Things to do in Berlin: Museum-Hopping, Bike Tours, Picnics and More

Graffiti and War Time Memorials

Art and graffiti lovers will love the East Side Gallery on the River Spree, where international artists turned one of the remaining sections of the former Berlin Wall into an open air gallery, with political murals and calls for peace. The kiss between Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev merits special mention. Other well known graffiti spots include Haus Schwarzenberg in Mitte, eastern Kreuzberg, and the RAW Gelände in Friedrichshain.

One of the most significant yet scenic war memorials is the Soviet War Memorial at Treptower Park. It stands on the gravesite of 5000 Soviet soldiers who died during the Battle of Berlin. Meanwhile, the Sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial is the site of one of the earliest camps built by the Nazis on German soil. Its execution spot, crematorium and gas chamber are spine-chilling. If you're still up to it, visit the Topographie des Terrors exhibit that chronicles the terror unleashed on Berliners during the Nazi Occupation. The Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe is a yet another extremely poignant site.
Checkpoint Charlie was where diplomats and foreigners used to cross over from East to West Berlin and vice versa. Outdoor exhibits detail the ingenuous and daring methods employed by those wishing to leave the East, undetected.

The Call of the Outdoors

The picnic experience is a vital part of a Berlin experience. Round up drinks and snacks, a frisbee and a blanket, and head to Tiergarten Park. One of the world's largest urban spaces, it comes with a designated nude sunbathing section. Tempelhofer Feld, which was once the site of an airport and the Berlin airlifts, is now a park with barbecue spots, dog runs, and art installations. But you can still stroll right down the former runway. Another good option is Mauerpark, best visited on Sundays for its extensive flea market.

Food, Markets, and Music

Local food markets are the best way to witness local camaraderie. Visit Kreuzberg's historic Markthalle Neun on Thursday evenings, when international street food stalls abound. The Turkish Market along the Kreuzberg canal on Tuesday and Friday afternoons is another little gem, while Kollwitzplatz's Saturday market beckons with its friendly butchers, fish vendors and sweets sellers. There's everything from clothes to chocolates, hand-made pastas, fruit jams, home-made oils and more. Don't forget to savor the mussels, fish Brötchen, waffles and Bratwurst (fried or grilled German pork sausage). The flea markets at Arkonaplatz, Nowkoelln Flowmarkt and Mauerpark are recommended for unusual finds and people-watching.
Western classical music enthusiasts should stop by the Berliner Philharmonie on Tuesday afternoons for their free lunch time concerts, when both established and upcoming artists perform. And for those who like performing themselves, the Sunday karaoke sessions at Mauerpark await.

Bike and Boat Tours

With clearly-designated paths for cyclists, Berlin welcomes independent bikers. Guided bike tours and walking tours are perfect to discover the city's hidden gems in good company. With more canals than Venice, it's only fair that you hop onto a boat cruise to catch Berlin's fantastic architecture from a waterway perspective. Various tours specialize in central Berlin, the River Spree, or the canals. Swimmers should head to the rivers Havel and Panke around Berlin.

Historic Attractions and Panoramic Views

While most visitors scale the Berlin TV Tower for 360 degree city views, the glass dome of the Reichstag (Parliament House) is an equally memorable affair. A free lift brings you to the top of the terrace, where legend has it that the glass was intended to symbolize political transparency. A free audio guide briefs listeners about the history of the German Parliament, and Berlin's landmarks visible from the dome.
Next comes Museum Island, with its concentration of museums including the Pergamon, Bode, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie and Altes Museum. This UNESCO Heritage Site is beautiful inside and out, and nearby riverside cafes are a great spot to nurse a beer.
The winged Goddess atop the 18th century Brandenburg Gate is a sight to behold. Other must-see attractions include the Berliner Dom, the restored courtyards of the Hackescher Höfe, and the towering Victory Column where Natassja Kinski sat perched on the wings of the angel in Wim Wenders' cult classic film, Faraway, So Close. The column was also featured in U2's self-proclaimed favorite track, Stay Faraway, So Close.
Few cities have captured the imagination of artists as Berlin has. Come feel its pulse - you won't return disappointed.

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.