Let’s acknowledge up front – 2 days in Berlin certainly isn’t a large amount of time to experience what is, in my view, one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.
This guide aims to provide you with an idea of what to do in Berlin over two days to make the most of your trip. You`ll find a blend of popular attractions, fantastic museums, and some time devoted to exploring local neighborhoods on foot so that you can gain a well-rounded view of Berlin.
Spending your entire 2 days in Berlin focused on just one activity, such as exploring Alexanderplatz, would be a significant mistake. You’d miss out on the diversity of cultures, cuisine, and people that make Berlin unique.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I earn a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, I would never recommend something to you that I don’t stand fully behind.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay for 2 Days in Berlin
There are three neighborhoods I’d recommend for accommodation while in Berlin.
First is Prenzlauer Berg – in my opinion, this neighborhood stands out as the top area to base oneself in Berlin. The appeal of Prenzlauer Berg lies in its ability to transport visitors into everyday local life. Strolling along the broad, Parisian-style avenues lined with mixed-use buildings housing shops and residences, one observes families and students going about their daily routines. It also happens to offer some of the finest cuisine and coffee the city has to offer.
Second is Charlottenburg, which is the perfect locale to stay for families. Or if you want somewhere peaceful and serene. It’s a very attractive part of Berlin with great architecture, and it’s near the Tiergarten and Berlin Zoo (zoos are for adults too, alright?!).
Last but surely not least is Friedrichshain, which is the pick if you`re watching your budget tight, or looking for Berlin`s best nightlife. Which tend to coincide often.
Interested in a deeper review of where to stay in Berlin? I’ve prepared a guide to the best places to stay in Berlin highlighting three favorite neighborhoods and lodging options in each.
Circus Hostel, Hotel, and Apartments
I thoroughly enjoyed my lodging at the Circus Hostel during my time exploring Berlin.
They provide bunks and private rooms that are clean and relatively quiet. The reason I really appreciate it is that it skillfully combines the value and affordability of a hostel with the cleanliness and comfort that comes with a hotel.
Not keen on hostels? They also offer the Circus Hoteland Circus Apartments based upon the level of lodging you’re searching for.
2 Days in Berlin: A Perfect Weekend in Berlin for First Time Visitors
One excellent aspect of Berlin is that there is an activity suited for all tastes. World-renowned museums and a deep, fascinating historical past? Confirmed. Wild nightlife? Yes. Interesting, walkable neighborhoods to explore? Of course!
My travel style concentrates on exploring the best areas of a city on foot. That implies a lot of walking, so be sure you`ve packed comfortable shoes. You`re going to do extensive walking in your 2 days in Berlin.
In this 2 day Berlin Itinerary, you’ll tour:
- Berlin`s iconic landmarks, such as the Tiergarten park, Brandenburg Gate, and Museum Island cultural center
- Two of Berlin`s premier neighborhoods – Kreuzberg and Neukölln.
- The premier coffee shops, bars, and more in Berlin.
Day 1 Of Your 2 Day Berlin Itinerary: Sightseeing Day!
Many of the major tourist attractions are gathered close together, making it easy for those short on time to see the major sights. And that is exactly what you should do on your first of two days in Berlin.
Be sure to leave ample time visiting cafes and gluten-free bakeries around the city, as experiencing Berlin over two days is as much about sampling eats and drinks as sights to see.
For suggestions on locations to dine and imbibe in Berlin, check out the sections at the bottom of this post.
Walking Tours in Berlin
I nearly always commence a excursion to a new metropolis with a walking tour to obtain myself situated and obtain some tips from the local guide on where to journey, what to behold, and how to get a bit off the trodden path. After all, the finest way to investigate a city is on foot.
In Berlin, you’ll find a wide assortment of walking excursions depending on what you’re interested in.
For a summary of the city, I propose the Discover Berlin half day tour. Board the 10:30am excursion and spend 4 hours essentially covering the initial half of my below itinerary, but with a guide having intimate learning of the city and its history.
An alternative could involve undertaking the 6 hour Berlin bicycle tour, where most of the spots covered on day one of this 2 day Berlin itinerary could be seen, but via bicycle with a local expert guide.
Here are some more specialized tours that you might be interested in:
- Stroll Centered on Berlin during the Era of the Third Reich
- Alleyway Art Scavenger Hunt
- Exploring Berlin Away from the Hotspots
Morning: The Iconic Sights in Berlin
Day 1 is going to be all about playing tourist – on day 2, we’ll get a little bit deeper into Berlin and see some of the best neighborhoods, and do some self-guided exploring.
