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The light stonework and blue-green copper domes of the Berlin Cathedral are contrasted against a stormy sky and green Spree river flowing past.

How to spend three days in Berlin: the ultimate guide

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Searching for the best Berlin 3 day itinerary, ready to stroll the streets of an uber cool city with a techno club around every corner?

Maybe you’d prefer wandering through world class museums or rummaging through vintage treasures at a flea market, fresh coffee in hand.

Whether you’re here to see the Berlin Wall or just sampling the foodie scene, I’ve squeezed something for everyone into this perfectly curated itinerary and I’d love to share it with you.

This is the perfect guide for first-time visitors to the top attractions of the capital city of Germany.

Let’s hit the road and start exploring the eclectic streets of Berlin.

The light stonework and blue-green copper domes of the Berlin Cathedral are contrasted against a stormy sky and green Spree river flowing past.
The elegant Berliner Dom towers over the Spree
The Victory column in Berlin, topped with a golden statue, stands tall against a stormy sky as the sun is setting, vans and barricades close off the road.
The dramatic Siegessäule under a stormy sky, actually massive up close
A red and white street sign and metal fencing stands in front of the grand sandstone columns of the Brandenburg Gate, the four horses pull a chariot atop the grand archway.
The Brandenburger Tor, a symbol of the city

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A quick rundown on the quirky capital of Germany

Spoiler alert, Berlin did not have a great run in the 20th century.

The city you see today is largely without the stunning Baroque buildings or charming half-timbered houses common in many other German cities.

During the hyperinflation crisis post WWI, the poverty of the city meant that many old buildings weren’t preserved.

Then what was left was hugely destroyed in the bombings of WWII. If buildings weren’t directly damaged in the bombing raids, then the resulting fires took out a large amount of the remaining houses.

After the war, the city was divided by the infamous Berlin Wall, separating the capitalist West Berlin from the socialist East Berlin, dividing families and friends from each other for over 25 years. The wall came down in 1989 and the two sides of the city were slowly reunited.

The Soviet influence of former East Berlin is still visible with brutalist architecture across the East side of the city and minimal reconstruction of Berlin’s former glorious landmarks.

Unlike reconstructed cities like Dresden or Munich, the lack of “Old Europe” buildings gives Berlin much more of a modern, gritty feel.

This has meant that the city places a large emphasis on its cultural attractions, you’ll find abandoned power stations transformed into techno temples and quirky art installations around each new corner.

Leather clad locals push the fashion boundaries and enjoy the reputation of “Berliner Schnauze” – a no-nonsense, straight-talking dialect/attitude. Plenty of street art adorns the walls of buildings with some “interesting” messages.

Toss in a delightful food scene with big contributions from the international community hubs scattered around the city and you’ve got yourself a recipe for big, bold Berlin.

Now onto your itinerary!

After Berlin, why not enjoy this Munich 3 day itinerary for fairytale buildings and beer halls?

How to get started on your three days living like a Berliner

This plan is based off three full days to spend in Berlin, staying anywhere around the city center will be fine to access the different spots.

The most convenient spot to stay will be in Mitte, the central part of the city but you’ll find cheaper accommodation out further in districts like Friedrichshain or Prenzlauer Berg.

There’s heaps of public transportation available in Berlin so you’ll have no trouble getting around the city, download the BVG Fahrinfo App to have route info available on the go.

While you can buy a physical ticket from the machines scattered around, I prefer to use the online tickets which you can buy via the app to show ticket officers.

If you decide to go for a physical ticket, don’t forget to validate it by inserting it into the red boxes you’ll see at the stations, this makes it legal!

An unvalidated ticket is the equivalent to no ticket at all in the eyes of the ticket inspectors.

Day 1 of your Berlin 3 day itinerary: Berlin Mitte and Tiergarten

Today we’re going to be exploring the thriving centre of Berlin, more commonly known as Mitte, and home to the city’s most famous landmarks like the Brandenburg Tor and the Reichstag.

Once you’ve snapped plenty of photos of the Berliner Dom, it’s time to make our way over to Tiergarten for one of Berlin’s much adored green spaces.

Plus, I’ve got the perfect spot for you to watch the sunset over the Fernsehturm (the Berlin TV Tower), don’t forget your camera!

