How to Spend One Day in Berlin: Your Ultimate Itinerary

Berlin throbs with art, pulsates with history, and simmers with indefinable energy. It’s a city that gets under your skin – slowly at first, then all at once you realize its magic.

As a former Berliner, I’ve seen this city from every angle – the iconic sights bathed in golden light, the hidden courtyards humming with local life, and the delicious eateries spilling out onto cobbled streets.

I asked myself “How would I spend just one day in Berlin?”

If you have just 24 hours in Berlin, figuring out how to spend it can be daunting. Fear not!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read my Affiliate Disclosure.

What to See in Berlin in 1 Day: Overview

Here’s a quick overview of things to see in Berlin in 1 day.

This Berlin one day itinerary has been meticulously crafted to guide you on a nearly straight 3 km route from the Reichstag building to Alexanderplatz, ensuring you make the most of your time while exploring Berlin’s iconic landmarks.

• Reichstag Government Building
• Brandenburg Gate
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
• Unter den Linden
• Berlin Cathedral
• Museum Island
• Nikolaiviertel
• Alexanderplatz

In a rush? Pin it for later.

1 Day in Berlin Itinerary

1. Reichstag Building: Witnessing History Through Glass

Start your day at the iconic Reichstag Building, the seat of Germany’s parliament (Bundestag).

This tops my list as a must-see for many reasons:

• it’s a powerful symbol of German unity
• features an awe-inspiring glass dome, a modern architectural gem offering panoramic city views
• through the audio guide, you can learn about its interesting history

📍Platz der Republik 1 | ⌛<90 minutes | 🎟️ Free, reserve time slot online | 🚶Right next to the Brandenburg Gate

2. Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor): A Walk Through Time

Standing proudly next to the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s most famous landmark and a popular spot for photo ops.

Inspired by the Athenian Acropolis gate, it served as a symbol of Prussia’s power. It was built in the 18th century in the exact spot of the former gate to the city.

During the Cold War, the imposing gate stood right on the border separating East and West Berlin.

Just like the Reichstag building, it’s a powerful symbol of unity.

📍Pariser Platz | ⌛<30 minutes | 🎟️ Free | 🚶less than 10 minute walk from Brandenburg Gate

3. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe: A Moving Monument

A short walk from the Brandenburg Gate lies a haunting memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

The vast area of 2,711 concrete slabs, uneven in size and design, creates a sense of disorientation, reflecting the chaos and loss inflicted by the Nazis.

Take a moment of quiet reflection to remember the millions who perished. Be respectful at this memorial site. Limit any selfies or standing on the concrete slabs.

This moving monument is a must-see for your Berlin in a day itinerary:

• unique design by architect Peter Eisenman that you won’t see anywhere else in the world
• serves as a poignant reminder of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust

📍Reichstagufer 17 | ⌛<30 minutes | 🎟️ Free | 🚶less than 5 minute walk from Brandenburg Gate

4. Unter den Linden: A Grand Boulevard Steeped in History

Unter den Linden, meaning “Under the Lime Trees,” is a famous street stretching from the Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Cathedral.

Lined with chestnut trees (not lime!), it was once a prominent avenue for Prussian royalty and military parades.

Today, it’s a busy street with a pedestrian zone down the middle with cafes and museums.

Unter den Linden is chockfull of sights, with historical significance increasing as you near the Spree River.

For lunch, eat at Einstein Unter den Linden (no. 42) is a must. It’s one of my favourite restaurants in the entire city, and my husband swears by their schnitzel – the best in Berlin!

While a full historical breakdown and detailed list of sights is beyond the scope of this itinerary, check out my guide to Unter den Linden, here are a couple of highlights to keep an eye out for:

• Bebelplatz: this square is home to the Humboldt University Law Faculty and is infamous for being the site of the Nazi book burning in 1933. Look for the memorial in the ground that commemorates this event (no. 11)
• Berlin State Opera: known as the Staatsoper, this historic opera house showcases world-class performances, but I love its stunning architecture (no. 7)
• Humboldt University: founded in 1810 by Wilhelm von Humboldt, it’s a prestigious university that’s housed in incredible buildings along Unter den Linden (no. 6)

📍Unter den Linden | ⌛<90 minutes | 🎟️ Free | 🚶less than 5 minute walk from the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

5. Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom): A Majestic Landmark with Soaring Spires

Towering over Unter den Linden, the Berlin Cathedral is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. It’s by far one of my favourite buildings in Berlin.

