The best free walking tours and paid tours in Berlin. Personally verified by Walkative team.

What to See in Berlin? A Local’s Guide to the Best of the City

Berlin is a city like no other. It’s where history meets street art, where grand Prussian palaces stand next to WWII battle scars, and where you can spend the day exploring world-class museums before grabbing a kebab at 3 AM in a techno club. Berlin is not just a place to visit—it’s a city to experience!

With its rich and complex past, bold counterculture, and legendary nightlife, Berlin attracts millions of visitors each year. But with so much to see, where do you even start? Let us be your local friend and show you the best spots, hidden gems, and the stories behind the landmarks. Join one (or more!) of Walkative’s free walking tour and walk with us through history, discover hidden gems, and learn fascinating stories from expert local guides.

Why explore Berlin with the Walkative free walking tour?

Berlin is huge. Really huge. And packed with history, quirky details, and stories that make it one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Walking through it with an expert guide means you won’t just see the sights – you’ll understand them. Plus, our free walking tours are based on a pay-what-you-wish idea, so you decide the price based on how much you loved it (and we’re sure you will!).

Join a Walkative free walking tour for:

🔹 No upfront cost – Pay what you want at the end of the tour!
🔹 Passionate local guides – Hear real stories from Berliners.
🔹 Easy Booking – Pick a tour, date and hour, book your spot and meet us in Berlin!
🔹 Perfect for all travelers – Whether solo, with friends, or family, our tours are designed for everyone.

Must-See Places in Berlin

Wondering what places you must visit during your trip to Berlin? The city is full of incredible places, here are just some ideas on what to see:

Brandenburg Gate

No visit to Berlin is complete without seeing the Brandenburg Gate. The most iconic symbol of Berlin! Built in the 18th century, once a symbol of Prussian grandeur, then of Cold War division, it now represents German unity. Fun fact: the Quadriga (that’s the statue of the goddess Victoria on top) was once stolen by Napoleon and taken to Paris! Plus, it looks fantastic in photos – don’t forget yours!

Reichstag

Just a short walk away from the Brandenburg Gate, you’ll find the Reichstag, home to the German Parliament. It’s free to visit, but you’ll need to book in advance to climb the glass dome for an incredible view.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

One of Berlin’s most moving sites. This memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe is made up of 2,711 concrete slabs of different heights, creating a powerful experience as you walk through it.

Checkpoint Charlie

Once the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin, today it’s a mix of history and a bit of touristy fun. While the original guardhouse is gone, the stories of daring escapes and spy games remain!

Museum Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site and a paradise for history lovers! Five world-class museums sit here, including the Pergamon Museum, home to the impressive Ishtar Gate from ancient Babylon. If you love museums, this is a must-visit. (Tips on visiting Berlin’s museums)

Alexanderplatz & TV Tower

Once the heart of socialist East Berlin, now a busy square full of shopping and food spots. The TV Tower stands tall above everything – go up for the best view of the city!

All of the above iconic sites you will see during our Welcome to Berlin Free Walking Tour.

The Berlin Wall & The East Side Gallery – Dividing and Uniting a City

For nearly 30 years, the Berlin Wall cut the city in two, separating families, friends, and entire ways of life. Berlin’s most famous divider is now its most artistic attraction. You can see parts of it at the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse or admire the colorful murals at the East Side Gallery—a 1.3 km-long stretch of the Berlin Wall transformed into an open-air art gallery. It is covered in murals by artists from all over the world, turning a painful past into a celebration of freedom and creativity. Want to see and learn more? Check out our Berlin Communist & Socialist Tour to get a comprehensive story and visit all those places!

Jewish Berlin – A Story of Tragedy and Resilience

Berlin’s Jewish history dates back centuries, and while it suffered unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust, the city is now home to a thriving Jewish community once again. Visit the stunning New Synagogue on Oranienburger Straße, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, or explore the Jewish Museum, designed by Daniel Libeskind to evoke the feeling of loss and absence.

For a powerful and emotional experience, visit Platform 17 at Grunewald Station, from where thousands of Berlin’s Jews were deported.

If you want to dive deeper into this history, we strongly recommend joining our Berlin Under the Swastika Tour.

Beyond the Main Landmarks – Berlin’s Alternative Side

Berlin isn’t just about history—it’s also one of the most creative, rebellious cities in the world. Nowhere captures this better than Kreuzberg, a district shaped by immigration, punk culture, and squatter movements. It’s the best place to experience Berlin’s famous nightlife, from hidden speakeasies to legendary clubs like SO36.

If street art, underground culture, and community activism interest you, our Alternative Berlin Free Walking Tour is a must! It takes you to the heart of Berlin’s counterculture, from the graffiti-covered Haus Schwarzenberg to artist squats and the best spots for local food.

