How To Spend One Week In Berlin – The Ultimate Guide

Are you planning a trip to Berlin? Here is the ultimate guide to spending one week in Berlin, filled with the best things to do while here including some incredible day trips!

Have you started planning a trip to Berlin? If so, you have come to the right place! In this guide, I will create the perfect Berlin itinerary for spending one week in Berlin. From the historical sites all first-time visitors must see, to some local hidden gems, I promise there is something here for everyone. This guide includes two day trips. however, if this isn’t your first time in Berlin, feel free to add some other trips from the places I recommend below!

Since I already have guides with everything to do in Berlin, this post will focus more on how to plan your trip and which things you should do each day. This guide has been carefully constructed based on what is open/popular on which days. I have linked the other articles below so you check them out as well, but will also link them to the relevant days for your convenience. Berlin is such a wonderful city and a week is barely enough to get to know it well, but you will definitely see all you need to in this short time. 

Read More:

13 Must-See Historical Places in Berlin

 17 Alternative Things To Do in Berlin

 6 of the Best Places To See Street Art in Berlin

Before I get into the guide I have created for how to spend one week in Berlin, I thought I would address some frequently asked questions that a lot of people are curious about before visiting. 

FAQs About Berlin

What is the best month to visit Berlin?

The best months to visit Berlin would definitely be anywhere between May and September. While May will still give some colder sunny days, July tends to be very hot, so plan your visit based on your optimal temperatures. Although you could visit Berlin at any time of the year, outside of these months there will be many fun activities that will be closed. Therefore, the only time I would recommend visiting outside of this timeframe, would be if you love Christmas and want to witness a winter wonderland. 

Is one week enough for Berlin?

One week in Berlin is usually enough time to experience the city properly. While you will never be able to see all that this city and its’ surrounding areas have to offer, you will be able to experience many things. This guide even has 2 days that are dedicated to day trips, however, you can also use them to experience Berlin like a local!

Is Berlin friendly to tourists?

The short answer is yes Berlin is friendly to tourists. Lately, I have seen a lot of people complaining that Berliners can sometimes be less than accommodating to tourists. Firstly, I would like to remind you that this is usually a minority group of people living here and that most locals are very friendly. Secondly, Germany in general is not a very English-speaking country. Locals will always prefer that you speak their language, and while it is fair that you don’t speak German, learning to say “Hello”, “Thank You” and “Goodbye” can go a long way here.

Lastly, Berlin is a little different from other European cities. While it is great that it is so popular, Berliners are a very unique group of people and they like to keep their daily life as it is. By saying this, I simply mean that you should always be respectful towards the locals and make sure you know the appropriate dress codes if you want to go to a certain club. 

This post is all about how to spend one week in Berlin.

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin is a huge city, so choosing where to stay can often be overwhelming, especially since each district is quite unique. Below you can find a quick overview of each neighborhood in Berlin, to figure out which area you should base yourself for the week. 

Mitte

• Vibe: Central, Historic, Trendy
• Best for: First-time visitors, culture enthusiasts, luxury travelers
• Description: As the historical and geographical heart of Berlin, Mitte is home to major landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Alexanderplatz. It’s perfect for those wanting to be in the thick of the action, with easy access to museums, upscale shopping, and fine dining.

Prenzlauer Berg

• Vibe: Bohemian, Family-Friendly, Stylish
• Best for: Families, couples, and those who enjoy cafes, parks, and boutiques
• Description: Known for its picturesque streets lined with restored historic buildings, Prenzlauer Berg offers a laid-back vibe with plenty of cafes, independent shops, and parks. It’s a great area for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere with a touch of trendy culture.

Kreuzberg

• Vibe: Alternative, Multicultural, Lively
• Best for: Young travelers, nightlife enthusiasts, artists
• Description: Kreuzberg is famous for its vibrant nightlife, street art, and diverse food scene. It’s a melting pot of cultures with a strong alternative spirit, ideal for those looking to experience Berlin’s edgier side.