Day 1 Overview:

1. Alexanderplatz + Fernsehturm

2. Marienkirche + Neptune Fountain

3. Nikolaiviertel

4. Museuminsel

5. Berliner Dom

6. DDR Museum

7. Brandenburg Tor

8. Reichstag Building

9. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

10. Tiergarten & Victory Column

11. Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche

Alexanderplatz + Fernsehturm

Alight at Alexanderplatz for one of Berlin’s most iconic squares, there’s quite a transport hub here, and step out straight into the view of the iconic Fernsehturm (Television Tower), Berlin’s tallest building.

At 368 metres tall and built in 1969, this futuristic needle pierces the sky at the heart of the city.

It even has a revolving restaurant at the top which you could indulge in, along with an observation deck.

It’s rather expensive so I’d recommend a different observation point which allows you to take in the view over the Fernsehturm instead.

Top Tip: Head over to the Park Inn Hotel Alexanderplatz to visit their observation deck on the 39th floor, it’ll cost 6€ per adult instead of 25€ at the actual TV Tower. Come at sunset for the best views and while you can order a drink, aim for somewhere else for dinner after you’ve enjoyed the view.  

Pass by the base of the TV tower and spy the formerly Catholic, now Lutheran Marienkirche, parts of which date from 1243, standing just across the square and is the oldest church in the city.

Head past the whimsical Neptune Fountain and make your way to the winding streets of the restored Nikolaiviertel.

Pastel-painted merchants houses line the streets here, rebuilt from the rubble in the 1980’s to look like the original quarter that used to stand here, making it an adorable village in the midst of the skyscrapers.

The distinctive double-spired Nikolaikirche (now a museum which is temporarily closed at the time of writing) is in the middle of all the darling multicolour merchant houses, plus you’ll be stepping away from the crowds in Alexanderplatz.

A large, concrete, beige tower topped with a silver sphere and red and white antenna stretches up to the clouded sky atop a large city square.
The soaring Fernsehturm standing pride of place in Alexanderplatz
A bold, red bricked tower stretches to a heavily clouded sky, ornate windows and dramatic columns frame the tower as it ascends, complete with a large clock face on its anterior.
The impressive Rotes Rathaus against a gloomy Berlin sky
A red-roofed cathedral, complete with cream tower and copper green spire stands behind an ornate fountain featuring Neptune on a cobblestone square. Visitors mill around the base of the fountain under a clouded sky
The serene Marienkirche and ornate Neptunsbrunnen

Museum Island – appropriately named!

After you’ve had enough time to take in the village vibes, head over to the Museuminsel (Museum Island) to the 15th century Berliner Schloss.

Once home to royalty, these days, this stately palace is home to numerous free museum collections, plus a few paid exhibits.

There’s even a rooftop terrace with views back over the city and a café to boot.

Your next stop is the Berlin Cathedral or Dom just across the street, must have a short walk for everyone to get to church! This majestic masterpiece, topped with elegant, blue-green copper domes, dates from the 1800s and is home to a few royal tombs.

Entry into the ornate interior costs 10€ per adult and includes entry to the dome climb, offering views back over the city. Lines for entry can be long in the peak seasons so keep that in mind.

The views from the grass lawns of the Lustgarten next door to the cathedral are also lovely.

The rest of Museuminsel is home to over 10 museums and art galleries (appropriately named), including the Altes Museum, Neues MuseumBode Museum and the Pergamon Museum.

The entire island is actually listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Pergamon Museum is due to mostly close for extensive renovations from the end of October, 2023 and reopen partially in 2027, fully opening by the late 2030s. So, sadly, the Pergamon Museum will likely not be an option for your visit to Berlin unless you’re looking at this guide a long way in the future.

You can either stop into a museum now or save it for later in the itinerary if you’d prefer to keep exploring Mitte.

A large, copper domed cathedral stands on a grassy square, the blue green domes are topped with golden orbs and crucifixes. A spherical restaurant and red and white spike top the Television Tower in the background, the sky behind them is blue and dusted with clouds.
Two icons of Berlin, we’ll just pretend that the scaffolding isn’t there
A large, classical building is fronted by many columns and topped with two statues of horses, a large fountain spouts water in the middle of a patchy looking lawn, visitors stroll along the concrete paths. The sky above has heavy cloud with patches of blue, trees line the sides of the lawns.
The Altes Museum across the Lustgarten lawns

Fancy some more magical cathedrals? This walking tour of Nuremberg has everything you need

I’ve included a brief overview of the available museums for you to help make up your mind about which to see:

Altes Museum: The jumbo classical building that you see at the end of the Lustgarten lawn, decorated amply with columns. Don’t forget to look up while you’re inside at the majestic dome above you. It holds mostly Greek and Roman artefacts, entry is 10€ per adult.

