BERLIN
Berlin is a global capital defined by its tumultuous 20th-century history, an urban phoenix risen from the ashes of war and division. It is a world-class center for art, technology, and progressive culture.
This city is a living museum, where iconic historical monuments stand beside cutting-edge architecture and vibrant, eclectic neighborhoods. Its dual identity as a center of power and a bastion of counter-culture is utterly unique.
Most Popular Attractions
Berlin Historic Core & Icons:
Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor): The city’s most famous landmark, a symbol of German reunification and unity.
Reichstag Building: Home of the German Parliament, known for its accessible, Norman Foster-designed glass dome.
Gendarmenmarkt: Considered one of Berlin’s most beautiful squares, flanked by the French and German Cathedrals and the Concert House.
Unter den Linden: The grand, historic boulevard that stretches from the Brandenburg Gate to Museum Island.
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom): A magnificent, prominent German Renaissance and Baroque-style church on Museum Island.
Victory Column (Siegessäule): A major monument in the Tiergarten park, topped with the golden figure of Victoria.
Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg): Berlin’s largest palace, a stunning example of Baroque and Rococo architecture with extensive gardens.
Alexanderplatz: A major public square and transport hub in the former East Berlin, featuring the iconic World Clock.
Berlin Wall, Cold War & Memorials:
East Side Gallery: The longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, transformed into an international open-air art gallery.
Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer): The main memorial site along Bernauer Strasse, preserving a section of the border fortifications.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial): A powerful and abstract field of 2,711 concrete stelae near the Brandenburg Gate.
Checkpoint Charlie: The most famous border crossing point between East and West Berlin, now a popular photo-op location.
Topography of Terror: A museum and documentation center located on the former site of the Gestapo and SS headquarters.
Stasi Prison (Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen): A former political prison used by the East German State Security Service (Stasi).
Museums & Cultural Sites:
Museum Island (Museumsinsel): A UNESCO World Heritage Site housing five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum (currently under partial renovation) and the Neues Museum (home to the bust of Nefertiti).
Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm): The tallest building in Germany, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the city.
DDR Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to life in the former East Germany.
Jewish Museum Berlin (Jüdisches Museum Berlin): A striking modern building by Daniel Libeskind, documenting German-Jewish history.
Humboldt Forum: A new cultural center and museum complex housed in the partially reconstructed Berlin Palace.
German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum): A comprehensive museum covering 2,000 years of German history.
Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum for Contemporary Art: Housed in a former train station, focusing on contemporary art.
Parks & Day Trips:
Tiergarten: Berlin’s central and largest park, a vital green lung for the city.
Potsdam & Sanssouci Palace: A popular day trip to the historic capital of Brandenburg, featuring the ornate summer palace of Frederick the Great.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial: A powerful memorial site of a former Nazi concentration camp, located just outside Berlin in Oranienburg.
Spreewald: A unique, forested UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve southeast of Berlin, known for its network of small, natural waterways.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the East Side Gallery: Stroll along the longest preserved section of the Berlin Wall, now an international memorial for freedom covered in over 100 murals by artists from all over the world.
Ascend the Reichstag Dome: Pre-book a free visit to the stunning glass dome of the German Parliament for panoramic city views and a unique perspective on the parliament’s debating chamber.
Explore Museum Island: Spend a day on this UNESCO World Heritage site in the Spree River, home to five world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum (note: the central Pergamon Altar is currently closed for restoration).
Cycle the Former Tempelhofer Feld Airport: Rent a bike and ride the runways of a former international airport, now a massive public park popular for cycling, skating, and kite-flying.
Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial: Gain a deep and somber understanding of the Cold War and the city’s division at the central memorial on Bernauer Straße, the best place to see a preserved section with an original ‘death strip’.
Experience Späti Culture: Embrace the local tradition of grabbing a cold beer or drink from a corner Spätkauf (late-night convenience store) and socializing on the street or in a park.
Hunt for Street Art in Kreuzberg & Friedrichshain: Wander through neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain to discover large-scale murals, intricate stencil work, and ever-changing graffiti.
