THINGS TO DO IN BERLIN 2026

With over 1.2 million visitors a year, the TV Tower (Fernsehturm) at Alexanderplatz is one of the most popular attractions in Berlin. From the top, you get stunning 360° views across the whole city, making it a must for first-time visitors. Take the lift up to the viewing platform at 203 meters for unbeatable views of the city. On a clear day, you can spot landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and even the Olympic Stadium. You can even enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant while watching Berlin from above.

A walk along the Berlin Wall is one of the most powerful things to do in the city. The Berlin Wall stood for almost 30 years, dividing families and shaping the city. Today, you can still see its remains and understand its impact. The East Side Gallery is the most colorful part, covered in murals that tell stories of hope and freedom. At the Berlin Wall Memorial, you’ll find preserved watchtowers and a section of the death strip. The open-air exhibition and visitor center give a real sense of how life was divided. From there, head to Checkpoint Charlie, one of the most famous border crossings between East and West Berlin. Here you’ll find a replica guardhouse, border signs, and displays about escape attempts that bring Cold War history to life.

The Berlin Dungeon is one of the city’s most fun and unusual attractions. Instead of a regular museum, it’s a live show with actors, spooky sets, and special effects that bring 700 years of Berlin’s darker history to life. You’ll step into scenes with plague doctors, torturers, and witches, with just the right mix of scares and fun. Each room feels like a live show, full of surprises and energy. It’s not a traditional museum; it’s an immersive experience that’s both fun and a little scary. If you’re looking for history with a twist, this is the place to go.

For a family-friendly outing, the Berlin Zoo is a must. It’s the oldest zoo in Germany, founded in 1844, and home to more than 20,000 animals from around the world. With 1,380 species, it has one of the most diverse collections in the world. You’ll see everything from pandas, elephants, and giraffes to polar bears and big cats. Next door, the aquarium is filled with colorful fish, reptiles, and tropical ecosystems. There are also playgrounds for kids, picnic spots, and cafés where you can take a break. With daily feeding times and special shows, it’s a fun and educational stop that both children and adults will enjoy.

Gendarmenmarkt is often called the most elegant square in Berlin. It’s framed by three landmarks: the French Cathedral, the German Cathedral, and the Konzerthaus concert hall. It is situated in Berlin’s Mitte district, just a short walk from Friedrichstraße and Unter den Linden boulevard. It’s right in the historic city center, surrounded by shops, cafés, and restaurants. The square is a great spot for photos, and in December it becomes one of Berlin’s most charming Christmas markets.

This famous landmark is both a church and a memorial. The original 19th-century church was heavily bombed during World War II. The ruined spire has been preserved as a powerful reminder of the destruction of war. Next to it stands a modern church with stunning blue stained-glass windows. Visitors also stop to see the memorial hall with photos and stories of the old church. The square around it is lively and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Where else can you cycle, skate, or fly a kite down an old airport runway? At Tempelhofer Feld, history and fun come together in one huge open space. Once Berlin’s main airport, it closed in 2008 and is now the city’s favorite spot to play, picnic, and relax. On sunny days, the fields fill with locals hanging out, grilling, and enjoying the wide-open skies. Walking across the runways feels like stepping into Berlin’s past, but with the laid-back vibe that makes the city so unique. Skip the crowds and join Berliners at their biggest open-air playground.