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.
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1. Wander around Berlin's famed Alexanderplatz
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)
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)
3. Marvel at Berlin's stunning skyline from Berlin TV Tower
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.
4. Indulge your sweet tooth at famous chocolatier Rausch Schokoladenhaus
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
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
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)
7. 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.
Book Tours : Berlin Wall: Small Group Guided Tour
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)
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
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
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
12. Shop till you drop at Mall of Berlin
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)
13. Cool off in the pool at Humboldthain
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
19. 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.
Book Tours : Berlin: Natural History Museum Entrance Ticket
20. 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.
Book Tours : Berlin: Panoramapunkt Skip-the-Line Elevator Ticket
21. 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.
Book Tours : City Tour Berlin: Scheunenviertel and Hackesche Höfe
22. 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.
Book Tours : Berlin: Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Dome
23. 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.
Book Tours : Berlin Museum Island: All Exhibitions Day-Ticket
24. 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.
Book Tours : Reichstag: Rooftop Coffee Break at Käfer
25. 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.
26. Pay tribute to Holocaust victims at Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
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
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.
Willkommen (welcome) to historical Mitte
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.
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