Published: August 15, 2025
Exploring Germany is one of those experiences everyone should have at some point in their lives. A country known for its fairytale castles and medieval towns, as well as its modern and innovative city centers, Germany is a diverse place to explore. Should you plan a trip to Berlin while you're taking a ?
Berlin is a stunning destination in its own right, with numerous landmarks to explore, art exhibits, wonderful parks and incredible history. If you're interested in world history, or you want to try some of the best modern German foods, Berlin is a great choice, making our list of the best cities in the world to visit in 2025.
Is Berlin worth visiting? To find out, take a look at the reasons we believe you should add this city to your experience and let us help you to explore all that this region has to offer. AAA can help you find the ideal Germany vacation package that allows you to see a variety of cities, including Berlin, up close.
As you start planning your Berlin trip, there are some must-see destinations you simply shouldn't ignore. There are some outstanding things to do in Berlin from virtually every perspective. Berlin offers a diverse range of experiences, whether you're exploring its historic sites, indulging in its vibrant arts scene or savoring its culinary delights.
Here are some of the must-see destinations to include in your Berlin itinerary:
The 18th-century Brandenburg Gate is one of the most well-recognized architectural areas of the city, and with good reason. It stands today as a symbol of peace and unity for the city. You can walk through it and get up close to it. It's incredibly beautiful and is often the entrance point for various cultural events in the city, making it a hub of activity and historical significance. This architectural and cultural marvel along with many others make Berlin one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Museum Island is, in fact, a tiny island in the heart of the city. It's home to five separate museums, all of which should take you a few hours to explore. The Bode Museum and the Neues Museum are located here, both of which are some of the most well-known in Europe.
Art, history and cultural displays are fascinating. You'll want to visit for the Roman sculptures and Egyptian artifacts. Exhibits change often, so this could be a place you visit time and time again.
Quite the experience itself, the Charlottenburg Palace is the largest such palace in the region. It was built in the 17th and 18th centuries and has been very well maintained. The architecture is stunning and nearly as beautiful as the well-maintained, lavish gardens and exterior sculptures. It's an excellent place to visit if you would like to learn more about the royalty that once made Berlin their home.
For a very different take on this region, visit Alexanderplatz, a popular destination that's home to several other amenities nearby (like the Berlin TV Tower). In this pedestrian-friendly area, you can shop at luxury stores, enjoy a few drinks and have a meal.
There are numerous hotels in the area, a movie theater and various activities on the plaza. It's quite the center of the modern region of Berlin.
Plan to spend a few hours at the Hackescher Markt. It's full of boutiques and small shops, all owned locally, along with a few designer names. You'll find several cafes and restaurants here, bars for socializing and some fun sights along the way.
Also notable is the Hackesche Höfe, an exterior area of the market featuring interconnected courtyards. There are a few nearby art galleries and a puppet theater in this region.
The Reichstag Building is the home of the German parliament, and from the exterior it is beautiful. Inside, you can climb to the top to see out through the glass dome. There's also a roof terrace here. You'll find the views of the city impressive in themselves.
The attached Reichstag Library is home to some of the area's best historical texts and over a million books. Many people sit and relax on the large, open lawn in front of the building as well. That makes for a nice break after all of the walking.
Temperhofer Feld was once the Tempelhof Airport. Today, it is a 700-acre open park. Much of it is paved, making biking in the area a fun experience. However, as the largest park in the city, it is also a common location for those who want to watch concerts or events. Events happen here throughout the year.
Also visit the Tempelhof Gallery, which is an area with local artists' works on display. This is a good place to visit for relaxation.
The TV Tower may not seem like much, but it's a good place to center yourself as you explore the city. It's pretty much the easiest landmark to look for, no matter where you are in the city, so you can find your direction. But, there's more to it than just its height.
Climbing up into the tower allows you to get a big view of the city. The views at dawn or dusk are a beautiful representation of the city. It's quite impressive just how expansive the city of Berlin is.
For a deeply reflective and honest encounter with Germany’s past, the Berlin Story Bunker offers a powerful look into the events surrounding World War II. Visitors can reflect on the rise of Nazism, the impact of war on Berlin and the difficult questions that continue to resonate.
This is not a lighthearted stop, but a meaningful one. It stands as a tribute to those who endured unimaginable hardship and as a space for remembrance, education and understanding. Just a short walk away, the Holocaust Memorial provides another solemn and moving experience.
You may not have thought about this experience quite yet, but it's a great way to see the city from a very different vantage point. You can take a River Spree boat tour through several of the local companies offering them. You'll be able to see various attractions along the route and learn a bit about the location.
Keep in mind that most of the boats dock in Berlin Mitte, which is a great destination for its hotels and modern restaurants as well.
Getting around Berlin isn't too difficult. As such a large city and modern hub, you'll find you have several options for exploring all that this area has to offer. The good news is that much of what you'll find about getting around is in both German and English, making it easier for you to navigate on a whim.
Here are several of the transportation options in Berlin you'll likely need to use.
In addition to this, some people rent a car in Berlin. If you want complete control over your travel experience, then you will want to consider this option.
When visiting Berlin, it is important to consider the time of year and your goals. There's always a good reason to come during the year, but there are a few times that may be better. For many people, Berlin is ideal during the summer months. In July and August, for example, there are some great festivals along the riverbanks, and you'll find more open-air parties during this time of the year.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a place to visit during the holidays, there's quite something magical about the German Christmas markets. Visiting in winter, such as January and February, may not be ideal due to the colder temperatures and limited locations available.
However, a visit during May to June could be the best time overall. It's cooler and less crowded, providing you with the best overall access to the area. You may also find that this is the perfect time if you don't want high prices.
As you plan for your trip to Berlin, you'll likely have some questions about exploring the city. AAA has answers!
You will need to bring a passport with you that has at least three months of validity beyond your departure date. You also need to have at least two blank passport pages. You do not have to obtain a tourist visa if you plan to stay less than 90 days.
Starting in 2026, you will need to apply for ETIAS to travel to Berlin. Here are some tips on how to apply and obtain a ETIAS to make your travel to Berlin easy and hassle-free.
Traveling to Berlin is not necessarily expensive. It is a more affordable city than some of the other European capitals, though the cost you pay will depend on your type of goals. There are fees for most experiences here, though there could be discounts and savings opportunities available, too.
Choose from a range of hotels in Berlin. If you're after some of the best hotel deals in Berlin with excellent accommodations, check out these locations:
Berlin has its own food scene, whether you're looking for international flavors or authentic German choices. Some of the area's most recognized restaurants include:
As a growing component of their economy has become dependent on it, you'll certainly find that Berlin welcomes guests from around the world. It's always a good idea to learn a bit of the language and to respect the local customs. By doing so, you'll enjoy the culture even more.
With so much to offer in such a world-class city, you may be ready to jump on board a plane and visit Berlin. It is often best to do a bit of planning beforehand, though. If you're still wondering if Berlin is worth visiting, now is the perfect time to find out.
You can gain more guidance from our AAA Travel experts. They can provide you with the resources and tools you need to create a memorable German vacation. And, if you're a AAA member, you'll qualify for discounts throughout your Berlin travel experience.
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