Friedrichshain

• Vibe: Hip, Youthful, Dynamic
• Best for: Budget travelers, party-goers, students
• Description: A hub for nightlife and creative energy, Friedrichshain is known for the East Side Gallery, clubs, and hip bars. It’s a great spot for those looking for an energetic atmosphere with plenty of budget-friendly options.

Charlottenburg

• Vibe: Elegant, Upscale, Historic
• Best for: Luxury travelers, history buffs, shoppers
• Description: Charlottenburg offers a more traditional and refined experience with landmarks like Charlottenburg Palace and high-end shopping on Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm). It’s ideal for those seeking a quieter, more sophisticated stay.

Neukölln

• Vibe: Up-and-coming, Diverse, Artsy
• Best for: Artists, hipsters, budget-conscious travelers
• Description: Neukölln is an increasingly popular neighborhood with a growing arts scene, multicultural eateries, and a youthful vibe. It’s perfect for those who enjoy discovering hidden gems in a less touristy, yet dynamic area.

One Week In Berlin – The Ultimate Guide

Below is everything to do in Berlin in 7 days. I have structured this itinerary to start on a Monday, and have purposely chosen the activities for each day based on what is open. Typically the more alternative activities will be better to do later in the week so try to avoid scheduling them for a Monday or a Tuesday. This Berlin travel guide is structured in the following way: 

• Day 1 & Day 2 – historical and general tourist attractions
• Day 3 & Day 4 – getting to know the alternative side of Berlin
• Day 5 & Day 6 – day trips from Berlin
• Day 7 – last day exploring Berlin (things that you can only do on Sundays)

Day 1 – Monday

Start your holiday in Berlin off right by checking off some of the major historical sites. I recommend starting this day rather early since a lot of these hotspots can become a little overcrowded. Also, this way if you want to come back to one of these locations, then you have the rest of the week to do so.

I will be separating each day into three sections. The first one will be things to see in the morning between breakfast and lunch. The second will be things to see in the afternoon before dinner. Lastly, the third section will include cool things to do in Berlin at night.

Monday Morning

On Monday start your day at Brandenburg Gate. Also known in German as Brandenburger Tor, this is one of the most iconic and historical landmarks in Berlin. Created in the 18th century, this gate symbolizes a unified Germany. The Brandenburg Gate has often been a big symbol in Germany’s history and is the number 1 historical site you should see. 

After this, make your way over to the memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe. The memorial lies just two minutes from the Brandenburg Gate and is hard to miss. There are many interpretations of this eery yet powerful memorial, but the artist encourages each one to find their own meaningful representation. 

Lastly, walk down the famous Unter den Linden boulevard on your way over to Checkpoint Charlie. Unfortunately, this historical boulevard houses many tourist shops and unattractive restaurants today. Therefore, I recommend simply passing by, but not stopping here for a bite to eat.

Checkpoint Charlie is the best-known checkpoint for crossing between the East and West sides of Berlin during the Cold War. The guard house that can be found here is actually a replica of the original, which is on display at the Allied Museum. 

Although there isn’t much to do here per se, it is a very historical site that reminds visitors of the bitter Cold War. Next to the Checkpoint, you can find various museums which explain more about the Cold War if you are interested in learning more about the history. 

Monday Afternoon

There are lots of dining options in the area around Checkpoint Chalie. The food in Berlin is both cheap and delicious so simply open Google Maps and find the food you desire. After a long break, continue towards the Topography of Terror, which lies just a short walking distance from Checkpoint Charlie. Here you can learn more about the historical timeline of events throughout Germany. The exhibition includes a portion of the original Berlin Wall. 

Make your way back towards where you started in the morning, and take a guided tour of the Reichstag building (the parliament). These tours are completely free and last around 90 minutes. You have to book your time slot well in advance, so here is a link to do so. The tour of the Reichstag is surprisingly extremely interesting, and at the end, you get to visit the famous dome overlooking the Berlin skyline. 

When it is over, make your way into Tiergarten for a relaxing walk. While here, make sure to climb the Victory Tower for incredible views over Berlin. Afterward, take a stroll past the beautiful rose garden, which is extremely well-kept and a hidden gem in the city. Lastly, make your way over to the biergarten outside Cafe am Neuen See, to end the day just like the locals.

