Free in Berlin To Do
If you're looking for free activities and experiences in Berlin, there are plenty of options that won't cost a dime.
Find a comprehensive guide to free things to do in Berlin, along with tips and tricks to maximize your visit.
Free Museums in Berlin
Berlin is home to several museums that offer free admission on specific days:
Museum Island: While most museums on Museum Island have an entry fee, you can enjoy the architecture and some exhibitions for free on certain days, like during Berlin Museum Week.
Topography of Terror: A powerful, free museum that documents Nazi atrocities.
Berlin Wall Memorial: Explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall and learn about its history.
Allied Museum: A great museum showcasing Berlin's Cold War history.
Humboldt Forum: Some parts of the exhibitions are free to visit.
Free Palaces & Historic Sites
Charlottenburg Palace Gardens: While entry to the palace itself isn't free, you can stroll through the beautiful palace gardens without any charge.
Reichstag Building: Visit the glass dome for free with prior registration.
It's an incredible way to learn about Germany’s political history and enjoy views over Berlin.
Free Parks and Outdoor Activities
Berlin is known for its vast parks and green spaces:
Tiergarten: The largest park in the city.
Perfect for a relaxing walk or a bike ride.
Tempelhofer Feld: A former airport turned public park where you can cycle, skate, or picnic.
Mauerpark: A lively spot with a flea market on Sundays and public karaoke sessions, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Viktoriapark: Offers scenic views over Berlin from the Kreuzberg hill.
Treptower Park: Explore the Soviet War Memorial or take a riverside walk.
Free Water Sports
Urban beaches: Head to Spreeufer and relax by the river or enjoy free swimming at some urban beaches like Strandbar Mitte.
Rowing and Paddleboarding: While equipment usually costs, if you have your own, you can enjoy free access to various lakes and rivers.
Free Zoo Alternatives
While Berlin's zoo has an entry fee, you can visit:
Tierpark: A free wildlife park where you can see deer, wild boars, and various bird species.
Free Walking Tours
Free Walking Tours: Several companies offer free walking tours of Berlin, covering historical sites like Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and Alexanderplatz. They are tip-based but technically free to join.
Free Shopping & Markets
Flea Markets: Berlin has numerous flea markets like at Mauerpark or Boxhagener Platz, where you can browse without buying.
You might even find some free items on giveaway stands.
Giveaway Shelves: Berlin has a culture of giving away unwanted items.
Keep an eye out for shelves on the street where you can pick up books, clothes, and household items for free.
Free Events & Festivals
Berlin hosts a wide array of free events:
Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures): A vibrant street festival showcasing Berlin’s diverse culture.
Fête de la Musique: A free music festival held every summer with performances across the city.
Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival): Some open-air screenings and events are free.
Long Night of Museums: While entry to museums is paid, some outdoor activities and exhibitions may be free.
Public Screenings: In summer, Berlin hosts open-air cinema events in parks for free.
Free Restaurants & Meals
Food Sharing Initiatives: Berlin has a strong food-sharing community.
Apps like "Too Good To Go" sometimes offer free leftovers, and local initiatives organize events to share food.
Community Kitchens: Some neighborhoods offer “pay-what-you-can” meals, but if you're lucky, these may be offered for free.
Free Accommodation
Finding free hotels is tricky, but you could:
Couchsurfing: Berlin has an active Couchsurfing community where locals offer free accommodation.
Hostelworld Competitions: Keep an eye out for hostel promotions or free stays through competitions.
Free Flights
There are no direct free flight offers, but you can:
Miles & Points: If you collect frequent flyer miles, you could redeem them for a free flight.
Flight Promotions: Keep an eye out for giveaway competitions, especially with airlines celebrating milestones.
Tips and Tricks for a Free Berlin Experience
Public Transport Hack: Children under 6 travel free on Berlin's public transport, and in some cases, discounted group tickets can be beneficial.
Water Refills: Berlin has several public drinking fountains to refill your water bottle for free.
Download Apps: Use apps like “Meetup” or “Couchsurfing Hangouts” to meet locals and find free events.
How can I find free walking tours in Berlin? Simply search for "free walking tours Berlin" online or head to central tourist spots like Brandenburg Gate, where most tours begin.
