Berlin is a diverse and vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. Here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to this fascinating city.

Public transportation: Berlin has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains. Purchase a Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited travel on public transport for a set number of days, and enjoy discounts at many tourist attractions.
Museum Pass: Consider getting a Museum Pass Berlin, which provides access to over 30 museums and attractions in the city. This pass can save you money if you plan on visiting multiple museums during your stay.
Walking tours: Joining a walking tour is a great way to explore Berlin and learn about its history from a knowledgeable guide. There are many different tours available, covering topics such as street art, history, and food.
Checkpoint Charlie: Visit this iconic Cold War checkpoint and learn about the history of the Berlin Wall. Be sure to visit the nearby Checkpoint Charlie Museum to gain further insight into this crucial period in Berlin’s history.
East Side Gallery: Take a walk along this open-air gallery, which features murals painted on a remaining section of the Berlin Wall. The artwork reflects the hope and optimism of the reunification of East and West Germany.
Brandenburg Gate: One of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate is a neoclassical triumphal arch that symbolizes unity and peace. It is a must-see for visitors to the city.
Reichstag Building: Visit the seat of the German Parliament and take a tour of the impressive glass dome for panoramic views of the city. Be sure to book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.
Holocaust Memorial: Pay your respects at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a haunting and powerful tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. The site consists of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern.
Tiergarten Park: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in this beautiful park, which covers over 500 acres and is home to numerous walking paths, lakes, and gardens. Rent a bike to explore the park at your own pace.
Potsdamer Platz: This bustling square is a hub of activity in Berlin, with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visit the Sony Center for its striking architecture and catch a movie at the IMAX cinema.
Topography of Terror: Learn about the dark history of Nazi Germany and the atrocities committed during World War II at this museum, which is located on the site of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters.
Berlin Cathedral: Admire the stunning architecture of this historic cathedral, which dates back to the 19th century. Climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of the city.
Alexanderplatz: Explore this central square, which is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and landmarks such as the TV Tower. Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Berlin.
Charlottenburg Palace: Step back in time with a visit to this lavish palace, which was built in the 17th century. Explore the opulent rooms and stroll through the beautiful gardens.
Berlin Wall Memorial: Visit this moving memorial, which preserves a section of the Berlin Wall and provides insight into the division of the city during the Cold War. Be sure to also visit the Documentation Center for further information.
KaDeWe: Shop ’til you drop at Kaufhaus des Westens, the largest department store in continental Europe. Browse the luxury brands and enjoy a meal at one of the gourmet food counters.
Hackesche Höfe: Explore this labyrinth of interconnected courtyards in the Mitte district, which is home to art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and theaters. Admire the Art Nouveau architecture and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Gendarmenmarkt: Marvel at the stunning architecture of this square, which is home to the Berlin Concert Hall, the French Cathedral, and the German Cathedral. Visit during the Christmas season to experience the festive market.
Berlin Zoological Garden: Spend a day at one of the oldest and most prestigious zoos in Europe, which is home to over 20,000 animals. Don’t miss the famous panda bears and the impressive aquarium.
Teufelsberg: Hike up this man-made hill, which was created from the rubble of World War II, for panoramic views of the city. Explore the abandoned NSA listening station at the top for a unique experience.

Top Berlin Sites and Monuments Reference websites:

Checkpoint Charlie: https://www.mauermuseum.de/en/
East Side Gallery: https://www.eastsidegallery-berlin.de/
Brandenburg Gate: https://www.berlin.de/en/attractions-and-sights/3559749-3104052-brandenburg-gate.en.html
Reichstag Building: https://www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag/dome_information
Holocaust Memorial: https://www.stiftung-denkmal.de/en/memorials/memorial-to-the-murdered-jews-of-europe.html
Tiergarten Park: https://www.visitberlin.de/en/tiergarten
Potsdamer Platz: https://www.visitberlin.de/en/potsdamer-platz
Topography of Terror: https://www.topographie.de/en/
Berlin Cathedral: https://www.berlinerdom.de/en/
Alexanderplatz: https://www.visitberlin.de/en/alexanderplatz
Charlottenburg Palace: https://www.spsg.de/en/palaces-gardens/object/charlottenburg-palace/
Berlin Wall Memorial: https://www.berliner-mauer-gedenkstaette.de/en/
KaDeWe: https://www.kadewe.com/
Hackesche Höfe: http://www.hackesche-hoefe.com/en/
Gendarmenmarkt: https://www.visitberlin.de/en/gendarmenmarkt
Berlin Zoological Garden: https://www.visitberlin.de/en/zoo-berlin
Teufelsberg: https://teufelsberg-berlin.de/

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Things to Do in Berlin / Suggested 3-day itinerary for exploring Berlin:

Day 1:

Morning: Visit the Brandenburg Gate and walk through the Tiergarten Park.
Afternoon: Explore the Reichstag Building and take a tour of the glass dome for panoramic views of the city.
Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant in the Potsdamer Platz area.

Day 2:

Morning: Visit the East Side Gallery and explore the Berlin Wall Memorial.
Afternoon: Take a walking tour of the Topography of Terror museum.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional German beer garden or restaurant.

Day 3:

Morning: Explore the Charlottenburg Palace and its gardens.
Afternoon: Visit the Berlin Cathedral and walk around Alexanderplatz.
Evening: End your trip with a visit to the Gendarmenmarkt square and maybe catch a performance at the Berlin Concert Hall.

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Top Rated and Best Reviewed Hotels in Berlin Germany:

Top Rated Berlin Hotels priced over $200 per night:

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Where to Stay in Berlin / Berlin Hotels priced $20 to $50 per night:

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For more about Germany, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and more travel destinations in Germany, read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.

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