 

Day 2 – Tuesday

On day 2 you will be seeing the rest of the historical and tourist attractions in Berlin. Today’s attractions will all be within Mitte and Charlottenburg. 

Tuesday Morning

Start your day off in Bebelplatz, where you can see the memorial for the book burnings in the center of the square. Bebelplatz is a beautiful square surrounded by Humbolt University, the opera house, and Hotel De Rome. Even though it is known as one of the more expensive hotels in the city, you can still visit its rooftop terrace for a drink with a view. 

Afterward, continue down towards the Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island. You can visit the inside of the Cathedral if you enjoy looking at churches, but it will cost 9 euros. While wandering around Museum Island, you can also check out any of the various museums that can be found here. A popular choice among locals and tourists is the Pergamon museum. Tickets start at 12 euros and you can check out the visiting options here. 

Next, go up to the Humbolt Forum terrace for some of the best views in the city. This activity is completely free, you simply need to reserve a timeslot ahead of visiting. Click here to reserve a spot. Enjoy views of landmarks such as the TV tower, and consider stopping at the cafe for a coffee with a view. 

If the weather is good, get lunch to go from a nearby restaurant, and have a picnic in the grass area in front of the Berlin Cathedral. 

Tuesday Afternoon

Make your way to Charlottenburg Schloss for a beautiful walk. This castle is worth visiting just for the exterior alone. You can enter the castle gardens which are very well kept for free. If you would like to explore the interior of the castle, you can purchase tickets at the castle itself. 

 

Afterward, make your way to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Kürfürstendamm. This beautiful church was damaged during the Second World War, and a new memorial church has been built beside it. While there isn’t much to do here, the church is definitely a must-see.

Then, explore the famous shopping street of Kürfürstendamm for the rest of the afternoon. You can find pretty much any store here, and the department store of KaDeWe is a must-visit. Although KaDeWe is very expensive, it is worth just having a look around here and admiring the shops. On the top floor, you can find all kinds of stalls selling luxurious teas and chocolates, if that is something you could be interested in. 

 

Tuesday Evening

Grab dinner at Luardi which is located on Meinekestraße, for some of the best Italian food you can find. Their pasta is to die for, but you really can’t go wrong with anything you order here! 

Then, head over to Monkey Bar for one of the coolest rooftop bars in Berlin. To get here, make your way to the entrance of the 25hours hotel which is just a ten-minute walk from Luardi. There can often be a line to get up here, as it is a well-loved rooftop bar, but since it is a Tuesday there should not be a long wait. 

This cocktail bar serves some very special and delicious cocktails, and you can order some appetizers with your drinks from the neighboring restaurant. Enjoy your evening here, where you have a view over the Charlottenburg region and all of Tiergarten. 

For more details about all of the activities listed above, you can check out the detailed guide of historical things to do in Berlin below. 

Read More: Historical Places in Berlin

Day 3 – Wednesday

On the third day in Berlin, you will be starting to check out the more alternative side of the city. These next two days are going to be spent like a true local! While some of these places are still going to be quite popular, they are well worth it, and even locals come here often. 

Wednesday Morning

Start your day at the Hackesher Markt S-Bahn station in Mitte. Walk over to the Dead Chicken Alley to explore the cool street art alley. This alley has a lot of history behind it which you can find in my Alternative Berlin guide. Take your time enjoying the art without the crowds that the afternoon brings. Later in the day, you can come back to check out the Otto Weidt and Anne Frank museums, as well as the gallery and cafe in the back. 

Afterward, go into Hackesher Höfe which is a courtyard complex located right next door. Check out the beautiful courtyards, and the cute shops located inside. A little tip: these shops are extremely expensive so I would suggest to window shop unless you really find something you fancy. 

When you have wandered around, go out onto the main street of Rosenthaler Straße, which is one of the most loved streets among the locals. This street is lined with boutique and concept stores, as well as hipster cafés. I highly recommend checking out Father Carpenter for a late breakfast or early lunch. Located inside a courtyard, the atmosphere here is just perfect, and they have delicious food. 

