Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in Germany
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Berggruen Museum
A few years after the Berlin Wall came down, the director of Berlin museums made an offer to art lover Heinz Berggruen to display his collection in a vacant building now known as the Berggruen Museum, one of the most important museums of modern art in Berlin.
Berggruen's impressive collection of Pablo Picasso's work includes more than 120 pieces. It is a broad collection ranging from Picasso's early work as a teenager in the late 1800s and pieces from his cubist period all the way up to his later works from before his death in 1973.
The museum also houses a collection of art from Paul Klee. There are 70 pieces on display, including some from early in his career, others from his time as a teacher and watercolors from just before his death in 1940.
Later works from Henri Matisse and Alberto Giacometti are also on display at the Museum Berggruen. Other artists include Georges Braque, Henri Laurens and Paul Cézanne. You can also see a collection of African sculptures at the museum.
Practical Info
Museum Berggruen is located at Schloßstraße 1. 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 1, Berlin 14059, Germany
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm; closed Monday
Admission: Adults EUR10
From $ 23
Alster Lakes
The Alster Lakes—the Inner Alster (Binnenalster) and Outer Alster (Aussenalster)—are the scenic heart of Hamburg. Created when the Alster river was dammed in the 12th century, the lakes are linked to the Elbe River via a maze of canals and lined with green parks and waterfront promenades.
The Basics
Boat cruises and ferries run around the lakes in summer, affording magnificent views. Set sail on a sunset cruise and sip champagne as you watch the sunset across the lakes, or opt for a sightseeing cruise around Hamburg’s lakes and canals and admire landmarks including the Alster fountain, the Elbphilharmonie, and the HafenCity quarter.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are over 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) of public pathways around the Alster Lakes.
- Hamburg’s main Tourist Information Center is located along the Jungfernstieg on the south bank of the Inner Alster.
- The waterfront promenades are easily accessible to wheelchair users. Many boat tours are also accessible, but it’s worth checking in advance.
How to Get There
The Alster Lakes are located in Hamburg’s city center. The Kennedy and Lombard bridges divide the two lakes, while the Alsterfleet canal runs from the Binnenalster down to the Elbe. Boat cruises typically set out from the Jungfernstieg on the south bank of the Binnenalster. The closest S-Bahn station is Hamburg Jungfernstieg (S1, S2, and S3).
When to Get There
Visit in summer (June–August) to enjoy water sports around the lake and the Alstervergnügen City Festival (August), a 4-day street festival with live music, markets, and performances. In the evening hours, the banks of the Binnenalster are a popular spot for dinner or drinks.
Outdoor Activities Around the Alster Lakes
The parks along the eastern banks of the Outer Alster offer ample space for walking, jogging, and cycling, and it’s also possible to rent paddleboats and rowboats. Swimming in the lakes is not recommended, but water sports, including canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and wakeboarding, are popular.
Address: An der Alster, Hamburg 20099, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 36
Albrecht Durer House
Famous for his delicate and anatomically precise etchings, woodcuts and prints, Albrecht Dürer was a Northern Renaissance artist who lived all his life in Nuremberg between 1471 and 1528. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the city became one of Germany’s most successful commercial centers and also the focus of a great artistic flowering. Dürer was at the heart of this creative movement, visiting the great Renaissance cities of Italy, regularly attending courts of European royalty and revolutionizing printmaking. His iconic works include The Apocalypse, a number of self-portraits, books on the human anatomy and many sublime animal prints as well as friezes for civic halls in Nuremberg and altar pieces in Prague.
The Albrecht Dürer House is a fachwerkhaus, a half-timbered townhouse with a steep wooden roof and of an architectural style seen all over Bavaria. This is where he lived for many years and has been restored to its original 16th-century state; a costumed guide in the guise of his wife takes English-speaking tours from room to room, explaining the mechanics of life in the Dürer household. Printmakers work in the top-floor studio and reproductions of Dürer’s art are on display throughout the museum.
