I’m so excited that you are planning a trip to one of my favourite cities — Berlin! Get ready to explore Germany’s amazing capital city!
I’ve created the perfect 3 days in Berlin itinerary packed with history, art, and delicious eats. We’ll hit famous spots like the Brandenburg Gate, but also discover hidden corners of the city that most tourists don’t know about.
As a local, I’ve tried to explore every square inch of this city and can’t wait to share it with you. Where possible, I’ve provided helpful links to my specific articles so you can get even more information. With its interesting past and youthful energy, Berlin promises an unforgettable trip!
Table of Contents
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Overview: What to Do in Berlin in 3 Days
Day 1
- Reichstag Government Building
- Brandenburg Gate
- Unter den Linden
- Berlin Cathedral
- Museum Island
- Nikolaiviertel
- Alexanderplatz
Day 2
- Boat Tour on the Spree River
- Tränenpalast
- Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
- Potsdamer Platz
- Gendarmenmarkt
- Topography of Terror
- Checkpoint Charlie
- Jewish Museum Berlin
- Markethalle
- East Side Gallery and Oberbaum Bridge
Day 3
- Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens
- Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
- KaDeWe Kaufhaus
- Tiergarten Zoo or Tiergarten Park
- Hackescherhöfe and Rosenhöfe
Perfect 3 Days in Berlin Itinerary
Some tips before we get started, I recommend you:
- start your day as early as possible (between 8 and 9 am)
- book tickets online, especially during peak tourist season
- use my guides for top restaurant picks:
Day 1: Landmarks and ViewPoints
Reichstag Building
📍Platz der Republik 1 |⌛90 minutes | 🎟️ Free, reserve time slot online | A must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts
Start your day at the Reichstag Building, the seat of the German Parliament. Take a self-guided audio tour (available in English) to learn about the building’s fascinating history and admire the awe-inspiring views of the city from the famous glass dome.
Brandenburg Gate
📍Pariser Platz |⌛<30 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts
A short walk from the Reichstag Building lies the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of German unity. Snap some photos in front of this well-known landmark, originally built in the 18th century as a city gate.
Unter den Linden
📍Unter den Liden Boulevard |⌛<60 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts
Continue down Unter den Linden, a grand boulevard lined with historical buildings, embassies, and cafes. Take your time strolling. I recommend you grab a coffee or lunch break at Einstein Unter den Linden, the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere.
Now for a secret spot, I’ll share with you, that is the hidden courtyard of the city Library (Unter den Liden, 8)- it’s a beauty!
One of the interesting pieces of history on this street can be found on Bebelplatz, where you can find the memorial to the famous book burning by the Nazis.
🌟Make sure you read my guide to Unter den Linden for a comprehensive list of attractions along this famous boulevard.
Berlin Cathedral
📍Am Lustgarten |⌛60 minutes | 🎟️ €10 purchase on-site | A must-visit for history buffs, photographers and architecture enthusiasts
The impressive Baroque architecture of the Berlin Cathedral (or Berliner Dom) is even more stunning inside. Should you choose to explore beyond simply admiring its grand facade, ensure you ascend to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking city views.
Museum Island
📍Bodestraße 1-3 |⌛2 hours+ | 🎟️ €12 | A must-visit for art lovers, history buffs, and architecture enthusiasts
Spend the afternoon, delving into the world of art at Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore one or more of the five world-renowned museums here, housing collections spanning ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces.
🌟To determine which museum best fits your interests, refer to my guide detailing the museums on Museum Island. But here is a quick snapshot:
- Altes Museum: houses an extensive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, including sculptures, jewelry, and pottery.
- Neues Museum: home to the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti, and exhibits on prehistory and early history of Egypt.
- Alte Nationalgalerie: features 19th-century European art by renowned artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Auguste Renoir, and Édouard Manet.
- Bode Museum: showcases a diverse collection spanning Byzantine art, sculptures, and art objects.
- Pergamon Museum: closed for renovations until 2037, but visit the Panorama Pergamon to see the immersive art show about the impressive Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon.
Nikolaiviertel
📍Rathausstraße 21 |⌛90 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for history buffs, foodies, shoppers, photographers and architecture enthusiasts
Explore the Nikolaiviertel, a charming reconstruction of Berlin’s former historic city center. It’s like stepping back into a tiny medieval village. Wander through narrow streets lined with colourful gabled houses, shops, and restaurants.
Take a break to enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, known as the German tradition of “Kaffee und Kuchen,” at Ephraims or head to a biergarten for a refreshing beer with views of the Spree River at Brauhaus GEORGBRAEU.
