Berlin’s most important landmarks include Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, the East Side Gallery, the Reichstag and the Berlin Wall Memorial. For your first visit, it’s worth combining these historic sites with a walk through Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain or Prenzlauer Berg. That way, you’ll get a feel for everyday Berlin life alongside the famous attractions.

Whether an attraction is worth visiting depends on your expectations. Checkpoint Charlie feels heavily geared towards tourists these days, while Madame Tussauds offers little insight into Berlin itself. The Berlin TV Tower can also be disappointing because of ticket prices and waiting times. Alternatives include the Allied Museum, the Urban Nation Museum and the Park Inn Hotel’s rooftop terrace.

Three to four days is a good amount of time for your first trip to Berlin. This gives you enough time to visit the main attractions and explore a few of the city’s neighbourhoods. If you also want to discover museums, alternative cultural venues and less touristy areas, five to seven days is a better choice. Berlin is a sprawling city, so don’t underestimate travel times between different places.

Away from the usual tourist attractions, you can explore Tempelhofer Feld, take a walk through Volkspark Friedrichshain or visit Gardens of the World. Weißer See, the North Side Gallery and smaller local markets also offer different perspectives on Berlin. Places where everyday city life happens, rather than those designed mainly for visitors, are particularly interesting.

Berlin can be relatively affordable or expensive, depending on how you plan your trip. Accommodation, popular tourist attractions and restaurants right next to major landmarks can take a significant bite out of your budget. Public transport, free viewpoints, parks and affordable food options make it possible to explore Berlin without spending a fortune.

Common tourist traps in Berlin include overpriced souvenir shops, expensive photo opportunities, street shell games and restaurants that rely mainly on their location next to famous attractions. Some sightseeing experiences also cost more than comparable alternatives. Check prices and what’s included before paying, and avoid street shell games altogether.

Public transport is the most practical way for most visitors to explore Berlin. The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses connect almost all major attractions. An AB ticket is usually enough for central Berlin. If you’re travelling to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) or Potsdam, you’ll need an ABC ticket.

Free attractions in Berlin include Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Berlin Wall Memorial. You can also visit Tempelhofer Feld, Tiergarten and the viewpoints in Viktoriapark and Humboldthain for free. Entry to the Reichstag dome is free as well, but you need to register in advance.

Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are particularly interesting if you want to experience street art, alternative culture, bars and Berlin nightlife. Prenzlauer Berg offers plenty of cafés, historic apartment buildings and local markets. Neukölln is known for its diverse food scene, while Charlottenburg shows you a different side of Berlin through its classical architecture, museums and Kurfürstendamm. Every neighbourhood has its own character.

Avoid spending your entire trip around Alexanderplatz, Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate. Allow enough time to travel between attractions, carry some cash and make sure you have a valid public transport ticket. Keep Berlin’s cycle lanes clear and stay away from street shell games. Exploring Berlin at a relaxed pace and with a bit of curiosity often leads to better experiences than following a tightly packed sightseeing itinerary.