Local Tips for Enjoying Berlin

Want to make the most of your time in Berlin? Here are some insider tips from our guides:

The Best Museums in Berlin

Berlin is a paradise for museum lovers. The city is home to Museum Island, a UNESCO-listed complex with five world-famous museums, including:

🏛 Pergamon Museum – Home to the stunning Ishtar Gate of Babylon.
🏛 Neues Museum – Where you’ll find the iconic bust of Nefertiti.
🏛 Altes Museum – A must for ancient Greek and Roman art fans.

For something different, head to the DDR Museum to experience life in East Germany or visit the Topography of Terror, an eye-opening exhibition on the Nazi regime.

👉 More on Berlin’s best museums in our article

Berlin’s Green Escapes – The Best Parks

Need a break from the urban buzz? Berlin is surprisingly green, with plenty of parks to relax in:

🌳 Tiergarten – Berlin’s answer to Central Park, perfect for a picnic.
🌳 Tempelhofer Feld – A former airport turned massive public space, great for biking and rollerblading.
🌳 Volkspark Friedrichshain – A local favorite with charming beer gardens.

👉 Find out more about Berlin’s best parks in our article.

Getting Around Berlin – Public Transport Made Easy

Berlin’s public transport system (BVG) is one of the best in Europe, and you’ll need it—this city is BIG!

🚆 U-Bahn & S-Bahn – Fast and reliable metro and suburban trains.
🚌 Buses & Trams – Ideal for sightseeing and getting to harder-to-reach spots.
🚲 Biking – Berlin is super bike-friendly! Rent one and explore like a local.

A Berlin WelcomeCard can save you money on unlimited rides and museum discounts!

👉 For more information check out our Berlin public transport guide.

Berlin’s Legendary Nightlife

Berlin is world-famous for its nightlife. Whether you want underground techno clubs, cozy cocktail bars, or live music, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few ideas:

🎶 Berghain – The holy grail of techno. If you get in, you’re officially cool.
🎶 Sisyphos – Open-air, beach vibes, and great DJs.
🎶 Clärchens Ballhaus – A historic dance hall with live swing and salsa.

Not a club person? Check out a local Späti (late-night shop), grab a beer, and enjoy Berlin’s unique street culture.

👉 Read more about Berlin’s nightlife scene in our article.

Berlin’s Culinary Scene – More Than Just Currywurst!

Speaking of food, Berlin’s culinary scene is as diverse as its history. Yes, you should try a currywurst from Konnopke’s Imbiss or a Döner kebab at Mustafa’s (Berlin’s Turkish community perfected it here). If you want something traditional, sit down for a proper Schnitzel. But don’t miss the weekend Thai Park, where Berlin’s Thai community gathers to cook up some of the best street food outside Bangkok.

And for those looking for the best beer gardens? Head to Prater Garten, the oldest beer garden in the city, or BRLO Brwhouse for craft beer with a modern twist.

And don’t forget the Berliner Pfannkuchen – a jam-filled doughnut!

For more tips check out our article about the best food to try in Berlin.

And if you prefer to taste the food while listening to the stories we have a perfect solution – check out our Berlin Secret Food Tour.

What to Bring Home? The Best Berlin Souvenirs

Want to take a piece of Berlin home with you? Skip the mass-produced keychains and go for something truly special! Here are some top souvenir ideas:

🧱 A Piece of the Berlin Wall – Many souvenir shops sell authentic fragments of the Wall (just make sure they come with a certificate!).
📖 Books About Berlin – Grab a copy of Berlin: Imagine a City by Rory MacLean or Stasiland by Anna Funder for a deep dive into Berlin’s past.
🎨 Local Art & Streetwear – Head to markets like RAW Flohmarkt or Mauerpark for handmade jewelry, vintage clothes, and Berlin-inspired prints.
🍻 Craft Beer & Schnapps – Berlin has a thriving craft beer scene! Try a bottle of Berliner Weisse or grab a locally distilled schnapps.
🎶 Vinyl Records – Berlin is a music city! Famous record stores like Hard Wax or Space Hall have incredible selections of electronic, jazz, and indie music.
🕶 Ampelmann Goodies – The quirky green/red pedestrian traffic light figure from East Berlin is now a city icon. Find Ampelmann mugs, bags, and more in dedicated shops.

Want more inspiration? Check out our blog on the best Berlin souvenirs! 🎁

Book Your Free Walking Tour in Berlin and See Berlin Like a Local with Walkative!

Ready to explore? Berlin is a city that rewards curiosity. Whether you’re into history, street art, underground clubs, or world-class museums, there’s something for everyone. Join one (or more!) of our Berlin free walking tours and let us show you the city’s secrets, its contradictions, and its unforgettable stories.

Book your Free Walking Tour now and see you in Berlin! We can’t wait to show you around! 👣🇩🇪