Practical Info
Located at Albrecht-Dürer-Strasse 39, the site is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 5pm. On Thursday, it is open until 8pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, it is open until 6pm. Admission costs €5 for adults and €3 for seniors and students, while a family ticket is €10.50. Take Tram Line 4 to Tiergärtnertor, bus Line 36 to Burgstrasse or U-bahn Line 1/U11 to Lorenzkirche.
Address: Albrecht-Dürer-Straße 39, Nuremberg, Germany
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-5pm. Thursday open until 8pm. Saturday-Sunday open until 6pm.
Admission: €5 for adults and €3 for seniors and students,
From $ 12
Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz remains the largest urban square in all of Germany and is a central meeting place in Berlin, located in the Mitte District. At its center is the large railway station (Alexanderplatz) with connections to many subway (U-Bahn), tramway (Strassenbahn), city trains (S-Bahn) and buses.
Named after the Russian Czar Alexander I, who visited the capital of Prussia in 1805, "Alex" became a traffic hub when a train station was established there in 1882.
Alexanderplatz took on its present form in the 1960’s after being ravaged in World War II. After the war it became the center of East-Berlin and used as a showcase of socialist architecture. This resulted in some unattractive buildings like the former Centrum department store and the Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower). In 1969 two more monuments were added to the square, the Weltzeituhr (World Time Clock) by Erich John and the Fountain of International Friendship.
The Fountain of International Friendship is a circular fountain; at its center is a modern structure that consists of a series of basins along which water flows down.
The square was known to be one of the least attractive from an architectural point of view, so the city of Berlin commissioned an architectural competition which was won by Hans Kohlhoff (one of the architects who designed Potsdamer Platz). The plan resulted in a complete redevelopment of the square, as well as the renovation and reconstruction of surrounding buildings.
If you look up, socialist art adorns a number of the buildings surrounding the square, created by artist Walter Womacka.
Named after the Russian Czar Alexander I, who visited the capital of Prussia in 1805, "Alex" became a traffic hub when a train station was established there in 1882.
Alexanderplatz took on its present form in the 1960’s after being ravaged in World War II. After the war it became the center of East-Berlin and used as a showcase of socialist architecture. This resulted in some unattractive buildings like the former Centrum department store and the Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower). In 1969 two more monuments were added to the square, the Weltzeituhr (World Time Clock) by Erich John and the Fountain of International Friendship.
The Fountain of International Friendship is a circular fountain; at its center is a modern structure that consists of a series of basins along which water flows down.
The square was known to be one of the least attractive from an architectural point of view, so the city of Berlin commissioned an architectural competition which was won by Hans Kohlhoff (one of the architects who designed Potsdamer Platz). The plan resulted in a complete redevelopment of the square, as well as the renovation and reconstruction of surrounding buildings.
If you look up, socialist art adorns a number of the buildings surrounding the square, created by artist Walter Womacka.
Address: Alexanderplatz, Berlin 10178, Germany
From $ 13
Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera)
The Bavarian State Opera is one of the world’s leading opera houses, with over 400 performances and 600,000 visitors yearly. Its history spans over three centuries and helped shape Munich as we know it today, a culture-savvy metropolis with unparalleled elegance and flair. Thanks to a controversial yet deep friendship with King Ludwig II, Richard Wagner himself premiered many of his music dramas (including The Valkyrie, The Master-Singers of Nuremberg, The Fairies, The Rhinegold, and Tristan and Isolde) at the Bavarian State Opera, which at the time – and arguably still is to this day – was considered the limelight of music in Europe. Nowadays, over 30 different operas, recitals, ballets, and concerts are staged every season in the splendid original Rococo Cuvilliés-Theater, the largest of its kind in Germany and perhaps the most spectacular in all of Europe. This is also where the Munich Opera Festival, the most important and acclaimed opera festival in the world, takes places.
