Last Updated on 26/05/2023
Berlin is a fascinating city. If you’re looking for an excuse to visit, I’ve got you covered! Here are my top 15 reasons to visit Berlin to inspire your next trip to the German capital!
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Reasons To Visit Berlin
I’ve outlined our top 15 reasons to visit Berlin below. From its ever-present history to amazing shopping and great food, Berlin has plenty on offer!
1. Museums
If you’re a museum-lover, you need to visit Berlin! Museum Island alone is home to 5 museums and is located right at the heart of the city. You’ll find some fantastic gems dotted around the city too, including The Story of Berlin (currently under renovation) and the Wall Memorial Museum.
2. Street Art
Berlin has some of the most creative street art I’ve ever seen! There are districts overflowing with artwork and some wonderful tours you can join to take it all in. Not forgetting the striking East Side Gallery which was once the Berlin Wall and is now the longest open-air gallery in the world.
3. Shopping
Berlin is a great city if you’re looking for some retail therapy! The iconic department store Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe) is a great place to pick up a treat to commemorate your trip. Alternatively, you can join the throngs at the Mall of Berlin or Alexa, just to name a few options!
4. History
Berlin is a city with so much history, and much of that history is still within living memory. When you go to Berlin, you can’t escape that, as it shouts its story everywhere you turn. Despite the turbulent times of its past, Berlin seeks to educate people about it and you can find traces of it around every corner.
5. Architecture
Berlin has a wonderful mix of architecture. The gaudy Victorian Cathedral stands in stark contrast to the modern millennial Reichstag dome. The wonderful blend of old and new architecture could only be pulled off by a city with a history as varied as Berlin’s.
6. Berliner Fernsehturm
Berliner Fernsehturm or TV tower is the best way to see Berlin. Take an elevator up this 368m tower to witness spectacular panoramic views of the city. There are information boards to guide you through what you are seeing, and it is the only way to really appreciate the scars left on this previously divided city.
7. Green Spaces
Berlin is a city surrounded by greenery! As well as a number of small parks around the city, the spectacular Tiergarten is well worth a visit. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll around this old hunting reserve, and find Berlin Zoo at the far end!
8. Beer
It’s impossible to write a post about Berlin without mentioning the beer! Even though I’m not really a beer drinker, you can’t visit a German city without sampling some of the local offerings. You can even take a tour from those who know best and go drinking with a local.
Top tip: if you want to bring some home in your suitcase to enjoy later, you can pick it up for less than 1 Euro per bottle in the local supermarkets!
9. Affordable
I was amazed when we first arrived in Berlin at how cheap everything was! For a capital city, prices of things like food and souvenirs were much cheaper than any other western European city we’ve visited. Transport and accommodation were also really reasonably priced so it isn’t a destination that will break the bank!
10. Currywurst
Much like the beer, a trip to Berlin isn’t complete without sampling some currywurst! This curried sausage is deceptive though, for what it lacks in presentation, it makes up for in taste. It’s absolutely delicious!
11. Christmas Markets
Visiting Berlin in winter might not be an obvious choice, but it is worth battling the cold for the magical Christmas markets. These festive celebrations start late November and run right up until Christmas. They are a fabulous place to buy some last-minute Christmas shopping or treat yourself to something warm and sweet to take off the chill.
Despite being a major city, Berlin is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. The streets are easy to navigate and it is safe to walk around. If your legs are ready for a break though, the U-Bahn is easy to operate so you can hop on and off to all of your sites in a breeze.
13. Day Trips
If you’re planning an extended trip, or you just want to use Berlin as your home-base, there are some wonderful day trips you can take from the city. Visit nearby cities of Dresden or Potsdam. Or if you are ready to face something a little more sobering, you can witness the horrors of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.
14. Accommodation
Berlin has a wonderful host of accommodation options on offer, so you are bound to find the perfect place for your stay. Like much of Berlin, the accommodation is very reasonably priced, particularly if you are visiting out of season. It’s a great place to upgrade to something a little more luxurious to make your stay extra special.
Get a great deal on your accommodation with my favorites on Tripadvisor.
15. Modern
Due to its historical physical divide, visiting Berlin is like visiting two cities. The old town has a quintessential European feel, whereas the newer, rebuilt city has a bustling modern vibe. Something about the new city feels cool and it is exciting to experience a city that is constantly evolving.
Ready To Book?
Has Berlin stolen your heart? If you’re ready to start planning your trip, check out these great resources to get you started.
- Find flights with Google Flights
- Book affordable accommodation with TripAdvisor or Booking.com
- Want someone else to do the hard work? Book a package with EasyJet Holidays or Jet2 Holidays
- Get travel insurance from Coverwise
- Hire a car through Travel Supermarket
- Never pay international payment fees again with a debit card from Currensea that works with your existing bank account.
- Book a tour with Get Your Guide or Viatour
Want To See More Germany?
