The BEST 2 Days in Berlin Itinerary | Explore Berlin in 48 Hours

Planning on spending two days in Berlin? You’ve landed in the right place, as I have put together this two-day itinerary, which includes everything you need to know to make your trip to Berlin simply perfect. As a city with such a complex history, lots of character and as the capital and largest city in Germany; Berlin definitely has as much to offer visitors as you’ve heard.

I have personally visited Berlin on four different occasions now, simply because it always leaves such an impression on me. I’m always eager to return to see more the next time, and I have never had a problem with finding new and exciting things to do and see in this incredibly diverse city.

2 Days In Berlin Itinerary Overview

Whether you’re visiting Berlin with kids, backpacking around Europe, or sneaking away for a quick weekend getaway – I’m sure you’ll love my 2-day Berlin itinerary! It’s filled with lots of beautiful photos, fun recommendations, and activities that will keep you busy from start to finish.

On this itinerary, I’ve not only listed exactly what to do for each minute of your visit to Berlin, but I’ve also answered a range of burning question you will likely have about the city. From where to stay to where to eat to where to party, I’m sure it will answer every single question you could have.

So without further ado, enjoy my 2 day Berlin itinerary, and be sure to hit me up if you have any questions!

Where to Stay In Berlin

Berlin has a lot of options in terms of accommodation; from budget backpackers hostels to 5-star luxury hotels – it really just depends on your budget and style. What makes overnight stays in Berlin so exciting is being able to experience some of the more quirky and unique accommodation options available. And the exciting thing about Berlin is that it has many eclectic neighborhoods scattered within the city, giving you lots of diverse options for places to stay.

For a first timer in Berlin it might be easier to check in the most central neighborhood, Mitte, due to it being the main centre of the city and therefore closest to everything. However, if it’s exciting nightlife you are after, then Kruezerg is the neighborhood for you. For the budget travelers and backpackers, you might prefer Friedrichshain, which still has a lot to offer, including many coffee shops and the famous EastSide Gallery.

With all that being said, here are a few of my recommendations for accommodation in Berlin for a few different types of traveler.

Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz: One of the most central, highly-recommended and still affordable Berlin hotels, the Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz is located right in the centre of town, in buzzing Mitte, and offers modern, high-rise rooms and suites, a bar and lounge, wellness centre and amazing rooftop terrace boasting epic views across Berlin.
Moevenpick Hotel Berlin: A colorful 4-star hotel in a very central location of Berlin, within walking distance to many famous landmarks such as Topography of Terror, Checkport Charlie and is only 600 metres away from Potsdamer Platz which is the entertainment district of Berlin. With big family rooms available, public transport links close by, and with a very well reviewed and elegant restaurant in the hotel.
EastSeven Berlin Hostel: Not only is it nominated in the Top 10 Hostels every year since 2006 and is also Rated 9.5 on Hostelworld; EastSeven is also perfectly located next to the bars, shops and museums. It’s the ideal stay for those wanting a social place to meet others, due to the many communal areas, kitchen and outdoor Bbq area. I have personally stayed in this hostel and had a great experience.

How To Get Around Berlin

Like many European cities, Berlin is very easy to navigate your way around. The central area of the city (Mitte) is reasonably small, so getting around on foot is very easy. The majority of my visits to Berlin have resulted in me taking to the streets by foot, simply because of how close together the central areas are. Cycling is also an easy option due to Berlin being so flat. Locals love cycling.

Berlin also has a very well laid out public transport system too. With the trains, trams and buses all very easy to navigate, you shouldn’t have a problem getting to and from all of the further away places reasonably quickly either. Berlin is divided into three tariff zones: AB, BC and ABC, which makes it easier for tourists to figure out their routes and buy travel passes. Day travel cards and multiple trip purchases are available and can save you a bit of money if you plan on taking multiple trips in the same day.

If you happen to stay in Berlin for longer than 2 days, you could think about booking Berlin WelcomeCard: Museum Island & Public Transport which gives you travel access for 72 unlimited hours.

Berlin also has a range of rideshare offerings like Uber and many taxi companies, or you could grab a ticket for their Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which will take you around all the key city sights and teach you a little about them too!

The Best Things To Do In Berlin

My following itinerary will go into more detail on exactly what you’ll be doing over your two days in Berlin, however here I’ve shortlisted a taste of what to expect, which is guaranteed to get your excited about your upcoming trip to the Germany capital. A few highlights of what to expect include…

Take in the views from Berlin TV Tower.
Visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate.
Explore the Reichstag building.
Marvel at the Berlin Cathedral.
Unwind in the Tiergarten.
Pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial.
Discover the history of the Tempelhof Airport.
Discover the art that Berlin is renowned for.
Take a snap at Checkpoint Charlie.
Tour the city’s many fascinating museums.
Spend time at the Berlin Zoo.
Chow down on some of the best food in Europe.
Party in Berlin’s coolest bars and clubs.

Plus so much more awaits you, both in Berlin and on my Berlin itinerary! Let’s get into it!