See the Brandenburg Gate at Night: Visit the iconic landmark after sunset when it’s beautifully illuminated, providing a more atmospheric and less crowded experience.
Delve into the Underground World: Take a tour with Berliner Unterwelten (Berlin Underworld) to explore former bunkers, air raid shelters, and tunnels that lie beneath the city’s streets.
Attend Sunday Karaoke at Mauerpark: Join the crowds on a Sunday for the famous open-air karaoke session in Mauerpark (Wall Park), or browse the vast adjacent flea market.
Taste Berlin’s Fast Food Icons: Try a classic Currywurst (sliced pork sausage seasoned with curry ketchup) and an authentic Döner Kebab (often credited to Berlin’s Turkish community).
Take a Boat Cruise on the Spree River: See the city’s main sights, like the Reichstag, Museum Island, and the Berlin Cathedral, from a relaxing cruise on the river.
Local Tips & Transport
Public Transport is King: Berlin’s public transport system (BVG) is one of the best in Europe, covering the city and surrounding areas with a seamless network of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter rail), Trams, and Buses.
Single Ticket, All Modes: A single ticket covers all modes of transport (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, Bus, Tram) within the purchased zones (A, B, or C). Most of the city is in the AB zone. The BER Airport and Potsdam require a C zone ticket (ABC).
Validate Your Ticket: Berlin operates on an honor system, but you must validate your paper ticket before your first journey by stamping it in one of the small machines on the platform (U/S-Bahn) or inside the vehicle (Bus/Tram). Unvalidated tickets incur a heavy fine. App tickets are validated upon purchase/activation.
The Kurzstrecke (Short Trip): A cheaper ticket option for quick journeys: 3 stops on the U-Bahn/S-Bahn or 6 stops on the bus/tram (without changing lines).
From the Airport (BER): The Airport Express (FEX) train, S-Bahn lines (S9/S45), and Regional Trains (RE/RB) provide fast and reliable connections to the city center, which is in the C zone.
Cash is Still Essential: Despite being a major European capital, many smaller shops, bars, cafes, and especially Döner/Currywurst stands, only accept cash (Bargeld). Always carry some euro notes and coins.
Punctuality and Directness: Berliners (and Germans in general) value punctuality and direct communication. Don’t be offended by a lack of unnecessary politeness—it’s often seen as directness, not rudeness (Berliner Schnauze).
Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes. The general rule is to round up to the next euro or add 5-10% for good service. When paying, state the total amount you want to pay including the tip.
Cycling Etiquette: Berlin is very bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes. Never walk in a bike lane—cyclists will not slow down and will be rightfully annoyed.
The Recycling Pfand (Deposit): When you buy a drink in a plastic bottle or aluminum can (especially in a Späti), you pay a small deposit (Pfand). You can return the container to any supermarket for the deposit back. Alternatively, leave your empty bottles next to a public bin; collecting Pfand is a common way for low-income residents to earn money.
Clubs and Dress Code: Berlin’s club scene is world-famous. The general rule for most serious clubs is to dress down (casual, dark clothing, sneakers) and avoid dressing up (no high heels, dress shirts, etc.). The culture is about the music, not the outfit.
Hidden Gems:
- Klunkerkranich: A popular rooftop bar and cultural space perched atop a parking garage in Neukölln, offering spectacular sunset views.
- The Stasi Museum: Located in the former headquarters of the East German secret police, it provides a chilling, in-depth look into the apparatus of state surveillance.
- Hackesche Höfe: A beautifully restored complex of interconnected courtyards in Mitte, filled with boutiques, cafes, and theaters—a great spot for unique shopping.
- Gärten der Welt (Gardens of the World): A sprawling park in Marzahn with nine different thematic gardens from around the globe, including a stunning Chinese Garden.
Top Restaurants
Scheers Schnitzel [$10-$15] – A popular, no-frills spot in Friedrichshain known for its generous portions of classic Schnitzel (pork cutlet), including the traditional mit Kartoffelsalat (with potato salad).
