2 Days in Berlin: Ideal Itinerary for 48 Hours in Berlin

If you only have 2 days in Berlin, you’ll have to plan those days to be able to soak in as much as this fantastic city has to offer in a short time period. You can’t see everything, but you can get a good taste of Berlin in two days. For those of you planning to spend 48 hours in Berlin, we’ve got you covered.

This Berlin 2 day itinerary will highlight the important landmarks and attractions you should definitely see. Then I’ll show you how to best plan out your itinerary to make the most of your short time here.

Here’s what to see and what to do in 2 days in Berlin.

Is 2 days in Berlin enough?

Berlin is a big city with loads of history, culture, and beauty. Even after living here for years, I’m still discovering interesting places.

So the short answer is no, two days in Berlin is not enough time to see everything. But if you want to visit Berlin in 2 days, you can still have an enjoyable time here.

It is enough time to see many of the highlights and learn some of the city’s history. It’s enough time to enjoy some of what this wonderful city has to offer, and hopefully entice you to come back another time.

Keep in mind there are a lot of things to see and do in Berlin. You can’t do all of it in several days, let along 2 days in Berlin.

But it’s better to spend two days in Berlin than to not visit at all. You’ll still have a great time exploring Berlin!

Hopefully this two day Berlin itinerary helps you decide which attractions are important to you and how much of the city you can realistically see in two days.

In this Berlin two day itinerary, you’ll get to see the city’s important landmarks and attractions, learn about the history, and soak up some funky vibes. And remember, there’s always more to see if you come back for another trip in the future.

>>Do you have more or less time? Check out our 1 day Berlin itinerary or our itinerary for 3 days in Berlin.

Places to visit in Berlin in 2 days

Berlin has enough amazing landmarks and activities to keep you busy for weeks. But there are certain places to visit in Berlin that every first time visitor should see.

Berlin is one of the hippest cities in Europe, but it’s also filled with interesting history. People visit Berlin to learn about the city’s dark past as well as experience its unique modern vibe and taste a variety of international cuisines.

There’s a lot to take in if you only have a short amount of time here. Here’s our suggestions for what to see in two days in Berlin.

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Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Brandenburg Gate

Built in the late 1700s, Brandenburg Gate, or Brandenburger Tor in German, is Berlin’s last standing city gate.

During the Cold War, when Berlin was split into East and West, the border between the two sides ran just to the west of Brandenburg Gate. This meant the gate was in the East and ended up in the inaccessible section between the Wall and the border.

For many people, Brandenburg Tor represented the separation of the two sides of Berlin and Germany.

President Reagan gave his famous “Tear down this wall!” speech while standing in West Berlin on the western side of the gate. This strategic location meant people in Eastern Berlin could hear his powerful speech.

Today Brandenburg Gate represents unity. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Berlin, and even in all of Germany.

Even if you only have two days in Berlin, Brandenburg Gate is someplace you shouldn’t miss.

Important info
Open 24 hours a day. Closest transport is the Brandenburger Tor S&U station where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U5.

TV Tower

One of the most famous sites in the city, the TV Tower is hard to miss. After all, it is one of the tallest structures in Germany and the European Union and stands 368 meters (1,207 feet) tall.

The Soviets inaugurated the Berlin TV Tower on October 3, 1969, and it was intentionally built to be seen from almost anywhere in Berlin. This holds true today, and you’ll see it pop out unexpectedly when you round a corner.

The original intent of the Soviets was for the TV Tower to represent the strength of communist East Germany. But today it symbolizes the reunification of Germany and is a symbol of Berlin itself.

The TV Tower, or Fernsehturm in German, is a great place for views of Berlin since it’s so tall. The elevator takes you to the viewing platform at about 200 meters high for fantastic 360 degree views of the city.

There’s also a revolving restaurant on a different level where you can enjoy the views while eating a nice meal.

If you’re only in Berlin for two days, buy priority tickets online ahead of time to reduce your wait. Waiting to buy your ticket at the door could mean standing around for an hour or more.

Book your tickets here.