Alexanderplatz
📍Rathausstraße 21 |⌛90 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for shoppers and top attraction seekers
End your Berlin adventure at Alexanderplatz, the vibrant heart of modern Berlin. Enjoy street performers and the lively atmosphere of the square, or do some late-night shopping.
Find out why I think it’s a bit too touristy for me in my guide to Alexanderplatz which tells you why and what to you will see.
🌟Discover my thoughts on why I find it a bit too touristy for my taste in my guide to Alexanderplatz, where I explain the reasons and highlight what you’ll see there. Here are a couple of highlights:
- Neptunbrunnen: a fountain with a statue of Neptune, the god of the sea in front of Rotes Rathaus, or red City Hall
- St. Mary’s Church: stunning Gothic church with a tall spire
- World Time Clock: a big futuristic clock from the Cold War that shows the time in different cities around the world
Enjoy the iconic Fernsehturm (TV Tower), as it offers one of the best panoramic views of Berlin, even though it can be a bit pricey at €28. However, I’ve found an even better recommendation: for just €6, I suggest visiting the Park Inn at Radisson, where you can still enjoy a fantastic view of the TV Tower while watching the sunset with a drink in hand.
Day 2: Memorials and Museums
Spree River Boat Tour
📍Reichstagufer 19 |⌛60 minutes | 🎟️ varies | A must-do experience
Start your day with a scenic boat tour on the Spree River. Glide along the water, taking in iconic sights like the Reichstag Building, Museum Island, and Oberbaum Bridge. The boat tour provides a relaxing introduction to the city and its historical sites.
🌟Find out why I believe a boat tour is worthwhile, along with an overview of the various options available for booking.
Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears)
📍Reichstagufer 17 |⌛<60 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for history buffs
This former transit point for East Germans crossing into West Berlin during the Cold War now serves as an interesting museum that sheds light on the division of Germany including artifacts from East Berliners.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
📍Reichstagufer 17 |⌛<30 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for history buffs
A short walk from the Tränenpalast lies the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. This powerful outdoor monument commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. The undulating 711 concrete slabs create a sense of unease and serve as a stark reminder of the atrocities of the past.
Potsdamer Platz
📍Reichstagufer 17 |⌛<30 minutes | 🎟️ Free
While many guidebooks recommend visiting Potsdamer Platz, a busy square representing Berlin’s revival, I suggest passing it by. Once a desolate area during the Cold War division, Potsdamer Platz has transformed into a lively center with sleek skyscrapers, theatres, entertainment spots, and shops.
Gendarmenmarkt
📍Gendarmenmarkt 1-2 |⌛<30 minutes | 🎟️ Free
Although this is a must-visit when in Berlin, unfortunately, the square is currently undergoing massive renovations, making it difficult to fully appreciate its grandeur. However, you can visit its two impressive churches: the Deutscher Dom (free) and the Französischer Dom (€10), along with the Konzerthaus concert hall.
What makes it worthwhile is stopping for lunch at Borchardt restaurant. This historic restaurant is one of the best in the city.
Topography of Terror
📍Niederkirchnerstraße 8 |⌛90 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for history buffs
A few blocks away, you’ll find the Topography of Terror, an open-air museum built on the grounds of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters. This museum provides a chilling look at the history of Nazi terror in Germany.
It’s challenging to take in all the fascinating information this museum offers (both outdoor and indoor) in just a few hours. You’ll need to concentrate on the exhibits that interest you the most.
Checkpoint Charlie
📍Friedrichstraße 43-45 |⌛30 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for history buffs
A short walk from the Topography of Terror is Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous Cold War border crossing between East and West Berlin. See the iconic guardhouse and learn about the dramatic escapes that took place here.
🌟Read my guide on Checkpoint Charlie to gain more insight into visiting here.
Jewish Museum Berlin
📍Lindenstraße 9-14 |⌛90 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for history buffs and culture seekers
The Jewish Museum is a comprehensive museum that explores the history and culture of Jews in Germany. The museum’s permanent exhibition and temporary displays offer a thought-provoking look at Jewish life from the Middle Ages to the present day.
🌟Check out my guide on the top free museums in Berlin for further details about this museum and others.
Markthalle Neun (Market Hall 9)
📍Pücklerstraße 34 |⌛30 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for foodies
Take the U-Bahn to the famous market hall for a quick bite. Sample delicious local specialties like the kase spatezel and soak up the lively atmosphere here.
East Side Gallery and Oberbaum Bridge
📍Mühlenstraße |⌛90 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for art lovers
End your day with a stroll along the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall at 1.3km long. This open-air gallery showcases murals created by international artists, transforming a symbol of division into a powerful work of art.
