One Day in Berlin

Berlin is a city bursting at the seams with incredible architecture and fascinating history. Whether visiting for a day or a week, you will find adventure around every corner in this breathtaking place

David Rickerson-Seidel

Berlin in a day

In a city that offers so much, it can be intimidating to know what to prioritise. With limited time, it is a good idea to make use of the city's efficient and extensive public transport network. Grab a day pass for travel in the inner city zones and trains, buses and trams will be at your disposal. Here we recommend the top ten sights and attractions that can be covered in one day in Berlin.

10 must-see spots in Berlin

1. Brandenburg Gate – without a doubt the most popular and iconic tourist spot in Berlin. Built in 1791, it was one of 18 original city gates.
2. Mitte – the name of Berlin's city centre translates imaginatively as "centre". It is home to famous landmarks, government buildings and some incredible architecture.
3. The Berlin Wall – although the majority of the wall was demolished between June–November 1990, a portion still remains as a monument to German reunification. Delve into this bleak period of history with a walk along the route of the wall or a visit to Checkpoint Charlie, a former border control point now serving as a tourist information centre.
4. One day in Berlin can provide you with some of the most moving artwork in Europe. A cluster of Berlin museums cover a wide range of topics, from reflecting on the horrors of WWII at the Topography of Terror (not recommended for the emotionally sensitive) to the Bauhaus Archives, a museum linked to the country's deep creative past both pre- and post-war. Be sure to research ahead of time to find the best museums to suit your interests.
5. Gendarmenmarkt – one of the oldest squares in the city, the surrounding buildings were nearly all destroyed during wartime bombing. Now completely restored, the square once more exhibits some of the most stunning buildings Berlin has to offer. From the German and French cathedrals to the concert hall, it is well worth a visit.

6. The Panaromapunkt in Potsdamer Platz has to be one of the most beautiful places in Berlin and a fantastic vantage point from which to admire the city. With Europe's fastest elevator to whisk you up the 100 m ascent, it offers a breathtaking view rarely found due to the city's relatively flat terrain.
7. One day in Berlin will have chocolate fans head over heels in love with one of Germany's most popular exports: Ritter Sport chocolate. The flagship store in Mitte offers the opportunity to learn about the history of these distinctive square chocolate bars, design your own chocolates and shop for delicious souvenirs to take home.
8. The TV Tower – one of Berlin's most visited tourist attractions, the 368 m high tower beside Alexanderplatz is said to attract over one million visitors per year.
9. Sony Centre – anyone with a love of electronics and modern architecture should stop by the headquarters of the internationally known Sony brand. The building features what appears to be a floating roof, resembling a tent and quite remarkable to see in person. There are a number of eateries and bars in the vicinity if you need to stop and refuel.
10. Don't let busy urban life take up your entire day in Berlin. Tiergarten is one of the city's most beloved parks, offering a vast green space in which to escape the city's intensity. Take a stroll through this beautiful park and admire the Siegessäule (Victory Column). Originally standing in front of the Reichstag, it was relocated to the Tiergarten by the Nazis in 1938.
Just one day in Berlin can offer you everything from art and history to nature and even delicious chocolate. Enjoy your adventures in this diverse and magical city.

Planning your trip to Berlin? Check out our best city center hotels in Berlin.

Author: David Rickerson-Seidel

Guest Relations Manager at NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse

My name is David Rickerson-Seidel and I have been part of the NH Hotel Group since September 2015 when the first NH Collection Hotel opened in Germany. After 16 years of hotel experience, I was offered a great chance to meet people from all over the world and each time I was able to learn from them – this is one of the reason why I love my position as a Guest Relation Manager. My daily task is to fulfil our guest’s needs before they actually asking for it. With my passion for my job it is always a great pleasure to see our guests happy and smiling before they leave the hotel and I know that we have done the job right. I always say that the only thing that a guest can’t buy and book in advance is our smiling receptionist with a warm welcoming, the friendly breakfast host who would like to know if you slept well, and our elusive room maid, who is preparing the room so that it feels like home – our employees make the difference – this is why you are not checking into your room at a terminal. Whatever you need – we are always there for you.

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