Important info
Observation deck opening hours:
November – March
10 am to 10 pm

April – October
9 am to 11 pm

Closest transport is S&U Alexanderplatz where you can get the U2, U5, U8, S3, S5, S7, S9, a variety of regional trains, and tram lines M4, M5, M6.

Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin Cathedral, or Berliner Dom in German, is a gorgeous Protestant cathedral located on Museum Island. It should definitely be on your Berlin bucket list.

The cathedral dates back to the 15th century, though it has been rebuilt and restored several times throughout its history. When the city was split, it was in the East, and although there was some restoration work, it was not fully restored until a few years after the Wall fell.

This religious institution also serves as a tourist attraction and museum. Touristic visits are not permitted during services.

Tours are available and included with the admission fee if you are interested in hearing about the history of the cathedral. You can also climb 270 stairs for lovely panoramic views of Berlin.

With 2 days in Berlin, you probably have time to take the tour and go to the top. At the very least, you should at least stop by to admire the outside.

Important info
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: 12 – 4 p.m.

Last admission in each case 60 minutes before. Guided tours are at specific times. Check here for more info.

Closest transport is the Museumsinsel Ubahn station where you can get the U5.

Museum Island

Museum Island is the name of a complex of multiple museums loaded with historic marvels, and it’s one of Berlin’s most popular sights. This Berlin UNESCO World Heritage Site is great for a day of cultural in the German capital.

Museum Island includes five museums to browse around in total: The Pergamon Museum, the Old Museum, National Gallery, Bode Museum and the New Museum.

Your two day Berlin itinerary probably doesn’t leave you enough time to visit the museums, but strolling around here and soaking up the architecture is still rewarding.

If going into one or more of the museums is a priority to you, you’ll probably have to cut out a few other sights from this 2 day Berlin itinerary.

Important info
Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm, closed Mondays. Holiday hours may differ.

Closest transport is the Museumsinsel Ubahn station where you can get the U5.

Reichstag Building

Opened in 1894, the Reichstag Building is a unique masterpiece of art designed by Norman Foster. The building features excellent architecture and a unique glass domed top that you can tour.

It is also where German parliament meets, which means when you’re walking through the dome, you can see all those important people through the glass. The Reichstag building also has a rooftop terrace and restaurant, which provides panoramic views of Berlin.

On the Reichstag Building tour, you will learn about German history and about the building itself. Tours into the glass dome are one of the most popular free things to do in Berlin.

The free tour comes with an audio guide that takes about 20 minutes. If you decide to take the free tour on your Berlin 2 day itinerary, you probably need to allow at least 30-40 minutes total here.

There’s also a 90 minute tour that includes a visit to the glass dome.

Important info
Plan ahead because advanced booking is required and opening hours vary.

Closest transport: About halfway between the Bundestag Ubahn station (U5) and the Brandenburger Tor Sbahn and Ubahn station (S1, S2, S25, S26, U5).

Tiergarten

Tiergarten is one of the most popular parks in Berlin, and even though it’s located right in the middle of the city, it’s huge. It dates back to 1527 when it was a hunting ground, but these days, this vast green space has become a much loved public park for Berliners.

Throughout the park there are statues, memorials, ponds, tree-lined thoroughfares, and lawns. When the weather’s warm in Berlin, people flock here for leisurely walks, picnics, and generally hanging out with friends, making it a great spot to people-watch.

The park is located just west of Brandenburg Gate, so it’s easy to include a quick stroll in Tiergarten on your two day Berlin itinerary.

Important info
The park is open 24 hours a day.

It’s a large park, so there are multiple transport options depending on what part of the park you want to reach. The section closest to Brandenburg Gate is easiest to access from the Brandenburger Tor S&U station where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U5.

Victory Column

Berlin’s Victory Column, or Siegessäule in German, is one of the more recognizable monuments in the city, and one you should see while spending 2 days in Berlin.

The column is located roughly in the middle of Tiergarten Park at a roundabout where a few major roads intersect the park. It was originally placed in front of the Reichstag until 1938, and it was constructed as a monument to Prussia’s victory in the Franco-German war.

