Berlin, Germany: A 2-day Itinerary with History, Art, and a Taste of Local Life
Berlin in a weekend? Is it enough time? No. It really isn’t. But, it’s a good start. Berlin is one of those cities where past and present sit side by side and just when you think you’re looking at everything modern, you turn a corner to find WWII ruins. There’s an amazing sense of fashion and style and reminders about the importance of remembering history so we don’t repeat it.
There is so much to see in Berlin and plenty of delicious food to eat too, here is a 2-day itinerary for Berlin, and some great daytrips down below if you have some extra time to tack on to your trip.
Berlin in 2 days? Let’s get you going:
- Quick Tips for Visiting Berlin
- Day 1: Berlin’s History Up Close
- Day 2: Art, Expression, & Scenic Views
- Excursions To Take From Berlin
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Quick Tips for Visiting Berlin
Documents and Currency
- Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
- Visa: Check if you need a Schengen visa for Germany.
- Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€). Have some cash on hand for small purchases, but most places accept credit cards.
- Tipping: Service is included in your bill (service compris), but leaving small change is appreciated.
Transportation Essentials
- Public Transport: If you will be using public transportation, download the BVG Tickets app before you come.
- From the Airport: Take either the FEX Airport Express Train, the Deutsche Bahn Train RE7 or RB14, or the slwoer S-Bahn 9 to get to Hauptbahnhof station in central Berlin.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll walk a lot, so bring sturdy and comfy footwear.
Packing & Ticket Tips
- Power Adapter: Germany uses Type C and F plugs (230V). Bring an adapter if needed.
- Advance Tickets: Popular attractions like the Reichstag require booking tickets ahead. Get the Berlin Welcome tourist card that works as both a public transport card as well as provides discounted entry to major sights in Berlin.
- Reservations: Speaking of tickets, Germans are pretty big on making reservations for dinners and everything else too, which means you’ll want to as well to be assured you get seats.
Health and Safety
- Travel Insurance: Always travel with insurance that covers health emergencies.
- Emergency Numbers: The emergency number in France is 112.
- Beware of Pickpockets: Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
Digital Prep
- Offline Maps: Download Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation.
- International Plan: Check with your mobile provider for roaming options or get a local SIM card.
Day 1: Berlin’s History Up Close
Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
The Brandenburg Gate is easily the most famous landmark in the city. There will be crowds all together peering up at this symbol of peace, unity, and reconciliation. Built on top of a former city gate on the orders of Prussian King Frederick William II in the late 1700s, 15 years later, Napoleon would pass through the gate after the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt.
The Berlin Wall was constructed right behind the Brandenburg Gate so the crossing was effectively closed until 1989. Show up very early in the morning if you want a picture without the crowds, but even with the crowds, it’s stunning.
- Address: Pariser Platz, Berlin, Germany
Alternative addition: If you want to go up into the Reichstag dome, this is where to include it in your itinerary. It’s just around the corner from the Brandenburg Gate. Going up into this architectural beauty is on a lot must-see lists. Make sure to get your tickets and admission time in advance!
What to see: Walk through the Brandenburg Gate headed west and you’ll spot White Crosses (Weiße Kreuze) hanging on the park fence. They share the stories of victims that were killed as they tried to cross over the Berlin Wall.
Topography of Terror (Topographie des Terrors)
This site documents the atrocities of the Nazi regime on the actual grounds where the Gestapo headquarters once stood. It’s a good start to learn about the rise of National Socialism in Germany. Expect sobering exhibits and photo documentation that leave a lasting impression. Start with the wall outside and then head indoors for so much more information.
- Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, Berlin, Germany
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm
Checkpoint Charlie & The Wall Panorama
This Cold War border checkpoint is one of the most iconic spots in Berlin so it must be on any Berlin itinerary. There is traffic, so be aware when you’re crossing the streets, but take all of the pictures of the many angles you’ve likely seen in movies and photos before.
Stand in a short line to take a picture behind the sand bag wall and stop into the nearby shop if you want a piece of the Berlin Wall to take home. Just next door, the Wall Panorama is a 360° installation that drops you into divided Berlin in the 1980s, an unexpected highlight.
- Address: Friedrichstraße 205, Berlin, Germany
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Wall Panorama Admission: Adults: €10
Lunch Nearby
Grab a casual lunch at any one of the sandwich shops or cafes nearby. We went for the must-try currywurst and fries for something quick, filling, and very Berlin.