Practical Info
Guided tours of the Bavarian State Opera are available upon request in six different languages either before or after the show.
The Bavarian State Opera is located on Max-Joseph-Platz in central Munich. It can be reached on foot from many of Munich’s top attractions, like Marienplatz and Hofgarten. Visitors can also get there by tram and by S-bahn by alighting at stop Marienplatz. Ticket prices vary between €11 and €160 depending on the seat selection.
Address: Max-Joseph-Platz 2, Munich, Bavaria 80539, Germany
Admission: Ticket prices vary between €11 and €160 depending on the seat selection.
From $ 35
Berlin Hauptbahnhof
Commissioned by Chancellor Angela Merkel and opened in 2006, Berlin’s central railway station was built atop the former East German station as a symbol of a reunited Germany. The five-story work of glass and steel serves up to 350,000 passengers per day and is one of the most well-connected train stations in the country.
The Basics
Spend any time at all in Berlin, and chances are you’ll find yourself at the travel hub of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Due to the history of the old station, it features on many Cold War–themed city tours, and it’s a stop on nearly every Berlin hop-on hop-off tour, most of which also cruise by the Berlin Wall and Tränenpalast. You can also admire the architecture from the outside on a Berlin Segway tour along the riverfront or on a guided sightseeing cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hauptbahnhof is a must-see for first-time visitors and architecture buffs.
- Lockers are available in the train station parking lot, just outside the main building.
- Visitors get 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi service.
- Berlin Hauptbahnhof is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Berlin Hauptbahnhof is connected by high-speed rail to major cities throughout Europe and is a stop on S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines. The station is about a five-minute walk from Berlin’s famous Brandenburg Gate.
When to Get There
Berlin’s central station is open daily from early in the morning until late at night. To best appreciate the architecture of the structure (and for the best photos), plan to visit during the day when light is shining down through the arched glass roof.
Architectural Inspiration of Berlin Hauptbahnhof
German architectural firm Gerkan, Marg and Partners was tasked with designing Berlin Hauptbahnhof in 1993. The designers took inspiration from the existing lines of railway track, translating them onto the large glass roof.
Address: Europaplatz 1, Berlin, Germany
From $ 25
Atta Cave
Also known as Attendorn Dripstone Cave, Atta Cave is located in Attendorn, Germany, and is the country’s largest dripstone cave. Filled with stalagmites and stalactites that appear to be dripping from the ceiling, visitors can meander the cave’s 262-foot (80-meter) natural corridor below ground. It’s fun to think about what these otherworldly formations resemble: People, animals, castles and anything else your imagination can come up with.
You’ll be immersed in a bizarre yet beautiful world of stalagmite and stalactite striped curtains, pillars and forest, with the highlight being the otherworldly Kristallpalast (crystal palace) chamber. The startlingly beautiful natural attraction is thought to be over 400 million years old, formed when impure carbon dioxide-rich waters covered the water-soluble rocks. Interestingly, Atta Cave is thought by some to have therapeutic properties for certain ailments like asthma, bronchitis and insomnia.
You’ll be immersed in a bizarre yet beautiful world of stalagmite and stalactite striped curtains, pillars and forest, with the highlight being the otherworldly Kristallpalast (crystal palace) chamber. The startlingly beautiful natural attraction is thought to be over 400 million years old, formed when impure carbon dioxide-rich waters covered the water-soluble rocks. Interestingly, Atta Cave is thought by some to have therapeutic properties for certain ailments like asthma, bronchitis and insomnia.
Practical Info
Opening hours vary.
Address: Attahohle Attendorn, Finnentroper Strasse 39, Attendorn, Germany
Hours: Opening hours vary by month, but the cave is open from 11am-3pm.throughout the year
Admission: Adult: 7.50 EUR, Child: 4.50 EUR
From $ 218
Berlin City Hall (Rotes Rathaus)
The Berlin City Hall (Rotes Rathaus), with its striking façade, is one of the German capital city’s most important landmarks. Named the “Red City Hall” because of the materials used in its construction, the brick building was completed in 1869. The neo-renaissance building was designed as a multi-winged complex, in round-arch style, featuring three inner courtyards and a 243-foot (74-meter) tower.
