Berlin is a fascinating city. If you’re looking for an excuse to visit, I’ve got you covered! Here are my top 15 reasons to visit Berlin to inspire your next trip to the German capital!
Reasons To Visit Berlin
I’ve outlined our top 15 reasons to visit Berlin below. From its ever-present history to amazing shopping and great food, Berlin has plenty on offer!
1. Museums
If you’re a museum-lover, you need to visit Berlin! Museum Island alone is home to 5 museums and is located right at the heart of the city. You’ll find some fantastic gems dotted around the city too, including The Story of Berlin (currently under renovation) and the Wall Memorial Museum.
2. Street Art
Berlin has some of the most creative street art I’ve ever seen! There are districts overflowing with artwork and some wonderful tours you can join to take it all in. Not forgetting the striking East Side Gallery which was once the Berlin Wall and is now the longest open-air gallery in the world.
3. Shopping
Berlin is a great city if you’re looking for some retail therapy! The iconic department store Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe) is a great place to pick up a treat to commemorate your trip. Alternatively, you can join the throngs at the Mall of Berlin or Alexa, just to name a few options!
4. History
Berlin is a city with so much history, and much of that history is still within living memory. When you go to Berlin, you can’t escape that, as it shouts its story everywhere you turn. Despite the turbulent times of its past, Berlin seeks to educate people about it and you can find traces of it around every corner.
5. Architecture
Berlin has a wonderful mix of architecture. The gaudy Victorian Cathedral stands in stark contrast to the modern millennial Reichstag dome. The wonderful blend of old and new architecture could only be pulled off by a city with a history as varied as Berlin’s.
6. Berliner Fernsehturm
Berliner Fernsehturm or TV tower is the best way to see Berlin. Take an elevator up this 368m tower to witness spectacular panoramic views of the city. There are information boards to guide you through what you are seeing, and it is the only way to really appreciate the scars left on this previously divided city.
7. Green Spaces
Berlin is a city surrounded by greenery! As well as a number of small parks around the city, the spectacular Tiergarten is well worth a visit. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll around this old hunting reserve, and find Berlin Zoo at the far end!
8. Beer
It’s impossible to write a post about Berlin without mentioning the beer! Even though I’m not really a beer drinker, you can’t visit a German city without sampling some of the local offerings. You can even take a tour from those who know best and go drinking with a local.
Top tip: if you want to bring some home in your suitcase to enjoy later, you can pick it up for less than 1 Euro per bottle in the local supermarkets!
9. Affordable
I was amazed when we first arrived in Berlin at how cheap everything was! For a capital city, prices of things like food and souvenirs were much cheaper than any other western European city we’ve visited. Transport and accommodation were also really reasonably priced so it isn’t a destination that will break the bank!
10. Currywurst
Much like the beer, a trip to Berlin isn’t complete without sampling some currywurst! This curried sausage is deceptive though, for what it lacks in presentation, it makes up for in taste. It’s absolutely delicious!
11. Christmas Markets
Visiting Berlin in winter might not be an obvious choice, but it is worth battling the cold for the magical Christmas markets. These festive celebrations start late November and run right up until Christmas. They are a fabulous place to buy some last-minute Christmas shopping or treat yourself to something warm and sweet to take off the chill.
12. Easy To Navigate
Despite being a major city, Berlin is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. The streets are easy to navigate and it is safe to walk around. If your legs are ready for a break though, the U-Bahn is easy to operate so you can hop on and off to all of your sites in a breeze.
13. Day Trips
If you’re planning an extended trip, or you just want to use Berlin as your home-base, there are some wonderful day trips you can take from the city. Visit nearby cities of Dresden or Potsdam. Or if you are ready to face something a little more sobering, you can witness the horrors of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.
14. Accommodation
Berlin has a wonderful host of accommodation options on offer, so you are bound to find the perfect place for your stay. Like much of Berlin, the accommodation is very reasonably priced, particularly if you are visiting out of season. It’s a great place to upgrade to something a little more luxurious to make your stay extra special.
15. Modern
Due to its historical physical divide, visiting Berlin is like visiting two cities. The old town has a quintessential European feel, whereas the newer, rebuilt city has a bustling modern vibe. Something about the new city feels cool and it is exciting to experience a city that is constantly evolving.
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