Berlin is a city that reveals itself best from above. Over the months I lived here, I found that some of the most memorable moments came from simply pausing to take in the views of Berlin.
Whether it was from a historic tower, a quiet rooftop, or a green hill overlooking the skyline, each spot offered a different perspective on the city.
If you enjoy seeing a place from different angles, this list of 15 locations will help you find the best vantage points. Some are well-known, others are more unexpected, but all are worth the time to slow down and take it all in.
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Where to Find the Best Views of Berlin
Berlin is relatively a flat city, which makes it great for walking, but you realize at some point you do want to see the city from above. This list of 15 spots has been arranged by height—from the tallest vantage points, so let’s start at the top.
1. TV Tower (203 m)
This is one of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks. Standing at 368 m, it’s the tallest structure in the city and a reminder of Berlin’s Cold War history. Built in 1969 in East Berlin, it was meant to showcase the strength of the GDR. Today, it’s a favourite spot to take in the city from above.
At 203 meters, the viewing platform gives a full 360-degree view of Berlin’s city centre, stretching up to 42 km on a clear day. You can simply take in the sights, grab a meal at the rotating Sphere restaurant, or explore Berlin’s past through virtual reality at Berlin’s Odyssey. No matter how you experience it, the TV Tower is a classic first stop for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
- 📍 1 Panoramastraße 1A (Mitte)
- Open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM
- Pre-book your tickets: €27.50 standard ticket to €68.50 premium ticket
2. World Balloon Ride (150m)
I can only imagine what it must be like to hover above the city with an open view in every direction.
One thing I never got around to trying was the World Balloon in Berlin. Suspended by a steel cable, this tethered balloon ride lifts you high above the city for 15 minutes of uninterrupted views.
3. Park Inn by Radisson (120 m)
Many say the TV Tower has the best view in Berlin, but I’d argue there’s an even better spot—the rooftop deck of the Park Inn by Radisson on Alexanderplatz.
What I love about it is that you don’t have to be a guest to visit, and it’s surprisingly affordable. Sitting right across from the TV Tower, it gives you the rare chance to take in the city with the tower itself in the frame. It’s a great place to watch the sunset, and since it’s a licensed area, you can enjoy a drink while soaking in the view. Some of my favourite Berlin memories were made here, watching the city shift from day to night.
- Alexanderplatz 7 (Mitte) From the hotel lobby take the elevator to the 35th floor
- Daily Apr – Sep from 12:00 PM to 10 PM | Daily Oct-Mar from 12 PM to 6 PM
- €6 (Insider’s tip: a ticket is valid for the day, so you can use in/out privileges)
4. Teufelsberg (120 m)
Teufelsberg is an artificial hill in the Grunewald forest, built on top of World War II rubble. During the Cold War, the Allies turned it into a listening station to intercept radio signals from East Berlin and beyond. The site has long been abandoned, but the remains still stand, covered in cool street art.
Beyond its history, Teufelsberg offers wide-open views of Berlin, making the climb worthwhile. Nearby, Drachenberg Viewpoint is another great spot for taking in the city from a distance. But I only recommend visiting here if you are spending more than a couple of days in Berlin as it lies on the outer city limits.
📍 Großer Stern 1 (Mitte)
5. Panoramapunkt at Potsdamer Platz (90 m)
Step into Europe’s fastest elevator and, in just 20 seconds, you’ll find yourself on the 24th and 25th floors of the Kollhoff Tower.
From the observation deck, you get a sweeping view of Berlin’s skyline, with its top landmarks like Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Berliner Dom, Gendarmenmarkt, and the TV Tower all in sight.
- Potsdamer Platz 1 (Mitte)
- Daily in Summer 10:00 AM to 7 PM | Daily in Winter 10 AM to 6 PM
- Book your online tickets: €9 or €7 (reduced), or Skip-the-line is €13.50 or €11 (reduced)
6. Humboldthain Park (85 m)
Walking my dog in this neighbourhood park every day, I started noticing the plaques and slowly pieced together its fascinating history.
During World War II, this area was home to massive bunkers built in 1941 to shelter up to 15,000 people. Today, two of them remain, with the largest—now the northern rubble hill, Humboldthöhe—covered in greenery. Climbing to the top offers a unique vantage point of the TV Tower, with remnants of two former anti-aircraft towers still visible.
7. Friedrichshain Park (78 m)
This park has become one of my favourite places to walk my dog, especially in autumn when the leaves change and there’s always something new to notice.
I learned that in 1941, two massive bunkers were built here in Friedrichshain to protect residents during World War II. After the war, rubble from destroyed buildings was piled onto them, forming two hills locals nicknamed “Mont Klamott.”
