Choose from 113 Fun Things to Do in Berlin
ShowingFilter 101-113 of 113 listings.
Museum for Communication
The Museum for Communication in Berlin explores the history of all things that have to do with communication. It's in a neo-baroque building with modern neon blue lights. When you walk into the museum, one of the first things you will see is robots in the atrium. The museum was originally started as a postal museum in 1872 and has been in its current location since 1898. On display as part of the permanent exhibition are tools of the written word, including wax seals, postcards, and stamps. There are also items representing the spoken and visual word, such as telephones, radios, and film, and items representing virtual communication, like telegraphs and computers.
There is a big focus on changing approaches to signs, codes, and media, and the effects they have on public and private life. The museum has an interactive approach that makes things interesting for kids as well as adults. The Museum for Communication is also regarded as the oldest postal museum in the world.
Practical Info
The Museum for Communication is located at Leipziger Straße 16.
Address: Leipziger Straße 16, Berlin 10117, Germany
Hours: Tues 9am-8pm, Wed-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun & Holidays 9am-6pm
Admission: Adults 4 Euro, Students 2 Euro, Children 18 and Under Free
From $ 114
Photography Museum (Museum für Fotografie)
Berlin's Photography Museum (Museum für Fotografie) has attracted photography enthusiasts from around the world since 2004. The museum's two main exhibits are "Helmut Newton's Private Property" and the Kunstbibliothek's Collection of Photography, which features German and international photographers including Annie Leibovitz and Peter Lindbergh.
The Basics
The Photography Museum showcases some of the world's most iconic photographers and pieces from the 19th to 21st centuries. The collections feature works by some of the world's first photographers"”Édouard Baldus, Edward Steichen, Willy Romer"”and span the history of photographic art. You'll see many pieces by Helmut Newton as well as other exhibits that push the limits of the art of photography.
Individual admission tickets are available, or you can purchase the Berlin Pass for free entry to the Photography Museum and 50 other attractions in the city plus a public transit ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Photography Museum is a must-visit for photography and art aficionados.
- Backpacks, briefcases, umbrellas, and tripods must be left in the cloakroom.
- Visitors generally spend about two hours exploring the museum.
- The entire museum is wheelchair accessible and features an accessible lift and bathrooms on the ground floor. Wheelchairs are available at the museum.
How to Get There
The Photography Museum is conveniently located next to the Berlin Zoo in Charlottenburg at Jebensstrasse 2. Take the U1, U2, U9, S5, S7, or S75 to Zoologischer Garten station. Several city buses, including the 100, 200, M45, and M49, service the nearby Hertzallee (Berlin) stop.
When to Get There
The Photography Museum is open from 11am to 7pm Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours (until 8pm) on Thursday. Though this museum rarely gets crowded, visit during the week for the most contemplative experience. Guided museum tours are available every Sunday at 4pm.
The Works of Helmut Newton
The 3-floor museum complex is home to the Helmut Newton Foundation, the prolific German-Australian photographer whose iconic black-and-white photos graced the pages of Vogue. The permanent collection features many of Newton's various phases throughout the years as well as pieces from his wife, Alice Springs. Temporary exhibits of his photo collections include "Sex and Landscapes," "Men, War & Peace," and "Between Art & Fashion."
Address: Jebensstraße 2, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Museum of Asian Art
With over 20,000 Asian artifacts, the Museum of Asian Art in Berlin is one of the largest museums of ancient Asian art in the world. It came to be as a result of the German Turfan expeditions, which were conducted between 1902 and 1914 in Xinjiang, China. It focuses more specifically on works dating back to 4000 B.C. and originating from the Indo-Asian subcontinent (Sri Lanka, Nepal, China, Pakistan, Japan, Thailand, and India, to name a few), most notably Buddhist sacred sites.
