48 Hours in Berlin with Itinerary
I spent a quick 48 hours in Berlin visiting some of the sights of the city. My itinerary for Berlin features city views, historical sights, museums, cafes and world famous monuments.
How to use this itinerary
To view a place from the itinerary on the map, just click on the place name or click “View on the map” beneath each entry. You’ll also be able to see street view if it is available with the “street view button”.
Please note this is only a sample itinerary to give you an idea based on what I did whilst in Berlin for a weekend. It’s meant to give you some inspiration rather than be followed exactly.
I’d also love to hear your own ideas and thoughts on my Berlin itinerary, so do leave me a comment!
Amount of time: Around 2 and a half days
Day 1
13 DDR Museum (Museum)
On the banks of the river Spree and opposite the Berlin Cathedral the DDR Museum gives a fascinating insight into daily life in East Berlin (known in German as Deutsche Demokratische Republik or DDR). It’s a hands-on and interactive experience into the culture and life in the east before the Berlin wall came down.
Where: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Why: An interactive and insightful look into daily life in East Berlin
More: DDR Museum Website
View on the Map
12 Deutsches Historisches Museum (Museum)
Just a short walk from the DDR Museum is one of the most popular museums in Berlin. The Deutsches Historisches Museum (DHM for short) documents 1500 years of German history in a chronological fashion. If you’re interested in German history then this is the place for you. One floor of the museum covers the history of Germany from the 5th century to World War I, the other floor focuses on exhibits from pre-World War II until the end of the 20th century.
You’ll probably find yourself spending at the very minimum 2 hours in the museum and entry will current cost 8 euros.
Where: Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Why: If you’re interested in German history
More: DHM Website
View on the Map
11 Chipps (Eat)
If you’re in the area Chipps is definitely worth a visit. It has plenty of brunch options and is pretty vegetarian and vegan friendly.
You may need to reserve if you’re planning to visit on a weekend.
Where: Jägerstraße 35, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Why: For healthy hearty brunch with vegetarian & vegan options
More: Chipps Website
View on the Map
Day 2
9 Fernsehturm | TV Tower (Landmark & View)
Another popular attraction in Berlin is the TV Tower, attracting around 1.2 million visitors every year. Head to the top for a 360 degree view of the city with views of the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate and the Olympic Stadium. You can get slightly cheaper tickets for visiting in the morning or later in the evening and if you’re hungry there’s a rotating restaurant at the top.
Where: Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Why: For a 360 degree view of the city
More: Fernsehturm Website
View on the Map (click street view for an amazing view from the top)
8 Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt (Shop, Eat & Drink)
If you’re a fan of Ritter Sport chocolate then a visit to their flagship store in Berlin is a must. There’s three floors packed with chocolate bars, history and interactive workshops (you have to book in advance). We sat in the upstairs cafe for coffee and over indulgent chocolate cake before browsing the vast number of weird and wonderful flavours of chocolate bars on offer in the shop.
Where: Franz. Str. 24, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Why: Chocolate and lots of it!
More: Ritter Sport Berlin Store Website
View on the Map
7 Checkpoint Charlie (Landmark & Museums)
Checkpoint Charlie was the name given by the Western Allies for the crossing point between East and West Berlin during the cold war. In 1961 there was a standoff between American and Soviet tanks at the check point. Close to the check point is a private Checkpoint Charlie museum open in 1963 by human rights activist Dr Rainer Hildebrandt.
It’s a symbolic historical location, but don’t expect too much of the check point itself as there isn’t a great deal to see. It is free and there are plenty of museums in the area.
Where: Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Why: Historic location and museum
More: Checkpoint Charlie Wikipedia
View on the Map
6 Topographie des Terrors (Museum)
The Topography of Terror museum is situated on the site where the Secret State Police, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office were in Nazi Germany. Just 200 metres from Checkpoint Charlie the museum documents Nazi crimes, most of which were orchestrated and managed from the site. The main exhibition is free and offers an intriguing look into this dark period of history.
Where: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin, Germany
Why: Insightful look into a sobering & brutal period of history
More: Topography of Terror Website
View on the Map
5 Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas | Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Memorial Landmark & Exhibition)
Not far from Brandenburg Gate you’ll find the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (also known as Holocaust Memorial). Designed by Peter Eisenman the 19,000 m2 site consists varying sizes of concrete slabs organised into a grid and protruding from the ground. You can walk amongst the blocks (you can see these on the map above with street view) with some of them raising way above your head as you walk down the sloping field.
At one end of the area there’s a subterranean Information Centre with a free exhibition documenting the persecution and extermination of European Jews.
Where: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Why: Thought provoking landmark and sobering but important exhibition
More: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Website, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Wikipedia
View on the Map
4 Brandenburger Tor (Landmark)
The Brandenburg Gate once symbolised the separation of East and West Berlin, but when the wall fell in 1989 it became a symbol of unity. Situated in Pariser Platz, the gate is a fine example of sandstone German classicism. Pariser Platz itself is one of Berlin’s most notable squares surrounded by embassies, town houses and luxurious hotels. It’s often a place where Berliners gather for events and to celebrate the new year.
Where: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Why: Impressive and important historic monument
More: Bradenburg Gate Visit Berlin Website
View on the Map
3 Reichstag (Landmark)
A short walk from the Brandenburg Gate you’ll find the Reichstag building, a place steeped in history. You can visit the buildings dome for a stunning view over the city but you do need to book in advance and bring ID. There’s also a free audio tour of the building and an opportunity to visit parliament too.
Where: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany
Why:
More: Reichstag Website
View on the Map
2 Hackescher Markt (Eat, Drink & Shop)
The Hackescher Markt is a square packed with cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and boutiques. There are also plenty of interesting courtyards to explore in the area. Across the road you’ll find the Hackesche Höfe, a complex of eight interconnected courtyards with offices, businesses, factories and flats. It’s the largest of its kind in Germany and worth a visit when exploring the area.
Where: 10178 Berlin, Germany
Why:
More: Hackescher Markt Wikipedia
View on the Map
Paul Dow
Hello! I'm Paul, an award winning travel blogger who focuses on solo adventure travel and has a passion for using new technology. I write, take photos and produce videos about travel, food, craft beer, coffee and adventure. I'm also the founder of Traverse, organiser of influencer conferences, campaigns and projects. I've also launched indepartures.com.com, to crowdsource airport tips for airports all over the world!