Brandenburg Gate
Begin at the Brandenburg Gate, which has witnessed significant events in Berlin`s history. It presents as a logical initial stop during a two-day visit to the city.
In the past, it used to attract visitors who would climb the viewing platform to look over into the East Side of Berlin to get a glimpse of the world that lay beyond the Iron Curtain.
Today remnants of the barrier like boundary stones still dot the city and sections of the wall still stand in places.
The Holocaust Memorial
Just south of the Gate was a memorial made of concrete blocks arranged in waves that drew the eye. Known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, it contained 2,711 grey concrete blocks. The Information Center provided information about individuals and families who died during World War 2, complementing the abstract nature of the memorial.
The abstract nature of the memorial allows for deep reflection. Walking between the blocks, pondering their meaning, and considering what they symbolize. I like to think that`s the whole point – the abstraction is intended to get you thinking.
The Reichstag Dome
The Reichstag building in Berlin is your next destination, and it serves as one of the most important historic landmarks in Berlin. It’s seen as a symbol of democracy and an important venue for art exhibitions. Both long-term and changing displays can be viewed free of charge.
Entrance to the Reichstag and the dome are free but visitors to the dome and roof terrace need to be registered in advance. Registrations can be done here. This can be done online up to 2 hours before your visit, but spots often fill up quickly. It is definitely worth heading up to the dome for panoramic views of the cities and a bird`s eye view of the proceedings in the debating room below. Don’t miss the audio guide.
The Tiergarten
The Tiergarten is a must see while in Berlin – it`s an enormous green space in the middle of the city, somewhat like Central Park in New York City, or Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.
Renting bicycles to cycle throughout the park seems advisable, as various bike paths are available. Originally established as a royal hunting ground, it was transformed into a public park in the late 17th century.
During World War II it sustained serious harm, both from fighting and by individuals cutting down trees to use as fuel due to a scarcity of coal. It was replanted shortly after and is now a lovely place to wander around or unwind.
For me, there were three highlights in the park that shouldn`t be missed:
- The Soviet memorial for fallen soldiers
- The tall monumental column
- The small pavilion, and a lakeside café with an adjoining beer garden directly on the edge of the lake.
Afternoon: More Culture And Must-See Sights
Following lunch we’re heading to Museum Island to experience some culture. On this small island are 5 museums all visitable with one ticket costing a mere EUR18 for adults. An incredibly reasonable price. Purchase your Museum Pass here.
I want to pause here and discuss my perspective on Museums. When I first commenced traveling, I was very focused on visiting museums. On my initial trips to London, Paris, and Rome, I frequented EVERY Museum. And I regretted it.
You only have two days in Berlin, you don’t want to spend it inside museums. I would select one or two exhibits at most and focus on those.
Museum Island
The most popular of these museums, and the one that I would recommend you focus on, is the Pergamon Museum which exhibits monumental structures like the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, and the Museum of Islamic Art. If you just want to visit
Of course, there are four other museums to select from if you’re especially interested in a specific topic.
- The Bode Museum holds a sizableassortment of sculptures from the medieval period stretching into the 18th century.
- The Neues Museum showcases a curated selectionof pieces from the Egyptian Museum and the Papyrus Collection. The prized possession in this museum is the bust of Queen Nefertiti.
- Alte Nationalgalerie concentrates on neoclassical artwork, styles of romanticism, impressionist works, and early modernistart. Here visitors can view works by Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Friedrich.
- The final museum on the island is the Altes Museum dedicated to art andsculpture from ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.It houses the largestcollection of Etruscan art outside of Italy.
Coffee Stop!
The Barn Café provides a quality coffee stop to break up an afternoon and sample items from a prominent German roaster.
They have a roastery in trendy Mitte, with a small number of tables and chairs outside that are perfect for people watching if you are fortunate enough to secure one. There’s a brew bar where coffee can be prepared in basically any style desired, which was uncommon in Germany at the time.
If you`re craving a solid pour over or a nice smooth cold brew, get it here. It can be really busy so be prepared to wait a little while but it will be worth the wait!
Unable to find a place to sit? Take your coffee to go and gradually move through the streets of Mitte towards museum island again to see the finest museum in Berlin, the DDR Museum. It is located just before the bridge onto museum island
This museum is dedicated to everyday living in East Germany and includes a reconstruction of an East German apartment where the TV even shows some of the old programming that would have been broadcast at the time. The most popular exhibit is a simulated drive in an original Trabant.