Domke Nino Fleischerei [$8-$12] – More than just a butcher shop, this spot serves hearty, traditional German and Eastern European meaty dishes like Gulasch and Kasslerbraten at very reasonable prices.
Peter Schlemihl [$15-$20] – A cozy restaurant with a focus on Käsespätzle (German cheese noodles, similar to mac and cheese) and classic dishes like Himmel & Erde (Heaven and Earth: blood sausage, mashed potatoes, and applesauce).
Wilhelm Hoeck 1892 [$20-$35] – A charming establishment on the outskirts of Berlin known for its longstanding tradition of serving classic German dishes, reflecting its late 19th-century heritage.
Alt-Berliner Gasthaus Julchen Hoppe [$20-$35] – A historic restaurant in Friedrichshain with a nostalgic charm, dedicated to preserving Berlin’s culinary heritage, offering a cozy, “dining at grandma’s house” feel.
Restaurant Nolle [$20-$35] – Located underneath the train tracks of Bahnhof Berlin-Friedrichstraße, this beloved gem is known for its timeless atmosphere and mouthwatering German dishes, with the distinct sound of trains overhead.
Restaurant Schoenbrunn [$25-$40] – Situated in the beautiful Volkspark in Prenzlauer Berg, this spot offers a blend of elegance and authentic German flavors, famous for its excellent Wiener Schnitzel.
Brauhaus GEORGBRAEU [$20-$35] – A brewery and restaurant near Alexanderplatz that serves freshly brewed beer alongside delectable German dishes like the slow-cooked Sauerbraten pot roast.
Stadtklause [$15-$25] – An authentic 19th-century Berlin railway pub offering a very local, no-frills experience and simple, solid German fare.
Schnitzelei [$25-$40] – Known for having some of the best Schnitzel in the city, this restaurant offers German tapas as well, making it a great option for sampling.
Markus-Bräu [$20-$35] – A good spot for a beer and some traditional German food, often frequented by locals for its authentic atmosphere and no-nonsense cooking.
Renger-Patszch [$30-$50] – A well-regarded Schöneberg spot serving German/Alsatian food with a rotating menu that changes monthly, ensuring seasonal and fresh offerings.
Joseph-Roth-Diele [$20-$35] – A classic, simple pub-style eatery in Schöneberg, popular for its traditional German cooking in a relaxed, local setting.
Gaststätte zur S-Bahn Hoppe-Garten [$15-$25] – Though out of the way, this local favorite in Hennigsdorf (northwest of Berlin) is highly recommended for its excellent traditional German food, like Kartoffelpuffer.
Zum Haxen Wirt [$25-$40] – Located in Wilmesdorf, this restaurant is a go-to for hearty Bavarian classics, especially the famous Haxe (pork knuckle).
Oderquelle [$20-$35] – Situated in Prenzlauer Berg, this restaurant serves all the classic German dishes in a local, unpretentious setting.
Trio [$30-$50] – A Mitte restaurant that offers classic German cuisine, where the Königsberger Klopse (meatballs in a caper sauce) are a standout dish.
Clärchens [$25-$45] – This recently reopened restaurant in a historic ballroom setting offers a wide selection of Berlin and German classics.
Alt Wien [$25-$40] – Known for its excellent Austrian cuisine and absolutely massive portions, it’s a favorite for those seeking hearty, filling dishes.
Ottenthal [$30-$50] – Another fantastic spot for Austrian cuisine, praised for its excellent food and ambiance.
Otto Berlin [$35-$60] – A small, trendy Prenzlauer Berg restaurant with a modern, industrial style, focusing on a farm-to-table concept with Nordic twists and a strong emphasis on fermentation and local ingredients.
Hallmann & Klee [$40-$70] – A small restaurant in Neukölln known for its honest cuisine, seasonal products, and creative yet authentic flavor combinations.
Restaurant BRIKZ [$50-$80] – The chef has a knack for transforming high-quality regional products into creative modern cuisine, offering both meat and an appropriately designed vegan menu.