If you love Germany and want to see more of the country as part of your visit to Berlin, check out these great guides:
- One Day In Munich by Jetlagged Roamer
- How To Visit Neuschwanstein Castle by Volumes & Voyages
15 Reasons To Visit Berlin
So these are my top 15 reasons to visit Berlin. I hope I’ve inspired you to visit this fascinating city!
Are you booking your Berlin trip already? I’d love to hear about it! Let’s connect on Instagram and send me a DM with the reason that convinced you to visit Berlin!
Until our next adventure,
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I went to Berlin in December 2017 and honestly wasn’t a fan! The only thing I enjoyed was the Berlin Wall and the Christmas markets!
Oh no! I’m so sorry you didn’t enjoy Berlin! The Christmas Markets are absolutely fabulous! I really liked the history of the city and the architecture but also KaDeWe (I spent most of my trip shopping there!) but I’m sorry to hear that it wasn’t a city for you!
Oh yes, I’d love to go and visit Berlin again. It’s been a while since I’ve last been. And I still haven’t gotten round to visiting all of the sights.
There are so many sights aren’t there? We didn’t manage to see it all while we were in there and I’d love to go back again to take more of it in!
I’ve been to Germany a couple times but never Berlin. I want to visit for the Christmas markets – they look absolutely incredible!!
The Christmas markets are phenomenal! It was definitely one of the highlights of the visit. It is a fascinating city and well worth a visit!
Germany is sooo big! Can’t wait to explore the country with my family! Thanks for this Berlin guide!
I’m glad you like the guide! I’d love to see more of Germany, I haven’t explored anywhere near enough of it!
Great post, I cannot wait to go to Berlin after reading this 🙂
I’m glad you like it! I hope you have the opportunity to visit soon!
I absolutely LOVE Christmas markets and I’ve been wanting to go to Berlin to see them there. I am glad to see it on your list here, it only affirms that it’s a good destination for chasing these holiday markets!
The Berlin Christmas markets where phenomenal! We visited the last week in November which was great timing because most (not quite all) of the markets had started but most tourists visit in December so they were pretty empty when we visited!
I haven’t made it to Berlin, just Munich. But, that made me fall in love with Germany. Great post, I would love to explore more of Germany. Berlin looks amazing and appears to have stunning architecture.
I’ve never made it to Munich but I’d love to go! Berlin is definitely worth a visit as it is a fascinating city. I’d love to explore more of Germany too!
I have not yet managed to get to Germany. Berlin looks very attractive and beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Berlin is a fascinating city! I’d definitely recommend a visit because there is so much to see and do! It’s a city I’d love to go back to and see even more of!
I have never heard of currywurst! Wow! Despite its uninviting appearance, I can’t wait to try it! thanks for the tip!
Haha yes, currywurst definitely doesn’t sell itself on its looks! It does taste delicious though and is well worth trying!
Wow I love this post!!! Berlin is still my favorite city to this day. It’s clean, modern and so diverse!
Thanks Jade, I’m so glad you love it! Berlin is one of my favourite cities too. It is a fascinating place!
Berlin is definitely one of my favourite cities! There’s just so much to do there for free, it’s full of history and the atmosphere is so vibrant. I’ve been there twice already but would love to return again in the near future 🙂
It’s an amazing city isn’t it? I think no matter how many times you visit, there is always more to do! I’ve only been once but can’t wait to go back. Hopefully we’ll be able to visit again soon!
Good list! Berlin is not even my favourite city in Germany – that is Hamburg – but I would go to Berlin again any day. I would add to your list the most fun Trabant tours ever, highly recommended!
I’ve not visited Hamburg before but I’d love to go! I’m going to try out those tours when I’m next in Berlin, thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks for such an enticing list of reasons to visit Berlin! The museums and street art in particular are at the top of my list.
I’m glad you like the guide! The street art is incredible and well worth seeing! And the museums are fascinating, I feel like no matter how many times I visit I’ll never have enough time to appreciate all of the amazing museums fully!
Berlin has been on my bucket list for so long! I like that you included accommodation in this post as well – really helpful for when I plan my trip!
Berlin is a wonderful city, I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon! The accommodation was actually one of the things I loved about Berlin. It is so reasonably priced! We were located right in the centre and it hardly cost us anything for a beautiful hotel! You can’t beat a city with awesome accommodation!
When I visited Berlin, it wasn’t really my top choice, but I fell in love with it as well! But then again, I do like beer 🙂
I know what you mean! I had always wanted to visit Berlin, but I never thought I’d fall in love with it like I did! Haha! beer is always a good reason to visit! My other half was impressed by the local offerings, and especially by how cheap they were!
I’ve never been to Berlin. Would love to visit and check out all there is to see, do, eat, drink and experience, especially the Christmas markets.
I hope you’re able to visit Berlin soon! It is such a fascinating place! The Christmas markets are definitely magical, they were my favourite part of the trip!
I was planning a trip to Berlin before the pandemic, this post really has me itching to go!
Oh no! I’m so sorry that you didn’t manage to go! I hope you’re able to visit Berlin soon!
