Berlin: Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🏙️ Berlin Travel Guide
🌟 City Introduction
Berlin, located in northeastern Germany, is the country's largest city. Once divided by the Berlin Wall into East and West Berlin, it is now one of Europe's most vibrant cities. Whether you're interested in history, art, architecture, music, or nightlife, Berlin has something for everyone.
📍 Must-visit tourist hotspots
1. Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
- Berlin's most iconic landmark, a symbol of German unity.
- The atmosphere is particularly spectacular when the lights are turned on at night.
2. Reichstag Building
- The seat of the German Parliament, you can make an appointment to visit the glass dome and overlook the city of Berlin.
3. Berlin Wall Remains & East Side Gallery
- A 1.3-kilometer-long preserved section of the Berlin Wall, covered in graffiti by artists from around the world.
4. Holocaust Memorial
- It is composed of 2,711 cement blocks and symbolizes the commemoration of the Holocaust during World War II.
5. Museum Island
- A world cultural heritage site, it includes five famous museums (such as the Pergamon Museum).
- A paradise for art and history fans.
6. Berlin Cathedral (Berlin Dom)
- This Baroque-style building offers views of the Spree River and the city from the top of the dome.
7. Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm)
- Standing at 368 meters, it is the tallest building in Berlin. The restaurant on the top of the tower allows you to enjoy the panoramic view while dining.
8. Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm)
- Berlin's busiest shopping street, lined with brand-name stores and department stores.
9. Gendarmenmarkt
- Known as one of the most beautiful squares in Germany, it houses a German church, a French church and a concert hall.
10. Berlin Zoo & Aquarium
- One of the oldest zoos in Germany, it is very suitable for family trips.
🍴 Must-try food recommendations
Local characteristics
- Currywurst : Berlin's most classic street food, served with curry powder and ketchup.
- Berliner Pfannkuchen (Berlin donuts) : Usually filled with jam or cream, they are a traditional dessert.
- Eisbein (German pork knuckle) : Often roasted or stewed, it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Döner Kebab (Turkish kebab) : Due to the large number of Turkish immigrants in Berlin, this dish has become the city’s representative cuisine.
- Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) : a common German side dish.
Must-try drinks
- Berliner Weisse : A sour wheat beer, often with fruit syrup (cranberry or hibiscus).
- German craft beer : Berlin has a thriving bar culture and offers a wide selection of craft beer.
🚋 City Transportation Guide
City transportation
- U-Bahn (subway) : The main transportation system in Berlin, covering major attractions in the city.
- S-Bahn (suburban railway) : connects the city center with the suburbs and is suitable for long-distance travel.
- Tram : Mainly distributed in the former East Berlin area.
- Bus : A full range of daytime and nighttime routes, suitable for short distances.
- Bicycles : Berlin is a bicycle-friendly city and rentals are easy.
- Transportation tickets : There are one-way tickets, day tickets, and WelcomeCard (including transportation and attraction discounts).
Airport transfers
-
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) :
- S-Bahn/communal trains run directly to the city center (approx. 30 minutes).
- Buses and taxis are also available.
💡 Editor's Tips
- There are many attractions on Museum Island , so it is recommended to stay at least half a day or purchase a Museum Pass.
- Want to see the panorama of Berlin? Visit the TV Tower during the day, or the Reichstag glass dome at night (free but reservations required).
- You can find Currywurst almost everywhere, but I personally recommend Curry 36, a popular shop in Berlin.
- Berlin's nightlife is world-famous. If you're interested, you can try a Techno Club (such as Berghain) , but be prepared for long queues and strict entry requirements.
- Berlin's attractions are scattered, so it is recommended to purchase a day ticket or a multi-day ticket to save money and be convenient.
✨ Editor’s summary:
Berlin is a city of contrasts—a place of majestic historical sites and avant-garde street art; of the heavy scars of World War II and the Cold War, yet also of Europe's most free-spirited nightlife. A visit to Berlin isn't just about seeing the sights; it's about experiencing firsthand the intertwining of history and the future.
🗓️ Berlin 3-day itinerary suggestions
📍 Day 1: History and Landmark Exploration
Theme: From the Berlin Wall to a symbol of unity
-
morning
- [Brandenburger Tor]: A must-see landmark in Berlin.
- Reichstag: To visit the glass dome, reservations are recommended.
-
noon
- Find a nearby food stall and try some Currywurst (curry sausage) .
-
afternoon
- Holocaust Memorial: Reflecting on history.
- 【Checkpoint Charlie】: The border checkpoint between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.
- [Berlin Wall Relics & East Side Gallery]: Admire the colorful graffiti art.
-
night
- Have dinner in Nikolaiviertel , Berlin's oldest district.
- If you are interested, you can go to a Berlin bar to experience the local beer culture.
📍 Day 2: Museums and Art Culture
Theme: A Feast of Art and Knowledge
-
morning
- Museum Island: Visit at least 1-2 museums (Pergamon Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie).
-
noon
- Enjoy lunch by the Spree River, where we recommend German stew or potato dishes.
-
afternoon
- [Berlin Cathedral Berliner Dom]: Climb the dome and overlook the city.
- [Gendarmenmarkt]: Appreciate the classical beauty of German churches, French churches and concert halls.
- GoMA, Museum of Modern Art, Berlin: Enjoy contemporary art.
-
night
- Try a Döner Kebab (Turkish kebab) in the Kreuzberg district .
- If you want to experience the nightlife, you can go to Techno Club (such as Berghain or Watergate) to experience Berlin's party culture.
📍 Day 3: City Panorama and Leisure Shopping
Theme: Overlooking Berlin + Relaxing Shopping
-
morning
- [Berlin TV Tower Fernsehturm]: Climb the tower to see the panoramic view of Berlin.
- Or you can choose to return to the Capitol Dome for a clearer view during the day.
-
noon
- Enjoy lunch at Hackescher Markt , where there are many unique restaurants and cafés.
-
afternoon
- [Buchanan Street Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm)] Shopping avenue, shopping for brands and department stores.
- [Berlin Zoo & Aquarium] (If you have children or love nature).
- Or head to the Mauerpark flea market (open Sundays) for treasure hunting and live music.
-
night
- Find a restaurant in the Prenzlauer Berg district and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere on your last evening.
- For dinner, try Eisbein (German pork knuckle) paired with Berliner Weisse (Berlin white beer).
💡 Editor's Tips
- Berlin's attractions are scattered, so it is recommended to buy a WelcomeCard (including transportation & discounts), which is both economical and convenient.
- If you want to visit more museums on Museum Island, it is recommended to purchase a Museum Pass .
- The nightlife is very famous, but some clubs have high entry requirements. It is recommended to dress modestly and not make loud noises to avoid being rejected.
- If you want to experience the local atmosphere, go to Mauerpark on Sundays. The street music and flea market are super lively.
✨ Editor’s summary:
A three-day Berlin itinerary allows you to experience the weight of history, the immersion of art, the modern urban atmosphere, and the vibrant nightlife . This city is more than just a tourist destination; it's an experience where history and the future intersect.