Best Berlin 2, 3, and 4 Day Itinerary Ideas

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Spending 2, 3 or 4 days in Berlin? These Berlin 2, 3, and 4-day itinerary ideas cover all the major attractions, districts, museums, and restaurants, plus pro travel tips.

In Portuguese, we say: Primeiro estranha-se, depois entranha-se. First, you find it strange, then it gets under your skin.

Well, that’s exactly how I felt during my first time in Berlin.

The German capital is not your typical European city. It’s not pretty nor easy.

But look beneath the surface, and you’ll find so much more: a strong personality and its own level of coolness.

The memories of World War II and the subsequent division of Berlin are still very much present nowadays. And that’s exactly how the Berliners want it to be.

One of the things that surprised and impressed me the most while wandering around Berlin was this willingness to look the past in the eyes, to remember instead of simply erasing and forgetting, so different than what we sometimes see in other places.

And then there’s also the futuristic architecture, the bright street art, the hip boutiques and galleries, the vibrant culture and museums, the eclectic food scene, and of course the exhilarating nightlife.

Berlin’s joie de vivre, allied with a deep sense of history, make it one of the most fascinating and worth-visiting European capitals.

So without further ado, here are the best Berlin 2, 3, and 4 days itinerary suggestions for first-timers based on my recent visit to the city.

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Berlin 2-day itinerary:

Day 1

Bundestag

I highly recommend starting your 2 days in Berlin with a tour of the German Parliament, or Bundestag.

This will give you a great introduction to the history of the city and the country, and an interesting insight into German political life.

Our guide really did an amazing job, perfectly balancing historical facts with emotional tales, and funny anecdotes and curiosities.

In fact, this was probably one of the best tours I’ve ever joined.

In the end, the visit to the glass dome was the cherry on top.

Besides offering a great view over Berlin, the glass structure itself is nothing less than spectacular.

All guided tours of the Bundestag are free of charge but you’ll need to register here well in advance to secure a spot.

Brandenburg Gate

Continue your Berlin 2 days itinerary by visiting another one of its heavy-weight attractions.

Just a short walk from the parliament, the Brandenburg Gate is the most iconic landmark of the German capital.

Built as a symbol of peace, this triumphal arch is also the entrance to Berlin’s Champs Elysees, the Unter den Linden Avenue.

The Berlin Wall was raised right behind it during the Cold War, as you can see by the traces on the road where it used to be.

Having seen so many pictures of the Brandenburg Gate before, I must confess I was a bit underwhelmed when I finally got to be here in person.

But it’s certainly something you need to see with your own eyes when in Berlin.

Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial, is a moving work of art by US architect Peter Eisenman.

With the size of a football field, it’s Germany’s most important memorial to the victims of the Nazi regime.

You can walk through the 2711 tomb-like slabs and take photos, but please remember to be respectful.

In recent years, controversy has arisen over tourists taking inappropriate selfies at the memorial and sharing them on social media, apparently with no clue about what this place represents.

Potsdamer Platz

Once no man’s land, today Potsdamer Platz is one of the best examples of the Berlin of the future.

This historical square was one of the busiest traffic junctions in Europe, before being completely devastated during World War II.

During the Cold War, the Berlin Wall and its infamous death strip crossed all this area, which was left abandoned.

In case you didn’t know (as I didn’t!), the Berlin Wall was actually two walls, in the middle of which was the so-called death strip.

After the reunification, the square was completely rebuilt giving way to skyscrapers and contemporary architecture.

A small segment of the Berlin Wall is still visible here, in front of the Potsdamer Platz train station.

Make sure to also have a peek at the nearby Sony Center.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the main and most famous crossing point between West and East Berlin for foreigners and members of the Allied Forces during the Cold War.

Unfortunately, today it has become a tourist trap displaying a copy of the original booth and sign, and actors dressed as US Guards.

Why anyone would like to take a photo with a fake guard at a place that represents the division of a city and country goes beyond my comprehension, but to each their own.

In the nearby shopping of the Mauer Museum, you can buy allegedly original pieces of the Berlin Wall by weight. Again, why?!

Anyway, I decided to still include Checkpoint Charlie on this Berlin itinerary due to its historical significance, but feel free to skip it if you’re not into super tacky and touristy stuff.

Kreuzberg

End your first day in Berlin in the young and alternative Kreuzberg district.

One of the most exciting nightlife areas of the German capital, Kreuzberg is the perfect place to have dinner and maybe even some drinks after your first day of sightseeing.

Stroll along Orianenstrasse and Skalitzer Strasse for the best restaurants, cafés, and bars.

Day 2

TV Tower

Start your second day in Berlin at the iconic TV Tower for amazing 360-degree views of the city.

