Berlin in 3 Days: Landmarks, Bites & Local Secrets

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Begin your morning at Father Carpenter, a charming cafe in Mitte renowned for its specialty coffee and delicious breakfast options such as avocado toast or ricotta pancakes.

Attraction: Brandenburg Gate

This iconic 18th-century neoclassical structure, once a divider of Berlin, now symbolizes peace, unity, and the city's dynamic history.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Brandenburg Gate Stop #4 
• City Sightseeing: Brandenburg Gate Stop #12
• City Circle: Brandenburg Gate Stop #17

Highlights:

• Walk through one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, representing freedom and reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
• Visit the site of major events, from Napoleon’s triumph to Germany’s reunification celebrations.
• Marvel at its grand neoclassical design, featuring 12 Doric columns and the Quadriga – a chariot drawn by four horses.

Pro tip: Take a moment to step into the Room of Silence, located right at the Brandenburg Gate. This serene space offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling crowds, allowing you to reflect or relax in complete silence.

Suggested time to spend: 45-60 minutes
Time to next stop: A 7-minute walk to the Reichstag.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Refuel at Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant! Perched atop the Reichstag, this glass-domed eatery serves up German classics with a modern twist and unbeatable views of Berlin’s skyline.

Attraction: Reichstag

A historic powerhouse of German politics, the Reichstag blends old-world gravitas with modern design, thanks to its striking glass dome and panoramic city views.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Reichstag Stop #5
• City Sightseeing: Reichstag Stop #13
• City Circle: Reichstag Stop #22

Highlights:

• Watch real-time debates through the dome’s central oculus – it’s designed to keep Parliament visible to the public at all times.
• The graffiti left by Soviet soldiers in 1945 is still etched on the walls, a raw, haunting reminder of the city's turbulent past.
• The glass dome isn’t just pretty – it’s symbolic. Transparency, light, and a literal upward spiral toward a more open future.

Pro tip: While walking around the Reichstag, look for 'stumbling stones'. These are small brass plaques embedded in the pavement that commemorate Holocaust victims.

Suggested time to spend: 1 - 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: A 15-minute walk or 5-minute cycle ride to Unter den Linden.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Unter den Linden

Berlin’s most historic boulevard, flanked by grand buildings and linden trees, stretches from the Brandenburg Gate to Museum Island like a cultural breadcrumb trail.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Friedrichstrasse Stop #3
• City Sightseeing: Unter den Linden/Friedrichstraße Stop #11
• City Circle: Unter den Linden/Friedrichstraße Stop #20

Highlights:

• From Prussian power to Cold War tension, every block tells a story – look out for royal palaces, opera houses, and embassies.
• Walk beneath the linden trees that give the street its name – they’ve been replanted more than once, each time as a quiet act of resilience.
• Duck into Bebelplatz to see where books once burned, or pop into the Berlin State Opera for a peek behind Berlin’s highbrow curtain.

Pro tip: Start your walk near Humboldt University and pick up a pocket guide from the nearby tourist info point – it turns a pretty stroll into a scavenger hunt of secrets.

Suggested time to spend: 60–75 minutes

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: After a day of sightseeing, hit the Treffpunkt Berlin for supper, a casual, wood-paneled pub with a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for solo diners. Their currywurst and pork knuckle are standout dishes, complemented by an excellent selection of German beers.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Start your morning at Zimt & Zucker Kaffeehaus, a charming cafe serving delightful crepes, organic dishes, and excellent coffee in a romantic setting. It’s ideal for those seeking a cozy yet trendy breakfast spot near Potsdamer Platz.

Attraction: Potsdamer Platz

Once a Cold War no man’s land, this buzzing plaza is now a futuristic hub of glass towers, shopping, and cinematic history, where Berlin reinvents itself daily.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Potsdamer Platz  Stop #13
• City Sightseeing: Potsdamer Platz  Stop #4
• City Circle: Potsdamer Platz Stop #5

Highlights:

• Walk through what was once a barren divide, now transformed into a vibrant symbol of unity, ambition, and architectural reinvention.
• Find the double row of bricks that trace the exact path of the Berlin Wall – subtle, haunting, and hiding in plain sight.
• Check out the Sony Center’s soaring canopy – this is Berlin’s Hollywood corner, especially during Berlinale film fest madness.

