If you’ve only got 3 days in Berlin, you’ll need to have your itinerary sorted for when you arrive. There’s lots to pack in after all. We’ve taken the best bits this city has to offer covering culture, the food scene and, of course, the iconic sights and landmarks, and we’ve crammed them into a 72 hour schedule for you.
Here’s how your 3 days in Berlin itinerary looks:
DAY 1
Time to see the sights
A great way to get a feel for a city is to hop on a Big Bus tour. You’ll tick off all the main sights while getting your bearings and making a note of the must-dos for the rest of your trip. You can hop off at any of the designated stops and delve a little deeper into this culturally rich city. Then simply re-join the tour when you’re ready.
There are some stops we particularly recommend. Hop off at KaDeWe for a browse at the second largest department store in Europe. Then Checkpoint Charlie, the former, most famous border crossing point, to learn about the tank confrontation in 1961. Stop for a bite in Alexanderplatz, one of the liveliest squares in Berlin. Hop back on and head to Brandenburger to walk through that famous gate, then take a wander through Tiergarten Park, a beautifully kept green oasis. At the heart of it is Siegessäule (Victory Column), if you have any energy left climb the 285 steps to the viewing platform where you’ll be congratulated with stunning views.
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Evening
If it’s your first leisurely meal in Berlin, you’re in for a culinary treat. The food scene in this city is exploding, with local eateries regularly collecting Michelin stars. If you’re keen to try the local specialities, be sure to include the currywurst and döner kebab on your must-try food list. But it gets so much more sophisticated than that. There’s experimental vegetarian, desserts served for main and a Japanese tea-house inspired restaurant serving an authentic Omakase menu. For our recommended hotspots, check out our guide on Berlin’s Best Restaurants.
DAY 2
It’s time to take a closer look at the landmarks that make Berlin famous. And a good place to start is the East Side Gallery. The longest section of the Berlin Wall still in existence, transformed into a work of art. Telling the story of this fascinating era, it’s the longest open-air gallery in the world. A couple of famous images to note are the fraternal embrace between Honecker and Brezhnev, and Birgit Kinder’s Trabant breaking through the wall. Take your time to meander along the gallery and see how you interpret these images.
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Next it’s time to explore the Reichstag. This Parliament Building is possible one of the most significant in all of Berlin, where Germany’s most important political decisions are still made today. After suffering a fire in 1933 and destruction during World War II, it has been restored to its former glory, if not better, and well worth a look inside. The latest architectural addition was a beautiful glass dome, which you can tour for free, offering impressive views of the city.
Your last stop today is the DDR Museum. One of the most interactive museums in the world, it gives you the chance to experience a little of what everyday life behind the Berlin Wall was like. Take a virtual drive in a Trabant, wander a high-rise tower block flat and play the many educational games. It’s a history lesson like no other.
Evening
You can’t come to Berlin and not experience the live music scene. The German capital lines up incredible gigs daily, covering all genres of music. The venues often add to the atmosphere, with piano bars, factories and old dance halls setting the tone. From jazz, soul and blues heroes playing in Quasimodo club, to swing, soul and funk legends jamming in Yorckschlösschen, and all things punk happening at S036.
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DAY 3
Spend your last morning in Berlin ticking off the sights and activities you’ve earmarked over the last two days but haven’t yet visited. There’s the Holocaust Memorial, Charlottenburg Palace, or perhaps the Olympic Stadium.
When you’re done, head over to Alexanderplatz, the largest and liveliest square in Berlin. Located in Mitte, you can easily reach many more landmarks by foot if you’re still after a bit of culture. Berliner Rathaus and Berlin Cathedral offer a beautiful backdrop to your photos. Or scale the Berlin TV Tower, the highest building in Europe open to the public, and get a panoramic view of the city. Otherwise, simply enjoy the buzz of daily life around you. Pitch up at a café and enjoy a coffee and a pretzel, browse the many shops, or check out what films are screening today at the local cinema.
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Evening
It’s your last evening in the city, so you need to go out with a bang. And what better way to enjoy every last minute of your Berlin city break than by hitting a club that has no designated closing time. For an international DJ music night, Trade is your venue. If 1900s R&B and reggaeton is your vibe, head to Hoe_Mies. If you’re looking to go ‘out out’, Leisure System is possibly one of Berlin’s craziest nights. And if you still have the energy, Buttons throws a party that lasts well over 24 hours.
Ready to start your Berlin adventure? There are so many corners of this cultural capital worth visiting, and this itinerary should take you to all the fun and famous spots. For more ideas on how to fill your time in this bustling city, check out our Top Things to do in Berlin guide.