A symbol of the city, the Fernsehturm is also the highest structure in Germany, meaning you can’t lose sight of it while wandering through Berlin.

Above the observation deck, there’s also a revolving restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with a view. Make sure to book in advance though if you plan to eat here.

To save time, buy your fast track ticket to the TV Tower here.

Or you can book your fast track ticket plus a restaurant window seat here.

Alexander Platz

Alexander Platz, or Alex as the locals like to call it, was the center of East Berlin during the division of the city and still retains much of its socialist feel.

Ironically, today it’s one of Berlin’s main shopping areas, as well as an important transportation hub.

Nearby attractions include the TV Tower and the Rotes Rathaus.

On the square itself, the Fountain of Friendship between Peoples and the World Clock are two popular meeting points and tourist attractions.

East Side Gallery

No 2 days in Berlin itinerary is complete without a visit to the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining segment of the Berlin Wall turned into a street art mural.

This open-air gallery is a memorial to the fall of the wall in 1989 and subsequent reunification and has the status of a protected landmark.

Some of the paintings along its 1,3 kilometers are famous worldwide, like the one by Dmitri Vrubel depicting Brezhnev and Honecker kissing on the mouth.

Friedrichshain

Dedicate the rest of your day to exploring the charming Friedrichshain district, famous for its laid-back vibe and vibrant nightlife.

Chill near the Spree River, shop at Boxhagener Platz flea market (every Sunday) or stroll along Karl-Marx-Allee and its impressive communist architecture.

Berlin 3-day itinerary:

Day 3

Museum Island

If you’re spending 3 days in Berlin, you can’t skip the city’s Museum Island.

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this small island on the Spree is a paradise for art and history lovers. Save at least one morning to explore it.

The 5 (soon to be 6) museums located here are among the finest in the world:

Pergamon Museum – dedicated to the ancient world, the Middle East, and Islamic art, and home to the Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon.

Altes Museum – housing a collection of classical antiquities.

You can book your skip-the-line ticket to the Altes Museum here.

Neues Museum – subdivided into the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Pre- and Early History and residence of the iconic bust of Queen Nefertiti.

Book your skip-the-line Neues Museum ticket, including an audio guide, here.

Alte Nationalgalerie – hosting a collection of 19th-century art.

You can buy your skip-the-line ticket to the Alte Nationalgalerie here.

Bode Museum – exhibiting medieval sculptures, Byzantine art, and a numismatic collection.

Click here to book your skip-the-line ticket to the Bode Museum and special exhibitions.

Humboldt Forum – expected to open in late 2019 in a replica of the Berlin Palace, it will house the Museum of Ethnology, the Museum of Asian Art, and the Berlin Exhibit.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to visit several of the many excellent museums in Berlin, you may want to consider buying the Berlin Welcome Card Museum Island, which includes free entrance to all the museums on the island plus free public transportation for 72 hours.

On Museum Island, you can also find the imposing Berlin Cathedral. Climb up to its dome to enjoy the views over the island and the city.

Scheunenviertel

In the afternoon, explore the nearby Scheunenviertel district, Berlin’s historic Jewish quarter, with its hip boutiques, art galleries, bars, and restaurants.

We stayed here at the Ibis Styles Hotel Berlin Mitte and absolutely loved this area of the city.

Hackesche Höfe

Scheunenviertel is known for its courtyard ensembles, the most famous of which is the Hackesche Höfe.

This series of interlinked courtyards and buildings, once residence to many Jewish families, is now home to trendy shops, cafés, art galleries, and a cinema.

The complex has been completely restored after the reunification of the city, keeping its original charm and Art-Nouveau façades, and quickly became one of Berlin’s top attractions.

Haus Schwarzenberg

End your 3-day itinerary in Berlin at Haus Schwarzenberg, another popular courtyard in Scheunenviertel but with a very different feel to it.

In fact, when entering here you almost feel like you’re stepping into another world, completely separated from the surrounding streets.

Street art dominates the space and there are metallic monsters hanging on the exterior walls of a museum dedicated to Anne Frank, a cinema, a monster cabinet, and a couple of bars.

Berlin 4-day itinerary:

Day 4

Kurfürstendamm

For those spending 4 days in Berlin, dedicate your last day to exploring the posh City West district.

The center of West Berlin during the Cold War, Kurfürstendamm, or Ku’damm for short, is the city’s most famous (and expensive) shopping avenue.

Many haute couture shops, 5-star hotels, and luxury cars showrooms have their address here.

Even if shopping here is out of the budget for most mortals (myself included), strolling along the Ku’damm and sitting in one of its restaurants and cafés is a quintessential experience to have in Berlin.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

This was one of my favorite places to visit in Berlin.

For me, it’s the perfect representation of something Berlin really knows how to do – preserving the memories of its past while looking into the future.

