17 Amazing Places for the Best Views of Berlin From Above

A visit to the German capital isn’t complete without seeing views of Berlin from higher ground. It’s surprisingly packed full of options for panoramic views – from the historic to the modern, the swanky to the hip, so there are wonderful Berlin viewpoints for everyone.

Super-fast elevators, rooftop bars, glass-domed roofs, relics of World War II and even a cable car – there’s more than just one way to see views of Berlin from above.

Keep reading for some of the best Berlin views, including some unconventional ones.

Where to go for views of Berlin

With so many excellent and interesting viewpoints, views of Berlin from above aren’t hard to find. And here are some of the best Berlin viewpoints.

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TV Tower

Boasting possibly the most famous views of Berlin from up high, it’s not just the vista that’s impressive – it’s the structure of the TV Tower itself. Shooting into the sky at 368-meters tall, it’s one of Berlin’s most visible (and iconic) buildings and a Berlin landmark you shouldn’t miss.

It was built as a symbol of Communist power in 1969, it remains the tallest structure not just in Berlin, but in Germany. In fact, the Berliner Fernsehturm is the third-tallest building in the EU.

As well as being functional, the observation deck provides sweeping panoramas over the German capital, with sights like the Reichstag building and Olympic Stadium visible (plus, there’s a revolving restaurant too, called Sphere). An express elevator takes visitors up to the platform in just 40 seconds.

Panoramapunkt

The name says it all – it means “Panorama Point” in German, giving you a good idea of what to expect here. Namely, that would be the amazing Berlin views from the top of the Kollhoff Tower at Potsdamer Platz.

And if you thought the TV Tower’s elevator was quick, think again – the elevator is the fastest in the whole of Europe, zipping you 100 meters above Potsdamer Platz to the 24th and 25th floor where you’ll find the amazing Berlin viewpoint and a cute cafe where you can take a break for some cake.

Completed in 1999, the tower’s viewpoint at Panoramapunkt provide an excellent view of the city and many of its attractions, including Brandenburger Tor and the TV Tower.

This is actually one of the reasons I like Panoramapunkt is that it gives you great views of Berlin that include the iconic TV Tower. I think it’s a great alternative to the TV Tower itself.

Check out my full guide to visiting Panoramapunkt in Berlin.

Located at Kollhoff Tower, Potsdamer Platz 1, 10785 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: S Potsdamer Platz.

Victory Column

This iconic Berlin monument opened in 1873 in order to commemorate the Prussian victory in the second Schleswig War. But this golden column is more than just a landmark – it’s also an attraction in itself, thanks to its viewing platform.

Located in Berlin’s Tiergarten park, the imposing column stands 67 meters high. Getting to the viewing platform at 51 meters high, simply climb the 285 steps of its interior spiral staircase.

>>Read: 101 Fun and Essential Things to do in Berlin

Although I’m not a fan of all the stairs, it really is worth it when you get to the top where you can enjoy the views across Tiergarten and to Brandenburg Gate. I think this is an especially great viewpoint if you’re visiting Berlin in autumn when the leaves in Tiergarten will be beautiful colors.

I love this viewpoint for budget Berlin travelers since it’s one of the best cheap things to do in Berlin.

Located at Großer Stern, 10557 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: U Hansaplatz or S Bellevue.

Olympic Bell Tower

The bell tower at the Olympic Stadium is another great place for views of Berlin from above. And it comes with a little history.

Aside from getting a bird’s eye view of the stadium itself, you can also see the Spandau district to the west, Alexanderplatz in central Berlin, and much more of the city. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Potsdam, southwest of Berlin.

A glass elevator takes visitors up to the viewing platform. On the ground level, you can also learn about the history of the Olympic Stadium, the 1936 games, and the stadium’s ties to Nazi history. Info is in both German and English.

Located at Am Glockenturm 1, 14053 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: S Pichelsberg.

>>Read: 27 Meaningful Places to See World War II Sites in Berlin

Monkey Bar (in 25 Hours Hotel)

For those who like to enjoy their views with a cocktail, then the Monkey Bar is the perfect place to go. Located on the 10th floor of the 25Hours Hotel, it may not reach the dizzying heights of some of Berlin’s viewpoints, but what it lacks in altitude it makes up for in attitude.

Serving up sublime views over the city, including Berlin Zoo (hence the name), the hip Monkey Bar has a buzzing atmosphere. Sometimes there are DJs spinning tracks, making it a great place to soak up a sunset before exploring the rest of Berlin’s nightlife.

The cocktails can be a little pricey, but I always enjoy the creativity. We’ve been here several times to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and we’ve even spent the night at this wonderful hotel.

