First Time in Berlin: Travel Guide to Berlin, Germany

First time in Berlin? You’re in for an unforgettable mix of history, culture, edgy street art, vibrant neighborhoods, and more currywurst than you thought possible (I’m officially obsessed with currywurst).

Consider this your companion guide (don’t forget to bookmark me!) for your first trip to Berlin. You’ll find out how to get here, the best neighborhoods and where to stay, what to eat and drink, and, of course, the best things to do in Berlin!

This post contains affiliate links and I may get a commission for the purchase made through the link at NO extra cost to you. These are services and items I use and recommend myself.

Whether you’re interested in iconic sights like the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Cathedral, amazing viewpoints like the Berlin TV Tower, unique streets like Dead Chicken Alley, or simply want to catch a glimpse of the Berlin Wall, you’ll find it all here!

If you are looking for a quick itinerary to get started with your planning, check out my One Day in Berlin Itinerary!

View of The Marienkirche (St Mary's Church) in Berlin with the fountains in front of the church

First Time in Berlin: Complete Travel Guide

Planning Your First Trip to Berlin

How to Get to Berlin from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Berlin Airport is actually very easy to navigate, with only two terminals, and there are several ways to get to the city center. All transport options are in Terminal 1, but if you land in Terminal 2, it’s only a five-minute walk away!

View of Berlin Cathedral from the other side of the Spree and a view of the Berlin TV Tower next to the German flag

Berlin City Center

By Train

Taking the train into the city is the best option. It’s quick, convenient, and budget-friendly. The station is inside Terminal 1 and the airport express runs frequently. If you don’t want to mess around with local trains, purchase a ticket (from the ticket machines at the top of the escalators) to Berlin Hbf (that’s the main station) and head down to the platform that has the next arriving train.

Limited Options

By Bus

Unfortunately there are no direct buses from the airport to the city center during the day. You can take a local bus to Rudow and then take the U-Bahn into the center. However, if you arrive after midnight, there is a frequent night bus service that will take you into the city.

Most Expensive Option

By Taxi

Taxis are readily available in front of Terminal 1, but this is the most expensive option to get to the city center, however, it is the most direct route into the city, taking you straight to your accommodation. There are also three main ridesharing apps available in Berlin (Uber, Bolt, Freenow). Bolt seems to always be the cheapest and you can get a ride from the airport to the center for under 45 euros. The rideshare app pick-up location is clearly marked and located behind the taxi rank in front of Terminal 1.

View of Berlin Cathedral from across the Spree and the Berlin State Library

How to Get Around Berlin

Getting around Berlin is easy, and there are so many different options for transportation around the city… the U-Bahn, the S-Bahn, trams, buses, ferries… (check out the official route map for all the lines)

I wouldn’t say Berlin is a very walkable city, but depending on where you are staying (more on that later), you’ll be able to walk around the majority of the time… get those steps in!

The U-Bahn is the subway system, and the S-Bahn is the rapid train system on ground level. The tickets are not priced by station but by zone (ABC). Anything within the center of Berlin up to the S-Bahn ring is in zone A, everything outside of the ring up to the city limits is zone B, and the greater Berlin area (including the airport) is zone C.

The tram, also known as the Straßenbahn, is another way to get around the city, with frequent trams traveling throughout.

If all else fails or you are running late for a reservation or the opening of a museum, you can always call a Bolt. The prices range from 8 euros for closer distances to 20 euros from one side of the city center to the other.

The view of the Spree in Berlin at sunset

When to Visit Berlin

There is no wrong time to visit Berlin; the city looks good in any season, and even with the summer crowds, it doesn’t feel overcrowded.

I personally think the best time to visit Berlin is in the summer. Of course, the weather will always be hit or miss with every place you visit, but your best chance for good weather is in the summer… plus you get to sit outside in a beer garden and eat bratwurst… need I say more?

The spring season brings many events to Berlin, including the Carnival of Cultures and the Berlin Spring Festival. And seeing the city in full bloom is an experience in itself… Berlin has plenty of cherry blossoms scattered around the city (there’s even a cherry blossom festival).

Autumn brings fewer crowds and cooler weather… and Oktoberfest! Although it’s not the original Oktoberfest, there are still festivities spread out throughout the city. It’s a great way to experience German culture!

If you don’t mind braving the cold weather, Berlin lights up during the holiday season with multiple Christmas Markets and events throughout the city.

The column in Tiergarten Berlin and a yellow tram going through the streets of Berlin

Is the Berlin Welcome Card Worth it?

