Berlin in 3 days

Looking for a hassle-free way to explore Berlin in just 3 days? You’ve come to the right place. My meticulously planned itinerary, complete with a map, ensures you won’t miss a thing.

Berlin is one of the top European capitals and stands out for its significant political influence within the European Union.

Transcendental events have taken place here that have marked the history of this country and the rest of the world.

This is the list of everything you will find in this article:

Index

A. Information of Interest

Location

Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of its sixteen federal states.

It is located in the northeast of the country, on the banks of the Spree and Havel rivers and just 70 km from the border with Poland.

Area

It has an area of 891.8 km², of which more than 300 km² are green areas.

Population

In 2024, Berlin’s population exceeded 3.5 million, making it Germany’s most populous city and one of the largest in Europe.

Demonym

Berliner.

When to go and for how long

*️⃣ With a continental climate, Berlin experiences freezing winters and warm summers. Therefore, the best time to visit the city is between May and September.

During these months, the temperatures are more pleasant, and the chances of good weather are significantly higher, allowing you to explore the city without weather-related concerns.

If these dates don’t work for you, and you would instead pick a different travel destination based on the most suitable time to visit, I recommend checking out my posts Best Time to Go and Where to Travel Each Month. It will help you plan your trip better.

How many days I need to visit each country/ Cuántos días necesito para visitar cada país

*️⃣ If you are planning a trip to Berlin and wonder how much time you will need, you can see its major attractions in 3 days. However, if you have more time, you can explore the city more profoundly or at a more leisurely pace.

In my posts, How Many Days I Need to Visit Each Country and How Many Days I Need to Visit Each City, I explain the number of days needed to visit each country and the most touristic cities.

Language

Berlin, the main city of Germany, has German as the primary spoken language.

Remember that you can check the language spoken in each country using the tables that I attach to my articles Countries by Language and Best Time to Go.

Currency

Germany is part of the European Union; therefore, the currency used here is the Euro.

In my post Currency exchange, cards and cash abroad (Complete Guide), there is a table that allows you to see the currency used by entering the name of the country you are interested in. Additionally, this article provides all the essential information you need to know about money and travelling.

Plugs and Voltage

In Germany, the plugs are European-style, with types C and F. The voltage is 220-240 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Remember that you can refer to my article Plug Types by Country to find out about the different types of plugs used in each country and the corresponding voltage. This will help you determine if you need an adapter and the specific type required. You can find this information in the Travel Logistics section, along with everything else you might need to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Origin

Although the first settlements in the area date back to 1174, it was in 1307 that the towns of Berlin and Cölln united, founding a single city that would retain the name of Berlin.

In 1415, Berlin became the capital of the State of Brandenburg and the Kingdom of Prussia in 1701. It was later named the capital of the German Empire in 1871.

The name Berlin, derived from Slavic, translates to ‘swampy land’.

The level of humidity in the subsoil is so high that many of the city’s pipes are on the surface but painted in colours to make them more visually pleasing. Its purpose is to pump water from the ground to the canals, thus facilitating urban works.

Flag and Coat of Arms

The flag of Berlin, adopted in 1954, consists of three horizontal stripes. The top and bottom stripes are red, while the centre stripe is white and three times larger than the outer ones. In the centre of the white stripe is a black bear, which is also the central element of the city’s coat of arms.

However, the flag you’ll see everywhere is the German flag.

B. Berlin in 3 days — Itinerary

This is the map to see Berlin in 3 days, where each day is shown in a different colour, and the numbers indicate the order of the sites to visit.

Berlin in 3 days — Day 1

0 — Free Tour

As always, I recommend starting your first day in Berlin with a “Free Tour” of the main places of interest.

This will help you better understand the city’s history and learn some insider tips only locals know. However, if you decide to skip the tour, don’t worry; my itinerary includes all of Berlin’s major attractions.

1 — Museum Island

Berlin has more than 170 museums, and 5 world-renowned ones are on an island in the Spree River. The complex has been a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1999.

