We’ll be in Berlin for 2 days/nights and then rail to Dresden for a couple of days so my husband can do
some research on his family there. Then to Frankfurt to pick up a Rhine/Moselle cruise for 10 days. Any suggestions for what to see/do in Berlin would be appreciated!
Posted by
Los Angeles
1184 posts
Here is a link to RS suggested itineraries for Berlin - right on this website:
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/germany/berlin-itinerary
I would suggest the Reichstag dome and the wall memorial. Checkpoint Charlie is skippable unless you happen to be walking by.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you!!
Posted by
11570 posts
Berlin is a fabulous city. Add a day or two if possible. Museum Island is where the city’s museums are located together.
See the Memorial to the Murdered Jews, very moving. Brandenburg Gate. We had a tour with a German friend which was so helpful. He would point out places where Nazi sites had been located,Hitler’s HQ. We also learned about the Communist Era in Berlin. I highly recommend a guide to uncover the history for you.
Take a boat ride to see more when you get tired from walking. Skip Checkpoint Charlie.
I hadn’t cared for Germany on earlier trips there but loved Berlin and will return!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
For Berlin, I would plan on going on a good walking tour as it will give you up to date information about the city with a guide who can answer your questions, get you oriented, and show you the main sites. My favorite tours are with "Insider Tours". If you want private, go with Jeremy, the Berlin Expert. Both are mentioned in the RS guide.
Posted by
Berlin
3008 posts
Any specific interests?
Top 10 attractions / sights from VisitBerlin.
Posted by
SoCal
1149 posts
It's worth at least walking past Checkpoint Charlie, especially if you're visiting the Brandenburg Gate; it's only 20 minutes away on foot. Or at least make sure you visit someplace where you can see remnants of the Berlin Wall. For me, the old checkpoint and wall remnants were a stark reminder of how desperately Germans who lived in the east wanted to get to the west and freedom. Very meaningful.
I've spent only a few hours in Berlin, and I'm looking forward to returning this summer to see the many places I saw only from the outside. Can see myself spending several days on Museum Island alone.