CREATE AN EPIC BERLIN ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS
Contents
Germany´s capital has become one of the most popular city destinations for young and old. Berlin has so much to offer – a trendy city with incredible history and lots of interesting places to visit. So, if you are planning your 2-day Berlin itinerary and are wondering about the best things to do in Berlin in 2 days, you will find your answers here.
Even though I am a seasoned traveler, I do get overwhelmed when I plan my travels. And after living in Berlin for three months, I understand that planning a trip to this fun city can seem overwhelming first, but this great 2-day Berlin itinerary will help you organize and plan your trip.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR 2 DAYS IN BERLIN
This post is for you if you plan a trip but wonder about the best things to do and top places to visit in 2 days in Berlin plus some important travel tips for your 2-day Dubai trip.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service (at no extra cost to you). More about it here.
2 days in Berlin is not a lot of time but enough to visit the most important sights.
When I went there for the first time, I was one of those who didn’t like Berlin at all. However, after a few more visits, it became one of my favorite cities in Germany. Not everybody loves Berlin. It isn’t the most beautiful and surely not the friendliest city, but Berlin is probably the coolest and hippest city. Eventually, I liked it so much that I lived there for a few months, and I enjoy returning once in a while.
2 Days in Berlin – Where to Stay
Berlin has a great public transport system, so any place is good as long as it is close to an underground station. Popular areas are e.g. “Mitte” “Prenzlauer Berg”.
- Berlin has it all – from hip hostels and Airbnb accommodations to beautiful 5* hotels. One of the most famous hotels is the Hotel Adlon – in a perfect location and next to the Brandenburger Tor. It is worldwide known, but there are many other great accommodations.
- Click here to find the best Berlin accommodation.
- If you are more into Airbnb, you can use this code to get a discount on your stay.
Where to Eat in Berlin
Dining in Berlin is pretty cool because the cuisine is very diverse and quite affordable. Berlin is a melting pot, and so is the cuisine – there something for any taste and every budget. Also, Berlin has a leading role in good vegan food. Even if you are not into vegan food, you can try great dishes for reasonable prices during your Berlin stay.
My favorite area to eat is Hakescher Markt – a busy area with many restaurants and cafes.
How to Get Around in Berlin For 2 Days
WALKING
- If you follow this Berlin itinerary strictly, you will mostly walk. If you wear comfy shoes, you can discover quite a lot on foot. You might need public transportation here and there.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
- Berlin´s public transport is pretty good. If the employees do not strike. You can see many places by using public transport, and since Berlin is geographically quite big, you will – most likely- need to use public transport/use your own/rental car or take taxis.
HOP ON AND HOP OFF TICKETS
- If you plan to stay in Berlin for a short time, I definitely recommend one of these Hop-on/Hop-off bus tours. I admit that I do those tours pretty often in cities. I can´t spend much time, but I want to see as much as possible. With the high competition of the bus companies, you can bargain at the ticket “office.” They also sell boat tour tickets on the river Spree as well.
- Though I even lived in Berlin for a few months (I am originally from Bremen), I did three tours in Berlin over the years and would do them anytime again To get your own great deal without having to bargain, click here.
CAR
- Though Berlin is a big city and attractions are spread out, you do not need a car in Berlin for 2 days. You can use public transportation only and will be fine.
2 Days in Berlin – Solo Female Travel
Berlin is overall a safe place.
- However, I recommend avoiding side streets – especially when you are alone. Also, I suggest avoiding tube stations at night.
- You need to watch your belongings and always keep your valuables close to you.
- Pickpocketing is common, but with a bit of precaution, you can enjoy a wonderful trip to Berlin without any incidents.
WHAT TO DO IN 2 DAYS IN BERLIN
Enough talking, here is the 2-day Berlin itinerary.
Day 1 of 2 Days in Berlin
Let´s start with some history of the city.
Stop 1: Checkpoint Charlie
Around 10 am
You could start your trip by visiting Checkpoint Charlie. It is the most famous crossing point between the former East and West Germany. The place is full of history.
- A museum offers history interested much more information about the Cold War and Germany’s division.
- Back then, one popular activity was taking pictures with some US “soldiers” (they expected a 2€ donation). It seems the government in Berlin has forbidden this and you can’t take pictures with the “soldiers” anymore.
- You can either explore the area by yourself or get your own private tour – for more information, click here.
Stop 2: Gendarmenmarkt
Around 11:00 am
The Gendarmenmarkt is very close to Checkpoint Charlie and is a very charming square that dates back to 1700.
You will find the architectural trio composed of the German and French cathedrals (Deutscher und Französischer Dom) and Schinkel’s Konzerthaus (concert hall) and cafes and restaurants. After the walking before, this is the place to sit down and relax before continuing.