The famous Turfan collection is one of the museum's most sought-after highlights; it features 1800-years old paintings and sculptures from what is today northwest China. The museum features plenty of other crowd-pleasers, including the precious Berlin Yuegutang Collection (Chinese ceramics from the Neolithic period) and a collection of Japanese paintings and East-Asian lacquer objects. India is also well-represented, with several thousand-year-old terracotta sculptures and a true-to-size round stupa and the rectangular temple, a testament to India's sacred architecture. The museum houses a traditional Japanese room where tea ceremonies are observed.
Practical Info
The Museum of Asian Art is located at Lansstraße 8 in Berlin's southwestern Dahlem district, in the same building as the Ethnological Museum of Berlin. It can be reached by car from central Berlin via route B1 and Fabeckstraße. There is also a U-Bahn station just around the corner, Dahlem-Dorf, which is on line U3. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, and from 11 AM to 6 PM on the weekends. It is closed on Mondays. Entry costs €8 per adult and €4 per student.
Address: Lansstraße 8, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Open 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, and from 11 AM to 6 PM on the weekends. It is closed on Mondays.
Admission: €8
From $ 114
Museum of Ethnology (Ethnologisches Museum)
The Museum of Ethnology, or Ethnologisches Museum, houses collections of goods that were created outside of Europe and then brought to Berlin in the 19th and 20th centuries. The collections are divided into geographic regions and arranged thematically to provide insights into non-European cultures and show their diversity; an important part of the museum's mission is to foster global understanding and to go beyond the Eurocentric viewpoint.
The "Art of Africa" exhibit teaches visitors about developments in African art history by showing the religious and social significance of sculptures and everyday objects, while "Africa in Berlin" examines the relationship between Africa and Europe. The "American Archeology" exhibit looks at the cultural heritage of pre-Spanish cultures in Central and South America and includes objects that date as far back as 2000 BC. Other exhibits include the South Seas collection with typical boats and houses of the Pacific islands, the "Myth of the Golden Triangle" exhibit which examines ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia, and the "Islamic Worlds" exhibit, looking at different experiences of Muslim cultures.
Practical Info
The Museum of Ethnology is located at Lansstraße 8 / Arnimallee 25 in Berlin. To get to it, take the U3 to the Dahlem-Dorf U-bahn station. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Friday and 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission costs 8 euros.
Address: Lansstraße 8, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Tues-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 11am-6pm
Admission: 8 euros
From $ 114
Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde)
The Natural History Museum has more than 30 million zoological, paleontological and mineralogical specimens, including the world's largest mounted dinosaur skeleton. This Brachiosaurus, whose bones were dug up in present-day Tanzania in the early 20th century, is the centerpiece of the World of Dinosaurs section here. In the Evolution in Action exhibit, visitors can see a wall of biodiversity with 3,000 mounted species and learn why certain animals look or act the way they do.
In the Cosmos and Solar System section, learn about the different aspects of the universe, and in the System Earth area, gain knowledge on plate tectonics, the living and non-living aspects of our world and how the planet is constantly changing. Other areas of the museum include domestic animals, minerals, insect models and specimen preparation. The museum also has special exhibits that are only on display for a limited time.
Practical Info
The Natural History Museum is located at Invalidenstrasse 43 in Berlin. To get to it, take the U6 to the Naturkundemuseum U-bahn station. Opening hours are 9:30am to 6pm Tuesday through Friday and from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Admission costs 6 euros for adults and 3.50 euros for children.
Address: Invalidenstrasse 43, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Tues-Fri 9:30am-6pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults: 6 euros, Children 3.50 euros
From $ 114
Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum)
One of Germany's most visited museums, Berlin's Pergamon Museum is renowned for its impressive collection of art and antiquities from Turkey and the Middle East. Located on Berlin's UNESCO-listed Museum Island, the Pergamon is split into three permanent exhibitions"”the Collection of Classical Antiquities, the Museum of the Ancient Near East, and the Museum of Islamic Art"”which together chronicle over 2,000 years of history.