Neues Museum: Holds collections of Egyptian works including the stunning bust of Nefertiti and archaeological artefacts from Uzbekistan, a must for fans of Egyptian artefacts with an extensive display of sarcophagi and art. Tickets can be bought online or at the door and cost 14€ per adult.

Bode Museum: A rounded museum on the tip of Museum Island, you’ll find vast collections of sculpture and vibrant displays of historical Byzantine art, you’ll most likely be visiting this one without many other guests despite its stunning works. Tickets are 10€ per adult and again, can be bought online or at the door.

Alte Nationalgalerie: Home to some of Germany’s most famous art and artists like Klimt and Lieberman, you’ll need to book a reservation online to visit here, even if you’re visiting with a Museum Island Pass. Tickets here cost 12€ per adult and don’t forget your reservation!

Top Tip: If you’re planning on visiting more than one museum on the island, the Museum Island ticket is 19€ per adult and will definitely save you money on the entry fees.

Plan to spend the majority of the day in the museums if you do decide to go for this ticket to get the most value for your money and reshuffle the rest of the 3 day itinerary to fit.

My personal favourite museum is much more lighthearted, the DDR Museum lies just over the Spree from the Berliner Dom and takes visitors on a fascinating journey through former East German life.

With an old Trabant car, authentically decorated rooms and quirky insights into every aspect of daily routine under socialist rules, I thought it was brilliantly done.

Tickets are 13.50€ per adult and you can purchase them online or at the door.

A small blue, white and yellow pennant is affixed to a grey wall and displays a soccer player kicking a ball and various fixtures results from the former DDR soccer team, beneath a dark blue soccer jersey and signed soccer ball are resting within the museum exhibit.
Some of the DDR soccer teams successes, love that they beat Australia 2-0
A blue, compact scooter stands pride of place in a museum, complete with a white helmet resting on top, brightly lit up, visitors browse the exhibits behind it
The DDR Museums is packed with info about every aspect of daily life in former East Germany
A small black and white picture is displayed of members of the DDR soccer team in their team kit lined up before a game, adhered to a grey plaster wall.
The DDR sporting teams famously competed against the GDR or West Germany in a fierce rivalry

Unter den Linden and straight to Brandenburg Gate

After the museums, make your way along the most famous avenue in Berlin, Unter den Linden – which translates to under the linden trees.

Follow it all the way to the end to spot Berlin’s very famous gateway, Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate).

Built in 1788 and inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, it’s an instant symbol of Berlin!

The gate and its statue of galloping horses on top were all reconstructed after bombing damage, the gate was actually part of East Berlin during the time of the Berlin Wall and lay in the restricted zone so practically no one was allowed to visit.

These days its considered a powerful symbol of German reunification. Once you’ve snapped some beautiful pictures of this stately gateway, head through and turn right to the imposing Reichstag building.

This majestic building has had quite a bumpy history, empires and wars have been declared and brought undone here.

Severely damaged multiple times during conflict, the building has had two major reconstructions.

In 1990, a glass dome was constructed for the top of the building that is totally open to the public to walk around and look down on the politicians beneath them, a deliberate choice by the architect.

And since that time, the unified German government has had its seat here.

If you’d like to go up to the dome and see the rooftop views out over Tiergarten and back into the city, you’ll need to book in advance and go through a security screening but there’s no cost involved.

Did you know: The Reichstag was essentially abandoned between 1945 and 1954 when it was decided not to demolish the ruined building but restore it as a symbol of German democracy as well as a landmark of German history.

The West German parliament sat in Bonn during its lifetime.

A large, powder pink building with multiple stone columns completing its facade is topped by classical statues and gold lettering. The grand city street is wide and lined with neoclassical buildings, the sky is building with thunderclouds.
The opulent Berlin State Opera stands on the grand promenade of Unter den Linden
The sandstone, neo-classical gateway of the Brandenburg Gate stands at the end of Unter den Linden, multiple vans and gathered people crowd the foreground, the four copper horses atop the gate are clearly visible.
The quintessential Brandenburg Gate, crazy to think it stood in no mans land while the Berlin Wall existed.
Large, uneven, dark grey blocks stretch off into the distance, bounded by city buildings under a cloudy sky.
The solemn Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

A sombre memorial

Turn and walk in the opposite direction to reach Berlin’s most solemn landmark, the sorrowful Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas).

