Berlin Basics: 3-Day Itinerary

Starting off with a popular one, the Neues Museum is absolutely worth the hype. It houses three collections: the Egyptian Museum & Papyrus Collection (my favorite), the Museum of Prehistory & Early History, & the Antiquities Collection. This museum is known for displaying the bust of Queen Nefertiti in the Papyrus Collection. Now, whenever an artifact is hyped up as much as this, I'm always a little skeptical. How could a 14th-century B.C. bust cause such a stir? But I promise you, this is ABSOLUTELY worth the hype. Sure, you can find pictures online. But none of them capture the true beauty of this piece of art. It is simply one of those things you have to look at, in person, for yourself. Besides the most beautiful piece of painted limestone you've ever seen, the Neues Museum offers plenty more. The Egyptian section of the museum takes you back to ancient times as you peer inside sarcophagi and walk among sculptures spanning four millennia! The Museum of Prehistory & Early History has an impressive 6000 exhibits, so make sure to pace yourself. The second floor has artifacts from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, which I found fascinating to see progress. All in all, this museum is definitely worth a visit. Price: General admission is 14 EUR for adults, children under 18 years can enter for free, and students receive a 50% discounted ticket. Any reduced ticketholder will need to present a valid ID or document. How long to plan for: I had a lot of flexibility when visiting the Neues Museum, so I took my time with each exhibit. It took me exactly 2 hours. If you're in more of a rush, you definitely can get through in 90 minutes, but I would not plan for less than that. How to get there: The Neues Museum is on Museum Island, a central hub for Berlin's most famous museums. It is a straight shot on the U5 to the Museumsinsel stop. If you're coming from Alexanderplatz, you'll want to go in the direction of Berlin Hbf and it takes about 7-10 minutes including the walk to Neues. It is also a walkable distance from Alexanderplatz, about 15 minutes. Know before you go: Many popular museums, especially the ones on Museum Island, will sell out early. If you go at opening, chances are you'll be able to get in depending on the day of the week and time of year (summers & weekends are crowded). However, there's no reason to risk it, because you can buy the tickets from their website. I suggest booking them on the Neues Museum website (linked here) and not a third-party platform (they'll likely upcharge you). Online tickets are typically available on short notice, but book as soon as your itinerary is confirmed. REMEMBER: If you purchase a reduced ticket online, you'll still have to present a document of proof at check-in.

Obviously, Berlin's history is riddled with anti-Semitism and genocide, as it served as Germany's capital city during World War II as well. Out of the many Holocaust museums and memorials I have visited, this one hit harder. The building served as the main office for the Schutzstaffel, or the SS, during WWII. The SS was essentially Hitler's group of bodyguards but grew under the direction of Heinrich Himmler to half a million men. This group was responsible for a large percentage of deaths during the Holocaust; an estimated 6 million died at their hands. Coming from the perspective of growing up in the United States, I felt this museum offered a very raw and very important side of the story. It highlights the lives of so many in an effective, personal way. The photographs and descriptions do not shy away from the horrors and crimes against humanity committed by Nazi Germany. The audioguide goes into detail about certain images, but there are too many to describe in detail. The outdoor portion of the museum provides even more insight into what went on during WWII. "Berlin 1933-1945. Between Propaganda and Terror" covers the entirety of the war, including the events leading up to it. Throughout the exhibit, you can see behind the panels to the cellar remains behind them, adding another layer of actuality. Price: This museum is free to visit and they even offer a free audio guide. How long to plan: I spent about an hour in this museum and then about 20 minutes in the outside portion, but it was very emotionally taxing by the end; I hit a limit. I would recommend 60-90 minutes, but listen to yourself and step back if you need to. How to get there: Topography of Terror is about a 6-minute walk from the Anhalter Bhf stop on the S1. From the Alexanderplatz station, you can take the S5 (direction: Grunewald) to S Friedrichstraße and then transfer to the S1 (direction: Friedenau), exiting at Anhalter Bhf. Know before you go: The audioguide is accessible by scanning a barcode, so a charged smartphone and earbuds/headphones make it much easier to listen. Also know that this is a very heavy, but very important, museum. I do not recommend going to more than one Holocaust museum in one day. Keep it balanced and take care of yourself.

