Morning

A Walk in the Park: Start your day with a walk through one of the world’s largest urban parks, Tiergarten. Berlin’s rulers used to hunt pheasant and boar here, but that changed in 1833 when famed garden architect Peter Lenné turned the 520 acres into a manicured landscape for the people. 

Midday

Traditional Fare: Rogacki is one of the city’s most historic eateries. Opened in 1928, the shop burned down during World War II and was rebuilt in 1955 to the version that stands today, giving a rare glimpse into the old world of West Berlin. Take your pick from a plethora of traditional German dishes, but be sure to try that smoked fish that Rogacki is famous for.

Afternoon

Berlin History 101: Visit the Story of Berlin for a primer on its long and eventful past. The museum uses multimedia displays and interactive installations spread over 23 rooms to tell the 800-plus years of the city’s history. 

Kaufhaus Des Westens: It’s rare that shopping is infused with history, but Kaufhaus des Westens has it in spades. World War II caused its closure, but after reopening in 1950, KaDeWe became a symbol of West Berlin’s economic power. Today, more than 40,000 people visit the shopping center each day, and even more come to eat — the restaurant on the sixth floor is known for its herring sandwiches. 

Evening

A Quick Pick-Me-Up: Sip on some kaffee at Café Einstein, but much more interesting than your espresso is the story of this old building. Built-in the 1870s, this former home has been a gambling den and an illegal club for SS officers and is one of the few buildings in the area to survive both wars. In 1978, it opened as a café and has been safely there since. 

Great Steaks, Chops, and Seafood: Popular among visitors and locals alike, Midtown Grill offers an American-style steakhouse experience in a contemporary atmosphere. Enjoy expertly prepared steaks and chops, prepared on glowing hot charcoal, as well as craft cocktails and a curated wine list.

Morning

Sunday Market: On Sundays, you can visit the Mauerpark flea market to peruse the vendors selling everything from vintage clothes and furniture to records and antiques. While you explore, grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat from the many food stalls or dip into one of the cafés that surround the park. 

Midday

Welcome to Museum Island: Situated in the Spree River, this strip of land has five museums: Pergamon, Bode-Museum, New Museum, the Old National Gallery, and the Old Museum. Be sure to do a little research beforehand so you can prioritize your art seeing. 

Afternoon

Schnitzel, Please: Sit down for a home-style German lunch at Mutter Hoppe. Potato soup sausages, boiled potatoes, sauerkraut, schnitzel — it’s all here. And don’t forget to finish it off with an apfelstrudel (if you have room for it). 

Get Squared Away: Spend the rest of the afternoon taking in the beauty of Gendarmenmarkt. This square is known for the way its three buildings — the French Cathedral, Concert Hall, and German Church — stand in perfect architectural harmony. In summer orchestras play free concerts, and in winter the area turns into a winter wonderland. 

Evening

An Old Favorite: Zur Letzten Instanz holds the impressive title of being Berlin’s oldest restaurant, serving up sausages and chopped herring since 1621. The historic restaurant has played host to notable patrons like Napoleon and Beethoven.

Curtain Call: Cocktail lovers will delight in the offerings at The Curtain Club, a place for connoisseurs, located at The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin: expressive flavors, fine ingredients and precious essences. Settle into a plush leather armchair and enjoy a creative selection of fragrant cocktail creations, along with the genteel ambiance of Berlin’s most vibrant room.

Morning

But First, Coffee: Berliners take their coffee seriously, and the Visit Coffee Roastery is no exception. Using high-quality beans and the best roasting methods, you can really taste the quality in every sip. Grab a pastry and a to-go cup to start your day. 

Midday

Checkpoint Charlie: This Berlin Wall checkpoint was the only official crossing point for Allied troops and foreigners between East and West Berlin. The wall came down in 1989, but a museum stands in Checkpoint Charlie’s former location as an important reminder of the past. 

Afternoon

Explore the Reichstag: This mighty parliament building is not only an architectural gem but also a building steeped in history. After a self-guided tour, take the elevator to the top for 360-degree views through its iconic glass dome. 

Discover Berlin-Based Art: Now that you have a feel for the deep history of Berlin, switch gears to something more modern with a visit to Berlinische Galerie, a newer museum that collects art created in Berlin from 1870 to the present day. Displaying paintings, sculptures, photography, and architecture from local artists, the museum is an ode to the amazing creative talent the city possesses. 

Evening

A Dinner Spree: Treat yourself to a final dinner at Balthazar am Spreeufer 2. Situated alongside the Spree River, this Michelin-recommended restaurant elevates traditional German food into something a little more delicate and refined. You’ve probably never tasted schnitzel like this. 