Located at Budapester Str. 40, 10787 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: S & U Zoologischer Garten.

>>Read: Best Rooftop Bars in Berlin with Fantastic Views

Grunewaldturm

For something with a little more history and a little more nature, you may want to opt for a visit to Grunewaldturm (Grunewald Tower in English) in the forested southwest corner of Berlin. The tower is a memorial that opened in 1889 to mark the 100th birthday of German emperor Kaiser Wilhelm I.

The 55-meter-tall red brick tower sits on top of a hill in the Grunewald Forest. Climb the Grunewaldturm’s 204 steps to the tower’s viewing platform, with wonderful natural views from 36 meters up.

Once you’ve soaked up the views, you can head down to the building’s very own restaurant and beer garden or go for a hike in the forest.

This viewpoint is a bit farther from the center of Berlin than some of the others on the list, but it’s great for people who want a little escape into nature. It’s easy to combine with some hiking in the forest or swimming in the nearby Havel.

Located at Havelchaussee 61, 14193 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: S Heerstrasse or U Theodor-Heuss-Platz, then take Bus 218 towards Pfaueninsel to the Grunewaldturm stop.

Vienna House Andel’s Hotel Sky Bar

Another option for enjoying not only a view in Berlin, but a few alcoholic beverages too, is the Sky Bar at Andel’s Hotel. This chic four-star hotel continues its sophistication through to its 14th floor rooftop bar, making for a classy place to soak up a 270-degree view of the city.

A bit of a hidden gem, this intimate spot serves specialty cocktails and bar snacks in case you’re feeling hungry. And it’s situated on the border between the districts of Prenzlauer Berg and Lichtenberg just near the Landsberger Allee Sbahn station, so you get to see the city center from a more unusual vantage point.

Located at Landsberger Allee 106, 10369 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: S Landsberger Allee.

Berlin Funkturm

The Funkturm is Berlin’s radio tower. This broadcasting spire dates back to the 1920s, and today it’s a famous landmark in the German capital. Home to an observation deck situated 126 meters above the ground, this Eiffel Tower-esque structure is situated in the borough of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.

Nicknamed “Der Lange Lulatsch” or “The Lanky Lad”, later additions to this tower include a restaurant at 52-meters high. Another speedy elevator can be found here, too, which travels at six-meters per second.

And as a final tip, consider a visit at night, when the Funkturm is illuminated.

Located at Hammarskjöldplatz, 14055 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: S Messe Nord.

Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral)

The Berliner Dom is a place of worship and a famous Germany landmark in its own right, but it’s also home to one of the best Berlin viewpoints with a 360-degree panoramic view of the whole of Berlin.

This gorgeous cathedral dates back centuries, but the current iteration was completed in 1905. Though badly damaged during World War II, restoration work was finally finished in 1993.

One of the most striking parts of the cathedral is the dome, atop of which is the observation deck itself. But be prepared for stairs – 270 steps, to be exact. You’ll be rewarded, though, with one of the best views in Berlin from a height of 50 meters.

Located at Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: U Museumsinsel.

>>Read: Fun Facts and Trivia About Berlin

Flak Tower III Humboldthain

Once a fortified tower built for anti-aircraft guns during World War II, today the Flak Tower III – situated in Humboldthain Park – is an unlikely (and peaceful) viewing platform. Besides the historic tower, the leafy park itself boasts a water garden, rose garden, grassy lawns and even a swimming pool.

Located in Berlin’s Gesundbrunnen district, Flak Tower III, now covered in graffiti, offers a chance to embark on a mini work-out thanks to its 150+ steps. The views are understated, but the history and leafy locale makes it an interesting option for a Berlin viewpoint.

Located at Hochstraße 5, 13357 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: S & U Gesundbrunnen.

>>Check out our list of the top World War II and Cold War sites in Berlin.

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Reichstag Building

It’s also possible to get an amazing view of Berlin from the Reichstag Building. This grand icon of the city was built in the late 19th century and is the seat of the German parliament.

There’s a modern addition today in the form of a glass dome that crowns the roof. This futuristic design is now the gateway to the roof of the Reichstag. Visitors can now step out onto the roof itself, amble around, taking snaps of the Berlin cityscape and enjoying its new architectural facets.

As an added bonus, the tour is free, but you must register ahead of time. Check out more free things to do in Berlin.

Located at Platz der Republik 1, 10557 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: S & U Brandenburger Tor or U Bundestag.

Klunkerkranich

The hipster hangout of Neukolln is home to the Instagram-friendly rooftop bar, Klunkerkranich. It is uniquely situated at the top of an old parking garage, making for an urban, creative twist on the typical glitzy and glamorous rooftop bar.