Pro tip: Walk along Potsdamer Straße’s Boulevard of the Stars, a tribute to German cinema legends. Locals suggest scanning QR codes embedded in the stars for interactive stories and historical insights about the actors.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: A 10-minute walk to the Gropiusbau.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Located within Gropius Bau itself, Beba offers a creative, vegetable-focused menu inspired by Jewish cuisines. Its indoor vertical garden adds a unique touch, making it ideal for art lovers seeking a culinary experience tied to the museum.

Attraction: Gropiusbau

This grand exhibition hall blends historic architecture with edgy contemporary art, often spotlighting global voices, identity, and the ever-shifting human experience.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Checkpoint Charlie Stop #15
• City Sightseeing: Checkpoint Charlie Stop #6
• City Circle: Checkpoint Charlie Stop #6

Highlights:

• Exhibits often span text, sculpture, sound, and scent – don’t rush. Many shows unfold slowly and reward repeat glances.
• The rawness of the post-war interior – scorched tiles, peeling brick – gives every exhibit a ghostly, almost sacred backdrop. Its story mirrors Berlin’s resilience and reinvention.
• Sunlight filters through the geometric steel-and-glass façade, casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the polished concrete floors.

Pro tip: Spend some time admiring the stunning atrium, which is the heart of the Gropius Bau. The space is beautifully decorated with mosaics and the coats of arms of German states.

Suggested time to spend: 1-1.5 hours
Time to next stop: An 8-minute walk to Checkpoint Charlie.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Checkpoint Charlie

This iconic Cold War checkpoint once divided East and West Berlin. Today, it’s a symbol of espionage, escapes, and the razor-thin line between freedom and control.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Checkpoint Charlie Stop #15
• City Sightseeing: Checkpoint Charlie Stop #6
• City Circle: Checkpoint Charlie Stop #6

Highlights:

• Discover stories of daring attempts. You’ll learn about hollowed-out dashboards, fake uniforms, and even a homemade air mattress across the Spree.
• The US and Soviet tanks faced off just meters apart here, each with loaded guns. It was the closest the Cold War came to boiling over in Berlin.
• Massive portraits of an American and Soviet soldier stare each other down across the street – haunting, symbolic, and deeply human.

Pro tip: Head into the open-air BlackBox Cold War exhibit across the street. It’s free, low-key brilliant, and full of arresting photos, videos, and personal testimonies.

Suggested time to spend: 1-1.5 hours

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: Head over to Mundo Tapas, a lively spot that offers an eclectic menu featuring tapas, fajitas, steaks, and more, accompanied by live Latin American music. Its vibrant atmosphere and small plates make it perfect for solo diners or groups wanting a fun, casual evening.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Load up before you start sightseeing at the YADA YADA "breakfast club". This hip coffeehouse serves all-day breakfast with options like sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. Its trendy and welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Attraction: Gendarmenmarkt

A timeless square framed by twin cathedrals and a stately concert hall – Gendarmenmarkt is Berlin’s most elegant plaza, ideal for wandering, coffee stops, and sunset people-watching.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Gendarmenmarkt Stop #16
• City Sightseeing: Gendarmenmarkt  Stop #7
• City Circle: Unter den Linden / Friedrichstraße Stop #20

Highlights:

• Climb the French Cathedral dome! Few visitors realize you can go up and savour stunning 360° views of Mitte’s rooftops.
• Walk up the grand stairs of the concert hall – even if you don’t have tickets, peek inside the foyer. If rehearsals are on, you might hear strings drifting through the doors.
• Grab a seat near the Schiller statue and watch performers, students, and suited-up locals pass by. 

Pro tip: Skip the tourist cluster at the center and enter the French Cathedral Museum. Inside, there’s a fully reconstructed 18th-century Huguenot salon and a climbable dome for crowd-free skyline photos.

Suggested time to spend: 45-60 minutes
Time to next stop: A 30-minute bus ride to KaDeWe.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Antica Roma Restaurant offers refined Italian cuisine with dishes like pasta and pizza. Its shady terrace on a leafy square provides a peaceful atmosphere for enjoying a leisurely lunch near KaDeWe.