Those five museums are:

Pergamon Museum
Neues Museum
Bode Museum
Altes Museum
Alte Nationalgalerie

TIPS:

✳️ Unless you want to visit all of them, I’d recommend visiting the Pergamon Museum and the New Museum (the first 2 on the itinerary).

✳️ On the first Sunday of every month, many Berlin museums offer free admission. If your visit coincides with this day, you can save some money by planning to visit museums on Sunday 🤑

a. Pergamon Museum

It is a must-see if you go to Berlin. However, it is temporarily closed for renovations. It is expected to reopen in the spring of 2027 partially.

The museum is the most frequently visited of the 5 and boasts several impressive works, including the Pergamon Altar, built over 2,000 years ago, the Ishtar Gate, and the Roman market of Miletus. Additionally, the museum has an extensive collection of Antiquities from the East and throughout the Islamic world.

If you want additional information, I leave you the link to the official Berlin Museums portal.

b. Neues Museum

We could say that it is one of the most significant museums, along with the Pergamon Museum.

Initially inaugurated in 1859, it was left in ruins after the bombings of World War II, and reconstruction didn’t begin until 1985.

The New Museum boasts an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian art, including the renowned bust of Queen Nefertiti (1351 BC), as well as exhibitions on prehistory and ancient history.

You can check schedules and prices on the museum’s website.

c. Bode Museum

It was inaugurated in 1904 and is located at the northern end of the museum island. The museum houses one of the most extensive collections of sculptures in the world, ranging from the Byzantine period to the 18th century. It also hosts treasures of Egyptian art and a world-renowned numismatic collection.

In March 2017, a group of three hooded individuals broke into the museum in the middle of the night and stole the largest coin in the world. The coin was minted in Canada using 24-karat gold and weighed approximately 100 kg, with an estimated market value of about 4 million euros. Despite the criminals being captured, the coin was never recovered, and it is presumed to have been melted down.

I will leave you the link here if you want to check opening times and prices or even buy your ticket.

The opposite shore is a well-liked gathering spot for both Berliners and tourists due to the breathtaking views of the northern tip of the island. You can have a drink and watch a diverse group of couples dancing tango.

d. Altes Museum

The museum is housed in one of the most important examples of classical architecture in Berlin.

It was inaugurated as the first museum on the island in 1830 but was rebuilt after World War II.

It hosts a permanent exhibition that displays art and sculptures from classical antiquity, ranging from Ancient Greece to the Roman Empire, including busts of Caesar and Cleopatra. One of the highlights is the collection of Etruscan art, which is considered the most significant outside of Italy.

You can check opening times and prices on the official website.

e. Alte Nationalgalerie

It looks like an ancient temple with its imposing staircase. Friedrich August Stüler designed it, inspired by the Acropolis of Athens, and it was inaugurated in 1876.

The gallery displays paintings and sculptures from the 19th century, including classicism, romanticism, impressionism, and early contemporary art.

Here is the link to the Berlin Museums’ portal, in case you want further details.

2 — Berlin Cathedral

Also on the same island is the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom). It is an impressive baroque-style building constructed between 1894 and 1905. Closed for almost 40 years for restoration, it reopened in 1993.

It is the most representative religious building in the city and the largest Protestant church in Germany.

It is possible to climb its dome to observe the centre of Berlin.

3 — DDR Museum

Opposite the cathedral, on the other side of the Spree River, is the DDR Museum. The exhibition is based on the real stories of people who lived in the former German Democratic Republic between 1949 and 1990.

The museum showcases authentic objects from private homes and provides detailed information on the daily life of East German citizens under communism.

Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You can check the prices and even buy your tickets on their official website.

4 — Spree River Cruise

Adjacent to the DDR Museum is a pier where boats travel along the Spree. After exploring many museums, we will enjoy a relaxing boat ride in the afternoon.

5 — Bebelplatz

From the pier next to the DDR museum, walking about 8 minutes to the southwest and crossing the museum island, we arrive at Bebelplatz. Initially called Opernplatz, it is an elegant square that houses the Opera and the oldest Catholic Church in Germany.

Unfortunately, this square got famous by the Book Burning of 1933, where the Nazis burned around 20,000 books by censored authors such as Freud, Karl Marx and Heine.

