3 Days in Berlin: The Ultimate Itinerary
3 days in Berlin is just enough to fall in love with this city, but I promise you will want to return for more. Read on for my suggestions for 3 days in Berlin: The ultimate itinerary.
I recently took a trip to Berlin and spent three days exploring the city. Before the trip, I did a lot of research and planning, which proved to be very valuable. Here is my ultimate itinerary for 3 days in Berlin.
3 Days in Berlin Itinerary
Day One:
Museum Island
After you’ve had a hearty breakfast and enough coffee to get going, start your visit with a museum on Museum Island. The island consists of five world-famous museum buildings dating back to the 1830s and has had a rich history ever since.
The five museums are the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum.
Museum Island was in ruins after WWII. Reconstruction began during the GDR, but a comprehensive restoration of the island was conceived in 1999.
Each museum offers a unique collection of important works of art, including the bust of Nefertiti in the Neues Museum. The Bode Museum has a unique collection of sculptures, and the Alte Nationalgalerie has the most comprehensive art collection from the French Revolution to the First World War.
There are countless antiquities from the Roman Empire at the Altes Museum and the Pergamon Alter at the Pergamonmuseum.
Please note: The Pergamonmuseum is undergoing extensive renovations. The Pergamon Alter will reopen in 2027.
If you need a break between museum visits, nearby, there are cafes and the Hakescher Markt with lots of places to grab a bite to eat before tackling the next museum. Make a day of it!
Day Two:
Walking Tour
Reichstag Building and Dome
Topography of Terror
Berlin Walks Tour
Good morning! Lace up your walking shoes for an in-depth walk around some of the most historical sights in Berlin. During my pre-trip planning, there were so many points of interest that I wanted to see and reflect on, I couldn’t possibly do it by myself.
I joined a walking tour and our guide, Joaquin, brought history to life, with his stories, knowledge, and humor, I’m so glad I spent the time to do this. We stopped by the book burning site, Checkpoint Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, the site of Hitler’s Bunker, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and many many more.
Pro-Tip!
Book your walking tour for the earliest time offered at 10:30 am. Then, you’ll want to book your Reichstag Building entry, which is FREE, for 3:00 pm or later.
The 3 1/2-hour tour was at an easy pace and stretched from Hackescher Markt, through Museum Island, along the Unter den Linden to the Brandenberg Gate, and ended at Checkpoint Charlie.
During the tour, a stop will be made at a bakery/cafe to grab a coffee or snack, which is a great idea, moreover, it was nice to sit down for a bit and visit with the other folks from around the world, who were also taking the tour!
The Original Berlin Walks tour is highly recommended!
The guides are knowledgeable and friendly.
Book Early to reserve your spot!
Reichstag Building
Once the walking tour ends, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the Reichstag Building. This is a Government Building, therefore, you must be on the visitor list, show your passport, and pass through security. You will check in at the white Modular building on the corner of the property, just across from the Tiergarten Park.
Entry into the Reichstag Building is timed, I had to wait about 10 minutes before a guide took us to the main entrance, onto the elevator to the rooftop terrace and dome. A free audio guide that automatically starts and pauses as you make your way up the spiral ramp is available.
If you book well in advance, a month or more, I encourage you to book the tour and dome. I was late to the party and only the dome entry was available for my schedule. It was still so worth the visit! I spent about an hour, here.
Once you’ve completed your Reichstag Building visit, I recommend taking a nice walk to the Topography of Terror. It’s about a 20-minute walk and the exhibition is open until 8:00 pm.
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Topography of Terror
The Topography of Terror is a place of remembrance on the site of the SS Central Command and is one of the most visited places of remembrance in Berlin. A section of the Berlin Wall still stands on this site.
Admission is FREE; a QR code at the entrance gives you an audio guide. I always carry my earbuds in my purse and was delighted to use them for the tour. I was here for about an hour, but you could easily spend 2+ hours reading and learning about history.
It’s really hard to put into words a description of this place. I believe that is the point, it’s a very poignant display of the terrible events that took place nearly 100 years ago.
Day Three:
Berlin Story Bunker
Alexanderplatz
TV Tower
During my solo adventure to Berlin, on Day 3, I chose to indulge in some self-care. I spent a couple of hours at the Liquidrom in the steam rooms, saunas, and floating pool. I followed this with a much-needed massage. It was marvelous.
I realize not everyone is into this type of activity, however, it was exactly what I needed on my solo adventure! I was thrilled to learn the Berlin Story Bunker was right around the corner from the Spa.
Berlin Story Bunker
It’s hard to prepare my mind for what I’m about to experience, here. I knew coming to Berlin would offer a deep dive into WWII history, and if this is your interest, the Berlin Story Bunker should be high on your list.