Mastan [$40-$70] – Located in Kreuzberg, this restaurant offers Southern French bistro cuisine with a fantastic wine list and a great atmosphere.
Lovis Restaurant [$70-$120] – Set in a former women’s prison in Charlottenburg, this intimate hub serves seasonal, vegetarian-forward experimental fine dining with inventive, umami-rich twists.
Terz [$30-$50] – A Neukölln spot housed in a quiet church side building that offers a light, modern space and focuses on contemporary German cuisine.
ORA [$40-$70] – Housed in a stunning former 19th-century pharmacy in Kreuzberg, the kitchen leans Italian but is globally inspired, focusing heavily on locally sourced ingredients from a nearby farm.
Café Frieda (F.r.i.e.d.a) [$40-$70] – The casual sister of Mrs. Robinson’s in Prenzlauer Berg, offering casual fine dining with a nose-to-tail philosophy, weekly changing menus, and a fusion of East and West flavors.
Barra [$40-$70] – A convivial neighborhood eatery known for its excellent small plates, combining a relaxed atmosphere with high-quality, modern cooking.
Julius [$35-$60] – A cool, casual spot focusing on inventive small plates, popular for its relaxed approach to modern dining.
Kink [$40-$70] – A unique gastronomic art gallery concept in Prenzlauer Berg, blending fine dining with creative cocktails in a striking industrial setting.
Prism [$60-$90] – Located in Charlottenburg, this restaurant offers impressive Levantine luxury cuisine with a focus on regional, high-quality ingredients.
Contrário [$30-$50] – A modern Italian spot that offers a seasonal menu with creative touches, praised for its fresh pasta and local produce focus.
Rodeo [$30-$50] – Known for its modern steakhouse concept with a focus on high-quality, dry-aged beef and creative sides.
Crackers [$40-$60] – A chic, lively spot in Mitte that offers a modern, international menu in a former club space.
BRLO Brwhouse [$20-$40] – While primarily a craft brewery, the kitchen offers a creative menu of seasonal food, often focused on vegetables and smoked meats, excellent for modern comfort food.
The Bird [$30-$50] – Famous for its no-nonsense, high-quality burgers and steaks, served in a New York-style setting with a vibrant, youthful atmosphere.
Industry Standard [$35-$60] – A popular Neukölln spot with an industrial-chic feel, known for its focus on modern, simple dishes and nose-to-tail dining.
Gastón [$35-$60] – A highly-regarded Basque-inspired restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg, offering creative tapas and a modern spin on Spanish classics.
Rutz [$150-$350] – Berlin’s first and currently only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering exceptional, down-to-earth food, drink, and hospitality, with Marco Müller’s creative philosophy.
Tim Raue [$250-$400] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its high-end, Asian-inspired cuisine, focusing on intense, aromatic flavors and avoiding heavy side dishes.
Nobelhart & Schmutzig [$200-$350] – A one-Michelin-starred restaurant with a fiercely “brutally local” philosophy, using only ingredients from the Berlin and Brandenburg region in an intimate, open-kitchen setting.
Ernst [$250-$400] – Highly regarded for its hyper-seasonal, purist approach to New German cuisine, often serving a singular, daily-changing tasting menu focusing on extremely high-quality produce.
Coda Dessert Dining [$120-$180] – The world’s first two-Michelin-starred dessert restaurant, offering a unique multi-course menu of avant-garde desserts paired with drinks.
Horváth [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its “New Austrian” cuisine, offering a creative and fearless take on traditional flavors with a focus on vegetables.
Facil [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in a glass pavilion, offering globally-inspired German cuisine with refined technique and a tranquil atmosphere.
Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer [$150-$250] – Located in the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers European haute cuisine with an exquisite setting and service.
Bandol sur Mer [$60-$100] – A long-standing, well-regarded French bistro in Mitte, known for its high-quality, classic French dishes in a cozy setting.
Glass [$100-$150] – Known for its creative and refined Israeli-inspired cuisine, often featuring tasting menus with playful and innovative dishes.
