What to do in Berlin for 2 days
Germany’s capital is a cultural, historical and entertainment hub, and a must-visit destination for all types of travellers. Despite its abundance of things to do, you can easily see many, if not all of the city’s top attractions in the space of 48 hours. Prepare for your itinerary to be jam-packed though! We’ve created this 2-day itinerary to give you a general idea of the best places, attractions, restaurants and hotels that Berlin has to offer. Here are our top suggestions on how best to spend 48 hours in Berlin.
Where to stay
Of course, finding somewhere to stay is a top priority for any trip away– here are the best suggestions for top accommodation options in Berlin:
Luxury: Berlin has its fair share of luxury and upscale hotels, and if you want to splash the cash, try the Radisson Collection Hotel for top-quality accommodation.
Mid-Range: Mid-range hotels tend to be 2-3 stars, and are a common and popular choice in most cities for tourists and locals alike. A great option for a mid-range hotel in Berlin is the Flower’s by Limehome.
Budget: Budget hotels are popular with people who don’t want to spend too much on accommodation– they can be just as high quality as generic hotels, but there’s usually a significant difference in pricing. Try the Ibis Budget Hotel in Berlin.
Boutique: Boutique hotels are often unique and much smaller than regular hotels and have a much more personalised and intimate service. One of the best boutique hotels in Berlin is Hotel Q.
Where to eat
Berlin is a foodie’s paradise, with many different international cuisines, German cuisine and unique signature dishes dominating most restaurant menus, as well as a vibrant street food scene. Here are some of the best restaurants to visit for each meal of the day.
Breakfast/Brunch: You may be staying at a hotel that offers free breakfast, in which case you’re covered. But, if not and you want to explore more options, head to Die Stulle for a wide variety of sweet and savoury brunch options. Benedict is another great option, where bowls of granola, fluffy pancakes and eggs benedict are just some of the breakfast dishes you can try.
Lunch/Dinner: This is where the true extent of Berlin’s culinary scene comes in, as there are hundreds of lunch and dinner options, from fine dining to relaxed casual bistros and diners. Check out Monsieur Vuong for some of the best Vietnamese food in the city, or A Mano which serves authentic Italian favourites– the choice is yours.
Where to get your culture fix
Berlin is an extremely cultural city, with historic monuments, sites and places around every corner. For the ultimate culture or history fix, visit the remains of the Berlin Wall, Pergamonmuseum or Holocaust Museum. East Side Gallery is an open-air art gallery formed from the remnants of the Berlin Wall, which has since been covered with graffiti and street art.
Berlin is home to several historic and cultural symbols of the past and present, so it may be hard to work out where to go first. With Berlin being a walkable city, you don’t have to spend a ton on public transport to see the city’s top sights. Why not make a day of it and take a self-guided or private walking tour through the city?
Where to drink
Berlin has one of the best nightlife scenes in the country, with an abundance of bars, clubs, cocktail lounges and entertainment venues dotted around the city. There really is something for everyone here– for avid partygoers and those who want to dance all night, head to YAAM or Matrix Club for some live music and DJ sets plus concerts. For those who want a more laid-back night out, Oase Deluxe, Sharlie Cheen and Klunkerkranich are excellent options.
Jagermeister is popular in Germany, although beer is considered by many Germans to be the country’s national drink. A stein of beer is a popular choice. As for non-alcoholic drinks, try the Barn Cafe, Bonanza Coffee, or Refinery Coffee for a large selection of coffees, and hot and cold drinks. Did you know that Berlin is known for its exceptional coffee, with a large selection of renowned speciality coffee shops?
Where to shop
Berlin is a shopping hub, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. Check out Kurfürstendamm Avenue for the best shopping street in the city, where you’ll find a plethora of goods and brands. Also, the Mall of Berlin is another great option for shopping, especially if you’re looking for fashion. If you want some market or street food, head to Market Neun or Arminiusmarkthalle, where a number of goods, products and produce are sold by expert vendors.
Best Towns/Day Trips Near Berlin
If you want to truly develop your knowledge of German culture and visit areas a little more off the beaten track away from busy tourist hotspots, these nearby towns and cities will make for a great day trip or short excursion within driving distance from Berlin.
Potsdam
The perfect blend of culture and history and one of the best places to sightsee and appreciate some truly stunning architecture, Potsdam is the perfect place for avid sightseers or culture enthusiasts.
Wittenberg
Around an hour’s drive from Berlin, this small town combines entertainment with historic landmarks and religious buildings. The town is also full of parks and vast open green spaces, making it perfect for a refreshing dose of nature away from the busy city.
Spreewald
If you want a unique place to visit that isn’t too far from Berlin, visit Spreewald, where you’ll find a collection of waterways, forests and wetlands as well as the best hiking trails. Take a boat through the trees and greenery and enjoy the sights.
48 Hours in Berlin – 2-Day Trip Itinerary
Although you’ll be spoiled for choice on what to do in Berlin and might feel a little overwhelmed or confused as to where to go first, you can definitely see the city’s top sights within a short amount of time. Within 48 hours, you can visit each top attraction and destination, and if you have access to a car, you can visit nearby towns and nature reserves too. Take a look at our top suggestions on what to do during a 2-day itinerary in Berlin:
Day 1: Culture, history and remembrance
- After breakfast or brunch, don’t waste any time! Visit the Berlin Wall and Holocaust Memorial for a deeper insight into Berlin’s history.
- If you’re pressed for time or concerned you won’t get to see everything in time, take a shortcut by taking a river cruise down the Spree River– don’t forget to bring your camera!
- Get lunch from a market or street food stall, or buy fresh produce if you’re staying in self-catered accommodation.
- After lunch, go sightseeing and snap a few shots of some of Berlin’s best architecture, from the Reichstag Building to Charlottenburg Palace. This is the perfect time to get some touristy shots too.
- In the evening, visit one of the many bars or clubs and enjoy some authentic German beer while you’re at it. Attend a local concert, dance to DJ sets or listen to some live music shows as you drink.
Day 2: Parks, entertainment and attractions
- Enjoy something sweet or savoury for breakfast to help fuel you for another busy day ahead. Head to Tiergarten Park for an early morning run or walk before exploring the city some more.
- Head to Bazaar Berlin or Neun Market and browse the abundance of goods on offer. Markets are the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or memorabilia for yourself or a family member.
- If you’ve hired a car, why not visit some nearby towns or places like Spreewald? Alternatively, relax in a park or take a river cruise. Sunset cruises are popular, where you can watch the sun go down and take in the city’s sights while sipping on beer for a taste of the German way of life.
- End your last day by dining out at a fine dining restaurant, local restaurant or an international chain restaurant. The choice is yours, but for a more authentic experience, we’d recommend a local or independent one. Head back to your hotel or head out for even more fun after dark.
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