Best Itinerary for 2 Days in Berlin
Do you have 2 days in Berlin and are not sure how to spend it? Don’t worry, we have got you covered!
Berlin is a really interesting city, no matter if you are visiting as a family, couple, or as a solo traveller.
Our family has visited several times and in different seasons, so we definitely know what we are talking about.
From awesome architecture to interesting historical spots, amazing museums, yummy food and great nightlife, Berlin has it all.
Interested in learning more? Let’s dive in!
Two Days in Berlin Itinerary – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the best places to visit in Berlin in two days:
- The Brandenburg Gate – A historic symbol of Berlin, once dividing East and West, now a landmark of unity and peace.
- The Holocaust Memorial – Is an evocative field of 2,711 concrete slabs, designed to honour and remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
- Museum Island – Is a unique ensemble of five museums on an island in the Spree River, showcasing art and artifacts from ancient civilizations to 19th-century art.
- The Berliner Fernsehturm – Berlin’s iconic TV tower offers panoramic views of the city from its revolving restaurant and observation deck.
- The East Side Gallery – Is a colourful section of the Berlin Wall turned into an outdoor mural exhibit.
48 Hours in Berlin – Map
The map shows the stops that are suggested on this two-day itinerary. We tried to group activities close enough together so that you wouldn’t be running all over the place.
Clicking on the map above will take you to Google Maps. There, you will be able to see the destinations in better detail.
What to Do in Berlin for 2 Days
With a full two days in Berlin, you can see and do quite a bit. But we did try and make the days a little less busy.
However, if you do find that you have some extra time, we will include some additional activities at the end of this post that you can tack onto your itinerary.
Day 1
Day one involves quite a bit of walking. While you can hop on public transportation (more on that later), it is totally doable on foot (which is exactly what we did).
1. Stroll Through the Tiergarten
The Tiergarten, or ‘Animal Garden,’ is a 520-acre park located right in the middle of Berlin. It was very reminiscent of New York’s Central Park!
The park has about 5 km of wonderful pathways to stroll, go for a run, or cycle along.
You will also find places to rent boats, amazing picnic areas, as well as a popular Biergarten!
And just like with Central Park, you will also find a Zoo. The Berlin Zoo, one of the largest in Europe, can be found adjacent to the Tiergarten.
We really enjoyed strolling through the Tiergarten during our summertime visit to Berlin.
It is definitely a must-see and is the perfect spot to stop, rest, and enjoy nature, before continuing to explore the city.
Location: Straße des 17. Juni/B2/B5
Victory Column
Located in the middle of a busy roundabout, the Victory Column (Siegessäule) can be found within the Berlin Tiergarten.
The monument was built in 1873 and moved by the Nazis during World War II.
This move likely saved the Victory Column from destruction, as its original location was decimated during the bombing of Berlin by the Allied Forces.
A small museum about the history of the Victory Column can be found inside, as well as a narrow stairway to reach the top.
The views over Berlin are definitely worth the small entrance fee!
Location: Großer Stern, B 2, B 5, Berlin, Germany
The Soviet War Memorial
The Soviet War Memorial is another monument that can be found within the Berlin Tiergarten.
It is located in the larger area of the park, to the west of the city center.
The Soviet War Memorial was erected by the Soviet Union to commemorate the 80,000 soldiers of the Soviet Armed Forces, who died during the Battle of Berlin in April and May 1945.
Location: Straße des 17. Juni/B2/B5
2. Visit the Reichstag Building
Located just north of the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building is currently where the German Parliament sits.
It was destroyed by fire in 1933, and during its reconstruction in the 90s, a glass dome, representing the political transparency of the city, was added.
The entrance to Reichstag Berlin is free of charge, but you will need to book your visit well in advance!
The amazing 360-degree views of Berlin from the glass dome, alone, make the visit worthwhile.
Audio guides are available in several languages.
The guides not only provide you with information about the history of the Reichstag Building, but they also point out all the interesting sites visible from the dome.
Location: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany
3. Walk Through the Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is a neoclassical monument built in the 18th century.
Definitely the most iconic landmark in the city, the gate was often a site for major historical events.
Today, the gate symbolizes peace and unity, and should not be missed.
