Top 10 things to do in Berlin

Moving to Berlin is probably one of the smartest things you'll ever do. There is so much going on this historic and trendy city that you will, quite literally, never get bored. From learning about the city's past to seeking out some alternative gems, check out on our best things to do in Berlin to help get you started in the city.

1. East Side Gallery

Topping this list of Berlin top 11 things to do, the East Side Gallery is not simply a row of uncommissioned street art, it’s a political, social and historic statement. This remaining section of the Berlin Wall at Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg features a series of murals which are testament to a once-divided city and to what can happen when unity occurs.

2. Berlin Story Museum

Located in the very centre of the city in a bunker near Anhalter Station, this museum is the perfect place to get to grips with the story of Berlin. Covering the German Empire and the First and Second world wars, as well as a divided city in the second half of the 20th century followed by unification, this museum is a brilliant overview of what happened, how it happened, why it happened and how a city healed.

3. Urban Spree

As one of Europe’s hippest cities and champions of subculture, there are many excellent ‘alternative’ things to do in Berlin and that includes a visit to the Urban Spree art collective. This colourful and unique venue is part-art gallery, part-cafe, part-nightclub, part-live music venue and ultimately all-happening. Certainly off the usual tourist track, all new residents should check out this preserve of uber-hip Berliner culture.

4. Museum Island

Museum Island in the Mitte District is a fast way to tick off the top art galleries, museums and historic landmarks in one go. Located in close proximity you will find the Old Museum, the New Museum, The Old National Gallery and the Pergamon Museum.

5. Checkpoint Charlie

So named by the Western allies, this checkpoint was the main Berlin crossing between the Eastern and Western States of Germany for 28 years. Today the checkpoint is part of the Allied Museum, which is an excellent place to learn about the political landscape of the Cold War period in Germany.

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6. Holocaust Memorial

Officially named the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, this maze-like expanse of blocks was designed by architect Peter Eisenman along with engineer Buro Happold. The use and layout of 2711 rectangular grey concrete blocks is of course, open to interpretation, but there’s no doubt this vast memorial is a place for reflection.

7. Charlottenburg Palace

This stunning palace is the largest once-royal residence in the city, located in the well-heeled Charlottenburg district in West Berlin. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, this Rococo and Baroque palace is a far cry from the Eastern bloc apartments on the other side of the city. Today it’s a major tourist attraction.

8. Graffiti Tour and Workshop

If the Urban Spree art collective and the East Side Gallery inspired you, why not attend a graffiti workshop. These are increasing in popularity and a brilliant way to (legally) get in touch with your creative side. Available as part of tour by Alternative Berlin.

9. Try to get into Berghain

Once you're a resident of the city, your chances of getting into the city’s most exclusive and hip nightclub will increase. It’s still notoriously difficult to get into the vast Berghain, housed in a former power station in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Once inside revellers are guaranteed one of the best techno experiences in the world. Top tip for entry: be yourself and speak German to the door staff.

10. RAW Flohmarkt

Most guidebooks will tell you to head to Mauerpark flea market, a one-time gem of the city that has recently become commercialized and overrun with tourists. Instead head to the more authentic and smaller RAW Flohmarkt on Revaler Strasse to pick up something truly unique.

11. Topography of Terror

Not for the light-hearted, the Topography of Terror on Niederkirchnerstrasse is an expansive exploration of what happened to Germany, and in particular its Jewish population, under the National Socialists.