Berlin is a captivating tapestry of history and modern living. As the capital city of Germany, it has a vast array of historic sites and memorials alongside modern architecture and an international presence. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan what to do in Berlin as well as learn the ins and outs of traveling to Berlin.
To make your trip even more memorable, search for any history the city might hold for you specifically. Find out if you have family from Berlin or if there’s any cultural heritage that carries through your family’s history.
Quick links to help you find what you’re looking for:
- Insider Tips on Berlin
- When to Visit Berlin
- How to Get Around Berlin
- Eating in Berlin
- Finding Family Connections in Berlin
- Berlin Cemeteries
- Genealogical Societies and Other Resources
- Historic Sites in Berlin
- Experience Berlin Like a Local
Insider Tips on Berlin
Traveling to new places can be a bit intimidating for some. If you’re not sure what to do in Berlin or what customs to expect, these tips from Berlin locals will help you prepare:
- Learn a few German phrases. German is the most common language spoken in Berlin, and learning a few key phrases will help you get by. If you speak English, most people also speak some English.
- Don’t plan outings on Sundays. Many places are closed on Sundays, giving workers a much-needed break at the end of the week. Be prepared because most markets, many restaurants, and virtually all businesses close on Sundays.
- Observe quiet hours. Quiet hours are treated seriously in Berlin. From 10 pm to 6 am, noise is kept to a minimum. It’s also polite (and in some places enforced) to be quiet from 1 pm to 3 pm in the afternoon.
- Be mindful of bike lanes. Bike lanes are incorporated throughout the city, so be careful not to stand or walk in bike lanes.
- Bring cash. While cards are accepted in some places, they’re not accepted everywhere. Always carry cash, especially because many public toilets require you to pay.
- Take your shoes off in someone’s house. If you’re a guest in someone’s home, take your shoes off inside.
When to Visit Berlin
In Berlin, May through September are the warmest months, though April and October can also have warm weather. May, June, September, and October offer pleasant, mild temperatures (50°–70° F or 10°–21° C), but you’re also likely to run into crowds. If you go in the hottest months of July and August (70°–80° F or 21°–27° C), be prepared to go without A/C, as most locations don’t have it in Berlin.
Berlin is less crowded in winter months, but the trade-off is that it can be cold and dark. You can expect temperatures around 30° F or -1° C in the winter.
One of the most important choices you can make when planning a trip is when to go. Weather, events, and crowds all vary throughout the year, so it can be tricky knowing the best time to travel. The following events can also help you choose when to go and what to do in Berlin:
Cherry Blossom Trees
One of Berlin’s most incredible and meaningful sights comes every spring. Thousands of cherry blossom trees line walkways in Berlin, creating a breathtaking atmosphere when in bloom. The trees bloom anywhere from March to May, but the trees are typically on full display by mid April. You can even attend multiple cherry blossom festivals during this time as well:
- Cherry Blossom Festival in the Gardens of the World
- Britzer Baumblüte in Britz
- Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival at the Berlin Wall Trail
Several spots around the city boast the show-stopping trees, but TV Asahi Cherry Blossom Alley is one you can’t miss. Here over 1,000 trees line the Berlin Wall Trail. When the Berlin Wall fell around 1989, the TV Asahi television station in Japan held a fundraiser to send cherry blossom trees to Germany in celebration. The trees, which line the trail where the wall once stood, are symbolic of spring and new life.
If you visit, enjoy the beauty and tranquility the trees offer, but also remember their historical significance. The Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Germany for nearly 3 decades, represents a time of great pain in Germany. It was even nicknamed the “death strip” for the lives lost trying to flee across the border.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest has garnered worldwide fame as the celebration of a lifetime. German foods and drinks, along with music, costumes, carnival, games, dancing, and more, await you at Oktoberfest.
If you’re interested in joining the festivities, Oktoberfest actually starts in September in favor of milder weather and goes into early October. The original Oktoberfest is held in Munich, and you can easily take a trip from Berlin or attend one of several Berlin events as well.
