Where To Go And What To See In Berlin For Free
Berlin is a modern and vibrant metropolis with harmoniously merged unique architectural monuments and skyscrapers. The capital of Germany widely opens its arms to all travelers now, despite the dramatic and contradictory past.
Although there is not very much sightseeing in the capital of Germany, (after the city was badly damaged in the Second World War), we have chosen several Berlin attractions that any tourist should see for free.
In fact, not all Berlin was ruined, you just need to know the right places. Here we have collected the most useful information about where to go and what to see in Berlin, without spending a penny:
Brandenburg Gate
It’s a universally recognized symbol not only of Berlin but of all Germany. The gates are located on the Paris Square, in the area called Mitte.
It is better to come here in the evening when the gates are beautifully illuminated and the square itself is fascinating.
How to get there: Metro station Unter den Linden (line S1, S2) or bus № 100.
Museum Island
A small island on the river Spree is a real find for the connoisseurs of beauty. Some of the most popular museums of the capital are located there: Pergamon Museum, Old National Gallery, Bode Museum, Old and New Museums.
Pleasant bonus – every Thursday from 16:00 you can visit any of the museums for free.
East Side Gallery
The open-air gallery in the Friedrichshain district is a part of the Berlin Wall. It will be very informative and curious to stroll along this historic building, examining hundreds of graffitis.
How to get there: Ostbahnhof metro station (line S5, S7, S9, S75).
Boulevard Unter den Linden
Feel like a real Berliner, strolling along the most famous and oldest boulevard of the city. Start your promenade from Paris Square and enjoy a stroll to the Palace Bridge.
What is worth paying attention to? Humboldt University, the State Opera House, the State Library and the German Historical Museum are some of the most remarkable buildings on the boulevard. And, of course, a colorful evening illumination.
How to get there: Metro station Unter den Linden (line S1, S25).
Related: Travel from Prague to Berlin
Art Galleries Hackescher Markt
Around Hackescher Markt, the most interesting galleries of street art in Berlin are collected. You won’t be bored!
By the way, every Thursday in the evenings there are free presentations for all comers.
How to get there: Hackescher Markt metro station (line S5, S7, S9, S75).
Great Tiergarten Park
The largest and the most beautiful park in Germany is a favorite place for Berliners and guests of the city.
You can stroll along shady paths, admire the mirror-like smoothness of a lake or ride on a boat — you choose.
How to get there: Potsdamer Platz metro station (line U2, S1, S25) or Bellevue (line S5, S7, S9, S75).
Related: 24 Little-Known Facts About Berlin for the Travelers
Berlin is a paradise for the lovers of intellectual rest, as there is a great number of museums and all kinds of galleries. Of those with free entrance, it is worth visiting the following:
German-Russian Museum Berlin-Karlshorst (Deutsch-Russisches Museum Berlin-Karlshorst)
If you are fond of military history, in particular, the period of the Second World War, we strongly recommend you to visit it.
Address: Zwieseler Str. 4
Working hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00,
Monday – closed.
Daimler Contemporary Gallery
Modern art of various styles.
Address: Alte Potsdamer Str. 5
Working hours: daily from 11:00 to 18:00
Here are some more tips if you want to visit Berlin museums for free:
– Every first Sunday of the month the entrance is free to all state museums.
– Every Thursday from 18:00 to 21:00 you can visit the Museum of European Art, the Egyptian Museum and the Temple of Glass and Light, and from 14:00 to 18:00 – Hamburg Station.
Related: Top 5 sightseeing in Berlin
Berlin is a very comfortable city. Here you can not only have a free snack or find a place to stay overnight but also have a good time without spending a penny.
So, what to do in the German capital if you are on a budget?
Go to the concert
The Berlin Philharmonic on Tuesdays gives free concerts for all music lovers. Both young and famous musicians perform there. Concerts start at 13:00, but better arrive in advance, 30-40 minutes before the start, otherwise all seats will be occupied.
Address: Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, Berlin-Tiergarten
Look at the city from above
The best observation platforms in Berlin are Panoramapunkt, which is located at the very top of the tower Kollhoff on Potsdamer Platz, and a monument on top of the Kreuzberg hill in Victoria Park.
From Panoramapunkt, both old and new cities are perfectly visible. There is also a cafe are different exhibitions on the top.
From the Kreuzberg hill, beautiful views open, especially at sunset.
Address: Panoramapunkt, Potsdamer Platz 1, Berlin-Mitte (daily 10:00 — 20:00).
Climb to the Reichstag
No, it is not necessary to take mountaineering equipment with you 🙂 It’s enough to simply register on the Bundestag website (preferably a couple of months before the proposed trip) and show your ID at the entrance. And the most breathtaking panorama of the city is at your service!
Get a free tour
Local guides will help you to get acquainted with the German capital. It is enough to come here, choose a convenient date and time, and go ahead to discover Berlin!
“Hang” in a club
Berlin is definitely one of the most “club” capitals. Want to check it out? Easy! In some Berlin clubs you will not pay for the entrance:
– In Dunckerclub, the entrance fee is free before 11.
Address: Dunckerstr. 64, Prenzlauer Berg.
– Suß War Gestern is worth a visit, as, with free entrance and beers for 2,50, you will definitely not regret it.
Address: Wühlischstrasse 43.
– In Café Lyrik you can enjoy the performing of musicians for free.
Address: Kollwitzstr. 97, Prenzlauer Berg
For fans of Latin American rhythms – free salsa lessons every week (more info here).
Visit for more information about parties and nightlife events in Berlin.
Here are some useful tips on how to save in Berlin:
Buy Berlin Welcome Card
You can save money not only by traveling on public transport but also visiting attractions and cultural sites. In addition, you get a free guide.
Related: Tips on How Not to Spend a lot of Money during Your Visit to Berlin and Munich
Free overnight stay
If for some reason you have nowhere to stay for a night in Berlin, you will still find several places where you can spend a free night and even have a snack:
Berliner Stadtmission (near the city station Hauptbahnhof)
Addresses: Lehrter Straße 68, 10557 Berlin. Open from 21:00
Kopenhagener Straße 29
Joachim-Friedrich-Str. 46 (City-Station)
Free snack
In Berlin, there are several places where everyone can have a free snack. As a rule, such points of public catering are sponsored by charitable organizations or churches, but what difference does it make if it’s tasty and free ?! So take a note:
Cafe Vetomat
(every Sunday from 16:00). In the menu – cold snacks and hot dishes.
Address: Scharnweberstraße 35 10247 Berlin.
Veggie Dinner
is a vegetarian cafe that feeds free on Saturdays.
Address: Falckensteinstraße 6 10997
Cafe Bankrott
this place is not quite free, but the prices there are symbolic. You can order breakfast, lunch or hot drinks. There is free internet.
Address: Storkower Straße 139d
Related: Best Places to Eat in Berlin Mitte and near Alexanderplatz
Conclusion
Travel to Berlin is a unique travel experience for every international traveler. The capital of Germany has lots of interesting stories to say. But don’t think that to have a good time there you need to spend good money.
I hope our tips and recommendations about Berlin will help you discover this city from different angles.
If you have a strong desire to plunge into the sea of entertainment, visit museums, concerts, eat tasty food or go to various parties, visit Berlin!
If you are thinking about the most suitable, economical, and easy way of transport during your trip, be sure that traveling in a private car with a local driver guide, using our service, is an ideal solution for you!
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