Today this is a popular tourist attraction. The Victory Column stands at 67 meters (about 220 feet) tall, and for a small fee, you can climb 285 stairs to the observation deck for excellent views of Berlin.

Since the TV Tower can be a bit pricey, this is a good alternative for people traveling to Berlin on a budget.

Important info
You can see this landmark any time of day, but if you want to climb the tower to the viewing platform, the opening hours are:

April to October: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM, Sat & Sun till 7 PM
November to March: Mon-Sun 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

The entrance fee is 4 euros, cash only. Closest transport is the Hansaplatz station on the U9, or the Großer Stern bus stop.

Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, often referred to as the Holocaust Memorial, honors the large number of Jewish people who were killed by the Nazi regime.

This somber memorial consists of 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights, and the ground they sit on is an uneven slope similar to a wave. The information center showcases letters, diaries, photographs, and biographies of the victims to help personalize the experience.

Important info
Entrance is free for both the outside memorial and the inside information center. The outside memorial is open 24/7.

The information center is open October – April, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm, and May – September, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 8pm.

Photography is allowed (no flash inside) but please be respectful. Do not sit on or climb on the cement slabs or take selfies. This is a place to reflect and remember those who were murdered.

Closest transport: The memorial is located about halfway between S&U Brandenburger Tor where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U5 and S&U Potsdamer Platz where you can get the S1, S2, S25, S26, or U2.

Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is one of the prettiest squares in Berlin. This historic square is home to an impressive trio of buildings: the French Church, the German Church, and the Konzerthaus.

Sadly the square was badly damaged during World War II, but today it’s mostly been restored to its former glory. Gendarmenmarkt is a great place to wander and see some of Berlin’s beauty, and if you’re here over the holidays, you can visit one of the most popular Christmas markets in Berlin here.

You can also climb to the top of the French Cathedral for some wonderful views of the square and much of central Berlin.

Important info
The square is open 24 hours a day. The buildings located have different opening hours, please check them individually if you want to go inside.

Closest transport is the Hausvogteiplatz station on the U2, but it’s also not far from the Stadtmitte station on the U2 and U6.

Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Str

The Berlin Wall was, and still is, an important piece of the city’s character and history. Although there are lots of different places to learn about the Wall, the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial is one of the best.

This 1.4km (0.87 mile) section of road includes one of the last remaining pieces of the Wall. The Wall divided the street, with buildings on one side in the East and buildings on the other side in the West.

Placards describe what it was like living on the eastern side of Bernauer Strasse before and after the Wall went up, how it affected the neighborhood, how people tried to escape, and more. Markers on the ground show you where apartment buildings once stood and where escape tunnels were built.

About halfway down the street, you’ll see building with a tower you can climb to see over the Wall and into the death strip. At the visitors center, you can watch two short films (alternating time slots for German and English) depicting the Wall in the city as well as what it was like out in the countryside where the Wall divided East and West Germany.

In my opinion, this is the best Cold War Era site in Berlin. It can take a decent amount of time to see all the different sections, so with only two days in Berlin, you’ll need to decide how much of it you can fit into your itinerary.

Important info
Visitors Center opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Documentation Center opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Opening hours of the outdoor sections are listed as Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., although there is no gate barring you from wandering around outside of these hours.

Closest transport to the Visitors Center is the Nordbahnhof Sbahn station where you can get the S1, S2, S25, or S26. The M10 tram also stops at Nordbahnhof, Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (where the tower is), and you can get the M10 or U8 at the Bernauer Str station.

East Side Gallery

The most famous section of the Berlin Wall is the East Side Gallery. It runs along a stretch of the Spree River in the former East and is covered in art.

At 1.3km (0.8 mile) this is considered the longest open air gallery in the world.

After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, artists from around the world came here to paint murals on the Wall to celebrate Germany being reunited and to remind the world of terrible things that occurred here. Over the years, the art has changed several times.

Important info
This popular attraction is open 24/7 but is best enjoyed during daylight hours.

Closest transport is the Ostbahnhof station (Sbahn) or the Warschauer Str S&U station.