Just a heads up, the Brandenburg Gate is visited by over a million people annually, so expect crowds!
It didn’t help that during one of our visits, there was a massive stage set up right behind the gates!
Luckily, during another visit, we made the effort to visit early in the morning, and again in the late evening, just to make sure we could get some great photos!
Location: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany
4. Pay Respect at the Holocaust Memorial
Located just south of the Brandenburg Gate, is the Holocaust Memorial.
Officially named the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, it is an installation made up of 2,711 concrete slabs of different heights and occupies a 19,000-square-metre (200,000 sq ft) site.
The Memorial pays respect to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
The artist chose to build the memorial in Berlin, as it was the city with one of the largest Jewish populations in Europe before the Second World War.
Underneath the memorial, you will also find a museum.
The “Place of Information,” holds the names of approximately 3 million Jewish Holocaust victims, obtained from the Israeli museum Yad Vashem.
I could not get over how quiet it was while walking between the rows of concrete slabs. The sounds of the city literally disappear, and you are left to your thoughts.
Location: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany
5. View the French Cathedral
More commonly known as Französischer Dom, meaning French cathedral, the church is located in the iconic Gendarmenmarkt.
It sits right across from the Konzerthaus and the German Cathedral.
The original portion of the church dates back to 1701.
The French Cathedral was heavily damaged during World War II, and was subsequently rebuilt between 1977 and 1981.
Today, the Französischer Dom continues to offer church services and concerts.
⛪ Fun Fact: The Französischer Dom is not actually a cathedral in the traditional sense, as there was never a Bishop who presided there. Instead, the name is derived from the German word ‘Dom’ meaning “domed,” and refers to the tower that was constructed nearly one hundred years after the church was originally built.
Location: Gendarmenmarkt 5, 10117 Berlin, Germany
6. Take a Peak at the German Cathedral
The German Cathedral, also known as Neue Kirche, is also located in Gendarmenmarkt Square.
It was originally built in the early 18th century.
However, what you see today, is a reconstruction completed in 1993 after the building was severely damaged during World War II.
The cathedral actually does not serve as a traditional church. Instead, you will find a unique exhibition on the history of German democracy inside.
The German Cathedral’s architecture is absolutely gorgeous with its lavish baroque style.
7. See Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was one of the most famous crossing points between West and East Germany.
The name comes from the phonetic alphabet (Charlie meaning C), as Checkpoint Charlie was the third such border crossing set up by the Allies in the city.
Located at the intersection of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße, Checkpoint Charlie is now a tourist attraction.
A copy of the guardhouse and the sign that once marked the border crossing have been reconstructed behind a sandbag barrier that would have faced the border.
You can even take photos in front of the attraction, which is manned by actors dressed as Allied military police officers.
Just be careful. Checkpoint Charlie is located in the middle of the road and can get quite crowded.
Location: Friedrichstraße 43, Berlin BE 10969
8. Catch a Show at the Konzerthaus Berlin
Today a world-class concert hall, the Konzerthaus in Berlin, was actually a theatre for most of the 18th century.
In fact, several theatres were built and destroyed on this site before today’s Konzerthaus was opened in 1984.
Located in Gendarmenmarkt Square, the theatre has had many notable performances over the years.
In 1789, for example, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart visited the first theatre on this site, for a performance of his opera Die Entführung aus dem Serail.
🎵 Fun Fact: The Konzerthaus in Berlin, is considered to be among the top five concert venues in the world for music and opera, in regard to acoustics.
During the Second World War, the theatre was destroyed by the bombing of the Allied Forces.
The building was restored into its current iteration as a concert hall and is now the home of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra (Konzerthausorchester Berlin).
Catching a concert would be the perfect ending to your first day in Berlin.
Location: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Day 2
For your second day in Berlin, there is less walking. We have also left more time for you to spend in each of the attractions.
9. Visit Museum Island
Museum Island, or Museumsinsel, is a group of 5 world-class museums situated in the heart of Berlin.
The museum complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for history buffs.
And in case you were wondering, the area truly is an island created by the Spree River!
The 5 museums include the Altes Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Neues Museum, the Bode-Museum, and the Pergamon Museum.
