Guide to an express weekend in the German capital

You can go to Berlin a thousand times and you’ll never finish it. A city full of history, creativity and diversity that welcomes travelers with open arms, no matter what they’re looking for. With its mix of historic monuments, modern art spaces and vibrant nightlife, it’s a city that always has something new to offer. After being the epicenter of some of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century, Berlin has reinvented itself and is now a must-see destination for lovers of culture, history and good food.

Berlin is close enough to spend a weekend and big enough to return to time and time again. From the remains of its famous Wall to its spectacular museums, the majestic Brandenburg Gate and vibrant neighborhoods like Mitte, Berlin is a city in constant motion. Street art, cafes, markets, squares, restaurants, alternative lifestyle… Berlin has something for everyone.

So if you are planning to visit Berlin for two days, we are going to offer you an agenda full of visits so that you can discover the most famous face of the German capital, even if it is in an express visit.

Friday afternoon: first contact with Berlin

Let’s say you arrive in Berlin on a Friday afternoon. Perfect timing, just as the city is starting to enjoy a new weekend and surprises you with its energy. This city never seems to stop, so don’t rest on your laurels too much. After dropping your stuff off at the hotel, it’s time to start exploring.

Start at Alexanderplatz, one of the most famous squares in the city and the heart of Berlin. Here you will find the TV Tower (Fernsehturm), which, at 368 meters, boasts the title of the tallest publicly accessible building in Europe and from where you can enjoy an impressive view of the entire city. If you arrive in time, climb up to the viewpoint to enjoy the sunset from above.

After this first contact, head to Hackescher Markt, a perfect place to have dinner and feel the Berlin atmosphere at its best. This district, located a few minutes walk from Alexanderplatz and popular for its nightlife, is famous for its alleys full of urban art and its wide gastronomic offer. Since it is your first day, we suggest you opt for one curry sausageBerlin’s most iconic dish and one that you’ll surely want to try again throughout your weekend.

Before you rest and recharge for the next day, take a stroll through the courtyards of Hackesche Höfe, a series of interconnected Art Nouveau courtyards filled with galleries, boutiques and bars. This neighborhood, with its narrow streets, low houses and cozy atmosphere, is famous for its street art and bohemian vibe, ideal for an evening stroll and a bit of wandering before calling it a day.

Saturday: a full day exploring Berlin

Saturday will be the busiest day, so put on comfortable shoes and prepare to walk very hard, because this is the day you will discover the best of Berlin.

Start the day in a classic Berlin café where you can enjoy a typical German breakfast with Brotchen (bread rolls), cold cuts, cheese, jams, some fruit juices and coffee. With all this in mind, it is time to visit the most emblematic monuments of the city.

Your first stop will of course be the Brandenburg Gate, the most recognizable symbol of Berlin. Walk around to appreciate your float from all angles and use all your ingenuity to take a photo without all the crowds. From there, head to the Reichstag, the seat of the German Parliament. If you book in advance you can climb up to the glass dome and understand that “the vigilant people are above the government”. Besides the fact that the visit is very interesting to learn about the political history of the country, the dome itself is a marvel of modern architecture, designed by Norman Foster.

As you exit, a few minutes’ walk away, you will find the Holocaust Memorial, a remarkable monument dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Nazi genocide. Walking among its cement blocks generates a frightening sensation while helping to understand a fundamental part of Berlin’s history.

After an intense morning, it’s time to stop for a drink. The night before, you had already had your first contact with Mitte, Berlin’s main district (with means center), but it’s a good time to come back and continue enjoying its generous gastronomic offer. The options are many, but if you’re looking for something authentic, stop by Zur Letzten Instanz, which has been serving food since 1621 and is the oldest restaurant in Berlin. But wherever you eat, what you try today may be a traditional dish. Eisbein (pork shank) or a good schnitzel (breaded beef fillet, usually huge in size). But don’t worry, there are also typical soups and salads if you prefer something lighter.

You can dedicate Saturday afternoon to culture. Head to the Museum Island (Museumsinsel), declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and where you will find five world-famous buildings. You have the Altes Museum (Old Museum), the Neues Museum (New Museum), the Old National Gallery, the Bode Museum and the Pergamon Museum. However, the latter, perhaps the most famous in the city, is in the process of restoration and will keep its doors closed until the opening of the north wing with the Pergamon Altar in 2027 as part of the first phase. You won’t be able to see them all, so choose one and leave the others for your next visit.

Then cross the Friedrichshain district to pass through the famous East Side Gallery, the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, now transformed into an open-air gallery with murals painted by artists from all over the world. You are probably already familiar with some of its paintings, even if this is your first visit to the city. It is a good place to reflect on the recent history of the city and the symbolism of the Wall in the division of Germany.

For dinner and to round off the day, we suggest you head to the multicultural district of Kreuzberg, famous for its alternative atmosphere and varied gastronomic offer. Here you can try everything from Turkish cuisine (they say that doner kebab may have been invented in Berlin) to gourmet restaurants. If there is a cosmopolitan city in Germany, it is Berlin, so without moving too much you will have cuisines from many different places at your fingertips.

If you still have some energy left, Kreuzberg is also known for its nightlife, so don’t hesitate to stop by one of its bars or nightclubs to experience Berlin’s nightlife.

Sunday: A little more before the farewells

At this point, you’re probably already thinking about heading back to Berlin, but you still have a few hours before you have to fly home. You can spend the morning of your last day visiting some of the most important historical sites that you may have missed.

Start the morning at Checkpoint Charlie, the famous border crossing between East and West Berlin when the city was divided. Although it is now more of a tourist attraction than anything else, it remains an unforgettable symbol of the two Germanys. Then stroll around Gendarmenmarkt, one of Berlin’s most beautiful squares, flanked by two cathedrals: Französischer Dom (French Cathedral) and Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral).

To say goodbye to the city, we recommend having lunch in the lively Prenzlauer Berg district, famous for its cafes, parks and shops. Maybe before you leave, you’ll want to try one last time curry sausagemaybe this time with a different sauce than the previous one.

If the weather is nice and you prefer something quieter, you can do it on the lawn of Mauerpark, the park where Berliners go to relax and where on Sundays you will find a market and live music.

Before heading to the airport, take a moment to visit the Tiergarten, the largest park in the city that you’ve already seen on your way to the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, ideal for relaxing after a busy weekend. If you still have time, climb the Victory Column (Segessäule) via its 285-step spiral staircase, as it’s located in the center of the park and will give you a last panoramic view of Berlin.