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Home » Europe » Germany » Berlin

The Best 3-Day Berlin Itinerary (From a Local!) 

By: Claire  On: June 12, 2023  Updated: May 28, 2025   13 Comments

Planning a trip to Berlin and aren’t sure where to visit or what to see? This Berlin 3-day itinerary makes it easy to see the city’s top attractions, plus a few lesser known areas that locals love! 

This post contains affiliate links, from which we may receive a commission. You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Claire, wunderschön itinerary! You found a great way to maximize a short amount of time in a wide spanning city. I spent a summer in Berlin and passed your site on to family members visiting for the first time. It checks all the boxes and saved me a lot of work :).

-Farrah, Tall Girl Big World reader

Woman gazing out at Berlin skyline as seen from the cathedral
Table of Contents Click to Expand
1 Claire’s Tip: Buy a Berlin Welcome Card!
2 Day 1 in Berlin: Top Attractions in the City Center
2.1 Alexanderplatz & TV Tower
2.2 Museum Island (Museumsinsel)
2.3 Berlin Cathedral *Or* Humboldt Forum
2.4 Unter den Linden
2.5 Brandenburg Gate
2.6 Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
2.7 Reichstag
3 Day 2 in Berlin: West Berlin
3.1 Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens
3.2 Kurfürstendamm Shopping Street
3.3 Gendarmenmarkt
3.4 Checkpoint Charlie
3.5 Tiergarten
3.5.1 Tiergarten: Victory Column (Optional)
4 Day 3 in Berlin: (Mostly) East Berlin
4.1 Palace of Tears (Tränenpalast)
4.2 Hackescher Markt
4.3 East Side Gallery
4.4 Oberbaum Bridge (Oberbaumbrücke)
4.5 Markthalle Neun
4.6 Landwehr Canal
5 FAQs About Visiting Berlin
6 Visiting Berlin in the Winter? Use *This* Christmas Market Itinerary Instead!
7 Enjoy Your 3 Days in Berlin!
8 Even More Things to Do in Berlin!

First time visitors to Berlin often don’t grasp just how big the city is until they arrive, at which point they realize they need to rearrange their itinerary so that they’re not wasting half the day on the subway. And with so many things to do and see, how can you possibly fit everything into your trip? 

Well, you can’t. I’ve been living in Berlin since 2019 and I still haven’t experienced all that the city has to offer! However, I’ve seen a whole heck of a lot and finally decided to pour my knowledge into a detailed itinerary to make planning your 3 days in Berlin easier.

My goal with this Berlin 3-day itinerary is to take you to places that locals also love so that you get a real feel for the city and don’t just see the absolute most touristy things (although you’ll see the top attractions as well!). 

-Claire

Claire’s Tip: Buy a Berlin Welcome Card!

To make your time in Berlin SO much easier, go ahead and buy a 72 Hour Berlin Welcome Card. This special tourist ticket not only gets you big discounts to Berlin’s top attractions (including many shared on this 3-day itinerary), but it also includes access to the city’s extensive public transportation network.

If you’re flying into Berlin, book a Welcome Card that includes the ABC public transportation zones. If arriving from the central train station, book the Welcome Card that includes just the AB zones.

(And yes, the Welcome Card *is* cheaper than if you purchased three 24-hour tickets or one 7-day public transportation pass in an effort to navigate the city in a more budget-friendly way.)

Day 1 in Berlin: Top Attractions in the City Center

Claire’s Tip: I recommend starting your day early (no later than 10am) so that you have time to visit one of the museums mentioned, if desired, and can take your time enjoying Berlin’s top attractions! 

Alexanderplatz & TV Tower

Time needed: 1 hour (90 minutes if going up the TV tower) 

The World Clock at Alexanderplatz, with the TV tower in the background
World Clock and TV Tower

Alexanderplatz is the starting point of this 3-day Berlin itinerary. It’s the beating heart of the city center and is home to one of Berlin’s most famous sights — the TV Tower. 

When you exit the subway station and begin your explorations around Alexanderplatz, know in advance that it’s not a pretty place. However, it’s one of the most historically important areas of the whole city! 

You see, Alexanderplatz served as the center of East Berlin during the Soviet occupation in the Cold War era. The remnants of that no-nonsense, low-cost style of architecture can still be seen in and around Alexanderplatz to this day. 

