CREATE AN EPIC BERLIN ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS
If you are planning your 2-day Berlin itinerary and are wondering about the best things to do in Berlin in 2 days (plus travel tips), you will find your answers here.
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. Eventually, I liked it so much that I lived there for a few months, and I enjoy returning once in a while.
Not everybody loves Berlin – it isn’t the most beautiful and surely not the friendliest city, but Berlin is the coolest and hippest capital and home to many sights and attractions.
Germany´s capital has become one of the most popular city destinations for the young and old – there is a lot to do. From historic sights to hip places – find out how to spend your 2 days in Berlin. But first, let´s start with some travel tips.
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TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR 2 DAYS IN BERLIN
So, here are a few quick travel tips before I plan out a perfect Berlin itinerary.
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”.
- One of the most famous hotels is the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin – in a perfect location and next to the Brandenburger Tor. It is worldwide known, and a good choice if you want to splurge. Check out prices here.
- Click here to find more Berlin accommodations.
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 good. If the employees do not strike. That can happen and then public transportation sucks. But let´s assume there is no 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.
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 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 and when it is dark. This is the same with underground stations in the evening/night when you are by yourself. Pickpocketing is common. You need to watch your belongings and always keep your valuables close to you. As everywhere, exercise common sense.
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 / Berlin Wall
Around 10 am
You could begin 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.
Back then, one popular activity was taking pictures with some US “soldiers” (they expected a small donation). The government in Berlin has now 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.
- It is free to visit.
Close to Checkpoint Charlie, there is also some leftover of the Berlin Wall. The 160-kilometer-long Berlin Wall divided East and West Berlin. It was built in the 1960s – and it fell in 1989. Some parts were destroyed but some parts of the Berlin Mall still stand. At Checkpoint Charlie, there are some remnants you should see.
- It is free to visit.
The Mauer Museum there offers history interested a lot of information about the Cold War and Germany’s division.
- Tickets for adults are around 17,50€
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 the 1700s.
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. You might want to sit down and relax before continuing.
- It is free to visit.
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, but interesting enough to look at (of course, it is heavily secured).
- It is free to visit.
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 and stands for peace and unity nowadays. Though the place is very touristy, you should come here 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.
- It is free to visit.
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 Olaf Scholz, our kind of prime minister/president.
You cannot go inside – just have a quick peek from the outside before continuing.
- It is free to visit.
Stop 6: Reichstag / Bundestag
Around 4:30 pm
From there, head to the Reichstag/Bundestag. 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 Building. It houses the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany’s 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. 
- Check out the official website if you want to visit the Bundestag.
- It is free to visit.
Okay, day 1 in Berlin was quite busy and might have been stressful, so day 2 in Berlin will be a bit more relaxed.
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 for 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 either have a bite to eat or sit and relax. It is easy to make friends with other visitors from people all around the world in Berlin. There is a huge variety of cafes/restaurants, and I think there is definitely something for everyone.
Stop 3: Schloss Bellevue
Around 1 am
Schloss Bellevue has seriously the neatest and nicest mowed meadow I have ever seen, but you do not come here for this but because it is the residence of Germany´s President. It isn’t far from Central Station, and thus, you can make a quick stop there (there isn’t much else to see, and it is not open to the public).
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 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 the prices here. I visited once and it definitely a great way to enjoy good views over Berlin.
There is also a restaurant, and 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. The area begins outside the S-Bahn station Hackescher Markt in central Berlin – within the Hackesche Höfe (courtyards) you will find plenty of options to dine or just have a drink.
- 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 🙂
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING BERLIN FOR 2 DAYS
Berlin is indeed a unique city that has tons to offer. For you, it might be love at first sight. Hopefully, this itinerary for Berlin in 2 days will help you plan your trip and see the best of the city in a short time.