Bombed during World War II, the Kaiser Wilhelm Church was almost completely destroyed and reduced to one of its towers.

When the time came to rebuild, two competing projects were presented: one of a replica of the old church and another one of a modern church.

The city opted for the latter, and due to pressure from public opinion, it was decided to incorporate the old remaining tower in the new project.

Today, the Hall of Remembrance coexists with a modern house of worship.

We were lucky enough to visit during an organ concert, which made it even more special.

KaDaWe and Bikini Berlin

Home to numerous high-end boutiques, chain stores, indie shops, department stores, and malls, City West is truly a shopper’s paradise.

End your 4 days in Berlin itinerary with some shopping at KaDaWe, the largest department store in Continental Europe.

Or head to the iconic Bikini Berlin, Germany’s first “concept mall”, for independent retailers, pop-up stores, and international street food.

Have more time in Berlin?

Take a day trip outside the city

Check out the best day trips from Berlin here.

When to visit Berlin

Berlin is a year-round destination. I’ve visited the German capital in early March and had a great time, despite de cool temperatures and occasional rain.

Check out this post on when to visit Berlin for more info about the weather.

Where to eat in Berlin

Markthalle Neun

If you find yourself in Berlin on a Thursday evening, make yourself a favor and head to Markthalle Neun, in the Kreuzberg district.

Once a week, this 19th-century market hall turns into an international street food festival with snacks and delicacies from all over the world.

We had dinner here on our first night in Berlin and loved it. We tried some Moroccan and Asian food and finished with the Portuguese version of the Berliner for dessert.

It does get very popular though, so make sure to come early if you’d like to find a place to sit.

Street Food Thursdays at Markthalle Neun happen every Thursday from 5 to 10 pm.

Katz Orange

This was definitely the best meal we had in Berlin.

Katz Orange is a sustainable restaurant and bar hidden in a courtyard of the former Jewish district.

I read about this place in several Berlin blogs and guides, so my expectations were high. And I was not disappointed.

The atmosphere is elegant yet laid-back, the staff friendly and welcoming, and the food exquisite.

I had the salmon and a salad and my boyfriend the pork spare ribs with freshly cut French fries.

All dishes are consciously prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients, and the final result is nothing less than delicious.

They also have a selection of natural wines, including orange wine, which was the first time for me.

For dessert, we shared the daily selection of petits fours.

Everything was perfect and I would definitely come back!

Monkey Bar

Located on the 10^th floor of the 25 Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, the Monkey Bar offers great views of western Berlin in a trendy and cool atmosphere.

We ate lunch here on our last day in the German capital and were very happy with our choice – we had the Falafel and the Dreierlei Humus (three kinds of hummus).

Voted Europe’s best hotel bar, the Monkey Bar features a different DJ every night of the week and weekend afternoon, and an extensive cocktail list that surely looked promising.

Right next door, there’s also a restaurant, the Neni Berlin, serving international fusion cuisine. Make sure to book in advance though, especially on weekends.

Ki-Nova

Ki-Nova is a healthy restaurant in the heart of Potsdamer Platz.

It is the perfect place for a reenergizing lunch while sightseeing through Berlin.

Superfoods and local and regional products are the main ingredients of its nutritious menu.

We ordered the Ki-Nova Vegi Burger for me, the Blue-Cheese Burger for my boyfriend, and a portion of sweet potato fries with avocado dip to share.

All the food was so yummy and the staff really friendly and helpful. Not to mention how beautiful and cozy this place is.

Highly recommended!

Where to stay in Berlin

Ibis Styles Hotel Berlin Mitte

The Ibis Styles Hotel Berlin Mitte was the perfect base for our 4 days in Berlin.

First and foremost, I absolutely loved its location in Rosenthaler Platz, in the hip Scheunenviertel district, close to shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars, yet without feeling too busy.

Our room was super comfortable and stylish, with a modern and colorful design and a lovely street view.

The breakfast buffet was good, and they even had fresh-made pancakes, which I think deserves some extra points.

All in all, I think this is a great upscale budget hotel, with a perfect location and a beautiful décor, and would definitely stay here again.

Click here for more info and booking.

Berlin is a fascinating city. History, art, fashion, food, museums, architecture, shopping, nightlife – there’s something for everyone in the German capital.

Whether you’re staying 2, 3, or 4 days in Berlin, these Berlin 2, 3 and 4-day itinerary ideas for first-timers have got you covered for the best the city has to offer.

More travel tips

Travel Insurance

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Cheap flights

Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the vast majority of my stays through them.

Yoga Retreats

Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.

Tours

GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.

Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.

Car Rentals

Booking.com has a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.

Have you been to Berlin? What would you add to this Berlin 2, 3, and 4 days itinerary? Share in the comments section below!