The space is filled with 2710 towering blocks of different heights, designed to both commemorate the innumerable victims of the Holocaust and evoke the fear and terror endured by the Jewish population.

Beneath the standing stones of the Holocaust Memorial, there’s a free museum dedicated to telling the atrocious truths of those horror-filled years.

There are many harrowing parts of the exhibition so keep this in mind when deciding whether to attend.

The memorial is not usually policed but respect and solemn remembrance are requested when visiting.

The Victory Column and its peaceful, green surrounds

The serene Tiergarten is one of Berlin’s most beloved green oases, covering over five square kilometres, double the size of New York’s Central Park.

The grounds encompass numerous statues, pavilions and even the Berlin Zoo, hence the name of Tiergarten or “Animal Garden”.

The Victory Statue or Siegessäule, stands in the middle of the park and commemorates a famous Prussian victory over the Danes.

Personally, I love the view from the ground but if you’re visiting in time for the autumn colours, the view from beneath the golden statue of Victory is magical back over the red and orange foilage of Tiergarten.

You can reach its viewing platform after climbing 285 steps, access the staircase via underground tunnels, admission is 4€ per adult.

Find your way to the far end of Tiergarten and the evocative Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche, the ruined (and stabilised) remains of a church that was heavily damaged by bombing in WWII and stands as a memorial to the lives lost during the conflict, as well as the beautiful buildings that were destroyed.

Make sure to wander around the interior and take in the serenity of the ornate mosaics and art within, this is one of my favourite spots in Berlin.

In direct contrast, the church faces the famous Ku’damm, short for Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s well-known shopping strip and home to elegant hotels alongside luxury stores. If you’ve got the cash, Ku’damm is the place to splash it.

The rest of the day is yours to do as you feel, you could visit the Berlin Zoo, a short walk from the Victory Column.

Go in search of a cute coffee shop to refuel your afternoon (my suggestion is BLUE / NORDIC COFFEE at the Nordic Embassy) or simply find a free bench to soak up the greenery of Tiergarten. See you tomorrow for more!

A large, dramatic column studded with golden accents and topped with a golden statue of Victory stands against a stormy sky, a ring of columns surrounds the base of the monument.
Find one of the four underground entrances outside of the intersection to climb the Victory Column
A long, straight city road stretches far into the distance, lined on both sides by lush, green trees beneath a cloudy sky, the dark road is wet from recent rain and there is a traffic cone before a low, white structure to the left.
Lush greenery lines the avenues of Tiergarten
A partially ruined sandstone church with the lower portion of the tower remaining stands preserved with futuristic city buildings behind it, traces of green copper still line the decorative elements of its rooflines and there is a large hole where a stained glass rose window would have once rested.
The ruined Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church makes a dramatic statement against the horror of war

Day 2 of your Berlin 3 day itinerary:

Today we’re exploring more of Berlin’s famous inner city landmarks and beyond, I’ve even got a visit to an abandoned airport locked and loaded for you.

Where else can you go strolling along a disused runway alongside rollerblading Berliners. Plus my honest opinion on Checkpoint Charlie!

Day 2 Overview:

1. Tempelhof

2. Bergmannkiez

3. Chamissoplatz

4. Marheineke Markthalle

5. Anhalter Bahnhof

6. Topography of Terror 

7. Potsdamer Platz 

8. Checkpoint Charlie 

9. Gendarmenmarkt 

Fancy a stroll along the runway?

We’re starting out at the furtherest point from the city and working our way back in, make your way to the Tempelhof transit stop, home to the now disused Tempelhof Airport.

Pre-war, it was one of the busiest airports in Europe and it was the site of the Berlin Airlift, when West Berlin residents had to be solely airdropped vital food and supplies due to Cold War tensions.

Built in 1923 for the foreseeable boom in air traffic, the airport ran up until 2008 when it was decomissioned. The City of Berlin then decided to turn the abundant space for runways, into a kind of inner suburban park.

Beloved by all kinds of locals and visitors, people come with their bikes, scooters, kites, even rollerskates to take advantage of the enormous expanses of concrete left behind in what has otherwise transformed back into a meadow in the middle of the city.

You might even be able to spot the abandoned plane, formerly a training plane for pilots, fenced off on your way to the next stop.

Top tip: Don’t forget to stop for your photo under the Tempelhof sign at the main semi-circular terminal building!

