– This post was written by Emma Levin –
Can you possibly see all the top attractions of Berlin in 3 days? Well, with the right itinerary, handy transit passes, and a bit of expertise, you can certainly see all of the city’s highlights within 72 hours in Berlin.
This major metropolitan city has asserted itself as one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. This diverse metropolis is full of vibrant nightlife, delicious international cuisine, and a confrontational approach to its past. Almost 3.5 million visitors traveled to Berlin in 2022, and many travelers visited Berlin for a long weekend.
Whether you’re hoping to see Brandenburg Gate at night or walk along the East Side Gallery, here’s your Berlin 3-day itinerary to get you started!
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Is 3 days enough time to see Berlin?
As you plan your fabulous three days in Berlin, you may wonder if you have enough time to see both the Reichstag and Charlottenburg Palace. The good news is that 3 days is the perfect amount of time to see all of Berlin’s famous attractions.
The easiest way to structure your 72 hours in Berlin is to divide the city into sections so that you can fit in all the attractions in that area in one day. You can also ride on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, so you can get easily transported to all of the city’s top attractions without taking up too much of your precious time.
Plus, a city pass can help you consolidate your unmissable attractions for you and your traveler group. The Berlin City Card lets you choose dates to visit most of Berlin’s top landmarks and 10% off all other attractions. The Museum Pass Berlin is another card granting you entry to over 30 exhibitions and museums in just three days.
When is the best month to visit Berlin?
The best month to visit Berlin may depend on your personal preference. Are you looking for the cheapest month to visit Berlin? Are you comfortable with colder weather, or are you hoping for clear sunny skies?
The cheapest time to visit Berlin
The cheapest and most affordable time to visit Berlin is between the months of January and March. The weather is usually pretty chilly, but that means there are better hotel deals and cheaper flights. These months will also have the least amount of visitors, so the lines for the major attractions will be significantly shorter.
The best time to visit Berlin for warm weather
The best months to visit Berlin with amazing weather are between the middle of June to September. These months also feature plenty of fun outdoor activities, blooming parks, and music festivals during this time. Plus, the weather is warm, sunny, and the days are long. However, prices are higher during this time, and you may have to compete with crowds to see your top attractions.
Those looking for a mixture of the two should travel during the shoulder seasons: April through mid-June and September to October. The weather may be spotty, but fewer people travel during this time.
What is the best way to get around Berlin?
Berlin has a comprehensive public transportation system that operates on the honor system. Most trains have ticket machines on the platform, so you’re expected to purchase your ticket before riding the train. If you don’t have a ticket, you may run into a kontrolleur and face a hefty fine, so always buy a ticket!
You can easily travel the U-Bahn underground rail system, which makes more than 173 stops throughout the city. Most of Berlin’s attractions are located in Zones A and B, which are the cheapest ticket zones. You can also get around Berlin on the S-Bahn regional, Berlin’s elevated train.
Another way to get around the city and make the most out of your 72 hours in Berlin is to rent a bike. You can rent a bike from various companies like Byke, Deezer Nextbike, and Lime for around 12€ a day.
Riding a bike will save you money, keep your fitness goals within reach, and help you see Berlin from the streets. If you want a more comprehensive tour on a bike, check out this Berlin Highlights: Guided Bike Tour.
To maximize your time to and from the airport, be sure to grab a convenient and reliable airport ride. This Brandenburg Airport Taxi is a comfortable ride from Berlin’s airport all the way to the city center (Alexanderplatz), so you can travel hassle-free.
3 Days in Berlin Itinerary
Day 1 in Berlin: Morning 🕘
Visit the Reichstag
Start your first day in Berlin with a visit to one of the city’s most recognizable buildings. The Reichstag has been housing Germany’s parliament since 1894 and is an architectural wonder.
This guided tour will provide insight into Germany’s complex parliamentary history, including information about the 1933 fire that stopped Germany’s democracy. This ticket also includes a visit to the top of the building’s dome, where you can check out amazing views of the city.