Besides being a beautiful, spacious park to get some fresh air, Mauerpark hosts one of the best Berlin flea markets on Sundays (in my humble opinion). This flea market is extensive: jewelry, unique t-shirts, soaps, tote bags, other handmade goods, cameras, records, food, coffee, and of course beer can be found here on a gorgeous Sunday. Live music pops up all over the place. A mini open-air theater-like thing invites talents to come belt their lungs out with very impressive karaoke. People form drum circles in the grass. The vibes are high at the Mauerpark flea market- if you happen to visit Berlin on a Sunday, don't miss it!!! If you're there on any other day of the week, the park is still a lovely spot to enjoy your lunch, walk around, and breathe some fresh air.

Asian cuisine in Berlin is TOP NOTCH, and this Korean restaurant is no exception. With plenty of vegan & vegetarian options, it's easy to dine out with a group. I came here with my newfound travel friends, some of whom are meat lovers, and we all found delicious meals to order. The atmosphere is perfect on a lovely summer night. The outdoor seating & delectable food make for a wonderful experience.

This small gay bar in Berlin Mitte is one of my favorite spots. A friend and I made friends with the bartender and just about everyone in there. They had good drinks, fun shots, great music, and an electric atmosphere. It is quite small but has a great Berlin bar vibe. It isn't a club, so if you're looking for a wilder Berlin experience head somewhere else.

The Jewish Museum houses objects, photographs, & other aspects of Jewish life from the 19th & early 20th centuries. The website declares that the exhibitions "tell stories with objects", which is the perfect way to describe it. The collections allow you to explore Judaism, mostly in Berlin but also in some other places, before and during the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. Apparently, they are hoping to expand their collection to include post-WWII. I personally loved the perspective this museum offers. I recommend it because the focus is very different than other Jewish history museums and the experience is incredibly unique. Ordinary, otherwise mundane objects show the humanity of a group of people who were greatly dehumanized during Hitler's rule. The building itself has a somewhat disorienting, zig-zagging design; the effect is up for interpretation but it certainly adds layers to the experience. The architect, Daniel Libeskind, explains that it represents Jewish-German relations throughout history, and calls it his "Between the Lines" design. The Holocaust Tower, or "Voided Void", is an especially haunting experience. The acoustics, the temperature, the atmosphere- it's all jarringly different from outside of the tower. There's almost a sense of claustrophobia induced by the imposing concrete walls. A sliver of light peaks through at the top, but it is otherwise dark. There's one sharp corner that feels especially crushing. I believe "desolate" is the best word to describe the tower. Walk around the space and sit with what comes up, it's definitely a unique experience. Price: The permanent exhibitions are free to enter and the temporary ones are 8 EUR. Students may enter at 3 EUR. Children under the age of 18 can enter for free. The ANOHA Children's World is free but adults can only enter accompanied by a child. How long to plan: 60-90 minutes is sufficient for this museum. How to get there: Bus 248 takes you within a two-minute walk of the museum. If coming from Alexanderplatz, take the bus toward Reicharstr. or Dillenburger Str. and get off at Jüdisches Museum Know before you go: If you're traveling with children, the museum recently opened ANOHA, a "children's world". I don't know much about this, but it may be worth exploring the website before your trip!

The Brandenburg Gate was built in the late 18th century and restored in the 1950s after being damaged during WWII. It was built as one of the main entries to Berlin. It's a classic monument in a nice area, so it's definitely worth seeing. The Brandenburger Tor stop on the U5 takes you right there. If you're traveling from Alexanderplatz, take the train in the direction of Berlin Hbf.

