10 Must-do experiences in Berlin for first-time visitors

Berlin is one of the cities in Europe that you simply must visit. It is a special and multifaceted city with a rich history and something to offer everyone. Its impressive past is combined with modernity and creativity, and it is precisely this combination that makes Berlin so unique and well worth a visit.

Berlin is a big city, so there’s an absolute ton to do! We understand that this can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Especially if it’s your first time there, you’ll naturally want to see and experience as much as possible. But don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll share the 10 must-do experiences to do in Berlin for your first visit. That way, you’ll get the most out of your city break and discover the places you really shouldn’t miss.

1. Explore Berlin on the Hop-on Hop-off bus

Berlin is a large city with many special places to see. The Hop-on Hop-off bus takes you past these sights, letting you decide for yourself where and when to get on and off. HoHo’s classic tour takes you past nineteen stops in Berlin, including Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie and Alexanderplatz. The HoHo bus’s West and East Tours drive through the historic centre in the west of the city and past the GDR heritage sites in East Berlin.

On the bus, you can listen to interesting stories via the audio guide, which is available in thirteen languages. The great thing about the Hop-on Hop-off bus is that you can explore Berlin at your own pace. It’s a relaxed yet fun way to see a lot of the city. Hop on at one of the boarding points and hop off at any stop when you fancy getting off, it’s as simple as that! If you spot a sight you’d like to visit up close, such as a museum or anything like that, just hop off. You can then continue on foot or hop back on the bus! Travelling on the Hop-on Hop-off bus is the ideal way to discover Berlin.

2. See the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag

These two iconic Berlin landmarks are only a five minute walk from each other. The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most famous landmarks and holds deep historical significance. It once stood as a symbol of the division between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, and its image became synonymous with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany in 1989.

The Reichstag is the home of Germany’s parliament and has had a tumultuous history. From its role in the German Empire to the Weimar Republic and through the challenges of World War II and the Cold War. Its reconstruction and transformation after the fall of the Berlin Wall symbolize Germany's reunification and democratic renewal.

The dome on top of the Reichstag Building offers panoramic views of the city. Visiting the dome is free, but you do have to pre-register because it can be very busy and for safety reasons. The Gate and the Reichstag are both must-visit locations in Berlin.

3. Take in the views from the Berlin TV Tower

The Berlin TV Tower is the tallest structure in Germany, and it offers panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, you can see for up to 70 kilometres. The views from the top are simply breathtaking, and you can see all the major landmarks of Berlin, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and the Berlin Wall.

There are two observation decks on the TV Tower, one at 203 meters (666 feet) and the other at 234 meters (768 feet). The higher observation deck is enclosed, while the lower one is open-air. You can also visit the Sphere restaurant, which rotates 360 degrees, giving you a different view of the city every 30 minutes.

At the foot of the tower on Alexanderplatz, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes as well as some other fun attractions to visit. Such as Körperwelten – BODY WORLDS Berlin, where you can see unique plastinates of real human bodies. Another fun attraction is Berlin’s Odyssey, a virtual reality journey through 800 years of Berlin history.

4. Walk along the East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is the world's longest open-air gallery and the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall. It is located on the northern side of the Spree River in Berlin-Friedrichshain. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, 118 artists from 21 countries painted 1,316 meters (4,314 feet) of the wall with colourful and thought-provoking murals.

The most famous mural is Dmitri Vrubel's "Brotherly Kiss," which depicts Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker locked in a passionate embrace. The East Side Gallery is a reminder of the oppressiveness of the GDR government, but it is also a symbol of hope and freedom. Today, the East Side Gallery is a popular tourist destination, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a reminder of the power of art to express hope, joy, and sorrow.

5. Visit the extraordinary institutions on Museum Island

Museum Island in Berlin is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a cluster of five world-renowned museums. Each offering a unique glimpse into art, culture, and history. The Pergamon Museum showcases impressive archaeological treasures, including the famous Ishtar Gate and the Pergamon Altar.

The Neues Museum houses an array of Egyptian artifacts, including the iconic bust of Nefertiti. The Altes Museum boasts a diverse collection of classical antiquities, from sculptures to coins. The Bode Museum is a treasure trove of sculptures, Byzantine art, and coins.

Finally, the Alte Nationalgalerie features 19th-century European paintings and sculptures, highlighting the Romantic and Impressionist periods. Together, these museums will take you on a journey through human history and artistic achievement, making Museum Island a must-visit destination for both culture lovers and history buffs.