🌟Insider Tip: Save your morning coffee for after your guided tour and stop at Käfer, the rooftop restaurant on top of Reichstag. It is the only parliament building in the world to house a public restaurant on its roof. You’ll sip on coffee while looking at incredible views of Berlin–but don’t forget a reservation!
Stroll past Brandenburg Gate
You can’t plan a visit to Berlin without walking by the iconic Brandenburg Gate. The Gate is over two hundred years old and even became part of the restricted section after the city was divided by the Berlin Wall. When the Wall fell, the gate symbolized the unification of East and West Berlin, marking a new era of peace for the city.
Learn all about the history of the Mitte district with this walking tour, which will take you around some other historical highlights of Berlin.
Honor lives lost at The Holocaust Memorial
Just up the road from the Brandenburg Gate is the Holocaust Memorial. This memorial is a must-see during your Berlin city break since it recognizes the lost lives of the murdered Jews during the Holocaust. Many visitors believe the monument is a place of remembrance, confrontation, and a possible warning. Spend some time at the Holocaust Memorial to fully complete your historical tour of Berlin.
Day 1 in Berlin: Afternoon 🕝
Walk No Man’s Land in Potsdamer Platz
Just south of the Holocaust Memorial is Potsdamer Platz. Today, visitors travel to this area for some of the city’s most amazing shops and restaurants. But decades ago, the Platz was once known as “No Man’s Land” when it was divided by the Berlin Wall.
As visitors walk the Platz, you’ll notice a metal strip laid in the ground, which represents the route of the Berlin Wall.
🌟Insider Tip: Since Potsdamer’s modernization in the ’90s, there are now plenty of amazing restaurants to grab a bite to eat. Weilands Wellfood is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Berlin right in the middle of the Potsdamer Platz. It’s an Israeli-fusion kitchen known for its wide selection of vegan and meat-friendly dishes. The vegetarian sweet potato bowl is a standout on the lunch menu.
See the old Gestapo Headquarters
The Topography of Terror is an outdoor and indoor history museum, which is the former site of the Gestapo Headquarters. This exhibition teaches you about the institutions and crimes organized here during the reign of the Nazi party. This landmark is a must for travelers interested in learning more about World War II during their 3 days in Berlin.
Cross by Checkpoint Charlie
End your afternoon history tour with a quick visit to Checkpoint Charlie.
This Berlin landmark is an old sentry guardhouse that was once the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin. It was also the site of numerous escape attempts from East Berlin and has become the subject of many espionage thrillers, like the James Bond movies.
Learn about Jewish culture at the Jewish Museum
Finally, finish off your afternoon at the Jewish Museum to immerse yourself in Jewish culture starting from the Middle Ages all the way up to the modern day.
The museum’s layout is designed as a thematic labyrinth charged with symbolism regarding the Jewish identity. Grab these tickets for entrance to the museum during a specific time slot and avoid overcrowding. Keep in mind the museum closes at 7 pm.
Day 1 in Berlin: Evening 🕢
Eat delicious Korean cuisine
Berlin is known to have some of the best international restaurants in the world, and NaNum is no exception. This restaurant serves elevated Korean cuisine and authentic Korean food paired with local ingredients and a slight European twist. They either serve a vegan or fish menu on Friday and Saturday nights, so come hungry!
Munch on Mubi’s cookies
Mubi’s cookies is a late-night dessert shop serving a variety of chunky and tasty cookies. Most of the cookies are filled with sweet cream and topped with delicious sweets like Belgian chocolate, hazelnut, and ruby chocolate chips. Make a late-night visit before 1 am to fulfill your sweet tooth.
Day 2 in Berlin: Morning 🕘
Visit the Dome of the Berlin Cathedral
Start your morning of day 2 in Berlin with a visit to the beautiful Berliner Dom. This cathedral is one of the prominent landmarks of Berlin’s cityscape and dates back to the 15th century.