Heisser Hobel at Markthalle Neun [$10-$20] – Located inside the popular Kreuzberg food hall, this stall is a must-try for excellent, authentic Käsespätzle (German cheese noodles).
Azzam Restaurant [$10-$15] – A favorite spot in Neukölln for delicious, high-quality Middle Eastern food, including some of the city’s best falafel and halloumi.
Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap [$5-$8] – An iconic street food stall, famous for what many consider to be the best Döner Kebap (Turkish meat/vegetable kebab) in Berlin, always with a line.
Tadim Lahmacun [$5-$10] – A well-known spot for authentic Turkish pizzas (Lahmacun) and other specialties in Kreuzberg, perfect for a cheap and satisfying meal.
Katz Orange [$40-$70] – Located in a beautiful converted brewery, this popular “Slow Food” restaurant focuses on high-quality, seasonal ingredients and consistently excellent cooking, especially for meat dishes.
Unsicht-Bar [$80-$130] – A truly unique “Dinner in the Dark” experience where guests eat a multi-course meal in complete darkness, heightening their other senses.
Rooftop Dinner at Käfer Restaurant Reichstag [$70-$120] – Located on top of the Reichstag building, this restaurant offers a modern German menu with unparalleled views of the city.
Cookies Cream [$60-$90] – An innovative and high-quality vegetarian and vegan restaurant, a unique culinary icon in Berlin, hidden in a discreet location.
Khinkali House [$15-$30] – A highly-regarded spot in Friedrichshain specializing in Georgian cuisine, famous for its excellent Khinkali (dumplings) and other traditional dishes.
Shaniu’s House of Noodles [$15-$25] – A favorite for Chinese cuisine, specifically known for its mouth-watering noodles and Northern Chinese grilled dishes.
W Der Imbiss [$10-$20] – A quirky spot offering a creative fusion of Mexican, Indian, Californian, and Italian flavors, resulting in a unique and diverse menu.
Tibet Haus [$15-$25] – A long-standing, beloved restaurant in Kreuzberg offering authentic Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine, including flavorful momos (dumplings).
Mina Ristorante [$40-$70] – A modern Italian restaurant in Friedrichshain with a Levantine touch, known for its impossibly thin pizzas and excellent pasta.
Facciola [$25-$45] – Known for its authentic Roman cuisine and a focus on natural wines, offering a genuine taste of Italy in Berlin.
Pazzi X Pizza [$10-$20] – A highly-rated spot in Neukölln for delicious pizza slices with high-quality, fresh toppings.
Han West [$10-$20] – A great place for Chinese dumplings and Bao (steamed buns), perfect for a quick and flavorful fix.
Gel Gör Inegöl Köfteci [$10-$15] – A 24-hour Turkish spot famous for its excellent Köfte (meatball) sandwiches and plates, very popular with locals in Neukölln.
Umami [$20-$35] – A popular Southeast Asian restaurant with multiple locations, known for its fresh, flavorful food and beautiful presentation.
Fes – Turkish Barbecue [$30-$50] – A unique Turkish barbecue experience in Kreuzberg, where guests can grill their own meat at the table.
Sisaket [$20-$35] – A classic spot for authentic Thai cuisine near the TV Tower, known for its traditional flavors and welcoming atmosphere.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Buck & Breck: An exclusive, tiny speakeasy in Mitte, often cited as one of the world’s best, known for its meticulously crafted classic and contemporary cocktails. The entrance is intentionally discreet.
Velvet: Found in the buzzing Neukölln district, this sophisticated bar has a weekly changing menu centered around foraged and seasonal ingredients, offering a unique, inviting atmosphere.
Green Door Bar: A hip, classic bar in Schöneberg, inviting guests to settle in on leather couches and explore its extensive, high-quality cocktail menu. Look for the illuminated green light for entry.
Monkey Bar: Located on the 10th floor of the 25hours Hotel in Charlottenburg, this spot offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the Berlin Zoo’s monkey enclosure, alongside creative cocktails.