No photos are permitted inside the bunker, and for good reason. The images I saw inside are traumatic and not something I’ll forget anytime soon. This is also a place of remembrance.
The entrance fee to the Bunker includes a comprehensive audio guide. You will meander through the bunker’s 5 floors and view 44 different storyboards that chronicle Hitler’s reign of terror.
Three or four hours is the recommended time for a visit. I was a bit pressed for time due to my next activity, but I will return for a longer stay.
Alexanderplatz
If you enjoy people-watching, Alexanderplatz is a mecca! This was the city center for East Berlin and is home to many attractions, shops, and transportation and is generally known as the central meeting place in Berlin.
I brought the Ubahn to Alexander Platz and exited right in the heart of it all! My first stop was the Park Inn. For 6 Euros, take the elevator to the 35th story, walk up another 5-ish stories, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the TV tower and the plaza below.
At the top, you can swing out over the edge of the building for an adrenaline rush. The attraction was closed during my visit, otherwise, I totally would have done it! Drinks and light snacks are available for purchase at the top. This was a quick 30-minute stop, it came highly recommended during my research and it did not disappoint.
TV Tower
One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to visit the observation decks from high above the ground. It’s just so darn cool!
The Berlin TV Tower was built by the GDR in the 1960s to demonstrate the strength and efficiency of the socialist system. Today, the Berlin TV Tower is a symbol of a unified Germany and offers a 360-degree view of the city.
Pro-Tip!
Book your TV Tower tickets in advance. Time slots sell out!
I ordered the Premium Ticket which included a 12-minute Virtual Reality Movie at the beginning of my experience.
I spent about an hour in the Berlin TV Tower and enjoyed a beverage from the bar as I made my way around the sphere. Along the railing, small shelves have been installed to hold your drink while you take pictures and enjoy the scenery. Thoughtful!
Back down on the ground level, I observed the astronomical clock, a variety of buskers, and lots of activity, great for people-watching.
3 Days in Berlin: Where to Stay
Choosing a hotel near Alexanderplatz will allow you to get around without much effort, as this is also a transportation hub! From here, you can use the Ubahn, Sbahn, Buses, regional trains, and the HBX.
Click here to book your stay at H2 Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz
Click here to book your stay at Maritim proArte Hotel Berlin
Use this interactive map to locate the best accommodation for you during your stay in Berlin!
Visiting Berlin: FAQs
It’s important to be prepared before you visit Berlin. Below are some common questions and concerns that may help you out.
Do I need a car when I visit Berlin?
No. It is easy to get from the Airport to any part of town using public transportation. Google Maps did a great job helping me navigate, including which train/subway/bus to take. Parking is expensive and not easy to manage.
What is the best time of year to visit Berlin?
Depending on what you consider the “best time”. I have traveled all over Europe during the summer and it’s HOT and CROWDED! My trip to Berlin was in early November, I wore a winter coat and scarf, and the sunset was around 4:15 pm, but there were NO crowds. It was a nice change from summer travel.
Do Berliners take Cash or Cards?
I encountered quite of few places that were CASH ONLY! Coffee, snacks at the market, etc, is best paid with cash. Use a bank ATM machine for the best conversion rates. Do not use the ATMs at the airport, train stations, or those not connected to a bank. You will pay high fees and not get the best conversion.
Is 3 days enough in Berlin?
Certainly not. I fell in love with the city and had several things on my list to see, but just didn’t have time. I stuck with the “must do” activities and will return to check off some other things, another time.
What are some other sights that are not included in this itinerary?
Tiergarten & Victory Tower – A beautiful green space with memorials, plaques, and other remembrance points of interest. Climb the 285 steps to the top for a bird’s eye look over the park and nearby Bellevue Palace.
Tempelhofer Feld – Once an active airport, in 2008 the space was converted into a public park for sports, recreation, trade shows, concerts, and other events. Being an aviation lover, this was high on my list! Next time.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour – The closest memorial camp to Berlin.
Hop On – Hop Off Bus Tour – Always a great way to see the city, to have a seat and rest the feet, and hop off when something of interest comes your way!
1-Hour City Tour by Boat w/Guaranteed Seating – Oh how I love a boat ride! Just like the Hop On – Hop Off Bus, this is another great way to see the city from a different point of view.
Click Here for MORE BERLIN attractions and activities
Breakin’ It Down: 3 Days in Berlin
Berlin is an amazing city, rich in history, cuisine, and eclectic people. I learned a lot of history and felt very safe exploring the city. Is 3 days enough? No, but if you only have 3 days, you can cover a lot of ground and get a great feel for this wonderful city.