Explore the Majestic Brandenburg Gate
Ah, the Brandenburg Gate. Ubiquitous in every Berlin travel guide and plastered on a million postcards. But don’t let its fame or the hordes of selfie-stick wielders deter you. This 18th-century monument tells tales of Berlin like no one else. Once a symbol of division, it now stands as a symbol of unity. Seriously, it’s like Berlin’s largest metaphor made out of stone. Locals and tourists alike can appreciate the sheer grandeur — it’s the Oscar award Berlin never asked for but definitely needs. Pro tip: Try to avoid peak selfie hours, which ironically seem to coincide with whenever you want to visit.
Pretend You Know Art at Museum Island
If you’re feeling intellectual (or want to fake it till you make it), head over to Museum Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is like the Louvre’s cool cousin who lives in Berlin. It’s the epicenter of ancient treasure troves, holding five museums that will beef up your knowledge bank and impress your friends. Marvel at the Pergamonmuseum, or pretend to understand the Nefertiti at the Neues Museum. You may even leave knowing a thing or two about art—enough to bluff your way through a dinner party, anyway.
Meander Through Tiergarten
Berlin’s Tiergarten is like a green lung in the city. Skip leg day at the gym and go for a jog, a leisurely stroll, or commandeer a paddleboat on the park’s shimmering ponds. There’s something oddly liberating about strolling through Tiergarten, perhaps because it’s one of the most refreshing walks in Berlin. And hey, if you work up an appetite, you can reward yourself with a mammoth-sized ice cream at one of the many charming kiosks. A walk in the park never really hurt anyone—unless you’re counting a melted ice cream disaster.
Take a Trip to the Top of the Berlin TV Tower
Berlin’s skyline might champion cranes over skyscrapers, but you’ll still find something to marvel at when ascending the TV Tower. If you ever wanted that Marie Antoinette moment of seeing miles around and feeling a little superior, here’s the place for it. The TV Tower offers panoramic views that might make you forget your fear of heights — if only until you leave the glass lifts that take you up. Enjoy a coffee in the revolving restaurant with a view that comes with a side of vertigo.
Savor the Street Food at Markthalle Neun
Hungry? Allow your taste buds to embark on a culinary world tour while staying firmly rooted in Berlin. Markthalle Neun is the epicenter of everything delicious packed under one roof. From vegan cakes to gourmet cheese, this indoor market is Berlin’s answer to, “What should I eat today?” If you fancy yourself a foodie, surprise your palate with treats that you definitely can’t pronounce but will tell your Instagram followers you loved. You might even run into a local or two — apparently, they know their food.
Discover Quirkiness at the East Side Gallery
Last but not least, how about a splash of colors to your Berlin adventure at the East Side Gallery? More than just another wall, it’s a 1.3 km long stretch offering a face-to-face dialogue with history presented through vibrant street art. On the downside, there’s a chance you’ll ponder existentially about the art life, but that’s a small price to pay for some serious Instagram content. Plus, you can always head nearby to one of the many bars in Berlin to wash it all down with some German beer.