Take in the sights of the Oberbaum Bridge, an iconic landmark connecting the neighbourhoods of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, offering picturesque views of the city skyline. Sit by the river’s edge and soak up the lively atmosphere with a drink is one of the best things to do at night.
🌟Check out my East Side Gallery guide giving you insight into the top murals and artists.
Day 3: Palaces and Parks
Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens
📍Spandauer Damm 10-22 |⌛2 hours | 🎟️ €24 | A must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts
Start your day here. Before the magnificent Charlottenburg Palace opens at 10 am walk through the expansive gardens to the small lake first.
Then visit the stunning Prussian royal residence. Explore the opulent staterooms and lose yourself in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🌟To make the most of your visit, take a look at my Charlottenburg Palace Guide highlighting what you’ll see and helping you plan your trip.
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
📍Breitscheidplatz |⌛<30 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts
Take the S-bahn and spend your afternoon in this area of the city.
Visit the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a poignant landmark in the Berlin city. The church’s ruined nave stands as a powerful reminder of World War II, while the modern addition symbolizes hope and reconciliation. Inside is a small museum giving you the history of the church.
Afterwards, make your way to Savigny Platz, a delightful square home to upscale restaurants and cafes. Select a cozy spot for a relaxed lunch and enjoy the lively vibe of the area. If you’re keen on trying a traditional German restaurant that’s popular among locals, consider visiting Dicke Wirten.
KaDeWe Kaufhaus
📍Tauentzienstraße 21-24 |⌛60 minutes | 🎟️ Free | A must-visit for shoppers and foodies
Indulge in some retail therapy at KaDeWe Kaufhaus, Europe’s largest department store. Explore six floors brimming with designer labels and a vast selection of luxury goods. My favourite is the top floor, home to the gourmet food halls.
Another hidden gem for shopping that many tourists overlook is Bikini Berlin, a contemporary concept mall featuring boutique shops. The highlight is its rooftop deck, where you can dine at restaurants while enjoying a stunning view of Tiergarten Zoo. Grab a drink and marvel at the sight of ape families swinging from tree to tree.
Tiergarten Zoo or Park
Choose your adventure! If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, head to Tiergarten Zoo and encounter a diverse array of animals from around the world.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, stroll through the sprawling Tiergarten Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city.
Head towards the Victory Column, an iconic Berlin landmark honouring Prussian victories from the 19th century. For just €3, you can climb the tower and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
🌟Explore my guide for the best sights and activities in Tiergarten Park to enhance your visit.
Hackescherhöfe and Rosenhöfe
Take the S-bahn to Hackescher Markt.
End your day with a delightful experience at Hackescher Markt, a lively square known for its vibrant atmosphere. Explore the adjacent Hackesche Höfe and Rosenhöfe, a series of charming hidden courtyards overflowing with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and a diverse selection of restaurants, not to mention the incredible Art Nouveau architecture.
Enjoy a delicious dinner, do some unique souvenir shopping, or simply soak up the lively ambiance of this historic area.
FAQ: About Berlin for 3 Days
What is the best time of year to visit Berlin for a 3-day trip?
Berlin Germany offers attractions year-round, but the spring and fall months (April to June and September to October) provide pleasant weather and fewer crowds, ideal for sightseeing.
Is 3 days enough in Berlin to experience the city fully?
While three days allow for a comprehensive overview of Berlin’s top landmarks and highlights, the city’s rich history and vibrant culture may warrant a longer stay for deeper exploration.
Is the Berlin Welcome Card worth it for a 3-day trip?
While the Berlin Welcome Card offers discounts on attractions and public transportation, it may not be worth it for everyone, especially the 3-day itinerary in Berlin as I’ve outlined.
What are some off-the-beaten-path attractions that are missed in a 3 day Berlin itinerary?
Missing from this Berlin 3-day itinerary is time to explore the city’s unique neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Prenzlauer Berg for unique street art, eclectic cafes, and vibrant nightlife beyond the tourist hotspots. A walking tour in these areas is a great way to explore them with a local.
Can I visit nearby cities during a 3-day stay in Berlin?
While Berlin offers plenty of nearby cities to explore, day trips by train to Potsdam or Leipzig are feasible but it does require adjusting what you will miss seeing in Berlin.
As a Holidaymaker
As your whirlwind Berlin trip ends, this itinerary covers history, art, hidden gems, and top landmarks, mostly for free!
Living in Berlin, I know the city well and want to share what every traveller should experience. I’ve got more to share beyond this article.
If you need handy and thorough trip preparation, consider my e-book – Berlin Destination Guide – packed with insider tips and essential information for your visit. Email me at renee@dreamplanexperience.com if you are interested.
