Berlin Itinerary For 2 to 7 Days

March 27, 2023

Berlin is a biggggg big city — not so surprisingly the largest city in Germany. It’s a city with a story like no other, a captivating underground culture, and a wealth of things to see and do. It’s a perfect destination for history buffs, art lovers, and foodies alike. Whether you’re interested in World War II, the Cold War, street art, or techno music, or just want to enjoy vibrant city life with a sprinkle of hedonism, Berlin has something to offer.

When planning a trip to Berlin, it’s good to have a rough itinerary in mind. With so many things to see and do, you might end up having mild regrets if you don’t do a little planning. But don’t fret! I’ve put together several Berlin itineraries — ranging from 2 days to 7 days — to help you make the most of your time in Berlin. You can also consult the following articles to help you shape your perfect trip to Berlin:

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Berlin 2-Day Itinerary

Two days to visit Berlin is admittedly not a whole lot and you’ll have to pick and choose. If it’s your first time visiting, here is what I recommend. Each subsequent itinerary below builds up from this one. I’m covering the classics here, but obviously, this is not a one size fits all.

What to see in two days

Brandenburg Gate: The symbol of Berlin and one of the city’s most famous landmarks, Brandenburger Tor is a must-visit (very touristy, I suggest coming early to avoid annoying crowds). If you have time, take a walk in Tiergarten, it’s right next to it and really beautiful. It’s all free, obviously.
Museum Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island is home to five of Berlin’s most important museums, including the Pergamon Museum and Alte Nationalgalerie. This could easily take all day, so it’s good to check out the websites for each museum and decide what you want to see ahead of time. Here’s a pass to all of them should you decide to tackle the whole shebang and skip the lines.
East Side Gallery: Open-air gallery showcasing over 100 works of art on a 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall — a testament to the city’s creative spirit. Free. Grab a few beers by the Spree if it’s sunny!
Checkpoint Charlie: This former crossing point between East and West Berlin is a symbol of the division of the city during the Cold War. It’s touristy and tacky nowadays, but hey, people seem to love it. I mean, it is Checkpoint Charlie.
Reichstag Building: This iconic building is home to the German Parliament and is also famous for its glass dome, offering panoramic views of the city. It’s free but you need to book ahead. Do it here.
Mitte: The central district of Berlin where you’ll find great restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping. Great if you can make this your home base for a short trip. Or else ride the train to Rosenthaler Platz and walk around from there.

Berlin 3 Day Itinerary

Maybe my list above was a bit too long and you need to add an extra day! In three days in Berlin, you can visit the following sights on top of what’s in my previous list.

What to see in three days

Potsdamer Platz: A bustling square steeped in history that’s now very urban.
Alte Nationalgalerie: A museum that showcases German and French art from the 19th century. Get your ticket here.
Holocaust Memorial: The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a place of remembrance and contemplation, and a must-visit for those interested in the city’s dark history. Free.
Neukölln: A charming neighborhood known for its canal hangs, vintage shops, and hip cafes.

Berlin 4 Day Itinerary

If you have 4 days in Berlin, you can add a few more things to your itinerary. Consider adding the below things to your already growing list!

What to see in four days

Berlin Wall Memorial and the Topography of Terror, to understand the city’s complex past and the impact of World War II and the Cold War
Prenzlauer Berg, a trendy neighborhood known for its street art and slightly boogie vibes with lots of great restaurants
The Jewish Museum, to learn about the city’s Jewish history and culture
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a damaged 18th-century church that serves as a place of remembrance for victims of war and tyranny

Berlin 5 Day Itinerary

At this point, you’ve seen the major highlights, so I will just add some personal suggestions.

What to see in five days

Holzmarkt, an urban park with great riverside views, dotted with boho bars & food stands
Unter den Linden, a large square with a boulevard lined with linden trees
Markthalle 9 on a Thursday evening, a fantastic street food event!
Go up the Park Inn Hotel roof for an amazing view of the TV Tower

Berlin 7 Day Itinerary

What to see in seven days

Add on the Victory Column (make sure you go up for an amazing view!)
Visit the Bode Museum and the Berliner Dom
Visit a German spa! You can read my reviews of Vabali and Liquidrom, the two most famous spas in town.

Some tips

The Berlin Welcome Card: A great way to save money on public transportation and attractions, the Berlin Welcome Card offers discounts on many of the city’s top sights and unlimited travel within all 3 zones.

Consider taking a walking tour of the city to see the sights and learn about Berlin’s rich history. This is a great way to get your bearings, see multiple sights in one go and get a deeper understanding of the city’s past and present.

Best time to visit Berlin

Summer months: The warm summer months are the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities, such as visiting parks and beer gardens. It’ll be crowded though.

Christmas Market season: If you don’t mind the cold and dark, Berlin around Christmas is all sorts of magical. The city’s Christmas markets are a must-visit during the holiday season, offering a festive atmosphere and plenty of traditional German treats like Glühwein and Gebrannte Mandeln.

Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them a good time to visit Berlin. During these seasons, you can enjoy outdoor activities, such as visiting street food markets and beer gardens. Spring is especially pretty with all the Sakura in bloom (around April).