Popular particularly at sunset, visitors to Klunkerkranich may initially find it quite hard to find – that’s because you enter through a seemingly un-hip mall. But ride the elevator up to the fifth floor, stroll through the parking lot, take the ramp, and you’ll be in this strange and wonderful beer garden.

Located at Karl-Marx-Straße 66, 12043 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: U Rathaus Neukölln.

Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial Tower

No trip to Berlin is complete without learning at least a little about the Berlin Wall. The Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial is a 1.4km (0.87 mile) stretch of road where buildings on opposite sides of the street ended up on opposite sides of the Wall.

About halfway along this outdoor memorial, you’ll find a building with a tower. It’s officially called the Berlin Wall Documentation Center.

Take the elevator a few floors up to the top, and you’ll get a view of a remaining piece of the Berlin Wall and the death strip next to it. This was preserved when the Wall came down so people could see what it was really like.

This is certainly not one of the highest views of Berlin, but it’s a view that’s enhanced by being on higher ground, and one that shows an important piece of the city’s history.

The Wall Memorial is someplace that should definitely be on your Berlin bucket list.

Located at Bernauer Str. 111, 13355 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: S Nordbahnhof or U Bernauer Strasse.

Gardens of the World cable cars

Unlike many of the other places to get good views in Berlin, the cable cars at Gardens of the World aren’t buildings. This is a journey across the landscape of the city, built for the International Garden Exhibition in 2017.

The ropeway runs for a kilometer and a half (almost a mile) from Kienberg U-Bahn Station all the way to the Gardens of the World visitor center in the district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf.

The journey takes around five minutes, during which you’ll see Kienberg Park, while views of the landscaped Gardens of the World await at the summit (63 meters above sea level).

Some cabins on the ropeway have glass floors. Others have no seats, designed for cyclists, for those interested in getting around via pedal power. The ropeway also has a stop at Wolkenhain auf dem Kienberg, where you can climb to the observation deck for views without any plexiglass in the way.

Gardens of the World is a little out from the center, but you can still see the TV Tower in the skyline, even if it is small from that distance.

Located at Blumberger Damm 44, 12685 Berlin. This is the main entrance, and not very convenient to transport. Instead go to Kienberg – Gärten der Welt on the U5 where you can get on the cablecar.

Viktoriapark

This popular park in the hip western section of Kreuzeberg is home to one of the highest natural elevation points in the city. Climb the hill, also called Kreuzberg, and a set of stairs to the memorial celebrating victory over Napoleon, and you’ll be rewarded with a really pretty view of the city.

The park has lots of space for a picnic in nice weather, and it’s also adorned with Berlin’s only waterfall right in the middle of the city. The waterfall is manmade, so it actually gets turned off in the winter to avoid freezing.

While the view from above is excellent, be sure to go back down to street level and look up to see the water streaming down through the rocks. You can also see the memorial at the top from the street.

Located at Katzbachstr and Kreuzbergerstr, 10965 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: U Platz der Luftbrücke.

Welt Balloon

Not far from Checkpoint Charlie and Topography of Terror is an unlikely place for views of Berlin, the Welt Balloon, or World Balloon in English. This is a helium balloon that takes you 500 meters above the city for a unique viewpoint in one of the world’s largest tethered passenger balloons.

The 15 minute ride gives you views of many of Berlin’s central attractions, such as Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, Gendarmenmarkt, Potsdamer Platz, Tempelhof, Tiergarten, and more. Plus you can see out into the outer sections of the city and beyond.

The Welt Balloon is weather dependent, so keep in mind that they can not operate in bad weather, especially if it’s too windy.

Located at Zimmerstraße 100, 10117 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: U Kochstr.

Französischer Dom

Gendarmenmarkt is one of the prettiest squares in Berlin. The three impressive buildings here are the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral), the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral), and the Konzerthaus Berlin (Berlin Concert House), and even just walking through the area is enjoyable.

But you can also climb the tower of the Französischer Dom for views of Berlin from above. You’ll have to climb up 236 stairs to reach the viewing platform, but I feel like the stairs are shorter than the ones at Victory Column because it was an easier climb, and the viewing platform isn’t nearly as high.

Even though it’s not a super high tower, it’s high enough for sweeping views of the highlights of central Berlin. It’s also a gorgeous view of the rest of Gendarmenmarkt square, and you can see the TV Tower and Berlin Cathedral from up here.

Located at Gendarmenmarkt 7, 10117 Berlin. Closest Sbahn or Ubahn: U Hausvogteiplatz.

Seeing a city from above is a great way to get a different perspective. Since Germany’s capital is such a diverse city, it’s no wonder there are tons of interesting places to see views of Berlin from above. Which one is your favorite?

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