Berlin. Just the mention of the name conjures images of division and unity, war and peace, angst and optimism. On our Berlin trip, we reveled at landmark sights, discovered hidden gems and savored local dishes.
While engrossed in the city’s history, we struck a balance between the past and the present. To bring you a sweeping overview, we’ve packed our best experiences into this 3-Day Berlin Itinerary.
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Planning a 3 Day Berlin Itinerary
We understand just how overwhelming planning a trip to Berlin can be. In addition to the extraordinary number of things to do in Berlin, visitors should also experience the city’s unique culture and cuisine.
Our itinerary for 3 days in Berlin is outlined in an easy-flowing format, with suggestions for lunch and dinner each day.
We recommended activities for morning, afternoon and evening; making it simple to adjust the itinerary to your personal interests and timeframe.
While this trip plan is ideal for first-time Berlin visitors, it’s a fantastic itinerary for any traveler who wants to soak in as much of the city as possible.
Tips for Spending 3 Days in Berlin
We designed our itinerary for Berlin over 3 days, because that is just enough time to see the top attractions.
The Berlin map provided below is marked with everything you need to see. We also include some essential trip planning advice in our Top Berlin Travel Tips.
As you begin planning what to do in Berlin in 3 days, organization is key! Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of the details.
Best Berlin Itinerary 3 Days
We have packed our 3 Days in Berlin Itinerary to the brim with the best things to do – from art and parks to history and architecture.
While sightseeing in Berlin, you will visit the most poignant memorials, the best museums, thought-provoking historic sites and lush parks.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Berlin Travel Guide for your trip to Germany!
DAY 1: Berlin City Center Sights
In the center of Berlin, historic attractions span centuries. The city is dotted with relics from royalty, the Nazis and the Cold War conflict.
We are jumping right into the convoluted past on Day 1 of our Berlin Itinerary. The top places to see in Berlin City Center can be visited on foot and our Free Berlin Self-Guided Walk provides a fantastic route.
MORNING: Brandenburg Gate & WWII Historic Sights
Begin your Berlin Itinerary in Pariser Platz and the Brandenburg Gate. As Berlin’s top landmark, it is the most famous place to visit in the city.
These six columns have marked the entrance to Berlin since 1791. From 1961 until 1989, access was blocked by the Berlin Wall.
While the next stops are very heavy for a vacation, learning about the past is a must for your Berlin trip itinerary.
Berlin served as the headquarters for Nazi Germany during World War II and – subsequently – as the focal point of the Cold War. Today, the city is strewn with reminders and memorials from it’s darkest time.
Begin at the Topography of Terror. Formerly the offices of the Nazi Gestapo, the building now houses a museum.
The displays inside detail the rise and demise of the Nazi regime. We stayed longer than intended – as we were enthralled by the historic timeline of the terrible events.
Next, pay tribute to the innocent lives lost at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews. We believe it’s striking and the memorial’s Information Center truly brings to the life the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Before midday, make your way to Checkpoint Charlie. Although the recreated gate between East and West Germany is a bit gimmicky, it perfectly illustrates how the Berlin Wall separated the city.
Top Itinerary Tip: If a self-guided stroll isn’t your style, join a guide and fellow travelers on a Berlin Walking Tour.
Lunch: Classic Berlin Food
Berliners have a peculiar affection for kebabs. For lunch on Day 1 of your 3-Day Itinerary in Berlin, we recommend indulging in the local specialty.
The nearby Teras Doner Kebab Shop is a prime establishment to get your first taste of a delicious German kebab.
The Doner sandwiches are piled with shaved meat, stacked with veggies and doused in sauce – all at a budget price! Just be sure to bring euros, because it’s cash-only.
AFTERNOON: Berlin Imperial Attractions
Shift your focus from the somber past to Berlin’s time of grandeur during the Age of Enlightenment.
As the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia and home to the royal family, the city flourished in the 19th century.
