Top 26 Things To Do In Mitte, Berlin, Germany - Updated 2024

things to do in berlin mitte
Celeste
Celeste 
Updated
| 12 min read

Visitors to the Mitte district, Berlin’s central borough, can start their day off right by stopping by the second Kamps Backstube bakery location in Hackescher Markt further from the train station to purchase one of their favourite things from classic apple strudel to fruit danishes and mouthwatering kircshplunder loaded with sour cherries in glaze. Then, walk a short distance from Hackescher Markt over the bridge to Museum Island to check out one of five amazing museums including the Bode, Altes, and others to admire ancient Greek, Roman, Renaissance, Impressionist, and modern art masterpieces. Afterwards, walk over to Friedrichstraße to enjoy local favourite, schnitzel and potato salad, with a riverfront view before taking an afternoon boat ride along the Spree while passing the Reichstag and beachside park, Strandbar Mitte with locals lounging on beach chairs. Make certain to check out the following list of things to do in Mitte, Berlin, Germany to be able to enjoy the many historically rich attractions to the fullest.

1. Wander around Berlin's famed Alexanderplatz

Berlin - Alexanderplatz (1)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fred Romero used under CC BY 2.0

Spend a morning strolling through Berlin’s largest public square named after Russian Tsar Alexander I, for its shops, restaurants, and Centrum department store. Alexanderplatz is a major transportation hub for those travelling through the city and beyond since it is where visitors can hop on the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, regional trains, trams, and buses. Its location is ideal since many tourist attractions are located within walking distance which makes it a perfect starting point for sightseeing in Berlin. There are plans for a shopping centre, a multiplex movie theatre, shops, hotels, and more facilities to be built to fill in the existing gaps of this already sprawling square.

Alexanderplatz

Address: 10178 Berlin, Germany

Website: Alexanderplatz

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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2. Witness an organ concert at Nikolaikirche


Stroll through the halls of this landmark to discover the history of the church and surrounding area through exhibits featuring religious art, memorials, media stations, and its Beyer crypt vaults offering 800 years of history. After bombing raids nearly destroyed it completely, the reconstruction of the building in 1987 has revived it to a dominant figure of the city skyline with its distinctive colourful roof, red brick exterior, and Gothic interior. Visiting music lovers should check out the church/museum website for additional information in order to be able to experience one of its regular organ concerts.

Nikolaikirche

Address: Nikolaikirchplatz, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Website: Nikolaikirche

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

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3. Marvel at Berlin's stunning skyline from Berlin TV Tower (from USD 24.0)

things to do in berlin mitte | marvel at berlin's stunning skyline from berlin tv tower
Source: www.klook.com

Before landing in Berlin, purchase this fast track ticket to Berlin’s TV Tower in order to bypass long lines and gain priority access to Germany’s tallest building. After getting off the elevator, make certain to head over to the observation deck where you will be able to experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Take in stunning views of iconic landmarks such as Brandenburg Gate, the magnificent Charlottenburg Palace, and Reichstag and its modern glass dome.

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Berlin TV Tower Fast Track Entry Ticket With Optional Table/Meal Reservation - Klook

4. Indulge your sweet tooth at famous chocolatier Rausch Schokoladenhaus

things to do in berlin mitte | indulge your sweet tooth at famous chocolatier rausch schokoladenhaus
Source: instagram

No visit to Berlin is complete without a visit to famous chocolate house, Rausch Schokoladenhouse, where you can indulge your sweet tooth with pralines, pastries, and an array of dark chocolate or milk chocolate delights. Enjoy a hot chocolate on a cool rainy day or snowy wintry evening after sightseeing around Berlin. Before departing Berlin, browse the collection of gifts to take home ranging from bars, chocolate-covered pretzels, pralines, and numerous collections featuring a decadent array of handmade chocolate creations.

Rausch Schokoladenhaus

Address: Charlottenstraße 60, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Website: Rausch Schokoladenhaus

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm

Tip from tour guide

Rausch Schokoladenhaus View of Neue Kirche from Rausch Schokoladenhaus

Photo of chocolates at Rausch Schokoladenhaus and a view of Neue Kirche from the shop shared by Berlin tour guide, Asaf.