Berlin Itinerary Day 1: Iconic Sights & A Taste of Berlin’s Storied History

It’s your first official day in Berlin, and I’ve outlined a range of activities that are the ideal way to dip your toe into how this cosmopolitan city operates and what it has to offer. Today, you’ll take in some of Berlin’s most world-renowned sights, enjoy a taste of its culture and learn a little about its sombre 20th century history. Here’s what I recommend ticking off your Berlin bucket list on Day 1.

Museum Island

If you love wandering around world-renowned museums, then Museum Island is definitely for you. You only pay for one ticket and gain access to five incredible museums. With six thousands years of culture and history on display, you will definitely having seen some magnificent collections and having learned something new. Purchasing a Museum Island Skip-The-Line Ticket will save you precious time. Close by is also the Berlin Cathedral, another must-see while you are in the area.

Berlin TV Tower at Alexanderplatz

At 368 meters tall, and the highest building in Europe that is open to the public, the TV Tower is a very iconic part of the Berlin skyline and definitely has to be seen up close (or even from inside) while you are in the city of Berlin.

Inside the TV Tower you have a 360-degree panoramic view of the whole city. Don’t also forget to explore the shopping around Alexanderplatz while you are in the area. Save some time and book this popular “Berlin TV Tower FAST TRACK Ticket” to skip the line.

Brandenburg Gate

As one of the most popular sights in Berlin today, Brandenburg Gate is the only surviving historical gate in the city. This area is always busy, but for good reason. At the gate are various informational signs that you can read, which highlight the history of the gate and explain the huge significance of it in Berlin’s history. It served as the main divider of the East and West of Berlin.

Don’t forget to check out the gate by night too! It is lit up brightly and is a dramatic sight to behold.

Tiergarten

Conveniently located right behind the Brandenberg Gate is Berlin’s most popular park, Tiergarten. At five kilometres long, you will definitely have a lot to see, especially in the warmer months. Here you will find people jogging, skating, cycling, walking and sunbathing. You can also find many famous memorials throughout the park. There are many signposts and maps around the gardens so don’t worry too much about getting lost. It’s amazing that such a large green space exists in such a bustling city!

Berlin Holocaust Memorial

Located just a few minutes walk from the Tiergarten and Brandenburg Gate is the Berlin Holocaust Memorial. The memorial was created to commemorate up to six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Located in Mitte, where the former wall once stood, a visit here is a sobering experience with so much impact, and any trip to Berlin needs to include a stop off here.

Berlin Itinerary Day 2: Art, Culture & Even More History!

You walked all over on Day 1 of your trip to Berlin, and I bet you’re well slept and up early raring to go with your second and final day in the city. If you’ve got this far and are wondering where to eat and drink in Berlin during this trip, don’t worry! Towards the end of this itinerary, I’ve got you covered with a range of personal recommendations. On your second day in Berlin, you’ll discover even more of this city’s fascinating history, immerse yourself in its artistic spirit, pick up some cherished souvenirs, get a few scares and maybe even see some cute and cuddly creatures up close and personal – if you have time! Let’s hit the streets.

Tempelhof Airport

What is more fun than visiting an old airfield that is no longer in operation? Honestly, Tempelhof Airport is one of my favourite places to visit in all of Berlin. Here you will find many cyclists, joggers and skaters taking laps around the airfield or racing down the runway. It’s a nice place to escape the city life and get some exercise in too.

But the airfield isn’t just a cool place to visit. It is also notorious for its Nazi and Cold War History. I was very surprised to learn that this airfield was used by Hitler to hold one of his largest public speeches.

East Side Gallery

One of my favourite places in Berlin to enjoy a stroll and take some fun Instagram photos is the East Side Gallery, located at the Mühlenstraße in the district Berlin Friedrichshain. The Eastside Gallery was originally part of the Berlin Wall and is now the world’s longest open-air gallery in the world. It is 1.3 kilometres long and was created by 118 artists from 21 different countries. All of the artwork on the walls tells a story, often with insight and stories into Berlin’s history.

Checkpoint Charlie

Located on the corner of Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße, Checkpoint Charlie was one of several crossings in and around Berlin during the Cold War. It is a reminder of the partition of Berlin’s East and West. Checkpoint Charlie is the most popular of all crossings due to the many stories surrounding it, like the many East German attempts to escape to the West. This is definitely a spot with significance, and is easy to see it quickly without taking up too much time from your day.

The Topography Of Terror Museum

Located close to Checkpoint Charlie, is The Topography of Terror Museum. It features an exhibition which stands on the original historical site where the Secret State Police, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office were actually located. The exhibition displays the history of Nazi Germany, and entry is free, so no excuse not to go! The museum is open from 10am to 8pm daily.

Mauerpark Flea Market

Located in the vibrant Prenzlauer Berg District, there are many reasons to visit Mauerpark on your trip to Berlin. The park showcases many colourful pieces of street art, has a relaxed and authentic local vibe, and there are also some pretty nice cafes in the area for lunch.