 

Wednesday Afternoon

In the afternoon, make your way over to Warchauer station. You can walk along Warchauer Straße, where you can find some cute cafes and restaurants, second-hand shops, and my favorite book store called Shakespeare & Sons. 

The main draw in the area is the R.A.W. Gelände complex filled with beautiful street art and cool concept spots, including a swimming pool, beer garden, and indoor skate park. Spend some time admiring the art here, and consider booking a graffiti and street art tour to learn more about it. Here is a link to the one I took and absolutely loved. Afterward, walk down to the famous East Side Gallery, and admire the works on the Berlin wall. When you reach the end of the gallery, consider taking a detour to the other side of the river to check out the famous treehouse. This treehouse has a cool story as it was used as propaganda in both the East and West during the Cold War. You can read more about the story behind it here. 

After, come back to the side of the East Side Gallery, and take a walk along the Spree river into Mitte and Museum Island. If you want, you can continue following the river all the way to the Reichstag and Tiergarten for a long but very scenic walk. 

 

Wednesday Evening

If you happen to visit during the warmer months, then spend this evening catching a movie at an open-air cinema. The Freiluftkino in Kreuzberg is my personal favorite, and I highly recommend seeing a movie here. You can check what is playing on their website here, and make sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time. 

 

Day 4 – Thursday

Day 4 will be a bit more spread out as you try to cover the holes and see the last tourist attractions in Berlin. Since you only have one week in Berlin, this day will also be packed with things to do and cool spots in the evening.

Thursday Morning

Start your day by going a bit out of the city to Teufelsberg. Located on the outskirts of Berlin, Teufelsberg is an abandoned spy station in the Grunewald forest. This spy station was used by the West to spy on the East during the Cold War, under the pretense of being a weather station. Today this abandoned spot has become one of the coolest street art museums in Berlin. 

Afterward, make your way to Nollendorf Platz, where you can find another street art museum that is worth a visit. Urban Nation is a free street art museum that is super fun to walk through and check out some cool art. 

 

Thursday Afternoon

If the weather is good, head over to Badeschiff for an afternoon swim and tan session. Badeschiff is an urban swimming pool built into the Spree river since the water in the Spree is not safe for swimming. Take a few hours to relax here and hang out by the pool. 

Afterward, check out the small canals by Freischwimmer and make your way to Holzmarkt 25 for an afternoon beer. This spot is very similar to R.A.W. Gelände, as it has also been transformed into a creative space. Come here to relax by the river and check out unique sculptures. 

Thursday Evening

Spend Thursday evening in Kreuzberg. This region is currently the best place for nightlife in Berlin. There are lots of cool restaurants to choose from, and great hole-in-the-wall bars to check out. I highly recommend stopping by Multilayer Laden and Luzia for a drink. 

Day 5 – Friday

On day 5 take a day trip to either Potsdam or Spreewald Biosphere Reserve. 

Potsdam

If you love visiting beautiful cities then Potsdam is the place for you. Nicknamed the Versailles of Germany, this little town is full of beautiful castles. 

Getting to Potsdam by public transportation is quite easy. Simply take the RE1 train from Berlin Central Station for 55 minutes until you reach Potsdam Charlottenhof. This station is centrally located, and you can walk to most of the attractions from here. 

When in Potsdam, make sure to plan for a long walk around Park Sanssouci. While there are lots of things to see here there are two castles which are a must. The first is Schloss Sanssouci, which is the famous yellow castle at the top of the garden. The other one is the New Castle, called Neues Palais. Although it is at the edge of the park, in my opinion, it is the more impressive castle to be found here. If you have time, make sure to visit the Chinese Teahouse. 

 

Another beautiful park to check out here is Babelsberg park. There are also some smaller castles here, and the park is just by the water which makes it very scenic. 

Once you have gotten your nature fix, head into the city center where you can find another version of the Brandenburger Tor. Stroll along the pedestrian street of Brandenburger Straße, and take a coffee break at Kaiserwetter. This cute cafe is so photogenic and they have great cake and coffee, as well as some other light meals. 