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5. Unravel local history at Mitte Museum


Drop by the museum where you can discover the history of the local district. Enjoy combing through exhibits featuring historical daily life or listen to lectures and oral history projects during a museum visit. The museum offers an education program for school classes and youth groups to be able to learn about the area’s culture. Visiting seniors or migrants can enjoy programs tailored to their differing needs during their museum visit.

Mitte Museum

Address: Pankstraße 47, 13357 Berlin, Germany

Website: Mitte Museum

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sat)

Price: Free admission

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6. Go people-watching in historical Gendarmenmarkt


Take time to relax from your busy schedule of sightseeing to sit on a beach chair under a tree and people-watch in Gendarmenmarkt. Admire the architecture of the German and French churches book-ending this large square which was constructed in the 17th century. For an evening out in Berlin, make certain to purchase tickets to a classical concert which can be enjoyed in the beautifully designed concert house. During the year, visitors can enjoy films screened on the grounds in front of the concert house or can experience browsing stalls at the Christmas Market under a light flurry of snowflakes.

Gendarmenmarkt

Address: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Website: Gendarmenmarkt

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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7. Visit the Berlin Wall (from USD 22.76)

things to do in berlin mitte | visit the berlin wall

During your walking tour, you’ll stop at the Berlin Wall where history was made and a united Germany was reborn on November 9, 1989 to the urging of US President Regan’s famed pleas of “tear down this wall” to the General Secretary of the Communist Party, Mikhail Gorbachev. Imagine the joy of those who were able to pursue their dreams of a better life on the Western side when the wall started crumbling due to a miscommunication to the international press about tearing it down. The former death strip no longer could be a divisive force in the economy of the city. Once and for all families could be reunited with their loved ones whom they hadn’t been able to communicate with for decades. Finish off the tour by visiting Mauerpark rich in culture and social centres before enjoying a coffee en route to the final destination of Nordbahnhof.

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Berlin Wall: Small Group Guided Tour

Duration: 2.5 hour

196 reviews

8. Tour Berlin's former bomb shelter, Flak Tower III Humbolthain


While visiting Berlin, make certain to sign up for one of the many tours which explore the bunkers where thousands of civilians were protected from bombing experienced during World War II under reinforced concrete ceilings. After the war, the Allies blew up the towers. However, the north side of the gun tower in Humoldthain was preserved due to the nearby railway tracks which couldn’t be damaged by the demolition. Tour through three of the seven floors of Berlin’s largest bunker complex where now bats and other animals have made their home during the cold winter months. For this reason, tours are limited to spring through fall visits.

Flak Tower III Humboldthain

Address: Hochstraße 5, 13357 Berlin, Germany

Website: Flak Tower III Humboldthain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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9. Savour a delicious meal at Hackescher Hof


Stop by Hackescher Hof for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at this always busy, local favourite fine dining restaurant. Choose between dining in the historic Endell Hall under a coffered ceiling in their Art Nouveau courtyard or in mocha leather booths under hundreds of filament bulbs and other Art Deco lights in the parquet-floor accented Art Deco hall. Indulge in favourites such as schnitzel with roasted potatoes, spaetzle, and succulent chicken supreme. Make certain to order a delicious pastry freshly prepared in the on-site patisserie or a velvety chocolate mousse to finish off your exceptional dining experience at Hackescher Hof.

Hackescher Hof

Address: Rosenthaler Str. 40/41, 10178 Berlin - Mitte, Hackescher Markt

Website: Hackescher Hof

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 11:59pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 11:59pm

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10. Learn about the horrors of the Nazi Party at Topography of Terror


Topography of Terror which was the most important headquarters of the Nazi party from 1933 to 1945 is currently operating as a museum to impart historical knowledge about the party and the terror it inflicted on others through its grizzly inhumane criminal activities. Visitors will be able to explore historical information and the consequences of National Socialism after 1945. The Topography of Terror Foundation was founded in 1987 and was the result of a long-standing public opinion process in which numerous groups and individuals contributed significantly to its formation.