Alexanderplatz
I would advise against spending a significant amount of time exploring Alexanderplatz in Berlin during your short two day visit. While it`s worth briefly walking through the busy Alexanderplatz square to see the sights, there are plenty of more fascinating parts of the city to experience.
It is the site of the tall broadcasting tower, which is ranked second tallest structure in the EU. See the panoramic views of Berlin including details about the buildings visible around you. In the square there is also the Fountain of Friendship, the World Clock, and plenty of shopping opportunities.
The streets around Alexanderplatz are full of street art so take some time to explore or if you have more time in Berlin book a street art guided tour.
Evening: Nightlife!
After dinner take in some of the amazing nightlife that Berlin has to offer. You only have 2 days in Berlin, so you’ll have to carefully select where you want to go. You can find a list of some of my favorite bars and clubs to visit below.
Looking for the Best Tours in Berlin?
Airbnb Experiences are planned by locals to bring tourists, into their domain, experience, and everyday living. It’s my new favorite way to come across things to do when I’m touring – from an amazing cooking class in Mexico City, to an inspiring view of Medellin’s transformation from one of the most violent cities globally to one of the most innovative and forward-thinking.
Here are a couple of Airbnb Experiences to check out in Berlin to.”
get further immersed in the city’s rich history, culture, and culinary scene.
Tours For History Lovers
If you’re interested in Berlin’s past, particularly the events of World War 2 and the Cold War era, take this guided tour covering WWII and the Berlin Wall, which provides deeper insight into Hitler’s rise to power and how it has molded modern Germany.
More fascinated by the existing issues encompassing Berlin, like urban development, migration, and sustainability? This Agent of Change Tour takes you into two of Berlin’s most fascinating neighborhoods to meet some of the innovators driving the significant discussions in Berlin (and the world). Click here to examine prices, availability, and reviews.
Tours For Foodies
One of the activities I highly appreciate about Berlin is the certainty that, more than numerous European cities I’ve gone to, it is genuinely a melting pot of different ethnicities and influences. Those meat filled bread rolls you notice on every corner? They’re piece of the narrative of migration that has made the city what it is currently. Take this guided tour to learn about the story of Berlin through cuisine (and see the city on a bike!). Check prices, accessibility, and read reviews here.
Have you ever attempted producing your own cheese at home? I myself have not had the chance. Now you have an opportunity to craft your own cheese (with several varieties allowing personalization through added flavors)! Review the costs, availability here and reader reviews.
Into Craft Beer? Explore Berlin’s burgeoning Craft Beer Culture with a local brewer in Berlin. You’ll get to taste some iconic Berlin beers, learn about the process, and understand the context around beer in Berlin and Germany as a whole. Check prices, availability, and read reviews here.
Take this Food Tour of Kreuzberg to focus on Berlin’s most fashionable neighborhood (also one of the best places to stay) and the diverse story that has formed it. Check prices, availability, and read reviews here.
Day 2: Explore Hipster (ish) Berlin
Morning: Explore One Of The Trendiest Neighborhoods In Berlin
Begin your morning in Neukölln, Berlin’s emerging neighborhood. Filled with vintage stores, alleyways covered in graffiti and more cozy cafes than one could point out, it exudes charm!
- Pequod Books is an independent book retailer specializing in second-hand publications written in twenty-five languages. The owner Alvaro selectively vends only works he personally endorses so customers can feel assured of discovering hidden gems.
- BLUB Spassbad is a former indoor swimming facility now sealed and serving as a venue for underground musical performances and fashion photography projects without official licensing.
- Weserstraßeis renowned for its concentration of boutique shops run by local artisans in addition to vintage stores. In the evenings, the thoroughfare is also occupied by bars furnished with comfortable sofas, ambient lighting, and retrofitted older furniture.
- Griessmühle Mühlenmarktis a flea market staged monthly in a Neukölln nightclub on the first Friday, attracting diverse goods and services.
Afternoon: Kreuzberg and the Eastside Gallery
Board the U-Bahn and travel over to the East Side Gallery in Berlin
The longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall has been transformed into an open-air exhibition displaying 1.3km of politically-themed artwork. Taking a stroll along here allows one to consume all of the art covering the former Berlin Wall.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Cross over the River Spree and head to Five Elephant Coffee in Kreuzberg. They offer unadorned coffee and cakes, but the coffee is such high quality that Five Elephants has repeatedly been named one of the best cafes in Berlin.
They also create all of their pastries (other than the croissants) on site! If you’re a cheesecake fan, they offer cheesecake that my little brother, who is NOT a fan of cheesecake, absolutely enjoyed. IT IS NOT GLUTEN FREE.
Here are some of my favorite things to do in Kreuzberg.
