15 BEST Things to do in Berlin [December 2024!]
With interesting architecture, a cool café scene, historical sights, and a pumping nightlife, Berlin is an amazing city that has something for everyone.
But with so many cool options in Berlin, it can be difficult to know what to do with your precious time.
So to help you, our expert team has put together a comprehensive guide of the best things to do in Berlin!
Written by our travel experts, this insider guide gives you a great mix of things to do in Berlin. We recommend the must-see touristy sites, to the secret local favourites, and everything in between.
With the help of this guide, planning your trip to Berlin couldn’t be easier.
These are the best things to do in Berlin for a fantastic city break – some of them will definitely surprise you…
Additional reading – Where to Stay in Berlin and the 17 Coolest Hotels in Berlin
Table of Contents
Quick Answer – Best things to do in Berlin
- Fun Things to do in Berlin – Drive a Trabant across Berlin
- Romantic Things to do in Berlin – Take a Boat Ride
- Things to do in Berlin with Kids – Learn More about the Ocean Deep
- Free Things to do in Berlin – Visit the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial
- Best Things to do in Berlin at Night –Dine with a View
Have you read our list of the best things to do in Cologne, where to stay in Cologne and our favourite hotels in Cologne? Also, our list of the best hotels in Hamburg, the ultimate neighborhoods in Hamburg and out top rated things to do in Hamburg will save you time and money if you’re roaming the German countryside! Not to mention the 131 ultimate things to do in Europe – check them out!
Fun Things to Do in Berlin
Fun Things to Do in Berlin
While Berlin certainly has its fair share of thought-provoking and emotive sites that’s not to say that you won’t still find plenty of opportunities to have fun. And, everyone wants to cut loose and enjoy their precious vacation time, right?
#1 – Drive a Trabant across Berlin
- Driving
- Heritage
- Quirky
Grab your mates or go it solo and join a cool Trabi convoy across Berlin, taking in some of the city’s hottest spots.
The Trabant is an iconic vehicle from the DDR, or East Germany. You’ll be given a crash course in how to drive the old vehicle before setting off through the streets with a guide talking to you via the radio.
Your driving adventure will take you past some of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, including the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, Checkpoint Charlie, and others.
It’s a great opportunity to really step, or drive, back in time and experience Berlin differently.
You won’t believe this… Here are 32 facts about the history of the Berlin Wall!
#2 – Ride the Comedy Bus
- Comedy
- Sightseeing
- Unusual
Giggle with glee as you tour Berlin and enjoy top-class comedy performances by well-known local funny guys and gals.
Comedians come from Quatsch Comedy Club, the Wühlmäuse, and NightWash to entertain you on the fun bus ride, with big names including Edith Schröder and Mosis. Not only will you have heaps of belly laughs but you’ll also learn tons more about Berlin, including amusing facts and insider stories.
You’ll tour diverse areas including Neukölln and Moabit and see a variety of sights. What better way to see Berlin with a smile on your face?!
You won’t believe this… Here are 45 facts about the history of Brandenburg Gate!
#3 – Whizz through the Streets in a Mini Hot Rod
- Exciting
- Trendy
- Hot Rod
Feed your need for speed in a mini hot rod and race along Berlin’s streets, seeing an array of interesting sights as you have a blast.
You’ll get time to practice before taking to the streets and helmets are provided.
Climb behind the wheel of a Wenckstern Hot Rod and travel in a guide-led group from Revaler Strasse 99. The small, low, and stylish vehicles are certainly a joy to drive and heads are sure to turn as you pass by.
Sights including in your driving tour include Warschauer Brücke, Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz, the O2 Arena, and the East Side Gallery.
If you are looking to party in Berlin, check out our guide to the best clubs in all of Berlin!
Romantic Things to Do in Berlin
Romantic Things to Do in Berlin
Berlin may not be the first European city that springs to your mind when you think of a romantic getaway, but you may be surprised by the myriad opportunities for loving vibes in the German capital. With a wealth of fabulous restaurants, chic bars, and beautiful sights to enjoy with your partner, here’s how you can inject some romance into your Berlin trip.
#4 – Take a Boat Ride
- Boat Ride
- Views
- Chilled-Out
Board a boat with your sweet and spend four hours cruising Berlin’s waterways and seeing the city from a different perspective. There’s a live commentary in German, although audio guides are also available in a range of other languages.
Your water-based adventure will take you along both the River Spree and the Landwehr Canal, and you’ll see Museum Island too. See the many bridges that span the waters and compare and contrast the different architectural styles that make up the city skyline.
Snuggle close to your love as you drift past famous areas and sights such as the government district, Potsdamer Platz, and the German Museum of Technology.
Check this out – These are the 31 MUST KNOW facts about the history of Berlin, Germany!