Throughout the era, Berlin was beautified by grandiose architecture and magnificent cultural institutions.
Stroll through the opulent Gendarmenmarkt, where you will find the gorgeous Concert Hall, statues and churches.
Then, make your way to elegant Bebelplatz. Here, you can step inside the newly renovated St. Hedwig’s Cathedral and admire the Opera House.
Visit Berliner Schloss, the historic palace that has been painstakingly reconstructed. Ranking as one of the largest palaces in the world, the interior now hosts the free-to-visit Humboldt Forum Museums.
Don’t miss the nearby Neptune Fountain (which once stood in front of the palace) and pay a visit to Berliner Dom (ticket required for entry).
EVENING: Epic Feast and Elevated Berlin View
Cap off your first day of Berlin sightseeing with local craft beer and currywurst – two of the things the city does best! We partook in both these tasty German treasures at Das Lemke and it didn’t disappoint.
We recommend getting a tasting platter of beers so that you can sample the various offerings. The currywurst with homemade sauce is spot on, but the shared sausage platter is excellent, as well.
After dinner, take in the view of Berlin from above. The Fernsehturm TV Tower is an icon of the city and the tallest structure in all of Germany.
The panoramic views from the observation deck are unsurpassed, so it’s best to book your ticket in advance!
Tour Tip: If you would rather a guided introduction to the Berlin food scene, reserve your spot on a fun food tour. Looking for great beer in Berlin? Check out the original evening Craft Beer Tour!
DAY 2: Berlin Museums, Art and Architecture
Day 2 of your 3-day trip to Berlin is all about culture and artistic expression. Start off by visiting one of the famous institutions on Museum Island.
In the afternoon, see the East Side Gallery artwork on the Berlin Wall, then dip into the alternative Friedrichshain district.
MORNING: Museum Island
Museum Island sits in the middle of the Spree River that flows though the center of Berlin. At the northern end sits a complex of world-class museums. Together they are listed as a Berlin UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spend the morning visiting one or several venues – or simply wandering the grounds and admiring the architecture.
Pergamon Museum displays artifacts from the ancient world. Top features are the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Market Gate of Miletus – as well as collections of Antiquity, Middle East and Islamic Art. Currently closed for a major renovation and set to reopen in 2027.
Bode Museum exhibits include sculptures and art from the late Antique and Byzantine periods, as well as a collection of coins and medals.
Neues Museum (New Museum) is dedicated to Egyptian, Prehistory and Early History collections. The most notable item is the bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti.
Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) boasts collections of Neoclassical, Romantic, Biedermeier, Impressionist and Modernist artwork.
Altes Museum (Old Museum) is best known for the Collection of Classical Antiquities.
Tips for Visiting Museum Island
Most of the institutions on Museum Island are open from 10am to 6pm and are closed Mondays. However, Altes and Bode are also shut on Tuesdays and both close at 5pm on weekdays.
These Berlin museums can be visited with individual tickets, a combination Berlin Museum Pass or for free with a Berlin City Welcome Card (which also includes public transportation).
Lunch: Quirky Burger Joint
While hamburgers are gobbled up internationally, there is some evidence that points to Germany as the creator of the much-loved meal. It seems to reason, then, that burgers should be something you eat during your 3-day Berlin trip!
There is no burger restaurant more memorable than Burgermeister at Schlesisokes Tor in the Kreuzberg district.
Always busy (so expect a queue), Burgermeister cranks out delectable burgers are fair prices. Order the Meister Burger along with Chili Cheese Fries. It definitely hit the spot for us!
AFTERNOON: Landmark Sights in Friedrichshain
Now navigate your way into the Friedrichshain district. Developed in the 1920s as a working-class neighborhood, it’s now a trendy area benefiting (and suffering from) gentrification.
Start by crossing the Spree River on foot via Oberbaumbrucke Bridge. The double-towered, double-decked bridge is one of Berlin’s most remarkable landmarks.
