48 Hours in Berlin

Berlin is huge, but it’s possible to see the main sights with only 48 hours. Check out our guide to ensure you see the best in the German capital!

Berlín is a great destination for a short weekend trip, because even if you spent a year here, you’d likely never see it all. Essentially two cities in one, Berlin has an endless amount of things to do. From parties, to galleries, to historical landmarks, and more, Berlin is a city that really never sleeps. If you’re planning on visiting, check out our guide on 48 Hours in Berlin!

48 Hours in Berlin

Top Sights

Checkpoint Charlie

Named by the Western Allies, Checkpoint Charlie was the most popular border crossing point between East and West Berlin in the Cold War. What was once a tense location for people crossing the border, is now a popular tourist attraction.

Brandenburg Gate

This 18 century neoclassical monument is one of the most postcard famous landmarks in Berlin, and a must stop on your 48 hours here. When East and West Germany was divided during the Cold War, Brandenburg Gate was a border point between the two countries. When the wall fell in 1989, it became a symbol of peace and unity in Germany. Today, Brandenburg Gate is a popular landmark, and is often the site of the city’s biggest celebrations.

Brandenburg Gate

Museumsinsel

If you want to visit museums, then Museuminsel is where you want to be. Consisting of 5 different museums, this is another one of the most popular tourist destinations in Berlin. You can visit a variety of museums, including the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum and the Pergamonmuseum. Sadly, if you only have 48 hours in Berlin, you won’t have time to visit them all, so do your research beforehand and pick a few you’d like to see. And even if you don’t plan on visiting a museum, it’s a beautiful location to walk around and photograph. We highly recommend you check it out!

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a solemn, but necessary stop on your 48 hours in Berlin. Located near Brandenburg Tor, the memorial is a series of concrete slabs all standing at various heights. As you walk through it, you’ll be confronted with a feeling of uncertainty, which is exactly the feeling the architect wanted to evoke. We recommend heading to the underground information centre as well, which is also free to visit.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Kreuzberg

This is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Berlin, and is full of great markets, shops, restaurants, and cafes. If you find yourself here on May Day, then this is where the biggest parties happen. Kreuzberg is one of the most diverse and alternative spots in Berlin, and you can easily spend an entire afternoon or evening here. Whether you’re looking for a party, an art gallery, vintage shops, flea markets, or a bite to eat, Kreuzberg is where you’ll want to be.

East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall finally collapsed in 1989, and while most of it was demolished, a sizeable section still stands. Known as the East Side Gallery, it now features ever-evolving graffiti murals, often political in nature. It’s truly one of the coolest landmarks in Berlin and is definitely worth a visit!

East Side Gallery

Head to a Club

Berlin is world famous for its club scene, and you won’t find a party anywhere else like you will here. People come from all corners of the world to get a taste of Berlin nightlife, and they never leave disappointed. And even though you might only have 48 hours, you really should spend a few of them in a club. Our top recommendations include Watergate, Katerblau, Sisyphos, and Berghain. The Berlin club scene dress code is usually pretty casual, unless there’s a theme party. It’s always best to ask the people at your hostel’s reception desk on where the best party is each night.

Templehof

If you end up spending a night out in Berlin, you’re likely just going to want to take it easy the next day. While Berlin is full of great parks, our favourite is Templehof. A former airport, it was transformed into a park in 1999 and is visited by thousands of Berliners daily. No matter the time of year, a visit to Templehof is always a great way to spend your time in Berlin. If you happen to be here in the warmer months, we recommend packing a picnic and spending an afternoon here. And if you can manage to rent a bicycle, a skateboard, or roller skates, you should! The former runway is still in tact and is cool to ride on. We think it’s a pretty cool activity for your 48 hours in Berlin.

Templehof

Where to Sleep in Berlin

Berlin is home to lots of different kinds of neighbourhoods, but our favourite is Friedrichshain in East Berlin. Book accommodation at albergue de girasol, minutes away from the Berlin Wall and tons fo great Berlin clubs. This hostel offers bicycle rentals, a common lunge, bar, private rooms, and shared dorms. If you want to get a trendy experience in Berlin this is the hostel to stay at!

Sunflower Backpacker Hostel