The main reason you would want to visit Mauerpark is for the weekly flea market held here every Sunday. The flea market sells pretty much anything you could think of, so there will definitely be lots to browse and many chances to pick up some souvenirs of your time in Berlin. For some great entertainment, there is also a Sunday karaoke session held on the amphitheatre.

The Berlin Zoo

No visit to Berlin would be complete without checking out their incredible zoo located right in the centre of West Berlin. With highlights such as the hippo house, penguin world and also a brilliant playground, the Berlin Zoo is a must-visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids. However, maybe save this for another visit if you’re pressed for time, as a proper meander around can take up a large chunk of your second day in Berlin! To save time, buy your tickets online to avoid queuing.

Where to Eat In Berlin

One of the best things about Berlin is that has such an abundance of coffee shops, restaurants and street food options available. The of restaurants, just like most things in Berlin, are very unique, of high quality and also come with very reasonable prices. Pl;us Germany food is simply irresistible, hearty and filling! Here are a few of my favourite coffee shops, restaurants and food recommendations in Berlin!

Indulge in currywurst- a Berlin staple: No trip to Berlin is complete without a tasty currywurst or two. Even thinking about them makes my mouth water all over again! Finding somewhere serving up the famous Berlin dish isn’t hard to come across, due to many food vendors in the city serving them up hot and mouthwatering. However, many would say that Curry 36 has the best currywurst you can get.
Brammibal’s Donuts: I must have visited this place at least four times throughout my many visits to Berlin. Not only are the donuts colourful, unbelievably tasty and beautifully decorated, but they also sell amazing coffee too. Oh, and the donuts are vegan. Brammibal’s also has locations in other Germany cities, like Hamburg.
The Bird: For some of the best burgers in Berlin, take a trip to the very well known restaurant, The Bird. All burgers are made from high quality freshly ground meat and are grilled perfectly. There are a variety of chains around Berlin, including The Bird BBQ in Schönhauser Allee and The Bird Express in Mitte.

Where To Drink & Party In Berlin

I think many would agree that one of the best things about Berlin is the incredible nightlife. Berlin truly is a city that never sleeps and really is at its most alive at night. With so many world famous clubs and bars, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here is a list of my personal favorite places to head to for a party in Berlin.

Dschungel: My absolute favorite bar in Berlin, simply due to the awesome theme and atmosphere inside. With green plants everywhere, a tropical vibe and actual real frogs hopping around, Dschungel is definitely a super weird, but also very fun and relaxing, bar to chill out in.
Klunkerkranich: Another personal favorite of mine; Klunkerkranich is an urban garden bar located on top of a multi-story car park. There is a small entrance fee, which goes towards keeping the place looking so fresh and beautifully decorated, but it’s well worth the visit. It’s a place with lots of young people hanging around and with a very local vibe.
Berghain: For those who like a challenge and a big night out, you really can’t make a Berlin itinerary without at least mentioning Berghain. It has a reputation of being one of the world’s most difficult nightclubs to get into. With queues up to three hours long, strict door policies and a chance of instant rejection simply because you do not look the part, it’s a challenge to say the least. Some may say it isn’t worth the hassle, but I personally think that you have to at least give it a go.
Tresor: For techno enthusiasts who failed at getting into to Berghain, make your way over to Tresor for a night filled with pounding bass, hidden basement raves and good vibes. I’ve visited Tresor a number of times, and it’s one of my top clubs in Europe!

Berlin Travel Tips

To wrap up this piece, I wanted to shortlist a few handy Berlin travel tips that will definitely ensure that your trip goes even more smoothly!

Book a free Berlin walking tour: I personally find that the best way to explore a city is on foot. And what’s even better than wondering around and learning lots of facts by joining in on a FREE walking tour? Many of the historical sites and places of interest that I mentioned previously in this itinerary also happen to be included in this amazing 3 hour long walking tour. Ran by very knowledgable local guides, you really can’t go wrong booking yourself in on this amazing experience.
Attend a chamber concert at lunchtime: What is better than getting the chance to witness one of Berlin’s classical music concerts at the renowned Philharmonie? Getting to witness a free concert here, which happens most Tuesday’s at lunchtime. This was a Berlin highlight for me, and if you do happen to be there on a Tuesday, it is absolutely something you do not want to miss.
Ride a bike like a local: Berlin is one of my absolute favorite cities in Europe to explore on two wheels! The roads are all really well paved, and the center is relatively small and compact. If you’re nervous about doing it on your own, why not join a tour? This Berlin bike tour is the most highly-rated in the city, and hits all the key sights!

Planning a trip to Berlin & Europe?

Check out a few of my other articles that can help you plan your travels! I’ve spent a lot of time living and working in Europe, so browse through some of my favorite blog posts below for some seriously handy insider tips.

Thanks for reading my 2 Days in Berlin itinerary!

Share this Berlin itinerary with your Europe travel squad!