#5 – Perfect Your Peddle Power
- Cycling
- Exploring
- Landmarks
Peddle alongside each other on an exciting bike ride through Berlin, visiting both popular tourist sites and local gems. There’s no need to worry about rain showers as plastic ponchos will be provided in the case of inclement weather.
A guide will accompany the group, pointing out interesting sights and providing an engaging commentary. The best thing about cycling around the city though? You can both dodge the traffic and get around quicker than you would by foot. The pace is easy going and there are frequent stops.
The tour starts in the funky area of Prenzlauer Berg, where you can see the old brewery of Kulturbrauerei, and continues to the Government District, the Berlin Wall, and the moving Holocaust Memorial. You’ll also cycle past Museum Island and Gendarmenmarkt as you bike through Berlin’s different time periods and uncover the city’s long and rich history.
Your trip getting near? Check out our boutique hotels in Berlin guide so you’re sure to get a great room!
#6 – Soak up the Views
- Views
- Landmarks
- Photography
You might already have been up the iconic TV Tower, but wouldn’t it be great to soak up the city views with the famous tower also in sight?
Admire the vistas from atop Panoramapunkt in Kolhoff Tower. Located on Potsdamer Platz, you can also absorb the area’s energy before entering the tower to ride Europe’s fastest lift to the 100-metre-high viewing point.
From your lofty position, you will get a bird’s eye view of landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and the Victory Column. You’ll definitely get plenty of great photos to fill up your Instagram feed.
Journey through Berlin’s ages in the exhibition of Berliner Blicke auf den Potsdamer Platz and perhaps pause for a coffee in the glass-walled panoramic restaurant up the tower.
Like tours? These are the 35 BEST tours in Berlin!
Things to Do in Berlin with Kids
Things to Do in Berlin with Kids
Keeping the kids happy on holiday can be difficult. Spend too much time doing kiddie stuff and the adults get bored and can feel like it’s a waste of time, yet spend too much time doing more grownup things and children can cause very real headaches! Here are some ideas to keep the whole family happy.
#7 – Learn More about the Ocean Deep
- Aquarium
- Ocean Life
- Educational
The underwater world is awash with fascinating creatures and the whole family can learn more about the many awesome marine creatures at Berlin’s AquaDom and Sea Life Berlin.
Come face to face with a range of aquatic animals, including rays, octopuses, and fish of all colours and sizes. Gazing in awe at fearsome sharks is often a highlight for younger visitors.
A mustn’t-miss experience is the glass elevator ride through one of the world’s biggest cylindrical aquariums. You’ll hardly believe your eyes!
#8 – Snap Selfies with all Your Favourite Celebrities
- Wax Museums
- Fun Photography
- Famous Stars
How cool would it be to get loads of great holiday snaps of the kids (and yourself!) with a bunch of well-known stars?
The celebrities at Madame Tussauds Berlin may be made from wax but they sure do look the real deal. There are also fabulous costumes and props, as well as fantastic interactive sets, so you can truly step into the scene and play the part.
You can come face to face with big names from the world of sports, TV, politics, fashion, music, and movies, as well as historical figures and other icons. Film stars include Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, and George Clooney, while huge names from the music industry include Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber.
Fashionistas can practice their pout alongside Heidi Klum, while sports enthusiasts can pose with people like Oliver Kahn and Lionel Messi. Become a Jedi Knight, shake hands with global political leaders, and even see a funky hologram.
Shopping Insider Guide – These are the best places to shop in Berlin!
#9 – Sightsee by Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
- Bus Tour
- Sightseeing
- Coffee & Cake
If the adults want to hit up Berlin’s major sights but the kids aren’t so keen, take a hop-on-hop-off bus around the city to add to the adventure and for convenience.
Seeing the sights pass by is bound to capture your children’s attention, while the ease of transportation will stop little ones from getting tired too quickly. The services are frequent, so you won’t be waiting at any stop for a long period of time. Being able to get on and off as you like is also a huge plus point when it comes to practical matters like toilet breaks and food stops.
There are 18 stops, all within a close walking distance of places of interest. The onboard commentary is available in several languages, and there are special channels for younger guests.
An added bonus is coffee and cake in the rooftop restaurant at the Reichstag, Käfer. Your kids might not appreciate the coffee, but the sweet treats are sure to appeal!
Don’t stay in the Berlin too long! Take one of these great day trips from Berlin to see more of the area!
Free Things to Do in Berlin
Free Things to Do in Berlin
Berlin is often thought of as being a fairly expensive place to visit. While it definitely pays to have a healthy travel budget to make the most of your time in the city there are also plenty of things that you won’t need to cough up the cash to enjoy.
#10 – Visit the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial
- Dark History
- War
- Holocaust
Although you’ll need to sort your transport to reach Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial, visiting the moving and historic site doesn’t cost anything. You could also join an affordable tour, which helps you to understand more of the site’s significance and dig deeper into the horrors that took place here,
The huge former camp caused lots of devastation during WWII, as well as having dark stories from before and after the war. The sprawling complex includes an old SS training camp, barracks where unfortunate souls were housed, a hospital, a memorial, and more. The gallows and gas chambers are especially horrific.