In winter, the 48-meter Kleiner Bunkerberg on Virchowstrasse turns into a popular toboggan run, while the taller 78-meter Bunker Hill divides the park on Friedenstrasse. On clear days, you can catch glimpses of my favourite Berlin neighbourhood, Prenzlauer Berg, through the trees.
8. French Cathedral (70 m)
Gendarmenmarkt is one of Berlin’s most historic squares, home to some of the city’s most beautiful buildings—the Concert Hall, the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom), and the French Cathedral (Französischer Dom).
The French Cathedral has a 70-meter tower with a spiral staircase of 254 steps leading to a panoramic view over the square. I had planned to go up, but with all the construction and restoration work happening in Gendarmenmarkt right now, I decided to skip it this time.
- Gendarmenmarkt 5 (Mitte)
- Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM (or 6 PM from Jan to Feb)
- €3
9. Victory Column (67 m)
The Victory Column offers some of the best views of Berlin from its observation platform.
Built in 1873 to commemorate Prussian military victories, it was originally placed in front of the Reichstag but was later moved to its current spot in Tiergarten. Climbing the 285 steps to the top is worth the effort, as the panoramic views stretch across the city and beyond.
- Großer Stern 1 (Mitte)
- Apr to Oct, Monday to Friday 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday until 7 PM | Nov to Mar, Monday to Sunday 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- €4
10. Victoria Park (66 m)
Viktoria Park is Berlin’s highest inner-city elevation and is famous for its beautiful waterfall, which cascades over a rocky landscape. The narrow, winding paths lead you up to the top of Kreuzberg Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of downtown Berlin.
- Katzbachstraße
11. Berlin Cathedral (50m)
My favourite landmark in Berlin is the Berlin Cathedral or Berliner Dom. It’s often compared to St. Peter’s Cathedral in Vatican City, and for good reason—it’s stunning.
I loved my visit so much that I’ve been there twice! After taking in the grandeur of the dome and exploring the Hohenzollern family crypt, I made my way up the 270 steps to the top. The 360-degree view from the Dom platform is incredible and directly overlooks the Museum Island and its five museums. With no glass between you and the sights, you can spot the city’s landmarks.
- Am Lustgarten (Mitte)
- Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM
- €10 or €7 (reduced student or Berlin’s Welcome Card) and unlike other places, cash payment is not possible here
12. Bikini Berlin (40 m)
Bikini Berlin is such a cool spot—an architectural concept store and shopping mall all rolled into one. It’s got boutique shops, tasty eateries, and even a hotel, all nestled in a unique, modern space.
But the best part? Head up the stairs, and you’ll find yourself on the rooftop, where you can enjoy views of the Berlin Zoo. It’s a great place to hang out, especially in the warmer months. Grab a drink at Monkey Bar and watch the monkeys as they go about their day—it’s definitely an experience you won’t forget!
- Budapester Str. 38-50 (Charlottenburg)
- Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM
13. Reichstag Building (40 m)
The Reichstag Building is one of Berlin’s must-see attractions, and I highly recommend it for any itinerary. It stands as a powerful symbol of German democracy, with a fascinating history and impressive modern architecture.
The self-guided audio tour takes you through its rich past, and it ends at the top of the Reichstag Dome, where you’re treated to amazing panoramic views of the city.
- Platz der Republik 1 (Mitte)
- Must pre-book your timeslot in advance and entrance is free
14. Humboldt Forum (30 m)
The Humboldt Forum, facing the Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island, offers a mix of museums, culture, art, and science. I recommend checking out the free exhibits—my personal favourite was the Video Panorama, which gives you a fascinating 800-year visual journey through Berlin’s history.
The view, however, isn’t free! The roof terrace offers gorgeous vistas of Berlin’s Museum Island, Alexanderplatz, the Berlin Cathedral, and St. Mary’s Church. You can take an elevator to the top, where I treated myself to a drink at the café and relaxed, soaking in the city’s skyline.
- Schloßpl. 1 (Mitte)
- Monday to Sunday 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, closed Tuesdays
- €5 or €2.50 (reduced)
15. Kollwitzplatz Water Tower
Wasserturmplatz, dating back to 1877, is Berlin’s oldest standing water tower. One of its most interesting features is the impressive acoustics—echoes can last for 18 seconds in the larger tower and around 4 to 5 seconds in the smaller one.
As a viewpoint, the tower isn’t much higher than the surrounding buildings, but it still offers a neat perspective of the area. You can reach it by climbing steep steps that lead to a park. It’s a popular hang-out spot for locals in the neighbourhood, where I would often come with my dog for some off-leash time, and enjoy the views of Prenzlauer Berg’s shops, restaurants, and cafés.
- Knaackstraße 23 (Prenzlauer Berg)
Final Thoughts
When I travel to a new destination, one of my priorities is always finding a vantage point to take in the entire city.
Living in Berlin has allowed me to explore so many amazing spots, and I can tell you with certainty that the views from each of these places are well worth the visit.
