24 hours in Berlin: what not to miss

Government District

Some of Berlin’s most iconic and world famous landmarks can be found in the centre of the city in the Government District. At the heart of the district stands the Brandenburg Gate, once the symbol of the country’s separation between West and East Berlin, today it is a symbol of the German reunification. Just around the corner from the gate, you will find Germany’s parliament and centre of power, the Reichstag Building. If you fancy seeing the impressive glass dome from inside and learn more about its history then make sure to register for it in advance.

On the other side of the Brandenburg Gate from the Reichstag Building is a more solemn place to visit, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The memorial consists of 2711 columns forming a vast maze-like location for reflection with an underground exhibition room. After visiting the memorial, we recommend heading across the street to Tiergarten.

This is one of Berlin’s most popular parks and sometimes referred to as the lungs of the city. Tiergarten is the city’s largest public park with the Victory Column at its centre surrounded by landscaped gardens, large open spaces, a boating lake, cafés and beer gardens. A great place for an afternoon drink and to catch some fresh air.

East Side Gallery

After some fresh air in the park, it is time for some art unique to Berlin on the opposite side of town. If you are looking for an easy way to get around the city at your own convenience while still seeing all the sights, we recommend getting a ticket for the Berlin City Sightseeing bus. They’ll bring you all over Berlin and you can hop on and hop off as many times as you want throughout the day.

On the bank of the Spree near the Oberbaumbrücke, you can visit the East Side Gallery, the longest open-air gallery in the world. It consists of the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, which was, after the wall fell, decorated by artists from 21 countries. The East Side Gallery stands both as a symbol of joy over the end of Germany’s division and as a historical reminder of the inhumanity of the GDR border regime.

Sunset views

For an incredible view across the city at sunset, head to the TV Tower on Alexanderplatz. This unmissable part of the capital city skyline soars 368 metres into the sky, with an observation deck at 203 metres off the ground. A lift will take you up so you can get a breath-taking panorama view of the city.

When you are ready for dinner, head south to the neighbourhoods of Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg. Here, you will find some of Berlin’s best and culturally most diverse restaurants as well street food stalls, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

And after dinner, if you still have energy left, it is time to discover Berlin’s vibrant nightlife. Berlin’s legendary night clubs and various bars are sure to entertain you when the streets are dark. In famous clubs like Berghain, you can dance your heart out all night long. For a more relaxed atmosphere head to on of the rooftop bars or for a more unique icy experience, try the Berlin Icebar!