300 years of history in 3 Days

Berlin 3 Day Itinerary

*This post was written by world traveler, Aiden Kjeldsen.  Aiden is a recent UC Davis, International Relations Honors graduate.

Among the great European cities, none in modern History draws a more infamous name than the Great Capital of Berlin.  Germany’s cultural, economic, and historical hub draws upon the endless creativity the locals and tourists bring to make it an unforgettable experience. 

Using a combination of walking and utilizing world-class public transportation makes getting around Berlin efficient and easy.  While the metropolitan city may seem overwhelming, here you will find the top things to do and food to eat to make your 1, 2, or 3 day Berlin itinerary an enriching experience!

Keep reading for the best Berlin 3 day Itinerary.  For a Berlin 2 day itinerary, you can speed up your pace and prioritize the places that sound most interesting to you.

Where to Stay in Berlin, Germany

Hotels or Apartments in Berlin are the best route for any first-time Berlin traveler who wants to get the most out of their time and experience.  The ideal region to stay is right in the heart of the city near Checkpoint Charlie.  This location puts you close to the city while just huddled away from the action.  

Find the best hotel or apartment in Berlin here

If this location is unavailable, stay near Alexander Platz or Potsdamer Platz, as both benefit from the advantage of being near quick travel in the form of the Metro Line.

Due to the modernness of Berlin, the experience is not further enhanced through traditional accommodations so make sure to stay in a modern hotel or apartment with comfy beds and soundproof windows to block out the noise of the bustling city.

Click here to read reviews and search for the perfect place to stay on Booking.com

Berlin Itinerary 3 Days

What to see in Berlin, Germany

Day 1 in Berlin: The Cold War and World War II

Despite one’s interest in History, there is no better way to begin one’s Berlin experience than to understand the sobering yet fascinating last 100 years.  These sites are critical for any tourist to see as they give them an appreciation of the weight the German people hold from their past troubled History.  It speaks volumes to the resilience and determination of the people not to let their past influence them, but rather let their future define them: a future of acceptance, hard work, and change.  

• CheckPoint Charlie, Topography of Terror, Berlin Wall, Platz des Volkaufstandes, Memorial to the Murdered Jews, Berlin Story Bunker, Brandenburg Gate, Soviet War Memorial Tiergarten, Republic Square (Reichstag building), Unter den Linden

The sites make a nice loop around the city center with plenty of places to rest, eat, and take in the city

Day 2 in Berlin: The Old and Modern (Mitte district)

The Eastern side of Berlin fascinatingly juxtaposes the old Gothic and Religious origins of Berlin with its modern metropolitan world to create a blend of beautiful sites and parks.  This day you will get to marvel at some of Berlin’s best attractions and in the afternoon, enjoy the grandeur of Berlin’s best museum.  

• Gendarmenmarkt (Neue Kirche),St. Hedwigs Cathederal, Alexanderplatzl, Nikolaiviertel, Rotes Rothes, Old City, St Mary Church, Alexander Platz, Marx-Engles Forum, Neptun Brunnen. Pergamon Museum

Day 3 in Berlin: The cultural roots

As early as the 1920 Berlin has been an attraction for its vibrant and diverse nightlife.  When the tough work weekends for Berliners, the atmosphere of celebration begins.  This feeling of celebration and letting loose culture of Berlin was reinvigorated by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.  Since then, the spirit of expression and freedom has become a staple of Berlin culture.  In tandem or bars and nightlife is not your scene, Spend the day exploring Berlin’s oldest and most famous Park Tiergarten and walking down the Kaufhaus des Westenes.  And during the later day, explore the famous MarketHalle Nuen walking in the vibrant Oranienstraße district.

• Tiergarten, Kaufhaus des Westenes, MarketHalle Nuen, Potsdamer Platz

Click here for the must have history guide for the top sites to see in Berlin

One Day Berlin Itinerary

If your time is limited in the ‘gray city’, these are the Top Must see sites in the city

• Brandenburg Gate, Republic Square (Reichstag building), Topography of Terror/Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Memorial to the Jews, AlexanderPlatz, Potsdamar Platz, Berlin Cathederal, Soviet War Memorial Tiergaten

Where to eat in Berlin

When someone thinks of Germany, a delicious and diverse food culture may not jump to mind.  However, due to Middle Eastern and Asian immigration to Berlin, the city hosts delicious ethnic cuisine that performs at a world-class level.  Aside from its ethnic scene, Berlin has delicious food markets and its local favorite currywurst vendors lined up the busy streets for quick and delicious meals.

• Curry36/Mustafa Kebab
• Liu’s NoodleHause
• Marhein Markthalle
• Lomen’s NH
• G wie Goulash
• Zeit fus brat (bakery)
• Cafe Bonjour (bakery)
• The Barn (bakery)
• Betahaus Cafe (coffeee)
• Die Espressonisten (coffee)
• Cafe Luzia (bar)

Click here for the must have history guide for the top sites to see in Berlin