Attraction: KaDeWe

Europe’s second-largest department store, KaDeWe blends luxury shopping, designer finds, and a legendary food hall into a sensory overload worth getting lost in.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: KaDeWe Department Store Stop #11
• City Sightseeing: KaDeWe Stop #2
• City Circle: KaDeWe Stop #4

Highlights:

• From Chanel to niche Berlin brands, the store’s layout is like a chic labyrinth. The shoe salon alone feels like a designer museum.
• The 6th-floor food hall is Berlin’s quiet obsession. Oysters, truffle pasta, Japanese whisky – it’s less “cafeteria,” more “elevated edible catwalk.”
• Even if you’re not buying, the seasonal window displays along Tauentzienstraße are pure drama, especially around Christmas or Fashion Week.

Pro tip: Head straight to the 6th-floor Champagne Bar around 2:30pm – just after the lunch rush and order a glass of Riesling, and a pastry for an indulgent experience.

Suggested time to spend: 60-90 minutes
Time to next stop: A 5-minute walk to Tauentzienstraße.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Tauentzienstraße

Berlin’s buzzing shopping artery is lined with flagship stores, classic signage, and eclectic eats. A retail playground with big city energy and sneaky slices of history.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: KaDeWe Department Store Stop #11
• City Sightseeing: KaDeWe Stop #2
• City Circle: KaDeWe Stop #4

Highlights:

• From Zara to KaDeWe to Nike’s multi-story flagship, this stretch is made for fashion lovers, window shoppers, and the occasional street performer.
• Stop by Konnopke’s Imbiss near Wittenbergplatz – it’s the ultimate high-low moment: historic Berlin sausage joint just steps from luxury displays.
• Inside Wittenbergplatz U-Bahn, spot the English-language sign: “You are leaving the American sector.” It’s original – and easy to miss if you're rushing.

Pro tip: Look for the "Berlin" sculpture in the middle of the street, which commemorates the city's division during the Cold War.

Suggested time to spend: 1-1.5 hours

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: Frittenwerk is a trendy yet casual spot perfect for solo diners or groups. Known for its vegan and vegetarian options, it serves creative loaded fries and small plates, making it a fun and budget-friendly dinner choice.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Cappuccino Grand Café offers set breakfast menus in a stylish, minimalist venue. Known for its great coffee and tea selection, it’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet elegant breakfast experience near Museum Island.

Attraction: Museum Island

A cultural treasure chest in the heart of Berlin – five museums, ancient wonders, river views, and photo-perfect colonnades all tucked onto one leafy island in the Spree.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Museum Island / Museumsinsel Stop #2 
• City Sightseeing: Lustgarten Stop #10
• City Circle: Museumsinsel / Humboldt Forum Stop #19

Highlights:

• Altes Museum: Neoclassical grandeur with a stunning rotunda inspired by the Pantheon. Houses Greek and Roman antiquities, including exquisite sculptures and ceramics from ancient civilizations.
• Pergamon Museum: Home to monumental reconstructions of archaeological structures, including the massive Pergamon Altar and vibrant Ishtar Gate with its azure-blue glazed bricks.
• Neues Museum: Masterfully restored war-damaged building featuring the iconic bust of Nefertiti. Exhibits span prehistoric to ancient Egyptian, with visible restoration scars telling Berlin's own story.

Pro tip: Wrap around the island’s back (toward the Spree side) and you’ll find peaceful arcades, fountains, and benches – perfect between museum hops.

Suggested time to spend: 2–3 hours (if visiting 1–2 museums + exploring the island)
Time to next stop: A 7-minute walk to Rotes Rathaus.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Berliner Kartoffelhaus is a rustic German eatery specializing in hearty potato dishes, schnitzels, and steaks. Its covered patio and cozy vibe make it a favorite for those seeking authentic German flavors near Rotes Rathaus.

Attraction: Rotes Rathaus

Berlin’s striking red-brick town hall is a neo-Renaissance gem hiding history, politics, and timeworn corridors – right next to the TV Tower.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Rotes Rathaus Stop #17
• City Sightseeing: Neptunbrunnen Stop #8
• City Circle: Red Town Hall Stop #11

Highlights:

• Built in the 1860s, the facade mixes medieval monastery vibes with royal gravitas. Look up to the frieze that tells Berlin’s full history on carved stone.
• The soaring atrium has vaulted ceilings, tiled mosaics, and an eerie calm, especially around lunchtime when the bureaucrats vanish.
• Head over to the small exhibition space below with DDR-era memorabilia, including a sculpture of Walter Ulbricht tucked between flags and maps.

