A 3-day break in beautiful Berlin

You can’t miss the impressive Brandenburg Gate. One of the capital’s most symbolic landmarks, it was built at the end of the 18th century to celebrate peace after the wars of succession.         

A stone’s throw away, the Reichstag houses Germany’s parliament. This remarkable neo-Renaissance palace was restored after reunification in 1990, with a roof terrace and glass dome offering superb panoramic views (free admission, advance reservation required). 

Also nearby is the Holocaust Memorial, with its 2,711 concrete steles erected in memory of the millions of people who were murdered during the Holocaust.  

When it’s time for a quick lunch, head to one of the German-Turkish kebab joints like Mustafa Demir, K'Ups, or Rüyam Gemüse for their legendary doner kebabs.  

The historic Mitte district is also a must. Enjoy a stroll along Friedrichstraße then visit the Jewish Museum – which presents the history and culture of Jews in Germany – or Checkpoint Charlie, the famous border crossing that separated East and West Berlin, where you’ll learn about the city’s Cold War history. If you feel peckish while wandering around Mitte, make sure to sample the area’s famous currywurst, a delicious pork sausage served with curry sauce! Mouth-wateringly good… 

First up is another of the city’s must-sees, offering a nice transition from history to art: East Side Gallery, in the vibrant Kreuzberg neighbourhood. Here, 118 artists from all over the world have painted frescoes on the longest section of the Berlin Wall that’s still standing (1.3 km). 

Another very exciting area is Friedrichshain where you can explore RAW, a complex of former industrial warehouses repurposed into a hip creative hub that’s fizzing with alternative artistic and cultural happenings. 

Next, head to Alexanderplatz, THE central square, with two main points of interest. Firstly, take in the breathtaking views from the observation deck of the 368-metre-high Fernsehturm (Television Tower), then check out the famous world clock, which tells you the current time all around the world. 

Then it’s time to eat! Sample another typical Berlin dish, meatballs with red cabbage and potatoes. This is served in many traditional restaurants. 

Berlin’s Museum Island on the Spree River is home to five world-famous museums. We recommend the Pergamon, which holds important collections of Classical Greek and Roman art; Neues, a treasure trove of Egyptian art; and Alte, a museum of 19th-century European painting. 

End the day with a wander around the Schwarzenberg House courtyard, home to hidden bars, design shops, cabaret, and exhibitions. Night or day, this sociable spot is buzzing with German creativity. 

Characterful Prenzlauer Berg is full of trendy cafés, restaurants, bars, green spaces and designer boutiques. Artists, students and young families flock to this vibrant neighbourhood, with its very friendly cosmopolitan atmosphere. On Sundays you can stroll through the massive Mauerpark flea market, complete with food trucks, and on summer evenings there are concerts and shows in the open-air amphitheatre. 

Time to join the locals in the atmospheric Biergärten, a Bavarian-style beer garden (open from May to October) where people relax in the shade of the chestnut trees with a cold beer and eat grilled sausages. The most popular venues include Berlin Brewdog, Prater and Pinzessinnengarten. 

Berlin has lots of other cool alternative neighbourhoods to explore – or you might prefer to head over to multicultural Neukölln with its bohemian cafés, markets, and vintage shops?  

Berlin cabaret is still very much alive and kicking! Book an evening at BKA-Theater, or the Chamäleon, and relive the decadence of the Golden Age of Weimar. Or take in theatrical or musical performances at one of Berlin's most famous theatres, the iconic Volksbühne, known for its eclectic, innovative programming. 

Visiting Berlin with kids? 

• Smaller children will love Legoland, where they can give free rein to their creativity 

• Older kids will want to visit the German Spy Museum with its gadgets, futuristic technology and laser beam obstacle course 

• Visitors of all ages are fascinated by Berlin's underground network of Cold War tunnels and bunkers, with guided tours by a history buff from Berliner Unterwelten. Or you could venture further afield to visit one of Berlin’s best-loved sights, the wonderful summer palace Schloss Charlottenburg. 

Travel tip: Berlin is a huge city, so it’s a good idea to buy a Berlin Welcome Card which gives you unlimited use of public transport. 

There’s so much to see and do in Berlin that it’s impossible to see everything in just three days. But this itinerary gives you a good idea of the highlights to help you plan your trip. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes and an umbrella – Berlin weather can be unpredictable!