A large, golden field stretches back into the distance, ringed by a semi-circular terminal building, once an airport, now a sporting field for Berlin. A small white tower is seen to the right of the old terminal building under the blue sky.
The colossal space at Tempelhof, spot the semi-circular terminal building
A wide tarmac runway bisected by yellow and pink lines stretches off into the distance, visitors stroll along the yellowed grass and dark asphalt, a kite surfer's kite can be seen in the distance against a blue sky.
Anyone coming for a stroll along the abandoned runway?

Beautiful Bergmannkiez

Tempelhof borders the uber cool Kreuzberg, once infamous in Berlin for being a rather seedy spot full of rowdy nightclubs held in abandoned buildings and revolutionary university students.

These days, Kreuzberg is a bit more sedate and has been gentrified into a charming mix of old school markets, trendy cafes serving speciality coffee and vegan eateries galore.

One of the coolest enclaves within greater Kreuzberg is Bergmannkiez, which holds some of the best preserved sections of “old” Berlin before it endured some serious destruction in the 20th century.

Wander up to Chamissoplatz for a delightful look at preserved townhouses, original gas lamps and I’m sure you’ve earnt a stop for a caffeine break at one of the adorable cafes bordering the square. After you’ve wandered around and spotted your favourite pastel-hued house, of course.

There’s also an organic farmers market held here every Saturday morning so bring a shopping bag if you’ll be lucky enough to be visiting in time!

Not here for on a Saturday morning?

Never fear, next up you’re heading over to the Marheineke Markthalle, a favourite destination for locals to shop fresh produce and delicious morsels.

Kreuzberg is a multicultural hub with over 180 nationalities calling this chunk of Berlin home and the diversity of the stalls and eateries in the streets surrounding reflect this in their offerings.

You’ll find stalls selling everything from French pastries straight out of the oven to Spanish tapas, feel free to grab some snacks or an early lunch to take with you.

We’ll be passing plenty of leafy green spaces to enjoy your lunch out in the fresh air.

What’s left of the Anhalter Bahnhof

Wander along the bustling streets of Kreuzberg, you’re heading for the mysterious Anhalter Bahnhof.

You might spot the queue for the famous Mustafas Gemuse Kebap on the way, the Turkish kebab is a widely beloved food in Germany and this stall is often quoted in guidebooks as being must-try.

Don’t miss the views along the charming canal from Mehringbrücke as you make your way to the former railway station.

Pull up a bench and enjoy your lunch while you admire the preserved façade of the Anhalter Bahnhof, this used to be a very grand train station capable of holding 40,000 people at one time.

Completed in 1880 for the good people of Berlin, the station was so glamorous that it had separate sections for royalty using the rail services.

Ruined by bombing in WWII and affected badly by train lines changing during the Cold War, it was mostly demolished in the 1960s, except for the small portion of the elegant façade that you see today.

The all-white, spiked structure opposite the ruins is the Tempodrom, a futuristic performing arts centre with regular shows.

Just over the road, the Topography of Terror won’t be a stop for everyone but a vital part of Germany’s history nevertheless.

This museum covers, often in harrowing detail, the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime and the Gestapo during their years of operation.

The building is modern but stands on the site of the former Gestapo headquarters, entry is totally free and the exhibition is both inside and outside.

Meet the New Berlin at Potsdamer Platz

Our next stop is the colossal Potsdamer Platz.

When you reach this gigantic space, ringed by gleaming skyscrapers, it’s quite hard to believe that from the end of WWII until the fall of the Berlin Wall, this was empty space.

Before all the conflict, it was one of the busiest squares in Europe both for traffic and pedestrians.

The huge building with an “umbrella” stretching out over the square is the Sony Building, lights above in the canopy change colour throughout the day.

Spy the funky green tower, this is a historic traffic light which still functions in the middle of a footpath, commonly used as a meeting point for tour groups.

Turn away from the urbane skyscrapers now, you’re on your way back to elegant old-world Berlin for the final stop of today.

Bonus Stop at Checkpoint Charlie

Before we hit up the charming Gendarmenmarkt, on the way, we pass the curiously reconstructed Checkpoint Charlie, a very little hut and pile of sandbags.

This is a sparse representation of the rigorous border crossing that visitors wanting to cross from East to West or vice versa would need to pass through, complete with replica signs, guards dressed up in costume and oodles of souvenirs shops selling every Cold War themed t-shirt you could possibly hope to buy.

