25 Best Things to Do in Berlin, According to Locals

Here's how to fill your days (and nights) in Germany’s capital, from visiting museums to dancing the night away at legendary clubs.

<p>Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure</p> Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany.

Berlin is a city of contradictions. Edgy and derelict in some ways but with a cosmopolitan flair, its juxtaposition of past and present stands for all to see. You’ll find reminders of Berlin’s painful Holocaust and Cold War history everywhere in the form of landmarks and memorials. Colorful murals now decorate the last remaining sections of the wall that once divided the East and West, while elsewhere, old Soviet Bloc architecture looms over thriving community gardens. Germany’s capital also has incredible art and culture scenes, with world-class museums, contemporary galleries, and exhibition spaces galore. Shopping runs the gamut from vintage stores to luxury designer boutiques. The hard-partying metropolis is famous for nightlife, from high-octane mega clubs that don’t let out until daylight to speakeasy-style cocktail bars and chill biergartens. And it’s far from a sausage-and-pretzels food destination, thanks to a wave of international restaurants and spots that elevate German cuisine to new heights.

Needless to say, there’s more than enough happening to warrant a lengthy trip. But if you only have a few days, that’s when the challenge of narrowing down the long list of activities and attractions comes into play. To help you craft the ultimate itinerary and pack in as much as possible, we tapped local concierges to break down the best things to do in Berlin.

Museum Island

<p>Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure</p> Museum Island in Berlin, Germany

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Museum Island in Berlin, Germany

Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning complex that’s home to five major museums. Julien Gentle, head concierge at Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel, suggests prioritizing the Neues Museum, where you can admire Egyptian art like the famous bust of Nefertiti, and the Alte Nationalgalerie, which has an outstanding collection of 19th-century paintings and sculptures by German artists.

Berlin Wall Memorial

<p>Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure</p> Berlin Wall Memorial in Berlin, Germany.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Berlin Wall Memorial in Berlin, Germany.

“The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse is a moving tribute to the division of Berlin and the victims of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) regime,” explains Gentle. “The open-air exhibition and documentation center share profound and tangible insights into the layout and construction of the Berlin Wall, most notably the former Death Strip.”

Brandenburg Gate

<p>Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure</p> Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany.

Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany. “Once a symbol of division between East and West, since 1989 it's come to symbolize reunification and freedom,” explains Martin Werner, concierge at Hotel Adlon Kempinski.

Related: Berlin Travel Guide

KaDeWe

<p>Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images</p> KaDeWe department store in Berlin, Germany.

Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

KaDeWe department store in Berlin, Germany.

Kaufhaus des Westens, or KaDeWe, is one of the largest and most famous department stores in Europe — it’s up there with Harrods in London. The Berlin institution spans six stories and sells an impressive selection of luxury goods, from designer clothing and cosmetics to bedding and kitchen wares. Don’t forget to visit the gourmet section on the 6th floor.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

<p>Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure</p> Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, Germany.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, Germany.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, designed by New York architect Peter Eisenman, honors the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust. It’s without question one of the most significant — and devastating — sights in Berlin. Werner encourages visitors to pay 3 euros for the audio guide, which includes emotional and informative audio commentaries.

Berliner Unterwelten

<p>Steffi Loos/Getty Images</p> An underground tour with Berlin Unterwelten in Berlin, Germany.

Steffi Loos/Getty Images

An underground tour with Berlin Unterwelten in Berlin, Germany.

Berliner Unterwelten is a private collective that operates a variety of fascinating tours through the city's secret bunkers, tunnels, and Flak Towers built by the Nazis. It’s a fascinating way to gain unique insights into Berlin's history, particularly during World War II and the Cold War.

Schloss Charlottenburg

<p>orava/Getty Images</p> Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin, Germany.

orava/Getty Images

Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin, Germany.

Built by Frederick I, the largest palace in Berlin is a splendid example of Baroque architecture. Schloss Charlottenburg’s extensive palace gardens and Orangerie invite visitors to take long walks, while the interior boasts magnificent rooms and an impressive art collection. Pro tip: If you’re visiting over the holidays, be sure to check out the Christmas market.

