2-Day Berlin Itinerary: The Best Sights for Shoestring Budget Travellers

  • Day 1: East Side Gallery, Berliner Dom, Currywurst Museum, Hans Zimmer Concert
    Time and Distance Estimate from Previous Location: 15 mins (6.2 km)

    East Side Gallery (1 hour): A 1.3 km section of the Berlin Wall, the longest open-air mural in the world, and a celebration of hope, change and freedom.

    Berliner Dom (1 hour): The largest church in Berlin with a history dating back more than 400 years. The entrance fee includes access to the crypt and the cathedral's dome, which offers a stunning view over the city.

    Currywurst Museum (1 hour): A unique, interactive museum that tells the story of Berlin's most famous street food - the currywurst! Learn about its history, sample different kinds of currywurst, and play games.

    Hans Zimmer Concert at Mercedes Benz Arena (3 hours): Enjoy the music of one of the most influential composers of our time, in one of the most modern arenas in the world.

  • Day 2: Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, Mauer Park, Pergamon Museum, Reichstag Building
    Time and Distance Estimate from Previous Location: 20 mins (7.5 km)

    Brandenburg Gate (1 hour): The symbol of Berlin and Germany, and one of the most famous landmarks in Europe. A must-see for any visitor to the city.

    Museum Island (2 hours): A complex of five world-renowned museums that house art and artefacts from all over the world. You can easily spend a whole day here, but on a shoestring budget, pick one or two that interest you the most.

    Mauer Park (2 hours): A lively park on the site of the former Berlin Wall, where you can find live music, street food, and a flea market on Sundays.

    Pergamon Museum (1 hour): One of the most visited museums in Berlin, with a collection of ancient artefacts, including the Ishtar Gate and the Pergamon Altar.

    Reichstag Building (1 hour): Home to the German parliament, with a stunning glass dome that offers a panoramic view of the city. Entrance is free but reservations are required.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • East Side Gallery (1 hour, free)
  • Berliner Dom (1 hour, €7)
  • Currywurst Museum (1 hour, €11)
  • Hans Zimmer Concert at Mercedes Benz Arena (3 hours, €50)
  • Brandenburg Gate (1 hour, free)
  • Museum Island (2 hours, €18)
  • Mauer Park (2 hours, free)
  • Pergamon Museum (1 hour, €12)
  • Reichstag Building (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs (€98)

Transportation

Public transportation in Berlin is efficient and affordable. A single ticket costs €2.90 and is valid for 2 hours of travel on all modes of public transport, including buses, trains, trams, and the subway. A day ticket costs €8.80 and is valid until 3:00 AM the next day. On a shoestring budget, consider walking or renting a bike to save money and see the city from a different perspective.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Topography of Terror Museum, or taking a free walking tour of the city. If you have less time, skip the Currywurst Museum and the Pergamon Museum, and spend more time exploring Museum Island.

Airports

Berlin has two airports: Tegel Airport (TXL) and Schönefeld Airport (SXF). Tegel Airport is closer to the city centre, around 8 km away, while Schönefeld Airport is around 23 km away. Public transportation is available from both, but it takes longer from Schönefeld Airport. Berlin's new airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), is expected to open in 2025.

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