Before heading inside, take a leisurely stroll under the chestnut trees in Lustgarten (meaning Pleasure Garden) by the Spree River. This spot offers one of the finest views of the Berlin Cathedral.

I recommend not only admiring its exterior but also exploring its interior! Inside, you’ll find grandeur and opulence, with a magnificent dome overhead and impressive sarcophagi of Prussian royalty.

The highlight, without a doubt, is ascending the dome for breathtaking city views. From up there, you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye perspective of Museum Island, the winding Spree River, and the bustling Alexanderplatz.

📍Am Lustgarten | ⌛<60 minutes | 🎟️ €10 purchase on-site | 🚶less than 1 minute walk from Unter den Linden

6. Museum Island (Museumsinsel): A Treasure Trove of World Cultures

7. Nikolaiviertel: A Time Capsule of Old Berlin

While many guidebooks might not highlight this part of Berlin as a must-visit, believe me, it’s one of the city’s most enchanting areas. It feels like stepping into a quaint village, guaranteeing you a delightful escape from the busy streets of Berlin.

Nikolaiviertel is Berlin’s charming reconstructed old town. Destroyed during World War II and left in ruins for decades, this neighbourhood has been carefully rebuilt, showcasing traditional brick buildings, cobbled streets, and cozy cafes. It’s like stepping back in time to medieval Berlin!

Be sure to check out the Nikolaikirche, the oldest church in Berlin, and wander through the narrow alleys, soaking up the atmosphere of this unique quarter.

I recommend pausing to embrace a cherished German tradition: indulging in an afternoon biergarten or treating yourself to kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake). And trust me, this area is the perfect setting to savour these delightful experiences.

I recommend sitting along the Spree River at Brauhaus GEORGBRAEU for my favourite Biergarten or Ephraims for kaffee und kuchen, both can be found within this quarter.

📍 Rathausstraße 21 | ⌛60 minutes | 🎟️ Free | 🚶less than 15 minute walk from Museum Island

8. Alexanderplatz (Alex): A Modern Heart with a Historic Twist

Our final stop before an evening dinner is the bustling Alexanderplatz, or Alex as we locals call it. This massive square is the center of modern Berlin, with the iconic Fernsehturm (TV Tower).

While Alex is known for its modern, yet very touristy vibe. History buffs will appreciate the Neptune Fountain (Neptunbrunnen), a beautiful 19th-century centrepiece and St. Mary’s Church. Refer to my guide to learn more about why Alexanderplatz is so famous.

While guidebooks often recommend visiting the observation deck of the TV Tower, I have an even better suggestion: head to the rooftop deck of the Park Inn Radisson Hotel to watch the sunset. It’s one of my favourite vantage points in Berlin. Here’s why:

• It’s a steal at just €6, a significant saving compared to the €28 cost of the TV Tower
• It’s far less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the view in peace
• From there, you can admire the TV Tower itself, offering a perspective that’s arguably superior to any other view in the city

📍 Alexanderpl. 7 | ⌛60 minutes | 🎟️ €6 | 🚶less than 10 minute walk from Nikolaiviertel

9. Zur Letzten Instanz: Berlin’s Oldest Restaurant

I can’t think of a better way to end your busy Berlin in one day itinerary than for an unforgettable dinner at this traditional German restaurant.

This legendary restaurant holds the title of Berlin’s oldest, dating back to 1621! Imagine soaking up the atmosphere of wood-panelled walls and cozy corners while indulging in delicious German fare. It’s the perfect way to experience a taste of old Berlin and cap off a day filled with exploration.

📍 Waisenstraße 14-16 | 🚶less than 10 minute walk from Alexanderplatz

What’s Missing from this Berlin 1 Day Itinerary

In just one day, you are missing out on some key attractions the city offers. Other guides may suggest cramming more into your day, but rushing through won’t let you fully enjoy Berlin’s charm.

Plus, I’ve kept all the sights within the Berlin city centre and walking distance to make the most of your time.

These are the landmarks or activities that did not make this list of things to do in Berlin in one day based on those important factors:

• Berlin Wall Memorial or East Side Gallery
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Potsdamer Platz
• Berlin’s neighbourhoods of Prenzlauer Berg or Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
• Tiergarten Park
• Charlottenburg Palace
• Walking tour