The Berlin Welcome Card is the most popular tourist pass available in Berlin. There are three different options: Classic, Museum Island, and All-Inclusive. All the cards come with free transportation around the city, but only the All-Inclusive card comes with free entry to 25+ attractions.

I don’t think the “Classic Card” is worth it, since it only gives you discounts on attractions, and the “Museum Card” is good if you are going to all the museums on museum island, however, the “All-Inclusive Card” is worth it if you are trying to make it to all the attractions and museums.

Official Website

Where to Stay in Berlin

Probably the hardest thing to plan is where you will stay during your first time in Berlin. What’s the best neighborhood in Berlin? Should I stay in a hotel or an apartment? Do I need to stay near the U-Bahn or the S-Bahn?

Berlin has twelve neighborhoods (or districts), from urban to cosmopolitan, laid-back to trendy… there is a place for everyone. For your first time in Berlin, you will want to stick to the middle of Berlin, where all the iconic sights are, also known as Mitte.

Now you have to decide if you want to be close to Museum Island or across from the Brandenburg Gate. Maybe you want a view of the Spree or a place near the park?

I stayed in the Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte, and it was the perfect location. Close to the S-Bahn and located next to tons of great restaurants and bars! You can easily explore the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Alexanderplatz… all within walking distance!

Things to Do in Berlin

Berlin’s Iconic Sights

If you are visiting Berlin for the first time, there are a few landmarks that truly define the city, and you cannot miss out!

Brandenburg Gate

Your first stop should be the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburg Tor), standing tall at the end of Unter den Linden. This gate was once a symbol of division during the Cold War (it stood in the restricted area, both inaccessible to West Berlin and East Berlin), but now represents unity and peace.

The gate is especially magical during sunrise when you can have the landmark all to yourself (aside from the occasional jogger) and the sunlight beams through the columns perfectly. I arrived at 5:50am and didn’t see another person until 6:10am, to give you an idea.

Reichstag Building

A short walk from the gate is the Reichstag Building. This is home to the German parliament. You can’t miss the glass dome that dominates the top of the building… which you can visit and experience amazing views of the city!

To visit the dome, you must pre-book your ticket at least three weeks in advance, as it fills up quickly. The visit is free and you can book through the official website. Accept the terms and conditions and then choose what kind of booking you would like. If you wish to skip the guided tour, you can just opt for the dome visit.

If you are missing out on tickets, you can always check out GetYourGuide and find a tour that includes a visit to the dome, like THIS ONE!

Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is one of the most impressive churches in Germany and a significant landmark on the Berlin skyline. The church you see today was completed in the early 1900s and later restored after the church was damaged during World War II.

If you want to experience some of the best views over Berlin, you can climb to the top of the dome. It’s 267 steps to the top, but there are plenty of places for you to take a breather on your way up.

Berlin Cathedral and the view looking up at the dome

Berlin’s Green Spaces

One thing I love about Berlin is the number of parks and gardens scattered throughout the city. You are spoiled for choice if you are trying to pick just one park to visit.

Tiergarten: One of the most popular parks in Berlin, and one of the largest at 520 acres. I didn’t realize how big it was until I tried walking the full length of it… Seriously, looking back and laughing at myself. The Rosengarten (Rose Garden) is my favorite place in the Tiergarten.
Viktoriapark: This is one of my favorite parks in Berlin, mainly because there is a dramatic waterfall in the middle of it. There are so many places to just lounge and chill along the side of the waterfall. It’s so peaceful.
Volkspark Friedrichshain: Another one of my favorite parks is Volkspark Friedrichshain. This park is Berlin’s oldest public park, and it’s gorgeous! Don’t miss out on visiting Märchenbrunnen (the fountain of fairy tales), a dramatic Neo-Baroque-style fountain.
Charlottenburg Palace Gardens: The Baroque gardens at Charlottenburg Palace are free to visit, even if you don’t have a palace ticket.

The waterfall in Viktoria Park, Berlin and the river in Tiergerten, Berlin

There are so many more parks to choose from, and you will probably accidentally stumble across a few, but if you make it to at least one of these parks on this list, you won’t regret it.

Berlin’s Best Views

I am a sucker for a good view. One of the first things I do when I visit a city for the first time is start looking around for towers, terraces, and rooftop bars where I can get the best view.