The Basics
Visitors to the Pergamon Museum can explore independently or learn about the museum's vast collection on a guided skip-the-line tour with an expert guide. Purchase a Berlin Pass or Museum Island day pass to gain entry to Pergamon Museum along with numerous other attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Pergamon Museum is currently undergoing extensive restorations. As a result, parts of the north wing will be closed until 2023.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, a free coat check, and a cafe.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible"”lifts and ramps are available on all floors.
How to Get There
The Pergamon Museum is located at the northern tip of Museum Island in central Berlin, close to the Bode Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Altes Museum. The closest S-Bahn railway stations are Friedrichstrasse and Hackescher Markt, both a 10- to 15-minute walk to the island. The M1 and M12 trams stop at Kupfergraben, a 5-minute walk from the museum.
When to Get There
The Pergamon is open year-round from 10am to 6pm with extended hours on Thursday until 8pm, but the site can get crowded during the peak summer months, when it's best to arrive early or opt for a weekday visit.
Highlights of the Pergamon Museum
Among the many treasures of the Pergamon Museum, must-sees include the massive Pergamon Altar from the second century BC and the Market Gate of Miletus, both in the Classical Antiquities collection. In the Near East exhibition, standout attractions include part of King Nebuchadnezzar's throne hall and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, which dates back to the sixth century BC. The stunning Aleppo Room"”a masterpiece of painted wall paneling"”is the star attraction of the Islamic exhibition.
Address: Bodestraße 4, Museum Island, Berlin 10178, Germany
Hours: Open daily 10am - 6pm. (Open until 10pm on Thursdays)
Admission: € 12
From $ 68
Museum of Applied Art (Kunstgewerbemuseum)
As befits one of the most important decorative-arts museums in Europe, there are two locations for Berlin's Museum of Applied Art ("˜Kunstgewerbemuseum' in German); the Kulturforum near Potsdamer Platz and an outpost at the Schloss Köpenick on an island in the Dahme River. The former is housed in purpose-built gallery designed by Rolf Gutbrod in 1985, which was refurbished in 2014 to provide a home for an expanded collection celebrating the landmarks of European design from medieval times to present day. Highlights include examples of medieval religious art, Renaissance silverware and the ornate rococo Chamber of Mirrors transported from the Schloss Wiesentheid in Kitzingen, Bavaria. Recent additions include a spectacular Fashion Gallery "” exhibiting 130 dresses dating from 1795 to present day "” and important pieces of Jugendstil and Art Deco glassware and furniture.
Temporary exhibitions featuring artifacts from the museum's repository are held at both venues but the major selling point of the ornate, moated Schloss Köpenick is its permanent display of reconstructed period rooms. Dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries, they are perfectly matched to the Baroque backdrop of the castle and every detail of their decoration is accurate down to the last piece of furniture and stuccowork.
Kulturforum: Matthäikirchplatz, Berlin. Open Tue"“Fri 10am"“6pm; Sat"“Sun 11am"“6pm. Schloss Köpenick: Schlossinsel 1, 12557 Berlin. Open Apr"“Sept Tue"“Sun 11am"“6pm; Oct"“Mar Tue"“Sun 11am"“5pm. Admission adults €8; all concessions €4. There are U Bahn and S-Bahn stations in Potsdamer Platz, a five-minute walk from Matthäikirchplatz. From Potsdamer Platz, buses and trams run out to Schlossplatz Köpenick.
Address: Matthäikirchplatz, Berlin 10785, Germany
Hours: Kulturforum: Tue"“Fri 10am"“6pm; Sat"“Sun 11am"“6pm. Schloss Köpenick: Apr"“Sept Tue"“Sun 11am"“6pm; Oct"“Mar Tue"“Sun 11am"“5pm
Admission: Adults: €8; All Concessions: €4
From $ 114
Märkisches Museum
Doubling as the HQ of the many-stranded Stadtmuseum Berlin, the Märkisches Museum stands on the banks of the River Spree and backs on to the pretty Köllnischen Park. It is housed in a Neo-Gothic collage of monastic buildings designed by famous German architect Ludwig Hoffmann and opened in 1908. Inside the ecclesiastical theme continues with airy, light-filled interior punctuated with arched windows and a sprinkling of religious statuary. The displays showcase the history of the city and the Märkisches has several thoughtful permanent exhibitions, including "˜Here is Berlin!', which takes a chronological look at the evolution of the city, and "˜Wall | Pieces' exhibits several graffiti-ridden pieces of the Berlin Wall. Temporary displays might cover black-and-white images of the destruction of Berlin in World War II, while kids can have fun with the collection of automated pianos and organs, puppets, the 3D 19th-century camera and the mock-up of a barber's shop.