East Side Gallery
This 1.3km stretch of the Berlin Wall is a free outdoor gallery featuring over 100 murals and was one of my favorite stops in Berlin. Right after the wall came down in 1989, 118 artists from 21 different countries began painting. It’s a visual storytelling journey through Berlin’s past and hope for unity. Great for photos and reflection.
- Address: Mühlenstraße 3-10, Berlin, Germany
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Admission: Free
Brauerei Lemke Brewery Tour & Dinner
At the end of a history-heavy day, Brauerei Lemke, a microbrewery at the heart of Berlin’s craft beer revolution really hit the spot. Opened in 1998 in the brick arches of the S-Bahn railway at Hackescher Markt, the atmosphere is wonderful.
Dedicated to quality artisan craft beer, there is a great selection of classic Berliner Weisse beers, hoppy IPAs, Helles Lager, dark Barrel-Aged Stouts, Barleywines, and my favorite, Sours. I loved their sours and after the tour, we had dinner of salad, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and meatballs which was filling and delicious.
- Address: Dircksenstre., S-Bahnbogen 143, Berlin-Mitte, Germany
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00pm ~ 11:30pm; Sunday: 1:00pm ~ 10:30pm
- Join a tour: You can join on Visit Berlin
Day 2: Art, Expression, & Scenic Views
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Gedächtniskirche)
A striking blend of old and new, this wasn’t originally on my itinerary but as we road by on the bus, we hopped out to learn more about the bombed out tower left standing in remembrance of WWII. There is an attached blue glass chapel that is also good to sit down in for a peaceful, modern place for reflection. It’s an interesting place to see how ruins are now standing in Berlin as places for remembrance and reflection.
- Address: Breitscheidplatz, Berlin, Germany
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Admission: Free
Museum Island
Originally built between 1830 and 1930, Museum Island, so-called for the collection of internationally significant museums, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Choose between visiting:
- Alte Nationalgalerie: Houses paintings and sculptures from Classicism, Romanticism, Biedermeier, Impressionism, and the early Modern Age.
- Neues Museum: Houses the Museum of Prehistory and Early History, Collection of Antiquities, and Papyrus Collection.
- Altes Museum: The first building on the island, it houses sculptures, jewelry, vases, and coins from Greek and Etruscan art to the Roman Empire.
- Bode Museum: Houses a collection of sculptures from the Middle ages to the 19th century.
River Dinner Cruise on the Spree
Finishing the day floating past Museum Island, the Reichstag, and Berlin’s many bridges is the perfect ending to any day. The food is solid, the views dreamy, and it’s a peaceful way to wrap up a weekend in Berlin.
Excursions To Take From Berlin
Potsdam for Sanssouci Palace
A modest size palace with a lot of interesting stories. Sanssouci Palace was once the private retreat of Friedrich the Great. With only ten main rooms, it’s easy to explore in a few hours, but every space, from the Marble Hall to the colorful Voltaire Room, is packed with Frederician Rococo charm.
Wander through the terraced vineyards, admire the palace’s delicate architecture, and visit Friedrich’s final resting place on the hill. This is the crown jewel of Potsdam you don’t want to miss.
Wittenberg for the Protestant Reformation
Hop on a regional train and head to Wittenberg, a picturesque town that sparked the Protestant Reformation. Less than an hour away, this charming riverside destination invites us to follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther. Walk o the medieval cobbled streets, see the UNESCO-listed churches, and dive deeper into the power events from history that sparked a movement.
Wittenberg, Germany is an easy, walkable day trip with deep cultural impact, even if you’re not a religion buff.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Sachsenhausen is a sobering but essential window into one of the darkest chapters of human history. This former Nazi concentration camp, where over 200,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, and murdered between 1936 and 1945, now serves as a powerful memorial and museum.
Walking through the camp, past the infamous Arbeit macht frei gate, reconstructed barracks, execution sites, and the deeply moving Station Z, you’re faced with the brutal realities of systemic cruelty and how history is remembered over time. It’s not an easy day, but a necessary day so we don’t repeat history.
This is your 2-day start to exploring Berlin, Germany. Get the history, get the art, and get the food and then when you have more time, go back and see some more!
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