- Check out the highly regarded Markethalle Neun, a very popular food marketplace containing various food vendors. Ranging from cheese, to coffee, to bread, to beer (and everything else). Be sure to visit their ” Street Food Thursdays” events where it will be crowded with locals searching for the finest street meals in Berlin – from Mexican Tacos to Nigerian FuFu, and much more besides.
- Stop and give your feet a rest in the concrete park of Admiralbrücke. Street performers of all types set up here for most of the day, so it is a pleasant spot to unwind for a little while.
- Visit the Konig Gallery, a contemporary gallery housed in a former brutalist church and community center. You will discover plenty of emerging local artists while browsing the artworks.
- Take a guided tour of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain where you’ll explore the counter culture movements that moulded the area, and learn about how immigration has shaped Berlin.
Got More Than 2 Days in Berlin?
Whether you have a late flight or you have more than 2 days in Berlin, these are some of my top selections of extra things to see if you have a little more time in Berlin.
Topography Of Terror Museum
Positioned where the headquarters of the Gestapo once stood, this serves as a memorial museum detailing all the crimes committed during that time. Permanent exhibitions outline the history from the moment the Nazis rose to power until war`s end. Temporary exhibitions focus on different aspects of that political system.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie and the associated museum should be at the top of your list if you have a bit more time in Berlin. This was one of the primary crossing points generally for people traveling between East and West Berlin as well as the designated crossing for allied forces. However, it’s EXTREMELY popular with tourists, so be aware going in.
Walking Tour
This is one of the best ways to become acquainted with Berlin through direct experience. I found that I learnt very little about the Cold War while growing up in the USA, and the walking tour I took helped me gain a deeper understanding of what daily life was like at the epicenter of the conflict.
Various walking tours were available – food tours, street art tours, and tours focused on communist Berlin and the history of the war. The museum contained a wealth of information regarding each side of Berlin, inventive escape methods, and the background of the Berlin Wall.
You can find the right walking tour option here.
Charlottenburg Palace
Originally a summer residence, this is the largest and most impressive palace in Berlin. Here you can explore the beautiful rococo ballroom, the Prussian Crown Jewels, and a display of the intricately designed tableware. Admission is EUR12 per person and both audio guides and guided tours are available.
Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood
This small nearby area is pleasant and relaxing part of this unusual city. Filled with professionals and young families residing in renovated pre-war buildings. Consider joining public karaoke on Sunday afternoons in Mauerpark, visiting a unique bar, and quaint little bars around each corner. Taking a leisurely stroll through here allows seeing how locals live in the suburban areas of Berlin.
Day Trip to Potsdam
Striking Potsdam is one of Berlin’s most picturesque towns, in contrast to Berlin’s gray soviet architecture, Potsdam appears like an absolute fairy tale. Just 45 minutes by train from Berlin. The highlight of a visit to Potsdam is a visit to Sanssouci Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets for this must be reserved in advance and cost EUR19. Alternatively, you can book a guided day excursion to Potsdam here (or explore this cool bicycle tour of Potsdam).
Spy Museum
An interactive museum that guides visitors through the history of espionage across the world. It features over 300 exhibits on display, like a laser course, and learn about computer hacking and code cracking. Highlights include an enigma style encryption device, and an exhibit on data protection and social media, a timely topic.
How to Get Around in Berlin
Berlin’s public transportation system is so easy to utilize; everything runs perfectly to schedule and signs are in English as well as German.
Spending a day at Berlin using day passes which cost just EUR7 per adult makes a lot of sense for a 2 day itinerary there since it allows more time to explore. Single tickets costing EUR3 each can be used if only one trip is needed. However, there is a EUR60 fine if caught traveling without a ticket, and ticket inspectors check regularly, so be sure to purchase a ticket.
The central part of Berlin is easy to travel by foot or bicycle if one wants to be a bit more lively and experience as much of the lovely city as possible. The cycling infrastructure is remarkably advanced so there are many bike paths to explore the city.
Where to Eat in Berlin
Berlin is wonderful for food. Whether you want high-class dining (like at Katz Orange) or quick street snacks, like a doner kebab, Berlin caters well.
Traveling to Berlin with Celiac Disease? It`s worth noting that I have pertinent info with my Gluten Free Travel Guide to Berlin for Celiacs.
Top Attractions:Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporaneo (contemporary art located in former monastery), Isla Mágica (popular amusement park), Pabellón de la Navegación (exhibit center focused on navigation history).
`
.