2711 concrete slabs of various sizes stretch over more than 4.5 acres, commemorating the Jews murdered in the Holocaust. However, this memorial has gotten a lot of heat. The controversy lies in the fact that there is nothing in the memorial that clarifies what exactly it's commemorating. Even the name, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, is fairly vague. It does not specify the Holocaust or list any names or allude in any way to the horrors of Hitler's rule. However, people have varying opinions and I still believe it's important to visit for yourself. The slabs get taller and taller, leaving you feeling a little lost and maybe claustrophobic. It's a powerful memorial despite the ambiguity, just keep in mind its purpose. Price: The memorial is free to visit. How long to plan: This is more of a personal preference. It's a large distance; some may spend 10 minutes and some may walk around for longer. How to get there: The U5 takes you within a 5-minute walking distance of the memorial. Get off at the Brandenburger Tor stop. If coming from Alexanderplatz, take the train in the direction of Berlin Hbf. Know before you go: Many walking tours will take you by the memorial, so, if you have a tour planned, don't make a separate trip. It's also right by the Brandenburg Gate, another popular monument.

This is a very clever idea and fairly inconspicuous unless you know to look for it. It's called the "Empty Library" and commemorates May 10, 1933, when the Nazis burned around 20,000 books. The underground room is viewed from above through a small glass plate. The shelves are all empty, but it has enough room to house 20,000 books. It's not necessarily worth a special trip, but it's close enough to other landmarks that I recommend checking it out! Price: Free How long to plan: 5 minutes How to get there: The memorial is a 3-minute walk from the Unter den Linden stop on the U5. If coming from Alexanderplatz, take the train in the direction of Berlin Hbf.

As the seat of the German parliament, this impressive building is another classic Berlin must-see. Unfortunately, there's a bit of construction going on outside at the moment (my last visit was August 2023), but it's still worth visiting. Originally built in the late 19th century, it was renovated in 1994 due to damage during WWII. The views from the top of the dome are unmatched and it's one of the few you don't have to pay for. Just make sure to register in advance (see below!). Price: It is free to enter, but online registration is required in advance! Check the link for registration. How to get there: Take the U5 to the Bundestag stop. If traveling from Alexanderplatz, go in the direction of Berlin Hbf.

Need some fresh air? Berlin has many green spaces throughout, but Tiergarten is described as the "green lung" of the city. Biking, walking, running, and picnicking are popular Tiergarten activities, but there are also some memorials throughout. It's near a lot of other landmarks, so walk through it on your way to the Reichstag or Brandenburg Gate. How to get there: Use the same directions for the Brandenburg Gate!

So many plant-based options at this cafe it's hard to choose! They also have an extensive list of drinks, from coffees & specialty lattes to teas & kombucha. Of course, both oat & soy milk are offered.

This is a very Berlin club. Complete with techno and an abandoned building feel, Golden Gate is a great alternative for those who don't love overly crowded clubs or hardcore techno but still want to properly experience Berlin.

Watergate was a very fun, very Berlin club! The drinks were surprisingly cheap. When you need a break from the crowded techno, head outside to sit by the water and chat with friends. The club has both an upstairs and downstairs area, so you can choose what's more your vibe.

Breathtakingly gorgeous- both the church and the views. Even on the dreary, foggy day that I visted, the panorama from the dome was incredible. Located near many of the popular museums, this cathedral is absolutely worth a visit. Price: 10 EUR for adults, 7.50 EUR reduced (students, severely disabled, pass holders, etc.; a full list is available on the site). How to get there: The Museumsinsel stop on the U5 is a 5-minute walk from the cathedral. From Alexanderplatz, board the train in the direction of Berlin Hbf.

This incredibly interactive museum is fascinating for all ages. Get a history lesson in the most fun and effective way possible: through touch. Learn all about life in the German Democratic Republic by experiencing it yourself. I recommend this museum because it combines authentic, historical facts with a fun, tactile experience. The DDR Museum is one of the best ways to time travel to Germany's past. Price: Regular tickets are 13.50 EUR and the reduced ticket is 8 EUR. Children ages 6-18 and students are eligible to purchase a reduced ticket. Children under the age of 6 are free. How long to plan: I would plan a minimum of 2 hours for this museum. Depending on how crowded it is and how long you like to spend in the exhibition, it may take 3+ hours. How to get there: The M4 tram stop at Spandauer Str./Marienkirche is about a 5-minute walk from the museum. If traveling from Alexanderplatz, board the tram in the direction of S Hackescher Markt. Know before you go: Weekends and the summertime will be more crowded. Based on reviews, it seems that the evenings are less crowded and you'll be able to avoid school groups later in the day.