Since 1991, the Rotes Rathaus has served as seat of the Governing Mayor and the Senate of Berlin. There are several rooms well worth visiting inside the Rotes Rathaus. The Hall of Arms, with windows that represent all the emblems of Berlin, and the emblems of all the districts of the city, is used as a reception room for guests of state. The Grand Ballroom is used for larger events like receptions and ceremonies. One of the most beautiful rooms is the Pillar Hall, with its orange-colored, groin-vaulted ceiling and its many busts. Formerly home to the building’s library, the Pillar Hall now hosts exhibitions and events. The hallway on the third floor holds the portraits of every honorary citizen of Berlin, painted by Rolf Dübner.
Practical Info
Berlin’s City Hall (Rotes Rathaus) is located in the Mitte district, near Alexanderplatz. Although the Rotes Rathaus and its exhibitions are usually open to visitors from 9am-6pm. Monday to Friday, temporary closures may occur due to political events and safety reasons.
Address: Rathausstraße 15, Berlin 10178, Germany
From $ 23
Altes Museum
The Altes Museum, or Old Museum, is the oldest structure on Berlin’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed Museum Island. The neoclassical building was built in 1830 to resemble the Pantheon in Rome, and today its 18 Ionic columns welcome visitors to experience its collection, featuring artifacts from the ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan eras.
The Basics
In addition to its stunning classical antiquities—including the largest collection of Etruscan art outside of Italy—the Altes Museum is one of Berlin’s finest pieces of architecture and is highlighted on many tours of the city center. If you want to dive deep into the art history of the city, book a private tour to learn more about the fascinating works of the Altes Museum and the other buildings on Museum Island. To get a comprehensive overview of Berlin’s cultural heritage, you can purchase the Museum Pass Berlin, which includes admission to more than 30 exhibitions and museums. Alternatively, a 2- or 3-day Berlin Pass gets you into the Altes Museum and more than 50 other city attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Altes Museum is a must-visit for lovers of ancient art and art history.
- There is a free cloakroom for storing personal items as well as those not permitted in the museum, including large bags and backpacks, tripods, and umbrellas.
- Visitors under the age of 18 receive free admission.
- The museum is suitable for those with hearing loss or impairment, learning disabilities, and limited mobility.
How to Get There
The Altes Museum is located in Berlin Mitte on Museum Island. There is no parking available so take the S-Bahn to Hackescher Markt, or tram M1 or 12 to Georgenstr./Am Kupfergraben.
When to Get There
The Altes Museum is open from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and until 8pm on Thursday (when there are fewer visitors); check the website for holiday hours. It is advised to visit the museum outside of the summer months when Berlin is less crowded.
A German Monument That Stood the Test of Time
In the 1800s King Friedrich Wilhelm IV commissioned the Altes Museum to house some of Germany’s most beautiful and ancient art and artifacts. Upon completion, he designated the northern part of Spree Island—known today as Museum Island (Museumsinsel) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to house even more pieces from around the world. Despite the bombings of World War II and the harsh communist government during the Cold War, most of the buildings survived and subsequently lovingly repaired to reflect Germany’s passion for preserving art and history.
Address: Am Lustgarten, Berlin 10178, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
Bad Homburg
Renowned as one of Germany’s wealthiest postal codes, the 19th-century spa town of Bad Homburg makes a popular day trip from neighboring Frankfurt, less than 30 minutes away. Owing its fame to its 14 natural mineral springs, Bad Homburg markets itself as a town of ‘champagne air’ and has nurtured a thriving wellness center for over 170 years, surrounded by the idyllic forests and lakes of the Taunus Mountains.