Is there a way to get free meals in Berlin? Yes, through food-sharing initiatives or community kitchens. Apps like "Too Good To Go" sometimes offer free meals at closing times.
Are there any free festivals in Berlin during the summer? Yes, festivals like Fête de la Musique and Karneval der Kulturen are free to attend.
Can I visit museums for free in Berlin? Yes, some museums like the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Topography of Terror are always free.
By planning ahead, you can enjoy the best of Berlin without spending a cent!
One-week itinerary for Berlin
A one-week itinerary for Berlin, providing a balance of historical landmarks, cultural experiences, and local spots.
I'll also include times, locations, and approximate ticket prices where applicable.
Day 1: Arrival & Central Landmarks
Morning:
Brandenburg Gate
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Pariser Platz
Ticket: Free
Reichstag Building (German Parliament)
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Platz der Republik
Ticket: Free (Online registration for dome visit)
Tiergarten Park Walk
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Tiergarten
Ticket: Free
Lunch:
Restaurant Café am Neuen See (inside Tiergarten)
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Cost: €15-20 per person
Afternoon:
Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Cora-Berliner-Straße 1
Ticket: Free
Potsdamer Platz
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Potsdamer Platz
Ticket: Free (Optional: Film Museum nearby - €8)
Dinner:
Vox Restaurant
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: €30-50 per person
Day 2: Museums & Art
Morning:
Pergamon Museum (Museum Island)
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Bodestraße 1-3
Ticket: €12-19
Altes Museum
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Museum Island
Ticket: €10
Lunch:
Markthalle Neun (Street food)
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Eisenbahnstraße 42
Cost: €10-15
Afternoon:
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Am Lustgarten
Ticket: €7
Hackescher Markt (Shopping and galleries)
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Hackescher Markt
Ticket: Free
Dinner:
House of Small Wonder
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: €20-30 per person
Day 3: Historical Sites
Morning:
Checkpoint Charlie & Berlin Wall Museum
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Friedrichstraße 43-45
Ticket: €14.50
Topography of Terror
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Niederkirchnerstraße 8
Ticket: Free
Lunch:
Café Einstein Stammhaus
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Cost: €15-20
Afternoon:
East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall Art)
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Mühlenstraße
Ticket: Free
Oberbaum Bridge Walk
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Oberbaumbrücke
Ticket: Free
Dinner:
Burgermeister (Casual)
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: €10-15
Day 4: Berlin’s Alternative Scene
Morning:
Tempelhof Field (Former Airport)
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Tempelhofer Damm
Ticket: Free
Lunch:
Café 9
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Cost: €10-15
Afternoon:
RAW-Gelände (Street Art & Flea Markets)
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Revaler Straße 99
Ticket: Free
Kreuzberg Neighborhood Walk
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Kreuzberg
Ticket: Free
Dinner:
Zur Letzten Instanz
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: €25-40 per person
Day 5: Palaces & Parks
Morning:
Charlottenburg Palace
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Spandauer Damm 20-24
Ticket: €12-17
Lunch:
Schlossgarten Restaurant
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Cost: €20-30
Afternoon:
Berlin Zoo
Time: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Hardenbergplatz 8
Ticket: €15.50
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Breitscheidplatz
Ticket: Free
Dinner:
Hard Rock Café Berlin
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: €20-35 per person
Day 6: Potsdam Day Trip
Morning:
Sanssouci Palace & Park
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Potsdam (45 minutes from Berlin)
Ticket: €14 (Palace entry)
Lunch:
Café at Sanssouci
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Cost: €15-25
Afternoon:
Dutch Quarter Walk
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Potsdam
Ticket: Free
Glienicke Bridge
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Potsdam
Ticket: Free
Dinner:
Return to Berlin for dinner at Lutter & Wegner
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: €30-50 per person
Day 7: Free Day for Exploration
Morning Options:
Berlin TV Tower
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Alexanderplatz
Ticket: €22.50
Gendarmenmarkt Square
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Gendarmenmarkt
Ticket: Free
Lunch:
Monsieur Vuong (Vietnamese fusion)
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Cost: €15-20
Afternoon Options:
Shopping on Kurfürstendamm
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Kurfürstendamm
Ticket: Free
Dinner:
Grill Royal
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: €40-70 per person
This itinerary includes some flexibility to accommodate personal interests and travel pace.
Enjoy your time in Berlin!
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