Usually, quite large groups will be waiting to get their paid photo with the guards, not my favourite spot in Berlin but you will pass right by it.

Gendarmenmarkt under construction

Onto the last section for today, the Gendarmenmarkt square certainly punches above its weight when it comes to beautiful, classic buildings.

Right now, it’s in the process of being rejuvenated and is less pleasing to the eyes, renovations are due to be completed by the end of 2024.

You’ll find two rather similar looking, elegant cathedrals standing at opposite ends of the square and the dominant Konzerthaus Berlin with its colonaded façade in the middle.

At the southern end, the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom) dates from the 18th century and holds a partially open, free exhibition on German democracy.

Opposite, the French Cathedral (Französischer Dom) is still a functioning church finished in 1705 and entry to the soaring interior is free.

There’s even a French inspired restaurant – Hugo & Notte – that you can pop into and indulge in the German afternoon tradition of Kaffee and Kuchen.

If you’re still keen for more classical architecture, the Konzerthaus offers free 30 minute tours of the awe-inspiring interior, worth a look just for the crystal studded chandeliers.

Day 3 of your Berlin 3 day itinerary:

Today we’re leaving the elegant, towering monuments of Old World Berlin for the grit and grunge of the former East, we’re headed over to uber cool Friedrichshain and the famous East Side Gallery – aka the remnants of the Berlin Wall.

Friedrichshain used to be quite an industrial chunk of Berlin, dominated by factories and blue collar workers crammed on top of each other.

It was encompassed by East Berlin and after the wall fell, a sudden wave of squatters, idealistic students and eclectics moved into the dirt-cheap housing and created an indie vibe that still pervades F-hain to this day.

This is home to plenty of fashionable Berliners and therefore a great food scene alongside flea markets. Go get your black leather jacket and let’s check it out!

A dark red panel with painted rivet holes and rivets adjoins a mural painted with a dark background and platinum railing, small black signatures appear in the bottom corner of the relevant artists.
The East Side Gallery’s beautiful juxtapositions, a must-see in Berlin
Sunlight streams through a wire gateway adorned with padlocks, the wall surrounding the gateway is covered in vibrant, rainbow murals in dramatic swirls.
Not even the Berlin Wall is safe from lovelocks
Large, vibrantly coloured humanoid figures feature on a mural painted onto the former Berlin wall which stretches away from the viewer, an apartment block stands above it under a blue sky.
More East Side Gallery murals, plenty for everyone to love

Day 3 Overview:

1. Oberbaumbrücke

2. East Side Gallery

3. RAW Gelände

4. Boxhagener Platz

5. Boxhagener Kiez

6. Karl-Marx-Allee

7. b-ware Ladenkino

8. Molecule Man

9. Treptower Park

10. Abteibrücke + Insel der Jugend

A red brick and grey stone bridge stretches across a brown river, complete with turrets and battlements and large arcade windows which offer views to the blue sky behind, somewhat reminiscent of a castle's features.
The grand Oberbaumbrücke is a symbol of the city’s reunification, rebuilt brick by brick
Rainbow coloured murals decorate the concrete expanse of the former Berlin Wall, including one saying the big Kremlin wind, a billboard stands over the wall against a blue sky. Enjoy more sights like this in this Berlin 3 day itinerary.
The longest open-air art gallery in the world, over 1.3km of murals.

The eye-catching Oberbaumbrücke & the remnants of the Berlin Wall

Starting from the double decker Oberbaumbrücke, we’re crossing over the gentle Spree River which runs through the centre of Berlin and technically moving from West to East Berlin.

During the separation, the red-brick bridge was closed off to the public and fortifications ran along the sides of the river.

The bridge was extensively rebuilt after the reunification and only reopened to the public in 1994.

If you’re here at the right time, you’ll be able to see the yellow suburban trains pass over the higher section of the bridge, the wonders of German engineering.

Next up, what we’re all here to see!

On the banks of the Spree, you’ll find the largest remaining segment of the former Berlin Wall, now termed the East Side Gallery.

Artists from all over the world united in 1990 to graffiti or paint their political statements on the stern concrete that used to divide Berlin.

The stretch of interesting murals and colourful messages was made a memorial in 1991 and the artworks carefully preserved, you’ll find little signs with information scattered along the wall.

The most popular panels are probably the iconic Fraternal Kiss by Dmitri Vrubel and a sky blue Trabant busting through the wall by Birgit Kinders, come early in the morning to get these panels all to yourself!

