This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Ready to explore Berlin? You’ve stumbled across the perfect itinerary!
We love Berlin because it truly has so much to offer, from its dark and fascinating history to its unapologetically cool modern art scene. It’s a popular choice for a city break, but when we first visited, we wondered how on Earth we were going to see everything we wanted to in just a few days!
But fear not, because, after multiple trips to Berlin, we’ve created the ideal itinerary that captures just the right balance of history, culture, and food. We’re here to make your trip to Berlin seamless, with all of the need-to-know info on what to do, where to go, and how to time it all. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this food tour in East Berlin! We tried tons of amazing food (seriously, we were stuffed by the end!), learned some history, and had a fantastic time visiting places we never would have found on our own.
Day 1
Breakfast – Father Carpenter
Tucked away in a cute little courtyard, Father Carpenter has to be our favorite place to grab breakfast in Berlin! Today’s walking tour starts nearby at 10:30 am, so we recommend getting here around 9 am so you can fully enjoy your breakfast. That way, you’ll also be able to enjoy this adorable spot before it gets busy. As for what to order, I personally love the shakshuka and the French toast!
Morning – See Berlin’s top sights on a walking tour
There’s no denying that Berlin has a fascinating history, but you can end up missing a lot of it without a guide to help you! That’s why we recommend booking this half-day walking tour. Choose the 10:30 am option, so you have the afternoon to explore independently – but more on that to come.
We were fascinated by everything we learned on this tour and got to see so many historical highlights. It was the perfect introduction to Berlin, and we’re clearly not the only ones who were captivated since the tour has over 7,000 glowing reviews you can check out here!
Our guide, Luisa, was so knowledgeable about German history and we really felt like we got to know the central Mitte district inside and out on this tour. We walked along the Berlin Wall, saw the iconic Brandenburg Gate, admired the majestic Reichstag building, and paid our respects at the Holocaust Memorial. I also really enjoyed hearing real-life spy stories at Checkpoint Charlie!
This tour is honestly a steal at just €20. It’s the best way to get your bearings in central Berlin and ensure you don’t miss out on any important landmarks. It’s like taking central Mitte 101 before we come back to explore certain sites in more depth this afternoon.
Book this top-rated walking tour here, with free cancellation!
Lunch – Hopfingerbräu am Brandenburger Tor
The walking tour ends around 2 pm and my guess is that you’ll be pretty hungry by then, which is why I recommend lunch at Hopfingerbräu by the Brandenburg Gate. This just so happens to be where the walking tour wraps up!
We love this place because it’s a modern but authentic German restaurant offering hearty dishes like wiener schnitzel, flammkuchen, and currywurst, with a side of refreshing local beer. There’s usually no need to book at lunchtime, but if you prefer, you can do so via their website.
Afternoon – Explore Central Mitte
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s most famous landmark, and the walking tour ends right here. The Gate was obstructed by the Berlin Wall for almost 30 years during the Cold War, and today it stands as a symbol of German unity.
Reichstag
The imposing Reichstag building is the seat of the German parliament. You can enjoy amazing views of Berlin from its famous domed roof, and the building is free to enter although you will need to book your entry time in advance.
Holocaust memorial
The morning walking tour goes past the Holocaust Memorial, but we highly recommend revisiting so you have time to explore the underground museum. We got audio headsets for €3 each which allowed us to connect to the personal stories as they unfolded. It took about an hour, and we found the memorial so much more powerful and moving after walking through the underground exhibition.
Tiergarten
Tiergarten is a huge public park with tree-lined pathways, sunbathing spaces, a tea house, and even a beer garden, so it’s definitely a must-visit while you’re in Berlin. You can explore on foot or, if you’re tired of walking, you can use the Call a Bike app to find a rental bike to explore the park on instead.
Evening – Craft beer tour
As one of the top beer producers in the world, trying a locally produced brew or two is essential while in Berlin. So we found this top-rated craft beer tour and had a ton of fun exploring the city with our guide and a pint (or two, or three!).
We were really thankful for Alex, our local beer aficionado, as there are almost too many beer halls to check out. He led us through the Friedrichshain district, which is the pinnacle of Berlin’s trendy hipster scene. We wandered through art-filled streets and checked out the unique architecture as we hopped from brewery to brewery.
