Berlin · Germany · Things to do
5 places in Berlin you have to see
Five places sum up Berlin: the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, the glass dome of the Reichstag and the TV Tower on Alexanderplatz. All five sit in or near the historic centre and are easy to reach by U-Bahn and S-Bahn. The Reichstag dome is free but needs online registration in advance.
What to do, in order
- 1
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate was completed in 1791 and topped by a chariot of victory. During the Cold War it stood in the border strip of the Berlin Wall, cut off from both sides. Since 1989 it has become the city's symbol of reunification. The square in front, Pariser Platz, is pedestrianised, so it is easy to walk through the gate. Come at sunrise for soft light and an almost empty square, or after dark when the gate is floodlit.
- 2
Museum Island
Museum Island is a group of five major museums on an island in the River Spree, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum with the bust of Nefertiti, and the domed Bode Museum are the best known. Opening hours and ticket rules differ between the museums, and some galleries close for long renovations, so check before you go. At blue hour, the Bode Museum lit up across the water is one of the best photographs in the city.
- 3
Berlin Cathedral
Berlin Cathedral is the large green-domed church beside Museum Island, overlooking the Spree and the Lustgarten park. Inside are a richly decorated church and a crypt with the tombs of the Prussian royal family. A long staircase climbs to a walkway around the outside of the dome, with one of the best views over the old centre. Entry is ticketed. Allow about an hour, and expect the climb to the dome to be steep and narrow.
- 4
Reichstag Dome
The Reichstag is the home of the German parliament, the Bundestag. Its modern glass dome sits on top of the historic building, and a spiral ramp inside leads to a viewing platform over the city and the debating chamber below. Entry is free, but you must register online in advance with the names and dates of birth of everyone in your group, and bring the matching ID. The dome can close at short notice for parliamentary events.
- 5
TV Tower
The TV Tower, the Fernsehturm, rises 368 metres over Alexanderplatz and is the tallest structure in Germany. A lift climbs to a viewing deck with a view across the whole city, and there is a revolving restaurant above it. Tickets with a set time help avoid queues in busy seasons. On a clear day the view reaches far beyond the city; at sunset the light over the rooftops is at its best.
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Plan it
- Best time
- May to September for long days and outdoor life. Late November to December for the Christmas markets. Winter is cold and grey but quieter.
- How long
- Three to four days for the main sights, museums and neighbourhoods.
- Getting around
- The U-Bahn and S-Bahn reach every sight here. A day ticket covers trains, buses and trams.
Good to know
- Register for the Reichstag dome as early as possible: slots fill in busy months.
- Buy timed TV Tower tickets online to skip the queue.
- Many museums are closed on one weekday; check before planning a museum day.
Frequently asked
Is the Reichstag dome free? +
Yes. Visiting the dome is free, but you must register online in advance with the full names and dates of birth of everyone in your group, and bring the matching ID on the day.
How tall is the Berlin TV Tower? +
The TV Tower on Alexanderplatz is 368 metres tall, the tallest structure in Germany. Its viewing deck sits a little over 200 metres up.
How many days do you need in Berlin? +
Three to four days covers the main sights, a museum day on Museum Island and time in neighbourhoods such as Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg.
What is on Museum Island? +
Five major museums, including the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum with the bust of Nefertiti, the Altes Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie and the Bode Museum. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