Bar Tausend: Hidden behind a nondescript metal door right underneath the Friedrichstraße train station in Mitte, this trendy bar has a futuristic-like décor, high-end clientele, and excellent mixed drinks.
Fragrances: A unique, museum-like concept bar in The Ritz-Carlton in Tiergarten, where you choose your cocktail based on perfumes and scents displayed in a glass exhibit.
Becketts Kopf: A cozy, literary-themed speakeasy in Prenzlauer Berg, named after Irish novelist Samuel Beckett, serving an extensive list of well-prepared cocktails in a dimly lit setting.
Schwarze Traube: A popular cocktail spot in Kreuzberg with an old-world charm where the bartenders often create drinks based on a short conversation about your taste preferences, eschewing a traditional menu.
Mr. Susan: A swanky, comfortable bar in Mitte near Hackesche Höfe known for its creative, inventive cocktails and stylish interior, including a pink quartz bar.
Stagger Lee: Located in Schöneberg near Nollendorfplatz, this bar evokes a seductive, vintage Old West saloon with a focus on high-quality classic cocktails and American whiskies.
Fairytale Bar: An enchanting, Alice in Wonderland-themed speakeasy in Friedrichshain near the Märchenbrunnen (Fountain of Fairy Tales), known for its theatrical cocktail presentation.
Rum Trader: Berlin’s oldest cocktail bar, a tiny, closet-sized space in Wilmersdorf that feels like stepping back into the 1930s, specializing in (of course) rum and classic mixology.
ORA: Housed in a beautifully converted 19th-century apothecary in Kreuzberg, this elegant venue preserves the historic setting while serving refined cocktails and a dinner menu.
The Curtain Club: Situated in The Ritz-Carlton at Potsdamer Platz, this long bar with dark woods and leather armchairs buzzes with live soul, jazz, and Latin music alongside storytelling cocktails.
Wax On: A popular Neukölln bar celebrated for its highly inventive and meticulously prepared, labor-intensive cocktails.
Berghain & Panorama Bar: The world-famous, infamous techno temple located in a former power plant in Friedrichshain, known for its relentless sound system, strict door policy, and marathon parties. Panorama Bar, the upstairs floor, focuses more on house music.
Tresor: A historic institution of Berlin techno, housed in a disused power plant near Heinrich-Heine-Straße in Mitte, offering an intense, industrial experience with hard techno in the main basement and house music in its sister club, Globus.
Watergate: Located right on the Spree River in Kreuzberg/Friedrichshain, this club is famous for its panoramic views from the glass-fronted floors, a superb sound system, and a focus on house and techno music.
KitKatClub: A legendary, sex-positive and fetish-friendly techno club in Kreuzberg, known for its themed, permissive parties and labyrinthine dance spaces. Be sure to check the frequently strict dress code.
Sisyphos: A club with a festival-like atmosphere, set in a former dog biscuit factory in Lichtenberg, featuring vast indoor and outdoor areas (including a ‘beach’ and lake) with diverse electronic music, and parties that often run non-stop all weekend.
Kater Blau: A vibrant club on the Spree in the Holzmarkt district of Friedrichshain, known for its creative, ‘adult playground’ atmosphere, multi-floor space, large outdoor area, and diverse electronic music and cultural events.
Ritter Butzke: A popular, multi-room Kreuzberg club with an industrial-chic aesthetic and a diverse music program, from techno and house to electro and live acts, known for its cozy pub vibe and lively dance floors.
Club der Visionaere: An iconic, laid-back venue in Kreuzberg known for its waterside wooden terrace, willow tree, and focus on minimal techno and deeper house sounds, often running seven days a week in the summer.
Wilde Renate: A quirky, winding club in an old apartment building in Friedrichshain that feels like a house party, featuring several dance floors, cozy retreats, and a program of techno, house, and disco.
SO36: A legendary, left-wing alternative club in Kreuzberg that was a hotspot for punk rock in the 70s and 80s, now hosting a varied program including punk, rock, pop, and various themed parties.