Built in the 1700s (and named for the tree trunk barriers that prevented smugglers from crossing at night), the original wooden span was replaced in 1896 with the beautiful brick bridge that straddles the water today.
Once in Friedrichshain, stop at The Wall Museum (ticket required). The multimedia displays detail the dramatic history of the division of East and West by the Berlin Wall.
Then, take your time as you embark along the East Side Gallery. This ¾-mile-long stretch of the Berlin Wall has never been dismantled.
In 1990, after reunification, artists from around the world were invited to paint the barrier that once divided the city. The project includes murals from 105 artists that depict scenes of freedom and hope.
LATE AFTERNOON: Berlin Counterculture & Creative Spaces
The best thing about Friedrichshain is the district’s creative enclaves. The entire neighborhood seems to hum with lively repurposed spaces and alternative vibes.
On sunny summer days, Holzmarkt 25 is not to be missed. The artistic riverside complex is a casual place to hang out and take in the views. Sunsets are especially spectacular.
RAW-Gelände – a former industrial warehouse – feels edgy and, well…raw. Go in the afternoon to see the colorful graffiti murals – but plan to return later if you’re looking for a vibrant Berlin nightlife.
If it’s a Sunday, don’t miss the sensational flea market at Boxhangener Platz. From fresh produce to vintage home furnishings to food trucks, the market is full of intriguing and bizarre finds.
Fans of Soviet architecture will also want to carve out some time in their itinerary to walk down Karl-Marx-Allee. The grand boulevard is lined with wide sidewalks, elegant lanterns and Socialist Classicism buildings.
Top Travel Tip: Want a guide to lead the way to the best artistic murals? Join others and set off on a Berlin Street Art tour.
EVENING: Boxhangener Platz
Stay in the neighborhood for dinner and drinks, you will find great options near Boxhangener Platz.
Kurhaus Korsakow serves refined German fare in a classy space (try the schnitzel). However, if you need a break from meaty meals, head to 1990 Vegan Living, where they specialize in Vietnamese small plates.
For late night revelry, Friedrichshain is home to many famous Berlin bars – as well as several popular Berlin nightclubs.
DAY 3: Berlin Parks, Reichstag & Prenzlauer Berg
To wrap up your 3-Day Berlin Germany Itinerary, breathe in fresh air at one of the city’s best parks. Then, tour the modern Reichstag government building and end your trip in the hip Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood.
MORNING: Get Outdoors
Escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours and find serenity in a garden oasis. There are an incredible number of Parks in Berlin to choose from.
Tiergarten Park – which was once the royal hunting grounds – is a sensational public space, complete with walking paths, ponds, monuments and the Victory Column.
We also enjoyed the forested Treptower Park, where there is also a controversial Soviet War Memorial.
Natur-Park Sudgelande is a fascinating nature sanctuary on the site of an old train depot. As avid aviation enthusiasts, our favorite is Tempelhofer Feld Park, which occupies a former airport.
If the weather is keeping you indoors, consider going to Kaufhaus des Westens. Reigning as the second largest department store in Europe (after Harrods in London), shopping at KaDeWe is one of the fun things to do in Berlin.
LUNCH: Bavarian Beer Garden
When you start to get hungry, make your way to Zollpackhof, an idyllic Bavarian restaurant sitting on the Spree riverbank.
Grab a seat under the chestnut trees and prepare for a feast. Order the pork knuckle and a beer and enjoy the jovial atmosphere!
AFTERNOON: German Reichstag
In the afternoon, tour the monumental Reichstag Building, which has a long history of housing the German Parliament.
The original Reichstag was built in 1894, but a fire almost destroyed it in 1933. Hitler accused the Communists of setting the blaze; a political move the bolstered the Nazi Party and led to the subsequent signing of the Enabling Act.
The building itself was never restored – and it was heavily targeted during the Battle of Berlin in 1945.
