Berlin holidays
Germany’s capital is both raw and refined, traditional and trailblazing, and big enough to handle whatever you throw at it. Holidays to Berlin confront the city’s chequered past head-on with solemn war memorials and open-air art exhibits. But its reputation as Europe’s cultural hotspot remains firmly in place thanks to boundary-pushing museums, high-concept cuisine and nightlife that extends well into the next day.
Berlin holiday highlights
Berlin nightlife
Plan to party on your city break in Berlin? No place on Earth does it better. From the pulsating techno temple Berghain to Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg’s seemingly endless bars and microbreweries, Berlin’s nightlife is a symphony of wild, loud and unbridled fun. A word of advice: no taking photos on the dancefloor. And remember, partying usually doesn’t start till after midnight.
Decades of history
Go beyond the Brandenburg Gate to discover the rich history of the EU’s most populous city: from the 13th-century St. Nicholas’ Church and Charlottenburg Palace to Checkpoint Charlie and the German Spy Museum. Worried about weary legs? All aboard a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus for a convenient way to hit the star attractions on holidays to Berlin.
The creative scene
Berlin’s art scene is very walkable. Start in Marzahn-Hellersdorf, with its huge outdoor murals, then follow the Berlin Wall’s East Side Gallery. You could always do your walking within the city’s excellent art museums too. If you have time for just two during your city break in Berlin, we recommend the Neue Nationalgalerie for 20th-century greats and the Gemaldegalerie for Old Masters.
The best neighbourhoods in Berlin
Kreuzberg
Graffiti-covered, coffee-loving and proudly multicultural — Kreuzberg is where counterculture meets gentrification. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Berlin if you want to shop for records, wander its markets and snack on the city’s best currywurst at Curry 36. The Jewish Museum and German Museum of Technology will also be on your doorstep.
Good for: Affordable eats, murals, museums
Charlottenburg
Serious shoppers and people-watchers, this one’s for you. If you want to escape the hipster hustle, this classy, well-heeled area is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Berlin. Designed to be Berlin’s Champs-Elysees, it’s sophisticated, serene and green. Fittingly, an elegant palace sits at the heart of the neighbourhood. Have a look inside to see the sumptuously decorated rooms.
Good for: Shopping, parks, historic attractions
Friedrichshain
Friedrichshain is one of the best areas to stay in Berlin for night owls. Some of the most legendary clubs in the city are found in this district. But before the nightlife pulls you in, check out the laid-back vibes of leafy Boxhagener Kiez, a neighbourhood filled with flea markets, bars and boutique shops. Prost!
Good for: Clubs, kebabs, street art
Things to do in Berlin
Parties, galleries and palaces make Berlin a bucket-list travel destination. From classy piano bars to lavish art galleries and your first taste of a ‘kartoffelpuffer’ (potato pancake), there are so many exciting things to do in Berlin.
Family friendly things to do
Berlin is a playground of activities to keep the kids grinning. If you’re looking for things to do with family in Berlin, start by diving into the Natural History Museum — it’s like a treasure hunt but with dinosaurs. Unleash your little Einsteins at Labyrinth Kindermuseum and say ‘hallo’ to furry friends at Tierpark Berlin. For a breezy Berlin experience, take off on a family-friendly bike tour across the city.
Shopping
Shopping in Berlin is almost as fun as the nightlife scene. With vintage stores, funky boutiques and sprawling markets, you’ll find something to suit every style. Head to the KaDeWe department store on Kurfurstendamm and browse your way through its eight floors. Browse creative fashion pieces at the Hackescher Markt or shop for chic clothing at Friedrichstrasse.
Take in the culture
There are more cultural attractions in Berlin than anywhere else in Germany. Marvel at the artistic wonders of Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting five museums. Feel like royalty at Charlottenburg Palace, then soak up the majestic Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin's most beautiful square. Catch a show at Friedrichstadt-Palast, and if you’re visiting in May, stop by the epic Karneval der Kulturen festival.
Nightlife
Welcome to the nocturnal playground of Europe. Parties here don't just last long, they practically set up camp. Picture yourself sipping cocktails in City West’s sophisticated lounges. Head out for legendary nights at Berghain and Watergate, or opt for the canalside charm of Club der Visionaere. The nightlife in Berlin isn’t a scene, it’s an epic adventure.
Places to eat
Germany’s capital is ‘multikulti’ so expect to find a variety of global influences at restaurants in Berlin. NENI Berlin, for example, serves Mediterranean fare with city views in its rooftop setting. There’s also German comfort food at the likes of Max & Moritz, a Berlin institution since 1902. And if a high-brow French dinner is in your budget, look no further than Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer.
Free things to do
With all the free things to do in Berlin, keeping your city break budget-friendly is a breeze. Learn about war history at the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse, and have a picnic in Tempelhof, an airfield-turned-park in the city centre. On the first Sunday of the month, more than 60 museums have free admission. Every Sunday, join the crowd watching outdoor karaoke at Mauerpark.
