Getting the most out of Berlin doesn't have to break the bank; you can enjoy the culture, history, and architecture Berlin is famous for without paying a single Euro.
Find out which Berlin sights you shouldn't miss on your next trip to the German capital; here are the best 10 free attractions in Berlin.
1. Brandenburg Gate
Rene Erhardt
No visit to Berlin is complete without seeing the Brandenburg Gate.
During the Cold War and the division of Germany, this landmark stood between East and West Berlin. When the wall fell in 1989 and Germany was reunited, the Brandenburg Gate became the iconic landmark of a new Germany.
2. The Reichstag
Wolfgang Staudt
The Reichstag is the traditional seat of the German Parliament.
When the historic building was remodeled in the 1990s, it was adorned with a modern glass dome, offering a look into the parliamentary proceedings and a stunning view of the Berlin skyline.
3. Museum Island
Luis Villa
Berlin's Museum Island is home to five world-class museums and the Berlin Cathedral; this unique ensemble of museums and traditional buildings on the small island in the river Spree is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. East Side Gallery Berlin
René Erhardt
The East Side Gallery is a colorful section of the Berlin Wall, which once divided the city into East and West Berlin.
This last piece of the original wall has been turned into the largest open-air gallery in the world, displaying more than 100 paintings by international artists.
5. Holocaust Memorial Berlin
Birge Amondson
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is one of the most impressive and moving monuments to the Holocaust.
The architect Peter Eisenmann designed this sculpture, which is laid out on a 4.7 acre site and covered with more than 2,500 geometrically arranged pillars. The adjacent underground museum holds the names of all known Jewish Holocaust victims.
6. Potsdamer Platz
friedrbe
Potsdamer Platz was built entirely from ground up in 1995. You will find bold and utopian architecture here, a large shopping center and lots of movie theaters, which are the venue for the annual Berlin International Film Festival.
The dome of the Sony Center, which was modeled after Mount Fuji, is lit by different colors at night and is the landmark of this area.
Getting There: Metro Stop "Potsdamer Platz" (line U2, S1, S25)
7. Unter den Linden - Boulevard
Luis Villa
Stroll down the grand boulevard "Unter den Linden", which stretches from Museums Island to the Brandenburg Gate.
The street is lined on both sides by noteworthy historical statues and buildings, like the Humboldt University, the State Opera, the State Library, the German Museum of History, and embassies.
Getting There: Metro Stop "Unter den Linden" (line S1, S25)
8. Memorial Church in Berlin
daAlex
The Protestant Memorial Church of Berlin is one of the city's most prominent landmarks.
The church was heavily damaged by air-raids in World War II, destroying its tower, which was preserved as a war memorial.
A new, strikingly modern concrete church with wonderful blue stained glass windows was built adjacent to the original church.
Getting There: Metro Stop "Zoologischer Garten" (Line U2, U12, U9, S5, S7, S75, S9)
9. Art Galleries at Hackescher Markt
The area around Hackescher Markt boasts the most interesting and eclectic galleries and street art in Berlin.
For the best gallery hopping, head down Auguststrasse and its adjacent side streets. On Thursday evenings, you might catch some opening shows (with free wine and snacks).
Getting There: Metro Stop "Hackescher Markt" (line S5, S7, S9, S75)
10. Tiergarten in Berlin
Luis Villa
Relax in the Tiergarten, the green heart of Berlin, and find out why so many Berliners love this park. On more than 600 acres, you can enjoy lush lawns, leafy paths, small creeks, and traditional beer gardens.
Getting There: Metro Stop "Potsdamer Platz" (line U2, S1, S25) or "Bellevue" (line S5, S7, S9, S75)
