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The capital of Germany is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. In 2022, Berlin featured in the top 10 of UK-based market research company Euromonitor International's annual report that ranks the top 100 city destinations in the world. Berlin is also considered to be one of the safest cities for travellers from the LGBTQ community. From magnificent baroque mansions to historical monuments, to the Holocaust memorial and the Berlin Wall's graffitied remains, a lively art and culture scene, and excellent cuisine, Berlin has a lot to offer. But it can also be an expensive city to explore. If you are travelling on a budget, here is a list of free things you can do in Berlin.
Take a walk around the magnificent Brandenburg Gate. Following the Batavian Revolution in 1788, Prussian King Frederick William II built the gate modelled after the Propylaeum of Athens' Acropolis. Look out for the 120 sandstone statues from various German states. The Brandenburg Gate has been the site of significant events. To commemorate Hitler's ascension to power, the Nazis held a torchlit procession through the Gate in 1933.
Despite being heavily damaged during WWII, it has stood the test of time, and today, it represents peace and unity. This is where hundreds of thousands of people gathered to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. A couple of decades later, in 2015, thousands gathered here to prevent supporters of the anti-Islam right-wing group Pegida from marching to the City Hall. In 2016, it was the site for massive protests against the infamous attacks on a gay club in Orlando, USA.
The Reichstag is considered to be one of Berlin's Top 10 attractions. Situated near the south bank of the Spree River, the Neo-Renaissance building stands out in terms of its architecture with the fascinating glass dome on top giving a 360-degree view of the city.
The debating chamber of the parliament is located below the dome and can be seen from inside. Natural light from above radiates down to the parliament floor. A large sun shield tracks the movement of the sun electronically and blocks direct sunlight.
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Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany
Many museums in Berlin are free to enter. For example, The Futurium, which allows visitors to explore various future possibilities in a playful manner and provides a glimpse into the world of tomorrow. You can explore Chinese porcelain and Japanese paintings at the Asian Art Museum in the Humboldt Forum. For a comprehensive list, check here.
The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world. During the concert season, every Tuesday at 1 p.m., orchestra members perform a small midday concert with no admission fee. The number of listeners at the lunch concerts, however, is limited for security reasons. At the Philharmonie's entrances, each visitor is given a chip. When passing through the barrier into the foyer, this chip must be returned. There is no seating available either, for safety reasons. However, visitors with a valid disability pass have access to a limited number of seats. Check here for more info.
Address: Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, 10785 Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a mecca for street art, and it's difficult to imagine the city without it. You can walk around the city with a map of street artworks from here. The artworks in Berlin's Tegel Artpark are particularly well-known as skyscraper facades serve as the canvas. The massive murals form a one-of-a-kind open-air urban art collection. The East Side Gallery, a permanent open-air exhibition on the Berlin Wall's longest remaining section, is also noteworthy.