There is a memorial made up of a glass slab on the ground that displays empty shelves, symbolising the space left by the burned books. There is also a plaque with a phrase by Heinrich Heine, written in 1817: “That was but a prelude; where they burn books, they will ultimately burn people as well.”

6 — Humboldt University

We have already seen one of the buildings of Humboldt University on Bebelplatz square. However, the university’s main building is located on the other side of Unter den Linden Street, one of the city’s main avenues.

Founded by Wilhelm von Humboldt in 1810, it is the oldest in Berlin and has served as a model for other European universities and other Western countries.

*️⃣🚦 A fascinating aspect of Berlin’s pedestrian traffic lights: As you explore the city, you’ll notice a delightful variety of them. One particularly unique feature is the presence of a charming little man, known as Ampelmännchen, on some of these lights.

It was created in 1961 by the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), the Soviet part of Berlin.

After reunification in 1990, attempts to replace these traffic lights with those of Western design failed. And the Ampelmännchen became an icon that can now be seen on all kinds of souvenirs.

7 — Gendarmenmarkt (Gendarme Market)

About 750 metres to the south (10 minutes walking), we find one of the city’s most beautiful squares: Gendarmenmarkt.

The name of the square has its origins in a regiment of Huguenot soldiers (gendarmes) that settled in the area, using this square as a market area.

It has twin churches on both sides of the square:

Französischer Dom (French Church) was built in the 18th century for French Huguenots who came here fleeing religious persecution.
Deutscher Dom (German Church) was constructed in 1708.

In the centre of the square stands the Konzerthaus, which serves as the Berlin Symphony Orchestra’s headquarters.

This square is home to the traditional Christmas markets, which take place in December. However, you can find the markets all around the city. Berlin boasts the most significant number of stalls selling Christmas decorations, typical food, and drinks during the holiday season.

8 — Checkpoint Charlie

Continuing south, just over a 10-minute walk away, you will find the famous Checkpoint Charlie.

During the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous border crossing of the Berlin Wall between the Soviet control zone and the American one.

Once a symbol of division, Checkpoint Charlie was demolished in June 1990. However, in August 2000, a reconstruction of the first control booth was inaugurated. Today, it stands as a popular tourist spot, inviting visitors to witness its transformation and reflect on its historical significance.

In addition, it has been the setting for several spy films and novels, such as ‘Octopussy’, with James Bond.

Berlin in 3 days — Day 2

1 — Reichstag — German Parliament

We’ll start the day by visiting the headquarters of the German Parliament (Reichstag), which has become one of the most iconic buildings in Berlin after surviving bombings and revolutions.

Its inauguration was in 1894, although its current appearance is due to the works of Norman Foster in the 1990s.

It resembles a traditional temple and features a glass dome and a rooftop terrace that is open to visitors. Admission is free, but you must register in their online system.

I’d recommend visiting during the weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.

You can also attend a plenary session, but it will be in German, of course.

2 — Brandenburg Gate

Very close to the Reichstag, about a 7-minute walk to the south, is the iconic Brandenburg Gate, formerly one of the access gates to the city.

Inaugurated in 1791 to commemorate the triumph of peace over war and weapons, it has become one of the landmarks of the city.

Until 1918, only the royal family and a few others were allowed to use the central passage. Later, it spent decades in no man’s land due to the Berlin Wall.

With its 12 columns and 26 metres high, it is crowned by a Quadriga representing the Goddess of Victory riding towards the city, added in 1795. Between 1806 and 1814, it was taken by Napoleon’s army and held in Paris as war booty and a sign of their victory.

The current statue is a copy, though, because the original was destroyed during World War II.

3 — Pariser Platz

Pariser Platz (Paris’ Square), formerly known as Viereck until 1914, is located opposite the Brandenburg Gate. It was renamed after the fall of the Napoleonic troops.

Between 1732 and 1734, Berlin’s largest square was built, spanning an impressive 1.5 hectares. This square, which has witnessed the city’s history unfold, was rebuilt after the reunification of Germany in 1990. Today, it is one of the most vibrant places in Berlin.