It’s only 9€ for entry to this magnificent piece of architecture that should not be skipped during your 3 days in Berlin. If you’re feeling brave, climb the 270 steps to the top of the Dome for some unforgettable city views.
🌟Insider Tip: Right beside the Berlin Cathedral sits Domcafé is Berliner Dom where you can sit riverside for breakfast. Escape Berlin’s busy streets for a while and sip on a morning espresso and any pastry of your choice. The crepes come highly recommended!
Travel back in time at the Pergamon Museum
Continue your morning with a visit to the Pergamon Museum to view ancient artifacts and architecture from the old world. Considered to be Berlin’s top museum, visitors feel like they’re transported back to life more than 2,600 years ago.
These tickets include the entrance fee to the museum, where you’ll get to see artifact from Ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon, and the Middle East. Be sure to make time for the Market Gate of Miletus and the Ishtar Gate.
Admire the artifacts of the Neues Museum
The Neues Museum is another incredible museum that’s a must-see during your 3 days in Berlin. It includes some incredible artifacts from the Stone, Ice, Iron, and Bronze ages, as well as the famous head of Tiye and the bust of Nefertiti. Visitors say you can spend a couple of hours there getting lost at another time. Grab these tickets to enjoy museum entry during a specific time slot.
🌟Insider Tip: At this point, you’ve probably worked up an appetite, so satisfy your hunger at the nearby Deli Alexander. Enjoy a delicious, warm lunch underneath a grand high ceiling reminiscent of a Prussian royal palace. Serving delicious German-French cuisine with an international twist, be sure to try one of the restaurant’s delightful lunch bowls!
Day 2 in Berlin: Afternoon 🕝
Get romantic at the Alte Nationalgalerie
Finish off your museum tour at the beautiful Alte Nationalgalerie. You can easily explore the Alte Nationalgalerie in a couple of hours with these admission tickets.
This museum has a large variety of sculptures and paintings from the Neoclassical, Romantic, Biedermeier, Modernist, and Impressionist art periods. The building is equally as impressive as the art, which captures the appearance of both a temple and a theater.
🌟Extra Tip: Are you traveling to Berlin with your boo? Then check out this list of Romantic Things to do in Berlin to guarantee an unforgettable trip.
Conquer your fears at the TV Tower
If you’re not scared of heights, then you must add a visit to the TV Tower to your Berlin 3-day itinerary.
This fast-view ticket will shoot you up 203 meters in seconds to get panoramic views of Berlin. Nicknamed “toothpick,” this tower will show you views of Berlin as far as 42 kilometers from the viewing deck.
Treat yourselves to a fright at Berlin Dungeon
If you’re visiting with teenagers in tow then consider a short 10-minute walk from the TV Tower to the iconic Berlin Dungeon for an unforgettable and immersive journey through the darker and more thrilling aspects of Berlin’s history. This unique attraction combines live actors, special effects, thrilling rides, and interactive shows to bring to life the city’s darkest tales, from medieval torture to the horrors of the plague and the secrets of the underground. It offers a spine-chilling experience that educates and entertains, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a mix of history, adventure, and excitement in the heart of Berlin.
Day 2 in Berlin: Evening 🕢
Write on the East Side Gallery
Finish off your second day with a visit to the East Side Gallery, about a 15-minute train ride from the TV Tower. Located along the River Spree, this is the longest-running open-air art gallery in the world.
It sprung into existence immediately after the Berlin Wall fell, and 118 artists from 21 countries began painting the gallery. Download a professional audio guide to learn all about its iconic history at one of the top sights in Berlin.
🌟Insider Tip: End your second day in Berlin with a delicious meal at the nearby ALEX Berlin Mercedes Platz. Sit on the covered terrace with a yummy cocktail for a cozy, vibrant atmosphere. Reviewers highly recommend the chicken schnitzel with mushroom and sweet potato fries. Yum!