6. Explore Berlin’s nightlife

Berlin's nightlife is legendary. And there is something for everyone, whether you're into techno, house, hip hop, or something else entirely. The city has a wide variety of clubs, bars, and other venues, and the party scene goes on well into the early hours of the morning.

One of the most popular clubs in Berlin is Berghain, which is known for its hard techno music and its strict door policy. Other popular clubs to experience include Tresor, Watergate, and Kater Blau. If you prefer bars to clubs, you might want to visit the Monkey Bar, Brlo Brwhouse or Prater Garten.

7. Join an ice-cold adventure at the Berlin Icebar

On your first visit to Berlin, a trip to the unique Berlin Icebar is an absolute must. As the name suggests, this bar is made entirely of ice. From the bar and the walls to the sculptures and even the glasses you drink from: everything is made of ice! Your adventure begins in the warm part of the bar, where you can enjoy your first drink. Then it’s time for the real thing: the Icebar! Before you go inside, you’ll be given a warm coat and gloves, as it’s a chilly -10 degrees in there.

Embark on an adventure and follow in the footsteps of the crew of the Hansa from 1896, who became trapped in the ice during their expedition to the North Pole. Once inside the Icebar, you can experience for yourself what it’s like to be in a freezing cold environment. Whilst you’re there, you’ll enjoy two drinks, served in real glasses made of ice. Are you looking for a unique and, above all, ice-cold experience? Then the Berlin Icebar is definitely worth a visit!

8. Go shopping in Kurfürstendamm

Kurfürstendamm, often referred to simply as Ku'damm, is one of Berlin's most famous avenues, known for its high-end shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The best shopping you can do will be at KaDeWe (Kaufhaus der Westens), the largest department store of continental Europe. It has a wide range of luxury goods, fashion, food, and more.

Other places to visit on Kurfürstendamm are the Hard Rock Cafe, with its music memorabilia and classic American burgers, and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Gedächtniskirche). This iconic church was partially destroyed during World War II and now stands as a memorial to peace and reconciliation. The new church and the preserved ruins are a powerful reminder of the city's history.

9. Dive into the city’s modern history

Exploring Berlin's modern history takes you to poignant landmarks and insightful but fun museums. The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, consists of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights arranged in a grid pattern. It serves as a powerful and sombre tribute to the millions of Jewish victims of the Holocaust during World War II.

The DDR Museum offers an interactive glimpse into life in East Germany, showcasing everyday objects and stories from the era. It gives visitors insights into the realities of the divided city that can be hard to imagine today.

At Checkpoint Charlie, the former border crossing point, exhibits and displays recount daring escapes and the tense Cold War atmosphere. These sites collectively tell part of Berlin's tumultuous past, from the horrors of World War II and the Cold War division to the resilience and unification of the city, offering visitors a profound understanding of its evolution and the human stories that shaped it.

10. Try favourite local snacks

In Berlin, you'll find locals savouring a few beloved snacks that showcase the city's culinary character. And as a first-time visitor, trying these local favourites is a must-do. The currywurst is the number 1 favourite, it is a delightfully simple dish of sliced sausage smothered in curry-infused ketchup.

Another snack to try is the döner kebab, this culinary gift from Berlin's Turkish community consists of  meat wrapped in flatbread with fresh veggies and sauces. Finally, you don't want to miss the Berliner Pfannkuchen, this round, jelly-filled doughnut is sprinkled with powdered sugar. These three snacks capture Berlin's diverse influences and fast-paced lifestyle, offering a taste of history, international fusion, and local comfort all in one.

The perfect destination for a city break

There’s so much to see and do in Berlin, with plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you’re in Berlin for just one day, a few days or a whole week, you won’t get bored in a hurry. Admire famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower. Visit several museums on  Museum Island or explore the vibrant nightlife. Don’t forget to pop in for a drink at the most unique experience of them all: the Berlin Icebar! Try a spicy currywurst, a tasty döner kebab or a sweet Berliner Pfannkuchen. And hop on the Hop-on Hop-off bus to explore the city at your own pace, because a city break should, of course, be relaxing. What is there not to do in Berlin? The city is incredibly diverse and the perfect destination for a city break! And believe us, once you’ve been there for the first time, you’ll definitely want to come back a few more times. There’s no city quite like Berlin!