4 — Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Located one block south of the Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial, stands as a sad reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

The Memorial was designed by architect Peter Eisenman and opened in May 2005. Spread over 19,000 square metres is an inclined field that has 2,711 concrete blocks placed next to each other and of different sizes.

The Memorial serves as a reminder of the Jews who lost their lives during World War II so that they will never be forgotten. The blocks resemble funerary monuments and are arranged in a way that creates a wave-like pattern.

There is an underground information centre containing the names of all known Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

5 — Tiergarten

Next, let’s take a stroll in the park Tiergarten towards the Victory Column, a monument commemorating Prussia’s victories over Denmark, Austria, and Napoleon III.

With 210 hectares, it is the green lung of the city. It’s no surprise that Berlin is one of the greenest cities in Europe.

It is located in the geographical centre of Berlin and would be the equivalent of New York’s Central Park. The name of this place means “animal garden”, and it used to be a hunting ground for the Prussian aristocracy.

There is a monument to Otto von Bismarck, who was the prime minister of the Kingdom of Prussia and also the first chancellor of the German Empire.

As a curiosity, in summer, there are two areas for nudists, showcasing the city’s progressive culture.

6 — Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Located beside the southwest corner of the park, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church has been in ruins since World War II. It was decided to keep it in that state as a memorial, which is why it is also called the church of remembrance.

Adjacent to it is the New Church, a contemporary chapel with blue glass. At the rear, there is an octagonal structure with blue windows that was erected as a bell tower in 1960.

Colloquially, the three pieces of the set are called: “the hollow tooth”, “the powder box”, and “the lipstick”.

7 — Savignyplatz

About 10 minutes west, the Savignyplatz area (Charlottenburg district) stands out for its vibrant culinary scene, boasting a plethora of diverse restaurants.

At ’12 Apostel’, they serve stone-oven pizzas. The bar restaurant ‘Dicke Wirtin’ and the curious ‘Diener’ are other classics in West Berlin.

8 — Hitler’s Bunker

If we take public transportation, in less than thirty minutes, we can reach the site where Hitler’s bunker was located and where he is believed to have died.

However, there is an underground museum, Berlin Story Bunker, at Schöneberger Str. 23A, inside one of the anti-aircraft bunkers constructed by Hitler. The exhibition reviews the rise and fall of National Socialism, with a particular focus on Hitler and the Second World War. It even houses a replica of his office, offering a truly immersive historical experience.

9 — Topography of Terror

Not far away is the Topography of Terror. This unique museum is located where the headquarters of the Gestapo (the secret state police) and the SS were formerly located.

It documents the history of the institutions of terror located next to the Nazi government district and the crimes they committed.

It opens every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is free, but it is very moving 😢

In addition, you can see one of the few parts of the wall that is still standing.

10 — Reich Air Ministry

About 200 metres from the museum is the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) building.

The ministry was founded in 1933 and developed by Hitler in secret due to the limitations imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, after the First World War. A few years later, it would be described as the deadliest of all the German armed forces.

11 — Potsdamer Platz

If we take Leipziger Str. to the west, in less than 10 minutes, we will reach Potsdamer Platz.

This square is a famous commercial and cultural centre of the new Berlin, which came back to life after the fall of the Wall. It is known for being the place where the first traffic light in Europe was installed.

Each year, Potsdamer Platz becomes the vibrant stage for the Berlin Film Festival, also known as Berlinale. This prestigious event is part of the illustrious ‘Big Three’ film festivals alongside Venice and Cannes.

Berlin in 3 days – Day 3

1 — Sachsenhausen Museum and Memorial

Visiting a concentration camp can provide a deeper understanding of the events that occurred during that time in history.

Located on the outskirts of Berlin, next to the city of Oranienburg, is Sachsenhausen, one of the most important concentration camps of Nazi Germany.

Built in 1936 by prisoners from various camps, it housed over 200,000 inmates from 34 nations until 1945, when it became a Soviet special facility, which was operational until 1950.

In 1961, the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) established it as a memorial. Since 1993, it’s a museum that has served as a memorial for the individuals who were victimised there. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives at this location, so it is an emotional place.