Practical Info
Am Köllnischen Park 5. Open Tue"“Sun 10am"“6pm. Admission adults €8; concessions €3. Free for under 18s and for everybody first Wed of the month. Entrance to the Märkisches Museum is also free with the Berlin Pass. Take the U-Bahn Line 8 to U Heinrich-Heine-Strasse.
Address: Am Köllnischen Park 5, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Open Tue"“Sun 10am"“6pm
Admission: Adults: €8
From $ 114
Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm)
Berlin's most famous shopping street, Kurfürstendamm is on par with New York's Fifth Avenue and Champs-Elysees in Paris. Affectionately referred to as "Ku'damm" by locals, Kurfürstendamm is an elegant tree-lined boulevard running through the heart of West Berlin and crammed with shops, cafeÃŒÂs, bars, restaurants, and hotels.
The Basics
The best way to explore Kurfürstendamm is by foot. On a guided walking tour, travelers can visit the best spots along the street, stop and browse through shops, admire the historic buildings, and enjoy coffee at the legendary Romanisches Cafe. Berlin city tours often include a drive along Kurfürstendamm, while Berlin hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at multiple attractions along the street, including the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Berlin Zoo, en-route to nearby sights such as Tiergarten Park and Charlottenburg Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kurfürstendamm is a must-see for avid shoppers and culture lovers.
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots are located along the shopping street.
How to Get There
Kurfürstendamm is roughly two miles (3.5 kilometers) long and runs from Grunewald's Rathenauplatz square in the west, to Charlottenburg's Breitscheidplatz square in the east. At the eastern end of the street, the closest U-Bahn (metro) stations are Zoo and Kurfürstendamm.
When to Get There
Kurfürstendamm is one of Berlin's busiest streets and is a lively destination at all hours of the day and night. Shoppers should head there from Monday through Saturday and opt for an early start to avoid crowds, while those who want to enjoy Kurfürstendamm's nightlife should arrive in the evening hours to visit bars, theaters, and nightclubs. The holiday season is a particularly picturesque time to visit, when the street hosts some of Berlin's most impressive festive illuminations.
Shopping along Kurfürstendamm
Berlin's famous KaDeWe department store and the huge Europacenter mall are a must-see for shoppers, located a short walk from Breitscheidplatz near the remains of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Continuing west along Kurfürstendamm, you'll find everything from discount souvenir stalls to high-street favorites and flagship designer stores including Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Side streets such as Fasanenstraße, Knesebeckstraße, and Bleibtreustraße are also lined with designer boutiques.
Address: Kurfürstendamm, Berlin 10789, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche)
The battered shell of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church stands as a poignant reminder of the destruction of war.
Destroyed by Allied bombers in 1943, the church remains in its shattered condition as a monument to peace.
The church vestibule is now a memorial hall, with mosaics, sculptures and information panels. Important displays include the original damaged Crucifix and the Cross of Nails, created from nails collected from the destroyed Coventry Cathedral in England.
Free 30 minute tours provide an overview of the history of the building, both as a Protestant church and anti-war memorial.
A new church surrounding the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church hosts evening music services and choral and organ recitals.
Destroyed by Allied bombers in 1943, the church remains in its shattered condition as a monument to peace.
The church vestibule is now a memorial hall, with mosaics, sculptures and information panels. Important displays include the original damaged Crucifix and the Cross of Nails, created from nails collected from the destroyed Coventry Cathedral in England.
Free 30 minute tours provide an overview of the history of the building, both as a Protestant church and anti-war memorial.