These tips from Berlin locals will help you make the most of Oktoberfest:
- Though famous in part for beer, you can find alcohol-free beer throughout the event.
- Try the devil’s wheel if you can stomach it. The ride puts you on a spinning plate, where you can try to stay in the center.
- Visit Oide Wiesn, or Old Oktoberfest, a nostalgic and historic festival.
- You can find a used dirndl and lederhosen, traditional German clothing worn at the festival, cheaper with websites such as Vinted or Poshmark.
- You need to be sitting down to order food and drinks, so reserving a spot in the tents can help when it gets crowded.
- Bring plenty of cash because you may not be able to use a card.
Christmas Markets
Germany has some of the most picturesque Christmas markets in the world. In Berlin, there are dozens of Christmas markets throughout November and December. If you’re in the area during the Christmas season, attending one of the magical markets is a must for your list of things to do in Berlin. The Christmas ambiance with German architecture is the stuff of dreams.
There are markets in palaces and historic districts with huge sledding hills, shopping, ice skating,, and more. With so many choices, there’s bound to be one that fits each person’s interests. To help you find the perfect fit, delve into Berlin’s guide of Christmas markets.
No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to be surrounded by Christmas lights and delicious German foods and drinks. While you’re there, try these treats recommended by Berlin residents:
- Gebrannte mandeln: candied toasted almonds
- Champignon: fried mushrooms
- Lebkuchen: a sweet cake similar to gingerbread
- Christstollen: fruit bread filled with marzipan and topped with powdered sugar
Two German words that can help you at the markets:
- Pfand: a deposit you pay that will be refunded when you return a mug or container
- Bude: a market stall or booth
How to Get Around Berlin
It’s easy to get around Berlin without a car. In fact, most people in Berlin don’t use cars, and parking can be expensive. Instead, plan to get by on foot, bike, train, or bus.
If you can’t bring your own bike with you, don’t worry. There are rental bikes placed all around the city that you can access with apps on your phone. Once you’ve secured a bike, use the bike lanes to get just about anywhere.
While bikes are a great option, they’re not accessible to everyone. A network of buses and trains make it easy to get around in Berlin. Berlin’s public transportation website will help you find your way. A note of caution though—there are no turnstiles at the train stations, but you still need to buy a ticket. If an operator makes rounds and you don’t have a ticket, you’ll face a fine.
Eating in Berlin
One of the best parts of traveling somewhere new is experiencing the unique foods the place has to offer. Food shares so much about a culture, from its history to its local ingredients to its customs, making food one of the most interesting components of a culture.
German locals love eating at cafes, so there are plenty to choose from. When dining out, tipping is entirely optional. If you choose to tip, you can round your bill up or add 5%–10%. Since waiters don’t rely on a constant flow of tips, most diners enjoy a slow, leisurely dining experience. There are endless delicious options to choose from, but some locals particularly recommend trying döner kebab (rotisserie meat in flatbread) and flammkuchen (a German flatbread pizza).
If you plan to make your own food while in Berlin, Berlin residents shared tips on what to do in Berlin grocery stores:
- Germany is famous for bread. There are dozens of varieties of bread to choose from, and most stores are equipped with a bread slicing machine.
- Recycle. Don’t throw bottles in the trash. Instead, return them to a collection bin at the store to earn some cash. Otherwise, leave them on the ground by a trash can so someone else can return the bottles instead.
- Don’t expect small talk. Don’t be offended if a cashier doesn’t ask how your day was. Berlin locals generally keep to themselves, and small talk isn’t commonplace. Germans prioritize direct and honest communication, and it’s not considered rude.
- Eggs and long life milk are stored at room temperature. While fresh milk might be found in the refrigerated section, look elsewhere for eggs and milk that can be stored in a pantry.
- Bottles are sold separately. Packages of bottles such as 6-packs are sold individually, so don’t feel shy about removing the plastic wrap if you only want one or two.
- Bag your own groceries. Grocery stores don’t have baggers, so expect to bag your own groceries.