Charlottenburg Palace

Built in 1695, this Baroque palace was named for Sophie Charlotte and served as her summer palace. It’s a gorgeous palace with ornate interiors and excellent gardens.

Today you can visit the museums inside to learn more about the palace’s history and enjoy the gardens. It’s well worth going inside for a visit, but if the insides of palaces and castles aren’t your thing, you can still wander through the grounds and see the gardens for free.

Important info
Palace museum opening hours:
November – March
Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 4:30 pm

April – October
Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 5:30 pm

Closest transport is the Schloss Charlottenburg bus stop on the M45 bus.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

This famous landmark is one of the most important churches in Berlin. The original church was built here in the 1890s, but was damaged in WWII air raids in 1943.

Interestingly, the church was not rebuilt and instead has been left much as it was after the war. Its been nicknamed by Berliners as Der Hohle Zahn—literally “The Hollow Tooth”. It’s a stark reminder of the destruction of war.

Important info
Opening hours:
9am to 7pm

Tours are offered several times a day, and though they are free, the church does ask for a donation of at least 5 euros.

Closest transport is S&U Zoologischer Garten or U Kurfürstendamm.

Tempelhof Park

One of Berlin’s most interesting green spaces is Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport that is now a huge park. In 1948-1949 during the Berlin Blockade, this airport was the hub of the Berlin Airlift, which kept West Berlin supplied with goods while land routes were blocked.

Tempelhof Airport continued to operate even after the Berlin Wall came down and East and West Germany reunited. It wasn’t until 2008 that the airport closed.

In 2010, it reopened as a public park, and the runway and airport building remain. Today you can enjoy walking, running, roller blading, cycling, kite surfing, and more all on a former airport runway.

There are grassy areas where you can have a picnic, gardening areas, fenced dog areas, bird protection areas, and more. This park is a Berlin favorite.

Important info
Opening hours: The park hours vary by month, but in general the park is open from dawn to dusk. Entrance is free, though most of the airport building is only accessible on a tour.

Closest transport: This is a huge park with multiple entry points, so there are several different S&U stations near the park.

• Southwest: S+U Tempelhof on the S41, S42, S45, S46, S47, and U6 lines. This station is the closest to a park entrance.
• West: Paradestraße on the U6 line.
• East: Leinestraße or Boddinstraße on the U8 line. You won’t immediately see the park from these stations, but it’s not too long of a walk.
• Northwest: Platz der Luftbrücke on the U6 line. This will get you near the airport building, but it’s probably the least convenient station for the actual park.

Topography of Terror

The Topography of Terror Museum is located where the headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS was between 1933 and 1945. Persecutions and killings of Nazi opponents were organized here, and the genocide of Jews, Roma, and Sinti was also coordinated here.

It now serves as a place to remember history and warn us from repeating the terrors of the past. The exhibits here use photographs and documentation to tell visitors about the crimes that were organized here.

You’ll also see excavation sites where you can view through glass windows. There’s also a long section of the Berlin Wall that still stands here.

Read my full guide to visiting Topography of Terror Museum.

Important info
Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 8 pm. Holiday hours may differ. Entrance is free.

Closest transport is Kochstraße where you can get the U6; Anhalter Bahnhof where you can get the S1, S2, S25, or S26; or Potsdamer Platz where you can get the S1, S2, S25, or S26, or the U2.

Palace of Tears

The Palace of Tears, or Tränenpalast in German, is located at Friedrichstraße train station and was constructed in 1962. It was originally used by the East German dictatorship as a departure terminal for people from West Berlin who were coming to visit people in East Berlin.

At this location, many people were denied access to the border and forced by border guards to leave their families and friends in tears. Today, the museum is a reminder of the separation of Germany and all the tears that were shed in connection with it.

When you visit Berlin, be sure to look out for the ‘Palace of Tears, Side of German Division’ exhibition. Hosted at the Palace of Tears pavilion, this exhibition features documents, films, original objects and interviews from affected individuals.

Important info
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday: 9 am – 7 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm. Holiday hours may differ. Entrance is free.