Be sure to read my guide to Alexanderplatz for a full list of things to see and do here!

Claire’s Tip: If you purchased the Berlin Welcome Card as suggested, you can only cash in on that big discount if you book your tickets to the TV Tower directly at their ticket office. If you skipped the Welcome Card, I strongly suggest booking your tickets online to save time.

Museum Island (Museumsinsel) 

Time needed: 1 to 3 hours (it depends on if you enter any of the museums; read my recommendations below) 

Front of the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berilin.
The Altenationalgalerie, on Museum Island

No 3-day trip to the city is complete without a visit to Museum Island. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to five world-renowned museums. 

You can spend a full day going through the museums on Museum Island – there’s 5, after all! However, with only 3 days in Berlin you’ll have to be picky about which museum you visit – if you decide to visit any at all.

I suggest picking one museum and spending about 2 hours inside. My two top picks are:

  • Alte Nationalgalerie — It’s one of those incredible museums where the building itself is as much a work of art as the paintings it houses. The Alte Nationalgalerie has an extensive collection of art that ranges in style from the romantic to neoclassical. 
  • Altes Museum — The first ever public museum in Berlin, now home to the city’s collection of classical antiquities. Inside the museum there’s a gorgeous rotunda that’s modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.

Claire’s Tip: Even if you don’t have the time or desire to visit a museum, you should still visit Museum Island to enjoy the architecture. While you’re there, find a spot to lay out on the grass in front of the Cathedral (called the Lustgarten). 

Berlin Cathedral *Or* Humboldt Forum 

Time needed: 1 hour to 90 minutes 

Woman smiling on a bridge in front of the Berliner Dom.
Cathedral
The interior courtyard of the Humboldt Forum in Berlin.
Humboldt Forum

You can’t see all of the amazing things Berlin has to offer in just three days, so you’re going to make some tough choices on day 1. After exploring Museum Island, you can either visit the Berlin Cathedral OR the Humboldt Forum.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes each site unique so you can pick your favorite: 

Berlin Cathedral: Costs 10 Euros to enter (30% discount with the Welcome Card!), which includes entrance to the nave, the Hohenzollern crypt beneath the church (currently closed for renovations), a small exhibit on the first floor detailing the architectural plans of the church, and a view of Berlin from the top of the church.

You need about an hour to 90 minutes to see the entire church and climb the dome for that epic view. 

Humboldt Forum: It’s free to enter the museum space, but the rooftop terrace costs 3 Euros if you want to see the view of the Cathedral, Lustgarten, Unter den Linden, and the TV tower. You don’t have to stay and look through the exhibitions at the Humboldt Forum if you don’t want to!

But just so you know what’s here, the top two floors house exhibitions on the history of Africa, Oceania, Asia, and the Americas and are explained through the lens of colonialism and its lasting impact on each region.

Unter den Linden 

Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour 

Unter den Linden, in Berlin, leading to the Brandenburg Gate

Unter den Linden is a can’t-miss attraction while you’re in Berlin for 3 days! The wide boulevard is lined with linden trees (hence the name), which are associated with Freya, the Germanic goddess of truth and love. 

Unter den Linden initially connected the royal palace (now Museum Island) to the royal hunting grounds (Tiergarten Park, also on this itinerary!) in the 15th century. Under Frederick the Great, the road was transformed into a boulevard comparable to the Champs-Elysee in Paris. 

The linden trees you’ll pass on your walk from the Museum Island area to the Brandenburg Gate date back to the 1950s. The trees that had lined the boulevard before World War II were cut down by the Nazis either to make way for a new tram line, or to use as firewood. 

Claire’s Tip: I have a full guide to Unter den Linden that you can pull up on your phone to reference as you’re walking.

Brandenburg Gate 

Time needed: 30 minutes 

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, on a sunny day

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most iconic sites in all of Germany. It’s a symbol of unity in Berlin and many key moments in German history have occurred here. 

US President Ronald Regan uttered the words “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” in front of the gate in 1987, and during the Cold War there was a viewing platform here from which visitors to West Berlin could get a glimpse of the East. 

What was once a mere gateway meant to impress visitors to Berlin’s famous Unter den Linden boulevard has become so much more since its completion in 1791. 

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Time needed: 30 minutes 

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, in Berlin

A short walk from the Brandenburg Gate is The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The memorial is a sobering reminder of the millions of Jews who lost their lives under the oppressive Nazi regime. 