Day 3 in Berlin: Morning 🕘
🌟Insider Tip: Before starting your final day in Berlin, grab a delightful breakfast at Café KuchenZeit. It’s the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a slice of cake and a coffee before the rush of the day begins. They serve a variety of cakes, so there’s something for everyone, but the lemon tart and cheesecake are both delicious!
Admire the jewels at Charlottenburg Palace
The impressive Charlottenburg Palace is the first landmark of your third day in Berlin. What was once a royal summer residence of Sophie Charlotte, the Prussian Queen, this palace was renamed in her honor following her untimely death.
Today, you can visit the staterooms and the Silver Vault, filled to the brim with stunning tableware, and peek at the Prussian jewels. The Palace is well worth the 10€ entrance fee during your Berlin city break.
Shop til you drop at Kurfürstendamm
Following your visit to the Palace, take a 20-minute train ride towards Kurfürstendamm, West Berlin’s most famous shopping boulevard. It’s a 3.5-kilometer strip full of well-known international brands, big department stores, and trendy boutiques. This is where you should do all your designer shopping and fit in some much-needed retail therapy!
🌟Insider Tip: A visit to Berlin is incomplete without trying one of the city’s delicious burgers. Upper Burger Grill is the perfect spot to get a top-notch burger and a beer after shopping along Kurfürstendamm. They have a variety of burgers to choose from that are vegan, vegetarian, and meat friendly!
Day 3 in Berlin: Afternoon 🕝
Enjoy silence at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Next to Kurfürstendamm is a special place of solace in West Berlin, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The city’s noisy atmosphere falls silent when the doors close at the Memorial Church.
This modern-day church is actually built from the ruins of the church that was destroyed in World War II. Visitors may even be able to see scorch marks along the building. This historic church is free to visit, making it a must-see during your three days in Berlin.
Snap a pic at the Museum of Photography
Just a few minutes from the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is the Museum of Photography, showcasing 19th and 20th centuries photographs. This skip-the-line ticket grants you access to the permanent and current exhibitions, including the provocative work of photographer Helmut Newton.
The Neoclassical building also has a remarkable history as it was once a casino for Prussian army officers.
Say hi to the animals at the Berlin Zoo
Finish off your final day in Berlin with a relaxed walk through the Berlin Zoo. Enter through the famous Elephant Gate, built in 1899 made of redwood, green tiles, and gold accents.
The Berlin Zoo has the biggest birdhouse in Europe in addition to a nocturnal animal house for anyone who’s a night owl. Tickets are 19€ for adults and 8.50€ for children under 15. This attraction is the perfect addition to your Berlin 3-day itinerary.
Enjoy the lights at the Brandenburg Gate
After walking through the Berlin Zoo, head through the Tiergarten Park to end up at Brandenburg Gate. This inner-city park has many walking and cycling paths and provides a nice break from the city.
As you exit the park from the West to the East, you’ll return to Brandenburg Gate as the night falls. Enjoy witnessing this one-of-a-kind landmark at night, seeing it from a whole new perspective.
Continue the family-friendly activities by visiting LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Just 15 minutes down the road you’ll find the wonderful LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Berlin. Offering a unique and family-friendly experience, featuring a world built entirely from LEGO bricks! Visitors can explore impressive miniature LEGO landmarks, enjoy fun rides and attractions, and participate in workshops and masterclasses to enhance their LEGO-building skills. It’s a perfect destination for families with children, providing interactive activities that promote creativity, problem-solving, and imagination. The perfect addition to your 3-days in Berlin itinerary if you’re traveling with kids in tow!
Day 3 in Berlin: Evening 🕢
🌟Insider Tip: End your final day in Berlin with some delicious Italian cuisine at Mama Trattoria Berlin Mitte. This restaurant provides a modern dining experience that serves simple ingredients in a delicious combination. In addition to serving authentic Italian favorites, the restaurant also provides accommodations for vegan and gluten-free diners to be more inclusive.