Berlin is a city brimming with history, culture, and creativity at every corner. Picture yourself walking along its streets, where centuries of stories meet modern-day vibrance. With just 1.5 days to explore, we’ll help you dive straight into the heart of Germany’s capital, ensuring you make the most of your time — even with little ones in tow or a tight budget in mind! Whether you’re a backpacker chasing street art and cheap eats, a family with young kids searching for stroller-friendly fun and snacks, or a traveler eager to indulge in panoramic views and hearty Berlin cuisine, this itinerary has something for everyone. Berlin is ready to charm you, one currywurst and cobblestone street at a time!
And don’t worry, I’ll save all the free things to do for another blog — let’s focus on the must-dos that are worth the euros!
Day 1: Half-Day, Arrive and Explore
3:00 PM: Arrive at Berlin Central Station
While you can arrive at Berlin from anywhere in the world, we came to this urban wonder from Munich, after a scenic 4-hour train ride. Get some great insights to plan your Munich trip from here.
If you’re following our route, the ride will be a very German experience with sausages and sandwiches onboard, and when you roll into Berlin Central Station, it will be a sensory overload with not 1 or 2 but 3 levels and types of convenyance systems!
Check into the Meininger Hotel, conveniently located just a minute’s walk from the station. Families will love the cozy rooms and budget-friendly vibe, while backpackers can opt for shared dorms if they’re pinching pennies.
- Cost Estimate:
- Train ride: €60–€90 per adult (kids under 6 often ride free, check offers).
- Hotel stay: €100–€150 for families, €20–€40 per night for backpackers in dorms.
7:00 PM: Dinner at FOODFACTORY Cube Berlin
After a quick nap (or wrestling your toddler into a fresh outfit), head to this vibrant food court near the River Spree. With cuisines ranging from German to Asian and Mediterranean, there’s something to keep everyone happy — even your picky eater! We spent about €20 per person for a multi-cusine 3-course meal, but you take a call based on your appetite.
8:00 PM: River Spree Photo Walk
Take a leisurely stroll along Gustav-Heinemann-Brücke, snapping photos of Berlin’s illuminated skyline. It’s stroller-friendly, so families can enjoy the views without breaking a sweat.
8:15 PM: Festival of Lights at the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate
Berlin comes alive in October with the Festival of Lights, a grand festival to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall. We were lucky to witness the 20th year, and it was truly a visual extravaganza! The Reichstag glows with dazzling projections, and Brandenburg Gate, just five minutes away, is equally magical. Families, note: the dome visit requires pre-registration. It’s a treat for older kids who’ll appreciate the views. Best part? It’s FREE! Walk over to the beautiful Brandenburg Gate, which is literally a stone’s throw away, and watch the magical Festival of Lights. End the day with a stroll back to the hotel, walking by the tranquil quiver of the Spree.
Day 2: Soaking in the Berlin Culture
8:00 AM: Breakfast
While most hotels have breakfast available, we recommend going local. The best area was, though many may raise eyebrows, Berlin Central Station. Start the day with pastries and coffee at Kamps Bäckerei or Le Crobag. Families can fuel up with kid-friendly donuts from Dunkin’, while backpackers might appreciate the cheap eats at BackWerk. The options are budget-friendly, about €5–€10 per person, and big on German flavours.
9:30 AM: East Side Gallery
Take the S-Bahn to Berlin Ostbahnhof and walk to the iconic East Side Gallery. This 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall features thought-provoking murals. Kids will love the bright colors, while history buffs can marvel at how art transformed this once-divisive symbol. It’s free for all but drenched in history and immortal pop-culture references. Street food nearby (currywurst or döner kebab) costs about €5–€10. Read our detailed blog on our tried-and-tested tips for exploring East Side Gallery.
11:15 AM: Alexanderplatz
Hop back on the S-Bahn to Alexanderplatz, Berlin’s buzzing square. Check out the World Time Clock (for free) or ride the elevator up the Berlin TV Tower for sweeping city views. St. Mary’s Church nearby offers a quieter moment for families. While the TV Tower costs €20 per adult and kids need to pay €10, it’s a great way to see Berlin from the skies.
12:15 PM: Nikolaiviertel (Old Berlin Quarter)
Wander through this charming neighborhood filled with pastel-painted merchant houses. The St. Nicholas Church Museum is a hit for history lovers. Families can grab a hearty Berlin-style lunch at Zur Gerichtslaube or Alt-Berliner Gasthaus Julchen Hoppe. We had a delectable lunch with quintessentially all things Berlin – Currywurst, roasted pork knuckle, and the kid-friendly nuggets and fries. While lunch was €15–€20 per person, the St. Nicholas Church Museum costed €6.50 per adult, but was free for kids under 6. Watch out for this more detailed blog on Nikolaiviertel, because we have so much more to say about the spot where Berlin was born!
2:00 PM: Museum Island and Lustgarten
Take a short walk to Museum Island and relax at the Lustgarten. Kids can splash around the fountain while adults sip coffee from nearby vendors. While most museums are closed on Mondays, the exteriors of the Pergamon and Altes Museum make for stunning photos. We highly recommend visiting the Berliner Dom, which is nothing short of a magnificent dream. The entry to the Berliner Dom (Cathedral) costs €9 per adult and is free for kids under 6.
3:45 PM: Checkpoint Charlie
Head to Checkpoint Charlie to learn about Berlin’s divided past. While the museums may not hold kids’ attention for long, the replica checkpoint and history boards are engaging for all ages. The free photo gallery along the road was a good glimpse of the harrowed past, and still send shivers down the spine with the recounts of the tense moments. Entry to the museum costs €14 per adult and €9.50 for students. It is free for kids under 6.
5:30 PM: Potsdamer Platz and Berlin Wall Fragments
Stroll through Potsdamer Platz, admire the first ever traffic light that was erected in the whole of Europe, and check out fragments of the Berlin Wall. It’s a great spot for a quick history lesson and Instagram-worthy photos.
6:15 PM: Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe
A somber but significant stop, this outdoor stone memorial is a good opportunity for older kids to ask questions and learn about WWII history. For younger kids, keep this brief as the atmosphere can be heavy. The interactive art installation makes you feel like you’re diving deep into the somber history of the WWII, and we were moved.
6:30 PM: Brandenburg Gate at Sunset
End your day with coffee and snacks at Curry Wolf or even a Starbucks, while soaking in views of the iconic Brandenburg Gate. The golden hour lighting makes it a picture-perfect finale. Snacks cost about €5–€10 per person.
Best Time to Visit Berlin
Berlin is magical year-round, but autumn (September–November) is particularly special with the Festival of Lights. Spring (April–May) offers blooming parks, and summer (June–August) is perfect for al fresco dining and outdoor activities. Winter has its own charm with Christmas markets, but you’ll need to bundle up! We visited during the Fall, so everything was cozy and romantic, with a nip in the air, but not too hard to handle for our Little A.
Wrapping Up the Berlin Dream
Berlin has endless free activities, and I’ll save those for a separate blog. For now, pack your bags, bring the kids, and get ready to explore a city where history and modernity collide in the most fascinating ways. Whether it’s snapping selfies at the East Side Gallery or savoring currywurst by the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin will steal your heart — and maybe a few euros from your wallet, too. Safe travels!
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