- Taxes are included. The price you see listed on a price tag is the final price you’ll pay at the register.
- The customer isn’t always right. Germans recognize that a lot of problems are out of an employee’s control, so don’t make a scene if something isn’t to your liking.
Finding Family Connections in Berlin
Make the most of your trip by finding deeply meaningful places to visit in Berlin. One way to do that is by discovering family in Berlin, along with sites significant to your family’s history. Heritage travel is one of the best ways to connect to your past.
If you’re not sure if you have ancestors or family from Berlin, try using FamilySearch, a free genealogy website with the world’s largest shared family tree. Once you’ve connected to the family tree, you’ll be able to find your ancestors with the help of the family tree built by a global community.
It’s easy to try, and you’ll be rewarded with a wealth of information about your relatives, past and present. This guide will help you get started with FamilySearch.
Once you’re tapped into the shared family tree, use this interactive world map to see if there are any historic destinations for your family in or near Berlin.
Berlin Cemeteries
Remembering the names and stories of loved ones keeps their memories alive, and it’s an avenue to better understanding your family’s history and yourself. Visiting cemeteries can create a deeper connection with people that have passed as well as foster understanding for the history of a place. While you’re thinking about what to do in Berlin, consider this unconventional approach to the city’s history, as well as your own.
These FamilySearch maps show the locations of your family members from the family tree in cemeteries around the world. Use them to explore cemeteries in Berlin.
You can also use resources such as Find a Grave and BillionGraves to search for surnames linked to your family in a specific location and see what gravesites might come up.
Even if you don’t have a specific grave in mind, cemeteries are well worth the time. Stepping away from the busy bustle of crowded cities and reflecting on the lives and stories of people before you can be a deeply enriching experience. These cemeteries are worth visiting while you’re in Berlin:
For more cemeteries that you can visit, reference this list of Berlin cemeteries.
Genealogical Societies and Other Resources
If you know that you have family from Berlin, but you want to learn more or haven’t been able to find certain information about them, local societies, libraries, and archives can be helpful in unlocking your family’s stories. Keep these things in mind:
- FamilySearch Centers and Affiliate Libraries offer free help and resources to the public to research genealogy.
- Genealogy societies may or may not be able to provide research assistance, but they sometimes publish compiled genealogies and periodicals, and they may have access to special collections and archives. (See this list of German Genealogical Societies.)
- Libraries and Archives are usually private or publicly owned buildings where historical records are stored. They may contain information about your ancestors that is not available online. Visit their site, or call ahead to see if appointments are necessary or to know what to bring. (See this list of Berlin Libraries and Archives.)
- Historical societies provide information about locations in the area that have great historical significance, and can give context to your Berlin family's experiences in the past. They may also organize historical tours.
Doing online research and gathering information about your Berlin ancestors before your trip is usually a good idea. You'll particularly want to bring with you names, dates, and locations you know are associated with your German ancestors. These 2 guides can help you do self-directed German ancestor research before your trip:
FamilySearch centers can help with pretrip family research as well. Find a FamilySearch location near you.
Here are a few societies and genealogy resources to consider learning about or visiting in Berlin:
Located in a church building and managed by the nonprofit organization, FamilySearch International, you can find hours of operation, contact information, and an idea of what languages are spoken at the center on their site.
Their website has great information about archives, tips and help resources, and more.
Information is available on their site about monthly visits they make to Berlin historical sites, and they also offer a list of Berlin museums and other associations.
Their site has helpful directions on how to request information about family members who came from Berlin.
Information about using the archives to search for ancestors can be found on their site, as well as important information about finding local archives with more resources.
Historic Sites in Berlin
Berlin is a city with a rich history. There are a number of deeply significant sites to experience if you’re looking for what to do in Berlin. Take a step back in time with these monuments, castles, and more:
1. Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century monument that once served as a city gate on the road to the Berlin Palace. Throughout its history, the gate was used for major political moments. Napoleon himself symbolically rode through the gate in a triumphant procession.