Loved this! I also loooooove the markets in Berlin. I spent a summer there and was obsessed with YAAM, Holzmarkt, etc. Also the public transportation is amazing.
It’s a fantastic city isn’t it! I really want to go back and take it all in again! Thanks for reading!
I have been to Berlin only as a teenager in an exchange program, but I would love to go back. Thanks for all these advises !!
What a fun way to experience Berlin as part of an exchange! I hope you’re able to go back sometime soon!
Berlin’s a place I’ve wanted to visit for a long time, it looks like such an interesting city. I’d love to learn more about the history, and some of the beautiful architecture. Of course the food and beer are high on the list too. I think I might wait for an opportunity to go around Christmas for the markets though
Berlin is a great city! I had always wanted to go, but I enjoyed it so much more than I expected! It’s a fascinating place with so much to see and do. We visited the last week in November when the Christmas markets first opened and it was magical!
I love love love Berlin! It is such a beautiful city! I cannot wait to go back!
Me neither! It’s definitely a city I could visit over and over again, there is so much to see and do!
Thanks for sharing so many awesome reasons to visit Berlin. I’m so tempted to visit it now, lol.
I’m glad to hear I might just have tempted you! It is definitely a city worth visiting!
Great list, Hannah. I have never been to Berlin or to Germany for that matter. But, I know that i would love the museums in Berlin. I know they have one with many Egyptian items, like the bust of Nefertiti. The street art would also be so fun to see! Of course the German food, beer and wines would be delicious. Hope to get there soon.
I fell in love with Berlin but definitely need to visit more of Germany. It is such a beautiful country! Berlin is a fascinating place. I definitely want to go back and explore the museums properly because we didn’t have much time for that. An Egyptian collection sounds so cool! I’m going to seek that out on my next trip! I hope you’re able to visit Berlin soon!
Great post and I love your pictures! I’ve been to Berlin in the summer but need to go back one day to visit the Christmas markets! They sound incredible
The Christmas markets were absolutely magical! I’ve only visited in winter but I’d love to go in summer and spend more time exploring the museums and wandering the streets. It’s such a fascinating city!
I live in Munich and my partner and I always escape to Berlin when we need to let loose a little bit. We love the cafes, street art, shops, and techno! Next time we visit we need to go to some of the museums I haven’t been to one in Berlin yet and have heard great things. Pinning for our next trip!
Oh how lucky that you can escape to Berlin! It’s such an interesting city, isn’t it! I hope you have an opportunity to explore the museums soon!
If I could right now, I would love to spend a few days in Berlin. There seem to be so many things to do!
I know how you feel! I’d love to head back there! It’s such an interesting city with so much to do!
Berlin has been on my list for ages but I always seem to go to another city in Germany. Thanks for the great tips for when I finally make it there!
I hope you’re able to visit Berlin and cross it off your list soon! I actually need to explore more of Germany! I’ve not seen as much of it as I would like. I can’t wait to go back and see more of it!
I didn’t realize there was so much to love about Berlin! I love the street art and architecture; I love that it is affordable; and I love that its history is used to educate. Beautiful post.
Thanks Megan, I’m so glad you like the post! Berlin is definitely a fascinating city with lots to see and do. And I was definitely surprised by how affordable it was! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
I’ve heard such wonderful things about Berlin! I absolutely love the green spaces and would love wander and see what this city has to offer. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Thanks for reading Elena! Berlin is such a beautiful city, I hope you get an opportunity to visit and explore it!
Great post! I agree that the history of Berlin is one of the top reasons to visit, and there are so many great museums as well. Also German Christmas markets are the best. I can’t wait to be able to go back to Berlin!
The history is so interesting, isn’t it! I had a bit of an awareness of the history before we went but I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t know as much about it as I should! I definitely learned a lot on my trip! I can’t wait until we can go back either!
You sold me on cheap, beer, and currywurst. I recently took a virtual tour of the East Side Gallery … that, and your post have rekindled my interest in visiting Berlin. My last visit was in 1974, crossing the wall at Checkpoint Charlie and climbing to a viewing platform to take a photo. Very desolate. This time, I’d love to cycle part of the trail that follows where the wall once stood. I think that would be a moving experience (pun not intentional as I don’t want to make light of the suffering of that period). Thank you for the post.
Haha they are definitely strong selling points, aren’t they! I imagine a visit in 1974 was a very different experience from visiting today! I hope you’re able to get back there soon and see the city from a new perspective. Thanks for reading!
Loved this! Berlin is one of my top favorite cities 🙂 And I agree, these are all the reasons I love it. From the beautiful green spaces to the history and museums to the affordability.
It’s a beautiful city isn’t it? It definitely stole a piece of my heart! I can’t wait to go back and explore even more of it!
I am glad you like my adopted home. I live in the suburbs near Sachsenhausen and I am glad to see foreigners coming back to our little town to visit some historical sites – even those we do not remember proudly.
Ah Berlin is such a fascinating city! I learned a lot from my visit. It wasn’t all pleasant, but it is all important. I can’t wait to visit again to explore more of it!