Not only did we try German classic beers, like lagers, helles, and dunkles, but we also got to try a lot of experimental brews!
This tour wasn’t all beer, though – it also included a delicious flammkuchen! Our final stop was the RAW Gelände cultural center, which is full of food markets, beer gardens, and art galleries. The tour officially ended here but we had so much fun with our group that we all stayed to eat and drink more!
We thought this tour was well worth €109, as we drank quite a bit! The tour departs at 4 pm and be sure to book it early, as it’s quite popular.
Book this top-rated craft beer tour easily here!
Related Read: Like our pre-planned itineraries? Here’s our guide on spending 3 days in Paris!
Day 2
Breakfast – Flamingo Fresh Food Bar
Flamingo is an elegant breakfast spot that does the best fresh fruit pancakes in Berlin! The coffee is amazing, too, and they have healthy omelets and amazing salads. Plus, it’s just a 5-minute walk from the meeting point for today’s tour, so it really couldn’t be more convenient.
Morning/afternoon – Visit the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Berlin is a lot of fun, but it’s important not to forget about its chilling history as the capital of Nazi Germany. For that reason, we think that everyone should book this memorial tour of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.
We met our guide, Joanna, at Friedrichstrasse train station at 10 am, and then traveled out of the city towards the concentration camp. Over the course of the next 5 hours, we explored the camp on foot. It’s a stark reminder of the immense suffering during the Nazi regime. We walked through former SS villas, training grounds for Nazi officers, and chilling sites such as the “roll call area” and the gas chamber where so many lives were lost.
We were especially haunted to visit the infirmary, where brutal medical experiments were carried out on prisoners, as well as the camp brothel and Station Z, which was horrifyingly known as “the neck shot facility.” A lot of what we saw was hard to face but throughout it all we were impressed by how Joanna handled such a difficult topic.
The tour costs €30, and while it was a somber and emotional experience, we think it’s an essential history lesson for any visitor to Berlin. You can expect to get back to central Berlin at around 4:30 pm.
Reserve this tour here to guarantee your spot
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Sunset – See Berlin from the TV Tower Observation Deck
Visiting Sachsenhausen is a very intense and emotionally draining experience, so we think it’s time for a bit of an emotional pick-me-up. And what better way to uplift your spirits than with a beautiful Berlin sunset at the TV Tower Observation Deck?
Standard tickets cost €23.50 and it’s best to grab them online at least a few days in advance if you want to catch the sunset up here.
Dinner – The Sphere Restaurant or Mio Berlin
The Sphere Restaurant at the TV Tower gives amazing views of Berlin, but it’s also probably the most in-demand restaurant in the city, so you’ll need to make a reservation in advance! This way, you get complimentary access to the Observation Deck, and you can enjoy the amazing 360° views along with a top-notch German meal.
But if you can’t get a reservation, head to Mio Berlin instead. It’s a more casual and affordable option, but it’s still a lovely spot with a nice al fresco dining area for the warmer months. We loved the cocktails and pizza here!
Drinks – Bar Immertreu
Bar Immertreu is just a 5-minute drive from the TV Tower, and we love this place because it’s a real old-school Berlin cocktail bar. The mixologists here are true artists, but the atmosphere is laid back and unpretentious. It’s the perfect place for a nightcap!
Day 3
Morning – Have a relaxed morning and explore your neighborhood
This morning, we’ve got a little free time. Today’s food tour doesn’t start until 11:30 am, so after sleeping off last night’s cocktails, take a stroll around your area and find some local coffee. Just don’t eat a huge breakfast, because you’ll want to be nice and hungry for the food tour!
Lunch – Go on a walking food tour
This small group food tour starts at 11:30 am on Fredrich’s Bridge, and believe me when I say that you’re in for a treat! We found it to be the perfect way to explore East Berlin, and we got to see a ton of colorful street art and local landmarks along the way.
East Berlin was the Soviet-occupied sector of the city that was fenced off from the rest of the capital by the Berlin Wall, so it’s fascinating to explore the local neighborhoods and hear about the history. It’s a very trendy area nowadays with tons of street art, so you’ll be able to snap lots of Insta-worthy photos!
We had a blast exploring with our guide, Francesco, who was such a funny guy and had our group laughing the entire time. And of course, we can’t forget about the food itself!