Over a century later, Berlin citizens gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to protest the construction of the Berlin Wall. Once the Berlin Wall was in place dividing West and East Germany, the gate was in no-man’s land and could only be viewed from a distance. With the fall of the wall, the monument became a symbol for peace and the reunification of Germany.
2. Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe
This Holocaust memorial features 2,711 large concrete slabs arranged in rows. The slabs vary in height and have somewhat irregular angles and positions. The skewed design is intended to make visitors feel a sense of unease and uncertainty. It represents the order in society that grew out of balance.
Below the monument, an underground information center houses the names and stories of Jewish victims in the Holocaust. Walk through the memories of individuals with photos, diaries, and letters.
3. Berlin Cathedral
One of the most impressive architectural feats in the city is the Berlin Cathedral. The protestant cathedral construction was finished in 1905 and served as the chapel for the Berlin Palace. You can even attend concerts at the cathedral.
4. The Empty Library
During World War 2, Nazis confiscated and publicly burned books that weren’t supportive of Nazi views. In Berlin, the books were burned at Bebelplatz, a public plaza. At the plaza, a window nestled into the cobblestone street now allows viewers to look down on rows of empty bookshelves. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but the memorial holds deep significance. It’s known as the Empty Library and serves as a reminder of the book burnings.
5. Gendarmenmarkt
Gendarmenmarkt is an awe-inspiring public square in Berlin. It’s famous for featuring a trio of striking historic buildings: the German Cathedral, the French Cathedral, and Konzerthaus (concert hall). The square was built in the 17th century, a time when French immigrants were settling in Berlin.
6. The Deserted Room
In Koppenplatz, a small park in Berlin, a simple but powerful sculpture serves as an important reminder. A metal table stands alone with two chairs—one that is overturned and one that is still standing. The sculpture, known as the Deserted Room, depicts the many homes that were overturned when Jews and other Holocaust victims were taken from their homes without warning.
7. Stolpersteine
Throughout Europe, there are brass plaques called Stolpersteine set into the streets. The plaques name victims of Nazi Germany and are placed in front of the victims’ last home. The creator, Gunter Demnig, says “a person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.”
Stolpersteine translates to “stumbling stone," and the name holds multiple meanings. The plaques are meant to be accidentally stumbled upon, reminders in daily life.
8. Museum Island
Spreeinsel, an island in the Spree River, hosts 5 world-famous museums: the Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgaleri, and Altes Museum. The museums together offer an impressive collection of art, sculptures, and artifacts from a range of time periods and cultures.
It’s such a renowned spot that it was made a UNESCO World Heritage site. The first museum opened in 1830 and is known as Altes Museum (old museum). Since then, 5 museums have been built, and it became known as Museum Island.
Experience Berlin Like a Local
As a traveler, it can be difficult to know where to get away from tourist traps in an unfamiliar area. If you’re looking for what locals do in Berlin, these ideas might help. Berlin is filled with flea markets, farmer’s markets, boutiques, vintage shops, and more that have so much to offer. They’re a popular stop for locals and tourists alike and can offer a great look into what the city has to offer. In particular, try Markthalle Neun, a historic market hall with tons of local goods.
While you’re out, stop at Tiergarten, the city’s large central park. The park stretches over hundreds of acres in the heart of the city and sports memorials, music, and more.
And, according to locals, you may want to skip out on Alexanderplatz. It’s a famous square popular with tourists, but locals usually avoid it. Prices at the square are high, it’s crowded, and you can often find better things to do elsewhere in the city. If you still want to go, the TV tower, while pricey, offers spectacular views of the city from above.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Berlin is sure to bring many unique experiences, no matter what you do or when you go. Find something that makes the trip special for you—whether it’s exploring the city’s deep history, searching for memories of your ancestors, or vibing at local shops. Along the way, take photos and write down your experiences to save your memories for years to come.
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At FamilySearch, we care about connecting you with your family, and we provide fun discovery experiences and family history services for free. Why? Because we cherish families and believe that connecting generations can improve our lives now and forever. We are a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To learn more about our beliefs, click here.