A visit to Bad Homburg has to include a dose of pampering and the lavish Kur-Royal Day Spa is its most famous bathhouse, a 27,000-square-foot complex housed in the Neo-Renaissance style Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad, which dates back to 1887. There’s more to the town than mud-wraps and massages, though. Visit the 17th-century Landgräfliches Schloss (Count’s Castle), once the summer residence of the German Emperors; stroll around the enormous Peter Joseph Lenne designed Kurpark, home to the opulent Spielbank Casino and a number of impressive temples and monuments; or explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed ruins of the Saalburg Roman fort.
Address: Frankfurt, Germany
From $ 261
Bebelplatz
The Bebelplatz is a public square in the central ‘Mitte’ district of Germany’s capital city, Berlin. Today it is best known for being the site where some 20,000 newly banned books were burned by bonfire in 1933 on order of Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister, because they conflicted with Nazi ideology. The square is surrounded by notable historical buildings, including the German State Opera (Staatsoper); St. Hedwig’s Cathedral (built in 1747 and modeled after Rome’s Pantheon, it was the first Catholic church built in Germany after the Protestant Reformation); and the former Royal Prussian Library (Alte Bibliothek) which is now part of Humboldt University.
All of the buildings on the Bebelplatz were destroyed in World War II and reconstructed afterward. An easily overlooked monument in the center of the square simply contains a pane of glass, which the visitor can look through to see many rows of empty bookshelves underground. A nearby plaque quotes the 19th-century German poet Heinrich Heine with, ‘Where they burn books, at the end they also burn people.’
Practical Info
Be sure to pack your walking shoes, because like many city centers in Germany, the Bebelplatz is a pedestrianonly square. It is located on the south side of Unter den Linden boulevard, a major eastwest thoroughfare that traverses Berlin’s city center. The square also has its own stop on public transit. The underground lines that stop there are the U6 (Französische Str.) and the U2 (Hausvogteiplatz). The bus lines going to Bebelplatz are: 100, 147, 200, N2, N6, and TXL.
Address: Bebelplatz, Berlin 10117, Germany
From $ 29
Berlin Dungeon
The Berlin Dungeon takes visitors on an hour-long journey through the city’s dark history, from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. While exploring the 2,500 square meters of the Dungeon, you will experience the thin line between humor and terror thanks to the various areas with different themes based on real events in Berlin's history, as well as nine different shows performed in both German and English by live actors.
Gripping storytelling, special effects and rides bring the history to life in a way that's both funny and scary. You'll meet characters from Berlin's past, such as twisted Monk Pater Roderich and infamous serial killer Carl Grossmann. Experience a river raft ride, the Elevator of Doom, the Labyrinth of the Lost, the deadly plague in Kloster Strasse, the fearsome torture chamber and the legend of the White Lady. The Berlin Dungeon occasionally has special events for certain holidays, like Halloween and Christmas.
Practical Info
The Berlin Dungeon is located at Spandauer Straße 2 in Berlin Mitte, between Hackeschen Markt and Alexander Platz. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily most of the year. Tickets are 20 euros at the door.
Address: Spandauer Straße 2, Berlin, Germany
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily most of the year.
Admission: 20 Euros at the door
From $ 19
Aussenalster
Aussenalster, or the Outer Alster Lake, is the larger of the two Alster lakes located in Hamburg. It was formed in the 13th century by damming the Alster River. At the time, it was outside of the city walls, which is how it became known as the Outer Alster Lake. The Inner Alster Lake was within the city walls. The lake is almost 400 acres large but no more than about eight feet deep. In order to maintain the charm and beauty of the area, it is a rule that all buildings surrounding the lake must be white and their roofs must be covered with copper.