East Side Gallery

<p>Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure</p> East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany.

In 1990, artists from around the world transformed the longest intact section of the Berlin Wall — between the Berlin Ostbahnhof and the Oberbaumbrücke, along the Spree River — into a permanent open-air exhibition that symbolizes peace and freedom over oppression.

Reichstag Building

<p>Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure</p> Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany.

With its spectacular glass dome, riverside location, and political importance, it's no wonder the Reichstag Building is one of the most visited sights in the city. In the summer months, Werner says, Berliners and tourists alike flock to the large lawn in front of this governmental meeting place.

Tempelhofer Feld

<p>EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty Images</p> Tempelhofer Feld in Berlin, Germany.

EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty Images

Tempelhofer Feld in Berlin, Germany.

Originally a parade ground and later an airport, Tempelhofer Feld now acts as a vast open space for recreation and leisure activities. Visitors can bike, skate, barbecue, marvel at the urban gardening section, or simply enjoy the freedom and expansiveness of this uniquely Berliner location. Gentle recommends “a tour of the old Nazi terminal building that’s shrouded in mystery and conspiracy.”

Berlin Philharmonic

<p>TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images</p> Berlin Philharmonic in Berlin, Germany.

TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images

Berlin Philharmonic in Berlin, Germany.

Music lovers shouldn't miss a chance to see a concert at the iconic Berlin Philharmonic, an architectural and acoustic marvel that plays host to one of the world's leading orchestras.

Tiergarten

<p>golero/Getty Images</p> Tiergarten in Berlin, Germany.

golero/Getty Images

Tiergarten in Berlin, Germany.

Berlin's largest inner-city park and a green oasis in the heart of the urban sprawl, Tiergarten sits on the former hunting grounds of the royal family and comprises sprawling lawns, ponds, and monuments — notably the Victory Column, a commemoration of the wars of German unification leading up to 1871. According to Gentle, it’s one of the city’s most popular spots for walks, jogging, and picnics.

Viktoriapark

<p>Artur Bogacki/Getty Images</p> Viktoriapark in Berlin, Germany.

Artur Bogacki/Getty Images

Viktoriapark in Berlin, Germany.

Located in Kreuzberg, Viktoriapark attracts locals and visitors with its picturesque landscapes (including an artificial waterfall) and stunning views of the city from the top of the hill.

Related: 25 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany for Breathtaking Mountains, Medieval Towns, and Moving Historic Sites

Mauerpark Flea Market

<p>Jörg Carstensen/picture alliance via Getty Images</p> Mauerpark Flea Market in Beriln, Germany.

Jörg Carstensen/picture alliance via Getty Images

Mauerpark Flea Market in Beriln, Germany.

At Mauerpark Flea Market, a lively and colorful marketplace held every Sunday, visitors can find everything from vintage clothing and antiques to handmade crafts from local makers. The adjacent park is famous for its street musicians, open mic karaoke, and exuberant atmosphere.

House of the Wannsee Conference

<p>Christian Ender/Getty Images</p> The House of the Wannsee Conference in Berlin, Germany.

Christian Ender/Getty Images

The House of the Wannsee Conference in Berlin, Germany.

In 1942, the Nazis planned their “Final Solution” — the systematic extermination of European Jews — at the House of the Wannsee Conference. Today, the site serves as a memorial and a chilling educational center, providing insight on the logistics of one of the greatest tragedies in human history. It’s both painful and incredibly important.

Teufelsberg

<p>Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images</p> Abandoned tower in Teufelsberg in Berlin, Germany.

Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images

Abandoned tower in Teufelsberg in Berlin, Germany.

Teufelsberg is a man-made hill in western Berlin, topped by the ruins of a former U.S. listening station used during the height of the Cold War. The site offers not only historical tours but also spectacular views over the city. It’s also a popular spot for street art and murals and is one of the places Berliners go to cool off in the hot, humid summers.

Nikolaiviertel Boat Tour

<p>Rafael Dols/Getty Images</p> A tour in the Nikolaiviertel neighborhood in Berlin, Germany.

