Berlin is a city absolutely bursting at the seams with culture, history and incredible landmarks. With its vibrant art scene, decadent spread of foodie hotspots, thought-provoking historical sights and wide range of shopping destinations there truly is a spot in the city for everyone, no matter your interests.
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Berlin is my favourite city in Germany and has me going back time and time again, every time I visit there’s something new on my list to see. Feeling overwhelmed with so much to do in Berlin? Let me help you with my perfect one-day itinerary to experience the city’s highlights.
One day in Berlin: What to do, see and visit
What you need to know
- Is one day in Berlin enough? If you’re organised you can tick off a lot of major hotspots during one day in Berlin. However, to fully experience everything the city has to offer I recommend a longer stay.
- Is Berlin easy to walk around? Generally, walking from site to site in Berlin is doable, especially on a nice day. The public transportation in Berlin is excellent and will get you within walking distance of most of Berlin’s attractions.
- Where is the best place to start in Berlin? If you only have one day in Berlin the best place to start has to be the Brandenburg Gate. It’s the focal point of Berlin and is close by to a lot of other major attractions.
Berlin Welcome Card
The Berlin Welcome Card is a great option if you only have one day in Berlin. 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.
Public transportation in Berlin
Before you can visit all the sights you need to know how to get there. Berlin has a great transportation system however most things are within a reasonable walking distance. The four main ways to get around are:
- U-Bahn (underground subway)
- S-Bahn (overground subway)
- Buses
- Trams
Germany is a very bike-friendly country and there are plenty of places to hire a bike around Berlin. Alternatively, as with most major cities, there’s a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour that circulates around the major attractions. My preferred way to get around is by taking the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. Prior to boarding, you can purchase tickets online or at the ticket machines at most stations. Generally, a ticket that covers the AB zone will be sufficient unless you plan on leaving the city. Important – you must validate your ticket before travel, this can be done via a machine on the platform.
Map of attractions in Berlin
I set out this itinerary to make travelling from place to place quick and easy. Starting the day in the east of Berlin to discover the city’s history you’ll then move West to Kreuzberg and begin your journey along the Eastside Gallery. The late afternoon and evening will bring you up to Alexanderplatz to take in the views from the Fernsehenturm.
A morning in Berlin
The Brandenburg Gate
Probably the most recognisable structure in the city, the Brandenburg Gate is a must-see for any visitor spending one day in Berlin. Previously located in a no-go area when the Berlin Wall was standing, the Brandenburg Gate now represents unity and peace. For the best photo opportunities get there early in the morning to beat the tourists then head back in the evening as the sun is going down.
Getting there: S1, S2, S25, S26, U5 to the Brandenburger Tor
The Reichstag
The Reichstag Dome is an iconic landmark in Germany’s political history and the home of the German parliament. Grab an audio guide, wander around the dome and make sure to peer down into the debating chamber housed below. Prior registration is required to visit the Reichstag building and I recommend booking well in advance as it does sell out!
Getting there: S1, S2, S25 S26, to the Brandenburger Tor or the U5 to the Bundestag
The Holocaust Memorial – The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Covering 19,000 square metres and made up of 2711 concrete pillars of differing heights the memorial is an impressive feat of architecture. The meaning is open to interpretation, encouraging thought and contemplation. If you have time make sure to head to the centre of the site to find the entrance to an information centre dedicated to victims of the Holocaust. If you only have one day in Berlin I can’t recommend visiting this memorial enough.
Getting there: S1, S2, S25 S26, U5 to the Brandenburger Tor
Checkpoint Charlie
An ode to the Cold War and former border crossing between east and west Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie is a vibrant historical site usually buzzing with tourists. Actors playing the role of soldiers are located at the replica border house allowing you to grab an iconic photo with them for a few euros, the perfect souvenir to remember your one day in Berlin.
Getting there: U6 to Kochstrasses / Checkpoint Charlie
An afternoon in Berlin
Kreuzberg
The Kreuzberg district is a multicultural hub within Berlin offering different cuisines, vibrant street art and quirky little shops. Looking for alternative things to do during your one day in Berlin? Kreuzberg is the perfect spot to walk around and soak up the atmosphere.
Getting there: U1 and U3 to Görlitzer Bahnhof
Markthalle Neun
Located within Kreuzberg, Markthalle Neun is a renovated market hall popular with tourists and locals alike. It’s filled to the brim with fresh produce, drinks, flowers and food vendors, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. This is my favourite place to get food and definitely recommend a visit if you only have one day in Berlin!
Getting there: U1 and U3 to Görlitzer Bahnhof
The East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is the longest unbroken section of the Berlin Wall still standing and the largest open-air gallery in the world making it another must-see if you only have one day in Berlin. It features over 100 murals by 118 artists who have managed to turn Berlin’s dark past into beautiful expressions of powerful emotion. Start your journey along the wall by crossing over the river from the Schlesisches Tor station and follow the wall along to fully take in all that the gallery has to offer.
Getting there: U1 and U3 to Schlesisches Tor
Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz is an exciting central hub in the east of Berlin. It’s become a go-to spot for shopping enthusiasts housing the ALEXA and GALERIA shopping centres among others. Alexanderplatz is also home to the World Clock and the Fountain of Friendship between Peoples, boasts the presence of the iconic television tower as well as having a lot of great bars nearby.
Getting there: S3, S5, S7, S9, U2, U5, U8 to Alexanderplatz Bahnhof
An evening in Berlin
Fernsehturm – Television Tower
At 368m tall and offering 360 panoramic views of Berlin the iconic TV Tower, known locally as the Fernsehturm, is the tallest building in Germany and the ideal location for taking in all of Berlin’s most famous landmarks. A high-speed lift takes you up to the viewing deck where you can take in the beauty of Berlin. After that head on up to the revolving restaurant to enjoy an unforgettable meal looking out on the German capital. This is a great way to finish off your one day in Berlin.
Getting there: S3, S5, S7, S9, U2, U5, U8 to Alexanderplatz Bahnhof
Got more time?
If you have time to squeeze in some extra activities here are some recommendations for how to make the most of one day in Berlin:
Walking tour
If you only have one day in Berlin and are interested in the history of the city a walking tour is a great activity! Here are a few options:
- For history lovers who want to learn what life was like during the Third Reich check out this tour
- To take in all of Berlin’s top attractions join this walking tour
- If you want to learn more about the Berlin Wall and its history this tour will be perfect for you!
Potsdamer Platz
Formerly a dead zone between west and east Berlin, Potsdamer Platz is now a hub for shopping, food and nightlife and there’s something here for everyone, check out the Legoland Discovery Centre or head on over to the Sony Center to grab a bite to eat
Museum Island
Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site housed on Spreeinsel (Spree Island) that features five museums showcasing an incredible range of exhibits. From the 17-metre tall market gate of Miletus in the Pergamon Museum to the bust of Nefertiti in the Neues Museum, there’s certainly something to interest everyone on the island.
Christmas markets
Berlin is not shy of Christmas markets over the holiday period ranging from traditional-style markets to ones with a more international flair. If you only have one day in Berlin over Christmas visiting one of the markets is undoubtedly a must.
Berliner Dom – Berlin Cathedral
The Berlin Cathedral Church is an easily recognisable part of Berlin’s skyline, after suffering damage during World War II the site has now been restored to its former glory. Check out the museum and then head on up to the Dome’s outer walkway for some incredible views.
Summary
There’s no shortage of ways to fill a day in Berlin. There’s a reason this is one of my favourite cities, there really is something for everyone. Whether a history lover or a shopping addict, you certainly won’t be let down by this vibrant city.
