One of the great things about Berlin is that although it’s a big city, visiting doesn’t have to be expensive. Many of the main attractions in Berlin are free to see! Whether you’re interested in history, unwinding in a park, or visiting museums, there are plenty of free things to do in Berlin to keep you busy.
I love Berlin for its versatility. I’ve had days filled with sightseeing from morning till night, with my spending limited to meals. However, there were certainly occasions when I indulged in some of the more costly attractions. No matter your budget, Berlin offers options. Here are some top free things to do in Berlin to help you save some money.
Free things to do in Berlin: Activities and attractions
What you need to know
- Is Berlin expensive to visit? I’m not a big spender and always find plenty of free things to do in Berlin, there’s so much to see here you can definitely make visiting on a budget work!
- What attractions in Berlin are free? Most of the key attractions that come to mind when thinking of Berlin are free
Berlin Welcome Card
While it’s not entirely without cost, it’s worth mentioning the Berlin Welcome Card. When you purchase this card you gain free access to all public transportation across Berlin. Additionally, you’ll get discounts of up to 50% at more than 180 attractions in the city, with some places offering free entry. The card is a fantastic option if you’re aiming to see many attractions and it even provides discounts at certain restaurants.
Learn about the city on a free walking tour
Exploring the city on foot is a great activity due to its abundant attractions and rich history. One of the best free things to do in Berlin is to embark on a walking tour around the city. There are some great free options available, and I’ve outlined a couple below:
- The Original Free Berlin Tour: For newcomers exploring the city, this 3.5-hour tour is an excellent choice. It covers all the significant historical landmarks and offers detailed narratives and insights into Berlin’s history.
- Alternative Berlin Tours: Interested in veering away from the usual route and experiencing an alternative perspective of Berlin? With The Alternative Berlin Tour, you can explore local street art, venture into Berlin’s hipster neighbourhoods, or uncover the city’s punk rock scene.
- Berlin under the Nazis: A great choice for history lovers, this tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s past. You’ll get to uncover the realities of life in Berlin during the era of the Nazi regime.
Explore a free museum
Berlin boasts an extensive collection of more than 150 museums, ensuring there’s something to suit everyone’s interests. The best part is that a number of these museums offer free admission! An updated list of these can be found here. If you find yourself in Berlin on the first Sunday of any month, many well-known museums will welcome visitors for free, making a museum visit a great choice for something free to do in Berlin!
Museum Island
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Museum Island is one of Berlin’s top attractions. Housing 5 incredible museums there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes here. Furthermore, with the Berlin WelcomeCard Museum Island, you can gain access to all of these museums free of charge. Not sure where to begin? Here’s a short rundown of what each one has to offer:
- The Pergamon Museum: The Market Gate of Miletus unquestionably steals the spotlight in this museum, although the Museum of Islamic Art and the Museum of the Ancient Near East located within the Pergamon Museum are also not to be missed.
- The Bode Museum: The Bode Museum holds an impressive assortment of sculptures, gathering pieces from various periods and creators, including artists like Donatello and Canova.
- The Neues Museum: If you’re interested in ancient Egyptian and Stone Age artefacts, the Neues Museum is the perfect destination for you. The stand-out piece here is the renowned Nefertiti bust.
- The Altes Museum: An antique lovers paradise showcasing art from the Etruscan, Roman and Greek periods. It features an impressive collection of sculptures, vases, gems and over 1300 coins.
- The AlteNationalgalerie: A 19th-century art lover dream, the AlteNationalgalerie houses paintings and sculptures from artists including Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir and Edouard Manet
Peer down into parliament at The Reichstag Building
Home of the German parliament, the Reichstag building has been at the centre of many of Germany’s most significant political events. Entry is free and once you’re inside you’re able to head up to the rooftop terrace or even look down into the debating chamber to see politicians at work. One of the most popular free things to do in Berlin, reserving a time slot to visit in advance is crucial as tickets sell out quickly. You can register for tickets here.
See the Brandenburg Gate
Synonymous with Berlin’s history, the Brandenburg Gate stands out as arguably the most widely recognized landmark in the city. This iconic structure symbolizes the reunification of East and West Berlin and has served as the backdrop for numerous impactful historical events. To get the best photos and avoid the crowds make this one of your first stops of the day.
Visit the Holocaust Memorial site & information centre
Covering over 19,000 square meters the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is an important site of contemplation and reflection. In the middle of the memorial, you’ll find a free information centre that commemorates those who lost their lives.