Closest transport is the Friedrichstraße Sbahn and Ubahn station where you can get the S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S9, S25, S26, and U6, as well as trams 12 and M1.

Learn more about visiting the Tränenpalast Museum in Berlin.

Two days in Berlin itinerary

I’ve listed a lot of attractions up there, and it’s very possible you won’t get to all of them in two days. Remember that it’s better to enjoy the sights even if it means having to cut out a few.

Focus on your priorities. Everyone has different interests, so it’s reasonable to tweak this Berlin itinerary to fit your desires and pace. Don’t rush if you’re not going to enjoy yourself.

I’ve written this two day itinerary as if you’re arriving the night before, spending two days in Berlin, and then leaving in the morning, for a total of 48 hours of exploring and 3 nights. But you can adjust the itinerary a bit if you only have 2 nights.

You might not have time to go inside each attraction mentioned here. Know what your priorities are, and be willing to compromise, because two days in Berlin really isn’t enough to see everything.

For example, Berlin has lots of places for views of the city from above, such as the TV Tower, the Victory Column, the Berlin Cathedral, and Panorama Punkt, but it takes time to do each of them.

If you really like views from above, choose one, but otherwise it’s it’s ok to only see the outsides of some attractions.

And you might not have time to go into museums. Or if going in is important to you, you’ll have to compromise and cut something else out of your Berlin itinerary.

The important thing is to use this two day Berlin itinerary as a guide. Make adjustments based on your interests, and stay flexible where possible.

Also, a Berlin day ticket will be your best friend for this itinerary. Buying two 24 hour tickets means you can ride Berlin public transport as many times as you want for 24 hours from when you validate your ticket.

East Side Gallery

Set your alarm, because you’ll need an early start to see as many sights on your Berlin bucket list as possible.

If your hotel offers breakfast, grab something quick. Otherwise, there’s bound to be a bakery nearby where you can buy a tasty German pastry to eat on the go.

Start your sightseeing at the East Side Gallery. Since it’s open 24 hours a day, this makes a good starting point so you don’t waste any time.

I recommend arriving at the East Side Gallery by 8am at the latest, earlier if possible. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the art and make it to your next stop by 9am.

The closest transport stations are U Warschauer Str near one end, which you can reach using the U1 or U3, or Ostbahnhof train station, which you can reach using S3, S5, S7, or S9. Start from one of these stations and end at the other.

Once you’ve had your fill, make your way to Alexanderplatz. If you’ve finished seeing the East Side Gallery near Ostbahnhof, hop on the Sbahn to Alexanderplatz.

If you finished near Warschauer Str, you’ll also need to get the Sbahn, but note that the Sbahn station and the Ubahn station are separate. So when walking from the East Side Gallery, you’ll see the Ubahn first, and the Sbahn is shortly after that.

>>Read: 23 Memorable Berlin Souvenirs to Bring Home With You (+ ones to skip)

TV Tower

Alexanderplatz is a big transport hub, plus there’s shopping and a few places to eat here. If you have a couple minutes, go check out the square itself and see the World Time Clock.

Next, go see the TV Tower. Don’t forget to book your skip-the-line ticket here ahead of time!

The views from the viewing platform are unbeatable. As you wander around up top, info signs will tell you what you’re looking at.

The TV Tower opens at 9am from April to October (it doesn’t open until 10am from November to March) so if you book your ticket for a 9am time slot, you should be able to get in right as they open.

Once you’re done, make your way to Museum Island. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the TV Tower to the Berlin Cathedral, or you can hop on the tram for one stop to get you halfway there.

Walking is probably easier here though. Wander past the Neptune Fountain, through the park, and cross the Spree River.

Museum Island

You can’t miss the Berlin Cathedral. It’s an impressively large and gorgeous church, and it’s worth stopping for some pictures, even if you don’t have time to go inside for a tour.

The park in front of the cathedral is called Lustgarten. The other building you’ll see here is the Altes Museum, one of the five museums in the Museum Island ensemble.