The memorial is made up of 2,711 concrete slabs spanning 19,000 square meters. As you wind your way further around the maze of concrete slabs, the ground dips slightly below you and it feels like the concrete is rising up to suffocate you. This effect was intentional and is meant to encourage reflection. 

Please note: It is highly disrespectful to take selfies in front of or within the memorial. Also, do NOT stand or sit atop the concrete slabs. 

Reichstag 

Time needed: 90 minutes 

The Reichstag glass dome, at night

The soaring glass dome of the Reichstag is at once beautiful and symbolic. 

The Reichstag Fire of 1933 was used by the Nazi party to claim that communists were planning to overthrow the German government. The constitutional act that resulted from this claim effectively allowed the Nazi party to gain momentum and take control of the country. 

When the Reichstag dome was rebuilt in the 1990s, it was decided to build the structure out of glass. The glass dome represents Germany’s desire to move away from its Nazi past and move towards a future of unity and democracy. 

I recommend ending your first day in Berlin with a tour of the Reichstag, preferably near sunset if you can plan it right. Within the glass dome, you’ll have a 360º view of the city, and watching the sun go down from the Reichstag building is an unforgettable experience! 

Claire’s Tip: Tickets are free, but you have to book them in advance. You must also bring an internationally-recognized form of ID with you, such as a passport. There are also guided tours of the Reichstag dome plus more in-depth tours of the plenary chamber and surrounding government district, but you must submit your request to join those types of tours prior to visiting.

Day 2 in Berlin: West Berlin 

Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens 

Time needed: 3 to 4 hours 

Charlottenburg Palace garden, seen at dusk.

Reader, welcome to my favorite spot in all of Berlin! Charlottenburg Palace is a regal oasis in the middle of the city. The palace was completed in 1699 and was originally intended to be the summer palace of Queen Sophie Charlotte (after whom the palace and surrounding neighborhood of Charlottenburg are named). 

Within the palace, you’ll find lovingly refurbished rooms, galleries, and halls, as well as literal treasure troves such as the Silver Vault and the Porcelain Cabinet.

Visiting Berlin on a tight budget? You can still visit the gardens and parkland for free. In the summer, you’ll find sheep grazing on the grounds. In the winter, the front entrance of the castle is home to one of Berlin’s finest Christmas markets. 

Claire’s Tip: For more details about Charlottenburg Palace — plus plenty of photos to convince you to visit! — be sure to read my detailed guide on Charlottenburg’s royal gem. And remember, you get a 25% discount if you buy your ticket onsite with your Berlin Welcome Card!

Kurfürstendamm Shopping Street

Time needed: 1+ hours (depending on how much you like to shop!)

From the palace, walk to Bismarckstraße and take the subway (U-Bahn) to the U-Adenauerplatz station and walk down the Ku’damm until you reach U-Wittenbergplatz. 

A stroll along the Kurfüstendamm (called Ku’damm by locals) instantly transports you back to old Berlin. Much of the city was bombed during WWII, but the Ku’damm has managed to retain some of its Old World charm. 

Most of the shops here fall into the luxury category (Louis Vuitton, Hermès, etc.) but there are also more affordable stores closer to the Zoologischer Garten train station (H&M, & Other Stories, Primark, etc.). 

Definitely make sure to pop into KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens). Founded in the early 1900’s, it’s the second largest department store in the world, after Harrods in London.

Claire’s Tip: Charlottenburg Palace and the Ku’damm are located within the posh neighborhood of Charlottenburg. If you fall in love with this area, here are even more things to do in Charlottenburg! 

Gendarmenmarkt 

Time needed: 1 hour (less if not entering the churches) 

Berlin Gendarmenmarkt on a cloudy day

From Wittenbergplatz, ride the U2 subway line to the U-Hausvogteiplatz station. When you surface, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of Gendarmenmarkt, one of Berlin’s prettiest squares. 

The historic square is the site of the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom), the French Cathedral (Französischer Dom), and the 19th century Concert Hall built by renowned Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. 

While at Gendarmenmarkt, be sure to pay a visit to the German Cathedral; it houses a free exhibit on the history of the German parliament. Even if you don’t visit the exhibit, it’s still worth visiting Gendarmenmarkt just to see the architecture! 