The Outer Alster Lake is a popular place for boating activities. You can rent sail boats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and rowboats at many locations. There are also several boat tours available on the lake. Many people also enjoy jogging or walking around the lake, which is about four and a half miles around. There are also parks where you can have a picnic, sunbathe, or relax in an Alsterchair. All along the shores, you can find restaurants and cafes where you can have a meal or a drink with a view of the lake.
Practical Info
The Outer Alster Lake is separated from the Inner Alster Lake by the Kennedy Bridge and the Lombard Bridge. The lake is located in the northern part of the city, north of both the Inner Alster Lake and Hamburg's main train station.
Address: Aussenalster, Hamburg, Germany
Hours: Daily
From $ 197
Allianz Arena
Home to the city’s two leading football teams, FC Bayern and TSV 1860, Munich’s Allianz Arena is one of Germany’s largest and most iconic sports stadiums. The award winning building, designed by Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron, was created as a vision of the future and its unique appearance has been likened to a giant inflatable boat or a huge white car tire. Most spectacular is its extraordinary façade, crafted from illuminated air cushions that change color to reflect the team in residence and create a striking visual in the night sky.
The 66,000-seat stadium opened in 2005 and quickly earned itself acclaim within the international football community, hosting events like the 2006 World Cup Opening Ceremony, the 2006 FIFA World Cup semi-finals and the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final. As well as attending home games and international matches at the stadium, fans can also tour the arena, gaining access to the dressing rooms and Players’ tunnel, as well as shopping for merchandise in the Allianz and FC Bayern shops.
The 66,000-seat stadium opened in 2005 and quickly earned itself acclaim within the international football community, hosting events like the 2006 World Cup Opening Ceremony, the 2006 FIFA World Cup semi-finals and the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final. As well as attending home games and international matches at the stadium, fans can also tour the arena, gaining access to the dressing rooms and Players’ tunnel, as well as shopping for merchandise in the Allianz and FC Bayern shops.
Address: Werner-Heisenberg-Allee 25, Munich 80939, Germany
Hours: English tours at 1pm. German tours: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 4:30pm.
Admission: Tickets are available at the stadium
From $ 20
Baden-Baden
Set in the Black Forest region near the border between France and Germany, Baden-Baden offers a charming blend of cultures with grand Art Nouveau villas, modern boutiques, and chic cafés. The town’s thermal waters and ancient Roman baths are its main attractions, including the famous Friedrichsbad spring and Trinkhalle pump room.
The Basics
Take a dip or drink from the refreshing thermal springs, explore 2,000-year-old ruins, visit the Belle Epoque spa, lay down some cash at the extravagant Casino Baden Baden, or peruse the Frieder Burda or Faberge museums. Walking tours are a good way to explore the small spa town and often include a stroll along Lichtentaler Allee—a street lined with the city's best sights. Regional day trips typically depart from Frankfurt and often combine a visit to Baden-Baden with stops at Heidelberg and other Black Forest highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While age limits for young children vary at Baden-Baden’s thermal baths, some spas have onsite babysitting services.
- Most baths and attractions in Baden-Baden are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout much of the town.
How to Get There
In addition to guided tours that depart from Frankfurt, travelers can also opt to arrive independently by train or plane. The train station has connections to Mannheim, Basel, Stuttgart, Paris, Strasbourg, and Paris, while the airport is located just six miles (10 kilometers) from the city center and serves destinations in Germany and around Europe.
When to Get There
Winter, when the Black Forest is snowy, is a great season for spending hours in the thermal baths. If you’d prefer to see the town’s many gardens and stroll along the Oos River, visit in July and August—the region's warmest months.
The Wine Region
Germany’s Rhine Valley and France’s Alsace wine regions aren’t far from Baden-Baden, and many wine tours include stops at all three spots, plus wine tastings at local vineyards.
Address: Baden-Baden, Frankfurt, Germany
From $ 229
Altona Fish Market (Fischmarkt)
Perhaps one of Hamburg's most unusual attractions is the Altona Fish Market (Fischmarkt), held every Sunday morning, rain or shine. Along with the spoils of the sea, travelers find all manner of goods for sale at this lively slice of Hamburg life.
Stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, flowers, fresh produce and plenty of food and drink are set up along the Elbe riverbank, and fun free entertainment is provided by the bellowing stallholders, oompah bands and buskers.
Practical Info
The Altona Fish Market is held every Sunday on the riverbank, south of the Reeperbahn. If it's raining, visitors can head indoors to the Fish Auction Hall for sausages, beer and live music. Travelers should arrive early, as the market closes around 10 a.m.
Address: Altona-Altdstadt, Hamburg 22767, Germany
Hours: Every Sunday
Admission: Free
From $ 14
AquaDom & SEA LIFE Berlin
AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is an interactive aquarium with more than 5,000 underwater creatures and 37 displays. Ride an elevator through the AquaDom—a massive free-standing fish tank holding 264,172 gallons (1 million liters) of saltwater—and see animals such as giant Pacific octopus, manta rays, and sharks in the aquarium’s exhibits.
The Basics
Visit Sea Life Berlin with skip-the-line tickets to save time, and see a feeding-time demonstration at the massive AquaDom tank. You can also stop by the aquarium on a hop-on, hop-off city tour or experience Berlin’s top kid-friendly destinations with a combo ticket to Sea Life Berlin along with Legoland Discovery Centre Berlin, Madame Tussauds wax museum, Little Big City, and the Berlin Dungeon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is a must-see for families with kids.
- Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring the aquarium.
- A number of restaurants and coffee shops can be found near the aquarium.
How to Get There
AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is located in Berlin Mitte, the city’s central borough, and is easy to reach by public transit. The U-Bahn (lines 2, 5, and 8) and S-Bahn both stop at nearby Alexanderplatz station, and many buses and trams are convenient to the aquarium. The attraction’s central location makes it a good jumping-off point for visiting popular sites such as the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), Alexanderplatz, and Museum Island (Museumsinsel).
When to Get There
The aquarium is open daily and you can visit year-round. To avoid crowds, go on a weekday or opt for an early morning or late afternoon visit. If you would like to watch animal feeding demonstrations, check the schedule prior to your visit.
Exhibits at Sea Life Berlin
Stop by the Octopus Garden to see the giant Pacific octopus along with related species such as cuttlefish and nautilus. At the Interactive Rockpool, you can learn about animals that live in rocky coastal areas and touch creatures such as sea stars and crabs. In the Atlantic Ocean exhibit, watch sharks swim among schools of wreckfish and eagle rays.
Address: Spandauer Strasse 3, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
The imposing Berlin Cathedral dominates the eastern end of Unter den Linden and Museum Island. With its three copper-roofed domes and richly decorated interior with gilded decorations, Berliner Dom (as it’s called in German) is one of the few landmark buildings in the area that was not destroyed in World War II.
The Basics
Berlin Cathedral was finished in 1905, although there has been a church on this site since the 1500s. At the time of construction, the neo-Renaissance structure was considered the Protestant equivalent to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and was the parish church of the Prussian royal family—some of whom are interred in the Hohenzollern crypt under the church. The interior is highly decorative, with carved walls, gilt edges, and large-scale paintings; one of the cathedral’s most famous works is the marble and onyx altar by Friedrich August Stüler. Many visitors come to marvel at the enormous domed ceiling, which you can climb for panoramic views of the area. There is also an on-site museum that details the church’s construction.
Many guided bus and walking tours of the city visit the cathedral, sightseeing cruises pass by its facade, and hop-on hop-off tours stop here. Entry is via paid ticket, which is covered by a Berlin Pass. Self-guided audio tours are available, and 20-minute guided tours are included with the entry fee; special organ tours and demonstrations are for an additional fee.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Berlin Cathedral is a must-visit for religious architecture enthusiasts and first-time visitors to the city.