Pro tip: Check out the Heraldic Hall, where you can see the coats of arms of all Berlin boroughs. It's a unique way to connect with the city's administrative history and appreciate its symbolism.

Suggested time to spend: 30-45 minutes
Time to next stop: A 15-minute bus ride to Gendarmenmarkt.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Gendarmenmarkt

Berlin’s most elegant square, framed by twin domes, a grand concert hall, and centuries of quiet power. Come for the views, stay for the light, music, and chocolate.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Gendarmenmarkt Stop #16
• City Sightseeing: Gendarmenmarkt  Stop #7
• City Circle: Unter den Linden / Friedrichstraße Stop #20

Highlights:

• The square is framed by two identical domed churches, the French Cathedral and the German Cathedral. Their copper-green domes create perfect architectural symmetry against Berlin's skyline.
• Love a good climb? The 254-step ascent to the dome platform rewards you with sweeping city views and a rarely crowded space.
• Catch a Konzerthaus rehearsal for free! Time it right and listen through the side doors on the right. You might catch a live rehearsal or a warm-up.

Pro tip: Swing by Rausch Schokoladenhaus around the corner and ask for the “Schokoladen Grand Cru” truffle box. It’s an unmissable sweet treat you must try!

Suggested time to spend: 45-60 minutes

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: End your day at Bavaria Berlin, a rustic Bavarian restaurant known for hearty German classics like schnitzel and pork knuckle. Its cozy terrace and lively vibe make it a favorite for groups and casual diners.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Bäckerei & Eiscafe, Breakfast Coffee. This casual cafe offers a cozy atmosphere and great coffee, making it ideal for a quick breakfast or brunch. With vegetarian options and outdoor seating, it’s perfect for solo diners or small groups.

Attraction: Checkpoint Charlie

This legendary Cold War border spot, where East and West Berlin once clashed, now stands as a gripping reminder of spy games, bold escapes, and the fragile divide between freedom and oppression.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Checkpoint Charlie Stop #15
• City Sightseeing: Checkpoint Charlie Stop #6
• City Circle: Checkpoint Charlie Stop #6

Highlights:

• Stand where U.S. and Soviet tanks once faced off in a nerve-wracking showdown, guns loaded and tensions at a boiling point.
• Gaze up at the towering portraits of an American and Soviet soldier locked in a silent, symbolic standoff, a haunting reminder of the human stakes behind the political divide.
• Hear wild stories of escape attempts, from cars with hidden compartments to audacious disguises and even a homemade air mattress used to float to freedom.

Pro tip: Head to the nearby Wall Museum for deeper Cold War insights, gripping exhibits and first-hand accounts.

Suggested time to spend: 1-1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute bus ride to Potsdamer Platz.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: For stick-to-your-ribs German classics, Berliner Kartoffelhaus serves up the ultimate potato feast. Think schnitzels the size of dinner plates and steaks that mean business, all in a charming beer garden-style setting just steps from Rotes Rathaus.

Attraction: Potsdamer Platz

Watch Berlin's phoenix-from-the-ashes story come alive at this once-deserted border zone that's morphed into a hub of skyscrapers, shopping havens, and movie halls.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Potsdamer Platz  Stop #13
• City Sightseeing: Potsdamer Platz  Stop #4
• City Circle: Potsdamer Platz Stop #5

Highlights:

• Stroll across history where concrete barriers once stood – now a neon-lit testament to Berlin's unstoppable spirit.
• Play "spot the Wall" by following the sneaky brick line marking where the Iron Curtain once sliced through the pavement.
• Tilt your head back under the Sony Center's spaceship-like roof, especially magical when the Berlinale turns it into cinema central.

Pro tip: Take a stroll around Marlene-Dietrich-Platz to find the "Piano Teich" pool, an artificial lake with artworks by Olafur Eliasson and Mark di Suvero. It's a tranquil spot for a picnic or relaxation.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: A 10-minute walk to Topography of Terror.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Topography of Terror

This powerful museum stands where the Gestapo once operated, offering a raw look at Nazi Germany's brutal history through photographs, documents, and preserved artifacts that tell a haunting story.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Potsdamer Platz Stop #13
• City Sightseeing: Potsdamer Platz  Stop #4
• City Circle: Potsdamer Platz Stop #5

Highlights:

• Stand where the Gestapo orchestrated surveillance, torture, and executions, with exhibits revealing the mechanics of Nazi terror.
• Alongside Nazi remnants, a surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall shows how this site later became a Cold War boundary.
• See original propaganda, prisoner records, and chilling photographs that trace the Third Reich’s grip on Germany.