Claire’s Tip: Around the corner from Gendarmenmarkt is one of Berlin’s oldest chocolate houses, Rausch. In the winter, I recommend heading to the top floor of the store to enjoy a mug of creamy hot chocolate at their cafe. Their chocolates also make for an excellent souvenir! 

Checkpoint Charlie 

Time needed: 20 minutes (more if visiting the Wall Museum) 

Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin.

Down the street from Gendarmenmarkt is yet another world-renowned Berlin landmark: Checkpoint Charlie. In October 1961, Checkpoint Charlie was the site of a tank standoff between American and Soviet troops. In total, the confrontation lasted for 16 hours — during which time people genuinely worried that World War III was about to begin. 

Checkpoint Charlie is now a major tourist attraction, and I don’t recommend lingering for very long here. However, it’s worth taking a photo at the preserved crossing point where visitors from the West had their papers checked before entering East Berlin. 

Claire’s Tip: If desired, you can pay to enter the Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie. I’ve been once before and enjoyed it, but personally it’s not a “must-see” museum in the city. As such, I left it off of this itinerary; you’re welcome to visit if desired! 

Tiergarten

Time needed: 2+ hours

A rose garden within Tiergarten Park in Berlin.

After another day on your feet, let yourself unwind in the Tiergarten, which was the royal hunting ground for King Friedrich III until it became a park in the 1830s.

From Checkpoint Charlie, it’s a 15- to 20-minute walk to the park. It’s a huge park with lovely meadows, statues, memorials, manicured gardens, and ponds scattered throughout — don’t feel like you need to see it all! Find a shady spot under a tree or nab a free bench and relax. 

Claire’s Tip: Need a break? The beer garden Cafe am Neuen See is smack in the middle of the park, and it’s one of the BEST in Berlin. They’ve got drinks and food galore, so head there if you need to fuel up.

Tiergarten: Victory Column (Optional) 

View of the Tiergarten from the Victory Column in Berlin.

If you have the time, budget, and desire, make your way to the Victory Column at the center of the Tiergarten. It was built to commemorate Germany’s victories against Denmark, Austria, and France in the 1860’s. 

You can pay a couple Euros to climb the 285 steps to the top of the tower for the most spectacular view down Straße des 17. Juni to the Brandenburg Gate. 

Day 3 in Berlin: (Mostly) East Berlin

Palace of Tears (Tränenpalast) 

Time needed: 90 minutes

Outside the Palace of Tears, in Berlin

Located next to the Friedrichstraße train station, the Palace of Tears was one of the busiest check-in halls that monitored the flow of people traveling between East and West Germany. 

Why the “Palace of Tears?” Because the Berlin Wall kept many friends and families apart for nearly 30 years, and this check-in hall witnessed countless tearful goodbyes between loved ones living in divided Germany. 

The hall has been preserved since the Wall fell in 1989 and now houses an exhibition called “Site of German Division.” It explains how the border crossings between East and West Germany worked and gives visitors a glimpse into the past to better understand how difficult life under Soviet rule was.

Claire’s Tip: The Palace of Tears is free to enter and there’s no reservation needed. 

Hackescher Markt 

Time needed: 1 hour

Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station on a sunny day
The inner courtyard at Hackescher Höfe

After visiting the Palace of Tears, hop on the S-Bahn at Friedrichstraße station and ride a few stops to Hackescher Markt. Here you’ll find lots of great food and shopping options; I recommend following Rosenthaler Straße if you’re looking for nice boutiques. 

Be sure to also check out the Hackesche Höfe while you’re in the area. It’s a series of eight courtyards, all of which house local designers and shops. 

If possible, try to plan your visit to Hackescher Markt on a Thursday or Saturday. There’s a weekly market held on those days, and it’s a great place to purchase locally-made products and handicrafts. Plus, there are some great (cheap!) food stalls at the market too. 

East Side Gallery 

Time needed: 45 minutes

A mural on the East Side Gallery showing a Trabant car breaking through a wall
A mural on the East Side Gallery showing two men kissing

From Hackescher Markt, ride the S-Bahn for 5 minutes to reach the Ostbahnhof train station. From this station, you can walk along the Spree River in the direction of the Oberbaumbrücke (Oberbaum Bridge) to see the entirety of the East Side Gallery. 