Stop 3: Holocaust Memorial
Around 12:30 pm
The Holocaust Memorial was created a few years ago and is just a few minutes away from the Brandenburger Tor. It was dedicated to the murdered Jews of Europe during the Second World War.
On the way, you will pass the US embassy. However, it isn’t very spectacular, interesting enough to look at (of course, it is heavily secured).
Stop 4: Brandenburger Tor
Around 2 pm
Maybe the most beautiful way to approach the Brandenburger Tor is to walk down Unter den Linden, the main and probably nicest boulevard in Berlin.
The Brandenburger Tor is the most famous landmark in Berlin or probably in Germany and stands nowadays for peace and unity. Though the place is very touristy, it is definitely one of the best places to visit in Berlin. Even if you have less than 2 days in Berlin, come here.
- On a sunny day (or even on some rainy days), you will find street artists performing – giving this place an extra cool touch.
- Restaurants here are pricy, but they come with a view, so consider having lunch here.
Stop 5: Kanzleramt
Around 3:30 pm
The Kanzleramt is the official office of the German Chancellor. It is only a stone’s throw away from the memorial so that you can walk to the Kanzleramt, the official office of Angela Merkel, our kind of prime minister/president.
Stop 6: Reichstag
Around 4:30 pm
From there, head to the Reichstag. It is a short walk, and no taxi or bus is required.
A Berlin tour wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Reichstag, the German Parliament. The meadow in front of the Reichstag invites for a rest and is a great place to have a picnic.
If you are interested in seeing the parliament from the inside and enjoying the view from the glass dome, you have to book in advance, but I suggest you do that because it is one of the best things to do in 2 days in Berlin.
Okay, day 1 in Berlin was quite busy and might have been stressful, but this itinerary for you covered many great places in Berlin. As mentioned above, these are also great things to do in Berlin by yourself – or with friends, families, or partners.
Day 2 of 2 Days in Berlin
Day 2 in Berlin can start at the train station, which is easy to reach from many places in Berlin.
Stop 1: Hauptbahnhof
Around 10 am
The Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) is the biggest in Europe and maybe the most modern station I have ever seen. If you arrive by train, you might not need to come back. Otherwise, it is an interesting place in Berlin and a good starting point to exploring more of Berlin.
Stop 2: Boat Tour
Around 11 am
My tip is to hop on a boat tour and do a Spree tour (the river in Berlin). I love doing a Spree Boat Tour and think it should be on your list as well. Also, after a busy day 1 in Berlin, you have deserved to take a rest.
Boat tours normally start next to the Central Station and will take about an hour. You´ll get the chance to see many sights, but it will not allow you to see the Brandenburger Tor or the Reichstag.
Some cafes line the Spree, and you can have either have a bite to eat or sit and relax. What I actually like most about Berlin because of the number of cafes, and I can’t think of any western metropolis that offers beverages for more reasonable prices. I am not a fan of the people in Berlin (they are really unfriendly and “too cool”) – but it is easy making friends with other visitors from people all around the world in Berlin.
There is a huge variety, and I think there is definitely something for everyone (which makes it a fun solo activity in Berlin).
Stop 3: Schloss Bellevue
Around 1 am
Schloss Bellevue, the German President’s residence, has seriously the neatest and nicest mowed meadow I have ever seen. It isn’t far from Central Station, and thus, you can do a quick stop there (there isn’t much else to see).
Stop 4: Kurfürstendamm
Around 3 pm
You can have a late lunch here and then start a little shopping trip.
Even if you are not shopping, I recommend checking out the most famous shopping street, Kurfürstendamm. Don’t forget to stop by at KaDeWe, the most prominent shopping mall in Germany, hosting many luxury shops.
However, each district has its own shopping mall. If you dislike crowded places, check out the arcade in the district near your hotel, there are arcades in almost any district.
Stop 5: Fernsehturm
Around 5 pm
Extra tip: If you have some spare time on day 2 in Berlin, check out The Fernsehturm is one of the highest television towers in Europe and offers a unique panorama view. If you want to skip the lines and get up, you can check out prices here. I visited once and it definitely a great way to enjoy good views over Berlin.
There is also a restaurant, though we did not eat there, I can definitely recommend visiting this Berlin tourist attraction.
Stop 6: Hakescher Markt
Around 7 pm
Dinner tip: I love the “Hakescher Markt,” which is close to the Alexanderplatz. You will find lovely cafes in an even more charming environment, and it is a great way to end your day in one of the restaurants there.
Extra tip: Potsdam makes a great day trip from Berlin and for more Potsdam tips, click here.
“I said I do to Berlin” Read Olga´s post and how she got married to Berlin 🙂
MAP OF PLACES TO VISIT FOR YOUR 2-DAY BERLIN ITINERARY
Berlin is indeed a unique city that has tons to offer. For you, it might be love at first sight. Hopefully, this 2 days in Berlin itinerary will help you plan your trip and see the best of the city in a short time.
