3 days in Berlin may not be enough time to see this sprawling city, but you can still see a lot in that time!
Berlin is one of the most interesting cities in the world. The city exudes culture and history, which makes it an intriguing and engaging place to visit.
With world-famous monuments such as the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, there are plenty of places to see in Berlin!
This Berlin itinerary will let you know the places you should visit and where to stay, during a visit to the city.
So without further ado, let’s get into it!
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How to spend 3 days in Berlin
Quick 3 Days in Berlin itinerary
Day 1 – Walk around Berlin, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag
Day 2 – Berlin Wall, Holocaust Memorial, Museum Island
Day 3 – Olympiastadion, Charlottenburg Palace, Alexanderplatz
My thoughts on Berlin
I should open this section by saying that I enjoyed my trip to Berlin. I went as part of a stag do and had a fantastic time.
There is so much to do in Berlin, that you struggle to do the city justice in three days. But, you can still accomplish a lot nonetheless.
As much as I liked Berlin, and I will be back for sure, it was hard to get a feel for the city for several reasons.
One of them was the short I was there. Not only were we exploring the city, but we were doing activities related to the stag do. This made it tricky to get a true representation of Berlin is like.
The other reason is that the city is huge. By huge, I mean gigantic. I assume this is a legacy of the Berlin Wall, but the city is spread out over a large distance.
Compared to spending 3 days in Hamburg, which is the second-biggest city in Germany, it was much harder getting around Berlin.
It was hard to know what was where, and how to get around the city. I was not expecting Berlin to as big as it was. It probably threw me off somewhat when it came to exploring the city.
The question you might be asking is 3 days in Berlin enough? My answer to this would be no. There is so much history in Berlin, which is visible across the city. While there is always something happening and a lively nightlife scene too.
In an ideal world, 5 to 7 days would be the amount of time I’d recommend you spend in the day. However, I realise that’s not practical for everyone. Berlin in 3 days is a short trip, but if you do it right, you can see a lot!
Some of the best places to visit in Berlin
There are many things to do in Berlin, which isn’t a surprise given the size of the city and the fact it’s Germany’s capital.
Because of this, it can be hard to know what to do while you’re there. This is simply the nature of humans, the more choice we have, the harder it is to make a decision.
If you’re wondering what to do in Berlin, I have listed three of the best places to see to ease some of the pressure on the decision-making front.
I would also recommend you purchase a Berlin Welcome Card before you arrive in the city. It will give you a discount on several popular spots, and allow you to ride public transport in certain parts of the city too!
It’s a useful thing to have with you, and will allow you to save an extra bit of money on your trip!
Berlin Wall
While the majority of the wall is no longer standing, there is still a large section that is standing. This is referred to as the East Side Gallery. The wall has been subject to some of the most memorable Berlin quotes and it’s not hard to understand why when you see it.
A few things struck me when I was there. One is the size and length of the wall, it is tall, and stretches on for miles. This is only a small section of the remaining original wall!
I can’t begin to fathom what it was like when the city was divided between east and west, and the wall spanned the city!
The other thing is the graffiti that makes up the wall. There are several incredible images on the wall, and it is well worth walking past to take it all in and get some great photos along the way!
The Berlin Wall was a divine monument of the Cold War, and it’s good a part of it is still standing, to remind us segregation is never the answer!
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was the name given to a Berlin Wall crossing point between east and west Berlin.
A lot of the places to see in Berlin revolve around the effects the end of the Second World War had upon the city.
Checkpoint Charlie is no different.
There is a reproduction of the original guardhouse at the crossing. While there are gallery walls along Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße which give information about escape attempts, and their significance during the Cold War.
If you want to learn more about the Cold War and its impact on Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie is somewhere you have to visit while you’re in Berlin for 3 days.
Reichstag
The Reichstag is one of the most iconic places in Berlin, and one you shouldn’t miss out on.
It’s an imposing building from a distance and is even more impressive when you get up close.
The building is the scene of some famous historical moments, not least when it was set on fire shortly after Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor.
It’s well worth a visit if you want to learn more about the history of Germany, and the history of the building itself.
I would recommend purchasing tickets in advance if you can. It’s a popular spot, and it can get very busy at times!
Berlin itinerary – Day 1
Walking Tour
Berlin is a gigantic city. If you’re visiting for the first time, it can be disorientating trying to find your way around and know where to go.
I normally just wander around a city, the first time I get there, but in Berlin that was difficult. Although I did stumble across a few places, I feel like I missed out on a lot.
That’s why I would recommend either joining a free walking tour that numerous hostels in the city provide, or pay for a walking tour.