The East Side Gallery is another of Berlin’s most famous attractions. It’s the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, and it’s now the longest open-air gallery in the world. Moreover, it’s a living gallery that’s constantly being updated by talented street artists. 

It’s easy to forget that something so beautiful was once a tool of imprisonment used by the Soviet government. It’s estimated that 100,000 citizens of East Germany tried to cross the Berlin Wall between 1961 and 1988 — of those, 600 people were either killed by the border guards or died by other means while trying to escape.   

Learn more about the East Side Gallery on a guided walking tour, or explore this area yourself. Both are good options!

Claire’s Tip: After walking the length of the East Side Gallery, pop behind it to the park space that runs between the Wall and the Spree River. From the water, you’ll get a great view of the Oberbaum Bridge! 

Oberbaum Bridge (Oberbaumbrücke)

Time needed: 15 minutes 

The Oberbaumbrücke in Berlin.

The Oberbaum Bridge crosses the Spree River and connects the former East and West portions of Berlin. This bridge served as a popular crossover point for westerners trying to enter East Berlin. 

Take a good look at the red brick bridge and try to imagine armed guards patrolling it on either bank; it’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? In the spring, cherry blossoms trees bloom on both banks to symbolize peace in reunified Berlin. 

While crossing the Oberbaum Bridge, you’ll notice that it’s split into two levels. The subway passes over the top portion of the bridge, while cars and pedestrians cross at the lower level (don’t worry, there’s a separate pedestrian walkway!). 

Claire’s Tip: Be sure to stop halfway along the bridge to admire the Spree River. At this point, you’re straddling the line between the neighborhoods of Friedrichshain (with the East Side Gallery) and Kreuzberg! 

Markthalle Neun

Time needed: 1 hour to 90 minutes 

Inside Markthalle Neun in Berlin

Berlin once boasted 14 market halls, with Markthalle Neun being the ninth opened (the name literally translates to “Market Hall Nine”). Eight of the former covered markets were destroyed in WWII, and Markthalle Neun is one of four that are still in operation. 

Markthalle Neun is open Monday through Saturday, with a few notable events happening each week: 

  • Thursdays: Street Food Thursdays. A fun way to sample street food from all over the world! 
  • Fridays and Saturdays: when the weekly market takes place; fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade breads and cheeses, plus locally produced honey and spices are always for sale. 
  • Quarterly: Naschmarkt, aka a “snack market” selling all things sweet, savory, and snacky. Get excited to try handmade cannoli, chocolates, honey, sausages, and more! Check the Markthalle Neun website to see when the next Naschmarkt is taking place. 

Landwehr Canal 

The Spree River in Berlin, seen from the Oberbaumbrücke

After stuffing yourself at Markthalle Neun, enjoy a leisurely walk to prepare your stomach for one last meal in Berlin. From the market, I recommend making your way to Kottbuser Tor via Oranienstraße to get a glimpse at life in the hip neighborhood of Kreuzberg. 

From Kottbuser Tor (one of the ugliest intersections in all of Berlin, fair warning!), head towards the Spree River via Kottbusser Straße. Once you reach the water, you can explore the banks of the river in either direction. 

Heading west will take you to the Admiralbrücke, a gritty but popular cobblestone bridge where locals gather to chat, enjoy a drink, and watch the sunset. If you keep going west, you’ll reach prettier green spaces on either bank of the Spree. In the summer, this area is packed with locals laying out on the grass and relaxing.

If you head east along the river from Kottbusser Straße, you’ll pass by some of my favorite eateries in Kreuzberg!

Claire’s Tip: If you’re not yet ready to end your adventures in Berlin, Kreuzberg is one of the best places in the city to grab a drink and enjoy the city’s nightlife. 

People gathered in Monbijoupark on a sunny day.
Monbijoupark

FAQs About Visiting Berlin

How many days do you need in Berlin? 

In a perfect world, you’d have at least four days in Berlin. Five days would be even better because then you could take a day trip to Potsdam or another nearby city.

However, you can see SO much of Berlin in just 3 days, so know that it’s still worth visiting even if you’re crunched for time.

Are 3 days in Berlin enough time? 

Honestly, no! But three days in Berlin will still give you a good feel for the city.

I know a lot of people only plan on spending 2 to 3 days in Berlin (it’s a wonderful weekend getaway in Europe!), which is why I created this jam-packed itinerary specifically to help you see both the top tourist attractions as well as some fun local areas!  

