The Perfect Berlin 4 Day Itinerary
How to spend the best four days in Germany's artsy capital
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Heading to Berlin? The edgy and artsy German capital is one of Europe’s most international cities and a fantastic place to explore history, visit architectural landmarks, see art, enjoy nature and of course party at any time of the day or night. We know you’re a bit old for that these days but hey, a couple hours of fun shouldn’t be too hard to work off tomorrow (don’t those sound like famous last words). Our expertly curated Berlin 4 day itinerary will ensure you see and experience the best of the city. And when it comes to where you’ll be laying your head, our vetted collection of Plum Guide properties promise a marvellous night’s sleep, as well as the important guarantee of always waking up in style, which is definitely just as crucial. But let's get into it - here's how to enjoy 4 days in Berlin.
Day 1: Admire some famous landmarks
Take a trip to the Brandenburg Gate
Day 2: Soak up some history
Learn all about Checkpoint Charlie
Day 3: Delve into Museum Island
Discover the Nefertiti Bust
Day 4: Stroll around trendy neighbourhoods
Visit the charming Prenzlauer Berg
Day 1: Admire some famous landmarks
Take a trip to the Brandenburg Gate
A low angle view of the inside of the Reichstag Building, Berlin
Wake up in your bright and airy Mitte pad and enjoy a coffee or tea on your balcony before heading out for the day. Next it’s off to Zeit für Brot for a luscious cinnamon roll breakfast (trust us), which will fuel your busy morning of exploring the Mitte neighbourhood. Dive into your first day with a crash course in German history at the German Historical Museum. Then visit the infamous Brandenburg Gate, which was once at the border of the Berlin Wall. If you’re trying to act like a teenager and maintain an active Instagram, make sure to snap a pic of this one (you’re welcome, boomer).
Right around the corner is the Reichstag. Originally constructed to house the Imperial Diet of the German Empire, it is now where parliament assembles. For some of the best views in the city, make sure to book a free slot to go up to the building’s glass dome. A sombre and haunting experience lies ahead with a wander through the 2711 concrete slabs that make up Berlin’s holocaust memorial or the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Don’t miss the information centre below for a more complete and educational experience. Dinner tonight is at traditional city institution Zur letzen Instanz, which is Berlin’s oldest restaurant and has been in the same location since 1621. (That's even older than you).
White Heat, Plum Guide home in Berlin
Day 2: Soak up some history
Learn all about Checkpoint Charlie
Guards holding USA flags at Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, Germany
Start your day with some quick caffeine at one of the many spots on Potsdamer Platz. This large square is surrounded by shops, so feel free to plunge into some shopping before we continue our scheduled programming. Next up on this four-day Berlin itinerary is Checkpoint Charlie, which once upon a time was the main crossing point between East and West Berlin. The nearby Mauermuseum showcases photos and information about the Checkpoint’s history as well as that of the Berlin Wall itself.
By this time you should have worked up an appetite, so jump in a cab for a 10-minute ride to Markthalle Neun, Berlin’s premiere food market. Once you’ve eaten and drunk your fill, it’s time to spend some time checking out some more of what remains of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery, which is the longest extant of the Wall. In 1990, the eastern side of the wall was painted by 118 artists from 21 countries, making it the longest open air gallery in the world. Dinner tonight is at the elegant and absolutely delicious riverside restaurant, Cafe Royal.
Woodshop, Plum Guide home in Berlin
Day 3: Delve into Museum Island
Discover the Nefertiti Bust
After a great night’s sleep in your ultra-luxurious Plum Guide home, start the third morning of your four-day Berlin itinerary with a healthy dose of culture on Museum Island. Located in the north of Spree Island in the historic centre of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to five world renowned museums. Buy a day ticket and enjoy them all. Highlights include the Nefertiti Bust at the Neues Museum and the Antikensammlung - one of the most important collections of ancient Greek and Roman art in the world - at the Altes and Pergamon museums.
Once you’ve seen enough to feel either happily full of culture or bored out of your mind, it’s time to hit the water. Berlin actually has more bridges than Venice - there’s a free fun fact for your in-laws - so a boat day really is a must when visiting the city. Choose historic tours, ranging from one to three and a half hours depending on your sea legs. Boarding takes place super close to Museum Island at the pier off Friedrichstrasse/Weidendamm, so just walk over and hop on board.
We know you want to indulge in Berlin's incredible food scene, so it's on to dinner, which tonight is at the downstairs wine bar at Rutz in Mitte. We suggest getting tipsy enough to convince yourself that going out is a good idea. Berlin is known for its clubs so the least you can do is go for one drink. Club der Visionäre is a great shout if you want to avoid an overly clubby vibe. This small spot along the water is great for people watching, al fresco drinks and dancing. If you’re feeling nibbly before falling into bed, stop for a currywurst at Curry 36.
The Big Easy, Plum Guide home in Berlin
Day 4: Stroll around trendy neighbourhoods
Visit the charming Prenzlauer Berg
View of a white apartment block in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin
To round off our Berlin 4 day itinerary, we're giving you a lie in after your night out on the town. Once you've slept it off, make your way to brunch at the cute and delicious House of Small Wonder. A wholesome meal here will have you ready to head to colourful Prenzlauer Berg. This pleasant and trendy neighbourhood - one of the best places to stay in Berlin for tourists - boasts beautiful old buildings along cobbled streets. Don’t miss Kollwitz Platz, a square choc full of cafes, restaurants, and unique boutiques. If you’re here on a Wednesday or Saturday, there's also a great outdoor market.
Continue your day al fresco at Tiergarten Park, one of the oldest parks in the city. Originally a royal hunting ground, this beautiful public park is the perfect spot to sunbathe, whether or not you choose to do so in your birthday suit (a traditional and totally legal Berlin custom). The official residence of the German president, Bellevue Palace is also located here, as is the Berlin Zoo and the Haus der Kulturen der Welt arts centre. Stroll to your heart’s content, and just make sure not to tell the kids you’re actually walking off a hangover. Last on today’s agenda is nearby Potsdamer Strasse, where art galleries and designer shops dot the streets. Work up an appetite for dinner, because you can’t leave Berlin without trying famous local Vietnamese haunt Monsieur Vuong. And there you have it: our perfect Berlin 4 day itinerary.
Baroque Chronology, Plum Guide home in Berlin
