The Brandenburg Gate

10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN BERLIN

Berlin is the largest and capital city of Germany. With more than 3 million inhabitants, there are several things to see and do in this city with a turbulent past. Here are some of the free things to do in Berlin:

READ MORE: BERLIN IS A FOODIE CITY! (REALLY? REALLY!) HERE’S A BERLIN FOOD GUIDE

Free Things to Do in Berlin – Brave the Flea Markets of Berlin

To have a taste of traditional Berlin trade, one must visit its flea markets. One can bask in the Berlin charm in these flea markets full of vintage books, plates, chandeliers, porcelain and several other items, including art pieces. These colourful and interesting flea markets include Flohmarkt Marheinekeplatz, Flea Market at Rathaus Schöneberg, Fesche Lotte Flea Market, the flea market at Fehrbelliner Platz and the antique market at Ostbahnhof Station.

Free Things to Do in Berlin – Enjoy Outdoor Karaoke at Mauerpark

Every Sunday, the amphitheatre at Mauerpark is transformed into a “bear pit” for the brave souls who are willing to belt out their preferred tunes. Large crowds gather at the amphitheatre to enjoy the free karaoke entertainment.

Indulge in a Lunchtime Chamber Concert

Berliner Philharmonie hosts free concerts every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., except during the summer. One can enjoy performances by the Berliner Philharmoniker, Staatskapelle Berlin and Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester. It is best to come early to make sure you have a seat.

READ MORE: BERLIN TRAVEL BLOG: A DESTINATION GUIDE

Have a Dose of Art in Museums and Galleries

For those who want to get cultural, the East Side Gallery is a must-visit. This was once a portion of the Berlin Wall and now serves as a memorial/open-air gallery with colourful artwork about unity, peace and political views. One can also take stroll around Museum Island and marvel at the stunning architecture of museums in Berlin. While the museums have entrance fees, it is definitely free to take a walk around the area to appreciate the beautiful sights.

Visit the Berliner Dom

This 19th century cathedral is an iconic structure in Berlin. It houses several noteworthy pieces of art. Visitors are welcome to step inside the cathedral during services.

Reflect on Historical Events in Memorials in Berlin

Traveling to Germany – and Berlin, in particular – would not be complete without stopping by its numerous memorials. There is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial) and its thousands of large concrete slabs of different levels and heights.  One can also visit what used to be the site of the largest concentration camp within German territory, Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum, which now allows visitors to view structures, bunks and gas chambers left in the area. There is also the Topography of Terror where one can see the former SS headquarters of the Third Reich. For more recent historical sites, one can visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, Bradenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.

Step inside the Room of Silence

The Room of Silence is another landmark near Brandenburg Gate. The tranquillity inside this 30 sq. m. room allows one to let the colourful history of Berlin to sink in.

Get the Best Views of the City

While getting great panoramic views of Berlin can be costly, those who travel on a budget can take in picturesque panoramas of the city for free. One can take a trek to Teufelsberg, a man-made hill in Grunewald of what used to be West Berlin. Or one can walk up to the glass dome of the Reichstag Building to see the breath-taking landscape and skyline of the city.  

Relax at the Parks of Berlin

Berlin has a host of parks where one can sit back, relax and enjoy the views and the sunset. Among the most notable are Tiergarten – with all its statues, memorials, wildlife and lake, Lustgarten in Museum Island, the fairy tale-like Volkspark Friedrichshain, Schlossgarten Charlottenburg and its views of Charlottenburg Palace, and Viktoriapark.

Watch the Beauty of the Sunset from Landwehr Canal

Known locally as Landwehrkanal, this 19th century canal is an enchanting place to watch magnificent views of the sunset in Berlin.

READ MORE: FREE THINGS TO DO IN FRANKFURT: 10 ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY