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Morning (7am – 11am)
Breakfast spot
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Benedict Berlin, known for its all-day breakfast menu featuring pancakes, eggs, and family-friendly options.
- Nearest stop: Lützowplatz (Big Bus), Kurfürstendamm (City Sightseeing, City Circle)
Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid queues and get a table by the window.
Key attraction: Berlin Zoo
One of the oldest and most popular zoos in the world, Berlin Zoo is home to over 20,000 animals, including fan favorites like pandas and elephants.
Highlights
- Panda Garden: Marvel at the playful antics of Berlin Zoo's famous giant pandas, Meng Meng and Jiao Qing, in their lush bamboo habitat.
- Aquarium Berlin: Explore three levels of fascinating aquatic, reptilian, and insect life, from colorful coral reefs to ancient alligators.
- Interactive Feeding Sessions: Witness up-close moments as keepers feed sea lions, penguins, and more, offering a unique educational experience.
Pro tip: Pick up a zoo map to locate playgrounds and rest areas.
Suggested time: 2–2.5 hours
Travel time to next stop: 15 minutes by bus.
Noon (12pm – 3pm)
Lunch spot:
Head to L’Osteria near Alexanderplatz, which serves kid-friendly Italian fare like pizzas and plates of pasta in large portions.
- Nearest stop: Alexanderplatz (Big Bus, City Sightseeing, City Circle)
Pro tip: Ask for a high chair or kid’s activity set to enjoy a hassle-free, peaceful lunch.
Key attraction: Illuseum Berlin
This interactive illusion museum is a sensory delight for kids, featuring optical illusions, puzzles, and hands-on exhibits.
Highlights:
- Gravity-defying rooms: Challenge your perception as you step into rooms where the rules of gravity seem to bend.
- Holographic installations: Immerse yourself in captivating 3D visuals that bring optical illusions to life.
- Interactive brain games: Put your problem-solving skills to the test with puzzles and fun challenges for all ages.
Pro tip: Perfect for photo ops, so keep your camera ready!
Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours
Travel time to next stop: 4 minutes by bus.
Evening (4pm – 7pm)
Dinner spot:
Dine at Burgermeister Schlesisches, a unique burger joint in a converted public restroom that offers quick and delicious meals loved by kids.
- Nearest stop: East Side Gallery (Big Bus, City Sightseeing, City Circle)
Pro tip: Take your meal to-go and enjoy the riverside views.
Key attraction: East Side Gallery
Explore this iconic section of the Berlin Wall adorned with vibrant street art that’s bound to capture kids’ imaginations.
Highlights:
- 1.3km stretch of murals: Walk along the longest open-air gallery in the world, showcasing powerful art that reflects history and hope.
- Educational stories about the Berlin Wall: Learn about the Wall’s significance through murals that tell stories of division and reunification.
- Photo opportunities with famous artworks like "Fraternal Kiss": Capture iconic moments by the mural of the famous kiss between Brezhnev and Honecker.
Pro tip: Keep kids engaged by asking them to interpret the murals’ stories.
Suggested time: 1 hour
Travel time to dinner spot: 5 minutes by bus.
Late night (8pm – 12am)
Relaxing stop
Wrap up your day with a boat cruise along the Spree River. Many tours operate in the evening, offering a serene way to enjoy Berlin’s illuminated landmarks.
- Nearest stop: East Side Gallery (Big Bus), DomAquarée/ Unter den Linden (City Circle, City Sightseeing).
- Pro tip: Bring a light blanket for kids as the evening can get chilly on the water.
Morning (7am – 11am)
Breakfast spot
Begin your day at Café Einstein Stammhaus, a classic Viennese-style coffee house offering freshly brewed coffee, hearty breakfasts, and traditional pastries in an elegant setting.
- Nearest stop: Brandenburg Gate (all three operators)
Pro tip: Don’t forget to try their Apple Strudel, often referred to as the ‘Apple of the Eye’.
Key attraction: Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz
Start your exploration with a visit to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and peace, surrounded by the historic Pariser Platz.
Highlights
- Marvel at the neoclassical architecture: Admire the grandeur of this 18th-century landmark, once a symbol of division and now a symbol of unity.
- Stroll through Pariser Platz: Walk through the famous square, home to notable sites like the Hotel Adlon and various embassies.
- Enjoy early morning photography: Capture the beauty of the Brandenburg Gate with fewer crowds, offering perfect photo opportunities.
Pro tip: If you want to take photos, locate the side of the gate facing the Quadriga statue. The doric columns also gives you a glimpse of the Victory Column.
Suggested time: 1 hour
Travel time to next stop: 10 minutes
Noon (12pm – 3pm)
Lunch spot
Enjoy a traditional German meal at Restaurant Maximilians, known for its hearty Bavarian specialties like pork knuckles, bratwurst, and pretzels.
- Nearest stop: Lustgarten (City Sightseeing, City Tours), Museum Island (Big Bus)
Pro tip: This restaurant is known for its authentic Bavarian cuisine and beer, so make sure to try their Leberknödelsuppe, a wholesome soup on a particularly chilly day.
Key attractions: Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island
Explore the stunning Berlin Cathedral and its surrounding treasures on Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- Climb to the Dome: Enjoy panoramic views of Berlin’s skyline from the top of the Berlin Cathedral.
- Visit world-renowned museums: Explore the Pergamon Museum or the Altes Museum, home to priceless art and historical artifacts.
- Admire the architecture and gardens: Take in the intricate Baroque architecture of the Cathedral and relax in the peaceful Lustgarten gardens nearby.
Pro tip: Purchase a day pass for Museum Island if you plan to visit multiple museums.
Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours
Travel time to next stop: 5 minutes
Evening (4pm – 7pm)
Dinner spot
Dine at Hackescher Hofe, offering a blend of modern and traditional German cuisine in a cozy courtyard setting.
- Nearest stop: Alexanderplatz (Big Bus, City Sightseeing), Neptune Fountain (City Circle)
- Pro tip: While you can go to the restaurant throughout the day, it is well-known for its courtyard dining experience in the evening. These seats are reserved in advance.
Key attraction: Neptune Fountain
Conclude your historical journey with a visit to the Neptune Fountain, one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, located in the heart of the city at Alexanderplatz. The centerpiece of the fountain features a large statue of Neptune, surrounded by four smaller figures symbolizing the rivers of Berlin – the Spree, Oder, Elbe, and Vistula.
Highlights
- The Statue of Neptune: The main sculpture of Neptune, holding a trident, is imposing and majestic. Water flows around him and cascades from various parts of the fountain.
- Four River Figures: The statues of the four river gods, representing important waterways of Germany, are intricately carved and add to the fountain's grandeur.
- Historical Significance: The fountain was originally built to commemorate Berlin's role as a cultural and economic center. Over the years, it has become a symbol of the city's continuous development and resilience.
Pro tip: The area around Neptune Fountain is considered sacred, so if you plan to listen to music or your audio guide, bring earphones.
Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours
Travel time to next stop: 10 minutes
Late night (8pm – 12am)
Relaxing stop
End your day with an evening stroll through the historic Unter den Linden boulevard, beautifully lit and steeped in history. Enjoy views of landmarks like the Berlin State Opera and Bebelplatz.
- Nearest stop: Unter der Linden (City Circle, City Sightseeing), Museum Island (Big Bus)
Pro tip: German’s practice ruhezeit or quiet hours from 10pm to 7am. Make sure to keep your voice low, and avoid any noisy activities at night.
Morning (7am – 11am)
Breakfast spot
Start your day with a delicious and eco-friendly breakfast at Westberlin, a sustainable coffee shop offering locally sourced, organic coffees and fresh pastries.
- Nearest stop: Checkpoint Charlie (all operators)
Pro tip: Berlin is known to be a vegan haven, so don’t hesitate to ask for plant-based milk options.
Key attraction: Tempelhofer Feld
Kick off your day with a visit to Tempelhofer Feld, a vast urban park located on the site of a former airport, offering open space for biking, walking, or just relaxing.
Highlights
- Explore the former airport runway: Walk or bike along the old runways, now a popular space for outdoor activities and picnics.
- Enjoy green spaces: Unwind in this massive park, which is free to visit and provides ample room for relaxation and outdoor play.
- Support local farmers: Visit the on-site urban garden and learn about sustainable farming practices in the heart of the city.
Pro tip: Bring a kite or rent one on-site—Tempelhofer Feld’s open runways make it one of the best spots in Berlin for kite flying.
Suggested time: 2 hours
Travel time to next stop: 25 minutes
Noon (12pm – 3pm)
Lunch spot
Head to Sùsù Food, an Asian vegan restaurant offering hearty and affordable plant-based meals like bowls, sandwiches, and smoothies.
- Nearest stop: Mauerpark (City Sightseeing, Big Bus), Alexanderplatz (City Tours)
Pro tip: This restaurant now serves the viral Dubai Chocolate with kunafa in their own style. You cannot miss out on this delight!
Key attraction: Mauerpark Flea Market
Wander through Mauerpark’s popular flea market, a treasure trove of second-hand goods, eco-friendly products, and local art, perfect for budget-conscious shoppers.
Highlights
- Shop sustainably: Find vintage clothes, handmade crafts, and upcycled items, all supporting a circular economy.
- Listen to live music: Enjoy street performances, including live bands and karaoke sessions, making this a vibrant and cultural stop.
- Enjoy the park’s vibe: Relax in the green space, where local vendors often sell sustainable goods.
Pro tip: Bring cash in small denominations, as some vendors may not accept cards.
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Travel time to next stop: 10 minutes
Evening (4pm – 7pm)
Dinner spot
Savor a budget-friendly, eco-conscious dinner at Round and Edgy, a local vegan bakery inspired by NYC Baking, and they add a German twist to classic American and German cuisine.
- Nearest stop: Alexander Platz (All operators)
Pro tip: They are infamous for their artisanal cookies, which are now shipped worldwide, in case you want to take some back home, but have no space in your luggage.
Key attraction: Cycling Around Berlin
Check out Berlin on Bike to rent a bike, and explore Berlin on your own, as you close the day. Berlin takes a visual shift at night, and what better way to experience it than on your bike?
Highlights
- Bike-friendly infrastructure: Berlin is renowned for its extensive network of cycling paths, making it easy and safe to explore the city on two wheels.
- Sustainable and affordable transport: Renting a bike is a cost-effective and eco-conscious way to see the city, reducing your carbon footprint while avoiding public transport costs.
- Visit iconic sites at your own pace: Cycle past historical landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and Museum Island, with the flexibility to stop and explore whenever you wish.
Pro tip: Berlin has specific lanes for bikers on almost all of their streets. Avoid using the main road while biking.
Suggested time: 2-3 hours
Late night (8pm – 12am)
Relaxing stop
End your day with a visit to Lustgarten, a tranquil green space nestled on Museum Island, offering stunning views of Berlin Cathedral and the surrounding architecture.
- Nearest stop: Lustgarten (City Tours, City Sightseeing), Alexanderplatz (Big Bus)
Pro tip: Pack a light snack or beverage to enjoy a peaceful moment on the lawn, surrounded by Berlin’s cultural treasures.