Here is the map of the memorial and the link to its website to book the guided tour.

In this camp, the Nazis carried out Operation Bernhard, one of the largest monetary falsifications in history. They printed between £132-£300 million, aiming to collapse the British economy during World War II.

The notes were of such high quality that they were almost impossible to distinguish from genuine ones. Later on, there were also American dollars, but they never came into circulation. The film ‘The Falsifiers‘ depicts these events.

How to get there:

You can reach Sachsenhausen with an organised excursion, by car (about 40 minutes from the centre of Berlin), or by public transport.

Trains to Oranienburg are RE5, RB12 and S-Bahn S1. From Oranienburg station you can walk to the countryside (about 20 min), or take the bus (line 804).

2 — East Side Gallery

Back in the city, we will see the Berlin Wall, also known as the Wall of Shame.

The East Side Gallery is the most significant remaining section of the Berlin Wall. In 1990, artists from over 20 countries decorated it with murals, making it the most extensive open-air art gallery in the world, spanning 1.3 kilometres.

Here, you can find some of the most famous graffiti related to the Cold War. You can see the iconic depiction of the kiss between Russian leader Brezhnev and East German communist leader Honecker. Another notable artwork is the vibrant creation of Thierry Noir, featuring his famous quote: “No more wars. No more walls. A united world.”

A bit of history

On the night of August 12th, 1961, the German Democratic Republic (GDR), which was under Soviet and socialist control, raised a fence. In the morning, the entire area was blocked off, and the wall was gradually built.

Its purpose was to prevent the evasion of workers, many of whom were highly qualified, from East Berlin, the capital of the GDR, to the flourishing West Berlin, the economic space of the capitalist Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).

Berlin was split in two by a 155 km wall with only 12 crossing points open between the two areas. The GDR referred to it as the Anti-Fascist Protection Wall, but anyone who attempted to cross it without permission was either detained or killed.

The wall would fall on November 9, 1989, after 28 years separating families and friends.

3 — Alexanderplatz

Next, we will head back to the centre of Berlin to visit the famous tourist square, Alexanderplatz, also known as “Alex” among Berliners.

What was originally a cattle market owes its name to Tsar Alexander I of Russia, who visited the city in 1805.

This historic square aimed to teach the greatness and importance of communism to the ‘other Berlin’. The most significant event that occurred here was the protests of November 4, 1989, that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

It is a transportation hub where many of the city’s main bus and train routes converge. The area is home to numerous shops and shopping centres.

Do not miss:

World Clock

The World Clock, inaugurated in 1969, is one of the city’s iconic landmarks. It displays the time of the 24 different world time zones.

Television Tower

Constructed in 1969, standing at a height of 368 metres, it is the highest in Europe. The top features a viewpoint and a restaurant that rotates 360° every half hour.

4 — Haus Schwarzenberg

About 10 minutes northwest is Haus Schwarzenberg, an alley in the Jewish quarter showcasing urban art and graffiti in Germany.

An unconventional spot that embodies Berlin’s communist past and resists real estate pressure.

5 — New Synagogue

To complete the route, the New Synagogue Berlin — Centrum Judaicum is only 600 metres away.

The synagogue, constructed between 1859 and 1866, became an important symbol for the Jewish community in Germany. As of 1933, there were approximately 160,000 Jews residing in Berlin.

Eduard Knoblauch and Friedrich August Stüler designed it with a capacity for 3,200 people. Its Islamic architecture influences resemblances to the Alhambra in Granada.

On November 9, 1938, during Kristallnacht or the Night of Broken Glass, also called the November Pogrom, the Nazis burned the building. It was later destroyed during a bombing in 1943 and underwent reconstruction from 1988 to 1995.

It is open from Sunday to Friday, and admission tickets include the permanent exhibition, the temporary exhibition and the dome (in summer).

We finished the 3-day route through Berlin here.

But don’t leave the city without tasting its most typical dish, the “currywurst mit pommes”. It consists of one or two chopped sausages topped with tomato sauce and curry powder, served with French fries.

Some of the most famous places to try them are Curry 36, Curry-Blade and Knoopke Imbiss.