We got to eat so much on this tour and were stuffed by the end. From currywurst, spiced biscuits, crumb cakes, and iconic Berliner doughnuts, we tasted a ton of delicious local treats. We also enjoyed a flammkuchen, which is like a German flatbread pizza, alongside a pint of local craft beer and a full kebab.
To be honest, we can’t say enough good things about this tour, and lots of other people like it too – just check out the 800+ raving reviews! It lasts for around 3 hours, and ends about a 15-minute walk from Museum Island or 25 minutes from the Berlin Wall Memorial. There’s so much food involved on this tour that you’ll probably want to walk it off!
Book this food tour in advance and you’ll get free cancellation!
Afternoon – Museum Island or Berlin Wall Memorial
Museum Island
If you’re into museums, you cannot miss Berlin’s Museum Island! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the city, where you’ve got your pick of five renowned museums! Saying that, the Pergamon Museum is closed for renovations until 2027.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other choices, including the Bode Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of sculptures and Byzantine art. We loved learning about ancient history at the Neues Museum, and we fell in love with all of the classical art, sculptures, and jewelry in the Altes Museum.
Last but not least, the Old National Gallery is a must for those interested in art. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of art from between the French Revolution and WWI.
Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial offers a powerful and fascinating glimpse into the city’s notoriously divided past. We started at the visitor center, where we found information on everything that there was to see and do at the memorial.
From there, we went to see the preserved section of the Wall and the Window of Remembrance, which is dedicated to the 140 people who died at the Wall. We also visited the Documentation Centre, where we learned about the personal stories of those affected by the division of Berlin. It really hammered home just how deeply the Wall impacted Berliners’ lives and separated so many families.
Evening – East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is the perfect place to spend your last night in Berlin! It’s a preserved section of the Berlin Wall covered in street art murals, such as the iconic “Fraternal Kiss”. The gallery is free to visit and open 24/7. We loved visiting at night because it was well lit up, so we could see the murals and were able to take in the art without the daytime crowds.
Dinner – Volkskammer
On your last night in Berlin, we think it’s only right to dine at Volkskammer, an East German themed restaurant. It made us feel like we were dining in the 1970s DDR, without feeling forced or gimmicky at all. There was so much attention to detail, and they even had vintage plastic taps in the bathroom!
The food was super tasty, too, so this place is a real must-visit if you’d like to try proper East German cuisine. We loved the goulash, and the thick solyanka soup. This place is open until 10 pm from Tuesday to Saturday, so if your last day happens to be a Sunday or Monday, head to Jäger and Lustig instead for an authentic German meal (and a very nice beer garden!).
Related Read: For more ideas on how to spend time in the city, here are our top 8 things to do in Berlin!
Where to Stay in Berlin, Germany
Now that you have your 3-day Berlin itinerary sorted out, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! There are plenty of hotel options out there, and it can be difficult to figure out exactly where to stay.
To help narrow down your options, I’ve listed the top three options for those looking for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay.
Luxury – $$$
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is a 5-star hotel with a Michelin star restaurant onsite, could it get more luxurious? Yes! Rooms are elegantly designed with antique furnishings and top-quality comfort. There’s also an indoor swimming pool, a shopping arcade, and conveniently located from Berlin’s top sights.
Rooms range from €400 to €1,000+, depending on your room choice. Check out all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
For mid-budget travelers, Myer’s Hotel Berlin is a fantastic option. It’s a boutique hotel, located in a historic building and oh-so-charming. You can find twin or double rooms of various sizes, or a suite-style room, and some have a garden view. It’s only a 10-minute train ride to downtown Berlin from this hotel.
Prices range from €230 to €420 and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Meininger Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof is located right in the center of Berlin, making it easy to get around. You can book dorm rooms for around €30 – €40 or get a private room from €100 – €150. It’s clean and the staff are friendly, and you can’t beat the location!
Check availability and reserve a room on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all the hotels in Berlin here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
While 3 days may not seem like much, we think it’s a great amount of time to see Berlin’s highlights. In fact, we followed this itinerary on our last trip here! It’s a great mix of history, amazing food, the must-see sights, and gave us a feel for the city before we headed to our next destination.
If you’re sticking around the country, we have blogs on Germany here or other destinations in Europe. I also picked out a few blogs below you might like!
8 Best Things to do in Munich, Germany