A visit to the former concentration camp isn’t what you could call enjoyable, but it is fascinating and offers important lessons from the past to have a more peaceful and tolerant future.
#11 – Chill Out in a Pretty Park
Photo credit: Flickr
- Parks
- Outdoors
- Relaxation
You may think of Berlin as something of a concrete jungle, with drab monochrome buildings … the city does, however, has plenty of pretty parks that are especially popular places for locals to hang out on a warm summer’s day.
Charlottenburg Park is one of the prettiest parks in Berlin, with terrific views of the elegant palace, running tracks, and plenty of green spaces. Victoria Park provides beautiful vistas of the city and the waterfall is a scenic photo stop.
Tiergarten is a top park for fans of varied activities, offering opportunities for walking, jogging, cycling, and canoeing, as well as seeing varied buildings and sculptures and lazing on the grass and soaking up the sunshine.
The riverside Treptower Park has land and water-based activities to enjoy and you can spot various bird species in the wild. Other lovely city parks include Grunewald, Friedrichshain Park, and Rudolph Wilde Park.
Clubbers assemble! These are the coolest Bars in Berlin!
#12 – Snap a Picture at Checkpoint Charlie
Photo credit: Flickr
- History
- Iconic Sights
- Tourism
One of Berlin’s most popular attractions is also totally free. No visit to Berlin is complete without a stop at Checkpoint Charlie.
Once one of the most infamous crossing points through the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie was the scene of several historic events, including the tense standoff between US and Soviet tanks in 1961. Relive Cold War history here, with people dressed as soldiers and exhibitions bringing the past to life.
Best Things to Do in Berlin at Night
Best Things to Do in Berlin at Night
Berlin’s night scene is eclectic and heaps of fun. Party like a local, and start the night with a few cocktails in a classy joint before heading to a club to bust out your best moves. There are loads of cinemas if you fancy something tamer, and foodies cannot help by drool over the vast choice of restaurants. There are also various other ways to enjoy Berlin after the sun goes down.
Berlin’s MUST DO activities! Check out our guide to Berlin’s top museums!
#13 – Dine with a View
- Dining
- Views
- Romantic
You’ve got to eat while exploring Berlin, and where better place could there be for a unique dining experience than at the top of the iconic TV Tower?
Get high—literally—and feast your eyes on sweeping city views as you indulge in delicious food and drinks. Take your seat in the revolving restaurant some 200 metres above the ground and spot the city’s famous landmarks illuminated at night. Lights twinkle and sparkle and reflect off the river’s surface. It’s certainly among the top dinnertime experiences in all of Berlin.
#14 – Sample Tasty Beers
- Beer
- Bars
- Nightlife
Germany is renowned for its abundance of tasty beers, so it’s almost obligatory to taste as many as you can while in the capital! You’ll also find out more about the nation’s brewing history and beer culture.
Enter some of the finest breweries in Berlin and see how they produce delicious beers and wander along tucked away streets to fully appreciate how beer has helped to mould the city into what it is today. You’re sure to have a fab time getting off the typical tourist trail and supping in local drinking dens. You’ll also find out how to knock back a beer like a true Berliner!
The trip includes at least four different beers as well as a local snack to keep your energy levels up. Of course, after the tour has ended you’re free to go discover even more terrific bars and beer gardens with new pals you meet.
#15 – Experience Berlin’s Alternative Night Scene
- Laid-Back Nightlife
- Bars
- Meet People
This is a great pub crawl for people who don’t normally do pub crawls.
Join a small group of like-minded travellers and interact with friendly locals as you experience a more intimate, laid-back, and underground side to Berlin’s nightlife.
Your cool guide will take you to local hotspots where you can chill and chat over free drinks. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some of the city’s more unique drinking establishments.
The varied bars and clubs will take you into the world of reggae, hip-hop, techno, rock, and more, with dive bars, goth hangouts, beach bars, and burlesque joints just a few places on the route.
Final thoughts on the coolest things to do in Berlin
You’re probably surprised by the diversity of the best things to do in Berlin!
We know that with the help of this bargain guide, you’ll be able to easily find a few awesome things to do while in Europe’s coolest city. Have a great time exploring the German capital and experiencing heaps of new things!
Do you think we missed any of the best things to do in Berlin? If so just comment below!
About the Author Emma Johnson
Emma Johnson lives to travel! Born in Washington D.C., Emma is a hotel connoisseur and a staff writer at Hotel Jules. An army brat, Emma got the travel bug early and has never been able to stop. Now, she has proudly visited 70+ countries and plans to visit every country in the world! Passionate about her ukelele (obviously) and her family, Emma eventually wants to retire in Thailand and write a book about all of her travel experiences.