Two Weeks on a Shoestring Budget: Exploring Berlin

  • Day 1: Reichstag Building and Brandenburg Gate
    20 minutes (1.9 km) from Berlin Tegel Airport

    Start your trip in Berlin by visiting the Reichstag Building, where the German parliament meets. The building boasts a modern glass dome with a 360-degree view of the city. From there, walk to the Brandenburg Gate, which today is the symbol of the reunified Germany.

  • Day 2: Museum Island and Berlin Cathedral
    15 minutes (2.2 km) from Brandenburg Gate

    Head to the Museum Island, where you can visit five world-renowned museums. The Berlin Cathedral on Museum Island is also worth visiting. The impressive dome and altar are some of its highlights.

  • Day 3: Checkpoint Charlie and Wall Museum
    20 minutes (5.5 km) from Berlin Cathedral

    Visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, which showcases stories of daring escapes from East Berlin during the Cold War. Afterward, explore the Wall Museum nearby which tells the story of the Berlin Wall and its impact on the city.

  • Day 4: Charlottenburg Palace and Park
    20 minutes (6.9 km) from Wall Museum

    Spend the day at the Charlottenburg Palace and Park. The palace used to be the summer residence of the rulers of Prussia. Stroll around the beautifully landscaped gardens and take a guided tour of the palace.

  • Day 5: East Side Gallery and Kreuzberg
    20 minutes (7.8 km) from Charlottenburg Palace and Park

    Visit the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that was turned into an open-air gallery, featuring murals by artists from all over the world. Then, head to Kreuzberg, known for its vibrant street art scene and diverse international cuisine.

  • Day 6: Prenzlauer Berg and Mauerpark
    30 minutes (5.6 km) from Kreuzberg

    Explore the trendy neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg. There are countless cafes, vintage shops, and boutiques worth checking out. The Mauerpark in the area is also a must-visit for its famous flea market and karaoke on Sundays.

  • Day 7: Tempelhofer Field and Viktoriapark
    20 minutes (4.4 km) from Mauerpark

    Spend the day outdoors at the Tempelhofer Field, a former airport turned public park. You can bike, skate, or jog on the runways. End your day at the Viktoriapark, offering panoramic views of the city from atop the hill.

  • Day 8: Jewish Museum and Potsdamer Platz
    25 minutes (6.2 km) from Viktoriapark

    Visit the Jewish Museum to learn about the history and culture of Jewish people in Germany. Afterward, check out Potsdamer Platz, a bustling square with plenty of restaurants and shops.

  • Day 9: Berlin Zoo and Tiergarten Park
    20 minutes (4.6 km) from Potsdamer Platz

    Spend the day at the Berlin Zoo, which boasts the most extensive range of species in the world. Afterward, walk over to the Tiergarten Park, a sprawling green space in the heart of the city.

  • Day 10: Kurfürstendamm and KaDeWe
    20 minutes (3.2 km) from Tiergarten Park

    Explore the luxurious boulevard of Kurfürstendamm, filled with high-end shops and restaurants. For a grand finale, visit Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe), one of the largest department stores in Europe.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Reichstag Building (2 hours, free)
  • Brandenburg Gate (1 hour, free)
  • Museum Island (5 hours, 18 euros)
  • Berlin Cathedral (1 hour, 7 euros)
  • Checkpoint Charlie Museum (2 hours, 14 euros)
  • Wall Museum (2 hours, 14 euros)
  • Charlottenburg Palace and Park (4 hours, 17 euros)
  • East Side Gallery (1 hour, free)
  • Kreuzberg (3 hours, free)
  • Prenzlauer Berg (4 hours, free)
  • Mauerpark (2 hours, free)
  • Tempelhofer Field (3 hours, free)
  • Viktoriapark (1 hour, free)
  • Jewish Museum (2 hours, 10 euros)
  • Potsdamer Platz (1 hour, free)
  • Berlin Zoo (4 hours, 14 euros)
  • Tiergarten Park (2 hours, free)
  • Kurfürstendamm (3 hours, free)
  • KaDeWe (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: (44 hours, 94 euros)

Transportation

Within Berlin, getting around by public transportation is affordable and convenient. You should get a Welcome Card for public transportation, which costs 36 euros for 7 days or 44 euros for 5 days. Taxis are also widely available, but they can be expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby Potsdam. The Sanssouci Palace and Park are a must-see there. If you have less time, prioritize the top attractions like the Brandenburg Gate and the Museum Island.

Airports

Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) is the main airport in the city and is about 10 kilometers from the city center. It serves mostly domestic and European flights.

0