If you’d really like to go on a deep dive into the troubled history of a divided Berlin and the infamous wall, The Wall Museum lies closest to Oberbaumbrücke and entry is 10€ per adult.

Top Tip: At 1.3km long, the East Side Gallery is the largest open air art gallery in the world. 

Two suited men are painted in great detail kissing on a light blue background painted onto the remnants of the Berlin Wall in Berlin with red Cyrillic script and black German writing below that.
One of the most famous panels in the East Side Gallery, Fraternal Love
A light blue mural is painted onto the remnants of the Berlin Wall, accented with a light coloured car depicted as breaking through the wall with its numberplate reading Nov.9.89, a small informational sign stands to the right of the mural and the heading in the top left reads Test the Rest.
Another very famous panel, a DDR Trabant breaks through the wall

The eclectic streets and warehouses of Friedrichshain

We’re heading to a repurposed railway repair yard, now part of F-hain’s eclectic mix of nightclubs, cafes and flea-markets all crammed into interesting old spaces.

Set your compass for RAW-Gelände, if you’re here on a Sunday, you’ll find the alleyways spilling over with everyone setting up their best stalls filled with vintage treasures.

If you’re a vintage clothing lover, Berlin will definitively have your heart. I even grabbed some old East German badges, I just couldn’t resist!

Wander up and down to discover all of the secret spots (including a secret skating rink) and spy your favourite street art or new mural, just about every surface is covered in artistic impressions.

You’ll often find a few food stands set up in the beer garden at Urban Spree if you’re peckish, if they’re not open yet, wander up to Stilbruch Kaffee for a delightful pancake brunch.

After dark, this area transforms as the nightclubs come to life, come around 2am if you’d like to join in with the rather smoky Berlin nightlife.

Wondering which Berlin nightclub to grace with your presence? I’ve got just the quirky list for you!   

A large, colourful mural of a bird and abstract geometric designs is painted onto the wall of an old warehouse, the sky above is blue and the ground is paved with concrete
You’ll find all kinds of interesting artworks down by the RAW Gelände
A vintage cream car with stark white rings around its headlights, known as a Trabant is parked parallel to the footpath on a city street in Berlin, the sky above is blue.
The former status symbol of the DDR, a Trabant!
A pink and red mural is painted onto the grey wall of a building, interlinked arms create the letter K over a closed doorway, an open window is next to the mural.
Thought-provoking murals adorn the streets of Berlin, showing off the city’s quirky artistic side.

The “Boxi” heart of F-hain

It’s time to stroll on further to the green heart of Friedrichshain, we’re off to Boxhagener Platz.

This little grassy square hosts a farmer’s market bursting with fresh produce on Saturdays and on Sunday, a rather famous flea market which attracts visitors from all over Berlin.

During the week, it’s a popular spot for picnics or people watching from the hip cafes that line the square.

You’ll find everything from speciality vegan restaurants to piercing studios lining the streets around “Boxi” as the locals call it.

Feel free to grab lunch here, one of the funky eateries is sure to catch your eye!  

Traces of East Berlin

The grand Stalinist architecture of Karl-Marx-Allee is a short stroll from Boxhagener Platz, worth a look if you’d like to see some of the remnants of brutalist Soviet influence on former East Berlin.

Frankfurter Tor has twin apartment blocks famously topped with copper domes framing the wide street, with an art gallery hiding in one dome.

If you’re really after the Stalinist architecture, a stroll along to Strausberger Platz will more than fill your cup and you’ll be able to spy the Fernsehturm easily from here.

Shoppers browse flea market stalls set up under a blue sky, a sign on an adjacent building reads Cassiopeia and trees dot the square.
The RAW Gelände holds flea markets right alongside nightclubs and skating rinks
A long city street is shown at sunset lined with buildings and backlit clouds, people cross the street and two cars' brake lights are seen in the darkened scene.
The enormous Karl-Marx-Allee stretches all the way from F-hain to Alexanderplatz
Yellow and white vintage furniture is set up in a park in the centre of Berlin, including glassware in a plastic tub and shoppers browsing the market.
You’ll find a jam-packed flea market set up in Boxhagener Platz on Sundays

A ticket to a very Berlin cinema

On your way down to Treptower Park, you might pass b-ware Ladenkino, an independent cosy theatre showing plenty of indie flicks nestled amongst Hollywood blockbusters.

Decked out in true alternative style with records lining the walls, this is much more of a locals movie theatre, staff will be able to help you choose a movie with subtitles or whichever language options you might like.