Berlin State Opera: Nearly burnt to the ground in 1843 and severely damaged during World War II, Berlin State Opera has gone through a lot since its inaugural performance in 1742. Today, it’s still regarded as one of the top opera houses in the world, with year-round performances featuring highly regarded singers and conductors. 

Morning

Pedal Pusher: Start your day by cycling through Berlin’s most popular park, Tiergarten. With 600 acres of ground to cover, it’s an efficient — and fun — way to tour this urban greenscape. Visit the Queen Louise statue and then park your bike to climb the 220-foot-tall Victory Column for a great view of the city. Art lovers should stop by the House of World Cultures, while animal lovers can pay a visit to the Berlin Zoological Garden. 

Midday

Lunch Alfresco: Take a break and get a refreshment at Café am Neuen See, a picturesque beer garden and restaurant tucked away in Tiergarten Park. On a nice day, sip and snack outside on the patio overlooking the lake — a perfect place for a reprieve before continuing on with your day. 

See the Masterpieces: Step inside one of the world’s most impressive collections of European paintings. As you walk through this huge museum, you’ll quickly realize why Gemäldegalerie is also known as the Old Masters Museum — its walls are covered with work from the greats, like Botticelli, Dürer, Rubens, and Titian. Fans of Rembrandt will especially enjoy the room solely dedicated to his paintings. 

Afternoon

Just a Schnitzel: For lunch, make your way to Café Wintergarten, a tranquil garden café tucked away from Berlin’s busy city streets. After you dine on its seasonal fare, explore the adjacent bookstore and literary salon that hosts regular readings and events.

Tour Charlottenburg: Spend the afternoon exploring Charlottenburg, one of Berlin’s nicest and most beautiful neighborhoods. Visit the Charlottenburg Palace and walk through its expansive royal garden. Then head over to the legendary shopping avenue, Kurfürstendamm, and stop in at such shops as Hermès, Chanel, Valentino, and the city’s elite department store, KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens).

Evening

A Meal to Remember: The award-winning Michelin-star restaurant Golvet has a phenomenal view overlooking Potsdamer Platz and is only a short stroll away from the hotel. With a “down to earth” attitude and a culinary top performance based on perfect craftsmanship, it sets the tone for a great Berlin dining experience.

Morning

Markthalle Neun: This marketplace in the Kreuzberg district is a cultural landmark that represents the unrelenting spirit of the people of Berlin. Opened in 1891, it has withstood wars and commercial takeovers to remain an independent collective of local food vendors and artisans. Come by to have a little taste of something (or everything). 

Midday

Take a Walk on the Eastside: What was once the Berlin Wall is now the Eastside Gallery. When the Wall came down in 1989, 118 artists from 21 countries were invited to paint on the east side of the wall as a way to express and celebrate freedom after so many years of oppression. At 4,318 feet long, it’s the most extensive open-air art gallery in the world.

Afternoon

Neighborhood Charms: Berlin’s most recognized neighborhood is home to Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, and Alexander Platz — all within walkable distance from each other. But don’t forget to explore the old-city charm of Mitte. Walk along its cobblestone street and dip into its cafés, art galleries, and stores at your strolling pleasure. 

Museum Sammlung Hoffmann: Every Saturday Erika Hoffmann, who, with her husband, spent 40 years collecting art, opens her personal live-work space to the public. With a focus on contemporary art, you’ll see paintings by Basquiat, photographs by Nan Goldin and works by Mike Kelley. Schedule ahead of time to reserve your spot. 

Evening

To the Top: Catch the sunset at Kollhoff Tower by riding the fastest elevator in Europe. Once you get zoomed up to the 24th floor, you’ll be able to see all of Berlin’s best sights from a bird’s-eye view. If weather permits, sit on the terrace for a pre-dinner respite from a day of exploring. 

Putting on the Rutz: Rutz’s specialness comes from its honest cooking. Chef Marco Müller’s creations always start with a focus on local, high-quality ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, but whether it’s a carrot cooked to perfection or an indulgent piece of Wagyu beef, each dish will satiate your hunger and heighten your senses. 

Curtain Call: Cocktail lovers will delight in the offerings at The Curtain Club, a place for connoisseurs, located at The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin: expressive flavors, fine ingredients, and precious essences. Settle into a plush leather armchair and enjoy a creative selection of fragrant cocktail creations, along with the sophisticated ambiance of Berlin’s most vibrant room.