During these tours, you will learn a lot about the city, get to check out some of the best spots in Berlin, and get a feel for the city, which is perhaps the most important thing!
Once you’ve become acclimatised to the city, you can then wander off and discover Berlin in 3 days at your own pace!
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Berlin, so be prepared for large crowds!
The gate is an imposing sight, which has become a symbol of the reunification of Germany.
While there isn’t a lot to do here apart from marvelling at the beautiful architecture, it is somewhere you should visit.
The Brandenburg Gate is beautifully built, and you don’t realise its intricate detail until you get up close!
There are a few things to do in the area around the Brandenburg Gate too, such as shopping, and exploring museums and galleries, which make it a must-visit!
Reichstag
The Reichstag, or the Bundestag as it is known today, is an impressive building and the home of the German parliament.
It is a beautiful building, and with so much history around the place, you have to visit it!
Originally constructed in 1894, it has been set on fire in 1933, and badly damaged after the end of the Second World War.
It has now been restored to its former glory, and it’s well worth going inside, where you can get some amazing views of the city from the Norman Foster-designed dome which sits atop the building.
If you’re a keen lover of history like me, then the Reichstag has to be included in your itinerary during your three days in Berlin!
Berlin itinerary – Day 2
Berlin Wall/East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery was one of my favourite places to visit in Berlin.
The Berlin Wall was a divisive structure, but it is an important place to visit, as it reminds us not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
I was astounded by how tall the wall is. It’s huge! I can’t imagine what it must have been like when it was all structurally intact!
If there is one place you have to visit during your 3 days in Berlin, this is it!
Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial, also known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, is one of the most poignant places to go in Berlin.
The memorial is located in Central Berlin in the city’s Friedrichstadt district, not far from the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag.
2,711 concrete slabs comprise the memorial, which is a tribute to those Jews who lost their lives at the hands of the Nazi regime.
This is one of the more introspective places in Berlin, but it’s an important one to visit, It’s important to remember the past, and reflect on what happens when power becomes unchecked.
Even if you’re not a history buff, this is still a place you visit, as it’s important we spend a little time considering the mistakes of the past.
Museum Island
Museum Island is, as the name suggests, an island that is home to numerous museums. Five to be precise.
The island is home to a variety of museums that house numerous interesting artefacts such as a bust of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti.
Five museums is a lot to take in in one day, never mind, for a short period of that day. If you want, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend the majority of the day exploring all the museums.
The museums house amazing pieces of artwork, Egyptian, Greek and Roman history. They are fascinating museums to visit, and they are places you shouldn’t pass up on visiting when you travel to Berlin.
Berlin itinerary – Day 3
Olympiastadion
The Olympiastadion was the stadium used to host the 1936 Olympics which were held in Berlin.
Those Olympics were notorious for promoting Nazi ideals, which were shattered by the performances of American Jesse Owens.
Today, the stadium is used for athletics and football, with it being the home of Hertha Berlin. Even if you’re not a fan of sports, I would still recommend visiting the stadium.
You will learn a lot about the history of the Olympics, and the 1936 event in general. It’s a fascinating place to visit, and one you should include on your Berlin itinerary!
Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace is a beautiful summer palace that is one of the best lesser-known spots to visit in Berlin.
The palace was constructed as a summer palace to be used by Prussian kings. It remains a stunning location with extensive gardens and beautiful buildings that are begging to be explored.
Parts of the interior of the palace are open to visitors, while the majority of the grounds is also open to the public too.
You do have to pay an entry fee, but if you want to take a visit back in time and see some beautiful architecture and grounds, Charlottenburg Palace is the place to go!
Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz is the largest square in Germany and is close to many of the main attractions in Berlin.
One of those is the 368 m high Fernsehturm, TV Tower in English, which is a Berlin landmark, and visible across the city.
You can head to the top of the tower, which allows you 360-degree panoramic views of the city. It’s also the highest building in Europe open to the general public.
Alexanderplatz is also home to the World Time Clock, which is a continually rotating installation that shows the time across the globe.
Other places to visit in Berlin
- Tempelhof Airport – This is an abandoned airport which is open to the general public. Anyone can explore the vast grounds if they wish. It’s a great place to go on a hot summer’s day and relax in the open green space. There are several abandoned spots in Berlin if you want to know more, I recommend checking out the Abandoned Berlin site, which details places like Tempelhof and more. If you want to take a guided tour of the airport to learn more about its history, click here to book the tour!
- Computer Games Museum – If you love computer games, this is the place to go! This museum documents over 60 years of video games. You will learn about the history of the industry, while you can play a range of games too! Click here to book your ticket!
- Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp – This concentration camp is located just outside of the city. You will learn about the terrible atrocities that occurred under the Nazis and see the inner workings of the camp for yourself! Click here to book your ticket!
Berlin travel tips
Where to stay in Berlin
One of the good things about Berlin’s huge size is that it means there are plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation.
There are many hostels in Berlin, and hotels too, and you are certainly spoilt for choice!
One thing to consider is where you plan on basing yourself in Berlin. Due to the size of the city, you could be based a long way from places you want to visit if you stay in a certain part of the city.
It’s best to do a bit of research beforehand and find out where to stay in Berlin that will suit what you want to get out of your trip.
I have listed a few of the best hostels in Berlin, as well as some hotels below, for you to consider during your 3 days in Berlin.
| The Cat's Pajamas Hostel | A small and intimate hostel located in the district of Kreuzberg and Neukoellen. | Book Now! |
| St Christopher's Hostel | The ideal place to stay in Berlin if you're looking to party! Not far from Alexanderplatz. | Book Now! |
| MEININGER East Side Gallery | A clean and comfortable hostel close to the famous East Side Gallery. | Book Now! |
| Park Inn Radisson Alexanderplatz | A modern and cosy hotel located close to Alexanderplatz in central Berlin. | Book Now! |
| Melia Berlin | Slightly expensive, but beautiful hotel in the centre of Berlin. Ideal if you have a sizeable budget. | Book Now! |
| Titanic Comfort Mitte | A budget hotel smack in the middle of Berlin in the Mitte district! | Book Now! |
Cost of travel in Berlin
It’s hard to suggest a daily budget for Berlin because it will depend upon what you do. However, I am going to list the following prices as an average travel budget. That is someone who is not going to splurge, but not going to penny-pinch either.
They don’t include prices for extras such as nights out at a bar/pub, club entry fees, souvenirs/clothing purchases, tours. etc. You will have to budget extra for these purchases as they are ‘non-essential!’
Here’s a rough breakdown of essential travel costs in Berlin:
Accommodation
Hostel: Dorm – €16-30; Private – €50-70
Hotels: €40-100
Rental Apartment: €65-100
Food and Drink
Breakfast: Free-€10
Dinner: €5-20
Takeaway meal: €3-5+
Pint of beer: €3-5
Transport
City Metro / Bus: €3.40
Day card: €7
Bike rental: €8-12
Taxi from airport to city centre: €40
Best time to visit Berlin
The climate in Berlin can vary wildly depending on the time of the year. If you want good weather, the best time to visit Berlin is during the summer.
If you plan your visit between April and September, you will get much better weather than you would for the remainder of the year.
There is a caveat though, better weather invariably means more tourists. This was the case when I went. Although some places weren’t too busy, around popular spots, there was a plethora of tourists!
This is something you have to take into consideration when deciding the best time to go to Berlin. If you want good weather, it may be worth visiting during the shoulder season months of April and September. There will be fewer tourists, but you will still have good weather.
Berlin can get cold during the winter months. It’s not uncommon for there to be snowfall in the city during these months.
If you do go during this time, it’s worth taking a jacket and some gloves. They are important items to include when considering what to pack for Germany and will keep you warm in the cold weather!
While you will get colder temperatures, you will have fewer people to consider, and potentially lower prices for accommodation. This is something to consider when planning your trip to Berlin.
How to get to Berlin
As the capital of Germany, Berlin isn’t the most difficult city to get to, if you’re flying from Europe. Most of the budget airlines that operate in the region, fly into and out of Berlin.
You should be able to get a direct flight from most major locations in Europe. If you’re coming from further afield, Berlin is still easy to get to.
It will just take longer and you may have to take a few connecting flights before you get to Berlin.
Due to the fantastic rail network in Europe, Berlin is accessible by rail from around Europe, especially those majorities that are close by.
If you’re travelling to Berlin from within Germany, the rail connections to Berlin are great, and you will have no issue getting there.
Likewise, with travelling by road, Berlin is well connected with the autobahn network in Germany, and you will have no issue getting there.
Is 3 Days in Berlin Enough?
3 days in Berlin may not seem like a long amount of time to spend in the city, but if you spend it well, you can see a lot! There are a lot of things to do in Berlin, and you can fit most of them into 3 days.
Berlin is an interesting city and one that has been shaped by the events of the recent past. This gives it a unique character, and makes it a fantastic place to visit, even if it’s only for a short time!
Have you been to Berlin? Did you do any of the above things on my itinerary? Leave me a comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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