Topography of Terror

Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin, Germany

Website: Topgraphy of Terror

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free admission

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11. Take a walk on the wild side at Zoo Berlin


Berlin Zoo is a perfect place to spend an afternoon after arriving at Berlin’s airport where you can purchase tickets at the machines prior to boarding the bus if you missed purchasing them online ahead of time. Upon arrival at the zoo, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the fact that it can easily accommodate and house over 1,380 different species and over 20,200 animals. Enjoy discovering exhibits such as the panda house with its cuddly cuties, the hippo house where hippos perform underwater ballet-like choreography gracefully, and the bear exhibit featuring Taiwan’s sun bear, Knut’s polar bear replacement, and others. Make certain to stop at a cafe for schnitzel before strolling over to the aquarium to finish off your visit. Also browse the gift shops for souvenirs before exiting.

Zoo Berlin

Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany

Website: Zoo Berlin

Opening hours: 9am - 6:30pm (daily)

Price: 17 USD

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12. Shop till you drop at Mall of Berlin

Mall of Berlin
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Naturally Selenator used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Board the train for a day of retail therapy spent under the glass skylight of the multi-level shopping complex, Mall of Berlin. Spend time window shopping or browsing through internationally recognized favourites such as Guess, Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, and Armani Exchange along with German Adidas and numerous other boutiques. Continuing as a mainstay on the European fashion scene, the mall sits on the property which was originally the Wertheim department store which pioneered new precedences in fashion standards when its doors first opened in 1876.

Mall of Berlin

Address: Leipziger Platz 12, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Website: Mall of Berlin

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm (closed on Sun)

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13. Cool off in the pool at Humboldthain

Gesundbrunnen Humboldthain Freibad
Source: Photo by user Fridolin freudenfett used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Join Berliners on a day of relaxation at this spacious park in the Wedding district designed by Gustav Meyer. The park is characterized by its spacious playgrounds including a toboggan slope which can be enjoyed during the snowy winter season. For those visiting during the spring and summer months, the lawns provide plenty of space for sunbathing, a swimming pool which is much appreciated on hot summer days, and water and rose gardens to be admired.

Humboldthain

Address: Brunnenstraße, 13357 Berlin, Germany

Website: Humboldthain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Tip from tour guide

Badstraße Berlin-Wedding Tram Line Badstraße

After a splash in the pool, spend a great summer evening strolling Badstraße, one of Wedding's shopping and food streets. For easy transportation, you can avail of the Berlin-Wedding tram.

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14. Picnic on the sprawling lawn at Volkspark Rehberg


Lay down on the sprawling lawn to sunbathe one summer afternoon or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under one of the large oak trees. Enjoy the open air-stage during the summer months where live music events are hosted. Let the kids run free in the wide-open spaces while burning off their extra energy from being cooped up on sightseeing tours. Finish your afternoon with a leisurely stroll along the willow-lined lake area while enjoying a refreshing breeze off the water.

Volkspark Rehberge

Address: Windhuker Street 52A, 13351 Berlin, Germany

Website: Volkspark Rehberge

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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15. Stroll under the moonlight at Gaslaternen-Freilichtmuseum Berlin


Cap off a day exploring the city by strolling under the moonlit sky wandering aimlessly through the rows of electric lanterns in Gaslaternen-Freilichtmuseum Berlin. Admire the great variety of lanterns contributed from different countries around the world. The museum contains nearly 90 gas lanterns with origins dating back to 1826 to 1956. Admire the astonishing craftsmanship of the incredible Wilhhelminian-style five-arm candelabra decorated with cast-iron lizards at the upper end of the mast.

Gaslaternen-Freilichtmuseum Berlin

Address: Street des 17. Juni 17, 10557 Berlin, Germany

Website: Gaslaternen-Freilichtmuseum Berlin

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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16. Leisurely wander through Mauerpark's eclectic Sunday flea market


Enjoy a plate full of roasted potatoes and bratwurst before you start strolling through the stalls at Mauerpark’s Sunday flea market. Browse through locally produced products created from leather, wood, etc. before sampling one of the wines featured by local vintners. Scour through the boxes of classic vinyl records including those produced by musical legends, The Doors, Queen, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and others.