Fun Fact: You will find some truly unique and unexpected treasures on Museum Island. The Ishtar Gate of Babylon is kept in the Pergamon Museum and the Bust of Nefertiti can be found in the Neues Museum.
Museum Island is one of the most visited attractions in Berlin.
We did not have time to see the inside of each museum during our 2 days in Berlin.
But like many locals, we were happy enough to stroll the island and enjoy the architecture of all the buildings.
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
10. Admire the Berliner Dom
If you enjoy gorgeous architecture, then visiting the Berliner Dom, otherwise known as the Berlin Cathedral, is a definite must!
This neo-renaissance-style church was built in 1905 and is located on Museum Island.
Once again, not technically a cathedral, The Berliner Dom is still one of the city’s most important Protestant churches.
The Cathedral sustained damage in the Second World War, but the building never collapsed.
This made it possible for the church to be restored, rather than needing to be rebuilt.
Inside, the goldwork, mosaics created from marble and onyx, and sculptures, are definitely something to be seen.
Tickets must be purchased in advance to get into the Berliner Dom.
If you are looking for some pretty spectacular views, you will find them from the top of the Berliner Dome.
Of course, that’s provided you are up to climbing the 270 cathedral steps!
Location: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany
11. Climb the Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
If you want spectacular 360-degree views of Berlin, you will want to spend some time at the Berliner Fernsehturm.
At 368 meters high, the Berlin TV Tower is considered to be the tallest structure in Germany, and the third-tallest structure in the European Union.
Located near Alexanderplatz, in the middle of the city, the Fernsehturm is one of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks.
Although it was originally a symbol of Communist power, today, it represents a unified Berlin.
The Fernsehturm attracts almost 1.2 million visitors each year and is the perfect place to sightsee or have a meal.
The revolving restaurant is available for cocktails, lunch, or dinner reservations.
You will also find a pretty big gift shop at the base of the tower for some unique souvenirs.
🍩 Insider Tip: There is an awesome little donut shop just near the base of the tower. It’s a small shop with plenty of gourmet flavours. And they were the best donuts we had while in Germany!
Location: Panoramastraße 1A, Berlin BE 10178
12. See the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery
The longest preserved piece of the Berlin Wall is known worldwide as the East Side Gallery.
This is where 1.3 kilometres of the former border, was transformed into the longest open-air gallery in the world.
The East Side Gallery was opened on September 28, 1990.
118 artists, from 21 countries, created over 100 murals with individual messages and statements.
The artwork represented freedom, creativity, and the happiness felt over the fall of the Wall, and the end of the division.
In November 1991, the city of Berlin added the East Side Gallery to its monument register, preserving the artwork from demolition.
It is now one of the few remaining relics of the border fortifications at its original location and serves as a reminder that the city was divided for 28 years.
But just a heads up, it’s really busy! Literal bus loads of tourists will pull up alongside the gallery.
It will be pretty hard to get that Instagram-worthy shot of the infamous “The Kiss” unless you get there pretty early in the morning.
We had to wait for at least 20 minutes to get a half-decent photo. And this was on a weekday in December!
Berlin Tour Recommendations
One of the best ways to see Berlin is on a guided tour.
Whether it’s a walking tour, bike tour, or even a food tour, a local guide will be able to show you some of the best hidden gems around the city.
Here are a few of the recommended tours:
Other Things to Do in Berlin
Where to Stay in Berlin
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Berlin, the good news is that the city has a pretty great variety of hotels to suit any budget.
So whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a more upscale experience, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect accommodations in the city.
Luxury Hotels
Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt
Offers spacious rooms with fabulous bathrooms and high-quality bedding, located just across from the main railway station.
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
Known for its impeccable service and luxurious amenities, this hotel takes luxury to a new level with its spacious rooms, great spa, and pool area.
Moderate Hotels
The Circus Hotel
Situated in Mitte, this hotel combines affordable luxury with a central location, offering stylish rooms and a modern atmosphere.
Novotel Berlin Mitte
This family-friendly hotel is located in the heart of Berlin, offering modern rooms and amenities close to key attractions like Museum Island and Alexanderplatz.