Since you’re only in Berlin for two days, going into one of the museums night not be feasible. If this is a high priority for you, decide what other attraction(s) on this itinerary isn’t so important to you and cut it for time.

Otherwise, have a wander through the green spaces here and admire the architecture of the different museums. Not only do they hold important exhibits and artifacts, but the buildings themselves are quite impressive.

Across the street from the Berlin Cathedral and Lustgarten is the Humboldt Forum. This rebuilt Berlin Palace is now home to an arts and cultural museum.

On the other side of the river from the cathedral is the German History Museum. If this interests you, definitely make time for it, but again, you might have to make a few other compromises with only two days.

Now start walking west along Unter den Linden.

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Unter den Linden

The wide boulevard you’re now walking on is called Unter den Linden, named for the linden trees you’ll see along the way. It’s a beautiful street with many landmarks, museums, and other attractions.

Luckily there are quite a few of Berlin’s top sights here that are easy to see and enjoy even when you don’t have much time.

You’ll pass Neue Wache, a memorial to war victims. Then there’s the Berlin State Opera House. Next is Bebelplatz square with the Nazi book burning memorial.

In the middle of the street, you’ll see a statue of a man on a horse. That’s Friedrich the Great, king of Prussia.

Shortly after this, I recommend turning left onto Charlottenstrasse to reach Gendarmenmarkt, which is such a pretty square, it’s worth a quick detour. But if you’re trying to make time for other activities, don’t worry about skipping it.

After you’ve been wowed and taken some photos, head back to Unter den Linden. Keep walking west, and in a few minutes, you’ll see Brandenburg Gate.

Are you really strapped for time? If you’d rather skip walking down Unter den Linden, hop on the U5 from Museum Island (Museumsinsel station) and take it a couple of stops to Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor station).

Holocaust Memorial

Once you stop for a few photos and then pass through Brandenburg Gate, you’ll see Tiergarten park in front of you. At the big street (Strasse des 17 Juni) that basically dead ends at Brandenburg Gate, you’ll be able to see the Victory Column in the distance.

Turn left and walk a few minutes until you see the Holocaust Memorial. I recommend crossing over to Tiergarten and wandering through the eastern edge of the park on your way to the Holocaust Memorial.

The memorial is on the same side of the street as Brandenburg Gate, so you’ll have to cross back over when you see the big blocks that form the memorial. Wander through the rows of blocks along the uneven ground, and if you have time, check out the info center inside.

Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial

Once you’re done at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, it’s time to go to the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse. To get there, walk back through Brandenburg Gate to the Brandenburger Tor Sbahn station, and take the S1, S2, S25, or S26 the Nordbahnhof station.

From there it’s a short walk to the Bernauer Strasse visitors center. If you have time to watch the short films, they are fantastic.

Then take as much time as you can manage to explore the rest of the exhibits on Bernauer Strasse, including the tower at the midway point.

The other end of the memorial is near Schwedter Strasse, which is a few blocks past the Bernauer Strasse Ubahn station.

You’re probably nearing the end of your first day by now. Check out Schwarzwaldstuben or Gaststätte Sophieneck for a traditional German dinner.

Reichstag Building

Start day two by visiting the Reichstag Building. Remember you need to book well in advance in order to get a time slot for the free tour, so plan ahead.

The free tour is really worthwhile, but if you couldn’t snag a spot or you don’t have time, it’s still worth checking out this impressive building.

Palace of Tears

After you’re finished at the Reichstag Building, head over to Tränenpalast, or Palace of Tears. It’s a short walk along the river, otherwise take the U5 one stop to Brandenburger Tor and switch to the Sbahn, either the S1, S2, S25, or S26, for one stop to Friedrichstrasse.

The museum is located just outside the Friedrichstrasse station.

Topography of Terror

Next hop on the U6 going south and get out at Kochstrasse. Take a quick photo of Checkpoint Charlie before making your way to Topography of Terror, which includes both an outdoor and an indoor exhibition about Nazi crimes.

