10 Best Things to Do and See in Berlin
Exploring Berlin on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Berlin, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Berlin. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz is one of the best-known squares in Berlin, in the heart of the central Mitte district. Lively and well connected, it brings together shops, transport, pedestrian spaces and several iconic urban landmarks. Visitors can enjoy a modern, dynamic atmosphere, with buildings, shopping centers and views across the city, including the famous TV Tower nearby. It is also a practical starting point for a Berlin visit, thanks to its central location and constant city life, between everyday passage and tourist attraction.
2. Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see gateway to the historic heart of Germany’s capital. Admire its monumental neoclassical architecture, grand columns and solemn presence, all of which make it a powerful symbol of the city. Close to wide open public spaces and other major sights, it is the perfect stop for a walk, a souvenir photo or a first glimpse into Berlin’s history.
3. Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks, known for its role as a historic crossing point during the city’s division. Today, it draws visitors who come to explore a busy site marked by signs, reconstructions and landmarks recalling the former border post. The atmosphere reflects a place of memory in the heart of the German capital, blending history, tourism and reflection on Berlin’s past. It is also a popular stop for understanding how the city was organized at the time.
4. Potsdamer Platz
Potsdamer Platz is one of Berlin's major crossroads, at the heart of a modern, lively district. This iconic square draws visitors for its contemporary buildings, broad open plazas, shopping centers, cinemas, and spaces dedicated to culture and nightlife. It offers a dynamic urban atmosphere, with glass-and-steel architecture, plenty of restaurants, and a constant flow of visitors. It is also a great starting point for exploring central Berlin and experiencing the contrast between the city's memory and its architectural renewal.
5. East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is one of Berlin’s most iconic sights: a long preserved section of the Berlin Wall, transformed into an open-air art gallery. As you walk along it, you discover colorful murals by artists from around the world, giving the site a strong artistic and memorial character. This landmark invites you to admire the artworks, reflect on the city’s history and enjoy a walk along the Spree. It is a must-see for understanding Berlin from a different angle.
6. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
In the heart of Berlin, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe offers a striking, austere place of remembrance. Visitors discover a vast field of concrete stelae of varying heights, arranged in regular rows that create a maze-like sense of silence. Walking between the blocks reveals an abstract yet deeply evocative space designed for reflection. An underground information centre completes the visit and deepens understanding of this major memorial.
7. Berliner Dom
Berliner Dom, on Museum Island in Berlin, is one of the city’s great cathedrals and a must-see landmark. Inside, visitors discover a vast, solemn space with domes, refined decorations, stained glass and an impressive religious setting. The visit also lets you admire its monumental architecture and, depending on access, enjoy views over central Berlin. It is a spiritual, cultural and heritage site, admired for its atmosphere and importance in the cityscape.
8. Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial in Berlin is a place of remembrance dedicated to the history of the Berlin Wall and the division of the city. As you explore this memorial site, you discover remains of the Wall, exhibition spaces, and explanatory panels that put the events into context. The route also helps you better understand the impact of this border on everyday life for local residents. Part open-air museum, part memorial, it offers a sober, moving, and highly informative visit.
9. Topography of Terror
The Topography of Terror in Berlin is a memorial site on the former headquarters of the Nazi secret police and SS. The museum presents clear, sober documentary exhibitions on the regime, its repressive institutions and the persecutions it organized. Visitors can see photographs, archives, testimonies and explanatory panels that place the events in context. The site also includes archaeological remains, partly visible outdoors, and offers an essential place for reflection on German history.
10. Siegessäule
The Siegessäule in the heart of Berlin is one of the city's best-known monuments and an essential landmark in the urban landscape. This Victory Column draws visitors with its slender silhouette and golden ornaments, visible from afar across a busy public space. A visit reveals a historic symbol of Berlin, surrounded by avenues, greenery, and striking perspectives. It also offers an iconic viewpoint over the German capital, popular with curious travelers and photography lovers.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