Sunday Flea Market at Mauerpark

Address: Bernauer Street 63-64, 13355 Berlin, Germany

Website: Sunday Flea Market at Mauerpark

Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

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17. Consume a stein at Vagabund Brauerei


Join fellow wanderers in sharing a foamy stein of beer created by three American vagabonds who have changed the perceptions of what beer should taste and look like. Visitors have the chance to book a beer-making course where they can have a hands-on experience in the process and receive lunch, snacks, coffee, and a cold stein of freshly brewed beer. After finishing your craft beer experience, make certain to visit the gift shop for Vagabund-branded souvenirs.

Vagabund Brauerei

Address: Antwerpener Street 3, 13353 Berlin, Germany

Website: Vagabund Brauerei

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 5pm - 12am

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18. Attend a dance recital at Uferstudios GmbH


Attend a dance recital to watch in amazement the talented choreographed performances at this contemporary dance studio. International choreographers, dancers, and other performance artists can practice and innovate in the inspiring facilities which are comprised of 14 large studios and ateliers. Join a course or workshop along with talented performers from the Tanzfabrik dance company during your visit to Berlin.

Uferstudios GmbH

Address: Uferstraße 23, 13357 Berlin, Germany

Website: Uferstudios GmbH

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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19. See Tristan the T-rex at Berlin's Natural History Museum (from USD 11.92)

things to do in berlin mitte | see tristan the t-rex at berlin's natural history museum

See Tristan the T-Rex on a tour of Dinosaur Hall where you will see what life was like 150 million years ago. The East Wing is home to nearly a million animals stored in 80 tonnes (176,370 pounds) of alcohol. Check out the fascinating Biodiversity Wall which displays 3,000 species in one glance. Those visiting the museum may be able to experience its diversified education program, guided tours, lectures, workshops, and ever-changing exhibitions.

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Berlin: Natural History Museum Entrance Ticket

2022 reviews

20. Ride Europe's fastest elevator (from USD 14.63)

ride europe's fastest elevator

Start your tour by riding 20 seconds to the observation platform in Europe’s fastest elevator where you will feel like you can reach out and touch Brandenburg Gate, the Victory Column, and beautiful Bellevue Palace. After admiring breathtaking views of the German capital, stroll over to Panoramacafé to enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake and experience being bathed in the warm light due to having floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy being taken back in time to the 1920s and 1930s before you ascend the elevator to the 25th floor to admire a stunning sunset over West Berlin’s skyline from the tower’s sun deck.

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Berlin: Panoramapunkt Skip-the-Line Elevator Ticket

863 reviews

21. Join an exciting tour of Scheunenviertel and Hackesche Höfe (from USD 269.87)

join an exciting tour of scheunenviertel and hackesche höfe

Commence your discovery of old Berlin at Rosa-Luxemburg Platz where you will learn about the settlement of Berlin’s Jews and hear political stories before visiting the former headquarters of the German Communist Party and the People’s Political Theatre. Stroll down narrow alleyways while listening to the guide provide narration on the daily life of the working class and the area’s seedy neighbourhood. During your visit to Haus Schwarzenberg, you will stop where Hackenschen Höfe and Rosenhöfe expressed their socialistic ideology. Finish this relaxing tour off at a ballroom which was once reserved for the use of the aristocracy and today is still used for dancing and live music.

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City Tour Berlin: Scheunenviertel and Hackesche Höfe

Duration: 2.0 hour

42 reviews

22. Walk under the glass dome at Reichstag and admire Brandenburg Gate (from USD 27.0)

walk under the glass dome at reichstag and admire brandenburg gate

Head over to Berlin’s Parliament, Reichstag, to admire the stunning views of Berlin from the rooftop before ascending the spherical ramp under the glass dome. Visitors may be privileged to view a Parliamentary session during their visit as the dome looks down on the floor below. Afterwards, visitors will be led through the city to admire some of its most well-known sights while learning interesting historical facts by their guide. The tour will finish off at the iconic Brandenburg Gate with its famous chariot with four horses driven by Roman goddess, Viktoria.

