For the curious traveler who is short of time in the German capital, we’ve got the ideal itinerary of the most exciting things to see over 2 days in Berlin, along with where to book a hotel in East Berlin.
Our guide to a short trip to the city offers plenty reasons to book your hotel in East Berlin, from the proximity to the main sights to fantastic museums, shopping districts, restaurants, and nightlife.
The former East Berlin was not only the capital of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), but it also contains the historic center of the city, including landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and the UNESCO World Heritage Museum Island.
Here’s an overview:
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➡ The Circus Hotel: a design-oriented boutique hotel in Berlin-Mitte, housed in a beautifully restored 19th century listed building overlooking Rosenthaler Platz. BOOK HERE.
➡ The Circus Apartments: Luxury serviced apartments, located on a leafy, quiet side street in one of Berlin’s most sought-after residential areas. Just a stone’s throw from Rosenthaler Platz and all the main attractions of Berlin-Mitte. BOOK HERE.
➡ The Circus Hostel: Overlooking one of Berlin’s busiest squares. You’ll find us in the heart of a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene in the center of Berlin and within walking distance of many of the city’s famous sights. BOOK HERE.
Day One
Morning: Classic Berlin
Start your Berlin adventure with a walk through the city’s historic center. From Rosenthaler Platz, head south towards Alexanderplatz where the iconic World Clock stands as a reminder of the GDR and East Berlin.
It’s a short stroll from here to the reconstructed medieval heart of Berlin and the Nikolaiviertel, which leads you to the river and Unter den Linden – the city’s grandest boulevard.
This tree-lined avenue takes you past some of Berlin’s landmark sights, from the Museum Island to the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag beyond, where the German parliament meets beneath Norman Foster’s striking glass dome.
From here it’s a short walk along the river towards Friedrichstraße, where you’ll find a range of options for lunch. Our tip is to visit Zimt und Zucker, a charming café on the water.
Afternoon: A Spot of Culture
After lunch, take time to explore one of Berlin’s world-class museums. On Museum Island you can explore classical antiquities in the Neues Museum or old masters in the Alte Nationalgalerie.
Across the street, you can visit the innovative Humboldtforum, housed in the reconstructed Berlin Palace, or explore the German Historical Museum’s comprehensive journey through national memory.
Whatever you decide, make time for the views from the roof terrace of the Berlin Palace, where you’ll also find a nice café for a spot of traditional Kaffee und Kuchen.
With a full belly after coffee and cake, wander the streets and courtyards around nearby Hackescher Markt, full of independent boutiques and stores where Berlin designers showcase the city’s creative spirit.
Evening: Old School
Despite what they like to tell you, Berlin is in Germany, and at the cozy Sophieneck you can enjoy a spot of traditional Gemütlichkeit. Plus, its menu of Berliner and German classics is a splendid taste of traditional eats for foodies.
After dinner, try the theatre. For years, one of the glories of Berlin was unavailable to non-German speaking visitors, but today many of the city’s theatres offer productions with supertitles for international visitors.
Discover the historic Berliner Ensemble (Brecht’s former home), the innovative Maxim Gorki Theater, or the classical Deutsches Theater. Make sure to check schedules in advance as performances often sell out.
Round off your evening with drinks at Lost My Voice, a sophisticated bar for classic and contemporary cocktails. It’s the perfect place for a nightcap.
Day Two
Morning: The Legacy of the Berlin Wall
Start your second day by walking north from Rosenthaler Platz to the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre on Bernauer Straße.
Related read: The Best Places to See the Berlin Wall in Berlin, Germany
This powerful open-air exhibition runs for about a mile along the former route of the Berlin Wall and offers profound insights into the city’s divided past through preserved sections of the border fortifications, photographs, and multimedia info boards.
Sunday tip: If your 48 hours in Berlin involve a weekend, this is a good time to check out the nearby flea markets at Mauerpark and Arkonaplatz. A Berlin tradition, both include the opportunity to find eccentric bargains and unexpected treasures, and both have options for drinks and a mid-morning snack.
Afternoon: Choose your Own Cultural Adventure
Head to Eberswalder Straße at lunchtime for Konnopke’s Imbiss (map), a Berlin institution under the railway tracks that’s been serving sausages since the 1930s (and more recently, vegan options too!)
From here it’s either a short walk to the Kulturbrauerei where the “Everyday Life in the GDR” exhibition brings East Germany back to life through a mix of interactive displays, sensitive storytelling, and carefully preserved artifacts.
Or you can catch the tram to Hamburger Bahnhof, where contemporary art finds a home in a former railway station. The museum’s vast halls house rotating exhibitions alongside a permanent collection featuring works by Andy Warhol, Joseph Beuys, and other contemporary masters.
Evening: Alternative Berlin
Berlin’s Vietnamese community has enriched the city’s culinary landscape immensely. Experience this cultural fusion at either Cô Chu on Invalidenstraße, where traditional recipes meet contemporary presentation, or at the perpetually bustling Monsieur Vuong, famous for its vibrant atmosphere.
After dinner, head to the river to explore Berlin’s alternative scene. The Holzmarkt village represents Berlin’s creative spirit with its waterfront bars, urban gardens, and impromptu cultural events. Nearby, YAAM (Young African Art Market) offers a unique blend of beach bar atmosphere, street art, and global music.
Related read: The Best Bars in Berlin (Including Rooftop Bars)
For those wanting to dive deeper into Berlin’s legendary nightlife, explore the RAW Gelände, a former railway yard transformed into a cultural complex. This sprawling area houses everything from climbing walls to techno clubs. The neighboring streets of Friedrichshain offer countless bars and late-night spots, each with its own distinct character.
Where to stay in East Berlin
The Circus Hostel, Hotel and Apartments can be found at Rosenthaler Platz in the city center and offer a range of accommodation options, including a boutique hotel, independent hostel, and luxury apartments.
Whichever you choose, these are the perfect base for exploring the city, including special curated events, tours, and activities, and are renowned for their service and hospitality.
With the code TRAVELDUDES, you’ll get an exclusive 20% discounted deal for the non-refundable rate. (The offer is only available for direct bookings through the official website, subject to availability.)