There isn’t any popcorn served here but there’s a fully stocked bar with plenty of drink choices to see you through, keep in mind in the summer that there’s no aircon so maybe a better choice for the cooler months.

Three men stand in the middle of a river

Stay on Boxhagener Strasse and continue until you reach the Elsenbrücke with its captivating views back along the Spree.

You’ll find an interesting art installation that the rivercraft easily skirt around, this gigantic metal sculpture emerging from the river is called “Molecule Man” by Jonathan Borofsky.

It’s designed to show the unity between the three districts that join here at the river – Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Treptow, though I kind of think it looks like they’re wrestling instead.

Who’s ready to hit the Biergarten?

Our final stop for the day is the sprawling Treptower Park, home to colourful rose gardens, a cheery beer garden and even a towering Soviet War Memorial.

The enormous sculpture is dedicated to Soviet soldiers who lost their lives in WWII and there’s also a cemetery located here, Soviet memorials were designed to awe visitors and I can guarantee this one fits the bill.

If you’re keen to settle into a beer garden and while away the hours of the afternoon, the Zenner Biergarten und Weingarten is ready and waiting for you with plenty of benches riverside.

Make sure to cross over the arched Abteibrücke to the delightful Insel der Jugend, there’s also a biergarten over here serving up crispy Flammkuchen – a woodfired flatbread often topped with bacon and sourcream.

In the warmer months, you’ll find a boat rental stand so you can take your own little craft out for a spin on the Spree.

Top Tip: If you’re coming to Berlin in the winter months, many, if not all, beer gardens will be closed until the warmer weather so make plans to spend your relaxing afternoon somewhere warm for coffee and cake.

Rows of wooden folding chairs are lined up in an impromptu setting for a beer garden, the grass is patchy and fallen leaves are strewn on the ground, trees stud the garden. Some chairs have light coloured fabrics and others are a deep yellow.
Biergartens in Berlin come in all shapes and sizes
A city apartment block is shown, painted a light golden-brown with white accents, reaching over 5 stories high is plastered with political signs, cars are parked before the row of apartment buildings which is partially in sun.
The residents of Friedrichshain make their political statements loud and clear
A red, vintage van is parked on the side of a dark street, the mural painted on the adjacent wall also features a van.
When murals and real life collide, go exploring the backstreets of F-hain

Your wonderful 3 day itinerary in Berlin has come to an end

I hope you’ve had a delightful time wandering around the many interesting facets of Berlin, from the elegant grandeur of Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag to edgy Friedrichshain with its nightclubs housed in repurposed electrical stations.

We’ve run along the abandoned runways at Tempelhof and strolled through chic Bergmannkiez, enjoying coffee and cake at adorable cafes.

And discovered plenty of photo ops along the way, new profile picture at the East Side Gallery anyone?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this uber cool guide to Berlin below in the comments and don’t forget to send it to your favourite travel buddy!

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A light blue mural is painted onto a concrete wall with an old-fashioned Trabant car pictured breaking through. The text reads the best Berlin 3 day itinerary & map that you need!

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Hello! I’m Jenelle, lovely to meet you!

I’d love to share my favourite travel tips, destination guides and beautiful spots with you.

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10 responses to “How to spend three days in Berlin: the ultimate guide”

  1. Grace

    Great post, very comprehensive! Can’t wait to visit!

  2. jenelle.ryan1

    Thanks so much Grace! Such an amazing city to go and see, hope you love your visit!

  3. Great itinerary!! I have friends traveling to Berlin and I will be sure to share this with them!

  4. I was so impressed with the inside of the Reichstag Dome! The views and the architecture were both amazing.

  5. Love this best of Berlin three-day itinerary! So much to do and see…would make a great way to explore this historic city.

  6. Jenelle

    Thank you Michele! Too kind of you, I hope your friends have a fantastic time in quirky Berlin!

  7. Jenelle

    Oooh great pick! The Reichstag is so very impressive, crazy to think that they debated tearing down the whole building and starting from scratch!

  8. Jenelle

    Thank you! Soooo much to see and something for everyone to do, Berlin certainly has its own vibe!

  9. Wow! I love the well-laid-out map detailing all the sights to see in Berlin. This is going to make my trip so much easier! Many thanks!

  10. Berlin is such an amazing city and your post captured it so well. I need to go back as you shared a number of things I missed!!! Loved your spoiler alert!!