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Berlin: Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Dome

Duration: 90 minute

2079 reviews

23. Admire Museum Island's artistic masterpieces

admire museum island's artistic masterpieces

With the Museum Pass, take your time to enjoy wandering the halls of the Neues, Altes, Pergamon, and Bode museums, and Alt Nationalgalerie during a visit to Museum Island. While exploring the Pergamon Museum, visitors will be able to view the huge collection of artwork from the archaic to the Hellenistic times including the Ishtar Gate which is considered to be one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Wander over to the Bode Museum to admire sculptures from the Middle Ages through to the Renaissance along with Byzantine artefacts. Finish your tour at Altes which is considered to be one of Berlin’s most impressive neoclassical buildings and houses astonishing ancient Greek and Roman decorative art pieces including vases and statues.

Tip from tour guide

Bode-Museum Bode-Museum

Photos of Bode-Museum on Museum Island shared by Berlin tour guide, Asaf.

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Berlin Museum Island: All Exhibitions Day-Ticket

Duration: 1 day

504 reviews

24. Behold Berlin's beauty during a rooftop coffee break at Käfer (from USD 23.43)

behold berlin's beauty during a rooftop coffee break at käfer

After visiting the Reichstag’s glass dome, pull up a chair at Käfer Rooftop Garden to enjoy a slice of coffee cake and a coffee. Enjoy a relaxing break from sightseeing while taking in breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. Be certain to reserve a table in order to take full advantage of this unique experience. Please note that you must make a reservation either online or at a nearby trailer days in advance for entry to the Reichstag. On the day of your visit, be prepared to show photo ID and to pass through a security check prior to entry to the Parliament.

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Reichstag: Rooftop Coffee Break at Käfer

Duration: 60 minute

2750 reviews

25. Feel like 007 at Spy Museum Berlin (from USD 10.59)

feel like 007 at spy museum berlin

Discover the secret world of espionage and see what it’s like to be 007 even for a while on a visit to Berlin’s Spy Museum where you will uncover the ingenious and strange methods used by agents and secret services. Enter a room filled with lasers a la Mission Impossible where you will be required to delve into your Ethan Hunt persona to outwit the lasers while ducking and climbing through them without setting off alarms as you make your way to the exit. Listen to stories from major players in the international world of mystery and intrigue by visiting over 1,000 exhibits. After exploring the dangerous history of espionage throughout the centuries, finish off your visit at the café.

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Berlin: Skip-the-Line Ticket for German Spy Museum Berlin

Duration: 1 day

216 reviews

26. Pay tribute to Holocaust victims at Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (from USD 16.0)

During your walking tour, learn about the impact of World War II in Berlin. Visit the New Synagogue, Hitler’s bunker, and various memorials dedicated to those that the Third Reich persecuted during the nation’s dark history. Take a brief moment of silence at each to commemorate the precious lives lost before continuing on to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial). Visitors will have the opportunity to enter the maze to understand the experience firsthand of the living in constant fear of being captured and the despair of being trapped in concentration camps with no way out.

Tip from tour guide

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is experienced differently by each person. Moreover, one's mood at the moment and the changing seasons have an impact on the experience.

For me, it's a renewed pleasure to see the trees and bushes in the Memorial and in the nearby Tiergarten Park every year during spring.

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Berlin Third Reich Walking Tour: Memorials, Jewish Quarter

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

696 reviews

Willkommen (welcome) to historical Mitte

Berlin-Mitte, Sophienkirche, view from the dome of the Berlin Cathedral
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dguendel used under CC BY 3.0

During a visit to Berlin, visitors can enjoy strolling through the historically rich district of Mitte. Be certain to spend time at the world-famous Berlin Zoo with its unmatched array of land animals and sea life. For those desiring some relaxation, there are numerous parks, boat cruises along the Spree, beer gardens, and a cafe on the rooftop of the Reichstag where you can enjoy a slice of cake after touring the glass dome. Prior to saying Auf Wiedersehen to Berlin, make certain to get into your Mission Impossible action hero mode at the Spy Museum or check out nearby Sansoucci Palace for the day before enjoying a dinner of schnitzel and strudel at Hackescher Hof.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Celeste is a writer based in British Columbia with a profound passion for travel and the exploration of new destinations. Her adventurous spirit leads her to engage in exciting activities during...Read more

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