Budget Hotels
Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz
Known for its fabulous ratings and central location, this hotel is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers.
Schulz Hotel Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery
Very popular and highly rated, this hotel is known for its clean rooms and great location near historical sites.
How to Get to Berlin
Getting to Berlin is really easy, thanks to Germany’s efficient and well-connected transportation network.
Whether you’re coming in by air, train, or road, here’s how you can quickly reach this incredible city:
By Air
Berlin is served primarily by Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which offers numerous domestic and international flights.
Options to get from BER to the city center include regional trains (Airport Express RE7 and RB14), S-Bahn (S9 and S45), buses, taxis, and rental cars.
By Train
Berlin is a major rail hub with frequent connections to all major German cities and numerous international destinations.
The main train stations are Hauptbahnhof (the central station), Ostbahnhof, and Südkreuz, offering extensive services including high-speed ICE trains.
By Car
If driving, Berlin is well-connected by highways.
Major routes include the A10 Berliner Ring, which encircles the city, and radial highways like A2, A9, and A11, which connect Berlin to other parts of Germany and Europe.
By Bus
Long-distance buses arrive at and depart from the Central Bus Station (ZOB), located in the western part of Berlin.
It’s served by many major bus companies, including FlixBus, which offers routes to numerous German cities and other European destinations.
Getting Around Berlin
Getting around Berlin is convenient thanks to its comprehensive and efficient public transportation system. Here are the main options:
U-Bahn (Subway)
Berlin’s U-Bahn system has nine lines that serve 173 stations across the city.
It operates frequently throughout the day and less frequently at night.
S-Bahn (Suburban Train)
The S-Bahn complements the U-Bahn by covering both city and suburban routes.
Major lines include the Ringbahn, which circles the city, and other lines that extend beyond into the greater Berlin region.
Buses and Trams
Extensive bus and tram networks cover areas not serviced by the U-Bahn and S-Bahn.
Night buses replace U-Bahn and S-Bahn services during off-peak hours. Trams mainly operate in East Berlin.
Get a Berlin WelcomeCard!
Enjoy UNLIMITED access by public transportation, FREE entry to more than 30 attractions, plus a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket with the Berlin WelcomeCard All Inclusive.
Or choose the Berlin WelcomeCard Museum Island & Public Transport for UNLIMITED travel by public transportation as well as FREE ENTRANCE to all museums on Museum Island.
Regional Trains
For travel to areas outside of Berlin, regional trains (Regionalbahn and Regionalexpress) are available and connect to surrounding cities and regions.
Bicycles
Berlin is bicycle-friendly with many dedicated bike lanes and routes.
You can rent bikes from various stations around the city using apps or rental shops.
Ride Sharing and Taxis
Several ride-sharing services are available throughout Berlin, and taxis can be easily hailed on the street or booked via an app.
Best Time to Visit Berlin
The best time to visit Berlin largely depends on what you’re looking for in your trip. Here’s a seasonal guide to help you decide:
Spring (March to May)
Summer (June to August)
Autumn (September to November)
Winter (December to February)
2 Day Berlin Itinerary – FAQs
Yes! The city has a ton of attractions that are family-friendly. Not to mention, the culture, food, and history offer a perfect opportunity for kids to learn while having fun.
Yes! In fact, Berlin is one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe. So even if you are visiting the city on a small budget, you don’t have to miss out on some of the best attractions like museums, operas, or famous landmarks.
Yes! Most Germans living in a larger city like Berlin have a pretty good grasp of English.
Yes, we found Berlin to be quite friendly for foreigners. The people are friendly and helpful, making it the perfect place to visit with kids.
Because there is a ton to do in Berlin, you could probably spend four or five days there. But if you only have 2 or 3 days to spend in the city, you should be able to comfortably see the major attractions.
Final Thoughts
And that was how we spent 2 days in Berlin Germany with kids! Hopefully, you have enjoyed this ultimate guide to a truly fantastic city.
With so many wonderful things to do, sites to see, and experiences to be had, you will definitely find something for everyone.
While spending 2 days in Berlin was a lot of fun, we would definitely recommend staying longer if it is at all possible.
We definitely wouldn’t say no to another return visit!
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