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Contents
Morning (7am – 11am)
Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Benedict Berlin, known for its all-day breakfast menu featuring pancakes, eggs, and family-friendly options.
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: Head to L’Osteria near Alexanderplatz, which serves kid-friendly Italian fare like pizzas and plates of pasta in large portions.
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)
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.
Dinner: Dine at Burgermeister Schlesisches, a unique burger joint in a converted public restroom that offers quick and delicious meals loved by kids.
Morning (7am – 11am)
Breakfast: 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.
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: Enjoy a traditional German meal at Restaurant Maximilians, known for its hearty Bavarian specialties like pork knuckles, bratwurst, and pretzels.
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)
Key attraction: Neptune Fountain
Conclude your historical journey with a visit to the Neptune Fountain, one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks. 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
Dinner: Dine at Hackescher Hofe, offering a blend of modern and traditional German cuisine in a cozy courtyard setting.
Morning (7am – 11am)
Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious and eco-friendly breakfast at Westberlin, a sustainable coffee shop offering locally sourced, organic coffees and fresh pastries.
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: Head to Sùsù Food, an Asian vegan restaurant offering hearty and affordable plant-based meals like bowls, sandwiches, and smoothies.
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)
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
Dinner: 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.