A new church surrounding the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church hosts evening music services and choral and organ recitals.
Practical Info
The broken steeple and its adjacent postmodern bell tower dominate the busy Kurfürstendamm intersection in Charlottenburg.
The closest subways are Zoo and Kurfürstendamm stations.
The closest subways are Zoo and Kurfürstendamm stations.
Address: Breitscheidplatz, Berlin 10789, Germany
Hours: Open daily 9am - 7pm. Services: Sunday at 10am and 6pm
Admission: Free. Group tours: € 4
From $ 16
Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection
The building that now houses the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection was once used as officer barracks and later as a police station. In 1967 it was the Egyptian Museum, which later moved back to Berlin's Museum Island in 2005. It reopened in the summer of 2008 as the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection.
The collection began with Otto Gerstenberg who built up one of the most impressive art collections in Germany. His collection included almost all prints made by Albrecht Dürer, Francisco de Goya and Rembrandt. He also collected paintings from Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Auguste Renoir and Edgar Degas. Gerstenberg eventually owned the complete set of prints of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec.
Unfortunately his collection was severely damaged during World War II. In 1961, the pieces that remained were handed down to his grandsons Walther and Dieter Scharf, the latter of whom inherited prints by Francisco de Goya and Charles Meryon, as well as a lithograph series by Édouard Manet. His own collection included 300 pieces from over 50 Surrealist and Symbolist artists such as Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso and Alberto Giacometti. Other artists on display include Odilon Redon, Max Klinger, Alfred Kubin, Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst and Rene Magritte.
Practical Info
The Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection is located at Schloßstraße 70. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum is closed on Monday.
Address: Schloßstraße 70, Berlin 14059, Germany
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm
Admission: Adults EUR10
From $ 114
Kindermuseum MachtMit
Designed for children, the Kindermuseum MachMit aims to offer kids various ways to discover, explore and learn in a playful way. Arts and crafts activities raise their awareness of the environment that is around them every day. Kids are encouraged to play as a way to experience and learn about complex ideas. The museum ties in all the senses for a fully hands-on experience which makes for a more enjoyable visit for kids.
Special exhibitions are varied and include paintings from well-known artists, themes around holidays such as eggs at Easter, soap, mirrors, typography and more. The museum also offers special workshops on porcelain painting, sewing, weaving, theater, and dance. Special exhibits and workshops change each month. Kindermuseum MachMit is also available for birthday parties and other special events.
Practical Info
The Kindermuseum MachMit is located at Senefelderstrasse 5. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Address: Senefelderstraße 5, Berlin 10437, Germany
From $ 114
Museumsdorf Düppel
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Museumsdorf Düppel (Düppel Museum Village) is a seasonal open-air museum in Berlin that allows visitors to experience medieval ways of life and craftsmanship at festivals, markets, and other events. The reconstruction of a German village is built on on the same site as a village where farmers lived 800 years ago; the with residences, storehouses, workshops, fields, and gardens all likely look just as they did in the year 1200.
From Easter through October, visitors can see and smell medieval plants and animals like the "˜Düppel pig' and the "˜Skudde sheep,' species that have been bred back from near-extinction. Local volunteers demonstrate medieval craft techniques like blacksmithing, tar-making, and textile arts. The museum kitchen offers hot and cold dishes, cakes, and coffee. The entire family will enjoy the interactive experience of touching, testing, listening, smelling, learning, and participating the different features of the museum. There is a small permanent exhibit, and learning programs are also offered for school classes and groups of visitors.
Practical Info
The Museumdorf Düppel is a seasonal attraction, and is open only on the weekends and on public holidays between Easter and the end of October. The interactive museum gives a realistic representation of a village that existed on the same spot 800 years ago, and children younger than age 18 visit for free. Adult admission is 3,50 EUR.
Address: Clauertstraße 11, Berlin 14163, Germany
Hours: Sat & Sun: 10am"“5pm (March"“Oct)
Admission: Adult: 3,50EUR, Child (0-18 yrs): Free
From $ 114