Yes, this technically could fall into culture, art, & history, but the entire stretch is outside and it's on a side of Berlin you may not have explored yet! The famous murals along the longest remaining portion of the Berlin Wall are an incredible, thought-provoking display in the most unassuming of places. The tragic history of the Wall is artfully depicted by over 100 artists from around the world. First completed in 1990 and touched up in 2009, this is a Berlin must-do. As long as the weather is nice, I recommend walking along the East Side Gallery and admiring the artwork. You've likely seen some of the more famous murals, like the socialist fraternal kiss, but each mural offers a unique perspective.

Right along the river, this modern but cozy coffee shop is a great stop after your tour of the East Side Gallery. You can sit outside facing the water and have a very peaceful time. For my digital nomad friends, it also looked like a wonderful place to get some work done! I saw quite a few people with laptops typing away.

Tempelhofer Feld used to be a Flughafen (airport), but is now a huge park for locals. My suggestion? Grab some friends and some beers and watch the sunset on the old tarmac at this very unique park. How to get there: It will require some walking to get there. Bus M43 toward U Berliner Str. takes you to Friedhöfe Columbiadamm, which is about a 15-minute walk from the park. From Alexanderplatz, you'll need to take the U8 toward Hermannstraße and get off at Boddinstraße, then board the M43.

Not the most budget travel-friendly...but I came here on a date (; This restaurant had a wonderful atmosphere (I sat outside), mouth-watering wine, & plant-based/vegan options that rivaled the rest of the menu. (It is a fairly limited menu, so check it out before committing.)

Known as one of the most famous clubs in the world, Berghain should be on your radar if you like to party. However, you will need to prepare quite a bit. Dress code is very important so do your research. Also, expect to stand in line for hours. If you're trying to go on a Saturday, your chances are very low. It helps at most clubs if you speak German. Personally, I didn't bother trying, but do your due diligence if you want to get into this very famous nightclub.

Coming in at #1 is Selina in Berlin! This is my go-to hostel when visiting. It falls between a hostel and a hotel. For me, I usually stay in a dorm to get the best deal and meet new people. However, if you prefer more privacy, they have plenty of private and semi-private options available. I was able to stay in a private room once for a couple of nights, and it was amazing! It was very spacious and it included a kitchenette. In addition to the friendly, helpful staff, Selina Berlin Mitte has its own restaurant adjacent to the hostel, a rooftop bar and lounge, a coworking space, a shared kitchen, and great WiFi. This hostel is set up as a co-live space, so as a digital nomad, this was unbeatable. The location is superb: It's a two-minute walk from the metro, but if you like walking and the weather is nice, you can easily get to Museum Island (about 20 minutes) or Alexanderplatz (about 15 minutes) by foot. Additionally, there is a myriad of cuisines nearby. Selina also makes it really easy to meet new people. In addition to incredible shared spaces, they host events on the rooftop (some are free, some have a small fee). Try yoga as the sun is coming up, take a salsa class, listen to live music with your free welcome beer in hand, or dance to some Berlin-based DJs on the weekends. Know before you go: This hostel is definitely geared toward an artsy, young clientele. They do offer all-female dorms if that's important to you, but it is slightly more expensive. If you like to stay in private rooms but still want the ease of meeting people that a hostel environment offers, Selina is perfect! The last thing I'll say is that I have always met the BEST people here. My most favorite European nights began at Selina. The environment is easy and priceless for the solo traveler. Have the best time!

If you're looking to stay in a different part of Berlin, the MEININGER hotel may be a great option! It is very budget friendly for both dorms and private rooms. I have not stayed at this particular location, but I have stayed at many other MEININGER hotels across Europe. They have always been very clean and friendly locations with great shared spaces. This one is also very close to the train station. Know before you go: If you're looking for a budget location for family traveling, this is a better option than many other hostels. If you're a solo traveler looking to meet people, I would say go with a different option.

A friend of mine LOVED their stay at this hostel! Many solo travelers enjoy the atmosphere here. If you're solo traveling or looking for a social, budget-friendly option, this is a great pick! The location is very close to public transportation lines, but also very walkable to many of Berlin's main attractions. Know before you go: It can get hot in the rooms in the summer.