`
Chutnify– more Indian cuisine! This time, it’s Chutnify, which has an assortment of (objectively tasty) curries and dosas, all which are gluten free. Places in both of my favorite neighborhoods in Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg. A lot of the menu is gluten free.
Glutanada – a gluten free bakery dedicated to baking. They offer fantastic brunch and also produce bread, pastries, crepes, and even spaetzle. Located near Tempelhof park.
Cevicheria – a restaurant concentrated on Peruvian cuisine on Dresdener Street in Kreuzberg. Most menu items are detailed in English and contain many seafood dishes and small plates. Everything is gluten free except for the desserts.
Cafe Tante Nanni – 100% Gluten Absolutely free cafe in Berlin. It’s a little out of doors the heart of the city center, but really worth the detour.
Brotquelle– near the Eastside Gallery, a 100% gluten-free bakery with every gluten-free baked good imaginable.
Burgerie – if you`re craving burgers, head to Burgerie in Prenzlauer Berg for delicious burgers and fries prepared allergen-free for celiac diets, and fries cooked separately without gluten.
Where to Drink in Berlin
Berlin provides a wide range of drinking establishments that it’s challenging to cover them all here, and the ideal choice totally relies on individual preferences.
However, I’m quite confident that whether you’re seeking a romantic hidden bar for a date with someone significant, or a lively nightclub to find someone significant, you’ll find excellent options in Berlin. Here are some ideas for you.
Cocktail train – a renovated train car from the 1920s that has been transformed into a lovely cocktail bar.
Tarantino’s Bar – a lounge dedicated to Quentin Tarantino. The walls feature many movie posters, most signed by the filmmaker himself.
B-Flat – a premier live music and jazz venue in Berlin.
Klunkerkranich – if you enjoy putting in hard work to even locate the bar you intend to visit, this is the place for you. I quite like the search – one time in Melbourne, Australia I spent 45 minutes circling a block to find the coffee shop I was looking to find. Alysha, my wife, was not extremely pleased.. Some might call me a hipster. And they`re probably accurate. It`s situated in hipster Neukolln (ish), which entirely makes sense.
Department– a stylish restaurant/nightclub housed within a former post office. Visit later in the evening when it transforms into a dance venue operating until sunrise.
The Beautiful Party – A club spread out over four floors with each floor offering a different style of live music. Some of the top DJs in Berlin lineup to play here.
Monkey Bar – a lovely rooftop bar overlooking the zoo, Tiergarten, and the rest of Berlin offering scenic cityscape views while savoring cocktails. Consider capturing photographs of the Berlin city lights as you relish highlights of your journey. However, costs are steep, so budget accordingly.
Additional guidance on places to drink in Berlin here.
Where to find the Best Coffee in Berlin
The Rata restaurant offers a slightly higher-end dining experience but is worth making reservations for. The food is said to be of good quality, and most menu items can be customized to be gluten-free.”
From there, you can head straight up to the Alhambra – you’ll want to start your tour here.
If you`re not a Celiac, you should know that they produce all of their pastries in-house (except for the croissants) and they have excellent cheesecake according to my brother, who doesn`t even enjoy cheesecake but devoured the Five Elephant cheesecake in 14.2 seconds.
Several additional coffee shops in Berlin were noteworthy destinations during my exploration of the city over 2 days. Here are some of the best locations to sample locally roasted beans while sightseeing.
In Prenzlauer Berg:
Bonanza Coffee Heroes – On the outskirts of Prenzlauer Berg, the first time we tried to go here I accidentally took us to the coffee shop a few doors down (Café KRONE, which was also very nice). So naturally, we had to come back. Lovely outdoor seating area for a nice day in Berlin.
The Barn – they now boast locations across Berlin, distributing their coffee in craft brown bags ensuring its quality. The roasting facility in Mitte features a brew bar where one can experience coffee prepared in diverse styles – essential for coffee aficionados. Worth dedicating time during a two-day Berlin stay to partake in this coffee experience.
In Kreuzberg/Neukölln:
Chapter One Coffee – Situated in a Kreuzberg-esque style but with a tiny area. Do not expect to find a seat during peak hours – obtain your coffee to go and commence walking!
Roamers CC – cute cafe serving coffee that becomes a bar in the afternoon.
In Friedrichshain:
Happy Baristas – Want a nitro cold brew in Berlin? This is your place. They source coffee from the Barn (see above).
Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Berlin
Berlin was my favorite city in Germany, and is one of the best and most diverse cities in Central Europe. No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find something for you in Berlin.
Did I fail to mention something that absolutely must be incorporated into a 2 day Berlin itinerary? Please advise in the comments!
