Visit Berlin: How to spend 3 days in Germany's capital

A intriguing city of contrasts

Located at the northeastern tip of Germany, Berlin occupies a strategically enviable central spot on the European continent. Over the centuries, it has been open to Western and Eastern European influences, and the result is an incredible mix of cultures and styles. Berlin is famous for the strong contrast between the neoclassical and the avant-garde of the city's various monuments, which you will appreciate during this holiday abroad. Exhibitions, museums, and festivals await you on any trip to Berlin, a city with an extraordinary array of activities in store for you. No visit to the city would be complete without a trip to the East Side Gallery. At 1316 metres, the Friedrichshain open-air gallery on the banks of the Spree is the longest continuous section of the Berlin Wall that remains. As soon as the wall was toppled, 118 artists from 21 countries started to paint the open-air gallery on the east side of the wall. It opened as an official gallery on 28 September 1990 and was soon given protected memorial status.

Things to see and do

During your vacation in Berlin, you will have fun discovering an exciting and ever-changing city. Berlin takes on a new face every day. Take advantage of its incomparable cultural offer with 300 galleries, nearly 200 museums, 150 theatres, and numerous green oases and lakes. Recognized as the greenest city in Europe, Berlin will make you experience more relaxing moments in one of its many natural spaces. During your stay in Germany, weather permitting, you will enjoy the parks and green spaces that give the city such a pleasant atmosphere. These green havens will allow you to meet Berliners in their outdoor activity practices.

Unmissable sights

More than a city, Berlin is a veritable open-air museum that combines baroque splendour and classical austerity with "avant-garde" buildings, a futuristic world showcase for the most outstanding contemporary artists. The Brandenburg Gate is a neo-classical monument that should be on your list of things to see in Berlin. It is perhaps the most significant monument of the city and symbolizes the separation between the East and West of the city. If you are interested in history, it is also worth visiting the nearby Reichstag, which was reconstructed in the nineties. Members of the public can visit the famous building's roof terrace and glass dome and enjoy spectacular views of Berlin's sights for free, although advance registration is required.

Get lost in the Kieze

Berlin is made up of 12 districts, and within each of these are countless neighbourhoods and areas with their own unique personality and atmosphere. If you only have a weekend in Berlin, and want your trip to be slightly off the beaten path, explore the diverse Kieze, or neighbourhoods of the city. Neukölln, for example, is a popular destination for those looking for a multicultural perspective in Berlin. Famous for its international vibe, this district's lively boulevards are lined with discount stores and Middle Eastern cafes and pastry shops. Students, hipsters and artists reside on picturesque side streets filled with antique or vintage shops and some of the coolest bars and restaurants in town. A Turkish Market is a popular place for cheap produce, textiles and spices. To the south, little Rixdorf has a tranquil, village-like feel, while Britzer Garten is famous for its frequent flower shows.

Berlin is an exciting city that is constantly on the move, and takes on a new face every day. Traveling to Berlin will give you the opportunity to take advantage of its incomparable cultural offer with 300 galleries, 180 museums, 150 theatres, and its green oases and lakes.