Grab a photo at Checkpoint Charlie
Ever popular with tourists, Checkpoint Charlie is a replica of the former border crossing point between West and East Berlin that stood during the Cold War. You’ll find performers playing the role of crossing guards at the booth, providing opportunities for some great photos. If you’re interested in learning more about the site, the area around Checkpoint Charlie is full of great museums.
Learn about political history at the Topography of Terror
One of the city’s most visited memorial sites, the Topography of Terror is a great choice of something free to do in Berlin for history lovers. The exhibition gives an insightful look into the Nazi’s rise to power, the reign of terror they imposed, and the impact it left on the city. The site also features the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall within the central city.
Browse the flea markets
Even if you don’t intend on buying anything, flea markets are one of the best free things in Berlin to explore. Berlin boasts an array of fantastic markets, and I’ve outlined a few below. Make sure to check the opening days of each to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Mauerpark: One of Berlin’s largest markets, the Mauerpark flea market boasts a diverse range of offerings, including vintage clothing, jewellery and furniture. Be sure to visit on Sunday afternoon so you can enjoy the popular karaoke sessions in the market!
- Marheinekeplatz: Popular with both locals and tourists, the Marheinekeplatz flea market has a wide offering of antiques, books and handcrafted items. Furthermore, it’s conveniently located amongst local cafes and restaurants, making it a perfect spot for browsing and grabbing some food.
- Bode Museum: Located amongst the incredible sights of Museum Island, the Bode Museum flea market offers a unique shopping experience. The array of antique books, coins, and collectables available make it a must-visit destination.
Track down famous street art
After the Second World War, Berlin embraced a more progressive and free-thinking atmosphere, leading to rapid growth in the street art scene. Consequently, hotspots began appearing around the city for artists to gather and express themselves. Here are a couple of places not to miss:
Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg functions as a thriving cultural focal point and is undeniably the ‘trendy’ neighbourhood of Berlin. Exploring its streets, you’ll quickly encounter some of the incredible murals created here. Be sure to look out for some of Berlin’s most notable street art such as the ‘Astronaut’.
Dead Chicken Alley
Hidden down an alley, you’ll discover one of Berlin’s most dynamic hubs of street art by Haus Schwarzenberg. Two visits here are never the same as the walls are constantly evolving with new pieces. Take your time to explore as you can find art tucked away in every nook and cranny here.
The East Side Gallery
Blending artistic expression with historical narrative, the East Side Gallery tells the story of Berlin’s turbulent past in over 100 incredible paintings. Spanning more than 1300 meters, this gallery adorns the longest continuous stretch of the remaining Berlin Wall. Undeniably this is the most impressive showcase of street art in the city, making it one of the best free things to do in Berlin and one of the city’s best tourist attractions.
Relax in a park
Berlin is home to hundreds of incredible parks and outdoor spaces meaning that even in the busy city, there’s always a quiet place to escape to. Here are a couple of recommendations for places to see:
Tiergarten
The Central Park of Berlin, Tiergarten is the city’s largest and most popular park. Formerly a royal hunting ground, the park now hosts exhibitions, memorials and the River Spree. Conveniently located right by the Brandenburg Gate, strolling through Tiergarten is one of the best free things to do in Berlin if you want to spend some time outdoors.
Viktoriapark waterfall
A waterfall in the middle of the city? You’ll find it in Viktoriapark. Once a prominent vineyard, the park now provides a beautiful setting for a peaceful retreat.
Tempelhof Field abandonded airport
If you fancy hanging out at the site of a former airport, Tempelhof Field is the spot for you. After Tempelhof airport closed it was turned into a green space for the people of Berlin to enjoy. Now over 4 hectares of outdoor space await visitors including a 6-kilometer jogging trail.
Wander around the courtyards at Hackescher Hofe
The impressive courtyard complex at Hackescher Hofe is the largest of its kind in Germany and plays host to apartments, bars, restaurants, cafes and many other businesses. Bursting with activity, its art nouveau design imparts a contemporary and stylish ambience. The vibrant nightlife in the area further solidifies its status as a well-loved spot for tourists and locals alike, making it a great choice for free things to do in Berlin.
Summary
Is it cheap to visit Berlin? In my opinion, you can definitely get the full Berlin experience without having to spend a lot. Many of the most well-known spots that come to mind when you think of Berlin can be explored for free with the city also offering an abundance of amazing outdoor areas to visit. You’ll have no shortage of activities here, even if you’re on a smaller budget.