 

Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

If you would like a serene day in nature, then I highly recommend taking a day trip to Spreewald Biosphere Reserve.

Getting here is also quite easy with public transportation. You can take either the RE2 or RE7 train from Berlin Ostbanhof and get off at Lübbenau (Spreewald) station. The journey lasts just over an hour, and the town will be within walking distance. 

Here you can enjoy a quiet day of paddling through the many canals of the biosphere. If you prefer a guided tour, then this is also available every half an hour. While the guided tours are great, they are only offered in German. 

After exploring the canals, make sure to head into the town of Lübbenau. Additionally, check out the castle and gardens. I have written a whole blog post about things to do in Spreewald, so make sure to read it before visiting. 

Read More: Things to do in Spreewald, Germany

 

Day 6 – Saturday

On day 6 of your trip to Berlin, take a day trip to Dresden. However, if you prefer to visit Hamburg, then I recommend staying there overnight as it is farther away. Leave Berlin early on Friday and plan on coming back on Saturday night, as Sunday is a fun day to be in the city. If you would like to visit Hamburg, then I have a full blog post on things to do in Hamburg which is linked below. 

Read More: Things to do in Hamburg

Although Dresden is 2 hours away from Berlin, the interesting part of the city is quite small, so it can totally be seen as a day trip. You can get to Dresden by taking a direct train or even the Flixbus, for a more budget-friendly option. 

While in Dresden, focus on exploring the old part of the city, as it is so beautiful. Start by visiting the Zwinger castle and gardens, which are free to visit and enjoy from the outside. This complex is really unique and there are lots of beautiful details around here, so take your time to soak it in. 

Afterward, explore the Altstadt (old city) and just wander the streets. Make sure to check out the Opera House, Theaterplatz, Hofkirch, Residenzschloss, and Furstenzug. Then, head to the famous and impressive Frauenkirche. Wander around the church and check out the Neumarkt and Altmarkt. Lastly, head over to Bruhls Terrace, for a beautiful lookout spot. 

 

If you have extra time, I recommend checking out the urban scene of Dresden. Head down to Augustusbrücke and cross over to the newer side of Dresen. Walk over to Kunsthofpassage which is also called the “Courtyard of Elements”. This courtyard complex is actually really cool and is filled with murals, sculptures, and cute shops. 

Day 7 – Sunday

Sunday Morning

On this last day of your trip to Berlin, I would recommend staying in the city. Although you could potentially make space for another day trip, I encourage you to spend your Sunday like a local. What does this mean? flea markets! Sundays in Berlin are spent wandering around numerous flea markets, with some being more popular than others. 

Spend your morning checking out the cafe scene in Prenzlauer Berg. I can recommend a stroll along Kollwitzstraße as you are bound to find a spot you like here! Additionally, for the best breakfast in the city, head over to Cafe Neue Liebe.

Sunday Afternoon

In general, there are three larger markets you can visit on Sundays. The first is the Mauerpark flea market which is the best one in my opinion. This market takes place in the Prenzlauer Berg region of the city. Here, you can find lots of stalls selling pretty much anything you may imagine, as well as food and drink stalls.

However, the main event here is actually not the flea market. Every Sunday when the weather is good, there is an awesome public karaoke that takes place at the amphitheater here at 15 PM. Even if you don’t intend on participating, it is so much fun sitting and listening to others, and the atmosphere here is just something else. 

Other flea markets to check out include the one taking place in R.A.W Gelände, and on Boxhagener Platz. Both of these are located in Friedrichshain and are within walking distance of each other. 

Sunday Evening

To end your one week in Berlin in the best way possible, I recommend booking tickets to an Arise show. This show is similar to a cabaret show you can find in Paris but even better. This is because it is even more extravagant and really follows a storyline throughout the show. You can find tickets here.  

This concludes my itinerary for how to spend one week in Berlin. I can assure you that after this week, you will fall in love with the city and want to come back. All in all, Berlin is an incredibly unique and charming city. I hope spending one week in Berlin will make you love this place as much as I do!

If I have left out an activity that you wish to see, let me know in the comments below!

This post was all about how to spend one week in Berlin – the ultimate guide.