Berlin, the vibrant German capital, is one of those cities where history and culture both appear to be inseparably intertwined into a modern design. Whether one’s interest is in history, art, or good food, then Berlin will hang something out for everyone. From major iconic sites to the hidden treasures and culinarities, this full 5-day itinerary of Berlin covers it all for what Berlin has in store.
Berlin Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Berlin – A Glimpse into History
Morning: Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building
Begin your Berlin tour by stopping at the Brandenburg Gate, probably one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. This neoclassical monument once acted to symbolize division and has since become known as a symbol of unity and peace. The Brandenburg Gate is at the center of Berlin, therefore comprising an ideal starting point for your journey.
Just a short walk from the gate, you will find the Reichstag Building, which houses the German Parliament. The glass dome of the Reichstag is the exact thing for breathtaking panoramic views over the whole city and actually should be included in any sightseeing tour for those interested in political history in Germany. Be sure to book a visit in advance to ensure that you get in.
Afternoon: Holocaust Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie
From there, head to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe – better known as the Holocaust Memorial – and take a moment for yourself. This memorial to the holocaust made up of 2,711 slabs of concrete, with each being at different heights, put together to form an impressive, somber setting.
Next, visit Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous of border crossings that divided East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Checkpoint Charlie is a small slice of the wall where much history occurred. There is also a museum here that provides in-depth information on the Berlin Wall and the divided era.
Dinner in Mitte
Conclude your first day in Berlin with dinner in the Mitte district, which is downtown Berlin. Mitte has everything a hungry tourist may need, from traditional German restaurants to international eateries. Try a classic Berliner dish at a local restaurant, like Currywurst or Schnitzel.
Day 2: Art and Culture in Berlin
Morning: Museum Island
Day two belongs absolutely to the rich cultural heritage of Berlin. If the name ‘Museum Island’ says something, it is home to five renowned museums that constitute part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list. First, pay a visit to the Pergamon Museum and its amazing collection of ancient artifacts among which are the Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon.
From there, head to the Altes Museum, which is home to an exhaustive collection of classical antiquities. For the art lovers, the collection of 19th-century art in the Alte Nationalgalerie is just breathtaking with the works of Caspar David Friedrich and Claude Monet.
Afternoon: Berlin Cathedral and Alexanderplatz
Just a short walk away from Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral stands for one of the most outstanding architectural works in Berlin. It is possible to enjoy great city-wide views from its dome, while this Baroque-style cathedral boasts wonderfully restored interiors inside and a crypt housing the Prussian Hohenzollern family.
From here, proceed to Alexanderplatz, one of the best-known squares in Berlin. Among others, here is the famous Berlin TV Tower-Fernsehturm-dominating the skyline at a height of 368 meters. If energetic, take the elevator to the viewing platform for a panorama over Berlin.
Evening: Hackescher Markt
Later in the evening, head to Hackescher Markt: this is an area that’s going to excite you with its pulsating nightlife and trendy shopping. The narrow streets will contain boutiques and galleries besides tiny cafes, while the large ones will be filled with virtually all types of restaurants offering local to international cuisine. It is a great way to relax with a drink or even dinner.
Day 3: Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery
Morning: East Side Gallery
Day three of your Berlin itinerary is dedicated to the more recent history of the city, which means any discussion about the Berlin Wall. Your day will start at the East Side Gallery-a section of the Berlin Wall that was 1.3 kilometers long and is the longest remaining part of this barrier. It’s an open-air gallery; murals by more than 100 different artists of various nationalities create a fascinating combination of colors and statements. The art found here could be an eloquent testimonial to both the grim, gray city that once lay behind the Iron Curtain and take you on a journey through its division right up to reunification.
Afternoon: Berlin Wall Memorial
From here, go to the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse. It runs 1.4 km along the former border strip, including the last piece of the Berlin Wall, which grounds were preserved. Here, you get much information about the history of the Wall and attempts at escape, and of all the influence this division made on the residents.
Evening: Kreuzberg District
Evening: Take an evening walk around Kreuzberg, one of the most eclectic and culturally diverse boroughs of the city. Already for more than a decade, Kreuzberg has reached fame due to the unbelievable mixture of various cultures and for its incredibly energetic art scene. Dine at one of several multiethnic restaurants and take a closer look at the peculiar atmosphere pervading this district.
Day 4: Day Trip to Potsdam
Morning: Sanssouci Palace
Day four: Take a day-trip easily from Berlin to Potsdam, one of the closest cities via train. The town is famous for its stunning palaces and gardens, and especially for Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. See the richly designed interior of the Palace and enjoy the leisurely walk in the grounds, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
Afternoon: Cecilienhof Palace and Dutch Quarter
Following the visit to Sanssouci, a must-visit is the Cecilienhof Palace, where the settlement of the terms and conditions regarding the end of World War II was decided by the Allies in the 1945 Potsdam Conference. This makes it highly historical, with Tudor-style architecture.
Next, Dutch Quarter: right in the center of Potsdam is the Netherlands-inspired quarter so famous for its reddish-colored brick, nearly toy-like buildings, and narrow streets. So many artisan boutiques, cafes, and art galleries have made their homes here; this makes for a nice afternoon to spend here.
Evening: Back in Berlin: Relax
Evening: Return to Berlin after a whole day of sightseeing in Potsdam. The evening can be relaxing with a leisurely dinner in one of many parks or along the Spree River in Berlin.
Day 5: Modern Berlin and Shopping
Morning: Potsdamer Platz and Berlin Zoo
Spend the first hours of your last day in Berlin at one of the most vivacious areas in this city-Potsdamer Platz, a symbol of modern Berlin. The Potsdamer Platz divided by the Berlin Wall stands for the regenerating face of the city, filled by skyscrapers, shops, and places of entertainment. Don’t forget to drop by the Sony Center-a very futuristic-looking complex with an impressive glass roof.
Unless you travel with your family – then the nearby Berlin Zoo is a great option to spend your morning. Being one of the oldest zoos in the world, it provides a place of rest and home for so many different animals, including famous giant pandas.
Afternoon: Kurfürstendamm and KaDeWe
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s most famous shopping boulevard. For locals, this is Ku’damm-a comet-like avenue lined with high-class boutiques and department stores along with cafes. Be it real shopping or even window browsing, Ku’damm is the place to be.
For the ultimate shopping experience in truly lavish style, head to KaDeWe, continental Europe’s largest and most famous department store. The gourmet food hall on the sixth floor-the range of international delicacies on offer is well worth seeing, not to mention the lovely view over the city.
Evening: Farewell Dinner in Charlottenburg
Conclude your tour to Berlin with dinner in style in the Charlottenburg area, replete with fancy restaurants and alleys. Dine at a posh restaurant or in a small typical German restaurant and toast this never-to-be-forgotten adventure.
Final Words on Your Berlin Experience
Berlin is one of those cities that leaves no visitor untouched. From its rich history down to the pulsating culture across all streets, there’s always a new surprise awaiting you behind every corner. This means setting up the 5-day tour itinerary for Berlin so an all-rounded experience can take into consideration both its most iconic landmarks, hidden places, and cultural highlights. Whether you visit Berlin for the very first time or come back for more, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in the German capital.