What’s the best area to stay in Berlin? 

It depends on how long you’ll be in the city and what vibe you’re going for: 

Mitte will be more expensive since it’s the city center, but it’s best to be centrally located if you’re in Berlin for just a few days, don’t want to waste too much time traveling on public transportation, or need to be close to the main train station. 

Prenzlauer Berg is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Berlin and is ideal for anyone traveling with kids. This is a very family-friendly neighborhood, with lots of parks and playgrounds dotted throughout. Prenzlauer Berg is still fairly centrally located and is easy to access all of the attractions shared in this itinerary from here. 

Friedrichshain is the hipper neighbor to Prenzlauer Berg. Again, lots of great eateries and cafes and is a good jumping off point for your daily adventures. 

Kreuzberg is a bit grittier but has some exceptionally beautiful areas too. It’s not centrally located, but it’s a very popular neighborhood with locals and has a great nightlife. 

Charlottenburg will likely be the most expensive, but if you want a taste of “Old Berlin” then this is the place to stay. Make sure your accommodations are within walking distance of an S-Bahn line (not just the U-Bahn!) or else you might find it difficult to navigate the city quickly. 

A woman smiling in front of Berlin's TV tower
Cheesing with the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz

Visiting Berlin in the Winter? Use *This* Christmas Market Itinerary Instead!

Berlin Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market, by day

When deciding how to spend your 3 days in Berlin, my suggestions would differ slightly if you’re visiting in the winter — specifically, during Christmas market season.

My 3-Day Christmas Market Itinerary covers the city’s top attractions AND takes you to a bunch of my favorite Christmas markets!

Enjoy Your 3 Days in Berlin!

I know this was a beast of an itinerary, but hopefully it gave you the information you need to plan a trip to Berlin. Leave me a comment below with any comments or questions you might have, and have so much fun on your visit! 

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily adventures in Berlin and beyond!

Even More Things to Do in Berlin!

  • What do Do in Berlin on a Sunday — stores are closed, but attractions remain open
  • What to Do in Berlin on a Monday — this is the toughest day of the week to visit Berlin since it’s when most museums are closed
  • Best Indoor Activities in Berlin — ideal for rainy or snowy days  
  • Berlin’s Best Flea Markets — definitely try to visit a flea market if you’re in town over the weekend!  
  • Truly Unique Things to Do in Berlin — the best places to get off the beaten path 
  • Free Things to Do in Berlin — this is a monster of a list, because it’s actually SO easy to see Berlin on a budget! 
  • All of my Berlin recommendations!

posted in: Berlin, Berlin Itineraries, Destinations, Europe, Germany

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Written by Claire

Hiya! I'm the writer and photographer behind Tall Girl Big World. After being laid off from my corporate editorial job in NYC, I spent a year building up my freelance writing business before moving to Berlin, Germany in 2019. As of 2025, I've just received my permanent residence permit and can now officially call Berlin home. I've traveled extensively throughout Germany and share my top tips and recommendations in my detailed travel guides. I also write guides to my favorite European destinations (when my freelance schedule allows, that is!). Meet Claire.

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Mr Ray Treacy says

    August 3, 2023

    Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
  2. Susan Purchase says

    October 29, 2023

    Thank you so much for a fantastic guide, we are 2 couples visiting Berlin for the first time next week and this is really helpful.

    Reply
    • Claire says

      October 30, 2023

      So glad you found this itinerary useful, Susan! Enjoy your time in Berlin!

      Reply
  3. Kristen W. says

    November 8, 2023

    I’ve been obsessively reading your posts about Berlin and the holidays to prepare for a 3-day first time trip to Berlin between Christmas and New Year’s, thank you for writing with such detail and passion! I would love any restaurant recommendations you have, we will be staying in the Charlottenburg-Willmersdorf area. We plan to do Christmas markets/Ku’damm for a day (using your guide), Museum Island and the Berlin Cathedral /Reichstag views the second, and historical sites the third. Any restaurant tips would be amazing. Thank you for your time!

    Reply
    • Claire says

      November 9, 2023

      Thanks so much for the kind comment, Kristen! I put a lot of time and effort into writing each post from scratch, selecting and editing the photos, adding links, etc. in hopes of encouraging people to visit Berlin and Germany so it makes me so happy to hear you’ve found all of my guides useful!