Walking around Berlin, you can’t help but notice the giant tower standing high above every other building. If you want to get the best view of the city, you need to check out the Berlin TV Tower. It’s a little pricy compared to other views around Berlin, but the view is worth it! You can also get a discount if you pre-book your ticket online!

The Berlin Cathedral offers another amazing view of the city, and your ticket includes admission to explore the church as well as the tower climb. No need to pre-book, you can just walk up to the ticket machine (located by the lockers before you enter the cathedral) and purchase a ticket.

The view from The Sphere in the Berlin TV Tower and the view from the French Church in Berlin

The Französischer Dom (the French Church) overlooks the Gendarmenmarkt square. This viewpoint isn’t as popular as the other two, so there’s a chance you’ll have this view all to yourself! You can purchase tickets at the ticket counter inside the church.

There are plenty of rooftop bars around the city, and some of my favorites are Zoe Rooftop Bar (at the Zoe Hotel), One Rooftop Bar (at the Hotel Motel One in Alexanderplatz), The Rooftop Terrace at Hotel de Rome (make a reservation!), and Gallery Rooftop Bar (amazing views over the Spree).

Museum Island

If it’s your first visit to Berlin and you’re a museum lover, you must visit Museum Island. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a collection of five world-class museums.

Pergamon Museum: Famous for its monumental reconstructions like the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Market Gate of Miletus.
Neues Museum: (New Museum) Has an impressive Egyptian collection, including the iconic bust of Nefertiti!
Bode Museum: This gorgeous museum is home to a large sculpture collection and Byzantine art.
Altes Museum: (Old Museum) Located next to the Berlin Cathedral, the building itself is one of Berlin’s most beautiful neoclassical buildings. The theme for the museum is “Classical Antiquity”.
Alte Nationalgalerie: The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) is packed with masterpieces as well as rotating exhibitions.

There are plenty of ticket options, including day passes and three-day passes. If the museums of Museum Island don’t pique your interest, don’t worry, Berlin has over 100 more museums to choose from!

Berlin Wall

There are a few places to visit what’s left of the Berlin Wall, but the largest section is located at the East Side Gallery. This powerful open-air gallery extends 1.3 kilometers along the Spree with murals of freedom, unity, and political expression painted by 118 artists from 21 countries.

This is one of my favorite things to do in Berlin, and you should definitely add it to your trip if it’s your first time in Berlin! One of the most famous pieces on the wall is known as “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love”, depicting a “fraternal kiss” with communist leaders Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker.

You can walk the entire stretch of wall for free while taking in the art and views of the river. Don’t miss the information columns in between each section of the wall, giving you a deeper insight into the construction and destruction of the wall. If you want to immerse yourself further, there is a Wall Museum you can visit for a small fee.

Another popular location with Berlin Wall’s history is Checkpoint Charlie, the crossing between East and West Berlin that the Americans controlled during the Cold War. It’s the only checkpoint that still exists (even though the actual checkpoint station is a replica).

The replica checkpoint station at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin

There is also a Wall Museum here, but bigger than the one next to the East Side Gallery.

Tours of Berlin

There is no better way to get acclimated to a city than to take a walking tour! I love walking tours, you learn about the history of a city and specific landmarks, you can see if anything catches your interest enough to go back to visit, and you can chat with your local guide when the tour has finished to see if they have any local foodie recommendations. *wink*

If you aren’t into walking tours, why not see Berlin from a different perspective and take a boat tour? And finding a boat tour is VERY easy, they are dotted up and down the Spree. Most of them, you don’t need a reservation, and you can just buy a ticket directly from the tour company.

Reichstag Building in Berlin from the Spree and the canals around Berlin

The tour companies will offer a one-hour boat tour, which will take you on a small section of the Spree, past Museum Island, and back. A few tour companies offer longer tours, take you around the canal system around Berlin.

I did the three-hour tour, and it was amazing and so relaxing. The boat had servers and refreshments, and it wasn’t that busy as it was late morning (the earlier boat seemed to be busier).

Other Berlin Sights

While you probably won’t get to see everything on your first trip to Berlin, at least you’ll have a good idea of everything Berlin has to offer, so these are some of the places, memorials, palaces, and other points of interest you can visit while in Berlin!

Dead Chicken Alley and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Charlottenburg Palace
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Humboldt Forum
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Dead Chicken Alley
Hackesche Höfe
Gendarmenmarkt
High Swing Berlin
Nikolai Quarter
The Jewish Museum
Gardens of the World

Where to Eat and Drink in Berlin

Berlin has a great foodie scene, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from! I’m not going to list every place I recommend, but just some great places that you should check out and what you should eat when you’re in Berlin!

