48 hours in Berlin

Germany’s capital city simply buzzes with attractions and things to do. Here’s our guide to making the most of 48 hours in Berlin. Get a taste of its culture, history, food, and cool street art.

Day 1: Explore the city’s history 

Discover Berlin’s unique story on a 2-hour walking tour.

10:00 AM

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Berlin today. Start with a walking tour to learn more about the Third Reich and the Cold War. You’ll also see a section of the old Berlin Wall and learn about German reunification in 1989.
Drive through Berlin in the official car of the DDR.

12:00 PM

After your walk, explore further and see the capital city’s main sights in a different way. There are many tours to choose from: try a Segway tour, or do as the locals do and sightsee on a bike. Or how about touring the city in a GDR-era Trabi car? You’ll see all of the famous landmarks. Swing by Checkpoint Charlie, Potsdamer Platz, and the charming Gendarmenmarkt, which is home to one of Berlin’s best Christmas markets during December.
Skip the lines and head to the famous glass dome of Berlin's Reichstag without delay.

3:00 PM

After whizzing around on your favorite mode of transport, grab a street food snack for lunch — currywurst or döner kebab are top choices. Now it’s time to see the Reichstag up close. Your walking tour guide will share stories about the history of the building as you head up along the spiral walkway to the top of the glass-domed roof. The views are incredible!
Experience a special city tour in one of Berlin’s most famous hotspots, Kreuzberg.

5:00 PM

Wind down your busy first day with some good food and drinks. Exploring Kreuzberg on a food tour is a great way to discover this cool suburb and taste a mix of Berlin’s various culinary influences. And when it comes to local beverages, you don’t need to be in Munich during Oktoberfest to enjoy a beer. Round off your evening with a fun beer tasting and learn about German bier with an expert.

Day 2: Indulge in arts and culture

Skip the long lines and visit the Pergamon Museum with 3 impressive collections.

10:00 AM

Today is filled with arty experiences. Head to Mitte to step into the ancient world with a visit to the Pergamon Museum, famous for the awe-inspiring “Ishtar Gate from Babylon.” Your skip-the-line ticket includes entry to the impressive “Das Panorama” by Yadegar Asisi. This immersive 360-degree, technicolor experience takes you back in time to see a day the city of Pergamum in AD 129. It’s a stunning and memorable experience.
Sample the culinary side of Berlin and discover a vibrant, ever-changing city with ever bite.

12:00 PM

Head to gritty East Berlin for a food tour to discover the various flavors of the city’s diverse communities. You’ll taste delicious Turkish kebabs, Southern German flammkuchen, and Polish bagels.
Get to know the weird and wonderful areas of Berlin. Check out the street art on many hidden corners and be impressed and inspired by the varied and dynamic works of art.

2:00 PM

Stay in the east and learn about graffiti on a street art tour. This urban art form is expressed in many colorful ways in Berlin. It’s such an important aspect of the city, that there’s even a museum dedicated to it — Urban Nation. You can also join a tour led by street artists themselves, for an insider’s look at this art form.
Offering breathtaking views over the German capital, the TV Tower cuts a striking image against the Berlin skyline.

5:00 PM

Late afternoon, take in the views of the capital from the famous TV Tower at Alexanderplatz. A skip-the-line-ticket is just the thing to whisk you 666 feet high to the observation deck. Enjoy the sunset from a window-seat table in the rotating restaurant.
Experience a unique theater in Berlin at Bar Jeder Vernunft. The mirror tent is the stage for the crème de la crème of intelligent small-scale performing arts: chanson, cabaret, theater, and comedy.

8:00 PM

For a perfect finalé to your 48 hours in Berlin, end with an evening at local favorite Bar Jeder Vernunft for a night of cabaret and entertainment.
Dance the night away (and well into the morning) at any one of Berlin's techno clubs.

12:00 AM

If you have energy left, head to one of Berlin’s techno night clubs. They’re famous the world over, and, if you arrive after 3 AM, you’ll beat the crowds arriving at 7 AM...
Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Potsdam at the Sanssouci.

An extra day

If you have a bit more time, a visit to the charming town of Potsdam is a delight. See the beautiful Sanssouci Palace and its gardens. It was the summer palace of the king of Prussia, Frederick the Great and rivals Versailles for beautiful architecture. Explore the quaint Dutch Quarter with its boutiques and cafés. You’ll also see Glienicke Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Spies, made famous during the Cold War.