When the war ended, the West German government moved to Bonn and the Reichstag was left abandoned. After German reunification, the decision was made to move Parliament back to Berlin and into the historic structure.
The Reichstag got a complete overhaul in 1999. The glass dome is a key feature of the original design; it represents the transparency of Germany’s government.
We opted for the self-guided audio tour that included visiting the dome and open-air rooftop that offers spectacular views over Berlin. It’s free to visit; just be sure to book your space in advance.
LATE AFTERNOON: Uniquely Berlin
After visiting the very formal government building, spend the rest of the afternoon seeking out places that are unique to Berlin.
Pop in to see the David Hasselhoff Shrine or step inside the Museum of Silence. For more Cold War history, head for the Berlin Wall Memorial. Part of the actual wall remains – as does a guard tower.
Next, find the captivating Berlin Underworld Museum. Tours navigate the subterranean space that was once used as air raid shelters.
Finally, make your way to Mauer Park. The wide open space was known as The Death Strip, as it bordered the Berlin Wall and was overlooked by armed guards. Today, it is famous for its Sunday flea market and boisterous Bearpit Karaoke.
EVENING: Prenzlauer Berg
Head to the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood for dinner, where restaurant options are endless.
We prefer the area that bounds the park on the northeast side. Meta Restaurant has a tavern vibe and serves exceptional kasspatzle – but the burgers just down the street at The Bird are outstanding, too.
For an array of international eats, go to Oderberger Street on the southeast side of the park. Here you will find everything from Italian to Mexican to Koren – and more.
If you want to make your last meal a kebab, go to Ruyam Gemuse Kebab 2. It’s one of the most raved-about kebab shops in Berlin.
End your night at KulturBrauerei, a brewery-turned-cultural-space. The massive complex hosts restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters and concert venues.
Map of Berlin, Germany
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Berlin map below. Blue indicates Berlin activities for Day 1. Purple show Day 2 sights in Berlin. Green feature what to see on Berlin Day 3.
How To Plan a 3 Day Berlin Itinerary
Now that you know what to see in Berlin in 3 days, we have a few logistical travel tips. For more detailed advice, read our Travel Tips for Berlin!
Getting There
Berlin is well connected by plane, train and bus to cities throughout Germany and major European destinations, too.
The long delayed and often mocked Brandenburg International Airport (BER) is now the only airport serving Berlin.
Direct flights from the US are available from New York and seasonally from Miami. If you plan on flying, use our Tips for Finding Cheap Flights.
Getting Around
Berlin spawls, but the public transit system is efficient and affordable. We recommend using the Berlin Welcome Transit Card or All-Inclusive Card that also includes entry to many prime tourist sights.
Berlin Hotels
Hotels in Berlin can be quite expensive. Our best tip is to find an affordable place to stay that is near a transit station, like Hotel am Steinplatz near Tiergarten Park.
Use our guide to Booking Hotels for Cheap to help make certain you’re getting the lowest rate.
What To Pack for Berlin
Okay, let’s talk about the essentials for your 3-day trip. Read our Packing Hacks first and then grab our Free Checklist and let’s get you to Germany!
Comfortable Shoes: Lightweight and versatile travel shoes are a must for Berlin!
Day Pack: A good, zippered travel day bag is ideal for deterring pickpockets!
Travel Camera: We use a DSLR Canon Rebel, which is a great camera for budget travelers.
Weather Gear: Make sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses for summer – and maybe a travel umbrella.
Trip Insurance: If the airline loses your luggage or get sick abroad, travel insurance may help. Check rates and coverage at World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Germany! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Germany Travel Guides
- What To See in Frankfurt & Self Guided Walking Tour
- Free Munich Walking Tour & How To Make the Most of a Layover
- 5 Underrated German Cities
- Things To Do in Dusseldorf
- 3 Days in Dresden
- Why You Should Go To Freiburg
- Tips for Planning your European Vacation
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