Pro tip: Notice the preserved stretch of the Berlin Wall along Niederkirchnerstraße. It serves as a poignant reminder of Berlin's division during the Cold War era.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: End your day at Johnny's Bar - Karibisches Restaurant. This laid-back Caribbean restaurant offers vibrant dishes like pasta and salads, paired with live music. Its casual vibe and vegetarian options make it a great choice for a relaxed and flavorful dinner experience.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Fuel up for the day at Aprilkind Berlin, a relaxed cafe known for its great coffee, vegan options, and cozy terrace. Its proximity to the East Side Gallery makes it a convenient spot for a casual breakfast before exploring the area.

Attraction: East Side Gallery

This 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall is the city’s loudest canvas – vibrant murals, political messages, and raw history in technicolor, right on the Spree’s edge.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: East Side Gallery Stop #3
• City Sightseeing: East Side Gallery (Mercedes-Benz Arena) Stop #7
• City Circle: East Side Gallery Stop #15

Highlights:

• Skip the crowds near the Kiss mural and start from the eastern end – you’ll see works like “Hands” and “Detour to the Japanese Sector.”
• Only one side is painted – but sneak a look behind. You’ll find the Wall in its raw, gray form with layers of history, cracks, and original bullet holes.
• After walking the full gallery, hang out by the river near the bridge. Street musicians and sunset light make this stretch feel surprisingly serene.

Pro tip: Download the ABOUT BERLIN app for more insights into the East Side Gallery's history and street art in Berlin. It offers guided tours and additional information to enhance your visit.

Suggested time to spend: 1-1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride to Karl-Marx Allee.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Before heading over to Karl-Marx-Alee, stop for lunch at BLOCK HOUSE, a steakhouse known for its delicious food and excellent service. With vegetarian options and a cozy atmosphere, it's ideal for groups or solo diners looking for a satisfying meal.

Attraction: Karl-Marx Allee

This sweeping Stalinist boulevard is Berlin’s boldest socialist relic – lined with massive towers, retro cinemas, and cafés frozen in time. A walk here is a trip through 1950s East Berlin.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Alexanderplatz Stop #1
• City Sightseeing: Alexanderplatz Stop #9
• City Circle: Alexanderplatz / Park Inn Stop #12

Highlights:

• Sip espresso in Café Moskau’s shadow! Tucked under its brutalist curves, the old Soviet-style café space is now an event hall, still striking, still strange, and great for people-watching.
• At Frankfurter Tor, look above the colonnades. You’ll find ceramic mosaics showing idealized socialist life – scientists, builders, athletes – all glowing with 1950s optimism.
• Head over to Kino International, a retro cinema from 1963 still screens indie films and feels untouched.

Pro tip: Walk the full stretch from Strausberger Platz to Frankfurter Tor. The buildings glow a bright orange, and the symmetry of the entire boulevard feels almost unreal.

Suggested time to spend: 1-2 hours
Time to next stop: A 10-minute walk to Alexanderplatz.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Alexanderplatz

Berlin’s iconic central square – where DDR (German Democratic Republic) relics meet fast fashion, trams cross every five seconds, and the TV Tower looms like a steel guardian over it all.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Alexanderplatz Stop #1
• City Sightseeing: Alexanderplatz Stop #9
• City Circle: Alexanderplatz / Park Inn Stop #12

Highlights:

• The Urania-Weltzeituhr shows all 24 time zones and has been spinning since 1969. Find your hometown and snap a photo – it’s Berlin’s quirkiest global shoutout.
• Ride up to the 203 m-high sphere for panoramic views. Tip: go for a pre-booked sunset slot and stay for a drink at the slowly rotating bar.
• Just behind the station, this no-frills stand has been serving currywurst since before reunification. 

Pro tip: Cut through the alley behind Primark to find Panorama Terrace Kaufhof – a secret rooftop café above the mall. Dirt-cheap coffee, killer views, zero crowd.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: End your day at Oase Deluxe I Cocktailbar Alexanderplatz, a modern venue that combines global dishes with an extensive cocktail menu in a cozy, trendy setting. With highlights such as rooftop seating, live music, and karaoke, it's perfect if you’re looking to pair their dinner with entertainment.