Tempelhofer Feld

This park that was once an airport is one of the most loved parks in the city, and it’s packed with history. Take the U6 south to Platz der Luftbrücke to see the Airlift Memorial and the former airport building.

You can take a tour of the airport, or visit the exhibits in the visitors center. Then check out some of the nearby sections of the park where the runway still stands.

Charlottenburg Palace

For something completely different, head over to Charlottenburg Palace, one of the prettiest castles in Berlin. The castle is gorgeous inside and out, but if you don’t have time to go inside, you can admire the outside and the castle’s gardens for free.

To get to the palace from Tempelhof, take the U6 south to S&U Tempelhof and switch to the S41, which is the Ringbahn line going clockwise. Get out at Westend, and switch to the M45 bus going towards Zoo, and get out at the Schloss Charlottenburg stop.

If you have time, consider going to see Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. It’s a short bus ride away on the M45 bus towards Zoo; get out at Jebensstr and it’s a short walk from there.

For dinner, try Lemke Brewery near Charlottenburg Palace. And if you’re looking for fun cocktails with a view, I highly recommend Monkey Bar in the 25Hours Hotel, one of the best rooftop bars in Berlin.

Where to eat in Berlin

Berlin is a huge city, and where you eat depends in part on where you are at meal times. And remember, this is a multicultural city, and there’s really delicious food of all kinds, not just German food.

Can you see Berlin in 2 days?

I might be biased, but I think there’s so much to do and see in Berlin that 2 days isn’t nearly enough. But I’ve also traveled enough to know that most people don’t have the time to spend more than a few days in any one city.

Two days is enough to see most of what I’ve mentioned in this itinerary. Only the most ambitious travelers will actually make it to everything listed here because it is quite a fast pace.

And remember, if something really doesn’t interest you, you’re allowed to skip it. Customize this itinerary in a way that works for you and allows you to see the sights that are important to you.

And don’t forget to see how to get from Berlin airport to the city center before you arrive.

Berlin two day itinerary FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about what to do in Berlin in 2 days and planning a Berlin itinerary.

Is 2 days enough in Berlin?

Two days in Berlin is better than just one day, and you can see a lot of the highlights in two days. But can you manage more time?

I really feel like 3 days is the minimum you should spend in Berlin to see the major attractions and some of the city’s vibe that’s hard to see without venturing away from the tourist track.

But however much time you have is enough to at least get a taste for Berlin. I love this city, and hopefully two days in Berlin is enough to convince you to return for another trip.

How to visit Berlin in two days?

It’s not impossible to visit Berlin in two days, but it’s a little tight. A walking tour like this one or a bike tour like this one will help you make the most of your time and see a lot more than you could see on your own.

Hopefully my two day Berlin itinerary above helps you understand what there is to see and do so you can plan out your time here.

What to do in 48 hours in Berlin?

With 48 hours in Berlin, you can see the major attractions, like the TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, Reichstag Building, Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial, and East Side Gallery.

This is also enough time to eat some delicious food, go to a club if you’re interested in the nightlife, and get a feel for Berlin’s laid back vibe.

How many days in Berlin is enough?

Ideally I think 3 days in Berlin is enough to really see the sights and get a good feel for the city.

If you have time for 3 days, that would be ideal, but make the most of however much time you have. You can still see and do a lot in 2 days.

Read more: How Many Days in Berlin Do You Need?

What is the best month to visit Berlin?

Really the best time to visit Berlin is when you are able to come here. But some months are better than others, if you have the flexibility to choose when to visit.

May is a great month to visit Berlin for mild weather and fewer crowds. September and October are also nice for similar reasons.

Read about what to do in Berlin in spring and what to do in Berlin in autumn.

Is Berlin cheap for tourists?

Berlin is a reasonably cheap city compared to other big cities in western Europe. Things are getting more expensive, but it’s still a cheap city for tourists.

The most expensive thing is likely to be your accommodation. But you can still find cheap food here, and so many sights and attractions are either free or inexpensive.

Be sure to check out these free things to do in Berlin, these cheap things to do in Berlin, and my money saving tips for visiting Berlin on a budget.

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this itinerary for two days in Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!