Rafael Dols/Getty Images

A tour in the Nikolaiviertel neighborhood in Berlin, Germany.

A historic boat tour through the Nikolaiviertel, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, takes visitors along the Spree River for a fascinating perspective on its medieval and baroque history. “Because most of Berlin’s historic center was destroyed during WWII, this district is really the closest thing to an Old Town,” notes Gentle.

Klunkerkranich

<p>aslu\ullstein bild via Getty Images</p> Klunkerkranich rooftop in Berlin, Germany.

aslu\ullstein bild via Getty Images

Klunkerkranich rooftop in Berlin, Germany.

Starting in March and through the summer months, hipsters gather on the roof terrace of Klunkerkranich, a cultural center in the district of Berlin-Neukölln, to sip drinks and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. In addition to cocktails, visitors can enjoy casual vegan food and live music.

Kreuzberg Food Tour

<p>Alina Rudya/Bell Collective/Getty Images</p> A Donerkebab in Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany

Alina Rudya/Bell Collective/Getty Images

A Donerkebab in Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany

“A food tour through Kreuzberg gives visitors the chance to discover the culinary diversity of this multicultural district, from Turkish specialties to innovative fusion cuisine,” says Gentle. On Tuesdays and Fridays a sprawling market lines the banks of the Maybachufer. It’s a great place to stock up on Turkish snacks and all sorts of other tasty treats.

Holzmarkt

<p>XEL SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images</p> Holzmarkt in Berlin, Germany.

XEL SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images

Holzmarkt in Berlin, Germany.

Holzmarkt is a creative and cultural center on the banks of the Spree River in the New East that’s awash with edgy bars, art installations, and indie shops. “It’s become a popular meeting place for locals and tourists looking to experience Berlin's more alternative scene,” adds Gentle.

Natural History Museum Berlin

<p>JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images</p> The Natural History Museum in Berlin, Germany.

JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images

The Natural History Museum in Berlin, Germany.

The Natural History Museum Berlin is famous for its impressive dinosaur skeletons, including a well-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex named Tristan Otto as well as the earliest known bird.

Berlin Zoo

<p>Andreas Altwein/picture alliance via Getty Images</p> A polar bear in the Berliner Zoo in Berlin, Germany.

Andreas Altwein/picture alliance via Getty Images

A polar bear in the Berliner Zoo in Berlin, Germany.

Germany's oldest zoo is home to a diversity of different species. With its historic aquarium and expansive habitats, it’s one of the most popular attractions for families, children, and animal lovers of all ages. Insider tip from Gentle: You can enjoy a coffee and look directly into the monkey cages from the nearby Bikini concept mall.

Gendarmenmarkt

<p>RossHelen/Getty Images</p> Gendarmenmarkt Square in Berlin, Germany.

RossHelen/Getty Images

Gendarmenmarkt Square in Berlin, Germany.

Arguably Berlin’s most beautiful square, Gendarmenmarkt houses the monumental Neue Kirche, Duomo dei Francesi (the French Cathedral), and the Konzerthaus Berlin. Planning a trip in the winter? Don’t miss the Christmas market.

Related: 12 Best German Christmas Markets — Including the Oldest in the World

Gardens of the World

<p>Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images</p> Gardens of the World in Berlin, Germany.

Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images

Gardens of the World in Berlin, Germany.

A little further afield in Marzahn, the Gardens of the World (Gärten der Welt) fuels a sense of wanderlust for travelers and locals alike. The public park, which opened in May 1987, comprises 250 acres of ornamental gardens, ranging from a peaceful Japanese garden to a riad-style Islamic garden. There’s also a cable car that floats above and supplies panoramic views.

Nightclubs

<p>Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images</p> Two DJs at a nightclub.

Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images

Two DJs at a nightclub.

“The legendary techno clubs — most notably Berghain — are known for strict door policies. While people have been scratching their heads for years trying to figure out a way to trick the system, getting rejected from one of the city's hottest nightlife venues has become almost a rite of passage — so much so that it’s considered an essential part of the true Berlin experience for many visitors,” says Gentle. Of course, there’s always a chance you might gain access. In that case, debauchery and dancing well past dawn await.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.