      Okay, restaurant recs:
      Charlottenburg has some great Asian food along Kantstrasse, my favorite places being Papaya and Thai-Art. Also in that area are some great bakeries and cafes, including Der Kuchenladen (great place for coffee + cake in the afternoon!), A Neverending Love Story, and Zeit Für Brot (awesome cinnamon buns!).

      The Cathedral / Reichstag area has fewer places to eat and is more geared towards tourists (i.e. pricey). Curry 61 does good Currywurst (local to Berlin!), Banh Mi Stable (Alte Schönhauser Str. 50) is a bit of a walk but it’s great 5 Euro sandwiches, Chupenga is the Berlin answer to Chipotle, and if you head down Friedrichstrasse towards Gendarmenmarkt there are some more fast-casual places to eat for lunch.

      The Christmas markets all open before lunch and are also a good place to grab a bite to eat. You won’t find any veggies here that aren’t deep fried or covered in cheese though, haha.

      Reply
  4. Ruchita says

    January 24, 2024

    Hello! I’m visiting Berlin in March end this year (2024) and this itinerary is really helpful! I wanted to know if there’s anything we should prebook before our trip?

    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Claire says

      January 25, 2024

      I’m so happy to hear you found this itinerary helpful, Ruchita! The only activity mentioned that you MUST book well in advance is your visit to the Reichstag. You’ll also need to bring your passport or another internationally-recognized form of ID with you since security in front of the Reichstag is very strict. Otherwise, you shouldn’t need to book tickets in advance for the museums, etc. Let me know if you have any more questions and enjoy your time in Berlin!

      Reply
  5. Farrah says

    February 6, 2024

    Claire, wunderschön itinerary! You found a great way to maximize a short amount of time in a wide spanning city. I spent a summer in Berlin and passed your site on to family members visiting for the first time. It checks all the boxes and saved me a lot of work :).

    I recommend a correction to your write-up on the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe section.
    Edit: The memorial is a sobering reminder of the millions of Jews who lost their lives under the oppressive Nazi regime. (You currently have the unit at thousands, which is inaccurate. It was approximately six million European Jews.)

    Grüße aus den USA

    Reply
    • Claire says

      February 6, 2024

      Hi Farrah, thanks so much for your kind words on this itinerary and my site in general. That means a lot to me! Also, I’ve made the correction to the Memorial section; I do my best to fact check all the details in my posts, but sometimes mistakes slip through. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment to flag that error!

      Reply
  6. Susan S. says

    March 7, 2024

    We just spent 3 days in Berlin following most of the points on your itinerary and we really enjoyed it- thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Claire says

      March 7, 2024

      I’m so glad to hear that, Susan! I put a lot of time and thought into crafting this itinerary, and I’m so pleased it proved useful in planning your trip.

      Reply
  7. Ros Haverson says

    May 14, 2024

    Hello – I just used your 3 day itinerary and I wanted to say thank you. It was a great starting point.
    Began Day 1 with a Sandemans Walking Tour which I’d highly recommend to get your bearings in the city and ended Day 3 with one of the Reichstag Tours you linked to. We went for the last tour of the day and the 360 views over the city were amazing and it wasn’t overly busy as the previous tours were all leaving.
    One additional highlight I’d recommend would be the Topography of Terror. An outdoor/indoor museum on the site of the SS and Gestapo offices.
    From a food & drink perspective, our favourite place from your recommendations was Markthalle Neun and we loved exploring the bars in the Kreuzberg district on a sunny evening.
    Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Claire says

      May 14, 2024

      Thanks so much for the kind words and helpful suggestions, Ros! I’m glad you could experience the Reichstag at the end of the day, it’s my favorite time to visit. And I agree that the Topography of Terror is worth visiting — in these itineraries, I try to be realistic about what someone can do each day in Berlin and I have to make tough decisions! But I’ve taken friends and family there before and it’s definitely an insightful (albeit harrowing) museum.

      Reply

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Claire - Author of Tall Girl Big World.

Hiya, I'm Claire!

After being laid off from my corporate job in NYC, I packed up my bags and moved to Berlin in 2019. Tall Girl Big World is where I share my adventures in Berlin and beyond. You'll find detailed guides on my favorite European cities as well as my top tips and resources for living abroad.

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