- Look for the American-made elevator, installed at the wish of Kaiser Wilhelm II when the cathedral was built.
- The church is accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Berlin Cathedral is located on Museum Island in the Mitte district. The nearest S-Bahn station is Hackescher Markt.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily for visits and guided tours. Visitors are not permitted to enter during church services unless they are attending the service.
Unter den Linden
A stroll along the tree-lined Unter den Linden is a must for first-time visitors to Berlin. The shady boulevard draws locals and travelers alike to its cafés and restaurants, and in the evening the illuminated trees create a romantic atmosphere. Many of the city’s top attractions and monuments, including the State Opera House and German Historical Museum, are found here.
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Address: Am Lustgarten, Berlin 10178, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Beatles-Platz
The city of Hamburg played a big part in Beatles history. The famous band made it big in Hamburg and spent their early days playing at a variety of clubs in Hamburg's St. Pauli neighborhood. In 2001 a radio program manager proposed the idea of having a square to honor the band's importance in Hamburg's history. Beatles Platz was finally finished in 2008.
The square has five metal silhouette statues to represent each musician who was at one point a member of the band: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe, Ringo Starr, and Pete Best. The drummer statue represents both Ringo Starr and Pete Best, who was the drummer before Ringo. Visitors often stand in the life-sized silhouettes and pretend they are part of the band. The square is actually circular with a 95-foot diameter and was paved black to look like a vinyl record. There are also steel bands with the names of around 70 Beatles songs engraved on them.
Practical Info
Beatles-Platz is located at the intersection of Reeperbahn and Grosse Freiheit. To get there take the S1, S2, or S3 to the Reeperbahn station.
Address: Reeperbahn & Grosse Freiheit, Hamburg 20359, Germany
From $ 16
Bavarian Alps
Stretching along the Austrian border, the Bavarian Alps offer some of southern Germany’s most spectacular scenery. Think dizzying mountain roads circling vast lakes, forested peaks capped with fairy-tale castles, and picturesque medieval villages tucked away in alpine valleys.
The Basics
Most visitors explore the Bavarian Alps from Munich or on a day tour from Salzburg, Austria. Popular destinations include King Ludwig II’s magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle; Hitler’s legendary Eagle’s Nest retreat at Berchtesgaden; Oberammergau, where the world-renowned Passion Play is held each decade; and lively Füssen, at the start of the Romantic Road tourist trail. Day trips along the German Alpine Road are also popular, running from Lake Constance to Berchtesgaden and affording incredible mountain views.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It can get cold in the mountains, even in summer, so pack plenty of layers and warm clothing for the evening hours.
- The mountain roads that connect the alpine villages can be steep and winding, so always allow extra travel time. In winter, road closures are common and cars should be equipped for driving in snow.
- Bavarian villages are great destinations for food lovers: Be sure to try dumplings (knödel), white sausages (weisswurst), noodles (spätzle), and, of course, Bavarian beer.
How to Get There
The easiest way to explore the Bavarian Alps is by private transport or by joining a guided tour, but trains and buses also connect Munich with many alpine resort towns, including Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bad Tölz, and Berchtesgaden. The closest international airports are in Munich and Salzburg.
When to Get There
Summer is the most popular time to visit the Bavarian Alps, and towns like Füssen, Oberammergau, and Berchtesgaden are busiest during July and August—make an early start if you want to avoid the crowds. For hikers, spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather, while the ski season typically runs December through March. In November and January, tours and accommodation are often cheaper, but many attractions, guesthouses, and restaurants may be closed.
Things to Do in the Bavarian Mountains
Whether you have a day or a week to explore, there are plenty of things to do in the mountains. Take the train or cable car to panoramic views at the top of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain at 9,718 feet (2,962 meters); visit hugely popular Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany’s highest ski resort; learn the traditional art of cheese making in the Allgäu region; or tackle one of the Alps’ many hiking trails.
Address: Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
From $ 52