Schnitzelei Mitte: This restaurant has a great atmosphere and the staff are wonderful… you even receive a welcome beer when you arrive. The outdoor patio area is spacious and perfect for dining out in the summer. The schnitzel is AMAZING! Trust me, if you are looking for a schnitzel, this is the place to go! I highly recommend making a reservation because they are usually fully booked in the evening.

The Sphere: I love dinner (or lunch) with a view! The Sphere is the rotating restaurant at the top of the Berlin TV Tower, one level above the observation deck. You will need to pre-book your reservation and buy the restaurant ticket, which is just a little more than the observation deck. The cocktails are really nice, and the currywurst is so good! Absolutely worth booking the restaurant if you are planning on visiting the tower anyway (I also prefer the view from one level higher *wink*).

Dolden Mädel Braugasthaus: This restaurant is a great place to grab a beer and some bratwurst and sit outside on the spacious patio. The food is realllllly good, I highly recommend the three kinds of sausage dish!

Restauration 1840: I love this place! The staff are super friendly and the food is delicious! The restaurant is housed under the brick arches of the Hackescher Markt S-Bahn. The patio is huge and perfect for enjoying summer evenings outside. Restauration 1840 is also in a great location, and there is plenty to do once you have eaten.

Café Fleury: This charming French-style café is the perfect coffee spot or breakfast location! It’s very popular with the locals in the area, so it can get quite busy, but if you can’t make it for breakfast, then you can grab a sandwich for lunch.

Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap: Hear me out, because I thought everyone was crazy when they told me I had to grab a kebab in Berlin… but they weren’t wrong! You HAVE to have a kebab when you’re in Berlin. Grab a kebab wrap or my personal favorite, the kebab box! Mustafa’s has a few locations around Berlin, but this is the closest one to all the action (and it’s a 30-second walk from Restauration 1840).

Berlin Travel Tips for First-Timers

If you are planning your first trip to Berlin, here are some honest and helpful tips that got me through my first time in Berlin!

Berlin Helpful Tips

Take Your Time: Don’t expect to see everything in Berlin in one trip! Berlin is HUGE! Aside from the city center, there is the greater Berlin area with plenty of places to visit and things to do! So take your time, and don’t worry about seeing everything in one go!
Sunday = Rest Day: Most shops (including supermarkets) are closed on a Sunday. If you need to pick something up from the supermarket, you can head to a train station where the shops don’t close!
Save Big with Free & Low-Cost Attractions: If you are looking to save a few pennies, Berlin has plenty of budget-friendly activities!
Stroll the East Side Gallery
Spend the afternoon walking through the Tiergarten
Visit the dome at the Reichstag Building
Watch the sunset at Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned public park
Tap Water is Safe to Drink: Berlin’s tap water is clean and safe to drink! Bring a reusable water bottle with you and fill it before your busy day out! *Even if you ask for tap water in a restaurant, they will probably forget to bring it or it will be a tiny shot-sized glass, so just order a bottle of water for the table.
Tipping in Berlin: Tipping is not mandatory, but always appreciated. Keep some cash on you so you can give the server a couple of euros if you enjoyed your experience.
Don’t Be Afraid of Public Transport: Using the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams is a great way to get from one end of the city to the other… It’s better to rip the band-aid off early and get used to the system when you first arrive in the city. Leave yourself enough time to get to your destination so you can leave yourself enough time to acclimate.
Pre-Book Attractions and Restaurants: If you are visiting during the summer, you will want to pre-book attractions like the Reichstag Building or the Berlin TV Tower. It might also be a good idea to reserve a table at a restaurant for breakfast or dinner. While I was having dinner at Schnitzelei Mitte, countless people were being turned away because they didn’t have a reservation!

Final Thoughts for Your First Time in Berlin

If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t worry about ticking off every landmark. Let yourself wander, take the U-Bahn to a random stop, grab a coffee in a courtyard you didn’t plan to find, or take the 3-hour boat tour instead of the rushed 1-hour trip! My favorite travel moments are always the ones I randomly stumble upon!

Hopefully this Berlin travel guide has given you a head start in planning your trip, whether it’s for your dream European vacation or a quick weekend break!

If you are heading to Berlin and have any questions, let me know in the comments below. I LOVE hearing from you! Or if you have your own first time in Berlin tips you want to share with everyone, pop those down there too!